control voltage – Synthesizer Online

Gate Signals

A gate signal in a modular synthesizer is an electrical signal used to control the duration of a sound. It is a binary signal frequently used to activate envelopes and other sound amplitude-controlling modules.

A gate signal is typically a positive voltage signal that rises when a note is played (for example, to 5V) and falls (for instance, to 0V) when the note is released. By turning it on and off, it is used to regulate the length of the sound. It can also be used to activate other modules, such as an envelope generator, which governs the sound’s amplitude.

Gate signals can be sent to different modules using patch cables and are typically produced by a gate-source, such as a keyboard or sequencer. They make it possible to precisely control the sound’s duration, enabling the creation of intricate rhythms and patterns.

In a nutshell, the duration of a sound is controlled by an electrical signal called a gate signal in a modular synthesizer. It is a binary signal that is frequently used to activate the envelopes and other sound amplitude-controlling modules. The duration of the sound can be precisely controlled, enabling the creation of intricate rhythms and patterns. It is typically produced by a gate-source, such as a keyboard or sequencer, and can be sent to various modules via patch cables.

Control Voltages (CV)

Control voltages (CV) in modular synthesizers are electrical signals used to control various parameters of the modules, such as pitch, frequency, and amplitude. They are used to control the sound in a similar way to how notes on a keyboard or knob movements on a traditional synthesizer control sound.

CV signals are typically low-frequency signals, usually in the range of 0-5V, and are typically generated by a control voltage source, such as an LFO or an envelope generator. These signals are then sent to various modules via patch cables, where they are used to control different parameters, such as the frequency of an oscillator or the cutoff of a filter.

CV is a standard feature in modular synthesizers and it allows for greater flexibility and expression than traditional synthesizers. CV signals can be used to control multiple parameters at once, and the signal can be modulated by other modules, allowing for complex and dynamic sound creation.

In summary, Control voltages (CV) in modular synthesizers are electrical signals used to control various parameters of the modules, such as pitch, frequency, and amplitude. They are low-frequency signals usually in the range of 0-5V, generated by a control voltage source and sent to various modules via patch cables, allowing for greater flexibility and expression than traditional synthesizers.