Four-Input Mixer - full audio range

[red]

Four-Input Mixer (Voyager XL)

I observed that the mixer (and also the Attenuators and the Lag) is covering the whole audio range. I didn't expect that for a VC processor - so I didn't try that before. But this is usefull e.g. if you like to use OSC 3 (via Pedal Bus) for external control... The only difference to a normal audio mixer is the DC content of the signal (= offset).

Is anyone using the Four-Input Mixer in this way?

[ColorForm2113]

i have only just begun to play with the VX351, so setting pedal buss source to OSC 3 (leave the osc 3 switch to HI) gives a direct audio out from the BUSSES Pedal Out? interesting i will definitely have to experiment with this

[GregAE]

i have only just begun to play with the VX351, so setting pedal buss source to OSC 3 (leave the osc 3 switch to HI) gives a direct audio out from the BUSSES Pedal Out?

Been doing that trick for years. It's a great way to expand the Voyager's sound palette, because you can treat Oscillator 3 separately with external effects of any type and then route it back into the Voyager's Ext In.

You do need to be careful while doing this, though. I usually use the Pedal Buss for this so I don't tie up Wheel bus (which is typically reserved for on-the-fly modulations). I route the Pedal Buss output through one of the attenuators and also through a capacitor just to block any DC voltage that might be there (this a modulation output after all, and we're only after the audio here). With the Pedal Buss Source set to OSC3, set the attenuator to 0 and adjust the Voyager Pedal AMOUNT to 10. Route the attenuator out to the desired external effect (chorus, phaser, flanger, delay, etc.), and then then slowly bring up the attenuator to apply the signal to the effect. Your ears should tell you when the level is right. You may or may not want to route the effected signal back into the Voyager (depends on what you are trying to accomplish). If you do, use the external input but be sure to kill OSC3 on the mixer.

One of my favorite tricks with this configuration is to use OSC3 as the Carrier In on the MF-102 Ring Mod. With this in place, take the Voyager's Mixer out signal (use OSC1 or OSC2 - or both!) and apply it to the MF-02 Audio In, then route the Audio Output back into the Voyager. Voila - a tracking Ring Modulator that allows you to select any waveform for either input.

One more thing to keep in mind when using the Busses to output OSC3 - these are modulation busses that output voltages after all, so DO NOT switch patches on the Voyager while playing with this configuration. You could end up applying a large DC voltage to an input somewhere in the chain and damage something (or worse). Best to be safe and methodical while exploring this new-found technique.

- Greg

[ColorForm2113]

Brilliant! Thanks Greg, now that I'm 99% comfortable inside the box its time to venture out side

[red]

Thanks Greg for your additions! What's a typical capacity for uncoupling the DC voltage - is it not in relation to the input impedance of the following device...?

[yesman]

Also, note that on the programmable Voyagers you can route Osc 1 or 2 to the buss source using the programmable source option. I think on the old school V's Osc 1 & 2 are choices on bus source selector.

[GregAE]

Thanks Greg for your additions! What's a typical capacity for uncoupling the DC voltage - is it not in relation to the input impedance of the following device...?

Actually, I referred to a (non-Moog) synth schematic that included a 10mF blocking cap, so that's the value I used.

I built it into a simple little ‘module’ using a few Radio Shack parts (a small plastic project box, a couple of 1/4 jacks, the capacitor, & some wire). The thing resembles a small direct box with jacks on opposite ends. The capacitor I used was an axial, non-polarized type. The cap fitted nicely between the ‘hot’ terminals of the jacks, so I only needed a short length of wire to tie the ground contacts together.

Perhaps MC or Kevin L. can shed some additional light on the subject of DC blocking caps...

-Greg

[ColorForm2113]

Also, note that on the programmable Voyagers you can route Osc 1 or 2 to the buss source using the programmable source option. I think on the old school V's Osc 1 & 2 are choices on bus source selector.

thats right! This opens a whole new realm with the voyager! It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks Bob