Pittsburgh Modular Double Helix VCO and new Lifeforms modules NAMM ’17

 

Designed to be the nucleus of a synthesizer, the Double Helix Oscillator is a modular waveform generator like no other. A set of beefy, analog oscillators paired with voltage controlled shape contouring, deep modulation and a performance-ready voltage controlled modulation matrix create a dynamic, analog waveform playground.

At the core of the Double Helix are two, wide-range precision oscillators. The primary oscillator includes a full complement of waveforms and multiple modulation options. The secondary oscillator offers a more focused set of waves and frequency modulation. Both oscillators reach deep into LFO range and can be used as voltage-controlled modulation sources.

The contour section of the Double Helix Oscillator features a highly tuned wavefolder paired with an exclusive dynamic impulse low pass gate. The contour signal chain starts with a two-channel mixer. This allows multiple waveforms or multiple oscillators to be combined before passing though the contour section. The first half of the contour section is a voltage-controlled, 6-stage wavefolder used to add odd harmonics to the incoming waveform. The timbre and timbre CV controls set the density and amplitude of the folds. When processing a sine wave, the wavefolder creates a spectral change from zero harmonics to square, with an infinite harmonic series.

The second half of the contour section is a dynamic impulse low pass gate. The effect of the low pass gate is similar to pairing a low pass filter and VCA together. As the dynamics control is opened, the filter adds harmonics and the VCA increases the amplitude of the waveform. As the dynamics control is closed, the filter removes harmonics and the VCA decreases the amplitude of the waveform. This pairing mimics how sound behaves in the real world creating a more naturally tonal response. The impulse input adds the ability to strike or ping the low pass gate circuit creating a very organic, percussive sound. The decay time of the impulse input is set by the dynamics response control allowing the strike to be tuned to a specific musical context.

The modulation section includes an LFO offering simultaneous sine, square, and random waveforms. A noise source is also available for audio or modulation use.

A pair of voltage-controlled routers manage all the CV inputs creating a dual, voltage controlled modulation matrix perfect for complex signal paths, experimentation, and live performance. The matrix consists of two voltage-controlled amplifiers designed to control the modulation amount inputs that can be routed to any of the Double Helix CV inputs. Each of the CV inputs can be switched to channel a, bypass, or channel b and mixed with a dedicated CV input.

Features

  • Panel size: 28hp
  • Depth: 37mm
  • Power Usage: +12v 223mA, -12v 205mA
  • Does not require +5v

Soulsby Oscitron Eurorack VCO Demo part 1

Soulsby Oscitron is listed as a 8 bit oscillator, but I think that is underselling what this thing really is.

The truth is this is a Vocoder, oscillator, wave shaper, phaser, bit crusher, and much more all in one module that can be freely hacked and updated. The wood ends are the first sign that this is a module unlike any other. you can use those wood end checks to hold new faceplate cover templates in place as they are released essentially updating the whole faceplate as you go. This is a truly novel approach to the idea of a multi function eurorack module. The menu system is easy to navigate while having quite an impressive depth of features. For that reason I have decided to handle demo videos of this module in parts. enjoy the first part in this series below! for more info check out Soulsby Synths. price is roughly $299 at USA dealers

Play

  • 8-bit wavetable module
  • Unique wavetable PWM Synthesis audio engine.
  • Quick and intuitive controls, no complex menu systems
  • White aluminium faceplate with walnut side panels
  • Nearly all parameters controllable by CV
  • 16 preset sounds that can be overwritten with your own patches

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Audio Damage Shapes Eurorack Module wave shaping demo

Audio Damage Shapes

This is a digital effect module that can take a sine wave and turn it into a wavetable, it can also be used as a complex distortion module. available now from most Eurorack Module dealers it retails around $289, get it direct from Audio Damage . shapes

Shapes includes 16 smoothly interpolated wavetables as well as 9 lookup table algorithms 

It is a true stereo module as well. 

Features 

 » The WAVE/ALGO knob and CV input control which wave or algorithm is active. In LOOKUP mode, the knob controls which of sixteen tables the input will scan. In ALGO mode, the knob controls which of nine algorithms will affect the input. 

