PIN ELECTRONICS MODULAR PORTABELLA MKI User manual

PORTABELLA
Users Manual for MKI & MKII
Analogue Modular Synthesiser

PORTABELLA Content
Precautions / General..........................................................................
1. Oscillators........................................................................................
2. Random Voltage Generator............................................................
3. Envelope Shaper.............................................................................
4. Ring Modulator................................................................................
5. Filter
6. Noise.................................................................................................
7. Reverberation
8. Matrix................................................................................................
9. Input Amps......................................................................................
10. Output Amps
11. Joystick...........................................................................................
12. CV / Gate interface
13. Specifications................................................................................
14. Troubleshooting
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
3

-3-
Precautions / General / Warrenty
Power supply
Only connect the enclosed Egston or MeanWell 18V/1.6A power supply to a suitable
power outlet. A Primary Adapter Set UK, US and AUS is available on request.
Use only the supplied AC adapter! Foreign adapters can damage the device.
Sites
Avoid setting up the Portabella in places where ...
- it is exposed to strong sunlight,
- high humidity or extreme temperatures may occur
- Dust or dirt in large quantities occur in the ambient air,
- the device may be subject to shocks,
- near strong magnetic fields.
Service
Avoid excessive force or pressure when operating switches and potentiometers *.
Cleaning
For light soiling, wipe the case with a dry, clean cloth or remove dust with a brush. Do not
use liquid cleaners such as benzine, thinner or similar aggressive liquids. Never use
flammable cleaners!
How to remove the suitcase lid
Lay the suitcase with the handle turned away in front of you on the table. Loosen the
closures and open the lid of the suitcase to an angle of approximately 45º.
Now move the lid to the left of the hinges to remove it from the case.
Please do not try to open the machine to avoid any damages to parts and electro-
nics. Even if its necessary to open the machine please do not post any pictures of
the inside electronics & parts to the www. f.e. forums, blogs..etc. Many thanks!
First class Service for your Portabella & Lifetime Warrenty
In the pursuit of very high quality standards, all Portabella´s are designed and manufac-
tured with a long product life in mind. However in the unlikely case that your device fails
to operate properly you can have it repaired or serviced by Pin Electronics / Germany.
We charge return shipping cost only, all other repairs or services are for free.
Please keep the transport box for any case!
!
!
!
!

- 4-
1. OSCILLATORS
Oscillator 1
The frequency range is adjustable from approx. 1Hz - >10Khz.
Oscillator 1 generates a sine wave [3] and a saw tooth [4],
both waveforms are available separately at the matrix The
waveforms can be influenced in frequency [I] and shape [L] *
at the matrix.
* newer July 2020 MKIII do not have the hi/lo switch anymore.
* Shape of the sawtooth wave cannot be controlled in Oscillator 1.
Oscillator 2
can also be used as an audio and as a low-frequency oscilla-
tor. The frequency range corresponds to that of Oscillator 1.
The oscillator 2 generates a square wave [5] and a triangular
wave [6], both waveforms are available separately at the
matrix. Both waveforms can be affected in frequency [J] and
shape [M] on the patch panel.
Oscillator 2 can be switched to SYNC-SLAVE-MODE via the
toggle switch, the strength of the SYNC-signal can be cont-
rolled by the level-control (about 8-10) of OSC 1 and OSC 3
(fig.2.).
Oscillator 3 = LFO with hi/lo switch
provides the same waveforms as Oscillator 2. The oscillator 3
generates a square wave [7] and a triangular wave [8], both
waveforms are also available separately at matrix.
The waveforms can also be influenced in frequency [K] and
shape (shape) [N] at the matrix.
OSC3 has a different tracking thus its not possible to
track via the pre-scaled 1V/oct!
!

