The Joranalogue Contour 1 is an envelope, an oscillator, a track and hold—it is an uncommonly powerful slew limiter/function generator, borne out of the lineage of module following Serge's iconic DUSG. Contour 1 adds a slew (pardon the pun) of new features, however, that provide immediate access to many of the DUSG's more complex and interesting behaviors.

Like other slew limiter/function generators, the Contour 1 does all the classic DUSG tricks: AD envelopes, AR envelopes, and self-cycling unipolar oscillation. It extends well into audio range and provides 1V/Oct tracking, making it much better-suited as an audio oscillator than other iterations of the slope generator concept. It of course provides all of the classic features: rise and fall time control with CV inputs (and CV for rate), gate and trigger inputs, and a signal input for traditional slewing effects. It even provides a dedicated switch for frequency range, a slew/loop switch, and a built-in manual trigger button.

In addition to these typical features, though, it provides some uncommon niceties. The rise and fall stages provide independent shape controls (Bend), allowing continuous variation between exponential, linear, and logarithmic shapes. The Bend parameters also provide CV inputs, allowing external voltages to further influence the curve shape. One of the most interesting features, though, is the Hold input—a gate input which effectively freezes the slewing circuit, allowing for Track & Hold-like behavior whether in loop or slewing modes.

Adding new niceties to a classic module architecture, the Contour 1 is a fresh and welcome addition to the patch-programmable slope generator family.

Contour 1 Features

• Function generator/slew limiter from the Buchla 281 and Serge DUSG lineage
• Can act as an AD or AR envelope, cycling envelope, slew, and more
• Manual trigger button built in
• Extends well into audio range when set to loop
• Hold input for T&H-like behavior
• Gate input acts as an "enable" input when in looping mode
• 1V/Oct tracking
• Independently variable rise and fall shape (with voltage control!)

Product Details

• Eurorack module
• Width: 8hp
• Depth: 30mm
• Current draw: 75mA @ +12V, 75mA @ -12V