ALM Pamela's Pro Workout User manual

ALM034 ’Pamela’s Pro Workout’
Operation Manual / Version 0.1 / Firmware 116
November 14, 2022
Contents
1 INTRODUCTION 3
2 FEATURES 4
2.1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 CORE OPERATION 5
3.1 PanelLayout....................................... 5
3.2 GettingStarted ..................................... 6
3.3 Basic Per Output Modier Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.4 Extended Per Trigger Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 OUTPUT PARAMETER REFERENCE 9
4.1 Shape........................................... 9
4.2 Width/Slew ....................................... 10
4.3 Level ........................................... 10
4.4 Offset........................................... 11
4.5 Phase........................................... 11
4.6 Probability ........................................ 11
4.7 EuclideanPatterns ................................... 11
4.7.1 Steps....................................... 11
4.7.2 Triggers...................................... 11
4.7.3 Rotate ...................................... 11
4.7.4 Pad ........................................ 12
4.8 Loops........................................... 12
4.8.1 LoopNap..................................... 12
4.8.2 LoopWake.................................... 12
4.9 CrossOperations .................................... 13
4.9.1 MIX ........................................ 13
4.9.2 MASK....................................... 13
4.9.3 MULT ....................................... 13
4.9.4 HOLD....................................... 13
4.9.5 S&H........................................ 14
4.9.6 ADD........................................ 14
4.9.7 SUB........................................ 14
4.9.8 OR......................................... 14
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4.9.9 XOR........................................ 14
4.9.10AND........................................ 14
4.9.11NOT........................................ 14
4.9.12SEED ....................................... 14
4.10FLEXOperations..................................... 14
4.10.1 HUMAN...................................... 14
4.10.2SWING ...................................... 15
4.10.3RAMPUP..................................... 15
4.10.4RAMPDOWN................................... 15
4.10.5HUMP....................................... 15
4.11Invert ........................................... 15
4.12Quantiser......................................... 15
4.12.1 Saving custom scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.13Scope........................................... 15
4.14Load,SaveandReset.................................. 16
4.15KeyShortcuts ...................................... 16
5 EXTERNAL CV MODULATION 17
5.1 CVAssigning....................................... 17
5.2 CV Attenuation and Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.3 Axon-1 .......................................... 17
6 SETTINGS 18
6.1 Input:Clk......................................... 18
6.1.1 EXTClockPPQN................................. 18
6.2 Input:Run ........................................ 18
6.3 UITheme......................................... 18
6.4 EncHoldTime ...................................... 18
6.5 LoadBank ........................................ 18
6.6 SaveBank ........................................ 18
6.7 ResetAll ......................................... 19
7 EXTERNAL CLOCK SYNCING 20
7.1 Syncingtips ....................................... 20
8 LIMITED WARRANTY 22
9 SUPPORT 23
10 APPENDIX 24
10.1I.FactoryReset ..................................... 24
10.2 II. Firmware Update and Data Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
10.3IIIExpanderModules .................................. 24
10.3.1PPEXXP1&PPEXP2............................... 24
10.3.2AXON-1...................................... 25
10.4 IV Improvements over PNW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2

1 INTRODUCTION
’Pamela’s PRO Workout’ is a compact programmable clocked modulation source for your Euro-
rack modular system. It provides 8 highly editable outputs producing various control voltage
signals correlated and synced to a BPM based master clock.
Each output can provide everything from simple clocked triggers, complex rhythmic wave-
forms, quantised melodic patterns to random chaos with direct and assignable CV control
over numerous parameters. These features together with a quick and easy to use interface
provide almost limitless synced modulation possibilities in a tiny space.
Building on the original ’Pamela’s Workout’ & ’Pamela’s NEW Workout’ the evolved ’PRO’ Pam
maintains the precursor’s form factor and intuitive workow but improves and adds many new
features with upgraded hardware, more CV inputs, a new full colour hi res display and rewrit-
ten software adding many new enhancements like micro grid timings and cross output mod-
ulations.
Through optional expander modules more CV input and outputs can be added with support for
external non euro equipment through Midi and Din Sync outputs.
Please enjoy your next generation PRO workout!
3

