Percussion Interface (PI) & PI Expander
4ms Company
User Manual 1.0 – August 3, 2020
The
Percussion Interface (PI)
and
PI Expander
are a pair of Eurorack modules that generate gates
and envelopes from acoustic drums, samplers, drum machines and virtually any audio source.
Converting microphone, instrument, line and modular signals into CV and clock/gate signals, the
PI
and
PI Expander
are suited for synchronizing sequencers or other modules to the rhythm of an audio track
or live percussion. The modules can simultaneously be used as a pre-amp for microphones or line-level
signals, while generating inverted envelopes useful for side-chaining. The
PI
module contains all the
core functionality and can be used without the
Expander
to conserve space. The
Expander
requires
the main
PI
module and adds three gain stage options, a modular-level audio output jack, a
1/4” (6.35mm) input jack, and envelope attenuation capabilities.
The
PI Expander
connects to the
PI
with an included ribbon cable and does not require a separate
power header.
The two modules are only available together as a pair.
Percussion Interface
and
PI Expander
features:
• Sensitivity knob, Low/Medium/High gain switch, and clipping LED
• Sustain control to prevent misfires, increase gate length, and control the envelope
• Envelope decay control
• Non-inverted and inverted envelope outputs, useful for side chaining
• Four envelope outputs: two attenuated with independent attenuators, and two non-attenuated
• Envelope following or generation modes
• Gate output for clocking sequencers or any unit with a clock or trigger input
• Compatibility with drums, samplers, microphones, drum machines, etc.
• 1/4" input jack (6.35mm)
Env. Level
Inv. Level
Env. Out
Inv. Out
Audio Out
Input
PI EXPANDER
PERCUSSION
INTERFACE
IN
+
–
Sensitivity
Sustain
Env. Decay
Follow
Gen.
Gate
Env.
Out
