The oscillators, Oscillator 2 parameters – Moog Subharmonicon Semi-Modular Polyrhythmic Analog Synthesizer User Manual

Page 18

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19

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. As you rotate the

SUB 2 FREQ

knob, you are actually selecting the

integer value used. You can hear the pitch of SUB 2 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.

WAVEFORM (VCO 1)

The waveform being output by VCO 1, SUB 1, and SUB 2 is determined by this
three-position switch.

UP:

In this highest position, a square wave is output from VCO 1, SUB 1, and

SUB 2. Square waves produce a hollow sound, providing a rich starting point
for nasal clarinet and bass sounds.

MIDDLE:

The middle position is a special case. With the switch in this position,

SUB 1 and SUB 2 will both output sawtooth waves. However, VCO 1 will output a square (pulse) wave.
By default, the sawtooth output of SUB 1 is normalled for use as a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
source for the square wave of VCO 1. PWM can change the width of the pulse wave, altering its timbre
which is popular for creating string-type sounds.

DOWN:

In this lowest position, a sawtooth wave is output from each. In addition to creating thick,

brassy sounds, the sawtooth wave also lends itself to powerful lead and bass sounds.

TIP:

In the middle position, the PWM of VCO 1, caused by the audio-rate frequency of SUB 1, can appear to add

a second pitched component to VCO 1, even when the

SUB 1 LEVEL

knob is at its minimum position.

NOTE:

The normalled connection described above can be overridden by connecting a control signal to the

VCO 1 PWM

input jack of the patchbay.

OSCILLATOR 2 PARAMETERS

The Oscillator 2 parameters function in the same way as the Oscillator 1 parameters.

VCO 2 FREQ

Rotating this knob will set the initial frequency, or pitch, of VCO 2. The range
of this knob is four octaves. Rotating the

VCO 2 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 2 FREQ

knob from continuous to the specific scale steps set by the current

value of the

QUANTIZE

button.

THE OSCILLATORS

(Continued)

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