2 FEATURES
• BPM based clock with tempo rates 10-330BPM.
• Real time intuitive EASY and quick theme-able user interface with full colour high reso-
lution display.
• 8 Clocked voltage outputs each with independent adjustable;
–Clock divisors and multipliers from /16384 to x192 including various non-integer
factors.
–Numerous waveform types from staples to envelopes to ratchets to random.
–waveform level, offset, phase and shaping control.
–Extensive Euclidean, probability and beat based looping for pattern creation.
–Cross output modulation with numerous operations.
–Off grid ’Flex’ micro timing for swing, human and bouncing ball type timing effects.
• All output parameters assignable up to x4 built in CV inputs with individual offset, atten-
uation and metering.
• Per output and group saving and loading to 64 banks.
• All settings remain between power cycles.
• Voltage and direct control of clock stop/start, reset and external syncing.
• Support for expander modules for additional CV in and outputs.
• USB-C for quick and easy ‘drag and drop’ rmware updates and memory bank backup
via computer.
• Skiff friendly with reverse power protection.
• Made in England.
2.1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
•Size: 8HP
•Power: +12v 60ma / -12v 10ma
•Depth: 32mm (approx with power header)
•Outputs: 0-5v buffered low impedance. 12 bit res. 3.8khz max update freq.
•Inputs: CV 0v-5v / Clock, Run - rising edge 700mV min.
4

3 CORE OPERATION
3.1 Panel Layout
“Pamela’s
Workout ”
Outputs
123 4
5 6 7 8
Start / Stop
Inputs
Clk
Run
CV 1 CV 2
PRO
CV Inputs (0V → 5V)
CV 1
CV 2
Outputs
0V → 5V
with LED Indication
Program Knob
Full Color
LCD Display
External Clock Input
Clock Pulse or CV 3
Run, Reset or CV 4
Start/Stop Button
5

3.2 Getting Started
If you are already acquainted with the original Pamela then usage of the PRO workout will be
very familiar but hopefully clearer and much more feature rich.
When initially powered on, Pamela’s PRO Workout’s display shows the current clock tempo
setting in beats per minute (BPM). Clicking and then twisting the main blue program knob
highlights and then adjusts this BPM value between its maximum and minimum values when
turned. Clicking again deselects.
Push
Main BPM
Screen
Selection Made
120
Clock BPM
120
Clock BPM
PushTwist
Change Value Value Saved
122
Clock BPM
122
Clock BPM
Selection highlights
indicating it’s editable
Clicking the ’Start / Stop’ button starts the clock with this selected BPM tempo shown on the
display. With the clock now running, synced voltage are sent through each of the output jacks,
the level indicated by their relevant green LED’s.
Clicking the ’Start / Stop’ button again stops and resets the clock.
3.3 Basic Per Output Modifier Adjustment
The timing of each output can modied to either divisors or multiples of the main clock tempo.
For example, a modier of ‘x2’ means there will be two steps or output pulses per beat. A
modier of ‘/2’ means a pulse every other beat and a step size of two beats.
Outputs can also be set to stay permanently on or off, to just trigger once at clock start or stop,
or be assigned to external control via a CV input – more on these ’utility’ outputs later…
To adjust an output modier from the BPM display (unselected) twisting the program knob will
now cycle through each of the eight numbered output ’screens’ before returning back to the
main BPM screen.
6

