Signal Conversion Experimentation Framework

It’s just the sort of thing that goes too far, that nobody needs to get into, that opens up the most minute of minutiae that you could possibly tinker with, literally. But, here it is, just in case somebody decides to go for it.

Convert (digital representations of) analog signals into (digital representations of) digital signals with an ADC (analog to digital converter) while tinkering by turning bits on and off along the way, ride sample rate changes with the Sample Rate Reducer, and then use the DAC (digital to analog converter) reconstruct the (digital representation of) an analog signal (represented digitally) while warping responsiveness at the individual bit level for nonlinearities that simulate imperfection and navigate experimental territory alike. The ADC and DAC units operate on 8 bits at a time, and can be wired in stacks for full 32-bit floating point conversion. In principle, you could model real-world converters, but in practice, you’ll probably find yourself experimenting with digital artifacts, having full access to the fundamental building blocks (bits) of your signal.

Reduce signals to 8 bits, 9 bits, 2 bits, 12 bits, 25 bits, or anything from 1-32, and explore unusual combinations like a signal represented by bits 1-6, not 7, and 8 (for example). Modulate bits on and off, invert them, reweight them, cross wire them, use them to modulate other devices, and get into some really arcane connectivities. Use random bits as interesting sources of noise. Use the rate reducer like a noisy lowpass filter. You’ll even find interesting learning opportunities while exploring signals at this level of access to digital content.

Analog To Digital Converter

An ADC converts analog signals to streams of ones and zeroes. This module receives a signal and outputs those ones and zeroes (bits) from individual jacks at 5V and 0V respectively. With a switch, you can output any set of 8-bits from 32, and the modules can be used in combination to access all 32 bits. You can monitor signals with unreasonable precision, but also experiment with various bit depths, from 1-32, and flip individual bits on and off in experimental pursuits. Bits can be used like noise sources when decontextualized and can be used to control and modulate other devices to unusual effect.

Get the Signal Conversion Experimentation Framework Bundle for this unit’s companion DAC and Sample Rate Reducer too, opening up a full platform for experimenting with signal conversion.

Digital To Analog Converter

Eight inputs are interpreted as the ones and zeroes of an 8-bit (or up to 32-bit with four combined modules) signal, and interpreted into an analog signal. Paired with the Analog To Digital Converter, you can convert audio to digital and back to audio, which would be useless, except that you can also turn the knobs to subtly or drastically introduce nonlinearities and errors, drop or rearrange bits, and experiment with the most fundamental quanta of digital sound. The bit depth selection switch lets you peer into any batch of 8-bits, from the most significant ones to the ones you might not even hear, and you can use four units together to recoup a full 32-bit signal (each unit set to a different depth and the outputs to a single destination). For the more adventurous experimentalist, the top section provides controls for batch manipulation, randomization, bias, and gain, assisting your efforts to corrupt the signal to explore its possibilities. The individual bit gains are also CV modulatable, for dynamic nonsense.

Sample Rate Reducer

Sample rate reduction that can be modulated for dynamic adjustments to audio precision, this module explores what it’s like when fidelity changes with envelopes, LFOs, and other interactions. With a stochastic approach to sample loss, the device acts a lot like a crude and noisy lowpass filter, offering something a little different. Eight parallel channels can be used independently, serially, and in more complex configurations, but they are also set up for convenient integration with the Analog To Digital Converter and the Digital To Analog Converter, creating a team of devices that tinker with the fundamental bits of information within a passing signal.

Anamnesis Scope

The Anamnesis Scope helps you monitor macro changes in signal/waveform that occur over longer spans, by overlaying the past with decreasing opacity. It provides an informative view that compliments traditional oscilloscopes with a perspective that can be more useful in musical contexts.