Grendel Drone Commander DC-2E User manual

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
Drone Commander 2
DC-2E
for Eurorack modular synthesizers
Main Module Expander

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
Contents
Whats Included?
Precautions
Main Module
Installation
Expander Module
Signal Diagram
Oscillator controls
LFO controls
Modulation controls
Filter controls
Synchronization
Service information
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Main Module
Drone Commander DC-2E Main module
Power Cable type 16-26
Mounting hardware kit, M2.5 threads
Expander Module
Drone Commander 2 Expander module
Tether Cable, 26 pin ribbon
Power Cable, standard 16 pin
Mounting hardware kit, M2.5 threads
Features
2 x Voltage controlled oscillator
Square, saw, & PWM waveforms
Pitch modulation effects
2 x Voltage controlled LFO
Tempo generator & clock-dividing sawtooth LFO
Bipolar depth control
2 x Fixed frequency LFO
Sine wave LFOs dedicated to pulse width modulation
1 x Slew-limited clock divider
Pitch slide + trapezoidal lter modulations
2 x Voltage controlled lter
Original Grendel Drone Commander lter
4-Pole low pass gate (-24dB/oct VC-LPF)
1 x Envelope generator
Attack-release envelope, linear slope
Symmetrical attack and release times
The Grendel Drone Commander 2 was designed to continue the legacy of its
predecessor, the Drone Commander classic, which we manufactured in a
volume of about 750 units between 2008-2015.
Over the years of feedback from dedicated musicians we collected a short list
of features that were most frequently requested.
As a result, Drone Commander 2 contains many key upgrades including
voltage-controlled oscillators, synchronization to external clock, and an LFO
that can reach slower tempos. And of course, the numerous requests from
the Eurorack community of musicians for a modular rack version have been
honored with the design of the DC-2E Drone Commander 2 Eurorack +
Expander module.
Naturally, we kept the features that we felt dened the best quality of the
original. The lter is almost identical, with the addition of voltage control. In
addition, Drone Commander 2 retains the solid aluminum knobs, handy push-
pull switches, and sturdy metal construction that characterized the original.
Thank you kindly for your purchase, and we wish you many years of rewarding
creative music.
Rare Waves LLC

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
Precautions
Fragile
The synthesizer modules are designed to be durable under normal use and should last many years.
Never drop the equipment onto a hard surface.
When shipping the synthesizer modules, please package them carefully to avoid shipping damage. An outer cardboard box is required for protection - the
boxes included with the modules are not meant to be shipped without additional packaging. Use at least 2 inches (5 cm) of packing material on all sides.
Only use bubble wrap as cushioning material - avoid newspaper or styrofoam peanuts as packing material.
Humidity and Moisture
It is not recommended to operate the synthesizer modules outdoors unless mild conditions with moderate humidity are assured.
If you are in a tropical climate or are experiencing wet weather conditions, there is a risk of humidity affecting the performance of the synthesizer modules. If
you notice your glasses, camera lens, or other optics are becoming fogged, the same may be happening inside the synthesizer’s circuitry. This typically
happens when transporting equipment from an air conditioned room or vehicle to the outdoors on a wet day, such as loading gear into a vehicle just after a
rainstorm.
Simply put, don’t expose this equipment to high humidity, especially if it has just come from air conditioning. It is best to protect it inside a sealed case if
gigging and travel are planned.
If condensation of moisture occurs, it is recommended to leave the equipment in a warm, dry indoor location for 48 hours before powering it up again.
When storing or shipping the modules, keep them inside sealed anti-static bags with a packet of moisture-absorbent material (included).
Temperature
For normal performance, keep this equipment in a climate controlled indoor space in the range of 55 - 95 degrees F (12 - 35 degrees C).

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
Main Module
Tempo LED
LFO LED
Gate LED
1/4” Audio Line Out
ŸMixer input
ŸFX processor
ŸVolume pedal
ŸInstrument amp
ŸDigital audio interface
ŸGate LED shows
the envelope
generator status
ŸPull up ENV to hold
Gate open. The LED
will remain on.
ŸLED also lights
to indicate GATE IN
activity on the
Expander module.
ŸRepresents LFO
activity with varying
brightness
ŸIndicates the tempo
of the internal clock

