Tags: Utility module

Notes: Punch is the ultimate VCA-DECAY module for Eurorack

Specially designed to generate dynamic percussive sounds but also capable of basslines, leads, envelopes and more. The VCA has a built in voltage controlled Decay envelope that can be turned from smooth to more aggressive exponential responses and can be activated with triggers, gates or cv's.

Punch features two modes per channel to play, with a dedicated switch control: "vintage style drum machine mode" and "dynamic cv mode"

Punch is capable of creating AM sounds with control voltage on the "amount"

Each envelope can be inverted via dedicated switches on the front panel.

If you use an inverted envelope alongside the accent input you can create ducking effects like side-chain compression..

INSTALLATION:
* Disconnect your synth from the power source.
* Double check polarity from the ribbon cable, unfortanetly if you damage the module by powering in the wrong direction it will not be covered by the warranty.
* After connecting the module check again you have connected the right way, the red line should be on the -12V.

Notes: Arkan

Dual Voltage Polarizer

You may have heard this before: "You can never have enough VCAs". A voltage polarizer (also known as a bipolar VCA or a 4-quadrant multiplier) is often viewed as the VCA better suited for CV. As it can be used as a unipolar VCA and it allows you to invert a signal when it is modulated with a negative voltage. Resulting in interesting movements in your modulations.

What sets Arkan apart from other voltage polarizers is the curvature control, a feature usually only seen in unipolar VCAs. By taking a different approach to the classic voltage polarizer circuitry, Malstrom have devised a unique solution that provides a new way to shape your audio and CV. The non-linearity of the polarizer also makes Arkan really good at reaching silence when presented with a 0V CV signal.

At audio rate, Arkan acts as a ring-modulator with four controls to change timbres.

Boosting adds odd harmonics (symmetrical distortion), while offsetting adds even harmonics (asymmetrical distortion). The modulation curve changes ring modulation sharpness, and modulation strength determines the carrier dominance.

Two identical channels with carefully selected features will make Arkan your go-to modulation control hub. Arkan is especially useful for common utility duties such as mixing, scaling, inverting and offsetting. As well as CV modulation, feedback patching, and waveshaping. All this makes Arkan a very versatile tool that will certainly have a place in your patch!

Features (per channel)

- Input attenuation with inverter switch gives you more precision and range, with voltage inversion and quick silencing.
- Bias input with attenuverter control to offset your input signal or mix/invert another signal.
- CV input with curvature control allows you to shape the polarizer and improve its 0V attenuation.
- CV modulation control to fade in the modulator, allowing you to determine the amount of modulation.
- Voltage gain and polarity led indicators showing you exactly what is happening under the radar.
- Output normalled internally and externally (to other Arkans) to easily mix signals.

Additional features

Optional signal boost (x4 / +12dB) via switch on the PCB to increase voltages when needed.
5V or 10V voltage reference selection for bias voltage and CV input range to adjust Arkan to your system.

Dimensions
- 8HP.
- 28mm, Skiff-friendly.

Power consumption
- 90mA @ +12V.
- 85mA @ -12V.

I/O specs

- All inputs DC coupled.
- All inputs handle audio signals.
- All inputs have 100k input impedance. - All inputs have +-10V Input range.
- CV range +-5V or +-10V.
- Bias Voltage range +-5V or +-10V.
- Boost gain x1 or x4.
- All inputs are overvoltage protected.
- Keyed power header.
- Reverse power protection.

Notes: The Flexshaper is a highly versatile module when it comes to modify evolving voltages in other directions and levels.

Five settings allow you to fold/expand/clip/compress/invert partially or completely any CV or audio signal.

The module can act as an envelope-shaping tool, frequency multiplier, waveshaper, clipper, distortion, limiter, curve changer, and more.

Five CV inputs offer limitless control over the placement of the voltage points for dynamic signal sculpting.

Birth of the product

The idea of the Flexshaper comes from a feature in the Oberheimr Matrix synthesizers called Tracking Generator.

This signal processor was part of the modulation matrix and meant to be virtually inserted between modulation sources and destinations in order to change the shape of the controlling signal.

The Flexshaper applies the same concept using the same 5 shaping points. However, it goes beyond Oberheim's implementation on two main aspects:

It goes fast enough to process signals at full audio rate
The 5 points are dynamically adjustable (CV) in real-time
Besides, the Flexshaper can process adequately bipolar and unipolar Eurorack signals, even changing them one another.

Dimensions
6 HP
21 mm deep

Current Draw
6 mA +12V
7 mA -12V
32 mA 5V