Pico VCA2 - Keyboard Erica Synths - Free user manual and instructions

Type de produit	Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) Eurorack module
Marque	Erica Synths
Modèle	Pico VCA2
Largeur	3 HP (approx. 15 mm)
Profondeur	Standard Eurorack (30 mm)
Poids	Approx. 50 g
Alimentation	+12V / -12V via Eurorack bus (typical 50 mA / 20 mA)
Canaux	2 indépendants
Réponse en fréquence	Linéaire (DC coupled)
Niveau de signal audio nominal	10 Vp-p
Contrôle de biais manuel	Sur le VCA supérieur (BIAS)
Normalisation d'entrée	Entrée IN2 normée à IN1 ; entrée CV2 normée à CV1
Protection	Contre surtension et inversion de polarité d'alimentation
Utilisation	Amplification audio et CV, diviseur buffered audio/CV
Nettoyage	Nettoyer avec un chiffon sec et non pelucheux ; éviter tout liquide
Température de fonctionnement	0°C à 40°C
Garantie	Consulter www.ericasynths.lv pour les conditions

Frequently Asked Questions - Pico VCA2 Erica Synths

What is the Pico VCA2 and what does it do?

The Pico VCA2 is a compact voltage controlled amplifier (VCA) module for Eurorack synthesizer systems. It has two independent VCAs with linear response, ideal for controlling audio amplitude or modulating control voltages (CV).

How do I use the BIAS control on channel 1?

The BIAS control manually offsets the CV input of the first VCA. This allows you to adjust the amplitude modulation range. For example, for a tremolo effect, you can bias the CV so that the VCA never fully closes, giving a constant modulation depth.

What does 'normalled input' mean?

Normalling means that if no patch cable is inserted into the second input (IN2 or CV2), the signal from the first input (IN1 or CV1) is automatically routed to the second channel internally. This allows the module to function as a buffered audio or CV splitter.

Can the Pico VCA2 handle control voltages as well as audio?

Yes, the VCAs are DC coupled, meaning they can process both audio signals and control voltages (CV). This makes them useful for modulating CV signals in addition to audio.

What is the power supply requirement?

The module requires +12V and -12V from the Eurorack bus. Typical current draw is around 50 mA on the +12V rail and 20 mA on the -12V rail. Always ensure your power supply can handle the total load.

How do I clean and maintain the module?

Clean with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use any liquids or cleaning chemicals. Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures. If the module gets wet, disconnect immediately and consult a technician.

What is the input and output voltage range?

The nominal audio signal level is 10V peak-to-peak. The CV inputs accept typical Eurorack voltages up to ±10V, though the actual range may be limited by the BIAS setting.

Is the module protected against reverse power connection?

Yes, the Pico VCA2 includes protection against reverse power supply polarity, as well as overvoltage protection on inputs. This safeguards the module during installation.

What if I don't hear any sound from the VCA?

Check that the module is properly connected to power and that the audio signal is present at the input. Ensure CV inputs have an appropriate voltage (or use the BIAS control to open the VCA). Also verify your patch cables and output routing.

Where can I find the full manual and warranty information?

The user manual is available on the Erica Synths website. Warranty terms and return instructions can be found at www.ericasynths.lv. Always keep the original packaging for returns.

USER MANUAL Pico VCA2 Erica Synths

WITH PICO SERIES WE CHALLENGED OURSELVES – CAN WE MAKE ANY SUPERIOR FUNCTIONALITY SYNTH MODULE 3HP WIDE AND AFFORDABLE?

YES, WE CAN.

THE ERICA SYNTHS PICO VCA2 IS COMPACT VOLTAGE CONTROLLED AMPLIFIER MODULE, BASED ON RELIABLE AS3330 CHIP. IT FEATURES TWO INDEPENDENT CHANNELS, AND THE FIRST ONE COMES WITH THE MANUAL OFFSET ADJUSTMENT, USEFUL FOR FULL SPAN VIBRATO EFFECTS. AUDIO AND CV INPUTS OF THE FIRST VCA ARE NORMALLED TO THE SECOND ONE, SO THE MODULE CAN ALSO BE USED AS A BUFFERED AUDIO SPLITTER. VCAS ARE DC COUPLED, AND THEY CAN BE USED FOR CONTROLLING AMPLITUDE OF CONTROL VOLTAGE SIGNALS.

