Lyra-8 CV Voice and Gate Control Explained

Рет қаралды 21,606

3 жыл бұрын

The Lyra-8 is an atmospheric beast. And it offers CV control, but confuses many who try to head down that path. Its use of CV is so different...like every other part of this beast, it's all in the box...while being outside of the box.
This video will explain what the CV inputs actually do, and how to use them. Hopefully.
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Пікірлер: 81

@desertsol44 2 ай бұрын

Thank you. This has unlocked something I had been wanting to do for a while using my Touché to open the gate of a nicely tuned Lyra chord.

@underneath_the_waves7352 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! I'm still new to this, even after first attemts to dig into synth culture years ago. I've been sad for a long time, because I could not find a simple explanation for someone who finds it quite hard to concentrate even on things that are so interesting.

@IvanovSergeyMusic 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful. I love the lyre 8 !

@FrozenLonesome 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, that was well presented and explained. I’ve had a Lyra for a couple of weeks and ready to send cv and gate from a Hydrasynth. Already had good success run looped Hydrasynth audio through the fx chain.

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

That's awesome, would love to hear the results if you're willing to share!

@etiennesimon1244 2 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU ! This is the information I was looking for. Very clear tutorial, it "works" ^^ Thanks again ;)

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

@waltersmetak 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant explanation - thanks so much for this!

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, glad it was helpful!

@MahlenMorris 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this! I noticed the CV inputs on my Lyra, but never understood the point until now. "control" indeed!

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

It's definitely unique!

@finitesound 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Much appreciated.

@ClareGuitar 16 күн бұрын

You can open the gate with the CV gate input. Much more useful and full control. With some imaginative settings you can 'stimulate' the lyra to come to life with a great deal of precision via the CV Gate input. The lyra IS very much controllable from another synth with a CV gate output .

@RabRabNZ 2 жыл бұрын

your video presentation is absolutely brilliant

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, thanks for watching!

@xvirgomoonx 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this! This thing is a way of life!

@martingoldmannmusic 3 жыл бұрын

Nice one - thank you!

@mrCharlesG Жыл бұрын

Nice-thanks for posting this excellent guide

@0VRLNDR Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@DauvitAlexander 8 ай бұрын

Really useful. Thank you.

@claesvanoldenphatt9972 3 жыл бұрын

A noble attempt to explicate some of the chaotically complex interaction that makes the Lyra 8 the beast that Vlad Kreimer built. It is sure to frustrate any musician who wants to play remotely conventional music. I just got one used two days ago and am awaiting delivery of adaptor cables that will allow me to sequence the Lyra externally as you do at the end here.

@nikocreed8244 2 жыл бұрын

I realize I'm kinda randomly asking but does anybody know a good website to stream new series online?

@bowiefrancisco6113 2 жыл бұрын

@Niko Creed flixportal :P

@nikocreed8244 2 жыл бұрын

@Bowie Francisco thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I really appreciate it!!

@bowiefrancisco6113 2 жыл бұрын

@Niko Creed no problem xD

@lonecrow1577 2 жыл бұрын

Nice info. Thanks

@SB-tx8hb 3 жыл бұрын

Thank's a lot !

@LesTamaris2 3 жыл бұрын

At last I find someone who explained me correctly how to use my Lyra with the keystep. Many many thanks! :-)

@0VRLNDR 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@LesTamaris2 3 жыл бұрын

@@0VRLNDR I'm not yet totally sure to know what I do but at least your video put me on the right track :-)

@0VRLNDR 3 жыл бұрын

@@LesTamaris2 I'll do my best to answer any questions you have from my months of figuring it out!

@djformalin 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting, thx 🎼

@VersatileRecords 2 жыл бұрын

exellent,thanks!

@StatsGod 2 жыл бұрын

Really lucid and clear explanation. Thank you very much.

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, thanks for watching!

@StatsGod 2 жыл бұрын

@@0VRLNDR I've been asking other people who have emitted videos on the Lyra-8 -- what do you make of the FM? Are there ways of using all the cross-modulation that don't just produce chaos or thumpy percussions, but are actually "musical"?

