OPTO-TILE: Passive optocoupler VCA/filter/low-pass gate (1U / 12HP)

BE AWARE! This is a deliberately lo-fi module - if you want crystal clear sound reproduction, fidelity or whatever then you won't find it here.

THIS MODULE NOW SHIPS WITH BOTH INTELLIJEL AND PULP-LOGIC FORMAT FACEPLATES - JUST USE WHICHEVER ONE SUITS YOUR SYSTEM BEST.

The module relies on the properties of a photo-transistor to generally dirty up any signal coming passing through it; think of it as kind-of like a low-pass gate with built in distortion and a few other properties too.

In the beginning there was the OptoThing - it was an interesting piece of kit in that it sometimes behaved a bit like a VCA, or maybe a filter, or maybe somewhere in between. It was a classic example (I think) of how something with a relatively low parts count could do weird and wacky things to your sound.

This is a 1U version of the 4HP OPTOTHING module - the principal difference is that this is a single-channel module. Operation is the same, though - give it a CV, and input and an output and twiddle the pot until you get a response that you like.

Use it as a 'ghetto' VCA with an envelope-type waveform or use swept voltages to create bizarre, filter-like effects. Whilst the opportunities aren't quite endless, there are still quite a few of 'em.

12HP wide