Intellijel Springray2 User manual

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Springray2 Manual
Springray2
Spring Reverb
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Manual Revision: 2018.09.13
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Springray
2
Manual
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Compliance
Installation
Installing Your Module
Connecting Tanks
Overview
Features
Front Panel
Controls
Inputs and Outputs
Architecture & Usage
Technical Specifications
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Page 1

 
Springray
2
Manual
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
Compliance
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This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Intellijel Designs, Inc. could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Any digital equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
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This device meets the requirements of the following standards and directives:
EMC: 2014/30/EU
EN55032:2015 ; EN55103-2:2009 (EN55024) ; EN61000-3-2 ; EN61000-3-3
Low Voltage: 2014/35/EU
EN 60065:2002+A1:2006+A11:2008+A2:2010+A12:2011
RoHS2: 2011/65/EU
WEEE: 2012/19/EU
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Springray
2
Manual
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Installation
Intellijel Eurorack modules are designed to be used with a Eurorack-compatible case and power
supply. We recommend you use Intellijel cases and power supplies.
Before installing a new module in your case, you must ensure your power supply has a free
power header and sufficient available capacity to power the module:
● Sum up the specified +12V current draw for all modules, including the new one. Do the
same for the -12 V and +5V current draw. The current draw will be specified in the
manufacturer's technical specifications for each module.
● Compare each of the sums to specifications for your case’s power supply.
● Only proceed with installation if none of the values exceeds the power supply’s
specifications. Otherwise you must remove modules to free up capacity or upgrade your
power supply.
You will also need to ensure your case has enough free space (hp) to fit the new module. To
prevent screws or other debris from falling into the case and shorting any electrical contacts, not
leave gaps between adjacent modules, and cover all unused areas with blank panels. Similarly,
do not use open frames or any other enclosure that exposes the backside of any module or the
power distribution board.
You can use a tool like ModularGrid to assist in your planning. Failure to adequately power your
modules may result in damage to your modules or power supply. If you are unsure, please
contact us before proceeding.
Installing Your Module
When installing or removing a module from your case
always turn off the power to the case and disconnect the
power cable. Failure to do so may result in serious injury
or equipment damage.
Ensure the 10-pin connector on the power cable is
connected correctly to the module before proceeding.
The red stripe on the cable must line up with the -12V
pins on the module’s power connector. The pins are
indicated with the label -12V, a white stripe next to the
connector, the words “red stripe”, or some combination of
those indicators.
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Manual
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Most modules will come with the cable already connected but it is good to double check the
orientation. Be aware that some modules may have headers that serve other purposes so
ensure the cable is connected to the right one.
The other end of the cable, with a 16-pin
connector, connects to the power bus board of
your Eurorack case. Ensure the red stripe on
the cable lines up with the -12V pins on the
bus board. On Intellijel power supplies the
pins are labelled with the label “-12V” and a
thick white stripe:
If you are using another manufacturer’s power
supply, check their documentation for
instructions.
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Once connected, the cabling between the module and power supply should resemble the
picture below:
Before reconnecting power
and turning on your modular
system, double check that the
ribbon cable is fully seated on
both ends and that all the pins
are correctly aligned. If the
pins are misaligned in any
direction or the ribbon is
backwards you can cause
damage to your module,
power supply, or other
modules.
After you have confirmed all
the connections, you can
reconnect the power cable and turn on your modular system. You should immediately check that
all your modules have powered on and are functioning correctly. If you notice any anomalies,
turn your system off right away and check your cabling again for mistakes.
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Springray
2
Manual
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Connecting Tanks
You can simultaneously connect up to three reverb tanks (available separately) to a Springray2,
and select which to use with the front panel TANK switch. The three tank connections are
labelled A, B andC, with the A andB connections located on the back panel and
theCconnection located on the front.
All three connections feature RCA jacks, and you may plug any tank into any of the three
connections (A,BorC). Obviously, if you have room to mount tanks inside your case, you’ll
probably find it easiest to connect any internal tanks to the rear panel. Larger tanks, or tanks
that you wish to “play” (by plucking, strumming, or e-bowing) should be located outside the case
— and are thus easiest to connect to the front panel Cconnection.
NOTE: Reverb tanks are natural antennas — so locating them inside your case may produce
unwanted noise due to their close proximity to various eurorack modules. Often, with a bit of
rearranging (of either modules or internal tanks), you’ll be able to find an arrangement in which
noise is eliminated.
Each tank requires two connections: Plug a Springray2 SEND jack into the INPUT of your reverb
tank, and plug the tank’s OUTPUT into the corresponding RTN (return) jack on the Springray2.
Note that all Springray2 SEND jacks are colored white, and all RTN jacks are colored red.
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Manual
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The smallest of the three Accutronics tanks does not come with an RCA connecting cable.
Instead, it connects to the Springray2 via two small, keyed connectors on the Springray2 back
panel Aconnector, as shown below:
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Springray
2
Manual
