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Clavia Nord Modular V3 User Manual

Clavia nord modular v3: user guide
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NORD MODULAR V3.0
Table of contents
Table of contents
Table of contents
Table of contents
1. Introduction
1.
Introduction .........................................................
1.
1.
Introduction
Introduction
Welcome!
Welcome!
Welcome!
Welcome! ......................................................................................
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About the Nord Modular system ..............................................
About the Nord Modular system
About the Nord Modular system
About the Nord Modular system
About this manual
About this manual
About this manual ......................................................................
About this manual
Editor handling definitions in PC and Macintosh.....................................................................1
Reading the manual in Adobe Acrobat Reader..........................................................................2
Windows 95/98/NT4.0 and Mac OS 8.6
Windows 95/98/NT4.0 and Mac OS 8.6
Windows 95/98/NT4.0 and Mac OS 8.6.....................................
Windows 95/98/NT4.0 and Mac OS 8.6
Clavia on the Internet
Clavia on the Internet ...............................................................
Clavia on the Internet
Clavia on the Internet
2. Overview
2.
Overview ................................................................
2.
2.
Overview
Overview
Nord Modular Front panel .......................................................
Nord Modular Front panel
Nord Modular Front panel
Nord Modular Front panel
Left panel section......................................................................................................................3
Right panel section ...................................................................................................................3
Nord Modular Rear Panel
Nord Modular Rear Panel
Nord Modular Rear Panel
Nord Modular Rear Panel .........................................................
Nord Micro Modular Front panel ............................................
Nord Micro Modular Front panel
Nord Micro Modular Front panel
Nord Micro Modular Front panel
Nord Micro Modular Rear panel
Nord Micro Modular Rear panel ..............................................
Nord Micro Modular Rear panel
Nord Micro Modular Rear panel
3.
3. Getting started
Getting started ....................................................
3.
3.
Getting started
Getting started
Editor system requirements
Editor system requirements ......................................................
Editor system requirements
Editor system requirements
Installation of the Editor software .......................................
Installation of the Editor software
Installation of the Editor software
Installation of the Editor software
On PC......................................................................................................................................6
On Mac ....................................................................................................................................6
Starting up ..................................................................................
Starting up
Starting up
Starting up
USB MIDI interfaces................................................................................................................7
Multiport MIDI interfaces........................................................................................................7
Sound system............................................................................................................................8
Launching the Editor
Launching the Editor
Launching the Editor
Launching the Editor .................................................................
Help files in the PC version of the Editor .............................
Help files in the PC version of the Editor
Help files in the PC version of the Editor
Help files in the PC version of the Editor
Loading a patch from the internal memory
Loading a patch from the internal memory
Loading a patch from the internal memory
Loading a patch from the internal memory ...........................
Nord Modular ........................................................................................................................10
Micro Modular .......................................................................................................................11
Creating a patch from scratch
Creating a patch from scratch...............................................
Creating a patch from scratch
Creating a patch from scratch
Other useful functions ............................................................................................................17
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  • Page 1 Windows 95/98/NT4.0 and Mac OS 8.6 Windows 95/98/NT4.0 and Mac OS 8.6... Windows 95/98/NT4.0 and Mac OS 8.6 Windows 95/98/NT4.0 and Mac OS 8.6 Clavia on the Internet Clavia on the Internet ... Clavia on the Internet Clavia on the Internet 2. Overview Overview ...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Poly and Common Voice patch sections ... 43 The Mono parameter The Mono parameter... The Mono parameter The Mono parameter The KBT parameter ... The KBT parameter The KBT parameter The KBT parameter ... 19 ...19 ...28 ...37 ...42 ...44 ...45 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 3 NORD MODULAR V3.0 5. Panel reference Panel reference... Panel reference Panel reference Knobs and buttons of Nord Modular Knobs and buttons of Nord Modular Knobs and buttons of Nord Modular ... Knobs and buttons of Nord Modular Master Volume ...46 Panel Split ...46...
  • Page 4 Patch window popup ... 86 Module popup... 86 Parameter popup... 87 Cable popup ... 88 Computer keyboard short-cuts ... Computer keyboard short-cuts Computer keyboard short-cuts Computer keyboard short-cuts “Special functions” keys ... 89 The function keys ... 90 NORD MODULAR V3.0 ...85 ...89...
  • Page 5 NORD MODULAR V3.0 7. Module reference Module reference... Module reference Module reference In/Out group In/Out group In/Out group In/Out group ..93 Keyboard ...93 KeyboardPatch ...94 MIDIGlobal ...95 AudioIn ...96 PolyAreaIn...96 A word about the Output modules ...96 1 output...97 2 outputs ...97...
  • Page 6 Ring-/Amplitude modulator patch example ... 149 X-Fade ... 149 Pan ... 150 1To2Fade ... 150 2To1Fade ... 150 LevMult... 151 LevAdd ... 151 OnOff ... 152 4-1Switch ... 152 1-4Switch ... 153 Amplifier ... 153 ... 129 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 7 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Audio Modifier group Audio Modifier group Audio Modifier group Audio Modifier group... Clip ...154 Overdrive...154 WaveWrapper...155 Quantizer ...156 Delay ...156 Sample&Hold ...157 Diode ...157 StereoChorus ...158 Phaser ...158 InvLevShift...160 Shaper ...160 Compressor ...162 Expander ...163 RingMod ...164 Digitizer ...167...
  • Page 8 Running the Editor and other MIDI applications... 216 MIDI implementation chart MIDI implementation chart ... MIDI implementation chart MIDI implementation chart Index Index ..219 Index Index VIII ... 190 ... 190 ... 206 ... 210 ... 216 ... 218 NORD MODULAR V3.0 ... 207...
  • Page 9 NORD MODULAR V3.0 1. I 1. I 1. I 1. I N N N N T T T T R R R R O O O O D D D D U U U U C C C C T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N...
  • Page 10 N N N N T T T T E E E E R R R R N N N N E E E E T T T T If you have access to the Internet, you can check out the Nord Modular section at Clavia’s web site. There you will also find a sound library with several thousands of patches for Nord Modular and Micro Mod- ular.
  • Page 11 NORD MODULAR V3.0 2. O 2. O 2. O 2. O V V V V E E E E R R R R V V V V I I I I E E E E W W W W N N N N...
  • Page 12 The polarity of the input can be USTAIN EDAL EDAL input. ONTROL EDAL 2 as well. L and/or I NPUT NORD MODULAR V3.0 and PC O ports. This could be a sequencer, 1 is connected, R, you can patch audio from NPUT...
  • Page 13 NORD MODULAR V3.0 N N N N M M M M M M M M O O O O R R R R D D D D I I I I C C C C R R R R O O O O...
  • Page 14 The Editor software will be installed in a folder named Clavia in the Program Files folder, on the hard disk. During the installation you will be able to select an alternative location for the software.
  • Page 15 NORD MODULAR V3.0 4. When the installation of the synthesizer Update is complete, you are set to start the Modular Editor 3.0 program. S S S S T T T T A A A A R R R R T T T T I I I I N N N N G G G G U U U U P P P P Make all the audio connections before turning on any of the devices.
  • Page 16 MIDI port in the In- and Out dropdown lists. Up to four Nord Modular synthe- Page 8 Micro Modular D D D D I I I I T T T T O O O O R R R R NORD MODULAR V3.0...

