Retroaktiv HLFO - Using HLFO as a Vibrato Source

Published on Nov 3, 2017 New England Analog Archives

"The HLFO can be used as a vibrato source. The vibrato can be triggered by using the on-board FSR sensor pad, or you can use another source, such as a mod wheel, aftertouch, or any other CV source. This is just one of countless applications of this useful module!"

Retroaktiv HLFO - Module Overview & Function Demo

New England Analog Archives
Published on Aug 9, 2017

"This video demonstrates some of the functionality of the Retroaktiv HLFO (Haptic LFO) for Eurorack. The module is 10HP wide. (Note, the unit shown in this video is a prototype with a lasercut plastic panel. Production units are metal panels with black silkscreen.) It features a voltage-controlled LFO, a sample & hold, a noise source, and a force sensor controller. This module packs a lot of utility into a small space. For more information on this module, please check out www.RetroaktivSynthesizers.com."

Note: I created a new Retroaktiv label for these moving forward. I was previously using the New England Audio label.

New England Audio Retroaktiv HLFO Eurorack Module

New England Analog Archives
Published on Aug 8, 2017

This is the first post to feature the New England Audio Retroaktiv HLFO eurorack module.

"The Retroaktiv HLFO (Haptic LFO) is a 10HP module for Eurorack systems. It is a voltage controlled LFO with a touch sensor, noise source, and sample & hold unit. It features a suite of useful functions, packed into a small module. Features include: LFO with voltage controlled rate and amplitude. LFO can be controlled by force sensor on panel, or by external CVs. Force sensor output = 0-5V. Built in sample & hold with noise generator. When no external source is connected to the S&H, HLFO noise source is normalized to the S&H input. S&H rate and amplitude can be controlled by external CVs or the onboard touch sensor.

In this video, I am running a VCO through a 2-pole Oberheim-style VCF. I'm generally running the main LFO out (the output with amplitude attenuation) to the VCO, and am running the sample & hold output to the filter cutoff. Sometimes I have the touch sensor routed to the filter or the VCO. Even if something is plugged into the touch sensor output, the touch sensor still gets normalized to the rate and amplitude inputs of the LFO unless something is connected to those jacks.

The oscilloscope in the video is connected to the main LFO output. Despite all of the wacky waveforms I'm making in this video, the HLFO can function like a standard tri/squ/S&H LFO. Any keyboard aftertouch sensor can also be connected to the HLFO, which makes it a great module to interface with a mod wheel or aftertouch."

Building Retroaktiv LED slider adapter boards for ARP synths

Published on Jul 26, 2017 New England Analog Archives

"This video gives a quick overview of how to construct an LED slider for ARP synthesizers using Retroaktiv LED slider adapter PCBs. We offer full assembled slider sets for Odyssey, Avatar, Axxe, Solus, Quadra, Omni 1, Omni 2, Pro Soloist & Pro DGX. We also offer full slider adapter PCB kits at RetroaktivSynthesizers.com."

Roland Super JX with PG-800 Mini Programmer Built In

Published on May 31, 2017 New England Analog Archives

Note the original PG-800 programmer for the JX-10 mainly has sliders with a few knobs. This is a custom controller with all knobs as you can see. It's reminiscent of the PG-300 controller for the JX-3P.

PG-800 Mini (Internal Installation) in JX-10---Turning knobs

Published on May 31, 2017 New England Analog Archives

"It's available in a few different formats. I am offering bare PCBs & graphic overlays (with BOM), fully assembled & tested boards with graphic overlays, and a fully assembled unit in an external enclosure & DIN cable. The programmer fits into the chassis of the JX8P and JX-10P if you want to install it into the synth itself. (Drill template is included with kit) The parameter being controlled is shown on the screen of the synth when you move a knob. I have provisions on the PCB for MIDI in/out/thru, though there is currently no firmware support for those. If you're an adventurous DIY-er, you can play around with that. Firmware is based on the project http://www.poesboes.com/index.html?./... and is being used with permission of the author. (firmware on Poesboes will not work on this unit. There are a bunch of modifications) Firmware is available from me for the cost of the Atmel and shipping, if anyone wants it.

I am taking orders for these now, and will be mailing out the first production run in about 4 weeks. I have 25 units available. The pricing scheme is as follows:

Bare PCB, schematic, programmed processor chip, graphic overlay, BOM, and drill template - $99. (Requires SMD soldering)

Assembled & tested board with drill template and graphic overlay $250
Fully assembled and tested external unit with 5' DIN cable - $350
If you're interested in getting one, please PM me [send message via YouTube]. Thanks!"

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