Moog Subharmonicon User Manual
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Moog Subharmonicon User Manual

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  • Page 4 — Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. CAUTION: Please note that any changes or modifications made to this product not expressly approved by Moog Music, Inc. could void the user’s authority granted by the FCC to operate the equipment.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    THE ENVELOPE GENERATORS (EG) TEMPO THE SEQUENCERS TRANSPORT CONTROLS POLYRHYTHM GENERATORS THE PATCHBAY USING SUBHARMONICON TO CLOCK DFAM SYNCING SUBHARMONICON TO MOTHER-32 USING SUBHARMONICON AS A EURORACK MODULE GLOBAL PARAMETERS MIDI OPERATIONS PRESETS BLANK PRESETS SIGNAL FLOW SPECIFICATIONS ACCESSORIES WARRANTY...
  • Page 6 PAGE 25 & 28 PAGE 21 PAGE 24 PAGE 31 The mixer allows the levels of all six Subharmonicon The tempo drives the rhythm generators, which in Two envelope generators define how This patchbay offers 32 connections turn drive the sequencers. The transport controls...

  • Page 7: Unpacking & Inspection

    12VDC power jack on the rear panel of your Subharmonicon. NOTE: There is no power switch on your Subharmonicon. Once connected to the power supply, the unit is On. Subharmonicon is an analog instrument and should be allowed a few minutes to warm up before use. In cases where it has been left in a cold car overnight, for example, it may take even longer for the oscillator tuning to stabilize.

  • Page 8: About Subharmonicon

    Because these tuning and timing values are integer-derived, there is something uniquely coherent about how patterns and phrases created using Subharmonicon blend together musically. As with Mother-32 and DFAM, Subharmonicon conforms to the 60HP Eurorack format; features aluminum rails, finished wood side pieces, an extensive patchbay; and can perform as a standalone electronic instrument.

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Emerson were looking for new ways to explore electronic sound, and found themselves collaborating with electronic instrument pioneer Bob Moog to create the instruments of their dreams. If we set our clocks back to the 1930s, we find a similar situation. Cutting-edge musicians and composers such...

  • Page 10: Understanding Polyrhythms

    These individual rhythm generators are used to drive one or both of the Subharmonicon’s sequencers. Once you engage more than one rhythm generator, you will hear how the different clock divisions can play off or against one another to synthesize a polyrhythm. Because each rhythm generator references the same clock, they will eventually re-sync to the same downbeat, causing the overarching polyrhythm to finally repeat.

  • Page 11: Exploring Your Subharmonicon

    If you are new to synthesizers, or if you just want a deeper understanding of your new instrument before you get started, join us for a quick hands-on Subharmonicon tour. Knowing what to expect as you explore the controls will make it easier to achieve your musical goals. You can also begin by following some of the patch examples (beginning on page 45) and tweaking them to suit your own taste.

  • Page 12: Creating A Sequence

    CREATING A SEQUENCE INTRODUCTION Before we can create a sequence, we need to let Subharmonicon know what our intentions are. First, press the OSC 1 button (located in the SEQ 1 ASSIGN buttons) so that it is lit. This allows the individual STEP knobs of Sequencer 1 to modify the pitch of VCO 1.
  • Page 13 EXPLORING YOUR SUBHARMONICON (Continued) CREATING A SEQUENCE (Continued) TUNING STEP 1 Step 1 is now selected, and the LED indicator located under the STEP 1 knob will be lit. As you listen, rotate the STEP 1 knob to set a pitch for Step 1 of your sequence.

  • Page 14: Playing Your Sequence

    EXPLORING YOUR SUBHARMONICON (Continued) PLAYING YOUR SEQUENCE Press the blinking EG button so that it remains lit. This releases the envelope generators from their held state, so that each step of the sequencer will now trigger the EGs. Now, press the PLAY button. Your sequence will begin to play.
  • Page 15 EXPLORING YOUR SUBHARMONICON (Continued) EXPLORING THE FILTER As your sequence continues to play, you can rotate the CUTOFF and RESONANCE knobs and listen to how changing the filter settings can affect the timbre of your sequenced sound. The VCF EG AMT knob defines how much effect the VCF Envelope Generator (VCF EG) will have on the filter settings.

  • Page 16: Understanding Tuning Systems And Temperament

    EXPLORING YOUR SUBHARMONICON (Continued) SUMMARY In this exploration of your Subharmonicon, we have used only one VCO, one subharmonic oscillator, one sequencer, and two rhythm generators — working with each to become familiar with how they contribute to your overall sound.

