Joranalogue Audio Design

Notes: A visit to the Hainbach Studio Complex two years ago, led to a collaboration that would result in what is perhaps Joranalogue's finest design yet. United by a common passion for vintage test gear, the Joranalogue team joined forces with artist and YouTube sensation Hainbach.

Collide 4 builds upon on the lock-in amplifier concept, and brings it into the Eurorack world. These atomic age physics research instruments are known for their raw power when used in musical applications. Soon, any synthesist can experience this for themselves, at a fraction of the size and weight of a vintage unit, and with full voltage control.

The result is a wholly new kind of synth voice and audio processor, unlike any other. It's a perfect union of Hainbach's extensive experience in exploring the deepest musical realms contained within vintage test equipment, and profound knowledge of audio design and production.

'Quadrature spectral computer' is how you could describe this new kind of musical generator and processor. The sound? Quite simply: it's smashing!

Specs

Modern, fully analogue re-imagining of the lock-in amplifier concept, expanded to new heights.
Pingable variable bandwidth filter with self-oscillation capability.
Pre- and post-filter gain stages, for a total of up to 130 dB of amplification!
Through-zero sine/cosine quadrature oscillator.
Hilbert transform network for use as a frequency shifter.
Dual ring modulators with output lowpass filters.
Extensive output section, including magnitude and phase analogue computing outputs.
Unique X/Y quadrature topology, ideal for stereo use.
Handsome (and useful) signal level/overload LED indicator.
CV control over everything, with temperature compensation and excellent volt/octave pitch tracking.
20 HP, 30 mm deep. Over 600 components, yet a fraction of the weight and size of a vintage Model 124A lock-in amplifier unit.

Notes: To any new modular system owner, the need to easily combine different voltage sources quickly becomes apparent. While a mixer is the obvious solution, these modules are not suitable for adding precise pitch control voltages (CVs) since the channel gains cannot be set exactly to unity.

Add 2 provides a compact solution to this problem, precisely summing the input signals down to 1 or 2 outputs. Alternatively, each section can be configured as an averager using the jumpers on the rear. This way, LFO waveforms or audio sources can be combined while maintaining the average signal level and avoiding clipping. The high-end components provide exceptional performance, making Add 2 suitable for audio, control voltages and gates/triggers.

With the bottom section's first input not in use, the top output is injected into the bottom. This allows 5 signals to be combined into 2 outputs, adding flexibility to your patching.

Notes: Voltage control is the basic tenant of modular synthesis: parameters may be modulated by changing control voltages (CVs), simply by plugging in a patch cable. However, during patching it's common to encounter incompatible voltage ranges, with signal outputs and inputs having different amplitudes and sensitivities.

An indispensable utility module, Bias 2 provides a compact yet precise solution to quickly interface signals between modules within a Eurorack modular system, without interrupting your creativity.

Comprising of two independent sections, each with dual inputs and dual outputs, its carefully selected combination of normalised reference voltages and amplification/attenuation factors makes it a breeze to convert between the most common signal ranges: -5 to +5 V, 0 to +5 V and 0 to +10 V.

Precision comes standard on Bias 2, with meticulously engineered analogue signal paths providing absolutely transparent performance for any Eurorack signal: CV, audio or gates/triggers.

Beyond the voltage conversion application, Bias 2 is a true all-rounder, capable of functioning as a pair of dual input unity gain mixers, -6 and +6 dB audio gain stages or a multi-output fixed voltage source.

2 HP | +12: 20 mA, -12: 20 mA

Notes: For decades, the voltage controlled slew limiter has been a staple of modular synthesisers. With its extreme versatility, it can be used to slew control voltages (CVs), create envelopes, as a low-frequency or audio oscillator and much more.

Today, Contour 1 brings a fresh approach to this classic circuit. It delivers much improved performance and control by incorporating modern design techniques.

At its most basic, a slew limiter slows down the rate of voltage change in a signal. On Contour 1, the rising and falling rates can be individually set using sliders and CV modulation.

The gate and trigger inputs allow the module to be used as a function generator: create snappy attack-release (AR) and attack-decay (AD) envelopes, with slope times ranging from 500 us to 30 seconds. The dedicated gate input makes it easy to generate +10 V envelopes from any signal source. Using the large tactile push button, AD envelopes can be manually triggered. A trigger will also reset the output voltage.

When set to loop mode, Contour 1 will continually re-trigger itself. In this mode, it fulfils the role of a variable-shape low-frequency oscillator (LFO) or temperature-stable voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) in the audio range.

Both the rising and falling slopes can be individually bent, from concave through linear to convex. While doing so, the deviation in slope time, and thus oscillation frequency, is kept to a minimum. Since the bend parameters are separately voltage controllable, boundless modulation possibilities present themselves.

