Constructional difficulty: Small module with some simple setting up
Module Size: This module can be built in either 5U or 3U formats
The regular 5U Oakley format design in standard black. The smaller knobs used in this design have a diameters of 19mm.
This is a vintage ring modulator design with bags of character. It is based on the classic 4014 sub-module which was used on the 2500 modular and 2600 semi-modular synthesisers. The design has a fully discrete core but uses two op-amps for input and output amplification.
A ring modulator has two main inputs, usually called X and Y, and one output. The output voltage is the product of the two input voltages. In other words it multiplies the two input signals together to produce a new and different sounding output. If you have two sine wave input signals then the output will have both the sum and difference frequencies. For example, if X is a 440Hz sinewave and Y a 40Hz, you would get a 480Hz and a 400Hz sinewave from the output. However, this is only really true in a perfect ring modulator... And this ring modulator is not that. Each input has its own differing non-linearities or imperfections. This greatly adds to the character of the resultant output.
The Oakley Ring Modulator features three rotary control pots. Each input has its own attenuator, and there's also a offset control for the Y input. In conjunction with the Y attenuator, this third pot effectively acts as a wet-dry control for the X input. But because of the non-linearities inherent in the design it also acts in more subtle ways.
You can also use the Oakley Ring Mod as a standard VCA. Just use the Y input as your CV input and X will be shaped accordingly.
Each input can be either direct coupled (DC) or high pass filtered (AC). The former allows DC and low frequency signals to be processed. While the latter provides a DC block to process only alternating frequencies. The standard panel design makes both types of input available with each having its own socket. However, you can use a one socket on each and then use a switch to select between the two modes if you prefer.
The issue 1 ring mod built into a 1U wide natural finish Schaeffer panel in standard 5U Oakley/MOTM format. Issue 2 PCBs have an additional Euro power supply fitting.
This is one of our smaller format PCBs. The module can be either built as a standard 5U Oakley panel design, or as a smaller 3U Euro/Frac sized panel. To allow this to happen the pots are Alpha/ALPS 16mm types with our special matching brackets. The pot spacing on this module is 1.45" (37mm) instead of our usual 1.625" (41.3mm).
The power supply is +/-15V and admitted onto the board with our usual 0.156" MTA/Molex connectors. The board size is 86.4mm by 96.5mm.
Prices
5U Ring Modulator Full Module......................
110GBP
Euro Ring Modulator Full Module..................... 95GBP
Frac Ring Modulator Full Module..................... 95GBP
Ring Mod issue 2 PCB
................................... 15GBP
Ring Mod issue 2 pot kit ................................. 3GBP
Ring Mod issue 2 pot bracket kit
................... 0.60GBP
THAT300P NPN array
.................................... 6GBP
THAT320P PNP array
.................................... 6GBP
The Pot Kit contains the correct type and quantity of 16mm Alpha potentiometers to complete one module. The Pot Bracket Kit contains the correct type and quantity of Alpha pot brackets required to complete one module.
You need one THAT300 and one THAT320 per module.
Click here for full price list and ordering details. All prices include VAT at UK rates. Shipping and postage is additional to these prices.
Project Downloads
Ring Modulator User and Builder's Guide
Use 'save as...' button to download and view the files. IE users need to right hand mouse click and then choose 'save as'. Links to schematics are available to purchasers of the PCB or module and will be sent via e-mail when the board(s) are shipped.
Front Panel database
A Schaeffer front panel can be made for the 5U high 1U module in either standard black or natural finish. The databases are available here: Black or Natural Silver
To read this file you will need a copy of 'Frontplatten designer' from Schaeffer. The program also features on-line ordering, so its now even easier to buy your panels from Scheaffer.
The company are based in Berlin in Germany and will send out panels to anywhere in the world. Delivery to the UK normally takes around ten days. For North American users you can also order your Schaeffer panels from Front Panel Express.
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