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Overview
There are many excellent digital reverbs available these days but there is still nothing quite like
the timeless and magical character of a true spring reverb.
At Intellijel we have a huge love for true analog devices and it has always been important for us
to explore as many of these fundamental analog building blocks of synthesis as possible.
In the development of this module we were blown away by how much there is to explore. Each
tank has a totally different set of characteristics, and there were many unexpected surprises
when feeding it a wide variety of sound sources. One of the most interesting results was how a
slow attack saw waveform from a Dixie almost sounds like a realistic cello!
Version two of the Springray provides a number of changes and improvements to the original
design. The shelving EQs have been replaced with a parametric EQ with frequency, Q, and gain
controls. The CV inputs for feedback and mix balance have been replaced with inputs to control
the filter frequency and gain. Lastly, the feedback and limiter circuits have been redesigned, and
the drive quality has been improved.
Features
●Parametric EQ with controls for frequency, Q, and gain.
●Feedback path with virtual tube circuitry.
●Redesigned limiter circuit in feedback path to prevent high gain feedback from clipping
the output.
●Selector switch to choose between three different connected tanks (one on the front and
two on the back).
●Improved drive input with large gain (can overdrive the tank inputs).
●External processors can be inserted into the feedback path via the SEND/RETURN
normalled inputs.
●Three different sizes of Accutronic tanks are available.
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Springray
2
Manual
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Front Panel
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
Controls
1. TANK - Selects which of three tanks Springray2 will use. Tank C has its connections on
the front of the modules, while Tanks A and B are connected to the back.
2. FREQ - Sets the frequency of the parametric EQ. Springray2 positions this EQ post-tank
in the signal chain, meaning it affects only the wet signal.
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Manual
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3. GAIN - Adjusts the amount of boost or cut applied by the parametric EQ. No gain is
applied when this knob is pointing straight up in the center detent position. Turning the
knob counterclockwise results in a frequency cut; turning it clockwise results in a
frequency boost.
4. Q - Determines the width, or Q of the parametric EQ. The higher the Q, the narrower
the boosted (or cut) frequency band.
5. FEEDBACK - Controls the amount of processed signal fed into the feedback path.
6. LIMITER - Adjusts the threshold of the built-in limiter, which can help reduce the
undesired effects of runaway feedback. Fully counterclockwise sets a low limiting
threshold, and will thus produce more limiting. Fully clockwise provides a high threshold
with little limiting.
7. GR - Lights if gain reduction is being applied by the limiter.
8. DRIVE - Adds gain to the input signal.
9. MIX - Determines the wet/dry balance of the MIX output.
10. CLIP - Indicates if the signal is clipping. The circuitry monitors several key points
throughout the signal chain, and the CLIP indicator lights if any one point clips.
11. FREQ Attenuator - Controls the amount of modulation sent to the FREQ parameter.
12. GAIN Attenuator - Sets the amount of modulation sent to the GAIN parameter.
Inputs and Outputs
A. FREQ - Allows an input signal to modulate the FREQ, enabling external voltage control
of the parametric EQ frequency.
B. GAIN - Allows an input signal to modulate GAIN, enabling external voltage control of
the parametric EQ’s gain (boost or cut).
C. TANK C - Send and return jacks connecting an external spring tank. This tank will be
used by Springray2 if the TANK switch is set to C.
D. IN - Provides the input signal for Springray2.
E. MIX - Outputs a wet/dry balance determined by the MIX knob.
F. RETURN - Injects an external signal into the feedback path.
G. SEND - Outputs a fully wet and EQ’d signal.
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Springray
2
Manual
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Architecture & Usage
Below is a basic block diagram illustrating the signal flow through Springray2.
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Springray2 uses a feedback path with an asymmetrical FET-based virtual tube distortion
circuit, which adds even-order harmonics for a pleasing overtone structure often associated with
vacuum tubes.
Although the previous illustration shows a CLIP indicator after the MIX block, Springray2 actually
monitors several points along its signal chain, specifically: MIX output; EQ output; AGC input;
and the summing circuit where input and feedback are mixed post-driver. If clipping is detected
at any of these four points, then the CLIP LED lights.
The SEND and RTN jacks in the feedback path provide numerous opportunities to further shape
and control the range of effects. For example:
1. SEND outputs a fully wet signal, enabling you to mix wet & dry signals externally. This is
useful if you want to modulate the wet/dry balance as part of a patch.
2. Patching a VCA into the SEND & RTN jacks gives you the ability to modulate the
Springray2 feedback signal by modulating the VCA.
3. Patching an external signal processor into the feedback path can alter the sonic
characteristics of the feedback signal. Some processors are rather subtle in their effect,
but pitch shifters, comb resonators and delays can yield particularly interesting results.
Experiment!
Up to three different spring tanks can be connected to Springray2 simultaneously, and the active
tank is selected with the TANK switch. Tank C connects to the RCA jacks on the front of the
module, while tanks A and B have their connections on the back. Intellijel offers three sizes of
tank from Accutronics, each with their own character. The tiny tank is small enough to fit inside
many cases and sounds a bit like a resonator. The larger two tanks offer a more familiar spring
reverb sound. Connecting multiple tanks gives you instant access to three entirely different
flavours of spring reverb in a single module. See Connecting Tanks for more information.
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Page 10

 
Springray
2
Manual
 

Technical Specifications
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Width
10 hp
Maximum Depth
42 mm
Current Draw
44 mA @ +12V
34 mA @ -12V
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