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Notes: Expandoor

The Expandoor gets you quickly and simply using AMP's Melody Oracle, Star Song, or Touch Tones (as well as other possible future devices) as a CV and Gate controller. It outputs Eurorack-compatible CV and GATE signals, transforming your AMP device into a versatile and novel modular synth sequencer or controller. The Expandoor can be used as a standalone tabletop box, or mounted in a 3U 10HP rack space.

Three independent GATE outputs:

Just as the three "Register" zones on your AMP device gate the audio for the three octaves of the built-in synthesizer, there are three corresponding gate outputs on the Expandoor. The 1/8" jacks labelled "BS" "LH" and "RH" output ~11V DC gate signals whenever those zones are gating "ON" on your AMP device.

CV output, tuners and LED indicators:

The jack labelled "CV" outputs a tuned set of CV values (0-11V), tuned independently but correspondingly, to the set of tuners on your AMP device. The row of multi-turn tuners on the front panel allow fine tuning of each CV state. One tuner is active at a time, depending on the state of the "INTERVAL" zones on your AMP device. The active tuner is conveniently indicated in real time via lights found to the right of the tuners. The indicator lights serve a second function of showing you which tuner on the controlling AMP device is also active in parallel.

AMP LINK jacks

The AMP LINK jack on the bottom left of the front panel (with the arrow pointing IN) connects your controlling AMP device into the EXPANDOOR. Use only shielded CAT 5 or CAT 6 cables and connectors (the correct cables will have metal end connectors). The AMP LINK jack on the right outputs a signal identical to the input, allowing chaining of multiple Expandoors and/or Wave Expanders. Do not plug more than one AMP controlling device into a single Expandoor simultaneously, or damage to the devices could occur.

Each controlling device requires its own Expandoor or Wave Exapnder, but multiple expansion modules can be chained from one controlling device. One potential benefit to chaining expansion modules is the ability to output multiple tuned, corresponding but independent, CV channels. Meaning multiple sets of harmonic values could be tuned and accessed at the command of the single controlling AMP device, or accessed via other modules in your system.

Tech specs:

Input: AMP LINK via shielded CAT5 or CAT6 cable
Power: 12V DC Supplied via AMP LINK
Outputs: 3 Gate (~11V unipolar), 1 CV (variable 0-11V unipolar)
Tuners: 8 multi-turn fine tuners for CV, with indicator lights
Size: 3U 10HP (approximately 5.25" H x 2" W x 1.5" D)

Review: Part of the early 80s Sheffield avant-garde scene, In The Nursery was formed at the turn of the decade between twin brothers Nigel and Klive and Humberstone. As living mirror-images, they knew likeness first hand; it seems fitting that they would embrace the imitative, reproductive spirit of industrial music. Under the shared moniker, they would subvert the prevailing mood, agonising grotesque military connotations of an uncertain future by working in a new style, "martial electronica". As heard on this latest set of Recordings made between 1981-1999, their sound was not totally tinny or robotic, making use of cinematic and Romantic tropes in near equal measure to futuristic shock-horrors. From spectacular edge-of-your-seaters ('Stone Souls') to operatic apogees ('Listen') and modish drum machine workouts ('A To I'), this is a comprehensive compilation, just as suited to the spectacular screen as for the auratic DJ set - pick your poison.

Notes: This filter is based on the classic 2600 from the seventies and uses the LM3900 Norton opamp chip.

It has an audio inputs, two CV ins and an audio out.

You can control audio input level, CV levels, frequency cutoff and resonance.

It has a beautiful sound and it can go from relatively clean to dirty and screamy depending on audio signal level and resonance.

Tech specs:

- 8HP width
- 35mm depth behind front panel including the power connector
- standard 10 pin euro power +12V / -12V
- power consumption +12V 7mA , -12V 13mA

Notes: Bridging the worlds of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz in a sub-compact pico chassis!

