ALT - Synthesizer NANO Modules - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL ALT NANO Modules

Abstract geometric pattern with a yellow flower-like shape and a white X at the center (no text or symbols)

ALT

Quick guide

Thank you for choosing ALT Quad VCA 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 red curved line passing through a building with parallel gray lines (no text or symbols)

If you flip over your ALT Quad VCA, 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

ALT is a Quadruple Voltage-Controlled Amplifier, which is an electronic device that uses electric power to vary the amplitude of a signal applied to its input terminals, producing a signal proportional to the control voltage at its output.

The amount of amplification provided by an amplifier is measured by its gain, which is the ratio of output voltage, current, or power to input. There is no signal processing in a VCA, just overall volume control.

ALT has 4 channels of voltage controlled amplifiers:

• VCAs 1, 2, 3. Each one is equipped with a GAIN control, and a CV IN Attenuverter.
  • VCA 4. GAIN CV IN and the signal normalled to +5V (fully open VCA).

Additionally, the outputs of these channels are cascaded from left to right, allowing ALT to behave as a four-channel mixer.

Layout

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

VCA 1 CV1 CV2 CV3 Signal Inputs CV 1,2,3 Inputs Signal Gain Control. CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV4 Input CV4 Level Attenuverter CV Input Control Gain Signal Level Control Level Indicator VCA 4 This VCA can be controlled by CV4 Input. CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 CV1CV2CV3CV4 RV1 RV2 RV3 RV4 RV5 RV6 RV7 RV8 RV9 RV10 RV11 RV12 RV13 RV14 RV15 RV16 RV17 RV18 RV19 RV20 RV21 RV22 RV23 RV24 RV25 RV26 RV27 RV28 RV29 RV30 RV31 RV32 RV33 RV34 RV35 RV36 RV37 RV38 RV39 RV40 RV41 RV42 RV43 RV44 RV45 RV46 RV47 RV48 RV49 RV50 RV51 RV52 RV53 RV54 RV55 RV56 RV57 RV58 RV59 RV60 RV61 RV62 RV63 RV64 RV65 RV66 RV67 RV68 RV69 RV70 RV71 RV72 RV73 RV74 RV75 RV76 RV77 RV78 RV79 RV80

Controls

ALT has a linear response: the amplification is in direct linear proportion to the control voltage input (see Fig. 1).

• GAIN

This control sets the initial level of amplification. This value is summed to the CV applied at the CV input. The maximum bias is 5V which provides a gain of 1. (see Fig. 1)

At minimum level with no CV present, there is no signal at the VCA's output. Once the gain control is turned up, amplification occurs (see Fig. 2), even if there is no CV input present.

The gain control shifts the whole VCA response upwards.

•CV

Amplitude attenuverter. Adjusts the amount and polarity of amplitude modulation from the CV input.

Fig.1 Response curve for ALT

Fig. 2 Effect of GAIN control on VCA response

Inputs & Outputs

- Inputs

/1-4

These are the 4 signal inputs of the amplifiers, which are DC coupled. This means that audio, CV and trigger signals can be fed here.

/CV 1,2,3

CV inputs for the GAIN of the amplifiers, which can be controlled with its CV attenuverters.

The voltage is summed with the bias control. The VCA is fully open with 5V CV, and clips voltages above this level.

/CV4

This CV input is normalled to internal 5V (fully open VCA) and can be controlled with any external voltage.

1 2 3 4 CV1 CV2 CV3 CV4 1234

- Outputs

/1-4

These are the 4 signal outputs of each amplifier, which are cascaded from left to right, allowing ALT to behave as a four-channel mixer with the ability to extract any channel from the mix.

ALT as a mixer

When no patch cable is plugged into an output, the signal from this channel is cascaded to the next channel. For example, when no patch cable is patched into output 1, output 2 will contain the sum of channel 2 and channel 1. If nothing is patched into outputs 1, 2 and 3, output 4 will contain the sum of all four channels.

To extract a signal from the mix, plug a patch cable in the output of the desired channel.

12 CV1CV2CV3CV4 123H

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 8HP 40x128,5mm

Current 58 mA +12V / 31 mA -12V / 0 mA +5V

Input & Output Signals between ±10V

Impedance Input 47k - Output 1k

Materials PCB and Panel - FR4 1,6mm

Depth 20mm - Skiff friendly

Modules are designed and assembled in València.

Contact

Bravo!

You have learned the basic fundamentals of your ALT Module.

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

nanomodul.es/contact