  • Page 17: Nord Modular

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 sizers are supported by the Editor. If you use several Nord Modular synthesizers, repeat the procedure for the following Ports. If the Nord Modular synth is not turned on, or if the connection between Nord Modular and the com- puter is not working properly, an error message will appear.

  • Page 18: Micro Modular

    R of course.) Page 10 ATCH buttons. Turn the R AVIGATOR OTARY xxx Patch Name Load? NORD MODULAR V3.0 LED starts flashing and select OTARY DIAL . (It’s possible to ISPLAY , but it will take a little longer...

  • Page 19: Modules

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 4. Load the patch by pressing the P slot. The number within parenthesis indicates the current polyphony of the patch. It is not necessary to have the instrument connected to the computer if you only want to play the patches from the internal memory or change module parameter values.
  • Page 20 6. Click on the Osc tab, and click-drag one ‘OSCA’ module to the Poly Voice Area. 7. Click on the Env tab and click-drag one ‘ADSR envelope’ to the Poly Voice Area. Page 12 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 21 NORD MODULAR V3.0 8. Click on the Filter tab and click-drag one ‘24 dB classic filter’ to the Poly Voice Area. Now your patch should look something like this: 9. Let’s settle with these modules for now and start with the cable connections. First of all, let’s connect all audio cables between the modules: Place the cursor over the red square output of the ‘OscA1’...

  • Page 22: Leds

    Poly Voice Area, it is possible to play the patch polyphonically. Locate the Voices buttons, to the right of the Patch name display box in the toolbar. Set the requested number Page 14 NORD MODULAR V3.0...

  • Page 23: The Patch

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 of voices by clicking on the right arrow button. In the C display box, the current number of voices for the patch is shown. In this example, we request 4 voices. 13.In the bottom section of the patch window, the Common Voice Area, you can place modules that should act equally on all voices in the patch.
  • Page 24 18 K on Micro Modular). Simply right[PC]/Ctrl[Mac]-click on a module parameter, for example, the Attack knob of the ‘ADSR-Env’ module, and select which K Page 16 NORD MODULAR V3.0 of Nord Modular (3 K + 1 button NOBS NOBS to assign it to.
  • Page 25 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Let’s say you want to assign the ‘ADSR-Env’ Attack to K synthesizer front panel, the attack time will change. Proceed with the knob assigning until you are sat- isfied. Note that you can also assign K form selector of ‘OscA’, the dB selector of ‘FilterF’ etc. You can deassign any of the K right[PC]/Ctrl[Mac]-clicking on the parameter and choosing No Knob from the knob popup.
  • Page 26 Freq coars: E4k to instantly hear what is happening with the sound. OTARY OTARY buttons to change the parameter “focus” within the module. The D when saved to disk. NORD MODULAR V3.0 on the Nord Modular front . The patch window...
  • Page 27 NORD MODULAR V3.0 4. B 4. B 4. B 4. B A A A A S S S S I I I I C C C C F F F F U U U U N N N N C C C C T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N S S S S I I I I N N N N T T T T R R R R O O O O D D D D U U U U C C C C T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N T T T T O O O O A modular synthesizer could be described as a flexible electronics kit.
  • Page 28 HIFT LOT BUTTON show the current number of voices assigned to the other patches in , you can change the number of requested voices of OTARY NORD MODULAR V3.0 is active. The D shows the ISPLAY LOT BUT . To deactivate and reactivate ).

  • Page 29: Create A New Patch

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 P P P P A A A A T T T T C C C C H H H H E E E E S S S S New patches must be created in the Editor. You can, however, store several hundreds of patches in the Nord Modular internal memory (not Micro Modular, which has 99 memory locations) and play these patches without having the Editor running or even the computer connected.

  • Page 30: Store A Patch

    Right[PC]/Ctrl[Mac]-click on a memory location or a bank in the Synth tab and select ‘Save Slot X Page 22 button will flash. Select a bank (1-9) with the TORE xxx Patch Name Store? NORD MODULAR V3.0 Note! patches that are saved button TORE . Confirm by OTARY...

  • Page 31: Patch Name

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 To:...’. Note that the original patch in the selected memory location will be overwritten by your new patch. Make sure you do not overwrite patches you want to keep! There is a memory protect function to minimize the risk of accidentally overwriting patches (not in Mi- cro Modular).
  • Page 32 You can also delete several modules by selecting them as described in the example above. Then, either press the Delete key, select Clear from the Edit menu or right[PC]/Ctrl[Mac]-click on one of the selected modules and choose Delete from the popup. Page 24 NORD MODULAR V3.0 “Patch and voice allocation” on page 211.
  • Page 33 NORD MODULAR V3.0 4. Basic functions P P P P A A A A T T T T C C C C H H H H C C C C O O O O N N N N N N N N E E E E C C C C T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N S S S S...
  • Page 34 “pull out” the connector by dragging the connector symbol away from the input/output and release the mouse button. right[PC]/Ctrl[Mac]-click If you place the “disconnected” plug on another connection instead, the cable will be rerouted. Page 26 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Ctrl[PC]/Alt[Mac]-click Double-click or...
  • Page 35 NORD MODULAR V3.0 4. Basic functions E E E E D D D D I I I I T T T T P P P P A A A A R R R R A A A A M M M M E E E E T T T T E E E E R R R R S S S S I I I I N N N N A A A A P P P P A A A A T T T T C C C C H H H H...
  • Page 36 The ADSR envelope generator is an example of a unipolar modulator. It will only modulate in one di- rection, either positive or negative. In the case of Nord Modular ADSR envelopes, they range from 0 to +64 units. Page 28 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Envelope (unipolar) Logic time...

  • Page 37: Definitions

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 The Clock generator is an example of a module that sends logic signals. A logic signal is also a unipolar signal but it has only two possible values, two states: low (0 units) or high (+64 units).
  • Page 38 The logic input will not mind having a control or an audio signal connected to it. The logic inputs interpret any signal with a level of 0 units or less as a low signal and any signal with a level greater than 0 units as a high signal. Page 30 NORD MODULAR V3.0...

  • Page 39: Experiment

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 S S S S , , , , L L L L A A A A V V V V E E E E S S S S I I I I G G G G N N N N A A A A L L L L S S S S G G G G R R R R A A A A Y Y Y Y C C C C O O O O N N N N N N N N E E E E C C C C T T T T O O O O R R R R S S S S There are two types of oscillator and LFO modules in Nord Modular, masters and slaves.

  • Page 40: Modulation Inputs

    A A A A T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R S S S S NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 41 NORD MODULAR V3.0 [T [T [T [T III] III] III] III] Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E The mod-amount knob affects the incoming signal in an attenuated and amplified, linear fashion. A set- ting of 127 (maximum) amplifies the incoming signal to twice its original level, a setting of 64 leaves the incoming signal unaffected and a setting of 32 attenuates the incoming signal by a factor of 0.5 (leaving...

  • Page 42: Maximum Modulation

    A signal routed to a Pitch input on a module affects the pitch by modulating it linearly in the note scale (see figure below). The figure shows an A4 note being pitch modulated by a symmetric bipolar signal. amplitude Page 34 A3, 220 Hz A5, 880 Hz A4, 440 Hz NORD MODULAR V3.0 pitch...
  • Page 43 NORD MODULAR V3.0 F F F F R R R R E E E E Q Q Q Q U U U U E E E E N N N N C C C C Y Y Y Y M M M M O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L A A A A T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N A signal routed to an FM input on a module affects the pitch by modulating it linearly in the frequency scale (see figure below).
  • Page 44 For example, an LFO would be able to modulate the pitch of the oscillator downwards, but not upwards. Page 36 NORD MODULAR V3.0 time time 45). The total modulation amount of these three in-...
  • Page 45 NORD MODULAR V3.0 K K K K N N N N O O O O B B B B S S S S A A A A N N N N D D D D C C C C O O O O N N N N T T T T R R R R O O O O L L L L L L L L E E E E R R R R S S S S...

