AnalogFX VXC-2220 User manual

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USER MANUAL
VXC-2220
EURORACK

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THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THE VXC-2220.
Thank you for choosing the AnalogFX VXC-2220 analog vocoder for eurorack. We do hope that
you really enjoy using it.
Thank you.
CREDITS:
A big thank you to Michael Azevedo for reading, and assistance in order to complete this
manual.
Not to forget, a big thank you to all you terrific eurorack lovers for the feedback for further
improvement of the VXC-2220

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INDEX
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION ............................................................................................ 5
DANGER .................................................................................................................................. 6
CAUTION ................................................................................................................................. 6
LEGAL DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................. 6
1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 7
1.1 WHAT DOES A VOCODER DO? ..................................................................................... 7
2 INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 SETUP ........................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 CONNECT TO POWER .................................................................................................. 9
2.3 POWER UP ................................................................................................................. 10
2.4 CONNECT TO AMPLIFIER ........................................................................................... 10
2.5 START VOCODING ...................................................................................................... 10
3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................... 11
3.1 INPUT SECTION .......................................................................................................... 11
3.1.1 INPUTS ................................................................................................................ 12
3.2 VCO SECTION ............................................................................................................. 13
3.3 FILTER SECTION .......................................................................................................... 14
3.4 SYNTHSIS AND OUTPUT SECTION .............................................................................. 14
3.4.1 OUTPUT .............................................................................................................. 14
4 BLOCK DIAGRAM .............................................................................................................. 15
5 SPECIFICATION ................................................................................................................. 16
6 SERVICE AND SUPPORT INFORMATION ........................................................................... 17
6.1 LIMITED WARRANTY .................................................................................................. 17
6.2 RETURNING YOUR PRODUCT TO ANALOGFX ............................................................ 17
6.3 CARING FOR THE VXC-2220 ....................................................................................... 17
7 LEGAL NOTES .................................................................................................................... 18
7.1 NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ........................................................ 18
7.2 ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) .............................................................. 18
7.3 EUROPE ...................................................................................................................... 18
APPENDIX A - CALIBRATION ..................................................................................................... 19
VCA OFFSET .......................................................................................................................... 19
MICROPHONE GAIN ............................................................................................................. 19

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION
This symbol wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to
constitute
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual
1. Read this instruction and keep these instructions.
2. Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
3. Do not use this apparatus near water, rain or moisture.
4. Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.
5. Do not clean with solvent based or abrasive cleaners. Clean only with dry cloth.
6. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers , stoves, or other
apparatus that produce heat.
8. Do not install in a confined space, such as a book case or similar units.
9. Do not over-tighten the screws, nuts and stand-offs provided.
10. Do not over-turn the control knobs (they are analogue potentiometers, which have end stops)
or over-push the toggle switches.
11. The PCB of individual not assembled Euro-rack modules may contain sharp edges and sharp
points. Keep away from young children.
12. Do not reverse the power connector. And only use the provided power supply or power cord.
13. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
14. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
15. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
16. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the card or apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
17. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when the apparatus is
unused.
18. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when:
a. Liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into/onto the apparatus.
b. The power supply cord or plug is damaged.
c. The apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture.
d. The apparatus does not operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.
e. The apparatus has been dropped or the enclosure is damaged.
19. The apparatus shall be connected to a Mains socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection.

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20. Where the Mains plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect
device shall remain readily operable.
21. Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product
must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE
Directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be taken
to a collection center licensed for the recycling of waste electrical and
electronic equipment (EEE). The mishandling of this type of waste could
have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due
to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE.
At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product
will contribute to the efficient use of natural resources. For more information about where
you can take your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, or your
household waste collection service.
22. This apparatus, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable
of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long
period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable.
23. Please keep the environmental aspects of battery disposal in mind. Batteries must be
disposed-of at a battery collection point.
24. Use this apparatus in moderate climates. Operate at between 0 °C to +40 °C, <95% Relative
humidity (non-condensing).
DANGER
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRICSHOCK, OR INJURY TO
PERSONS: Do not open the chassis. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer
all servicing to qualified personnel only.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain and
moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquids and
no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
AnalogFX accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies
either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein.
Technical specification, appearance and other information are subject to change without
notice. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
©AnalogFX 2021 All rights reserved.

