Dactrol

Vactrol multiplying 4-bit DAC by Tom Hirst

Nonlinearcircuits · 4 HP · 3U

Panel · 20.3 × 128.5 mm

Description

A vactrol-based multiplying DAC designed by Tom Hirst: eight vactrols used as switches turn a 4-bit number at BIT1 to BIT4 into a voltage relative to the reference voltages, so the output follows both. REF1 is preset through its jack's switch, so the REF1 knob alone gives a static voltage or offset; REF inputs take CVs, audio or negative voltages. Vactrols make it slow and slewed: a pattern generator, an odd VCA, or a DAC.

Key features

  • REF1, REF2 and BIT1 to BIT4 in; AC OUT and OUT, with its LED
  • REF1 and REF2 knobs
  • 4 HP; Nonlinearcircuits publishes no current draw, depth or assembled price (it sells the DIY PCB and panel), and ModularGrid lists none

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