Shift Line A+ Astronaut User manual

A+ Astronaut Modular is a eurorack version of the Astronaut III space
reverb. Astronaut III has gained a worldwide following as a
multifunctional reverb pedal for guitar and bass. Now, it has been
adapted to eurorack modular systems: we have reworked the form
factor, retained all the original features, and added CV control over
certain parameters. The whole sonic palette of the Astronaut III (ranging
from traditional reverb patches to complex acoustic structures and
arpeggios) is available in the Astronaut Modular. The module has 22
algorithms along with the Hold (infinite sustain) mode. The Astronaut
Modular is a true inspiration machine!
Controls
1. The VOLUME knob controls the MIX OUT volume (with an option to
boost the signal).
2. The MIX knob controls the ratio between the wet and dry signals at
MIX OUT.
3. The PROGRAM knob selects algorithms within a bank.
4. The BANK button switches between the two banks.
5. The DECAY knob controls the size and spatial/acoustic parameters of
the selected algorithm. It controls reverb decay length as well as
feedback in certain algorithms (read more in the “List of Algorithms”
section).
6. The CHARACTER knob controls an extra parameter of the selected
algorithm (read more in the “List of Algorithms” section).
7. The HOLD button activates Hold Mode (infinite sustain) when pressed
and held.
Connections
• IN is a mono input for the incoming signal.
• MIX OUT is a mono output for the dry/wet mix (the ratio is controlled
by the MIX knob).
• WET OUT is a mono output for the wet signal only.
• CHARACTER CV is an input for CV control over the CHARACTER knob
(10Vptp).
• HOLD CV is an input for CV control over the HOLD button. The effect
is the same as holding the button. The input is set to a +2V threshold.
• DECAY CV is an input for CV control over the DECAY knob (10Vptp).
In case of CV control, the DECAY and CHARACTER knobs set the middle
point of their respective parameters and the control voltage shifts that
point within a ±5V range. When the DECAY and/or CHARACTER knob is
set fully counterclockwise, CV will only increase the setting; if the knob
is set fully clockwise, CV will only decrease the setting.
The WET and MIX outs can be used simultaneously.
LED Indication
Upon startup, the LEDs indicate the selected bank:
• LEDs glow white: Bank 1 is selected.
• LEDs glow blue: Bank 2 is selected.
When Hold Mode is active, the LEDs flash and spin in a circle.
www.shift-line.com/amodular
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BANK 2 |BLUE
PROGRAM
Plate
Modulated
SkyNet
ShimUp
ShimDown
Universe M-1
Eva Min Arp
Eva Random Arp
Mechanics Delay
Reverse Delay
Force OctDn
DECAY
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Delay+Fbk
Feedback
Not Used
CHARACTER
Pre-delay
Rate
LPF
LPF
HPF
Phase Rate
Rate
Rate
LPF
Delay Time
Detune
BANK 1 |WHITE
CHARACTER
Pre-delay
HPF
HPF
LPF
LPF
Flange Rate
Rate
Rate
Rate
Delay Time
LPF
DECAY
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Decay
Depth+Mix
Feedback
Not Used
PROGRAM
Room
Spring
SkyNet-2
ShimUp-2
ShimUpDown
Universe M-2
Eva Maj Arp
Eva Octave Arp
Cm-112 StepFlt
Ping-Pong Delay
Force Roar

List of Algorithms
All sounds are split into pairs and divided between two banks. Each bank
holds 11 algorithms.
Bank 1 contains the basic sound in each pair, Bank 2 holds its alternate
version.
Press the BANK button to switch between the two banks. When Bank 1 is
selected, the LEDs glow white. When Bank 2 is selected, the LEDs glow
blue. Turn the PROGRAM knob to select one of the 11 algorithms from
within the selected Bank.
All sounds are divided into several groups, as described below.
Classic Reverbs
1. Room and Plate are classic reverb sounds. The CHARACTER knob
controls pre-delay (0 to 200 ms). In Hold Mode, decay becomes infinite.
2. Spring and Modulated reverbs are exactly what their names say. The
CHARACTER knob controls the “body” of the Spring and modulation
rate for Modulated reverb.