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1 INTRODUCTION
Inspired by the classic Synton Syntovox 2221, the VXC-2220 is a 10-band, analog vocoder for eurorack.
The VXC-2220 ease of use makes it an excellent addition to a performance based system.
Key Specifications:
 1 VCO, Triangle wave, pulse wave and noise with external CV input.
 10 band filters with individual outputs and inputs for the envelope followers and VCA’s.
 Noise-gate, compressor/limiter for the microphone input.
 Phantom power for condenser microphones.
 Synthesis.
 Bypass switch.
 Clean feed.
1.1 WHAT DOES A VOCODER DO?
As you can see, a vocoder is a black box with two inputs, “speech” and “carrier”, as well as an audio
output. The input for the speech is typically a voice via a microphone and the carrier input is usually a
synthesizer. The illusion of the "talking synthesizer" is created by the interaction between the speech
and carrier inputs. If a spoken speech input is combined with the carrier input of a synthesized melodic
or sequenced pattern of notes, the resulting output will appear to be singing the melody or sequenced
pattern of notes.
Another popular use of the vocoder is to play a drum loop into the speech input along with a
progression of chords, synced to the loop, into the carrier input. We will let you explore that idea to
hear what it sounds like. These are only two examples of how to use a vocoder - we encourage you to
use your creativity and explore the many uses of your vocoder.
1Synton Syntovox 222 is used to associate the sound of this module and is not correlated with AnalogFX.

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2 INSTALLATION
For those of you who can’t wait to use your new VXC-2220, the following should get you set up and
running quickly.
Check the contents in the shipping carton
The VXC-2220 is shipped with the following items:
1. The VXC-2220 Vocoder.
2. Eurorack power supply cable.
3. User’s Manual.
What you will need
In addition you will need:
1. A eurorack housing.
2. A eurorack power supply.
3. 3.5mm eurorack patch cables.
4. A dynamic microphone.
2.1 SETUP
Ensure you have an adequate and safe eurorack setup. Do not expose your VXC-2220 to dripping or
splashing, nor place objects on the rack filled with liquids, such as vases, mugs or glasses. Use care
when unpacking the VXC-2220. Save the cartoon and all packing material in case you need to ship the
VXC-2220 for any reason.
Here is an overview of the VXC-2220 vocoder connectors on the front side:
 Microphone : Input XLR connector.
 Speech line : Input 3.5 mm mono jack.
 Carrier line : Input 3.5 mm mono jack.
 Analyzer : Outputs 3.5 mm mono jack.
 Synthesizer : Inputs 3.5 mm mono jack.
 Output : Line output 3.5 mm mono jack.

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2.2 CONNECT TO POWER
Connect the VXC-2220 to a power supply which is able to provide 125mA on both the positive and
negative 12V rails. The VXC-2220 does not require the 5V rail. If phantom power for the microphone
is required also connect the DC power connector for the phantom power supply.
WARNING: Check the polarity of the eurorack power supply cable matches the polarity of the power
connector on the VXC-2220. Only use the phantom power if the microphone require this, otherwise your
microphone can be damaged.
Figure 1 – Backside of the VXC-2220 PCB.
EURORACK POWER CONNECTOR

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2.3 POWER UP
Enable the power of the eurorack power supply to switch it on. The VXC-2220 is now operational and
ready for use.
2.4 CONNECT TO AMPLIFIER
Always power-off all audio gear before making any connections. Failing to do so may damage your
speakers, the VXC-2220 vocoder, or other audio equipment.
Set the VXC-2220 volume control levels to 0 before connecting to an amplifier. Power on the various
devices, with audio amplifier or monitoring system last. Slowly bring up the VXC-2220 volume to a
comfortable listening level.
2.5 START VOCODING
The VXC-2220 operates in the normal note range (C1 to C6) and is quantized to 1 semitone. Set the
speech level until the speech level LED blinks on peak level input. Then set the VCO level until the
carrier level LED blinks during peak input levels.

