Super Signal Processor (SSP)

Multi Function Module, Multi FX processor, Multichannel recorder, USB audio interface

The Percussa Super Signal Processor (SSP) is a DSP powerhouse, which opens your eurorack modular system to the wide world of DSP. Packing a quad core Cortex A17 and running on a streamlined Linux kernel there are four cores running at 1.8Ghz each and dedicated solely to DSP processing. To summarize, it’s a massive modular system in a module.

The SSP has 16 DC coupled inputs and 8 DC coupled outputs running at a user selectable 192 kHz, 96 kHz or 48 kHz sample rate, all with 32 bits of resolution, thanks to the high end AKM ADCs and DACs, ensuring that all signals (audio or cv) can be sampled at super high fidelity. The SSP makes no distinction between CV and audio signals so the same high end sample rates are available for all signals.

There are also 2 USB host ports as well as 1 USB device port allowing connectivity with any USB MIDI compliant controller, and the capability to record directly into your Mac or PC (USB 2.0 audio class compliant). This enables the SSP to be a MIDI to cv interface as well as an audio interface to your computer/DAW should you choose.

Firmware updates are accomplished via the micro SD card reader on the front, ensuring that as more and more features are made available, updating is quick and easy. The micro SD card reader also allows you to load your own sample files (WAV compatibility) and exchange presets with other users. The samples can be used across the system in any module that supports loading sound files (wavetable oscillator, granular module, sample player, etc).

The high contrast and resolution IPS display (1600x480) makes it possible to see exactly what is going and from any angle and from far away. The front panel is layed out with 4 dedicated page buttons, 8 soft keys, as well as cursor keys, and 2 shift keys. On top of this are 4 click-less aluminum encoders with push button functionality. The buttons and encoders match up with clearly visible legends in the software, making it super easy to see what you are currently editing. Because of this, the controls are efficient and the workflow is fast. The page system keeps all the functions at the top level, so there is really no menu diving of any kind. From the display and the GUI to the encoders and buttons, the purposeful layout of the front panel's I/O and controls help one to quickly master the SSP.

The powerful quad core processor of the SSP makes it possible to run many different DSP based modules in parallel. The network editor allows you to use up to 128 individual modules per preset. Since audio and CV signals can be routed anywhere in the patching grid, the ability for the SSP to integrate with your setup is limitless. You can choose to patch internally in the SSP’s grid or choose to keep all patching internally or do a mix of the two.

Because the SDK for the SSP will be based on the VST SDK, the door for 3rd party developers to easily port their existing awesome VST instruments and plugins to run natively on the SSP is opened. These ported VSTs and custom modules would be added to the network editor grid just like any other built in module. The SSP will become even more powerful than it already is, as individuals and companies bring new modules and possibilities to the platform.

Key Features & Specifications

Audio and Control Voltage I/O
8 outputs via high end AKM DAC with 32 bit resolution supporting up to 192kHz sample rate (AK4458)
16 inputs via high end AKM ADCs with 32 bit resolution supporting up to 192kHz sample rate (AK5552)
Standard eurorack voltage compliant on all inputs and outputs (-5V to +5V)
All I/O DC coupled and capable of audio and CV signals (the SSP treats all signals the same)
High end low-noise power supplies and op-amp stages, featuring 0.1% resistors

DSP Processing
Quad core A17 processor running at 1.8 GHz per core w/ ARM NEON SIMD support
Capable of running multiple software modules in parallel on multiple cores

Synthesis Engine
Supports recording audio and CV inputs (1-16) and outputs (1-8) directly to SD card for instant wavetable / sample creation / granularization or recording of live performances without the need for external software
Supports loading your own WAV files into the Wavetable Oscillator, Granular and Sampler software modules, via the SD card (limited only by SD card size / RAM size)
Coarse and Fine frequency controls on all Oscillators
Pitch inputs on all oscillators supporting pitch CV signals w/ calibration features
Comes with a set of 100+ pre-recorded samples / wavetables
Storage and Recall of Presets and Settings with the press of a button
Rule-based fast 2D patching
Supports routing / mixing multiple inputs to multiple software modules
Supports routing / mixing multiple software modules to multiple outputs

Already Implemented and Included DSP modules (see KS page for additional modules)
Global Delay
Global Reverb
Wavetable Oscillator with true 3D morphing (XYZ) and cloud features
Sampler with Layering features
LFO (usable as normal oscillator) with multiple waveforms (sine, saw, square, triangle)
Variable Frequency Noise
DC generator
Envelope Generator with Exponential A and DR
Waveshaper
Comb Filter
State Variable Filter
Step Sequencer
Granular processor
Input module
Output module

Development Kit
SDK for custom module creation (to be based on the VST standard, enabling easy porting of existing plugins and instruments)
Support to load new modules from the SD Card

Display, Graphics and User Interface
1600x480 pixel wide format full colour LVDS IPS display
4x High quality Aluminium Machined Knobs
4x Bourns Endless and Click-less Encoders with push-functionality
18x Industrial Temperature MEC Switches
User interface design featuring shallow menus (no menu diving), large fonts for readability
Oscilloscope features for all inputs and outputs

Connectivity
1 USB device port with USB Audio Class 2.0 support (supports recording into your Mac/PC)
2 USB host ports (one high speed) with USB MIDI class and USB ethernet adapter support
Serial (header) connector on PCB to access linux serial console
Expansion connectors with additional GPIO usable by developers

Storage
1 ultra high speed microSD card slot
16 GB professional microSD card included with FAT partition for easy sharing of presets and samples and for software updates (OS agnostic)
2GB onboard RAM
16GB onboard flash for firmware

Mechanical
3mm thick CNC machined / laser cut aluminium front panel, sandblasted and black anodized
Impedance matched gold finish circuit board design with custom aluminium passive cooler and CPU module upgradeability

http://www.percussa.com/