Nozoid KAGOUYAR User manual

kAGOUYAR
by nozoïd

Table of contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................................6
Interface description................................................................................................................................................................7
Connections description..........................................................................................................................................................8
Capacitive touch sensor calibration..................................................................................................................................9
Warnings...........................................................................................................................................................................................10
Quick start......................................................................................................................................................................................1
Block diagram of internal connections.........................................................................................................................13
Audio signal path..........................................................................................................................................................................14
Modulation matrix........................................................................................................................................................................15
The Oscillators section (VCO1, and 3):.......................................................................................................................16
VCO Wave Form.............................................................................................................................................................16
VCO Potentiometers..................................................................................................................................................17
VCO frequency potentiometer...........................................................................................................................18
VCO waveform modulation potentiometer (WF)....................................................................................18
VCO modulation potentiometers.......................................................................................................................18
VCO tuning.........................................................................................................................................................................19
MIX section.................................................................................................................................................................................. 0
Filter section (VCF1)................................................................................................................................................................. 1
VCF potentiometers...................................................................................................................................................
Envelope section (ADSR)....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Amplification section (VCA - LPG)...................................................................................................................................... 5
LFO section................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
AR.LFO1, or 3.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
The AR module......................................................................................................................................................... 7
The LFO module..................................................................................................................................................... 7
The LFO modulation............................................................................................................................................. 8
LFO MIX mode......................................................................................................................................................... 8
LFO AM mode.......................................................................................................................................................... 9
LFO FM mode.......................................................................................................................................................... 9
LFO PM mode.......................................................................................................................................................... 9
LFO CLIP mode........................................................................................................................................................ 9
LFO FOLD mode..................................................................................................................................................... 9
LFO XOR mode......................................................................................................................................................30
LFO FILTER mode....................................................................................................................................................30
LFO RESET mode....................................................................................................................................................30
LFO SYNC mode......................................................................................................................................................30
LFO GATE mode.........................................................................................................................................................31
LFO T&H (Trig and Hold) mode.........................................................................................................................31
LFO LOOP mode.....................................................................................................................................................31
LFO 4, 5 or 6.................................................................................................................................................................3
LFO 7: a LFO with parametric waveform......................................................................................................3
Other Modulations sources..................................................................................................................................................33
CV1 and CV ........................................................................................................................................................................33
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MIDI Modulation................................................................................................................................................................33
Audio Effect section...............................................................................................................................................................34
Effect 1...............................................................................................................................................................................35
WS: a super waveshaper......................................................................................................................................35
ECHO: a simple echo...........................................................................................................................................36
FREEZE: an analogue tape delay emulation............................................................................................36
STRING: string emulation using Karplus-Strong algorythm......................................................................36
CHORUS..........................................................................................................................................................................36
RING.................................................................................................................................................................................36
FRICTION........................................................................................................................................................................36
Effect ..............................................................................................................................................................................37
DISTO................................................................................................................................................................................37
BITCRUSH..........................................................................................................................................................................37
DOPPLER.........................................................................................................................................................................37
SUB....................................................................................................................................................................................37
COMP..............................................................................................................................................................................37
VCF ...................................................................................................................................................................................................38
Keyboard........................................................................................................................................................................................39
MIDI...................................................................................................................................................................................................40
Load/Save switch:........................................................................................................................................................................41
LED......................................................................................................................................................................................................4
FAQ: frequently asked questions......................................................................................................................................43
Where is the sequencer?........................................................................................................................................43
Where is the MIDI out?..............................................................................................................................................43
How to connect a modulation?...........................................................................................................................43
How to disconnect a modulation?......................................................................................................................43
When pressing a modulation switch: why did a led blink? It use to be a solid light!.............43
How to change a configuration?.........................................................................................................................43
How to change the configuration of VCF ? there is no configuration switch!......................43
How to change the keyboard configuration?.............................................................................................43
How to load an empty preset?..........................................................................................................................44
How to load a basic preset?.................................................................................................................................44
How to load a random preset?...........................................................................................................................44
How to save on a computer the presets?.................................................................................................44
What is the preset loaded on startup?............................................................................................................44
I want to update the firmware, will I lost my presets?.......................................................................44
I’ve got an other question, how to contact nozoïd?.........................................................................44
Why “Kagouyar”?.............................................................................................................................................................44
Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................................................................45
The sound is distorted!...............................................................................................................................................45
The LFO react in a strange way..........................................................................................................................45
There is a strange stereo effect!....................................................................................................................45
There is no more sound!..........................................................................................................................................45
I’m sure there is a hardware problem!..............................................................................................................45
How to update firmware?.......................................................................................................................................45
Pitch is not correct when I use the 1V/Oct CV input!............................................................................45
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Specifications................................................................................................................................................................................47
Size and Weight..............................................................................................................................................................47
Line out..............................................................................................................................................................................47
Headphone out.............................................................................................................................................................47
Input......................................................................................................................................................................................47
Power..................................................................................................................................................................................47
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This manual covers the features and operations of Nozoïd Kagouyar version 1.0
Informations contained in this manual are subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Nozoïd.
