This is an introduction to the ADDAC802 VCA Quintet by ADDAC System, available at Takazudo Modular.

The ADDAC802 VCA Quintet is a 5-channel module that integrates analog VCA and mixer functionality. Each channel is equipped with an attenuator-equipped CV input and 3.5mm output. It supports a variety of output options including pre/post VCA, solo, mix, and master, and also features linear/exponential response curve switching. The mode switch allows instant analog switching of each channel's behavior.

This product is available for purchase below.

ADDAC System: ADDAC802

¥59,800（税込／送料込）

• Product Photos
• Feature-Rich 5-Channel Configuration
• Response Curves and Mode Switching
• Versatile Output Options
• System Expandability and Design Philosophy
• Takazudo's Impressions
• Reference Videos
• Technical Specifications

Product Photos#

Feature-Rich 5-Channel Configuration#

The ADDAC802 VCA Quintet is a highly functional module featuring 5 analog VCAs, each with a dedicated 3.5mm output jack, CV control input, and attenuator. Each channel allows individual gain adjustment and CV modulation, greatly expanding flexibility in signal synthesis and control.

In addition to its VCA functionality, this module also serves as a 5-in/1-out mixer. Each channel's output can be used individually, and a master output that sums all channels is also provided. Pre-VCA and post-VCA output selection is available as needed.

Response Curves and Mode Switching#

Each channel features a switch for selecting the signal response curve between linear and exponential. This allows you to optimize the smoothness and dynamic impression of volume changes to suit the source and performance style.

Furthermore, each channel has a mix/mute/solo 3-mode switch, enabling intuitive operation during live performances that demand real-time control, or during production work that involves frequent signal routing changes.

Versatile Output Options#

The following output options are available:

• Per-channel out: 3.5mm jacks directly from each VCA
• Master out: All 5 channels summed into a single output
• Pre-VCA / Post-VCA out: Output can be tapped before or after CV control
• Solo out: Outputs only the channel(s) set to solo mode

This enables not only standard level adjustment, but also advanced use cases such as signal extraction and re-routing.

System Expandability and Design Philosophy#

The ADDAC802 features an external input, allowing multiple units of the same module to be daisy-chained to expand the total number of mix channels across the system. This design accommodates use as a multi-channel mixer that operates entirely within the Eurorack format.

The user interface is also designed for intuitive operation, with large knobs and indicators that allow settings to be grasped at a glance. This ensures stable performance not only in studio environments but also in live settings where visibility is crucial.

Takazudo's Impressions#

I (Takazudo) have owned the ADDAC802 since before we began carrying it, and I use it almost every time I play drum sounds. The key selling points of this module, overlapping with what was described above, are these two aspects:

1. Analog VCA character
2. Versatile routing

First, the analog VCA character. When using VCAs like this, pushing the volume high causes the sound to clip. But with analog circuits, the way it clips tends to sound quite pleasant. This is a characteristic that's difficult to replicate with digital ICs, and I've touched on this topic in a previous column:

• Column 003: Driving Sound with Mixers

ADDAC System's mixer-type modules all share similar characteristics, and when you push the volume on this mixer, you get a nicely overdriven texture. That's the first thing to appreciate about this mixer.

The second point is the flexible routing. Each channel has its own individual output, meaning they can be used as standalone VCAs -- effectively giving you five VCAs. You can also output the mixed result of all 5 channels, and separately, there's a solo output. Setting a channel to solo excludes it from the main mix. This means you can choose for each of the 5 channels whether to route it to the solo bus or the main mix bus, enabling flexible routing options.

In my case, I often use it together with the AD110 Analog Drums. I put the closed hi-hat and open hi-hat on channels 1 and 2, set them to solo output, and feed the mixed result into another mixer to pan them.

One thing to keep in mind is that, as you can see from the photos, the module has considerable depth. So it won't fit in shallow cases. But this depth reflects the fact that it houses five individual analog VCAs properly. For those seeking the analog character that digital mixer modules can't easily achieve, this is a module I highly recommend. It's sure to prove useful as a nimble VCA + mixer.

Reference Videos#

Below are videos published on ADDAC System's official channel introducing the ADDAC802 VCA Quintet.

Technical Specifications#

• Width: 12HP
• Depth: 55mm
• Power consumption: 190mA +12V / 150mA -12V / 0mA +5V

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That concludes the introduction to the ADDAC802 VCA Quintet.

ADDAC System: ADDAC802

¥59,800（税込／送料込）

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