SoundForce DCO Oscillator Module, 2021 Version (16HP)

Full Description

60/106-style oscillator section – refined and upgraded

Directly inspired by the architecture of a classic 60/106-style oscillator section, the SoundForce DCO has meticulously recreated the original circuit design. Whilst staying true to the original, SoundForce has also incorporated several refinements and upgrades to bring the classic design into the modern era. A DCO itself is a hybrid design of both analog and digital innovation, providing the same core waveforms as a VCO but utilises a micro-controller with 32-bit timers to deliver improved frequency accuracy. The result is improved tuning stability compared to the original, whilst retaining the same musicality and overall sound quality that made the original synthesizer so sought-after.

The faceplate is directly inspired by the original design, incorporating the same colour scheme and vintage style. The DCO provides you with 10 sliders (faders) with five sound sources including Saw, Pulse, Sub1 (1 octave lower), Sub2 (2 octaves lower) and Noise. Mix and blend between the various waveforms using the integrated mixer. The Pulse source provides manual pulse width control as well as a PWM with a CV input and attenuator. The FM input also comes complete with its own attenuator. You can hard-sync the DCO to an external oscillator using the Sync input, which is also shared with the MIDI interface Gate output (toggled via the back of the module).

Onboard MIDI interface

Building on the original design, the SoundForce DCO incorporates an all-new MIDI interface in the form of a MIDI input connection. Using this, you can directly connect the DCO module to your computer via a MIDI interface or hardware that features a MIDI output (no USB-MIDI). You can use the MIDI input to utilise flawless tuning capabilities. You can also use the MIDI interface to aid in sound design and digital music composition via your favourite DAW

You can toggle between the different MIDI modes using the switch on the rear of the module. You can switch between various modes to aid in tuning or combine incoming MIDI notes, CV inputs and Coarse/Fine sliders to generate the module’s frequency. The addition of a MIDI interface allows you to take your sound design capabilities to the next level by incorporating the raw analog sound of the module into your software-based music productions.

Features

• 60/106-style DCO module inspired by oscillator section of a classic vintage synthesizer
• Meticulously recreated circuitry stays true the original sound
• Upgraded and refined with a new MIDI interface (via MIDI input)
• True analog waveforms with digital stability
• Improved tuning stability and overall audio fidelity
• Retains the same musicality and versatile tonal palette as the original
• Five sound sources including:
  • Saw
  • Pulse
  • Sub1 (1 octave lower)
  • Sub2 (2 octaves lower)
  • Noise
• Pulse sound source has manual pulse width control (as well as PWM with a CV input and attenuator)
• FM input with dedicated attenuator
• Hard-sync the DCO to an external oscillator via the Sync input
• 10 slide pots (high-precision faders)
• Built-in mixer for blending between waveforms

Specifications

• Module size: 16HP
• Frequency range: 20Hz – 14kHz
• Depth: 38mm (including power connector)
• Power: +12V 100mA, -12V 30mA
• V/OCT input range: -3 to 7V
• FM input range: -5V to 5V
• PWM input range: -5V to 5V
• Product code: SFC-DCO-21