Kilpatrick Format

System Manual

Introduction

The Kilpatrick format system aims to provide all the building blocks for experimental sound production in a way that is incredibly intuitive and enjoyable. Discovering new sounds should be something that happens in every session. After several years of research and experimentation, the Kilpatrick format was chosen. Containing new design ideas and the best of traditional modular synthesizer concepts, the format aims to offer the best user experience possible.

We hope that you enjoy using your Kilpatrick format system for many years to come!

Kilpatrick Format Features:

• 4U (7") panel height - each panel offers close to 30 in. of panel space
• Simple plug and play module installation - rearranging a system or adding new modules is easy
• Universal use of banana cables for patching of audio, CV and pulse/gate signals - high quality cables are available in a variety of colours and lengths
• Colour-coded jacks indicate different signal functions and direction
• Separate analog and digital grounds used for low noise signal returns - plenty of power available for digital modules
• Total cabinet depth of less than 3" permits table top or rack mounting
• High quality brushed anodized panels are rugged and feature clean, futuristic graphics
• All modules and systems are hand-assembled and built-to-order in our downtown Toronto workshop

Table of Contents

• General Usage
• Basic Synthesizer Patching
• Signals and Voltages
• Enclosure and Module Installation
• Patch Cables
• Modules
  • K1 // Mixer Interface
  • K2 // Pitch Oscillator
  • K3 // Digital Effects
  • K4 // Envelope Modulator
  • K5 // Filter Amp
  • K6 // Voltage Processor
  • K7 // Entropy Sequencer
  • K9 // Dynamic Filter
  • K10 // Dual Envelope
• Additional Info

General Usage

We want to make sure you get the most from your Kilpatrick system. You'll find that this manual doesn't offer specific patch ideas or tips on how to achieve certain sounds. That is left up to you. This document aims to outline the various ins and outs (literally) of each module and what all the controls do. Below we'll begin with a basic overview of general signal and patching tips to help you get started.

If you're an experienced synthesist then the following section will be a review of basic concepts. Feel free to skip ahead to the Signals and Voltages section.

---

Basic Synthesizer Patching

When you first set up your system you'll need to make some connections before any sound will come out. The modular aspect of the system means that there are lots of tools at your fingertips, powered up and ready to go, but it's up to you to connect them in some sort of useful way.

Many keyboard synthesizers are built with a fixed patch internally, and you can make that patch too if you want to get started with something familiar. A basic synth patch might look like:

The modules in the patch work as follows:

• MIDI INTERFACE - The MIDI input from the keyboard or another device generates information about which note is being played (pitch voltage) and whether or not a key is being pressed down. (gate signal) The setup shown above is monophonic and can play one note at a time. Polyphonic synths use multiple oscillators, filters, etc. to play more than one note at at time, and software determines which notes will play on which hardware.
• OSCILLATOR - The oscillator generates a waveform, usually a basic waveform like a sawtooth, pulse wave, etc. but sometimes more complex waves like sampled waves. The output is generated all the time, the pitch determined by a voltage from the MIDI interface. In analog synths this voltage is usually decided as something like 1V per octave. That means for every 1V increase in the pitch voltage, the output frequency will increase by 1 octave. (double in frequency)
• FILTER - The filter changes the timbre of the sound by applying some kind of frequency-dependent transformation on it. The most common filter type is the low-pass filter, which cuts off high frequency sounds. Usually the cutoff frequency is adjustable by a voltage.
• LFO - The low-frequency oscillator (LFO) generates a low-frequency signal, usually a triangle or sine wave. The LFO can usually make signals from about 1 cycle per minute, up to maybe 40Hz or so. The LFO is used to modulate some parameter of the sound to create a constantly evolving and changing sound. In the example above the LFO is used to modulate the filter cutoff frequency.
• VCA - The voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) can adjust the volume of a sound from muted to full volume under voltage control. The VCA is the necessary component for making it possible to have sounds that turn on and off when you press and release keys on the keyboard.
• ENVELOPE - The envelope generator takes gate (on/off) voltages from the MIDI interface and makes smoothly changing voltages which fade up and down when a key on the keyboard is pressed or released. This is usually used to turn the volume of a sound up and down. Envelopes can also be used as sources of modulation in many places where you might consider an LFO.
• MIXER - Most synths contain a mixer section just before the sound comes out to a line output or headphone jack. In a polyphonic setup this is used to mix all the notes together. It also adjusts the master volume, and often contains circuitry for adding reverb, delay or chorus effects to the final sound.