  • Page 17: Panel Controls & Functions

    PANEL CONTROLS & FUNCTIONS THE OSCILLATORS In the synthesizer world, the primary role of an oscillator is to generate sound. Oscillators can be assigned a wave shape to determine the initial timbre of the sound, oscillators can be tuned to specific frequencies, and an oscillator can be played —...
  • Page 18 THE OSCILLATORS (Continued) OSCILLATOR 1 PARAMETERS (Continued) SUB 2 FREQ (VCO 1) The pitch or frequency of SUB 2 (the second subharmonic oscillator of VCO 1) is derived from the initial frequency (ƒ) of VCO 1. The SUB 2 frequency is equal to the initial pitch of VCO 1, divided by a whole number integer value from 1 to 16.
  • Page 19 THE OSCILLATORS (Continued) OSCILLATOR 2 PARAMETERS (Continued) SUB 1 FREQ (VCO 2) The pitch, or frequency of SUB 1 (the first Subharmonic Oscillator of VCO 2) is derived from the initial frequency (ƒ) of VCO 2. The SUB 1 frequency is equal to the initial pitch of VCO 2, divided by a whole number integer value from 1 to 16.

  • Page 20: The Mixer

    Quantizing focuses the continuous sweep of an oscillator into stepped voltages that, in the case of Subharmonicon, generate either a 12-tone or 8-tone division of the octave (with just or equal temperaments). Learn more about tuning systems and temperament on page 17. When the Quantize function is engaged, rotating the VCO 1 FREQ knob or the VCO 2 FREQ knob will select steps of the scale, as defined by the current Quantize setting.
  • Page 21 THE MIXER (Continued) SUB 1 LEVEL (VCO 1) This knob sets the level of SUB 1 — the first subharmonic oscillator associated with VCO 1. Rotating the knob clockwise raises the level; rotating it counter- clockwise lowers the level. SUB 2 LEVEL (VCO 1) This knob sets the level of SUB 2 —...

  • Page 22: The Filter

    THE FILTER The combined output signal from the mixer is internally wired to the input of the filter. Subharmonicon relies on a Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) to dynamically shape the timbre of a sound by selectively removing frequencies above the Filter’s Cutoff Frequency. This low-pass filter is of the famous Moog ladder type.

  • Page 23: The Envelope Generators (Eg)

    MIDI, etc. — the VCF EG will begin its cycle. NOTE: The Subharmonicon VCF EG is unique in that, while in the Attack phase, the VCF EG will not restart even when a new trigger or gate is received. Only once the Attack phase has been completed can a new trigger or gate be received to restart the VCF EG.

  • Page 24: Tempo

    Decay stage will begin. TEMPO Much of the Subharmonicon performance is derived from the TEMPO setting. This knob sets a base clock rate that drives the timing of the four rhythm generators, which in turn drives the timing of the two sequencers.

  • Page 25: The Sequencers

    THE SEQUENCERS Subharmonicon contains two identical sequencers. Each sequencer features four individual steps. Each step includes a variable tuning knob and an LED to indicate the current active step. Sequencer 1 is tied internally to OSC 1 and the subharmonic oscillators associated with OSC 1, and Sequencer 2 is tied internally to OSC 2 and the subharmonic oscillators associated with OSC 2.
  • Page 26 THE SEQUENCERS (Continued) SEQ 1 ASSIGN (VCO 1) (Continued) SUB 2: When this button is engaged (lit), the output of Sequencer 1, as defined by the positions of the four STEP knobs, will modify the integer value of the SUB 2 FREQ knob. When this button is off (unlit), SUB 2 will continue to play using the setting of the SUB 2 FREQ knob, maintaining a constant harmonic relationship to VCO 1.

  • Page 27: Transport Controls

    THE SEQUENCERS (Continued) SHARED SEQUENCER PARAMETERS The setting of the SEQ OCT function is shared by both Sequencers; it cannot be set individually. SEQ OCT This function specifies the octave range available for each of the STEP knobs in the sequencers. There are three values for this parameter. Repeatedly pressing the SEQ OCT button will cycle through the available options, with an LED indicating the current selection.
  • Page 28 TRANSPORT CONTROLS (Continued) TRIGGER (Continued) If the EG button is Off (unlit), the TRIGGER button behaves as a gate, and the envelopes are held to their maximum levels (based on their current settings) as long as the TRIGGER button is held down. When the TRIGGER button is released, the Decay phase of the EGs will begin, allowing an extra degree of control over the EG.
  • Page 29 Changing the SEQ 1 and SEQ 2 assignments and using the RESET button as you play adds rich levels of phrasing to your Subharmonicon performance. NOTE: The rhythm generators can be based on the internal clock (TEMPO knob), an external analog clock signal, or a MIDI clock signal.

