Modular Signals And Saftey; Getting Started - Make Noise Black & Gold Shared System Manual

Modular Signals and Safety:
6
The signals inside a Eurorack modular synthesizer like the Shared System are much higher strength than typical instrument or
line-level audio signals. The typical audio output of the modular synth has an amplitude of about 10 volts peak-to-peak, which is
over 3 times "hotter" than that of the typical line-level signal.
One reason for this wide di erence in amplitude is that not all the signals inside the synthesizer are audio signals. Many of them
are control voltages, which cannot be heard directly but instead are used to control various elements within the system. The
higher amplitude outputs of these signals allow them to be reliably used without signi cant interference from other electronic
sources such as computers, appliances, radio waves, etc. Most importantly however, high amplitude signals allow for
modulation across the entire range of any parameter.
The very hot/loud output signals are quite capable of damaging speakers or ears if not attenuated carefully before monitoring.
Whenever connecting from the Shared System to your mixer, speaker system, ampli er, or headphones, it is recommended that
you always start with the input volume at zero and bring it up gradually to avoid any damage.
The Shared System includes a dedicated stereo Output with a ¼" jack and a level control that outputs at typical line level, making
this process easier. Alternatively, Make Noise o ers the Rosie module, which has similar line-level Outputs. If you do not have a CV
Bus or Rosie, don't worry, just remember to watch the sound levels when you rst start a session. It is also possible to connect
audio outputs from modules within the system directly to inputs on a mixer or audio interface, paying close attention to the
advice listed above and using a mini to 1/4" adapter cable.

Getting Started:

To power up your system, simply attach the included power adapter to the jack on the side of the case, plug it into your wall
outlet, and ip the power switch to the "on" position.
Monitoring:
This manual uses the term "monitoring" to refer to the listening environment, whether it is a PA, mixer, or headphones. Any time
the word Monitor is used, it means patching the respective Output to the L[Mono] Input of the CV bus. Use the Level Panel
Control to set the volume.
Modules:
The Shared System is an advanced modern modular synthesizer. It consists of a case lled with a selection of individual modules.
Its interface consists of jacks, Panel Controls (i.e. knobs), Touchplates, Buttons, LEDs (light emitting diodes), and also cables,
which carry signals from one place to another.
Each module in the system is independent and also works with the modules around it via patching. You can tell the identity of a
module by its name, printed on the faceplate (e.g. DPO or MATHS). Note: No module has any e ect on any other module unless
they are patched together. So if there are no patch cables in a module, adjusting its settings won't really have an e ect on your
patch.