4ms Percussion Interface+Expander

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 1/4" (6.35mm) input jack, and envelope attenuation capabilities. The two modules are only sold together, they are not available separately.

Basic 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.
• 1/8" or 1/4" input jack (6.35mm)
• Electrical and Mechanical 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:
  • 1/8” [3.5mm] on PI main module, and 1/4” [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)