updn Precision LFO

for Eurorack / A100 modular synthesizer systems.

You want tightly synchronized wobble bass lines, or your super slow transitions
must be timed perfectly? This LFO is for you.

The updn LFO keeps precise timing, either synchronizing to an external clock,
or generating its own heartbeat.

The LFO output signals are glued to the beat clock at any fraction of a bar,
for example: 1/4 (four cycles per bar), 1/8T (six per bar) or even 12/57 (would
sound quite unusual). Very slow speeds like 128/1 (a single cycle thru 128
bars) are still accurate. The six red buttons are freely programmable with any
speed fractions from 1/256 thru 255/1. LFO rates change instantaneously
at the push of a button or the touch of a MIDI note.

All operations can be automated via two MIDI inputs, with the ability to track
live modifications on the MIDI output. Nevertheless, all features are available
without the need for external MIDI devices.

This LFO is modular: one input module can drive several output
modules, and each output module has two independent output units.

Each output unit runs an individual waveform at an individual speed. The
waveform is adjustable in these ways:
. An ASR envelope provides the basic shape. This is an intuitive interface to
  many archetypical waveforms:
  saw wave: Attack = max, Sustain = 0, Release = 0
  square:   Attack = 0, Sustain = half, Release = 0
  triangle: Attack = half, Sustain = 0, Release = half
  ...and anything in-between.
. Attenuation and DC Offset control the output range.
. Phasing controls how tightly the waveform sits on or off the beat.

By setting the Attenuation to zero and adjusting the DC Offset parameter, any
output unit can effectively become a 12-bit MIDI-to-CV device.

status
. The 1st prototype has been destroyed by some firemen.
. The 2nd prototype is in active use, but requires a controlling MIDI device.
. The 3rd prototype, which is desribed here, is in software development.

ordering
No price tag has been set yet. Nevertheless, taking preliminary orders now:
reserve your place on the list of first buyers, without obligation to buy.
Specifications are still subject to change, but probably not too much.

technical details
The two modules you see in the picture above are so far the only ones produced
of the third generation. These prototype modules have been designed, etched and
crafted in the updn HQ hacking space.
(Production stage modules will be made with professionally produced PCBs for
better reliability.)

The output module has two 12bit ADCs. From there, a filter stage reduces noise
beyond significance to yield a high quality quasi-analog signal. The output
modules are designed with waveform frequencies of up to 100Hz in mind.

The practical maximum number of output modules has not been determined yet. The
theoretical maximum is 16 output modules, which would give you 32 synchronized
output channels. I would expect 8 modules and 16 channels to be plenty anyway.

hacking
You can "easily" write your own programs for this versatile module or even
build your own from scratch. Both modules run AVR microcontrollers, which are
relatively easy to program. The devices are not locked, ISP connectors are
available and ready to use. See about/open.



If there is anything else you would like to know, don't hesitate to ask!