This is our hugely popular
version of the classic four stage OTA based phaser. Wonderfully
lush and smooth, it is similar in sound to the phaser used by
Jean Michel Jarre on the Oxygene and Equinoxe albums.
The unit includes a useful
internal low frequency oscillator with accompanying bicolour LED.
The centre frequency of the phase shifter can also be controlled
by an external control voltage. Thus allowing envelope generators
to be used to sweep the phaser to create filter type effects.
Four front panel pots are provided:
Frequency:
this controls the frequency of the two notches created by the
phase shift network.
Emphasis:
this accentuates the feedback signal within the phaser to create
a deeper effect.
Modulation: A
simple attenuator to adjust the level of the internal LFO or
incoming CV.
LFO rate: adjusts
the speed of the LFO.
The internal LFO produces a
triangle wave output which is also available from a front panel
socket, LFO OUT. This allows you to use the internal LFO for
other modulation purposes. The LFO signal is automatically routed
to the modulation depth pot when no jack is inserted in the CV IN
socket. The module features an on board jumper to select whether
the LFO OUT signal is inverted or non inverted compared to the
modulating signal.
The unit is designed to work
with standard MOTM/Oakley signal levels, although it could be
easily converted to be driven from other sources including an
electric guitar.
This unit is also available in
small format (Euro size) as the RS400 Phaser from Analogue
Systems.
For DIY builders of this
module it is possible to purchase the Sock4 circuit board which
is available separately. This little board speeds up the wiring
of the four 1/4″ sockets and reduces the chances of any
wiring errors.
Power (+/-15V) is provided to
the board either by our standard Oakley 4-way header or
Synthesizers.com header. The board size is 143 mm (high) x 72mm (deep).
Current draw is around 40mA.
An enhanced version of this
module is also available featuring up to eight stage phasing.
This is the Deep
Equinoxe.
Sound Samples
Classic swirling chords
similar to that heard on the Jean-Michel Jarre Album ‘Equinoxe’.
This particular sample was played on a Korg Polysix with standard
string patch and ensemble mode on.
Single sawtooth wave from an
Oakley VCO used as the raw input. The phaser is swept upwards
manually by the Frequency pot. Emphasis is at 75%.
Three sawtooth VCOs feeding
the phaser. The frequency is being swept on every note by an
external EG triggered by the keyboard gate. Emphasis at zero. No
other filters are used.
Three VCOs, one tuned an
octave up. Again the phaser is being swept with an EG. This time
the attack time is set to a medium amount so you can hear it
sweeping upwards. Emphasis set to 100%.
Slightly filtered pink noise
is fed into the phaser. Using the inbuilt LFO to modulate the
frequency of the phaser. Emphasis at 100%. A little digital
reverb has been added to the final output.
The Equinoxe issue 5 as a MOTM format
module in a black finish Schaeffer panel. Note the use of the
Sock4 socket board to help keep the wiring to the sockets neat
and tidy.
Downloads
Construction
Guide Our handy guide to building
Oakley DIY projects
Parts
Guide Our handy guide to buying
parts for Oakley DIY projects.
Schematics are only available
to purchasers of the PCB and will be sent via e-mail when the
board(s) are shipped.
Front Panel database
A Schaeffer front panel can be made for
this module. The database can be found by downloading the
following link:
5U format in traditional
black
To read these files you will need
a copy of ‘Frontplatten designer’ from Schaeffer. The program also features on-line ordering, so its
now even easier to buy your panels from Scheaffer.
The company are based in Berlin in Germany
and will send out panels to anywhere in the world. Delivery to
the UK normally takes around ten days. For North American users
you can also order your Schaeffer panels from Front
Panel Express.
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