Clep Diaz#

Multimode step CV generator 8 LFO

Overview#

Clep Diaz is a handy and small step CV and LFO generator. In step and random modes, use the encoder to control the number of steps in the sequence; in LFO mode, the encoder controls the amplitude of the wave. Toggle the directionality of the sequence: up, down, or up/down to customize the CVs further. Clep Diaz also gives CV control over the number of steps in the sequence and a beginning-of-cycle trigger output. Unipolar and bipolar outputs allow maximal control.

  • Type: Step CV Generator
  • Size: 4HP Eurorack
  • Depth: .8 inches
  • Power: 2x5 Eurorack
  • +12 V: 44 mA
  • -12 V: 10 mA

Etymology#

Clep -- from Greek: Clepsydra (a time keeper that uses water flow)"

Diaz -- from Greek: Diazoma (divider)

"Divided time keeper"

Power#

Power connector

To power your Noise Engineering module, turn off your case. Plug one end of your ribbon cable into your power board so that the red stripe on the ribbon cable is aligned to the side that says -12 V and each pin on the power header is plugged into the connector on the ribbon. Make sure no pins are overhanging the connector! If they are, unplug it and realign.

Line up the red stripe on the ribbon cable so that it matches the white stripe and/or -12 V indication on the board and plug in the connector.

Screw your module into your case before powering on the module. You risk bumping the module's PCB against something metallic and damaging it if it's not properly secured when powered on.

You should be good to go if you followed these instructions. Now go make some noise!

A final note. Some modules have other headers -- they may have a different number of pins or may say "not power". In general, unless a manual tells you otherwise, do not connect those to power.

Interface#

Illustration of Clep Diaz's interface

step/rand/lfo

Mode switch to move between Step, Random, and LFO modes.

In Step and Random modes, Clep Diaz outputs a sequence of a controllable number of steps; use the Count encoder (below) to set. In Step mode, steps will move only in the chosen direction (resetting at the end of the cycle). In Random mode, Clep Diaz randomizes the values of the steps in the sequence to create variation. In LFO mode, Clep Diaz outputs a smooth noise LFO based on the timing of the input clock. As the Count knob is turned clockwise, the amplitude is increased.

If the number of steps in the sequence is divisible by three, the top LED will glow dimly; if it is divisible by four, it will glow brightly.

up/updn/dn

In Step and Random modes, this determines the directionality of the steps. In LFO mode, this controls the symmetry of the wave: up subtly decreases the slope of the rise of the wave, updn makes the LFO wave symmetrical, and dn subtly decreases the slope of the decay of the LFO wave.

The max number of steps in up and down modes is 32. In updn mode, the max is 63 steps.

Count
An encoder. If no lights are lit on the LED counter, the CV is muted. Turn clockwise to increase the number of steps in the CV sequence. Tap the encoder to mute the sequence. A second tap will unmute Clep Diaz, or return it to the state it was in before it was muted. LEDs illuminate to serve as a guide for the number of steps in the current sequence.
Clk
Clock input. Advances the current step.
Rst
Optional clock input to reset Clep Diaz at the beginning of the pattern.
CV
CV input control over the number of steps in the cycle
BOC
Outputs a single trigger pulse at the beginning of each cycle. In LFO mode, this is random.
Bi/Uni
Bipolar and Unipolar CV outputs. Outputs are not quantized.

Patch tutorial#

  1. Move the mode switch to Step.
  2. Patch a clock into the Clk input.
  3. Patch Uni or Bi outs (or both) to the CV inputs of a module of your choice.
  4. Increase the number of steps by turning the encoder clockwise. Play with modes, directions, and number of steps.

Note

Clep Diaz was not designed for use with pitch CV and does not provide a quantized output.

Input & output voltages#

Clep Diaz responds to clock/reset signals of at least 2.2 V and responds to CV from 0 V to 5 V. The CV input does not respond to negative CV.

Unipolar voltage outputs 0 V to 5 V and bipolar outputs -5 V to 5 V.

Design notes#

Clep Diaz was another one of our problem children. It went through a hoard of revisions while we tried to agree on a core set of features. At different times, Clep Diaz was 4 HP, 6 HP, and even 8 HP before we settled on the final size. Once we agreed on 4 HP, we knew that we could fit 3 modes into the module, and that was yet another challenge, which went through multiple revisions before we settled on the final feature set.

Warranty#

We will repair or replace (at our discretion) any product that we manufactured as long as we are in business and are able to get the parts to do so. We aim to support modules that have been discontinued for as long as possible. This warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear, including art/panel wear, or any products that have been modified, abused, or misused. Our warranty is limited to manufacturing defects.

Warranty repairs/replacements are free. Repairs due to user modification or other damage are charged at an affordable rate. Customers are responsible for the cost of shipping to Noise Engineering for repair.

All returns must be coordinated through Noise Engineering; returns without a Return Authorization will be refused and returned to sender.

Please contact us if you think one of your modules needs a repair.

Special thanks#

  • Shawn Jimmerson
  • Patrick O'Brien