This was my first build when I came back to SDIY. A three row/16 step sequencer. Completely build on stripboard. Still working after all this years. Only hand sketched schematics. Nothing to publish. Pictures only.
Sequencer Nostalgia
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Category Archives: Project
Pitch to voltage converter
This is the software driven replacement for my all hardware pitch to voltage converter from my Shakuhachi to Synth project. The software driven approach has the advantage of easily adaption for different frequency ranges. In my case it is the range of the Shakuhachi. To change the range just adapt the software. It is completely temperature independent. The needed input is a pulse train derived from your original signal. You can use my Signal to Trigger converter to provide the pulse train. An offset voltage is added to the V/Oct output to fit the needs of your VCO (Synthesizer).
Specs and features
- Software driven pitch to voltage converter
- 12bit resolution
- V/Oct output
- Offset CV Fine and coarse adjustment
- Runs on +/-15V and +/-12V
- Power consumption around 45mA positive rail, 15mA negative rail
The documentation and the Gerber files for download can be found in my website.
The incoming pulse train is feed to the microprocessor. IC1 (301-F) prevents the microprocessor from negative inputs. Zener D2 prevents from overvoltage. The trigger starts an internal timer of the microprocessor in input capture interrupt mode. The ticks are counted and the count is then looked up in a table. The lookup table provides the values for the V/Oct conversion. The read value is the send to the DAC MCP4921 which is follwed by a low pass (IC1A, 301-B)). IC2A (301-F) adds the offset voltage and IC2B (301-F) corrects the phase.
Compressor with optional pedal steering
This is the revised version of my Limiter/Compressor. First built for my Shakuhachi to Synth project to handle the great dynamic range of the Shakuhachi. Here I left out the limiter and added a make up amplifier. The structure used is derived from “Small Signal Audio Design”, second edition by Douglas Self p682ff. The audio signal did not flow through a VCA as in many other implementations. Instead the compression is done by subtracting the audio signal at the output summing node according to the control voltage derived from the audio signal. The compression rate and the make up gain is adjusted by hand or/and optionally with foot pedals. The foot pedals are an additional option particularly made for wind players. It works without this option in your setup as well.
Specs and features
- Compression rate and gain adjustable by hand or/and foot pedals
- Audio path not affected when no compression is used
- Runs on +/-12V and +/-15V (with minor resistor value changes for best performance)
- Power consumption below 20mA each rail
The documentation and the Gerber files for download can be found in my website.
When the ratio is set to zero and the gain to one the input signal passes through the circuitry unaffected (IC2C, IC2A IC6OTA1, IC6OTA2, IC2D). When the compression rate is turned up a DC voltage is derived from the input signal wit a precision full wave rectifier and some filtering (IC1A, IC1B, IC1C, IC1D). This voltage is used to open the VCA in the side chain (IC3OTA1, IC3OTA2, IC2B). The signal from the side chain is then subtracted from the main signal (R13, IC2A). The now compressed signal is then potentially amplified (IC6OTA1, IC6OTA2)
Foot switch connector
As a Shakuhachi player I need my hands on the flute. So I use me feet to manipulate parameters and switches on the synthesizer. This module was originally build for my Shakuhachi to Synth project to provide the possibility to connect foot switches with the synthesizer and keep the patch intact when they are removed. The signal is not routed through the foot switch. Instead CMOS switches are used, turned on and off with the foot switch. So the signal stays within the synthesizer and the connection to the foot switch carries only DC. Removing the foot switch does not interrupt the signal flow in the synthesizer.
Specs and features
- Four independent switches
- Signal flow stays intact when foot switch removed
- Runs on +/-15V and +/-12V
- Power consumption below 10mA each rail
The documentation and the Gerber files for download can be found in my website.
The switch in the DG202 is hold in on position with a 100k resistor against the positive rail. With a foot switch attached you can pull down the hold voltage when you close the foot switch.
Signal to Trigger Converter
This module was originally build for my Shakuhachi to Synth project to provide the start/stop pulse for the Pitch to voltage converter. But it turned out to be much more useful. When you have the basics for your synthesizer like VCO, VCF, VCA, ADSR, LFO,… and some controllers and you want more, then using your keyboard to steer the synthesizer it is time for some modules to produce trigger signals out of different sources. Here is one of them. A signal to trigger converter. You can feed in a changing signal and every time the signal went through zero a trigger is generated dependent on the direction from where the zero point is crossed. You can add a threshold manually or CV controlled to move the zero point up or down as well. You can feed the signal in through input one ore two. When both inputs are used the signals are added together. When the signal crosses zero from positive to negative a trigger of about 0.1msec is generated at output -Trig. When the signal crosses zero from negative to positive a trigger of about 0.1msec is generated at output +Trig. Output +/-Trig provides both triggers. This output can be used to generate interesting rhythmic patterns when the threshold is set by a slowly moving CV or some DC offset is applied to the signal.
Specs and features
- Two added inputs
- Threshold manually and with CV
- Output for +Trig, -Trig and +/-Trig: 0.1msec
- Runs on +/-15V and +/-12V with minor resistor changes
- Power consumption below 25mA each rail
The documentation and the Gerber files for download can be found in my website.
The incoming signals are summed up. Every time when the summed signal changes polarity (moving through zero) a trigger is generated. Moving from plus to minus generates a trigger at the negative trigger output, moving from minus to plus generates a trigger at the positive trigger output. Trigger length is about 0.1msec.
