Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

North Coast Synthesis - MSK 013 Middle Path VCO

Product information "North Coast Synthesis - MSK 013 Middle Path VCO"

North Coast's complex VCO is comfortable on a journey to the East or the West, while providing a stable foundation at home in any Eurorack. The module contains two triangle-core VCOs, each with four waveforms and standard V/octave control. As basic VCOs running independently these can be the heart of a traditional subtractive East Coast synthesizer. But the Middle Path's oscillators can also be used together, with or without sync, to drive its unique multi-output Gilbert-style sine shaper. The shaper, which can also take external input, offers wave shaping, distortion, folding, phase modulation including through-zero, and imitation stereo. These effects take the sound into West Coast territory.

The design emphasis is on harmonious combination of simple principles. The exponential converter uses premium analog multipliers and a transistor array to ensure temperature stability without fiddly adjustments or hard-to-control "tempco" resistors; it should provide consistent tracking, and especially between the two oscillators, without needing to warm up. The triangle cores are intrinsically frequency-accurate without needing extra circuitry to compensate for reset time. The sine shaper includes our own novel quadrature modification which can be used to generate a stereo signal or in combination with other modules to create frequency shift effects. The sync circuit joins the oscillator cores in another way with a selection of soft and firm modes.

Features:
• High-quality potentiometers with bushings fastened to the panel for wobble-free operation; conductive plastic for smooth feel
• Normalization to the Eurorack bus allowing it to receive pitch control without needing an input patch
• All-new design, not a clone or imitation of anything else. Innovative quadrature sine shaper offering through-zero phase modulation with a range of up to 1080°
• Genuine AD633 and THAT320 chips in the exponential converter; sockets on all DIP ICs
• Through-hole for easy hand construction and maintenance
• Connectors between boards, and panel controls mounted on a board - no flying wires
• No compromises on build quality: real aluminum panel, not PCB material, with colour printing; panel screwed solidly to both the PCBs and the pots and jacks, for maximum ruggedness; nickel and gold plating on the circuit boards; close-tolerance metal film fixed resistors.
• Fully open design - no lock-in.

DIY-Kit-Type:
THT-Kit-1. This is a Do-It-Yourself kit, not an assembled module. The kit includes all parts to build the module. Only trough-hole parts to solder. Make sure to check the build guide before you buy. For build guide, more info, videos etc. please check the buttons below.
Current draw +12 V [mA]: 75
Current draw -12 V [mA]: 105
DIY Level: Medium
Depth [mm]: 36
Width [HP]: 24
Format: 3U
Panel / Color: Silver Alu
Manufacturer "North Coast Synthesis"

Matthew Skala is the founder of North Coast Synthesis Ltd. He began exploring hobby electronics in the 1980s, spending time in amateur radio and even completing one of the classic NRI electronics correspondence courses advertised in magazines before the Internet era and the rise of digital computing.

He went on to study computer science, earning a PhD from the University of Waterloo with a specialization in high-dimensional geometry and its applications in areas such as security, database search, and computational linguistics. Over the next 15 years, he worked in academic research and teaching at universities in Canada and Denmark.

In 2017, Matthew left academia to establish his own company in Toronto. Through North Coast Synthesis, he brings the craft of handmade electronics to Eurorack modular synthesizers. His designs are aimed at serious hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, with a focus on top-quality components, thorough and open technical documentation, and long-term maintainability.

0 of 0 reviews

Average rating of 0 out of 5 stars

Leave a review!

Share your experiences with other customers.


Legal Manufacturer Information (GPSR compliance)

Manufacturer / Hersteller:
North Coast Synthesis Ltd.
156 Mavety St.Toronto, ON M6P 2L9
Canada
mskala@northcoastsynthesis.com


EU responsible:
Tech Creation Lab Leipzig UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Nonnenstrasse 19
04229 Leipzig, Germany
support@exploding-shed.com
WEEE-Nr.: DE94097895


Product Safety Information

Please read this safety guide before installation or use.

Important Notice & Intended Use
• This kit is intended for adult users experienced in electronics and modular synthesis.
• Assembly, including soldering, is required.
• Proper testing and installation are essential to ensure safe and functional operation.
• The completed module is intended for installation in a Eurorack-compatible synthesizer system powered by ±12V and +5V.
• Use outside this scope may result in malfunction, damage, or safety risks.

General Warnings

Electrical Hazards:
• Ensure the power supply matches the module’s specified voltage and current ratings (refer to the product manual). Incorrect voltage can damage the module and pose a safety risk.
• Never connect or disconnect the module while the Eurorack system is powered on.
• Wrong polarity can damage your module or system. Make sure the module is connected with correct polarity.

Heat Generation:
• The module may generate heat during operation. Ensure proper ventilation within your Eurorack case to prevent overheating.

Sharp Edges:
• The module’s faceplate and components may have sharp edges. Handle with care to avoid cuts or scratches.

Small Parts:
• Contains small parts that could cause a choking hazard. Keep away from children and pets.

Compatibility:
• This module is designed specifically for Eurorack-compatible systems. Connecting it to non-compatible systems may result in damage or malfunction.

Assembly Requirements
• Soldering skills are required to complete the module.
• Ensure a clean, well-lit and ventilated workspace free of flammable materials during assembly.
• Use appropriate tools and safety equipment, such as eye protection.

Testing
• Test the module thoroughly for shorts or incorrect assembly before powering it in your Eurorack system. When the unit has malfunctions due to incorrect assembly, the entire Eurorack system might be damaged. It's a good idea to test it in a separate case with only that single module.
• Use a multimeter or other appropriate tools to confirm proper functionality.

Installation and Use
• Mount securely in a Eurorack case using the provided screws.
• Use only the included or manufacturer-recommended power cable.
• Connect only when the power is off.
• Follow the module's user guide for instructions on operation. Do not exceed the input/output limits specified.

Responsibility
Users are solely responsible for proper assembly and testing. Contact manufacturer support for assistance if needed.

Environmental Safety
• Dispose of the module, its components, and packaging in accordance with local electronic waste regulations.

Liability Disclaimer
• The manufacturer or distributor is not responsible for any injury, damage, or malfunction resulting from improper installation, use, or modification of this product.

Contact Information
For further assistance, contact the manufacturer or our shop support team at:
Tech Creation Lab Leipzig UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Nonnenstrasse 19, 04229 Leipzig, Germany
support@exploding-shed.com