BlaknbluOscar DSF Stereo Complex VCO

Blaknblu Oscar DSF

Oscar DSF is a stereo complex oscillator from Blaknblu, taking an alternative approach to creating additive tones for a wide timbral range in a compact form factor. Based on the principles of discrete summation formulae, Oscar DSF creates rich collections of partials on top of a simple sine wave. Packing a ton of functionality in just 10HP, Oscar DSF's three primary controls affect two parameters each depending on the state of the Osc/Folder switch.

In Osc mode, Oscar DSF gives you controls for partials, pitch, and mod ratio. The Partials control increases the amount of partials above the fundamental frequency, becoming richer as you turn the knob clockwise. Pitch adjusts oscillator frequency, while Mod ratio changes the relationship between the partials and the fundamental, effectively waveshaping the output tone as you sweep through different ratios. Three mod modes select how the ratio control behaves, having no quantization in free mode, and forcing ratios into particular patterns in rational or irrational modes. Rational mode provides whole integer multiples of the frequencies with half points between each, while irrational mode creates even more complex tones with no simple relationship between partials and fundamental.

In Folder mode, Oscar DSF provides control over the initial gain of its internal VCA, a detune control, and a wavefolder. The wavefolder adds additional harmonics as your wave is modulated by an additional modulating sine wave in a unique application of FM that offers sweet and gentle harmonic enrichment. Detune creates stereo spreads and deep dissonances, while the gain control may be set low to provide all-in-one voice operation when controlling the partials CV input.

CV control in Oscar DSF is comprehensive, including two pitch CV inputs perfect for simultaneous pitch control and vibrato effects. Control partials and fold to add movement and spectral variety to your sounds, while the Pan CV creates stereo panning in Oscar DSF's stereo output. A convenient Tune switch lets you hear a reference pitch at 440 Hz when engaged, and samples the value at the left VPO input when turned off. The sampled CV value now becomes 440Hz, effectively autotuning to any CV. With this much functionality and timbral range in just 10hp, Oscar DSF from Blaknblu adds huge sonic potential to any sized system.

Oscar DSF Features

• Stereo discrete summation formulae oscillator
• Creates rich additive tones by adding harmonics, similar to FM-based complex oscillators
• Two 1v/oct pitch inputs with independent attenuators
• Autotune control provides reference A440 pitch when engaged and autotunes to pitch input when turned off
• Octave control for +/-1 octave
• Osc/folder switch selects between two sets of parameter controls
• Partials control and CV inputs adds partials with higher values
• Initial gain sets level for internal VCA, operating as a full voice module when set low and sending envelope signals to Partials CV input
• Detune control adjusts tuning of modulation oscillator
• Mod ratio adjusts relationship of partials to fundamental tone
• Mod mode switch changes response of Mod Ratio control
• Fold is additional FM stage with wavefolder-like behavior
• CV inputs for Partials, Fold, and stereo panning of the left and right outputs