Korg PS 3200 - 12. Voltage Processors -VPs

The Korg PS & MS synthesizers generally work in the range of -5V to +5V
This Korg standardization, is good to remember, as it allows for precise control of synth operations.
You will see on the PS series of synths, voltage ranges printed on the various inputs & outputs.

This is where the VPs come in handy. There are two VPs in the PS 3200.

The Voltage Processors allow you to take an external voltage in the -5V to +5V range , and change it's range & phase. These are essential to safely connect external modules (even from other Korg gear).
The PS series were not designed to use external sequencers, for example. So if connecting something such as a SQ-10 or SQ-1, its safer to use these processors.

Needless to say, it's always a good idea to know what voltages your gear is outputting, before you plug it into your PS 3200. Buy an oscilloscope to check peak - peak voltages.

If nothing is plugged into a VP, the output will be +4.5V
You can use this as a fixed voltage source.

If you plug a changing voltage into the input, then you can limit the upper  & lower ranges of this voltage when it exits the VP. This input voltage must be in the -5V to +5V range
The PS-3040 is another potential source of CV. It's designed for the PS 3200.
Sadly I don't have a PS-3040 foot controller.  -- It uses the DIN connector.

VP-1 can also be used it as a VCA control.
Notice the orange switch that connects to VCA-2.

One last thing to note is a second switch which connects & disconnects the two VPs.

When the switch is to the left, a CV inputted into VP1 will exit from both VPs.
When the switch is to the right (as in the photo), any inputted CVs will exit from their same VPs only.


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If you are thinking of using external gear with the PS 3200, a  Korg MS 20 is good place to start.
Keep in mind this block diagram:

Outputs from the MS-20 mini
Keyboard CV out: 0~+8V
Keyboard Trigger out : +5V to GND
Signal output (mono 1/8" mini phone jack, 2Vp-p output impedance 3.5k Ω)
EG 1 (normal): -5V to 0V
EG 1 (reverse) : +5V to 0V
EG 2 envelope signal reverse output (+5V - 0V) 
MG Triangle out (Positive Sawtooth - Triangle - Negative Sawtooth) : +2.5 to -2.5 (5VPP)
MG Rectangle (Wide Pulse - Square - Narrow Pulse) : 0 to +5V
Mod/control wheel output: -5V~0V~+5V
Push Button:+5V to GND
Pink Noise output : 5Vpp
White Noise output: 5Vpp
S/H output : 5Vpp
Modulation VCA: Signal output (-5V - +5V)

MS 20 mini ESP
CV Out (0 - +8.4V)
ENV Out (0 - +5V)
Trig Out (+5V-->GND) 

https://www.korg.com/au/products/synthesizers/ms_20mini/page_2.php


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Re: the SQ-1 sequencer:
Sequencers in general, give voltages to variable oscillators, telling them what pitches to play.
The Korg PS 3200 doesn't have a direct pitch CV input.
The manual warns you not to connect anything other than PS series gear.
However, if you must....
a) littleBits OUT jack (mini monaural phone jack)... 5V ???

b) CV - A OUT -GATE, CV - B OUT - GATE:
    CV OUT: output level 1V, 2V, 5V, 8V [Hz/V]
    GATE OUT: output level 10V

c)  IN - SYNC - OUT jacks:
     SYNC IN: maximum input level 20V,
     SYNC OUT: output level 5V

My PS-3200 has a Kenton Midi to CV kit installed.
It works great, as it by-passes all the CV/gate stuff.

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Moog CP-251
This CV processor is very useful to attenuate external voltages.
Used in conjunction with a scope, it's a very safe way to use external gear.