$Page CV Tools CVToolsAlbum.png *Welcome to CV Tools* CV Tools is a collection of devices for Push 3 and Live 11 that generate and receive Pitch, Control, Clock and Triggers. Send and modulate control voltage (CV) to and from your modular setup using Push or any other compatible DC-coupled audio interface. Use Live or Push as the tempo leader or set them to follow your modular system clock. CV Tools lets you interact with your modular rig by triggering CV from Live clips, automating parameters using CV Utility, pitch tracking with a high-quality calibration system, and generating complex patterns. Divider.tif *Using Push 3 with CV Tools* CV Tools turns Push into a capable and expressive CV controller and interface. See this $Link lesson page for instructions on setting up Push with CV Tools. *I don’t have Push 3, can I still use CV Tools Intro?* The devices in CV Tools Intro will still work in Live without Push, but you’ll need an appropriate audio interface with DC-coupled inputs/outputs if you want to interact with CV-enabled hardware. DC-coupled audio interfaces output signals within the CV range and therefore can be used as a source for voltage control. *About CV* A CV signal is an electrical current designed to control CV-enabled synths, drum machines and sequencers. Because standard interfaces send and receive audio signals (which are also an electrical current but in a different voltage range to CV), be very careful when routing CV signals from the CV Tools devices. Speakers and headphones are designed to operate with audio signals, not CV signals. Divider.tif *Lesson Contents* -> $Link Setting up Push -> $Link Setting up other hardware -> $Link Calibration Guide -> $Link CV Instruments -> $Link CV Modulators -> $Link CV Utilities -> $Link Presets -> $Link Credits Divider.tif $Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $Page Push 3 Setup $TargetName Push 3 Setup *Setting up Push* *CV Outputs* Push is equipped with 4 CV outputs that output 0 – +10 V. Additionally, it can be expanded with 8 additional outputs using the ADAT port. To activate the onboard CV outputs, go to “Settings”, “Pedal & CV” and select “CV” for both outputs. *Calibration* Push is factory calibrated to output 1 v/Oct and will produce good results out of the box. However, if extremely accurate calibration is needed, or if Push is used with non 1 v/Oct modules or synths, you can run the calibration wizard within CV Instrument. Right now, this is only possible when Push is connected to a computer, but it’s still possible to save a preset of the calibrated device for later standalone use. *Note:* When using the onboard outputs, it’s important to set the Uni/Bipolar toggle button (next to “CV Pitch To”) to Unipolar. For more information about calibration, take a look at the $Link lesson section for Calibration. A full set of CV Tools devices, including modulation, instruments and the ability to control live from a modular system is available for Suite and Max for Live owners. Divider.tif $Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $Page Other Hardware $TargetName Other Hardware *Using CV Tools with hardware other than Push* As you are dealing with analog hardware, your audio interface must be equipped with analog inputs and outputs that support DC-coupled signals, however CV Tools provides some standalone devices as well. DC-coupled audio interfaces allow signals within the CV range and therefore can be used as a source for voltage control. Not all interfaces are DC-coupled, so please use an audio interface that will fit your CV needs. A CV signal is an electric current that is designed to control synths and sequencers. Because audio interface provide input and output of audio signals (which are also an electric current, but in a different voltage range to CV), we recommend taking care when routing CV signals from the CV Tools devices. Speakers are designed to operate with audio signals, and not CV signals. *DC-coupled outputs* In order to send CV from Live, the analog output of your audio interface is required to support outputting direct current (DC) voltage. *4 dB Output Level* The maximum output voltage must be greater than a 2 V peak and must not exceed a 10 V peak. Outputs specified as 4 dB are suitable here. However, to cover the entire MIDI note range (8 Hz–12.5 kHz), a peak voltage of 5.6 V is required. *Sample Rate* For the calibration process, a sampling rate of at least 44.1 kHz is required. A higher sampling rate can improve the calibration results at higher notes. It is recommended to choose the highest sampling rate possible. Note that you can reduce the sample rate once the calibration is complete. Divider.tif $Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $Page Calibration Guide $TargetName Calibration Guide *Why Calibrate?