SetonixSynth - Shaka-8

The Shaka-8 is an all-analog 4x2 stereo matrix mixer for audio. Four stereo inputs can be sent to both stereo outputs, in any combination and at independent levels — giving you two different mixes of the same sources. Each crossing point has its own level knob, and mono signals patched to a left input are automatically carried across to the right.

One of the cool aspects of the Shaka-8 is that all eight sends can be voltage controlled. Behind every matrix point is a stereo VCA — SSI2164 chips, with the gain applied to each side independently so the stereo image stays intact — with its own exponential CV input summed with the level knob. An envelope can open a source into one mix, an LFO can slowly shift it between processing chains, and audio-rate modulation can turn the matrix into a sound-shaping tool of its own.

There's also a rear EXPANDER header for chaining additional Shaka-4 modules, each adding one more stereo output column and growing the matrix to 4x3, 4x4 and beyond. This makes the Shaka-8 a useful hub for parallel effects, feedback networks and several related stereo mixes — with the routing itself becoming another patchable parameter.

Features:

• All-analog voltage-controlled stereo matrix mixer
• 4 stereo inputs × 2 stereo outputs
• Eight independently controlled stereo matrix points
• Stereo VCA with level knob and CV input on every send
• SSI2164 VCAs, gain applied per side to preserve the stereo image
• Two separate stereo mixes of the same four sources
• Exponential CV response
• Level knob and CV are summed
• Manual level range from approximately -100 dB to unity gain
• Up to +20 dB gain with sufficient external CV
• Accepts bipolar control voltages
• Left inputs normalled to right for mono sources
• AC-coupled audio inputs with approximately 5 Hz cutoff
• Expandable using Setonix Shaka-4 Stereo Matrix Expanders
• Each Shaka-4 adds one stereo output column
• Up to five Shaka-4 expanders recommended
• Shaka-4 requires a Shaka-8 host module