  • Page 46: The Knob Floater

    This is a floating window, meaning it can be positioned anywhere in the patch window. The Knob Floater only shows the assignment for the current patch. It does not indicate assignment in a Panel Split situation. Page 38 NORD MODULAR V3.0 of the Nord Modular front panel. NOBS on the Nord Modular...

  • Page 47: Midi Controllers

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 M M M M ID IDI I I I C C C C O O O O N N N N T T T T R R R R O O O O L L L L L L L L E E E E R R R R S S S S Almost any parameter in the different modules can be assigned to a MIDI Controller.
  • Page 48 C C C C O O O O N N N N T T T T R R R R O O O O L L L L L L L L E E E E R R R R S S S S to exclusively transmit MIDI controller data to external devices, NOBS to parameters on modules that are not used (con- NOBS NORD MODULAR V3.0 OTARY will result “MIDI channels”...
  • Page 49 NORD MODULAR V3.0 bar to select it (the blue frame moves to the selected Morph group). Then double-click on the mod- ule parameter you wish to assign to the selected Morph group. 2. Every parameter assigned to a Morph group should also be given a Morph range. Click and hold the Ctrl[PC]/Alt[Mac] key on the computer keyboard and place the cursor on the knob that you assigned to the Morph group.

  • Page 50: Poly And Common Voice Patch Sections

    ‘R’ box and the current actual number of voices is shown in the ‘C’ box. CineMaxxPG ( 4) -- -- See the current actual number of voices allocated to the patch NORD MODULAR V3.0 OTARY...
  • Page 51 NORD MODULAR V3.0 All patches must have a requested number of voices assigned to them (minimum 1 voice). The dynamic allocation method used by other multitimbral hardware synthesizers is not applicable with Nord Modu- lar. You can adjust the polyphony by selecting a S (not Micro Modular).
  • Page 52 If you want modules in the Poly Voice Area of a polyphonic patch, e.g. one LFO per voice in a 4-voice patch, to be synchronized and behave like one single LFO, this can be done with the Mono parameter. Page 44 NORD MODULAR V3.0 P P P P C C C C...
  • Page 53 NORD MODULAR V3.0 The Mono parameter makes sure that certain functions in a polyphonic patch are “in sync” with the other voices. T T T T H H H H E E E E P P P P A A A A R R R R A A A A M M M M E E E E T T T T E E E E R R R R KBT is short for KeyBoard Tracking.

  • Page 54: Master Volume

    K NOBS 13-15. The Panel Split knob assignment is only NOBS is active. The original knob assignment in the patch will not be PLIT Slot Slot Slot NORD MODULAR V3.0 NOBS of the NOBS Slot...
  • Page 55 NORD MODULAR V3.0 F F F F /P /P /P /P I I I I N N N N D D D D A A A A N N N N I I I I C C C C When a parameter is assigned to a K...
  • Page 56 (if there are any). However, the un- On the Nord Modular rack model this function works only when playing layered on the rack model from a master LOTS NORD MODULAR V3.0 “MIDI con- buttons, a solid green LED will in- . Every selected S will will transmit MIDI messages.
  • Page 57 NORD MODULAR V3.0 A A A A S S S S S S S S I I I I G G G G N N N N O O O O R R R R P P P P H H H H...
  • Page 58 Select a memory location with the R AVIGATOR buttons and confirm by pressing S AVIGATOR “Patch name” on page 57). “Memory Protect” on page Memory protected NORD MODULAR V3.0 or S LED is lit, press YSTEM OTARY one more time. TORE . Pressing...

  • Page 59: System Menu

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 If you should run out of internal memory, the following message will be shown: To make room for more patches, you have to delete some patches from the internal memory. This can only be done from the Patch Browser in the Editor. See...
  • Page 60 The MIDI clock will be present at the Clock output of the MIDI Global module and at the synthesizer’s MIDI O port. Page 52 SYSTEM MENU <SYNTH> PATCH . Navigate between the sub menus with the ISPLAY MASTER TUNE 0 CENT MIDI CLOCK (EXT) 120 BPM NORD MODULAR V3.0 buttons. Enter AVIGATOR...
  • Page 61 NORD MODULAR V3.0 G G G G S S S S L L L L O O O O B B B B A A A A L L L L Y Y Y Y N N N N C C C C The MIDI Clock transmits 24 pulses per quarter note.

  • Page 62: Knobs

    LOTS KEYBOARD MODE ACTIVE SLOT PEDAL POLARITY S NORMAL KNOB MODE IMMEDIATE NORD MODULAR V3.0 . With Active Slot selected, LOTS “layered” on the Nord Modular . Immediate means NOBS . Hook means...
  • Page 63 NORD MODULAR V3.0 L L L L E E E E D D D D S S S S A A A A C C C C T T T T I I I I V V V V E E E E When a patch gets complex, the LEDs of modules like the LFOs or Sequencers could become inaccurate in the Editor patch window.
  • Page 64 CURRENT: 8 . Note that voices will only be assigned to the ISPLAY “Patch and voice allocation” on page 211 NORD MODULAR V3.0 of Nord Modular. Select a patch to or Save. (Note that it is possible TORE buttons and within the sub-men- OTARY for more info.
  • Page 65 NORD MODULAR V3.0 the sound sounds exactly as you want. Press the right N snapshot is sent on the MIDI O V V V V O O O O I I I I C C C C E E E E R R R R E E E E T T T T R R R R I I I I G G G G Here you can select if you want Nord Modular to retrig notes when playing a monophonic patch.
  • Page 66 , make sure that the Keyboard Mode is set LOTS VEL RANGE 0) 127 , set them to the same MIDI channel, LOTS PORTAMENTO (TIME: 0) NORM NORD MODULAR V3.0 and the low key LOTS page 169. Using the mod-...
  • Page 67 NORD MODULAR V3.0 P P P P E E E E D D D D A A A A L L L L M M M M O O O O D D D D E E E E Select if a footswitch connected to the S pedal or as an on/off switch.
  • Page 68 P ATCH AVIGATOR LED lit), turning the R ATCH (See “Program change” on page by sending a MIDI Bank Change and Pro- 54.) NORD MODULAR V3.0 button. buttons AVIGATOR button again. To switch between buttons. will auto- OTARY ISPLAY 54.)

  • Page 69: Shift

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 K K K K N N N N O O O O B B B B S S S S A A A A N N N N D D D D B B B B U U U U T T T T T T T T O O O O N N N N S S S S O O O O F F F F...
  • Page 70 T T T T O O O O T T T T E E E E R R R R I I I I G G G G NORD MODULAR V3.0 port. port, if the Program Change port, if the Program Change...
  • Page 71 NORD MODULAR V3.0 5. Panel reference If shift is pressed, you can use this button to control an assigned parameter in a patch, similar to the as- signable K described above. NOBS Page 63...
  • Page 72 Closes the current patch window. If the patch has been edited, you will be asked if you want to save it before closing. Closing a patch in the Editor will not affect patches in any slots of Nord Modular. Page 64 NORD MODULAR V3.0 “Download To Slot” on page 69. You can also upload...
  • Page 73 NORD MODULAR V3.0 C C C C A A A A L L L L O O O O S S S S E E E E L L L L L L L L Closes all the patch windows. If any of them has been edited, you will be asked if you want to save them before closing.
  • Page 74 C C C C L L L L E E E E A A A A R R R R Deletes one or several selected modules (and their common cable connections) from the patch window. Page 66 NORD MODULAR V3.0...

