Xaoc Devices SAMARA 1962 UTILITY WAVEFORM PROCESSOR II User manual
SAMARA
utility
waveform
processor ii
Model of 1962
operator’s manual rev. 1962/2.1
SALUT
Thank you for purchasing this Xaoc Devices
product. Samara II -
ble mixer and a multifunction utility that may
be used for processing audio signals, control
voltages, and modulation waveforms. It is a
-
mara, originally introduced in 2016. It offers
four channels of signal attenuation, conver-
sion between unipolar and bipolar voltages
(offsetting by either positive or negative val-
as a variety of useful signal transformations:
clamping, minimum/maximum, sample &
hold, and wave scanning.
INSTALLATION
The module requires 10hp worth of free space
in the Eurorack cabinet. The ribbon-type pow-
er cable must be plugged into the bus board,
paying close attention to polarity orientation.
The red stripe indicates the negative 12V rail
and should point in the same direction on both
the bus board and the unit. The module itself
is secured against reversed power connection,
however reversing the 16-pin header may
cause serious damage to other components
of your system because it will short-circuit the
+12V and +5V power rails.
The module should be fastened by mounting
the supplied screws before powering up. To
better understand the device, we strongly ad-
vise the user to read through the entire manu-
al before using the module.
MODULE OVERVIEW
Samara features four channels—each with
two inputs and an attenuator, plus two ad-
ditional switchable (+5V/-5V) offset gener-
ators, four voltage level and polarity indica-
tors, two adders with switchable scale, and a
four-input/two output signal processor that
performs a variety of transformations on the
four attenuated difference signals, according
ATTENUATION, INVERTING & OFFSET
there are four channels. Each channel fea-
tures a regular in input 1 as well as an in-
verting inv in input 2 (note there are addi-
tional labels at some in inputs related to the
signal processing part of the module). Signals
from these two inputs are subtracted, and this
difference signal is processed by an active lin-
ear attenuator. Each unused input is normal-
ized to 0V, hence this arrangement allows for
normal attenuation, or inversion followed by
attenuation or computing an attenuated dif-
ference between two voltages or signals.
Additionally, two sources of a switchable +5V
or –5V offset are available in channels 1 and
3, activated by pressing the corresponding illu-
minated offset button 3. A short press turns
polarity, which is indicated by the button lit
red (for +5V) or green (for –5V). This offset is
added to the inputs before attenuation. Thus,
if nothing is patched to the inputs of channels 1
2
module
explained
12
3
5
4
7
6
1
13
2
8
10 11
9
front panel
overview
interface
3
and/or 3, they can be used as a source of vari-
able constant voltage, from 0 to +5V, or from 0
to –5V. On the other hand, combining the offset
with a signal fed to the corresponding inputs
facilitates conversion from bipolar to unipolar
voltages (by using +5V offset), or converting
from unipolar to bipolar (by using –5V offset).
The resulting signal or voltage, after being
manually attenuated by the level knob 5, is
available at the corresponding out socket 6.
A bi-color LED 7 indicates the value and po-
larity of the individual out voltage via bright-
ness and color, wherein red indicates positive
and green indicates negative. For audio sig-
nals, fast blinking of red and green yields a yel-
low-orange mixture with intensity indicating
signal level.
MIXING
A cascaded arrangement of summers allows
of all, note that patching a cable into an in-
dividual output excludes the corresponding
channel from further mixing (however, it does
not exclude it from taking part in additional
processing for func outputs). To mix four
signals, feed them into inputs and adjust the
level knobs 4. The resulting signal is avail-
able at the all socket 9 (make sure that
nothing is plugged into 1+2 output socket
8
). Additionally, you can also use the invert-
ing inputs 2 to mix up to eight signals.
To use Samara as two independent 2:1 mixers,
use both 1+2 8 and 3+4 9 outputs. Patch-
ing a cable to 1+2 output breaks the internal
connection, so that these two channels are no
longer mixed with channels 3 and 4 at the
all output. Again, using the inverting inputs
allows for two four-component mixes.
Since mixing multiple hot signals with little
attenuation usually yields distortion (espe-
cially at the all output 8), Samara offers
a soft-clipping solution. It can be engaged by
putting a jumper on the two–pin header la-
beled soft clip at the back of the unit.
Additionally, optional –6dB (2:1) attenuation
is available independently for 1+2 and 3+4
summers by moving two jumpers marked at-
ten from the upper to lower position. Switch-
ing just one jumper does not affect the ampli-
tude on the second summer. Note that the mix
at all will then have unequal proportions. The
jumpers do not affect the operation of the addi-
tional processing at the multi-functional func
outputs 10 11 .
WAVEFORM PROCESSING FUNCTIONS
In addition to linear mixing, Samara features
a multi–function signal processing unit that
operates on the four out signals from chan-
nels 1–4. The results of processing are deliv-
ered to func outputs 10 11 . These functions
are implemented in a precise analog circuit
under digital control. A small DSP chip mon-
itors the signals and operates a number of
analog CMOS switches that route them (or
4
5
waveform
processing
chop them into pieces) to the output buffers.
pushbutton 12 . Pressing it selects the desired
mode in a cycle, indicated by a corresponding
LED 13 .
MIN/MAX OF FOUR
None of the LEDs are lit. This is the default
mode and is the same as the original Samara.
In this mode, the minimum voltage of all four
inputs is determined and delivered to the min
jack 10 , and the maximum of all four inputs is
delivered to the max output 11 . Note that all
If there is nothing plugged in, the correspond-
ing value is zero, which in certain situations
may be selected as the minimum or the max-
imum value.
MIN/MAX OF TWO
Indicated by the LED labeled mm2. In this
mode, only channels 1 and 2 take part in the
calculation of minimum and maximum. This
mode is more useful if you only need to oper-
ate on two signals. Also, it spares half of your
Samara for other uses.
