The SAPÈL is a random control voltages source for Eurorack modular systems. It is composed of two main sections, one that generates audio noises, in 4 different versions, and another which includes two specular random clock, random voltages, and clock sources.
Noise outputs are color coded, based on the noise colors, and include:
- blue (+3dB/oct spectrum)
- white noise (0dB/oct spectrum)
- pink noise (-3dB/oct spectrum)
- red noise, a.k.a. brown or brownian (-6dB/oct spectrum).
The random voltage and clock section features four uncorrelated random CV generation paths, divided in;
- fluctuating random voltage;
- quantized random voltage with 2n stages tuned in semitones referred to 1V/oct scale;
- quantized random voltage with n+1 stages tuned in octaves referred to 1V/oct scale;
- non-quantized sample & hold.
It is also possible to set a probability distribution with a potentiometer, and apply (or do not apply) the chosen distribution setting to each of the four paths independently.
Furthermore, each of the two random sources section features an independent built-in clock generator, with clock output and random clock output, which can be used in “more than” or “less than” mode. It is possible to use an external clock signal as a clock source, bypassing the built-in one. In addition to that, it is also possible to hand trigger the clock via a manual sample & hold button, which can be also modulated by gate signals.
Clock
The clock section generates a precise clock signal and two random clocks. It welcomes also an external clock to bypass the built-in one. The resulting clock signal is used to trigger the sample&hold circuits used in the quantized and non-quantized random voltages and is sent to the clock output and to the random clock output.
A manual Sample&Hold button can be used to sample each time the button is pressed: it holds the voltage until the button is released.
It is possible to modulate the built-in clock frequency or the manual sample & hold.
The random clock output may work in two modes, depending on its switch position:
- if it is up, or in “more than” mode, it outputs all clock impulses generated from the clock in addition to other random clocks. Its time density depends on the “global rate of change” potentiometer of the fluctuating random section;
- if it is down, or in “less than” mode, it outputs the clock impulses generated from the Clock only “sometimes”. Even there, this condition depends on the “global rate of change” potentiometer of the fluctuating random section.
Quantized Random Voltages
Each of these two sections generates quantized random voltages, but with a slightly different approach, as proposed in the historical Buchla module Source of Uncertainty Model 266. The principle is similar, but the circuit has been designed from scratch using another approach in order to obtain a more “random” voltages distribution and an extremely precise voltages quantization, capable of generating precise semitones or octaves.
Furthermore, all controls are independent, with exclusive pot and CV modulation to define the number of quantization stages for the n+1 and 2n.
As in the original 266 module, the “n” parameter, which defines the number of stages, goes from 1 to 6:
for the 2n quantized random voltages, the number of stages goes from 2 to 64, or from 0V to 5.25V (quantized to 1/12V steps, or semitones in the 1V/oct scale).
for the n+1 quantized random voltages, the number of stages goes from 2 to 7, or from 0V to 6V (quantized to 1V steps, or octaves in the 1V/oct scale).
As described above these signals can be linked to the main probabilities distribution.
Non-Quantized Random
Sample & Hold
SAPÈL contains three sample & hold circuits for each of the two main sections (green and yellow): one of these three is coupled with a random generator and creates non-quantized stepped voltages. As described above this signal can be linked to the main probabilities distribution.
Fluctuating Random Voltage
This section generates a fluctuating/smoothed random voltage. As described above this signal can be linked to the main probabilities distribution. Please note that this section influences the behavior of the random clock in both modes.
Probability Distribution,
a.k.a. Stored Random Voltages
It is possible to define a global probability distribution of the magnitude of the four random signals. This distribution can be activated or not independently on each section with a switch.
Setting the distribution potentiometer fully counterclockwise most of the random signals have a low magnitude. Of course, even medium and high magnitude voltages may appear, only with a smaller probability.
As the potentiometer is turned clockwise the distribution moves through medium to high magnitude voltage probability.
The symbol with a yellow/green background between the two small potentiometers shows an idea of these possible distributions.