This is an overly simplified explanation, but this is the general idea behind most synthesizers. Nearly all digital or analog synthesizers follow a signal flow similar to what was described above. But for experimental sound creation or ultimate flexibility, breaking from this traditional type of patch will open the doors to a world of sonic possibilities.

In a modular system you can build a traditional synth patch like the one shown above, or you can patch in a totally different way to create sounds never heard before.

---

Signals and Voltages

Everything patchable in the Kilpatrick system is voltage-controlled. This concept of representing control parameters with voltages was what made synthesizers practical for musicians back in the 1960s. And now with the rebirth of the modular synthesizer in the present day we can once again experience the flexibility that player-patchable control signals presents.

We often speak of CV (control voltage) in which we usually mean a signal that affects a performance parameter, instead of the actual audio signals being generated. In the Kilpatrick format audio and CV signals are interchangeable, and the only difference when thinking about patching is the intended function. CV signals are often held at steady DC voltages, or set up to be slowly changing. Audio signals are usually faster changing signals or percussive impulses. But there is no limit to using CV and audio signals interchangeably.

You should always monitor the output with speakers or headphones connected to one of the mixer outputs. Connecting directly to a module output might cause DC voltages to be sent to your headphones or speakers which could damage them. Unlike most audio equipment, the inputs and outputs on the Kilpatrick system are often designed to work all the way down to DC. The headphone and line out jacks are designed to block DC.

The Kilpatrick system uses four types of jacks which are colour coded to make them easy to distinguish:

• CV / Audio Output - GRAY - Control voltages and audio signals come out of gray jacks. These are normally in the range of -5V to +5V. Most outputs are fed through 1K resistors to make them protected from short circuits. The exception is pitch outputs from MIDI to CV converters, which are fed through 100 ohm resistors to provide better tuning accuracy. You should avoid shorting outputs to the chassis or external equipment.
• CV / Audio Input - BLACK - Control voltages and audio signals go into black jacks. All black inputs have an input resistance of 20K-50K, with the exception being oscillator pitch inputs which have an input resistance of 100K.
• Pulse and Gate Output - RED - Pulse, gate and clock outputs and various other digital type of signals come out of red jacks. These are nominally +5V when on, and 0V when off. They are all fed out through 1K resistors. Pulse and gate output signals can be fed into CV or audio inputs, but the signal will only change from the mid point to the maximum value when the output turns on and off.
• Pulse and Gate Inputs - WHITE - Pulse, gate and clock inputs go into white jacks. These type of inputs have a resistance of 20K and generally detect any voltage greater than about +1V. Some inputs like oscillator sync inputs might require a fast-changing signal like a ramp or pulse wave to trigger. Any range of input voltage can be input to these jacks making it possible to trigger this type of input from an audio or CV signal.

Warning: The only thing to keep in mind when patching is that outputs should not connect to other outputs. Although it may be possible to connect two outputs together to achieve passive mixing, it is not recommended to do this as it can overload the outputs and may cause damage to the module.

---

Enclosure and Module Installation

Enclosure Setup

The smallest size of one module is called a space and occupies a quarter rack width. Larger modules may occupy two or more spaces. An enclosure generally provides four spaces and fits into a 19" equipment rack. Other sizes such as five or six spaces can be custom ordered. Rack ears are used for rack mounting, and stacking brackets are used to attach two enclosures together for table-top use.

Enclosures can be ordered as active or passive. Active enclosures take power from an external power supply and generate power for modules internally. Passive enclosures take power from an active enclosure to add additional modules to the same power supply. An active enclosure can power approximately 8-12 modules.

When using multiple active enclosures together in the same system it is necessary to connect a ground cable between systems. Banana sockets are provided on each enclosure for this purpose. Connect a short banana cable between the systems and always ensure it is in place before powering up your system. Only connect one of the enclosures to external equipment such as mixers or amplifiers to prevent ground loops.

Power Supply

The Kilpatrick format system uses a single 15V regulated switching power supply to feed the system. The power input is located on the back of an active enclosure. Only use the included 15V regulated power supply for powering the system. Use of other types of power supplies could damage the system.

Module Installation

Modules use a plug-and-play system and requires no internal cables. A single captive screw is used to secure the module to the enclosure. Never install or remove modules with power applied!