  • Page 75: Store

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 P P P P A A A A T T T T C C C C H H H H P P P P S S S S A A A A T T T T C C C C H H H H E E E E T T T T T T T T I I I I N N N N G G G G S S S S Opens up the Patch Settings dialog box.
  • Page 76 Cycles information is the most interesting since this is the type of resource often used up first. The PVA Page 68 input on the rear panel of Nord Modular should USTAIN EDAL NORD MODULAR V3.0 page 169. Using these mod-...

  • Page 77: Save Synth Settings

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 Cycles information is the same as the PVA Load information in the patch window toolbar, and the PVA Cycles + CVA Cycles information is the same as the Load information in the toolbar. This information is very useful when calculating the maximum number of available voices for a patch. See more about voic- es and Sound engine power in Click OK to activate the patch settings and close the dialog box.
  • Page 78 If you are synchronizing Nord Modular to a MIDI Clock source, this function will keep track of any in- coming MIDI Song Position Pointer messages. Page 70 “Save Synth Settings” on page 51. On Micro Modular, the changes will NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 79 NORD MODULAR V3.0 M M M M A A A A S S S S T T T T E E E E R R R R T T T T U U U U N N N N E E E E Use this to tune the Nord Modular to other instruments.
  • Page 80 N N N N A A A A P P P P S S S S H H H H O O O O T T T T M M M M ) ) ) ) O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L A A A A R R R R NORD MODULAR V3.0 port of the synthesizer.
  • Page 81 NORD MODULAR V3.0 B B B B D D D D (T (T (T (T A A A A N N N N K K K K O O O O W W W W N N N N L L L L O O O O A A A A D D D D 1.
  • Page 82 A A A A C C C C I I I I N N N N T T T T O O O O S S S S H H H H V V V V E E E E R R R R S S S S I I I I O O O O N N N N O O O O N N N N L L L L Y Y Y Y NORD MODULAR V3.0 of Nord Modular.

  • Page 83: Edit

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 MIDI MIDI MIDI MIDI Allows you to choose any MIDI ports available on the computer to be used exclusively by the Editor for the communication with the synthesizer(s). Up to four Nord Modular/Micro Modular synthesizers can be controlled from the Editor. You can also instruct the computer to locate a Nord Modular synthesizer that was connected to the computer after the Editor was launched.
  • Page 84 Click on the ‘Drone’ button to make the next played note start sounding “infinitely”. Click the Drone button again to disengage. Click on the ‘Repeat’ button to make the last played note play repeatedly. Click the Repeat button again to disengage. Page 76 NORD MODULAR V3.0 on the Nord Modular front panel, the knob in the...
  • Page 85 NORD MODULAR V3.0 N N N N F F F F O O O O T T T T E E E E S S S S L L L L O O O O A A A A T T T T E E E E R R R R The Notes Floater can be used to write comments in a patch.
  • Page 86 Y Y Y Y N N N N T T T T H H H H Click on the Synth tab to view banks and patches stored in the internal memory of the connected syn- thesizer(s). Page 78 button and the R TORE “Store” on page 50). NORD MODULAR V3.0 OTARY...
  • Page 87 NORD MODULAR V3.0 6. Editor reference Load patch to active slot: Double-click on a patch to automatically load the patch to the active slot in the synthesizer and open up the patch in the Editor patch window (if ‘Auto upload’ has been selected in the Setup|Options dialog box...
  • Page 88 C C C C A A A A S S S S C C C C A A A A D D D D E E E E Arrange multiple patch windows in a cascaded configuration. Page 80 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 89 NORD MODULAR V3.0 T T T T I I I I L L L L E E E E H H H H O O O O R R R R I I I I Z Z Z Z O O O O N N N N T T T T A A A A L L L L L L L L Y Y Y Y Arrange multiple patch windows in a horizontally tiled configuration.
  • Page 90 “Patch and voice allocation” on page 211 indicator for the entire patch (Poly + Common Voice Area). The reason indicator turns red and the outputs of NORD MODULAR V3.0 for more info. for more info). If you run out of...
  • Page 91 NORD MODULAR V3.0 V V V V I I I I S S S S I I I I B B B B L L L L E E E E C C C C A A A A B B B B L L L L E E E E S S S S Click on any of the seven colored buttons to select which cable group(s) should be visible/invisible in the patch.
  • Page 92 Bend range can also be set in the Patch|Patch Settings dialog box (see “Bend range” on page Page 84 on the front panel and/or a MIDI Controller. As an exclusive “Morph groups” on page 68). NORD MODULAR V3.0 and a “Portamen- page 169.

  • Page 93: Shift

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 C C C C O O O O N N N N N N N N E E E E C C C C T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N I I I I N N N N D D D D I I I I C C C C A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R S S S S Here, all currently connected Nord Modular synthesizers are visible.

  • Page 94: Display

    E E E E L L L L E E E E T T T T E E E E Allows you to delete the module from a patch. All the cables that is connected to and from the module will be deleted as well. Any serial connections of cables will be rerouted. Page 86 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 95 NORD MODULAR V3.0 P P P P A A A A R R R R A A A A M M M M E E E E T T T T E E E E R R R R P P P P O O O O P P P P U U U U P P P P Right[PC]/Ctrl[Mac]-clicking on a module parameter brings up the parameter popup.
  • Page 96 Deletes the entire serial cable chain that the connection is part of. If you want to delete a complete branch connection, this must be done from the cable origin of the branch. Page 88 NORD MODULAR V3.0 “Visible cables” on page...
  • Page 97 NORD MODULAR V3.0 C C C C O O O O M M M M P P P P U U U U T T T T E E E E R R R R K K K K E E E E Y Y Y Y B B B B O O O O A A A A R R R R D D D D S S S S H H H H O O O O R R R R T T T T Any commands that may be launched from the computer keyboard are shown next to the command/ function name in the menu dropdown lists.
  • Page 98 Morph group will display their respective Morph range, starting with the initial pa- rameter value. If you press the F7 key, the Morph group assignments will be displayed in hintboxes. If you press the F8 key, the K Page 90 assignments will be displayed in hintboxes. NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 99 NORD MODULAR V3.0 6. Editor reference If you press the F9 key, the MIDI Controller assignment will be displayed in hintboxes. If you press the F12 key, the current MIDI Controller values of parameters assigned to MIDI Controllers will be displayed in hintboxes.
  • Page 101 NORD MODULAR V3.0 7. M 7. M 7. M 7. M O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L E E E E R R R R E E E E F F F F E E E E R R R R E E E E N N N N C C C C E E E E The modules are grouped in ten module groups, which you access by clicking on the tabs in the toolbar.
  • Page 102 The logic signal switches back to zero (0 units) when the port. The velocity response of the Nord Modular keyboard port. port. The logic signal switches back to zero (0 units) when the NORD MODULAR V3.0 selector CT SHIFT...
  • Page 103 NORD MODULAR V3.0 M M M M IDIG IDIG IDIG IDIG L L L L O O O O B B B B A A A A L L L L This module generates logic signals that can be used for trigging and synchronizing modules featuring logic inputs.
  • Page 104 U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T M M M M O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L E E E E S S S S jacks of the Nord Modular. Mix buses marked CVA L and R or just CVA NORD MODULAR V3.0 R inputs on the rear panel NPUT 43.)
  • Page 105 NORD MODULAR V3.0 should be used when you want to route audio signals from the Poly Voice Area to the Common Voice Area of the patch via the Poly Area In module described above. (See an example of how to use the Poly...
  • Page 106 Here you set the lower and upper limit of the keyboard range. The notes are displayed in the respective display boxes. Only notes played within the set limits will pass through to the output(s). Ranges: C-1 to Page 98 NORD MODULAR V3.0 jack of the synthesizer. INPUT...

