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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- Do not expose the instrument to hot sunlight.
- Do not use the instrument when there is a gas leak nearby.
- Nozoïd is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by improper operations to
the instrument.
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Quick start
Plug the Kagouyar to your mix table, or to your headphone.
Plug the power adaptor, switch it on: you are ready to go!
The Kagouyar use tactile switch and keyboard, you just need to touch it’s front face to
activate the switches.
You can press and hold a configuration switch: , a led indicate the line to read, other leds
indicate current options. You can change them pressing key of the keyboard.
Press and hold a modulation switch: and assign the potentiometer to a modulation source
(with the modulation source configuration switch: ). If you press a second time on the
same modulation, it will dissociate it, and no modulation will be assigned. If you keep this
switch pressed for more than 1 second, the opposite of the modulation will be assign.
Finally… press a key on the keyboard to generate a note.
You can load preset of random connection pressing simultaneously LOAD, SAVE and K03 switch
to quickly explore possibilities…
Turn knobs and enjoy!
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Block diagram of internal connections
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Figure 1: internal path of the connections between modules

Audio signal path
Each one of the 4 voices is composed by:
- 3 oscillators (VCO)
- a mixer (MIX)
- a filter (VCF1)
- an envelop generator (ADSR)
- an amplifier (VCA or LPG)
- up to 3 AR envelop generator (that replace LFO1, or 3)
The sound of this 4 notes are added together to pass through audio effects and a filter
(VCF ).
7 LFO creates multiples modulations. You can also modulate all parameters thanks to
externals signals: Control Voltage (-5V/5V) eurorack compatible, and 1 MIDI input for you DAW.
A modulation matrix route all this modulations input to desired modulation potentiometers.
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Modulation matrix
The modulation matrix is used to route a modulation source to a modulation
potentiometer.
A modulation source can be a LFO (or AR), the ADSR, a VCO waveform or an external
control (MIDI or CV).
Modulation sources have a switch like this :
A modulation potentiometer allow to modulate various parameters of the sound synthesis,
like the VCO frequency, the VCF cutoff frequency etc.
Modulation potentiometers have a switch like this :
To change the modulation source of a potentiometer, press and hold the modulation switch
of the potentiometer: one LM led switches on to indicate the current modulation source
(if any). Pressing any modulation C switch will associate the modulation source to this
potentiometer.
If you press the C switch a second time, it deselect the source: the modulation will be
unconnected.
If you keep both switch pressed for more than 1 second, the opposite of the modulation
will be used, and the led blink quickly. (If the modulation source is positive, the opposite of
the modulation will be negative)
Example : press and hold switch M10 and then press C9. Release both switch. This will allow
LFO7 to control the VCF1 cutoff frequency.
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The Oscillators section (VCO1, and 3):
VCO Wave Form
The VCO admit multiple waveforms, all of them can be modulated thanks to the WF
potentiometer.
The waveforms can be:
- Sinus (WF create an asymmetric distortion)
- Curve: a folded sinus (WF increased folding)
- Triangle (WF increase the spike)
- Rectangle (WF change the pulse width)
- Saw: saws (WF change the phase difference between the saws)
- Noise: a white noise generator (WF apply a high pass filter)
- Digital: a downsample white noise (WF apply a low pass filter)
- Line: random value interpolated (WF act as a waveshaper)
- Logistic: a chaos oscillator based on the logistic map (WF change the "chaos" characteristic)
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To change the VCO waveform, press and hold C1, C or C3 depending on the VCO to
modify: the LR1 Led switches on, to indicate that the keyboard is now configuring the VCO.
One LK led switches on to indicate the current waveform. Pressing any K1 to K9 switch
change the waveform. You can release both key after the selection.
Example: pressing C and K5 will configure VCO to a Saw waveform.
VCO Potentiometers
5 potentiometers allow to control various VCO parameters:
- Frequency (FQ)
- Wave Form (WF)
- Modulation 1 (MOD1)
- Modulation (MOD )
- Modulation 3 (MOD3)
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Figure 2: VCO waveform with WF=0 and WF = 0%
Figure 3: Figure 3: Keyboard option in VCO configuration mode

VCO frequency potentiometer
This potentiometer change the frequency of the oscillator. The range of this
potentiometer can be (for the A3 key):
- low: 0.5 to 100 Hz’'
- medium: about 90 to 660 Hz: (440Hz +/- 7 semitones)
- Full: 0 to 1 KHz
To change the range, press and hold C1, C or C3 depending on the VCO to modify. The LR1
Led switches on, to indicate that the keyboard is now configuring the VCO. One LK led
switches on to indicate the current range. Pressing any K11 to K13 switch change the range.
You can release both key when done.
Example: pressing C1 and K13 will configure VCO FQ potentiometer to full audio range.
VCO waveform modulation potentiometer (WF)
All waveform can be modulate using this potentiometer. The waveform can also be
modulated thanks to a modulation potentiometer, as we will see latter.
The previous VCO waveform graphics shows the effect of this modulation.
VCO modulation potentiometers
This potentiometers can use one of the modulation source to modulate the oscillator in
various way.
To change the modulation source of a potentiometer, press and hold the modulation switch
of the potentiometer: one LM led switches on to indicate the current modulation source
(if any). Pressing any C switch will associate the modulation source to this potentiometer. If
you press the C switch a second time, it deselect the source: the modulation will be
unconnected and the potentiometer will have no effect.
The modulation type can be:
- FM exp: exponential (standard) frequency modulation
- FM Qtz: Modulate the frequency, but quantize the modulation to exact pitch value, in
order to generate sequence of notes. The modulation amplitude is also lower than the FM
exp.
- FM lin: modulate the frequency of the oscillator in a linear way (sub zero FM)
- AM: modulate the amplitude of the oscillator
- PM: phase modulation
- CLIP: clip the waveform
- WF: modulate the waveform parameter (on top pf the value set by the Wf
potentiometer)
When pressing a VCO modulation switch, The led LR switches on to indicate that the
keyboard is now configuring the VCO modulation potentiometer. One LK led switches on to
indicate the modulation type of this potentiometer. Pressing any K1 to K7 will change this
modulation type.
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Example: pressing M4 and K4 will configure VCO MOD1 potentiometer to amplitude
modulation.
When using a VCO as a modulation, you can use one of the many VCO waveform: When
pressing a M1 to M9 switch, if the source of the modulation is set to a VCO, a led LK8 to
LK13 indicate the VCO waveform used as the modulation. This waveform can be:
- OUT: the output of the VCO (post modulation)
- SIN: a sinusoidal waveform
- TRI: a triangle waveform
- SQUARE: a square waveform
- RAMP: a rising line
- SAW: a falling line
Only the “OUT” modulation waveform is affected by the VCO amplitude, phase and
waveform modulation.
VCO tuning
In order to simplified tuning of the 3 VCO together, you can set VCO and VCO3 to be
controlled by the VCO1 frequency potentiometer. It’s the “LINK VCO1” option on the
keyboard. This option can be toggled on and off when pressing C or C3 and K10.
When this option is on, the 3 VCO frequency are controlled with VCO1 frequency
potentiometer. VCO or VCO3 frequency potentiometer are used to tune VCO and VCO3
regarding VCO1 frequency.
In addition to the frequency potentiometers, the 3 VCO frequency change according to
the pitch of the played note.
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Figure 4: Keyboard menu in VCO MODULATION mode

MIX section
3 potentiometers set the amplitude of each VCO.
This mix did not admit any modulation.
The sound resulting of this mix is send to the VCF1. At full amplitude, you may experience a
small overdrive in the filter section.
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