DivKid Mutes

[cackland]

Was the schematic ever released for this module?

[brandonlogic]

first MUTES patch!
some dub style effects routing

[jfprimeau]

Just finished this project, ch 2-4 are working just fine but I have two issues..
1.: Switch one doesnt move. I didn't want to put too much pressure on it but I can't flip it to (ON) or ON after soldering it. Could it be possible that some solder flowed through the holes and now blocks the switch ? How to repair this ?
2. LED 4 is shining constantly.

P.S.: Awesome and super usefull module, but would love to use all 4 channels

Thanks in advance

Just got a kit from thonk, built it, and led 1 is always on (so I guess like your led 4 problem). Also, signal comes in on input 1 and goes to other channels as expected, but nothing comes out of output 1. One of the vactrols had a bit of loose legs, like they would wiggle a bit. I think it's the one I put on channel 1, but i'm not sure. Anyways, I sent an email to befaco, hopefully we can sort this out. Otherwise, channels 2-4 work as expected.

UPDATE: Befaco tech support pointed me in the right direction and also sent me the schematics. After a bit of tracing, I found that the problem was coming from a peg of a jumper connecting the 2 pcbs that had come undone. Now everything works as expected!
It is a great module, lots of fun to be had, and very playable. 100% recommended!

[kpreid]

I ambitiously purchased a Mutes panel+PCB set from Thonk, and I think I can get all the parts to spec except for the switches. Does anyone know if the panel holes will accept a 1/4" (6.35mm or a little less) bushing for the switch instead of 6mm?

(I'm not in a hurry, so if nobody knows I'll just measure it when it arrives, but if it turns out I really need to order internationally I'd rather get it started.)

[Just another rookie]

Switch holes on panel are pretty much exactly 6.35mm.

[geremyf]

Any update on pre-built availability for USA? Seems sold out everywhere.

Also, I am in the upside-down camp with respect to switches/jacks. All of my contoller/sequencer stuff is on the bottom rows.

Because of the upside-down-ness I would like to make a custom panel (also I dislike black panels). Has the panel FPD file been shared?

[gentle_attack]

This thing is really fun, I bought it a couple weeks ago but was holding off on reorganizing everything and finally did it this morning.

If you are tired of wiring everything up and marveling at the sounds coming out, and want to get involved, this (and the addac vc transitions) are two awesome ones for hitting switches and making things happen. I could see myself buying a second one of these, easily. I luckily, accidentally put it on the bottom right of my controller case, upside down orientation (my cases are in profile).

I can anchor my right hand on the edge of the case, and pop the momentary with great ease- it's perfect. I don't think I'd be having nearly as much fun if it was in the middle of the row or in an 'internal' row at all.

[Just another rookie]

Still haven’t built the second one yet but there is definitely a need for it. quick......go shopping!

I agree that this things really expands playability, so much fun!

That vc transitions caught my eye too! Tell me something on that please.


On the subject of switches top or bottom.....
I like the momentary to trigger as a push with a finger, not a flick of the thumb! So left hand side is upside down, right hand side is right way up.
It’s a more natural tapping motion I guess?

[Trashcan]

Hi!
Trying to build some mutes, and having some trouble sourcing suitable vactrols, had xvive ones from thonk, but they are reportedly not suitable, does anyone know which ones are? And where to source them?

[Trashcan]

Just got this from the guys at thonk if anyone else is in the same boat!
https://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/vactrols-for-mutes/

[honeysmack]

Workflow question please
Mutes + Hexpander/Hexmix + STmix:

Mutes to act as an FX switch, Dub style.

Mutes input 1: AUX (post or pre?) from Hexpander
Mutes outputs 1-4: sent to various FX in rack (Pico DSP, Rainmaker, MUM8)

That means the individual FX outputs will have to be returned to separate channels, such as the STmix?

Have I missed anything or possibly have it wrong?

[djthopa]

for those that have asked I'll get the schematic sorted and uploaded for people soon.

Ben can we see the schematic please? Would love to diy this!

Cheers

[batch]

Workflow question please
Mutes + Hexpander/Hexmix + STmix:

Mutes to act as an FX switch, Dub style.

Mutes input 1: AUX (post or pre?) from Hexpander
Mutes outputs 1-4: sent to various FX in rack (Pico DSP, Rainmaker, MUM8)

That means the individual FX outputs will have to be returned to separate channels, such as the STmix?

Have I missed anything or possibly have it wrong?

Can confirm this would work as have this exact setup.

The STMix is perfect for bringing everything back in as like the attentuators. I have everything coming out “Pre”, but that’s just personal preference.

