The Lublin 1957 from XAOC Devices is a two‑channel pingable VCA module with three ping responses and a gain limiting circuit to prevent peaking or distortion. For anyone who doesn’t know, a pingable VCA has a Ping input which makes it possible to trigger short envelopes, useful for creating shortened sounds with a slightly rounded attack while retaining their harmonic value. The Lublin also has an Exponential input, meaning it can perform more conventional VCA duties.
Usually we think of the main function of a VCA as processing the audio output signal, but the Lublin is DC‑coupled to process both CV and audio, which is a patching possibility that might not have been evident at first. And while it creates exponential decay curves, it cannot exceed unity gain, hence there will not be any distortion coming from this module, unless the signal of the sound patched into it is already distorted. As we have found, some modules can be brutal and gritty without the built‑in unity gain control, and I like them like that, but it’s also nice to have one like the Lublin, which allows both deep and delicate sounds to be clean without distorting or peaking.
Lublin is DC‑coupled to process both CV and audio.
The sound through the Lublin can be soft and light for creating subtle percussive and atmospheric sounds, or it can be heavy for kicks and bass lines. It is very versatile in the range of audio responses it can help to achieve.
VCAs are an important tool for all modular systems; by now, we all understand we should have several in our systems to creatively and effectively patch with. I have found, when VCAs have several output settings, they can be inspiring tools that can also bring new ideas to light. The choice between the Exponential and Ping inputs along with the switch settings gives a range of options in one module, all with an intentional and clean‑sounding response.
The VCA component is one of the most important factors in building a custom synthesizer and patching it.
This is a great module that is highly recommended for everyone who finds their rack in need of a new VCA, and as we all agree, the VCA component is one of the most important factors in building a custom synthesizer and patching it. The Lublin, with its ability to maintain control signal while giving the user plenty to explore, is entirely consistent with the high quality we’ve come to expect from XAOC Devices.