Juno Records Fusebox, User Manual

Page 1: ...Fusebox user manual ...

Page 2: ...ed Oscillators 15 LFO Low Frequency Oscillator 20 Envelope Generators 22 MIXER 24 NOISE SUB 24 Filter 26 Filtering External Sound Sources 27 VCA 28 PaYernator 29 Arpeggiator Digital Sequencer 34 SeFng MIDI Receive Channel 38 MIDI Retriever 38 Transpose 38 Interval Generator 39 Live Performances 40 Patch Sheet 41 Patch Examples 42 Changing Mechanical Configura on 43 No Signal 44 Specifica on 45 Warra...

Page 3: ...mpact true analogue mono synth in a neat smart small package When we say real analogue we mean that the entire audio path and all modulation is entirely analogue using circuits based on awesome sounding vintage 1970s designs Their circuits are not locked down by CPUs Controls are not quantised and read by CPUs With the exception of the MIDI to CV circuit which by its nature must have a digital ele...

Page 4: ...number of controls that along side the patch sockets will give even the best and experienced synthesist endless possibilities But hopefully we have presented the controls in a user friendly and familiar monosynth layout that together with this manual and other resources enable even the new guy to get great sounds Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 4 ...

Page 5: ...Analogue Solutions FUSEBOX Manual Fusebox Layout Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 5 ...

Page 6: ...and all the other crazy sounds associated with analogue synthesis Use in place of your boring digital synths and DSP sof synths EFFECTS PROCESSOR Fusebox has an audio input socket so you can feed external sounds through the on board analogue filters for analogue processing DRUM SYNTHESISER Fusebox is able to produce electronic percussion kick snare hi hats cymbal etc MODULAR SYNTHESISER Fusebox is ...

Page 7: ...Oscillator The LFO has Sine and Square wave modula on signals and also a delay feature 4 Analogue Filter Types Fusebox uses a two pole 12bB per octave mul mode filter The filter is actually four types in one Low pass Band pass High pass and Notch filters And it sounds amazing Analogue Mixer Audio choices are the Saw and Square wave of each VCO VCO3 also has Triangle Noise or for added fatness Sub Osc...

Page 8: ...ts to allow the synth to be effec vely re wired to make new sounds The sockets also enable it to be easily used with Eurorack and other modular systems They can be patched together Arpeggiator Fusebox has a vintage style Arpeggiator Similar to that found on the Roland SH101 The Arpeggiator remembers the order notes are entered so can also be used as a 16 step sequencer again similar to the one in t...

Page 9: ... six analogue pots Set the transpose level you want for each and then using the push buYons you can transpose your melodic piece that you can program in on the PaYernator or Arpeggiator to create live performance The IG pots are not quan sed they are also analogue Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 9 ...

Page 10: ...HORIZONTAL FLAT It is possible to reconfigure it so that it is a flat table top unit like its cousin Leipzig S is This requires some minor screwdriver work Essentially remove the 5 front panel black screws rotate the front panel 180 degrees then re screw RACKED Remove the wood sides and fit optional rack ear brackets and rack mount the whole assembly 7U height Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 10 ...

Page 11: ...rature Keep away from heat sources such as radiators ovens heaters etc Never allow it to get wet Do not operate it near water like pools sinks bathrooms etc Oh we covered that already Do not place beverages on or near it Never open the case or attempt to make repairs Refer any servicing to qualified service personnel PREVENTING DAMAGE TO OTHER CONNECTED DEVICES Fusebox has a very high dynamic rang...

Page 12: ...laying via MIDI keys MIDI Thru outputs a copy of what comes into the MIDI In socket MIDI Out outputs a copy of what comes into the MIDI In socket If the Arpeggiator is on then these notes will be played out this socket Example set up Connect MIDI Out from your computer DAW MIDI interface or MIDI keyboard to MIDI In of Fusebox Optionally connect MIDI Thru from Fusebox to the MIDI In of another devi...

Page 13: ...o off Set Xmod to off Set Low to off Set Free to off Turn VCO2 and VCO3 to zero volume so you can only hear VCO1 Play say middle C on the keyboard Using a digital keyboard as a reference adjust the tuning of VCO1 until it plays in tune with your reference Turn up VCO2 so both VCOs can be heard Using the tune control of VCO2 tune it to VCO1 Finally turn up VCO3 so all VCOs can be heard You may pref...

Page 14: ...nal analogue synth s of the 70s and 80s There are no multi layered menus to work through Anyone who has used synthesisers before should be familiar with the terms used and therefore be able to predict their behaviour and how they affect the sound The best way to learn how to use Fusebox is to go straight ahead and play with it Reading of this manual may only be necessary for finer operational deta...

Page 15: ...rolled Oscillators Fusebox has three analogue VCOs These produce the raw audio sound source for later processing VCO3 can be detached from MIDI note and be used independently as a voltage controlled LFO for modulation duties Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 15 ...

