Sample Playback
Any audio part can be used to play back any previously loaded samples. These can be pitched and
manipulated from the sequencer. Samples are stored internally using an 8bit resolution. To get the
best audio results and lowest conversion noise, samples should be normalized well.
Synthesis
Beside of samples, each audio part contains of it own oscillator / operator. Each oscillator can
generate sine, triangle, ramp, sawtooth, pulse and noise. Once an oscillator is started, it keeps
running until it is stopped, either with the note-off function in the sequencer, or a manual stop. You
can also cut the volume to silence them or apply an envelope to the volume. 2 oscillators can be
played at the same time on one audio output, since each track has 2 audio parts. These can be
separately sequenced from each other or the sequenced notes can be cloned so both parts play
exactly the same notes. The cloned 2
nd
oscillator notes can be detuned by either
semitones/octaves or finely de-tuned to get a wider soundscape. Different waveforms are also
possible here.
The pulse wave has an additional setting to change the pulse width.
Both Oscillators (per track) can be hard-synced to each other. For each oscillator / wave 3
processing effects are available: Wavefold, Bitcrush and Distortion.
Each oscillator can also be Frequency Modulated by any other of the oscillators (or itself) and thus
be used an FM operator. By connecting multiple operators to each other, acting as modulators and
carriers, a wide range of FM sounds can be generated.
So for example Operator 1 (Carrier) van be modulated by Operator 2 and 3 (modulators), while
Operator 3 can itself be modulated by Operator 1 or others. Many different 4 Operator FM
algorithms can be created in that way. The volume of the operator acts as the ‘modulation index’
then. Note that the Modulator signal to modulate other operators is taken after the several
processing options (Wavefold → Bitcrush → Distortion) and the volume process in the audio flow.
This allows additional effects and variations for the modulations. Not only waves but also Samples
can be used as Modulators (not as carriers). The better normalized the sample is the more effect it
will have on the modulations.
Operators can also be muted so you can’t hear them in the modulated signal.
Also, the note cloning function can be used for proper key tracking of the operators. Transposing /
Detuning them adds new harmonics to the sound.
Nearly all parameters from all operators/oscillators can also be controlled by the Automators,
envelopes or the sequencer.
NerdSEQ – a tracker based Eurorack sequencer
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User Manual Revision V1.26 for Firmware V1.26
12 July 2022
