Joranalogue 203 Morph 4 Dimensional Modulation Array Instruction Manual
- June 1, 2024
- joranalogue
Table of Contents
Joranalogue 203 Morph 4 Dimensional Modulation Array
INTRODUCTION
Modulation is the core concept of modular synthesis: parameters changing over time, adding movement and musical interest to what would otherwise be merely static sounds. Being able to control the amplitude of signals throughout a patch is therefore essential, and one can never have too many voltage- controlled amplifiers (VCAs). Designed as a fully-featured modulation hub for Eurorack synthesizers, Morph 4 takes the basic concept of the multi-VCA module to the next level. Four linear amplitude modulators are controlled by a master ‘morph’ parameter. The response of each modulator to this parameter is completely variable, both manually and under voltage control, and can be overridden if desired. Each response is triangular, with the ‘position’ parameter setting the maximum point along the morph axis, while ‘span’ determines the width of the triangle’s base. In addition to separate signal inputs and outputs, a variety of combined outputs is available as well: A+B, C+D, add (unity gain) and averaging mixes, and instantaneous minimum and maximum. Input normalization makes it easy to send the same signal to multiple modulators, while output and modulator response LEDs provide essential visual feedback. The combination of master control, fully flexible modulators and multiple combined outputs creates a module truly embodying the spirit of ‘patch programmable’ modular synthesis. Use Morph 4 as a voltage-controlled mixer, dual crossfader, dual panner, interpolating scanner, interpolating distributor, quad VCA, quadraphonic controller, slope modifier, rectifier, complex waveshaper or something in between any of those—the choice is yours.
CONTENTS
In the Morph 4 box, you’ll find:
- Product card, stating serial number and production batch.
- 16-to-10-pin Eurorack power cable.
- Mounting hardware: two black M3 x 6 mm hex screws, two black nylon washers, and a hex key.
- The Morph 4 module itself, is in a protective cotton bag.
If any of these items are missing, please contact your dealer or support@joranalogue.com.
SIGNAL FLOW
CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS
LEVEL KNOBS
The level knobs are control voltage (CV) attenuators for the modulator level
inputs, determining the gain for each modulator.
POSITION KNOBS
Each modulator by default responds to the morph parameter in a triangular
fashion. The position parameter sets the location of the triangle’s peak about
the morph axis. For example, if a positioning knob is set to the center
position, that modulator will reach its peak response when the morph knob is
centered as well (assuming no level CV is applied).
SPAN KNOBS
The width of the base for each modulator’s morph response triangle is set by
the span parameter. For example, a small span means the modulator will be
fully closed for most morph values, except for a small range around the peak
position.
SIGNAL INPUTS
Connect your input signals to these sockets. Input A has a +5 V normal, making
it easy to use Morph 4 to generate rather than process signals. All other
inputs are normalized from the preceding one (A into B, B into C, and C into
D), as indicated on the front panel using triangles, so the same signal can be
sent through multiple modulators. Any kind of signal can be used: audio, CV or
gate/trigger.
LEVEL INPUTS
The level CV inputs provide linear voltage control over the modulators. With
the attenuator at maximum, the response is 0 (−∞ dB) at 0 V, and unity gain (0
dB) at +5 V. They can be made to amplify when more than +5 V of CV is applied.
By default, these sockets are driven from the triangular morph responses
generated for each modulator from its position and span parameters. Plugging a
socket into one of them allows the corresponding modulator to be controlled
directly instead, overriding the morph functionality.
POSITION AND SPAN INPUTS
Any voltage applied to one of these sockets is added to the position/span set
using the corresponding modulator’s knob.
SIGNAL OUTPUTS AND LEDS
The modulated signals are available directly from these output sockets. The
LEDs show the real-time output voltages, lighting up red for positive and blue
for negative.
LEVEL LEDS
These LEDs visualize the incoming level CV for each channel, determined either
by the morph, position, and span parameters or the signal applied directly to
the level socket, before any attenuation by the corresponding level knob.
MORPH KNOB
The morph parameter is a kind of ‘macro control’, affecting all channels
simultaneously (except channels where the level CV input is in use). How the
channels respond to different morph levels depends entirely on their position
and span settings.
MORPH MODULATION INPUT AND KNOB
External modulation of the morph parameter is possible using this input socket
and polariser knob. While the manual knob range is 0 to +5 V, corresponding to
the range of the channel position knobs, external modulation can move the
morph value outside this range if desired.
