Leipzig-v3 User Manual

LEIPZIG-3

U S E R M A N U A L

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WELCOME!

Leipzig-v3 is a 100% analogue synth using circuits that date back to the 1970s and
1980s – these give Leipzig a really old sound that is rich and full of character.

The circuits are not stabilised and sanitised by CPUs and the controls are not read by
CPUs and quantised.

Leipzig has a huge sound, especially when used for bass (something it excels at!), a
fact often commented to us by our customers with great excitement! The mixer / filter
can be really overdriven if required giving the synth a really hard sound. This can be
toned down of course and nice soft synth sounds are possible too - and everything in
between.

Though a master at big bass sounds, Leipzig is exceptionally good at making electronic
percussion. Not just the sounds, but also percussive loops by using the on board step
sequencer. Patterns can quickly be produced, then either easily sync’ed to your DAW, or
sampled in.

As well as bass and percussion, Leipzig will produce leads, effects, modular style and
other sounds equally well.

Leipzig is extremely powerful. Don’t be worried by the ‘complex’ looking front panel. The
synth has been designed to be easy to use, ideal for beginners, but still have the depth
and versatility to enable many years of superb sounds.

There are many modulation choices on the rotary select switches. All signal choices
have been carefully chosen.

Leipzig was designed by a musician of electronic music, and a popular choice by known
music professionals. We like to think we know what makes a good synth and that is
reflected in the design of Leipzig.

The on board analogue sequencer is not just for making simple melodies or percussive
loops. Think of it also as a modulation source. Each step can be used to drastically
change the sounds. This makes it also serve as a simple way of making ‘presets’. Just
step to get the next sound. The sequencer can control the pitch of either VCO, and also
the filter cut-off.

Leipzig also has a 16 note digital sequencer too, for playing back melodies, that can
then be manually transposed using your keyboard or DAW.

Sync’ing the sequencer to a MIDI sequencer or DAW couldn’t be easier. Sync is easy by
sending it MIDI Note 000. That way you can clock the sequencer at any tempo, divide
the tempo down (relative to your DAW’s tempo), stop it, start it, mute, etc, all from your
DAW – something that you cannot do with MIDI Sync.

So Leipzig is ideal for both beginners, and more advanced synthesists and musicians.
Use anywhere you want big analogue sounds that have a true vintage sounds. Ideal
also if you have the budget for just one analogue synth since this synth covers so many
bases (and basses!).

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M A I N F E AT U R E S

• Pure analogue voice and modulation circuitry.

• Fat analogue Moog style transistor ladder filter – 24db/Octave 4 pole.
• Two analogue VCOs with individual Glide (portamento).
• Sub-VCO for extra depth and power.
• Osc Sync & Cross-Mod.
• Option to overdrive the mixer and filter.
• Plenty of modulation routing possibilities.
• Versatile analogue CV step sequencer – with plenty of clocking options.
• 16 step note sequencer, with transpose feature.
• Use the analogue sequencer as a modulation source.
• Versatile CV patch bay.
• Rugged steel/aluminium construction.
• MIDI In for DAW/software sequencing.
• Headphone output.
• All the sound character of the renowned previous version Leipzig-S.

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W H AT ’ S D I F F E R E N T S I N C E
LEIPZIG-S?

The new version has been entirely redesigned to improve reliability, quality and other
manufacturing considerations.

The format is now the more popular desktop type. This version is not rack mountable.

Sound wise it is the same - it retains that wonderful angry pure analogue sounds the
previous version had. We kept the sound the same - it’s what people love - we just added
some useful new features….

WE ADDED SOME USEFUL NEW FEATURES:

Headphone output.

Patch input and outputs.

Extended the capabilities of the sequencer.

The sequencer can turn off VCO2 square wave on selected beats.

Other subtle tweaks, including adding an illuminated power switch.

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MANUAL OVERVIEW

Though Leipzig-v3 has some very special features, the general architecture, signal flow,
control naming etc is fairly standard, so using this synth should be fairly straightforward.

If you have experience with other analogue synths you should be able to get this going
without reading the manual! However, we advise you read the safety information and further
read the rest to discover how to use some of the unique features.

This manual does not aim to teach you the principles of analogue synthesis and assumes
you have prior knowledge of analogue synths and their use. What this manual does is list
the functions and their use.

A quick web search will bring up plenty of general analogue synth tutorials and forums are
always a good place to ask question about general synth use.