Main BPM
Screen
Select Output Highlight to Change
PushTwist
x11
Modifier
x11
Modifier
120
Clock BPM
Each output is represented by the output number (on left) together with the current set mod-
ier value for that output. The modier value is either a multiplier, a divider or a ’utility’ value
correlated to the set BPM clock speed.
Not all modier values are integers - some are decimal values for triplet and dotted type tim-
ings.
As previously mentioned, there are also 4 special ‘utility’ types of modier mainly for working
with external devices; GATE - a held high voltage when playing useful for syncing ’run’ signals,
OFF - no output, START - a single initial start pulse and STOP - a single nal pulse red when
the clock stops. The START and STOP pulses are useful for resetting any synced sequencers.
Clicking the program knob will highlight the selected modier and turning will cycle through
the available values. Clicking again will exit.
3.4 Extended Per Trigger Adjustment
Each output can be further adjusted through ‘extended parameter settings’ allowing for very
complex clock synced modulations and rhythmic sequences. These extended parameters can
be split into 3 categories; those which alter the output wave shape with respect to the modier
timing, those which algorithmically skip or adjust timing steps (allowing rhythmic patterns to
be built) and then saving, loading and reset of an output parameter setup.
Note the extended parameters are not available for the special utility modier types.
7

With an output screen selected, pushing and holding the program knob for just over 1 second
will access the extended output parameter selection.
Access ‘Extended’
Output Parameters
Push + Hold
Select Output
Twist
x11
Modifier
1
Shape
The various parameters can be cycled through and edited using the program knob just as when
editing output modiers. To exit back up to the main output modier screen, click and hold
the program knob again for just over 1 second.
Many output parameter values are in percentages of total ‘step time’. The step time is derived
from the selected trigger modier. For example a divisor of /2 would have a step time of 2
beats, *4 would be a quarter of a beat.
Any output parameter value can also be assigned to be CV controlled via any of the available
CV inputs. See the Voltage control section for more info on this.
Certain parameters will only appear if a ’parent’ is enabled. Please see the Output Parameter
reference chapter below for info on each of the output parameters.
TIP: The program knob hold time can be adjusted - see the SETTINGS chapter
8

4 OUTPUT PARAMETER REFERENCE
4.1 Shape
Select between various output waveforms. Shaping of the waveforms can be made by altering
the width and slew parameters (if available).
waveforms include;
•Gate/Pulse - A Pulse/Square wave. Width controls pulse width.
•Ratchet x2 - A Pulse wave split into quarters. Width makes more pulses available.
•Ratchet x4 - A Pulse wave split into eighths. Width makes more pulses available.
•Triangle - A Triangle wave. Width controls slew (i,e making it more Saw/Envelope like).
•Trapezoid - A Triangle wave with a at top. Width will effectively morph between a pulse
to triangle.
•Sine - A Sine Wave. Width will ’lean’ to either side.
•Hump - Half a sine wave / Parabola. Width will ’lean’ waveform to either side.
•Exp Envelope - A exponential like envelope. Width controls time.
•Log Envelope - A logarithmic like envelope. Width controls time.
•Classic Random - A Sample & Hold style random wave. Slew smooths the edges of the
wave.
•Smooth Random - A bouncy ’mario hills’ musical kind of random.. Width controls round-
ness.
A full cycle of a waveform covers a single step. If a step is skipped no voltage will be output
(excluding any set offset voltage) or held if the case of a random waveform.
Random waveforms can be looped across a number of beats using the Loop parameter. The
actual loop (its random ’seed’) can also be saved for later recall.
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4.2 Width / Slew
The affect of width / slew differs depending on the selected shape. As shown below.
Gate
Shape
Ratchet x2
Ratchet x4
Triangle
Trapezoid
Sine
Hump
Expo Envelope
Log Envelope
Random
Smooth Random
0%1
Width
50%1
Width
100%1
Width
For random waveforms an additional slew parameter is made available. This smooths the
edges of the random wave.
4.3 Level
This sets the overall maximum voltage level of the output as a percentage of 0-5V.
TIP: Each 20% is essentially 1 volt.
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4.4 Offset
This sets the initial bias or offset from zero volts as a percentage of 0-5V.
TIP: By setting an output’s Level to 0, Offset can then be used as programmable constant voltage
output useful for internal and external modulation and even preset storage.
4.5 Phase
This allows for the phase shift on a waveform.
TIP: Keep in mind phase wraps. Shifting a trigger pulse with a greater than 50% width by more
than 50% can cause unexpected double triggering.
4.6 Probability
This is the percentage likelihood a ’step’ will occur or be skipped with no effective output.
Random patterns created using this function can be looped across beats (using the Loop pa-
rameter) and saved.
4.7 Euclidean Patterns
Euclidean rhythms are made from a simple algorithm which takes a numbers of steps and
triggers (active steps) and produces a pattern based the on hits being as equidistant from
each other as possible. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euclidean_rhythm
for more info.
Pamela is able to map Euclidean patterns to an output and to then skip steps when they are
not triggered. This can used to build up rhythmic patterns. The Loop parameter can also be
used to ’reset’ non 4/4 patterns.
Four parameters are available for setting up a pattern.
The parameters are:
4.7.1 Steps
Sets the number of steps used for a full Euclidean pattern. Steps must be greater than zero
for other parameters to appear.
4.7.2 Triggers
Sets the number of ‘triggers’ or ‘hits’ for Euclidean pattern generation. Must be more than zero
and less than the number of steps to produce a pattern.
4.7.3 Rotate
Rotates the dened Euclidean pattern by the specied number of steps effectively changing
the patterns start position.
11

