NGEN + CV Toolkit Updates, New Forum, and Other News!

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Today we’re releasing a new firmware update for NGEN, a new minor update for CV Toolkit 3, new open-source tools for NGEN, and our new forum!


NGEN 1.1.2 Firmware Update

The new 1.1.2 update for NGEN is now available and it includes many improvements to different parts of the NGEN firmware such as:

  • New Scale Editor (beta)

  • Improved potentiometer readings (for better precision and smoother operation)

  • Updated internal framework for custom UI / controls.

  • Updated name editor, list selector and info view based on updated framework.

  • Improved project management

  • Important bug fixes for patterns, generators, and MIDI routing

The complete change-log, as well as update instructions, are available on the NGEN User Manual.

We’re also working on new video tutorials for NGEN that will soon be available on our Youtube channel.

I’d also like to thank everybody who pre-ordered units from our second NGEN batch. The feedback we’ve receiving has been incredibly valuable.
A third NGEN batch is already in the works and it should be available by the end of Q2 2024.

CV Toolkit 3.0.1 Update

A new minor update for CV Toolkit 3 is now available (3.0.1) and it includes improvements to Factory modules and the UI, updated Max framework and some bug fixes.

The change-log for CV Toolkit 3.0.1 is available on the CV Toolkit 3 User Manual.

Existing CV Toolkit 3 customers will receive a link for the new update via email.

CV Toolkit 3 is available at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone

New Spektro Audio Forum

The new Spektro Audio Forum is now publicly available at https://forum.spektroaudio.com

Our goal for this new forum is to have a hub for our users to interact, ask questions, report bugs, request new features and learn more about our projects.
While we’re always available for direct communication via our Contact form, this new forum will let us have more open discussions with other people about the past, present, and future of Spektro Audio projects.

The forum includes dedicated sections for our different projects so all users are welcome to join.

Open-Source Tools for NGEN

We’ve also released 2 new open-source tools for NGEN to let users further explore NGEN’s capabilities:

DrumGen Template Editor

The DrumGen Template Editor is a GUI-based application written in Rust + eGui that lets you create and edit templates for NGEN’s DrumGen generator.
Templates can be exported as .hex files and loaded into NGEN via a MicroSD card.

URL: https://github.com/SpektroAudio/DrumGenTemplateEditor

ngen_nsl rust library

ngen_nsl is a custom Rust library that makes it easier to create, encode and decode NSL scripts.
It includes all commands currently available in NSL and methods for importing an exporting .hex files.

Crates.io: https://crates.io/crates/ngen_nsl
Documentation: https://docs.rs/ngen_nsl/
Repository: https://github.com/spektroaudio/ngen_nsl

We’d also to remind NGEN users that we also have a repository for other NGEN resources (including factory content, 3D printable parts and other NGEN-related scripts) that is available at: https://github.com/SpektroAudio/NGEN-Resources

If you’d like to keep up with our latest news, check out our new Spektro Audio forum and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

Until next time!

Ícaro Ferre

CV Toolkit 3 is Now Available!

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The new CV Toolkit 3 is finally here and it includes many new features and improvements!

CV Toolkit is a standalone software designed to generate CV and gate signals using different virtual modules that can be used to control modular and analog synthesizers in many different ways.

The new 3.0 version improves upon CV Toolkit's feature set, design, and performance in order to create a more intuitive and easy to use workflow.

Check out the overview video for CV Toolkit 3:

New Features in CV Toolkit 3

New Design

The new design featured in CV Toolkit 3 gives it a new modern look while maintaining a minimalistic and easy to use interface.

Sections such as the side bar, module headers, and Utility Rack have been re-designed to reduce clutter, improve readability and offer a more fluid experience.

Snapshots

The new Snapshots feature lets you quickly save and recall the state of all 12 slots as a snapshot and each Layout can store up to 8 layouts.

Snapshots can be saved and recalled instantly via the 8 buttons available in the Snapshots section.

You can use Snapshots to save different sections of a performance, different music ideas, or different variations of a patch, all based on the same combination of modules.

Quick Route

Although CV Toolkit has always featured a Routing Matrix to let you route signals between slots and outputs since version 1.0, we wanted to offer another way of quickly routing signals while you're still in the process of selecting what modules you want to use in your layout.

The new Quick Route feature in CV Toolkit 3 offers a new way of routing signals between slots.

To use Quick Route, first open the slot loader by pressing the letter M on your keyboard.
The new arrow on the top left corner corresponds to that slot's output.
To route it to an input of a different module, simply click on the arrow to activate Quick Route and select one of the inputs of a different module.

When you route a signal using Quick Route, CV Toolkit automatically updates the Routing Matrix to reflect that new connection.

Status Board

The new Status Board lets you monitor signals on the Gate Bus and check when CV Toolkit receives MIDI, MIDI Clock and OSC messages.

MIDI Generation

CV Toolkit 3 includes 2 new ways of generating MIDI messages:

MIDI notes can now be generated using the new MIDI Note module, available in the standard factory pack.
To generate a MIDI note, route a CV signal from another module into the MIDI Note's input, as well as a gate signal via the Gate Bus.
The MIDI Note module will quantize the incoming signal and generate a MIDI note whenever it receives a gate signal from the gate bus.
The velocity of the generated MIDI note can be set manually or modulated via CV.

As for MIDI CC messages, CV Toolkit 3 can now generate CC messages based on the eight outputs of the Routing Matrix.
This means that, combined with the CV to MIDI CC converters available in the Utility Rack, CV Toolkit can now generate up to 12 simultaneous CC messages.

With these 2 new methods of generating MIDI messages, you can now use CV Toolkit as a powerful MIDI sequencer to play other virtual instruments in your DAW and other MIDI instruments in your setup.

