SDS-RIT

Date:	Revision #:	Description:
Feb 21 2018	RIT_M_V.1.00	Official Release Version 1.00
Feb 23 2018	RIT_M_V.1.01b	Added Clock Stop Handler Added New Calibration Level for Quantizing Gain Factor Fixed Slave start record alignment
Feb 25 2018	RIT_M_V.1.01c	Better Master-Slave Interaction Fixed beat (gate) advance (over clock) issue Saved Sequence's Clock rate and type Loads properly
Feb 28 2018	RIT_M_V.1.01d	Fixed Pausing during very fast sequence loops (was stopping) This is essential for fast 1-shot envelopes
Mar 4 2018	RIT_M_V.1.01e	Fixed error in Clock quant late CV (big improvement!) Velocity output is now more even (less steppy) Velocity during edit is glitch free (occasional high freq. pulses) Fixed rare lock-up during early edits (immediately after recording) Fixed Gate LED staying on to loop after some edits Fixed Calibration negative amp gain correction (rare issue)
Apr 11 2018	RIT_M_V.1.01f	Fixed Trigger Only Mode: Triggers are now sent during initial recording from pad or gate input Shortened trigger time to <2mS (half of original)
May 9 2018	RIT_M_V.1.02	Fixed Self-clocked master to Slave via clock jacks slow plug-in run-away issue. The is still in beta stage but seems to be fine. Trigger mode works with clock quant on during initial recording
Oct 11 2018	RIT_M_V.1.03	Fixed non-functional standby Reset->Gate pass-thru. This is a useful function for monitoring gate input before recording. The CV input-->CV output works as before. The Loop pad must still be used to "arm" for recording.
Dec 23 2018	RIT_M_V.1.04	Repaired V1.02 Beta mix-up with V1.03! The fast-start clock feature was no longer working. I apologize for this and it went un-noticed for so long as I always use a continual clock in my own rack. Plugging in / unplugging a hot clock may cause the RIT_M to jump into a very high speed clock (because of imperfect contact at the moment the tip touches) so try to avoid that situation.(This seems a rare occourance anyway)
Jan 02 2019	RIT_M_V.1.05	Minor update to "fix" RESET Jack's state when already patched on power-up. Now RESET, if patched, will assume an Output status until there is a pulse at which point it will become an input jack.
Feb 10 2019	RIT_M_V.1.06b	Beta Update to increase positive side CVin vs. CVout tracking accuracy. Auto calibration procedure is required. See README file before installing. This beta has been tested by various users and appears stable so will be installed on all new RIT_M modules.

*Note that updating the firmware will corrupt memory slot 1! 2 & 3 won't be harmed.

Occasionally a firmware update for the RIT_M may become available online in the spirit of improvements or alternate functions of the module. The RIT_M is very easy to update from a mobile device, laptop, or PC using an MP3 file.

1) Download the mp3 file ( or play in browser )
2) Ready your audio source (phone**, computer etc) **Use airplane mode and disable any audio notifications / alarms
Patch this source into the CVin jack on the RIT_M. A mono patch cord can be used.
3) Turn up your audio source to near maximum and ready the file in your player (rewind to beginning)
4) Power up your RIT_M if not powered, then hold the button until LOOP pad goes white (10 seconds)
5) Release the button and both pads will turn violet. Play the firmware mp3 file within 15 seconds
*Do not press the button again as this may take you into Calibration mode!

While the MP3 file plays, the LOOP pad will change intensity and the 3 LED's will flicker wildly! (About 3 minutes)
If the violet RHYTHM pad goes dark blue, then the upload is a success. The Pad's startup splash will follow and the RIT_M is ready to use again!

The RIT_M may be new to you, but it's also new to us too! We are constantly discovering new things to do with previously unthought-of patches so over time this list will grow!