» The PARAM 1 knob is a variable function knob. In LOOKUP mode, it controls the width of the table scan, from about 15% of the table (at full anti-clockwise) to the entire table (at full clockwise.) In ALGO mode, its function varies, but it is usually Drive or Amount. (Basically “more.”) 

» The PARAM 2 knob, in LOOKUP mode, controls the start position of the table. It can effectively be thought of as a phase control. In ALGO mode, its function varies, and it is not used in every algorithm. 

» The MIX knob controls an equal power wet/dry mix. At full anti-clockwise, you only hear the input, and at full clockwise you only hear the effect. 

» The MODE switch controls whether the module acts as a wavetable scanner or a waveshaper. In LOOKUP mode, the wavetables are active, while in ALGO mode, the algorithms are active. 

» Shapes is true stereo; the left and right signals do not intermingle internally; thus you can, for instance, run a kick in the left channel and a snare in the right, and vary the effect by attenuating either channel before it enters the module. 

» 48kHz 24 bit audio path with a high-quality Cirrus-Logic AD/DA convertor. 10Vpp CV control over all parameters. 

» USB port (on the PCB board) for easy firmware updates. 

» High-quality 100% Made In The USA construction, including panel-bolted 100,000-cycle BI potentiometers and custom stamped Rogan knobs. 

» Power draw is 40ma from the +12V rail and 9ma from the -12V rail. This module has an on-board regulator and does not require +5V. Module depth is 25mm.

» Shapes, like all Audio Damage hardware products, includes our lifetime unconditional warranty.

Live video Building the Synthrotek MST Dual Envelope eurorack module

This is a two part Live stream where I build the Synthrotek MST Dual Envelope kit. 

This kit is available from Synthrotek’s Store. You can grab this in kit form as seen here or as a completed module. 

The Stream is completely live and I take questions and discuss not just the process of building the module but we talk synths in general. so sit back, and enjoy.

Part 1

 Part 2

 

Audio damage Kompressor Eurorack effect module

The Audio Damage Kompressor is a digital true stereo compressor that can also work as a Mono with side chain input compressor. occupying only 6 hp, this compressor packs a big punch for its small size. RATIO is a scaled control. The first half of the rotation goes from 1:1 to 1:10, and from 12 o’clock to fully clockwise, it goes from 1:10 to 1:1000 (infinite). Gain can give you up to 30+db of additional gain along with a soft internal saturation emulating an analog circuit.

The Build quality feels very solid and the compression is really quite well controlled. I’ve been using it both as an final mix compressor and as a drum squashing beast as well.

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Available now for only $289

Hex Inverter Mutant Snare Eurorack Modular Demo video

Here Is the Eurorack Modular Hex Inverter Mutant Snare.img_6230img_6248

This one I built from a kit and I have to say it is really impressive. Check out the video and let me know what you think!  https://www.hexinverter.net/mutant-snare  Buy the kit here

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Synthrotek ADSR eurorack module demo at Knobcon 2016

 

I will have a in studio demo/ review video of this module up shortly as I have since built one of these modules for myself and am very impressed with it. in the mean time check out the synthrotek store and grab one of these very handy modules. Synthrotek ADSR in Store

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ZetaOhm Flxs1 sequencer (pre Knobcon info)

Today I met Tenkai KarinaThe mind behind Zetaohm. A new Eurorack company out of the bay area who looks to turn some heads.  we had a good long chat about the new FLXS1sequencer (nice name right 😉 ). This module looks to be a seriously impressive piece of art. Yeah not just a module… a piece of art. stay tuned as I will be getting an exclusive on this module!
be sure to sign up for his newsletter for upcoming news  https://www.zetaohm.com/about 
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FLXS1 SEQUENCER
description
The FLXS1 Sequencer is an upcoming device for the Eurorack format. It has the most control of any sequencer on the market at its size. The goal of this device was to get Cirklon functionality in a compact Eurorack format. 
analog inputs
4x Bidirectional Gate inputs capable of receiving clock siganls
4x 0-5 volt Control Voltage inputs (1 audio rate input)
analog outputs
4 channels of output control
each channel provides 1 Gate output and two Control Voltage outputs
midi
full midi input and output capabilities to sequence non modular synthesizers, as well as sync to other devices using MIDI clock