New releases last two weeks: All genres

Notes: Presenting the new AJHSynth Matrix VCF - this may well be the most versatile Eurorack VCF ever.

This amazing multimode filter and VCA offers sixteen different filter types, and two different resonance models on each, totalling an incredible thirty two assorted resonant filters to choose from. AJH Synth have also included manual and CV control of filter type selection, along with 16 LED's that give a clear visual indication of which filter type is currently selected.

The filter core circuitry is based on that of the rare and highly sought after Oberheim Matrix 12 synthesiser, and of course has an all analogue signal path. The Matrix 12 VCF originally offered fifteen filter types, however AJH Synth have expanded this to 16 with the addition of AP4, a full four pole all pass phaser mode.

AJH Synth have added a unique P-Vox resonance distortion and overdrive circuit that changes the character of the resonance completely, and can force all of the filter modes into self oscillation. This effectively doubles the filter variants and hugely broadens what is already a very impressive sound pallet.

Other features include an inbuilt VCA with Input and Output Level controls, a Peak level LED, CV control of resonance, and of course the legendary AJHSynth build quality.

The Matrix VCF in depth

After two years of development AJH Synth have finally released what they consider to be the most versatile Eurorack VCF & VCA ever. Like many other AJHSynth modules it uses the very best vintage analogue circuitry as the starting point for the design, and in this case, the filter was chosen from the rare and very desirable Oberheim Matrix 12 synthesiser. AJH Synth expanded this from the original fifteen filter compliment to sixteen distinct filter types by adding in a really useful four pole phaser!

So, behind the compact 14hp front panel lies sixteen distinct filter types, including all of the favourites: Low Pass filters with a choice of one, two, three or four poles, Band Pass filtering with two or four poles, High Pass filtering with one, two or three pole options, along with Notch filtering and four complex, combination filter types. Finally, a four stage phaser with two types of emphasis that can be forced into tuneful self-oscillation!

However, this is far from the end of the story. AJH Synth decided to use their design expertise to add in some crazy resonance distortion circuitry, that could be switched on from the front panel. This was inspired by the filter from the Soviet Polivoks synthesiser, but again the implementation used here is considerably changed, improved, and best of all this can be applied to all filter types! This completely changes the filter character when engaged, and it forces all of the filters into self-oscillation at higher resonance settings. Better still, the oscillation waveforms are more harmonically rich than the usual sine waves - everything from gloriously fat to screaming and angry! Best of all, this takes the number of different filters up to a massive thirty two variations!

AJH Synth put a lot of thought into the ergonomics and how to select the individual filter type. Filter type can be changed either with the front panel Mode knob, or by using a control voltage patched to the MODE CV input. The selected filter mode is displayed by the LED next to the filter in use. This is also very helpful when using a step sequencer to change filter mode as it gives a real time display of the filter chosen as you take the step CV voltage up or down, while setting up each individual step.

Lastly, AJH Synth have also included a VCA hard-wired to the output - simply patch an envelope or an LFO to the VCA input, connect a VCO to the audio input and you have a synth voice (with a choice from 32 different filters!) using only three modules!

Thirty two Eurorack VCF's and a VCA would most certainly take up a lot of rack space - AJH Synth have got all of this into 14hp and managed to have a really finger-friendly user interface, without it feeling cramped.


Sixteen distinct filter modes to choose from

Here's a list of the different filter modes that are available:
1 - Four Pole Band Pass
2 - Three Pole High Pass combined with One Pole Low Pass
3 - Three Pole All Pass combined with One Pole Low Pass
4 - Two Pole Notch combined with One Pole Low Pass
5 - Two Pole Low Pass
6 - Four Pole All Pass (Phaser)
7 - Four Pole Low Pass
8 - Two Pole Band Pass
9 - Two Pole High Pass combined with One Pole Low Pass
10 - Three Pole High Pass
11 - Three Pole All Pass
12 - Two Pole Notch
13 - One Pole Low Pass
14 - Two Pole High Pass
15 - Three Pole Low Pass
16 - One Pole High Pass

All of the above filter types can be further altered by switching in P-Vox mode, this doubles the list up to thirty two different filter variants!

P-VOX MODE

Transforming the resonant character of every filter type

This magical switch completely transforms the resonance of the filter core by overdriving it in a similar fashion to the filter from the Soviet Polivoks synthesiser, which was renowned for it's powerful, aggressive character.
In common with the Oberheim Matrix 12 VCF, some of the sixteen filter types will not normally go into self-oscillation, however when you switch on P-Vox mode all sixteen filter types can be forced into self-oscillation at higher resonance settings. But that isn't the only change, the self-oscillation waveform is not the usual sine waveform, it is a rather more interesting and harmonically rich waveform that varies according to the filter type chosen - generally Low Pass modes produce the nearest to regular sine waves, whereas other filter types can produce very much more complex waveforms as can be seen in the diagrams below. It does not require any audio input for this, it can be a stand alone oscillator. Most of the filter types will track 1V/Oct reasonably well over a three to five octave range, so it can be used as a VCO with a few interesting waveshapes!

Of course, P-Vox mode isn't just useful for self-oscillation, it adds lots of character to any audio signal as P-Vox resonance is switched in.

Module Width: 14hp
Module Depth: 29mm (Including power lead)
Current Usage: 56mA Positive, 36mA Negative

Notes: Part of Knobula's excellent polyphonic Eurorack range, the Monumatic is an eight-voice poly/monophonic synth module with 16 oscillator modes, covering everything from virtual analogue to cutting-edge tone generation algorithms.

Supplier's Notes:
Monumatic is a fully polyphonic 8-voice synthesiser and a monophonic synthesiser packed into a compact 12HP module.

