Nekyia Circuits - Obsidian

LFOs in Conversation — Weave Waves With Neykyia Circtuits' Obsidian.

Obsidian brings an elegant twist to the dual LFO format. Its two analog oscillators can generate triangle and square waves, with the added bonus that they naturally cross-modulate when their CV inputs are left empty. The rate attenuverters let you dial in just how much the LFOs influence each other. Both are equipped center-detented pots in those instances where you'd want to make sure cross-mod is truly off. As with several other modules from Nekya, this too is a rather clean looking layout that gives you an immediate clear overview of its functions.

Both triangle shape and square pulse-width respond to voltage control through the symmetry inputs. An analog logic section processes these waveforms, outputting their sum, difference, minimum, and maximum values. There are two switches that determine whether you send triangle or square-waves into this circuit, which makes it possible to create rhythmic variations you'd typically need several modules to achieve.

Need sync? The reset inputs snap both LFOs back to their starting points on command. The frequency range runs from slow evolving modulations (one cycle per minute) up to audio-rate territory at 200Hz. Self-patching the various outputs back into CV inputs is encouraged!

Comparing it to other function generators, Doepfer's A-147-4 dual LFO focused on a more straightforward approach and Mutable Instruments' Stages offered deep programmability — Obsidian finds its own path through analog cross-modulation and logic operations. It shares some DNA with Make Noise's Maths in how it can create complex modulations through self-patching, but might be a tad easier to grasp for newcomers.

Features:

• Two Analogue Complex LFOs with a total of 8 simultaneous outputs
• Triangle and Square waveform outs with Symmetry/Pulse-width CV control
• Frequency range: 1 minute per cycle to 300 Hz approximately
• Cross-Modulation! LFO1 modulates LFO2 rate and vice versa
• Sum/Diff/Min/Max analogue logic circuits for complex waveforms
• Switches to select which waveforms will be compared by the analogue logic circuits
• Reset inputs for synchronizing the LFOs