Tags: Waveshaper module

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

Notes: Building on the familiar dual VCO core arrangement of Carrier and Modulator, Mindphaser is a complex oscillator which departs from this bit of ancestral DNA with a modern toolkit focused on searing, phase-modulated leads, percussive basslines and other-worldly effects!

A diverse palette of intermodulation and harmonic experimentation is offered through the Modulation Bus, its unique Waveshaper and the dedicated Thru-zero Phase Modulation Bus. An intuitive interface provides colour-coded visual feedback and responsive indication while performing in dimly-lit environments.

Two precision analogue oscillator cores

Precision, wide-range V/oct ramp cores, each ranging from deep subsonic to supersonic frequencies (ramp cores, and not triangular, deliver the ideal waveforms for analogue phase accumulation in the TZ-PM Bus)
Each core generates fundamental waveshapes which interact and mangle one-another through the complex Modulation Bus and TZ-PM bus
Simultaneous waveform outputs for each base shape
Dedicated button to toggle between RAMP or SAW for each core, inverting the phase of the ramp output
V/oct, linear FM and exponential FM inputs which are all independent of the TZ-PM functionality. The Carrier's FM occurs inside the core itself, separate from the TZ-PM bus.
DC-coupled linear FM

Carrier

The heartbeat of Mindphaser, focused on audio-rate generation. Drives the WAVESHAPER and TZ-PM bus. This core's frequency range spans the audible spectrum.

- An external hard SYNC IN forcibly resets the core, useful for punchy sequences, percussive basslines and drum synthesis -- or to sync to another VCO.

- Coarse and fine controls conveniently span the audible spectrum. Ranges further with external CV.

Modulator

An extremely wide range oscillator, spanning from deep LFO frequencies all the way up to supersonic sound! Four base waveforms and diverse internal routing options form a versatile palette of modulations for the CARRIER to feed on.

- Activating hard SYNC on the Modulator locks its core to the Carrier's heartbeat. The effect can be dramatic. Try this while phase modulating!

- Octave RANGE switch lets you quickly flick up and down between octaves. All the way beyond audio-rate and LFO speed octaves. Perfect for experimenting with different PM sidebands and taming the wide frequency range of the Modulator.

- Manual PW (Pulse Width) control and dedicated CV input for PWM.

Waveshaper

This isn't a classic waveshaper! Developed anew from the ground up, this waveshaper is focused on deep harmonic experimentation and audio obliteration. Each waveshaper parameter is capable of being "turned up to 11".

FOLD up to 5 octaves above the fundamental Carrier frequency. A ceiling forms at maximum, imparting additional harmonics.

FEEDBACK the waveshaped and phase-modulated audio through a signal path internal to the waveshaper.

AMPLITUDE modulation spans thru-zero, allowing for full-range ring modulation effects with bipolar CV or audio signals.

CLIP the final stage of amplitude with the switch to introduce a last stage of harmonics before the complex signal exits through the final OUT.

Switchable inverting attenuators on each CV input, for quickly inverting the behaviour of your modulation. The indicator illuminates red to tell you the attenuator has been inverted.

Two distinct waveshaping modes

A press of the shape switch toggles Mindphaser between RAMPOID (green) and TRIANGULAR (yellow) waveshaping modes.

These modes have a remarkable effect on the behaviour of wavefolding and overall character of the final complex OUT, in addition to TZ-PM Bus character.

RAMPOID mode folds more asymmetrically, with raucous, buzzing harmonic artefacts as you sweep and introduce TZ-PM

TRIANGULAR mode folds more symmetric, splitting the complex sine wave at its peak centre of the waveform. TZ-PM character is less raucous, and more smooth.

TZ-PM Bus

Thru-zero phase modulation in the ANALOGUE realm! Unlike its digital counterpart, analogue TZ-PM has its own character we've come to expect from analogue circuitry!

A dedicated, voltage-controlled phase modulation bus completely separate from the Mod Bus
Modulator's SINE wave normalled to the PM SOURCE input
SOURCE input allows you to modulate phase with any signal you patch in
Dedicated voltage-controlled INDEX (amount)
Manual phase lets you zero in (or not!) on the base phase before introducing modulation
Independent of the Linear FM circuitry in the Carrier core

Mod Bus

The internal modulation powerhouse, normally fed by the Modulator core, but external signals are patchable as well.

Select from the PULSE, RAMP/SAW or SINE output of the MODULATOR, or inject your own SOURCE to the bus.

Voltage-controlled INDEX behaves like a macro control when combined with various amounts and polarities dialled in at each CV destination.

Internal sends include the Carrier's classic Linear FM, Amplitude, Feedback and TZ-PM Index, with variable amounts and polarities!

Modulator waveforms internally feeding the Mod Bus behave unipolarly, for predictable modulation of every Mod Bus destination, without external patching. By patching in one of the Modulator's bipolar waveform outputs manually (or any external signal), you can override this behaviour.

Dimensions
30 HP
24 mm deep

Current Draw
110 mA +12V
100 mA -12V

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.