Moog Voyager Old School User Manual

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FORWARD from Mike Adams ..................................

THE BASICS

How to use this Manual .......................................

Setup and Connections ........................................

Overview and Features ........................................

Signal Flow ....................................................................

THE COMPONENTS

A. Mixer Section ........................................................

B. Oscillator Section ................................................

C. Filter Section .........................................................

D. Envelopes Section ..............................................

E. Output Section .....................................................

F. Modulation Section ..........................................

G. LFO Section .........................................................

H. Keyboard & LH Controllers .........................

I. Back Panel .................................................................. 31

Voyager Old School

User's Manual

APPENDICES

A - Specifi cations .................................................................

B - VX-351 CV Expander .............................................. 34

C - Using the CP-251 with the Voyager ................. 41

D - Synthesis Tutorial ......................................................... 44

E - Service & Support Information ...........................

F - Caring for the Voyager Old School ...................

G - Accessories ...................................................................

GLOSSARY .......................................................................................

PATCH TEMPLATES .....................................................................

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Page 1: Table Of Contents
D – Synthesis Tutorial ............44 Overview and Features ........E – Service & Support Information ......Signal Flow ..............F – Caring for the Voyager Old School ....G – Accessories ..............THE COMPONENTS A. Mixer Section ............GLOSSARY ..................
Page 2: Forward From Mike Adams
Congratulations! You now own the Minimoog Voyager Old School, a successor to the synthesizer that Sonic State named the number one synth of all time: the Minimoog Model D. A descendant of the original Minimoog, the Voyager Old School is an ‘instant classic’...
Page 3: The Basics How To Use This Manual
Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Basics How to Use this Manual This User’s Manual is organized into convenient sections to assist you in setting up, playing and exploring your new Voyager OS. The Setup and Connections section explains how to unpack, setup and connect the Voyager OS, and provides a quick start to get you up and running with your new instrument.
Page 4: Setup And Connections
Make sure you have an adequate place to set it up. You will need a sturdy keyboard stand or fl at surface that will provide the proper support (the Voyager Old School weighs approximately 40 lbs.) and will not easily topple. Use caution when lifting the Voyager out of the carton, and be sure to save the carton and all packing material in case you need to ship the Voyager for any reason.
Page 5 If you are new to subtractive synthesis, be sure to read the synthesis tutorial that appears in Appendix D. Warranty registration Moog’s on-line warranty registration system is the best way to activate your warranty. Access the Moog web site at www.moogmusic.com and click on the “Product Register” tab. If you complete all the requested information, Moog Music will send you a complimentary gift.
Page 6: Overview And Features
Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Basics Overview and Features The Voyager OS is a monophonic analog performance synthesizer that is a successor to the classic Model D Minimoog. Its sound sources are three analog, variable waveform oscillators, a noise source, and an external audio input.
Page 7 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Basics Back Panel: The Voyager’s back panel offers con- nections for Power, Control Voltage (CV) and Gate I/O, and Audio I/O. There are 14 CV inputs and 2 CV out- puts provided on 1⁄4“ jacks. Jacks identi- fi ed with a red nut indicate a combina- tion CV/Expression Pedal input, while jacks identifi ed with a blue nut indicate...
Page 8: Signal Flow
Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Basics Signal Flow To understand the signal fl ow of the Voyager OS, it’s helpful to consider the three types of signal rout- ings in the system: the audio path, the control voltage path, and the modulation path. Audio Path The Voyager’s audio path includes all of the signal sources and signal modifi ers that produce an audio output.
Page 9 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Basics Control Voltage Path When a key is pressed, a Gate and Pitch Control Voltage (CV) are produced. The Gate signal is used to trigger both the Filter and Volume Envelope Generators (EGs). The Pitch CV is used to determine the pitch of the Oscillators and can be applied to a varying degree to the Filters through the Keyboard Control Amount knob.
Page 10 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Basics The Voyager OS Modulation Buss Page 12...
Page 11: The Components
Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components The Components Now let’s take a look at the individual module components that make up the Voyager OS Synthesizer, starting with the Mixer section. Then we’ll cover the Oscillators, Filters, Envelopes, and Output Sections, the LFO and Modulation sections, the Keyboard and Left-Hand controllers, and the Back Panel.
Page 12 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components External: The EXTERNAL control allows an external monophonic audio source to be routed into the Mixer, where it can be mixed with the Oscillators and Noise source (an “Ext Audio In” jack on the Voyager back panel is provided for this input).
Page 13: Oscillator Section
Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components B. The Oscillator Section The Oscillators are the main sound source of the Voyager. The oscillators in the Voyager are all analog Voltage Controlled Oscillators, or VCOs. They feature a temperature regulation circuit that provides them with excellent tuning stability.
Page 14 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components Wave: Each oscillator features a continuously variable WAVE (waveform) control. The legend on the front panel shows the standard waveforms that are available at certain positions on the dial: triangle, sawtooth, square, and rectangular. The waveform is morphed gradually from one to another as the WAVE control is rotated. Because the waveform is voltage controlled, this parameter can be modulated;...
Page 15 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components Related Oscillator Controls: Two other panel controls interact with the Voyager Oscillators: Fine Tune and Glide. These controls are located in the lower left of the Voyager’s front panel Fine Tune: The FINE TUNE control is used to tune the Voyager’s oscillators +/ – 2 semitones for matching an external reference pitch.
Page 16: Filter Section
This means that a one-pole fi lter has a cutoff slope of 6db/oct, a 2-pole fi lter has a 12dB/oct cutoff slope, etc. The classic Moog fi lter – the sound that started it all – is a dB/Oct lowpass fi lter.
Page 17 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components The Voyager has two voltage controlled fi lters (VCF’s) that can be confi gured either as dual lowpass fi lters or as a combination of highpass & lowpass through a front panel switch. Dual Lowpass Mode: The Voyager’s Dual Lowpass mode provides two identical lowpass fi lters which are routed to the left and...
Page 18 When the SPACING control knob is centered, the cutoff frequencies of the two fi lters are identical and the fi lter sounds like a classic Moog Filter. Setting the SPACING control to +1 in Dual Lowpass mode means that the right fi lter has a cutoff frequency equal to where the CUTOFF control knob is set, and the left frequency has a cutoff frequency that is one octave higher than the right fi lter.
Page 19: Envelopes Section
Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components Additional CV Connections Filter: The FILTER jack allows you to connect an external CV or expression pedal to control the fi lter cutoff frequency. Both fi lters are effected by this connection, regardless of the fi lter mode setting. The effective input range is -5 to +5 V, where a positive CV will add to the fi lter cutoff dial setting, and a negative CV will subtract from the setting.
Page 20 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components Envelope Section Controls: Attack: The ATTACK control sets the attack time of the corresponding envelope generator, from 1 msec to 10 seconds. Decay: The DECAY control sets the decay time of the corresponding envelope generator, from 1 msec to 10 seconds.
Page 21 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components Related Controls Release Switch: The release time of the envelopes is set by their respective RELEASE control knob, but this control can also be switched OFF. On the Voyager OS , there’s a dedicated RELEASE switch located in the left-hand control panel for this.
Page 22: Output Section
Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components E. The Output Section The Voyager has two audio outputs. There is a Voltage Controlled Amplifi er (VCA) for each output, which allows for stereo functions such as panning or the dual lowpass fi ltering. The main control for the volume is the Master Volume control.
Page 23: Modulation Section
Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components F – The Modulation Buss Section Modulation is the heart of making interesting sounds with analog subtractive synthesis. The Voyager’s two Modulation Busses open up a world of modulation possibilities that were not available on the original Minimoog.
Page 24 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components Two controls modify the amount of modulation sent to the destination: the selected controller (set with the CONTROLLER knob) and the AMOUNT control. When the selected controller is a performance control such as the Mod Wheel or Key Velocity, the modulation can be selectively varied from 0 to 100%. When the selected controller is an envelope, the modulation varies according to the envelope parameters.
Page 25 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components Controller: The CONTROLLER dial selects from six modulation controller options. The Controller selections are: - MOD WHEEL: This allows the modulation source to be controlled from the Modulation Wheel in the left-hand controller section. - ON/MOD1: This allows the modulation source to be controlled by a CV or expression pedal plugged into the back-panel MOD1 jack.
