OVERVIEW

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The IC4 represents a further refinement of the IOTINE CORE. The IOTINE CORE is a unique analog audio processor that combines VCF’s with analog saturation circuitry to create a powerful sound shaping device. The filters alone allow for dynamic frequency movement within the sound, which interacts with the SAT circuits to transform the thinnest sound into something very impactful, emphasizing elements of the sound for greater impact, and allowing for creative sound shaping with the character and movement of raw analog. The sound of the IOTINE CORE can add varying amounts of density to the sound with a living organic quality with fascinating intricacy that is formed as the voltage waveform is passing through
components that are operating past their correct functional limits. With the IOTINE CORE there is a direct physical intimacy that allows you to hear and feel the true power of electronic circuits.

 

In creating the saturation circuits an important aspect was to offer a selection of distortion circuits that are usable for a range of sounds and are not limited in frequency response, as most other distortion related products are; mainly because they are intended for guitar, and where the bottom frequency range isn’t wanted. Another desired aspect was a precise drive control that allows the user to drive the circuit from a mild state to a heavily saturation. The DRIVE control sets the gain entering the SAT circuits, where they saturate dynamically with the amplitude of the audio waveform. Each SAT has been tailored for a wide range of possible saturation.

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The IOTINE CORE can also be used as a flexible filter device as it contains three 12db Voltage Controlled Filters. The filters offer powerful sound shaping with 2 different analog textures (CH1&2 vs. POST). Two of the filters feed the two SAT circuit sets which enable frequency limited distortions to be layered, bringing out various tonalities and distortion characteristics from the sound. These main filters have a Characteristic texture and thickness that is unique to the IOTINE CORE, and represent the power of a pure analog filter, incorporated as direct and as raw as possible within the design philosophy of NIIO analog.

The VCF’s feature full range frequency sweeps as well as subtle modulation in response to the sound. Why 12db? The 12db slope allows more audio in the slope outside of the cutoff frequency, as well as a wider Q, both of which allow the character of the filter to impact more of the sound. A unique feature of the main VCF’s is the Q can be saturated by adjusting the input volume. A limiting circuit is built into the VCF’s which allows for high Q without the large increase in gain.

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Amplitude modulation of the two main channels allows for deep compression and expansion with the smooth movement of the analog modulators. Each channel can compress or expand from either modulator creating a dynamic breathing sound that pulls up or pushes down each layer so that, for example: the sound attacks and releases with one VCF/SAT and sustains with the other, or, the upper frequencies are compressed harder than the lower ones, or with a different movement by using different modulators.

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MODULATION

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The VCA’s along with the VCF’s are modulated from two analog modulators that are responding to the audio entering the IOTINE CORE. One of the modulators is an envelope follower that is riding on top of the amplitude level of the audio, while the other is a triggered envelope that responds to a volume level over an adjustable threshold. Both of these precise and flexible modulators follow the audio inputs down to the waveform level and offer a range of engaging and responsive modulation that moves in relation to the audio. 4 step LED indicators display the output level of each modulator, allowing a visual indication of the modulation.

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POST
 

POST is a third sound layer with a VCF (featuring a different filter characteristic as well as free Q) and 2 alternative circuits (a harsh dividing circuit and an octave generating circuit- also harsh, but both can be filtered) can be layered or put in series with the main channels.

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TRUE ANALOG
 

The IOTINE CORE uses audio and modulation paths that are free of digital processing or control, and kept as pure as possible for uncompromised raw analog audio quality and a living movement through analog modulation. The user interface features direct analog access to the audio and modulation circuitry which allows satisfying and precise control over the sound. This direct control gives the user an unparalleled connection to the sound.

With the IOTINE CORE subtle shaping to deep sound modification is achievable, and within each of the audio sections a mellow and smooth to dense and intense sound layer can be achieved. The three audio layers can be used together to create a richly complex and dynamic sound that contains countless elements of what makes analog so sonically appealing. To be used as a tabletop or rack-mounted unit, the IOTINE CORE uses solid, quality hardware for an interesting and engaging tactile experience.

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USE and CONNECTIONS

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Use with HARDWARE either directly connected into the inputs on the IOTINE CORE, or routed through the effects sends on a mixer.

Use with SOFTWARE by patching the IOTINE CORE into the audio interface or mixer connected to the computer.

The two modulation circuits can select to follow one of three audio inputs, (IN1, IN2, EXT). Each MOD has its own EXT input that can use either audio or CV / GATE from modular synths.

All three channels (CH1, CH2, POST) can select from the two ¼” audio inputs.

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All three channels are mixed internally with a MIX out, and individually output with their own ¼” out that allows for external effects or mixing to be applied to the separate audio channels.

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CONNECTIONS

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INPUTS: IN1, IN2 (balanced/unbalanced 1/4”), EF & ENV EXT (unbalanced 1/4”).

OUTPUTS: CH1, CH2, POST, MIX (balanced/unbalanced 1/4”).

POWER: 90-264 vac 47-63hz

DIMENSIONS

(WxDxH) 19 x 6 x 5.25“ / 482 x 160 x 133mm

9Ibs / 4kg

Table top or 3U rack mount usage

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