- 5-
2. RANDOM VOLTAGE GENERATOR
The random voltage generator generates random, staircase-like random pulses whose
voltage and time can be controlled in the following ways:
Time:
The internal clock, as determined by the mean rate regulator, may be free-running or only
subject to manual control so that the next random voltage is triggered by the manual
button (newer machines dont have this button anymore!) or an external pulse. In this
state, the module is a voltage-time converter. The frequency of the arbitrary pulses is
determined by the controller variation.
Voltage:
Two output voltages [V1, V2] are available and separately adjustable. Both are subject to
the same timing, i. H. the stepped control voltages are available at the same time at both
outputs [9, 10] on the patch panel.
In variation control position 0 no voltage variation is generated. Turning the variation knob
clockwise increases the randomness of the pulses.
The mean rate can be influenced via the patch panel [Q]. Positive and negative voltages
have an effect here.
In addition, a trigger pulse is sent when a random selection is made. The LED glows
more strongly depending on the trigger pulse.
The trigger pulse can be switched to the Envelope Generator (toggle switch Fig. 1.) or is
available at the output rvg trig out. These trigger spikes (>11V) are very short and not to
compare with standard gate signals. You can use it as a clock signal with a other machi-
nes f.e. drum machines / samplers (Korg Volca Sample.
NOTE: The trigger is a strong short signal (max. 11V) thus be careful using it with other
equipment! If you are in doubt don‘t use it!
Controls:
mean rate speed of the time oscillator 0.2Hz (5s) to 20Hz
variation number of random pulses
V1 & 2: strength or modulation depth of the control voltage
Re-select switch f. manual triggering of the next random control voltage
clock inhibit external impulse release or manual
clock free run time oscillator freewheeling, controllable via the patch panel line [Q].

mean rate at ‘5‘ (0.2cps / 5s max.) <> variance at ‘0‘
0V
variance applied
0V
V1
V2
RANDOM VOLTAGES AT V1 / V2
- 5a -

- 6 -
3. ENVELOPE SHAPER
The envelope generator is a combination of a 4-phase envelope generator (attack, on,
decay, off) and an amplifier (VCA) and LFO.
.
The envelope generator generates a control voltage TRAPEZOID which is the VCA
SIGNAL regulates the volume. The control voltage TRAPEZOID [14] and the amplified
signal can be picked up separately at the plug-in field ENVELOPE GENERATOR [15].
The TRAPEZOID control voltage can be switched positive or negative via the toggle
switch. At the matrix row point [P], the decay can be manipulated via a control voltage.
The slope / X10 switch extends the runtime of the envelope by the factor 10
This allows you to increase the attack / on time by up to 15 seconds. The decay phase
decay is stretched here up to 150 seconds.
If the control is not off in the ‚off‘ position 10, the Envelope Shaper works in repeat mode
(LFO).
attack time: 1ms – 1 sec.
on time 0 – 2.5 sec.
decay time: 3ms – 18 sec.
off repeat: 10ms – 7sec. (LFO Funktion)
slope X10 attack/ decay time extension mod.
pos./neg. inverter switch
LAMP ON
LAMP ON
15 sec.
150 sec.
TIME
X10
X10
OUTPUT LEVEL
ATTACK
TIME
ON
TIME
DECAY
TIME
OFF
TIME
REPEAT
LAMP DIM OR OFF

- 7 -
4. RING MODULATOR
The ring modulator has two inputs [E, F] and one output [16] on the patch panel.
There must be two signals present at the input of the ring modulator to produce a sum
and difference frequency of the input signals.
Controls: level knob
5. Multi-mode filter / FILTER / OSCILLATOR
The resonant filter ( 18dB /4p ) of the Portabella works as a lowpass and bandpass filter.
If the response control is at 0, it works as a low-pass filter and truncates the higher
frequencies in the spectrum, depending on the frequency regulator setting.
If the response knob is set to 5-6, the filter cuts the upper and lower frequencies of the
spectrum and works as a bandpass filter. The working range is determined by the
frequency controller.
Self-oscillation of the filter / osc.
The filter oscillates, starting from the response control position 6 with a pure sine wave.
The output frequency is tied to the frequency controller setting.
The output gain can be controlled at the level control up to distortion.
The slew/unslew mod decoupling the input of the filter. The filter responds to very fast
control voltages now, when it set to unslew.
controls:
frequency controller
response controller
level control
Unslew / slew switch

- 8 -
6. NOISE GENERATOR
The signal of the noise generator [17] provides a white noise in the color control position
5. The low position filters the high frequency components out of the signal and thus
generates a darker filtered noise. In the high position 10, the high frequencies are unfilte-
red amplified delivered to the output of the noise generator.
Due to the discrete circuit technology, the noise generator needs, after switching on,
about 15 seconds until the output produces noise [18].
7. REVERBERATION
The internal spring reverb uses electromechanical transducers to vibrate three coil
springs. The vibration is reflected and moves on the springs back and forth, creating a
reverberation effect. This reverberation is here at max. 3 ms. The reverb content of the
module can be modulated at matrix via [R].
controls:
level control / volume
mix knob / reverb

unctionality
- 9 -
8. THE MATRIX
The matrix is the heart of the Portabella, and is used to link the audio u. Control signals
of the individual modules. The resistance plugs (white) have an internal resistance of
2.7kOhm. Other values for attenuating (eg. 68k ohms) can be ordered from Ghielmetti,
Swiss or via Pin Electronics, Germany.
Inputs and Outputs of the modules are again marked on the sides of the patch panel with
signal inputs and control inputs, as well as sources and treatments.
Without corresponding interconnection on the patch panel, there is no effect on the audio
outputs!
ABB: PATCH: OSC1 FILTER> ENVELOPE> OUTPUTS
!

