Polyrhythm generators, Rhythm generators – Moog Subharmonicon Semi-Modular Polyrhythmic Analog Synthesizer User Manual

Page 29

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Subharmonicon contains four independent,
but identical, rhythm generators. In short, each
rhythm generator creates a new rhythm by
dividing the current tempo by an integer value
from 1 to 16, selected by a dedicated

RHYTHM

knob. This new rhythm is then superimposed
onto Sequencer 1, Sequencer 2, or both, via the

SEQ 1

and

SEQ 2

buttons associated with each

Rhythm Generator.

Each rhythm generator creates one rhythm.
But as you begin to combine multiple rhythm

generators to drive the sequencers, you will start to explore the potential of polyrhythmic composition.
Changing the SEQ 1 and SEQ 2 assignments and using the

RESET

button as you play adds rich levels

of phrasing to your Subharmonicon performance.

NOTE:

The rhythm generators can be based on the internal clock (

TEMPO

knob), an external analog clock signal,

or a MIDI clock signal.

Because each rhythm generator functions in an identical manner, we will use

RHYTHM 1

as the example.

RHYTHM 1

Rotating this knob chooses an integer value from 1 (fully clockwise) to 16 (fully
counter-clockwise). This integer is used to divide the current clock/tempo
setting to create a new rhythm.

NOTE:

Rotating the

RHYTHM 1

knob fully clockwise divides the current tempo by 1,

which is equal to the current tempo. This allows you to hear the original rhythm at any
time by rotating the

RHYTHM 1

knob fully clockwise.

SEQ 1

Engaging this button (lit) takes the tempo / rhythm created by the position of
the

RHYTHM

knob and uses it to advance through the steps of Sequencer 1.

SEQ 2

Engaging this button (lit) takes the tempo / rhythm created by the position of
the

RHYTHM

knob and uses it to advance through the steps of Sequencer 2.

THE POLYRHYTHM SECTION

TRANSPORT CONTROLS

(Continued)

HELD:

Briefly hold the

button until it begins to blink to select the Held

setting. When the

button is blinking, the VCF EG and VCA EG are held

open at their maximum values until the

button is pressed once again.

With playback stopped (

PLAY

button unlit), the

NEXT

button can be used to

advance to the next sequencer step. This allows you time to manually tune each
VCO and each subharmonic oscillator with precision, as well as each sequencer
step, based on the

SEQ 1 ASSIGN

and

SEQ 2 ASSIGN

buttons.

NOTE:

When entering the Held option, the EGs will initiate and complete their respective Attack stages, and then

hold at their maximum values. When exiting the Held option, the EGs will complete their respective Decay stage.

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