Oscilloscope

The Utility Rack now features a new combined oscilloscope that lets you quickly visualize signals routed to the RACK 1 through 4 inputs on the Routing Matrix.

Notes Module

The new 3.0 version also includes new improvements to the Notes module.
The Smart Tuner now works in Quantize mode and, while in Quantizer mode, the Notes module can output quantized pitches to the Pitch Bus.
This means you can now use the Notes module to control the pitch of other modules such as the Morphing VCO.

CV Toolkit 3 also includes native support for Apple Sillicon, major performance improvements to Layouts and Themes, and more.
All modules available in the Deluxe, Beats and Mod7 packs have also been updated to work with all new features available in CV Toolkit 3.

Here's the complete change-log for version 3.0 at http://cvtoolkit.spektroaudio.com/manual/changelog/

CV Toolkit 3 is available for U$19.99 and the CV Toolkit 3 – Complete Bundle (including all module packs) is available for U$49.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone

CV Toolkit 2 users can upgrade to CV Toolkit 3 for U$9.99. Module packs purchased for CV Toolkit 2 will also work in CV Toolkit 3 without any additional costs.
If you're already a CV Toolkit 2 user, check your email for instructions on how to upgrade.
If you've purchased CV Toolkit 2 within the past 6 months (after May 1st, 2022), you'll receive a free upgrade to CV Toolkit 3 (also via email).

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Until next time!

CV Toolkit 2.8 is now available!

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Today we're releasing the new CV Toolkit 2.8 update which includes support for microtonal scales, Scala (.scl) files, secret options, and other improvements and enhancements to the software!

Check out the overview video for the new update:

Microtonal Scales

The new 2.8 update includes support for Microtonal scales so you can now create and use alternative scales outside the standard 12-tone equal temperament notes. CV Toolkit also includes a number of different microtonal scale presets for you to try and experiment. 
The microtonal mode in CV Toolkit follows the Scala standard (meaning you can express values in cents, ratios and fractions) but it also lets you add absolute Hertz values.
Scala files (.scl) created using other softwares / hardwares can also be imported into CV Toolkit and saved as a scale preset for later use.

Secret Options

We're added two secret options in CV Toolkit for automatically enabling DSP and adjusting the Calibration Level (accuracy). Please check the Secret Options section of the User Manual for more information.

Misc Improvements & Fixes

This new update also includes a new Reset input for the Sequencer module, improvements to the DSP engine for the Windows version (which should fix issues related to certain audio interfaces) and other minor bug fixes and improvements.

For more information about this new update, check out CV Toolkit's User Manual.

The new 2.8 update is  free update for all existing CV Toolkit customers. 

CV Toolkit 2 is available for U$19.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone.

To keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Until next time!

CV Toolkit 2.7 is now available!

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Today we've releasing the new CV Toolkit 2.7 update. This new update includes a new module, support for the Expert Sleeper ES-5 module, Hz/V calibration, new Layouts features and many other bug fixes and improvements.

Check out the overview video for the 2.7 update:

Here's the complete change-log of what was added to this latest update:
 

The new Buffer module.

The new Buffer module.

• New Buffer module: Buffer is a new free module included in the Factory pack that can record and play back audio or CV signals. The module offers 3 different record (transport, manual, or Gate Bus) and play back (One-Shot, Loop, or Control CV) modes, variable playback rate, as well as the ability to import and export audio samples.
You can use the Buffer module to record and manipulate CV modulation signals, play back audio samples and record loops and samples coming from your modular synth.

• Added a new Compatibility Mode for the Expert Sleepers ES-5 module: You can now use an Expert Sleepers ES-5 paired with and ES-3 or ES-8 to get additional gate outputs from CV Toolkit. For more details about the ES-5 implementation, please check the User Manual.

• New Layouts import / export features: You can now easily import or export one or all Layouts as JSON files. This is feature useful for backing up and sharing your Layouts with other CV Toolkit users.

• New Settings save / recall method: We're completely re-written the way CV Toolkit stores it's settings and the new method should fix issues related to saving and restoring settings. 

• 3 new Themes: Frozen, Flashy and Cinema.
• Added support for HZ/V calibration in the Notes module.
• Added a new Phase parameter to the LFO module.
• Added a new Output Range parameter to the  Sequencer module.
• The Notes Module can now output a steady gate signal to a selected Gate Bus channel during calibration.
• Fixed bug that'd prevent Gate Bus Channel #4 from working correctly.
• Updated Ableton Link support.
• Improved default Layout.

For more information about this new update, check out CV Toolkit's User Manual.

This is a free update for all existing CV Toolkit customers. 

CV Toolkit 2 is available for U$19.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone.

To celebrate the release of the 2.7 update, we're offering a 20% discount for any of our products (including the Mod7 pack and the Fragments synthesizer) until August 9th, 2017.
To get the discount, simply add any products to your cart and use the coupon code CVTK27.

To keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Until next time!

Mod7 pack and CV Toolkit 2.6.1 update are now available!

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Today we're releasing the new Mod7 pack for CV Toolkit and the 2.6.1 update which includes bug fixes and improves support for the new modules.

MOD7PROMO.png

The new Mod7 module pack for CV Toolkit is now available and it includes 7 amazing new modules: AutoSlide, Drunk Modulator, Function Generator, Game Controller, Infinite Sequencer, Loop Extractor, and Variable Clock!

Check out the overview video we created for Mod7 to see all the new modules in action:

The Mod7 pack contains some of the most advanced modules we've developed for CV Toolkit to date and we believe it'll be a great addition to the CV Toolkit platform.