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 SAPÈL is a random control voltages source for Eurorack modular systems. It is composed of two main sections, one that generates audio noises, in 4 different versions, and another which includes two specular random clock, random voltages, and clock sources.
Noise outputs are color coded, based on the noise colors, and include:
- blue (+3dB/oct spectrum)
- white noise (0dB/oct spectrum)
- pink noise (-3dB/oct spectrum)
- red noise, a.k.a. brown or brownian (-6dB/oct spectrum).
The random voltage and clock section features four uncorrelated random CV generation paths, divided in;
- fluctuating random voltage;
- quantized random voltage with 2n stages tuned in semitones referred to 1V/oct scale;
- quantized random voltage with n+1 stages tuned in octaves referred to 1V/oct scale;
- non-quantized sample & hold.
It is also possible to set a probability distribution with a potentiometer, and apply (or do not apply) the chosen distribution setting to each of the four paths independently.
Furthermore, each of the two random sources section features an independent built-in clock generator, with clock output and random clock output, which can be used in “more than” or “less than” mode. It is possible to use an external clock signal as a clock source, bypassing the built-in one. In addition to that, it is also possible to hand trigger the clock via a manual sample & hold button, which can be also modulated by gate signals.
Clock
The clock section generates a precise clock signal and two random clocks. It welcomes also an external clock to bypass the built-in one. The resulting clock signal is used to trigger the sample&hold circuits used in the quantized and non-quantized random voltages and is sent to the clock output and to the random clock output.
A manual Sample&Hold button can be used to sample each time the button is pressed: it holds the voltage until the button is released.
It is possible to modulate the built-in clock frequency or the manual sample & hold.
The random clock output may work in two modes, depending on its switch position:
- if it is up, or in “more than” mode, it outputs all clock impulses generated from the clock in addition to other random clocks. Its time density depends on the “global rate of change” potentiometer of the fluctuating random section;
- if it is down, or in “less than” mode, it outputs the clock impulses generated from the Clock only “sometimes”. Even there, this condition depends on the “global rate of change” potentiometer of the fluctuating random section.
Quantized Random Voltages
Each of these two sections generates quantized random voltages, but with a slightly different approach, as proposed in the historical Buchla module Source of Uncertainty Model 266. The principle is similar, but the circuit has been designed from scratch using another approach in order to obtain a more “random” voltages distribution and an extremely precise voltages quantization, capable of generating precise semitones or octaves.
Furthermore, all controls are independent, with exclusive pot and CV modulation to define the number of quantization stages for the n+1 and 2n.
As in the original 266 module, the “n” parameter, which defines the number of stages, goes from 1 to 6:
for the 2n quantized random voltages, the number of stages goes from 2 to 64, or from 0V to 5.25V (quantized to 1/12V steps, or semitones in the 1V/oct scale).
for the n+1 quantized random voltages, the number of stages goes from 2 to 7, or from 0V to 6V (quantized to 1V steps, or octaves in the 1V/oct scale).
As described above these signals can be linked to the main probabilities distribution.
Non-Quantized Random
Sample & Hold
SAPÈL contains three sample & hold circuits for each of the two main sections (green and yellow): one of these three is coupled with a random generator and creates non-quantized stepped voltages. As described above this signal can be linked to the main probabilities distribution.
Fluctuating Random Voltage
This section generates a fluctuating/smoothed random voltage. As described above this signal can be linked to the main probabilities distribution. Please note that this section influences the behavior of the random clock in both modes.
Probability Distribution,
a.k.a. Stored Random Voltages
It is possible to define a global probability distribution of the magnitude of the four random signals. This distribution can be activated or not independently on each section with a switch.
Setting the distribution potentiometer fully counterclockwise most of the random signals have a low magnitude. Of course, even medium and high magnitude voltages may appear, only with a smaller probability.
As the potentiometer is turned clockwise the distribution moves through medium to high magnitude voltage probability.
The symbol with a yellow/green background between the two small potentiometers shows an idea of these possible distributions.
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.
