FLAME X-4 QUAD ENVELOPE VCA MANUAL Version 1.
MANUAL FLAME X-4 Version 1.00 Contents 1. Short description ................................................................ 3 2. Hardware / Connections ..................................................... 3 2.1 Connection to the modular system (Doepfer bus) 3 2.2 Module overview 4 2.3 Module backside (offset calibration of the VCAs) 5 3. Handling ............................................................................. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.
1. Short description The FLAME "X-4" is a compact, multifunctional quad envelope/VCA module, which combines four AD/AR envelopes and four separate VCAs in a very small space (10HP). The module is a supplement for quad VCO's (e.g. FLAME "4VOX") and expands it by four VCAs and envelopes in the smallest space. Each channel can be used separately as an AD/AR envelope generator with VCA, or just as a VCA.
2.2 Modul overview u Switch RATE (Envelope speed) u v Switch MODE (operating modes) w w Switch LOOP on/off x Slider y Trigger/Gate LEDs x z Trigger/Gate Inputs (0/5V) { CV Inputs (0..
2.3 Module backside On the back of the module, next to the connection for the Doepfer ribbon cable (power supply) and the processor programming connection (please do not use), there are four holes with the VCA offset controls. With these trimmers, the offset voltage of the VCA outputs is calibrated to zero volts (at a zero volt input level). The module is delivered calibrated, but can be readjusted manually if necessary. All you need is a voltmeter, which is connected to the signal output of the channel.
3. Handling 3.1 MODE (operating modes) The module includes four independent analogue VCAs and four simple digital AD/AR envelopes. There are three different operating modes, which can be selected with the MODE switch: two different envelope modes (AD and AR), as well as a mode VCA, with which you can use the VCAs separately without the internal envelopes.
3.2 MODE AD (Attack-Decay envelope per trigger) Set the MODE switch to the “AD” position. Now an envelope with attack and decay is generated. The envelope starts with a trigger pulse at the trigger/gate input. The length of the impulse (gate) has no influence on the envelope length (except when LOOP is switched on). The shape of the envelope, i.e. the length of the attack and release times, are determined by the position of the track slider and the RATE switch. Toggle the LOOP switch down (LOOP=off).
AD ENVELOPE The envelope consists of two phases: Rise to maximum voltage after start by trigger Voltage falling to zero Attack Decay Level Attack Decay Time FASTEST TIMES OF ENVELOPE PHASES Slider position zero RATE ATTACK DECAY gesamt FAST MEDIUM SLOW 1,5ms 9ms 54ms 5,5ms 33 ms 198ms 7ms 42ms 252ms RETRIGGER If the trigger pulse train is faster than the envelope, the envelope is restarted (automatic retrigger): Level Time Trigger Level Time Trigger 8
3.3 MODE AR (Attack-Release envelope per gate) Set the MODE switch to the “AR” position. Now an envelope with attack and release curve is generated. The envelope starts with a positive gate at the trigger/gate input. The length of the impulse (gate time) determines how long the envelope remains high after the attack phase. The release phase only begins at the end of the gate. The graphic below illustrates the behavior of the envelope.
3.4 LOOP Function LOOP Normally the AD envelope is started by a trigger and then runs once until a new trigger pulse arrives. The gate time (i.e. the length of the pulse) is not evaluated. However, if the LOOP function is on (LOOP switch up), the envelope will restart as long as the gate is on. If the gate is generated by an external key, the envelope loops as long as the key is pressed. When the key is released again, the envelope is set to zero. The function behaves the same in both AD and AR modes.
3.5 MODE VCA (Envelopes inactiv) Set the MODE switch to the “VCA” position. Now the internal envelopes are switched off and the four VCAs can be used directly and controlled externally via CV. You can now use the module as a simple quad VCA module. The sliders work as VCA controls or as attenuators for the CV input. The RATE and LOOP switches as well as the trigger/gate inputs have no function.
4. Appendix 4.1. Technical details Connections: Ribbon cable adapter for Doepfer bus +/-12Volt Inputs: 4x Audio/Signal (+/-5v), 1/8th inch mono jacks 4x Trigger/Gate (0/+5v..10v), 1/8th inch mono jacks 4x CV (0..+5v), 1/8th inch mono jacks Outputs: 4x Audio/Signal (+/-5v), 1/8th inch mono jacks Control elements: 3 switches 4 Slider 4 LED’s Current consumption: max + 60mA / - 30mA Size: Euro rack format 3U / 10HP 51x128,5x42 mm 4.