For a detailed description of each of the modules contained in the pack, please check the Mod7 section on the CV Toolkit User Manual.

Mod7 is available for U$9.99 on the CV Toolkit product page.

We've also included Mod7 in the new CV Toolkit – Complete Bundle 2. The bundle now includes all packs available to date (Deluxe, Beats, VBrazil and Mod7) and it's available for U$49.99.
If you've already purchased the Complete Bundle 1, then you can purchase the new Mod7 separately. Notice that we've also raised the price of the bundle to accommodate for the new pack in order to treat both our new and existing customers equally.

Please notice that the Mod7 pack requires CV Toolkit 2.6 or higher. If you're using an earlier version, you'll need to update CV Toolkit to properly run the new modules.
If you need help updating, please get in touch with us via our Contact page.

CV Toolkit 2.6.1 Update

Today we're also releasing the 2.6.1 update for CV Toolkit to fix some bugs that were found during the Mod7 development.

While these bugs are not critical, we highly recommend updating to ensure full compatibility with the new modules.

Existing customers will receive a new download link for the new update via email.

If you'd to know more about our future projects, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@SpektroAudio) and Instagram (@SpektroAudio).

Until next time!

 

CV Toolkit 2.6 is now Available!

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The new CV Toolkit 2.6 update is now available and it includes many new features and improvements to the CV Toolkit software.

Our main goal for this update was to improve CV Toolkit's sync features and many of the components that make up the virtual modules' framework. This new update also includes many small improvements to the virtual modules in order to improve the software's workflow, flexibility and usability.

Check out the overview video for the new CV Toolkit 2.6 update:

synchronization & Timing

We're excited to announce that the 2.6 update adds support for the new Ableton Link technology. Ableton Link lets you easily syncronize CV Toolkit to a number of different applications such as Ableton Link, Propellerheads Reason, Serato DJ, iMaschine 2, Korg Gadget, iMPC Pro and many others.
To enable Link, go to the Sync / Misc tab on CV Toolkit's side-bar and select Link as your sync method.

While MIDI Clock sync has always been an available as a sync method ever since CV Toolkit 1, we re-designed how it works behind the scenes in this new version to make it better and more reliable than ever.

To make both of these sync methods more accurate and reliable, we added a Sync / Delay compensation feature and changed how the modules generate their own internal clocks and sync to clocks generated by other modules.

New Modules

The new 2.6 update also adds two new virtual modules to the Factory pack: ADSR & Input.

ADSR Module
 

ADSR is a 4-stage linear envelope generator. It's a simple yet very useful module.

INPUTMODULE
 

The new Input module lets you bring external CV signals into CV Toolkit via an Expert Sleepers ES-6, ES-7 or ES-8 module. It includes a built-in attenuverter, offset generator, slew generator and bipolar half-wave rectifier to help you shape incoming signals.
You can also use the Input module to bring external clock signals into CV Toolkit and distribute them to the virtual modules via the Gate Bus.

New Features & Improvements

We've also added many new features and improvements to CV Toolkit and it's virtual modules:

• The framework we built for the virtual modules was re-designed to be more efficient and to include new features that will be used by new virtual modules released in the future.
• Keyboard Representation for the Global Quantizer so you can now quickly visualize which notes are turned on or off.
• Virtual modules such as the Sequencer and Sample & Hold can now output their internal clocks to the Gate Bus.
• The Sequencer module now includes an Auto-Slide feature. When enabled, Auto Slide will adjust the sliding time between the steps according to the their value difference. You can also set the maximum slide time from 5 to 150 ms.
• The Snap feature in the ScanGraph module is now available as a button on the module's panel.
• Adjusted the length of the triggers generated by the Clock Generator, Reset, and Euclidean Sequencer (Deluxe Pack) modules (now 20ms).

For a complete change-log of this new version, check out the Change-Log section in the User Manual.

We've worked hard to make the new CV Toolkit 2.6 update as good as possible and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
A new module pack is also in the works and will be released soon!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@SpektroAudio) and Instagram (@SpektroAudio) for previews and other announcements!

Until next time!

Introducing CV Toolkit Mini - Max for Live Device

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The first version of the CV Toolkit Max for Live device (prior to the Standalone Version).

The first version of the CV Toolkit Max for Live device (prior to the Standalone Version).

Three years ago we release one of our first Max for Live devices: CV Toolkit. The idea for this device was to have a simple control voltage generator capable of creating some basic modulation signals such as LFOs, random voltages and envelopes.

We were so excited about this device that, in order to expand the idea further, we had to turn it into a proper standalone piece of software. This is basically the TL:DL story of CV Toolkit Standalone Version.

CV Toolkit Standalone Version became so much more powerful than it's Max for Live counterpart that we stopped working and updating the M4L device. This decision eventually led to confusion since many users would see 2 products / projects that shared the exact same name and were completely different from one another (free vs paid, simple vs powerful, 2013 vs 2016).

After thinking about this situation for a while, we decided to remove the old CV Toolkit Max for Live device and work on a completely new device: CV Toolkit Mini.

Our goal for CV Toolkit Mini was to bring the design and workflow of CV Toolkit 2 into a simple yet quite powerful M4L device.
CV Toolkit Mini includes a Clock Generator, an LFO, a S&H, 2 envelopes (AD and ASR), a multiplier, an offset generator, 2 oscilloscopes (for the 2 outputs), and, of course, a mini routing matrix.

Using these features you can clock, modulate and control your modular synthesizers in many different ways, specially once you start combining these modules in different ways using the routing matrix.
We also added a protection mechanism that uses the Live API to prevent the device from sending DC signals to your main speakers. 