To remove a module:

• Power down the system
• Loosen the captive screw with the included 2.5mm hex key
• Plug a banana cable into two jacks near the top or bottom of the module
• Grip the banana plugs and gently pull the unit out at one end
• Gently lift the module up out of the enclosure until the internal connectors are completely unplugged

To install a module:

• Power down the system
• Set the module into the internal connectors and make sure the module is aligned correctly in the enclosure
• Gently press straight down to seat the module in the enclosure
• Use the included 2.5mm hex key and turn the captive screw counter-clockwise until a small click is heard
• Turn the captive screw clockwise until it is finger tight - Do not over-tighten the screw or you could damage the module

---

Patch Cables

All patch cables used in the Kilpatrick system are of the 4mm banana type. We supply an assortment of colours and lengths with each new system and can offer additional cables upon request. All patch cables supplied are high quality Pomona brand B-type stacking banana cables. We use only Emerson Johnson banana jacks on modules. This combination provides very solid connections, and the stacking function is incredibly useful. Even if plugs are not inserted all the way they can still make excellent contact, making it easy to try out patch ideas just by touching the plug to various points in the system.

---

Modules

MIDI Interface Section

The K1 also contains a small but useful MIDI to CV converter. Built on the success of the K1600 MIDI Interface, the MIDI to CV converter on the K1 supports a number of useful MIDI to voltage conversions, plus a MIDI THRU jack for daisy-chaining. Outputs can be assigned to note, control change and pitch bend messages. Note playing modes include single (mono) mode, split keyboard mode, two-voice polyphonic mode, which is expandable up to 16 voices with additional modules, Arp Odyssey-style duo-phonic mode, and single (mono) mode with velocity output on the second CV output jack.

Outputs are programmed by pressing the SET button to select the output mode to program and then sending a MIDI message to the unit. The MIDI channel, output type and other parameters are stored automatically in the module and restored at power-on.

Mixer Interface Connections and Controls

Mixer Section

Audio signals are input on IN jacks 1-5. Jacks 1 and 2 are a stereo pair and automatically wired to output to L and R respectively. Jacks 3, 4 and 5 are mono inputs.

LEVEL 1/2 controls the input level of the stereo input. LEVEL 3, 4 and 5 are used to control the input from the mono channels. Signal indicators on each channel light regardless of the level control setting. This can be used to detect if there is a signal present on an input without having to raise the input level.

Each input has an AUX control. AUX 1/2 sends a mix of inputs 1 and 2 to the AUX OUT jack. Each mono channel also has a AUX send which will send to the AUX OUT jack. Note that the AUX controls receive a signal after the input level adjustment. (post-fader) If you turn down an input level control the AUX control signal will also be turned down.

Channels 3, 4 and 5 support panning. Channels 3 and 4 have PAN controls which position the signal between the left and right channels on the output. Channel 5 contains a CV input instead of a panel control. Inputting a CV signal of between -5V and +5V will pan the signal from fully left to fully right.

The MASTER LEVEL control affects the output signal level on the L and R banana and minijacks. The PHONES LEVEL control affects the output level on the PHONES jack. Both output level controls work independently.

MIDI Interface Connections

The MIDI IN jack received MIDI signals from a keyboard or other equipment. Signals input to the MIDI IN jack are repeated on the MIDI THRU jack.

The CV / GATE jacks output a variable voltage (CV) and gate signal (GATE) in response to MIDI input signals. The CV and GATE jacks always operate together in pairs.

To set up the MIDI interface, press the SET button to select the correct programming mode by observing the GATE1 and GATE2 indicators. Then send the correct MIDI message to program the outputs. The settings are stored internally and restored when the module is powered on.

Note: Channel 16 is reserved and cannot be used for programming.

MIDI Setup Modes

The outputs are assigned by pressing the SET button until the correct GATE indicator flashing pattern is observed, and then sending a MIDI message to assign the outputs. The K1 automatically learns the MIDI channel and other parameters based on the setup mode. Press the SET button to cycle through the setup modes. If no MIDI message is detected within several seconds no change is made to the current setting.

Single (Mono) Mode - GATE 1 indicator flashes (CV1 / GATE1 assign) or GATE 2 indicator flashes (CV2 / GATE2 assign)

Single Mode provides monophonic playing on a single CV / GATE output pair. When programming, if you send a note message the MIDI channel will be set and pitch voltages will be output on the CV jack, and gate (note on/off) will be output on the GATE jack. Last-note priority is used and the last 8 notes pressed will be stored and recalled as notes are pressed and released.