* Unlike digital signals, analog signals (or electrical signals) have an infinite resolution, and are not bound (or quantized) to a certain bit depth. The voltage that is transmitted through modular gear is not always exact, only approximate. Also, this voltage does not always remain static, but can vary slightly depending on conditions such as temperature, humidity, electromagnetic interference, and analog circuitry/components. The automated Calibration function of CV Instrument is designed to get your hardware calibrated over the biggest possible range (or even the entire range – see Technical Requirements for more details), with an accuracy of a few cents. However, your analog gear may change over time, and a calibration might become necessary again after several months or years. *What Can Be Calibrated?* The type of gear that can be calibrated is not limited to oscillators. Anything that produces a periodic signal whose frequency can be controlled via CV can be calibrated if desired, e.g., self -resonating filters, function generators or envelope generators with a loop function. *Preparation* The automated calibration algorithm is quite robust, however, for a good result, the following precautions should be taken: First, set up the following connections between your analog hardware and Live: -> Send CV from your audio interface to your modular system’s CV input. -> Route your modular system’s audio signal output to your audio interface. Then, click the device’s "Calibrate" button, and follow the instructions that appear in the device’s display. Divider.tif *Warm Up Your Gear Before Calibrating* As explained in the first section, analog gear is subject to environmental conditions. The most important condition here is temperature, as it directly affects the electrical conductivity, and it rises where electric currents flow. Before calibrating, give your hardware 10–20 minutes to warm up. If you calibrate too early, the results may momentarily appear correct, however they will eventually become inaccurate over time. *Simple Waveforms* Although the calibration algorithm is designed for almost any kind of periodic signal, simpler waveforms might give you better results (i.e., a vaster range, more accuracy, etc.). *Signal Quality* Make sure your audio signal is of an appropriate level and quality. It shouldn't be lower than -36 dB, but it shouldn't clip either. *Important:* while calibrating, do not use any kind of modulation, make sure to disconnect all relevant patch cables, and refrain from touching your analog equipment. Divider.tif *Troubleshooting Error Messages* The calibration process will be cancelled and explained with an error message, if any of the following circumstances arises: *None or insufficient Control Voltage. Check connection between Audio Interface and Oscillator. Increase Master Volume of your Audio Interface.* The CV output of your audio interface is too low or not working. If the output is too low, increasing the master volume will solve this issue. If this doesn't help, make sure there is a working connection between your audio interface and the oscillator. *Insufficient Control Voltage. Increase Master Volume of your Audio Interface.* The CV output of your audio interface is too low. Increasing the master volume will solve this issue. *Control Voltage too high. Limit it to ±10V* *CAUTION:* although not many audio interfaces can output more than 10 V, this problem can be dangerous for your analog equipment if it occurs. *Oscillator not (yet) stable. Let it warm up some more to avoid temperature drift. Ensure stable and sufficient supply voltage for your system.