While our business goal for CV Toolkit Mini is to promote the more powerful CV Toolkit 2 Standalone version, we are happy to give back to the community a device that is useful, powerful, elegant, and fun to use and explore.

CV Toolkit Mini is available for free at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-mini
The download includes the Max for Live device and 10 presets to get your started.

If you'd like to support our work, make sure to check out CV Toolkit 2 and our other Max for Live projects.

To keep up with our latest news, make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Until next time!

CV Toolkit 2.5 is now available!

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We're excited to announce that CV Toolkit 2.5 is now available and it includes major new features and enhancements.

Ever since we first released CV Toolkit 2, we've been receiving many user requests for major features and, for this update, we decided to fulfil many of these requests.

Check out the overview video for this new update:

Here's some more information about the new features that were added:

Layouts

Layouts are now more powerful and useful because they now remember all the settings for each of the modules, multiple VCO calibrations, custom titles, routings made via the Routing Matrix, internal CV buses assingments, as well as the setting for the global quantizer and voice mode.
You can now use Layouts to store the entire patch of a song, ideas for live-performance patches, and when you re-load any of these stored layouts, CV Toolkit will restore to the exact same state as it was when the layout was saved.

After loading an existing layout, you can also click on the squares that represent the 12 slots (inside the Layouts Preview container) to reset the parameters of the corresponding slot back to the stored values. This is a great feature for resetting certain modules back to their stored settings after jamming for while.


Themes

CV Toolkit now includes a variety of different themes that let users customize the interface to better suit their taste and needs.
The new themes are: Tech, Forest, Red Velvet, Grayscale, NightLife, Anachrome and High Contrast.

While some of these themes were added for aesthetic reasons,  NightLife, Anachrome and HighContrast were designed to work as accessibility features as well.
NightLife and Anachrome were both designed to use colors that are not affected by different kinds of colorblindness (Deuteranopia and Tritanopia respectively).
High Contrast was designed to help users that struggle with low contrasts.

Our goal is to continue to add new themes in future updates.

OSC Integration

The new OSC implementation in CV Toolkit 2.5 is much more advanced than the first version available in CV Toolkit v1.
It's now easy to create and map custom OSC templates to now control any of the 12 slots.

If you'd like to control, for example, the Frequency of a LFO module loaded in Slot #4, all you need to do is to add a knob / dial to your OSC template editor (using any OSC application such as Lemur or TouchOSC) and set it to send OSC to the address: /4/Frequency.
To control the Scan position of a Scangraph module loaded in Slot #9, create an knob in your editor and set it to send OSC signals to: /9/Scan
It's that simple.
The new OSC implementation also lets you control global parameters such as BPM, MIDI Clock sync and transport control.

We highly recommend creating Layouts that match your OSC templates. This way you can always make sure that the modules are loaded in the correct slots according to your OSC mapping (and vice-versa).

Custom Titles

Some users pointed out how complicated it could be to keep track of the purpose of each of the virtual modules when used in more complicated patches (specially when using multiples of the same module).
In order to solve this issue, CV Toolkit now lets you assing custom title to any of the currently loaded modules
You could, for example, rename the Notes module according to the name of the VCO it's calibrated.

To check out all the changes included in this new version, check out CV Toolkit's change-log available in the User Manual.

The new CV Toolkit 2.5 update is free for all existing customers.
CV Toolkit is available for U$19.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone.

To keep up with what we're currently working on, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Until next time!

CV Toolkit 2.2 Update is Now Available

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The new 2.2 update for CV Toolkit is now available and it includes many new (and most-requested) features, enhancements and bug fixes.

Check out the overview video that we've created for this new update:

Here's a list of all the new changes that we added to CV Toolkit 2.2:

Updated Notes module in CV Toolkit 2.2

Updated Notes module in CV Toolkit 2.2

  • The Notes module can now save and restore calibration files. When an existing calibration file is loaded, the Notes module will automatically validate it and display the results via the new Smart Tuner. For more information about this feature, check out the User Manual.
  • The Notes module now remembers the Input Channel.
  • Custom scales can now be saved and deleted from the Quantizer / MIDI Settings tab.
  • Re-designed CV to MIDI CC Converters to add individual On / Off toggles and initial burst (for MIDI mapping).
  • New Layouts design.
  • The Voice Mode setting is now stored within Layouts.
  • New toggle button for the routing matrix visual-feedback mode.
  • The MIDI Pitch Bend range can now be adjusted from the Quantizer / MIDI Settings tab.
  • Added triple divisions and multiplications to the Clock Generator and PWM Clock modules.
  • Added ratio mode to the Morphing VCO module.
  • Added “Velocity” toggle button to AD Envelope.
  • Fixed a bug that would cause the Gate Sequencer module to drift out of time when using triplet clocks.
  • The GateBus Display leds on the Utility Rack are now numbered.

Don't forget to check out the updated User Manual for more information about these new features and enhancements.

We've been working hard to continue to make CV Toolkit better with each new update. If you'd like to suggest new enhancements, features or even ideas for future module packs, get in touch with us via our Contact form!

CV Toolkit 2.2 is a free update for all existing CV Toolkit customers.

For more information about CV Toolkit 2, including some great video tutorials, visit http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone.

Until next time!

 

CV Toolkit 2.1.1 Update and a New Video Tutorial

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2016 is here and we already have some great news to share with you, including a new CV Toolkit update and a new video tutorial!

CV Toolkit 2.1.1

The new 2.1.1 update for CV Toolkit is now available and includes a brand new app icon, new Retina graphics, and many bug fixes.
We're already working on the next 2.2 update which will include many user-requested features.

If you've already purchased a copy of CV Toolkit, check your email inbox for a new download link.