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
Main Module
The Main Module’s width is 28HP (~ 142 mm). Its depth behind the mounting rails is
about 78 mm (3.07”), with its cable attached. There must be at least 113 mm vertical
clearance between the mounting rails, in order for the module to t properly. (Figure 1)
The Main Module has one connector on its rear panel. You should connect it to your
system power supply bus using the type 16-26 cable (included), or connect it to the
Drone Commander 2 Expander Module using the 26 pin tether cable that comes with the
Expander. And, while we’re on the subject, we might as well remind you...
Don’t experiment with connecting the main module’s rear panel port to other
equipment that happens to have a similar 26-pin connector.
To use the DC-2E Main Module on its own as a manually controlled instrument,
connect it to your system power supply bus with the 16-26 pin ribbon cable provided.
(Figure 2). Orient the red stripe on the cable toward pin 1 on your power bus connector,
in the usual manner.
When unplugging the ribbon cable, pull with a slow steady pressure, grasping the
housing of the connector and applying a gentle rocking motion.
In stand-alone mode, the DC-2E uses 80mA at +12V (+15V). The negative supply rail
is not used.
The cable port is designed to prevent the plugs from being inserted the wrong way.
The Main Module has reverse polarity protection (backwards diode type). In case of
faulty connection, the module will not power up, but your power supply’s fuses will not
blow.
Installation
Main Module (no Expander)
Power supply bus
+12(+15)volts DC -12(-15)
80mA 0
28 HP
Figure 2. Cable connections for Main Module
without Expander
> 113mm
Figure 1. Minimum clearance for mounting
Flat washers are included with the mounting hardware. It is recommended to
mount the washers on the screws. The washers protect the control panel from
being scratched by the screws.

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
The optional Expander module opens up your options for CV-Gate control,
synchronization, and processing external audio through Drone Commander 2’s lters.
The Expander Module’s width is 7HP (~36 mm), and its depth behind the mounting
rails is about 45 mm (1.75”) with ribbon cables attached.
The rear panel has two ports (Figure 3). The 16-pin port is for standard DC power, and
the 26-pin port connects to the Main Module.
The Expander Module comes with a 26-pin tether cable. Use it to connect between the
Main Module and Expander. (Figure 4)
Then connect the Expander Module to your modular case’s power supply bus using a
standard 16-pin ribbon cable (included). Orient the red stripe on the cable toward pin 1
on your power bus connector, in the usual manner.
The tether cable has enough length to locate the Expander on a different row of your case,
or several modules away. This allows you to choose the best spot for it in your system.
Together, the complete system with Main Module + Expander uses 120mA at +12V
(+15V), and 2.5mA @ -12 V (-15V).
The cable ports are designed to prevent the plugs from being inserted backwards.
The Expander has reverse polarity protection (short-circuit / crowbar type). In case of
faulty power connection, your power supply may blow a fuse.
Main Module + Expander
Main Module and Expander
Power supply bus
+12(+15)volts DC -12(-15)
120mA 2.5
28 HP7 HP
Figure 4. Cable conguration for Main Module with Expander
Installation
Figure 3. Expander module rear panel ports
to Main Module
to Power Supply
Flat washers are included with the mounting hardware. It is recommended to
mount the washers on the screws. The washers protect the control panel from
being scratched by the screws.

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
Expander Module
Gate Input
Trigger Input
Clock Input
Clock Output
LFO Output
Sweep LFO Output
Pulse LFO Output
Slide LFO Output
Audio Line Output
VCO 1 CV Input
VCO 2 CV Input
VCO 1+2 CV In
Mix CV Input
LFO CV Input
Sweep CV Input
VCF 1 CV Input
VCF 2 CV Input
Audio Line Input
Patch cable type: 3.5mm mono
1v/oct
0 .. +5 V range
SW.1
0..5 or +/-2.5V
SW.3
0 or -6dB
threshold =+2.5V
5 V, 5 ms positive pulses
0..+5 V rising sawtooth wave
SW.2
0..5 or +/-2.5V
SW.4
0 or +6dB
+ 6 dB
0 dB
+/- 2.5 V
0..+5 V
SW.1
SW.2
SW.3
SW.4
CV in
CV out
Audio in
Audio out
Figure 5. The rear panel of the Expander Module
has four slide switches that select the voltage
ranges of the inputs and outputs.
Normally, set all four switches to up position for
compatibility with standard +/-2.5 V control
voltages.
Try the 0..5 volt range when connecting to MIDI-CV
converters and tabletop analog gear (including
Grendel Drone Commander classic and Grendel
RA-9 Grenadier)
If SW.3 is down, the AUX IN gain is + 6dB.
If SW.4 is up, the MAIN OUT level is + 6dB.
It is OK to experiment. All jacks are protected
against short-circuit and overvoltage. Never apply
more than +/-15 volts to any patch point.
The VCO CV inputs work with signals in the range of 0 to +5 volts only. Voltages outside this range are limited
by internal protection circuitry. That means:
ŸVCO CV inputs work ideally with MIDI-CV converters or CV-Gate keyboards that use the 0-5 volts range.
ŸTo connect a bipolar LFO for vibrato or FM effects, its output should to be offset by +2.5 volts with a utility
module (not included). This can be accomplished with a DC-coupled CV mixer and bias voltage source.
OSC1 - OSC2 crossfade
LFO rate (clock divider)
Filter modulation depth
Band pass frequency
Low pass frequency
Post- PULSE knob
Post- SWEEP knob
Trapezoidal waves

