Erica Synths Black BBD

Full Description

Bucket Brigade Device module

The Black BBD revolves around an all-analogue circuit to recreate the classic Bucket Brigade devices sound. BBD's predate digital delays and are renowned for their unique tone and modulation. BBD circuits are like that of sample and hold units. They work by passing on the voltage to the next module in the chain at each clock pulse. This helps to create the delay effect by bouncing sound into these different ‘buckets’ for echoes that decrease in volume. This allows you to recreate vintage delay sounds that you hear on all of your favourite records.

The two BBD stages work simultaneously, allowing you to fade between the two, creating interesting multi-tap effects. In order to eliminate any unwanted noise without any high-frequency loss, an advanced BBD clock noise cancellation circuit is used. The BBD clock allows you to push the delay time into extremely long feedback, creating a huge ambience and soundscape. Thanks to this versatility you'll be able to generate a wide array of presets, whether that's tight slapback, or long, meandering, repeats.

BBDs have unique advantages over digital delays, such as their exceptional versatility. You can use the module as a randomiser or sequencer with a positive or negative effect as well as produce delay controlled by ADSR. The wide variety of sound design possibilities makes the Black BBD ideal for live performances.

The Erica Synths Black Series modules are created from high-end components with a strict focus on unique functionality and superior sound quality to ensure you get the most from your music. All inputs and outputs are expertly designed to be protected against undesirable voltages preventing any overvoltage damage. Meticulous design is highlighted through the use of large knobs and switches to ensure ease of use in Eurorack cases. The Black Series is the perfect choice for anyone who desires a powerful, versatile, and incredibly reliable modular system.

Features

• Time: This is delay time manual control. Because of BBD clock suspension circuit, delay time can be pushed in extremely long regions, however is that case some high frequency artifacts may be heard due to sample rate reduction. The Time CV is added to the knob setting.
• In level: This is the input attenuator switch. Select among full amplitude, half amplitude and audio off.
• BBD mode: This control smoothly fades between short and long delays. Any setting in-between will result in distinct multitap delay effect.
• LFO Rate: Adjust the internal modulation LFO rate. The inter LFO controls delay time and it's automatically disengaged an external modulation signal is connected. The LED gives visual feedback on the LFO rate.
• LFO Shape: Select the LFO shape, three shapes are available: Triangle, square and in-between shape mix of triangle and square.
• Input: This is the audio input of the module.
• Colour: Even though the module has a BBD clock suspension circuit, the colour switch prives extra low pass filtering of the signal. At top setting, no filtering is applied, at lower settings increasing filtering is present.
• Feedback: This is the delay feedback manual control. In extreme clockwise settings, the module goes into self-oscillation and by adjusting the delay time and BBD mode settings, the module becomes a drone machine. The FBK CV is added to the knob settings.
• CV Level: This is Time CV level attenuator. If nothing is patched into the TIME CV socket, it controls the internal LFO amplitude.
• Wet out: This is the WET signal output for the module, use this for advanced patches.
• 5 CV inputs: These are CV inputs for Time, Feedback and Dry/Wet mix.
• Out: This is the main output of the module.

Specification

• Audio level: 10Vptp
• CV level (full span): -5V - +5V
• Power consumption: +95mA, -81mA
• Module width: 12HP
• Module depth: 35mm
• Product code: BLACKBBD