SynQuaNon Guitar Interface Eurorack Modules & More - SuperBooth 2022 Demo

video upload by SynQuaNon

"Here's a 2-minute collection of short demos using the SynQuaNon Eurorack analog polyphonic effects modules:

0:00 Hexaphonic AutoWah Filter with pedal control
0:29 Hexaphonic Funky AutoWah Filter with Hexaphonic Fuzz
1:01 Hexaphonic VCA Sequencer-controlled Arpeggios
1:34 Hexaphonic VCF Sequencer-controlled Arpeggios with Hexaphonic Fuzz
1:46 Hexaphonic VCF and VCA controlled in tandem by Sequencer

Did you notice that the SynQuaNon modules have virtually no patch cables connected and yet are in the audio chain? That's because they are interconnected at the back of the modules using SynQuaNon hexaphonic Audio and CV bus cables! This allows for a clutter-free front panel for easy user access and control adjustment - for more information, see the SynQuaNon Blog:

https://www.synquanon.com/post/why-ha..."

A list of their current modules via https://www.synquanon.com:

13-Pin Input Breakout

Roland/BOSS GK guitar interface for hexaphonic or polyphonic processing

Overview:
The 13-Pin Input Breakout module receives signals from a Roland GK-3 compatible guitar and converts them to modular levels using low-noise audio op-amps.
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Gain options include 10x (20dB), 30x (30dB), or 100x (40dB).
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Gain controls allow you to adjust the gain from zero to full-scale in the amplified string outputs.
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Amplifier boards are easily replaceable with different gain versions. Check the shop for replacement boards.
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The module provides power to the electronics in your GK-3 compatible guitar.
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Hand-assembled in the USA.
Important Note:
This module has been tested successfully with Roland GK-3, GK-2A, Graph Tech Hexpander, and RMC Poly-Drive pickup systems.
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Roland GK-2A pickups (including those on the Fender GC-1) require a special version of this module. Please indicate if you intend to use a Roland-ready or GC-1 Stratocaster with this module at the time of your order and we will supply the special version.

Features:
Outputs for each signal in the 13-pin GK-3 interface (audio/CV).
Access to direct signals from each string and the passive pickup.
Selectable gain range (1x or 10x, 30x, 100x) for each string and the passive pickup output on back of the module.
Adjustable gain or attenuation to zero within each selected gain range.
Metal film resistors for close channel gain matching.
Pairs well with 13-Pin Output Breakout , Hex VU Meter, Hex Fuzz, Hex VCF, Hex VCA, and Hex EF-Gate-Trigger.
Ideal for guitar multi-channel, single-string, or hexaphonic effects processing.

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Sound Semiconductor Announces Two New VCA Chips

"SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR SPINS OUT SINGLE AND DUAL VCA CHIPS

VCA Range now spans Single, Dual, and Quad Versions

June 23, 2020 – Sonora, California – Sound Semiconductor today announced single and dual channel VCA additions to its product lineup, the ProCircuitTM SSI2161 and FatKeysTM SSI2162.

VCA’s – or Voltage Controlled Amplifiers – are used for automatic, remote, or CPU control of audio gain and/or attenuation in such systems as music synthesizers, dynamics processors, noise reduction systems, effects processors, and mix console fader automation; as well as design of voltage controlled filters, exponential voltage to current converters, and many other basic audio building blocks. Sound Semiconductor’s SSI2164, a low noise and distortion VCA with four independent channels, was introduced several years ago and has been embraced by the audio community.

In pursuit of even better performance, the newly launched SSI2161 internally parallels all four SSI2164 channels for a 6dB noise improvement, offering the lowest noise among VCA chips. Likewise, the SSI2162 internally parallels two pairs of SSI2164 channels for 3dB lower noise.

All VCA’s have exponential control with a –33mV/dB gain constant. Current inputs and outputs allow a wide range of input and output resistance to suit design needs, and a unique mode control permits selection of class A, AB, or intermediate biasing of the gain core to optimize noise versus distortion characteristics. A gain range from +20dB to –100dB is possible.

