Update : sep 16th, 2019

Wavefolder

En français
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Description

This circuit is a device which provides wonderful sonic possibilities. This module performs a non-linear transformation of a simple waveshape (triangle or sawtooth) into a complex waveform rich in overtones.
This module is based on Jürgen Haible's wavefolder B  that I have associated to a VCA at the input to dynamically control wavefolding, and with an amplifier to adjust the output level.

Some sound samples :
    example 1 : progressive variations of CV2         
    example 2 : envelope modulation. I say, there is no filter involved !!!!!    
  
Some scope images :


Schematics


sch
This circuit is made of three parts : the first one is based on U2, Q1 and Q3 and is a voltage controlled amplifier (VCA) and accepts an input signal ranging from -10V et +10V with a control voltage (CV1) ranging from 0 to 15V.  The second part made of U1b, U1c and U1d and diodes D1 à D20 is actually Jürgen Haible's walvefolder B . Next, the third part is a level amplifier which gain is set to obtain an ouput signal in the range -10V to 10V.
By the way, if you need to modify the voltage range of the input and output signals, it is just a matter of changing the values of R20 & R21 for the input signal and that of R17 & R18 to adjust the output level.

Printed circuit boards and component layout

PCB design







Component layout



Download the schematic as a PDF file
Download the PCB as a PDF file

WARNING ! The document is formatted to be printed directly on a mylar for photo-etching or a "press & peel" paper. Make sure that when the printed face of mylar is in contact with the copper side of the PCB, the lettering can be read normally.

Components and building details

reference
value
number
U1
TL074 / LM324
1
U2
TL072 / LM358
1
Q1, Q2, Q3
BC547C or equivalent (Q1 & Q2 must be matched)
3
D1 to D20
1N4148 (should be matched by pairs)
20
R1,R2
10 ohms
2
R29
470 ohms
1
R4
680/330 ohms to be selected depending on the input levels
1
R13
2k7
1
R16,R17
5k6 2
R27
6k8 1
R7,R8
10k 1%
2
R5,R6,R18,R19,R20,R21,
R22,R23,R24,R25,R36
15k, *1%
11
R33,R34
22k
2
R15
27k
1
R14,R35
33k
2
R26,R28*
56k, *R28 may be increased up to 120K for a higher output signal
2*
R30
68k
1
R3,R9,R10,R11,R12,R31,R32
100k
7
A1
1K multi turn trimmer
1
A2
50K/47K multi turn trimmer
1
C3,C4
100nF ceramic or polyester
2
C1,C2
22µF 35V polarised
2
P2
47k/50k Lin potentiometer
1
P1,P3
100k Lin potentiometer 2
J1,J2,J3
jack socket
3

Wiring


Front panel
Panel design


Silk-screening
 

Download the silkscreen mask as a PDF file

Download the silkscreen mask as a  JPEG file

Setting and trimming


Trimming is quite easy if you use matched NPNs for Q1 and Q2, and 1% tolerance resistors for R22 to R27. You will need a dual trace scope, a DVM and a sinewave generator. Using 10 turn trimmers is a little bit more expensive than using 1 turn but makes it easier to adjust with high accuracy.
  1. Set A1& A2 to mid-range.
  2. Connect the sinewave generator (freq. 1KHz, 10Vpp) to input 1, P1 turned fully clockwise (maximum signal).
  3. Connect the sinewave generator to the first input of your scope.
  4. Connect CV1 to 0V and turn P3 fully clockwise (maximum gain).
  5. Connect the output of the VCA (pin 1 of U2a) to the second input of the scope.
  6. Adjust the trimmer A1 in order to have a perfectly symmetrical sine wave at the output (the best way is to superimpose the trace of the sinewave at input and the one at the output). You may have also to play slightly with A2 as well to reduce gain if you have saturation on both the positive and negative crests of the output sinewave.
  7. Next, turn P1 fully counter-clockwise (no CV). Adjust A2 in order to completly mute the output signal.

References

There are many different variant of wavefolder,  here are some valuable links:
Jurgen Haible's WaveFolder  : http://www.jhaible.de/jh_wavefolder.html
Grant Richter's WaveWarper  : http://www.musicsynthesizer.com/DIY/Grant/CVtwister2.html
Ken Stone's WaveMultiplier  : http://www.cgs.synth.net/modules/cgs29_wave_multiplier.html
Ian Fritz's Wavolver  : http://home.comcast.net/~ijfritz/sy_cir6.htm

The DIY builders' gallery
Here are the photographs of the yusynth Wavefolder modules built by other synth geeks around the world.
Thank you  guys for sending me these nice photos.


Name : Czaba ZVEKAN
Modular project :
Location : Basel, Switzerland
Website
Name : Oliver ABPLANALP
Modular project : Cave studio
Location : Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Website : http://www.cavestudio.ch

Name  : Patrick
Pseudo : Baronrouge
Modular project: JHC live lab
Location
Toulon, France
Web site : http://myspace.com/patjhc




Name  :
Pseudo : Sebo
Modular project:
Location:
France
Web site :http://www.cosaquitosenglobo.com.ar
Name  : Frédéric Monti
Pseudo : Zarko
Modular project:
Location:
Gradanne, France
Web site :

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