Description
AFS (Analog Frequency Shifter) & AFSX Expander
Twist Reality, Analog Style.
The AFS is not your standard pitch shifter. Operating as a fully discrete, suppressed-carrier Single Sideband (SSB) generator, it performs genuine analog frequency addition rather than multiplication. By shifting every harmonic by a fixed number of Hertz rather than a ratio, the AFS shatters traditional harmonic relationships to unlock everything from lush, organic ensemble effects to metallic, alien soundscapes.
Inspired by legacy concepts but completely re-engineered for the modern electronic musician, the AFS solves the age-old issues of vintage designs. At its heart sits a custom Through-Zero Quadrature Output VCO (TZQOVCO). Unlike vintage units that require two high-frequency oscillators precisely mixed and trimmed to “zero beat,” our single-oscillator topology guarantees absolute zero Hz stability at zero CV input. No oscillator locking, fewer spurious harmonics, and a pristine 40dB carrier-to-image ratio deliver an exceptionally clean, powerful output.
Key Features
- Fully Discrete Analog Circuitry: Built using completely standard, multiple-source, non-obsolete components for true analog warmth and lifelong maintainability.
- Simultaneous Up & Down Shifting: Pull apart your audio with dedicated SUM (up-shift) and DIFF (down-shift) outputs.
- Built-in Ring Modulation: Dedicated RING 1 and RING 2 outputs provide direct access to the internal multipliers for classic clanging textures.
- Precise 1V/Oct Tracking: Accurate tracking across 5 octaves allows the shifter to move musically with your melodies.
- No-Interact Trimming: Minimal, straightforward calibration with zero interacting trims.
Expand Your Horizon: The AFSX
Unlock the full experimental power of the architecture with the AFSX Expander (1-inch width).
- Linear FM Modulation: Essential for retaining specific acoustic behaviors and tightly controlled sidebands during deep modulation.
- External Carrier Input: Flip the toggle from Internal to External to inject your own VCOs, noise sources, or complex signals as the carrier phase.
- Hold Control: A dedicated gate/trigger input to freeze the internal oscillator state, yielding stark, rhythmic timbral shifts.
Technical Specifications
- Module Width: Main Unit: 3 Inch (4U LW Format) | Expander: 1 Inch
- Frequency Range: 1Hz to 20KHz
- Power Draw: 100mA (+12V) / 85mA (-12V)
- Inputs: Audio In 1 (with attenuator), Audio In 2, V/Oct, FM, VC F
- Outputs: SUM, DIFF, MIX, RING 1, RING 2, VCO 0°, VCO 90°
Handcrafted with precision. B
