SSF POSITRONIC TRANSIENT GATE User manual

The patch examples contained in this collection were designed to showcase the versatility of the PTG while giving the user maximum freedom - patching
to external modules. Results may vary depending on your choice of modules and external settings. In some cases the controls may have to be tweaked a
bit to get the proper response. Just about every patch is a starting point for more complex patching - and combining the dierent techniques provided.
By trying every patch in this book, the user will fully survey and ultimatley master the nuances of the Positronic Transient Gate.The PTG can be a subtle
beast or a wild animal and can only be truely understood with patience and practice. However, the vactrol heart of this beast is a kind one - and rewards
those of all skill levels. Now go forth and learn what it truely means to be POSITRONIC!
patch
book1.01

CONTENTS
PATCH LEGEND 1
INTRO/BASICS- SIX PATCHES 2-3
SIMPLE - FOUR PATCHES 4-5
TRANSIENTS - FOUR PATCHES 6-7
INTERNAL VCA - TWO PATCHES 8
LPG - FOUR PATCHES 9-11
LFO - THREE PATCHES 12-14
INTERFACE - TWO PATCHES 15
WAVE-SHAPING - THREE PATCHES 16-17
ENV FOLLOWER - THREE PATCHES 18-19
COMPRESSION -THREE PATCHES 20-21
USER SUB - SIX PATCHES 21-23
patch
book

LEGEND
I <3 SSF
BOX
Square boxes with text denote
external signals or modules and
key information specic to each
patch.
ABAB DESIGNATORS
These are used when a specic PTG channel
is used for a patch.
They are found at the start of patches, as
designators for inputs and outputs and
patch specic controls.
12# DESIGNATORS
These indicate alternate options for one or two
of the patches in the book. But most options for
patches are described in the corresponding
patch control and notes section.
VACTROL
DRIVE
A
B
ON
ANYON
ANY
VACTROL DRIVE KEY
Look for this KEY in just about every patch
for the proper vactrol drive setting. It is important
to follow these settings for proper functioning of
the exact patch described. Only one of the choices
for A/B will be listed at a time. if this KEY is not
found in a patch, then it is either irrelevant or the
details are in the notes.
A
DAMP
CONTROL
STEP
RESPONSE
A
IN A IN B
VACTROL DRIVE INPUTS
These icons designate the IN A and IN B jacks at the
top of the PTG. They will always be clearly marked
unless the actual input used is irrelevant.
STEP RESPONSE and DAMP CONTROL CV INPUTS
These icons designate the CV input jacks. Note the
channel designator in the upper right hand corner.
The symbols to the right designate the CV setting for
the inputs. One or both will be placed next to this
jack icon when a specic or both settings are used
for a patch.
INTERNAL CONNECTIONS
On most patches, a solid black line is used to show
an internal relation or connection that one
parameter has to another. Not all patches
incorporate these lines for sake of clarity.
The dashed line represents an internal
normalization - that can be broken when a jack is
inserted.
LARGE PATCH CABLE
This icon represents the start of
a patch - when some external
source is plugged into the PTG’s
inputs.
SMALL PATCH CABLE
This icon represents a self -
patch or internal patch from
one PTG output parameter to
another PTG input parameter.
VERY SMALL PATCH CABLE
Used rarely when space for the
patch illustration is limited. Will
be explanatory when used.
BULLET
Bullets are used to signify the nal output
patch - out of the PTG, the last step, or as a
meta symbol for patches accomplished
externally with other modules
POST GAIN
GAIN A
AGAIN STAGE and POST GAIN OUTPUT
When patches utilize the internal GAIN
amplier, the amplier/GAIN symbol will
be used in front of the POST GAIN icon.
Otherwise the POST GAIN icon will be used
alone. Some patches may still call for
specic GAIN settings in the control and
notes section. Also note the channel
designators on both icons.
+/- OUT
A
VCA IN
AVCA INPUT
Denotes a PTG VCA input and channel
designator in the upper right hand corner
OUTPUTS
Denotes the Transient/VCA outputs and
channel designator. Also note that the
label will designate the use of a single
+OUT, -OUT or both +/-OUT if either can
be used.
DETAILS:
CONTROLS:
NOTES:
PATCH SPECIFICS
Every patch has one or more of these. Be
sure to read them carefully as they contain
important information about properly using
the patch as well as tips and suggestions for
expanding on the ideas presented.
1
ENJOY!!
-