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

@@StatsGod Programming FM synthesis is already typically a challenge, but the options for FM and circuitry of the Lyra-8 make it a bit more mysterious and experimental. But you certainly *can* get melodic and tonal sounds. Thanks for the idea for my next video :)

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

I should add that it's perfectly capable of tonal music in "organ" mode (FM disabled), and easily so just by tuning each voice for a particular scale or key.

@StatsGod 2 жыл бұрын

@@0VRLNDR Sure -- I remain curious though about whether the FM can also be helpful when playing more tonal music, or even add some nice harmonics while droning.

@mrCharlesG Жыл бұрын

Ha! I like your point about more “control” or rather “direct Lyra”… it’s a great instrument

@mr.apartment 2 жыл бұрын

great video! have you figured out the cv delay circuit at all? thanks for posting this

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah! It takes a 3v-12v signal for linear control over the delay time. So if using something like the Keystep Pro, you need to change the CV output level to 12v, etc. If you need help with particular hardware, post it in the comments and I'll see if I can give specific directions.

@JohnoWells 2 жыл бұрын

Really good, man. Thanks for posting this. Should I get a Lyra? Do you still love it?

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

Typically for people with an existing heavy investment into Eurorack that they wish to integrate, I recommend the LYRA-8 FX, which is the delay, effects, and distortion of the “big brother” in a Eurorack friendly package and more CV options. However if the idea of a standalone performance unit and the unusual voicing and cross modulation is more enticing, I still love the LYRA-8. Build quality of either are off the charts, and you can still process external audio through the full synth’s whacky delay module. If you can, try to find a shop or someone on Craigslist with buyer’s remorse for some hands on to see if it’s your jam.

@JohnoWells 2 жыл бұрын

@@0VRLNDR great advice, my friend. Thank you so much!

@BlueNoiz Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much 🙏 Now I can use my KSP with the Lyra !

@0VRLNDR Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped! If you share how you end up using it, please tag me here, on IG, or email me, I'd love to hear it!

@BlueNoiz Жыл бұрын

@@0VRLNDR No problem ;)

@ZenMountain Жыл бұрын

According to Lyra-8 manual: "The oscillators use HEF4093 chip that traditionally belongs to the digital world. But in LYRA, I use the analog properties of the chip. The LYRA is a 100% analogue synthesizer like it was in 70s."

@0VRLNDR Жыл бұрын

Straight from the source! See FAQ entry on the two non-analog components in the Lyra-8: somasynths.com/faq/

@DeGrale. 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, you mention “An analog component of a digital chip” I’m pretty sure all Soma lab gear is all analog circuitry without the use of any digital chips? I might be wrong of course. There a great new video from Some “behind the scenes” shows their development process, construction, testing etc. Well worth checking out 👍🏻

@0VRLNDR 3 жыл бұрын

Good question! Thankfully Vlad has answered it in the Somasynth official FAQ. The 4093 chip (a NAND gate) is used for the voices, but instead of using its digital square wave output as the oscillator, it uses the voltage *lag* of the Schmitt trigger, which is analog by nature and happens to be...triangle-ish! The Sharp knobs however, do introduce the square wave to the output, which results in the saw-like shape. So technically it can't be said to be fully analog since the digital output is used to modify the analog voice, but it's darned clever and if anything makes me love it more not less. somasynths.com/faq/

@MahlenMorris 2 жыл бұрын

I thought that as well, but when Soma mentioned on Facebook that the Pulsar was becoming impossible to make due to a shortage of STM32F446RET6 chips, well, that's a microprocessor! I suspect they've resolved the issue, since they are marketing the Pulsar again.

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

@@MahlenMorris Aha that explains my year-long wait! I haven't taken my case apart yet, but I suspect microprocessors in use for the Pulsar-23 for MIDI to CV as well as possibly the effects module. As complex as the Lyra-8's circuitry is, it's elementary compared to what's under the hood of the Pulsar!

@federicouffreduzzi2601 Жыл бұрын

Hi there! May I ask what kind of cable are you using? 3.5 to 6.3 mono, or is there any specific recommendations? Thanks!

