vBST: variable-gain signal booster/amplifier (2HP)

THIS MODULE WILL NOT BE RESTOCKED - a dual-channel version is in the works for early next year.

A signal booster/amplifier - another one of those modules which just sits there and does its thing. Use it to give modular-level signals a bit more presence, or use it to boost line-level signals up to something approaching modular level. Or just crank the gain and brickwall the hell out of everything

This module is single-channel and consists of two consecutive gain stages: the first is controlled by the fader pot on the front panel and the maximum gain is governed by using a trimmer on the back-side of the board (in contrast to the module's predecessor, where there was a fixed resistor instead)

The default build uses a 50k fader as the gain control and a 100k trimmer plus 470ohm resistor for the variable part. This gives a base gain range of between 0.5 and 100(!). In reality, setting this to low single figures usually works for most people - note that due to component tolerances, exact figures will vary.

The second gain stage is fixed at 10 (can be altered if required, subject to a customisation charge) meaning that the resultant total gain could be anywhere between 5 and 500(!). If you're handy with a soldering iron then it's possible to swap out the trimpot and the feedback resistor for the fixed gain stage.

Technical blurb aside, it does what it sets out to do - amplify your signals. Nearly everyone who has bought one has said it just sits there and does its thing with a minimum of fuss. That's a pretty high recommendation.

2HP wide.