4ms Percussion Interface+ Expander [PI+EXP]

MUSICAL FEATURES

The Percussion Interface is an interface module that converts a microphone, line-level instrument, or modular signal into an envelope or gate / clock signal, allowing live percussion instruments and the rhythm of recorded audio tracks to synchronize the Eurorack system. is. PI can be used only with the main unit equipped with basic functions on 4HP, but by connecting the included PI expander, two types of finely adjustable envelope output and actual audio output that can also be used as a preamplifier, 2/1 "The audio input terminal for phone specifications will be added. 

How to Use

Function of the main body

• 1/8 "(3.5mm) mini plug specification, AC coupled audio signal input:It can handle a wide variety of audio signals, including microphones and piezo pickups set in acoustic instruments, line-level instruments such as synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines, excluding condenser microphones that require a power source.The terminals are monaural, but the type of cable used does not matter.
• Gate output:Outputs the gate signal generated by the input signal.The + 8V gate is output in the high state, and the LED on the top of the socket is shown in white.
• Two envelope outputs with inverted output convenient for side chains:When the envelope is triggered by an input signal, the + -labeled socket on the left outputs a 0V to 9V envelope, and the accompanying blue LED indicates the level of the envelope.At the same time, an inverted copy of the envelope is output from the socket labeled with-on the right side.The inverting output outputs 9V when the envelope is stationary (green LED is lit), and when triggered, it drops toward the minimum value of 0V (LED becomes dark).This inverted envelope can be used for side chains, etc.
• Sensitivity knob with clipping LED:Adjust how much the input signal is boosted.When the gain setting is at maximum, the input signal voltage that triggers the gate output is approximately 5-10 mV.The range of sensitivity adjustment depends on the input gain width selection switch of the attached PI expander.The accompanying LED will start to turn blue when it detects an input signal, increase in value and turn red as it approaches clipping.Clipping can cause unexpected gate and envelope triggers.
• Sustain control knob for gate length and envelope adjustment: Gen.Adjusts the sustain time of the envelope in mode and the pulse width of the gate.To prevent unexpected gate triggers, no new triggers are generated while the gate output is high.The pulse width is a minimum of 5 ms and a maximum of 0.5 seconds.
• Envelope Decay Control Knob:Controls the decay time of the envelope.The output envelope has an exponential curve.
• Envelope Follow / Generate Mode Switch:There are two envelope mode selector switches.Gen.In mode, it outputs an Attack-Sustain (level 100%)-Release type envelope that continues to an exponential decay after a fast-rising attack and sustain time.While the gate is high, the envelope is also kept high.FollowIn mode, the envelope ignores the gate and outputs a CV that looks like the amplitude of the input signal is converted to voltage.

Functions of PI expander

• 1/4 "(6.35mm), AC coupled with standard phone, audio signal input:You can use a monaural instrument cable to input audio signals only if the PI's audio input is unpatched.
• 1/8 "(3.5mm) mini plug specification, DC coupled audio signal output:Outputs a signal with amplified input audio.In addition to being used as a microphone preamplifier, it is also possible to raise a low-level signal to a modular level and extract it.The gain / boost amount is determined by the Sensitivity knob on the PI main unit and the input gain width selector switch on the expander.
• Env. Level knob:Attenuates the envelope output from Env. Out of the PI expander.The minimum value of the knob is 0V, and the envelope is not output.As the value increases, the envelope amplifies up to 9V.
• Inv. Level knob:Attenuates the inverted envelope output from Inv. Out of the PI expander. The minimum value of the knob is 0V, and the envelope is not output.As the value increases, the envelope amplifies up to 9V.As an example, when the knob is in the center position and the attenuation is about 50%, about 4.5V is output from this terminal until the envelope is triggered.It becomes 0V at the timing of the trigger of the envelope, and returns to 4.5V through the decay.
• Positive / negative bipolar envelope output with variable output impedance from 1k to 26k:Outputs an attenuated positive / negative bipolar envelope.
• L / M / H switch:Select by switching the gain adjustment range of the input audio signal.LThe adjustment range of is 0 to 2 times, which is suitable for modular level signals and some professional line level signals.MHas an adjustment range of 0 to 20 times, and is suitable for musical instruments, line level, and low impedance signals.HHas a width of up to 500 times, making it suitable for high impedance microphones, piezos, contact microphones, and low level signals.When using only the PI main unit without using the expander, set the gain width with the jumper on the back of the main unit.manualPlease also see.