* This message is displayed when the restabilization phase takes more than 10 seconds. This can occur when the oscillator still shows a temperature drift (in this case, give it more time to warm up). This can also occur when the oscillator is very unstable (you can verify this using Live's Tuner device). This instability can be caused by an overloaded or inappropriate power supply, and can be determined by using a voltmeter. Divider.tif $Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $Page CV Instruments $TargetName CV Instruments *Instruments* *CV Instrument* CVInstrument.png CV Instrument takes in MIDI and outputs Pitch, Gate and Envelope CV. Alongside a range of sound-sculpting, modulation and expressions options, it has a tool to auto-calibrate the pitch so that your CV instrument is in tune. Controls for both Gate and Pitch CV can be found on the left-hand-side, as well as a dedicated Calibrate button, which guides you through the pitch calibration process. *CV Triggers* CVTriggers.png Send multiple CV signal types from multiple MIDI notes in Live. CV Triggers operates like a MIDI to CV converter by taking notes in a MIDI clip and sending out a Gate, Ping or Trigger signal to your hardware. Possible uses include sequencing drums and triggering envelopes or LFOs. *Rotating Rhythm Generator* RRG.png The *Rotating Rhythm Generator* contains four identical rhythmic channels that can “rotate” outputs. A pulse is generated based on the settings within each channel. Because this device sends MIDI information, it can be used in Live without any CV equipment. If you wish to use this device with external hardware, simply combine it with either the CV Triggers or External Instrument device. The *Division* dial chooses the beat division of the generated pulse. Enabling the Odds toggle lets you choose odd sub divisions. The *Offset* dial offsets the downbeat of the pulse, allowing you to easily create popular drum patterns. For example, setting the Division to 1/4 and the Offset to 8/32 will result in a classic offbeat hi-hat pattern. *Swing* can be set to either positive or negative values. With *Euclid* turned on, the channel generates euclidean rhythms, which will spread a given number of notes within a defined pattern length as evenly as possible using what is mathematically known as “the greatest common divisor”. *Steps* defines the length of the pattern, and *Fills* define how many notes will take place. With *Logic* turned on, it is possible to use logic gates to compare pulses across channels and create new rhythms. You can use the Logic Operator drop-down menu to select one of the following logic gates: -> *AND* will output a pulse when both the generator (i.e., the selected channel) and its partner (which you can set in the Logic Partner drop-down) are positive (i.e., outputting a pulse.) -> *OR* will output a pulse when either the generator and/or its partner is positive. -> *XOR* will output a pulse when either the generator or its partner is positive. -> *NOR* will output a pulse only when both the generator and its partner are negative. The *Rotate* knob allows you to shift the output of each channel to the next channel, and create even more variations. The destination channel is indicated by the colors and numbers in each channel’s LED display. Divider.tif $Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $Page CV Modulators $TargetName CV Modulators *Modulators* *CV LFO* CVLFO.png Based on Live 11’s existing LFO device, CV LFO can send out an oscillating modulation signal. You can set the output to your modular system from the device, or route it to another track for further processing (e.g., by running it through a waveshaper or envelope follower). *CV Envelope Follower* CVEnv.png Expanding on the Envelope Follower device, CV Envelope Follower tracks the changes in volume of an incoming audio signal, and uses this information to generate outgoing CV information. This device also provides three Trigger Modes that allow you to, for example, gate external signals based on a threshold, trigger sequencer steps, or ping drums from audio inputs. *CV Shaper* CVShaper.png This device adds a CV output to the familiar Shaper device, allowing you to generate unconventional modulation by drawing creative automation shapes, or send unique LFOs to your modular system. Divider.tif $Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $Page CV Utilities $TargetName CV Utilities *Utilities* *CV Utility* CVUtility.png This device allows for mixing three different modulation sources. Channels 1, 2 and 3 receive internal modulations, MIDI mapping and automation sources in Live. Channel 3 provides an Audio switch, making it possible to use incoming audio and CV signals. All channels are then summed together and the result can be mapped to further Live parameters or sent to a CV output. *Value* acts as a mapping target, and can also manually set the value of the channel. *Amount* controls the overall modulation amount of the channel. *Depth* controls the amount of the final mixed signal. *Offset* offsets the final signal. *Smooth* introduces smoothing to the final output. If