POWER

Leipzig-v3 comes with a power supply.

Voltage: 18V DC. Current: over 500mA.

Plug the power lead into the rear of Leipzig-v3.

MIDI
LEIPZIG-V3 HAS

MIDI In to play the synth from a MIDI keyboard, sequencer or DAW.

MIDI Thru outputs a copy of what comes into the MIDI In socket.

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U S I N G T H I S U N I T S A F E LY

Before using this unit read this instruction manual.

Do not open or modify this unit or its power supply.

Do not attempt to repair the unit or replace parts within it. Refer servicing to a qualified
service engineer.

Never use or store the unit in places that are;

• subject to extremes of temperature (such as in direct sunlight, in an enclosed vehicle,
on a heater or near a heating duct, etc).
• that are damp or wet (e.g. bathrooms),
• humid,
• exposed to rain,
• dusty,
• high levels of vibration.

Make sure the unit is placed on a stable and level surface.

Use only the specified AC adaptor. Make sure the mains voltage matches that of the
adaptor. Ensure the correct polarity adaptor is used. Other adaptors could be of the wrong
type of voltage or polarity and could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.

Do not excessively bend or twist the adaptor cable. Doing so may damage the cable.
Damaged cables could cause a malfunction, a shock, or fire hazard.

Do not allow any small parts (like pins, coins), liquids, flammable material to enter the unit.

Immediately disconnect the mains supply and adaptor, and contact a qualified service
engineer;
• when the AC adaptor or power supply cord has been damaged,
• when objects have fallen into, or a liquid has been spilled into the unit,
• when the unit has been exposed to rain or other liquids,
• when the unit does not appear to function correctly.

When small children are present adult supervision must be provided.

Protect the unit from strong impact, including being dropped.

If the unit is sharing a power outlet with several other devices when using extension cords/
multi-sockets, ensure the current rating of the cords/sockets are not exceeded.

Before using the unit in a different country, check the mains supply is correct for the AC
adaptor.

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When disconnecting the AC adaptor plug, always grasp it by the plug body, not the wire.

When the unit is to remain unused for a length of time, disconnect the adaptor from the
mains.

Cables can be a risk to small children. Always place them out of reach.

Never place objects on top of the unit.

Never handle the unit, the AC adaptor, or any cables with wet or moist hands.

Before cleaning the unit, disconnect from the mains.

Whenever you suspect lightning in the area, disconnect the AC adaptor.

Did you read all this? Good now you will be safe, but please still use what common sense
health and safety assumes we all don’t have!

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I M P O RTA N T N O T E S
PLACEMENT

Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight or place it near devices that radiate heat, or leave
inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to extremes of heat. Excessive heat may
also discolour the unit.

Do not use the unit in a wet area, or expose it to rain or moisture.

MAINTENANCE

For everyday cleaning, wipe it down with a dry soft cloth, or one that has been slightly
dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild non-
abrasive detergent. Afterwards be sure to wipe the unit dry thoroughly with a dry cloth.

Be sure to disconnect the AC adaptor before any cleaning.

Never use benzene, thinners, alcohol or other such chemicals and solvents to clean the unit.

ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS

Use a reasonable amount of care when using the buttons and knobs. Unreasonable use or
rough handling may cause damage or malfunctions.

Never strike or apply strong pressure to the unit.

When disconnecting or connecting any cable, hold the cable plug not the cable. Insert or
remove straight and perpendicular to the case.

To avoid disturbing your neighbours always keep your volume levels at a reasonable level.

When transporting the unit use the original packaging.

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MAKING CONNECTIONS
FRONT PANEL

REAR PANEL

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Turn the input level down on your mixer.

Connect AUDIO OUT to your mixer using a standard ¼” (6.35mm) mono unbalanced
jack cable.

Connect the mains adaptor to the rear.

Rotate the SYNC SOURCE rotary switch in the lower left corner to LFO to start the
sequencer.

Slowly increase the level on your mixer to a suitable level.

Note; you will have to adjust other controls on Leipzig to get a sound, like VOLUME,
VCO Levels, Filter CUTOFF. Many settings will produce no sound!

If you wish to play the synth with a MIDI sequencer or MIDI keyboard connect the
controller’s MIDI OUT to Leipzig’s MIDI IN and ensure MIDI channels match. Leipzig
typically ships set to channel 1.

