User Manual

64
THE CV / GATE SECTION
CV/Gate connectors have a longer history in the music world than MIDI does! This is how the modules
of early synthesizers were connected, using cables to carry the control voltages, gate triggers, and clock
signals. And the resurgence of modular synths and Eurorack modules in the 21st century has brought
these connection protocols back to the forefront of the music creation process for many musicians.
Hydrasynth Explorer is well-stocked in this area too, with three CV outputs, a Gate Out connector, and
another that transmits clock signals. Each of the CV/Gate connectors can be congured to match the
voltages and signal types of the most popular formats.
Basic Concepts
If you’re new to the world of CVs and Gates, here are a few descriptions and ideas on how to put this
stu to work.
First, “CV” stands for “Control Voltage”. It’s a quick
way to say “Use a change in this voltage value
to control that device.” A “gate” is something
that opens and shuts, allowing the passage of
electricity and preventing it, respectively. In
practical terms, when a note is triggered by a key,
Hydrasynth Explorer generates a CV (Pitch) and
two Gate voltages (high and low, for “Note on” and
“Note o”).
This is done by converting digital data into analog
voltages, which are then regulated by the System
Setup preferences and supplied to the CV/Gate/
Clock connectors.
The Mod Matrix is able to route almost any signal
the Hydrasynth Explorer can produce to the
Mod 1 and Mod 2 outputs. In other words, the
keys, the pitch bend and mod strips, the LFOs
and envelopes, even incoming MIDI data can be
routed to the inputs of a modular synthesizer
through the CV/Gate section. There has never
been a better time to own a synth!
A Few More...
CV/Gate Polyphony
The output of the CV connectors is naturally
monophonic, so they are best suited for
monophonic applications. Depending on
the desired results, it may be good to try the
Mono or Unison options found on page 1 of
the [VOICE] menu.
Clocks and Sync
The arpeggiator can drive or be driven by
external sequencers. (See
The Arpeggiator & MIDI
(p. 57)
for more info). Set BPM Sync to On
elsewhere too (LFOs, Envelopes, and Delay).
The Clock connector in the CV/Gate section
can send one of several sync rates to non-MIDI
devices, as can the MIDI and USB ports. But
incoming clocks must arrive via USB or MIDI.
These options are set on pages 7 and 14 of
The
System Setup Pages (p. 70)
.
Compatibility
There are several voltage standards that
companies use, so the Hydrasynth Explorer allows
you to set the voltage ranges to match the source
device. Those are dened on System Setup pages
12-15. More later about that.