4.7.4 Pad
Adds empty padding steps to the end of the generated pattern. This can be useful to break
up the regularity of an Euclidean pattern and group triggers to the begin, middle or end of a
looped pattern.
Across all Euclidean parameters a visual grid shows the created pattern.
1 9
Eucl Trigs
Euclidean Steps Euclidean Trigs Euclidean Pad
16
1
Eucl Steps
1 4
Eucl Pad
Set the amount of trigs
spaced evenly within
Set the total number of
Euclidean steps
Add additional blank
‘Pad’ steps
4.8 Loops
Species the number of actual beats (not steps) at which the output is effectively reset. Loops
can be thought of as an inbuilt reset/rewind mechanism for random, ex ops and Euclidean
as to build repeating patterns that are more musically structured.
When a Loop is active a couple of other parameters are made available;
4.8.1 Loop Nap
The number of complete loops to ’sleep’ the output for - i.e shut off the output.
4.8.2 Loop Wake
The number of complete loops to run before napping (if any set).
12

4.9 Cross Operations
Cross operations allow for the value of the current selected active output to be inuenced by
the value of another output or CV input (source) dependant on a selected operation. This could
be a simple as mixing two outputs together, a logic operation or something more complex like
sample and hold or a parameter reset.
MIX1
Cross Op
Src: Out 2
Output pre Cross Op
Cross Source
(From Output 2)
Final Output
(From active Output 1)
This greatly extends the original Pamela’s NEW Workout logic operations (and also includes
these).
To activate, the CROSS OP parameter is set to a selected operation other than ’None’. A CROSS
SRC parameter then becomes available to select the cross modulation source.
It should be noted that when combining with a CV input, the sampled CV is of lower resolution
than when combing with an actual output.
Cross operations happen prior to any quantisation.
The operations are described as follows;
4.9.1 MIX
Adds both source and active output value and halves total.
4.9.2 MASK
If the source output value is zero then the active output value is too. See ’NOT’ for the inverse
of this.
4.9.3 MULT
Multiplies the two output values and scales (i.e essentially a ring mod).
4.9.4 HOLD
If source output value is greater than zero the active output value is frozen with its last value.
13

4.9.5 S&H
A rising trigger on source will cause the current destination output value to be ’sampled’ and
held at that value until next trigger.
4.9.6 ADD
Adds both output values together, clips any overows.
4.9.7 SUB
Subtracts both output values from one another, clip any overows.
4.9.8 OR
Bit wise logic OR operation of both output values.
4.9.9 XOR
Bit wise logic XOR operation of both output values.
4.9.10 AND
Bit wise logic AND operation of both output values.
4.9.11 NOT
If source output value is greater than zero then active output value is zero.
4.9.12 SEED
A rising trigger will reset any random seeds on the active output.
4.10 FLEX Operations
Flex operation can be thought of ’micro timings’ or off grid blips which can lead to chaos at
extremes.
As well as selecting the Flex operation, you can also select an amount percentage value which
increases the intensity of the timing effect to extremes.
The RAMP & HUMP operations exponentially change timings for ’bouncing ball’ type effects. A
desired effect is likely also dependant on the initial output modier setting and may well take
some experimentation.
4.10.1 HUMAN
Introduces human like random timing errors.
(Previously known as ’Slop’ on PNW.)
14