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TO U R O F T H E C O N T R O L S
VCO - VOLTAGE CONTROL OSCILLATORS

The two VCOs are almost identical, but VCO1 has a manual Pulse Width control, and
VCO2 has a Sync feature.

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MASTER TUNE

This tune control affects both VCOs.

Note; there are lots of ways this synth can play out of tune. Obviously Master Tune and
Detune must be set correctly. But also the MODULATION AMOUNT controls will affect
tuning and also the positions of the sequencer’s VCO1/2 DESTINATION amount
controls.

DETUNE

This tune control only affects VCO2.

GLIDE

This is a portamento function. Each note will glide to the next new note, slowly rising or
falling in pitch to the new note. The Glide knob changes the rate (time) it takes to reach
the new note.

MANUAL PULSE WIDTH (VCO1 ONLY)

This changes the pulse width (duty cycle) of the square wave. Basically turn it and hear
the effect it has on the sound of the square wave!

PULSE WIDTH MODULATON

This allows modulation of the square wave’s Pulse Width. On VCO1 it can be modulated
by the LFO Triangle wave. On VCO2 by Envelope 1.

SYNC (VCO 2)

Oscillator sync is where the VCO’s waveform can be reset by

another signal. Don’t worry about the technicalities. Just use
the feature and enjoy the sound!

VCO2 can be sync’ed to VCO1 Square wave, or it can be

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turned off.

You will need to play around with the relative pitches of VCO1 and VCO2 to find a
setting that works best.

MIDI PITCH (VCO 2)

This switch disconnects the Pitch control of VCO2 from MIDI, so it will no longer
respond to MIDI note commands.

It becomes a ‘free running oscillator’ and will not respond to MIDI. Ideal for modulation.

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MIXER

Audio is mixed with the mixer before being fed to the input of the
filter.

The levels can be set way beyond clean allowing the signals to
overdrive and distort giving the synth a wonderful hard or angry
sound. This is great when filtered and/or used for bass lines.

There are points where you can set it all to almost distort - be
just on the borderline. It may be here that you get some subtle
crackling. If this does occur, simply tweak the levels a little lower
to get a clean signal, or a little high to overdrive more.

NOISE / EXTERNAL TOGGLE SWITCH

The switch selects either white noise or the signal (if any)
patched into the EXT socket.

SUB VCO1

This is the sub-oscillator taken from VCO1. It’s one octave down
and typically used to beef up sounds, particularly bass!

VCO 1 / 2 WAVEFORM TOGGLE SWITCH

The switch selects either Sawtooth or Square wave.

VCO 2 WAVEFORM TOGGLE SWITCH

The switch selects either Sawtooth or Square wave. VCO2’s square wave can play a
rhythm, as programmed on the step sequencer with the PROG button and when using
the switch below.

RHY TOGGLE SWITCH

To do this set the waveform switch of VCO2 to Square, and the RHY (rhythm) switch
down (on). More details on this and its uses are in the sequencer section.

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VC LPF – VOLTAGE CONTROLLED LOW PASS FILTER

Leipzig has a 24db/octave transistor ladder filter with a sound similar to the old Moog
synths.

CUTOFF

This changes the cutoff frequency and changes how bright the sound
can be.

RESONANCE

Sometimes called Q or Emphasis on other synths. This changes the Q,

or feedback at the cutoff frequency. In simple terms, the squigyness of
the sound!

KEY TRACK

This control routes pitch CV to the filter cutoff. When it is turned up, as
you play higher up the keyboard, the filter will open up. This makes the
sound get brighter as you play up the keyboard.

EG MODULATION

This control sets the amount of cut-off modulation from Envelope 1.

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LFO – LOW FREQUENCY MODULATION

The LFO produces both triangle and square waveform outputs. The LFO modulation
signal is typically used to create ‘wah-wah’ or vibrato type of effects.

LFO RATE

This control sets the speed of the LFO.

MODULATION
This section selects and routes various
modulation signals to the VCO and VCF circuits.

The three rotary switches select the modulation

source, for example VCO1 or 2 audio, LFO, MIDI
Velocity (VEL) or EG1/2.

The Level control sets the modulation level.

Each circuit (VCO1, VCO2, VCF) has its own

choice of modulations sources.

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EG1 & EG2 - ENVELOPE GENERATORS

Envelopes are modulation signals that you trigger and then they evolve over time.
Typically used to change the volume or filter cutoff, though they can also be used to
modulate the VCO pulse widths or pitch.

