Hades - Synthesizer Dreadbox - Free user manual and instructions

Type	Analog Semi-Modular Synthesizer
Product Name	Dreadbox Hades
Brand	Dreadbox
Dimensions (approx.)	40 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm
Weight	2.5 kg
Power Supply	12V DC, 500 mA center positive
Sound Engine	2 VCOs, 1 VCF (4-pole low-pass), 1 VCA, 1 LFO, 1 Envelope Generator
Connectivity	MIDI In/Out/Thru, CV/Gate (multiple patch points), Audio Out, Headphones Out
Modulation	32 patch points for semi-modular patching
Controls	Knobs for pitch, cutoff, resonance, envelope, LFO rate, mod depth, and more
Envelope Generator	ADSR with CV control over each stage
LFO	Waveforms: sine, triangle, saw, square, sample & hold; rate range 0.1 Hz to 100 Hz
Filter	4-pole low-pass, self-oscillating, cutoff and resonance CV controllable
Output	6.35 mm TS mono output; 3.5 mm stereo headphone output
Maintenance	Clean with a soft, dry cloth; avoid liquids and solvents
Safety Precautions	Do not expose to moisture or extreme temperatures; unplug when not in use
Spare Parts / Repair	Contact Dreadbox support; no user-serviceable parts inside
Warranty	1 year limited warranty
Included Accessories	Power supply, user manual (PDF), patch cables (2x)

Frequently Asked Questions - Hades Dreadbox

How do I connect the Hades to a computer?

The Hades has a MIDI In port. Use a USB-MIDI interface or a sound card with MIDI I/O. Connect MIDI Out from interface to Hades MIDI In. Ensure correct channel settings (default channel 1).

Can I use the Hades as a standalone synth without a computer?

Yes, the Hades is a semi-modular synthesizer that can be used standalone. It has an internal envelope generator, LFO, and VCA. You can play it via MIDI keyboard or use its patch bay for creative patching.

What type of power supply does the Hades need?

It requires a 12V DC power supply with at least 500 mA current, center positive polarity. The barrel jack size is 2.1 mm. Avoid using unregulated adapters.

How do I reset the Hades to factory settings?

Power off, hold the Glide button while powering on. Keep holding for 3 seconds. This resets all parameters to default. Note: patch settings will be lost.

Can I use external effects with the Hades?

Yes, connect the Audio Out (1/4" TS) to an effects pedal or interface. The headphone out can also feed effects, but it's better to use the main out for line-level signals.

How do I update the firmware?

The Hades uses analog circuitry and does not have firmware updates. If issues arise, contact Dreadbox support.

Why is there no sound when I press a key?

Check that the VCA Envelope amount is turned up (e.g., fully clockwise). Ensure the Master Volume knob is not at zero. Verify MIDI cable connections and channel settings. Also make sure the VCO Pitch knobs are not fully counter-clockwise (no sound).

Can I use the Hades with Eurorack modules?

Yes, the Hades is semi-modular with Eurorack-compatible patch points (0-5V CV, gate/trigger). However, it has its own power supply and does not require a Eurorack case. Use patch cables to connect CV/Gate signals.

How do I clean the Hades?

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the surface. Do not use alcohol, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners. Avoid getting moisture into the jacks or openings.

What is the difference between the Hades and other Dreadbox synths?

The Hades is a monophonic semi-modular with a characterful 4-pole filter and flexible patching. It has a darker, more aggressive tone compared to the Erebus or Nyx. It lacks built-in reverb but offers more modulation options.

USER MANUAL Hades Dreadbox

1.1 Box Contents
1.2 Schematic Diagram
1.3 Connections
1.4 Powering up Hades

2. Operation

2.1 Midi Interface
2.2 Oscillator and Sub-Oscillators
2.3 Filter
2.4 Drive
2.5 Amplifier
2.6 Envelope
2.7 LFO
2.8 Patching
2.9 Eurorack

1. Quick Start

1.1 Box Contents

Hades Bass Synthesizer, 42HP case, 1x Midi DIN5 to 3.5mm adapter type A, 1x Ribbon cable Eurorack Connection.

1.2 Schematic Diagram

graph TD
    A["MIDI KEYBOARD"] --> B["OSCILLATOR 1"]
    B --> C["MIX"]
    C --> D["18db/OCV LPF"]
    D --> E["DRIVE"]
    E --> F["VCA"]
    F --> G["AUDIO OUT"]

