General
MFB’s URZWERG PRO is an analogue step-sequencer. It allows controlling synthesizers
using CV/Gate and MIDI. The unit offers 32 steps in four rows. Either can these be used for
two sequences with 16 steps each or for four sequences with 8 steps each, including variations
that use shorter sequence lengths. Accordingly, URZWERG PRO allows addressing up to four
monophonic synthesizers. Using MIDI, the unit allows creating polyphonic sequences with up
to four voices. Alternatively, or even in parallel, control over sound shaping parameters using
CV and MIDI-controllers is possible.
Set-up and connections
Connect the external power-supply to the Power jack. Use CV1 to CV4 and Gate1 to Gate4
to connect the CV- and Gate-inputs of analogue synthesizers, filters and modular synthesis
components. At the same time, you may connect a synthesizer to MIDI Out. MIDI IN serves
to connect an external tempo-source (e.g. a drum-machine) or a MIDI-keyboard. To switch
URZWERG PRO on and off, press On/Off on the unit’s rear.
CV-Settings
The CV-outputs range from approximately 1 to 10 volts. This range can be limited to allow
advanced control over step adjustments. Use Range12 to limit the range for sequence rows
1+2 and Range34 to adjust rows 3+4. The output CV-level and therefore the resulting pitch or
the modulation values are controlled using the individual step-controls.
General control functions
Each of the 4x8 controls on URZWERG PRO’s user-interface represents a step of a rhythmic
pattern that sends an individual control-voltage or MIDI value. Depending on where the CV-
out is connected, these voltages control pitch or other parameters of a synthesizer step by step.
Step advancement is displayed using step-LEDs for each row. Start/Stop will start and stop
the sequencer; Tempo sets the speed. In addition, the tempo can be continuously controlled by
an external CV-voltage source using the CV Clock input.
When setting URZWERG PRO to work as sync-slave, start/stop functions and the tempo will
be externally controlled by MIDI or gate-signals. Toggle between master- and slave-mode
using the Sync Mode switch.
Start In/Clock In
URZWERG PRO can be synchronized to other analogue gear using its Start In and Clock In
jacks. These jacks work as in- and outputs, depending on the Sync Mode switch setting (Int
or Ext), which defines master or slave mode.
Sequence length
Each of the four sequence rows offer a Length control that can be set anywhere between 1 to
8 steps. In addition, sequence rows 1+2 and 3+4 can be combined using the Chain switches.
By this, two sequences add up for up to 16 steps in length. The step length is also variable
with combined rows.
Skip-Switch/Hold-Notes
Every step-control has a corresponding skip-button to switch off the gate-signal for each step.
With the LED lit, the gate-signal for the corresponding step is activated, else deactivated. Note
that CV-voltages for the steps can also be sent with the gate being deactivated (see Settings).
Quantize
To create precise chromatic pitches, the CV-output can be quantized to approximately 1 to 5
volts. Use Range12 and Range34 controls and set a value left to center position. With values
right from center position, CV-quantization is inactive. The Quantize switch either activates
this function for sequence rows 1+2 or all four rows. In its center position, quantization is
deactivated.
Glide + Autoglide
With Autoglide set to center, use Glide12 and Glide34 to specify a glide-effect for sequence
rows 1+2 and 3+4. Here, values no longer change stepped but continuously. When controlling
pitches, this results in a so-called Portamento. With Autoglide set to 1+2 or 1-4, the
Autoglide function is enabled for the corresponding tracks. Here, the glide-effect will only
affect steps where the corresponding skip-switch is deactivated. Note that active skip-switches
in row 1 are also valid for row 2 when in 2x8 mode.
Gate-length
GateTime12 and GateTime34 adjust the length for the output gate-impulse between 15 and
85 % in five steps.
Direction
The Direction switches set the running direction for each sequence row. Chose between
forward, backwards and alternating (forth & back) modes. The fifth Direction switch sets the
behavior in alternate mode: In mode Incl, the sequence will run from the first to last step and
back. When changing direction, the last and first steps are repeated (which makes the sequence
pattern exactly twice as long as forward and backwards modes)? Mode Excl skips first and last
step repetitions and therefore shortens the length of the sequence. Finally, the RND (Random)
setting plays the sequence steps randomly.
Reset/Manual Step advancement
2 and 4 buttons force a reset to the first step for the corresponding sequence
rows. With the sequencer stopped, these buttons can be used to advance the step number
manually.
Shuffle
URZWERG PRO offers two optimized shuffle-modes. With shuffle actived, the length
controls will only allow even sequence lengths, to avoid unsynced sequences. Mode 1 will
result in a moderate, mode 2 in a more intense shuffle-feel. Setting the switch to center
position disables the shuffling.
