S400 Dual VCA

Product Description

 

(This module is included in the System B)

 

The S400 Dual VCA is composed of two identical linear voltage controlled amplifiers. Its suitable for processing both audio and control voltages. When 1V is present at a CV in, the corresponding VCA will have a gain of +6db when processing audio. This translates to doubling the input voltage when processing control voltages (low rates).

 

Note that VCAs only amplify when the CV ins are positive. Any negative or zero signal at the CV ins will produce 0V at the outputs. This is true also in modular hardware. Consequently, this means that LFOs won’t amplify when in their negative phase. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on what the user needs to do.

 

For this reason, The CV in of the bottom VCA is normaled* to the INVERTED CV in of the top VCA. This is useful when connecting an LFO to the top VCA and leaving the bottom CV in unconnected. The bottom VCA will amplify in the negative phase of the LFO.

 

The S400 clips at +12dbFS. A clipping LED is provided at both VCAs. Notice that clipping can cause distortion and in the worst case, aliasing. It is best practice to patch and tune things in a none clipping fashion. Unless of-course you really like the clipping effects and artifacts. To prevent clipping, lower the input level, or lower the CV input. Alternatively, you can use the S401 which has a db knob to control the gain. Or use the more powerful S404.

 

*Normaled means internally connected, but that connection is broken once a cable is connected.