Page 16: ...lators PW Pulse Width This control allows you to manually change the pulse width of the Square waveform PWM Pulse Width Modulation Use this control to alter the amount external modulation that you patch into the socket below Examples of modulation signals are outputs from the LFO or EG or from an external modular system eg Eurorack Square Sawtooth There are separate jack socket audio outputs from ...

Page 17: ...e other oscillators PW Pulse Width This control allows you to manually change the pulse width of the Square waveform PWM Pulse Width Modulation Use this control to alter the amount external modulation that you patch into the socket below Examples of modulation signals are outputs from the LFO or EG or from an external modular system eg Eurorack Square Sawtooth There are separate jack socket audio ...

Page 18: ... EG or from an external modular system eg Eurorack Audio signal can also be used such as the audio outputs from the other oscillators PW Pulse Width This control allows you to manually change the pulse width of the Square waveform PWM Pulse Width Modulation Use this control to alter the amount external modulation that you patch into the socket below Examples of modulation signals are outputs from ...

Page 19: ...ntrol from MIDI A typical use for this is for VCO3 to be free running and independent from MIDI pitch enabling it to be used as a modulator LFO or otherwise GENERAL VCO CONTROLS APPLY TO ALL 3 MASTER TUNE Used to alter the pitch of all three VCOs GLOBAL PITCH This control alters the level of any modulation signal patched into the adjacent socket The modulation signal will affect all three VCOs For...

Page 20: ...ave jack socket outputs and two Square wave jack socket outputs SPEED This control alters the LFO speed frequency CUT OFF This sets the amount of Sine wave LFO signal that will modulate the Filter Frequency Cut Off sounds a little like wah wah PWM This sets the amount of Sine wave LFO signal that will modulate all three VCOs Square wave pulse width Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 20 ...

Page 21: ...Sine level goes to zero then slowly climbs to full level at a rate set by the FADE IN control Use for delayed vibrato affects when patching Sine out to Global Pitch in The LFO Jacks The Sine wave and Square waves each have two jack socket outputs The lower Square wave socket is at a slightly lower level than the one above Patch these outputs to other areas of the synth for example to modulate a VC...

Page 22: ...Analogue Solutions FUSEBOX Manual Envelope Generators Fusebox features two separate analogue envelopes Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 22 ...

Page 23: ...X Manual EG RE TRIGGERING When this switch is On switch is down the EGs will re trigger play again and again for as long as a MIDI key is held down The rate of re trigger is taken from the LFO speed Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 23 ...

Page 24: ...o the Mixer and subsequently to the Filter Filtering External Sounds There are also two external audio input jack sockets with their own level controls Use these to feed external audio into the synth s filter Take audio for example from the AUX buss of your mixing desk or from the output of a DAW audio interface Try feeding in drums vocals or other non synth sounds NOISE SUB NOISE There is an anal...

Page 25: ...wave signal that is driven from VCO3 it follows the same pitch as VCO3 and is one octave lower Typically used to thicken up the bottom end Good for devastating bass sounds The Sub switch has three positions Up High Level Middle Off Mute Down Low Level The output of this switch goes into the mixer Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 25 ...

Page 26: ...ter from Band Pass to LP HP Notch When left Band Pass is selected When right the filter type set by the adjacent control is selected When the control is fully left the filter is Low Pass When the control is fully right the filter is High Pass Centre is Notch But of course the control can be set to anything in between The audio output of the filter is then sent to the VCA There are also four audio ...

Page 27: ...l Sound Sources External sound sources such as vocals guitars mixer sends samplers etc can be sent through the filter for extra treatment Note mic s and guitars may need pre amping if the signal is too quiet Simply plug the sound source into one of the two front panel mixer input sockets Typically set the VCA mode switch to THRU This will leave the VCA open so a constant signal Finally play around...

Page 28: ...though this is a mono synth MODE This switch sets how the VCA level will be modulated UP The VCA is Bypassed held open Centre No CV signal is patched to VCA level except any patched to the EXT CV socket Down EG2 Envelope 2 signal will modulate the VCA level To the right of the switch is an external CV input Normally you would set the switch to off centre when using this socket though this socket i...

Page 29: ...section They share a clock in but after that they are essentially independent CV SEQUENCER This is a four step melodic sequencer There are 4 analogue CV controls and each step also has an activity LED The LED shows which step is active Each step also has a rocker switch Step 1 Switch Up is SKIP This step is completely missed out when the switch is up When down then it will play as normal Steps 2 4...

Page 30: ... and any or all of them can be turned on and off When a step is on a gate signal is sent out the GATE jack or to the envelopes if selected on the EG TRIG rocker switches To change the gate pattern use the two BEAT controls The left BEAT control affects the even down beats And the right control affects the odd off beats They each essentially turn on off 4 steps beats each When the controls are both...

