Oscillators
 

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There is (will be) a separate page on LFOs.

Source and model Price

Width HP

Power ma Notes
DoepferA-110 £128 10 70 EMIS discount
DoepferA-111-1 £238 14 40 EMIS discount
Analogue Solutions  VCO 6HP £69 6   plus VAT
Analogue Solutions VCO £69 12   plus VAT
Analogue Solutions VCO-SUB £79 12   plus VAT
Analogue Solutions VCO-RM £89 12   plus VAT
Analogue Systems RS95 £115 12   RS95E with enhanced knob £135
Bananalogue - - - not found
Bubblesound - - - "coming soon"
CwejmanVCO-2RM     75  
Cyndustries Zeroscillator $995      
Elby Designs - - - no VCO
Flight of Harmony - - - no VCO
Future Sound Systems - - - no VCO
Harvestman Hertz Donut   17   available Summer 2009
Livewire Audio Frequency Generator $399      
Macbeth $1295 42   added June 2009
Makenoise - - - no VCO
Malekko Wiard Anti-Oscillator $250 - - no VCO
Metasonix - - - no VCO
MFB OSC-01 €159 16    
MFB OSC-02 €199 16    
Plan B Model 15 Complex VCO $320   40  
Tiptop Z3000 $225      

 

Doepfer A-110 Standard VCO

Module A-110 is a voltage-controlled oscillator. This VCO's frequency range is about eight octaves (ca. 15Hz ... 8kHz). It can produce four waveforms simultaneously: square, sawtooth, triangle, and sine wave (triangle and sine shapes are not perfect, see remark below). The frequency or pitch of the VCO is determined by the position of the octave (Range) switch and tuning (Tune) knob, and by the voltage present at the CV inputs. Frequency modulation (FM) of the VCO is therefore a possibility. Footage (the octave of the fundamental) is set by the Range control in five steps, and Fine tuning controlled by the Tune knob by about +/-1 one semitone (can be modified for a wider range).
You can control the pulse width of the square wave either by hand, or by voltage control - Pulse Width Modulation or PWM.
For more detailed information please look at the user's manual A110_man.pdf. In addition the A-110 service manual is available as an example for the A-100 service manual that is available at extra charges.

Technical remarks:
The core of the A-110 is a sawtooth oscillator (in contrast to the A-111-1, which is based on a triangle oscillator). The other waveforms are derived from the sawtooth by internal waveform converters. As the sawtooth reset (i.e. the back-to-zero slope) is not infinite fast but takes a little bit of time the derived waveforms triangle and sine are not perfect ! At the top of the waveform they have a small glitch or notch that is caused by the sawtooth reset and cannot be eliminated by the waveform converters. The sine is derived from the triangle by a simple diode-based converter and the sine shape is not perfect (only a rounded triangle).
If a perfect triangle is required the A-111-1 is recommended. For a perfect sine the quadrature LFO/VCO A-143-9 is recommended

Doepfer A-111-1 High-End VCO

Module A-111-1 (VCO 2) is a voltage controlled oscillator. The VCO has a range of about 12 octaves, and produces four waveforms simultaneously: pulse (rectangle), sawtooth, triangle and sine waves. The VCO's frequency is determined by the position of the range switch, tune and fine tune controls, and the voltage at the two pitch CV inputs, CV 1 and CV 2. Footage (the octave of the fundamental) is set by the Range control, which has seven octave steps. The Tune control is used for coarse tuning, and the Fine control for fine tuning of the VCO pitch. The A-111 can be modulated by both exponential and linear FM (frequency modulation). You can control the pulse width of the square wave either by hand, or by voltage control - Pulse Width Modulation, or PWM for short.
The A-111 has inputs for Hard Sync and Soft Sync.

As the special circuit CEM3340 used in this module is no longer available the module has to be discontinued. Sale while stocks last !

