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CODE SOURCE
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ERICA
SYNTHS BLACK SERIES MODULE!
Erica Black Series include high-end,
unique functionality and superior quality
modules. Only the best, highest quality
components are used, all inputs and
outputs are protected against undesired
overvoltage. When designing Black
Series, we put design and usability
superior. Big knobs are assigned to key
functions of the module, which makes
Black Series ideal for live performances.
Enjoy!
Erica Synths Black Code Source is
unique design true stereo digital noise
or dual random CV generator, using a
complicated calculation of polynomials of
various configurations. The module will fit
ideally in percussion synthesis or random,
self generation patches. The Code Source
also can be used as an extreme eects
unit to bitcrush and destroy sounds in
radical ways.
Basically, you can consider it as a
sample&hold noise generator, that is
able to “rewind” or repeat incredibly long
sequences of seemingly random levels.
X, Y and S controls together provide over
4000 dierent dual CV sequences for
every MODE switch position, that can be
triggered via the S TRIG.
FEATURES:
Dual random CV generator
Up to 9 noise flavours with
adjustable pitch
All parameters are CV controllable
Expandable features with an
Expander module
This is sample rate knob.
When sample rate clock is set to a
high value (or there is some VCO
plugged into CLOCK IN) , L&R
outputs provide stereo digital noise.
Noise is independent for the left
and right channels. When sample
rate is set to a low frequency (or
there is some LFO or sequencer
clock plugged into CLOCK IN), L&R
outputs provide two control voltages
that can be used as a pitch, filter,
eect or any other control
for external modules.
Set one of 16 polynomial
feedback configuration aspects Y.
MODE switch will alter the
character of the sound, and allows
to achieve perfect recreation of
most kinds of classic computer
music chip noise. In LFO range it
sets how many CV levels
L and R outputs will provide. Refer
to the table below for
MODE settings!
This is Clock Input. The external clock
replaces internal one, and you can
sync the module with master clock
of the system or change pitch of the
noise in tune with your VCOs. Patch
LFO output or master clock form the
sequencer for random CVs on the
outputs or VCO or even vocals
for pitched noise.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Output level ....................-5…+5V (or 0…+10V)
CV level ........................................... -10V - +10V
Power consumption ............ +143mA, -64mA
Module width ...........................................10HP
Module depth ........................................35mm
Set one of 16 polynomial feedback
configuration aspects X.
X and Y basically represent 16x16
square field, and you can move
around using the X and Y pots or CVs.
Every setting will behave dierently,
produce dierent sequence of codes
(output values), and have dierent
length of the sequence before it loops.
S TRIG button will restart the
polynomial from the SET point.
While holding this button,
S TRIG input will be ignored.
Set the starting point of selected
sequence. This will be particularly
audible in low Rate settings, when
CVs are generated on the outputs.
These are X, Y and S CV
attenuators.
These are CV Inputs
for altering Rate, X, Y and
S settings correspondingly.
S TRIG input accepts all kind of
signals from single pulses to normal
full band audio, and (re)sets the
polynomial on the rising edge of
the triggering pulse or sound. When
module is used as a CV source with
sequencer ticks in the clock input,
this S TRIG input can be used to reset
the generated code sequence on,
for example, every single, second or
fourth. measure, or at the beginning
These are Left and Right outputs. You can have
random CVs here, if Rate is set to low sample
Output level can be configured via jumper on
the back of the module. You can select bipolar
-5V - +5V output or unipolar 0 - +10V, especially
rate, or digital noise,
if it’s set to higher sample rate.
useful for random sequencing
of the track.
of VCOs.
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Erica Synths Black Code Source
Expander takes the Code Source to next
level by adding autobend feature and
more noise/CV modes.
Autobend provides a useful attack
envelope for the internal clock
generator’s pitch and some outside CV
control. This feature helps to quickly
achieve authentic chip-tune percussion
and oldschool electronic game sounds.
NB! Use the ribbon cable supplied with
the module to connect the Expander
to the Code Source! To connect the
Expander you will need to remove the
security jumper from the socket on the
Code Source module. Pay close attention
to the connector socket marking and do
not mix it up with the PSU connector!
The Code Source Expander will work only
with the Code Source module and is not
intended to work as standalone module.
Connecting PSU to the Expander will
permanently damage it.
FEATURES:
Autobend (attack) time control
Autobend depth attenuverter
Alternative mode switch
Autobend envelope output
Clock output
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Power consumption…..…….....+16mA, -11mA
Module width….....………………………………6HP
Module depth…..…………..………..………25mm
Adjust the envelope rate,
from very slow to rapid
This is the send level from the
autobend envelope to clock
generator’s pitch. When set to
center, autobend does not a ect
the sample rate. CW settings send
positive envelope and increase clock
rate (pitch of the noise), while CCW
settings send negative envelope and
reduce clock rate.