New Video Tutorial:  Combining Modules via the Gate Bus

A new CV Toolkit video tutorial is now available! Watch it and learn how you can combine multiple CV Toolkit modules using the internal Gate bus to create a clocked and quantized sequence.

Art + Music + Technology Interview

I (Ícaro Ferre) was recently interviewed by Darwin Grosse on his "Art + Music + Technology" podcast.
During the interview, I talked to Darwin about modular synthesizers, CV Toolkit, Max for Live, and my background in music and technology.

The interview is available at http://artmusictech.libsyn.com/podcast-110-caro-ferre

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news and check out what we've currently working on, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and on Instagram. 

Until next time!

CV Toolkit 2 Tutorial – Calibration / MIDI to CV

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As we mentioned on Twitter and on Instagram, we've been working on a new video tutorial series for CV Toolkit 2 and the great news is that the first video, focused on Calibration and MIDI to CV using CV Toolkit, is now available!

This first tutorial will teach you how to properly calibrate your oscillators using the Notes virtual module and play them using any MIDI controller. The video also explains how to create / patch a proper monophonic synth voice using CV Toolkit's Gate Bus and some more modules (an envelope and a VCA).

Keep in mind that this tutorial explains everything about the Audio and MIDI Settings as if the user was trying the Calibration feature for the first time. 
Once those settings have been properly configured, CV Toolkit will store and recall them automatically when the program is loaded which vastly reducing the amount of time necessary to go through the entire process.

We're already working on the next video tutorial which will focus on creating a properly quantized sequence using the Clock Generator, the Notes and the Sequencer modules.
If you have any suggestions for future videos, feel free to get in touch with us!

For more information about CV Toolkit, visit http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone.

To keep up with our latest tutorials and releases, make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

Until next time!

New Beats Pack, CV Toolkit 2.1 and Complete Bundle

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Hi everybody!
Today we'd like to announce 3 great news related to CV Toolkit 2: the new Beats pack, the new 2.1 update, and the CV Toolkit 2 – Complete Bundle.

Beats Pack

While CV Toolkit already includes many different sources of modulation, it only ever had very few virtual modules that were focused on creating gate / trigger sequences / rhythms therefore we decided to create the Beats pack.
The new Beats pack is a brand new module pack for CV Toolkit 2 and it features 5 modules : Binary Sequencer, Clock Quartet, Gate Sequencer, Sequential Rhythms and VC Random Gates.

Check out the overview video:

  • Binary Sequencer uses binary representations of the latin letters to create 8-step gate sequences. Each letter will generate a different sequence / pattern which can also be rotated and flipped via the panel controls and CV inputs. 
     
  • Clock Quartet uses 4 different clock dividers combined using OR logic (inspired by the Tiptop Audio Trigger Riot module) to create interesting sequences. Each of these clock dividers can be set to different rate, time shift, pulse-width and probability.
     
  • Gate Sequencer is a simple and easy to use sequencer with separate sequencing layers for probability and pulse-width per step. The length of the sequence can be set from 4 to 32 steps.
     
  • Sequencial Rhythms is a 4-stage switcher that can be sequenced to create interesting gate patterns. Each of the 4 stages include a clock divider that can be set to a specific rate / clock division. The built-in sequencer can be clocked internally, externally (via the Gate Bus), or controlled directly via the module's CV input (CV Mode) and can be set to 3 different modes: FWD (Forward), BWD (Backwards) or RND (Random). 
     
  • The VC Random Gates generates musically quantized random gates. With Complexity at 0%, the module will have a 70% probability of generating quarter notes. As you increate the Complexity amount, the module reduces the probability of generating quarter notes and increases the probability of creating shorter notes (1/6, 1/8, 1/12, 1/16, 1/32). 

The modules available in the new Beats module pack.

The new Beats Pack is available for U$ 9.99 at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone

CV Toolkit 2.1 Update

The new 2.1 update for CV Toolkit is now available and it fixes some bugs related to the Expert Sleepers ESX-4CV/ESX-8CV compatibility, other bugs we've found in some of the virtual modules, and enhances some of the features related to the CV to MIDI CC converters.

Many users have reported problems when using CV Toolkit with the Expert Sleepers ESX-4CV and ESX-8CV modules. After review our implementation of the Expert Sleepers encoders, we believe we found what was causing the problems. During the development of 2.1, we sent beta versions to some of these users and we were happy to hear that the problem got fixed without any (reported or noticed) backslash. 
In order to ensure better compatiblity, we had to change some of the details related to how the setup works so we ask users to double check the manual for more info.

The 2.1 update also adds the option of the changing CV Toolkit's MIDI output channel (available in MIDI Settings). This new setting makes CV Toolkit compatible with other MIDI to CV converters such as the Mutable Instruments CV Pal (which requires MIDI CC signals to be sent to channel #6).
While converting CV to MIDI CC and back to CV does degrade the signal in some ways, we believe that having that as a option can be useful and fun.
If a user had, for example, an Expert Sleepers ES-3 and a Mutable Instruments CV Pal, he/she'd be able to send out 12 simultaneous output signals from CV Toolkit to his synthesizer: 2 continuous signals (such as LFOs and S&H) and 2 gate signals (Gate Bus 1 and 2 for example) from the CV Pal (using CV Toolkit's CV to MIDI CC converters and CV Pal's Channel 6) and 8 other signals from the ES-3.
We see this more as a fun added bonus than a main feature.

If you'd like to know more about this new update, check out CV Toolkit's changelog. This new update is free for all existing customers and will be available via email. 

CV Toolkit 2 – Complete Bundle

While we believe that the new module packs are the best for users to expand CV Toolkit's functionality and help us continue to develop and work on the application, we wanted to offer a easy all-in solution.