VACTROL
DRIVE
CLOCK or SQR
LFO
DIODE SLEW
User’s
Choice
A
DETAILS:
This patch is a basic building block for larger patches and to familiarize the user with the eect.
The DIODE SLEW works like a traditional resistor capacitor (RC) passive slew - with the exception that the slewing eect is strictly due to the
charge injection/recombination rate of the vactrol’s LED. Keep in mind that there is a small intrinsic capacitance of the LED itself ~ 15pF.
This eect is directly related to the device’s actual Step Response to a signal shape (square, sine, triangle etc.) and how that shape corresponds
to the current owing into the LED. A square or step (on/o) produces a rst order response - non linear, similar to the charging of a capaci-
tor. A triangle or ramp will produce a 2nd order response like an“S” curve at the extreme top and bottom of the output. A third order response
would be something like a ringing or fading out sine wave. While a sine wave input will not produce the full response, it will produce the rst
half cycle of a 3rd order response. In other words, it is similar to the 2nd order, but while the bottom of the “S” curve is short and quick, the top
is long and slow. This is characteristic of the initial overshoot and rst half cycle of a 3rd order response (oscillation).
NORMAL DIODE SLEW is accomplished via the STEP RESPONSE CV input. We can control the ow of current into the LED with the STEP pot and in
turn, control the speed and amount of current owing into it - creating the slewing eect. REVERSE DIODE SLEW is accomplished via te DAMP
CONTROL CV input and respective reverse attenuator. These responses are the basis of the “Transient Gate”eect.
The -OUT provides an inverted (negative polarity) DIODE SLEW.
Experiment with dierent modes and settings.
A
DAMP
CONTROL
STEP
RESPONSE
A
CLOCK or SQR
LFO
+/- OUT
A
ON
NORMAL
REVERSE
VACTROL
DRIVE LFO/Bipolar
Signal
Bipolar Gate (Inverted PTG Gating)
A
DETAILS:
A very general patching technique that can be used on almost any patch that uses VACTROL DRIVE in ON mode.
Since ON mode biases the vactrols with +5V DC, you can trigger the PTG o - by using any signal that goes negative enough to bring the bias
down below ~2V.
ON IN A
Any
Signal
Signal/Gate THRU
DETAILS:
In either of the VACTROL DRIVE modes, any signal that enters the main IN A or IN B is THRU’d to the POST GAIN Output. The signal can also be
amplied or attenuated by the GAIN control - so pay attention to this setting. IN A is normalized to IN B as well.
This is convenient for passing the same gate signal through the PTG to another module without needing an external multiple.
IN POST GAIN
AB
AB
2

Patch Pals
DETAILS:
This may seem obvious but remember that any of PTG A’s outputs can be used to modulate PTG B’s parameters or the other way around for
some vactrol-modulated vactrol eects. Vactrol on vactrol action anyone?
While PTG IN A is normalized to IN B, keep in mind that they are completely separate circuits.
BA
AB
Combinations
DETAILS:
Using an external DC mixer, try mixing PTG A and B’s transient outputs for even more interesting combined shapes.
Remote Control
DETAILS:
During heavy patching, space to wiggle can diminish rapidly as patch cables get cramped into tight spaces. Reaching those control pots can
become next to impossible or just not practical. Use the PTG’s +OUT patched to that hard to reach parameter’s CV input. While in VACTROL
DRIVE - ON mode, the PTG will output a constant DC voltage that can be attenuated by STEP and/or DAMP. The PTG was designed with plenty
of wiggle room, even for the biggest paws. This way you can control parameters in tight spaces from a comfortable remote location, far from
the rats nest. The response will be vactrol inuenced.
3