Explore anything from shape-shifting envelopes to rich VCO timbres: Contour 1 will make you re-think what a slew limiter can do.

Dimensions
8 HP
30 mm deep

Current Draw
90 mA +12V
85 mA -12V

Notes: A rock-solid all-rounder of a VCO, the Cycle 5 is a triangle-core oscillator with morphable wave shapes as well as conventional sine, triangle, saw and pulse outputs. Switchable octaves and 5th transposition make the module even more user friendly.

Supplier's Notes:
A small Eurorack oscillator that packs a punch: that's the best way to summarise Cycle 5.

At its heart lies a refined high-stability triangle core voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), with performance matching or exceeding that of much bigger and costly oscillator modules.

Instead of a coarse frequency knob, a 7-position octave switch is provided. This in combination with a perfect fifth transposition switch and factory pitch tuning, makes Cycle 5 an exceptionally straightforward and musical VCO to use: simply centre the fine tune knob, and the module will be instantly tuned to reference C.

Meanwhile, its dual precision volt per octave inputs add a great deal of versatility. For example, one could be used for pitch sequencing and the other as a generic exponential FM input, or both sequenced together for transposition effectsithe dual inputs serving as a built-in precision adder.

Sporting all the classic waveforms, ranging from sine wave, triangle, saw and square/saw, as well as a hard sync input and low frequency oscillator (LFO) mode, Cycle 5 makes for a real workhorse VCO. The novel trigonometric waveshaper results in a very clean sine wave, ideal for sub bass duty.

Cycle 5's highlight however, is its vari-wave feature. By adjusting the vari-wave knob, the waveform on the matching output will smoothly morph from sine, to triangle, saw, square and finally a very narrow pulse. The vari-wave parameter can be CV controlled, up to audio frequencies for some intense timbres.

Equally at home as a modest modulation companion to big VCOs, as being in the spotlight in miniature or polyphonic systems, Cycle 5 might just be the most multi-talented tiny analogue oscillator yet.

6 HP | +12: 75 mA, -12: 70 mA

Notes: Bucket brigade delay gets pushed into exciting creative territory with this beauty from Joranalogue. Precise analogue delay with loads of character, capable of simple chorus and flanger or more exotic Karplus-Strong synthesis and comb filtering.

Supplier's Notes:
While digital audio processors are often plagued by latency issues, analogue circuits are known for their instant response. But what if you want to delay a signal on purpose, without the use of tape or digital memory? Enter the bucket brigade delay (BBD) line: a series of capacitor 'buckets', which pass the incoming signal along at a high rate in order to delay it.

Delay 1 is a fully analogue BBD-based delay module with a multitude of features geared towards modern musical use. An integrated temperature-compensated, high-frequency voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) provides the 'clock' signal necessary to drive the delay line within 1 to 50 ms.

By increasing the drive frequency to over 20 kHz, the classic 'BBD clock whine' problem is solved, while still providing a wide range in delay time. Classic chorus, flanger and echo effects are easily achieved using the dry/wet blend, feedback and damping parameters.

To greatly reduce distortion and noise, Delay 1 includes a newly developed control circuit. The improved fidelity is maintained at a multitude of signal levels by an integrated high-performance compander, while maintaining signal dynamics.

The module's 'split phase' topology provides two different dry/wet mixes, which may be used to convert mono signals to stereo, for complementary comb filtering and more.

Delay 1 also allows you to experiment with Karplus-Strong synthesis, an exciting technique to create string and percussion type sounds. This is made easy by an integrated noise transient generator, driven by the 'pluck' input, and by the clock VCO's 1 volt per octave response.

By re-engineering the classic analogue delay line, Delay 1 brings the unique magic of BBDs into the contemporary electronic musician's arsenal.

Analogue bucket brigade delay line.
Integrated temperature-stable high-frequency BBD clock VCO with fine and coarse tuning.
Split-phase topology with additive and subtractive dry/wet blend outputs.
Blend, feedback and damping (feedback filter) parameters. Positive or negative feedback with low or high pass filtering.
High-performance BBD drive circuitry and transparent compander chain ensure optimal signal fidelity.
Dedicated pluck trigger input for Karplus-Strong synthesis.
High-frequency BBD clock input and output to synchronise multiple delay lines.
Impedance-compensated outputs with dual-colour LEDs.
Trim potentiometer accessible from the front panel.
Premium mounting hardware: black screws, black nylon washers and matching hex key.
High-quality components and assembly; designed and made in Belgium.