The new CV Toolkit 2 – Complete Bundle is an easy way for new customers to get everything that is available for CV Toolkit without having to get everything separately. Since we didn't want to be unfair to our existing customers, we decided that the only benefit of buying the bundle would be that new customers will get the VBrazil LFO for free (which was also offered for free for all customers at first but is now paid).
We also chose not to give any further discounts because we try our best to price CV Toolkit as reasonable as possible.
We believe this will be fair and simple enough for everybody and will let new customers choose to either start with just the basic set (CV Toolkit by itself) or go all-in and get everything at once.

The CV Toolkit 2 – Complete Bundle (which includes the CV Toolkit 2 software and the Deluxe, VBrazil LFO, and the new Beats packs) is available for U$39.99 and it's also available at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone

If you'd like to keep up with our latest projects, follow us on Twitter (@SpektroAudio) and on Facebook (http://facebook.com/spektroaudio).

Until next time!

Introducing the new CV Toolkit 2.0

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We're extremely excited to announce that CV Toolkit 2.0 is now available! 
The new 2.0 version is a complete re-write and re-design of our most popular application to date and we worked extremely hard to make it as awesome as possible.

Check out the overview video below:

First of all, we'd like to explain why we decided to make a new major version and re-design the entire interface:
While developing the 1.x versions, we noticed that we couldn't implement many of the feature requests we were receiving from our customers because of the way the first versions were designed. Everything in 1.x was "hard-wired" so it was really complicated to implement completely new features.
We also noticed that 1.x had many inconsistencies that we'd like to get rid of (both in terms of UX and UI). 

In order to properly address many of these issues, we decided to start from scratch and re-write everything from the ground up. We planned and designed the entire app to make it work in a true modular fashion. 
Our goal was not only to create frameworks in which we could further expand in the future but also to make CV Toolkit more powerful and flexible while still maintaining it's clean design and great user experience.
We worked hard to find the best way to keep CV Toolkit simple enough for beginners but incredibly deep for more advanced users.

Here's what's new in CV Toolkit 2.0:

  • Completely new design. 
  • New slot system: you can now load any module to any of the slots and load multiple instances of the same module to different slots. All the slots available in CV Toolkit now work exactly the same and share the same characteristics.
  • Module Packs: further expand the functionality of CV Toolkit by purchasing additional module packs.
  • New Notes module: we combined the old MIDI to CV and Quantizer modules into a single module. 
  • Updates modules: all modules are now capable of running at audio rate.
  • New Routing Matrix layers (Output, Main and Control).
  • Utility Rack: 4 oscilloscopes + 4 CV to MIDI CC converters.
  • Internal Pitch and Gate Buses.
  • 3 Voicing Modes: monophonic, polyphonic and paraphonic.
  • New Layouts feature: store and recall different layouts. Each layout remembers which module you loaded into the 12 slots as well as the Gate and Pitch bus settings for the individual modules.
  • Support for the brand new littleBits USB i/o module.
  • New scale editor: you can now use any of the pre-existing scales available in CV Toolkit or edit / create your own.

With these amazing new features, you can now use CV Toolkit to create anything from simple sequenced patches to more elaborate polyphonic patches (up to four voices).

CV Toolkit 2.0 ships with a Factory Pack containing 14 modules: AD Envelope, Clock Generator, Comparator, Delay, Envelope, LFO, Morphing VCO, Notes, PWM Clock, S&H, Scangraph, Sequencer, Shaper, and Slew.
If you'd like to further expand CV Toolkit, you can buy the Deluxe Pack for U$9,99 in order to get 9 more modules (Logic, Matrix Sequencer, MIDI Control, Trigger Burst, VC Switch and VCA).
We're already working on even more module packs that will be available very soon.

We're also proud to announce that we've partnered with littleBits and Korg to make CV Toolkit compatible with their new littleBits USB i/o module. This means littleBits users can now use CV Toolkit together with their Synth Kits to make some amazing synth patches!
Check out the overview we made for the littleBits integration available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EMOdPe4bdI.
More videos focused on this new integration will be available soon!

Due to major changes in this new version, some features such as the Preset Manager and Lemur support had to be removed. We do plan on bringing them back in the future. 

Since CV Toolkit 2.0 is a complete re-design and this is the first time we're doing paid upgrades, we decided to try something different:
Instead of having to pay for the new version, existing customers will get CV Toolkit 2.0 and all of it's new features for free. 
Because some of the modules that used to be included in 1.3 are now part of the Deluxe Pack (Biased Switcher, Shift Register and Euclidean Sequence) , existing customers will have to purchase the Deluxe Pack to regain access to those modules.
So, in other words, if you've purchased CV Toolkit 1.x, you'll get 2.0, all the new features (voicing modes, utility rack, new slot system, internal CV buses, etc) and most of the modules that used to be available in 1.3. 
If you decide to get a "full" upgrade, you can buy the Deluxe pack to re-gain access to those modules + 6 new modules and you'll continue to support the development of CV Toolkit.
Keep in mind that you're not forced to get the Deluxe Pack and you're also free to continue to use CV Toolkit 1.x (both versions can co-exist in your computer).
If you've bought CV Toolkit after March 1st, get in touch with us to receive a free copy of the Deluxe Pack.

We hope you enjoy this new version as much as we do!

CV Toolkit 2.0 is available for U$19.99 and the new Deluxe Pack is available for U$9.99.
They're both available at http://spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone.

As always, feel free to follow us on Twitter (@SpektroAudio) and on Facebook (facebook.com/spektroaudio) to get the latest news about our products and projects.

Until next time!


CV Toolkit - Standalone Version 1.3 is now available!

