NANO QUART User manual
QUART
Quick guide
Thank you for choosing QUART
for your Eurorack System.
NANO Modules - València 2020 ©
Powering up
Turn off the power of your modular synthesizer.
Double check the power cord polarity. If you plug the module backwards you might
damage its electronic circuits.
If you flip over your QUART, you will find the “RED” mark at the PCB power connector,
which must match the colored line on the ribbon cable.
Once you have checked all the connections, you can turn on your modular system.
If you notice any anomalies, turn your system off right away and check again your
connections.
1.
2.
3.
4.
REDRED
QUART
NANO Modules - València 2020 ©
QUART is a Quadruple Attack-Decay Envelope & Low Frequency Oscillator,
which means it has 4 independent functions that can work as Low Frequency
Oscillators or Attack-Decay Envelopes depending on whether the Trigger Inputs are
connected or not.
An Envelope describes how a sound changes over time. Synthesizers use
envelopes to create shapes designed for making musical sounds. You can adjust the
envelope’s controls to tell it what kind of shape to make. It normally relates to the
amplitude (volume), but it may also involve elements such as filters (frequencies) or
pitch.
QUART is an AD Envelope (Attack & Decay), meaning that it consists of two phases,
Attack & Decay (also called Rise and Fall). When the AD is triggered it starts a rising
phase until it reaches its maximum level (Rise) and then it decreases to its minimum
level (Fall), but unlike an AR it has no sustain segment.
The output of an AD generator lasts for a fixed amount of time, regardless of
wether or not the key that triggered it is still being held down.
QUART uses an Exponential Shape for the envelope signal, found on many classic
envelope generators, which tend to have a more plucked character. This is best
used with linear VCAs (such as our ALT Quad VCA).
LFOs make a repeating change to some aspect of the sound. Although the LFO is a
type of oscillator, we can't hear its output. Instead, the output is used as a control
signal for changing some parameter of a synth or an effect.
QUART
Description
time
EXPONENTIAL AD ENVELOPE
voltage
rise fall
max. level
Fig.1 Exponential AD Envelope Signal Shape
Layout
This image will clarify the function of each of the elements of the module.
NANO Modules - València 2020 ©
QUART
Signal Attack Control.
Rise
Time Range
RISE
Fast0.1 ms. - 400 ms.
Medium 2 ms. - 4 s.
Slow 10 ms. - 40 s.
FALL
Fast 0.1 ms. - 600 ms.
Medium 2 ms. - 10 s.
Slow 10 ms. - 50 s.
Signal Outputs
Trigger Inputs
Level Indicator
Signal Decay Control.
Fall
1 2 3 4
T3 T4T2T1
QUART
RISE FALL
RISE FALL
RISE FALL
RISE FALL
1
2
3
4
Controls
• RISE
This knob controls the rising time of the
function, starting from zero to the maximum
level. Slower times will create a fade-in
effect while faster times are used for snappy
percussive sounds.
• FALL
This knob controls the fall-to-zero time from
the maximum level.
• TIME RANGE
This switch allows you to select between
3 speed ranges for each function:
/Fast. Designed to perform audio range
LFO, and very snappy envelopes. (Fig. 1)
Rise: 0.1 ms. —400 ms.
Fall: 0.1 ms. —600 ms.
/Medium. Classic envelope Rise & Fall and
normal LFO rates. (Fig. 1)
Rise: 2 ms. —4 ms.
Fall: 2 ms. —10 ms.
/Slow. Convenient for long evolving
patches and pads. (Fig. 1)
Rise: 10 ms. —40 s.
Fall: 10 ms. —50 s.
NANO Modules - València 2020 ©
QUART
Fig.2 FAST Time Range selected
Fig.3 MEDIUM Time Range selected
Fig.4 SLOW Time Range selected
• Outputs
/1 - 4
There are four QUART outputs — one for
each of the four function generators.
In Envelope Mode the function generator
outputs a unipolar 0-9V control signal.
In LFO Mode the function generator outputs a
unipolar 1-9V control signal.
NANO Modules - València 2020 ©
• Trigger Inputs
/1 - 4
Patch a trigger or gate signal here to launch
the function generator. There are four TRIG
inputs — one for each of the four function
generators.
If no patch cable is connected to a Trigger
Input, the signal will oscillate freely (LFO) but if
a patch cable is connected, it will work as an
Envelope (AD).
QUART as an LFO
When no patch cable is plugged into an
trigger input, the signal from this channel will
work as an LFO.
This LFO works as a looping envelope, which
means that when the fall phase has ended,
automatically triggers the start of the rising
phase.
RISE and FALL control the rising and falling
time of the signal respectively.
QUART
Inputs & Outputs
1 2 3 4
T3 T4T2T1
RISE FALL
4
time
LOOPING ENVELOPE
voltage
rise & fall
Fig.6 Looping Envelope Signal over time
Fig.5 Inputs & Outputs Close-up View
NANO Modules - València 2020 ©
Compliance
This device complies to the EU guidelines and is manufactured RoHS conforming
without use of led, mercury, cadmium and chrome. Nevertheless, this device is special
waste and disposal in household waste is not recommended.
This device meets the requirements of the following standards and directives:
• EMC: 2014/30/EU
• EN 55032. Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment.
• EN 55103-2. Electromagnetic compatibility - Product family standard for audio, video,
audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use.
• EN 61000-3-2. Limits for harmonic current emissions.
• EN 61000-3-3. Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker in
public low-voltage supply systems.
• EN 62311. Assessment of electronic and electrical equipment related to human
exposure restrictions for electromagnetic fields.
• RoHS2: 2011/65/EU
• WEEE: 2012/19/EU
QUART
NANO Modules - València 2020 ©
This product is covered by 2 years of guarantee on purchased goods, which begins
when you receive your package.
• This guarantee covers
Any defect in the manufacturing of this product.
Replacement or repair, as decided by NANO Modules.
• This guarantee does not cover
Any damage or malfunction caused by incorrect use , such as, but not limited to:
-Power cables connected backwards.
-Excessive voltage levels.
- Unauthorized mods.
-Exposure to extreme temperature or moisture levels.
authorization before sending the module. The cost of sending a module back for
servicing is paid for by the customer.
Guarantee
Dimensions 10HP 50x128,5mm
Current 25 mA +12V / 6 mA -12V / 0 mA +5V
Input Signals >2V
Output Signals 0 - 9V
Impedance Input 10k - Output 10k
Materials PCB and Panel - FR4 1,6mm
Depth 20mm - Skiff friendly
Modules are designed and assembled in València.
Technical Specifications
Bravo!
You have learned the basic
fundamentals of your QUART Module.
If you have any doubts, please feel free
to contact us.
nanomodul.es/contact
Contact
QUART
Table of contents
