AXIS

In only  12hp, Axis condenses all the classical blocks for the audio amplitude management, redefining the classical envelope -> vca -> mixer path.  The idea is to manipulate a sound over three axes: its length (time [X]), its volume (range [Y]), and its place inside the stereo field [Z].

With a dual envelope generator, dual VCA, and a crossfader, Axis replaces a long chain with just one module and goes beyond it, including channel volume, AM modulation, and dynamic control capabilities (velocity). 

THE FUNCTION GENERATORS

For the function generator section, we choose a faster method over the classic AD/ ADSR style: a selection of waveforms studied to give back a precise musical effect can be selected with the shape knob[9].
The function length is independent from the actual wave shape and can be settled with the fader timeX [10] from 30hz to 15 seconds.
Also, setting the timeX fader at its maximum level will leave the VCA open. 

A more typical collection of envelopes can be found in the first half of the dial.
All kinds of sounds, from plucked notes to long volume swells passing through lead-friendly lines, can be obtained here.

More unusual, the last section of the knob is thought to simulate the acoustic vibration of a percussed object. Starting with a triangular envelope, from this point on, the more you turn the knob, the more rebounds will be added, simulating the natural ring of a material.

Using this section at low rates can generate complex envelopes that could also be suitable for the vibrato-style AM effect.

The envelope generator section includes a mode switch[8](cycle,trigger,hold), a trigger/gate input[2], an EOC trigger out[5], a function output[4], a CV for the envelope shape selection, and one  CV for time[7].


THE VCAs

The VCA section is more straightforward: it has an audio input/output[1] and a VCA CV input[3].

You can plug the audio I/O to use Axis in its completeness and eliminate a lot of cables and mess!

Soundwise, here at Clank, we are all about vactrols LPGs, but since we knew it’s not the most versatile option on the market, we came up with a different design. Blending together a VCA with a not-so-step filter, we obtained a VCA with a nice mild LPG flavor: enough to sound not so “clicky” but not too slow to inficiate really fast sounds.

By default, the envelope created by the function generator is normalized to the CV in of the VCA.

Plugging a cable into the VCA in[3] breaks the normalization, in this way you can use a different source to control the VCA and free the function generator for LFOs or modulation duties.

The rangeY fader[11] sets the strength of the envelope, but you can also see this control as a volume fader, which is nice since you won’t necessarily need an additional volume for your voice after the Axis.
Take into consideration that since the Axis VCA is actually a low-pass gate, lowering the rangeY fader also affects the cutoff frequency. 

The range fader[11] also has its CV control[6] to program dynamic changes to the sound.
Basically, it’s a VCA over a VCA that permits every note to be at different intensities.
Last but not least, Range CV[6] can also be fed by a unipolar modulation CV to obtain vibrato effects or audio rate AM modulations.

THE CROSSFADER

As a cherry on the cake, a crossfader is placed at the end of the chain, blending both Axis halves.

With a dedicated fader and CV control[12], raising it will invert the L/R output, creating nice stereo effects or moving the voices around the stereo field.