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The new 1.3 update for CV Toolkit - Standalone Version is now available!

This update includes five new modules, support for the Expert Sleepers ES-4, ES-40, ESX-4CV, and ESX-8CV modules, a new pitch detection algorithm, and various improvements and bug fixes.

Check out the overview video:

New modules available in 1.3:

- Shaper: a 4 in 1 module that works as a wavefolder, a rectifier (full and half), an attenuverter and as an offset generator.

- Delay: Delay module capable of delaying any incoming signals by up to 4ms. The delay time can be either set in ms or synced to the BPM.

- Shift Register - 8bit analog-style shift register. Great for creating random sequences that slowly change over time.
 
- PMW Clock - A clock module with pulse-width modulation.

- Euclidean Sequencer -  Sequencer that generates rhythmic trigger patterns using an euclidean algorithm. 

The new pitch detection algorithm included in the MIDI to CV module lets you calibrate your oscillators which much more precision. According to our tests, CV Toolkit should now be able to calibrate VCOs faster and with a precision of +/- 2 cents. This new algorithm also lets you calibrate your oscillators using any of the 4 basic waveforms (sine, square, triangle and sawtooth).

This new update includes support for the Expert Sleepers ES-4, ES-40, ESX-4CV and ESX-8CV modules. The setup process is extremely easy: you only need to select what kind of setup you're running (ES-4 only, ES-4 + ESX-4CV, ES-40 + 2xESX-4CV, or ES-40 + ESX-8CV).
Although we got success results from our tests, the support for these modules is still experimental and it might be subjected to bugs. Our plan is to improve the support for these modules in future updates.

Last but not least, we also added fixes related to MIDI Clock, MIDI Pitch Bend and the Smux encoder.

The new 1.3 update is free for all CV Toolkit - Standalone Version customers so, if you’ve already bought a copy, check your email inbox for a download link.

CV Toolkit - Standalone Version is available for U$19,99 at http://www.spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, follow us on Twitter (@SpektroAudio) or sign up for our newsletter.

Until next time!

Our Highlights from 2014

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2014 was a great year for Spektro Audio. We worked on some great projects and we received a lot of support from our costumers, audio / music related websites and professionals from all over the world.
In this blog post, we'd like to highlight some great releases and achievements from 2014:

CV Toolkit - Standalone Version

The first version of CV Toolkit - Standalone Version was released in Janurary and it was greatly received by the modular synth community. CV Toolkit - Standalone Version 1.0 was reviewed by Resident Advisor and it received a 4/5 score. 
Since the first release, our goal for CV Toolkit has been to offer an incedibly flexible, easy to use and affordable solution.
Throughout the year, we released the 1.1 update that added important features such as VCO Calibration and a CV Quantizer, and the 1.2 update that introduced the new Virtual Slot System and four new virtual modules. 

Interface changes from the first 1.0 release to the latest 1.2 update.

Interface changes from the first 1.0 release to the latest 1.2 update.

Many professionals in the audio / music community such as Richard Devine, Sonic Mayhem, Cyrus Rex, Celldweller, Brent Daniels and many others have shown their support for CV Toolkit.
Our plan for 2015 is to continue to improve and expand CV Toolkit and even add support to other products (more about that in the near future!).

 

GrainFlux & Komplex 1.1 – Max for Live Synthesizers

This year we also released an amazing new Max for Live synthesizers called GrainFlux and a new 1.1 update for Komplex.

Screen Shot 2014-10-06 at 10.07.55 AM.png

GrainFlux is a monophonic virtual synthesizer that combines different synthesis techniques such as granular, wavetable, and subtractive synthesis to create unique and distinctive sounds. It uses audio samples to create different waveforms which can be morphed and modulated.
If you'd like to know more about GrainFlux, visit http://www.spektroaudio.com/grainflux and check out the audio demos and video overview.

We also released a new 1.1 update for Komplex, our FM-based Max for Live synth. The 1.1 update added polyphony, adjustable envelope curves and many other minor enhancements.

For more information about Komplex 1.1, visit http://spektroaudio.com/komplex.

Free Projects

In 2014, we decided to give back to the community by offering free projects such as the Wired Bass instrument pack for Ableton (which was featured on Create Digital Music and has had more than 5.000 downloads) and the Spektro PS-8, a free MaxforLive sequencer for the Ableton Push. 

 

We'd like to thank everybody for their continuous support and assure you that we'll continue to work hard to offer great new products and updates during 2015.

If you'd like to keep up with our latest announcements, follow us on Twitter (@SpektroAudio) and on Instagram (@SpektroAudio as well).

Until next time!

CV Toolkit - Standalone Version 1.2 is now available!

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Hello everybody!

We’re extremely excited to announce that the 1.2 update for CV Toolkit - Standalone Version is out!
This update fixes most of the issues we had with previous versions, brings many new features and set’s the path for the future of CV Toolkit.

Here’s what’s new in CV Toolkit - Standalone Version 1.2:

VirtualSlotSystem-Slot11.gif

- Introducing the new Virtual Slot System: We wanted to add more virtual modules to CV Toolkit without having to make the interface bigger. The solution we came up with is the new Virtual Slot System (V.S.S). 
The idea behind VSS is to make the user interface work like a real modular synth case: although the size of the case is fixed, you can swap the modules inside the slots at any time and configure it to best suite your need. Now you can, for example, swap the Envelope module for a Clock Generator. 
In order to change the modules inside the slots, press the M key or click on the Modules button. If the slot contains multiple modules, a drop-down menu will be displayed for you to select which module you’d like to load inside that specific slot. If you want to, you can also use the preset manager to save custom configuration for future use.
V.S.S. will not only let us add new modules in the future but will also let you customize and adapt CV Toolkit to your own needs.