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3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
3.1 INPUT SECTION
SPEECH: Input level of the speech signal coming from the XLR microphone input or the speech line
input. Set the speech level until the LED level blinks during peak input levels. If the LED does not blink,
the level is too low and needs to be increased. If the LED remains continuously lighted, decrease the
speech level until the LED blinks only during peak level input.
CARRIER: Input level of the carrier signal coming from the carrier line input. Set the carrier level so that
the carrier level LED lights only during peak level input. See Speech section above for additional details
on obtaining proper input levels.

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3.1.1 INPUTS
INPUTS
MICROPHONE INPUT: Microphone input for dynamic microphones or condenser microphones. Note:
If you use a condenser microphone that requires phantom power enable the
phantom power by connecting the phantom power DC connector on the
backside.
SPEECH LINE INPUT : External line input for the speech signal. Any audio source with line levels can
be connected to this input. Note: If this input is used it disables the microphone
input.
CARRIER LINE INPUT: External line input for the carrier signal. Any audio source with line levels can
be connected to this input.
VCO CV INPUT : External CV to control the VCO, input is quantized to 1 semitone. Note: By
using this input the Frequency control knob is disabled.
 From 0V to 5V Saw wave ranging from C1 to C6.
 From 5V to 9V Sum of three 10% pulse waves ranging from C1+C2+C3 to
C5+C6+C7.
 From 9V to 10V white noise.

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3.2 VCO SECTION
VCO LEVEL: Set the audio level of the oscillator output. This signal is feed
through the carrier processor.
FREQUENCY: Frequency control of the oscillator. The VXC-2220 oscillator
operates in the normal note range (C1 - C6) and is quantized to 1 semitone. The
oscillator has three waveforms set by the position of the frequency control
knob:
 Saw Wave: Ranging from C1 to C6. (first section of the rotary knob
range).
 Pulse Wave: Sum of three 10% pulse waves, ranging from
C1+C2+C3 to C5+C6+C7. (middle section of the rotary knob range).
 White Noise. (Last section of the rotary knob range).

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3.3 FILTER SECTION
OUTPUTS
ANALYZER : Outputs of envelope followers for each individual filter bank. Levels from 0V
to 10V.
INPUTS
SYNTHESIZER : Envelope inputs to VCA for each individual filter bank of the synthesizer part.
Accept input levels from 0V to 10V.
3.4 SYNTHSIS AND OUTPUT SECTION
SYNTHESIS LEVEL: Adds noise to the bandpass filters to create better
‘s’ and ‘t’ sounds.
OUTPUT LEVEL: Sets the level of the output signal.
BYPASS: Enables the vocoder. In upper position the vocoder is switched
on. In the lower position the vocoder is switched off and the input
signals are directly routed to the output.
3.4.1 OUTPUT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT : Line output of the vocoder.

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4 BLOCK DIAGRAM

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5 SPECIFICATION
INPUTS
MICROPHONE INPUT XLR symmetrical
SPEECH LINE INPUT 3.5mm mono jack
CARRIER LINE INPUT 3.5mm mono jack
SYNTHESIZER INPUTS 1..10 3.5mm mono jack
MICROPHONE INPUT IMPEDANCE 1K Ohm
SPEECH LINE INPUT IMPEDANCE 100K Ohm
CARRIER LINE INPUT IMPEDANCE 10K Ohm
SYNTHESIZER INPUT IMPEDANCE 15K Ohm
MICROPHONE INPUT LEVEL -60dBu
SPEECH LINE INPUT LEVEL RANGE -20dBV … +20dBV
CARRIER LINE INPUT LEVEL RANGE -20dBV … +20dBV
SYNTHESIZER INPUT LEVEL RANGE 0V … 10V
OUTPUTS
LINE OUTPUT 3.5mm mono jack
ANALYZER OUTPUTS 1..10 3.5mm mono jack
MAX. LINE OUTPUT LEVEL +16dBV
ANALYZER OUTPUTS 1..10 LEVEL 0V … 10V
FREQUENCY BANDS
LPF 180 (50 … 200) Hz
BPF1..8 (MID BAND) 280, 400, 580, 850, 1300,
1900, 2650, 3900
Hz
HPF 5500 (5000 … 15000) Hz
OSCILATOR
RANGE C1 … C6
WAVE FORM SAW, PULSE, WHITE NOISE
CONTROL VOLTAGE 0V … 10V
SUPPLY
SUPPLY CONNECTOR 10-PIN IDC (2x5 2,54mm)
SUPPLY VOLTAGE +12V & -12V
CURRENT CONSUMPTION +12V +140mA +150mA max.
CURRENT CONSUMPTION -12V -125mA -150mA min.
POWER CONSUMPTION 3W
MECHANICS
SIZE 36HP (182.5x128.5mm), depth 40mm incl. connector
WEIGHT 285 gram

