Laine ModularCatena Voltage Chain

Laine Modular Catena

Catena from Laine Modular is a chain of control voltage utilities which sum together at each subsequent output, providing a deeply flexible signal manipulator for offsets, slews, envelope generation, rectification, and more. Each channel of Catena offers multiple modes of voltage management, selectable with a three-position switch. With nearly limitless applications in almost any patch, Catena helps bring out the best of any modular synth by giving you complex control over modulation shapes, seamless scaling, and that extra oomph of voltage utility everytime you need it.

The four channels of Catena each feature inputs and outputs to process signals through their selectable functions. With nothing patched into a given output, the signal is normalled internally to the subsequent channel input. This allows for multistage processing of signals with a deep level of control over each function. In the most basic mode, with switches set to the left and no input present, each channel is a voltage reference and offset control.

The VREF switch and miniknob adjusts the maximum amplitude of this reference voltage at +5V or +10V. In the middle switch mode, each channel will operate as an attenuverter, providing negative voltages and offsets in counterclockwise positions. An external offset input is also available, which applies this offset to channels two through four. Channel 1 can also be offset with a switch on the back panel.

In addition to these basic processing modes, the rightmost switch position offers alternative functions for each channel. Channels one and two provide different slew types, with channel one having an immediate attack for percussive envelope generation, and channel two offering a more typical "lazy slew", which adjusts both rise and fall times for portamento and more. Channel three offers half-wave rectification with gain boost, while channel four gives you full wave rectification. Both of these waveshapers provide complexity to simple waves to process both audio and CV with added harmonics for new tones and modulation shapes.

Catena is a fantastic source of signal management for any system, and will reward both simple applications and deeply exploratory patching alike. If you're finding your CV sources bland and basic, or need a competent voltage multitool to rely on for adventurous patch experiments, Catena from Laine modular is a perfect solution.

Catena Features

• 4-channel cascading voltage utility
• Three modes for each channel: unipolar offset, bipolar attenuverter, or alternative modes
• Each channel cascades into the next, normalization broken when an output jack is connected
• Alternative modes:
  • Channel 1: percussive slew with adjustable decay
  • Channel 2: lazy slew with adjustable attack and decay
  • Channel 3: half wave rectification with gain boost
  • Channel 4: Full wave rectification
• Channel 4 doubles input gain of patched in signal
• External offset controls and input offset channels 2-4
• Suitable for CV or audio signals