Operating modes in detail
Mode 0: 30 harmonics, global noise and phase modulation
The first operating mode generates 30 harmonic frequencies with individual envelope control for each using the
corresponding 30 sliders. In addition to the nominal amplitude set by the sliders, each harmonic can be dynamically
modulated by an external envelope generator output when connected to one of the 8 envelope inputs. The process of
determining which one of the 8 possible envelopes is being used for each particular harmonic has been described
earlier in the section “Virtual switchboard”.
Additionally, there is the possibility to add phase noise for each of the
harmonics. The noise can be dynamically controlled by connecting an envelope signal source to the
modulation 1
-input. The modulation strength of the envelope is adjusted using the multi-turn knob
adjust 1
. Turning the knob
CW will increase modulation strength, and decrease when turned CCW. Reaching the maximum or minimum
values will blink the overload led next to the
volume
control, then further turning has no effect.
In the same way, there is the possibility to add phase modulation (PM) synthesis modulation using input
modulation 2
, and adjust its strength using
adjust 2
. For this adjustment, only the minimum rotation is indicated by
the overload led. This is because excessive modulation creates a very noisy and spectrally rich signal that could be
used for special effects, if not for musical purposes.
The other inputs,
CV pitch
and
CV velocity
are used in the typical way, i.e. the former for pitch bending, and latter
for key velocity based amplitude control. These signals are available from typical MIDI input modules (not
included).
Note that adding simultaneously both noise and PM is also possible. However, in that case, also some constant band
low frequency noise will be added, in addition to the band limited voice around the selected harmonic. Some of that
noise is filtered away, but not all, otherwise also the lowest harmonics would be filtered out.
Tip
: because the settings are quite complex, you can ease testing by connecting the
D.C. out
to
modulation 1
and
modulation 2
and do the adjustments with a constant note VC in. If you have access to a spectrum analysis SW
(included in most DAWs), then you can also observe how the spectrum looks while listening. Remember always
first to connect the patch cable to the inputs, and only after that to
D.C. out
to avoid shorting the output.
As a summary, here is a list of the patch cable connections required:
1.
Connect envelope generator outputs to all those of the
envelope inputs
that you have activated for the
desired harmonic sliders. (see the section "Virtual switchboard"). Remember that on power up, all are
connected to input 1, and only if you toggle the switch to "envelope select" position and back again,
the previously stored connections are activated.
2.
If you want to use the noise and/or PM modulation features, connect also envelope generator outputs
to
modulation 1
and/or
modulation 2
.
3.
Optionally, connect the
CV pitch
and
CV velocity
inputs to the corresponding MIDI input module
outputs.
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