Synthi VCS3(mk2) External CV and Gate Interface Unit
The above shows a custom VCS3 mk2 external CV and gate interface module.
Custom designed with hand made afrormosia hardwood case as in the
original VCS3 and original synthi knobs/sockets/styling and custom
engraved panels. Different knob colour options will be available. The
Synthi VCS3-DK2 CV interface unit combines my 4 channel sequencer/CV
cable with the ability to keep the DK1/2 keyboard connected to the
VCS3. It also works equally well with a DK1 keyboard. It allows
individual switching of the 4 channels (Input ch1, Input ch2, matrix
row 16 (joystick vertical control) and gate) between either external
CV1-CV3, gate (via 6.35mm jacks) or DK1/2 function.
Another nice feature is it also allows the on board Oscillator in the DK1/2 to be routed in and out to external effects/filters etc before re-entering the matrix via input channel 1. This means that you can apply external effects (echo, reverb, filtering etc) of this Osc independently of the main synthi Osc1-3. The unit has two cables permanently connected, one connects to the DK1/2 Keyboard via 8 pin female socket and the other to the VCS3 via 8 pin male Jones plug.
As an exampe of how this unit can be used:-
You could have an external sequencer send pitch sequences via CV3 controlling eg Osc1 via row 16 of the matrix. Another sequencer could send pitch to CV2 which could eg control Osc2 via input ch2 and finally still have keyboard control of the keyboard oscillator via Input ch1 with/without possibility of external processing of this Osc. The triggering of the Envelope Shaper could either be by an extenral gate or the DK1/2 keyboard. The other feature on the unit is the ability to invert (or not) CV3. The reason why I added the invert possibility is because the VCS3 and SynthiA(KS) all require negative pich voltages to control osc frquencies via Input ch1/2. This is because these channels actually INVERT any signal passed into them.
For proper pitch control of oscillators when using the CV3
channel its necessary to place the toggle switch on the CV3 invert
setting. By proper control I mean increasing positive CV3 gives
increasing Osc frequency. Flicking the switch to CV3 (rather than CV3
invert) gives the opposite control wherby more postive CV3 pitch
voltages gives LOWER frequency Osc pitch. Bit like a backwards
keyboard! This setting is still very useful for producing weird effects
or if you want to use CV3 to control things like filter freq etc.
The ability to still be able to play the DK1/2 keyboard and have at the same time external pitch sequences to the VCS3 oscillators means that with this unit, the VCS3 mkII can operate a bit like the Synthi AKS where you could have a sequence running on one oscillator and at the same time play accompanying notes from the the AKS keyboard via another oscillator.
The power for the unit is taken from the VCS3 via the Jones socket and is very minimal since its just a few milli amps that are needed for the opamp voltage inverter.
Please note that whilst this unit can be used on a VCS3 mk1..you
lose use of CV3 channel because the mk1 does not have the feature that
row 16 of the matrix can double as joystick vertical control or
an input via jones plug pin8. The VCS3 mk2 (and synthi AKS) have
this feature.
Here is a demo using an external hardware sequencer connected to my VCS3(mk2)
via the cv unit:-
Price £250 + shipping.
These are custom made to order and so there will be a turnaround time.
Contact me to be placed on a list. Only a limited number will be produced.