  • Page 30: The Patchbay

    15 are outputs, indicated by reversed-color text over an inverse background. The Patchbay is designed to work with 3.5mm patch cables only. A set of five is included in your box. If you should need more, Moog patch cables are available through authorized Moog Dealers. INPUTS:...
  • Page 31 CV INPUT: -5V to +5V (1% Duty Cycle/Narrow Pulse to 99% Duty Cycle/Wide Pulse) VCA OUTPUT This output jack provides a Subharmonicon output signal at the Eurorack level. AUDIO OUTPUT: 10V peak to peak ROW TWO VCO 1 OUTPUT The audio output of VCO 1 is available at this jack.
  • Page 32 THE PATCHBAY (Continued) ROW TWO (Continued) VCA INPUT Connecting a control signal to this input will raise or lower the output of the VCA, or more simply, the volume. The control signal connected here is summed with the output control signal of the VCA EG. CV INPUT: 0V to +8V ROW THREE VCO 2 INPUT...
  • Page 33 A control signal connected to this input jack can be used to control the Cutoff Frequency of the Subharmonicon Filter. With the CUTOFF knob centered, the signal received here can sweep the Cutoff Frequency through a range of up to ±...
  • Page 34 THE PATCHBAY (Continued) ROW FIVE (Continued) RESET INPUT A trigger signal received here will reset the sequencers to Step 1, and will reset the rhythm generators to their initial phase or starting point. If the PLAY button was lit when the trigger was received, the sequencers will begin again on the next clock pulse.
  • Page 35 THE PATCHBAY (Continued) ROW SIX (Continued) RHYTHM 3 INPUT A control signal connected to this input sets the timing of Rhythm Generator 3 by controlling the value of the RHYTHM 3 knob, thereby selecting the integer value (1-16) used to divide the current tempo. RHYTHM 3 knob should be centered for the best range.
  • Page 36 MIDI IN INPUT MIDI information is received via this jack using the five-pin DIN socket to 3.5mm MINI jack (MIDI Type A) adapter included with your Subharmonicon. Specifically, Subharmonicon can receive master clock (TEMPO) information, note data, and various CC (Control Change) messages via MIDI (see MIDI Operations table on page 44).

  • Page 37: Using Subharmonicon To Clock Dfam

    Before you press the Subharmonicon PLAY button, press the RUN/STOP button on your DFAM. This will ensure that it is ready to play when it begins to receive the Subharmonicon clock signal. Press the Subharmonicon PLAY button. Both units should now be playing in sync.

  • Page 38: Syncing Subharmonicon To Mother-32

    MOTHER-32 Before you press the Mother-32 RUN/STOP (REC) button, press the PLAY button on your Subharmonicon. This will ensure that it is ready to play when it begins to receive a clock signal from your Mother-32. Press the RUN/STOP (REC) button on the Mother-32. Both units should now be playing in sync.

  • Page 39: Using Subharmonicon As A Eurorack Module

    USING SUBHARMONICON AS A EURORACK MODULE Your Subharmonicon can be removed from its case and easily installed into a Eurorack system as a 60HP module. Before doing this, it is important to note that Subharmonicon draws a maximum of 360mA from a +12V rail. It does not use the -12V rail at all. Make sure there is enough headroom on the +12V rail in your system to power the Subharmonicon.

  • Page 40: Global Parameters

    These parameters affect the overall Subharmonicon operation. FINE TUNE ± Using the Fine Tune mode, the overall pitch of your Subharmonicon can be adjusted by 50 cents (one-half semitone up or down). This allows Subharmonicon to be matched to your other equipment, a particular piece of gear, an out-of-tune track, etc.

