Unsung hero: Quadrature oscillator
2005-05-08 by paradigmshiftbeats
Joe's "Quad Land" Panel got me thinking about how much I use my two
QUO modules. Sure, they're excellent for spatial modulation of Serge
VC mixer channels, but they're also a fantastic mod source for other
destinations.
The built-in VCAs are very useful: when routing outputs to modules
without CV attenuators (Wave Multipliers, Ring Mod, /N-COMP, etc)
these allow you to control the modulation index, and using the QUO's
VC GAIN inputs even allows for dynamic indexing... Xpander, anyone?
These VCAs also have switches to cancel the output on the fly. One
trick I have used is to route the offset from an Active Processor or
CV Mixer to all four VC GAIN inputs, which gives you control of all
four modulation depths with one knob; this is nice for taking a
patch from serene to obscene very smoothly, regardless of whether
the change is sudden or gradual.
Each QUO also has a HOLD input that "freezes" the sine sweep of both
outputs when the input is high. You can have a swirling chorus that
suddenly hangs in space, then resumes its course. Or you can use a
pulse divider to create "stutter" effects when sweeping VCFs or
timbre modulators. Think about all the pulse sources available on
the Serge - random pulses, comparators, TKB/SQP gate outputs - and
the possibilities come alive.
The quadrature relationship between the outputs allows the various
modulations in a patch to bear correlation to each other without
sharing a simultaneous parallel or inverted path. Filter sweeps
can "follow" each other, volume swells can precede pitch droops,
whatever else you can imagine. And of course the modulation RATE can
be controlled from any voltage source, so your sweeps and swells can
accelerate and decelerate under the control of an envelope or LFO,
vary with each stage of a sequencer, or even track a keyboard using
the 1v/Oct input!
The QUO serves as an excellent audio-rate mod source for VCO/VCF FM
or as one input to a ring mod. The 1v/oct tracking works very well
until it reaches the top of the oscillator's range, which I would
peg around middle C. Finally, as an audio-rate *destination* the QUO
will produce its own heterodyne timbres. Cross-patching two QUOs
generates some very interesting (and surprisingly useful) results.
I am very interested in learning about other applications of this
module. Or perhaps you can offer the group your own "unsung hero"
(remember to revise your subject line to aid future searches!)
For all you potential Serge owners out there, get off the fence and
take advantage of these panel deals from Blake, John, and Joe!
Chris Sawyer
QUO modules. Sure, they're excellent for spatial modulation of Serge
VC mixer channels, but they're also a fantastic mod source for other
destinations.
The built-in VCAs are very useful: when routing outputs to modules
without CV attenuators (Wave Multipliers, Ring Mod, /N-COMP, etc)
these allow you to control the modulation index, and using the QUO's
VC GAIN inputs even allows for dynamic indexing... Xpander, anyone?
These VCAs also have switches to cancel the output on the fly. One
trick I have used is to route the offset from an Active Processor or
CV Mixer to all four VC GAIN inputs, which gives you control of all
four modulation depths with one knob; this is nice for taking a
patch from serene to obscene very smoothly, regardless of whether
the change is sudden or gradual.
Each QUO also has a HOLD input that "freezes" the sine sweep of both
outputs when the input is high. You can have a swirling chorus that
suddenly hangs in space, then resumes its course. Or you can use a
pulse divider to create "stutter" effects when sweeping VCFs or
timbre modulators. Think about all the pulse sources available on
the Serge - random pulses, comparators, TKB/SQP gate outputs - and
the possibilities come alive.
The quadrature relationship between the outputs allows the various
modulations in a patch to bear correlation to each other without
sharing a simultaneous parallel or inverted path. Filter sweeps
can "follow" each other, volume swells can precede pitch droops,
whatever else you can imagine. And of course the modulation RATE can
be controlled from any voltage source, so your sweeps and swells can
accelerate and decelerate under the control of an envelope or LFO,
vary with each stage of a sequencer, or even track a keyboard using
the 1v/Oct input!
The QUO serves as an excellent audio-rate mod source for VCO/VCF FM
or as one input to a ring mod. The 1v/oct tracking works very well
until it reaches the top of the oscillator's range, which I would
peg around middle C. Finally, as an audio-rate *destination* the QUO
will produce its own heterodyne timbres. Cross-patching two QUOs
generates some very interesting (and surprisingly useful) results.
I am very interested in learning about other applications of this
module. Or perhaps you can offer the group your own "unsung hero"
(remember to revise your subject line to aid future searches!)
For all you potential Serge owners out there, get off the fence and
take advantage of these panel deals from Blake, John, and Joe!
Chris Sawyer