Peaks - Dual Trigger to Signal Converter

Overview
Peaks provides 4 different functions in a small 8-HP package. Their common point? They are all about generating an audio or CV signal in response to a trigger, and are all focused on rhythmic works.

Peaks is a dual-channel module ﾖ making it very useful for duophonic patches or for controlling/synthesizing the kick/snare rhythmic backbone of a patch.

Classic ADSR
Peaksﾒ first function is a no-frills ADSR envelope with segment times going from 0.2ms to 8s. Carefully tuned envelope shapes (quartic attack, exponential decay and release) provide a smooth but nervous response.

LFO and tap LFO
Peaksﾒ can work as a free-running, resettable LFO, or as a tempo synchronized LFO.

5 waveforms are available, each of them with a shape/morphing parameter: wavefolded sine, variable slope triangle, PWM square, stepped triangle and sampled/interpolated noise.

A unique feature of Peaks is its ability to lock onto irregular sequence of taps: the module can detect the periodicity of the incoming trigger pattern, and adjust the duration of the LFO cycles accordingly.

Drums
Peaks can synthesize bass-drum, snare-drum and hi-hat sounds using a digital model of the TR-808 circuits. An alternate drum generation mode synthesizes more aggressive FM-style drum sounds.

Specifications
2-channel trigger to signal converter.

Three control modes:

twin: Channel 1&2 share the same parameters but can be triggered independently.

split: Channel 1 is edited by knobs 1&2, channel 2 edited by knobs 3&4, with a simplified 2-parameter control scheme.

expert: Channel 1&2 are completely independent.

Four functions: ADSR envelope generator, LFO, tap-LFO, and 808-style bd/sd/hh generator. Four additional ﾓhiddenﾔ functions.

ADSR enveloppe generator

Segment durations ranging from 0.2ms to 8s.

Quartic attack, exponential decay, exponential release.

Other fancy modes implemented in the code, waiting to be unlocked!

LFO / Tap LFO

0.03 Hz to 160 Hz.

5 basic waveforms: square, triangle, sine, stepped, random.

Waveform variations and morphing for each of these: PWM, slope, folding/harmonics, step size, interpolation.

Phase at reset control.

Tap LFO can lock onto irregular rhythms.

Drum generator

Channel 1: 808 kick model with extra parameters (tune, punch).

Channel 2: 808 snare model with extra parameters (tune, decay).

Channel 2: A specific combination of settings transform the snare into a modelled 808 hi-hat.

Inputs, controls and outputs

4 parameter edition pots.

Channel 1 & 2 trigger inputs.

Channel 1 & 2 trigger push-buttons.

Channel 1 & 2 CV/audio output.

Technical characteristics

16-bit CV/audio generation with 48kHz sample rate.

Cortex-M3 ARM processor.

Open-source hardware and firmware.

8-HP.

Easy firmware updates through an audio interface.

Current consumption: +12V: 60mA ; -12V: 2mA.