the percussion interface (pi) and pi expander are a pair of eurorack modules that generate gates and envelopes from acoustic drums, samplers, drum machines, and virtually any audio source.
converting microphone, instrument, line and modular signals into cv and clock/gate signals, the pi and pi expander are suited for synchronizing sequencers or other modules to the rhythm of an audio track or live percussion. the modules can simultaneously be
used as a pre-amp for microphones or line-level signals, while generating inverted envelopes useful for side-chaining. the pi module contains all the core functionality and can be used without the expander to conserve space. the expander requires the main
pi modules and adds three gain stage options, a modular-level audio output jack, a ¼" (6.35mm) input jack, and envelope attenuation capabilities. the two modules are only sold together, they are not available separately.
features:
sensitivity knob, low/medium/high gain switch, and clipping led
sustain control to prevent misfires, increase gate length, and control the envelope
envelope decay control
non-inverted and inverted envelope outputs, useful for side chaining
four envelope outputs: two attenuated with independent attenuators, and two non-attenuated
envelope following or generation modes
gate output for clocking sequencers or any unit with a clock or trigger input
compatibility with drums, pads, samplers, microphones, piezos, drum machines, etc.
⅛" or ¼" input jack (6.35mm)
specifications:
module size (pi):
4 hp eurorack formal module
0.98" (25mm) maximum depth with power cable
10-pin eurorack power header
module size (pi exp):
4 hp eurorack formal module
0.98" (25mm) maximum depth with power cable
8-pin cable connects to pi
power consumption:
with pi expander: +12v: 104ma, -12v: 65ma
without pi expander: +12v: 69ma, -12v: 56ma
audio inputs:
⅛" [3.5mm] on pi main module, and ¼" [6.35mm] on pi expander
100k input impedance, ac-coupled
audio outputs:
voltage range: -10.4v to +10.8v, dc-coupled
1k output impedance
gain characteristics
gain range: < -100db to +54db (500x)
clip light turns blue when signal (post-gain) exceeds 2.5vpp
gate is triggered when signal (post-gain) exceeds 6.3vpp
clip light flashes red when signal clips on audio out jack (exceeds +10.8v)
gate out jack
1k output impedance
+8v gate/trigger signal
6ms - 0.5s pulse width
+ env out jack (jack on pi main module)
1k output impedance
+9v peak (sustain), -60mv resting (off)
15ms attack time
70ms - 6s exponential decay time (1% of peak voltage)
- env out jack (jack on pi main module)
1k output impedance
+9v resting (off), -150mv peak (sustain)
15ms attack time
70ms - 6s exponential decay time (1% of peak voltage)
env. out jack (attenuated jack on pi expander)
1k to 26k variable output impedance
+9v maximum
-60mv minimum
inv. out jack (attenuated jack on pi expander)
1k to 26k variable output impedance
+9v maximum
-150mv minimum
included with the pi+exp:
8-to-16 pin power cable
8-to-8 pin cable for connecting to the expander
m3 knurlie screws (4)
