[sdiy] Real-world Eurorack signal chain advice...

[Thomas Strathmann]

On 14.09.10 13:09, Justin Owen wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> I've recently started putting together a small Eurorack system. I'm also working on a waveshaper design and was hoping for some guidance on how to handle various types of signal inputs.
>
> +/-10 Volts is considered to be a good, wide-range CV. Fine.
>
> Most VCOs/LFOs are quoted as outputting 10V PP. In reality though, even from the few modules I have here, that could mean an output of anything between 5v PP and 15V PP.
>
> So - would you prefer:
>
> 1) A module that could handle 20V PP (i.e. +/- 10V PP regardless of whether it was CV or a *hot* waveform) and provide some sort of on-board amplification/biasing for smaller/quieter waveforms.
>
> 2) As above - but presume that the serious user will have their own ways/dedicated modules for handling amplification/biasing/attenuation, etc.
>
> 3) Go with the quoted *standards* of 10V PP for waveforms and provide some sort of on-board attenuation/biasing for bigger/louder waveforms.
>
> 4) As above - but presume that the serious user will have their own ways/dedicated modules for handling attenuation/biasing, etc.
>
> Seems like #2 is the most sensible 'big picture' solution to me but the whole modular/Euro thing is still pretty new to me so I'm still working out workflow, etc. There's possibly no right or wrong to this - answers appreciated as always.

I like modules that have at least input attentuation. That way, if all 
modules in the system adhere to this "convention", you'll never have any 
serious level problems you can't fix without breaking the signal chain 
at one point and inserting an additional attenuator. For a waveshaping 
device I think that a variable input amplification would also be in 
order, but that probably depends on what exactly you had in mind. Having 
adjustable output level on such a module might also not be the worst 
idea. My waveshaping plugin has both input and output level controls and 
that has proven to be useful. Just my 2 eurocents.

	Thomas