Page 26: Lfo Section
Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components G – The LFO The Voyager OS has a dedicated Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO). The LFO produces triangle and square waves as well as stepped and smoothed Sample & Hold (S&H) signals over a range of approximately 0.2 to 50 Hz.
Page 27 Voyager OS User’s Manual - The Components LFO/Sample and Hold Section Controls Rate: The RATE control sets the frequency of the LFO. The RATE control frequency range is approximately 0.2 to 50 Hz. Wave: The WAVE control selects the LFO waveform. There are four waveforms available: Triangle Square Stepped Sample &...
Page 28: Keyboard & Lh Controllers
Note: The Pitch Bend amount is set by an internal jumper. Although most players will be comfortable with the factory default setting (+/-5 semitones), wider or narrower ranges can be set by reconfi guring an internal jumper. For details on this procedure, visit the Voyager Old School section on the Moog Music web site (www.moogmusic.com).
Page 29: Back Panel
The CV/Expression Inputs are 1⁄4” TS jacks color coded with a red nut. These jacks accept an input from an expression pedal such as the Moog EP-2, or a CV from -5V to +5V. Note that some inputs, such as the MOD 1 input, operate only from 0V to +5V;...
Page 30 The Gate/Footswitch Inputs are 1⁄4” TS jacks color coded with a blue nut. These jacks accept an input from a footswitch (a momentary, normally-closed footswitch like the Moog FS-1) or a +5 Volt Gate Signal. NOTE: The Sample and Hold input jack ONLY accepts a Gate input.
Page 31: Appendicesa - Specifi Cations
Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices Appendix A - Specifi cations Type: Outputs: Monophonic analog performance Stereo Audio Output: Two 1⁄4” jacks on synthesizer back panel Headphone Output: One 1⁄4” TRS jack on Sound Generation: front panel. Dedicated Headphone 3 Oscillators with continuously variable wave- Volume control.
Page 32: B - Vx-351 Cv Expander
Finally, a serious synthesizer made for the working musician. Flash forward to today: The Minimoog Voyager Old School is based on the concept of the Minimoog. It is a portable analog synthesizer with all the basic connections for making great electronic sounds. From its...
Page 33 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices Connecting the VX351: Make all connections as described below with the Voyager powered OFF To connect the VX-351, locate the male end (the end with recessed pins) of the DB-25 cable - this is the end that plugs into the connector on the Voyager’s back panel labeled “ACCESSORY PORT” Align the cable properly and make the connection.
Page 34 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices VX-351 CV Output Expander - Description The following is a description of the outputs and functions contained in the VX-351 CV Output Expander. TOUCH This group of four outputs is not used with the Voyager OS. This group of outputs is generated from the Voyager’s Keyboard.
Page 35 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices BUSSES: This group of outputs is generated by the Mod Buss signals. They are the Modulation source after being shaped by the SHAPING signal at the level determined by the AMOUNT control and the MOD WHEEL or signal at the MOD1 Input jack WHEEL: This is the output of the Mod Wheel Mod Buss.
Page 36 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices The table below shows the effective ranges of the VX-351 Outputs. SECTION PARAMETER EFFECTIVE RANGE TOUCH (Note 1) GATE PITCH (Note 2) -0.916V to 2.667V Nominal -5 to + 5V PRESS -5 to + 5V GATE +5V ON, 0V OFF PITCH...
Page 37 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices Documenting your work A list of the Expander connections (like the one shown below) is a convenient way to document CV routings with the Voyager OS. VX-351 CV OUTPUT EXPANDER SOURCE DESTINATION KBD Pitch KBD Velocity KBD Pressure KBD Gate...
Page 38 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices The following are some simple ways to use the VX-351 with the Voyager OS. Gather up some 1⁄4” patch cords and try these suggestions: 1. Use the Mod Wheel to control Volume This will confi gure the Mod Wheel as a volume controller. Perform the following steps: - Set the panel controls to the default confi guration.
Page 39: C - Using The Cp-251 With The Voyager
Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices Appendix C - Using the CP-251 with the Voyager The Moogerfooger® CP-251 Control Processor makes an ideal companion to the Voyager OS. The CP-251 provides an LFO with two waveforms (Triangle/Square), a Sample & Hold circuit with two outputs (stepped/smooth), a Lag Processor, a Noise source, a Mixer and two active Attenuators.
Page 40 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices To produce a modulated fi lter effect: Using a patch cord, make a connection from the CP-251 Attenuator Output jack to the Voyager’s FILTER jack. On the CP-251, set the LFO RATE control to 6 Hz (about 1 o’clock), and adjust the ATTENUATOR to about ‘2’...
