The Multifunction Discrete VCO rips up the rulebook to deliver a unique and powerful sound. Its completely new multi-waveform and syncable sub-oscillator design provides super-phat layered sounds and de-tuned voices.
We are proud to present one of our most original modules yet. Designing a module can be like starting a track – you might have something specific in mind, but before you know it you have made something entirely new, with no connection to the original idea.
And that′s pretty much how we came up with the Multifunction Discrete VCO: we set out to emulate a classic VCO, began experimenting, followed our noses, and ended up making something completely different.
And, we think, better!
No substitute
At its core, the Multifunction Discrete VCO combines a massive single sawtooth core with a strong sub oscillator, both with individual waveshapers. This sub oscillator is, to the best of our knowledge, unique, as it′s not a separate oscillator, but rather a frequency divider (always one octave down).
This approach has a few excellent consequences. First, it means the sub oscillator is always in phase. Next, it means that it can supply all the same waveforms as the regular oscillator, not just the simple pulse you are used to in a conventional sub oscillator. Finally, it can be modulated in exactly the same way as the main waveform (not separately, of course, although the sub oscillators can be processed individually).
Mix and match 10 simultaneous waveforms
There′s much more to it than that, though: separate outputs provide simultaneous access to all the resulting waveforms – saw, inverted saw, PW rectangle, triangle, and sine – for both the oscillator and sub oscillator. So you can mix and match any combination, or all of them, simultaneously!
Naturally, we spared no effort or expense to bring you the finest quality components, from the inside to the outside, with the rugged build you′d expect from a tank… or an ACL module! All signal paths are fully discrete, right up to the outputs.
But as we claimed from the outset, this is much more than a mere classic VCO.
Beating and detuning and syncing… oh my!
For example, if you play with the linear detune, it′s possible to create awesome ‘beating’ effects when layering two or more VCOs. In conventional designs, the beating will speed up or slow down according to pitch, but in our design the beating remains the same, even when playing the sound across many octaves.
In other words, this direct relation between the linear detune and VCO response makes it possible to have the same beating frequency at every pitch, for a uniquely atmospheric, rich, and alive sound.
Moreover, if you play the VCO in LFO mode, the module enables control of the speed in the same way as in VCO mode, even allowing very long lasting sweeps.
Another strong feature is the huge range of syncing capabilities: adjust the sync amount manually, or use CV to glide from no sync to sync, surfing through variable degrees of soft to hard sync.
The core can sync to all repeatable waveforms that approximately exceed 1 VPP, and you can choose between falling and rising edge sync, to hold the proper phase relationship between the syncing and the synced wave or generate phase offset of 180 degrees.
For more percussive and bass patches, the Gate input can be used to reset the VCO core at the beginning of every note, ensuring every attack sounds equal and systematic at each time the notes are played. The Gate input can also be used as hard-sync input as well, even at the same time as the Sync input.
There are also powerful sound-shaping modulation options. For example, you can also modulate both the oscillator and sub oscillator rectangle wave pulse widths through their separate PWM inputs and controls. On top of this, you also have the possibility to choose between different PWM "carrier" waves to change the PWM-behaviour: Rising and Falling Sawtooth will create a heavily detuned unsymmetrical PWM sound, while Triangle will create a very musical sounding symmetrical PWM.
Built by experimenting, for experimenting.
We′ve just scratched the surface of this imaginative module. We followed our instincts when designing it, and that′s exactly what you will do when using it too. Sounds speak louder than words, so we invite you to try it out for yourself or check out the demo below.
3U Eurorack module, 26 HP wide, compatible with Skiff cases.
Current Draw:
- 98 mA +12V
- 104 mA -12V
- 0 mA 5V
Installation depth
How much is my shipping?
Shipping is automatically calculated before you submit your payment information. Simply add items to your cart and proceed to the checkout page, where you'll be offered shipping options and their prices. In the UK it's normally around £4 for order values under £150, and free above that. Shipping to mainland EU is typically between £7 and £20, depending on the shipping method and the size and weight of the order.
Do you ship to my country?
Almost certainly - the site will give you an estimate of shipping costs if you add an item to the cart and then enter your country and postcode. If you have specific requirements (such as if you prefer UPS over FedEx, for example) then let us know in advance and we'll try to work something out for you.