IN A POST GAIN
GAIN A
VACTROL
DRIVE
Audio
Or
CV A
Multiples with Independent Gain
B
A
B
A
CONTROLS:
GAIN Start with the GAIN set at 1.0 for unity multing - or adjust the dedicated gain for each output up to distortion
A
Notes: If VACTROL DRIVE is set to gate mode for A and/or B - try utilizing the multed signal as a gate trigger source for the PTG’s
Transient outputs. Adjust STEP and DAMP to shape the envelope. This will work only for dynamic signals that cross the
~2V threshold to trigger the PTG. Levels that remain above or below this threshold will simply keep the transient
on/o respectively.
B
ANY
IN B POST GAIN
GAIN B
B
NORMAL
ANY
User’s
Choice
User’s
Choice
IN A POST GAIN
GAIN A
VACTROL
DRIVE
Audio
Or
CV A
Overdrive/Distortion - External Signal Amplier
A
A
CONTROLS:
GAIN Adjusts the GAIN for all input levels and the Overdrive/Distortion for modular level signals
A
ANY
Mixer,
VCA, VCF
Etc.
Notes: To bring really low signals into overdrive/distortion or just make them louder - try multiple stages of this patch by patching
POST GAIN A into IN B and applying further gain with GAIN B - and taking the output from POST GAIN B.
4

VACTROL
DRIVE
ON
Audio
Or
CV +/- OUT
VC Emphasis-Attenuator
User’s
Choice
A
A
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE Adjust the amplitude of the control source voltage
DAMP CONTROL Adjust the overall amplitude level of the signal source - gain is possible with settings above NATURAL
VCA IN
A
STEP
RESPONSE
A
OR
CV
for
Emph-Atten
VACTROL
DRIVE
ON
+/- OUT
DC Bias Source & CV-able DC Bias Source
DC bias for
CV mixing,
Indexing
A
A
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE Leave fully CW unless adjusting external CV modulation input level
DAMP CONTROL Adjust DC bias level or amplitude of input CV (Remember this is a reverse attenuator)
STEP
RESPONSE
A
OR
Modulation
CV
DAMP
CONTROL
A
OR
Modulation
CV
OPTIONAL
OPTIONAL
Use +OUT for 0 to ~9V
Use -OUT for 0 to ~-9V
5

IN A
Gate/Trigger
>2V A
+/- OUT
Positronic Transient(s)
A
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE Transient dynamic attack/amplitude. Max CW setting for fast attack and strongest amplitude
DAMP CONTROL Transient dynamic release(ringing)/amplitude. Ringing increases while turning CW. Take note
of the OPEN marking on this control. Signicantly longer ringing times are capable in this region but
the min output level will be raised to a degree and a few hundred mV of bleed is possible in some cases.
Also take note of the dierence when applying 0V (jack inserted but no gate/trigger) to VACTROL DRIVE IN A
and when no jack is inserted into IN A - when the DAMP CONTROL is in the OPEN region.
GAIN Keep the GAIN set at 1.0 (unity) unless intentionally amplifying a low gate/trigger/signal to the ~2V threshold
A
+/- OUT
B
Modulation
Destination
VACTROL
DRIVE
A
B
B
IN B
NORMAL
Modulation
Destination
B
Complex Positronic Transient
Follow the Positronic Transient(s) Patch and the following additional connections to side A and/or B.
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE Adjust the amplitude of the control source voltage
DAMP CONTROL Adjust the amplitude of the control source voltage (Remember this is a reverse attenuator)
STEP
RESPONSE
OR
Modulation
CV
DAMP
CONTROL
OR
Modulation
CV
Notes: Modulate one or both parameters for some interesting and unique transients. Experiment with clocked/synced and
random/asynced sources.
6