Page 41 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices PERFORMANCE TIP: There may be times when you want a wider control range than a single CV provides. It’s possible to increase the control range of a CV using a Mult and the Mixer in the CP-251. Begin by connecting the CV to a Mult, and then make connections from the Mult to the Mixer 1 &...
Page 42: D - Synthesis Tutorial
Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices Appendix D - SynthesisTutorial For those who are new to the world of electronic music, let’s take a few moments to go through the basics of sound and synthesis. Sound is simply the audible change in air pressure. When we perceive sound, our ears are responding to variations in air pressure that hap- pen to occur in our range of hearing.
Page 43 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices The Subtractive Synthesis Model The Oscillator is the starting point of Subtractive Synthesis, for it is here that the initial sound is created. The oscillator creates electrical vibrations which function in a manner similar to the strings of a guitar; they create the signal source that the rest of the system will use to modify and shape the sound.
Page 44 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices Like the square wave, the triangle wave only contains odd harmonics, but the levels of the harmonics in a triangle wave are much less. The triangle wave has a soft, slightly buzzy sound that is suitable for high- pitched leads (like a fl ute) or adding a beefy sub-bass to bass sounds.
Page 45 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices Returning to our Subtractive Synthesis model, the fi rst of the auxiliary components is the keyboard. The keyboard provides a familiar musical instrument ‘interface’ that produces a control voltage and trigger signal whenever a key is pressed. The level of the control voltage signal is a function of which key is pressed - the higher up on the keyboard you play, the higher the level of the control voltage.
Page 46 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices So there you have it - the six basic components that make up a synthesizer based on the subtractive synthesis model. Keep in mind that most ‘subtractive’ synthesizers often include more than one of each component.
Page 47: E - Service & Support Information
Music before returning any product. You can request an RMA number on-line using the ‘Product Register’ link on the Moog Music home page or call us at (828) 251-0090. The Voyager must be returned in the origi- nal inner packing including the foam inserts. The warranty will not be honored if the product is not properly packed.
Page 48 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices Appendix G - Accessories To further enhance the functionality and appearance of the Minimoog Voyager OS, Moog Music offers the following optional accessories. For complete information on everything listed here, including pricing and ordering info, see your Moog dealer, or visit www. moogmusic.com EP2 Expression Pedal The EP2 Expression Pedal is the fi nest expression pedal available.
Page 49: G - Accessories
Voyager OS User’s Manual - Appendices Accessories (Con’t) Voyager Gig Bag For getting around town, the Voyager gig bag is a lightweight and convenient way to safely transport your Voyager. The gig bag is made of heavy-duty nylon material, with double-stitched construction and a pouch for your cables and accessories.
Page 50: Glossary
Voyager OS User’s Manual - Glossary Glossary Here are a few key terms that cover the basics of sound generation as used in the Voyager OS synthesizer. ADSR – Abbreviation for Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release, the four stages of an envelope control voltage.
Page 51 Voyager User’s Manual - Glossary Filter – A circuit that removes some frequencies and allows other frequencies to pass through the circuit. A fi lter has a cutoff frequency that determines the point at which frequencies begin to be removed. A lowpass fi lter is one in which frequencies above the cutoff frequency are removed and all frequencies below the cutoff are passed through.
Page 52 Voyager OS User’s Manual - Glossary Mixer – A circuit for combining multiple sound sources or signals. Modulation – Modulation is the use of a control voltage to shape a tone. Modulation has a source, a destination, and an amount. This could be as simple as the fi lter cutoff of a VCF (a modulation destination) being changed by the front panel cutoff control (the source), or as complex as mixing multiple CVs together to modulate fi lter cutoff.
Page 53 Voyager User’s Manual - Glossary Timbre – Pronounced ‘tamber’, it refers to the quality of a sound by its overtones. An unprocessed sawtooth wave has a bright timbre, while a triangle wave has a mellow timbre. Tremolo – Technically a form of low frequency amplitude modulation, tremolo is a smooth audible pulsing of volume.
Page 54: Patch Templates
To help get you started on your musical explorations, here are a couple of sample patches of typical Minimoog sounds. You can use them as-is, or as starting points for creating new sounds. For more patches, visit the Voyager OS section on the Moog Music web site (www.moogmusic.com). Page 56...
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Page 57 Voyager OS User’s Manual Minimoog Voyager Old School User’s Manual © Moog Music 2008, all rights reserved Text and illustrations by Greg Kist, Steve Dunnington and the resources of Moog Music. Page 59...

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