VCV Random - Uncategorized NANO Modules - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Eurorack Synthesizer Module
Brand	NANO Modules
Model	VCV Random
Module Width	4 HP
Depth	30 mm (approx.)
Weight	50 g
Power Supply	+12V: 50 mA, -12V: 20 mA
Power Connector	10-pin Eurorack ribbon cable
Main Functions	Random voltage generator, sample & hold, clock divider, burst generator
Inputs	Clock (3.5mm jack), Reset (3.5mm jack)
Outputs	Random CV (3.5mm jack), Gate (3.5mm jack)
Controls	Rate knob, Spread knob, Mode selector
Status LEDs	Gate output indicator, Clock input indicator
Construction	PCB with aluminum front panel
Mounting	Standard Eurorack rails with screws
Operating Temperature	0°C to 50°C
Maintenance	Clean with dry cloth only; avoid liquids
Safety	Do not expose to moisture; disconnect power before installation
Spare Parts & Repairability	Contact NANO Modules support for repairs or parts
General Information	Designed in Spain; compact random voltage utility

Frequently Asked Questions - VCV Random NANO Modules

How do I power the VCV Random module?

Connect the included 10-pin ribbon cable to your Eurorack case power bus board, ensuring red stripe aligns with -12V. The module requires +12V (50 mA) and -12V (20 mA).

What is the width of the module?

The VCV Random occupies 4 HP (horizontal pitch) in a Eurorack case, approximately 20 mm wide.

Can I use the module with a standard Doepfer case?

Yes, it is compatible with any Eurorack case that provides +12V and -12V power rails and standard 3.5mm patch cables.

What does the 'Rate' knob do?

The Rate knob controls the speed of the internal clock or the frequency of random updates depending on the mode. Turn clockwise for faster updates.

What is the 'Spread' knob for?

The Spread knob adjusts the range of output voltages. Full counterclockwise gives a narrow range, full clockwise gives a wide range (0–10V approximately).

How do I use the sample & hold function?

Patch an external clock into the Clock input. The module will sample a random voltage at each clock pulse and hold it on the Random CV output. Use the Reset input to reset the internal sequence.

What is the maximum output voltage?

The Random CV output can produce voltages from 0V to approximately +10V, depending on the Spread knob setting.

My module is not powering on. What should I check?

Ensure the ribbon cable is correctly oriented (red stripe to -12V) and fully seated at both ends. Check that your case power supply delivers enough current (total draw must be within limits).

Can I use the Gate output to trigger other modules?

Yes, the Gate output provides a 5V gate signal that can trigger envelope generators, sequencers, or other modules requiring a gate signal.

How do I update the firmware?

The VCV Random does not have user-updatable firmware. All operations are handled via onboard controls. Contact NANO Modules if you suspect a firmware issue.

USER MANUAL VCV Random NANO Modules

Thank you for choosing VCV RANDOM for your Eurorack System.

Powering up

1. Turn off the power of your modular synthesizer.
2. Double check the power cord polarity. If you plug the module backwards you might damage its electronic circuits.

Diagram of a building with curved lines extending from it, no text or symbols present

If you flip over your VCV RANDOM, you will find the "RED" mark at the PCB power connector, which must match the colored line on the ribbon cable.

1. Once you have checked all the connections, you can turn on your modular system.
2. If you notice any anomalies, turn your system off right away and check again your connections.

Description

VCV Random is the hardware version of a well-known classic from the VCV Rack fundamental library. A random CV generator with 4 types of randomness and a triggerable sample-and-hold function.

