System Approaches
I believe that a mix of understanding and experimentation is the best way to approach this system. In
many ways I design in building blocks which are quite basic when considered on their own, but when
combined open up great possibilities.
Connections
4mm Banana Sockets are used for all signal connections within the system. These are colour coded to
highlight functionality.
Control
Audio
Input
Blue
Yellow
Output
Red
Green
Signals can be roughly grouped into two types:
•
Control – signals to control processes – eg LFO, Envelope, Gate
•
Audio – your sound source – eg VCO, VCF, etc
It should be noted, though, that there is a great deal of blurring between the two signal types! You
should consult the individual module descriptions for detailed functionality of connections.
1/4” Jack Sockets are employed for Input/Output from the system – these provide the required ground
connection that is not present when solely using banana plugs. Black banana sockets are also used to
provide connection to System Ground.
Colours also help identify the function of dials. In general: Red/Orange are used for the main module
control functions, while Yellow/Green tend to be for audio functions such as level / fade. Blue is solely
used for modulation depth settings of external CV inputs.
Voltages
The Power Supply Unit (PSU) for the system provides a b/-15V supply. These voltages can be
considered as 'boundaries' for signals within the system with 0v (ground) as a central point.
Signals within the system will generally have a swing of 10 volts peak to peak (10v PtoP). This 10V
range is present in two forms:
•
+/-5V =
BIPOLAR
swing from -5V to +5V centred around ground (0V)
eg. VCO, LFO, VCA
•
0-10V =
UNIPOLAR
swing from 0v to +10v
eg. Gate, Envelope
