After the behemoth of a module that was Collide 4, Joranalogue's recent collaboration with Hainbach (Waveform, issue 14), the next module up for a gander is Cycle 5, their new vari-wave oscillator. While it might seem a little…well, little, by comparison, Cycle 5 punches well above its weight, and its simple premise and slim 6HP width belie its very usable functionality.
A triangle core VCO with an Audio/Low toggle so that it can also be used as a modulation source, Cycle 5 simultaneously offers sine, triangle, saw, pulse, and variable outputs as well as 2 x V/Oct inputs, a Reset input for hard syncing capability, and a CV in for modulation of the wave variations. A 7-octave control (as opposed to a more familiar "Coarse" tuning knob found on most VCOs) with a Fine control for precise tuning of the oscillator, a Variable wave control, which smoothly morphs from waveshape to waveshape (and controls the PW for the pulse output), and a switch to add 5ths, adding seven semitones to the current pitch, rounds out the controls on offer.
Sometimes it takes a minute (or more) to fully grasp a Joranalogue module. Even though they are all analog and offer one-knob-per-functionality, some of their offerings involve deep theory (Orbit 3), or just a ton of jacks and knobs that can be intimidating (Morph 4). This depth of functionality is a real testament to their dedication to pushing the analog realm, and like the slimmer of Joranalogue's modules, even something as seemingly simple as Cycle 5 doesn't get built without a few tricks up its sleeve.
I'm a big fan of VCOs with multiple 1V/Oct CV inputs. Sometimes you want to get a sequence going, and then modulate, transpose or warble that, and Cycle 5 has that, so right away I'm in. One thing to note is how stable the tuning is on Cycle 5. It's not surprising, this penchant for precision (in this case in terms of tuning) as one of the most solid characteristics for any Joranalogue module is precision, along with a fierce focus and attention to detail, and having a reliable and stable VCO is a gold star. With the Fine tune control in the center position, Cycle 5 is tuned to C, so for a starting point (and if you're jamming in C) you're in good shape to deviate—or not—from there. Cycle 5 comes calibrated from the factory, but should it need adjustment, there are small trimmers for Pitch and V/Oct on the front of the module.
Having the four classic waveshapes available simultaneously offers a lot of flexibility, but is really valuable when used at the same time and mixed to taste. Throw in the Vari output as well, and with some slow moving CV for modulation, you can get amazingly thick, slowly mutating generative drones, like swimming in a pool filled with molasses. Speed up the tempo with a tasty bassline and you really have a lot of options to tweak the sound as you see fit. I got some excellent acid-y adjacent bass sounds that sat really well in a dense rhythm patch. Running it through Joranalogue's excellent Filter 8 to dial in the desired frequency range, and Cycle 5 flexed pretty hard.
While so so many current VCOs use a "VCO in-a-box" chip like the CEM3340 (or a copy of it) or the SSI2130, Cycle 5 uses neither, only opamps and discrete components, and is a Joranalogue-designed circuit built from the ground up. Maybe it's not inherent when comparing its triangle output to another VCO (unless there are anomalies they should sound identical at the same frequency), but even if the behavior of Cycle 5 differentiates just a slight from the operation of other VCOs because of this longhand circuit design, it makes Cycle 5 that much more unique, and for a farm-to-table person such as myself, I appreciate building anything from scratch—limitations and all—from the ground up.
Some highlights of Cycle 5 are morphing the Vari output at audio rate, which brings about AM type of sounds, and self patching, which allows the creation of more complex shapes other than the standard offerings of the four main outputs. I really like the Octave switch, which is fast and easy, and as stated, it's easy to transpose a sequence with either of the two 1V/Oct inputs. On top of that, Cycle 5's sine wave is clean, it's use as a CV source in LFO mode with the multiple outputs is great, and the morphing capability of the variable waveshape output—along with the usual precision and high build quality of all Joranalogue modules—makes Cycle 5 a solid and versatile VCO/LFO.
Price: $199

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