If you send a CC message when programming, the sent CC number will be output as a variable voltage on the CV jack. The GATE jack will output an on/off signal based on whether the CC level is above or below 50%.

If you send a pitch bend message when programming the CV output jack will output a voltage corresponding to the pitch bender position, and the GATE output jack will be on if the bender is raised, or off otherwise. If you bend down instead of up during programming the polarity of the CV signal and GATE response level will be inverted.

Split Keyboard Mode - GATE 1 and 2 indicators flash alternating

In split keyboard mode both pairs of CV / GATE jacks work together to provide a dual monophonic setup on the same MIDI channel. The note sent to program determines the lowest note of the upper half (CV 2 / GATE 2) of the keyboard. Last-note priority is used and the last 8 notes pressed on each half of the keyboard will be stored and recalled as notes are pressed and released.

Polyphonic Mode - GATE 1 and 2 indicators flash together

Polyphonic mode makes it possible to play more than one note at a time and have voices automatically assigned to different outputs as in a polyphonic synthesizer. Multiple K1 units (theoretically up to 8) can be used together for up to 16 voices of polyphony. Practically speaking 4-6 is probably the maximum number which is reasonable.

While programming, the key pressed sets the voice unit number. This tells the K1 which pair of voices it is responsible for playing. Press the white keys from C4 (middle C) to C5 to assign voice unit 1-8. Always start with voice unit 1 and add more units depending on the number of K1s you are using.

Voice unit 1 will produce voices 1 and 2. Voice unit 2 will produce voices 3 and 4, and so on. As you hold down more keys more voices will be assigned. Releasing a key will free up a lower numbered slot and the next key pressed will produce an output on this free voice.

Arp Mode - GATE 1 indicator flashes and then GATE 2 indicator comes on

Arp mode emulates the duo-phonic behaviour of the Arp Odyssey synthesizer and offers a nice combination of mono and poly playing with only two oscillators. When a single note is being played both CV and GATE output pairs will play in unison. Due to small analog variations in the CV output and oscillators, a rich chorused sound will be heard when playing a single note at a time. When a second note is pressed the CV 2 / GATE 2 pair will split off and play the second note. If additional notes are played, monophonic last-note priority is applied to the second voice while CV 1 / GATE 1 hold the first note pressed down.

Velocity Mode - GATE 1 indicator flashes and then GATE 2 indicator fades up

Velocity mode offers monophonic playing with last-note priority on CV 1 / GATE 1 while the velocity of each last note played is output as variable voltage on CV 2. This allows expressive playing on a touch-sensitive keyboard. The velocity voltage can be used in all kinds of ways: adjust the volume, affect the speed of an LFO or filter cutoff frequency, etc.

Pitch Bend Range

When in a note mode the pitch bend range of CV1 or CV2 can be adjusted. Send a MIDI program change on either CV1 or CV2 assigned channels to adjust the bend range from 1 to 12 semitones. Program change 1-12 selects bend range of 1-12 semitones for CV1. Program change 13-24 selects bend range of 1-12 semitones on CV2. Pitch bend range for CV2 is only used in single mode.

Direct Control Mode (Channel 16 Only)

The Direct Control Mode on channel 16 uses continuous controller messages to control any of the outputs. This includes the ability to set the CV outputs to any voltage, as well as the ability to turn on or off the GATE outputs.

Direct Control Mode CC	Action
CV1 DAC: 16 (MSB), 48 (LSB) CV2 DAC: 17 (MSB), 49 (LSB)	CV1 / CV2 DAC Control: Use the MSB and LSB bytes to set 12 bits of resolution. MSB = top 7 bits (right justified) LSB = lower 5 bits (left justified) Value 0 = lowest output voltage Value 4095 = highest output voltage
GATE1: 18 GATE2: 19	Control of gate outputs: Value 0-63 = off Value 64-127 = on

SYSEX Messages

System Exclusive (SYSEX) messages are used by Kilpatrick Audio modules for vendor-specific commands that are not part of the MIDI spec. The K1 MIDI interface channel and mode assignments can be sent in a single SYSEX message. This can be used by sequencing software to reset the interface to a known setting when loading a song.

