Version 0.2.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Introduction ...........................................................................................3 Features ...............................................................................................................4 Technical Specifications .......................................................................................4 Core Operation.......................................................................................5 Panel Layout .......................
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Introduction 'Pamela's Workout' is a compact programmable clock source for your Eurorack modular synthesizer system. It provides 8 highly editable trigger outputs, all correlated to a direct and voltage controlled BPM based clock. Pamela's workout grew out of a need to flexibly synchronize various clocked modules and external devices but do so in flexible and feature-full manner as to also enable more creative and playful rhythmic usage.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Features Pamela’s Workout provides a wide range of features in a compact space. Such Features include; • BPM based clock with rates 25-300BPM. • 8 clocked trigger outputs each with independent adjustable; • Clock divisors and multipliers • 32 values from from /512 to *48 • Triplets, Evens, Odds etc • Pulse width • Random skip • Delay and delay division (for complex shuffle) • Voltage and direct control of clock stop/start and reset. • Voltage control of clock rate.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Core Operation Panel Layout “Pamela’sorkout ” W Inputs Voltage control inputs po Tem-5v 0 n Ru k oc Cl Program Program knob (Twist & Push) LED info display Start / Stop Start/Stop Button Trigger Outputs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Trigger outputs Setting Core Tempo When initially powered on Pamela's Workout LED info display shows the current clock tempo setting in beats per minute (BPM).
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ through each of the output jacks as indicated by there relevant green LED's. The timing of each trigger pulse is a factor of the set BPM tempo. Clicking the 'Start / Stop' button again stops and resets the clock Basic Per Trigger Adjustment The timing of each trigger can be adjusted to varying factors of the set tempo. These factors or ‘modifiers’ can be either divisors or multiples of the main clock tempo. Also they can be set to permanently on or off (i.e a gate).
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Special special symbols are used on the display to represent modifier values. They are; Indicates a divisor. Two of these indicate an ‘always on’ gate when clock is running. ‘Pulse(s)’ indicate special trigger that provides a single pulse on clock start, another when the clock stops or one for each (two pulses) A triplet value. A power of two. Used to represent large divisors. For example; 9P = /512, 8P = /256 To change the selected modifier value, twist the program knob.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ The various symbols used to represent screens and there available settings are; Random skip. Set triggers will be randomly skipped dependent on value set here - the higher the value more likely a skip is to occur. Delay. Delays triggers by 1/96th's of a beat. It is automatically limited by the set multiplier up to full beat. Divider. A divider for which trigger the delay prior alters. I.e a Setting of 2 means every other trigger would get delayed, 3 every third.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Pamela will automatically save and remember trigger settings between power cycles. Settings are automatically saved but not whilst the clock is running (changes are ‘queued’ and then saved when the clock stops).
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Voltage Control As well as direct user control, Pamela’s clock can be control via 3 external signal inputs - clock, run and tempo. po Tem 5v 0- n Ru k oc Cl Clock Input An external trigger pulse or clock input. When connected the device will sync or ‘follow’ a pulsed input (such as a square wave from an LFO). The frequency of the input will need to be in acceptable range as to fit maximum and minimum BPM values.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Pressing the start/stop button in this situation, with the input high, the clock will reset not stop. Alternatively if the clock is started by the start/stop button the run input will behave as a clock reset when pulsed high. Clock Started Via To Stop Clock To Reset Clock Clock input set HIGH Set clock input LOW Press Start/Stop button Start/Stop button Press Start/Stop button Set run input high (i.e rising edge) Tempo Input CV control of the BPM rate.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Advanced Settings A number of advanced and special case settings are available under the BPM sub menu. These features are available in a firmware version 0101 and later - if they are not available on your device refer to appendix 1 for update procedure. Save Banks Pamela will automatically save trigger settings when the clock is not running. Saves are made to any one of five currently selected ‘save banks’ which are selectable through the save bank screen.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ In free running mode the clock must be 'primed' to expect a clock signal and then, only on receipt of a clock signal, will start. The start/stop button will prime the clock. Once primed Pamela with display a flashing 'CLK' until a clock signal arrives. Once received the clock will start and continue until the external signal stops. Pushing the start/stop button also stop the clock or un-prime. This setting is saved between power cycles.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Tricks & Tips Shuffle A trigger can be made to ‘shuffle’ or ‘swing’ by setting its delay and delay divisor values. For example a basic 8th swing can be set by setting the trigger multiplier to 2, the delay to approximate ‘10’ and the delay divisor to 2. Experiment! Tap Tempo With the clock input PQN set to 1, a manual gate connected to the clock input can be used for ‘Tap Tempo’ setting of the BPM.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ DIN Sync ‘DIN Sync’ is an interface introduced by Roland in the 1980s for the timing synchronization of synths, sequencers and drum machines etc. The interface uses a 5 pin DIN connectors but by means of a simple jack plug adapter (purchased or DIY), Pamela’s Workout can be used with DIN Sync devices.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Limited Warranty From the date of manufacture this device is guaranteed for a period of 2 years against any manufacturing or material defects. Any such defects will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of ALM. This does not apply to; • Physical damage arising for mis treating (i,e dropping, submerging etc). • Damage caused by incorrect power connections. • Overexposure to heat or direct sunlight. • Damage caused by inappropriate or mis-use.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Support For the latest news, additional info, downloads and firmware updates please visit the ALM website at http://busycircuits.com and follow @busycircuits on twitter. Please send any questions or comments to info@busycircuits.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ Appendix 1: Updates Pamela’s firmware can be updated by playing a specially encoded audio file into the clock input. The audio file needs to be played uncolored and untreated at high volume (approx 6v peak to peak). Computer playback via a firewire or usb audio interface headphone out at near max volume is best recommended. Beware of amplification coloring the signal and causing problems - particularly through mixing desks.
ALM-001 - ‘Pamela’s Workout’ 11. On success Pamela display will blank for a couple of seconds and then display '120'. Pamela is now ready for use with new firmware. On failure Pamela will display 'Err' there for check volume, check playback was not interrupted, repeat above process to try again. It may take a few tries to get levels right. Do not panic if it fails, just try again.
