sound
machines
user manual
3
UL1
luloop
The soundmachines UL1uloop is a simple and very playable sampler/looper with
a basic set of controls.
An input attenuator (level) is setting the level of the audio material that gets
recorded. This setting is very important to obtain the maximum signal to noise
performance (input range of the chip is about 1Vpp). The input and output jacks
are the audio connection to the rest of the modular. When the module is not
playing the audio material, what's present on the input pin is transferred to the
output (passing through the chip), so you can hear what you're sampling.
When the playback of the material is active the input signal is no longer sent to
the output.
The 'tune' pot and cv input will determine the instantaneous sample rate. This is
valid either in rec and play mode. There is a limitation to the range of recording
sample rate and it is advised to set the knob to no more than the "three o'clock"
position to obtain a fairly good quality. The sample rate in playback mode can
go approximately from 6.5kHz to 22kHz. Good recording could be achieved until
18kHz. Over this frequency (that's well beyond the chip rating) the recording will
be erratic and many noises and clicks will be on the sample! Obviously the lower
the sample rate, the lower the bandwidth of the module, cutting highest
harmonic content...
The maximum length of the sample in the standard mode (see the 'OPTIONS'
chapter would be of about 10s @ 8kHz.
The sample rate also impacts on another very important parameter that is the
recording deadtime. Between the 'rec' signal (or button press) and the effective
start of the recording lies a variable time that is proportional to the sample rate.
This is implicit in the chip functionalities and we took all the possible measures
to reduce this time but there is a bottom line that is simly unavoidable. If you
want to sample stuff for rhythmic duties please use the highest possible sample
rate (remember, three o'clock) setting.
On the contrary, playback are trigger instantly and are tight timed.
The 'act' LED indicator has the following meanings: It will lit solid during
recording phase and it will blink briefly whenever the end of the audio material
is reached (in both play and loop modes)
RECORDING mode
After you have connected a source of sound to the input jack and wiggled the
'level' pot to an adequate setting, you can record your sample. To do this you
have to either PRESS the 'rec' button or input an high level (5V) to the 'rec'
