VCA
The VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) controls the volume of an audio signal. It is a core module in nearly every synthesizer patch, typically paired with an ADSR envelope.
Inputs
Section titled “Inputs”| Pin | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Signal | Audio | Audio input |
| Volume | Audio | Volume control (10V = full volume, 0V = silence) |
Outputs
Section titled “Outputs”| Pin | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Output | Audio | Amplitude-controlled output |
Parameters
Section titled “Parameters”| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Response Curve | Volume response: Linear, Exponential, or Decibel |
Connect an ADSR envelope to the Volume input to shape note amplitude over time. The VCA is specifically optimized for sleep mode detection — when its volume input reaches zero, it signals upstream modules to suspend processing, saving significant CPU.
For this reason, always use a VCA (not Level Adj or Ring Modulator) for amplitude envelopes in your synth voice chain.