The SSI2161 and SSI2162 are both housed in a 10-lead Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP). Pricing at 1000 pieces is $0.84 for the SSI2161 and $0.99 for the SSI2162. Both are available now.

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for music creation. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com."

Analog Renaissance Tests Out the New Sound Semiconductor SSI2164

You might recall Sound Semiconductor announced the availability of the SSI2164 QUAD VCA chip back in March of 2018 (data sheet here). The SSI2154 is technically an updated design of the classic SSM2164 found in the Octave Voyetra Eight, Siel DK 600, Opera 6 & Kiwi, and the full blown Waldorf Wave. Analog Renaissance was commissioned by Sound Semiconductor to write an application note on the chip in practical use. The following are some of his findings including a couple of demos and a cool oscilloscope synth cat. :)

via Analog Renaissance:

"Sound Semiconductor (basically SSM risen from its ashes) hired me a few months back to write an application note AN701: 'Designing Voltage Controlled Filters for Synthesizers with the SSI2164' for them.

This job quickly escalated because while analyzing this IC's design, it became apparent that it is far more capable, due to its advanced design over its predecessor the SSM2164 (and its cheap knockoffs), than what I expected from reading the datasheet.

Its exceptional THD and noise specs allow building ultra clean filters that are virtually distortion and noise free, its excellent channel tracking means that it is very suitable for multi-mode filters which rely on precision and inherent in its design is the same type of asymmetric distortion responsible for the legendary SSM2040’s sound and more.

The 32-page manuscript is now being reviewed and edited to match their house-style, and should be made public soon. Imho it's quite extensive and covers next to SSI2164 specific content quite a bit of VCF design in general, circuit history and some novel stuff.

As there are already more than enough datasheets, application notes and books filled with non-working (read: tested in spice) nonsense, I accepted this job on one condition: build, test and since it's about synthesizers, hear everything before writing about it.

The small building blocks were breadboarded, but as this type of construction quickly becomes impractical for larger designs, certainly when they need multiple sources and control voltages, and impossible to do meaningful measurements on beyond a certain level, due to coupling and EMC issues, I built 3 filters in eurorack format, which also allows for quick connection to other synth and audio equipment.


SSI2164 - 2040 VCF Published on May 5, 2019 dnaab136

The first one, on the left, is an ultra-clean 4-pole VCF with a SNR better than 107dB (A-weighted) and THD is less than 0.0066%. Both these numbers are the limit of my current test equipment.

The second one, in the middle, is a VCF that employs the SSI2164's SSM2040-like non-linearities and for the first time since the early 80's done monolithically.

The 3rd one, on the right, expresses my contempt for what can and can't be done by ignoring a few mathematical constraints and is a self-oscillating 6dB/oct (1-pole slope) VCF.


SSI2164 - Mathematically impossible self-oscillating 6dB/oct VCF Published on May 6, 2019 dnaab136

Math wasn't happy with this, so it sounds a bit angry and, one of its main features is its capability of transforming sine waves into cats.
one of its main features is its capability of transforming sine waves into cats.

All 3 modules borrow 2 things from power electronics: A FET-bridge that allows plugging in the power cable in any orientation, without the voltage drop associated with diode bridges, and an S-Curve dimmer, originally intended for incandescent lamps but here used for a reversing attenuator with a dead zone in the middle.

The first 2 are multi-mode and have next to the standard 4-pole output a few extra outputs: 2 & 4-pole band-pass and a 2-pole low-pass. All outputs have the exact same phase response and can be mixed to obtain variable slope filters.

I'll bring these to Superbooth in one of these waldorf KB37 keyboards, with some basic VCO, LFO, ADSR and mixer modules for you to play with along with a printout of my manuscript and what is already edited (about 2/3rd) for publication."

Analogue Renaissance ACID SCREAMER TS-303-GT: Morphing Distortion 2nd Prototype

The Acid Screamer morphing distortion eurorack module by Analog Renaissance utilizes the Sound Semiconductor SSI2164 QUAD VCA (see this post for some notes form Analog Renaissance on the SSI2164).

