How to use Cardinal, a plug-in that allows you to use VCV Rack modules ②
Last time, I explained how to use:
・How to use Cardinal as an effect
Read the article here.
This article explains how to download and install.
This time, I will explain how to:
・Match the output of the sequencer to the scale
・Automating parameters from your DAW (not shown)
Sound demo
For now, it looks like this.
However, since it is not a musical scale, it cannot be used for ordinary songs.
If you match the output of the sequencer to the scale, you can do something like this.
Sync to DAW BPM
If you use it from a DAW, you'll still want to use BPM sync.
Use "Host Time" which tells the clock of the host.
We will explain how to use the sequencer "16-step Sequencer" (hereinafter 16STEP-SEQ).
This is a method to add a sequencer from the default state of "Cardinal Synth" and synchronize it with the BPM of the DAW.
Add Module
Host Time
To add it, it is easy to right-click and enter "Host Time" in the upper left text box.
16STEP-SEQ (16-step Sequencer)
Right-click and enter "16" in the upper left text box to add it.
It will be as follows.
Module wiring
Then we'll wire it up.
First of all, "Host Time" outputs a clock synchronized with the BPM of the DAW.
Therefore, it is OK if you put "Step" of "Host Time" into "Ext Clk" of "16STEP-SEQ".
The clock is output at 4 minutes for "Beat" and 8 minutes for "Step".
(4 minutes if you match the BPM)
And connect "Playing" to "RESET".
This is to align the start of the DAW and the start of the sequencer.
Next, move the knob appropriately to create a scale.
At this time, the lower LED lights up.
(If this LED is not lit, Gate output will not occur.)
Then connect "V/OCT" of "VCO" to "ROW 16" of "1STEP-SEQ".
Connect “ADSR” “GATE” to “16STEP-SEQ” “GATES”.
Now play your DAW and see.
I think it makes a faint sound.
The ADSR attack is weak, so the sine wave output is quite weak.
Therefore, please minimize "ATK" of "ADSR" and set the output of "VOC" to something other than "SINE".
Align the output of the sequencer to a scale
Forces the output of the sequencer to match the scale.
It's like AutoTune.
To tune to a scale, use a module for it.
It's called Quantizer.
Open "Cardinal", right-click and select "Quantizer" from Tag.
From this, select "Quatherina's Quality Quad Quantizer" this time.
Connect "ROW16" of "1-Step SEQ" and "Input" of "Quatherina's Quality Quad Quantizer".
Connect "V/OCT" of "VOC" and "Output" of "Quatherina's Quality Quad Quantizer".
If you change the "KEY" or "Scale" of "Quatherina's Quality Quad Quantizer", it will become a scale that matches it.
Easy to use
You can set the key and scale with the knob.
As you turn the knobs, the display will show the key and scale names.
The following scales are available.
Scale name
chromatic
Major
natural minor
melodic minor
Harmonic minor
Pentatonic major
Pentatonic Minor
Whole Tone
Blues Major
Blues Minor
Dominant Diminished
Bebop Major
Bebop Minor
Double Harmonic
Eight Tone Spanish
Hirajoshi
In Sen
After that, you can set the key to quantize on the piano keyboard yourself.
By generating random pitches with a sequencer, etc., and limiting the scale played with a quantizer, it is possible to play phrases that match the key while retaining the random elements.
Summary
If you can synchronize with the BPM and match the key and scale, the hurdles to using modular in the song will be lowered.
It may be a difficult part in terms of cost if it is a real machine, but it is good that you can try it as much as you want with a virtual modular.
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