Multi-Purpose Knobs for the NM1

[Tusker]

Has anyone developed patches which allow the knobs of the NM1 to be used for different purposes?

Technically, it is not hard. You simply link a constant module to a knob and then have a switch to route the output of the module to various destinations. The switch is linked to another knob.

However I am interested in whether the various connections are intuitive in any way. For example, dedicating 4 knobs to ADSR and allowing a knob to switch between Filter ADSR, Amp ADSR and Pitch ADSR would be one example. Such destinations are linked by their common architecture.

Other destinations might be linked by the fact that you need access to the several parameters at once, while you don't need others. For example switching 4 knobs between functions for different oscillators (say waveform, detune, pitch, and modulation source) might make sense for someone. Or having a set of knobs that do oscillator modifications one moment and filter modifications the next, might be handy. Or knobs that can do double duty for sequencer functions one minute and tonal functions the next.

What kinds of trade-offs have you run into in the ergonomic use of knobs? Any examples to share?

Jerry

[Sw-Michael]

An obvious thing would be to use the "fourth knob" (the button) on a micro Modular to switch between two sets of usage for the three remaining knobs. You even get feedback which state the button is in on the display (on/off).

[Tusker]

That's an interesting use of the button. I didn't know you could do that. You know come to think of it, I think I am being influenced by the little Phatty.



Jerry

[Sw-Michael]

I don't know if you could do that either, but it seems like it should be pretty easy. Just follow the constant modules in your example above with some logic gates to switch them between two different outputs depending on the state of the fourth knob.

Since I'm a Modular newbie I cant directly visualize which modules are needed but it ought to be doable.

But you can only do it to control params that take a CV input of course.

[X-Electric]

I guess assigning knobs to constant module, and then redirecting this signal would work only for modules with modulation inputs. It's much easier to use master keyboard with some controls. I'm using an old crappy CS1x, and its 6 additional knobs are sometimes even more than enough for some applications. Some time ago I made a simple drum machine patch where You chose one of 8 different rhythms with 2 knobs, I guess this was the 'multi-purpose' thing You're talking about in a way. The 1st knob was to chose group A or B, and the second one was to choose rhythm number 1-4 or 5-8. This could be easily expanded for 16 different states, and together with a 4th knob/button to 32, so You could redirect the 3rd knob's parameter to any of 32 desired locations. But I guess it won't be that simple to use this kind of control live

[erstlaub]

I've just updated to a G2 but on the NM i mainly used the knobs assigned to constant modules to produce a logic signal to trigger envelopes, reset a seqeuncer module etc. On certain occasions i've used a knob/constant combo hooked up to a note quantizer and portamento mods to "play" melody lines with the knob. It's fine provided you aren't that fussy about total accuracy.

I've also previously used the knobs assigned to the switch modules for changing logic or control patterns or whatever else I've fancied.

These days with the G2 engine i use an evolution UC33, I mainly use the assignable switches set to trigger a switch module to open and close envelopes.

I do think it's a bit of a shame Clavia not releasing a rack version similar to the NM but I guess I just liked the luxury of being able to take one synth out to play a set rather than the laptop/G2 and knob box setup I now have.

I still freakin adore my G2 and it would be the first thing I'd save if there was a fire (then the wife, or maybe a computer or two and then her).

[cappy2112]

[Sw-Michael]

Erstlaub, thanks for the tips. You have to think out of the box. The idea of playing arpeggios by turning a knob wouldn't have occured to me...

Also, the idea of using knobs to trigger envelopes was good. You could probably trigger different envelopes depending on how far you turn the knob.

[erstlaub]

This little patch should do the trick, I've assigned the switch to knob 1, you can even vary the constant value to adjust the overall amplitude of the envelopes should you so wish or just use separate constant modules for each to use as a little mixer.

I haven't tested this as my NM is not plugged in but in theory it should work, I patched up the same circuit on my G2 and it does the required task.

---

env-switch.pch
Description:	Knob based switch between envelope triggers (or sth)	Download (listen)
Filename:	env-switch.pch
Filesize:	1014 Bytes
Downloaded:	390 Time(s)

---