ORBIT 3
DOUBLE-SCROLL CHAOS OSCILLATOR
1
INTRODUCTION
In everyday usage, 'chaos' means 'disorder,
'randomness'. In mathematics however, chaos
has a very specific meaning. Chaos theory deals
with systems exhibiting highly irregular
behaviour, seemingly random yet completely
deterministic.
Applying this to the world of modular synths
opens up a whole new world of modulation
opportunities, introducing a natural irregularity
to otherwise purely ‘mechanical’ music, yet with
much more control and repeatability than just
simple randomness.
In chaos theory, the combination of all possible
oscillations at a specific set of parameters is
known as the ‘attractor’. Orbit 3 incorporates a
modified electronic analogue of the classic
double-scroll attractor. Since it contains some
(bi)stable regions in addition to chaotic ones, this
type is known as a ‘strange’ attractor.
The voltages at each of the module’s outputs can
be thought to describe the orbit of a particle
through 3D space around two equilibrium
points. The positions of these points, as well as
the distribution of the orbits and rate of
movement can all be adjusted under manual or
voltage control.
Not just limited to low frequency modulation
use, Orbit 3 can operate in the audio frequency
domain as well, yielding a variety of waveforms
from its three complementary output pairs.
These span a wide range, from near-sine waves
to white noise. The addition of temperature
compensation and calibrated pitch tracking
makes for an unconventional and lively, yet also
accurate audio oscillator.
And when you need a break from all that musical
chaos, simply connecting any pair of outputs to
the XY inputs of an oscilloscope will surely not
disappoint!
CONTENTS
In the Orbit 3 box, you’ll find:
Product card, stating serial number and
production batch.
16-to-10-pin Eurorack power cable.
Mounting hardware: four black M3 x 6 mm
hex screws, four black nylon washers and a
hex key.
The Orbit 3 module itself, in a protective
cotton bag.
If any of these items are missing, please contact
your dealer or support@joranalogue.com.
