Beaks Through Hole Peaks

Features

• Through hole version of Mutable Instruments Peaks module
• Acts as
  • ADSR
  • LFO
  • Tap LFO
  • Drum
  • 4 step Sequencer
  • Trigger Delay
  • Trigger Randomizer
  • Drum Synth
• Buttons
  • (2) Manual Triggers - lighted buttons
• Inputs
  • (2) Trigger
• Outputs
  • 2 PWM Outputs
• Knobs
  • Parameters - mode dependent
  • Mode controls knob function
    • Split (2 knobs each)
    • Twin
    • Expert

Credits/Resources

• Beaks Through-hole on Kristian Blåsol's Tindie
• Kristian Blåsol's GitHub
  • Beaks Schematics
• Mathias Levy's Github
  • Backup of firmware

Original Peaks

• Mutable Instruments Peaks page
• 8 HP
• 25mm depth
• +12V@60 mA, -12V@2mA

Original Peaks Features

• A SWISS-ARMY KNIFE FOR PERCUSSIVE PATCHES
• Peaks is a dual-channel module – making it very useful for duophonic patches or for controlling/synthesizing the kick/snare rhythmic backbone of a patch.
  • Peaks provides 4 different functions in a small 8-HP package: ADSR, LFO / Tap tempo LFO, and drum synth.
  • Their common point?
    • They are all about generating an audio or CV signal in response to a trigger, and are all focused on rhythmic works.
• Four in one…
• ADSR envelope generator
  • Segment durations ranging from 0.2ms to 8s.
  • Quartic attack, exponential decay, exponential release.
• LFO and tap-tempo LFO
  • 0.03 Hz to 160 Hz.
  • 5 basic waveforms: square, triangle, sine, stepped, random.
  • Waveform variations and morphing for each of these: PWM, slope, folding/harmonics, step size, interpolation.
  • Phase at reset control.
  • Tap LFO can lock onto irregular rhythms.
• Drum synth
  • Channel 1: 808 kick model with extra parameters (tune, punch).
  • Channel 2: 808 snare model with extra parameters (tune, decay).
  • Channel 2: A specific combination of settings transform the snare into a modelled 808 hi-hat.
• Control modes
  • Twin: Channel 1&2 share the same parameters but can be triggered independently.
  • Split: Channel 1 is edited by knobs 1&2, channel 2 edited by knobs 3&4, with a simplified 2-parameter control scheme.
  • Expert: Channel 1&2 are completely independent.
• Specifications
  • Inputs: 100k impedance, threshold at 0.6V.
  • 16-bit CV/audio generation with 48kHz sample rate.
  • Output level: 0 to +8V for envelopes, 10Vpp for LFOs and drum signals.

STM32 "Blue Pill"

• "Blue Pill" Pins

• "Blue Pill" Schematic

Build PCB Pictures

• Front Panel - Front view

• Controls Card - Front view

• Controls Card - Rear view

• Processing Card - Front view

• Processing Card - Rear view

Build Notes

• Get the PCB set with panel and both PCBs for 9$ at Kristian's Tindie store
  • Tindie store
  • (Or) Download the Gerber files - sound-force page
• Front panel gerber by MyModularJourney
• Braids illustrated. all the waveforms explained
• Discord where you find the mi-th-braids channel and much more
• Gilet / Mutable Instruments Github for all her modules - SMT version
• Modular in a Week playlist
• Support Kristian's work on Patreon
• Kristian's Discord server - See mt-th-braids channel

Parts List Notes

• Parts List has JLCPCB part numbers
• SW1, SW2 - JLCPCB C620311 - Tactile Switch, 6mm, 14mm
  • Ordered on Ebay
• SW3, SW4 - JLCPCB C501573 - Illuminated switch (ordered along with PCB]
• LEDs have Green body when off, but light up in yellow when illuminated
• Can use 100K pots?
  • The pots are used to set levels into the STM32 analog pins
• 5pcs Red Common Cathode 7 segment display - MAKE SURE TO CHOOSE COMMON CATHODE
• Get a STM32 Programmer here
  • The STM32F103C8T6 is the 64kb version and thus too small but SOMETIMES they are 128kb
• STM32F013CBT8 (128kb version) on ebay... not that many to choose from :/
• Added cap ref des C3, C4, C7, C12
• Connectors are "Thonny" PJ398SM style connectors, aka WQP-WQP518MA

• LEDs go Kathode down

Build Pictures

• Controls card with resistors

• Analog Front side card with resistors, transistors, and caps

• Analog Rear side card with resistors

• 12.5mm Shaft pots and Jacks on controls card mounted to Front Panel
  • PL calls for 15mm pots

Checkout

• Forgot to install U2 opamp
• Missed solder on OUT 1 connector tip
• Found short at Q2 from base to ground preventing TRIG2 from working

Testing

• OUT 1 and OUT 2 to ER-MIXER5-01 inputs
• Set mode to Drums by pressing top button (above SPLIT) silkscreen
  • Mode LEDs should cycle between modes
• Press SPLIT pushbutton (below SPLIT silkscreen/LED)
  • SPLIT LED should light
• Press TRIG 1 lighted pushbutton, lights when pressed and drum sound is heard
• Press TRIG 2 lighted pushbutton, lights when pressed and drum sound is heard
• Insert GATE signal into TRIG 1 jack
  • Should make Foot Drum sound
• Insert GATE signal into TRIG 3 jack
  • Should make Snare Drum sound
• All working

Software

• Mathias Levy's Github
  • Backup of firmware
• Tried beaks2 also
  • More complicated user interface

Uploading Code to Blue Pill

• ST Link V2
• Before programming, set jumpers on Blue Pill module set towards center of card
• Use STMCubeProgrammer software to program card

• After programming, set jumpers on Blue Pill module set towards USB jack