The Shaka system is a Voltage-Controlled Stereo Matrix Mixer with an all-analog signal path. While it is similar in function to other Stereo Matrix Mixers, the Shaka-8 uses high quality audio VCAs to enable voltage control over each matrix patch point, i.e. the send level of each L / R pair of inputs to each L / R pair of outputs.

In addition to the 4 input and 2 output channels on the Shaka-8, the Matrix may be expanded to a 4x3, 4x4 or more matrix mixer by chaining Shaka-4 Stereo Matrix Expanders to the main unit via a 12-pin connector on the back of the Shaka-8. The Shaka-4 cannot be used without a main Shaka-8 unit.

The Shaka-8 and Shaka-4 operate in much the same way as a typical stereo audio matrix mixer, with the send level of each input to each output controlled by the corresponding knob, and the resulting "mix" being a sum of the knob settings in each column, added to the CV input corresponding to each knob.

For Eurorack users hungry for interesting new ways to route stereo or mono filters, oscillators, and effects, the Shaka-8 and Shaka-4 are sure to provide an affordable, flexible, and highly useful patching ecosystem to explore.

Summary of Functions

L / R Audio Inputs 1-4: AC-coupled stereo input channels. Audio content below 5 Hz is removed from each input for highest quality audio response. If a signal is patched to a channel's L input and the R input is left unpatched, the R input will be normalized to the signal patched to the L input so that mono and stereo signals may be summed and used together.

Initial Level Controls: Sets the initial gain level of each stereo Audio Input pair as it is routed to the corresponding stereo Audio Output pair, with a maximum Initial gain of 1:1 or Unity gain and a maximum attenuation of -100dB--in practice extremely quiet. Note that the input signal can be pushed past unity gain if the Initial Level control is turned up while external CV is also applied to the matrix point.

CV Inputs: Exponential Control Voltage inputs which are summed with the related Initial Gain knob to control the level of the matrix point. The Shaka-8 and Shaka-4 can accept bi-polar voltages at the CV inputs, with the Initial Level control used to compensate.

L / R Audio Outputs: Stereo mix outputs. The audio present at each pair of Outputs is the sum of all the input signals, at the gain levels controlled by the column of Initial knobs and CV inputs directly above it.

Specifications (Shaka-4)
Current Draw: 25mA @ +12V, 25mA @ -12V
Width / depth: 6hp; 25mm