Buchla clone (Mazovia Modules) TAU Dual VCO - Silver

TAU VCO is a dual sound source, based on the "tau" topology, which was used in the oscillator 1005, which was meant to be treated as a high precision "utility" VCO. This concept was not developed further. The "tau" topology is so interesting that I decided to build my own discrete generator based on it, with interesting sound creation capabilities and an analog vibe. My goal was not to copy the timbral character of Buchla, to create another "clone" of 258 or 259, but to create a sound source with its own character. Thus was born the Dual Waveform Generator Model Tau. The module consists of two generators very similar to each other - not identical, because in the analog domain there are no two identical elements. Each generator creates a triangular, square, sinusoidal, and PWM waveform with variable duty cycle. The generator has 3 FM modulation inputs with attenuators - 2 CV types, linear and exponential, and one "audio FM linear" input. The CV inputs work with typical Buchla voltages 0-10V. So there are two linear FM inputs, but you should only use one, due to optimal module operating conditions. The "audio FM in" input was conceived for cross modulation within one module - you can send a signal from generator 1 to the "audio FM in" input of generator 2 and vice versa. You will get a nice cross rich, modulation effect, with just a one module! Of course, you can use both the linear and exponential inputs simultaneously, as they are not directly connected. The upper generator has on its right side an analog multiplexer circuit, which essentially creates a doubled frequency sawtooth waveform, from triangular and square ones. The "SKEW" knob changes the multiplexing value, resulting in the creation of a "rampoid" waveform. Of course, this circuit is not only for that - interesting effects come when you feed other type of waveforms with different frequencies into the "tri" and "sq" inputs! Then the fun begins and the sounds are similar to wavetable synthesis. I recommend it to try! The lower generator has on its right side a circuit for ring modulation/amplitude modulation. This system is original and is not a copy of any existing systems. Its sound has a distinct character different from what we might encounter, for example, in the 285. "x" and "y" are inputs, while "am" is the output. If you want to achieve classic ring modulation, you input sinusoidal signals. Nothing prevents you from inputting signals other than sinusoidal - it’s a matter of your imagination. The module is calibrated and holds well over several octaves. The waveform shapes are nice, changing slightly above the audible range. In my opinion, sterility is boring, so TAU is not a benchmark functional generator, as that was not the intent. TAU is a simple analog sound source with rich timbral possibilities. At the back, there are a few potentiometers, but you don't need to worry about them - they are already set. If by chance one of them gets detuned, I'll help you adjust it. Now, a few words of explanation about what the potentiometers are for. *TUNE - calibrates the logarithmic tuning scale of each generator - you shouldn't touch this. *RANGE - defines the frequency range of the module within a small range. *SINE - shapes / smooths the sine wave. *SYMMETRY - slope of the wave. *OFFSET 1 and 2 - calibrate the ring modulator inputs.