SYSEX packet format:

0xf0 0x00 0x01 0x72 0x43 0x02 [11 setting bytes] 0xf7

The meaning of the 11 setting bytes are as follows:

Byte Number / Meaning	Values
Byte 1 - CV1 Map	0 = unassigned 1 = note mode 2 = CC mode 3 = pitch bend mode
Byte 2 - CV2 Map	0 = unassigned 1 = note mode 2 = CC mode 3 = pitch bend mode
Byte 3 - CV1 Channel	0-14 = MIDI channel 1-15 (channel 16 reserved)
Byte 4 - CV2 Channel	0-14 = MIDI channel 1-15 (channel 16 reserved)
Byte 5 - CV1 Value	CC mode: controller number (0-121) pitch bend mode: 1 = normal, 0 = inverted
Byte 6 - CV2 Value	CC mode: controller number (0-121) pitch bend mode: 1 = normal, 0 = inverted
Byte 7 - Voice Mode	0 = single 1 = split 2 = poly 3 = arp 4 = velocity
Byte 8 - Voice Split	split voice mode split point: note number
Byte 9 - Voice Unit	polyphonic voice mode unit number: 0-7 = unit 1-8
Byte 10 - Voice Bend CV1	CV1 bend amount: 1-12 = 1-12 semitones
Byte 11 - Voice Bend CV2	CV1 bend amount: 1-12 = 1-12 semitones

Oscillator Connections and Controls

Oscillator Core and Tuning

The oscillator core is an analog sawtooth core. Tuning is affected by the COARSE and FINE tuning controls. If the RANGE switch is in the OFFSET position the RANGE OFFSET control acts as a second COARSE tuning control, allowing the main tuning range to be shifted up or down by a significant amount.

The V/OCT input provides a calibrated 1V/octave control over oscillator pitch. The EXP FM IN provides exponential FM control of pitch. The EXP FM DEPTH control affects the scaling of the input and can be set to either + or - so that the input signal can be inverted. (increasing voltage causes decreasing pitch) The LIN FM IN and LIN FM DEPTH control works similarly except that the pitch change is linear with input voltage instead of exponential.

Inputting a fast-changing waveform like a pulse wave into the SYNC input will reset the oscillator core to the starting position. This can be used to create unusual timbres by driving it from a second oscillator.

PWM Section

The PWM section generates the PULSE output. The PWM OFFSET control selects the duty cycle of the pulse waveform. PWM IN and PWM DEPTH allow voltage control of the pulse duty cycle.

Waveshaper Outputs

The signal from the oscillator core is processed by various analog waveshaping sections before being output on the four main output jacks. The nominal output level is 10Vp-p except the pulse output which is intentionally slightly lower in amplitude. The jacks output the following signals:

• RAMP OUT - A processed version of the internal ramp signal from the oscillator core comes out of the RAMP OUT jack.
• TRIANGLE OUT - The triangle signal is generated from the ramp signal using an analog waveshaper. This signal comes out of the TRIANGLE OUT jack.
• SINE OUT - A smoothed version of the triangle signal is produced to be somewhat sine-like. It is not a low-distortion sine wave, but has a soft and interesting character.
• PULSE OUT - The PULSE OUT jack outputs the signal from the PWM section described above.

Blend Section

Each of the waveshaped outputs is fed into the blend section where they can be mixed to generate more complex waveshapes. Two controls choose a blend of sine and ramp waves, and triangle and pulse waves respectively. These two signals are sent into a voltage-controlled blending circuit which can fade between each signal manually by using the BLEND MIX control or by inputting a voltage into the BLEND CV IN jack. The BLEND OUT jack outputs the final blended signal.

Digital Effects Connections and Controls

Reverb / Delay

Audio is fed into the reverb / delay section through the IN jack. The IN LEVEL control affects the input signal, and the CLIP indicator will blink if the digital signal path is overloaded. The REVERB MIX, DELAY MIX and DELAY TIME controls affect the currently selected reverb and delay programs. The DELAY TIME CV IN jack allows the DELAY TIME control to be adjusted with a control voltage. A stereo output is generated on the L and R OUTS jacks.

The reverb and delay programs are selected together by using the PROGRAM control. This control is used for selecting programs for both parts of the module. Click the program control until the REV and DEL indicators are flashing and then turn it to select a combination of reverb and delay programs. There are two reverb programs and three delay programs. The third delay program is shown by lighting both DEL 1 and DEL 2 indicators.

A pulse input to the PROG A jack will step through the reverb / delay programs.