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
OSC 1
OSC 2
Voltage
Controlled
Mixer
VCF 1
“D.C.Classic”
BPF
VCF 2
4-Pole
LPF
Audio
Out
Tempo
Generator
Main LFO
Clock
Divider
Slide
Generator
(slew-limited
divide-by-2)
Envelope
Generator
SWEEP
depth
PULSE
depth
MOD
depth
SHAPE
control
PWM
LFO (1)
PWM
LFO (2)
Voltage
Controlled
Amplifier
Sum
AUX IN
trigger
frequency
doubler
f 2f 2f / n
Tempo
LED
LFO
LED
Gate
LED
f/ n
f
Figure 6. Main Module signal flow diagram

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
OSC 1
The OSC 1 knob manually controls the pitch of oscillator 1.
The pitch of OSC 1 is modulated by the MOD knob.
OSC 1’s waveform is selected by the built-in push/pull switch.
Push = square/PWM, Pull = sawtooth
Pulse width modulation (PWM) for both oscillators is activated by
pulling up the TEMPO knob. Pulse width modulation is provided by
a pair of dedicated sine wave LFOs at the frequencies of 0.55 Hz and
0.75 Hz. These are summed together to provide a smoothly varying
PWM waveform, without a strongly implied tempo.
OSC 2
The OSC 2 knob manually controls the pitch of oscillator 2.
Its functions are identical to OSC 1.
MIX
The MIX knob controls the blend ratio of oscillator 1 and 2.
The mixer’s output normally feeds the input of VCF 1. Pull up the
SLIDE knob to send the mixer’s output direct to VCF 2, bypassing
VCF 1.
When the MIX knob is pulled up, oscillator 2 is muted. This lets you
work with the pure sound of the lter’s self-oscillations.
Expander: The MIX CV input allows voltage control of the blend ratio.
The MIX knob remains active when MIX CV is patched.
An external audio signal patched to AUX IN will take the place of
oscillator 2 in the mix when the OSC 2 knob is pulled up.
Oscillator Controls
Expander: Each oscillator has its own CV input (1 v/oct). A third
input, VCO 1+2, controls both oscillators simultaneously.
The CV input range for OSC 1 and OSC 2 is xed at 0..+5 volts.
A MIDI-CV converter with clock outputs is ideal for controlling your
Drone Commander 2.
There are two trim controls on the right side of the main module that affect the
oscillators’ tuning accuracy. The oscillators are temperature compensated.
OSC 1 SCALE : V/oct adjust for oscillator 1
OSC 2 SCALE : V/oct adjust for oscillator 2
2 x sine LFO PWM waveform
OSC 1, 2
TIP: You can also use the MIX CV input as a VCA for OSC 1. This is useful if
you need fast attack sounds, or more complex effects from an external
envelope generator module.
ŸConnect an envelope generator to MIX CV input
Ÿ(Don’t patch to AUX IN)
ŸPull up the MIX knob and position it straight up (12 o’clock)
When your envelope generator is triggered, the mixer will respond by
controlling the volume level of OSC 1. (Self-oscillation from the lter will
remain at full volume.)

