VAV Synths has released two eurorack modules: the N-Wave, a 10HP waveshaper, and the X-Wave, a 4HP signal switcher. Matrixsynth covered both on 9 September.

N-Wave works on the middle of a waveform rather than its peaks. VAV says wavefolders and clippers act on the peaks, while N-Wave leaves them intact and instead uses an internal bipolar VCA, which the company also describes as a four-quadrant multiplier or ring modulator, to apply gain reduction and polarity inversion to an inner portion of the slope. Threshold and Offset controls define that portion, and both take CV. A separate input takes an external detector signal, so the shaping can follow a different source from the one being processed.

The module passes signal down to 0 Hz, so it handles LFOs, envelopes and CV sequences as well as audio, and it can be patched as a bipolar VCA, an attenuverter or a ring modulator on its own. VAV says square and pulse waves come out barely changed, because their rise times are too fast for the shaping to act on.

X-Wave is a crossover-synched signal switcher with no knobs. It is also DC-coupled, so it can cross between LFOs, envelopes, CV sequences and 1V/oct pitch signals. VAV says both modules use Burr Brown op amps in the main signal path, with Texas Instruments parts elsewhere.

Price and availability

N-Wave is $199 and X-Wave is $149, both sold through VAV's own shop. Neither product page lists a ship date.

Via Matrixsynth. More at VAV Synths.