1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. 4ms Company Manuals
  4. Control Unit
  5. QCD Expander
  6. User manual

4ms Company QCD Expander User Manual

Eurorack module
Hide thumbs
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
The QCD Expander from 4ms Company is an expansion module for the Quad Clock Distributor (QCD). The QCD
Expander requires the QCD to function, and adds a host of features. The Expander turns the QCD into a
programmatic non-linear sequencer, easily obtaining self-patched evolving rhythms, and swing/shuffle patterns.
Each of the four channels has:
•
Multi-mode output jack INV OUT mirrors the tempo of main QCD output
•
Mode Switch for each INV OUT jack:
◦ Delayed Trigger Mode
◦ Inverted Gate Mode
◦ Shuffle Mode (delayed + original trigger)
•
PW/Delay knob controls trigger delay time on INV OUT jack (or pulse width in Inverted Gate Mode)
◦ Also controls Pulse Width of main QCD OUT jack
◦ CV input jack for external control
◦ Attenuverter allows for one channel to precisely modulate another channel's delay or pulse width
•
Div/Mult CV attenuator knob
◦ Controls how much the signal on the main QCD's Div/Mult CV jack will modulate the tempo
◦ Useful for precisely modulating the speed of one channel with another
A global LED brightness trimpot is accessible from the front panel.
QCD Expander
from 4ms Company
Eurorack Module User Manual
DOWNLOAD MOST RECENT MANUAL AT:
http://4mspedals.com/qcd.php

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for 4ms Company QCD Expander

  • Page 1 Eurorack Module User Manual The QCD Expander from 4ms Company is an expansion module for the Quad Clock Distributor (QCD). The QCD Expander requires the QCD to function, and adds a host of features. The Expander turns the QCD into a programmatic non-linear sequencer, easily obtaining self-patched evolving rhythms, and swing/shuffle patterns.

  • Page 2: Basic Features

    Basic features: • Connects to QCD module with a 16-conductor ribbon cable (included) • When connected to a QCD, the following features are added to each QCD channel: ◦ Multi-mode clock output (INV OUT) is the same tempo as the QCD's OUT jack ◦...
  • Page 3 Making Rhythms The QCD Expander and QCD are designed to create an infinite variety of rhythms that can be programmatically built, as opposed to linearly "grid" sequenced. This is a form of non-linear sequencing. Using a few short patch cables, you can create complex rhythmic patterns for multiple voices/drums.
  • Page 4 This patch uses the black channel to speed up and slow down the red channel. The black Div/Mult ( determines how quickly the red channel changes from fast to slow and back. The black PW ( ) determines how long it's fast vs. how long it's slow.
  • Page 5 Example Patch #2: Juke Rhythm This patch makes a traditional Juke or Trap beat pattern. There are many variations of this beat, but this is a versatile starting point. Tap a tempo, or run a master clock into Red CLK IN. Kick: Turn Red Div/Mult to /3.

  • Page 6: Mode Switch

    Mode Switch Each channel has a mode switch located above the Div/Mult CV attenuator. The Mode Switch only effects the INV OUT jack. It has no effect on the main QCD output. The Mode Switch interacts with the Pulse Width/Trig Delay setting. The switch has three positions: left, center, and right.
  • Page 7 Gate Pulse Width/Trig Delay The Gate PW/Trig Delay parameter is simple, yet has complex implications. First, it controls the pulse width of the main QCD output. At 0% the main QCD OUT will be 5ms wide (a trigger). At 50% the pulse width will be 50%, or a square wave.

  • Page 8: Adjusting Led Brightness

    If you turn all the way to the right (clockwise) the LEDs will be painfully bright to view (sunglasses optional). If you're not sure if the screwdriver is the right size to turn the trimpot, remove the QCD Expander from the rack. The trimpot is visible from the top edge of the module, so you can visually inspect if the screwdriver is fitting.

Table of Contents