ITTI BITTI

The ITTI BITTI section performs 12 bit audio or control voltage processing using one of four algorithms. There are two inputs. The main signal is fed into the SIG IN jack, and the level is controlled by the SIG LEVEL control. The output is sent out of the SIG OUT jack.

Each effect has two parameters which can control the effect response in real-time. The PARAM 1 control is manually adjusted. The PARAM 2 control has a manual adjustment, but can also be controlled by a voltage input into the PARAM 2 CV IN jack. The input level is controlled by the PARAM 2 CV LEVEL control.

A pulse input to the PROG B jack will cycle through ITTI BITTI programs.

Effect Programs:

The ITTI BITTI effects and parameters are as follows:

• MULT - Multiplies SIG IN by PARAM 2, which can be either positive or negative. The PARAM 1 control adds a DC offset to the signal. The PARAM 2 control or CV IN can be used to amplitude modulate the SIG IN signal for digital ring modulation or VCA-like effects.
• S/H - Sample and hold offers sample-rate and bit depth reduction. The PARAM 1 control adjusts the bit depth from 12 bits down to 1 bit. The PARAM 2 control or CV IN adjusts the sample-rate from the maximum rate of approx. 29.7kHz down to less than 1kHz.
• FOLD - Fold offers digital wavefolding by applying non-linear transformations to the signal at different thresholds. The PARAM 1 control affects the overall wave folding shape, and PARAM 2 control or CV IN affects the drive level, which changes how hard the input signal hits the wave folding effect.
• DIST - Dist offers digital distortion by directly manipulating the bits that represent the signal waveform. The PARAM 1 control chooses which distortion shape is used. The PARAM 2 control or CV input affects the drive level, which changes how hard the input signal hits the distortion effect.

External Sample Clock

Normally the sample clock for the ITTI BITTI is generated internally at approx. 29.7kHz. However external clock pulses can be input into the SAMPLE CLOCK IN jack to drive the internal processing at an arbitrary rate. The minimum sample frequency is 1 pulse every 30 seconds or less, and the maximum frequency is approximately 30kHz. Once a pulse is received the external clock mode will be activated and the indicator next to the SAMPLE CLOCK IN jack will light. If no clock pulse is received for more than 30 seconds, the internal clock will be reactivated automatically.

Envelope Modulator Connections and Controls

Envelope Generator Section

The envelope generators are labeled 1 and 2. Both envelope generator sections are identical and can operate in one of three modes as set by the MODE switch: attack / hold / release, attack / release, and auto-repeat. The signal on the OUT jack normally sits at the minimum level (-5V) and ramps up to the maximum voltage (+5V) when the envelope is triggered. The UP TIME control affects the time taken to ramp up to the maximum level. The DOWN TIME control affects the time taken to ramp back down to the minimum level. The time range on both controls is approx. 1 millisecond to 10 seconds. The UP CV IN and DOWN CV IN jacks can adjust the up or down times under voltage control. During the release phase the CYCLE jack will turn on. Both the GATE IN and adjacent trigger button cause the envelope generator to operate.

The envelope modes work as follows:

• ATTACK / HOLD / RELEASE - A gate signal will cause the output to ramp up while the gate is held down. Once the maximum value is reached the output is held at this level as long as the gate is on. When the gate is released the signal ramps down. The output ramps up and down in response to the gate signal.
• ATTACK / RELEASE - A gate signal will cause the output to ramp up and then down, completing an entire cycle regardless of the gate level. This can be used to extend the length of a short pulse or produce percussive envelopes.
• AUTO-REPEAT - When this mode is first selected the output will begin to ramp up and down, repeating automatically. This can be used as an LFO with separately adjustable up and down times. If a gate signal is input the auto-repeat mode will change to a momentary behaviour. When the gate is subsequently triggered the envelope will ramp up and down a minimum of one time. (like ATTACK / RELEASE mode) If the gate is continuously held the envelope will continue auto-repeating.

LFO Section

The LFO units are labeled 3 and 4. The LFO section contains two identical LFO units, except for the PHASE control which is only available on channel 4.

An LFO is always operating and normally generates triangle waves. The SPEED control adjusts the LFO speed from 1 cycle ever 60 seconds, to about 40Hz. The SPEED CV IN jack allows voltage control of the speed. The GAIN control adjusts the output signal amplitude from about 10% to 100% amplitude. Increasing the GAIN control fully clockwise will cause the output to generate clipped waves that quickly switch between minimum and maximum values.