  • Page 107: Save

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 N N N N V V V V O O O O T T T T E E E E A A A A T T T T E E E E A A A A N N N N D D D D E E E E L L L L I I I I N N N N P P P P U U U U T T T T S S S S ‘Note’...

  • Page 108: Midi

    T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E NORD MODULAR V3.0 “Pitch modulation” on page 34...
  • Page 109 NORD MODULAR V3.0 P P P P I I I I T T T T C C C C H H H H M M M M O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L A A A A T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N I I I I N N N N P P P P U U U U T T T T S S S S There are two red modulation inputs for modulating the oscillator pitch on this module.
  • Page 110 T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E “Frequency modulation (FM)” on page 35 NORD MODULAR V3.0 “Pitch modulation” on page 34 for more...
  • Page 111 NORD MODULAR V3.0 I I I I D D D D T T T T H H H H M M M M O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L A A A A T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N I I I I N N N N P P P P U U U U T T T T This is a blue input for modulating the width of the Pulse waveform, starting at the initial width of 50%.
  • Page 112 T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E NORD MODULAR V3.0 “Pitch modulation” on page 34...
  • Page 113 NORD MODULAR V3.0 M M M M O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L A A A A T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N I I I I N N N N P P P P U U U U T T T T A red modulation input where a signal will affect the frequency of the oscillator.
  • Page 114 Turning the tuning knob or modulating the pitch of the sync-controlled oscillator will produce radical changes in the timbre. See Page 106 NORD MODULAR V3.0 “Sync” on page 35 for more information.
  • Page 115 NORD MODULAR V3.0 M M M M S S S S T T T T I I I I N N N N P P P P U U U U T T T T The gray control input from a master oscillator. Connect this input to a Slv output from a master module.
  • Page 116 T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E NORD MODULAR V3.0 page...
  • Page 117 NORD MODULAR V3.0 O O O O S S S S C C C C S S S S C C C C L L L L V V V V This slave oscillator produces a Sawtooth wave. It has a FMA modulation input.
  • Page 118 T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E “Frequency modulation (FM)” on NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 119 NORD MODULAR V3.0 O O O O S S S S E E E E S S S S C C C C L L L L V V V V This slave oscillator produces a Sine wave. It has an FMA- and an amplitude modulation input.
  • Page 120 LFO or the keyboard. Synchronization forces the oscillators to restart their waveform cycles in sync with the waveform cycle of the controlling device. The oscillators will restart whenever a signal present at the sync input increases from 0 units to anything above 0 units. Page 112 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 121 NORD MODULAR V3.0 The pitch of the controlling oscillator will interact with the controlled oscillator pitches. Turning the Tune knobs of the sync-controlled sine wave oscillators will produce radical changes in the timbre. See “Sync” on page 35 for more information.
  • Page 122 T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E NORD MODULAR V3.0 “Frequency modulation (FM)”...
  • Page 123 NORD MODULAR V3.0 P P P P O O O O E E E E R R R R C C C C S S S S C C C C This is an oscillator that generates percussive sounds. The amplitude and pitch of the sound can be mod- ulated from external sources.
  • Page 124 Here you can filter and affect the noise component of the Drum synth module. Freq: With the Freq knob you set the cutoff frequency of the noise. Range: 10 Hz to 15.8 kHz. Page 116 NORD MODULAR V3.0 “Voice definition” on page 210 for an example...
  • Page 125 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Res: With the Res knob you set the resonance amount around the cutoff frequency. Swp: With the Sweep knob you set a sweep range for the cutoff frequency. The setting results in a sweep from a high cutoff frequency down to the frequency you set with the Freq knob. Range: 0 to 5 octaves.
  • Page 126 T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E “The Mono parameter” on page 44 NORD MODULAR V3.0 for details). The preset setting...
  • Page 127 NORD MODULAR V3.0 H H H H I I I I O O O O U U U U B B B B Selects one of three ranges of the LFO rate, high, low or sub. The Hi range is from 0.26 Hz to 392 Hz, the Lo range is from 0.02 Hz to 24.4 Hz and the Sub range is from one cycle completed in 699 seconds...
  • Page 128 T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E NORD MODULAR V3.0 for details). The preset setting...
  • Page 129 NORD MODULAR V3.0 LFOC LFOC LFOC LFOC This LFO produces one of four selectable waveforms. The rate of the LFO can be modulated. S S S S L L L L V V V V O O O O U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T This is a gray control output for controlling the rate of a slave LFO.
  • Page 130 A A A A V V V V E E E E F F F F O O O O R R R R M M M M S S S S E E E E L L L L E E E E C C C C T T T T O O O O R R R R S S S S Selects one of the five available waveforms. Page 122 S S S S “The Mono parameter” on page 44 NORD MODULAR V3.0 for details). The preset setting...
  • Page 131 NORD MODULAR V3.0 M M M M Click on this button to mute the control signal output of the module. O O O O U U U U T T T T The LED above the output shows an approximation of the current LFO rate.
  • Page 132 Range: 0.025 to 38.05 times the master rate or 62.9 seconds/cycle to 24.4 Hz. O O O O U U U U T T T T The LED above the output shows an approximation of the current LFO rate. Signal: Bipolar. Page 124 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 133 NORD MODULAR V3.0 C C C C G G G G L L L L K K K K E E E E N N N N The clock generator module generates a stream of logic signals. The module can also act as a master to slave LFOs.
  • Page 134 O O O O U U U U T T T T The LED above the output shows an approximation of the current rate. Signal: Bipolar. Page 126 “The Mono parameter” on page 44 NORD MODULAR V3.0 for details). The preset setting...
  • Page 135 NORD MODULAR V3.0 R R R R G G G G A A A A N N N N D D D D O O O O M M M M E E E E N N N N The Random Generator is a slave LFO that generates smooth random control signal steps at a steady fre- quency.
  • Page 136 Click to select High or Low. High Delta value produces great difference in output level between steps, and Low Delta produces low difference. The default setting is High. O O O O U U U U T T T T Signal: Unipolar Page 128 “The Mono parameter” on page 44 NORD MODULAR V3.0 for details).
  • Page 137 NORD MODULAR V3.0 E E E E N N N N V V V V E E E E L L L L O O O O P P P P E E E E G G G G R R R R O O O O U U U U P P P P An envelope generator affects a signal level over time.
  • Page 138 N N N N V V V V E E E E L L L L O O O O P P P P E E E E O O O O U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T The blue control signal output from the envelope generator. Signal: Unipolar. Page 130 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 139 NORD MODULAR V3.0 O O O O U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T The red output from the envelope controlled amplifter. Signal: Bipolar. AD-E AD-E AD-E...
  • Page 140 If the logic Gate signal drops to zero before the enve- lope has completed the decay stage, it will immediately proceed with the release stage. The decay time is displayed in milliseconds or seconds in the corresponding display box. Range: 0.5 ms to 45 s. Page 132 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 141 NORD MODULAR V3.0 S S S S Sets the sustain level. This level will be held (sustained) for as long as the logic Gate signal is high. When the logic Gate signal drops to zero, the envelope will proceed with the release stage. The sustain level is displayed in ‘units’...
  • Page 142 T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 143 NORD MODULAR V3.0 M M M M U U U U L L L L T T T T I I I I N N N N V V V V The Multi stage envelope is a 5-segment time and level envelope with selectable sustain segment.
  • Page 144 O O O O U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T The output of the generated envelope signal. Signal: Unipolar. Page 136 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 145 NORD MODULAR V3.0 F F F F I I I I L L L L T T T T E E E E R R R R G G G G R R R R O O O O U U U U P P P P A filter is one of the primary tools for coloring the sound in a synthesizer.
  • Page 146 Three filter characteristics are available at these red outputs. You can use all three at the same time if you like. HP is a Highpass filter, BP is a Bandpass filter and LP is a Lowpass filter. Signals: Bipolar. Page 138 NORD MODULAR V3.0...

