BRAINS High Resolution Multi Engine Oscillator Module User Guide

BRAINS High-Resolution Multi-Engine Oscillator Module

Specifications

Inputs

• * Timbre CV input

  • Type: 3.5 mm TS jack, DC to 2 kHz
  • Impedance: 100k
  • Effective Levels: -3 to +7 V

Outputs

• * Out 1

  • Type: 3.5 mm TS jack, DC to 2 kHz
  • Impedance: 50k
  • Max output level: 0 to +8 V

Controls

• * Timbre

  • Harmonics

Digital Processing

• * A/D converter Resolution: 16 bit

  • D/A converter Resolution: 16 bit

Physical

• Dimensions: 129 x 81 x 42 mm (5.0 x 3.2 x 1.7)
• Rack units: 16 HP
• Weight: 0.16 kg (0.35 lbs)

Product Usage Instructions

1. Powering On the Module
   Ensure the Eurorack power supply is connected properly.

2. Connecting Inputs and Outputs
   Connect the appropriate cables to the input and output jacks based on your setup requirements.

3. Adjusting Controls
   Use the various controls such as Timbre, Harmonics, Freq, Morph, Bank, and Model to adjust the sound parameters to your liking.

Safety Instruction

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
10. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
11. Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be take to a collection center licensed for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The mishandling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the efficient use of natural resources. For more information about where you can take your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, or your household waste collection service.
12. Do not install in a confined space, such as a book case or similar unit.
13. Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.

BRAINS Controls

1. DISPLAY – Produces a waveform of the audio content for quick visual feedback.
2. USB – Connect a standard USB cable for firmware updates.
3. BANK button – Toggles between red, green and yellow banks.
4. TIMBRE knob – Function varies depending on the model selected, but generally sweeps from darker to brighter content.
5. HARMONICS knob – Function varies depending on the model selected, but generally adjusts frequency spread or tonal balance.
6. TIMBRE CV LEVEL – Attenuates the voltage received at the Timbre CV input. If the CV input is not patched, and a signal is received at the Trig input, this knob will instead control the amount of modulation from the internal envelope generator.
7. TIMBRE CV – Control the Timbre parameter via external control voltage.
8. OUT 1 – Sends the main processed signal via 3.5 mm TS cable.
9. MODEL jack – Allows model selection to be made remotely via external control voltage.
10. MODEL button – Scrolls through the available models in the currently-active bank. The current model is displayed on the OLED display (1).
11. MODEL/BANK LEDs – indicate the current model and bank, in either red, green or yellow.
12. MORPH knob – Function varies depending on the model selected, but generally controls the character.
13. FREQ knob – Covers a range of 8 octaves, but can be narrowed down to 14 semitones.
14. MORPH CV LEVEL – Attenuates the voltage received at the Morph CV input. If the CV input is not patched, and a signal is received at the Trig input, this knob will instead control the amount of modulation from the internal envelope generator.
15. MORPH CV – Control the Morph parameter via external control voltage.
16. OUT 2 – Sends an alternate or variant of the Out 1 signal via 3.5 mm TS cable.
17. TRIG – Performs several functions:
18. Triggers the internal envelope generator.
19. Excites the physical and percussive models.
20. Strikes the internal low-pass gate.
21. Samples and holds the value of the Model CV input.
22. HARMONICS CV – Control the Harmonics parameter via external control voltage.
23. V/OCT – Controls the fundamental frequency relative to the root selected by the Freq knob.
24. FM CV – Control the FM parameter via external control voltage.
25. LEVEL – Opens the internal low-pass gate on the output signal, controlling both output level and brightness. Also triggers an accent when the physical or percussive models are active.
26. FM CV LEVEL – Attenuates the voltage received at the FM CV input.

Specifications

Waveform Parameters

Note 1: for BX7 mode, it is possible to send a DX7 Sysex file using USB, the Sysex will overwrite the presets present in BRAINS memory.
Note 2: Model input only controls the red/green engines.
Note 3: Audio Scope input is via V/Oct socket.

Low Pass Gate and Envelope

To adjust the Low Pass Gate press and hold the Bank button (3) and use the Timbre control to adjust its response from being a VCA when fully clockwise to being a true low pass gate when fully counter-clockwise or the Morph control (12) to adjust its ring time and increase the decay of the internal envelope. The settings are shown by the number of yellow LEDs lit, from 1 – 4.
Low Pass Gates reduce level and cutoff simultaneously, resulting in the signal losing high frequency content as it gets quieter.

Frequency Range

Press and hold the Model button (10) and use the Harmonics control (5) to set the range of the Frequency control (13). The number of lit LEDs corresponds to the range. 1 LED represents C0 +/- 7 semitones, 2 LEDs C1 +/- 7 semitones until 8 LEDs represents C7 +/- 7 semitones. When all LEDs are lit then the Frequency control has an eight octave range covering C0 to C8.

CALIBRATION

The BRAINS is factory calibrated with high precision instruments and should not need any further calibration. If it does become necessary to calibrate it, please follow this procedure:

• Disconnect all CV inputs except v/oct, which should be connected to a well calibrated CV keyboard or MIDI/CV converter.
• Press the BANK and MODEL buttons simultaneously, the first LED will flash green.
• Send 1 V to the v/oct input from the keyboard.
• Press any button, the first LED will now flash in orange.
• Send 3 V to the v/oct input from the keyboard.
• Press any button, the BRAINS will now leave calibration mode.

To check that the BRAINS is correctly calibrated follow this procedure:

• Send 0 V to the v/oct input from the keyboard.
• Use the FREQ control (13) to tune the output to 110 Hz (MIDI A2)
• Send 1 V to the v/oct input from the keyboard. The tuner should now show 220 Hz (A3).
• Send 2 V to the v/oct input from the keyboard. The tuner should now show 440 Hz (A4).
• Send 3 V to the v/oct input from the keyboard. The tuner should now show 880 Hz (A5).

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

BRAINS

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Important information

Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by Music Tribe can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.
Hereby, Music Tribe declares that this product is in compliance with Directive 2014/30/EU, Directive 2011/65/EU and Amendment 2015/863/EU, Directive 2012/19/EU, Regulation 519/2012 REACH SVHC and Directive 1907/2006/EC.
Full text of EU DoC is available at https://community.musictribe.com/
EU Representative: Music Tribe Brands DK A/S Address: Gammel Strand 44, DK-1202 København K, Denmark
UK Representative: Music Tribe Brands UK Ltd. Address: 6 Lloyds Avenue, Unit 4CL London EC3N 3AX, United Kingdom

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use this module with other Eurorack modules?

A: Yes, you can integrate this module with other Eurorack modules in your setup.

Q: How do I update the firmware of the BRAINS module?

A: Firmware updates can be performed by connecting the module to a computer via USB and following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

References

• Music Tribe

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