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6 SERVICE AND SUPPORT INFORMATION
6.1 LIMITED WARRANTY
AnalogFX warrants its products to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two
years from the date of purchase. During the warranty period, any defective product will be repaired or
replaced, at AnalogFX option, on a return-to-factory basis. This warranty covers defects that AnalogFX
determines are no fault of the user. In countries outside of the European Union, contact an AnalogFX
authorized distributor for service.
6.2 RETURNING YOUR PRODUCT TO ANALOGFX
Prior approval must be obtained in the form of an RMA-number (Return Material Authorization) from
AnalogFX before returning any product. To request a RMA-number within in the EU, mail to
[email protected]. The VXC-2220 must be returned in its original packing. The warranty will not be
honored if the product is not properly packed. Send the product to AnalogFX with transportation and
insurance charges paid. Once received, we will examine the product for any obvious signs of abuse or
damage as a result of transport. If the product has been abused, damaged in transit, or is out of
warranty, we will contact you with an estimation of the repair cost.
6.3 CARING FOR THE VXC-2220
Clean the VXC-2220 with a soft, slightly moist cloth only – do not use solvents or abrasive detergents.
Heed the safety warnings at the beginning of the manual. Don’t drop the unit. If you are shipping your
VXC-2220 to the factory for servicing, we recommend using the original shipping carton, or a road case.

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7 LEGAL NOTES
7.1 NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
Neither AnalogFX nor anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of this product shall
be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use of, or
inability to use this product (including without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business
interruption, loss of business information and the like) even if AnalogFX was previously advised of the
possibility of such damages.
7.2 ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC)
IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product, use
only high quality shielded cables. Cable(s) supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow
all installation instructions. DO NOT MODIFY THE UNIT.
NOTE: Compliance with EMC regulations does not guarantee that interferences will not occur in all the
installations. If this product is found to be the source of interferences, which can be determined by
turning the unit “OFF” and “ON”, please try to eliminate the problem by using one of the following
measures:
 Relocate either this product or the device that is affected by the interference.
 Use power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker or fuse) circuits or install AC
line filter(s).
 In the case of radio or TV interferences, relocate/reorient the antenna. If the antenna lead-in
is a 300 ohm ribbon lead, change the lead-in to coaxial cable.
 If these corrective measures do not bring any satisfied results, please contact the local retailer
authorized to distribute this type of product.
7.3 EUROPE
This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 2001/95/EC.

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APPENDIX A - CALIBRATION
The VXC-2220 vocoder has 2 manual calibration points which can be set on the backside of the unit.
It’s not recommend to adjust these settings. Refer to qualified technical personal for adjust these
settings.
VCA OFFSET
OFFST VCA : The offset of the VCA’s. Enable the vocoder with speech level to zero and a normal
carrier level applied. Adjust the VCA offset to a level that just can’t hear any signals.
MICROPHONE GAIN
GAIN MIC : Set the gain level of the microphone amplifier, to adjust the sensitivity of the
microphone.
VCA
OFFSET
MICROPHONE
GAIN

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