Tags: Comparator module

Notes: The window comparator is a very useful circuit building block that is common in general electronics, but rarely found in modular synths. While a regular comparator activates when the input signal voltage is higher than a threshold level, a window comparator checks if the voltage is between two levels (these form the 'window').

Compare 2 combines two such comparators and a logic section in 8 HP. The result is an advanced tool for extracting gates and pulses from analogue signals in Eurorack synths.

The detection windows are defined by the shift and size parameters, which can be varied using the knobs and CV inputs. Complementary gate outputs are available, with big three-colour LEDs showing each comparator's status.

All inputs are normalised from the left section to the right, but the two comparators can also be used completely independently. On the bottom, the outputs from both comparators are combined in various ways by the logic section, which also features LEDs.

You'll find a use for this truly multi-functional module in practically any patch, processing either CV or audio: complex rhythm generator, dual pulse width modulator, frequency multiplier/divider with PWM, digital ‘ring modulator’ with PWM, dynamic depth VCO synchronizer, voltage controlled swing, logic function array with adjustable thresholds... and many more applications waiting to be discovered!

Notes: Part of Xaoc's Leibniz Binary Subsystem, the updated Drezno ADC/DAC module builds on the original with higher resolution converters, allowing you to use it for pitch quantisation.

Supplier's Notes:
Drezno II is an improved version of the original Drezno module. It is an essential member of the 8-bit Xaoc Devices Leibniz Binary Subsystem. The Leibniz subsystem is a family of modules that operate on 8 binary (two-state, on/off) signals. These signals are arranged as 8 bits of digital data and may represent analogue signals and voltages, or they may be whatever you want them to be (clocks, gates, rhythms, etc.).

Drezno features an ADC (analogue-to-digital-converter) and DAC (digital-to-analogue-converter), allowing it to act as an analog front-end of the system. In other words, Drezno allows one to convert analogue signals and CVs into digital numbers, as well as to obtain analogue signals back from some other digital numbers (or 8 binary signals). Between these two conversions there is a whole universe of digital shenanigans waiting to happen resulting in all kinds of signal transformations and modulations.

Both (ADC and DAC) sections of Drezno can work independently, or they can be linked. Input and output range of analogue signals may be adjusted using Gain and Offset sliders. Individual bit outputs (for the ADC) and inputs (DAC) allow for extensive cross-patching and the creation of complex waveforms and rhythms. A very fast clock (up to 2MHz) at which the conversions are performed may be replaced with any external clock (for each section separately).

Compared to its predecessor, Drezno II uses new converters of much higher resolution which results in much lower noise floor and higher accuracy. The lower bits are much more stable than before. It is easy now to use Drezno for quantizing pitch voltages with accurate results with 128 or 256 semitone steps. Potentiometer ranges are factory calibrated for precise chromatic scale. A new switch on the front panel allows the user to select the calibrated range of 10Vpp or 20Vpp, so that the lowest bit or the second bit correspond to 1 semitone.

Technical details

Eurorack synth compatible
12hp, skiff friendly
Current draw: +80mA/-50mA
Reverse power protection