Details via Analog Renaissance who will be at SUPERBOOTH, booth H254:

"The shape by which the waveforms are bent, can go seamless from distortion (hard clipping like the DS-1) to overdrive (soft bend the waveform outward like the TS-808) and also in the opposite direction to what I call underdrive (bend the waveform inward) and looks a bit like wave folding + anything in between.

The shape can be seamlessly adjusted from perfect symmetric (like the OD-1) to assymetric (like TS-808) and beyond to one side of the waveform being overdrive and the other distortion.

This bending is frequency adjustable: You can select the part of the audio spectrum that is bent and the selectivity. This is somewhat related to a filter, but in this case it only affects the bent part of the signal and has interesting effects like isolating out the sequencer noise of a 303 or turning it into a bassdrum. This frequency selectivity is constructed around a SSI2164.

Like the previous MK2 version this one is remains capable of restoring the signal dynamics associated with overdrive and distortion effects.

Contrary to the previous version, the whole design is done from the ground up with voltage control taken in mind and a full modular version is in the works with CV-control for all parameters.

Do drop by if you're interested in more about these things. I'm at booth H254"

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SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR GOES BIG ON SSI2164 QUAD VCA DATA SHEET

via Sound Semiconductor

"SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR GOES BIG ON QUAD VCA DATA SHEET

Provides Broad Content on Use, Circuit Operation, and Numerous Applications

August 8, 2018 – Audio IC specialist Sound Semiconductor® today announced a significant update to the data sheet for its SSI2164 FatkeysTM Quad Voltage Controlled Amplifier.

The SSI2164 Quad VCA, introduced earlier this year, now has a comprehensive data sheet to go with it. The sixteen-page data sheet includes a wealth of information spanning from general use to real-world applications, and includes a description of circuit operation. Content is arranged to satisfy a range of technical abilities from DIY enthusiast to seasoned circuit designer.

Special applications include zero to 5V linear and exponential control, voltage controlled filters, and a novel temperature compensated exponential voltage to current converter by synth design icon Dave Rossum.

'We wouldn’t normally announce a data sheet update,” stated Dan Parks, President of Sound Semiconductor. "But this one is significant and in keeping with our goal of providing best-in-class data sheets to support a wide range of users.'

The data sheet is available now, and can be download from www.soundsemiconductor.com. [captured as JPEGs in this post]

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for the electronic music and professional audio markets."

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DSI CHOOSES SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR FILTER CHIP FOR PROPHET X

If you are curious what filter chip is used in Dave Smith Instruments' new Sequential Prophet X, it's the new SSI2144 from Sound Semiconductor, designed by Dave Rossum of E-Mu fame, and the new Rossum Electro-Music. The SSI2144 is a new and improved version of the SSM2044 used in many classic vintage synths. The official press release from Sound Semiconductor follows:

"DSI CHOOSES SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR FILTER CHIP FOR PROPHET X

SSI2144 Filter Perfect Complement to Sample and Synthesis Engine

June 6, 2018 – Audio IC specialist Sound Semiconductor today announced that venerable synthmaker Dave Smith Instruments selected the SSI2144 Fatkeys™ Four-Pole Voltage Controlled Filter for its groundbreaking Prophet X.

The Prophet X fuses samples and synthesis into a single keyboard for unprecedented stage and studio capability. Built around a bi-timbral stereo 8-voice DSP engine with a massive 150GB internal memory, the Prophet X provides cutting edge samples created by sound designers 8DIO. Also included are dual digital oscillators per voice with a wide range of waveforms and great flexibility on how they’re used.

Samples and waveform generation start in the digital domain but grounded in the real world through sixteen analog filters. Dave and his development team chose the newly available SSI2144 due to its classic ladder sound in an affordable and modern IC footprint.

Sound Semiconductor was founded in 2016 by original SSM staffers – many of whom carried forward the SSM vision at Analog Devices – to develop high performance ICs for professional audio and electronic music. The SSI2144 is an updated and improved re-issue of the SSM2044, which many believe to be the best-sounding filter IC ever produced. Both the SSM2044 and SSI2144 were designed by electronic music icon Dave Rossum.


The SSI2144 was quickly followed by the SSI2164, a significantly improved direct-replacement for the SSM2164 Quad VCA. More products are in development.