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
LFO Controls
TEMPO
The TEMPO knob controls the rate of Drone Commander 2’s internal
clock and LFO waveforms.
The repetition rate can be varied between roughly 0.15 - 10 Hz.
Temperature can affect the range to some extent.
Cloc k Pause: When the TEMPO knob is turne d ful ly
counterclockwise, the internal clock stops completely.
The TEMPO knob serves as a switch to activate the PWM waveforms
for OSC 1 and OSC 2.
LFO
The LFO knob controls the rate of sawtooth modulations that are
applied to the lter via the SWEEP knob.
The LFO is always synchronized to the clock pulses from the TEMPO
knob. The LFO’s frequency is 2*TEMPO/n, where n is a whole
number. At the fastest setting (n=1) the LFO sawtooth sweep is
twice as fast as TEMPO. In other words, if TEMPO is eighth-notes,
the LFO can generate sixteenth notes (double time) when turned to
max. The double time effect works for tempos of 150 BPM or less.
LFO rate is automatically scaled by the TEMPO knob. That is to say,
the LFO tracks the TEMPO. This helps Drone Commander 2
maintain consistent modulation effects when TEMPO is varied. It
also means that if you want a very slow LFO, you must also turn
TEMPO to a slow setting.
The LFO also controls the SLIDE effect. When the LFO knob is in
push position, the SLIDE effect is triggered once per LFO cycle.
Pulling up the LFO knob cancels the SLIDE effect. This gives
PULSE modulations very much like the classic Drone Commander.
Expander: The LFO CV jack controls the LFO rate.
The expander module has a dedicated output for the LFO sawtooth
wave. It is a rising sawtooth waveform.
Pull up the LFO knob to route TRIG IN to the slide generator. Patch
an external Trigger or Gate signal to TRIG IN to get rhythmic control
over the SLIDE events.
Expander: Patch an external clock signal to CLK IN to synchronize
Drone Commander 2’s modulations. Typically it is suggested to use
a square wave or pulse wave signal with repetition rate of 1/8th note
intervals.
The TEMPO knob acts as a variable clock divider, and also affects
the swing ratio of the PULSE waveform.
You can tweak TEMPO until you like the synchronization effect, or
use this simple procedure for nding the best TEMPO setting:
ŸPatch a clock source with 1/8th-note pulses to CLK IN
ŸTurn TEMPO to its fastest setting.
ŸReduce TEMPO while observing the Tempo LED. Find the point
where the ashing LED suddenly drops to half-time as you turn
TEMPO counterclockwise.
ŸLeave the TEMPO knob set just slightly faster than the half-time
break point.
This procedure gives the fullest range of control from the SHAPE
knob when using an external clock source.
The maximum frequency of TEMPO is approximately 10 Hz.
There is a trimmer on the right side of the main module that affects the LFO
LFO RATE TRIM : Fine adjust for LFO rate. Non-critical. Leave it
in the middle unless you feel like experimenting.

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
SLIDE
The SLIDE effect is normally triggered once per LFO cycle. SLIDE
alters the square wave modulations of PULSE and MOD in a special
way: When SLIDE is triggered, the square wave is cross-faded with
an inverted version of itself. The crossfade (slide) duration is set by
the SLIDE pot. The SHAPE knob controls the symmetry of the
slides, making them alternately longer and shorter.
Pulling up the LFO knob cancels the SLIDE effect. This gives PULSE
modulations with a character much like the classic Drone
Commander.
The SLIDE knob also serves as a switch to change the signal routing
between mixer and lters.
When SLIDE is in the push position, the signal chain is normal:
When SLIDE is in the pull position, the signal chain is altered. The
mixer output is sent directly to VCF 2, and the pure self-oscillations
of VCF 1 are heard.
MOD
The MOD knob sets the depth of pitch modulation for the oscillators.
Its range of control is approximately zero to +5 octaves.
The modulation source is the same as the PULSE effect, and its
exact behavior is controlled by the TEMPO, LFO, SLIDE, and SHAPE
controls.
The SLIDE effect is most obvious when MOD is turned up.
When MOD is in push position, only OSC 1 is modulated. When
MOD is in pull position, both OSC 1 and OSC 2 will be pitch
modulated.
Modulation Controls
Expander: You can trigger SLIDE with an external trigger signal
patched to TRIG IN. (Pull up the LFO knob to enable TRIG IN)
The expander has a dedicated output jack for the SLIDE waveform.
It is is a trapezoidal waveform with a peak-to-peak spacing of ve
volts.
TIP: To get the classic subtractive synthesis timbre of two sawtooth
oscillators and a 4-pole low pass lter, pull up SLIDE, OSC 1, and OSC 2.
Adjust FILTER, SWEEP, and PULSE to stop any self-oscillation of VCF 1.
OSC1
OSC2
MIX VCF1 VCF2 audio out
OSC1
OSC2
MIX VCF1 VCF2 audio out

