XR1-E Ring Modulator

Desktop analog ring modulator with oscillator, preamp and LFO

The XR1-E is an analog ring modulation effect device made for e-guitar, microphone and much more in a nice handmade metal casing.
It offers a large variety of control options, the range of producible sounds extends from the typical ring modulator sounds over distortion and tremolo up to glissandi and random patterns.
The adjustable internal preamp allows the adaption of any kind of input sources, such as microphone or e-guitar as well as electronic instruments.
The ring modulation oscillator's frequency can be controlled over a wide range, from less than 1 cycle per second up to above the hearing limit. This can be done manually - with the two knobs for coarse and fine tuning - plus a toggling switch for shifting the frequency into the tremolo area. A control voltage (CV) or a standard expression pedal can be used for frequeny control additionally, insertable via plugs connectors on the backside.
A bicolor LED allows visual control of the oscillator and preamp. With the knob 'Carrier Surpression' the oscillator tone can be muted (in middle position) or intentionally be turned up. The knob 'Bypass' mixes the ring modulation effect with the preamplified original signal ('dry/wet' control).
Beside of that, there is a socket 'Footswitch' on the front of the device: Here a footswitch (not included) can be connected to switch between the original and effect sound - in 'True Bypass', meaning that the original signal will go directly through without being affected by any electronics.
The output volume of the effect signal can be regulated by a knob nearby the output socket on the rear; this may be useful for aligning it to the original signal's volume (when being switched into 'true bypass' mode), or to add some amplification or attenuation.
For frequency modulation of the oscillator the following options are available:
A LFO (low frequency oscillator) with the waveforms triangle and squarewave (frequency and modulation depth adjustable by knobs) and an envelope follower with Sample+Hold (S+H).
The envelope follower detects the amplitude of the input signal and converts it into a voltage for modulating the oscillator frequency. Modulation depth can be adjusted by a knob and a switch sets the polarity.
In sample+hold (S+H) mode, the modulation voltage will be converted in a step-shaped control signal - creating glissandi and other interesting sound patterns. Hereby one can select either the LFO or the envelope follower to be the source for the S+H's clock and analog input; further an external clock signal applied on a minijack socket on the rear may be used too.
Another minijack socket on the rear is providing an 1V/oct. input for the oscillator.

The XR1-E works battery-operated with 6* AA (Mignon) cells. But also an external power supply may be connected via a plug on the backside. The supply voltage should be in a range of 6-15V DC .
The XR1-E is based on a function generator chip, which warm and smooth sound makes it excellently suitable for ring modulation and electronic music.
Please note: Due to the handmade manufacturing process, there may be some little scratches/irregularities in the casing’s surface.

• Low noise preamp
• Frequency modulation with envelope follower, LFO and/or Sample+Hold
• 1V/oct minijack input and adjustable 1/4' jack input for external frequency control
• External clock input for Sample+Hold
• Footswitch input – true bypass
• Adjustable output gain
• Bicolor LED for visual AM control
• Unique handmade casing
  

Specifications:

• Oscillator frequency ca 0,2 - 18000 Hz
• Carrier Surpression: max. 55 dB
• Max. input voltage: 6-8Vpp
• Power supply 6x 1,5V AA mignon cells (included) or external 6-15V 200mA DC adaptor (not included; with +pole on outer ring of the plug)
• Dimensions  14,2 x 8,3 x 11,0 cm
• Weight ca 800 gr (without batteries)