The EHX Pico Triboro Bridge is a tri-mode drive box with a wide range of tonal possibilities. Featuring Overdrive, Distortion, and Fuzz modes, it bridges any gap in your gain. With a powerful EQ, input contouring, and a pico-sized footprint, the Triboro Bridge can be your tonal keystone or a welcome change from the routine drive.

Starting with Overdrive mode, the gain spectrum ranges from low to mid with an open voicing that can be used as a light always on drive or a solo boost. Engage the Triboro's Distortion mode for additional gain-staging for a tone from crunchy rhythms to fully saturated leads. Transform the pedal into something completely different with the Fuzz mode's over-the-top gain, Gate and Low Pass Filter.

The Triboro Bridge controls features Volume and Gain knobs to control the overall output and saturation of the tone. In Overdrive and Distortion modes, the Treble and Bass knobs act as a Baxandall EQ for simple yet effective tone shaping. In Fuzz mode the Treble knob is now the gate more, controlling the Fuzz's noise gate threshold, and the Bass knob controls a Low Pass Filter for extreme tonal variations. Additionally, the Triboro Bridge features an Input Contouring EQ which can be applied to your tone at the input, for a more modern, sculpted tone in all modes.

Specifications

Circuit: Digital
Bypass: Buffered Bypass
Audio: Mono
Power Supply: 9.6VDC-200mA power adapter included
Dimensions (in): 3.65 x 2.0 x 2.0
Current Draw: 100mA
Year Released: 2023

Notes: Vintage tape-style delay smaller than a cassette player!

Tape delay is loved for its warmth and charming imperfections compared to pristine digital delays. Their preamps could be pushed to saturation and, over time, the tape in vintage delay units would degrade causing a signature warble loved by many. These signature elements are captured and packed into Electro-Harmonix's Pico Rerun tape delay. Based off the tape delay algorithm found in the Canyon Delay & Looper, the Rerun gives vintage vibes with modern features.

The Rerun features a simple control set and tap tempo for ease of use in any situation. BLEND sets the wet/dry blend. DELAY adjusts the delay time from 8ms to 3s. SAT adds tape saturation and distortion for added crunch to only the wet signal, keeping your dry signal unaffected by the added distortion. FDBK sets the level of repeats from 1 to infinite for runaway oscillation. You can also press and hold the footswitch to engage infinite repeats in an instant. The FLUTTER mode switch toggles between low, medium, and heavy modulation effects ranging from slight chorusing to seasick thickness.

Tap Tempo is simple and easy to use. Just press and release the footswitch at least two times to set the tempo and the LED will blink to confirm your tap tempo. Additionally, the Rerun also features selectable Tails bypass allowing echoes to continue after putting the pedal into bypass.

Specifications

Circuit: Digital
Bypass: Buffered Bypass
Audio: Mono
Power Supply: 9.6VDC-200mA power adapter included
Dimensions (in): 3.65 x 2.0 x 2.0
Current Draw: 100mA
Year Released: 2023

Notes: Ultra-compact ambience featuring the spacious sounds of Spring, Plate and Hall Reverb!

The EHX Pico Oceans 3-Verb is an ultra-compact reverb pedal packed with the essentials of ambience with plenty of flexibility and control. This Pico-sized reverberator adds the huge sounds of Spring, Plate, and Hall reverb to any pedalboard while using minimal space. Adjustable decay time, pre-delay / spring length, and tone make the Oceans 3-verb able to create a plethora of spacious sounds.

SPRING - pays homage to the classic Fenderr 6G15 tube spring reverb
PLATE - the lush, warm reverb that got its name as it was originally created by a large metal plate
HALL - the rich reverberant sound of a grand concert hall

A comprehensive control set allows for tailored sound to any setup. BLEND adjusts from 100% dry to 100% wet. TIME controls the decay time of the reverb. DELAY/SPRING sets the pre-delay time in PLATE and HALL mode or selects between 3 springs lengths in SPRING mode. The TONE control adjusts the overall brightness of the reverb from bright and airy to warm and smoky.

