Interpolating Scanner and Hammond Scanner Vibrato PCB interest?
2008-04-20 by JH.
Hi, Here's an idea how I could possibly resurrect my Scanner Vibrato project. Instead of taking another go on a dedicated chorus / vibrato module, I could offer a full-fledged Interpolating Scanner with 9 stages, with an option to have the inductors on the PCB to turn it into a Hammond Chorus/Vibrato. That way, the PCB can be used by both, Modular Synth users, and those who are looking for a good Hammond Vibrato emulation. My original Interpolating Scanner is described here (8-stage version): http://jhaible.heim.at/tonline_stuff/jh_ipscan.html and the Hammond Vibrato Emulation is here: http://jhaible.heim.at/scanner_vibrato/jh_scanner_vibrato.html So the idea is to combine the two projects, hoping there will be enough demand for such a PCB to make it a project to be in the black, commercially. The new version would have 9 stages of linear scanning (to fully cover the 16 positions of the mechanical rotary Hammond scanner). The scan can be performed by *any* modulation source (LFO, envelopes, audio rate, you name it) - not just with a LFO as in my earlier scanner vibrato. All the audio waveshaping capabilities of the Interpolating Scanner would be preseved, as well. (Piecewise linear interpolation of fixed, or modulated, breakpoints). The pcb would also include the footprint for 25 inexpensive inductors, plus the buffer stages for makeup gain (required with cheap inductors; unlike the original Hammond Line Box) All the interconnections between this inductor delay line and the Scanner part would be done mechanically, with switches, just like the real Hammond. (No more CMOS switch matrix.) This also allows to use the board for a generic interpolating scanner with a jack for each stage's audio or CV input - with these inputs normalized to the Inductor delay line's taps. No more SSM chips in the new version, either. VCAs will all be discrete, built from transistor pairs. (9 transistor pairs like LM394 or similar required) Would this be an interesting project? JH.