De Modules Notes

Wiard 300 Model 331 Envelator[modifier]

tips and tricks[modifier]

1. Exploring what the module can do in the sense of a traditional modules. That is, exploring the tone colors of the VCO, Envelator as ADSR and so on.

2. Exploring the axilliary modules within the enclosure. Discovering the VCA and envelope/slew in the classic VCO for example. Using them to do things like dynamic depth linear FM or as an additional attenuator for FC.

3. Discovering the strange modes of operation. Like using the Envelators at audio rates for chaos generation, using the Mixolators as balanced modulators, switching ranges to "Low" and exploring the outer edges of the functions.

4. Simple modifications. The multiple jacks labeled A,B,C,D at the bottom of the modules are only connected by solder bridges. This can be easily removed and the jacks connected to internal points on the modules. For example adding the external bank select and the second VCA input on the Wavefrom City.

5. Complex modifications. Every stage in each modules has a test point which can be used to patch out the module. Each module could support 50 jacks, but you would need the intelligence of a Martian to use them. None the less, the idea of "circuit bending" the modules themselves has been built into the design.

6. Normalizing into virtual instruments. After you have discovered what you like about the modules, you can permanently normalize them using the exposed points on the jack boards.

7. The one the customers find that I did not think of...

From Yahoo List by Grant Richter


OK Envelator tips and tricks![modifier]

Since there are two envelators I will use 1 on the left and 2 on the right. It doesn't matter though.

1. Shorting OUT+ of 1 to OUT+ of 2 in cycle mode will make the Envelators alternate. This is the same as patching END1 to GATE2 and END2 to GATE1.

2. Shorting SQR1 to SQR2 will produce hard synch in cycle mode. You can also run an external oscillator into the SQR output to produce hard synch.

3. Use the mixer at the bottom as a logic inverter to get quadrature operation like the Buchla. Patch SQR1 to MIXMOD input and set the MIXMOD control to max. Set MIX to minimum. Put a dummy plug in MIX2. Route 10 volts from a Joystick set to maximum to MIX1. The MIX output is now the inverted version of SQR1. If you route that to GATE2, the second envelator will start it's attack exactly when the first envelator finishes it's attack and enters decay phase.

4. For chaotic function generation, patch AMOD1 and DMOD1 to OUT+2 and/or OUT-2. The patch AMOD2 and DMOD2 to the outputs of envelator 1. Put both in cycle mode. This is the classic "tail chasing" oscillators that was used in the original demonstration of chaotic systems. Listen at the MIX ouput. You will have to set both attack and decay controls to less than maximum. Try various settings of A,D,AMOD and DMOD for different effects.


Envelator Mix module logic and quadrature mode[modifier]

OK, one of the original functions of the SQR output on the Envelator was to act as mono-stable for making a gated ADSR envelope. That is if you have two Envelator modules, you can set up one as an ADSR and another as a monstable, this will give you a fixed gate time and allow you to "loop" an ADSR with the end pulse.

The polarity is wrong for using it in quadrature mode, SQR goes high and stays high as long as the Envelator is in the Attack portion of the envelope. For quadrature, you need the inverse.

You can use the cossfader on the bottom as a logic inverter to get the correct polarity. Here is how:

1. Put a dummy plug into the Mix2 input (disconnect Env 2 output) 2. Route a +10 volt signal to the Mix 1 input (a joystick all the way up will work) 3. Route the Env 1 SQR signal to the Mix Mod input (mixture modulation) 4. Set the MixMod control to max and Mix control to min 5. Route the Mix output to the gate input of Env 2

Now Env 2 will start it's attack phase as soon as Env 1 completes it's attack phase, also called quadrature mode. Route Env 2 END pulse to Env 1 GATE input to make a quadrature LFO.

How does it work? When MixMod is at zero volts, Mix1 is routed to the Mix ouput, and it is at +10 volts. When MixMod is at +10 volts it is routing Mix2 to the Mix output, which is at zero volts - hence an inverter.

If you think about it, the Mix section on the Envelator can be used for logic functions, AND would be MixMod at +10 AND Mix2 at +10, otherwise the output is zero.

The input thresholds of gate inputs on the system are set to +1.5 volts so you can interface to +5 volts systems like Kenton and Roland rhythm boxes. So with the MIX control set to the center, with +10 volts at Mix1 OR Mix2, +5 volts will be output from the MIX output. Because the gate threshold is at +1.5 volts, it will behave like an OR gate.