4.10.2 SWING
Delays each alternate step by the set amount for a swing or shufe like timing effect.
4.10.3 RAMP UP
Gradually increases the step time causing any modulations to accelerate depending on the
set amount.
You can use the Loop parameter to reset the timing factor back to its original timing.
4.10.4 RAMP DOWN
Gradually decreases the step time causing any modulations to de-accelerate depending on
the set amount.
You can use the Loop parameter to reset the timing factor back to its original timing.
4.10.5 HUMP
Repeatedly increases and then decreases the step time based on the set Flex Amount. You
can use Loop to reset the timing factor back to its original timing.
TIP: Modulated ex operations on random waveforms and patterns can produce some very
unique results
4.11 Invert
Inverts the nal output value.
4.12 Quantiser
Quantises the nal output value as to t in a selected musical scale or mode with the 1V/octave
standard.
4.12.1 Saving custom scales
Its possible to save up to 3 different user scales which are saved across power cycles.
To do so; With selection mode active and a User scale selected, a long hold on the program
knob will enter edit mode where a custom mode can be edited. Rotating and clicking the pro-
gram knob will toggle notes used in the scale. Long holding the program knob again will exit.
4.13 Scope
Displays a visual representation of the output waveform updated in real-time.
Selecting (i.e clicking the program knob) toggle a full screen view of the scope.
Turning the program knob zooms in and out.
15

4.14 Load, Save and Reset
Allows the loading and saving of an output and its parameters for later recall.
Reset allows you to reset all output parameters to their default simple 50% pulse like state
or Reset the random ’seed’. Reseting the Seed will cause any loop Random parameters (i.e
probably , waveform) to have new random values.
TIP: Load/Save can also be used to ’copy/paste’ an output to another.
4.15 Key Shortcuts
There are a couple of key ’shortcuts’ or combos which can be useful when editing parameters.
They are:
• With an output parameter screen active, holding start/stop button down and turning the
program knob will quickly move between the same parameter for different outputs.
• Holding start/stop and clicking the program knob will toggle mute the current active out-
put.
16

5 EXTERNAL CV MODULATION
As well as direct user control, Pamela’s clock and outputs can be assigned to external voltage
control via 4 upper external signal inputs - ’Clk’, ’Run’, ’CV 1’ & ’CV 2’. To use ’Clk’ & ’Run’ as CV
inputs you must set them to expect CV (see Setting section below) otherwise they will appear
as greyed out options.
5.1 CV Assigning
An output modier and many of its extended parameters can be externally voltage controlled
by assigning its parameter value to any of the enabled CV inputs.
All CVs respond to voltages between 0 and 5v. Voltages input outside of this range are safe but
will be ignored.
5.2 CV Attenuation and Offset
With a value assigned to a CV input, it can be further controlled by setting a per parameter
attenuation and offset value to the incoming CV value. Pushing and holding the program knob
knob whilst a parameter CV option is highlighted (in selection) will access sub screens to set
these values as well as provide the ability to visually monitor the applied CV value.
Assign to CV Selection Made CV Edit Menu
Push + HoldClick
CV11
Modifier
A:99% O: 0%
CV11
Modifier
A:99% O: 0%
99%1
Modifier
CV1 Attenuation
Scroll past the lowest
parameter value
The set attenuation value can be either positive or negative which in effect inverts the CV value
(i.e just like an attenuverter)
Multiple parameters can be assigned to the same CV input and each parameter has its own
attenuation and offset parameters. Multiple CVs can not be assigned to the same parameter.
5.3 Axon-1
The Axon-1 is an additional CV expander module available. It plugs into the rear of the module
(See Appendix III) and supports 4 extra CV inputs. Only a single Axon is supported per Pam
module.
17

