WebModular

WebModular

A Modular Synthesizer consist of individual function modules they are not connected each other in default. You should make a patch properly for getting sounds using patch cables. Here is a document about each module of the WebModular.

VCO

VCO is a oscillator for sound source. The 'Out' jack continuously output the wave signal specified with waveform and pitch controls.

Three 'Mod' jacks and sliders are for modulating the oscillator pitch. Usually, one 'Mod' jack is connected to the keyboard 'CV' and the slider is set to max for getting corresponding note.

Switches and knobs are for octave selection (-2 to +2), waveform selection (3 types) and pitch control (outer ring is semitone step and inner knob is up-to semitone).

The 'Pwm' jack and two sliders are for control the duty cycle of the waveform. The 'Man' slider manually settle the duty cycle and the jack and 'Pwm' slider control with the external signal for example the LFO output. (WebModular can control the duty cycle even if the waveform other than square wave is selected).

VCF

VCF is a filter module. In general, cascaded to VCO for making desired sound color.

Three jacks and sliders 'Sig 1-3' are signal inputs. 'Freq' for cutoff frequency and the 'Reso' is a resonance parameter.

Three jacks and sliders 'Mod 1-3' are modulation control inputs. In general, the 'CV' from the keyboard is connected to one of the Mod jacks same as VCO for making same tone color (= same harmonics) independent to the pitch.

VCA

VCA is an amplifier and the gain is defined with 'Mod' inputs. The Jacks and sliders 'Sig 1-3' are sound signal inputs and the 'Mod 1-3' are gain controls. Note that the Mod 1-3 are ADDED. For example, if the ENV and the LFO are connected to Mod 1 and 2, that cause sound leaks with LFO freq. VCA should be cascaded for ENV and for LFO if you want a tremolo effect.

ENV

Envelope Generator with four (Attack time, Decay time, Sustain level, Release time) parameters. Because the trigger input is not connected in default, usually the Keyboard's 'Gate' should be connected to 'Trig'.

Not only normal envelope signal output, but also support the negative envelope signal that may be used to pitch envelope or some other controls.

LFO

LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) is used for generating modulation signals for example vibrato or tremolo. Three types of waveform can be selectable. The frequency range is 0.1Hz to 100Hz.

Modulating VCO 'Mod' will cause a vibrato. If you intend to make a tremolo effect, you should use cascaded VCA (refer the VCA description).

LFO has two output signals, 1/1 and 1/10. These are just different about output level. Because the VCO modulation is very sensitive, probably the 1/10 output will fit to normal vibrato.

OUTPUTMIX

This is the final output mixer. All signals connected here will be output as sound signals.

RING / NOISE / SH

There are some special function modules.

RING

Ring Modulator. This module will multiply two input signals. The typical use of the ring modulator is multiplying detuned two VCO signals. This will generate complex harmonics and metallic bell sounds.

NOISE

Noise Generator. The output jack of the NOISE output continuous white noise. This may be use for mix with VCO tone or input to 'S&H' for making random note CV.

S&H

Sample&Hold module. This module will sample the value of 'In' signal when triggered, and hold that until next trigger. In typical use, input the NOISE signal and trigger with LFO. This configuration will make random value that will be changed by LFO period. This random value will be used for VCO modulation for making random note sequence.

KEYBOARD

The Keyboard has two output jacks. 'CV' (Control Voltage) represent the pitch, and usually be connected to VCO 'Mod'. Another one, the 'Gate' signal representing current key-press status is usually used for trigger of the ENV module.

The knob 'Glide' controls the rate of 'CV' changing.