Modulation: OXI ONE MKII manual

Modulation is the manipulation of parameters in order to add interest and movement in sound design, music production or to experiment with audio. In simple terms modulation is the control of one parameter from the changes made by another. An example is to use a hand to manually move the volume knob of an amplifier up and down or to use a device such as an oscillator to manipulate volume to create a tremolo-style effect. In OXI ONE MkII, there is a powerful array of modulation options that can be used to affect external devices and DAWs to increase creativity. Modulation in OXI ONE MkII would typically drive the MIDI output messages, for example, with CC or control change values, pitch bend, or aftertouch. It can also be used for CV or control voltage variations. Modulation can also be applied to internal parameters configured with the mod matrix. The destination parameters can then be controlled or modulated from OXI ONE MkII’s patterns or from the four rotary encoders for MIDI output. Each sequencer has eight independent modulation lanes, which can be used to set up and program parameter variations over time. The same way that pitch-based patterns affect notes. The modulation lanes allow the automation of parameters, meaning that the destination parameter values can be automatically changed and shaped over time in sync with the sequencer and its steps. Modulation unlocks a lot of creative options and adds more dynamics and movement to tracks and songs.

7.1 Modulation Overview

Each sequencer has 8 independent modulation lanes, each of which is configurable and has up to 2 MIDI and 2 Internal destinations available to control. A lane has up to 128 steps accessed using the step page 16, 32, 48, 64, buttons and its step length controlled by Init and End buttons. Multitrack mode has 1 mod lane per track.

Modulation Lane Source

A modulation lane will map the trend of parameter change over time using the sequencer lane steps. This then will control destination parameters.

In addition to the modulation lanes, ONE also has two LFO’s per sequencer. An LFO or Low Frequency Oscillator is a function that can cycle the value of a destination parameter based on its wave shape and speed. For example a parameter value can be changed in a triangular shape cycle. An LFO runs at a speed typically below the range of an audio oscillator and is used to modulate rather than generate sound.

LFO Source

An LFO will generate a wave shape cycle at a defined speed in order to control and modulate a destination parameter value.

7.2 Modulation Lane Controls

Each independent modulation lane can operate with up to 128 steps. Up to 2 external and 2 internal destinations can be assigned to each lane. A modulation lane will output MIDI messages such as CC, Pitch Bend, Aftertouch and even PC messages as well as parameters such as velocity, pitch and even randomization to internal parameters.

Modulation can be applied with a linear 0-100% range or bi-polar -100% to 100%

MOD-2 CC 2 ModW CC3

CC2 Expr

CC5 CC7

CC6 CC8

Global Parameter Edits - Page 1

Turning one of the 4 knobs in Mod view, page 1, will change the global value of the in-focus, primary parameter for the respective knob. This means all step values are edited relative to their current value by the single knob adjustment.

A flashing [Page] button signifies multiple pages are available. Tap [Page] to cycle through pages.

Global Value. Turn knob 1-4 representing the 4 highlighted, in-focus modulation lanes. The value will change for all steps in the lane and the global value range will be displayed while being changed. Positive values, bottom up in the mode color and negative in red, top down.

Global offset. Hold [Shift] + Turn knob 1-4 to edit the global offset value across all steps in the lane. Value range will be displayed while being changed. Reset using [Shift] + Hold (Knob). Grid pad colors indicate offsets with white for positive or pink for negative values.

Creating Modulation Lanes

The grid represents the modulation source value for each step in the modulation lane sequence. Swipe to draw or tap to set the modulation values and create the shape. Maximum and minimum values can be set in the modulation lane settings. The length of steps is independent to the sequencer note steps but the process for managing length is the same. Use page [16], [32], [48], and [64] to change the step range page. Apply modulation using the grid in the [Mod] page.

Select a Sequencer

MOD Mode

Choose a lane to edit

Set the lanes parameters

Create modulation shape

Basic Command Summary

Modulation grid layout

The actual modulation output is based on the step value plus the offset, indicated by the white / pink offset pad. A modulation curve or shape can be 'drawn' across the pads steps. The row represents the value for each step, based on its polarization dimension. These can be positive or negative. The column position represents each of the steps in the modulation pattern.

The first and last column's purple pads are a visual representation of the selected lane, 1 bottom to 8 top for the sequencer.

Lane Settings - Page 2

In the [Mod] page 1, select a lane by quickly tapping the associated knob. It will display wing tags on the lane state displayed when selected for editing. Press [Page] to select page 2 for the lane settings. These settings configure the lane behaviour and enables assignment of the four modulation destinations. The priority is MIDI / CC 1 then followed by MIDI / CC 2, Internal 1, Internal 2 then Off.

When viewing Page 2 settings list, the 4 knobs will still represent the mod lanes currently in-focus for editing on page 1. For example, in this illustration, knob 1, 2, 3, 4 will represent lanes 1, 3, 4, 6. Lane 6 selected.

Black/white inverted from actual display for illustration clarity.

Select Lane Parameters. In the Mod function, Tap [Page] to open the modulation lane settings edit the lane setting for the currently selected lane.