6 SETTINGS
By long holding the program knob on the BPM screen this allow you to access various setting
parameter screens. These include:
6.1 Input: Clk
Sets the ’Clk’ input to either review a clocked pulse signal for external syncing or be an addi-
tional CV input.
6.1.1 EXT Clock PPQN
Denes the expected ’Pulses Per Quarter Note’ for external clocking. It is recommended you
keep this value at the default 24.
6.2 Input: Run
Dened the action of the ’Run’ Input. It can be set too;
•RUN expects a gate like signal which sets the clock running when high, stopped when
low. Recommended you use this when syncing as gives Pam a chance to ’pre sync’ -
connect to the Din Sync or (converted) MIDI clock run signal.
•RESET Resets a running Pam to initial step when a trigger pulse is received. Will also
cause Pam to automatically start and stop when an external clock is detected (at least
2 pulses before starting).
•CV Sets the ’Run’ input as an additional CV input that can be assigned to various output
parameters
6.3 UI Theme
Allows you to select a visual theme for the user interface.
6.4 Enc Hold Time
Sets the time for a ’held’ program knob to be registered.
6.5 Load Bank
Loads an entire bank (all 8 outputs).
6.6 Save Bank
Saves an entire bank (all 8 outputs).
18

6.7 Reset All
Resets all outputs to their initial state.
19

7 EXTERNAL CLOCK SYNCING
Pamela can be driven by, and thus sync to, an external clock. This could be something simple
like a square wave LFO or something slightly more complex like a Din Sync or convert MIDI
clock signal from external hardware patched into the ‘Clk’ and run inputs. You can also control
the tempo directly with just a voltage level.
For syncing to work, Pam needs to know the external clock’s number of ticks (i.e clock pulses)
to a quarter note (i.e beat) - this is known as the Pulses Per Quarter Note (PPQN) value. A
mismatched PPQN value will cause Pam to report a very different BPM value to the external
clock - usually much lower. 24 is the recommended PPQN value to sync Pam with. Lower
PPQNs will not sync as accurately.
Pam also needs to know if it should start the clock automatically when an external clock signal
is detected or wait for an external gate signal via the ‘Run’ input to indicate the clock state
(high clock playing, low stopped). Its much better to use a Run signal as Pam can ’pre sync’
and doesn’t have to guess when a clock has stopped.
By default Pam is setup to follow a standard Din Sync like clock. A Din Sync clock is just a
clock signal with a 24 PPQN and a simple gate (into Run) which is high when the clock is play-
ing, low otherwise. It was used by various Roland drum machines and the like. Its really the
only standard ’analogue’ syncing protocol - thus the default for Pam and recommended way
to sync.
7.1 Syncing tips
•Always use a 24 PPQN clock and a Run signal Pam does not work like a simple analogue
style sequence where it simply advances a step on each incoming clock trigger, it has
to further divide the clock the down so a high resolution clock is critical for this. This is
what 24 PPQN provides. A ’RUN” signal allows for ’pre-syncing’ and avoids need to guess
when external clock has stopped.
• Modern MIDI clocking from a computer/hardware sequencer is generally ne assuming;
–Your computer/device OS and DAW is up to date.
–Your MIDI interface is from a reputable well supported brand.
–You dedicate the physical MIDI line to only sending clock data. Sending note, pro-
gram change and other MIDI data on the same line can soon saturate the available
MIDI bandwidth and cause the clock to hiccup.
–Your MIDI to ’analogue’ clock module or utility supports outputting a Din Sync like
clock. We strongly recommend our mmMidi (https://busycircuits.com/alm023)
module for this will which will provide a Din Sync like signal out of the box with no
conguration.
20