Laurentide Synthworks VG2 Eurorack Module - DIY Build
Laurentide Synthworks VG2 is a Passive Dual Vactrol Gate meaning no power is needed to get some awesome sounds out of this eurorack module! Each Vactrol Gate on the VG2 has 1 CV Input (gate, envelope, LFO, etc.), 1 Audio Input and 1 Audio Output. The CV Input hits the Vactrol LED, allowing whatever audio to pass through.
In addition, there is a simple Low Pass Filter applied to the Audio Output with an amount (i.e. Cutoff) knob. As this is a passive circuit, it will not give you full cutoff control, but it does allow the calming of brash wave shapes. There is also an LED at the CV Input for a quick visual reference of the incoming signal.
Keep in mind that a passive circuit using a vactrol can cause subtile differences in tone and output sound. One may be slightly “louder” than the other, or one might have a longer or shorter release time. One circuit could be better suited for drums or percussion while the other might process harmonies or sequences more to your liking.
That being said, each vactrol or VG2 is unique in its sound. Being that the Laurentide Synthworks VG2 is available as a DIY kit only, this gives the builder the opportunity to tweak some of the resistors and vactrols and thus making each individual build unique in itself.
Time Lapse Build - VG2
On with the build...
During our build, we began by installing all of the supplied resistors and vactrols as recommended. As we dive more into the sound of the VG2, we might consider going back and cutting off some of the 1K resistors. It all just depends on how and what we decide to use it for in the end. The VG2 was supplied with white Davies Clone knobs, we opted to use Blood Red Davies Clone knobs to give our VG2 a more fitting look. (It matches their company logo better!). The build itself was relatively quick and to the point as we completed this module in under an hour.
Laurentide Synthworks also provides some basic instructions on how and what to populate in the appropriate order via their website. We really didn’t follow the guide and just jumped right into this simple build. When it was all said and done, we popped it into one of our racks and off we went. For 49$, this kit is a must have in any Eurorack rig.
Laurentide Synthworks VG2 - Build Gallery
Laurentide Synthworks VG2 - Specifications
Module Details:
~ Manufactured by: Laurentide Synthworks
~ Model: VG2
~ Type: Dual Vactrol Gate
Specifications:
~ Power Draw: Passive Module – no power required
~ Depth: 14 mm
~ Height: 3U
~ Width: 4HP
VG2 - Additional Build Notes
Important Note: As this is a passive circuit, it is advisable to use a Buffered Multiple before the CV Input to maintain voltage/amplitude, especially if you are using the top CV to drive both gates. Laurentides website advises that “whatever is sent to the CV jack on the top gate is also sent to the CV jack on the bottom gate.
The downside to this is there is a slight voltage drop causing the both outputs to be slightly quieter than if the CV was only driving 1 gate. If you are only using one the inputs and have something against using the bottom gate, you can plug a dummy cable into the bottom CV, or completely disable it by cutting the trace”.
Instructions on how to do this on available via the Laurentide Synthworks website or by clicking one of the links below.
If you have any questions about the build process or you would like to send us your comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact us!