12 HP | +12: 125 mA, -12: 95 mA

Notes: For anyone who has ever struggled with finding their way around a Eurorack synthesiser on a dark stage or a dimly lit studio, Dim 2 presents an illuminating experience. In just 4 HP, it provides a complete solution to upgrade your modular system with a pair of dimmable console lights.

The high-efficiency PWM dimmers run at high frequency, ensuring flicker-free and noise-free operation. Additionally, extensive line filtering keeps your Eurorack power supply happy and clean.

Not limited to just manual control, both dimmers also feature control voltage (CV) inputs, turning the connected lamps from simple light sources to voltage controlled audio-visual spectacles.

While the use of the included BNC LED lamps is recommended in order to keep power consumption low, halogen lamps may be used as well. Provided your power supply is beefy enough, up to 6 W of power may be drawn from each output. This even makes it possible to drive 12 V LED strips, truly making your patches shine bright.

4 HP | +12: 150 mA, -12: 5 mA | JORD2

Notes: A comprehensive solution for stereo signals in Eurorack, the Enhance 2 offers stereo and mid/side processing with tons of CV control. Balance, widen and sculpt frequency bands.

Supplier's Notes:
Moving from mono to stereo sound: a logical progression for any synthesist looking to expand their sonic palette. Making use of two audio channels, rather than just one, quite literally adds another dimension to the capabilities of a synthesiser.

Unfortunately, controlling stereo signals can be a challenge within a modular system. This realisation led to the development of Enhance 2: a convenient yet high-fidelity tool for stereo enhancement. It can be used to adjust balance, width and spectral content, while also opening up a world of mid/side processing; all under voltage control and in just 8 HP.

The primary stereo parameters are balance (moving the sound left or right) and width (making it narrower or wider). The balance circuit uses a true constant-power gain law, while the width stage allows for seamless transitions from pure mono to extra-wide stereo.

In addition, tone control is provided by a pair of unique, wide-ranging mid/side voltage controlled tilt filters with selectable corner frequency. These make 'cleaning up' a muddy-sounding mix straightforward, but also provide unique binaural effects when modulated.

Mid/side processing encodes the stereo signals into one containing only the mono material (mid), and another containing the differences between both channels (side). Apart from the internal tilt filters, mid/side outputs also enable external signal processing such as compression or reverberation. An integrated mid/side decoder returns the results back to standard stereo. And at all times, a LED bar phase meter ensures that phase correlation can be easily maintained.

Stereo field modulation, mid/side equalisation and beyond; Enhance 2 brings true analogue stereo control to the Eurorack world.

8 HP
+12: 70 mA, -12: 70 mA

Notes: Designed with versatility in mind, the Fold 6 is a six-stage wavefolder with simultaneous series and parallel outputs, dual signal inputs and voltage-controlled folding and overdrive shaping.

Supplier's Notes:
Often considered to be the opposite of filters within a modular system, wavefolders are designed to fold a signal over itself multiple times. This generates additional harmonics, resulting in rich timbres.

While there is a bewildering array of filter types within the synthesiser world, most wavefolders fall within only a few categories. Diode wavefolders in particular come in just two variants: series and parallel circuit topologies. Choosing a specific folder also means being limited to specific sounds and capabilities.

For the first time, Fold 6 puts forward a 6-stage hybrid series/parallel topology, yielding a greater sonic palette than ever in just 4 HP. Having both main (series) and alternate (parallel) outputs means a single module now gives access to just about all wavefolding tones imaginable.

To take things even further, an integrated symmetrical soft clipper limits the output signals to approximately 10 Vpp, keeping the amplitude within typical Eurorack levels and making it easier to create overdriven sounds at high fold ratios. This clipping stage can be driven continuously using the shape parameter, smoothly transforming the folded waveforms into pulse waves for even more harmonic content.

Two signal inputs are included, to mix audio signals or add in a DC voltage for asymmetric folding. The symmetry can also be manually controlled using the dedicated knob. Of course, both fold and shape parameters feature voltage control, to enable continuous timbral modulation.

Moving beyond simple signal processing, Fold 6 also lends itself perfectly for feedback patching, CV folding or frequency multiplication; its modest size belies the sonic capabilities within.

Notes: Any signal can be expressed in terms of a few parameters: frequency, phase, amplitude and timbre. It is through modulation of these aspects that synthesists create electronic sound. With Generate 3, it is now possible to create a signal and control all its parameters by through-zero modulation within a single 12 HP wide module.

Everything starts with the exceptionally precise triangle-core voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) at the module’s heart. Through-zero linear frequency modulation (FM) enables rich yet pitch-stable FM sounds, by allowing the oscillator to run backwards into ‘negative frequencies’.

