Can we talk about modular synths?

[oscillateur]

It's far from a perfect solution but do you have any oscillator that has an exponential CV input other than the usual v/oct, ideally with an attenuator ?

If so, try setting it so that it responds to what the controller sends, i.e. 0V -> tune the oscillator to C, then a few semitones up -> tweak the knob so that the oscillator is in tune. If after that all the other notes are in tune then it's probably what other people meant, i.e. not really 1v/oct.

Which would be weird as fuck as a default "feature" and probably means that the controller needs to be calibrated.

[Ruiner]

It's far from a perfect solution but do you have any oscillator that has an exponential CV input other than the usual v/oct, ideally with an attenuator ?

If so, try setting it so that it responds to what the controller sends, i.e. 0V -> tune the oscillator to C, then a few semitones up -> tweak the knob so that the oscillator is in tune. If after that all the other notes are in tune then it's probably what other people meant, i.e. not really 1v/oct.

Which would be weird as fuck as a default "feature" and probably means that the controller needs to be calibrated.

Pretty sure all my VCOs just have the standard 1v/oct

Mutable Instruments Braids
2hp VCO
Instruo Troika

and other things i wanted to use with it like
Mutable Instruments Elements
Intellijel Plonk

I know you can create sine waves by sending filters into self oscillation but i think all those have 1v/oct inputs as well.

[coldbrightsunlight]

If you run it into a vca and amplify x1.03 and then tune it should be closeish to 1v/oct but I'd be surprised if you can make it seriously accurate using that method due to the resolution of vca controls and error, drift etc

Worth a try though

[Ruiner]

Seems like there are some work arounds to try out... but i'm mainly interested in knowing if this is supposed to be 1v/oct and if so, does it need to be calibrated and if not, what VCO can i use that can get the tuning to track correctly on the keyboard?

[D.o.S.]

Also is it off by the same amount between all of the octaves?

I'll have to take a closer look at that on my lunch break.

from manual:

Three 3.5mm sockets output 0V to +3.89V. This represents the 48-key range C-B.

1/12 *48 = 4

are you sure it's calibrated for 1v/oct? stuff like the moog slim phatty is like 0.97-98v/oct, maybe it's calibrated for that.

It sounds like it's actually outputting less than 1v/oct.

to support my claim with (more) maths:

0.97/12 * 48 = 3.88

[Ruiner]

Also is it off by the same amount between all of the octaves?

I'll have to take a closer look at that on my lunch break.

from manual:

Three 3.5mm sockets output 0V to +3.89V. This represents the 48-key range C-B.

1/12 *48 = 4

are you sure it's calibrated for 1v/oct? stuff like the moog slim phatty is like 0.97-98v/oct, maybe it's calibrated for that.

It sounds like it's actually outputting less than 1v/oct.

to support my claim with (more) maths:

0.97/12 * 48 = 3.88

Yeah i saw that. So if that's the case. What kind of VCO would be able to track correctly for this?

[Ruiner]

I contacted SwitchedOn locally since they have had one in their possession before and this is what they said:

"The FC should be tuned to send 1v/oct CV control. If you've tried controlling different VCO's it may be that that controller needs to be calibrated. I would contact Analogue Systems for their advice on that.

In the short term, It would be easier to simply put an attenuator between the FC and your VCO CV input. This may help but is not a terribly precise method and you may end up with other tuning variances along the way. I hope this helps. Thanks for getting in touch!"

[behndy]

fuckkkkk. that sucks. i hope it's an easy calibration and that's the solution.

maybe hit up this guy?

http://www.vintagesynthmuseum.com/VSM_Home.html

Dusty and i hung out and played with all his bits (giggety) a few months back, the guy knows his STUFF. and has done loads of Buy The Old School Pimperish Boxes Cheap, Send To My Repair Guy, Have ALL THE SEXY TOYS work.

it's a flyer, but he might gave experience with them?

[Jwar]

(also lol, the company jwar etches shit for is analog systems. the company that built that is called analogue systems)

That's an odd coincidence.

I bet my dude would make something like this. I'll have to ask him. It'd be expensive as fuck though.

[Ruiner]

Ok, so i took a video of me trying to work with it so you all can see the scale issue

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVfbSb2CKh8[/youtube]

If it's not a calibration issue and that's just the way it's scaled, that's fine... but people play with these in tune so still trying to understand what VCO would work properly with it so i can get one rather than trying to use attenuation and having it not be accurate.

(sent an email to analogue systems as well)

[Jwar]

Let us know what they say! I have no idea how to use one of these because I'm like mega stupid or whatever, but I'm interested.

[Jwar]

Let us know what they say! I have no idea how to use one of these because I'm like mega stupid or whatever, but I'm interested.

You're not even close to stupid, you're just extremely impulsive, which can be a pretty rad thing.

So, flattering aside, do you etch modular panels?

Absolutely I do! If they are anodized, which apparently most are, I can do it. Or if they are wood, or plastic. Whatever.

It won't have depth unless it's a plastic or wood though. However you can put some gnarly art on there.

[Ruiner]

Also, forgot my O'Tools Plus can measure the voltage so i'll be checking that when i get home.

Here is what i found out as seen in that video as far as what it's doing:

I take the CV out from FC and put it into the 1v/oct input on the VCO the output instantly goes from C4 to just under E5. I hold down middle C and it's E5. I then tune the VCO while holding the middle C to C4. If i hit the D key next to it the output is a sharp C#4 (+30). E key is a flat D#4 (-40). F key is a sharp D#4 (+30). G key is a flat F4 (-40). A key is a slightly flat F#4 (-5). B key is a sharp G4 (+25). Next octave C is a flat G#4 (-10). Using an O'Tool to read the tuning. So from C4 which is 261.78 Hz to the next octave C which is 413.65 Hz.

Talking with the place i bought it from and they said the girl who calibrated it should be back in an hour and she's going to try to assist me.

Talking with Analogue Systems as well and he says it should be tracking 1v/oct. Just sent him that info above and waiting to see what he says.

[Ruiner]

I'm sure it can be fixed either way but 3.88 volt for 48 semitones is still not 1v/oct.

I don't believe in math.

[$harkToootth]

I'm sure it can be fixed either way but 3.88 volt for 48 semitones is still not 1v/oct.

It's the ol'hook hand round up. Everybody in the modular world knows about this .
I'll let you off the hook this time .