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BLACK VCO2 AND
VCO EXPANDER
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. Erica Black Series consist of range of modules that are needed to
put together entire synth. Enjoy!
Erica Synths Black VCO2 is all analogue, highly accurate and stable VCO with four
simultaneous waveform outputs, one octave down suboscillator and some unique features.
Unlike harsh, logic divider based suboscillators, Black VCO2 transistor-based suboscillator
generates distinct, rounded squarewave. Futhermore, the Black VCO2 has built in Saw
Waveshaper and two modulation LFOs. 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
Highly accurate and stable tracking across 8 octaves
Saw waveshaper with manual and CV control
Manually adjustable and CV controlled pulse width
Exponential/Linear FM input with an attenuator
2 built in modulation LFOs
Synchronization input
Octave switch – 7 octaves
Ski-friendly design
SPECS:
Audio output amplitude 10Vptp
Octave range C0 – C8
Panel width 12HP
Module depth 35mm
Power consumption 71mA@+12V, 62mA@-12V
Power consumption w. Expander 102mA@+12V, 87mA@-12V
TUNE
The TUNE knob allows precise tuning of the VCO across two octaves. This
knob also controls the built in PWM LFO – turning it clockwise and increasing
a pitch of the VCO, the LFO frequency will slightly increase.
FM LIN / EXP
Select between linear or exponential frequency modulation
MOD SAW / PWM
This is the modulation LFO selector. In the SAW setting, only the saw waveshaper
LFO is active, in the mid setting both saw waveshaper and PWM LFOs are active,
in the PWM setting only the PWM LFO is active.
OCTAVE
Use Octave switch to change the tune of the VCO up to 3 octaves up or down
instantly.
PULSE WIDTH
Adjust pulse width manually!
FM / PWM CV
This is FM and PWM CV attenuator. It aects both CVs simultaneously.
SAWSHAPE
This is the Saw waveshaper control. By tuning it clockwise, it will simultaneously
shape the saw into double and triple saw and increase wavesahper modulation
LFO frequency. What the external CV is patched into SAW CV, it acts as CV
attenuator. If the modulation LFO is disengaged, it acts as the manual waveshaper.
1V/OCT
Patch 1V/oct CV source here. The VCO tracks perfect across at least 8 octaves
FM IN
Patch the FM CV source here for vvibrato eects, or set the FM switch to LIN mode
and, combining two VCOs, get into FM synthesis!
SAW CV
This is saw waveshaper CV input. If no CV is applied, the waveshaper is modulated
by the internal LFO
PWM CV
Patch PWM CV source here! 10Vptp CV signal aects pulse width from ~2% to ~98%.
The PWM CV is added to the Pulse Width knob setting.
SYNC
This is VCO Sync input. Patch another VCO output here to reset VCO circle. This
gives you new, interesting waveforms
SINE/TRI/SAW/PULSE/SUB
These are VCO outputs. All four waves and suboscillator are available simultaneously
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please follow the instructions for use of the 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. This 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. If you have transported module in extreme low temperatures,
leave it in room temperature for an hour before plugging it in.
Transport the instrument 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.
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.
User manual by Girts Ozolins@Erica Synths.
Design by Ineta Briede@Black8.
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 through
www.ericasynths.lv.
You will find Erica Synths terms of warranty at
www.ericasynths.lv
Items for return, exchange and/or warranty repair have to
be registered at SUPPORT on www.ericasynths.lv and send
back to us according to instructions in the support page.
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BLACK VCO2 AND
VCO EXPANDER
Erica Synths 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
the Black VCO via ribbon cable supplied with the module. It
will not work as standalone eurorack module and
connecting it to the eurorack PSU or to any other module
will permanently damage the Expander.
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!
This is eurorack PSU connector
SAW LVL
This knob sets direct or inverted sawtooth waveform level
SINE /TRI LVL
Turn this konb CW to set sine/triangle/”tits” waveform level. Turn this
knob CCW to set inverted waveform level
PULSE LVL
This knob sets direct or inverted pulse wave level. Apply VCO PWM CV and get cool
waveshaping on the main output
SUB LVL
Turn this knob CW to increase suboscillator level! This knob is assigned to filtered
-1/-2octaves suboscillator mix
SUB MIX
Use this knob to fade between -1 and -2 octaves suboscillators
SUB COLOUR
This is suboscillator mix lowpass filter cuto frequency knob. In full CW setting no
filtering is applied, in full CCW setting you have almost sinewave at very low
frequencies
SINE/TITS/TRI SWITCH
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
Connect the VCO Expander here!
-2 OCT OUT
This dedicated -2 octaves suboscillator output
SUBMIX OUT
This is suboscillator mix output – filtered suboscillator waves are present here
OUT
This is master mix output – all waveforms are present here.
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