Nyborg -12
Contents Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Nyborg Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Brief Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Initial Tuning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Circuit in Details . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Instructions PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USING: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Only use the correct power adaptor - 230V for UK/EU (110V for N.America). Never handle the adaptor with wet hands Never excessively bend the adaptor cable or get it trapped or place heavy objects on it. If the adaptor cable becomes damaged, replace the adaptor. Ensure the unit is disconnected from the mains before moving or cleaning. Always disconnect the unit from the mains if there is lightning in your area.
Introduction Congratulations on buying the Nyborg synthesiser. Nyborg is part of the Analogue Solutions range of analogue music equipment. Nyborg is a precision electronic musical instrument. It combines all the often needed music electronic circuitry to make a music synthesiser in one compact module. No compromise has been made with the construction of Nyborg.
Nyborg Layout Patch Sockets Voltage Controlled Oscillator Voltage Controlled Filter Audio Mixer Voltage Controlled Amplifier Low Frequency Oscillator Envelope Generators
Overview NYBORG: SYNTH – PERCUSSION – AUDIO PROCESSOR Nyborg is a compact analogue synthesizer. Analogue - as in really analogue. Aside from the MIDI chip (which has to be digital), everything else is totally analogue using real transistors and op-amps. There are no CPU stabilised and quantised circuits, no DCOs, no digital LFOs and no digital EGs, as found on other so called analogue synths. The circuitry is based on designs dating back to the mid-1970s. So Nyborg has a genuine old sound.
Overview - contd CIRCUITS INCLUDED OSCILLATORS There are two VCOs – each providing a wealth of features and modulation choices. Controls include: TUNE, OCTAVE, MODULATION depth and destination, MOD. SOURCE (EGs, VCO audio, External CV, LFO), manual pulse WIDTH, VCO Sync LOW FREQUENCY OSCILLATOR The LFO has triangle and Square wave modulation signals. The MODE switch can also be used to route Sample And Hold or CV2 (velocity) signals to the VCF and VCOs.
Overview - contd EXTERNAL CV CONTROL SOCKETS Nyborg can be controlled via an external analogue sequencer, such as Oberkorn, using the top panel CV sockets. There are pitch CV sockets for each VCO PITCH1 and PITCH2, filter CUTOFF, GATE (to trigger the EGs), EXT (to feed an external CV to various circuits). Also, on the rear panel are two spare 6.35mm big jack sockets. Using these you can route external audio through the filter.
Initial Tuning Once the MIDI and audio connections have been made it may be necessary to tune in the VCOs to the rest of your music set-up. Allow a five minute warm up time as these are true analogue VCOs – that’s why they sound so great! First set up the controls of Nyborg to make a simple sound. It is usually best to leave the VCA on BYPASS. Turn VCO2 to zero volume so you can only hear VCO1. Play, say, middle C on the keyboard.
Circuit in Detail Here follows details on the sockets and controls, with brief simplified explanations of what the circuits do. We have not gone into technical details on how or exactly what each circuit does but tried to explain each control's function and effect. This synth has been designed to be simple and intuitive to use, just like the original analogue synth’s of the 70s and 80s. There are no multi-layered menus to work through.
VCO 1& 2 The voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs 1 and 2) produce the raw audio waveform usually used as the initial source for sound creation. They provide cyclic audio waveforms that can be pitched. VCOs usually receive treatment from the VCF to turn their basic tones into pleasant sounds. Both VCOs have almost identical controls. Both are described below. TUNE Controls pitch adjustment of the VCO. Use this to tune the VCOs to each other, and to themselves.
VCO 1& 2 - contd MODULATION SOURCE ROTARY SWITCH This selects the modulation source for either PWM or FM and is routed to the control above. The source options are; EG1/2 For pitch sweeps. Good for percussion sounds. EXT A signal patching into the EXT socket s used as a modulation source. LFO For vibrato and trill effects VCO2/1 For frequency modulation effects PULSE WIDTH This control allows manual shaping of the pulse wave output. It alters the pulse width (duty cycle) of the pulse wave.
Audio Mixer NOISE GENERATOR The noise generator produces white noise which contains all audible frequencies at equal volume. This is like the hiss you hear between radio stations. The signal is available for filtering via the Noise/Sub mixer control. Noise would be used for sound effects such as breath, wind, percussion, etc. SUB OSC A sub oscillator is a signal taken from a VCO that is then taken down one or more octaves below the source VCO.
VCF The voltage controlled filter (VCF) is used to alter the tone of the VCOs/Noise and is the heart of what gives an analogue synth its character. The main character of the filter is a 2 pole, 12dB/Octave ‘oberheim’ style filter. There are 4 types of filter available; Low Pass High Pass Band Pass Notch Pass (variable between Low/High) FREQUENCY This sets the cut-off frequency, the point at which the filter begins operating and will start to filter out harmonics.
VCF - contd FILTER TYPE ROTARY SWITCH LP - Low Pass: Signals above the cut-off frequency are attenuated at a rate of 12dB/octave. BP - Band Pass: Signals above and below the cut-off frequency are attenuated at a rate of 12dB/octave. HP - High Pass: Signals below the cut-off frequency are attenuated at a rate of 12dB/octave. Notch Notch: signals at the cut-off frequency are attenuated at a rate of 12dB/octave.
Envelope Generators EG1 ASR EG1 is an ASR (attack / sustain / release) envelope generator. Use it to modulate various parameters of the synthesiser. EG1 is generally assigned for use with modulating VCO1 and the filter cut-off. EG2 ASR EG2 is just the same as EG1. EG2 is generally assigned for use with modulating VCO2 and the VCA. ATTACK Controls the Attack time. This control sets the time the envelope signal will take to reach full level after the EG is initiated. ATTACK Controls the Attack time.
