A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

A short history

A few years ago I created the SAMPLESLICER module. This beautiful module was made in a batch of 350 pcs with SMD components soldered in a factory.

A lot of people have asked me about this module to recreate it as a DIY kit with through hole components.

I started working on the redesign about a year ago and I have finished it a few months ago. But it is not just a repackage of version one. A lot has been upgraded in the new version. I use better components and also there are some changes in the functionality.

What is new?

In what points is the MK2 upgraded:

– no audible noisefloor

– auto calibrating which prevents clicks

– tighter timing

– higher input gain for external audio

– an input gain potentiometer

– a button to change pitchmode on the fly

– an extra cv input for modulating the clock divider/multiplier

– better caps in the audio path

– all through hole (except of the atmel chip)

The Sampleslicer will be the ultimate realtime sampler for your modular system.

No, it is not a sample player! It is a real-time sampler/slicer for your modular Eurorack system, with features that move it far beyond the scope of a regular sample-player.

What does it do?

The Sampleslicer is a real-time monophonic sampler, including a 16 step voltage-controlled sequencer.The incoming sound is chopped up automatically into 16 parts by the incoming clock signal and spread out over the 16 steps in the internal sequencer.

How long can it sample?

The length of the recorded sample is set by a clock-divider which also functions a a "speed" control after recording, so the recording time is always linked to the incoming clock signal. You can choose between time divisions of 1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 and 1/8. If the divider is set to 1 the sample time is equal to 16 incoming clock-pulses. If set to ½ the sample length is equal to 8 incoming clock-pulses, spread over 16 slices (so half the time). It will produce even more glitchy fun when set to 1/3, as it will spread 6 clock pulses over 16 slices. The maximum sample time is about 16 seconds and the minimum sample time is a fraction of a second for granular noises. How does the sequencer work? Inside the Sampleslicer there is a 16-step voltage controlled sequencer to play back the sound. Every step is dedicated to a 16th part of the recorded sound inside the memory. When the 16 steps are full the sequencer starts playing from the chosen start point till the chosen amount of steps are played. This can be in one-shot mode or in loop mode for infinite looping. The start point and play length is determined by potentiometers or CV input. Last but not least the individual slices can be played back as notes via CV from a sequencer or keyboard, by setting the start point in V/oct mode and play length to 1.

How does the pitch work?

There is a control to pitch the slices up or down. The pitch control affects the overall pitch of the recorded material. It can be controlled via CV.

What only realtime sampling?

My vision on the modular world is that you get most fun out of realtime created sounds. Out of principle I chose to make this module without a memory card reader.

What about the sound quality?

The sample rate is 12bit, just like the good old sampling madness days. A lovely sound with a slightly raw character without being gritty. For comparison: CD digital sound quality is 16bit, gameboys are 8bit, the E-mu Emulator is 8bit, E-mu Emax is 12bit, the MPC60 is 12bit, the AKAI S612 is 12bit, the AKAI S900 is 12bit, Oberheim DPX1 is 12bit and the EMU sp-1200 is 12bit too...

It will remind you of the good old “hip hop" sounds from the 80's :) and it's lovely! In the end it’s an instrument by itself rather than a mastering tool.

What do I need the money for?

The development and production of the first modules had costed me a lot of money. I prefer using high quality parts like Alps potentiometers - I really hate wobbly interfaces! The front panels are made in the Netherlands and are 2mm dual colored anodized aluminium panels. Instead of being screen printed, the graphics are part of an anodized layer. This costs a little more money but the high quality of the panels is worth the price. And of course we (me and the programmer) have spent many hours developing the Sampleslicer and making its production possible... but unfortunatly getting all parts for production cost a lot of money

The "famous" darkgreen/grey ginko shirt

The black "SAMPLESLICER" Tshirt

The little Mic add-on