Trigger Man User Manual
V2
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Input Jack Configuration Options
The input jack configuration options control the function of the Clock and Control jacks, and the LED
blinking. The input options are independent of the options for the eight individual outputs.
Clock Jack Function
LEDs 1 and 2 determine the function of the Clock input jack.
1
2
Clock Ticks
: The Clock jack expects a typical clock signal. Hysteresis occurs at 2.5 volts. That is,
when the voltage on the jack rises above 2.5 volts, it is considered on, and when it drops below
2.5 volts, it is considered off. Any waveform of any pulse width can be used to clock the Trigger
Man, including, but not limited to square, triangle, and saw tooth waves. More complex
waveforms may give unpredictable and interesting results as they pass through the 2.5 volt
hysteresis point. As soon as an external tick is received, the Trigger Man switches over to expect
an external clock signal, and the internal clock is turned off.
When receiving external clock signals, the Tempo knob acts as a clock divider. The external clock
is divided by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, or 32 as indicated on the panel. When the Tempo knob is
turned all the way to the left, then the module will be clocked at the same rate as the incoming
clock signal (divided by 1).
When receiving external clock signals, pressing the Start/Stop button works as a reset. After an
external tick is received the Trigger Man is “running.” At that point, pressing Start/Stop resets the
Trigger Man to the first step, and it is not considered to be running. Pressing Start/Stop again will
then restart the internal clock, which will continue to run until Start/Stop is pressed again, or an
external tick is received.
Voltage Controlled Tempo
: The Clock jack is expecting zero to 5 volts, which will produce a clock
rate of 40 to 295 BPM, just like the Tempo knob does. A voltage over 5 volts is interpreted as 295
BPM. If the Clock jack function is set to voltage controlled tempo, and nothing is plugged into the
jack, the tempo will always be 40 BPM. When the Clock jack function is set to VC Tempo, the
Tempo knob has no effect. VC Tempo sets the speed of the internal clock, which is not the same
thing as external clock ticks. The Start/Stop button functions normally with the VC Tempo option.
Reset
: When a positive pulse of 2.5V or higher is input into the Clock jack, the sequence will be
reset to the first step.
Gate
: When zero volts is input into the Clock jack, the internal clock is paused. When 2.5V or
higher is input into the Clock jack, the internal clock will run normally. If the Gate option is set
and nothing is plugged into the Clock jack, then the internal clock will be constantly gated and
will not run. If both the Clock and Control jacks are set to Gate, then both of them must have a
positive voltage in order for the internal clock to run.