ALTERNATIVE MODE switch
provides two additional modes for
every main MODE. Refer to the
table below!
Autobend Trigger IN - when nothing
is connected to this jack, autobend
envelope triggers from the main
module’s S TRIG and button. This
input accepts both trigger pulses
and conventional audio, and triggers
on the rising edge.
CODE SOURCE
AutoBend Manual Trig - This button
allows the envelope to be triggered
manually, as well as block incoming
trigger pulses while the button is
CLOCK OUT jack outputs internal
generator’s clock for use on some
external modules that may need to
be synchronised. You can connect a
second codesource module’s
CLOCK IN there to make both
modules synchronised. This output
provides the internal generator’s
clock even when something else is
used as the main module’s clock
(other clock source connected to its
clock in), and therefore can be used
as an additional clock for something
else. However, since this output
always outputs internal clock, to
synchronise more than two modules,
you need to split the CLOCK OUT of
the master module using a splitter,
and then pass to all other module
This is Autobend envelope output —
use it for simultaneous control of
VCFs or any other modules.
held.
clock inputs.
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MODE SWITCH FUNCTIONS
WITHOUT EXPANDER WITH EXPANDER
CODE SOURCE
MODE switch position
down
ZX - in this mode, module outputs an encoded data in the very exact way a ZX Spectrum home computer tape loading did, only it’s now in stereo!
It has a very specific sound that cannot be mistaken with anything else. Just set the right samplerate (2 o’clock). For extra icing on the cake, adjust
polynomial configuration to make it sound like loading real data (image, character color, sprites...). Some ZX Spetrum games featured a “fast
loader” that actually was just a form of protection, and had a slightly dierent sound. For a typical fast loader sound, set the rate to slightly below
3 o’clock and viola - it perfectly matches it! Sound of this coding is more melodic than the “normal” 2 level mode.
BMC - Biphase Mark Code is an old, yet still very popular encoding, used to this day in many kinds of simple-yet-robust communication channels
and data storage - like, for example, magnetic cards. Sound of this coding is significantly lighter in low frequencies, having the most emphasis
on higher frequencies.
SOFT - in this mode, while there are still 64 output levels, codes are generated in a dierent way, producing a softer sound with more bass.
When used as a pitch CV source, it will produce a lot of discrete glissandos, since now subsequent output codes are placed much closer together
and have smaller jumps for the most of the time.
L/R output coding MODE ALT switch
up
64 levelsup
middle
down
up
middle8 levelsmiddle
down
up
middle2 levels
down
L/R output coding
64 levels SOFT
64 levels
32 levels
16 levels
8 levels
4 levels
2 levels ZX
2 levels
2 levels BMC
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CODE SOURCE
Please follow the instructions for use of this
Erica Synths module below, ‘cause only this
will guarantee proper operation of the module
and ensure warranty from Erica Synths.
Water is lethal for most of the electric devices,
unless they are made waterproof. Erica
Synths module is NOT intended for use in
a humid or wet environment. No liquids or
other conducting substances must get into
the module. Should this happen, the module
should be disconnected from mains power
immediately, dried, examined and cleaned by
a qualified technician.
Do not expose the module to temperatures
above +50° C or below -20° C.
Transport the instrument with modules
installed carefully, never let it drop or fall over.
Warranty does not apply to modules with
visual damages.
The module has to be shipped in the original
packaging only. Any module shipped to us
for return, exchange and/or warranty repair
has to be in its original packaging. All other
deliveries will be rejected and returned to you.
Make sure you keep the original packaging
and technical documentation.
You will find Erica Synths terms of warranty at
http://ericasynths.lv/en/terms/
Items for return, exchange and/or warranty
repair have to be sent to: Erica Synths,
Andrejostas Str. 43, Riga, Latvia, LV-1045
DISPOSAL
This device complies to the EU guidelines and is
manufactured RoHS conforming without use of
lead, mercury, cadmium and chrome.
Nevertheless, this device is special waste and
disposal in household waste is not
recommended.
Designed and made in Latvia.
User manual by Girts Ozolins@Erica Synths.
Design by Edmunds Pavlovskis.
Copying, distribution or any commercial use in
any way is prohibited and needs the written
permission by Erica Synths.
Specifications are subject to change without
notice.
In case of any questions feel free to contact us
via e-mail info@ericasynths.lv
Check out other Erica Synths modules & devices
at www.ericasynths.lv
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