Both envelopes are identical, so only one will be described!

ATTACK

This controls how low the EG takes to reach

maximum level once triggered.
DECAY

After reaching maximum level following the

Attach stage, Decay sets the time taken to
reach the level set by Sustain.
SUSTAIN

Once the Attack and Decay stages have

passed, Sustain sets the level that the EG will
hold its output at for as long as a key is held
down.
RELEASE

Once the key is released, this sets the time

take for the signal to fade to zero.

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VCA – VOLTAGE CONTROLLED

AMPLIFIER

The VCA is an amplifier whose gain

can be changed with a modulation
signal, typically an envelope.

There are four choices available on

the rotary switch.

MODE

EG1 /EG2
Normally used to contour the volume.
GATE
The VCA opens and closes with no
gradual attack or decay, much like an
organ.
THRU
This holds the VCA open at full
volume. This is typically used when
feeding external audio into the synth.
It can then be used like an effects
processor.

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HEADPHONES

The volume control affects both the rear panel out and the headphone socket.

The volume range is quite wide to accommodate a wider range of headphones, with
differing impedances. So with some headphones, full level would be really too loud. So
start with the volume set at minimum.

Then plug in your headphones and slowly increase to a comfortable level.

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MIDI

MIDI control has been kept intentionally minimal. This is a ‘traditional’ true analogue
synth. We don’t want you to get carried away micro-editing controller values with your
clever computer!

There are three main elements you can control;

Pitch CV (MIDI Note) – used to control the pitch of the VCOs.

Gate (MIDI Note on/off) – used to trigger the envelopes or clock the sequencer.

Velocity CV – this is a modulation CV. It is controlled by MIDI velocity and used to

modulate the filter cut-off.

PROGRAM

This button is used to set the MIDI channel.

Works best if you plug a MIDI keyboard direct to

program rather than via a DAW.

To change the MIDI channel;

Play some MIDI notes whilst pressing the Program button.

The receive channel will be set to the same as the

received MIDI messages’ channel and stored.

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ANALOGUE CV SEQUENCER

This is the fun bit ☺

Leipzig-v3 has a built in analogue step sequencer. It can be clocked from various
sources and produces an analogue CV that can be used to modulate the VCOs or filter
cut-off.

It is fantastic as a modulation source.

It can also be used to create simple melodies that can be transposed with your MIDI
keyboard.

It can also be used as a simple waveform generator and then used as a new audio
source that can be played and filtered.

Note; it does not produce a MIDI output! This is an anague synth, after all! Think of this
sequencer more as a modulation source, though of course you can create simple
melodies.

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SYNC SOURCE
-and syncing to MIDI

The sequencer can be clocked from three different sources;

LFO
Internal LFO becomes the clock source.

NOTE0 (MIDI CLOCK SYNC)

NOTE0

When this is selected on the SYNC SOURCE switch, Leipzig’s sequencer will sync to
MIDI clock and/or MIDI Note 0, if either are received.

MIDI Note 000 can be used to step / clock the sequencer. Each time that note is
received the sequencer will clock one step.

This is the best way to sync with your DAW, since you can program a string of notes
however you wish:

16ths

8ths

Some rhythmic pattern.

It also allows you to stop (mute) the sequencer mid-Song, and restart at will. Also to
change the clock pattern, like half the speed, for example - all things you cannot do with
MIDI Sync.

If you wish to use NOTE0 as your ‘sync’ signal, you must ensure the transmitting device
(for example, your DAW) is not transmitting MIDI clock.

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MIDI Clock

When you select NOTE0 on the rotary switch, this position also enables the sequencer
to sync to MIDI clock.

Use this setting to sync using MIDI clock OR NOTE0. Don’t use both as they will
conflict! (But you could).

EXT
If a clock signal or LFO is fed into the EXT socket on the rear panel then that becomes
the source.

STOP
Stops the sequencer!

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STEP

The step button allows you to manually step the sequencer.

STEP CV KNOBS 1-8

These adjust the CV level for each step.

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DESTINATION

The output CV of the sequencer can be routed to VCO1 pitch, VCO2 pitch and VCF
cutoff. The level can be changed using the appropriate control.

