Tuning

Oscillator Tuning ⚓︎

In all oscillator modules, tuning is affected by the main Tuning knob, the Fine and Hertz knobs, their respective modulation inputs, and the Pitch input.

In a typical usage scenario, you would only need to connect the Keyboard Pitch output to the oscillator Pitch input so that the oscillator tracks the note played on the MIDI controller or programmed in a DAW.

The Pitch input works at the 1V/octave standard, and is meant to be patched to a pitch signalfrom a Keyboard, Sequencer or Quantizer. Double-click on the jack to automatically connect it to the nearest Pitch output.

The Tuning knob adjusts the oscillator frequency when a 0V signal is detected on the Pitch input. As described in the Understanding Signals—Pitch section, a pitch of 0V represents middle C in standard tuning (MIDI 60, 261.63 Hz). The knob covers a range of ±5 octaves around middle C, and its modulation inputs allow correspondingly large swings in pitch. When a Tuning modulation input’s attenuverter is set to 100%, it tracks pitch at 1V/octave like the Pitch input.

When a fine tuning adjustment is required, use the Fine knob. Its whole range covers a single semitone, from -100 cents to +100 cents, centered at 0 cents. The associated modulation input are well suited to add a vibrato effect to the oscillator since it is calibrated to match the restricted range of the knob. Simply connect a LFO output and adjust the attenuverter to taste.

The Hertz knob is another fine-tune control that changes the frequency by a fixed amount of hertz. When using two VCOs at the same pitch, it can be interesting to slightly detune them with the Hertz knob. The effect will be more pronounced in the lower register where a few hertz can make a big difference in pitch, and less so in the upper register.

While adjusting the Tuning knob, three values are displayed:

• Oscillator frequency, in hertz.
• Guitar-style tuner that shows the note that is the closest to the current frequency. The > and < symbols on either side of the note give an idea how close the frequency is to the note. A note is well tuned when it looks like this: >C4<.
• Ratio between the current frequency and the pitch signal on the Pitch input. At 1:1, the oscillator will play the pitch corresponding to the voltage on the Pitch input. This can be useful for tuning FM patches.

These values are computed from the current position of the Tuning, Fine and Hertz knobs, and don’t take modulation inputs into account.

Filter Tuning ⚓︎

Most filter modules only offer a single tuning knob, usually labeled Cutoff or Frequency. It works exactly like the Tuning knob of an oscillator, but its initial value isn’t middle C. Double-clicking on that knob will automatically set it to middle C (261.63 Hz). Some filters may also provide a 1V/octave Pitch input or a Fine knob.

If the filter doesn’t have a Fine knob, fine-tuning is still possible by turning the knob while holding the Shift key.

If you want the filter frequency to perfectly track the keyboard pitch, connect the Keyboard Pitch to one of the filter’s Cutoff or Frequency modulation inputs, and set its attenuverter to 100%.