Space Reverbs
3. SkyNet and SkyNet-2 are spacious, futuristic reverbs with controllable
DECAY. The CHARACTER knob provides mild low-pass filtering for
SkyNet and high-pass filtering for SkyNet-2.
4. ShimUp and ShimUp-2 are classic shimmers with different sound
characteristics. For ShimUp-2, the CHARACTER knob is a resonant
low-pass filter on reverb tails. In ShimUp, CHARACTER is a resonant
low-pass filter for the octaver, set at the input.
5. ShimUpDown combines the best parts of octave-up and octave-down
shimmers with a few special ingredients. This algorithm works best
for atmospheric, soundtrack-type music. The CHARACTER knob
provides mild low-pass filtering.
ShimDown is a reverb with a lower octave controlled by the
CHARACTER knob. This algorithm works particularly well for thick bass
lines. Set the mix to 100% wet for a nice string pad.
6. Universe M-1 and Universe M-2 are complex effects aimed at creating
walls of sound. Sonically, they can turn your signal into an organ going
through rotary speakers, a reverb, and a mild flanger/phaser. The
CHARACTER knob controls the rate of the phaser in Universe M-1 and
flanger in Universe M-2.
Arpeggiators
In the Astronaut Modular, arpeggiators add random notes from a
selected scale to the main sound. The rate of changing the notes is
controlled by the CHARACTER knob. The resulting sound is then
processed through a reverb for good measure.
7. Eva Maj Arp and Eva Min Arp add major and minor arpeggios to the
main sound. These algorithms work best for single notes. Select the
Major Arp for a dreamy, cheerful and inspiring tone, or choose the
Minor Arp for a more solemn mood.
8. Eva Octave Arp randomly goes through octaves and sounds good with
chords.
Eva Random Arp is quite unpredictable as it adds completely random
intervals to the main sound.
Filters, Delays, and Freeze Reverbs
9. Cm-112 Step Filter is an unorthodox filter with nods to effects that
have become staples in electronic music. The sound goes through the
reverb first, then through the step filter with an additional internal
filter. This algorithm allows for a wide range of sounds via just two
knobs. CHARACTER controls the step changing rate, while DECAY
controls the depth of the filter and the mix between the dry and
filtered sound.
Mechanics Delay is a combination of short delay and longer reverb
reflections for futuristic soundscapes.
10. Ping-Pong is a delay with repeats alternating between forward and
reverse. DECAY controls feedback, CHARACTER controls delay time.
Reverse Delay is a delay with reverse repeats. DECAY controls
feedback, CHARACTER controls delay time.
11. Force Roar and Force OctDn are differently voiced freeze reverb
algorithms from the Shift Line Force. They capture and freeze the
signal when the HOLD button is pressed. The effect is active as long as
the HOLD button is pressed down (or HOLD CV is over +2V). Press the
HOLD button again to freeze a new signal. The DECAY knob is inactive;
it is recommended to turn it fully CCW for best results. In Force Roar,
the CHARACTER knob controls a resonant low-pass filter that can
dramatically change the sound. In Force OctDn, the CHARACTER knob
controls slow detuning of the wet signal: detune is active when the
knob is turned past 12 o’clock.
Hold Mode (Infinite Sustain)
Press and hold the HOLD button to simulate turning the DECAY knob to
the max. In this mode, reverbs become infinite or very long (2–5 minutes),
delays go into maximum feedback, and LEDs start blinking and spinning
around. Release the HOLD button to let the decay go back to the setting
of the DECAY knob and/or CV.
Specifications
• Power: +12V DC 100mA, -12V DC 15mA (standard 10-pin connector, -12V
marked on the PCB)
• Module width: 12HP
• Module depth: 22mm
• CV inputs (full range): 10Vptp
• Max IN and OUT voltage range: 10Vptp
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 128.5x60.6x38mm
• Weight: 120g
Delivery Set
•Module.
•М3 screws (4x).
•Power connector (10x16 pin, 16cm).
•“List of Algorithms” print-out.
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