Volition
Volition has the ability to fill a lot of roles in a modular, though it's particularly well suited to sequencing, envelope generating and modulation especially when odd timing is needed! At it's heart this module is loosely related to the classic Baby 8 sequencer. It does have stepwise motion that counts in only the forward direction. Each step has its own gate output that can be patched back to the reset input to set sequence length. Where it differs is how each step's CV is made and how clocking is achieved.
Volition has the ability to fill a lot of roles in a modular, though it's particularly well suited to sequencing, envelope generating and modulation especially when odd timing is needed! At it's heart this module is loosely related to the classic Baby 8 sequencer. It does have stepwise motion that counts in only the forward direction. Each step has its own gate output that can be patched back to the reset input to set sequence length. Where it differs is how each step's CV is made and how clocking is achieved.
Where CV creation is concerned - each step has a Level pot which selects a "target" voltage between negative and positive 8 volts, a Rate pot which is a simple slew limiter, and a Duration pot which sets step duration when set to Auto Clock Behavior. Where Clock Behavior is concerned, each step can be individually set to automatically clock the sequence when the Duration pot is "satisfied," wait for an external pulse at the clock input (Duration pot is ignored), or reset the sequence when the Duration pot is "satisfied." With these controls and behaviors come together under the hood of one module, you can configure it to be an ordinary step sequencer, an ADSR envelope with variable length that can cross 0 if you want it to, or a modulation source that goes exactly where you need it to, when you need it to. All without a microcontroller!
Where CV creation is concerned - each step has a Level pot which selects a "target" voltage between negative and positive 8 volts, a Rate pot which is a simple slew limiter, and a Duration pot which sets step duration when set to Auto Clock Behavior. Where Clock Behavior is concerned, each step can be individually set to automatically clock the sequence when the Duration pot is "satisfied," wait for an external pulse at the clock input (Duration pot is ignored), or reset the sequence when the Duration pot is "satisfied." With these controls and behaviors come together under the hood of one module, you can configure it to be an ordinary step sequencer, an ADSR envelope with variable length that can cross 0 if you want it to, or a modulation source that goes exactly where you need it to, when you need it to. All without a microcontroller!
Though the part count is high, the build is still very simple. Start as always with the smallest and lowest components first. So resistors and capacitors, then ICs, transistors and diodes. Next install the board joining pin headers. Double check that you've installed the few SMD components on the front panel before moving on next to the jacks, LEDs, switches and pots. Install the front panel while soldering them, and always start with just one leg on each component before checking alignment and then fully soldering once aligned.
Though the part count is high, the build is still very simple. Start as always with the smallest and lowest components first. So resistors and capacitors, then ICs, transistors and diodes. Next install the board joining pin headers. Double check that you've installed the few SMD components on the front panel before moving on next to the jacks, LEDs, switches and pots. Install the front panel while soldering them, and always start with just one leg on each component before checking alignment and then fully soldering once aligned.
If you find there is too much slew even at the highest Rate setting, you can reduce the 1uF cap near the DG408 down to 220nF or 100nF. You can also increase or decrease the 8x 1uF caps along the bottom of the lower board to increase or decrease the minimum and maximum duration setting.
If you find there is too much slew even at the highest Rate setting, you can reduce the 1uF cap near the DG408 down to 220nF or 100nF. You can also increase or decrease the 8x 1uF caps along the bottom of the lower board to increase or decrease the minimum and maximum duration setting.