[Johnny]

Its bleeding when muted, not annoyingly but bleeding..

[lordymosh]

Got this module recently. Great fun and easy to use. Will pick up another at some point for sure.

[Wilshire]

The 4th switch (momentary direction) on mine is really hard to press, like its caught on something before it releases Has anyone else noticed this? It sort of eliminates the ability to play it like a crossfader, which seems like the whole point with the vactorals and momentary on.

I'd be curious if Divkids aware of any variance in manufacturing. Somehow im able to accept an imperfection in a module if it's "normal" vs just feeling like I got a crappy one

[megarat]

Also, I am in the upside-down camp with respect to switches/jacks. All of my contoller/sequencer stuff is on the bottom rows.

Because of the upside-down-ness I would like to make a custom panel (also I dislike black panels). Has the panel FPD file been shared?

Have you been able to make any progress on this? I’m in the exact same boat as you, and an inverted silver panel for Mutes would make my day. I would love to buy one or otherwise go in on this somehow.

[cackland]

for those that have asked I'll get the schematic sorted and uploaded for people soon.

Any update on this Ben?

[Lux A Turner]

The 4th switch (momentary direction) on mine is really hard to press, like its caught on something before it releases Has anyone else noticed this? It sort of eliminates the ability to play it like a crossfader, which seems like the whole point with the vactorals and momentary on.

I'd be curious if Divkids aware of any variance in manufacturing. Somehow im able to accept an imperfection in a module if it's "normal" vs just feeling like I got a crappy one

I'm wondering a little about the overall switch quality, too. I started by buying a pre-owned Mutes on Reverb, which arrived with switch 4 bent upwards and non-functioning (despite being packed well). The seller was great and refunded the purchase price plus return postage with no quibble, so...

... I bought a new one. It works fine, but there is noticeable, vertical play in switch 3.

Anybody else having any issues with switch quality?

[kpreid]

I ambitiously purchased a Mutes panel+PCB set from Thonk, and I think I can get all the parts to spec except for the switches. Does anyone know if the panel holes will accept a 1/4" (6.35mm or a little less) bushing for the switch instead of 6mm?

Followup: 1/4" fits, and here's the parts I used from my build. In particular, I got the particular switches and LEDs from Mouser, so this list should be good for builders in the USA starting with PCB+panel+vactrols.

• Mutes PCB, panel, and vactrols: Thonk
• Jacks and jack nuts: Thonk (or Control or synthCube in the US)

• ON-OFF-(ON) switches: C&K 7107SYZQE (Mouser 611-7107-001) (Note: bat rather than paddle handle. Might be less comfortable.)
• LEDs: Lumex SSL-LX20465ID (Mouser 696-SSL-LX20465ID) (Note: these are not Befaco's standard LED but they fit perfectly in the panel holes and stop at the right depth!)
• Female header: Mouser 517-929852-01-04-RA
• Male header: Mouser 538-10-89-7442 (Note: This is a long breakaway strip so it can be used for other purposes. 538-10-89-7082 would be the exact size version.)
• M3 standoffs: Mouser 761-M2107-3005-SS

Items on Befaco's BOM but not listed because I had them from other sources: 90° power header, M3 nuts, M3 screws, power cable.

[soon_come]

There's no way to run this module passively (without power), is there?

[megarat]

There's no way to run this module passively (without power), is there?

No, it utilizes vactrols, which need power.

Check out the Doepfer A-182-2 for a passive alternative. It’s technically a quad dual switch, but it functions as a mute if the second output doesn’t go anywhere.

[soon_come]

There's no way to run this module passively (without power), is there?

No, it utilizes vactrols, which need power.

Check out the Doepfer A-182-2 for a passive alternative. It’s technically a quad dual switch, but it functions as a mute if the second output doesn’t go anywhere.

Thanks for the quick confirmation. I know of plenty of passive circuits which utilize vactrols, so I don't think that's a hard reason, but it's good to know this absolutely requires power.

[megarat]

Thanks for the quick confirmation. I know of plenty of passive circuits which utilize vactrols, so I don't think that's a hard reason, but it's good to know this absolutely requires power.

Interesting. Vactrols use light, which require power, so I'm curious about how a passive circuit with vactrols would work. I wonder if they get their necessary power from the voltage in the input signal.

That said, my prior statement was only based on the expectation that vactrols require power, and that the module itself has a power connector, which I assumed was for more than just the LEDs. It wasn't based on empirical knowledge or experimentation. If no one else chimes in with authoritative knowledge, I'll do an experiment with my own Mutes to see if it works w/o power.

[megarat]

Confirmed: with no power, no sound/CV goes through, regardless of the position of the switch.