"SSM chips were at the core of Rev One and Two Prophet 5’s," stated Dan Parks, President of Sound Semiconductor. "So it feels great to be back in a Prophet our the new SSI2144.”

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for the electronic music and professional audio markets. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com."

New CEM and SSM Chip Clones

A few new CEM and SSM chips for the DIYers out there.

First we have Latvian CEM Synth IC clones from ALFA:

AS3310 Voltage Controlled Envelope Generator. CEM3310 pin-to-pin compatible
AS3320 Voltage controlled filter. Improved CEM3320 pin-to-pin compatible
AS3330 Dual Voltage Controled Amplifier (VCA). Improved CEM3330 replacement.
AS3340, AS3345 Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO). CEM3340, CEM3345 pin-to-pin compatible
AS3360 Dual Voltage Controled Amplifier (VCA). CEM3360 pin-to-pin compatible
AS16M1 Serial Controlled, 16-Channel SPCO Switch

Next, Coolaudio [Behringer] announced they are working on new SSM chip clones (news via Soviet Space Child):

"Now that we have successfully cloned the famous Curtis 3340 and 3320 synth chips, we are now looking into reviving the great sounding SSM2044 and SSM2033 chips."

Sound Semiconductor recently announced the SSI2164 QUAD VCA.

And last, but definitely not least, considering, Curtis Electro Music announced the CEM3340 VCO re-issue in 2016.

For a list of CEM and SSM chips in synthesizers see Wikipedia here.

For previous posts including some with demos, see the corresponding labels below.

This post, like all posts, is an FYI that this all exists. It's up to makers and DIYers to decide where they get their chips. This post is worth reading.

Sound Semiconductor SSI2164 Quad VCA Now Available

Sound Semiconductor announces an SSM2164 replacement chip. According to Wikipedia, the 2164 was a replacement for the 2024, but not a drop in replacement. The 2164 was used in the Octave Voyetra Eight, the Siel DK 600, Opera 6 and Kiwi, and the full blown Waldorf Wave.

"NEW IC PACKS FOUR HIGH-PERFORMANCE VCA’S INTO A SINGLE PACKAGE

Upgrades Existing SSM/V2164 Positions and Increases Flexibility for New Designs

March 8, 2018 – Audio IC specialist Sound Semiconductor today announced availability of the SSI2164 FatkeysTM Quad Voltage Controlled Amplifier.

Developed by the original SSM2164 team, the SSI2164 directly retrofits existing SSM/V2164 positions without any changes to external components. In such applications, total harmonic distortion is lower across the board. Internal protections were also added to greatly improve asymmetrical power-up performance, a condition that has caused grief among users of the SSM/V2164 in modular systems.

The SSI2164 is a versatile building block for high-performance audio systems. Four independent channels are provided with a gain range from +20dB to -100dB with a -33mV/dB control constant. Current inputs and outputs give flexibility in system design, and a novel mode control permits biasing as class A, AB, or in- between to optimize noise versus distortion performance depending on design targets. The SSI2164 will operate from supplies as low as ±4V for battery-powered devices such as guitar pedals, and up to ±17V in systems where maximum headroom is desired. Distortion is typically 0.025% (Class A), and Class AB output noise is typically -96dBu.

For new designs, a four-fold increase in current handling allows reduction of input and output resistor values for additional improvement in signal-to-noise ratio, further enhancing flexibility of the device. Depending on values chosen for the input and output resistors, some changes to external components may be necessary.

The SSI2164 is offered in a 16-lead Small Outline Package (SOP). Priced at $1.93 for 1000 pieces, the SSI2164 is in stock for immediate shipment. Samples are available to qualified OEM’s; hobby and DIY enthusiasts are served through a growing network of Sound Semiconductor’s authorized resellers.

'The SSI2164 was our logical second product,' stated Dan Parks, President of Sound Semiconductor. 'We have the original SSM2164 designer, product engineer, and marketing engineer on our team so it was a satisfying challenge to update a device we enjoyed so much the first time around.'

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for the electronic music and professional audio markets. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com."