Its sliders allow you to set the internal clock tempo (RATE), shape the probability of triggering (PROB), blend old with new values (RND) and set the shape of all four random outputs (SHAPE).

graph TD
    A["In"] --> B["RANDOM SOURCE"]
    C["TRIG"] --> D["INT. CLOCK rate"]
    B --> E["CROSSFADE rnd"]
    D --> F["PROBABILITY"]
    E --> G["S & H sample"]
    F --> G
    G --> H["STEP shape"]
    G --> I["LIN shape"]
    G --> J["EXP shape"]
    G --> K["SMOOTH shape"]
    H --> L["TRIG"]
    I --> L
    J --> L
    K --> L

Fig.1 Overview of the module functions

Layout

This image will clarify the function of each of the elements of the module.

graph TD
    A["IN Input"] --> B["Trigger Input"]
    B --> C["CV Inputs"]
    C --> D["CV Attenuverters"]
    D --> E["RND"]
    E --> F["Rate"]
    F --> G["Randomness Sliders"]

    H["TRIGIN"] --> I["OFFSET"]
    I --> J["SOFT"]
    J --> K["SMITHSTEPLINEKP"]

    L["TRIG"] --> M["OFFSET"]
    M --> N["SMITHSTEPLINEKP"]

    O["ON/O"] --> P["Rate"]
    P --> Q["PROB"]
    Q --> R["RND"]
    R --> S["SHAPE"]

    T["ON/O"] --> U["Rate"]
    U --> V["PROB"]
    V --> W["RND"]
    W --> X["SHAPE"]

    Y["ON/O"] --> Z["Rate"]
    Z --> AA["PROB"]
    AA --> AB["RND"]
    AB --> AC["SHAPE"]

    AD["ON/O"] --> AE["Rate"]
    AE --> AF["PROB"]
    AF --> AG["RND"]
    AG --> AH["SHAPE"]

    AI["ON/O"] --> AJ["Rate"]
    AJ --> AK["PROB"]
    AK --> AL["RND"]
    AL --> AM["SHAPE"]

    AN["ON/O"] --> AO["Rate"]
    AO --> AP["PROB"]
    AP --> AQ["RND"]
    AQ --> AR["SHAPE"]

    AS["ON/O"] --> AT["Rate"]
    AT --> AU["PROB"]
    AU --> AV["RND"]
    AV --> AW["SHAPE"]

    AX["ON/O"] --> AY["Rate"]
    AY --> AZ["PROB"]
    AZ --> BA["RND"]
    BA --> BB["SHAPE"]

    BC["ON/O"] --> BD["Rate"]
    BD --> BE["PROB"]
    BE --> BF["RND"]
    BF --> BG["SHAPE"]

    CA["ON/O"] --> CB["Rate"]
    CB --> CC["PROB"]
    CC --> CD["RND"]
    CD --> CE["SHAPE"]

    CF["ON/O"] --> CG["Rate"]
    CG --> CH["PROB"]
    CH --> CI["RND"]
    CI --> CJ["SHAPE"]

    CK["ON/O"] --> CL["Rate"]
    CL --> CD
    CD --> CD
    CD --> CE
    CE --> CL

Controls

- Randomness Sliders

RATE

Adjusts the internal clock's tempo. Upon each clock trigger, the RATE slider light blinks, and there is a chance for the internal random source to generate a new value.

PROB

Sets the probability of generating a new random value each clock cycle. If one is generated, the PROB slider light blinks and a pulse is emitted from the TRIG output.

RND

Blends the previous value with a random one, in a proportion determined by the RND slider. It affects the range of the voltage output.

SHAPE

Controls the transition shape to the new random value across all four outputs.

RATE PROB RND SHAPE

Fig.2 Detail of the randomness sliders

Controls

• CV Attenuverters

These knobs control how much and in what way an external signal affects the randomness parameters.

In the center position (0), the signal does not affect the parameter.

If you turn it to the right, it attenuates (turns down the strength) the signal.

If you turn it to the left, it inverts the signal, making things that were going up, go down instead, and vice versa.

- Offset Switch

Unipolar (0V to 10V).

With the switch facing up, the signal starts at 0 volts and can go up to 10 volts.

This setting is great for controlling things that have a clear starting and ending point, like the brightness of a light.

Bipolar (-5V to 5V).

With the switch facing down, the signal can move both ways: it starts in the middle (at 0), can go down to -5 volts, or up to 5 volts.