FEATURESTE

TWO INDEPENDENT VCAS WITH A LINEAR RESPONSE

MANUAL BIAS ADJUSTMENT ON THE TOP VCA

INPUT NORMALLING

DC COUPLING

INPUT PROTECTION AGAINST OVERVOLTAGE

PROTECTION AGAINST REVERSE PSU CONNECTION

NOMINAL AUDIO SIGNAL LEVEL 10VPTP

THIS IS THE CV INPUT OF THE FIRST VCA, IT HAS LINEAR RESPONSE

THIS IS THE INPUT OF THE SECOND VCA. IT'S NORMALLED TO THE INPUT OF THE FIRST ONE, SO, IF NOTHING IS PATCHED HERE, THE SIGNAL FROM THE FIRST INPUT WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED TO THIS INPUT, AND THE AUDIO OR CV GETS SPLIT INTO TWO CHANNELS

THIS IS THE OUTPUT OF THE SECOND VCA

VCA2

IN1

BIAS

CV1

OUT1

IN2

CV2

OUT2

ADJUST THE VCA BIAS MANUALLY, MEANING — YOU CAN OFFSET THE CV IN ORDER TO HAVE DESIRED AMPLITUDE MODULATION RANGE ON THE OUTPUT. FOR EXAMPLE, FOR A TREMOLO EFFECT, YOU DO NOT WANT THE VCA CLOSE COMPLETELY AT NEGATIVE CVS FROM THE LFO, THEREFORE USING THE BIAS CONTROL, YOU CAN OFFSET THE CV1 SO THAT IT'S IN 0-+10V RANGE, INSTEAD OF -5V - +5V

THIS IS THE OUTPUT OF THE FIRST VCA

THIS IS THE CV INPUT OF THE SECOND VCA. IT'S NORMALLED TO THE CV1 INPUT

PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF THE ERICA SYNTHS MODULE BELOW, 'CAUSE ONLY THIS WILL GUARANTEE PROPER OPERATION OF THE MODULE AND ENSURE WARRANTY FROM ERICA SYNTHS.

WATER IS LETHAL FOR MOST OF THE ELECTRIC DEVICES, UNLESS THEY ARE MADE WATERPROOF. THIS ERICA SYNTHS MODULE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN A HUMID OR WET ENVIRONMENT. NO LIQUIDS OR OTHER CONDUCTING SUBSTANCES MUST GET INTO THE MODULE. SHOULD THIS HAPPEN, THE MODULE SHOULD BE DISCONNECTED FROM MAINS POWER IMMEDIATELY, DRIED, EXAMINED AND CLEANED BY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN.

DO NOT EXPOSE THE MODULE TO TEMPERATURES ABOVE +50°C OR BELOW -20°C. IF YOU HAVE TRANSPORTED MODULE IN EXTREME LOW TEMPERATURES, LEAVE IT IN ROOM TEMPERATURE FOR AN HOUR BEFORE PLUGGING IT IN.

TRANSPORT THE INSTRUMENT CAREFULLY, NEVER LET IT DROP OR FALL OVER. WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO MODULES WITH VISUAL DAMAGES.

THE MODULE HAS TO BE SHIPPED IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING ONLY. ANY MODULE SHIPPED TO US FOR RETURN, EXCHANGE AND/OR WARRANTY REPAIR HAS TO BE IN ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING. ALL OTHER DELIVERIES WILL BE REJECTED AND RETURNED TO YOU. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION.

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.

erica synths

YOU WILL FIND THE ERICA SYNTHS TERMS OF WARRANTY AT WWW.ERICASYNTHS.LV ITEMS FOR RETURN, EXCHANGE AND/OR WARRANTY REPAIR SHOULD BE SENT US ACCORDING TO THE GUIDELINES ON SUPPORT SECTION ON WWW.ERICASYNTHS.LV

USER MANUAL BY GIRTS OZOLINS@ERICA SYNTHS

DESIGN BY INETA BRIEDE@BLACK8

COPYING, DISTRIBUTION OR ANY COMMERCIAL USE IN ANY WAY IS PROHIBITED

ND NEEDS THE WRITTEN PERMISSION BY ERICA SYNTHS.

SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.IN CASE OF ANY QUESTIONS,

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US THROUGH WWW.ERICASYNTHS.LV.

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