Page 31: ...lutions FUSEBOX Manual Some example BEAT control settings to give you an idea of how these affect the gate pattern Don t worry about it just use them and they will make intuitive sense Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 31 ...

Page 32: ...or the Patternator Switch Up MIDI Note 000 is used as a clock source Each time MIDI note 0 is played the sequencer will advance one step Write a Note pattern in your DAW to create your own custom clock rhythms Far more versatile than MIDI Sync Centre no clock is patched to the sequencer Switch Down LFO is used as the clock source The jack socket below is an external clock input M CLOCK MIDI clock ...

Page 33: ...ing the number of CV steps that are playing in conjunction with varying the step sequencer pattern interesting poly rhythms can be created Add use of the Interval Generator and you can get a complete performance going with JUST the Fusebox Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 33 ...

Page 34: ...on as you release all keys If you release single keys whilst holding down others the released notes will stop playing HOLD If you press and activate HOLD this holds the keys down for you holding the notes This way you can release the keys and those notes will continue to play You can add more notes If you use up all 16 then you will start to over write the oldest notes Toggling Hold will clear the...

Page 35: ...peggiator Switch Up MIDI Note 000 is used as a clock source Each time MIDI note 0 is played the Arpeggiator will advance one step Write a Note pattern in your DAW to create your own custom clock rhythms Far more versatile than MIDI Sync Centre no clock is patched to the Arpeggiator Switch Down LFO is used as the clock source The jack socket below is an external clock input M CLOCK MIDI clock can b...

Page 36: ...n any way mid sequence Using MIDI Note 000 you simple write a bar or more of MIDI notes and loop it You have the versatility of muting this clock track at will you can change the tempo relative to the main sequencer go half tempo for example or you can make some kind of syncopated rhythm The picture below shows the most straight forward clock pattern you might use 32nd notes spaced at 16th note in...

Page 37: ...TE0 Patch the Arpeggiator Sync In jack to the EG Trigger In jacks To patch to both EGs use a splitter lead from the Arp Sync In jack to both EG Trig In jacks Set both EG red rocker switches to the centre position Then as you play MIDI note 0 the Arpeggiator will step advance You will only have to do this is special circumstances It s really hard to put into words and cover all bases of when you mi...

Page 38: ...her or not the EGs will retriever When Not in Arpeggiator Mode the Hold button is used to turn on and off MIDI Note re trigger Transpose It is possible to transpose Fusebox in realtime using MIDI keys The transpose feature isn t designed to generally change the key of the machine If is for continuous realtime changing It is designed to be used in conjunction with the Arpeggiator and or the Pattern...

Page 39: ...e song by transposing in realtime Interval Generator The IG is a creative and simple way to transpose your Arpeggiations and Patterns in real time using push buttons It s like a 6 key keyboard where you can set the pitch of each to any note you want There are 6 push buttons each with a interval amount control To activate the IG use the rocker switch When UP All three VCOs are transposed When Centr...

Page 40: ...ve Performances The IG works best in conjunction with a live sequencer being played by either or both of the Arpeggiator and Patternator Using just these features without MIDI you can make a whole performance A drum machine can be used in conjunction Use the MIDI out from the drum machine transmitting MIDI clock as a master Connect the MIDI Out to the MIDI In of Fusebox Then patch M CLOCK of Fuseb...

Page 41: ...Analogue Solutions FUSEBOX Manual Patch Sheet Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 41 ...

Page 42: ...he Analogue Solutions web site there is a separate document which has various Patch examples Sound or just ideas on how to do basic clocking patches You will find this on the Fusebox page or the Patch Sheets page under Support Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 42 ...

Page 43: ...degrees Remove the 7 front panel black screws Rotate then replace 6 of the screws The centre screw doesn t have a mounting hole in the flat position So either leave it out or fit it along with a M3 nut to blank the hole In the flat position you may want to fit the rubber self adhesive feet Fit these right in the corners where the metal work touches your work surface Rotating the front panel is an ...

Page 44: ...mixer level controls are turned to some sound source like the VCOs or Noise Certain extreme filter settings may filter out all of the signal or produce low level signals Try adjusting the filter cut off Certain extreme PW PWM settings may cause the pulse outputs to cut out Try adjusting PW PWM as necessary Ensure EGs are being triggered Don t instantly assume the synth is at fault we have had doze...

Page 45: ...Analogue Solutions FUSEBOX Manual Specification Weight 9 5Kg Size 45 x 14 x 30cm Rack Size 7U rack ears are optional Power 15V AC output NOT DC 2 1mm plug 800mA Fusebox 30 Oct 2017 Page 45 ...

Page 46: ...subject to alteration misuse accident neglect such as extremes of temperature and or moisture or to wear resulting from normal use At the sole discretion of Analogue Solutions the warranty is deemed to be void should the unit be or considered to have been opened or any other modifications or tampering be carried out by unauthorised parties CE COMPLIANCE This unit complies with EU Directives 73 23 ...