!
- 10 -
9. INPUT CHANNELS 1 and 2
The two input amplifiers of the Portabella can be used to feed external instrument or
microphone signals (separate jack input of 600Ω) as well as for control signals. The max.
input voltages are 2.5 VDC (50Kohm) Line Input, 5 mVAC (600 ohms) mic. Input.
The 1V / octave control signals for the oscillators are also available at the INPUTS
[11,12]. When using the MIDI interface (MKI only!) or a pitch control via CV / gate is
from the feed ext. discourage audio signals. The feeding of unknown voltages should be
avoided!
10. OUTPUT CHANNELS 1 and 2
The output amplifiers at the end of the signal chain are used for further signal amplifi-
cation for use with external equipment (eg DAW, FOH, etc.).
Furthermore, the OUTPUT CHANNELS have a simple OUTPUT FILTER for the sum
sound processing, as well as pan control for channel 1 & 2 (CH.1 CH.2)
Both channels can be controlled by a
control voltage in the volume [S, T]. The
level controls of the OUTPUT CHANNELS
have no function in that case.

- 11 -
11. Joystick
The joystick is a very useful tool that allows simultaneous manipulation by 2 control
voltages [19, 20]. The control range / voltage range is limited or defined here by the two
RANGE controllers.
12. MIDI to CV Interface (MKI only!) & CV/Gate interface
The Portabella has a simple MIDI interface, which is intended for pitch control via DAW
or keyboard. Also, the CV / Gate is used for external control via keyboard, DAW or other
ext. Modules. The instructions for setting up the two interfaces can be found on our
homepage (1).
Pitch control of the OSCs via CV.
CV / Gate: In knob 10 INPUT CHANNEL 1, the voltage for (1V / octave) is pre-calibrated
(2). The gate signal (+ 4V) for triggering the envelope shaper must be routed through the
socket gate.
MIDI CV (MKI only!): In knob 10 INPUT CHANNEL 2, the voltage for (1V / octave) is
pre-calibrated (2). The gate signal to control the envelope shaper is internally soldered.
(1) http://wp.thesynthi.de/midi-interface-calibration/
(2) As standard from mid-January 2018, older devices can be retrofitted!

- 12 -
13. Specifications
OSCILLATOR 1
Range: 0.018Hz – 12KHz*
Outputs: sine/ramp, shape control via
matrix (sine only)
sine : 3V p-p
sawtooth : 5V p.p
OSCILLATOR 2
Range: 0.018Hz – 12KHz*
Outputs: square/pulse, shape control
via matrix
Modification: OSC Sync switch
triangle/sawtooth : 5V p.p
square/pulse : 6V p.p
OSCILLATOR 3
Range: 0.018Hz – 700Hz*
Outputs: square/pulse, shape control
via matrix
triangle/sawtooth : 5V p.p
square/pulse : 8V p.p
NOISE GENERATOR
White and coloured
RANDOM VOLTAGE GENERATOR
Outputs: 2 random voltages V1 & V2
Timing oscillator 0.2Hz (5s) to 20kHz*
TRIG OUT 11V trigger spikes
VC Mean Rate
VC Selection
FILTER/OSCILLATOR
A multi-purpose filter and
sine oscillator
Range: 10 Hz – 20KHz*
Slew/unslew switch
RING MODULATOR
Transformerless integrated circuit
SPRING REVERB
Decay time: 1.75 – 3.0 sec.
Springs: 3
ENVELOPE GENERATOR*
Attack: 2ms – 1 sec
On time 0 – 2.5 sec
Decay: 2.5ms – 15 sec
Repeat/Off: 10ms – 7sec.
Slope X10 modification
Inverter switch
INPUTS
2 x (50Kohm) line input
1 x (600 ohms) mic. input
OUTPUTS
2 x Mono sockets
1 x Headphones
1 x RVG trig out (spikes up to+11V)
1 x Scope out
INPUT CONTROLS / CV & GATE
1 x RVG re-select ( trigger sig. required! )
1 x CV/Gate interface
DIMENSIONS
474 x 415 x 149mm
WEIGHT
17lb / 8kg
POWER SUPPLY
18 V/DC 1,6A 30 W
90-240VAC
12V DC BNC
lamp connector
* The values may differ from machine to machine!

