WMD - Digital VCA MKIII

The banisher of clicks, WMD’s Digital VCA MKIII kicks unwanted clicks out of kicks.

WMD's Digital VCA MKIII is the latest iteration of their compelling voltage controlled amplifier. The essence of its design lies in the digital control of CV and attenuation levels, ensuring that amplitude changes are made without the disruptive clicks that are quite perceivable. The standout feature is the zero-crossing detector mode. It enables smooth transitions by waiting for the optimal moment = zero-crossing to adjust the amplitude. This comes with a trade-off, as you can not fool time: It applies an amount of latency to the VCA that is at maximum ½ of a period of the fundamental frequency. In TR mode, the module can be updated on an external trigger. IN ZCD mode it reads out the signal going into In. The resolution here is 8bits. There is also also a "classic" VCA mode in which the VCA is updated constantly. All of this is dual, i.e. you get two identical units.

The inclusion of two independent noise sources (one for each unit) is a nice addition for the creation of textures and staircase-patterns. It uses the TR/ZCD technology for something akin to Sample and Hold. Mid that the Digital VCA MKIII can operate uni- or bipolar. In the latter case it becomes a VC Polarizer. Going into audio rate you will obtain timbres typical for ringmodulation. And more, because you can also monitor the ZCD out, which is only active when a zero-crossing is detected. Smooth sailing!

Features:

• Dual VCA
• Unipolar or bipolar operation
• DC coupled analog signal path
• Low distortion / low noise
• VCA can close completely
• Zero-crossing detector mode
• Trigger mode
• Two independent noise sources
• 8-bit cv resolution
• Great for fast envelopes and sine bass sounds