BlaknBlu - Alpha Pro

All four channels on the Alpha Pro are identical, facilitating quick orientationl. Each channel has two mono inputs, both with their own volume controls. These inputs get summed together before hitting the VCA. You've also got two gain CV inputs per channel, each with its own attenuator, which are summed to control the VCA.

The output for each channel is stereo. You can manually pan it or control this with CV. The gain control acts like a volume knob if there is no CV input, and you can choose whether the VCA responds in a linear or logarithmic way. There is also a neat zero crossing switch that helps you get rid of annoying clicks when in signals with fast gain changes. Plus, you get two drive modes: one for a soft clip and another for a harder, grittier sound.

The VCAs can be assigned to two mix buses. If you set a channel to mix bus zero, it stays independent. This gives you a lot of flexibility in how you route your signals. By default, the signal path is AC, but you can switch it to DC if you need to, which is useful if you’re working with LFOs for instance.

 

There is an expander with four switches included. These are for AC/DC coupling and Pan-Zero-Crossing and for controlling whether the Mix Busses are mono or stereo. If the latter is set to mono, the "DRV" switch determines if the Overdrive is pre or post the Mix Busses. Nice!

The Alpha Pro is a robust module with similar build to its filter-counterpart Foxtrot. Worth noting is that this too is also built around the idea of “virtual analog” - aka digital. We think that there is a whole patchable VA system on the horizon.

• Four identical channels
• Dual mono inputs with attenuators
• Two gain CV inputs with attenuators
• Stereo output with pan control and CV control
• Linear or logarithmic VCA response
• Zero crossing control for click removal
• Two drive modes: soft clip and hard clip
• Two mix buses for flexible mixing