Analogue Solutions VCO 6HP

Small sized stable VCO

Analogue Solutions VCO

Introduction VCO is a single VCO laid out in a similar way to the VCO section you would find on a monosynth. VCO includes a glide (slew) function, so this is a great bonus. The VCO can go down to low frequencies so they can be used as an LFO.

Tune The VCO has a wide ranging tune control. Turning Tune alters the basic pitch of the oscillator.
Glide Turning up Glide adds portamento to the oscillator, so the pitch will bend (slide) up or down to each note (as opposed to a sudden change). The higher the setting, the longer the oscillator takes to reach its new note. Not many VCO modules give you the all important Glide control as standard!
Pulse Width You can alter the pulse width (duty cycle) of the square wave. Turning this gives a sound similar to chorusing. In the centre position a square wave is produced.

Sawtooth Level This sets the output volume of the sawtooth waveform output.
Square Level This sets the output volume of the square waveform output.
CV in This socket is the pitch CV control input and is used to control the pitch of the oscillator.
PW This is a pulse width control CV input. Use a -12 to +12V voltage in this socket to alter the pulse width of the oscillator square wave.
Sync In This is an oscillator Sync reset input.
Sawtooth Out This is the audio output for the sawtooth waveform. Its level is affected by the sawtooth level pot.
Square Out This is the audio output for the square waveform. Its level is affected by the square level pot.

Analogue Solutions VCO with Sub

Tune The VCO has a wide ranging tune control. Turning Tune alters the basic pitch of the oscillator.
Glide Turning up Glide adds portamento to the oscillator, so the pitch will bend (slide) up or down to each note (as opposed to a sudden change). The higher the setting, the longer the oscillator takes to reach its new note. Not many VCO modules give you the all important Glide control as standard!
Pulse Width You can alter the pulse width (duty cycle) of the square wave. Turning this gives a sound similar to chorusing. In the centre position a square wave is produced.

Sawtooth Level This sets the output volume of the sawtooth waveform output.
Square Level This sets the output volume of the square waveform output.
CV in This socket is the pitch CV control input and is used to control the pitch of the oscillator.
PW This is a pulse width control CV input. Use a -12 to +12V voltage in this socket to alter the pulse width of the oscillator square wave.
Sync In This is an oscillator Sync reset input.
Sawtooth Out This is the audio output for the sawtooth waveform. Its level is affected by the sawtooth level pot.
Square Out This is the audio output for the square waveform. Its level is affected by the square level pot.
Sub 1 Out This is a Sub-Osc output 1 octave below the main saw/square outputs.
Sub 2 Out This is a Sub-Osc output 2 octaves below the main saw/square outputs.
Sub 3 Out This is a Sub-Osc output 3 octaves below the main saw/square outputs.

Note; the Sub outputs run off the main square wave. If PWM is applied to the square wave, it may affect the Sub outputs!
 This module needs 5V for the Sub oscillator to work. If the Sub does not work then your Doepfer power supply needs Doepfer's 5V option.

Analogue Solutions VCO with Ring Mod

Introduction VCO-RM is a single VCO-RM laid out in a similar way to the VCO section you would find on a monosynth. VCO-RM includes a glide (slew) function, so this is a great bonus. VCO-RM can go down to low frequencies so they can be used as an LFO
It also has a complete and independent Ring Modulator. This can be used on its own, or you can patch the oscillator into the RM, and along with another audio source gives you great Ring Mod’d sounds.

Ring ModulationVCO-RM features a high quality Ring Modulator very similar to those found in the Roland System 100m, EMS VCS3 and ARP2600. What the RM does is take 2 audio inputs, which we will call X and Y, then produce an output that contains the original frequencies X and Y, as well as the sum and differences of X and Y (X+Y, X-Y). In non-technical speak, the RM best produces metallic sounding bell and clang sounds. The output is rich in harmonics and can often sound quite abbrasive. So filtering is necessary and the sound is best used for effects. The RM is a vital processor producing it’s own unique sound vital in an system.