    H["Mod Wheel CV out"] --> A
    I["CV1 out"] --> A

    J["LV0"] --> B
    K["PW in"] --> B

    L["Sub CONVERTER"] --> C
    M["SUB 1"] --> C
    N["SUB 2"] --> C

    O["VCF cv in"] --> D
    P["ADS ENVELOPE"] --> D
    Q["Envelope cv out"] --> E

    R["GATE in"] --> G

    S["AR ENVELOPE"] --> F
    T["GATE"] --> A

1.3 Connections

graph TD
    A["MIDI KEYBOARD"] -->|USB A Cable| B["USB Adapter 1 A or more"]
    B --> C["DREADBOX MIDI Adapter"]
    C -->|USB A Cable| D["USB Adapter 1 A or more"]
    D --> E["MIDI OUT"]
    E --> F["DREADBOX MIDI Adapter"]
    F --> G["ENVELOPE"]
    G --> H["LFO"]
    H --> I["AMPLIFIER"]
    I --> J["FILTER"]
    J --> K["OSCILLATOR"]
    K --> L["TURIE"]
    L --> M["ORANGE"]
    M --> N["FLU"]
    N --> O["ORANGE"]
    O --> P["FLU"]
    P --> Q["ORANGE"]
    Q --> R["FRO"]
    R --> S["ORANGE"]
    S --> T["FRO"]
    T --> U["ORANGE"]
    U --> V["FRO"]
    V --> W["FRO"]
    W --> X["FRO"]
    X --> Y["FRO"]
    Y --> Z["FRO"]
    Z --> AA["FRO"]
    AA --> AB["FRO"]
    AB --> AC["FRO"]
    AC --> AD["FRO"]
    AD --> AE["FRO"]
    AE --> AF["FRO"]
    AF --> AG["FRO"]
    AG --> AH["FRO"]
    AH --> AI["FRO"]
    AI --> AJ["FRO"]
    AJ --> AK["FRO"]
    AK --> AL["FRO"]
    AL --> AM["FRO"]
    AM --> AN["FRO"]
    AN --> AO["FRO"]
    AO --> AP["FRO"]
    AP --> AQ["FRO"]
    AQ --> AR["FRO"]
    AR --> AS["FRO"]
    AS --> AT["FRO"]
    AT --> AU["FRO"]
    AU --> AV["FRO"]
    AV --> AW["FRO"]
    AW --> AX["FRO"]
    AX --> AY["FRO"]
    AY --> AZ["FRO"]

1.4 Powering up the Hades

In order to power Hades sufficiently, use a good quality USB power adapter with minimum 1/ good quality USB A cable. The USB adapter nor the USB A cable are included in the box.

2. Operation

2.1 MIDI Interface

Hades Midi interface will allow the following actions:

• Note(s) on / off (gate).
• Pitch tracking up to 9 octaves (C -1 up to C 10). The pitch is converted to 1v/oct which can be accessed via the dedicated patch.
• Pitch wheel for 3 semitones up/down. This is also transmitted by the 1v/oct output.
• Modulation wheel (accessible only via patch) 0-5v

Keyboard re-trigger on the ADS Envelope

MIDI Channel Selection

When the switch is set to OMNI, all channels are active. When to CHAN, it will play the last channel received when the switch the OMNI mode.

For example, in order to set Hades to channel 2:

• Set the switch to OMNI mode
• Set your MIDI keyboard to Channel 2
• Play any note
• Then switch to CHAN

2.2 Oscillator and Sub-Oscillators

The Hades oscillator needs about 2 to 3 minutes to warm up. You can just turn on the syr but the tuning will change during that time. It work with the classic 1v/octave controllers or source. By default the tune knob should point at about 12.00 o'clock for a correct tuning.

1. Oscillator Master Tune.
2. Oscillator wave selection (Center position is OFF)
3. Sub wave one octave below level
4. Sub wave two octaves below level
5. Pulse width
6. Oscillator glide amount

2.3 Filter

The filter of the Hades is a 3-pole 18db/octave resonating OTA based low pass filter. Its frequency ranges from 20Hz up to 20KHz

graph TD
    A["FREQ"] --> B["1"]
    B --> C["2"]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style C fill:#bbf,stroke:#333

1. Sets the Cutoff Frequency of the Filter
2. Sets the Resonance Amount

2.4 Drive

Hades has an Opamp - OTA drive circuit that is able to drive - and works best at - low and rich harmonic frequencies . It is a fairly simple 1 knob function. Its action is not linear, but it has a logarithmic response.

2.5 Amplifier

Hades's amplifier has a build in AR envelope generator. Notice that when the output Level is at max you get 8 Volts p/p, so be careful not to hurt your ears or damage your speakers.

1. Master Volume
2. Attack Speed
3. Release Speed

2.6 Envelope

Hades's AD/RS is dedicated to the Filter. It may deliver up to 5V of Envelope (also accessible patch).

1. Attack speed
2. Decay and Release speed
3. Sustain point
4. Envelope Level
5. Decay or Decay and Release

2.7 LFO

The LFO needs to be patched in order to be used. It has a wide range of frequencies, from 10 minutes up to 3kHz (3000 Hz).

1. Sets the Rate
2. Sets the Depth

2.8 Patching

A. Outputs - Those patch points only send voltage. You can send their CV to other devices, but first be sure that the receiver can accept such a voltage.

ENV: Sends the envelope's voltage in a 0-5V level.

LFO: Sends the LFO's voltage in a +/- 5V level.

MOD: Sends the modulation wheel into a 0-5V format. The small is an attenuator for the total amount.

1V/OCT: Sends the Pitch's tracking

NEVER CONNECT AN OUTPUT WITH ANOTHER OUTPUT

This might cause serious damage to the unit and Dreadbox will not take any responsibility.

B. Inputs

Those patch points only receive voltage. It is safe to send more voltage than indicated (up to +/- 10V), but this does not mean that you get a result.

PW: Controls the oscillator's pulse width (+/- 5V)

VCF: Controls the filter's frequency (+/- 5V)

VCA: Controls the Amp's level. (0-5V)

By inserting a cable will deactivate the AR envelope.

CV: Controls the oscillator's pitch (+/- 10V)

GATE: Controls the gate's activation (0-5V)

C. Interface

OUT: Master Output of the synthesizer. It can also be connected with headphones.

MIDI: Midi Input. Always use the dedicated midi adapter, which is included in the box.

2.9 Eurorack

In order to use the Hades Reissue in a eurorack case, do the following:

A. Unscrew the 4 corner bolts, which keep the module attached to the case
B. Remove the module from the case. Afterwards, unscrew the 2 bolts that connect the sma the USB adapter and detach them.
C. Plug the provided ribbon cable and connect it to the power bus board of a eurorack case