Vintage Synth Lab AWM-3 - Analog Wavefold Mixer

The AWM-3 is an all analog, real-time, complex wave-shaping (triple wave-folder) 3-channel mixer module with added features of compression and multiple mix modes including matrix mixes. The combination of multiple access points (outputs of various mixes), wave-folding, and compression allow for an extremely wide array of signal processing, including complex chorus-like sounds.

All three channels are identical and can operate independently. They can also be cascaded (connected in series) to obtain double and triple wave-folding. The compressor at the front-end of each channel allows for not only unique wave-shaping, but the ability to send asymmetrical wave-shaped signals through multiple wave-fold stages while preserving a better managed signal process.

With individual outputs for each channel, a master mix (and master level control), as well as three matrix mix outputs as: “MIX 1+2” (1 OUT + 2 OUT), “MIX 2+3” (2 OUT + 3 OUT), “MIX 1+3” (1 OUT + 3 OUT), the AWM-3 is wave-shaper, signal processor, and multi-mode mixer.

Each channel has independent positive and negative control over wave-shaping, including CV inputs, CV attenuation, bias (wave-fold threshold), and level (wave-fold volume). Each channel also has a dry level control. Between the dry level, positive wave-fold level, and negative wave-fold level controls, many variations of wave-shaping are possible.

All CV inputs will accept LFO or audio-rate frequencies. The main signal path is DC-coupled. Each dry signal throughput can be amplified up to +6dB (2 times the input signal) and has a buffered output.

With the addition of a VCA inserted before the AWM-3 (i.e. VCO > VCA > AWM-3), dynamic wave-folding opens up a high degree of variation for automatic wave-shaping. Add the compressor stage, then new and complex sounds can be generated.

Audio Input jacks:

• IN 1
• IN 2
• IN 3

Audio Output jacks:

• OUT 1 (Buffered output of Ch 1)
• OUT 2 (Buffered output of Ch 2)
• OUT 3 (Buffered output of Ch 3)
• MIX (Mix output of all three channels)
• MIX 1+2 (Exclusive mix output of channels 1 and 2)
• MIX 2+3 (Exclusive mix output of channels 2 and 3)
• MIX 1+3 (Exclusive mix output of channels 1 and 3)

CV Input jacks:

• POS 1 (CV to control positive threshold for wave-folding of Ch 1)
• NEG 1 (CV to control negative threshold for wave-folding of Ch 1)
• POS 2 (CV to control positive threshold for wave-folding of Ch 2)
• NEG 2 (CV to control negative threshold for wave-folding of Ch 2)
• POS 3 (CV to control positive threshold for wave-folding of Ch 3)
• NEG 3 (CV to control negative threshold for wave-folding of Ch 3)

Controls:

• DRY 1 (Dry level of Ch 1)
• P1 ATTN (Attenuation for POS 1 CV to P1 BIAS)
• P1 BIAS (Threshold / Offset for positive wave-fold of Ch 1)
• P1 LEVEL (Positive wave-fold level for Ch 1)
• COMP 1 switch (Engages compression for Ch 1)
• N1 ATTN (Attenuation for NEG 1 CV to N1 BIAS)
• N1 BIAS (Threshold / Offset for negative wave-fold of Ch 1)
• N1 LEVEL (Negative wave-fold level for Ch 1)
• DRY 2 (Dry level of Ch 2)
• P2 ATTN (Attenuation for POS 2 CV to P2 BIAS)
• P2 BIAS (Threshold / Offset for positive wave-fold of Ch 2)
• P2 LEVEL (Positive wave-fold level for Ch 2)
• COMP 2 switch (Engages compression for Ch 2)
• N2 ATTN (Attenuation for NEG 2 CV to N2 BIAS)
• N2 BIAS (Threshold / Offset for negative wave-fold of Ch 2)
• N2 LEVEL (Negative wave-fold level for Ch 2)
• DRY 3 (Dry level of Ch 3)
• P3 ATTN (Attenuation for POS 3 CV to P3 BIAS)
• P3 BIAS (Threshold / Offset for positive wave-fold of Ch 3)
• P3 LEVEL (Positive wave-fold level for Ch 3)
• COMP 3 switch (Engages compression for Ch 3)
• N3 ATTN (Attenuation for NEG 3 CV to N3 BIAS)
• N3 BIAS (Threshold / Offset for negative wave-fold of Ch 3)
• N3 LEVEL (Negative wave-fold level for Ch 3)
• MIX LEVEL (Master MIX level for MIX output jack, mix of all three channels)

Current draw: 77mA (+12V); 77mA (-12V); 0mA (+5V)