BEFACO HEX MIX VCA Module User Manual

BEFACO HEX MIX VCA Module

POWERING THE MODULE

T H A N K S FO R P U RCH A S I N G A M O D U L E F RO M B EFA CO
B EFO RE YO U PLU G T HI S M O D U L E I N

1. Disconnect your cabinet from the mains.
2. Triple check the power cord polarity. The coloured line on the cable (pin number one) is the -12V rail and must match white line in PCB.
3. Connect power cable into POWER connector. Find the connector marked in the silkscreen.
4. If you plug the cable backwards or in the expansion port you might burn it out and unfortunately, this is not covered by the warranty.
5. If you have any questions about this product please send them to: befacosynth@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION

S I X CH A N N E L V C A W I T H VA RI A B L E RE S P O N S E C U RV E

The Hex Mix VCA is a compact six channel VCA with variable response curve, from exponential, through linear to logarithmic. This particular behaviour makes the module a powerful tool for design interesting timbres and complex forms of modulation. Hex Mix VCA can be used as a six channel mixer with manual gain controls, as all outputs are summed at channel six.

MODULE REFERENCE

A N E X A MI N AT I O N A N D D E S C RI PT I O N O F T H E VA RI O U S F U N C T I O N S O F T H E M O D U L E

1. Channel Input
   Main channel Input. Acepting signals at +/- 10V.

2. Response Knob
   Curve response control. While center position is lienar response, Turning the knob anticlockwise the response morphs from to an exponential curve gradually. In the same way, turning the knob clockwise, the response morphs from linear to a logarithmic curve. Useful for create timbres with different dynamics responses.

3. Volume Knob
   Manual control for the output channel gain.

4. Channel CV Input
   Voltage control input for the amplifier. Plug the output of an envelope or other modulators in this input to shape the incoming signal. Expects 0-8V.

5. Channel Output
   Main channel output. In channel six this output can be the master of six channels sum (see later). Output level up to +/-8V.

REFERENCE

R E S P O N S E C U R V E S E X A MI N AT I O N O F T H E D I F F E RE N T C U RV E S A N D S I G N A L B E H AV I O U R S.

INTRODUCTION

The most significant feature of the Hex Mix VCA is its precise response range. Starting from the usual linear curve, the module offers a wide range of responses that can be precisely adjusted from exponential to logarithmic. This variety of curves allows us to create timbres with interesting dynamics and complex modulation signals.
Let’s check this with some graphics.
Patch Notes: Audio signal to Input Channel 1 – Linear Envelope to CV In 1

• LINEAR RESPONSE
  In Linear Mode, the VCA follows the control signal of the envelope in a linear form. This allows the signal to keep its exponentially intact and creates a sound with natural dynamics.

• EXPONENTIAL RESPONSE
  In this case, the VCA follows the control signal in an exponential way. This causes the signal to lose part of its dynamics and gain. Otherwise, it’s useful to get a smooth CV control for modulation sources.

• LOGARITHMIC RESPONSE
  Unlike exponential response, with the Logarithmic one, the signal adds lots of dynamics, making the response quite aggressive. Due to t, its strongest attack and abrupt decay, it makes this response a good choice to create harsh percussions and realistic audio crossfades.

MIXING SIGNALS

U S I N G T H E H E X MI X V C A A S S I X CH A N N E L MI X E R .

INTRODUCTION
The Hex Mix VCA is also a powerful six-channel mixer with the capacity to extract any channel from the sum, as output jacks are normalled to the mix.

MIXING ACTIVATION
The sum of the six channels is activated by turning the switch located in the bottom right of the module (as pictured) to the ON position. At the OFF position, mixing capabilities are turned off and Chanel 6 will act standalone. Setting channel 6 to standalone is useful when Hex Mix VCA is routed to our Hexmixer module. This can be achieved by connecting both of them via the Expansion Port located on the back side of the module.

EXTRACTING SIGNALS FROM THE MIX

The Hex Mix VCA have the capacity to extract signals from the sum keeping other channels’ mix intact. To extract or eliminate a signal of the mix simply plug a cable into the output of the selected channel.

• MORE INFORMATION
• https://www.befaco.org/en/hexmix-vca
• VIDEO DEMO
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5b0w4D6H1M

TECHNICAL SPECS

• Current Needs: +12V: 50mA, -12V: 50mA Width: 14HP
  Depth: 30mm
  Front Panel: Heat-treated Aluminium Design: Module designed, kits prepared and assembled in Barcelona.

References

• Hexmix VCA - Befaco

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