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About This Manual
The Shared System Manual is primarily intended for Shared System owners who have not used a modular synthesizer before. It
outlines the basic concepts of modular synthesis within the context of the Shared System while providing a groundwork for future
learning when using the individual manuals for each module within the System. Hopefully there is something here to be learned
by seasoned synthesists as well!
The Manual begins with an Overview of Terms and Concepts, followed by step-by-step walkthroughs of a few simple patches that
were designed to demonstrate some of the basic musical concepts of modular synthesis. These first lessons focus on the Shared
System's core modules: DPO, MATHS, and Optomix. Later in the manual, we'll show patches and basic descriptions for each
module within the Shared System in order to further demonstrate potential patch techniques. Finally, at the back of the manual,
you will find a Glossary of Terms.
Throughout the manual, you will also find links to a variety of educational resources we have made available, including individual
module manuals, and informational videos on the Make Noise YouTube channel. Between this Manual and the other resources
we've provided, you could find the answer to almost any question you may have. However, if something is still unclear, feel free to
email us at
and we will do our best to get back to you in a timely manner. We are here to help!
SIGNALS :
Every element of the system exists with signals in mind, whether creating, modifying or
sending them. Signals interacting with one another is the heart of the way the modular
system works. Signals appear at outputs and can be patched to inputs. They take the
form of voltage at various levels within the range of +/-10v.
There are several basic signal types in the system. Each input tends to “expect” a
particular type, but since they all take the same form (+/-10v) there are many cases
where using the “wrong” type is just as useful as the “right” one. Don’t get too hung up
on it. There are quite a few “gray areas” where a signal could be interpreted as more than
one type depending on its use, so again, experimentation is paramount.
Here are some basic signal types, accompanied by graphical representation of voltage
over time:
Audio:
Audio signals change voltage levels, or oscillate, in
the frequency range that is audible to human
beings. This is the type of signal that you can
actually hear when you send it to your monitoring
system. In some cases, Control signals can also
oscillate at audio rate.
Examples:
DPO Waveform Outs, Echophon Mix Out and
Feedback Out
+5V
Figure 6: An Audio Rate Sine Wave
-5V
6 KHZ = ~G8
CV (Control Voltage):
The term “control voltage” refers to any continuous
signal that you use to control a parameter. In many
cases, CV moves at too low a frequency to be
audible if amplified. Instead, you will hear the
results of a CV changing an audible parameter.
Examples:
MATHS SUM Output, René QCV
+5V
-5V
One Cycle = 5 Seconds
0V
Figure 7: a Low Frequency Oscillator
Triggers, Gates, and Clocks:
Triggers, Gates, and Clocks are used to initiate events and switch between states. Instead of being continuous like CV, they have only two states, Gate High
and Gate Low. “Gate High” is usually a +8v signal whose length (in time) is variable. “Gate Low” is 0v (or no signal at all).
There are a lot of similarities between these signal types. Keep in mind, the Make Noise system responds to like signals in similar ways. A Trigger is just a very
quick pulse of positive voltage. A Gate is longer, anywhere from a few milliseconds to “always on.” The length of the Gate (in time) is referred to as the Gate’s
Width. Trigger and Gate inputs are distinctive in that patching to these inputs does not have a continuous effect, but only one or two possibilities (such as
moving a sequence on René forward by one step, or Freezing/unfreezing the Echophon’s memory buffer). Clock Signals are like Gates and/or Triggers that “go
High” at regular intervals.
Gate and Trigger Outputs are specially made to patch such inputs, but most such inputs will respond to any signal that moves from 0v to 2v or higher.
Examples:
Triggers Outputs: Morphogene EOS, Echophon CLK Out
Gate Outputs: MATHS EOC (End of Cycle), Pressure Points Gate
Clock Outputs: Wogglebug Clock Out
One Cycle = 0.166 mS
+8V
0V
Gate High
Gate Low
+8V
0V
+8V
0V
Figure 8: Typical Trigger Signal
Figure 9: Typical Gate Signal
Figure 10: Clock Signal
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