more inputs are needed, several devices can be chained by simply mapping the final output to one channel of another instance of CV Utility. *CV Clock In* CVClockIn.png CV Clock In allows syncing Live’s tempo and transport with external sources. The left section enables Live’s clock to follow an incoming clock from your modular system. Load the device into a track, connect your clock source to your soundcard and select the appropriate external input from the menu. *Threshold* sets the value for detecting the incoming clock and *Taps* sets the clock resolution. The right section lets you use incoming triggers in order to control Live’s transport. Once a trigger source is connected to the soundcard and an appropriate input is selected, you can choose to toggle, start, stop or resume the transport. It is recommended to set Live’s global quantization to “None”. *CV Clock Out* CV Clock Out lets you send Live’s transport and sync signals out to your modular. *CV In* CV In allows you to map control signals from your modular system to any parameter within Live. There are two modes: *DC Mode:* this mode requires DC-coupled inputs. Connect a modulation source to the input of your soundcard, click the *Map* button and select your modulation destination. You can adjust the modulation polarity and range using the *Polarity* toggle and *Range* slider. *Pitch Mode:* this mode bypasses the need for a DC-coupled input, by translating pitch information into Live. Start by connecting an oscillating module to your soundcard and select the appropriate input from the drop-down menu. You can monitor your input signal on the scope. If necessary, you can calibrate the modulated signal by clicking the Setup button and following the onscreen instructions. CV In covers a range of 50 Hz - 5 kHz. For best results, work with simple waveforms and use a V/Oct or exponential FM input when modulating your oscillator. Divider.tif $Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $Page Presets $TargetName Presets *Presets* CV Tools comes with a special set of presets optimized for Push. All presets are configured using the 4 onboard outputs, which will be referred to as *CV 1* and *CV 2*. -> *CV 1* consists of outputs 1 & 2 on Push (named 5 & 6 in Live's Output Configuration) -> *CV 2* consists of outputs 3 & 4 on Push (named 7 & 8 in Live's Output Configuration) *Push3 Clock Transp Out CV1:* Output 1 sends a clock signal, Output 2 sends a trigger or gate when play is pressed *Push3 Clock TranspOut CV2:* Output 3 sends a clock signal, Output 4 sends a trigger or gate when play is pressed *Push 3 Env Follow Out CV1:* Output 1 sends CV, Output 2 sends a Trigger *Push 3 Env Follow Out CV2:* Output 3 sends CV, Output 4 sends a Trigger *Push3 Four Triggers:* A Drum Rack containing 4 trigger velocity sensitive cells outputting signals to Out 1, 2, 3, 4 and primarily meant to sequence external drum modules. The cells can be set to send variable length trigger, gate or ping (short percussive envelope) signals. *Push3 LFO Out 1* - Out 1 sends CV *Push3 LFO Out 2* - Out 2 sends CV *Push3 LFO Out 3* - Out 3 sends CV *Push3 LFO Out 4* - Out 4 sends CV *Push 3 Gate Pitch AT Slide Out 1* outputs Pitch CV (1 v/Oct), Out 2 outputs Gate or Trigger signal, Out 3 outputs CV derived from Aftertouch and Out 4 outputs CV derived from Slide. Please note that “MPE” and “Transform” must be enabled in Push for this to work properly. *Push 3 Push 3 Gate Pitch Clock Transp* outputs Pitch CV (1 v/Oct), Out 2 outputs Gate or Trigger signal, Out 3 outputs clock signal, and Out 4 outputs trigger or gate when play is pressed. *Push 3 Pitch Gate Dual CV - Out 1* outputs Pitch CV (1 v/Oct), Out 2 outputs Gate or Trigger signal, and Outs 3 & 4 output two variable CV signals. This preset is useful for playing an oscillator, triggering an envelope and automating CV. *Push 3 Gate Pitch Dual Env* outputs Pitch CV (1 v/Oct), Out 2 outputs Gate or Trigger signal, and Outs 3 & 4 output CV signals derived from two ADSR envelopes. *Push 3 Quadrature LFO 4 x LFO* with a quadrature offset. Out 1 outputs 0°, Out 2 outputs 90°, Out 3 outputs 180° and Out 4 outputs 270°. This is useful for controlling surround sound, gradually morphing between VCAs and more. Divider.tif $Comment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $Page Credits $TargetName Credits CVToolsAlbum.png CV Tools was made in collaboration with Iftah Gabbai/Skinnerbox. Divider.tif More Ableton packs available here: $Link www.ableton.com/packs $Comment Status: Translate