Ult-Sound DS-1

MUSICAL FEATURES

The DS-1 is a compact and versatile drum synthesizer designed for Eurorack modular systems. The module is a simplified version of the flagship ULT-SOUND DS-4M, retaining the core sound and functionality of the larger model while optimizing its size for seamless integration into modular environments.

The DS-1 has been enhanced with additional patch points and controls to take full advantage of the interconnectivity of modular systems.

• Multi-waveform VCO

• Noise generator with multiple percussion modes

• Mixer that blends VCO and noise

• Adjustable speed and level LFO with retrigger function

• Various CV inputs for rich modulation possibilities

SENSE LEVEL
The SENSE LEVEL knob adjusts how the module responds to the incoming GATE signal.
The operation differs depending on the setting of the BEAT SENSE switch.

When BEAT SENSE is OFF,Setting SENSE LEVEL to HIGH allows for stable gate detection and ensures that the input trigger is recognized.

When BEAT SENSE is ON,SENSE LEVEL fine-tunes the response to gate voltage, allowing you to set the dynamic range over which the module responds.

When using devices with different output levels, such as external sequencers or drum pads, this control is important for optimizing trigger behavior.

DIVISIONS

VCO
DS-1 offers three basic waveforms:

• SQUARE (square wave)

• SINE (sine wave)

• TRIANGLE

To adjust the pitch:

• TUNING knob (C to B)

• BEAT TUNE slider

• FINE TUNING slider

• OCTAVE switches (1-5)

The BEAT TUNE slider adds VCO modulation via the GATE INPUT.
When BEAT SENSE is turned ON, pitch control according to the GATE level becomes possible.
FINE TUNING allows fine adjustment of ±1 semitone.
External pitch control is also possible via the V/OCT input.

NOISE section

5 modes:

• C1 (Cymbal1)

• C2 (Cymbal2)

• S (Snare)

• N (White Noise)

• E (External input)

The MIXER potentiometer blends the VCO and noise. Pitch adjustment does not affect the noise.

ENVELOPE
The SUSTAIN slider and ATTACK knob shape the envelope.

SUSTAIN Adjust the duration of the sound

ATTACKControls the attack of the sound. Clockwise adds a click to the attack, counterclockwise gives a softer attack.

It can be set to a wide range of sounds, from sharp drum hits to long, varying percussion.

LFO
This is the section where you add vibrato.

• Waveform: SQUARE/TRIANGLE

• FREQUENCY slider: Speed ​​adjustment

• LEVEL knob: Depth adjustment

• LFO RETR. switch: Restarts the LFO waveform from 0

SWEEP

Adds an envelope to the VCO pitch.

• UP/DOWN switch: positive/negative

• WIDTH slider: Envelope amount

MIXER

Use the MIX knob to adjust the balance between VCO and NOISE

INPUTS

1. V/OCT
   VCO pitch control (0-5V). Can be used with 1V/Oct keyboards, sequencers, LFOs, etc.

2. GATE IN
   Sound trigger input. When BEAT SENSE is ON, the response changes according to the pulse level. Gate level modulation is possible using an external VCA + LFO (0 to 5V).

3. EXT. IN
   External audio input (0 to 5V)

4. LFO SPEED
   LFO frequency offset control (0-5V)

5. LFO LEVEL
   LFO Depth Offset Control (0-5V)

6. MIX
   CV control of VCO/NOISE balance (0-5V)

7. SWEEP LEVEL
   CV control of envelope amount sent to VCO (0-5V)