Additionally, TAILS bypass can be selected so the reverb continues to decay after the pedal is switched to bypass. This allows for a more natural sounding decay when turn the reverb off. Infinite Reverb can be achieved by maxing out the TIME control in both PLATE or HALL mode or by pressing and holding the footswitch. This creates a building ambient soundscape until you release the footswitch.

Specifications

Circuit: Digital
Bypass: Buffered Bypass
Audio: Mono
Power Supply: 9.6VDC-200mA power adapter included
Dimensions (in): 3.65 x 2.0 x 2.0
Current Draw: 100mA
Year Released: 2023

Notes: Flexible digital delay in the world's smallest Canyon!

The EHX Pico Canyon Echo takes the digital delay from the award-winning Canyon Delay and Looper and plates it up as a single serving echo unit. Starting with a crystal clean delay, the Canyon Echo is a sweetly simple delay with 3 seconds of delay time. Don't let the size fool you, this canyon is deep! Add filtering, tap tempo, and a feedback knob capable of infinite repeats and this little echo is up to most time bending tasks.

The Canyon Echo features a BLEND knob to get the perfect wet/dry mix. The DELAY knob sets the delay time from 8ms to 3s. FEEDBACK is adjustable from 1 repeat to infinite repeats for endless delay washes and pads. Turn the FILTER knob past noon and it's a High Pass Filter while below noon it is a Low Pass Filter.

Tap Tempo is simple and easy to use. Just press and release the footswitch at least two times to set the tempo and the LED will blink to confirm your tap tempo. The tempo can then be subdivided from a quarter note to a dotted eight note to an eighth note with the TAP DIV button. Additionally, the Canyon Echo also features selectable Tails bypass so echoes continue after putting the pedal into bypass.

The Canyon Echo also features a new style of Infinite Repeats where a single delay is repeated and the input is taken out of the delay path. This makes the pedal function like a micro tape looper that can be played over without new delays being created. The micro loop can also be manipulated into warped sound effects by adjusting the DELAY knob.

Specifications

Circuit: Digital
Bypass: Buffered Bypass
Audio: Mono
Power Supply: 9.6VDC-200mA power adapter included
Dimensions (in): 3.65 x 2.0 x 2.0
Current Draw: 100mA
Year Released: 2023

Review: The Cocoon alphabet compilation is an always timely snapshot of the year in techno that was. It's well-curated by label head Sven Vath and always digs into several different sub-genres with a knowing skill. Now up to letter U, it is still going strong as we dive into everything from the soft and dreamy acid-laced deep techno delights of New Jackson's 'Acid Jackson' to the more bright and intense sounds of Jakob Reiter's 'Il Rotori'. Drumcomplex & Frank Sonic provide more epic peak time moments with 'Lacalute' and Space Dimension Controller's deft synth flourishes on 'Cold Tunings' make for a gorgeous high-speed techno trip.

Notes: Pont-Neuf is an adapeor module which converts between eurorack jacks (3,5mm / 1/8") jacks and banana plugs, providing a simple link between eurorack and Serge 4U systems. The module provides 8 bidirectional channels, is superslim and passive, i.e. does not require a power connection. It does provide a GND-banana-jack to establish a common ground between the systems.

Dimensions:
10 HP
24 mm deep

Review: Knitting Factory and Partisan Records share the sixth instalment of the much-anticipated vinyl reissue box-sets from the Fela Kuti catalog. Box #6 is curated by actor, producer, DJ, rapper and singer, Idris Elba (aka. DJ Big Driis). Limited to an edition of 5,000 worldwide, this one includes a 24-page booklet with lyrics, commentaries by Afrobeat historian Chris May, together with some never-before-seen photos, not to mention a 16x24" poster designed by Lemi Ghariokwu, the creative force behind many of Fela's greatest album covers. Previous curators include Chris Martin, Erykah Badu, Ginger Baker, Brian Eno, and Questlove.

