YuSynth VC Comparator

Introduction

A bare double sided PCB (no need for the wire jumper links shown on the PCB layout) for the Yusynth Comparator synth module. These PCBs are manufactured by Soundtronics with a percentage of the sale going to the creator of the YuSynth - Yves Usson. These are early days for the YuSynth Modular Synth at Soundtronics, our plan is to stock PCBs for all of the projects as well as components, kits and front panels. This is going to take time but will eventually be as comprehensive as our MFOS range.

No components are included with the PCB but check out our Synth Components section where you should find what you need. We do suggest visiting the YuSynth Comparator project page for detailed information including Yves panel layouts but a summary is shown below.

Description

This COMPARATORS module is very useful utility module to create GATE signal and pulses from another source of signal. It can be used either to process modulation CVs or audio signal (though it's not a GATE extractor as it can be found with envelope followers).  Basically, one connects a modulation source (LFO output, noise generator...) to INPUT A. As long as the input voltage is smaller than the voltage threshold set by the potentiometer THRESHOLD A (over a -8V to +8V range), the GATE OUT remains low (0V) and as long as the input voltage is higher than the threshold then GATE OUT is high (5V) and the LED is lit. There are two other outputs called ON TRIG and OFF TRIG. At these outputs, 2ms pulses are triggered each and everytime that the input voltage crosses the trheshold voltage. A 2ms pulse will be appear at ON TRIG when the input voltage becomes higher than the threshold, a 2ms pulse will be appear at OFF TRIG when the input voltage becomes smaller than the threshold.

The second COMPARATOR submodule has one more input : CV threshold. This CV makes it possible to control the threshold level with an external module. When no jack is inserted in the CV input, the CV THRESHOLD B acts the same as in the section A but over a range of 0V to +8V

The PCB can accept a choice of three types of power connector, it can be either a Synthesizers.com 6 pins MTA connector, a MOTM 4 pins MTA96 connector or a 10-pin Eurorack connector.
The module was designed to work with a +15V/0V/-15V PSU but can be used without modifications with a +12V/0V/-12V PSU.

Circuit

Click on the schematic thumbnail above for the circuit diagram.

Wiring

The wiring schematic image in the above thumbnails show the panel wiring to the pots and sockets etc.

Setting and Trimming

This circuit requires no setting or trimming. It must work right away.

Parts List

The parts list below is direct from the YuSynth website. Please note that Yves has identifed some components with a *, these component values can be changed to suit your own particular requirements / preferences. The value in the parts list is the default value and may differ to that quoted in the schematic / PCB silk image.

The parts list excludes knobs although we have standardised on the Cliff KM20B but it does include 1/4" jack sockets. All parts are available individually (use the part number in the search box above) or as a components kit that excludes sockets and knobs.