RM In Use Basically experiment with any two audio sources. The type of input signal (waveform) and pitch will alter the output. By slowly changing the pitch of one input some dramatic sounds can be produced. Note, the RM is completely independent from the VCO.

Tune The VCO has a wide ranging tune control. Turning Tune alters the basic pitch of the oscillator.
Glide Turning up Glide adds portamento to the oscillator, so the pitch will bend (slide) up or down to each note (as opposed to a sudden change). The
higher the setting, the longer the oscillator takes to reach its new note. Not many VCO modules give you the all important Glide control as standard!
Triangle Level This sets the output volume of the triangle waveform output.
Sawtooth Level This sets the output volume of the sawtooth waveform output.
Square Level This sets the output volume of the square waveform output.
CV in This socket is the pitch CV control input and is used to control the pitch of the oscillator.
Sync In This is an oscillator Sync reset input.
Triangle Out This is the audio output for the Triangle waveform. Its level is affected by the Triangle level pot.
Sawtooth Out This is the audio output for the sawtooth waveform. Its level is affected by the sawtooth level pot.
Square Out This is the audio output for the square waveform. Its level is affected by the square level pot.
RM X input The X audio input to the Ring Modulator
RM Y input The Y audio input to the Ring Modulator
RM output The RM output

Note: This module is at a higher octave than our other VCOs. This module has a push-pull octave switch built into the TUNE knob. Pull to lower the octave (if required!).

Analogue Systems RS95

Precision voltage controlled oscillator, High frequency stability & excellent musical tracking over a ten octave range. Accurate waveforms of sinewave, sawtooth, triangle, square & pulse are available as separate outputs, the waveshapes can be independently voltage controlled. a wide range mode allows the oscillator to operate in both supersonic and subsonic frequency ranges as well as in the audio frequency range. Hard sync input for classic complex lead sounds.

Enhanced precision voltage controlled oscillator having the same specifications as the rs95 with the addition of a high quality ten turn multiturn frequency dial allowing precise tuning of frequencies & incorporating a lock to ensure the dial cannot be turned accidentally. A perfect partner for the rs500e and rs510e modules to give the classic EMS synthi look and feel to any system.

  Bananalogue

not found

Bubblesound wide range oscillator

"coming soon"

Cwejman VCO-2RM

The Oscillators are the main sound sources of the instrument. VC0-2RM is equipped with seven waveforms, LFO mode, sync and waveform outputs are routed to a DC coupled ring modulator (RM). The oscillator's frequency is controlled by COARSE, TUNE knobs and FM inputs. TUNE finetunes the oscillators (± 6 semitones).

Frequency modulation (leveled FM1, FM2 and FM3 ) determinates the intensity of frequency modulation and/or pitch control. All FM inputs are carefully calibrated for 1Volt/octave sensitivity. Frequency modulation, by an audio signal, creates so called "side-bands" that consist of sum and difference of signals frequencies.
These additional frequencies do mostly have a non harmonic sound. Modulation, by low periodic waveforms, such as LFO or envelope generator creates momentary pitch shift of modulated oscillator common named vibrato (by LFO) or pitch bend (by envelope generator).

SYNC means that sync'ed oscillators frequency is tracked by the frequency of controlling oscillator;
OSC2's frequency is syncronized to OSC1's frequency. When the tuned frequency of sync-ed oscillator has the same or multiple of frequency of controlling oscillator then sync-ed oscillators waveform has no or very little "glitch" which results in a sync-ed smooth waveform (sinus waveform). The sync-ed waveforms (with additional FM modulation) are perfect for cutting edge lead sound and hard, funky basses.
PULSE WIDTH % adjusts the pulse width of the pulse wave from 5% to 95%.
WAVEFORM selects the waveform or a mix of waveforms from an oscillator. PULSE WIDTH control works also on the waveform mixes where the pulse wave is included.
Ring modulator (RM) is a classic audio effect device and due to the non harmonic character of the output signal, very useful to create metallic timbres such as bells, sweeping whistles and percussive sounds and tremolo effects (modulated by low periodic signal like a LFO). Two input signals are pre-patched to OSC1 and OSC2 outputs. Using the inputs X and Y, any other external signal can be routed directly into the ring modulator. As modulation source the ring modulator can produce a huge amount of complex waveforms both in the low and audio frequency range.