  • Page 147: About

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 F F F F D D D D I I I I L L L L T T T T E E E E R R R R This is a dynamic multimode filter with a slope of 12 dB/octave and resonance control. It is a multi-mode filter with three outputs: one highpass, one lowpass and one bandpass.
  • Page 148 E E E E S S S S O O O O N N N N A A A A N N N N C C C C E E E E D D D D I I I I S S S S P P P P L L L L A A A A Y Y Y Y B B B B O O O O X X X X Displays the resonance in ‘units’. Range: 0 to 127 units. Page 140 NORD MODULAR V3.0 T T T T III]...
  • Page 149 NORD MODULAR V3.0 R R R R E E E E S S S S This is a function that emphasizes the frequencies that is at, or close to, the set cut-off frequency in LP, HP, and BP mode. If set to 127, the filter starts to self-oscillate and produces a sine wave. In BR mode this controls the width of the frequency band to be rejected.

  • Page 150: Voices

    Sets the initial center frequency offsets of the vowels. The practical result of turning this knob would be like pitch-shifting a sampled voice. Click on the green triangle above the rotary knob to reset to a medium value. Page 142 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 151 NORD MODULAR V3.0 F F F F R R R R E E E E Q Q Q Q U U U U E E E E N N N N C C C C Y Y Y Y M M M M O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L A A A A T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N I I I I N N N N P P P P U U U U T T T T The input for modulating the center frequency offset from a control source.
  • Page 152 A UDIO and filter out kick and snare hits and have them trig different modules in the patch. Page 144 jacks, and route the signals via the Audio In module to the Filter Bank NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 153 NORD MODULAR V3.0 B B B B A A A A N N N N D D D D A A A A T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R S S S S L L L L I I I I D D D D E E E E R R R R S S S S Attenuate each filter band with the sliders, or by clicking the up and down arrow buttons that appear when you focus a slider.
  • Page 154 U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T The multi-color LED above the output indicates the output level and have the following meaning: Green: normal signal level, Yellow: signal reaching headroom, Red: overload. Signal: Bipolar Page 146 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 155 NORD MODULAR V3.0 M M M M I I I I X X X X E E E E R R R R G G G G R R R R O O O O U U U U P P P P The mixer modules in Nord Modular can mix audio signals as well as control signals.
  • Page 156 Connect the signal to be modulated (the carrier) to this red input. O O O O U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T The output of the Gain control module. Signal: Bipolar. Page 148 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 157 NORD MODULAR V3.0 R R R R I I I I N N N N G G G G M M M M P P P P L L L L I I I I T T T T U U U U D D D D E E E E M M M M O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R P P P P A A A A T T T T C C C C H H H H E E E E X X X X A A A A M M M M P P P P L L L L E E E E You can easily create a ring- or amplitude modulator by using two oscillators and the GainControl mod- ule described above.
  • Page 158 T T T T T T T T E E E E N N N N U U U U A A A A T T T T O O O O R R R R Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 159 NORD MODULAR V3.0 F F F F A A A A D D D D E E E E With the Fade rotary knob you fade the between the two input signals. In the 12 o’clock position the output is silent.
  • Page 160 M M M M Mutes the output of the module. O O O O U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T Signal: Bipolar. Page 152 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 161 NORD MODULAR V3.0 1-4S 1-4S 1-4S 1-4S W W W W I I I I T T T T C C C C H H H H This module allows you to route an incoming signal to one of the four outputs.
  • Page 162 V V V V E E E E R R R R D D D D R R R R I I I I V V V V E E E E Sets the initial overdrive amount. Page 154 NORD MODULAR V3.0 T T T T I] I] I] I]...
  • Page 163 NORD MODULAR V3.0 G G G G R R R R A A A A P P P P H H H H Displays the initial overdrive amount graphically. The Y-axis represents the output signal values, and the X-axis the input signal values.
  • Page 164 U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T The variable delay time output. Signal: Bipolar. Page 156 NORD MODULAR V3.0 T T T T I] I] I] I] Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E...
  • Page 165 NORD MODULAR V3.0 S S S S &H &H &H &H A A A A M M M M P P P P L L L L E E E E O O O O L L L L D D D D This module takes samples of the values of an incoming signal.
  • Page 166 With the Depth rotary knob you set the LFO depth. A high depth amount results in greater changes of the phaser effect. Below the Depth knob is the LFO on/off button. Use it to switch on and off the LFO. Page 158 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 167 NORD MODULAR V3.0 C C C C F F F F E E E E N N N N T T T T E E E E R R R R R R R R E E E E Q Q Q Q D D D D I I I I S S S S P P P P L L L L A A A A Y Y Y Y B B B B O O O O X X X X Displays the set center frequency in Hz.
  • Page 168 Set the desired transformation characteristics with the selectors, Log2, Log1, Linear, Exp1 or Exp2. I I I I N N N N The red audio input. O O O O U U U U T T T T Signal: Bipolar. Page 160 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 169 NORD MODULAR V3.0 • As mentioned, the Shaper affects each single value of an incoming signal, not the total level. To show this more clearly, take a look at the figures below. The X-axis in the diagram represents the incoming signal values, and the Y-axis the output values.
  • Page 170 H H H H R R R R E E E E S S S S H H H H With the Threshold rotary knob you set the threshold above which compression is activated, i.e the min- imum input value to activate the compression. Range: -30 to 11 dB and Off. Page 162 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 171 NORD MODULAR V3.0 R R R R A A A A T T T T I I I I O O O O With the Ratio rotary knob you set the compression ratio above the set Threshold level. 1.0:1 means no compression and 80:1 maximum compression.
  • Page 172 Set the modulation amount with this rotary knob. In the 12 o’clock position you get maximum ampli- tude modulation, and past this position, ring modulation occurs. Page 164 NORD MODULAR V3.0 T T T T I] I] I] I] Y Y Y Y P P P P E E E E...
  • Page 173 NORD MODULAR V3.0 M M M M O O O O D D D D Patch the modulator (oscillator or other sound generator) to this input. I I I I N N N N Patch the carrier (oscillator or other sound generator) to this input...
  • Page 174 Fig 4. RM Carrier wave amplitude time Fig 5. RM Modulator wave amplitude time Fig 6. Ring Modulation NORD MODULAR V3.0 frequency frequency The side bands appear on each side of the carrier wave on the frequencies: f and f...
  • Page 175 NORD MODULAR V3.0 D D D D I I I I G G G G I I I I T T T T I I I I Z Z Z Z E E E E R R R R The Digitizer module continuously samples an incoming signal at a selectable sample rate and bit reso- lution.
  • Page 176 N N N N P P P P U U U U T T T T The blue control signal input. O O O O U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T Signal: Bipolar. Page 168 NORD MODULAR V3.0...

