As mentioned in the synopsis, The Metalloid oers the ability to control the signal dynamics in a number of ways.
We will rst focus on this aspect through discussion of the trigger mechanism, VCAs, and VCFs. Later we will discuss the func-
tion of the signal sources and macro controls.
The metallic noise source’s amplitude and lter frequency envelope is controlled when a trigger is patched into the
TRIG input(s). Alternatively, a control voltage may be patched into the associated channel A or B VCA CV input for control over
signal amplitude, only. You may of course utilize both the envelope triggering and VCA CV simultaneously.
Ideally, you would use an external envelope into the VCA CV inputs to trigger a one-shot. Patching a synced and/or
syncopated LFO is also useful in conjunction with sequenced triggers on the main trigger inputs for varied rhythmic eects.
Audio rate amplitude modulation is also a great way to achieve more diverse sounds - however you may want to process your
modulation source through a VCA rst for one-shot sounds. Signal level is controlled via the A-LEVEL and B-LEVEL mini-pot
attenuators. These attenuators alter the internal envelope level, controlling the VCAs. External CV sources patched into the VCA
CV inputs are not aected by the LEVEL attenuators.
When using the trigger input, the internal envelope generator(s) are excited. These envelopes are responsible for
controlling the amplitude (volume) of the associated noise source VCA(s), as mentioned above, but they are also used as an
internal modulation source for the VCFs. The depth of the VCF envelope modulation is adjusted by the A and B-FILTER MOD
controls.
The envelope decay time is altered manually via the A-DECAY and B-DECAY controls. Decay time spans from 10ms to
over a minute. You may voltage control the individual decay times via the associated CV inputs bearing the same labeling.
The A-TRIG input is normalized to the B-TRIG input. This allows both sound sources to be triggered at the same time for
layering the two sound sources. You will notice that under the A-OUT jack, there is a label called (MIX). If only this output is
used, A-OUT provides a normalized mix of both sound sources. Patching out of the B-OUT breaks this normalization, allowing
the signals to be patched out separately. Using the outputs separately oers a bit more gain.
The trigger circuitry responds dynamically to the incoming voltage level. Typically, any trigger source in the 8-10V
range will result in the same maximum signal peak output level. Peak levels are then reduced as the max trig/gate level falls
below 8V. Overall loudness is then reduced as the trig/gate signal falls below 5V. Triggers, gates and fast rising envelopes may
be used to trigger either of the two sound sources. Signals in the 8-10V range will produce a louder signal, but 5V signals work
ne for producing nominal output levels.
In order to create dynamic triggers/gates you will need either a sequencer with variable pulse-width and step
amplitude, or you can patch your trigger/gate into a VCA and control that VCA with a sample and hold that is triggered via the
same trig/gate source and CV controlled via a separate dynamic CV source.
Alternatively, you can use the SSF IMPULSE DYNAMICS module (TBR 2024), which combines these features.
You may also try using the direct output of a sample and hold for a randomized and level based eect.
Successful triggering and amplitude will depend on the current level/state of the sample.
The Metalloid has a unique CHOKE feature that utilizes the internal envelopes of the A and B signals. You may be
familiar with choking a hi-hat, for instance. This feature is implemented dierently than most electronic hi-hat chokes in that
rather than killing the choked signal completely, the Metalloid CHOKE performs a volume ducking eect. Therefore, if the
signal being choked has a long enough decay (longer than the decay of the signal doing the choking), it will be heard again as
the choking signal’s envelope transitions through it’s decay phase.
When the CHOKE switch is set to OFF, neither output will be choked. Setting the switch to either A or B will apply a
choke from the opposing signal. In other words, setting CHOKE to A will use B’s envelope to choke A’s amplitude.
Choking is useful when making sounds that are triggered via the same trigger source (using A-TRIG only to trigger
both sounds), and when using two trigger patterns to excite A and B separately.
Note that the depth of choke is independent of the A and B-LEVEL controls. You may also choke either signal
independently by using a suciently negative control voltage, patched into the A or B-VCA CV inputs.
TRIGGERS, VCA and CHOKE