The SYNC switch allows both LFO channels to output the same frequency as controlled by either LFO channel 3 or 4. In this case the PHASE control allows both outputs to generate the same frequency but allows the phase of channel 4 to be adjusted from -180 to +180 degrees relative to channel 3.

Filter Amp Connections and Controls

Four identical sections are marked 1, 2, 3 and 4. The basic connection is to feed an audio or CV signal into the IN jack on a channel and then obtain one or both of the AMP or LPF output signals. The LEVEL control will simultaneously open and close the VCA and also move the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter up and down. The LPF output can be used as a low-pass gate by allowing the cutoff frequency to go all the way down to below the audio range.

The CV IN jack allows control voltages to be input. These are normally in the range if -5V to +5V and the LEVEL control can be used to adjust the offset of the input signal. For some types of effects it might be desirable to input a smaller amplitude signal if the range of control is too wide.

For the low-pass filter, the resonance control is used to adjust how much feedback exists within the filter circuit. The minimum setting has slight amount of peaking around the cutoff frequency, for an interesting yet fairly mild effect. The maximum resonance setting creates extreme oscillations on the edges of fast changing waveforms such as ramp or pulse type waveforms. The output amplitude on the LPF jack is lower than the AMP output jack to allow more headroom at high resonance settings.

Buffered Mixers with Gain

There are four buffered mixers with gain controls. Each mixer has two buffered inputs labeled INS. The GAIN control adjusts the gain from 0-2x. Both normal (+) and inverted (-) outputs are driven at the same time. A bi-colour LED shows the signal level and polarity of the normal output.

Simple Buffered Mixers

There are two simply buffered mixers. These are used to mix two signals together properly. A single output (OUT) provides the sum of both inputs. (INS) A bi-colour LED shows the signal level and polarity of the output.

Source Selector

The source selector can select or swap signals. Two inputs (IN A and IN B) and two outputs (OUT A and OUT B) are either connected A->A, B->B or A->B, B->A depending on the setting of the switch or SEL input. When the switch is in the A-A mode, the inputs and outputs are patched A->A, B->B. When the switch is in the A-B mode, the inputs and outputs are patched A->B, B->A. When the switch is in the CV mode, the inputs are patched A->A, B->B unless a voltage is presented on the SEL input. Any voltage more than about +1.2V will cause the outputs to be swapped.

Dual Voltage Source

Sometimes it's nice to have a manually controlled source of voltages. Two pots labeled VOLTS are used to select a voltage from about -5V to +5V. The centre position is 0V. The voltages are output on the adjacent jacks labeled OUT.

Run Control

The sequencer does not have a built-in clock. You can patch the PULSE output into the CLOCK input for totally wacky performances, but if you want constant step speed use a source of pulses or square waves for the most accurate triggering. When the RUN/STOP switch is set to RUN the sequencer will accept clock input. When set to STOP the clock is ignored. The RUN/STOP jack will start the sequencer when a positive voltage is input. When the RUN/STOP switch is in the RUN setting, the jack will have no effect.

The step direction is set with the DIRECTION switch. NORMAL runs forward, and FLIP runs backwards. If a positive voltage is input to the DIRECTION jack, the direction is reversed from the switch setting. The up and down LEDs show the current direction.

The RESET jack and small adjacent pushbutton is used to reset the sequencer playback to just before the first step. The next clock pulse issued will start the sequencer at the first or last step depending on the current step direction.

MODE and EDIT

The MODE switch is used to select whether the level of each step is seeded from the random number source, or looped from the internal RAM. When in SEED mode as each step is taken the value of that step is replaced with a new random number. When the LOOP mode is used, the previously set or seeded steps are used when each step is taken.

The edit functions allow the actual step levels to be edited, as well as the ability to select preloaded scales and rhythms for playback. Click the EDIT knob to cycle through the edit modes. The STEP mode is used to select one of 32 steps to edit. The LEVEL mode is used to adjust the level of the previously chosen step. Once editing a step or level the editing function will toggle back and forth between these. To access the SCALE and RHYTHM functions you must let the edit mode time, which takes about 5 seconds.

Note: Edit functions are not stored when the power is removed.

