Boredbrain Music UniFX

MUSICAL FEATURES

UniFX is a compact and flexible effects interface that provides interconnections such as using either a Eurorack synthesizer or an external device as an effects processor. UniFX readjusts the level of the audio signal, provides voltage control for the dry/wet mix, and even switches the source of the main and effect signals.

HOW TO USE

Effects loop settings

UniFX simplifies the processing of Eurorack audio signals using pedals, or conversely, the processing of external device signals using Eurorack. The two sets of mono input/output jacks on the front panel, 'IN' and 'OUT' , are 3.5mm for Eurorack level and 1/4-inch for pedal level, respectively. By changing the setting of the switch in the center of the module , you can switch which input/output pair is used as the main signal and which as the FX send/return.

• To process the Eurorack audio signal with a guitar pedal or outboard gear, flip the switch to 'PEDALS' position.Patch your Eurorack source signal to the 3.5mm input/output pairs and connect any pedal effects etc. to the 1/4" input/output jacks.
• To process a line-level device or a guitar through the Eurorack module, turn the switch to 'EURO FX' position.Connect line source signals to the 1/4" inputs and outputs, and patch modules such as filters and effects to the 3.5mm inputs and outputs.

Audio level scaling is approximately ±12dB, allowing a wide range of pedals.

mix control

The FX MIX parameter is a variable crossfader that controls the dry/wet balance of the input and FX return signals, with the amount of effect mix indicated by a white LED above the knob. When the knob is set to its minimum value, only the input signal is output, and the LED is off. Conversely, when the knob is set to its maximum value, only the effect return signal is output, and the LED is fully lit. The knob is set to the center position for a 50/50 mix balance.

This parameter can also be automated using a CV input labeled ' MIX ', in which case the knob position is used as bias control for the incoming signal. Since the parameter has a maximum range of 10Vpp, setting the knob to the middle position allows for a complete sweep of the FX MIX up and down when using a typical ±5V LFO.

VCA and feedback effect

Since the circuit of this unit is based on VCA with DC coupling, it can also be used as a general VCA for audio or control voltage.The only difference is that the control input acts in the opposite direction, increasing the voltage will decrease the signal level.To do so, simply patch your main signal to the 3.5mm input/output jacks, leave nothing on the 1/4" jacks, and set the switch to the 'PEDALS' position. Raise the FX MIX control to maximum, set it so that no dry signal is output, and patch the negative going control voltage to the MIX CV input.

Furthermore, UniFX's switching effects loop structure makes it easy to create feedback effects. To do this, set the switch to " false " mode and decrease the value of the FX MIX control, increasing the amount of FX return sent back to the FX send. The MIX CV input can be used for experimental VC feedback effects.

Feedback modulation patch example

Connect your signal to the 3.5mm input and output, your guitar pedal to the 1/4" input and output, and set the switch to 'EUROFX' mode. Patch a non-polar control voltage to the MIX CV input, and adjust the bias at the knob position to control the amount of effect feedback.This patch is especially interesting with the use of reverb effects.