  • Page 177: Keyboard

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 P P P P A A A A O O O O R R R R T T T T A A A A M M M M E E E E N N N N T T T T O O O O This module can provide a smooth, gliding transition between the values of a incoming control signal.

  • Page 178: Output

    Set the desired quantization grid (interval), in semitones, with the buttons. Range: Off and 1 to 127 sem- itones. I I I I N N N N The blue control signal input. O O O O U U U U T T T T Signal: Bipolar. Page 170 NORD MODULAR V3.0...

  • Page 179: Outputs

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 K K K K Q Q Q Q E E E E Y Y Y Y U U U U A A A A N N N N T T T T This module quantizes the values of a continuous control signal and generates note values according to a user-defined key.
  • Page 180 N N N N P P P P U U U U T T T T The blue control signal input. O O O O U U U U T T T T Signal: Bipolar. Page 172 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 181 NORD MODULAR V3.0 C C C C M M M M O O O O N N N N T T T T R R R R O O O O L L L L I I I I X X X X E E E E R R R R This is a mixer for control signals.
  • Page 182 Figure 2. Velocity sensitivity is increased, which means that note values affect the output accord- ing to the Gains, but the offset has now become a velocity range. The velocity range is controlled with the Vel Sens knob. Page 174 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 183 NORD MODULAR V3.0 L L L L O O O O G G G G I I I I C C C C G G G G R R R R O O O O U U U U P P P P These modules can modulate and generate logic signals in a number of different ways.
  • Page 184 O O O O U U U U T T T T P P P P U U U U T T T T Signal: Logic. Page 176 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 185 NORD MODULAR V3.0 L L L L I I I I O O O O G G G G I I I I C C C C N N N N V V V V The Logic Inverter module produces a logic low or high signal depending on the input value. When an incoming signal is between +1 and +64 units, the module transmits a low logic signal.
  • Page 186 The logic signal will remain high for as long as the incoming control signals meet the condition. A, B A, B A, B A, B The two blue control signal inputs. A>=B A>=B A>=B A>=B The output. Signal: Logic. Page 178 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 187 NORD MODULAR V3.0 C C C C D D D D L L L L K K K K I I I I V V V V The Clock Divider module can be used for dividing incoming clock pulses by a factor set by you. The module transmits a high logic signal after it has received a user-defined number of signals containing high/low transitions.
  • Page 188 This yellow output transmits a high logic signal whenever the Event sequencer goes beyond step number 16. This is used for linking several Event sequencers in series. See more about linking at the end of this chapter. Signal: Logic. Page 180 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 189 NORD MODULAR V3.0 T T T T R R R R I I I I G G G G G G G G E E E E R R R R B B B B U U U U T T T T T T T T O O O O N N N N S S S S Click on the buttons to make the sequencer send a pulse each time it passes the step.
  • Page 190 This yellow output transmits a logic signal at the high level whenever a sequence starts from step 1. Signal: Logic. C C C C L L L L R R R R Pressing this button will reset all the control values to 0. Page 182 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 191 NORD MODULAR V3.0 L L L L O O O O O O O O P P P P If the loop mode is on, the Note Sequencer will automatically restart from step 1 after the last step. If the loop mode is off, the sequencer will stop at the last step.
  • Page 192 Pressing a key will advance the edit point to the next step. The control signal from the keyboard will be present at the sequencer output. When the sequencer reaches step 16, the Page 184 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 193 NORD MODULAR V3.0 record function will be deactivated and the sequencer will return to step 1. The sequencer may be se- quencing while you program the steps, if the Stop selector is in the Go position. You can move the edit point back and forth by using the arrow keys beneath the Stop button. The edit point can also be selected by clicking on a step LED.
  • Page 194 The modules themselves will however remain in sync. • It is possible to have sequencers with different Last step values, running in parallel or in series. You can also use different clock divisions to e.g. mix 16th notes with 8th note triplets. Page 186 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 195 NORD MODULAR V3.0 7. Module reference: Sequencer group P P P P A A A A R R R R A A A A L L L L L L L L E E E E L L L L C C C C O O O O N N N N N N N N E E E E C C C C T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N Connect the sequencer modules to the same clock source.
  • Page 196 By combining the settings of the loop mode, the Last step and the signals at the Rst inputs and the Snc and Link outputs on various sequencer modules, you may assemble quite advanced sequencer perform- ances. Page 188 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 197 NORD MODULAR V3.0 7. Module reference: Sequencer group S S S S Y Y Y Y N N N N C C C C H H H H R R R R O O O O N N N N I I I I Z Z Z Z I I I I N N N N G G G G S S S S E E E E Q Q Q Q U U U U E E E E N N N N C C C C E E E E R R R R S S S S I I I I N N N N D D D D I I I I F F F F F F F F E E E E R R R R E E E E N N N N T T T T P P P P A A A A T T T T C C C C H H H H E E E E S S S S T T T T O O O O E E E E A A A A C C C C H H H H O O O O T T T T H H H H E E E E R R R R It is absolutely necessary that the sequencers in a patch use the System Clock as the clock source if the patch is to be synchronized to another patch, in another slot.
  • Page 198 Even new digital instruments such as workstations and sample playback devices employ many of the basic principles of subtractive synthesis. With the Nord Modular and Micro Modular, Clavia introduces a new concept: a modern digital instru- ment that combines a faithful reproduction of the behaviour of the old analog favourites with the con- venience and stability of the newer designs.
  • Page 199 NORD MODULAR V3.0 LFO is an abbreviation for Low Frequency Oscillator. It is used for repeating variations in a sound, such as vibrato or tremolo. C C C C O O O O N N N N N N N N E E E E C C C C T T T T I I I I N N N N G G G G M M M M O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L E E E E S S S S There are many ways in which the modules outlined above can be connected in a synthesizer, but the example in the picture below is a quite common one for “hardwired”...
  • Page 200 Let’s take a look at some common waveforms and their spectra. In the illustrations below, only some of the first harmonics are displayed. In reality, waveforms like these have an infinite amount of harmonics. Page 192 NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 201 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Sawtooth The Sawtooth wave has a simple spectrum. All harmonics are present in the wave, in proportional values. As you can see, the high harmonics have a fairly high amplitude, which makes this waveform sound bright. Amplitude Triangle The triangle wave does not have very strong harmonics.
  • Page 202 (FM) or ring modulation capabilities in the Nord Modular, with two os- cillators set to an “unusual” interval (not octaves or fifths, for example), you will get a spectrum where Page 194 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Amplitude Amplitude...
  • Page 203 NORD MODULAR V3.0 the overtones appear at frequencies somewhere between the perfect harmonics. This results in an inhar- monic sound, which often sounds “metallic”. Amplitude Time S S S S Y Y Y Y N N N N C C C C One some instruments (including the Nord Modular), two oscillators can be synchronized.
