=== MICrODEC === ==== Modularizing ==== The MICrODEC is a very flexible sound modulating platform. It can act as a VCO, VCA, VCF, or any sort of strange contraption you can think of. This makes it particularly handy for modular synthesizers, with the added benefit that it won't drift with temperature! Below are some modifications that can be made to the MICrODEC to incorporate it into a modular platform. ===== Input Attenuation ===== This will allow the MICrODEC to accept the higher voltages common with modular synthesizers. The schematic also shows how to split the single stereo jack into 2 jacks, one for left and right, so seperate signals can be processed. NOTE: some of the stock functions do not use the right channel. {{attachment:microdec_input_mod.jpg}} ===== CV input to MOD1 ===== This is a quick hack to allow the MOD1 knob to be controlled by an external CV. It has the benefit of still using the MOD1 knob to control the gain of the signal you are inserting. The only drawback is that the DC level is also reduced as you turn down the gain. An op-amp circuit would be required to decouple gain and offset. The schematic is for +/-10V signals. Different resistor values would be required for different signal levels. {{attachment:microdec_cv_mod.jpg}} Some modulars, e.g. MOTM, use +/- 5V signals (10VPP) for both audio and CV, and run +/-15V power rails. In this case, adding external CV control is surprisingly simple if the Mod1 pot is mounted off board. No traces need to be cut and the 5V lead to the pot can be instead routed to the switch lug of the CV input jack. A Switchcraft 112A is a good choice of jack if you're patching with 1/4" cables. For +/-5V signals (10VPP), 2 resistors, 6.8K and 20K, can be soldered between the jack and pot as pictured. {{attachment:Picture 2.png}} As such nothing needs to be soldered to the PCB and the Mod1 pot acts as an attenuator for +/-5V signals. However, please take care not to exceed this voltage range. Also keep in mind that with this mod C53 is still acting as a lowpass filter on the CV input. If you find some modulation at audio rates is getting bypassed, replace C53 with a smaller value.