Luma-mu is a 10HP Eurorack module, essentially a single drum channel of Luma-1 which holds multiple sounds in its ROM. It plays samples digitally without microcontroller or software used, which guarantees the lowest latency and highest response of its 8-bit mu-Law DAC. It’s perfect for Luma-1 expansion or standalone operation.
PRODUCT DETAILS
How different Luma-mu to Luma-1?
Luma-mu schematics is an exact copy of a playback circuit of the Luma-1 / LM-1 drum machine. Similarly to those, Luma-mu uses an 8-bit mu-law DAC (AM6072DC) and 555 timer circuit to drive the clock and determine a pitch of the sound stored in the ROM. The sound data is stored in 1MBit EPROM, which holds 8 separate sounds. Luma-mu is a monophonic channel, however sounds can be switched in realtime. Sounds can be changed by replacing EPROMs located in a ZIF socket. Installation requires no extra tools or soldering. Users can create their own ROMs with Luma toools web-based editor. Deftaudio can ship it with extra sounds of your choice.
Guaranteed response time
Luma-mu playback is fully driven in hardware implementation without microcontroller involved. It’s achieved by a number of simple logic chips which scan ROM data to play its content. This provides a determined response which is consistent and free of any jitter. In practice this means a very low latency (order of nanoseconds propagation delay), and guaranteed response time to the first sample after sending Gate to the Trigger input.
Expanded control by CV/Gate inputs
Luma-mu brings an extra control and sound manipulation which are not possible by Luma-1. With Gate and CV patchpoints it’s possible to externally control the sound slot playing, Pitch, DAC amplitude as well as pause and playback rest. CV range is -5V to +5V nominal range, each input has an offset control for up to 0 to 10V range. Gate inputs are anywhere from 3V-12V.
Luma-mu feature set
8-bit µ-law EPROM playback, exact copy of LM-1/Luma-1 channel with authentic AM6072DAC (ceramic package, 40 years old)
Removable EPROMs with 8 sounds on each, 16KB each (~1.5sec/ea)
CV control for Sample Select allows changing sounds any time (even during playback)
CV control for Pitch and Dynamics
Gate control for Reset, Pause and sample Trigger
Can be Clocked (sample rate) externally
Plays one shot or loop sounds (perfectly looped sounds enable use as a wave oscillator)
Comes with web-based tool to make your own sound EPROMs (see luma.tools)
Designed and Assembled in California
EPROM accessible from front with optional Luma-mu Reacharound extender module
Eurorack 10HP, 50mm depth, requires 5V/+12V/-12V, total current is less than 0.43A
Luma-mu Drum module
Luma-mu is a 10HP Eurorack module, essentially a single drum channel of Luma-1 which holds multiple sounds in its ROM. It plays samples digitally without microcontroller or software used, which guarantees the lowest latency and highest response of its 8-bit mu-Law DAC. It’s perfect for Luma-1 expansion or standalone operation.
Package includes: Luma-mu Eurorack module LM-1 Factory sounds ROM Eurorack power cable Quick Start Guide Please, refer to the product page for more information.