- 13 -
14. Troubleshooting
No audio signal at the output?
Is the device switched on? The red LED of the Random Voltage Generator should be glim-
ming.
Is the signal chain properly patched at the matrix?
Check the inserted cables at the outputs!
Are the pins [A, C] of the OUTPUT CHANNELS plugged in?
Check that the LEVEL controls of the modules used are at set to 5 minimum
OSC2 does not respond to frequency changes?
Remove the pins from the freq. & shape input on the matrix.
Switch OSC2 sync to off position. Power off and on the machine.
The audio signal is distorted at the output?
The OUTPUT CHANNELS should not be adjusted much higher than 5-6!
The MIDI and CV / Gate Interface * does not produce a pitch change of the OSCs?
In order to control the pitch of the OSCs, the respective pins must be positioned in the patch
panel [I, J, K]. The CH 1 or 2 controls of the INPUT CHANNELS must be adjusted to the
correct voltage to produce a correct 1V / octave spread.
CV ext. at CH1 input amp
As of 2018, the Portabella will be pre-calibrated by default in CH 1 (CV) knob position 10 to
1V / octave.
MIDI-CV CH2 input amp (MIDI CH 1)
CH 2 control position 10
* Http: //wp.thesynthi.de/midi-interface-calibration/
The GATE signal * does not trigger the ENVELOPE GENERATOR
Make sure that the connected Gate Interface / Keyboard or DAW provides the minimum
voltage of + 4V. (* only when using the gate socket!)

PROJECT/ NAME /DATE
PERFORMANCE / RECORDING NOTES
PORTABELLA PATCH SHEET
SHEET No:
PATCH No:
SETTING No:
START TIME:
CONTROLS &
MOD. SWITCH
SETTINGS
PERIPHERALS:
EXT. SOURCES:
RVG
OSC 1
OSC 2
OSC 3
RM FILTER /OSC
INPUT AMP
REVERB
STICK
ENVELOPE
NOISE FLT OUT
OUT AMP
oscillator
freq. shape
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filter
trapezoid
envelope
stick
ring mod
reverberation
1
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8
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A B C D E F G H I JK L M
O P Q R S TN

EG-Konformitätserklärung
gemäß der EG-Niederspannungs-Richtlinie 2014/35/EU gemäß Anhang III B;
vom 26. Februar 2014
Hiermit erklären wir, dass das nachstehend bezeichnete Produkt in seiner Konzeption und Bauart sowie in der von
uns in Verkehr gebrachten Ausführung den grundlegenden Sicherheits- und Gesundheitsanforderungen der
EG-Richtlinie Niederspannung entspricht. Bei einer mit uns nicht abgestimmten Änderung des Produktes verliert
diese Erklärung ihre Gültigkeit. Die alleinige Verantwortung für die Ausstellung dieser Konformitätserklärung trägt
der Hersteller.
Hersteller:
Fa. Pin Electronics
Geschäftsführer: Sandro Kaiser
Rembertistrasse 31
D-28203 Bremen
Tel.: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Produktmodell: Portabella Modular Synthesiser
WEEE Reg. Nr. DE36714647
Gegenstand der Erklärung:
Der Portabella Modular Synthesiser besteht aus mehreren Modulen zur Erzeugung, Manipulation und Verstärkung
von elektronischen Signalen bzw. Klängen. Die einzelnen Module werden mit Hilfe des Kreuzschienenverteiler und
Widerstandsteckern miteinander verbunden. Die erzeugten Klänge können zusätzlich durch weitere Verbindungen
im Kreuzschienenverteiler in Klangfarbe und Lautstärke beeinflusst werden. Der Portabella Modular Synthesiser
kann über die MIDI-Schnittstelle o. CV/Gate mit einer Tastatur bzw. Keyboard o. DAW verbunden werden.
Entwicklung sowie Herstellung erfolgt auschließlich in Deutschland. Einzelne Komponenten und Materialien
werden weltweit eingekauft.
Es wird die Übereinstimmung mit weiteren, ebenfalls für das Produkt geltenden Richtlinien/Bestimmungen erklärt:
EMV-Richtlinie (2014/30/EU) vom 26. Februar 2014
RoHS Richtlinie 2011/65/EU vom 8. Juni 2011
Öko-Design-Richtlinie 2009/125/EG vom 21.10.2009
Bremen, den 10. Januar 2020
................................................................................
(Sandro Kaiser, Geschäftsführer)