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THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING 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.
Erica Black series consist of range of
modules that are needed to put together
entire synth. Enjoy!
Erica Black VCO is analogue VCO with four
simultaneous waveform outputs and one
octave down suboscillator. The core of the
VCO is borrowed from famous Russian synth
Polivoks VCO and in exponential converter
we use the original matched transistor IC
that was used in Polivoks. Unlike harsh logic
divider based suboscillators, Black VCO
transistor-based suboscillator generates
distinct, rounded squarewave. Together with
Black VCO Expander – waveform mixer you
get massive analogue sound source with
plenty of patch points for modular use.
FEATURES:
Simultaneous sine, triangle, saw and pulse
wave outputs
-1 octave suboscillator
Manually adjustable and CV controlled
pulse width
Great tracking across 8 octaves
Exponential FM input with attenuator
Synchronization input
Octave switch – 5 octaves
Ski-friendly design
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
CV level ............................................ -10V - +10V
Audio output amplitude .......................10Vptp
Octave range .....................................C0 – C8
Panel width ............................................... 12HP
Module depth .......................................35mm
Power consumption .........................................
................................ 40mA@+12V, 36mA@-12V
Power consumption w. Expander ..................
................................55mA@+12V, 40mA@-12V
BLACK VCO AND VCO EXPANDER
The TUNE knob allows you
to set the tune of the VCO
across two octaves
Adjust pulse width
manually!
This is FM CV attenuator
These are VCO outputs.
All four waves and
suboscillator are available
simultaneously
TUNE
0
+1
-1
PULSE WIDTH
FM LEVEL
SINE TRI SAW PULSE SUB
-2
OCTAVE
1V/OCT FM IN
+2
SYNC PWM
BLACK VCO
This is VCO Sync input. Patch
another VCO output here to reset
VCO circle. This gives you new,
interesting waveforms
Use Octave switch to tune
the VCO up or down by
octaves instantly
Patch FM CV source here
for vibrato eects! Or try
it out with another VCO
or noise source and get
interesting new timbres!
Patch 1V/oct CV source
here. The VCO tracks well
across 8 octaves
Patch PWM CV source here!
10Vptp CV signal aects
pulse width form 1% to 99%
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Erica Black VCO Expander essentially is
advanced waveform mixer plus two octaves
down suboscillator, and it allows you to
explore wave design in brand new areas.
NB! This is expander module that can be
connected only to Black VCO. It will not work
as standalone eurorack module.
FEATURES:
Waveform mixer/inverter
Sine/Triangle/”Tits” waveform switch
Transistor-based -2 octave suboscillator
-1 and -2 octave suboscillator crossfade
Suboscillator lowpass filter
Diode limiter on output signal amplitude
Three simultaneous outputs
Use ribbon cable supplied with the module
to connect it to the Black VCO!
BLACK VCO AND VCO EXPANDER
Turn this konb CW to
set sine/triangle/”tits”
waveform level. Turn this
knob CCW to set inverted
waveform level
This knob sets direct or
inverted pulse wave level.
Apply VCO PWM CV and
get cool waveshaping on
the main output
Use this knob to fade
between -1 and -2 octaves
suboscillators
Use this three position
switch to select, which
waveform is routed to
the top left mixer knob!
Top position is sinewave,
bottom position is triangle,
and mid position give you
distinct “tits” waveform
present in some FM synths
SINE/TRI LVL SAW LVL
PULSE LVL
SINE
TRI
-2 OCT
OUT
SUB LVL
SUB COLOURSUB MIX
-1 OCT-2 OCT
SUBMIX
OUT
BLACK VCO EXPANDER
OUT
This knob sets direct or
inverted sawtooth waveform
level! This knob is assigned
frequency knob. In full CW
setting no filtering is applied,
in full CCW setting you have
almost sinewave at very low
suboscillator waves are
This is master mix output –
all waveforms are present
This dedicated -2 octaves
level
Turn this knob CW to
increase suboscillator
to filtered -1/-2octaves
suboscillator mix
This is suboscillator mix
lowpass filter cuto
frequencies
This is suboscillator
mix output – filtered
present here
here
suboscillator output
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
BLACK VCO AND VCO EXPANDER
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.12, Riga, Latvia, LV-1045
DISPOSAL
This device complies to the EU guidelines and is
manufactured RoHS conforming without use of
led, 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 Baiba Stelle.
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 [email protected]
Check out other Erica Synths modules & devices
at www.ericasynths.lv
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