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
SWEEP
The SWEEP knob modulates VCF 1’s center frequency with
sawtooth waves from the LFO. SWEEP is a bi-polarity control. Its
zero position (no modulation) is close to straight-up 12 o’clock. Turn
SWEEP clockwise for falling sawtooth modulation. Turn SWEEP
counter-clockwise for rising sawtooth modulation.
Pulling the SWEEP knob up activates the multi-saw waveform. This
adds in a second sawtooth waveform at the TEMPO rate. The
resulting modulation shape depends on the relative setting of
TEMPO and LFO.
SHAPE
The SHAPE knob controls the symmetry of the PULSE and MOD
waveforms. It is similar to a swing ratio control. When SHAPE is
fully counter-clockwise, the modulations are symmetrical (no
swing). As SHAPE is rotated clockwise, the modulations will
become asymmetric.
SHAPE also controls the symmetry of the SLIDE effect. When
SHAPE is fully counterclockwise, the SLIDE effect has the same
crossfade time at every transition. Turning SHAPE clockwise makes
the even slides longer, and the odd slides shorter.
Pulling up the SHAPE knob disables its effect on PULSE and MOD
symmetry (no swing). SHAPE symmetry is still affected.
Modulation Controls
PULSE
The PULSE knob controls the depth of modulation to Drone
Commander 2’s lters. The pulse waveform can be as simple as a
square wave or a more complex combination of sloped and straight
line segments with syncopation and polyrhythmic character.
PULSE’s push-pull switch gives a quick change of tone when
contrast is needed. It can modulate either VCF 1 (the original Drone
Commander bandpass lter), or VCF 2 (4-pole low pass ).
ŸIn push position, PULSE modulates VCF1. VCF2 is biased to its
high frequency range (brighter tone).
ŸIn pull position, PULSE modulates VCF2. VCF1 is biased to its
middle range (darker tone).
Expander: There is a patch point for the PULSE waveform ouptut.
Its amplitude is variable (post- PULSE knob).
Expander: There is a patch point for SWEEP LFO output. Its
amplitude is variable (post- SWEEP knob)
The sweep effect can be varied with the SWEEP CV input. Position
the SWEEP knob straight up when using SWEEP CV IN.
TIP: When the clock is paused (TEMPO knob fully off), you can use the
PULSE knob as a cutoff frequency control for the 4-pole lter. Pull up the
PULSE knob. Turn PULSE counterclockwise for a darker tone. Note that the
cutoff frequency is still affected by the envelope generator.

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
ENV
The ENV knob controls the parameters of Drone Commander 2’s
envelope generator.
It is an AR (attack-release) envelope with linear slope. The attack
and release times are equal.
The envelope controls the cutoff frequency of VCF 2. VCF 2 is a 4-
pole low pass lter (-24dB/oct) with discrete transistor analog
circuits. In contrast to VCF 1, it has a clean and precise sound. It
takes the place of a volume knob in the signal chain. When the
envelope is fully off, VCF 2’s cutoff frequency is below 20 Hz, and
the main output is silent.
The range of envelope times is roughly 0.25 - 45 seconds. It is
deliberately biased toward slow envelopes. This gives useful hands-
free fade-in and fade-out effects.
Pull up ENV to open the gate. VCF 2’s cutoff frequency will rise from
sub-audio (silence) to >20kHz (fully open).
The LED next to the ENV knob lights when the gate is open.
At its slowest setting, it may take a few seconds before you hear the
silence giving way to low frequency tones, which steadily grow in
detail as the cutoff frequency rises.
Push down ENV to close the gate. VCF 2’s cutoff frequency will
smoothly glide downward to dull the bright edge, leaving silence.
Filter Controls
FILTER
The Drone Commander lter is designed for strong coloration of the signal
with a unique combination of overdrive, band pass lter, self-oscillation, and
nonlinear wave shaping effects ... in other words, there is no ‘clean’ setting!
There are two trim controls on Main Module that affect VCF 1’s behavior.
Expander: The envelope generator can be controlled by an external
gate signal to the GATE IN jack.
The LED next to the ENV knob lights when GATE IN is active.
Set the ENV knob in push position for normal GATE IN effect.
Pull up the ENV knob to hold the gate open regardless of the GATE
IN activity.
Expander: The band pass lter center frequency can controlled by
patching to the VCF1 CV input jack.
The low pass gate lter frequency can be controlled by patching to
the VCF2 CV input jack. An ADSR envelope generator can be
connected to VCF2 CV input.
Operation of the FILTER knob is similar to Drone Commander
classic. It simultaneously controls the frequency and resonance of
VCF 1. The lter will strongly self-oscillate at low frequencies when
FILTER is turned counterclockwise.
The FILTER knob’s push-pull switch affects the tone range of the
bandpass effect. In push position, the low frequency range is
selected. In pull position, the high frequency range is selected.
VCF 1 self-oscillation is more dominant in the low frequencies.
There is also a trim control for VCF 2
VCF 1 GAIN sets the input gain for the lter. You may wish to
experiment with it to hear the difference when VCF 1 is driven
harder or more lightly. A good place for VCF 1 GAIN is in the
middle.
VCF 1 FREQ OFFSET controls the range of modulation from the
PULSE and SWEEP controls. It sets the lowest frequency of VCF
1’s self oscillation. You can experiment with it while tweaking
PULSE and SWEEP. Normally leave it set at its center position.
VCF 2 RESONANCE adjusts the Q factor of the 4-pole low pass
lter from zero to about 0.75. (Self-oscillation not possible)

