Patch-tips with the MFB dual voltage controlled LFO

Today we are going over some interesting ways to spice up patches using voltage controlled LFOs. LFOs with CV inputs are great for dynamic modulation, interesting shifting patterns, and to add texture and detail in your patches. First we’ll have a quick look at the MFB Dual LFO, and then we dive right in to some patch ideas!

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The key to making interesting sounds

Today we’ll have a look at smooth random voltages in eurorack land. It’s a great tool for making interesting sounds! I’ll quickly explain what I mean with smooth random voltages and why they are interesting. But in the biggest part of this video we’ll go over some patches with random voltages to help you get started, get new ideas, or see if random is something you’re interested in.

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New Eurorack VCDLFO Module

This versatile VCDLFO adds a lot of powerful modulation options to your modular system. Whilst most LFOs include just the standard and rather boring waveforms, such as triangle and ramp.

The VCDLFO takes things further and can generate eight 16-bit waveforms; including two different types of random waves; essentially making it an LFO and random voltage generator in one module.

VCDLFO Features

• Versatile VCDLFO and random voltage generator in one module.
• Eight different 16-bit waveforms including two types of random waves.
• Frequency range of 0.05Hz (20s) to 25Hz (40ms) i.e. nine octaves.
• Tempo button allowing the user to manually tap to set the frequency of the VCDLFO.
• A sync input also allows the tempo to be set by an external gate signal.
• Many modulation possibilities including FM, Waveform Select, Offset and Depth. All CV inputs are 0V to 10V and are summed with the front panel controls.
• The VCDLFO uses 16-bit wave data with interpolation to give the smoothest possible result. Similarly, intermediate calculations are done at 16-bit accuracy. The final PDM output is 12-bit.
• LED indicating frequency of output waveform.
• Ergonomic design.
• Hand-built and tested in the UK.

VCDLFO Waveforms

• Ramp (up)
• Ramp (down)
• Square
• Triangle
• Sine
• Sweep
• Random levels (similar to the classic sample & hold waveform)
• Random slopes (moves linearly between points)

The VCDLFO has an overall frequency range of 0.05Hz (20s) to 25Hz (40ms) i.e. nine octaves. It can generate tempos between 3BPM and 1500BPM, which is useful for a range of different applications.

Another useful feature is the Tempo button, that the user can manually tap to set the frequency of the VCDLFO. The frequency will remain at the set tempo until the frequency knob is moved.

A sync input also allows the tempo to be set by an external gate signal.

Other front panel controls include Frequency, Waveform Select (for cycling through the different waveforms), Offset (for adding a DC offset to the waveform between ±5V) and Depth (essentially a level control to vary the amplitude of the waveform).

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The Offset and Depth functions interact in an interesting way to allow bipolar and unipolar waveforms of either polarity (positive or negative) to be produced. The Offset feature functions when the Depth is set to less than full.

The VCDLFO can also be modulated in many different ways to create even more complex waveforms. Specific CV inputs include FM, Waveform Select, Offset and Depth. All CV inputs have a range of 0V to 10V. The front panel controls are summed with the CV inputs.

Pricing and Availability

VCDLFO is available now.

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