I use the LFO outputs on my ringmods for modulation of other gear, but the signal often needs attenuating. I have a CP-251, but I find that I quickly use up my options in more complex patches.
Is there a cheaper and simple alternative to buying a second CP? Does anyone know of a good compatible option? (wrong place to ask maybe…) It is very difficult to find used CPs where I live.
You can search online for attenuator schematics and make your own. It is a great starter project!
There are only 3 lugs on a pot to solder to. There will be your input (the tip of the jack or positive signal wire), your signal output and negative or ground (the other wire that helps to carry your signal through the cable).
You could also make some multiples, they are just jacks wired to each other to split the signal multiple times (to send to different inputs). I found these very useful for my MoogerFooger setup and the modular.
Here is an archived pic of Port-A-Pots and Move-A-Mults:
I had pasted this text next to my copy of the above picture.
(Sorry, I don’t know the original source of this text, but Thanks if you read this!)
Facing the front of the pot, you should have the left terminal to ground.
Connect the middle (wiper) terminal to your output.
Connect the right terminal to the signal you’re attenuating (your input.)
If your pot value is too low, you’ll load down your input.
If it’s too high, you’ll get noise or poor response when turning.
10K to 250K is common. 100K almost standard with synths.
Taper is up to you, but linear is recommended for most CV applications.
Btw, when facing the pot, the description above assumes the terminals are facing down, not up.
DemonDan is right sorry for the conflicting information. The variable amount should be the wiper, so since you want the output to be variable (by using the pot) you use the wiper as the output. I will edit my earlier post as to not mislead anyone else.
I have to confess that I have never wielded a soldering iron in anger in my life, but it would be very exciting (and cheap) to make attenuators and mults myself. But I sense self-doubt.
I think I should start with these links in that case, pasting them in for my own and others’ convenience
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2007/01/14/learn-to-solder/
http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/index.php?CATPARTNO=&PROJARG=ELECTRONICS%2Fgettingstarted.html
In the short term, maybe I need to start saving up for another cp…
Happy xmas to fellow moogers
This might help:
http://koma-elektronik.com/?product=koma-attenuator-cable
You’ll need a couple of adapters though, I understand they are easy to find
This one’s also for 3.5mm, but quite cheap and a good starter project:
http://escapefromnoise.com/produkt/ryo-airtenuator/
http://ljunggrenaudio.com/products/airtenuator.html
(RYO is Swedish 
)