MUSICSTORE FIL4 Future Sound Systems Timbral Sculptor Instructions
- June 13, 2024
- MUSICSTORE
Table of Contents
FUTURE SOUND SYSTEMS FIL4
TIMBRAL SCULPTOR
FIL4 Future Sound Systems Timbral Sculptor
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The Timbral Sculptor brings together several synthesis elements designed for
altering the harmonic content of audio signals at its input. The module is
comprised of a multi-mode filter, VCAs, a deadband wavefolder, and a rectifier
and Lockhart wavefolder in the reso- nance path of the filter. The FIL4
therefore can be cou- pled with one or several oscillators, as well as modu-
lation sources, for a full synthesizer voice.
The Filter component of the FIL4 has been designed to range from clean, low-
distortion filtering to chaotic noise generation, particularly through the use
of non-linear elements in its resonance path.
SPECIFICATIONS
Width: 16HP
Current consumption:
+12V: 130mA
-12V: 110mA
FILTER
The FIL4’s multi-mode filter is a -18dB/octave three-pole design based around
the $S1I2164 IC. When used without the rectifier or wavefolder in the
resonance path, the filter behaves “cleanly” with low distortion. The filter
will self-oscillate at maximum Res- onance, and also has slightly accentuated
Resonance at higher Cut-Off Frequency, imitating filters such as that found in
the Roland TB-303. This gives the filter a somewhat “bright” sound,
particularly when the Cut-Off is modulated by decaying envelopes, etc. 1V/Oct
control over the filter’s Cut-Off Frequency is available at the Frequency CV1
input, and the Reso- nance can also be voltage controlled via an attenu-
verter.
Additional features to this filter begin with the Audio FM attenuverter. This
was added to imitate the behav- iour of the Korg35 filter, where overdriving
the filter core results in slight modulation of the filter’s cut-off
frequency. On the FIL4, this effect can be taken to the extreme in both
positive and negative directions.
In the resonance path of the filter, a rectifier network and/or Lockhart
wavefolder can be switched in. These alter the filter’s behaviour in dramatic,
non-line- ar ways, with neither stage resulting in its expected sound at the
output. The rectifier is switchable between Half-Wave and Full-Wave
Rectification, allowing for different flavours of resonance behaviour. The
wave- folder wreaks havoc in the filter and produces tones reminiscent of our
Spectral Devastator filters. Please note that both the rectifier and
wavefolder will prevent the filter from tracking to the 1V/ Octave standard.
Each individual state output from the filter is fed through a VCA, courtesy of
another SSI2164, and akin to the Cyclical Engine VCO module. The mixed output
of this is then passed on to the next component in the Chain, whether that be
the Chain Output or the deadband wavefolder named “ Timbre”.
TIMBRE
The “Timbre” section is named after a well-regarded deadband wavefolder
design, prominent in “West-Coast” designs both young and old. Whilst the
Filter section of the Timbral Sculptor belongs to classic subtractive
synthesis, the Timbre section can be seen
as relating to additive synthesis, as the harder the Timbre section is driven,
the greater the number of harmonics that are added to the input.
In the FIL4, the Timbre section can be manipulated using the Drive control
(when in Pre configuration) or from the VCAs at the filter’s outputs (when in
Post con- figuration). Note that the patchable VCA of the Tim- bral Sculptor
can be employed when the Timbre sec- tion is in the Pre configuration to give
voltage control over the Drive.
VCA
The Timbral Sculptor features an exponential-law VCA, which can be used
completely independently from the other elements of the module if desired.
Oth- erwise, the VCA can be placed at the beginning or end of the signal
chain.
When the Routing switch is in the Input position, the VCA is configured so
that audio should be input to the VCA In socket, and the final output of the
chain will be present at the Chain Out socket. In this position, the VCA
provides voltage control over the amount of Drive into either the Timbre or
Filter section.
When the Output position is selected at the Routing switch, the VCA is placed
at the end of the signal chain, so audio should be input to the Chain In
socket, and the final output will be present at the VCA Out socket. In this
position, the VCA takes the more tradi-
tional role as found in most standalone synthesizers, providing final control
over a sound’s dynamics.