Liivatera Through-Zero VCO Eurorack Module

via Liivatera

"This VCO uses a triangle-core design, but the true character comes from the modulation capabilities.

Through-Zero Frequency-Modulation.
Wideband FM produces rich, inharmonic tones. Three switchable sensitivity settings offer everything from simple vibrato to complex tones.

Reversing Sync.
The direction of integration in the VCO core can be reversed on the rising, falling and rising & falling edges of a signal. The trigger threshold is set by the sum of a front-panel control and external CV, so the sync. can be modulated to modify the tone of the VCO.

Pulse-Width Modulation.
The pulse output can be modulated from 0 to 100% with a dedicated PWM input.

VCO and LFO in a single module.
The frequency of the VCO can be reduced by a factor of 100 with a switch on the front panel."

New Gear Coming to Synth DIY UK 2014 Set for August

"New Products On Show At Synth DIY UK 2014

At the Synth DIY 2014 Convention, Robinson College, Cambridge, UK, new products from leading UK and European synthesizer manufacturers will be on show for the first time.

Liivatera (www.liivatera.com) will be releasing two new modules. First, a through­zero voltage­controlled oscillator with complex sync, half and double­frequency outputs, LFO mode, PWM and multiple waveforms.

Capabilities will be demonstrated, and available immediately. A second 'mystery' module, together with several prototype modules, will be demonstrated, showing what to expect from Liivatera through the second half of this year.

Abstract Data (www.abstractdata.biz), the London­based Eurorack company, will be demoing their range of modules including the recently released ADE­30 Wave Boss CV utility module and the ADE­31 Logic Boss logic and triggering module. Abstract Data currently has a number of new products in development with announcements planned towards the end of 2014.

CESYG (www.cesyg.com) will be demonstrating their LEVIN Eurorack module, a 21­element LED voltmeter with multiple inputs, switchable ranges, and covering the DC to audio range. CESYG Founder Dr. Neil Johnson said 'LEVIN illuminates the signals in your synthesizer. You might know what A, D, S and R sound like, now you can see what they look like.'

There will also be representatives and demonstrations from Modulus Music, Sequentix Music Systems, Future Sound Systems, Krisp1 Modular Construction, and more.

For more information please visit www.diy.synth.net/uk"

Liivatera Eurorack Modules, IC & Product Design, Prototyping Aids & More

We have a new eurorack modular manufacturer featured on the site. I'm not sure how long Liivatera has been around, but this is the first post to feature them. I found out about them in a press release for the next SDIY UK meet that will go up next. They will be introducing two new modules at the event. You can find their current lineup here. Their Mixer/Attenuverter/Offset and Sample/Track & Hold modules are featured in this post for the archives.

Be sure to check out the rest of their site. They offer IC Design Services, Product Design, Small Volume Assembly, Prototyping Aids and various Utilities.


"Mixer/Attenuverter/Offset
Five Attenuverters.
Each input amplifier can be individually scaled between +1 and -1,

Five Offset Voltages.
With no input signal these can be used as static control voltages, or can offset the input signal. Turn an LFO into an EG instantly. Bi-colour LED's indicate the output voltage, so it's easy to see if a signal crossing zero-volts.

Versatile Mixing.
If a jack isn't plugged into an output socket, the output is automatically summed into the output of the channel below.

Five-Channel Mixer.
The five outputs are summed to produce a sixth output that has a master level control."

"Sample/Track & Hold.
Sample Mode: The Out signal is updated to with the Input signal every time the Clock crosses the Trigger level in a positive direction.

Track Mode: When the clock input signal is less than the trigger level, the In signal passes straight-through to the Out socket. When the clock signal is greater than the trigger level, the Out signal is 'frozen' and no longer track the In signal.

When there no jack in the Clock socket, the LFO is routed internally to the sample & hold.

The Trigger Level range is -5 to +5 Volts, to accommodate both bipolar and unipolar trigger signals. When a ramp signal is used as the clock, adjusting this level changes the timing of the internal trigger signal.

Low Frequency Oscillator.
The LFO frequency can be set manually with the Frequency control, and externally using the two CV inputs. These are both temperature compensated and have a nominal 1volt/Octave characteristic.
Three waveforms can be selected, and the output level set by the Amplitude control. A front-panel LED indicates signal polarity and level."