Tags: Waveshaper module

Notes: Dual-channel wavefolding with a lot of creative power. Buchla- and Serge-style circuits combine with a voltage-controlled crossfader, allowing you to shape and sculpt sounds in intriguing ways.

Supplier's Notes:

Bifold is a unique dual channel wavefolder with numerous feedback and routing options along with CV control. Mix, blend and crossfade the two different folder flavours into a rich stew of unique waveforms and harmonic movement. It is the first wavefolder to offer simultaneous, independently controllable serial and parallel folder circuits.

Wavefolding is one of the most powerful ways to produce complex timbres out of a simple sound source or waveform. When done well, the results can be warm, textured, organic and full of musical character. Intellijel studied some of the most revered wavefolding circuits and looked at ways to integrate the positive qualities of these into a design that was full of sweet spots and allowed for a huge amount of experimentation and modulation.

Bifold combines two unique wavefolders with a crossfader; One channel (the P channel) has a sonic characteristic inspired by the Buchla-style Parallel "deadband" folding circuit, while the other channel (the S channel) is more characteristic of a Serge-type Serial folding circuit. There are distinct differences to how they react to specific waveforms, modulation and even their overall frequency response. By linking both folders together with a voltage controlled crossfader we further expand the ability to blend these two different folders together to create new waveforms. But this just scratches the surface of possibilities. Ring modulation, blending, crossfading, complex noise generation, feedback modulation, cascaded folding and so much more are all possible thanks to the strategically placed routing switches, jack normals and attenuators and other control options. This is a module that invites much exploration and discovery and pairs well with almost any kind of modulation and sound source.

Width: 8HP
Depth: 38mm
Power: 94mA @ +12V, 94mA @ -12V

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: The Erica Synths Black Ring-Xfade is an extremely versatile module for sound shaping. It consists of two unconventional ringmodulators/waveshapers, a crossfader that works both for audio and CV and a VCA. Unlike conventional ringmodulator that works only with a signal present on both signal and carrier inputs, the Black Ring-Xfade passes through the signal without alteration, if no carrier is present, but low level signals on the carrier input result in unique waveshaping. Add the crossfader between two ringmodulators (or as a separate unit) topped up with the VCA, and you have an amplitude modulation powerplant in 10HP!

Ring1 CV; Ring2 CV
These are the ringmodulator carrier (CV level) level controls. Unlike conventional ringmodulator, this one passes signal unaltered, if RING CV is turned down. With increasing Ring CV level a slight waveshaping turns into proper ringmodulation.

Xfade
This is a manual Crossfade control. This fades smoothly between signals patched into XFADE IN1 and XFADE IN2. The XFADE CV is added to the knob position.

Coupling
Set the Crossfader mode - AC is optimized for use with the audio signals, DC - for control voltages (but it will work fine with audio, as well).

Ring 1; Ring 2
The green LEDs give visual feedback on signal levels, applied to XFADE IN1 and XFADE IN2 respectively.

Vol CV
Select the VCA CV response. A 0-10V setting is intended for use with the envelope generator, a -5V - +5V setting - for nice tremolos with a LFO.

Xfade IN1; Xfade IN2
These are the Crossfader inputs. They are normalled to the Ringmodulator ouputs, so, if nothing is patched here, you can crossfade between two ringmodulated signals.

Xfade CV
This is the Crossfader CV input. The CV is added to the XFADE knob setting.

VOL CV
This is the VCA CV input. The VCA is post-crossfade - it controls the amplitude of a resulting signal after the crossfader. It will also work with low frequency control voltages applied to the XFADE Ins - nice for designing unconventional modulations.

Ring1 Out; Ring2 Out
These are the ringmodulator outputs.

Xfade Out
This is the Crossfader output and the main output of the module.

Ring2 In; Ring2 CV
These are the second Ringmoduator signal and carrier inputs respectively. These two are normalled to the RING1 inputs, and if no signal is patched here, the duplicate the first Ringmodulator. Interesting trick is to set RING CVs at different levels and crossfade between two ringmodulator signals.

Ring1 IN; Ring1 CV
These are the first Ringmoduator signal and carrier inputs respectively.

Fade L; Fade R
The red LEDs indicate the crossfader position.

Xfade CV LVL
This is a crossfade CV level attenuator. By adjusting it you can control a span of fading between inputs.

Specs:
Audio level 10Vptp
CV level (full span) -5V - +5V
Power consumption +38mA, -32mA
Module width 10HP
Module depth 35mm

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: Reduxer is a stereo sample reducer effect module.

Depends on it's signal, It can produce dynamic range of sounds from knurly bitcrushing to formant/vowel style effects.

Extra resolution

Custom made Redux potentiometer with 300 degrees rotation for extra crashing resolution.

Double the power

Two proprietary sample reduction circuits with extra offset control on channel 2 via the "Spread", lets you create motion in the streo field for wider effect.

Stereo operation

Inputs are normelized - supporting mono to stereo configuration.

Reduction under control

Redux CV input with attenuator for external control of the bit reduction rate.

Reverse polarity protection

The module have proper reverse current and over current protection in its power input stage to protect the module in case it was connected the wrong way or connected to a faulty power supply.

Dimensions

Width: 8HP
Depth: 20mm

Current draw

+12V: 25mA
-12V: 25mA