  • Page 41: Midi Operations

    In addition to receiving MIDI clock information, Subharmonicon can also respond to the following MIDI CC (Control Change) messages. MIDI note data received by Subharmonicon is referenced as an offset from the note C4 (middle C). Rotating the VCO 1 FREQ knob and/or VCO 2 FREQ knob fully counter-clockwise will place the frequency of each oscillator at C4, so that MIDI note data received by Subharmonicon will be received unchanged.
  • Page 42 MIDI OPERATIONS (Continued) Parameter MIDI CC# Default Range Remarks 0 - 7 = Integer Value 16 8 - 15 = Integer Value 15 16 - 23 = Integer Value 14 24 - 31 = Integer Value 13 32 - 39 = Integer Value 12 40 - 47 = Integer Value 11 48 - 55 = Integer Value 10 MIDI CC replaces the (VCO 2)
  • Page 43 MIDI OPERATIONS (Continued) Parameter MIDI CC# Default Range Remarks SysEx files can be found at Play SysEx OFF; ON www.moogmusic.com (MIDI Transport) OR logic advances the sequencer every time a clock is received from one or both Rhythm Generators. XOR logic Rhythm Generator 0 - 63 OR / 64 - 127 XOR only advances the sequencer...

  • Page 44: Presets

    PRESETS Your Subharmonicon has a 100% analog signal path and, as a result, each unit has subtle sonic differences due to component tolerances that make it unique. Two different units set the same way may sound slightly different, which is normal. Due to Subharmonicon’s analog nature and mathematically derived functions, small derivations in knob placement can make a big impact on the sound of your patch.
  • Page 45 SLIP & FALL SLIP & FALL NOTES: Sequencer pitches are suggestions; adjust to taste. POINT ZERO POINT ZERO NOTES: Tune SEQ 1 and SEQ 2 to desired pitches. Tune all Subharmonic Oscillators to desired interval. Adjust VCF ATTACK for length of filter sweep.
  • Page 46 THREE HANDS ON THE WHEEL THREE HANDS ON THE WHEEL NOTES: Sequencer pitches are suggestions; adjust to taste. BATERIA BATERIA NOTES: Kick drum tuning is controlled via filter CUTOFF. Adjust VCF DECAY and EG AMT knobs for different kick drum flavors.
  • Page 47 SPIRAL WAYS SPIRAL WAYS NOTES: Tune sequencers to desired pitches. Tune SUB VCO 1 FREQ 1 to a Fifth. Tune SUB VCO 2 SUB 2 to a Major 3rd. Adjust VCF ATTACK for crescendo depth. STAR-GATE STAR-GATE NOTES: Tune SEQ 1 and SEQ 2 to desired hi-octave pitches. For percolating clusters, adjust the RHYTHM 2, RHYTHM 3, and RHYTHM 4 SEQ 2 knob rates.
  • Page 48 POLY ROCK POLY ROCK NOTES: Tune SEQ 1 and SEQ 2 to desired pitches. Tune SUB OSC 1, 2, 3, and 4 to desired chord shapes. Patch CLOCK OUT to VCA IN for “drums.” CLOUD PATH CLOUD PATH NOTES: Open VCO 1 LEVEL first. Tune SEQ 1.
  • Page 49 PRESET NAME: NOTES: PRESET NAME: NOTES:...
  • Page 50 PRESET NAME: NOTES: PRESET NAME: NOTES:...
  • Page 51 PRESET NAME: NOTES: PRESET NAME: NOTES:...
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  • Page 53 PRESET NAME: NOTES: PRESET NAME: NOTES:...
  • Page 54 PRESET NAME: NOTES: PRESET NAME: NOTES:...

  • Page 55: Signal Flow

    OSCILLATOR 1 VCO 1 SUB 1 RHYTHM 1 SUB 1 VCF EG RHYTHM 2 VCA EG RHYTHM 3 OSCILLATOR 2 VCO 2 RHYTHM 4 SUB 1 SUB 1 SIGNAL FLOW...

  • Page 56: Specifications

    EURORACK SPECS CURRENT DRAW: 360mA (maximum) from +12VDC (10-pin header) MOUNTING DIMS: 60HP (1”/26mm Module Depth) ACCESSORIES The following accessories are available for purchase at authorized Moog dealers: 2-TIER VERTICAL RACK KIT 3-TIER VERTICAL RACK KIT GIG BAG 6” 3.5 mm CABLE PACK (QTY 5) 12”...

  • Page 57: Service & Support Information

    Moog warrants its products to be free of defects in materials or workmanship and conforming to specifications at the time of shipment. The Warranty Period is one year from the date of purchase. If, in Moog’s determination, it has been more than five years since the product shipped from our factory, it will be at Moog’s discretion whether or not to...
  • Page 58 Moog Music Is An Employee-Owned Company Located In Asheville, NC...

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