Alternatively, Hold [Shift] + Tap a knob in the mod lane page to edit the lane settings for the selected knob.

Lane In-Focus described in header

Lane Settings Page 2

In the lane settings page:-

Tap knob 1-4 to select the tagged parameter and open the sub-menu options. Turn to browse and tag ► the desired option. Tap knob to select. Use [Back] if needed to backup the menu.

Edit

Reset

Keep hold knob 1-4 to reset the tagged ► option to its default value.

Instrument Definitions

Instrument definitions are a quick way to map the OXI ONE MkII to the parameters of an external device such as a synth or effect pedal. Using instrument definitions is also useful when working with modulation destinations to speed up and apply an accurate mapping to defined external gear.

Lane Setting Menu

* Modulation lane names can be edited to a four character label. If an instrument definition is assigned

the name set for the parameters with CC’s will be used.

7.3 Modulation Steps

When holding an individual modulation lane step pad in the grid columns, the current value for the modulation lane step will be displayed. This can be adjusted with the respective knob while the pad is held, enabling more precise step editing. The column pad position will reflect the current value. While a pad is held, all modulation lane values for the same step column will also be displayed on the screen. Editing any other lane with the knobs will automatically change the grid view to represent the adjusted lane.

Editing Modulation Values on the Grid

Hold a column pad in the modulation grid view. Each column represents a step and the vertical position the parameter value. The purple first / last pads on the grid indicate the selected modulation lane.

Edit Column Value Hold [Pad] + turn respective (Knob)

Reset Column Value Hold [Pad] + tap respective (Knob). Resets to the value but retains the global offset value

Randomizing the Modulation Grid Values

A new modulation profile is applied based on random values and within the Min/Max range in the settings for each combo press of shift + randomize.

7.4 Recording Modulation

It is possible to record automation values in real-time while the sequencer plays by using the modulation rotary knobs or by sending MIDI CC or Pitch Bend in from an external controller on the relevant channel. Recordings can be made for the sequence duration and as the sequencer loops the automation can be recorded continuously.

Guide to recording a modulation curve.

Tap [Mod] to open the main modulation page and select a modulation lane to record into. For example Tap Knob 2.

Modulation Mode

Tap [Play] to start the sequencer playing.

Tap [Rec] to start recording into the modulation lanes. This will continue and overwrite existing data while recording.

Start recording

Turn a knob for the parameter lane to record. Any edits to any lanes will be recorded.

Mod Recording Behavior: The standard recording setting for a sequencer does not apply in full to the recordings made in MOD mode. Mod recording behavior is a combination of latch and touch. Recording will also continue for a fixed latch period after modulation ends for example stop tuning a knob. Values are overwritten while ever manual or latched recording is in progress. The latched recording time will end when the displayed ‘Recording’ message for the parameter is no longer visible.

Be aware that automation can be overwritten as the modulation sequence loops during recording. It is important to be aware of the recording length required while recording and avoid overwriting data already captured.

External MIDI Recording

External MIDI devices can also be used to record automation into ONE. Ensure the MIDI settings on ONE and the external device are set appropriately, including the MIDI channel. Follow the same steps to record as with internal modulation recording.

External MIDI Latch

While strictly speaking, MIDI latch is not a recording tool, it does take priority over existing modulation. Any incoming MIDI CC (or PB, Aftertouch) message will temporarily override the currently active modulation values. The musical window is scaled using BPM and the lane division. This means that the incoming MIDI will control the destination and the existing modulation will automatically take back control when the MIDI CC/PB input message ceases.

The pre-requisites for External MIDI latch to operate are:

1. The incoming MIDI must be on the same channel as the modulation output.

2. The MIDI Thru parameter is set to ON for the specific MIDI input connection.

3. MOD Recording is not active.

7.5 Modulation Matrix

The modulation matrix allows routing of external MIDI and CV inputs to ONE's internal destinations in or to pass through to external gear. This can use the MIDI TRS, USB, Bluetooth ports or the CV connections and allows re-routing of devices in and out or to connect external devices in order to modulate ONE’s parameters. Each sequencer has its own mod matrix.

Project Map

Maps internal functions and external MIDI and defines the routing. The modulation mapped and applied in a project map will apply to all patterns in the project. Use the mapping slot for the current project, for example GLB1 for Project slot 1, in order to create or edit the mapping. Changing patterns in the defined project will still use the same project mapping but changing projects will not. Mapping is used for MIDI and Internal destinations.

Pattern Map

Maps internal functions and external MIDI and defines the routing. The modulation mapped and applied in a pattern map will apply to only the selected pattern in the project. Use the mapping slot for the current pattern, for example PAT2 for Pattern slot 2, in order to create or edit the mapping. Changing patterns within the project will switch to the respective map for the new pattern. Mapping is used for MIDI and Internal destinations.

CV Inputs

This is used to map incoming CV values to internal parameters or to external MIDI or CV.

Access the mappings in the 'Ext Mod' matrix.