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
Synchronization (Expander only)
Connecting a suitable source of clock pulses to the Expander’s CLK IN jack will
allow you to synchronize Drone Commander 2’s modulations with other
instruments.
Normally, a clock rate of one pulse per eighth note (2ppqn) gives good results.
DC-2E’s clock rate doubling LFO can multiply eighth notes up to sixteenth
notes, when BPM < 150.
See page 9, Tempo:Expander section, for tips on setting the TEMPO knob when
using CLK IN.
It is OK to connect a higher frequency clock to CLK IN, in which case DC-2E’s
LFOs will work as a clock divider, but you may have to listen carefully while
setting the TEMPO control so the LFO timing sounds accurate and in-phase.
ŸA MIDI-to-CV converter with analog clock pulse outputs is ideal for
synchronizing DC-2E with digital audio workstation (DAW) software.
ŸTo synchronize with a drum machine or sequencer that works with DIN
SYNC (such as TR-606, TR-808), it is recommended to use a MIDI
sequencer or DAW as the master clock. Connect a MIDI-to-DIN SYNC
converter (such as Doepfer MSY2) to control the drum machine. Then use
a separate MIDI-to-CV converter to control Drone Commander DC-2E. This
way, both synths will play in synchronization with the DAW.
ŸTo use DIN SYNC equipment as the master clock for DC-2E without any
MIDI connections, you’ll need to connect a clock divider module that
converts DIN SYNC (24ppqn) to analog clock output. A divide-by-12 ratio
will create Drone Commander 2’s eighth note analog clock from DIN SYNC.
DC-2E’s clock detector circuit responds to the rising edge of CLK IN. The duty
cycle of the clock input is not critical but its positive pulse width should be at
least 1 ms. The switching threshold of CLK IN is +2.5 volts.
Five volt clock pulses are normal, but it is OK to use higher voltage clock (up to
10 volts), as long as the waveform transitions cross through +2.5 volts.
CLK IN
DC-2E’s CLK OUT jack delivers 5 volt positive pulses of 5 milliseconds
duration, at the same rate as the Tempo LED.
Connect CLK OUT to an analog sequencer’s clock input, or any module that is
designed to accept 5-volt analog clock pulses.
If CLK IN is at a faster rate than the maximum TEMPO, CLK OUT will be a
frequency-divided version of CLK IN.
It is not generally possible to use the CLK OUT from DC-2E as a master clock for
MIDI or DIN SYNC equipment.
CLK OUT

Grendel | DC-2E | Drone Commander 2 Eurorack | User Guide 1.1 (2015) Rare Waves L.L.C., USA rarewaves.net
Warranty
For service and technical support inquiries, please contact us by email
Certain parts of the DC-2E are designed to be field-replaceable with no
soldering required.
Contact us for a current list of replacement part prices.
Service
Your purchase is guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects for one
year from the date of purchase. Rare Waves LLC will replace or repair, at our
discretion, any components found to be defective, at no charge beyond the
costs of shipping.