Nozoïd want to thanks:
- Maylis for the graphical design
- Thomas for discussions and beta tests
- Fabien “Alea” Nicol for sound design, beta test, discussion and proofreading
- Annabelle for beta test
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Introduction
The Kagouyar is a semi modular polyphonic virtual analogue synthesizer. It combine a simple
usage and a huge range of sonic possibilities. Thanks to state of the art technologies, it
feel like an analogue synthesizer, but includes numerous feature and option never seen in a
vintage synthesizer. Versatile and intuitive, it will surprise you in many way!
Oscillators include standard analogue waveform like sinus, saw or square, but also digital
generators, chaotic variations and other specific waveforms. All of them include a
modulation that add complexities to the shape of the wave.
With 3 inter-modulating oscillators per voice, this machine associate frequency, phase,
amplitude and waveform modulation with subtractive synthesis. The 4 voices of polyphony
creates lot’s more than simple harmony!
On top of this, audio effects allows more authority to your sound, and a more
expressive range. The Kagouyar can produce anything from soft and round musical layer to
fat glitch or digital raw sound.
The 7 LFO can intermodulate to create complexes rhythmic sequences, strange variations or
automatic animation. Your sound is alive, be it generative music, simple groove or complex
sound design.
Patching is simple thanks to it’s semi modular conception. The Kagouyar use tactile switch in
combination with a modulation matrix. There is no menu to dive in: every functionalities are
available with only simultaneous touch. The 46 potentiometers allow to control all
parameters at the tip of your fingers.
Designed for sound exploration, the Kagouyar is the ultimate synthesizer for drone
oriented performance, soft ambient music and hardcore techno. Compact, it will easily fit in
your backpack to your next gig, but big enough to stay in the centre of your studio. Be
ready to dive into sound synthesis, this machine will unleash your creativity!
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Interface description
This notation will be used within this document :
P1 to P46: Potentiometers
LM1 to LM14: Led Modulation (display modulation and selection)
LK1 to LK13: Led Keyboard (display notes or options)
LR1 to LR7: Led Row (display the active row in the keyboard menu)
LG: Led Gain (switches on when the output clip)
C1 to C16: Configuration and assignation tactile switch
M1 to M17: Modulation tactile switch
K1 to K13: Keyboard tactile switch
S / L: Save and Load tactile switch
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Connections description
1: Headphone out (stereo jack 1/4”)
: Audio out (mono - balanced jack 1/4”)
3: MIDI IN (DIN 5 pin)
4: GATE IN (0 to 5 Volt - mono jack 1/8”)
5: CV1 IN (Pitch or modulation : -5V to 5V - mono jack 1/8”)
6: CV IN (Modulation : -5V to 5V - mono jack 1/8”)
7: Power supply (9V or 1 V, DC, 500mA max - .1mm power plug)
8: On/off switch
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Capacitive touch sensor calibration
The Kagouyar use capacitive touch sensor to activate various switches. This sensors are
calibrated every time you switch this synthesizer on. Please leave the surface free of any
finger touch, or metallic object since it can interfere with the calibration process.
If a touch switch did not react as intended, please check that nothing interfere with this
sensor and switch off and on the Kagouyar.
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Warnings
This is the standard warning : in short, don’t be an idiot and everything will be fine!
Reading the manual is the owner's responsibility. Please study this manual carefully before
requesting service.
The instrument, when used in combination with an amplifier, headphones or speakers, may be
able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate for
long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is uncomfortable, or a level that
exceeds prevailing safety standards for hearing exposure. If you encounter any hearing loss
or ringing in the ears, consult an audiologist immediately.
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or
even death from electrical shock, damages, fire or other risks.
The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover service charges incurred due to a lack of
knowledge relating to how a function or feature works (when the unit is operating as
designed).
Do not place this product in a place or position where one might walk on, trip over, or
roll anything over power cords or connecting cables.
The Kagouyar uses an external power adapter. Nozoïd accepts no responsibility for damage
caused by use of an non adapted power supply.
Precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Read and understand all the instructions.
- Always follow the instructions on the instrument.
- Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the electrical plug from the outlet. When
cleaning, use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone, turpentine or any
other organic solutions; do not use liquid cleaner, spray or cloth that’s too wet.
- Do not use the instrument near water or moisture, such as a bathtub, sink, swimming pool
or similar place. Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might
accidentally fall over.
- Do not place heavy objects on the instrument. Do not block openings or vents of the
instrument; these locations are used for ventilation to prevent the instrument from
overheating. Do not place the instrument near a heat vent or any place of poor air
circulation.
- Make sure the line voltage in your location matches the input voltage specified on the
AC power adapter.
- Do not open and insert anything into the instrument, as this could cause a fire or
electrical shock.
- Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the instrument.
- Do not use the instrument when thunder and lightning are present.
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