Notes: Liftoff with the EHX Spruce Goose Overdrive!

Liftoff with the EHX Spruce Goose Overdrive, an elevated take on a Bluesbreakerr-style OD with a smooth, rich breakup that retains clarity and dynamics. The Spruce Goose soars with a host of new features including a LIFT switch accessing 3 input gain settings, additional output, and expanded EQ to send you tone flying! From meaty boost to smooth singing leads, the Spruce Goose steers your tone into a variety of inspiring and musical directions.

The engine of the Spruce Goose is an overdrive circuit renowned for its natural breakup and amp-like response. This circuit is then elevated to new heights by the LIFT switch which selects between 3 levels of input gain. LIFT effectively works as an input boost, goosing the front end of the drive circuit hitting harder and producing a more compressed, saturated tone while still retaining its dynamic feel and transparent tone. GAIN and VOL knobs adjust for exact drive and output levels. EQ of the pedal consists of a TREBLE knob for taming topping and an active BASS knob to cut or boost bass frequencies. BASS is especially helpful for adding girth to single coil guitars or tightening the low end on warmer humbucker guitars.

The Spruce Goose also features mechanical relay true bypass switching with latching and momentary action. Tap the footswitch for a normal latching toggle or press and hold the footswitch for a momentary blast of gain and boost! Great for stepping out in front of the mix for pulling quick lick or moment of sonic chaos.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Specifications

Circuit: Analogue
Bypass: True Bypass
Audio: Mono
Power Supply: 9V battery included (optional 9.6VDC-200mA power adapter not included)
Dimensions (in): 4.5 x 2.75 x 2.1
Current Draw: 20mA
Year Released: 2023

Notes: The new CTRL Case DDJ-REV5 is a super lightweight and compact hard shell case, offering a safe and comfortable way to carry (incl. shoulder-strap) your Pioneer DDJ-REV5 controller. Made of lightweight and rigid Durashock moulded EVA shell, the inside is equipped with high density EVA foam corners and egg-crate foam to protect the jog wheels, knobs and faders.

Fits

Pioneer DDJ-REV5

Basics

Crafted from 8 mm thick and rigid Durashock molded EVA foam and water rejecting polyester exterior shell
Sturdy zipper
Incl. removable egg-crate foam and high-density EVA foam corners for ultimate protection
Comfortable, rivet reinforced carrying handles and shoulder strap
Compatible with Decksaver cover

Specs

Outer measures: 83 x 46 x 14 cm
Inner measures: 73 x 37 x 11 cm
Weight: 3 kg

Review: Die Gestalten's commitment to gnarly underground electro continues apace with this triple-pack monster from the shadowy figure. As ever there's a steely, almost industrial focus to the sound, where machine funk goes heavy on the machine. There is space for some melodic warmth as well, such as the cosy lead lines cresting over the top of 'Der Sucher' and the artfully modulated live version of 'Traenen'. But even in these more approachable moments there's a sense of robotic detachment - this is electro in the purist, icy sense of the word. If you thirst for a large dose of truly underground gear from a lone wolf, this payload will have you body popping for days.

Notes: The Chthonic Fuzz (pronounced: Thawnic) creates fat, corpulent, fudgy, sludgy, fuzz tones that pair perfectly with single-coil, P90, gold-foil, and De-Armond style pickups. It also works great with PAF-style humbuckers, but this fuzz was designed with brighter guitars and amps in mind.

Starting with a beloved a single-knob '70's fuzz circuit, DOD experimented with adding a subtle tone control (Lustre), and then a separate gain control (Fuzz). This yielded a simple yet powerful fuzz with an earthy, dark flavour. Straight-up transistor clipping using a pair of 2N2222 transistors allows guitar volume knob clean-up like other classic fuzzes, but the Chthonic comes from a different dimension. Think of it as a kind of Colorsound Overdriver from an alternate universe.