Question:	Answer:
Are these "beats" and CV's Clock quantized?	They can be but by default clock quantizing is off except at start and end of a sequence. This is what gives the RIT_M an advantage over step-style sequencing. The gates can occur at any time and will change rate proportionately with the clock input's rate over a very wide range.
Is the Clock Multiplier Stable?	Quite! The clock input precision is down to about 0.0625 uS so as long as the clock input is stable, so will the output be. The clock multiplier can track a varying / unstable clock also and auto-corrects.
How much does a RIT_M draw?	About 45mA on the +12V and 10mA on the -12V while in standby
What is the maximum recording time?	For a smoothCV (500s/s) about 2 minutes. Beyond that gates & fixed CV's can be recorded for 10 hours but a maximum of 500 "notes".
What can the Load / Save memories handle?	About 30 seconds of recording time per memory, which is generally ample. Time can be extended if PPQN is slowed before editing. (Only a Clock input allows this) i.e. you are making a long drone loop 2 minutes long to save but want smoothCV throughout: 1-Record < 30 seconds loop at PPQN4, then switch to PPQN1 and pause. 2-When ready, start CV editing with the Rhythm Pad or gate (armed Reset) held high In this case the smoothCV resolution is only 125Hz but is plenty for drone manipulation!
Will a Self-Clocked Sequence load the same way as it was saved?	Yes, the exact tempo and clock count per sequence loop will be identical, but if there is a clock input it will align to that instead, which could be quite a bit faster or slower. Use the PPQN to compensate. Clocked loops saved will not play properly if loaded when there is no clock. The playback is identical to while it was clocked during save, but the output clock will not be the same. This will be remedied.
What is the CV Input Voltage range?	The input range is -5V to +5V. The output will reflect this even if CV knob is set to Unipolar.
How many Slaves can there be?	We've only tested to 5, but more shouldn't be a problem...except perhaps power draw!
Is there a way to get a faster sample rate?	Yes, if a long loop/sequence is recorded, then the PPQN turned up, the sample rate grows proportionately, within limits (has been tested at x32 -16Ks/s with CV quantizer off) i.e. If PPQN is set at 4 for recording, then 32 for editing, this gives x8 rate = 4Ks/s.
What is the fastest clock input possible?	This can vary depending on whether CV quantizing is on/off, where the multiplication/division (PPQN) is set, and whether the clock is stable or varying. A maximum seems to be around 1KHz at this time, but it's fairly glitchy. Because of the auto-stop clock feature, at present the minimum clock rate is about 5 clock's time. This may change if clock stop is made to pause at a loop point in the future.
What is the slowest clock input possible?	Well, the RIT_M can successfully deal with a 0.2Hz clock (5seconds) but because record start and loop point always snaps to a clock can be difficult to use. If there is a sequence already running, slowing down to 0.2 Hz isn't a problem, just very slow! The PPQN can also divide downward.
What is the Beat-Snap setting for?	Beat-snap is as it sounds: A range for one beat to snap to another, assuming the intention is to replace the old with the new during edit. Beat-snap applies to deletes also if delete mode is enabled. Default setting is +/- 50mS so another beat started within 50mS will be considered the same beat. If you are a fast finger drummer, you may want to decrease this to 30mS (setting#7: knob < 1/4 way up) If you are all thumbs, then maybe closer to 100mS (setting#7: knob 1/2 way up) *Keep in mind that a larger range will reduce the number of beats you can tap in a certain amount of time. The minimum setting is 10mS.