GLB1 - GLB16 Global project mapping for each respective project 1-16 PAT1 - PAT16 Per project pattern mapping, represents patterns 1-16 in the active project

Examples

Seq 1: MIDI Input to control an internal parameter Seq 1: MIDI Input to control an external CC parameter

Project & Pattern MIDI Modulation Mapping - 1-16

7.6 CV Input Modulation

There are two CV inputs on the OXI ONE that are connected through the single 3.5mm CV input port. A standard TR patch cable will give access to CV In 1 while a stereo TRS input split to two TR Mono inputs will access both CV In 1 and 2. The hardware CV Input range of ONE is -3v to + 5v. This is covered in the connectivity section.

CV input can be used to modulate an internal parameter, either in the sequencer mode parameters or can be routed to modulate the MIDI CC output by configuring in the modulation matrix.

-2.2V 4.8V 0.8V

When using incoming CV as the modulation source, internal parameters can be assigned as the destination, but not the global sequencer parameter destinations. Also external CC can also be set as a modulation destination where the CV is effectively converted to MIDI CC. There are 2 internal and 2 MIDI destination options available. The MIDI channel is assigned per sequencer or track.

Only positive values are converted to MIDI so any negative CV values will be clipped at 0V. Pitch bend is the exception which will send bipolar MIDI output.

7.7 MIDI Modulation

MIDI CC can also be used as a modulation source. This is configurable in the modulation matrix where up to 16 incoming MIDI signals. MIDI inputs can be accessed from USB, TRS or Bluetooth.

MIDI input can be used to modulate an internal parameter, either in the sequencer mode parameters or can be routed to modulate MIDI CC output by using the modulation matrix. Unlike CV, MIDI can also control the global sequencer parameters.

The data over a MIDI ports can be merged across all ports A, B and C. This will ensure all messages are transmitted through each port on the equivalent channel. This is configured in the Config > MIDI > MIDI Port Merge setting.

7.8 LFO Modulation

OXI ONE has 2 LFOs per sequencer each of which can be used as the modulation source. An LFO is a Low Frequency Oscillator, which generates a slow cycle waveform used to modulate or change a parameter value across the LFO wave shape at a defined speed. Each LFO can be configured in the LFO page to modulate one internal and one external MIDI parameter. CV can also be set as a destination in the CV Gate routing.

Press [LFO] to access the low frequency oscillator pages 1 and 2. Press [Page] to cycle through LFO 1 and 2 pages.

* The amount of modulation is adjusted for both internal and external destinations when turning knob 3

(Amt). Hold Shift + Turn (Amt) Knob 3 to set the MIDI External amount individually.

The LFOs only operate while the sequencers are running. If the sequencers are stopped, the LFO will not run. Press play to experience the LFO output results.

Wave Shapes

* Randomly generated

7.9 Modulation Destination Reference

CC & MIDI Destinations - External MIDI

The MIDI destinations are based on the MIDI standard assignments plus the ONE MIDI destination options as a reference. Refer to the MIDI mappings in the manual for the connected device in order to target the destination specific to the device. Many devices will be mapped differently to the assigned functions in the MIDI standard - especially in the higher CC range. MIDI Instrument definitions are useful for quick and accurate assignment.

Controller options are effectively undefined in the MIDI 1.0 standard. Other generic, non-specific CC are called general purpose. Values are MSB orientated which are typically used with MIDI gear. Any LSB values are stated as such.

CC120 - CC127 are reserved for channel mode messages which affect operating mode and not the sound.

Internal Sequencer Destinations

Internal destinations are parameters which exist in the currently selected sequencer that hosts the modulator being edited. As such the available parameters will be based on the Mode of the specific sequencer. Mod lanes, LFO and Ext CV are bi-polar.

All Modes

Mono Mode - Additional options

Domino - Additional options

Poly Mode - Additional options

Chord Mode - Additional options

Multitrack - Additional options

Stochastic - Additional options

Matriceal - Additional options

Saga - Additional options

Global Parameters Mod Matrix Options

7.10 Quick Assign

Quick assign is a feature which adds an additional layer of configuration for setting up modulation destinations. This speeds up the workflow of connecting a modulation source to a destination as well as giving more life and character to the sequence. Quick assign is available at the destination parameter level for all parameters that are declared as modulatable.

Simply hold [Shift] + long press (Knob) for a destination parameter and the quick assign pop-up page will enable quick configuration of the source modulation. Press [Back] to backup and exit.

Modulatable Parameters Parameters which can be set as a modulation destination are shown corner tagged on its page.

Example: LFO1 Wave, Rate, Amount are tagged as modulatable.

Quick Assign Page The source and modulation settings that will be applied to the selected destination can be configured. The destination selected is displayed in the header.

Example: LFO1 Rate modulated by a patter Modulation lane 1.

MIDI Learn This is an option useful when quickly assigning external MIDI parameters as the source. With MIDI Learn selected, ONE will listen for incoming MIDI messages. Turn a knob on the external MIDI device and the parameter CC or Note will be recognised and assigned to the 'Src'.

Pattern or Project The source can be applied as a project source, where the source will remain even if a pattern is changed or pattern level which will only operate within the selected project.