VCA The Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) is the circuit that is used to change the output volume. Normally an envelope signal would be used to do this, so the sound starts loud then gradually fades away. The filter audio output is hardwired to the VCA signal input. MODE Rotary Switch The VCA can be controlled in 4 modes EG2 When EG2 is selected, the envelope signal of EG2 is used to modulate the VCA level. Use it if you require the VCA level to change over time. (Normal use).
LFO The Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) is basically identical to a VCO, it is another oscillator, except that it produces periodic wave forms of low frequency, typically sub-audio. These slow cyclic waveforms are used for modulating other circuit parameters, for example, for sweeping the filter cut-off up and down, either slowly for a nice sweep, or faster for a 'wah-wah' type effect. It could be used to modulate the VCO pitch for vibrato.
Patch Sockets PATCH SOCKETS Nyborg has some 3.5mm mono CV sockets on the top panel to allow optional patching some essential signal. Typically you might want to use these to control the synth from an analogue sequencer, such as Analogue Solutions Oberkorn. PITCH1 This is a 1V/Octave pitch CV input to control VCO1’s pitch from an external source, such as the Oberkorn analogue sequencer.
Setting Midi Channel FUNC(tion) Push Button This button is used to set the MIDI channel and CV2 controller. Works best if you plug a MIDI keyboard direct to program rather than via a DAW. TO CHANGE THE MIDI CHANNEL AND CV2 CONTROLLER; • Press and hold the FUNC button, • Press a MIDI key or move a MIDI controller. • Release the key/controller. Then release the FUNC button. • The synth will set its MIDI receive channel to the same channel of the MIDI message that was received.
Rear Panel Connections F1 IN This is an audio input socket to feed audio signals directly into mixer. F2 IN This is asecond audio input socket to feed audio signals directly into mixer. OUT This is the main audio output from Nyborg. It is the signal output from the VCA, post Volume control. MIDI IN Plug your MIDI cable in here to all another MIDI device to control the Nyborg. MIDI THRU The MIDI data coming into the In socket is copied to the Thru socket.
Nyborg Configuration RACK EARS (OPTIONAL) To rackmount Nyborg, you will in fact need two of them, as the combined width makes up one whole rack width FITTING RACK EARS First the two Nyborgs have to be screwed together side by side. This involves removing the front panel. See ‘Removing Front Panel’ in the wood side panel fitting instructions. With the front panels removed carefully screw the units together using 4 M4 screws. Use the four threaded holes that are normally used for the rack ears/wood.
Configuration (contd) WOODEN SIDE PANELS (OPTIONAL) These can be fitted to a single Nyborg, or, two Nyborgs that have been bolted together (see above, ‘Fitting Rack Ears’). The wood is screwed from the inside. This is so no screws are visible from the outside which looks far smarter. FITTING WOOD SIDES • Unplug From Mains. • Remove 5 front panel screws. • Carefully unplug cable internal ribbon. There may be some hot glue securing it. • Simply pull that off with a pair of pliers. • Set aside Front panel.
Configuration (contd) CHANGING FROM VERTICAL TO HORIZONTAL ORIENTATION As standard, Nyborg is a vertical machine much like its big brother, the Telemark. It is possible to rotate the front panel, and move the MIDI/PSU PCB so that you can have the synth flat, like a desk top device. This involves some basic mechanics. First, the front panel must be removed and rotated 180 degrees. Removing the front panel is described in ‘Fitting Wood Sides’ as outlined above. Next you need to remove the MIDI/PSU PCB.
2 Voice Mode/Poly Chain Nyborg has modified software to add poly-chain to accommodate one other synth. This will allow 2 Nyborgs to be played together as a single 2 voice polysynth. (4 voice is possible too on request - if you are lucky enough to own 4 Nyborgs, but you will need some new software).
Nyborg Specification VCO1 Tune, Octave, PW Mod, FM Mod, Manual PW, Mod Source, Saw out, Pulse out, Sync, Free Run VCO2 Tune, Octave, PW Mod, FM Mod, Manual PW, Mod Source, Saw out, Pulse out, Sync, Wide Range VCF Low pass filter, High pass filter, Band pass filter, Notch filter, Variable Notch filter. Cut-off, Resonance, Modulation Amount, Mod Source, MIDI Mod, Resonance Boost Mixer Audio source mixer VCA Mode switch inc.
Troubleshooting NO SIGNAL • • • • • • • • Your mixing desk / monitoring equipment is on and working correctly. Check the synth is switched on and that the power adaptor is functioning correctly. Check it is connected to your monitoring equipment correctly and that the cable is not faulty. Ensure the output volume is high enough. Ensure the mixer level controls are turned to some sound source like the VCOs or Noise.
Calibration of VCOs Calibration of Nyborg is done at the factory and usually should not need to be changed. Only attempt this yourself if you are fully confident you can do it. You may just end up ruining the settings, and be aware calibration is something that we cannot help with other the phone. There are no additional guides we can give by phone to help that are not already printed here. TRIMMERS There are 3 trimmers per VCO, arranged in a vertical line accessed through small holes in the top panel.
Warranty The Nyborg comes with a 1 year (from purchase date) back to base warranty, (i.e. customer must arrange and pay for carriage to and from Analogue Solutions or the dealer from which purchased). This warranty shall not apply where the product has been subject to alteration, misuse accident, neglect (such as extremes of temperature and/or moisture) or to wear resulting from normal use.
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