#1 Triggered 1-Shot CV	One of the great things the RIT_M can do is act as a CV recorder. The recorded CV will follow the Clock tempo and can be doubled or halved by changing the PPQN knob. Even better, there's a way to trigger a recorded CV once when you need it to control a filter, VCA, or modulation. 1-Simply record a CV (via CV knob and/or CV Input) then Pause so Loop pad flashes green. 2-Patch in your trigger The CV will play at any rate as controlled be the clock input & PPQN setting, but will stop/end once the loop point is reached. Tip 1: Once the 1-Shot play has ended, the CV knob + CV Input will be sent through again, so if this is an envelope for a VCA for example, it's best that it falls to zero so make sure the CV knob is left at the zero point (CCW if unipolar, center if bipolar) Tip 2: If a CV input is present, the triggered 1-shot can be used to "insert" the recorded CV over that CV-through state for the given time.
#2 Using Scales (with VCO)	The RIT_M has two types of Scales (quantizing) and two ways they can be used: Type 1: Chromatic. This scale on the CV Knob requires no offset, but can be smoothly offset by the CV Knob when a CV Input is present. Type 2: Major & Minor7. These scales on the CV knob (no CV Input) are offset by the last CV knob setting before recording. This allows a pre-tuning to a scale. A CV input is scaled but is offset as above. Tip 1: By default, the button double-click function is set to select scales. Loop pad green is no scales. Tip 2: When not using a CV input but a Maj/Min7 scale is selected, moving the CV knob will select the root offset that can match a playing sequence or music. Once record is started, the CV knob snaps to scale.
#3 Creating mini-arps with VCO	Because the RIT_M records Gate length when recording gate input pulses, layering of CV's can be realized. In short, longer gates (from another sequencer) are recorded with varying CV's, then the CV knob is adjusted to a different offset plus the Gate length shortened for an edit using the same gate positions, and yet another with even shorter gate lengths. The result is an arp of each "note" as the longer gate was only partially written over by the shorter gate and that gate was only partially written over by the shortest gate. If you want to hear the shortest gate alone, turn on CVsnapShot.
#4 Swinging Clock	By tapping in 4 (or more) beats with swing, the Gate can be used as a swing clock for other sequencers. Equally, an even tempo'd beat can be turned into a swing clock by using a gate from a sequencer that has spaces in the sequence to create interesting cadences. This gate would be used for both record and playback as the clock count remains the same. Different Gates/spaces give different results.
#5 Pressure Velocity Modulation	One of the features of the RIT_M is the velocity of a tap / press on the Rhythm Pad is recorded along with the Gate and CV. This pressure when the pad is held can be used to modulate the CV destination module, or a completely different module or chain. I have found when, for example, using the Gate output on a percussive element while patching the Velocity output to increase the level or resonance of a synth/VCO, those pressure spikes work very well to get a more "bouncy" feel to a rhythmic passage. i.e. http://www.freshnelly.com/tunes2018/RLL-SGS+RIT_M.mp3
#6 Capturing LFO melodies	This is a "shot in the dark" approach to creating a melody but can be interesting. It's best to use CV quantizing chromatic/Major/Minor7 but not required if tonal randomness is your goal.. Using CVsnapShot mode an LFO can be captured at the exact moment of a gate or tap on the Rhythm pad as you're probably already aware. If Maj/Min7 scales are used, the CV knob can offset to any key for the scale. 1-Patch CV out to a VCO and if using quantizing, adjust CV knob to the root key 2-Patch CV in from the LFO or other CV source, which you will hear rolling through the scales (if quant is on) 3-Hit the Rhythm pad to begin recording, or arm (Loop pad) so Reset input becomes a Gate input instead 4-Once finished, tap Loop pad to end sequence loop and toggle on CVsnapShot mode *when editing with CVsnapShot on, the editing CV will be original until played. This can evolve into an interesting sequence!
#7 RIT_M as a self Oscillator - random sequencer	Although totally not designed to be an oscillator (beyond LFO range) there is an abusive patch to cause unpredictable self oscillation. Patching the CV Input from the CV Output causes a "run-away" CV gain but can be balanced to oscillate at the sampling frequency. Bipolar Knob mode must be set first. 1-Patch a mult off of CV out and patch to CV in. These will be audio frequencies, so patch to mixer etc. 2-Adjust CV knob right of center to start an oscillation. This varies from unit to unit. 3-Patch in a clock input so it's rate can be controlled and PPQN changes rate. 4-Record a stretch of the oscillation, sync'ed if you like. 5-While the sequence is playing change PPQN/Clock upward and adjust CV knob to find new sounds. These sounds can be inserted as usual. If the Clock patch is removed and patched over to the RIT_M's Gate or Velocity output some very random and odd behavior begins. This could crash the RIT_M so beware!
