Snazzy FX Hi Gains

Very minor rack rash.

The Hi_Gain is a specialist for wavefolding, distortion, saturation and the like. The module features three transistor-based VCAs plus a sum output. With daisy-chaining and feedbacks, very complex effects can be achieved.

The VCAs come equipped with the following connectors and control elements:

Stage 1 – A dirty VCA

• DC-coupled audio input
• Gain potentiometer
• CV input plus attenuator – For controlling the VCA. A connection between this jack and the sum channel or the single output of another section can create great feedback effects.
• Audio output, normalized to the input of the second stage.

Stage 2 – Another dirty VCA

• DC-coupled audio input
• Gain potentiometer
• CV input without attenuator – For controlling the VCA. This jack is an excellent choice for creating feedbacks as well.
• Audio output, normalized to the input of the third stage.

Stage 3 – This stage gets louder with negative signals and quieter with positive ones.

• DC-coupled audio input, normalized to the input of the second section.
• Gain potentiometer
• CV input plus attenuator – For controlling the VCA. Again, feedback routings are expressly desired.
• Audio output

The sum output emits a mixture of all three VCAs. More precisely, the mix channel considers the results of the first two VCAs as “normal” signals and the third stage as a “DC point shifting” input. The phase of the sum output is inverted. Interesting cancellations can be achieved by mixing audio material coming from the single outputs and the sum connector.

The Hi_Gain features three differently designed, transistor-based VCAs plus a sum output. Together, the circuits form a complex feedback and mixing system with dirty, angry sound. - A great tool for giving drums, basses or leads a more brutal touch. Alternatively to modular equipment, other devices such as a piezo mic or a tablet can be connected. Thanks to internal connections between inputs and outputs, musicians need only very few cables for complex signal processing. Of course, the VCAs can be used individually as well. A single circuit is already capable of adding lots of grit and aggressiveness to a signal. - If you are looking for a clinically clean VCA, you should stay away from this module.

Technical Specifications

• CONNECTORS

Per VCA:
Audio input
CV input
Audio output

• Global:

Sum output

• DIMENSIONS

3U Eurorack module, 8 HP wide, skiff friendly depth
Power consumption: 15 mA at +12 V and 15 mA at -12 V

• WEIGHT

0.2 kg