1979 DSS Modes

video upload by Todd Barton

"Just got this 1979 Modular module, the Dual Sequential Switch and am having a blast! Here's just a simple yet effective fun patch to feature the Mode settings. Enjoy!

My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/synthtodd"

Bidirectional sequential switches for audio and CV

The DSS is intended as a companion for the Buchla 245/246 sequencers and other "quad" modules in Buchla format such as the 281 and 292. New possibilities for performance and composition arise from the ability to dynamically route multiple sources to multiple destinations without repatching.

BUILD OPTIONS. Choose from one of three build options. See the images above for illustrations of each build type. On the standard build the main I/O uses Tinijax on the top half and banana jacks on the bottom half. Custom builds with all Tinijax or all banana jacks for the main I/O are also available. If you want a custom build, please send an email with your build preference after placing your order. If no preference is stated your module will be supplied as a standard build.

The main I/O is bidirectional, meaning that the module works as a 4:1 multiplexer or a 1:4 demultiplexer. Patch up to four signals to the inputs labeled 1-4 and they will be sequentially routed to the common I/O jack. Alternately, patch one signal source to the I/O jack and it will be sequentially distributed to the 1-4 jacks.

Each half of the module has its own independent loop length (from 1 to 4 steps) and sequencing mode: forwards, backwards, forwards and then backwards (pendulum), or random. The SC (Step Change) output generates a trigger whenever the sequence length is changed, which is useful for synchronizing the upper and lower halves of the module or communicating state changes to other modules. The analog CV addressing input (ADDR) bypasses pulse-based control and allows an external CV source to select which step is active, similar to the "analog" CV input on the Buchla 245/246.

These extensive control and sequencing options make the DSS one of the most fully-featured sequential switches available in any modular format. Every aspect of the switching schema is accessible, facilitating previously inaccessible patching opportunities.

Tech Specs

4:1 or 1:4 sequential switches for audio or CV

Variable sequence length (1-4 steps) with voltage control

Variable switching mode (forward, reverse, pendulum, random) with voltage control

VC step addressing via clock, direct selection, or external 0-10V CV

Extensive pulse I/O for synchronization with external modules

Extra Settings

RESET/TRIG switch toggle. By default, pressing the RESET switch returns the sequencer to step 1, but this switch can also be used as a manual trigger source. Press RESET for 5 seconds to toggle this setting. The SC LED will blink to confirm the change. Now when the switch is pressed the TRIG jack will be pulsed instead. The RESET and TRIG jacks still work independently. Press RESET again for 5 seconds to toggle the switch function back to a manual reset.

Manual step selection. Press the RESET switch and then turn the STEPS knob for manual channel selection. This works like the ADDR CV input but doesn't require external CV. Note that all trigger inputs (RESET, TRIG, and the four SELECT jacks) can still change which channel is active so this feature works best when those inputs are not being used.

Pendulum behavior. Press the RESET switch and then turn the MODE knob to change how the Pendulum mode behaves. There are four possible settings which correlate with the four F/B/P/R labels around the knob.

You can find additional details at https://1979.ws/dual-sequential-switch/