#8 Clock Speed controlled Glitch	As a bizarre use for the RIT_M, this is probably the most! A waveform (i.e. in low audio range) is recorded into the CV input and "played" using audio on the Clock input. The speed of the recorded waveform follows the clock speed, which is at audio rates, and tries to match that rate. 1-Input "clock" of a base frequency, say 110Hz and make a fairly long loop, several seconds or more, at PPQN 4 2-Speed up the loop to PPQN 16 (so sample rate is now 16*500=8 KHz) 3-Record your audio wave form into CV in. It won't be beautiful sounding once loops. Adjust PPQN back to 4 4-Replace the clock input with an audio signal into the clock to play. Lower sounds work best (kicks, bass, male voice) If your clock freq. was 110 Hz, that's an "A" so wisely choose the audio input to revolve around A and the pitch will be correct
#9 2 x RIT_M: Reset Groove!	If you have 2 RIT_M's, slaved or not, a "Reset groove" is worth trying. First create a cool beat, melody, or sequence to whatever module you use with the RIT_M, then patch over the other RIT_M's Gate output to the Reset input and tap the Rhythm pad. You know how those funky Loop pad Reset grooves can be so much fun to play with? (I know you've done it raver!) Well, this automates that groove! The controlling RIT_M's CV outputs can also be used to add another layer of control too!
#10 Live Gate Sequence	For chaos lovers, the RIT_M can be placed on the chaotic side of the skiff with this: A non clocked sequencer recorder/editor. This method assumes a VCO or other audio type of module is being modulated via the RIT_M's CV output. 1-Unplug that Clock input! 2-Arm for Gate input (1 tap on the loop pad as, yep, there's no clock input) 3-Patch an LFO, a sequencer CV output, or your favorite clock driven module into CV in jack 4-Start the Gate or trigger input pulses to start recording 5-Setting the Loop point is the most important part of this method as it sets the way the gates will edit over one another. Hit Loop! 6-Tap Loop pad again to allow Gates to continuously add to the sequence. Let the chaos begin! Toggle CVsnapShot on (flashing red) to remove some of the chaos. Remove Gate from source to keep sequence.
#11 CV+Pressure Envelope	Tip#1 pretty much covers this but if making a 1-shot to control a Filter can have two elements, the CV output and the Velocity output. If the velocity output is patched to the filter's resonance input, and the CV output over to the filter's Cut, a dual envelope is formed. You can take your time creating the envelope by clocking slow and/or using a low PPQN, then speeding up to the intended envelope time after. I find that while touching the Rhythm pad, rolling my finger forward and back will add a great degree of variance to the velocity CV output. Also, even if making an envelope for something else, I find that using a VCO on the Velocity output gives good feedback. The only issue I have is remembering to actually make the CV knob controlled envelope! It must meet at the ends if it is to be a smooth level change. NOTE This method will only work at high speeds after V1.01d
#12 Trigger Mode for Rez pinging or short VCA/Env character	If Trigger mode (Settings #10, Violet pad+Green LED) is turned on, then all gate outputs become a <2mS trigger perfect for pulse applications or just audio to a resonant filter or sensitive rings etc. In the example sdsvcoTrigFX+RITMs.mp3 two RIT_M's are being used, one with a trigger output to an SDS_VCO T/G input and the other to control the sample rate of a delay then a Karplus strong mode (another SDS_VCO with alternate firmware Delay/FX/Distortion) A normal VCA would be far faster but because the SDS VCO has an envelope generator built in, the time is stretched considerably. The pulse alone will still trigger a Karplus event!
#13 Recording Gate & CV: Monitor with CV Quantizing!	Since V.1.03 the RIT_M will pass through Gates from the Reset jack while in standby. This means the RIT_M can be inserted without need for re-patching for recording. The CV input also can be quantized to chromatic, major, or minor7 with CV knob as linear offset without actually recording. 1) Hold both pads to stop / reset 2) Patch you keyboard's Gate output to RIT_M's Reset input 3) Patch over the keyboard's CV to CV input 4) Patch the Gate Out to your Env Gen or other 5) Patch the CV out to you favorite VCO or sample player 6) Play the keyboard as usual. When ready tap the Loop Pad to arm. The first Gate after this will start recording. If you wanted a pre-defined Loop size using the PPQN knob, Tap Loop twice to arm (it will flash yellowish) then play first note. This is useful as you don't have to reach over to end the recording. Keep in mind the PPQN (when used with clock) will quantize Loop point if was just armed once. i.e. if set to 8 then record won't end until on an 8th clock. This keeps things aligned if you are a bit early or late on the Loop pad!
#14 Instant Reset Output: Patched on Power-Up	As of V.1.05, the annoyance of the Reset jack needing to be unplugged so as the sensor can "release" the jack into the decision of whether it should be an input or output is gone! Immediately the RESET jack is an output so a rhythm can be tapped in and looped and the Reset's will faithfully occur on each loop. I discovered this problem when I began using the RESET jack to step a slow sequencer (controlling snare mods and kick mods mostly) and became annoyed at the fact I had to un-patch both of my RIT_M's after a fresh power-up. So it's one less thing to worry about!