Shipping methods
We use a combination of Parcelforce, DPD, Royal Mail and UPS for the UK, and for international orders it's either Royal Mail, UPS, DHL or FedEx depending on where you are in the world. If you have a particular preference then try to let us know BEFORE you order so we can look into it for you. Please note that there may occasionally be additional shipping charges if you live in a remote area, depending on what surcharges are applied by the shipper. We'll get in touch to discuss this with you in such cases.
Dispatch times
For UK orders, we normally dispatch the same working day if we get the order before 15:00. If you have a really urgent situation then of course drop us an email before ordering and we'll always do our absolute best to accommodate you.
For international orders, we normally dispatch the same day if we get the order before 13:00 but again, occasionally it might be the next day before we can send it out, and sometimes FedEx or UPS may come a little earlier than scheduled which would also push an order into the next day.
Shipping times
Since April 2020 the couriers we use have suspended guarantees for shipping times, so even though we're paying them for priority services - 24-48 hours for most of the world - in practice it's often an extra day on top and sometimes it can be longer.
There is absolutely nothing we can do about this unfortunately. If you are outside the UK and it's a life-or-death situation where you absolutely MUST have that passive mult for the next day then... it may be better to find a local supplier.
Saturday shipping
If you're in the UK and you order before 15:30 on a Friday then we can send something for a Saturday delivery (NB: this applies to UK mainland addresses only). The success rate with DPD is about 95% so it's worth a punt most of the time. Please note that if you select Saturday shipping on an order placed earlier in the week, we'll wait until Friday to ship it.
Pre-orders
If a product is listed as a pre-order, it means we've ordered it from the supplier but it's not physically in stock yet. The product listing will include an estimated shipping date based on the best information we have from the supplier, but do bear in mind this is subject to change and is not a guaranteed date.
If you place an order containing a mixture of in-stock and pre-order items, we'll normally hold off on shipping anything until the pre-order item(s) have arrived, rather than splitting it into multiple shipments. If you need the in-stock items sooner, we'd recommend placing separate orders. As always, please get in touch if you have questions.
Product Overview
The Multifunction Discrete VCO rips up the rulebook to deliver a unique and powerful sound. Its completely new multi-waveform and syncable sub-oscillator design provides super-phat layered sounds and de-tuned voices.
We are proud to present one of our most original modules yet. Designing a module can be like starting a track – you might have something specific in mind, but before you know it you have made something entirely new, with no connection to the original idea.
And that′s pretty much how we came up with the Multifunction Discrete VCO: we set out to emulate a classic VCO, began experimenting, followed our noses, and ended up making something completely different.
And, we think, better!
No substitute
At its core, the Multifunction Discrete VCO combines a massive single sawtooth core with a strong sub oscillator, both with individual waveshapers. This sub oscillator is, to the best of our knowledge, unique, as it′s not a separate oscillator, but rather a frequency divider (always one octave down).
This approach has a few excellent consequences. First, it means the sub oscillator is always in phase. Next, it means that it can supply all the same waveforms as the regular oscillator, not just the simple pulse you are used to in a conventional sub oscillator. Finally, it can be modulated in exactly the same way as the main waveform (not separately, of course, although the sub oscillators can be processed individually).
Mix and match 10 simultaneous waveforms
There′s much more to it than that, though: separate outputs provide simultaneous access to all the resulting waveforms – saw, inverted saw, PW rectangle, triangle, and sine – for both the oscillator and sub oscillator. So you can mix and match any combination, or all of them, simultaneously!
Naturally, we spared no effort or expense to bring you the finest quality components, from the inside to the outside, with the rugged build you′d expect from a tank… or an ACL module! All signal paths are fully discrete, right up to the outputs.
But as we claimed from the outset, this is much more than a mere classic VCO.
Beating and detuning and syncing… oh my!
For example, if you play with the linear detune, it′s possible to create awesome ‘beating’ effects when layering two or more VCOs. In conventional designs, the beating will speed up or slow down according to pitch, but in our design the beating remains the same, even when playing the sound across many octaves.
