Quad passive optical limiter for waves
Tame provides 4 channels of passive optical limiter (like Automatic Gain Control), flexible enough to cope with may uses in your modular, but particularly suited to modules which produce large variations in signal strength: the Shell waveshaper, or VCFs with too-loud self-oscillation.
Tame limiters can be used as soft-clipping limiters.
The peaks of waves above the threshold level are partly shaved off to drive the optical limiting: so you get the mildest soft distortion needed to power the limiting, almost as if you were using a limiter before a soft distortion pedal.
THIS IS NOT A HI-FI PRODUCT.
BONUS: Each Tame PCB/Panel ordered will come with 4 LDR (Light Dependent Resistors) and suitable heat-shrink tubing.
Each channel reduces the signal level on input waves that have more than +/-5V. (You can choose the threshold for each section when you build it.) Loud signals will have some combination of soft diode distiortion (when the LEDs conduct) and then (after the LEDs have lit) level reduction.
This module makes a great chaparone for any wayward modules that produce loud signal in some cases. Or use it after a VCA or VCF for soft distortion.
The Release Notes has instructions for selecting components. Making the DIY Vactrols has instructions for making the special DIY light-dependent resistors (“Vactrols”) needed: you cannot use off-the-shelf commercial Vactrols.
Technical: Complete electrical separation of all four channels. DIY light-dependent resstors will reduce signal over approx +/-2V to 9V depending on component values chosen by the builder (in particular the colour and “voltage drop” of the LEDs): the excess of the signal input drives the LED and results in a constant soft distortion.
Physical: 4HP , 35 mm deep, passive (no power)
Status: Available.
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