The Chthonic's Kraken/Cthulhu graphics are courtesy of the same artist that did the Carcosa Fuzz art. The Chthonic is a psychotic dizygotic dark companion to the Carcosa Fuzz.

Darker fuzz designed for brighter guitars and amps
Subtle tone control retains pick attack throughout entire range
Excellent clean-up with guitar volume knob
Lightweight all aluminium chassis
Crisp blue LED
True Bypass
11.88 cm (L) x 6.68 cm (W) x 5.71 cm (H)
0.453 kg.
Power Supply 9V Alkaline Dry Battery orPS200R Power Supply
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year

Notes: Zoar is a highly interactive medium-high gain discrete distortion (using only transistors; no opamps or diodes in here!) that has that highly sought after touch sensitive amp-like quality.

It has been finely tuned to create a highly tweakable hi-fi and modern sounding distortion, but with the ghosts of old school circuitry to deliver a grind that is both instantly familiar and delightfully unique.

From defined sparkle and tightness of an overdrive to low-medium gain fuzz that's perfect for drop tuned guitars and basses, Zoar can do it all. Zoar lets you dial in and control every nuance of your tone from jangly on-the-verge of break up to blowing the walls out heavy saturation.

While having its roots in a very familiar past, the passive 3-band EQ has been finely tuned for modern tones. While this style of tone shaping seems simple on the surface, it is deceptively complex and highly interactive - yet surprisingly easy to instantly dial in dozens of mind blowing sounds.

Want to elevate your sonic spirit to a higher level? Try running Zoar at higher voltage! Zoar can handle power up to 18v DC. Higher voltages will yield a different frequency response with more defined dynamics and a faster response. When powered at 18v, the range of clean tones are widened, dirty tones become punchier with better note articulation, low frequencies are tightened, higher frequencies will cover a broader spectrum without becoming harsh and the output volume nearly doubles! The experience is not unlike plugging into a wall of high wattage tube amplifiers!

This meticulously crafted box has six knobs that allow you to truly customize your sound with the Level, Weight, Gain, Bass, Middle, and Treble controls.

The Gain control on Zoar goes from the edge of break up all the way over the cliff into the crunchy, grinding abyss. The character of the distortion is heavily dependent on the setting of the Weight control as well as the pickup type and further fine-tuned by the EQ section.

Zoar's 3-Band EQ and Gain controls give you nearly unlimited options with great focus and sensitive precision, but the real powerhouse of Zoar is the Weight control. This control dictates the amount of low end that is passed into the circuit, thus controlling the entire character of the pedal. Simply dial in the 3-Band EQ to 12 o'clock and adjust the Weight to see how drastically it dictates your sound. From a mere clean boost to a high gain distortion to overdrive to the crispy Hi-Fi fuzz territory, this function gives you everything.

The Level control hits unity around noon, but this is dependent on where the other controls are set. In addition to controlling the output volume, it also plays a small part in controlling the voice of Zoar. By adjusting the Level control with any combination of EQ (boosting the frequency bands and cutting the output volume), you can achieve drastically different curves that have the feel of the more traditional low pass filter type tone control.

Notes: An accurate Manual Voltage Source.

Voltio fits somewhere between a music tool and a piece of electronics lab gear.

It generates voltages equivalent to all the notes on the 12-tone equal temperament scale throughout a ten-octave range, with an intuitive two-knob interface.

The Precision Adder In, lets you sum Voltio's Out with external voltages.

Additionally, the front panel banana connectors let you plug standard multimeter probes for hands-free operation on electronics lab.

Use it to transpose Oscillators and sequences in a musical way or as a reference to calibrate your analogue gear.

Features:

Easily adjust your oscillators in known intervals.
Transpose Musical phrases from sequencers, arpeggiators, or any other notes source.
Calibrate oscillators and filters on your DIY projects or during analogue gear maintenance.

Specs:

Current needs: +12V: 35mA, -12V: 15mA
Width: 6 HP
Depth: 30mm including power connector
Designed, kits prepared and assembled in Barcelona.