IN A
Gate/Trigger
>2V A
+/- OUT
Amped Positronic Transient #1 (ultra non-linear attack)
A
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE See the Positronic Transient Patch - but use specically from fully CCW to ~8-11 o’clock for best results
DAMP CONTROL See the Positronic Transient Patch - but use specically from fully CCW to about 12 o’clock for best results.
GAIN Adjust GAIN along with DAMP CONTROL to amplify the low level vactrol envelope produced by the very low
STEP RESPONSE settings
A
VACTROL
DRIVE
A
BModulation
Destination
B
IN B POST GAIN
GAIN B
B
ANY
Notes: The attack phase will last as long as the GATE input signal is held high. If possible, use an oscilloscope when rst experimenting
with this patch. Notice the initial super fast“soft knee”shape and following slow rise attack as the vactrol charges up.
Also note the sensitivity of the controls and variety of response that can be achieved. Patience and subtle changes are rewarded.
Experiment with triggers and dierent gate lengths.
IN A
Gate/Trigger
>2V A
+/- OUT
Amped Positronic Transient #2 (Punchy Attacks, trapezoidal envelopes and auto-hold)
A
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE See the Positronic Transient Patch - experiment with the full range and dierent GAIN settings
DAMP CONTROL See the Positronic Transient Patch - experiment with the full range and dierent GAIN settings
GAIN Adjust GAIN along with DAMP CONTROL to amplify the envelope just enough to add some punch and a bit
more for trapezoidal shapes. Even further produces an auto-hold stage as the envelope is overdriven.
A
VACTROL
DRIVE
A
BModulation
Destination
B
IN B POST GAIN
GAIN B
B
ANY
Notes: This patch is just a further extension of the ultra-non linear attack patch. Use of an oscilloscope when rst experimenting is
useful but not a necessity. Use of the GAIN function really opens up a huge range of pure vactrol transients. Also try this with
the complex transient patch.
7

IN A
VACTROL
DRIVE
Gate/Trigger
>2V
A
+/- OUT
Transient VCA
User’s
Choice
A
A
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE VCA transient dynamic attack/amplitude. Max CW setting for fast attack and strongest amplitude
DAMP CONTROL VCA transient dynamic release(ringing)/amplitude. Ringing increases while turning CW. Take note
of the OPEN marking on this control. Signicantly longer ringing times are capable in this region but
the min output level will be raised to a degree and a few hundred mV of bleed is possible in some cases.
Also take note of the dierence when applying 0V (jack inserted but no gate/trigger) to VACTROL DRIVE IN A
and when no jack is inserted into IN A - when the DAMP CONTROL is in the OPEN region.
GAIN Keep the GAIN set at 1.0 (unity) unless intentionally amplifying a low gate/trigger/signal to the ~2V threshold
A
Notes: The PTG adds a bit of gain to the signals inserted into the VCA inputs. The PTG is factory set to add a gain of ~1.5 at
fully CW DAMP settings. As a rule of thumb, settings below ~12 o’clock are attenuated and above are amplied.
Please keep this in mind when applying summed signals to these inputs - as they can clip if not properly attenuated.
The PTG’s LED may not illuminate brightly with lower amplitude AC signals. Please take note of this if using the LED
as a signal “present” indicator.
VCA IN
A
Audio
Signal
Or CV
High Gain Transient VCA (Pre or Post Gain/Overdrive)
POST GAIN
B
Follow the Transient VCA patch above - but rst insert the Audio Signal into IN B for Pre-Gain and patch POST GAIN B into VCA A
VACTROL
DRIVE
BANY
IN B
Audio
Signal
Or CV VCA IN
A
Follow the Transient VCA patch above - but patch the +/-OUT into IN B for Post-Gain and patch POST GAIN B into your destination module
+/- OUT
A
POST GAIN
B
IN B
User’s
Choice
CONTROLS: Follow the Transient VCA controls and Additionally,
GAIN Controls the volume/gain of the audio signal path - capable of ~22dB of gain for raising line level to
Modular and/or overdriving/distorting your signal
B
8

