Powered Frame
The modules are housed in a custom aluminium frame (16” x 5.25” x 2.3”) with PCB (or 19” rack)
end-cheeks.
An external 12V DC power brick with standard IEC C14 input socket and able to provide at least
1.5A (per Frame), is plugged in to the rear DC input socket (2.1mm, Centre Positive). Internally this
is converted to bipolar a +/-15V at 500mA per rail. Power is distributed internally via a PCB bus
board with MTA100 power headers and modules are attached via 5” 4-way power cables. The power
connections are polarized so cannot be plugged in back-to-front but care should always be taken to
ensure that connections are correct (eg. Not 'offset') and power should be disconnected when
adding or removing modules.
External Connections
The main audio outputs (via the Dual Mixing module) are on impedance balanced 1/4” sockets.
Tip = signal, Ring = 47 Ohm to 0V, Sleeve = Chassis 0V
Unbalanced connections can be used without problem.
There is no preamp for external audio signals within the Synth Voice frame – this will be achieved
in a future frame module. An external source could be connected following the Interface methods
detailed below, ensuring that it was externally brought up to suitable 10V P-to-P amplitude.
Interfacing with External Systems
The Synth Voice can easily 'talk' with other systems or external control devices such as Midi-to-CV
converters or sequencers. As banana connections only carry the signal (no 0V connection) two steps
are required:
•
A common 0 Volt connection must first be established
The 0V lines of the two systems need to be joined so they share a common reference. This is
achieved using the black 4mm banana 0V socket on the rear of the unit.
If a third system is to be joined, that will require a further connection to the 0V reference.
•
Signals can then be patched to or from the external system
It is always worth considering the voltage behaviour of any signal and note, of course, plug
type conversion may be required. The voltages within the BugBrand system will work just
fine with, for example, a euro-rack system – though some euro signals may only be 5V p-to-p
amplitude.
To use my custom Interface Cables (60 cm Banana to Minijack):
•
Make the first connection using the twin-cable 'grounded' cable. Plug the black cable into the
BugBrand 0V rear socket, then plug the white 'signal' connection to the source/destination.
•
Further connections with the same piece of gear then simply require a 'signal' cable.
