The Analog Waveguide is a versatile stereo resonator based on analog bucket brigade delay chips. The two delays combine and mix in a unique way to create harmonic and inharmonic resonances for a wide range of possible sounds, from mallet instruments, to metallic sounds, to string-like instruments and organic non-linear drones.
Production
We are very happy to partner with Vermona to bring this long conceived dream to reality. Vermona has an impeccable reputation for extraordinary quality and do all their production in house. Thank you Vermona, we are honored!
Fulfillment
Ordering today will mean delivery in about 6 weeks.
Add a comment to the order (on the checkout page) if you want it with a glossy frontplate, delivery will be about 2 weeks earlier.
Waveguide Audio Samples
Description & History
The Analog Waveguide is a versatile stereo resonator that feeds input signals into a rotation matrix. The matrix can be set to any angle. The Waveguide’s signal path is fully analog, and the delay lines are implemented with bucket brigade delays. The design was originally described in a theoretical paper by British mathematician Michael Gerzon (inventor of Ambisonics) in 1971, but was only finally implemented in 2011 by Miller Puckette (author of Max/MSP and Pure Data) but only in software. Our interpretation of the design re-implements and extends the original concept as a hardware Eurorack module with an all analog signal path. The resulting resonator is an analog waveguide capable of vivid physical modeling sound synthesis. The Waveguide’s integrated display shows the two delay line signals in a Cartesian coordinate system, visualizing the complex oscillating signal in the resonator. The wide range of displayed forms and movements are mesmerizing to watch and allow for a synaesthetic experience of the instrument. The visual representation of the signal also assists experienced users in remembering and recreating parameter settings for specific sounds.
Technical specifications
Built-In Circuit Components
- 2x Input Gain Amplifiers
- 2x Analog Bucket Brigade Delays, speed/pitch digitally controlled, right channel link-able to left channel
- 2x first order VCF for damping, right channel link-able to left channel
- 2x VCA for Feedback Gain, right channel link-able to left channel
- 1x Analog Rotation Matrix, digitally controlled
- 1x Display, digitally controlled
Dimensions
- Width: 24HP
- Depth in rack (under panel): 34mm
Current draw per Eurorack rail
- +12 V: 138mA
- -12 V: 110mA
- +5 V: NC
Input/Output specification
- 1V/Oct: -1.5V to 5.5V
- FM: -8V to 8V
- Lowpass: -8V to 8V
- Feedback: -8V to 8V
- Rotation: -8V to 8V
- Audio In: -8V to 8V
- Audio Out: -5V to 5V (Wet); -10V to 10V (Dry)
Dive into the Manual for more information.
Analog Waveguide Module Presentation at Superbooth 2024
Presentation at International Computer Music Conference 2024 Seoul
YouTube Playlist
shaikath –
I’ve found that having an impulse dynamics before the Analog Waveguide and a LPG after results in some incredible sounds. I have been able to get some great hang drum sounds out of it as I had hoped for. I love the knobs, finish, and visual display of the module. It’s definitely the centerpiece of my Eurorack case.
shaikath on Mod Wiggler
Peter Kirn –
It’s modern analog – but doing what wasn’t possible with early 70s analog. And the sound…
Love the way this looks. As you see you get copious voltage control, positive and negative level controls for every CV amount, a flexible send/return architecture (with dry/wet controls), VCF and VCA sync (each with on/off), dual X and Y architecture for everything, and of course the essential 360-degree rotation knob. Plus there’s that gorgeous display visualization
Synth Anatomy –
CHAIR’s new Eurorack module Analog Waveguide is a stereo BBD analog delay that is designed for Karplus Strong synthesis applications. It consists of two BBD delays that are split up into an X and Y coordinate. Then, it has a unique mathematical function that allows you to rotate (0° – 180° – 270°) the signal through these delays.
This is where the special feature of the module comes into play. Besides classic Karplus Strong string sounds, it is capable to create inharmonic sounds.
Further, you get pitch control, linear/exponential modulation incl FM on each delay, an analog lowpass filter, and decay amount. The latter controls the amount of feedback. What you heard at the Chair Audio booth at Superbooth 22 sounds very exciting.
Peter H. –
Arriving back last night I had my first session with them and continuing the extremely inspiring session…. Currently I’m paring them with a forge Vhikkx, Befaco Oneroi and a few additional fx… I have to say the the instrument in Superb and already exceeds by far the already high anticipation …. it has been a super pleasant long journey discovering you guys and your work back then when the Analog Waveguide was first showcased the patient wait and now the live experience.
The two units combined are already very deep and ideas keep coming so will gradually walk them test and play in spatial audio scenarios and definitely integrating immediately into my sonic well-being experiences…
Thank you so much for your work , congratulation to the success and warm welcome and interest by fellow musicians worldwide!