ON
Use the resultant envelope to
pluck the FM input of your favorite
VCF without the need
for a VCA.
This works because the output is
suciently biased low enough for
a VCF to lter a wide range of
frequencies to silence, until
plucked by the PTG. Now try using
the envelope to modulate other VC
functions!
POST GAIN
GAIN
VACTROL
DRIVE
ON
EXTERNAL
FAST
ENVELOPE or
TRIGGER
1
2
DAMP
CONTROL - OUT
1
2
Universal “PLUCK”
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE DAMPS while turning CLOCKWISE
DAMP CONTROL ATTENUATES while turning CLOCKWISE
GAIN ADJUSTS the amplitude of the modulator
1
IN A or IN B
A B
IN A
Gate/Trigger
>2V A
+/- OUT
Universal LPG #1 - Audio rate/transient FM
A
VCF
Audio
Input
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE VCA transient dynamic attack/amplitude. Max CW setting for fast attack and strongest amplitude
DAMP CONTROL VCA transient dynamic release(ringing)/amplitude. Ringing increases while turning CW. Take note
of the OPEN marking on this control. Signicantly longer ringing times are capable in this region but
the min output level will be raised to a degree and a few hundred mV of bleed is possible in some cases.
Also take note of the dierence when applying 0V (jack inserted but no gate/trigger) to VACTROL DRIVE IN A
and when no jack is inserted into IN A - when the DAMP CONTROL is in the OPEN region.
GAIN Keep the GAIN set at 1.0 (unity) unless intentionally amplifying a low gate/trigger/signal to the ~2V threshold
A
Notes: If your VCF FM input has an attenuator, start by setting this to maximum and use the PTG’s controls to vary the
Emphasis - then adjust the attenuator if needed. Many levels of control are possible.
This patch is capable of some very cool sounds. Try using this with an audio rate FM’d or ring modulated VCO input
signal for some serious metallic eects.
Try modulating other parameters and modules other than a VCF!
VACTROL
DRIVE
A
+/- OUT
AVCF
FM
Input
Use -OUT for
the audio input
and +OUT for
the VCF FM
Input
Or opposite.
Alternatively,
use a multiple
9

IN A
Gate/Trigger
>2V A
+/- OUT
Universal LPG #2 - external VCA
B
A
+/- OUT
B
VCA
CV
Input
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE VCA transient dynamic attack/amplitude. Max CW setting for fast attack and strongest amplitude
DAMP CONTROL VCA transient dynamic release(ringing)/amplitude. Ringing increases while turning CW. Take note
of the OPEN marking on this control. Signicantly longer ringing times are capable in this region but
the min output level will be raised to a degree and a few hundred mV of bleed is possible in some cases.
Also take note of the dierence when applying 0V (jack inserted but no gate/trigger) to VACTROL DRIVE IN A
and when no jack is inserted into IN A - when the DAMP CONTROL is in the OPEN region.
GAIN Keep the GAIN set at 1.0 (unity) unless intentionally amplifying a low gate/trigger/signal to the ~2V threshold
STEP RESPONSE VCF transient dynamic attack/amplitude. Max CW setting for fast attack and strongest amplitude.
Settings between 12 and 3 o’clock exhibit a very pleasing PTG attack transient
DAMP CONTROL VCF transient dynamic release(ringing)/amplitude. Ringing increases while turning CW. Info above also applies
A
Notes: If your VCF FM input has an attenuator, start by setting this to maximum and use the PTG’s controls to vary the
Emphasis - then adjust the attenuator if needed. Many levels of control are possible.
Try modulating other parameters and modules other than a VCF!
B
Audio
Signal
VCA
Audio
Input
VCF
Audio
Input
VCA OUT
VACTROL
DRIVE
A
B
VCF
FM
Input
10

IN A
VACTROL
DRIVE
Gate/Trigger
>2V
A
+/- OUT
Universal LPG #3 - internal VCA
VCF
Audio
Input
B
A
B
A
+/- OUT
B
VCF
FM
Input
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE VCA transient dynamic attack/amplitude. Max CW setting for fast attack and strongest amplitude
DAMP CONTROL VCA transient dynamic release(ringing)/amplitude. Ringing increases while turning CW. Take note
of the OPEN marking on this control. Signicantly longer ringing times are capable in this region but
the min output level will be raised to a degree and a few hundred mV of bleed is possible in some cases.
Also take note of the dierence when applying 0V (jack inserted but no gate/trigger) to VACTROL DRIVE IN A
and when no jack is inserted into IN A - when the DAMP CONTROL is in the OPEN region.
GAIN Keep the GAIN set at 1.0 (unity) unless intentionally amplifying a low gate/trigger/signal to the ~2V threshold
STEP RESPONSE VCF transient dynamic attack/amplitude. Max CW setting for fast attack and strongest amplitude.
Settings between 12 and 3 o’clock exhibit a very pleasing PTG attack transient
DAMP CONTROL VCF transient dynamic release(ringing)/amplitude. Ringing increases while turning CW. Info above also applies
A
Notes: If your VCF FM input has an attenuator, start by setting this to maximum and use the PTG’s controls to vary the
Emphasis - then adjust the attenuator if needed. Many levels of control are possible.
Try modulating other parameters and modules other than a VCF!
B
VCA IN
A
Audio
Signal
11

