The CV and gate inputs (1/8” (3.5mm)) can be used by switching the CV/gate selector switch. The main CV affects both
operators simultaneously, and can be varied from 1.5v to 10v for more than 3 octaves of pitch/filter range, also tunable with
the front-panel tuning knobs. The maximum pitch range of the two operators is from less than 10 Hz to more than 3 kHz. The
Gate input requires 0-10v DC voltage to fully open the VCA. Note that it only affects C1, and does not trigger C2 or C3.
The audio input feeds into operator one, so that both operators can be used as bandpass filters in series. Or, the resonance on
either one can be decreased so that it passes the signal, so only one operator is used as a filter. Plugging an output into this
jack will change the resonant behaviour of Operator 1, so if its use as a pure VCO is desired, leave this input unconnected to
external gear.
If you wish to hit certain pitches easily, we recommend marking the locations on the ribbon using a permanent marking pen,
and then playing the ribbon with a stylus (a ballpoint pen with the cap left on is perfect). This will allow the careful musician to
play in tune with other instruments, while still having the freedom of pitch bends, small or massive. Be careful not to change
the tuning of Operator 1 so your scale is not upset.
By setting Operator 1 to oscillate and Operator 2 to also oscillate, and detuning them, some primitive FM and sync sound
effects can be realized. This is unknown territory, especially if C2 and C3 are used as audio oscillators to inject more signals
into the operators. All of these effects will cross-modulate and interfere with each other, in ways that are difficult to predict
and impossible to emulate with solid-state electronics, allowing for massive areas of new sound effects for experimentation.
Technical:
The vacuum tubes in this version of the S-2000 are two 6GH8/6U8s and one 12AW6. Despite not being made anymore, they
are among the most commonplace NOS tubes in the world, and are easy to find. They are run VERY conservatively in the
S-2000, and will be expected to last many tens of thousands of hours, so stop worrying about “constantly” replacing them. If
you require a set of replacement tubes and can't find them locally or online, contact a Metasonix dealer for spares.
“Tube rolling”, trying different tube types in the sockets to see if they sound different, is NOT recommended. The VCA tube can
be replaced with several types of pentodes or pentagrid converters having 12v heaters, but you are unlikely to notice much
difference in sound anyway.
Note that a 5-volt “TTL-level” gate signal is NOT enough to gate the S-2000's output. You will need 10v to open it.
The connector for the ribbon will accept any of the SpectraSymbol “Softpot” series of ribbon position sensors. They all have
the same pinout. Softpots come in lengths from 25mm to 1000mm (one meter). By making up a suitable cable and mounting
base for the 1-meter Softpot, it will give maximum resolution of pitch control. (Note: this is an advanced modification and
should only be attempted by experienced technical personnel.) Any further modification of the S-2000 requires advanced
understanding of the circuit. There are a few changes that are possible, but we normally do not recommend them.
(text is copyright 2013 Metasonix. All rights reserved. It is a violation of federal law to reproduce, reuse or duplicate this publication without the express written permission of Metasonix or its assigned representative. Oh, you want to FIX
it? You say you want a SCHEMATIC?? No. Contact us at METASONIX. 495 N Main #109, Lakeport CA 95453, (707) 263-5343, [email protected]. We'll arrange for repair, while refusing to give you a schematic. )