The resultant triangle wave is then processed by the through-zero phase modulator, providing a total phase shift range of 900°. Phase modulation offers an interesting alternative for FM, as it enables deep FM-type tones without actually changing the oscillation frequency.

The timbre of a signal is determined by its harmonic content. This full set of harmonics can be grouped into three main parts: the fundamental, even and odd harmonics. Generate 3’s harmonics generator separates out these three timbral ‘channels’. By adjusting their relative amplitudes, a vast array of different waveforms can be created, including but not limited to the classic sine, saw and square waves.

While the amplitudes can be adjusted manually, each timbral channel supports through-zero amplitude modulation, also known as balanced or ring modulation. When audio-frequency modulation signals are applied, the harmonics become ‘split’, enriching the spectrum.

In addition to all the usual analogue synthesis techniques, the extensive set of modulation options makes Generate 3 especially suited for exploring multiphonic synthesis: a monophonic source creating a complex timbre, much like throat singing, yet by electronic means.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, product in perfect working order***


'Multiples' are the classic solution to a common problem in modular synthesisers: how to distribute one output signal to multiple inputs. Simple passive multiples consist of several sockets, wired together.

Link 2 is a buffered multiples module. Each output is independently buffered using active electronics. This avoids many of the problems with passive multiples: signal cuts when patching cables, loading effects when driving many inputs etc. The high-end components provide exceptionally low noise and distortion, making Link 2 suitable for audio, CVs and gates/triggers. And unlike most buffered multiples modules currently available, it retains the accuracy of pitch control voltages to the last cent.

With only the top input socket in use, the signal is sent to all 6 outputs. Plugging a cable into the bottom input socket separates Link 2 into dual 3-way multiples, adding flexibility to your patching.

Notes: Make quick changes to signal routing manually or with CV control. Any audio or CV signal can be routed via two outputs in series, parallel or reverse series. Quick, clever and easy to use.

Supplier's Notes:
Signal flow is an essential concept in modular synthesis: the path taken by audio or control voltages (CVs) may be long or short, branching or linear, intuitive or highly complex.

While the patch programmability of a modular system is its greatest strength, it can also be a weakness: quick experimentation is often hampered by the need to repatch the synthesiser to change the signal flow.

Pivot 2 offers a unique solution: a compact, fully voltage controlled variable signal router. At the turn of a single knob, any signal can be routed through two external modules in series, parallel or reverse series, as well as any combination in between.

Experiment with patching wavefolders before, after or alongside filters, shuffle multiple delay lines, precisely dial in two-stage audio compression or easily control intricate feedback patches.

Looking beyond the basic signal routing application, Pivot 2 will also function as a complementary pair of counter-acting linear voltage controlled amplifiers (VCAs), a voltage controlled crossfader or a voltage controlled panner.

Analogue voltage controlled send/return router.
Seamless transitions from series, through parallel on to reverse series effect routing.
Also functions as a complementary VCA pair, voltage controlled crossfader or panner.
Impedance-compensated outputs with dual-colour LEDs.
Premium mounting hardware: black screws, black nylon washers and matching hex key.
High-quality components and assembly; designed and made in Belgium.

4 HP | +12: 60 mA, -12: 60 mA

Notes: Simple but effective output module, converts stereo instrument-level signal to balanced XLR outs. Ideal for live use but just as good for avoiding unwanted hum in the studio.

Supplier's notes:
Whether it's in the studio or on a live stage, keeping audio interconnections free from unwanted hum and interference can be a challenge. Balanced lines are the proven solution to this problem.

Conventional balanced output solutions often rely on transformers providing galvanic isolation to mitigate the effects of ground loops. Unfortunately, these components are bulky, expensive and colour the sound (often unfavourably, especially in the low end).

Instead, Transmit 2 (or TX2 for short) takes a fully solid-state approach. Offering a stereo pair of XLR balanced outputs, it ensures that the sonic clarity of your carefully planned modular system is not lost in its interface to the outside world.

Engineered to provide massive headroom while retaining extremely low noise and distortion, Transmit 2's circuitry incorporates low-impedance design practices, radio-frequency (RF) filtering and premium balanced drivers to provide transformer-like interconnect performance in a compact and affordable module. And thanks to the electrostatic (ESD) and phantom power discharge protection, it's rugged enough to survive the rigours of performing on the road.

Adjusting the main output level is a breeze thanks to the dual peak-responding LED meters. A high-end headphone amplifier is included as well, controlled by a separate level knob. It can deliver the voltage and current required to power practically any headphones, regardless of the impedance or driver technology. This 3.5 mm stereo socket can function as an auxiliary stereo line output or even drive small passive speakers, making Transmit 2 an all-round flexible answer to all your output needs.