IN A
VACTROL
DRIVE
Clock
or
LFO
STEP
RESPONSE
Gated Transient LFO
A
A
CONTROLS:
GAIN GAIN should be set at 1.0 but can be higher if amplifying the CV is desired
STEP RESPONSE Adjust the attack of the repeating transient
DAMP CONTROL Adjust the decay of the repeating transient
A
Notes: This patch is really good for creating rhythmic ltering and amplitude modulation with a VCF and VCA. Also try Pitch, PWM CV and
other parameters. If using a clock source and divisions, try using twice or four times the clock speed to modulate the CV inputs.
Use a clock and divisions to gate and modulate one CV input, and an LFO to modulate the other CV input. Vary the LFO speed - you
will get a continuously varying rhythmic output that is always in time with your clock tempo. Now try other sources of modulation
and dierent combinations - mash them up vactrol style! You are only limited by your imagination and modulation sources.
B
+/- OUT
A
Modulation
Destination
Clock
or
LFO
DAMP
CONTROL
A
Clock
or
LFO
OPTIONAL
12
OPTIONAL

IN A POST GAIN
GAIN A
VACTROL
DRIVE
ON
Bipolar
Control
Voltage A
STEP
RESPONSE
Bipolar CV - Phase Delayed Dual Transient LFO
B
A
B
A
A
CONTROLS:
GAIN GAIN should be set at 1.0 but can be higher if amplifying the CV is desired
STEP RESPONSE Adjust the attack response of the envelope to taste - will also aect the timing of the delay to a degree
DAMP CONTROL Adjust the release response of the envelope to taste - will also aect the timing of the delay to a degree
A
Notes: This is a very general patch and it’s uses are up to the imagination of the user. One example would be to mult a VCO to two
dierent lters, then FM each lter with the PTG outputs. Try this with other parameters and modules - or even the same
module if it has two of the same or dierent CV inputs. Makes a great timing emphasis eect or for producing deeper and delayed
modulation.
B
IN B POST GAIN
GAIN B
B
NORMAL
ON
STEP
RESPONSE
A
+/- OUT
A
+/- OUT
B
Modulation
Destination
Modulation
Destination
13

IN A POST GAIN
GAIN A
VACTROL
DRIVE
ON
Unipolar
Envelope A
Envelope Chaser LFO
A
B
A
A
CONTROLS:
GAIN GAIN A set at 1.0 or less and adjusts the input level of the external envelope*.
GAIN B set at 1.0 or less and adjusts the output level of the external envelope, set higher to overdrive it.
STEP RESPONSE Adjust the attack response of the envelope. Turning from CW to CCW attenuates the negative cycle.
DAMP CONTROL Adjust the CV amplitude. Turning from CW to CCW amplies and bias’ the positive cycle.
A
Notes: This patch turns an external envelope into a bipolar asymmetrical LFO - made up of the original envelope CV (positive cycle) and an
inverted vactrol morphed version of the envelope (negative cycle). DAMP’s unique response to CV creates the illusion that the PTG’s
transient output is chasing or following after the original envelope. Also try this with the +OUT for a unipolar chaser.
*+5V envelopes work best. For larger amplitude signals, set GAIN below 1.0 to attenuate for best response.
B
- OUT
A
DC Mixer Modulation
Destination
DAMP
CONTROL
ANY
POST GAIN
B
GAIN B
IN B
NORMAL
A
14