In other words, this direct relation between the linear detune and VCO response makes it possible to have the same beating frequency at every pitch, for a uniquely atmospheric, rich, and alive sound.
Moreover, if you play the VCO in LFO mode, the module enables control of the speed in the same way as in VCO mode, even allowing very long lasting sweeps.
Another strong feature is the huge range of syncing capabilities: adjust the sync amount manually, or use CV to glide from no sync to sync, surfing through variable degrees of soft to hard sync.
The core can sync to all repeatable waveforms that approximately exceed 1 VPP, and you can choose between falling and rising edge sync, to hold the proper phase relationship between the syncing and the synced wave or generate phase offset of 180 degrees.
For more percussive and bass patches, the Gate input can be used to reset the VCO core at the beginning of every note, ensuring every attack sounds equal and systematic at each time the notes are played. The Gate input can also be used as hard-sync input as well, even at the same time as the Sync input.
There are also powerful sound-shaping modulation options. For example, you can also modulate both the oscillator and sub oscillator rectangle wave pulse widths through their separate PWM inputs and controls. On top of this, you also have the possibility to choose between different PWM "carrier" waves to change the PWM-behaviour: Rising and Falling Sawtooth will create a heavily detuned unsymmetrical PWM sound, while Triangle will create a very musical sounding symmetrical PWM.
Built by experimenting, for experimenting.
We′ve just scratched the surface of this imaginative module. We followed our instincts when designing it, and that′s exactly what you will do when using it too. Sounds speak louder than words, so we invite you to try it out for yourself or check out the demo below.
Technical Specs
Shipping Details
How much is my shipping?
Shipping is automatically calculated before you submit your payment information. Simply add items to your cart and proceed to the checkout page, where you'll be offered shipping options and their prices. In the UK it's normally around £4 for order values under £150, and free above that. Shipping to mainland EU is typically between £7 and £20, depending on the shipping method and the size and weight of the order.
Do you ship to my country?
Almost certainly - the site will give you an estimate of shipping costs if you add an item to the cart and then enter your country and postcode. If you have specific requirements (such as if you prefer UPS over FedEx, for example) then let us know in advance and we'll try to work something out for you.
Shipping methods
We use a combination of Parcelforce, DPD, Royal Mail and UPS for the UK, and for international orders it's either Royal Mail, UPS, DHL or FedEx depending on where you are in the world. If you have a particular preference then try to let us know BEFORE you order so we can look into it for you. Please note that there may occasionally be additional shipping charges if you live in a remote area, depending on what surcharges are applied by the shipper. We'll get in touch to discuss this with you in such cases.
Dispatch times
For UK orders, we normally dispatch the same working day if we get the order before 15:00. If you have a really urgent situation then of course drop us an email before ordering and we'll always do our absolute best to accommodate you.
For international orders, we normally dispatch the same day if we get the order before 13:00 but again, occasionally it might be the next day before we can send it out, and sometimes FedEx or UPS may come a little earlier than scheduled which would also push an order into the next day.
Shipping times
Since April 2020 the couriers we use have suspended guarantees for shipping times, so even though we're paying them for priority services - 24-48 hours for most of the world - in practice it's often an extra day on top and sometimes it can be longer.
There is absolutely nothing we can do about this unfortunately. If you are outside the UK and it's a life-or-death situation where you absolutely MUST have that passive mult for the next day then... it may be better to find a local supplier.
Saturday shipping
If you're in the UK and you order before 15:30 on a Friday then we can send something for a Saturday delivery (NB: this applies to UK mainland addresses only). The success rate with DPD is about 95% so it's worth a punt most of the time. Please note that if you select Saturday shipping on an order placed earlier in the week, we'll wait until Friday to ship it.
Pre-orders
If a product is listed as a pre-order, it means we've ordered it from the supplier but it's not physically in stock yet. The product listing will include an estimated shipping date based on the best information we have from the supplier, but do bear in mind this is subject to change and is not a guaranteed date.
If you place an order containing a mixture of in-stock and pre-order items, we'll normally hold off on shipping anything until the pre-order item(s) have arrived, rather than splitting it into multiple shipments. If you need the in-stock items sooner, we'd recommend placing separate orders. As always, please get in touch if you have questions.
