3 Channel Analog Wave Shaper

tanh[3] is a three channel, all analogue, wave shaper. It takes an input signal and outputs the hyperbolic tangent function [tanh(x)] for that signal. In more useful terms, it adds curves to a signal! Traditionally the circuit is used to shape a triangle wave to a sine but when used with more complex signals it behaves as a single knob limiter.

tanh[3] | tæntʃ | noun (mathematics) the hyperbolic tangent of (x); or as a verb… “a’m gonna tan-h that”

Features
• three independent channels for wave shaping.
• Feedback control: The user can insert tanh[3] in the feedback path and use it to reign in runaway feedback. Whether it’s feedback in a delay loop, a reverb, filter or straight up microphonic. In this context, it functions as a limiter on feedback amplitude.
• Wave shaping: Running a triangle wave through a tanh[3] will allow for some interesting wave shape control. Fully CCW and the resulting signal will be a slightly attenuated pass through of the original triangle wave. As the level is increased, the corners will soften and the waveform will shape into a sine wave. When a level has increased the sine will soft clip and eventually settle into a unique peaked waveform.
• Limiter/distortion: anh[3] reacts very well when the user runs a complex audio signal through one of the channels. Drum voices especially! The effect is sonically similar to compression but achieved through wave shaping as opposed to gain reduction. Limiting is a more appropriate description but it definitely has its own unique characteristic. Increasing the level will introduce soft clipping distortion/overdrive.

In the Box
• The module itself
• Eurorack Power Cable