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Introduction
The Polivoks VCF is an authentic adaptation of the classic So-
viet 2-pole analog filter circuit. Done with the blessing of its original
designer, Vladimir Kuzmin (royalties paid!), this device uses no
capacitors in the filter core and original NOS Soviet op-amps for
maximum signal flow authenticity. This filter features simultaneous
low- and band-pass outputs, a 2-input mixer, bipolar CV multiplier,
and an extraordinarily unstable resonance characteristic.
First released in 1982, the Polivoks was the first Soviet synthe-
sizer design under full voltage control. Noted by Western synthe-
sizer enthusiasts for its raw and aggressive sound, the Polivoks filter
circuit is easily overdriven, rough in sonic character, and unique
among all other musically adapted filter designs.
Configuration
The Polivoks VCF occupies 10HP of rack space and requires
a "Eurorack"-style power distribution board. When connecting the
power cable to your enclosure, orient the red band of the moduleʼs
power cable to point towards the -12V power rail.
Tips and Tricks
• Watch your signal mix levels! There is a "sweet spot" where
the instability of the filter resonance is very interesting. Below this
zone, the self-oscillation is much simpler, and above it, it is absent.
Experiment to find a mix setting that is right for your sound.
• If you take the bandpass output, invert its phase (using an
external module), and patch it back into the mixer, you can obtain
interesting dual-resonance feedback patches! Use the mix control to
govern the peak.
• The manual cutoff control is scaled for maximum playabil-
ity. You may find that settings outside of the knobʼs range may be
useful to you, so you may extend its range by applying external
control voltages. Try playing with the "hump" at the low end of the
dial with a distortion pedal after the filter!
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