DUAL BORG

Dual Multi-Mode Vactrol Filter / VCA

The Dual Borg contains one Borg I (left side) and one Borg II (right side). The Borg is a versatile audio processor. The concept comes from a marriage of two divergent influences, the Buchla 292 Low Pass Gate and the Korg MS-20 filter.

The Borg is different from most filters in that, at its heart, is a vactrol. Vactrols are combination light sensor/light resistors that possess interesting sonic traits. Often described as “rubbery” or smooth in quailty, vactrols are also know for their relatively slow response. This response creates a natural, very musical decay. In Low Pass Gate (LPG) mode, the Borg will act as a filter and a VCA simultaneously. In combination with the characteristic vactrol response, this creates a signature sound that is desired by many synth enthusiasts, especially when used with very short, percussive patches.

But the Borg is no one-trick pony, and LPGs are not for every patch. When the resonance knob is turned “on” with a click, the Borg becomes a 12db filter with loads of personality. Gorgeous resonance, influenced by the MS-20 and shaped by the vactrol design swells from subtle warmth, to a roaring howl that is unique to the Borg!

A continuously adjustable low pass to high pass control is provided (a notch filter is a mix of these two). There are two audio inputs, and two CV frequency inputs (one with attenuation). Two outputs are provided, output 2 has a slightly more aggressive resonance. Removing a jumper on the back of the Borg makes the resonance “scream” even more!

The Borg I (left side) has a slower response and a more mellow sound compared to the Borg II (right side). Thanks to its longer decay time, the Borg I is best for recreating the famous Buchla bongo patch, and the Borg II is best for a faster, more aggressive response.
The signal path of the Dual Borg is selectable: Series or Parallel.

In Series mode, when you plug into either in 1, or in 2, or even both inputs (as a mix), the signal is routed through the Borg I then the Borg II filter and both out 1 and out 2 have the same signal.

In Parallel mode, a single input into in 1 or in 2 is routed through both filters side by side, and a single output (either out 1 or out 2) will give you a mix of both filters. If you have only one input but two outputs, out 1 is the Borg I filter only and out 2 is Borg II only. If you have two inputs and two outputs, then each filter is completely separate: in 1 and out 1 is Borg I, in 2 and out 2 is Borg II.

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