In the 1.2 update, we’re introducing 4 new modules:

  • CV Recorder (Slot #8) - Record the output of any other virtual module and play it back using Vari-Speed (-10x to 10x).
  • Comparator (Slot #8) -  Performs a bipolar 1-bit quantization to an incoming signal.
  • Morphing VCO (Slot #10) - A digital oscillator that can be used as sub oscillator, a modulator for FM  / ring-mod patches or as an audio-rate modulation.
  • Clock Generator (Slot #11) - Generate clock signals (gate or trigger) at different rates.

- Significant CPU usage optimization.
- CV Quantizer is now more reliable and contains 13 scales: Chromatic, Major, Minor, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Blues, Dorian, Lydian, Locrian, Major Pentatonic, Minor Pentatonic, Arabic and Augmented.  
- MIDI Notes Out - You can now send the output of the CV Quantizer module as MIDI notes to the selected MIDI output port. (Useful for layering sounds using other analog synths or virtual instruments). 
- Added a width control for the Step Sequencer Gate / Clock output (Available in the Options window)
- Added curve adjustment for AD1 and AD2 (Logarithmic →  Linear → Exponential)
- Added Pitch Bend support (with adjustable range to up to +/- 12 semitones)
- Improved voice handling
- Improved sync for the S&H module
- The Routing Matrix guidelines now have different colors for virtual modules (green) and analog outputs (blue).
- Lemur template updated to include new virtual modules.
- Minor design changes 

If you'd like to see these new features in action, check out the 1.2 Update Overview video:

The new 1.2 update is free for all CV Toolkit - Standalone Version costumers so, if you’ve already bought a copy, check your email inbox for a download link.

CV Toolkit - Standalone Version is available for U$19,99 at http://www.spektroaudio.com/cv-toolkit-standalone

If you'd like to keep up with our latest news, follow us on Twitter (@SpektroAudio) or sign up for our newsletter.

Until next time!

CV Toolkit – Standalone Version 1.1 update is out!

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Hey everybody!

We're super excited to announce that the 1.1 update for CV Toolkit – Standalone Version has been released!

The update includes two new virtual modules (MIDI to CV and CV Quantizer), native Smux support (Mac only), and many different improvements to the "Scangraph", "Envelope" and "Step Sequencer" virtual modules. If you'd like to know more about the many new features and improvements, read our previous blog post or check out the full changelog.

The major new feature in this update is the new "MIDI to CV" virtual module that lets you calibrate your VCOs and play them in tune using MIDI or the new "CV Quantizer" in conjunction with any of the other virtual modules. This was one of the most requested features that we received when we first released CV Toolkit and it's now available!
Please keep in mind that this is a new feature so we'll be improving it during future updates.

Check out these 3 new videos that demonstrate the new features available in the 1.1 update:

We worked hard to add as many new features as we could while maintaining the overall workflow simplicity.

If you've already bought CV Toolkit – Standalone Version, you'll receive the download link for the 1.1 update via email.

We hope you have fun with this new update and, as always, feel free to get in touch with us if you need help or have any new ideas for future updates!

Until next time!

CV Toolkit – Biased Switcher Explained

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Today we are going to take a look at one of the virtual modules that comes with CV Toolkit, the Biased Switcher.

BiasedSwitcher.png
 

According to the CV Toolkit manual:

“Biased Switcher works similarly to the Mutable Instruments Branches eurorack module. When triggered, the device flips a virtual coin to decide if the incoming stereo signal (BS 1 / BS 2) will be outputted normally (BS1 to BIAS. SW. 1, BS2 to BIAS. SW. 2) or inverted (BS1 to BIAS. SW. 2, BS2 to BIAS. SW. 1). You can also bias the coin, increasing the chances of outputting the signal normally or inverted.

Biased Switcher can be automatically triggered using an internal clock synced to the main transport or manually triggered (Int Trigger) using the Enter key, any MIDI note, or the Step Sequencer.”

Although the basic idea is very simple (take an input and randomly decide to which output it should go to), this module is great for adding variation to your patch. 

Here's an example of how you could use Biased Switcher together with the two AD generators to add some variation to a VCA:

 - Set AD1 and AD2 to approximate values
 - Send AD1 to BS1 and AD2 to BS2
 - Set the Biased Switcher ‘Trigger Source’ to Int Trigger
 - Route the first output of the Biased Switcher module (Bias. Sw. 1) to an analog outputs and then patch it to a VCA
  
Whenever a note is trigger, the Biased Switcher will randomly select one of the two AD generators to send to the analog output. 

Biased Switcher.png

Here are some other cool ideias that you could try:

- Route both LFOs to seperate inputs of the Biased Switcher, route the Bias. Sw. 1 output to an analog output and then patch it to your VCF. You can use this to make CV Toolkit randomly output one of the two LFOs to the filter. 

- Route 'Trigger' to B. S. 1, route each of the 2 outputs of the Biased Switcher (Bias. Sw. 1 / Bias. Sw. 2) to two different analog outputs and then patch those two outputs to the Trigger input of 2 different drum modules. Now, whenever the B.S. module gets triggered, it'll randomly trigger one of the two drum modules.

- You can make your sequence randomly glide by sending the output of the Step Sequencer to both Slew and BS1 inputs, the output of the Slew module to BS2 and then routing the Bias. Sw. 1 output to an analog output (which you should patch to your VCO’s 1 V/oct input). Finally, set ‘Trigger Source’ to Clock, Rate to 1/4 and then set both dials inside the Slew module to ~90ms.

This is a very flexible module and it can help you add variation and randomness to your patch. If you haven't already, take some time to experiment with it!

Until next time!