  • Page 204 Let’s now put this spectrum through a lowpass filter (this type of filter is discussed in more detail below). The filter has a characteristic, which can be shown as a curve in a frequency spectrum. Amplitude Page 196 Harmonic number (Frequency) Frequency Frequency NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 205 NORD MODULAR V3.0 8. Synthesis basics: Subtractive synthesis As you can see the curve is flat in the low register (which means it neither amplifies nor dampens the fre- quencies in this part of the spectrum) and then, at a certain point, gradually starts falling. When applied...
  • Page 206 The most common synth filters are the 12dB and 24dB lowpass filters. The difference between the two can be studied in the graph below. The 12dB filter lets more of the high frequencies pass through which gives the sound a brighter and “buzzier” character than the 24dB filter. Page 198 Frequency Frequency NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 207 NORD MODULAR V3.0 In Nord Modular, some of the filter modules can be switched between 12dB and 24dB modes. For sounds with high resonance (see below), similar to those in the Roland TB-303, the 12dB setting of the lowpass filter is useful.
  • Page 208 (on some Nord Modular filter modules), the filter will start to self-oscillate, producing a sound of its own, just like an oscillator. The figure below shows a lowpass filter frequency spectrum at different resonance amounts (Q-values). Amplitude Q=0.5 Cutoff Frequency Page 200 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Frequency Frequency...
  • Page 209 NORD MODULAR V3.0 High resonance values are also visible in the waveform. They appear as a “superimposed” waveform with a frequency equivalent to the filter’s cutoff frequency. The three examples below show the same wave with increased resonance. Amplitude Q=0.5...
  • Page 210 If you for example want to create a flute sound, you would have a fairly high sustain set- ting on your volume envelope, since a flute tone basically stays at a steady level for as long as you play it. Page 202 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Time Time...
  • Page 211 NORD MODULAR V3.0 On the other hand, for a piano sound, you would want a sustain level of “0”, since a piano sound decays to silence if you hold the key long enough. Level Attack Decay (time) (time) Key Down Please note that the sustain parameter represents a level, but all other envelope parameters represent times.
  • Page 212 An LFO is an oscillator, just like the ones that produce the sound in a synthesizer, but with two main differences: 1. The LFO produces relatively low frequencies, most often below the hearing range (up to 20Hz). Page 204 Time Key Up Time NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 213 NORD MODULAR V3.0 2. The LFO is normally not used to produce sound, instead it is connected to other modules to provide modulation of parameters. If you for example route an LFO to control the pitch of an oscillator, you get a vibrato.
  • Page 214 • With additive synthesis, you have total control over each single harmonic in the waveform. This makes it possible to really tailor-make your waveform. With subtractive synthesis, you can only control seg- ments of the harmonic content. Page 206 Time Time Time Amplitude Time Time Time NORD MODULAR V3.0 Time...
  • Page 215 NORD MODULAR V3.0 O O O O T T T T H H H H E E E E R R R R S S S S Y Y Y Y N N N N T T T T H H H H E E E E S S S S I I I I S S S S A A A A N N N N D D D D M M M M O O O O D D D D U U U U L L L L A A A A T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N M M M M E E E E T T T T H H H H O O O O D D D D S S S S...
  • Page 216 Fig 3. Amplitude Modulation amplitude time Fig 1. RM Carrier wave amplitude time Fig 2. RM Modulator wave NORD MODULAR V3.0 The side bands appear on each side of the carrier wave on the frequencies: f and f frequency frequency...
  • Page 217 NORD MODULAR V3.0 amplitude As you can see in the figures above, the main practical difference between amplitude- and ring modula- tion is the sideband amplitudes and the appearance of the carrier wave. Another difference is that the re- sulting ring modulation wave phase-shifts 180 degrees every half modulator period.
  • Page 218 Since we also patched Velocity signals to the Drum synth modules, the sounds become velocity sensitive. And last, do not forget to un-check the Retrig boxes in the Patch|Patch Settings dialog box. Page 210 NORD MODULAR V3.0 “Voice retrig” on page 68).
  • Page 219 NORD MODULAR V3.0 S S S S O O O O U U U U N N N N D D D D E E E E N N N N G G G G I I I I N N N N E E E E A standard Nord Modular is powered by four Sound engines (DSPs).
  • Page 220 , or when you add a module to a patch, Nord Modular recalculates and of Nord Modular. In the Micro Modular case, only Sound engine 1 LOTS Sound engine 2 Sound engine 3 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Load of 34%. The CVA Load is the Sound engine 4...
  • Page 221 NORD MODULAR V3.0 9. Appendix: Sound engine If we had chosen to create the whole patch only in the Poly Voice Area, i.e. all modules would had been duplicated for each voice, we would have got the following result: Sound engine 2...
  • Page 222 Page 214 lit). Load. 4 voices have been requested. Load. 5 voices have been requested. Load. 2 voices have been requested. Sound engine 2 Sound engine 3 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Sound engine 4...
  • Page 223 NORD MODULAR V3.0 H H H H E E E E A A A A D D D D R R R R O O O O O O O O M M M M The headroom of the audio signals in Nord Modular is -12 dB for every sound generating module. Ex- amples of sound generating modules are oscillators and LFOs.
  • Page 224 Most of the sequencer software automatically opens every port of a multiport interface. In this case you have to deassign one or more of the ports in the sequencer software and dedicate them exclusively to the Editor. See the MIDI setup/configuration/devices part in the sequencer program manual. Page 216 NORD MODULAR V3.0 MIDI MIDI MIDI...
  • Page 225 NORD MODULAR V3.0 9. Appendix: Troubleshooting M M M M A A A A C C C C I I I I N N N N T T T T O O O O S S S S H H H H If you want to run one or several MIDI applications at the same time with the Editor, make sure you have selected ‘MIDI in background’...
  • Page 226 Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO Page 218 Recognized 1-16 Mode 3 0-127 v=1-127 v=0-127 0-127 0-121, 123 value: 0-127 0-98 Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO NORD MODULAR V3.0 Remarks Programs 1-99 Banks 1-9 (Nord Modular) MIDI Controller #32 O: YES X: NO...
  • Page 227 NORD MODULAR V3.0 Index Index Index Index Numerics Numerics Numerics Numerics 1 output module 1-4Switch module 1To2Fade module 2 outputs module 2To1Fade module 3 inputs mixer module 4 outputs module 4-1Switch module 8 inputs mixer module A A A A...
  • Page 228 Nord Modular editing from the Editor knob floater activating using knobs assign to module parameters assignable on Micro Modular assignable on Nord Modular Micro Modular module on Nord Modular using to send MIDI controllers NORD MODULAR V3.0...
  • Page 229 NORD MODULAR V3.0 L L L L layered patches on Nord Modular LevAdd module LevMult module LFO module group LFO theory LFOA module LFOB module LFOC module LFOSlvA module LFOSlvB module LFOSlvC module LFOSlvD module LFOSlvE module load indicators Logic module group...

  • Page 230: Oscslvd

    Nord Modular editing from the Editor open save save all save as save in internal memory select buttons on Micro Modular knob on Micro Modular on Nord Modular settings editing from Nord Modular NORD MODULAR V3.0 69, 78, 79,...

  • Page 231: Percosc

    NORD MODULAR V3.0 editing from the Editor signals store on Nord Modular upload from active slot voice allocation window popup window split bar Patch/Load button on Nord Modular PatternGen module pdf-file pedal mode editing from Nord Modular editing from the Editor...

  • Page 232: Vocalfilter

    Nord Modular editing from the Editor voices current editing from Nord Modular editing from the Editor requesting W W W W WaveWrapper module Page 224 X X X X X-Fade module NORD MODULAR V3.0...

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