Erica Synths — Octasource
Erica Synths Black Octasource Manual (PDF)
Erica Synths Black Octasource Cheat Sheet
Overview
The Erica Synths Black Octasource is an ultra-flexible LFO with 8 simultaneous outputs, advanced phase and waveform morphing, and extensive CV control. It can be the “heart and brain” of modulation in your modular system.
Controls, Inputs & Outputs
Front Panel Diagram (Reference)
- RATE (Large Knob): Manual LFO speed control. At 12 o’clock, freezes current values on outputs. CW increases LFO rate and shifts phase CW; CCW increases rate and shifts phase CCW.
- WAVE (Knob): Selects principal waveforms and morphs between them. In MULTI mode, shifts waves between outputs.
- MULTI/SINGLE (Toggle Switch):
- MULTI: 8 different waves on 8 outputs, WAVE knob shifts assignment.
- SINGLE: Same wave on all outputs, phase-shifted (by 45° steps or CV control).
- FM LEVEL (Small Knob): Attenuates FM control voltage (see FM IN).
- OUTPUT LEDs: Bi-color, display signal level and output mode.
- SYNC (Jack): Clock input to sync LFO frequency externally (disables RATE except at freeze).
- FM IN (Jack): Frequency modulation input (-5V to +5V).
- WAVE CV (Jack): Voltage control of waveform selection/morphing (-5V to +5V).
- PHASE CV (Jack): Voltage control of phase shifting per output (-5V to +5V).
- OUTPUTS (8x Jacks): Phase shifted/unshifted LFO outputs (-5V to +5V bipolar, switchable to 0V to +5V unipolar).
Input/Output Voltage Ranges
| Jack |
Function |
Voltage Range |
| SYNC |
LFO Sync Input |
Clock / Trigger |
| FM IN |
LFO FM Control Voltage |
-5V to +5V |
| WAVE CV |
Wave Selection CV |
-5V to +5V |
| PHASE CV |
Phase Shift CV |
-5V to +5V |
| OUTPUTS |
LFO Output (default) |
-5V to +5V (bipolar)
0V to +5V (unipolar, see below) |
Features Reference
- LFO Rate: 0.03 Hz – 30 Hz
- Output Amplitude: 10Vpp (bipolar: -5V to +5V, unipolar: 0V to +5V selectable, see below)
- CV Inputs: All full sweep at ±5V
- 8 Simultaneous Outputs: Each 45° phase apart (or 8 different waveforms in MULTI mode)
- Waveforms: Sine, ramp, inverted absolute sine, triangle, pulse, absolute sine, saw, S&H (plus morphing between)
- Sync: External clock input for LFO rate
- Freeze: Set RATE to 12 o’clock in Sync mode or for output freeze
- LED Indicators: Show signal amplitude and mode
- Phase, Wave, Rate: All manually and CV controllable
Unipolar/Bipolar Output Mode
- Switching Output Mode:
- Set RATE knob to 12 o’clock ("freeze" position).
- Flip the MULTI/SINGLE switch 6 times.
- Unipolar (0V to +5V): All LEDs blink same color.
- Bipolar (default, -5V to +5V): LEDs blink two colors.
Safety & Other Notes
- DO NOT use in wet or humid environments.
- DO NOT expose to temps above +50°C or below -20°C.
- Only ship in original packaging for warranty/repair.
Quick Workflow
- Patch Outputs: Use any of the 8 outputs for LFO modulation.
- Rate: Adjust main speed with RATE knob or apply clock to SYNC jack for external sync.
- Waveform: Manually select/morph between waveforms with WAVE knob or via CV.
- Phase: Control phase rotation per output with knob or CV.
- MULTI/SINGLE: Choose mode for “8 different” waves or “1 shifted wave.”
- FM/Modulation: Patch into FM IN for CV LFO frequency control, attenuate with FM LEVEL.
Useful Links