CLAMP
Indicated by the LED labeled clp. This mode
limits the range of two independent signals
or voltages by two voltage controlled clamps
Channels 1 and 3
minimum and maximum voltage the signals
are clamped within. These two limits can be
set manually (by engaging positive or neg-
ative offsets and adjusting attenuators) or
dynamically, by applying control voltages to
the inputs of channel 1 and 3. Signal fed to
input 2 is then clamped by these two limits
and the resulting signal is available at the
func a 10 output. Similarly, signal from
channel 4 is clamped by the same two limits
and appears at func b output 11 .
min/max of four mode
0
0
max out
min out
inputs 1, 2, 3, 4
clamp mode
0
0
func a out
input 1
input 3
input 2
SCAN
Indicated by the LED labeled scn. Three
input signals from channels 2, 3 and 4 are
scanned (or selected) by the voltage in chan-
nel 1
set manually (by engaging offset in channel
1 and adjusting the attenuator), or it may be
an external signal plugged into the inputs of
channel 1, labeled scan. Two orders of scan-
ning are implemented.
The func a output offers the result of scan-
ning in a pendulum-like order, while func b
output delivers signals being selected in a cir-
SAMPLE AND HOLD
Indicated by the LED labeled s&h. This mode
offers two independent channels of full sam-
ple and hold operation. In this mode, channels
2 and 4 are the control channels (as indicat-
ed by the sh trg panel labels), while signals
or voltages in channels 1 and 3 are being
sampled, and the result of this sampling (a
stepped voltage) is available at the func a
and func b
The motivation of this setup is that besides
typical processing of external signals, it al-
lows sampling of manually controlled voltag-
es when offsets (either positive or negative) in
channel 1 and 3 are engaged.
channel 1
voltage
func a
output
func b
output
above 3V input 4input 2
1V to 3V input 3input 4
-1 to +1V input 2input 3
-3V to -1V input 3input 2
below -3V input 4input 4
6
sample & hold mode
input
stepped
voltage
scan mode
func a out
input 1
input 2
input 3
input 4
scan outputs arrangement
sh trig input
7
block
diagram
Note that this is an analog sample and hold
implementation where output voltages are
not processed by any digital converter. Even
though special low-leakage foil capacitors
are used to hold the sampled value, there will
be a noticeable droop after a longer period
of time.
Actually, you do not have to use a trigger-like
signal for the control inputs. Any analog sig-
crosses the 1V threshold. Note, however, that
slowly changing signals may produce a series
of multiple samples due to the presence of
noise and multiple crossing of the threshold.
In order to prevent this, there is a small hys-
teresis near the threshold.
ACCESSORY
Our Coal Mine black panels are available for
all of Xaoc Devices modules. Sold separately.
Ask your favourite retailer. •
signal flow
LEDLED LEDLED
IN 2
INV IN 2
IN 3
INV IN 3
IN 1
INV IN 1
IN 4
INV IN 4
±5V offset ±5V offset
signal
processor
OUT 2 OUT 3OUT 1
OUT 1+2 OUT 3+4
OUT 4
MAIN
FEATURES
Four attenuation
channels
Two offset
channels
Four inverters
One four–channel
mixer
Two double–
channel mixers
Mixing of up to
eight signals
when using
inverted inputs
Two modes of
min/max
calculation
Clamp, scan,
sample and hold
waveform
processing modes
TECHNICAL
DETAILS
Eurorack synth
compatible
10hp, skiff
friendly
Current draw:
+50mA/-20mA
Reverse power
protection
EASTERN BLOC TECHNOLOGIES MADE IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CONTENT COPYRIGHT ©2022 XAOC DEVICES. COPYING, DISTRIBUTION OR ANY
COMMERCIALUSEINANYWAYISSTRICTLYPROHIBITEDANDREQUIRESTHEWRITTENPERMISSIONBYXAOC
DEVICES. SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. EDITING BY BRYAN NOLL.
WARRANTY TERMS
XAOC DEVICES WARRANTS THIS PRODUCT TO BE FREE OF DEFECTS IN MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP
AND TO CONFORM WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS AT THE TIME OF SHIPMENT FOR ONE YEAR FROM THE
DATE OF PURCHASE. DURING THAT PERIOD, ANY MALFUNCTIONING OR DAMAGED UNITS WILL BE
REPAIRED, SERVICED, AND CALIBRATED ON A RETURN-TO-FACTORY BASIS. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT
COVER ANY PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM DAMAGES DURING SHIPPING, INCORRECT INSTALLATION OR
POWER SUPPLY, IMPROPER WORKING ENVIRONMENT, ABUSIVE TREATMENT, OR ANY OTHER OBVIOUS
USER-INFLICTED FAULT.
LEGACY SUPPORT
IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG WITH A XAOC PRODUCT AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD IS OVER, THERE IS
NO NEED TO WORRY, AS WE’RE STILL HAPPY TO HELP! THIS APPLIES TO ANY DEVICE, WHEREVER AND
WHENEVER ORIGINALLY ACQUIRED. HOWEVER, IN SPECIFIC CASES, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHARGE
FOR LABOR, PARTS, AND TRANSIT EXPENSES WHERE APPLICABLE.
RETURN POLICY
THE DEVICE INTENDED FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY NEEDS TO BE SHIPPED IN
THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING ONLY AND MUST INCLUDE A COMPLETED RMA FORM. XAOC DEVICES CAN
NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGES CAUSED DURING TRANSPORT. SO BEFORE SENDING
UNSOLICITED PARCEL WILL BE REJECTED AND RETURNED!
GENERAL INQUIRIES
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