The SCALE mode allows the selection of different scales. The levels are normally quantized to semitones, but choosing a different scale will shift the notes down to the nearest scale member to create other tonalities, regardless of the level of the step in memory. The available scales are:

1. Chromatic
2. Major
3. Natural Minor
4. Harmonic Minor
5. Dorian
6. Major Pentatonic
7. Minor Pentatonic
8. Egyptian
9. Man Gong
10. Ritusen

The RHYTHM mode allows steps to be played back with a rhythmic element by ignoring some clock pulses. There are 64 different rhythms. Rhythms are repeated every 8 steps.

Sequence Playback Controls

The SEQ LEN pot controls the length of the sequence from 1 to 32 steps. The associated SEQ LEN CV IN jack offsets the SEQ LEN pot and allows voltage control over the sequence length.

The SEQ START pot changes the starting position of the sequence from between 1 and 32. By adjusting the SEQ START and SEQ LEN together, small ranges of steps can be chosen in real time. The SEQ START CV IN jack offsets the SEQ START pot and allows voltage control over the sequence start.

The SPREAD pot affects the range of output voltages produced on the VOLTAGE jack. Reducing the spread will shift up or down levels which are outside this range. These are shifted by octaves if the spread is greater than 12, and by smaller intervals as the spread is reduced to 0. The SPREAD CV IN jack offsets the SPREAD pot and allows voltage control over the spread.

The VOLTAGE SLEW pot affects how the rate of change of voltage between steps. This can be used to create a portamento effect, or generate wandering voltages that are continuously changing. The setting affects the rate not the speed, so longer jumps between steps will take longer.

The GATE LEN pot affects the length of the gates issued at the start of each step. The lengths are set in time so changes in the clock input rate will not change the gate length. Gates can be as short as 1 millisecond or as long as 9 seconds.

Pulse Generator

The pulse generator produces random pulses when the sequencer is running. The PULSE DENSITY pot affects relatively how often pulses are produced. The DENSITY CV IN jack offsets the PULSE DENSITY pot and allows voltage control over the density.

Analog Noise Source

The analog noise source section of the module produces white noise internally using a transistor noise source which is amplified and filtered to provide one of three kinds of noise at the output. The NOISE TYPE switch selects the kind of noise generated at the output. The white noise setting provides a flat noise spectrum. The blue setting provides noise that rises 3dB per octave and contains mostly high frequencies. The pink setting provides noise that falls at 3dB per octave and has a musically smooth frequency response. The NOISE LEVEL pot controls the output level at the NOISE output jack.

Envelope Follower

The envelope follower can track audio signals and provide an average level output signal which can be used to convert volume information into control voltages. This can be used to track the level of microphone or guitar signals, or to make pulses and gates from drum machine outputs for synchronization purposes.

The INS are used to feed a signal in. It is recommended to only one one input at a time. The HIGH input takes signals from other high-level synth modules. The LOW input takes signals via a mono 3.5mm minijack input. This can be used to track line level signals from external equipment.

The FOLLOW IN LEVEL sets sensitivity of the input. The SMOOTHING control affects how fast the envelope follower reacts to changes at the input. At the lowest setting the follower will track the actual waveforms of some bass signals. At the slowest setting it may take many seconds for the output to reach the peak input.

The ENVELOPE outputs (+ and -) output the tracked envelope signal with both normal (+) and inverted (-) versions available at the same time. The GATE output turns on when the envelope is above a preset threshold. The PULSE output pulses when the envelope exceeds a preset threshold. By adjusting the controls these can be made to track percussion signals for use as a clock or trigger signal.

The RETRIG IN jack will accept a rising-edge pulse and cause the envelope to be retriggered immediately back to the ATTACK phase.

ADSR Controls and Voltage Inputs

The ATTACK, DECAY and RELEASE controls affect the slope times in each of the phases. The SUSTAIN control affects the sustain level. Each of the A, D, S and R phases has a voltage input which will add or subtract from the current setting. Additionally an LED over each CV IN jack shows if the particular phase is active.

PEAK Control and Voltage Input

The PEAK control allows the overall size of the envelope to be adjusted. It is a real-time control that alters the maximum peak size, but also scales the entire output so that velocity-sensitive playing or real-time adjustment is possible. The PEAK CV IN jack accents a voltage which is used to add or subtract from the current PEAK setting.

SHAPE Control

When the SHAPE control is in the centre position linear ramps are generated. When coupled with the K5 Filter Amp this will produce proper VCA or filter control. If the SHAPE control is turned up, the linear ramps will be bent into a more logarithmic shape, spending more time at higher voltages. When turned down, an exponential shape will be generated, making short fast peaks.