The uppermost line (Yellow) shows the input signal. The second line (Blue) shows the trigger when the input signal moves to the positive site. The third line (Purple) shows the trigger when the input signal moves to the negative site. On the fourth line (Green) you can see both triggers added. This picture is taken without any threshold.
Output Module
Output Module: Front view
This is my replacement of the original Elektor Formant COM module. I discarded the original circuitry because of the TL085 used with his unusual pinout and the availability of dedicated audio operational amplifiers. I used a more effective filter implementation for tone control. The tone control is derived from “Small Signal Audio Design” by Douglas Self Chapter 15. A optional level indicator makes it easier to find the right volume level for best SNR. The maximum output volume is adjustable to protect your PA. You can connect the output directly to active monitors.
Specs and features
• Bass, middle, treble tone control
• Adjustable maximum output volume
• Optional volume indicator
• Direct connection to active monitors
• Runs on +/-15V and +/-12V (with minor resistor changes)
The documentation for download can be found in my website.
Output Module: Schematic front PCB
Output Module: Schematic back PCB
A description can be found in “Small Signal Audio Design” by Douglas Self Chapter 15
Output Module: Stuffed PCB back view
Output Module: Stuffed PCB side view
Output Module: Side view
NGF Project: Dual Sample and Hold
Dual Sample and Hold: front view
Storing analog signals is a often used function in analog synthesizers. This sample and hold implementation follows closely the original Elektor Formant version of Book 2 “Formant Erweiterungen” p84ff. It is build for my Next Generation Formant project. Because I use the LM13700 here as replacement for the CA3080 I have build a dual sample and hold version. The PCB size is reduced from 100x160mm for a single version to 50x70mm for the dual version.
Specs and features
• Dual sample and hold
• 10Vpp input and output
• Runs on +/-15V and +/-12V
• Power consumption below 25mA each rail
The documentation for download can be found in my website.
Dual Sample and Hold: schematic
This implementation follows closely the original Elektor Formant implementation. Refer to the original documentation if needed. You can find it on the net. My changes are the input buffers, using the LM13700 instead of the CA3080 and the adaption to my 10Vpp signal level.
Dual Sample and Hold: populated PCB
Dual Sample and Hold: back view
NGF Project: 440CPS
NGF-E Project: 440CPS front view
Not much to say. A 440CPS module. Quite useful for tuning in a bigger system. OK, one more sentence. It is the replacement for the 440CPS module from the Elektor Formant in my Next Generation Formant project Project.
Specs and features
• On/Off Switch to keep the 440Hz out of the system when not needed
• Runs on +/-15V and +/-12V
• Power consumption below 25mA +rail / 5mA -rail
The documentation for download can be found in my website.
NGF-E Project: 440CPS schematic
Everything is done in software. Output is a 440Hz Square wave. That’s it.
NGF-E Project: 440CPS populated PCB
NGF-E Project: 440CPS back view
Limiter / Compresssor
Limiter / Compressor front view
To handle the great dynamic range of the Shakuhachi I needed a compressor for my Shakuhachi 2 Synth project. Because a limiter is not that different I added this feature as well. This comes in handy with my Vocoder project also. The structure used here is derived from “Small Signal Audio Design” by Douglas Self p682ff. The audio signal did not flow through a VCA as in many other implementations. Instead the compression or limitation is done by subtracting the audio signal at the output summing node according to the control voltage derived from the audio signal.
Specs and features
• Switch compress or limit
• Switch Compression/Limit rate 50% or 90%
• Compression/Limit rate adjustable 0–max
• Runs on +/-15V and +/-12V (with minor resistor changes)
• Power consumption below 15mA each rail
The documentation for download can be found in my website.
Limiter / Compressor schematic 01
The audio signal flows unaffected through IC1A/B. When the compressor – limiter kicks in the inverted signal is added (=subtracted) at the summing node of IC1A. The signal level to subtract is regulated through a Sims VCA. The CV generation for the VCA is pretty standard. Linear for the compressor and exponential for the limiter.
Limiter / Compressor schematic 02
Precision full wave rectifier with filter to generate the control voltage for the VCA from the audio signal.
Limiter / Compressor populated PCB
Limiter / Compressor back view
NGF-Project: Elektor Wave Processor
NGF Project: Elektor Wave Processor
A small but very versatile module. It is derived from the original Elektor Formant book “Formant Erweiterungen” p87 ff. Some resistor values are changed to handle the 10Vpp signal level of my system. You can shape the input signal in many ways. You can clip the signal. You can fold the signal. You can emphasize the third harmonic. You can unsymmetrical emphasize the clipped and unclipped signal. You can reverse the input signal. The clipping level is voltage controlled.
Specs and features
• Clipping the signal
• Folding the signal
• Emphasize the third harmonic
• Unsymmetrical emphasize the clipped and unclipped signal
• Clipping level voltage controlled
• 10Vpp input and output
• Runs on +/-15V and +/-12V
The documentation for download can be found in my website.
NGF Project: Elektor Wave Processor, schematic
This implementation follows closely the original Elektor Formant implementation. Refer to the original documentation if needed. You can find it on the net. My changes are the adaption to my 10Vpp system signal level.
NGF Project: Elektor Wave Processor, populated PCB
NGF Project: Elektor Wave Processor, rear view