The Oscillator Devices SIREN is a Stereo MIDI Volume Controller. Its two fully analog channels can be independently set from -100dB (Mute) up to a whopping +20dB boost. The channels can be split before, mixed after the volume control, or used as a parallel FX loop. The SIREN has high quality, low noise buffers, outstanding crosstalk performance and is specifically designed not to color your tone.
The SIREN includes two internal LFOs to drive the volume controls, tunring it into a full blown, MIDI-controlled analog stereo tremolo. Both LFOs operate completely independently. Different waveforms (Sine, Triangle, Rectangle and Ramp in both directions) can either be free running from 100ms to 1.2s, or can be synced to MIDI clock.
In addition the SIREN supports Fade and Swell functions. While Fade gradually fades to another volume, the Swell function snaps back to the original volume when done, ready to be triggered again.
Features:
- Stereo MIDI volume control
- Fully analog signal path
- High quality, low noise buffers
- From -100dB attenuation (Mute) to +20dB boost
- Split channels before, or mix channels after volume control
- Parallel blend mode to blend the dry signal with a parallel FX loop
- Massive headroom (9-18V)
- TS and TRS compatible
- LFO with 5 waveforms, free running or synced to MIDI clock.
- Fade and Swell functions
- Both channels can be controlled together, or can act completely independent
- 48 user presets on top of 16 factory presets
- Fully Supported by the WebMIDI Interface
- Compatible with all MIDI 1.0 compliant controllers
- High-quality Neutrik sockets
- Developed and handcrafted by Oscillator Devices in Germany
Applications for MIDI Volume Control
Below are some examples of how the SIREN can be incorporated into a MIDI guitar or bass rig. Of course, it’s neither restricted nor limited to these applications.
Stereo MIDI Volume Control
This setup controls the volume of a stereo signal chain. You can use an expression pedal connected to your MIDI controller, as MIDI volume pedal, or simply set up patches for song sections with different volumes (lead vs. rhythm).
Mono In/Stereo Out
Split the signal of Channel A to both outputs BEFORE the MIDI volume control. The stereo path after the SIREN can be set to different volumes, for example to push two different drive pedals or two amps in a stereo amplifier setup.
Stereo In/Mono Out
Blend the channels AFTER the MIDI volume control. This can be either to use a stereo setup with a mono amp for small gigs, or to blend two signals, for example a clean blend. When blending two signals, phase issues can occur, when one signal path inverts the signal. For that case, the SIREN can flip the phase of channel A, either with the Phase-Button or MIDI command.
Parallel FX Loop
The most recent version of the SIREN is able to form a Parallel FX Loop. The input of channel A is routed unprocessed to output A where it can feed another FX pedal. The output of this pedal is then connected to input B where it is blended with the dry input of channel A. Volume of channel A controls the dry volume and volume B controls the wet volume.
Starting with version 3, the parallel FX loop can be post volume, too, so the output of channel A is also controlled by volume A.
TS and TRS compatible
The SIREN can either handle TS mono jacks plugged into A and B, or one TRS stereo jack plugged into channel A. This applies to both the input and the output. This is particularly practical to be compatible with previous and subsequent pedals that support either one or the other.
Tremolo with Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs)
Either one or both channels of the SIREN can be driven by a LFO. Use it as beautiful, subtle sine wave tremolo, MIDI clock synced slicer with the rectangle waveform, or automatic swell with the ramp waveform.
When using the SIREN as stereo tremolo, you can shift the phase of the tremolo to create mind bending stereo effects.
Waveforms:
- Sine Wave: A classic, smooth sine wave for that beautiful, subtle tremolo.
- Triangle Wave: Almost the same as the sine wave, with a bit more static feel to it.
- Rectangular Wave: Use the tremolo as slicer with a fast rectangular wave, or sync it with MIDI clock for dramatic on/off effects
- Ramp: Either as forward or backward ramp. Use it for repeated swells for example.
All LFO functions are accessible via MIDI only, but you can easily explore the functions with the built in factory presets or use the WebMIDI interface.
Fade and Swell
The Fade and Swell functions are basically a one shot tremolo with a ramp waveform. Use Fade to slowly fade to a different volume, fade in, or fade out. Fade stays at the target volume when done. That’s the difference to Swell. Swell snaps back to the original volume, when the ramp is finished, ready to be triggered again. That way you can create slow gear swell effects.
Starting with version 3, Fade and Swell can now be relative to the volume of the knobs.
Presets
Since the LFO functions can require multiple commands, they can be wrapped into presets. The SIREN comes with factory presets for easy access when starting out. The most common LFO settings can be accessed with a single PC command right from the start.
MIDI Connection
The MIDI connections are assigned according to the official MIDI specification of MIDI TRS using MIDI TRS Type A, like pedals from Boss or Wampler. A 1/8″ (3.5 mm) stereo jack plug is used. The MIDI Thru socket is latency free.
