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AM2400 Module - Eµ Noise Source
Overview This module is based on the Noise Source module in the Eµ Modular. It produces random audio and control signals. Noise colour is variable and there is a Slow Random output
for controlling other modules.
Circuit Design
Dave Rossum originally designed this module way back in March 1973. It was upgraded a number of times and I have based the clone on the Revision 3 schematic which uses digital techniques to create pseudo-random noise. I suspect the original version used traditional analog noise generation techniques (transistor or zener diode in avalanche mode).
A digital approach to noise generation avoids the use of high gain op amps (which can cause crosstalk). However digital noise generators can sound predictable, as the output pattern repeats itself every few minutes. For
example the dedicated MM5837 chip used in the Eµ Audity has an audible and short cycle time. This chip was also used in the MemoryMoog but replaced with the improved MM5437, which has a longer cycle time. Modern digital noise sources are
much closer to being perfectly random
Dave's design is a simple circuit based on a CMOS clock and two 18-bit shift registers. The final summing Op Amp is the unusual 556, see "AM Parts" in the sidebar for details.
The
spectrum control varies the energy distribution of the audio signal from White through Pink to low filtered noise. The Slow Random Noise signal varies from 1 to 10Hz. The audio filtered noise goes via a simple -6dB slope low pass filter.
Rather than use a dedicated -3dB filter to create Pink Noise, Dave achieves the same result by mixing White Noise with -6dB filtered Noise.
ARP 2500 Influence
The Eµ design is a bit bland with just one control knob, so I have taken some ideas from the ARP 2500 Noise module (1016) and added them into the AM2400.
- Spectrum control controls MIX output
- Toggle switch selects Pink or White on Noise output
- Separate Slow Random Noise output
- Red LED flashes at the rate of the Slow Random Noise
- Volume control for the Slow Random Noise
These extra features means there is some more circuitry in the module, including a
dedicated -3dB Pink Noise Filter. This filter uses the Pink Noise analog shelving filters from the E-mu Systems Audity synthesizer.
Panel
The front panel is a standard AM design, 90mm wide and 4U high, with black lettering. Controls knobs are standard Eµ Modular designs.
Build History
The basic Eµ schematic was transferred into Eagle CAD in November 2002, and updated with the circuit extensions in late 2003. A 120mmx100mm board was laided out, manufactured and populated in February 2004. The design proved a little troublesome to get working as the right make of CMOS chips must be used, and I made a couple of mistakes on Op Amp orientation. However the prototype works fine now. The production board has all the errors corrected and a nice dedicated SRN LED drive circuit.
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