My problem loosing Amplitude in my signal flow

Plugins & Modules
1

Hi everyone !

For the last weeks I tried to build my perfect 8 VCOs FM synth with a big matrix at it’s center. And in the process I noticed several annoying things.

I tried Mutables’ Frames to sweep between Bogaudio’s XCO waveforms, coupled with dBiz’s VCA4 as my matrix (to send the outputs of Frames and FM other VCOs). And I realized that each of theses 2 modules made the XCO’s waveforms loosing in amplitude.

So my question is : Is this normal that a VCO is becoming “quieter” the more it goes through modules, and is it the case IRL with Analog stuff (I never own real modules yet) ?

2

Hey Arthur, I’ve been doing something similar recently, recreating the EMS Synthi VCS3 which also calls for matrices, I can’t immediately answer the questions you asked but it doesn’t sound like normal behaviour to me.

The only thing I do know is that with guitar pedals there might be signal loss when connecting more unbuffered pedals, the longer the path a signal has to take through cables, the weaker it gets.

Would it be possible to upload the patch so I can take a look what might be happening?

3

I made 2 simple patches that explain it all.

The X (Blue) on the scope is the direct output of the VCO, the Y (Pink) is it going trough a mixer (Frames an VC4 in this cas).

And I have to say that it doesn’t behave that way with all the mixers. VCV’s Mixer of Bogaudio’s Matrix for example don’t have this issue.

4

I’ve tried the same setup and come to the same conclusion, this is not how I would expect such a module to react, it seems to be attenuating the signal to stay within safe levels. I would say stick with the Bogaudio ones if you really want to have the possibility of controlling the amount of signal going through a connection, there just came an update with all the new matrix mixers and switchers with color indication, that should open up a world of possibilities! The Bidoo ACne might be a good option too since it also has the color indication and it has scenes!

If you would also be okay with just switching connections on and off, I can really recommend the Strum Mental Patch Matrix (10x10), the new Stoermelder Intermix which also has scenes, as well as the Computerscare Father & Son which has polyphonic possibilities and scenes!

5

The thing is, I know I can add gain to the signal, use Midi Map and CV Map to modulate a Mixer that doesn’t attenuate the signal. They are solutions for that situation.

But come on I would love to just use Frames to morph between 4 LFOs and be sure that it will send the maximum values tu modulate my parameter from 0 to 100, without having to use an other module to add gain at the output =/