It features16 selectable oscillator modes to provide a diverse range of both classic and futuristic tone generation using exclusively virtual analog algorithms. These include; Roland super-saw, Polymoog vox humana, Casio phase distortion, Solina string synth, percussive drawbar organs , "noisy cassette" strings, pulse width modulation and some gnarly asymmetric sync oscillators, all modelled without samples and each one of these customisable using the Detune control and each providing the foundation for further signal processing though the filter and effects sections.

6 powerful filter types are provided, including a vocal vowel filter, a 24db/oct Butterworth low pass filter, a dual peak notch filter and a phase shifter, each of which features an overdrive setting.

Like its sibling module Poly Cinematic, Monumatic is designed to be simple to use yet versatile, offering minimal controls to access a wealth of sounds, avoiding the need to scroll through 1000s of complex presets.

Monumatic supports full analog control of every parameter, with two instantly assignable CV inputs, as well as dedicated CV inputs for Gate, V/Oct and Filter cutoff, with additional digital control using comprehensive Midi CC and MPE implementation. An altogether unparalleled potential for expansion and integration into the eurorack universe.

As well as full midi capability, the 8 built-in chord presets can be custom programmed to provide polyphonic stabs and pads and using a single CV/Gate input, arpeggios can be layered polyphonically or "plucked" using long release times. The mono/poly function allows the Monumatic to switch between a fully capable poly synth or a mono synth at the touch of a button.

In polyphonic mode Monumatic introduces an advanced micro-tuning system to modular synthesis, it can replicate the organic drift of vintage analogue oscillators or it can apply realtime tuning temperaments to enhance harmonic authenticity using 'just' intonation, this parameter can even be assigned to CV control.

Notes: Clock generation meets waveform manipulation in this analogue harmonic oscillator. Combine with the Tobinski sequencer and/or interpolating scanner modules for the best creative results.

Supplier's Notes:
The Harmonic Timing Generator is a versatile Eurorack module that combines advanced clock generation with harmonic waveform manipulation. Combined with the Tobinski Sequencer, the module is a great tool for rhythmic and sonic creativity in the modular system.

As a reference clock generator, the Harmonic Timing Generator produces a base frequency with analogue multipliers (x1 to x8) to generate complex timing signals. Three selectors provide manual or voltage-controlled frequency switching, offering flexibility for intricate sequencing patterns. An LFO mode enables slower clocking rates, ideal for driving sequencers or generating modulation sources.

When used with the Interpolating Scanner, the sawtooth outputs of the Harmonic Timing Generator are transformed into sine waves. This allows the module to function as a harmonic oscillator at audio rates or as a versatile modulation source in LFO mode. Its dual functionality ensures that it can adapt to a wide range of patching needs, from rhythm generation to rich harmonic exploration.

The Harmonic Timing Generator is a versatile and creative tool, offering rhythmic and harmonic possibilities that complement any modular synthesizer setup. Its integration with other Tobinski modules ensures a cohesive and expansive sonic palette.

Power consumption: 235mA at +12V and 176mA at -12V and 20mA at +5V

Depth: 27mm

18 HP

Notes: Tobinski 8-Channel interpolating scanner with integrated VCAs

This Eurorack module combines an 8-channel interpolating scanner with a powerful array of 8 independent VCAs, providing unparalleled flexibility for dynamic audio and CV routing for creative sound design.

Key Features:

1. Interpolating Scanner

8-Channel Interpolation: Smoothly blend between up to 8 stages with high precision, using either bipolar CV or manual control.

Scan Stage & Width Control: Dedicated controls for selecting active stages and defining the range of the interpolation window.

Multiple Outputs: Individual outputs for odd stages, even stages, and a combined all stages output provide versatile routing options.

2. Integrated VCAs

8 VCAs with CV Control: Each VCA has its own dedicated control voltage input, allowing for intricate amplitude shaping.

Mix Outputs: Summed outputs for odd channels, even channels, and all channels, perfect for mixing duties or creating complex stereo effects.

Subtractive Mixing: Individual VCA outputs are excluded from the mix outputs when patched, allowing for flexible routing and advanced signal processing.
3. Parallel and Flexible Signal Flow

Parallel Input Routing: The 8 inputs feed both the scanner and VCAs simultaneously, making it easy to use the module in multiple roles at once.

Switchable Sliders: 8 high-quality sliders can control input levels to the scanner, the VCAs, or both, adapting to your workflow needs.

Creative Patching Examples:

Stereo Mixer:
Use 2 scanner channels and route their outputs through the odd and even mix outputs to create a dynamic stereo mix.

4-Channel Mixer:
Combine 4 inputs through the VCA sections and use the mix outputs to create a versatile sub-mixer for blending multiple signals.

VCA Control:

Independently use 2 or more VCAs for precise amplitude modulation of separate signals.
All the above options can be implemented simultaneously, making this module an exceptionally powerful tool for complex patches.

Expandable with Tobinski Harmonic Timing Generator (HTG):

This module seamlessly integrates with the Tobinski Harmonic Timing Generator (HTG) via an internal ribbon cable that goes to the switched (normalled) connections of the input jack sockets. The scanner inputs automatically link to the HTG outputs via sine shaping circuitry, enabling the two modules to function as a sinewave harmonic oscillator. This pairing unlocks harmonic interpolation and complex timbre creation, expanding your sonic palette.

Connections:

Inputs:
8 for audio or CV

Outputs:
8 individual VCA outputs

Mix outputs for odd, even, and all channels
Scanner outputs for odd stages, even stages, and all stages

Control Inputs:
Bipolar CV for scan stage and scan width

Dedicated CV inputs for each VCA
Sliders: 8, switchable between scanner, VCAs, or both

Power consumption: 205mA at +12V and 190mA at -12V

Depth: 27mm

18 HP