Panel Controls & Functions; The Oscillators - Moog Subharmonicon User Manual

PANEL CONTROLS & FUNCTIONS

THE OSCILLATORS

OSCILLATOR 1 PARAMETERS
VCO 1 FREQ
Rotating this knob will set the initial frequency, or pitch, of VCO 1. The range
of this knob is four octaves. Rotating the VCO 1 FREQ knob fully counter-
clockwise will specify the initial pitch as Middle C (262 Hz) on a piano. Rotating
this knob fully clockwise will specify the initial pitch as the highest C (4186 Hz)
on a piano.
NOTE: Engaging the QUANTIZE settings will limit the available values for the VCO 1
FREQ knob to the specific scale steps set by the current value of the QUANTIZE button.
SUB 1 FREQ (VCO 1)
The pitch or frequency of SUB 1 (the first subharmonic oscillator of VCO 1) is
derived from the initial frequency (ƒ) of VCO 1. The SUB 1 frequency is equal to
the initial pitch of VCO 1, divided by a whole number integer value from 1 to 16.
As you rotate the SUB 1 FREQ knob, you are actually selecting the integer value
used. You can hear the pitch of SUB 1 change in stepped values, starting with 1
[unison tuning to VCO 1: (ƒ)/1 = (ƒ)] when this knob is rotated fully clockwise,
and proceeding in steps to a value of 16 as this knob is rotated counter-
clockwise. Each one of these values produces a note on the undertone scale
derived from the initial pitch of VCO 1.
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 — its pitch
varied by a control voltage
source such as a keyboard
or sequencer.
Each voltage controlled
oscillator (VCO 1 and
VCO 2) is equipped with two
subharmonic oscillators.
These subharmonic oscillators
can be independently set to a
specific note, or subharmonic,
of the undertone series.
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