SUMMING OUTPUTS
Two sub-mix outputs are available: one combining channels A and B, and
another combining C and D. These are typically used for (stereo) crossfading
applications.
ADDER/AVERAGER OUTPUTS
These additional mixing outputs combine all channels, useful for voltage-
controlled mixing and scanning. They only differ in gain. The adder output
simply adds up all channel output voltages at unity gain, most useful when
processing low-level signals. The averager on the other hand lowers gain by 12
dB, avoiding clipping when processing stronger signals.
PATCH IDEAS
HALF-WAVE/FULL-WAVE RECTIFICATION
The minimum/maximum outputs can be used to separate out the positive and
negative portions of a signal (half-wave rectification). Apply your signal to
channel B, set to maximum level, while setting all other level controls to
their minimum settings. ‘Disable’ morphing by setting the positions fully
counter-clockwise, spans clockwise and morphs itself counter-clockwise. The
minimum socket outputs the input signal’s negative excursions, while the
positive parts are available from the maximum socket. Increase the channel A
level to move the ‘separation line’ from 0 to +5 V, or provide an input signal
to modulate it. For full-wave rectification, apply an inverted copy of the
signal to channel C and set its level knob to maximum as well.
WAVESHAPER
Rather than using the channels directly, plug an audio signal into the morph
input socket. As channel A includes a +5 V input normal, various new, often
highly complex waveforms will be made available from the mixing outputs, as
determined by the chosen input signal, morph knob settings, and the various
level, position, and span parameters. Not limited to audio use, this same
technique can be used to turn a simple CV source into an advanced modulator.
For bipolar output signals, apply a constant −5 V to signal input C.
MINIMUM/MAXIMUM OUTPUTS
The minimum and maximum output voltage levels of the four channels are
continuously computed by analog circuitry and made available from these output
sockets. They can create surprising results for a wide variety of input
signals.
QUAD WINDOW COMPARATOR
With a low frequency or audio signal driving the morph section and no other
input signals applied, it is possible to use Morph 4 as a quad window
comparator. Simply use the triangular output waveforms from the four channels
to directly drive gate and/or trigger inputs throughout your system. For each
channel, ‘position’ sets the window’s center, while ‘span’ determines the
size. Experiment with using the mixing outputs as well, and modulation of the
parameters. You may need to process the output signals through regular
comparators first to drive certain inputs reliably.
SYNCHRONISED VCAS
Within certain patches, it may be useful to have an array of synchronized
VCAs, all processing different signals yet controlled by the same CV source.
The morph feature can be used to provide this functionality. To achieve this,
set all position and span knobs to their maximum settings, and the morph knob
to minimum. Patch the signal inputs and outputs as required. Then connect your
CV to the morph modulation input and use the corresponding knob to set the
sensitivity. At maximum sensitivity, each channel will be fully attenuated at
0 V and provide unity gain at +5 V. If your control signal exceeds this, lower
the sensitivity to match. Note that the responses are still triangular, so
pushing beyond the unity gain point will result in attenuation.
SPECIFICATIONS
MODULE FORMAT
Doepfer A-100 ‘Eurorack’ compatible module 3 U, 20 HP, 30 mm deep (inc. power
cable) Milled 2 mm aluminum front panel with non-erasable graphics
MAXIMUM CURRENT DRAW
- +12 V : 110 mA
- −12 V: 110 mA
POWER PROTECTION
Reverse polarity (MOSFET)
I/O IMPEDANCE
- All inputs: 100 kΩ
- All outputs: 0 Ω (compensated)
OUTER DIMENSIONS (H X W X D)
- 128.5 x 101.3 x 43 mm
MASS
- Module: 240 g
- Including packaging and accessories : 315 g
SUPPORT
As with all Joranalogue Audio Design products, Morph 4 is designed,
manufactured, and tested with the highest standards, to provide the
performance and reliability music professionals expect. In case your module
isn’t functioning as it should, make sure to check your Eurorack power supply
and all connections first. If the problem persists, contact your dealer or
send an email to support@joranalogue.com.
Please mention your serial number, which can be found on the product card or
the module’s rear side.
REVISION HISTORY
- Revision D: revised VCAs to ensure they fully close at a level CV of 0 V.
- Revision C : no functional changes.
- Revision B: initial release.
With compliments to the following fine people, who helped to make Morph 4 a reality!Morph 4 User Manual version 2023-11-04 21st Century Analogue Synthesis—Made in Belgium © 2020—2023 info@joranalogue.com https://joranalogue.com/
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