VACTROL
DRIVE
ON
Modular
Level
Audio +/- OUT
Stomp Box Adapter
Stomp Box
Audio
Input
A
A
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE Stomp Box input amplitude - leave this at about 1 o’clock for best DAMP range.
DAMP CONTROL Stomp Box input amplitude - adjust from fully CCW to about 12 0’clock for +/-5V signals before clipping
GAIN Adjust to recover Stomp Box output to modular amplitude level.
VCA IN
A
Stomp Box
Audio
Output IN A POST GAIN
GAIN A
A
VCA, Mixer
Etc.
IN A
VACTROL
DRIVE
GATE
from
MIDI CV
STEP
RESPONSE
PTG Expression (MIDI/CV Keyboard)
A
B
CONTROLS:
GAIN GAIN should be set at 1.0 but can be higher if amplifying the CV is desired
STEP RESPONSE Adjust the attack of the VCA/VCF transient or amplitude of modulation CV
DAMP CONTROL Adjust the decay/ringing of the VCA/VCF transient or amplitude of modulation CV
A
Notes: This patch is a great controller for your MIDI CV keyboard interface. It provides an envelope modulated VCA and velocity expression
from the keys to a velocity sensitive envelope to modulate a lter or similar. All from one module and an external lter. The vactrol
velocity response is really cool, especially when controlling DAMP - lighter touch produces a greater eect. Use other CV sources to
modulate the other CV inputs for the VCA and VCF. Also remember that DAMP is a reverse attenuator to incoming CV.
B
+/- OUT
A
VCF
Audio
INPUT
VELOCITY
from
MIDI/CV
DAMP
CONTROL
B
MIDI CV
PITCH to
VCO
OR
VCO OUT
VCA IN
A
A
B
+/- OUT
B
VCF
FM
INPUT
B
15

VACTROL
DRIVE
ON
Control
Voltage
to be
wave shaped +/- OUT
CV Wave-shaper
User’s
Choice
A
A
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE Adjust the amplitude of the control source voltage
DAMP CONTROL Adjust the amplitude of the control source voltage (Remember this is a reverse attenuator)
VCA IN
A
STEP
RESPONSE
A
OR
Modulation
CV
DAMP
CONTROL
A
OR
Modulation
CV
VACTROL
DRIVE
ON
+/-5V
Sine Wave
+/- OUT
Sine to Sqr Wave shaper
A
A
CONTROLS:
STEP RESPONSE CV Modulation attenuator - set to maximum for full eect. Without CV this control will morph the Sine
into a Square by means of hard clipping the signal.
DAMP CONTROL Set just below NATURAL ~10-11 o’clock
GAIN Set to maximum - or adjust to taste.
VCA IN
A
IN A POST GAIN
GAIN A
A
VCA, Mixer
Etc.
STEP
RESPONSE
A
OR
Modulation
CV
Notes: Try using other wave shapes and control voltages as the input.
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Notes: This is a really great patch that you can run all of your modulation through. Turns static CV into multi-dimensional
dynamic mdulation, due to the juxtaposed STEP and DAMP response!

IN A
VACTROL
DRIVE
Gate/Trigger
>2V
A
+OUT
Dynamic Self-Wave shaping VCA (requires one stackable, passive multiple or mixer)
Passive mult
Or
Mixer
A
A
A
VCA IN
A
Audio
Signal
Or CV
-OUT
A
IN B POST GAIN
GAIN B
B
+OUT
B
VCA IN
B
CONTROLS:
Follow Instructions for the Transient VCA Patch.
GAIN Adjust for overall level and shape depth
STEP RESPONSE Interactive with DAMP & GAIN - Low levels produce a nice light phaser eect
DAMP CONTROL Interactive with STEP & GAIN - Alters wave shapes and clipping of the waveform
B
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IN A POST GAIN
GAIN A
VACTROL
DRIVE
ON
Audio
( Line or
Modular ) A
STEP
RESPONSE
+ OUT
New Classic Envelope Follower
VCF FM
Input
Or other
B
A
B
A
A
A
CONTROLS:
GAIN START with the GAIN set at 1.0 or less for modular levels - use higher gain settings for line level and to
Adjust the threshold/emphasis for a variety of eects
STEP RESPONSE Interactive with DAMP - Adjust the attack response of the envelope to taste
DAMP CONTROL Interactive with STEP - Adjust the release response of the envelope to taste
GAIN Controls the volume/gain of the audio signal path - capable of ~22dB of gain for raising line level to
Modular and overdriving/distorting your signal
A
Notes: The above parameters will vary depending on your source and choice of VCF - due to the unique behavior of the PTG,
A huge variety of eects are possible with dierent setting combos of GAIN, STEP and DAMP
B
ANY
IN B POST GAIN
GAIN B
B
NORMAL
VCF
Audio
Input
Reverse - New Classic Envelope Follower
POST GAIN DAMP
CONTROL
A
A
This is the same as above with the exception of the following change to PTG side ‘A’ below...
18