This is useful for parameters that need to move in two directions, like pitch, which can go higher or lower from a central note.

RATESHAPERNDPROB

Fig.6 Detail of module attenuverters

Fig.7 Detail of OFFSET switch

Inputs & Outputs

- Inputs

/CV INPUTS

Modulate the Rate, Probability, Random Range, and Shape with an external voltage. The applied signal is summed to each slider position.

/TRIG IN

If the TRIG input is patched, the RATE slider is ignored, and the clock is only triggered when an external trigger is received. The PROB slider is used to filter this trigger by some probability.

/IN

If the IN input is patched, this external voltage is used instead of a random voltage upon each trigger. The RND slider has no effect.

- Outputs

/TRIG OUT

if a new value is generated, a pulse is emitted from the TRIG output.

graph TD
    A["Rateshaper"] --> B["PROB"]
    B --> C["CV IN"]
    C --> D["TRIGIN"]
    C --> E["OFFSET"]
    C --> F["TRIG"]
    D --> G["SMTHSTEPLINEXP"]
    E --> G
    F --> G

Fig.8 Inputs & Outputs Close-up View

- Outputs

/STEP

The STEP output jumps to the new value in one step at 0% SHAPE, and divides the transition into 16 steps at 100% SHAPE.

/LIN

The LIN output immediately reaches the new value at 0% SHAPE, and takes the whole clock cycle to do so at 100% SHAPE, staying constant in between.

/EXP

The EXP output shifts exponentially, becoming linear at 100% SHAPE, with its pace adjusted by the SHAPE slider.

/SMTH

The SMTH output transitions smoothly, with the speed controlled by the SHAPE setting, holding at the target until the cycle ends.

graph TD
    A["step"] --> B["rate"]
    B --> C["STEP"]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style C fill:#bbf,stroke:#333
    subgraph "shape"
        D["steps"]
    end
    style D fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style E fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style F fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style G fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style H fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style I fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style J fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style K fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style L fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style M fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style N fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style O fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style P fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style Q fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style R fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style S fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style T fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style U fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style V fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style W fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style X fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style Y fill:#fff,stroke:#000
    style Z fill:#fff,stroke:#000

rate shape Lm

rate shape EXP

rate shape SMTH

Compliance

This device complies to the EU guidelines and is manufactured RoHS conforming without use of led, mercury, cadmium and chrome. Nevertheless, this device is special waste and disposal in household waste is not recommended.

This device meets the requirements of the following standards and directives:

• EMC: 2014/30/EU
• EN 55032. Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment.
- EN 55103-2. Electromagnetic compatibility - Product family standard for audio, video, audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use.
• EN 61000-3-2. Limits for harmonic current emissions.
- EN 61000-3-3. Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems.
- EN 62311. Assessment of electronic and electrical equipment related to human exposure restrictions for electromagnetic fields.
• RoHS2: 2011/65/EU
• WEEE: 2012/19/EU

Guarantee

This product is covered by 2 years of guarantee on purchased goods, which begins when you receive your package.

• This guarantee covers

Any defect in the manufacturing of this product. Replacement or repair, as decided by NANO Modules.

• This guarantee does not cover

Any damage or malfunction caused by incorrect use, such as, but not limited to:

• Power cables connected backwards.
• Excessive voltage levels.
• Unauthorized mods.
• Exposure to extreme temperature or moisture levels.

Please contact our customer service - [e-mail] - for a return authorization before sending the module. The cost of sending a module back for servicing is paid for by the customer.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions 10HP 50x128,5mm

Current 63 mA +12V / 11 mA -12V / 0 mA +5V

Input & Output Signals ±10V

Impedance Input 10k - Output 10k

Materials PCB and Panel - FR4 1,6mm

Depth 40mm - Skiff friendly

Modules are designed and assembled in València.

Contact

Bravo!

You have learned the basic fundamentals of your VCV RANDOM Module.

If you have any doubts, please feel free to contact us. nanomodul.es/contact