Cyndustries Zeroscillator

Liquid Smooth Analog Design

The Zeroscillator is a full-featured electronic-music-quality analog VCO capable of linear frequency modulation through zero hertz and into negative frequencies. This makes it capable of the FM Synthesis stuff, wild and crazy sounds simply not available from traditional VCOs, and timbres not available from digital FM synthesizers. Of course, Zeroscillators also make insane LFOs!

Traditional FM Synthesis oscillator implementations, such as the DX-7, are sine wave only. The Zeroscillator also makes available sawtooth, reverse saw, triangle, pulse (with PWM), and a special set of four quadrature outputs capable of unique bi-phase wave morphing, (more on that later).

FM sounds take on their vibrant life when the amount of modulation is varied dynamically. In the analog world, this requires a special VCA to regulate the depth of frequency modulation, (often called the "modulation index"). Since this is required almost universally for Linear FM patches, the Zeroscillator has this VCA built-in. We decided however, to take this feature one extra step beyond and provide you with a four-quadrant multiplier instead of a traditional two-quadrant VCA to expand your modulation possibilities into the unexplored. The output of this multiplier is available at the panel, so you get a free ring-mod function and an interesting pick-off point for self-modulation patches called Mod Out.

In addition to it's precision 10-turn tuning knob, the Zeroscillator has 1V/octave plus attenuated exponential inputs and can behave just like the VCOs you're used to. You are not forced into any specific modality and are free to use all or any subset of its 7 different modulations:

1-Exponential FM
2-Linear Through-Zero FM
3-Linear FM Dynamic Depth Modulation
4-Bi-Phasic Waveform Morphing in Quadrature
5-Pulse Width Modulation
6-Variable Sync (from none to hard synch)
7-Time Reversal

[snip]

  Elby Designs Panther modules

2 LFOs but no regular VCOs yet

  Flight of Harmony

no VCO

  Future Sound Systems

no VCO

Harvestman Hertz Donut

Dual digital oscillator with internal modulation bus. Voltage-controlled waveform discontinuity, internal pitch tracking with several lag settings. Dedicated square wave outputs, as well as the Cleanest Sine in Town.

Main oscillator:
Waveform output (switchable between saw, tri and sine)
Waveform discontinuity modulation
Variable square wave output
Hard digital synchronization input

Modulation oscillator:
Sine, tri or saw waveform
Independent square wave output
Selectable modulation frequency range
Hard digital synchronization input
Oscillator output internally patchable to main oscillator frequency (thru-zero), amplitude, or discontinuity
Internal modulation index voltage-controllable
Variable-lag pitch tracking of primary oscillator
General-purpose gate output for monitoring internal tracking status usw...

Livewire Audio Frequency Generator

Outside, the AFG presents the user with extensive panel controls for maximum flexibility and usability… inside, the pure analogue circuitry adheres to a strict design philosophy rooted in mid-1970s technology and construction techniques.

Features
8 simultaneous waveform outputs
A total of 27 distinct waveforms are possible
Sub-octave with switchable square or sawtooth waveforms
Unique Animated Pulse & Alien Saw waveforms
Programmable ‘Natural’ or ‘Laboratory’ sine wave modes

Alternate waveform set is activated on all outputs simultaneously with Matter/Anti-Matter switch
Select between 2 different Anti-Matter waveform sets via pcb jumper

9 CV inputs, each with dedicated attenuators, with the exception of the two 1v/oct inputs
2 FM inputs, both switchable between linear & exponential
Dedicated sync in/out

