Arcaico - Stigma (Dual Tube Stereo Processor)

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STIGMA is a dual-output, multimode tube distortion/filter,
designed for deep analog sound shaping and harmonic distortion.
Its architecture combines two independent, self-oscillating 12 dB/octave filters
with precision tracking at 1 V/octave up to 8 octaves, two VCAs,
and two stages of tube saturation capable of ranging from subtle warmth
to extreme sonic destruction.
Each signal path follows a fully analog structure:
IN → VCF → VCA → TUBE → MASTER OUTPUT.
Both filters feature selectable low-pass, band-pass, and
high-pass responses, with dedicated CV control for cutoff, resonance,
1 V/octave tracking, amplitude, tube activation, and stereo positioning.

The independent outputs for both filters allow the signal to completely bypass
the tube stage, making STIGMA equally suited for clean resonant processing,
aggressive distortion, or complex hybrid routing.
The tube section offers four distinct distortion characteristics:
Soft, for natural tube saturation, and Hard, Extreme, and Insane,
accessible via the additional gain stage and controlled by the
DRIVE circuit.
Advanced routing options expand the architecture far
beyond a conventional dual-filter setup.
LINK mode transforms STIGMA into a serial cascade processor
in which the first filter feeds directly into the second filter’s path.
In this configuration, the first distortion stage is bypassed, and the
signal flow becomes:
VCF1 → VCA1 → VCF2 → VCA2 → TUBE/DISTORTION → OUT2
An additional routing switch allows the second processing chain to
pass through both tube stages in sequence, creating dense
multi-stage saturation and extreme harmonic compression:
VCF2 → VCA2 → TUBE2 → TUBE1 → OUT1

A voltage-controlled PAN circuit allows for smooth movement
between OUT1 and OUT2 via manual control or
external CV modulation, enabling dynamic stereo panning and a gradual transition between
the two processing paths.
STIGMA also features a dedicated 1+2 mono output, which functions as
a continuously variable crossfade output.
With the PAN control in the center position, both channels are summed;
moving the control all the way to the left or right isolates a single processing chain.
The two master outputs can function as a true stereo processor or
as two completely independent analog mono channels,
making STIGMA suitable for stereo synthesis, two-voice processing,
experimenting with feedback, and complex modular routing environments.

STIGMA was specifically designed as a very high-gain tube processor focused on “sonic destruction”, rather than a transparent or linear studio effect.
Due to its fully analog and thermionic tube architecture, when pushing the gain and saturation stages, higher noise levels, switching transients, unpredictable feedback, and a certain degree of tube hiss are completely normal. This instability and “grit” are not manufacturing defects: they are inherent behaviors of high-gain tube circuits and form the core of this unit’s unique sonic character.
If you are looking for digital transparency or a sterile, noise-free sound, STIGMA is NOT the right tool for you.