You must tune the VCO1 and VCO2 mod level pots by ear so that both VCOs are
playing in unison. However, by adjusting them differently, you can make them seem to
play separate melodies, or in combination with other settings, create new and
interesting sounds.

Set lowish filter CUTOFF and VCF EG MOD settings, and full VCF Sequencer mod
settings and create great filter dynamics!

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RHYTHM (FOR VCO2 SQUARE)

It’s possible to program an eight step rhythm that plays in step with the eight CV
controls of the sequencer.

The rhythm works in conjunction with VCO2’s square wave (only) when the appropriate
switches are set:

VCO2 wave set to Square.

RHYthm switch set on (down).

VCO2 will only sound when the Rhythm LED is lit.

This, in conjunction with VCO1 - which will always play on every sequencer step - will
give the wonderful illusion that more than one synth is playing.

To turn on and off whether VCO2 will play on a step, manually step through the
sequencer using the Step push button, then toggle on/off VCO2 using the Rhythm push
button.

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NOTE SEQUENCER

As well as the eight step analogue CV sequencer, there is a ‘hidden’ 16 step note
sequencer.

Leipzig constantly remembers the last 16 MIDI notes it receives, and stores them in
volatile memory in a 16 note loop.

Each time a clock is received (as set by the Sync Source rotary switch) the next note in
the 16 step loop is played.

It is always locked in sync with the analogue sequencer.

New notes can be entered into the 16 note loop even whilst the sequencers are running.

The only time new notes are not logged is when the Transpose button is lit.

When pressed, you can use your MIDI keyboard to transpose the note sequence.

You can’t clear the pattern - there’s no point to that, and patterns cannot be stored. It’s a
dynamic sequencer and the intention is you change the notes in the pattern as it plays.

It’s a dynamic sequencer that constantly stores every note you play in via MIDI, even
when the sequencer is running. This way you can update the pattern whilst it is running.

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PATCH POINTS

Leipzig has a healthy number of CV patch points. These are all 3.5mm mono sockets.

Most of them are pretty self explanatory. The synth can be cross patched within itself.

Cross patching to other modular synths is possible of course.

CV IN

MASTER PITCH MOD

CV into here will modulate the pitch of both
VCOs. It is a modulation input, so it isn’t
precisely calibrated to 1V/Octave (since it’s
not necessary), however, it is pretty close,
should for some odd reason you want to use
a MIDI converter! (Remember, it has one
built in!).

VCO2 PITCH MOD

Same as above, but just modulates VCO 2.

CUFF OFF MOD

CV into here will modulated the filter cut-off.

EG TRIG
A trigger or gate signal into here will trigger
both Envelopes.

EXT SIG
This is an external signal input. Via other
switches and controls, the external signal
could be audio and routed through the
mixer, or a clock signal and used to clock
the Sequencers from an external device.

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CV OUT

SEQ SYNC
This is like a clock through. It is a copy of the
clock signal selected to clock the sequencer. It
can be ‘Thru’ed’ onto another device so all sync
together.

LFO TRIANGLE AND SQUARE

LFO signal outputs.

EG 1 / 2
EG 1 and 2 signal outputs.

SEQ CV
This is the voltage output from the eight step
analogue sequencer.

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LEIPZIG V3 PATCH SHEET

Patch Name: __________________________________________________

Notes: __________________________________________________

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SPECIFICATION

Leipzig-v3

Power

18V regulated DC, 500mA or higher.

Power plug

2.1mm. Centre positive.

Weight (mass)

Approx. 3Kg.

Size

432 x 262 x 63 mm (WxDxH).

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Specification subject to change without notice.

Warranty
Leipzig comes with a 1 year (from purchase date) back to base warranty, (i.e.
customer must arrange and pay for carriage to and from Analogue Solutions or the
dealer from which purchased). Any import/export or tax charges are the customer’s
liability.
This warranty shall not apply where the product has been subject to alteration,
misuse, accident, neglect (such as extremes of temperature and/or moisture) or to
wear resulting from normal use.
At the sole discretion of Analogue Solutions, the warranty is deemed to be void
should the unit be or considered to have been opened or any other modifications or
tampering be carried out by unauthorised parties.

CE Compliance

This unit complies with Complies with EU Directives 73/23/EEC and 89/336/
EEC. Standards: EN55103-1, EN55103-2, EN60065

LEIPZIG-v3 ‘user manual’

Analogue Solutions
web: www.analoguesolutions.com
email: [email protected]

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