Harmonic Animation
The Harmonic Animation section of the AFG controls the harmonic content of the Animated Pulses & Alien Saws waveforms. The Animated Pulses waveform is synthesized by four control parameters, each having a manual adjustment knob and CV input with dedicated attenuator:

Positive Pulse Width Modulation (+PWM) –
controls the width of the two pulses on the top (or positive) side of the waveform
Negative Pulse Width Modulation (-PWM) –
controls the width of the two pulses on the bottom (or negative) side of the waveform
Positive Phase Position Modulation (+PPM) –
controls the relative phase position of the two positive pulses (in relation to each other)
Negative Phase Position Modulation (-PPM) – Ã
controls the relative phase position of the two negative pulses (in relation to each other)
The Alien Saws output is a bizarre, multi-toothed saw waveform that is derived from the Animated Pulses waveform. It’s harmonic content is also synthesized by the four control parameters of the Harmonic Animation section, but in different and more enigmatic ways.

Macbeth Dual VCO (added June 2009)

The unit is housed in a 42hp, 3u, Eurorack module. This unit has been designed to address the need for larger controls , ergonomics and panel space associated with a larger format but now within the 3u format.

The price is $1295 plus shipping, delivery time is approximately 5 weeks. The first module run will be small.

2 temperature stabilized oscillators conforming to the standard 1v/octave logarithmic law used for scaling by most analogue synthesizers.
Each oscillator is equipped with a 10 turn frequency potentiometer- this allows for drastic tuning actions- as well as subtle tuning of thirds, fifths, ninths etc. The 10 turn frequency control replaces the more common ‘course’ and ‘fine’ tuning frequency controls normally found on analogue oscillators.
Each oscillator is provided with a convenient 5 octave switch control making transposition easy.
Each oscillator features 6 waveforms, all individually accesable. The wave forms are: sawtooth, ramp, fixed square, variable rectangle, triangular and sine.
There is a nominal pulse width control to manually control the duty cycle of the rectangular waveform. There is also an external pulse width modulation (pwm) input so that external control voltage can sweep the duty cycle of the wave form. Both oscillators provide a range from around 1hz low frequency to beyond 25khz. Status led indicators give some indication of the oscillator ’state’ Each oscillator is provided with 1 attenuated 1v/octave log input, 1 1v/octave log input (fixed) and 1 linear cv input.

Included in the design are two further functions:
The x-series dual oscillator features a genuine ‘balanced modulator’ wired up as a ring modulator. Common practice amongst contemporary manufacturers is to use the ad633. That device is an analogue multiplier. It is inexpensive and easy to use. It comes close to providing ring modulation and requires few external parts. The dual oscillator features the mc1496 balanced modulator ic that was used commonly in the older synthesizers of the 1970s. This ic wired up as ring modulator offers considerably more ring mod character than the ad633 type. The sine waveforms are ‘normalised’ into the ring modulator- but other waveforms can be patched in at will. The x-series dual oscillator also features a variable white/pink noise generator. This circuit provides a pure and clean white noise output as well as lower frequency pink noise output. This again is another classic circuit built around an all transistor design.

The x-series modules are designed and built around the philosophy that ‘old is best’ - all the parts are chosen for their ‘vintage character’. Where possible- transistors only are used over the more common transistor-opamp designs. The resistors in these designs are ½ watt types- the are larger than the average through hole resistors. The x-series steers well away from any surface mount technology!

  Makenoise

no VCO

Malekko Wiard Anti-Oscillator (added September 2009)

text

  Metasonix

no VCO

MFB OSC-01 Triple DCO

3 digital-controlled oscillators
2 different sawtooth waveforms (analog + digital)
common and individual CV-control
 pulsewidth control for 2 oscillators
internal and external hard-sync
digital ring-modulation

Now, you can get the famous sound of the MFB Synth LITE II from your modular synth. OSC-01 bundles three oscillators in a single module. Constructed as a analog/digital hybrid, these oscillators guarantee improved tuning stability (comparable to the DCOs of a Roland Juno 106).

In addition, OSC-01’s third oscillator also offers the unique sawtooth-wave that was used in the first version of the MFB Synth LITE.

OSC-01 offers plenty of useful features: All three oscillators can be commonly controlled by CV. In addition, each oscillator can be controlled by an individual control voltage. Combined with a 3-Track sequencer like Doepfer MAQ-16/3 or AS Oberkorn makes it possible to create changing chord intervals only with one module.

Oscillator 1 or both oscillators 1 and 2 can be synchronized to oscillator 3. This also applies to the external hard-sync option. Further individual and common modulations can be achieved through three additional CV inputs.

All oscillators offer individual outputs. However, since the outputs include internal summing, a mixed output is also possible. Additionally, the OSC-01 offers a separate output for the integrated digital ring-modulation of oscillators 1 and 2 (internal jumper also allows osc1*osc3).

MFB  OSC-02 Triple VCO

3 voltage-controlled analog oscillators
triangle, saw tooth, square waveforms
common and individual CV-control
2 x pulse width modulation
internal and external hard-sync
digital ring-modulation

OSC-02 may look like OSC-01 but is a very different beast inside. Unlike its hybrid brother OSC-01, the OSC-02 uses fully analog technique taken from MFB Synth II model. Three oscillators with all benefits and the typical character of analog construction in a single compact module.

OSC-02 offers a variety of notable functions: Beside a common CV-control voltage for all VCOs, all oscillators can be individually controlled by CV-sources, e.g. by different tracks of a CV-sequencer like Doepfers MAQ-16/3 or the AS Oberkorn. VCO 1 can be synchronized to VCO 3, individually or paired with VCO 2. The same goes for external hard-sync. The additional CV-inputs allow for common and individual modulations.

Three outputs allow for summed and individual audio outputs. A separate outputs carries a digital ring-modulated signal of OSC 1 and 2 (configurable to OSC 1-3 by jumper).

Plan B Model 15 Complex VCO

The immensely popular Plan B Model 15 is an analog Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) featuring an all-discrete component triangle wave core, two independent fully processed (+/-) VC inputs, a single 1V/Oct input, a dedicated linear FM input, sync, and independent Sine, Triangle, Saw, PWM and Wave Morph Outputs. The VC Wave Morph is a vactrol-based (read: smooth) crossfade function via a manual pot setting or VC control and the morphs from Sine to either Saw or Square wave outputs.

Due to it's triangle core architecture, the sound replicates that of the Buchla 258 with stability better than .01% (less than 4 hertz drift at 1kHz over 24 hours) and boasts a frequency range of 1 to 20Khz and a maximum power consumption of only 40mA.

Various component improvements on the Model 15 core have increased for 1V/oct tracking to seven octaves requiring only single pot adjustments for periodic calibration and none of the hick-ups associated with sawtooth core VCOs past the 3k limit. For imore informaiton of the Model 15's tracking go here (suggesed reading for those requiring wide-range tracking).

The Model 15 has been mechanically redesigned with it's electronics resting parallel to the faceplate, bringing the overall depth from over 4 inches in previous revisions to less than 1 1/8th inches with the Rev. 2.

Tiptop Z3000 Smart VCO

the z3000 is an all-analog, voltage-controlled oscillator that gives you the ability to implement synthesis techniques in a controlled and planned manner, turning your modular system into an even more powerful musical instrument.

the z3000 is bilingual - equally fluent in the language of sound (frequency) and music (notes and octaves). its intelligence comes from its built-in arithmetic processor, which allows for relevent data to be displayed constantly, taking the guesswork out of tuning your modular.

the z3000's analog core generates four waveforms with substantial character, giving you the sound signature that can only be created by a true analog vco. the z3000 unique circuitry allows for high levels of synthesis complexity such as frequency modulation, all while maintaining excellent wide-range tracking and without falling into chaos. the z3000 brings a world of new possibilities that will give rise to a whole new sound spectra within your modular synthesizer.
 

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initial data compilation 8th April 2009