@0VRLNDR Жыл бұрын

Yep just a 3.5mm to 1/4” TS cable. Or you can use an adapter at one end if you only have one type of cable.

@brunodadivore9606 2 жыл бұрын

HI Thank you for your very useful video and explanations. Actually the word "control" is not in the Lyra dictionary! I have a Touché which can send CV out. Do you have an experience on this pair Touché and Lyra ? Thanks

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

Yes I believe that page of the dictionary has been removed at Soma Laboratories. :P I've not had the chance to use a Touché and the LYRA-8 together! It sounds like an incredibly fun and expressive way to make use of the CV on the LYRA-8. Probably far more intuitive than a keyboard since the Morphé lets you travel and vary the voltages so smoothly. When setting it up, just remember to configure the Morphé to send 0V + 5V, to match the full range of the CV circuits on the LYRA-8. Cheers!

@brunodadivore9606 2 жыл бұрын

@@0VRLNDR ok Nice Thanks a lot

@KattKirsch 3 жыл бұрын

As promised!

@claesvanoldenphatt9972 3 жыл бұрын

I understand you but the non-repeatability of music as performance must be considered intrinsic to the design. This instrument exerts extreme limitations on the player that force her and the audience to interact intuitively to sounds without such expectations. All of Kreimer’s instruments force such confrontations with musical expectation and its disappointment. To play the Lyra artistically one needs to establish forms through other means than specific notes. Organizational parameters that exploit other dimensions of sound, its production and reception must be employed.

@walterwhitney8530 2 жыл бұрын

I have a question. Does anyone know if the interface they now sell that lays over the touch sensors and using alligator clip connections will allow you to trigger or otherwise control each pad with the new sequencer they make will also be compatible with eurorack signals? This would be a game changer for sure!!!

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

I don't see why not. The main thing to keep in mind that Soma's gear (at least the Lyra-8 and Pulsar-23) operate in a voltage range of 0 to +10v. Most Eurorack outs are either -5v to +5v or 0v to +5v. So if you were using Pamela's New Workout for instance, each output is 0v - 5v. You would need to make two of outputs have an identical pattern, and take them out to a mixer or summing module, and then that would go to the Lyra-8. Or you could use a voltage lift of +5, but then your signal to the Lyra-8 will not be able to go down to zero. If you let me know what modules and outputs that you have and are thinking about using, let me know, I'm happy to help you figure out an ideal way to use them with the Lyra-8.

@walterwhitney8530 2 жыл бұрын

@@0VRLNDR I think you must see the wonderful possibilities if I can just take a gate sequencer and use that to trigger the 8 voices I don't necessarily need the Soma sequencer they make for the Lyra to do some similar sequencing.

@walterwhitney8530 2 жыл бұрын

Have you tried any gates or voltages applied directly to the touch plates?

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

@@walterwhitney8530 Do you already have a gate sequencer in your rig or would you be adding one specifically for this purpose?

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

@@walterwhitney8530 Good question! Sadly that can't be done. The sensor is so sensitive (to be safe for your skin) that any connection to ground will trigger it. You can demonstrate this by touching a finger of one hand onto the TOP sensor of any pad, and your other hand touch a ground source. The safest way to do this would be to just touch the top of any empty jack on your Eurorack with the rig's power turned off. If you're wanting to use CV gate to activate the pads, you'll still need the pad adapter regardless, as the pad sensors are not shooting +10v or +5v or even +1v through your body. Make sense?

@laughingthrushmusic5269 2 жыл бұрын

Have you ever tried sending CV from DFAM into Lyra? Do they interact much?

@0VRLNDR 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah absolutely! Sending pitch or velocity is the most obvious interaction, but you can send the envelopes as well.

@GNeuman 8 ай бұрын

Very informative, can't help but thinking that Vlad missed a trick with this cv/gate control though.

@gammakeraulophon Жыл бұрын

The implementation of cv on this is regretably poor... it's the units only achiles heel that proper keyscaling could not have been worked out. The instrument is enough wonderful chaos in isolation from ext input. Woulda been nice should the ext control be a little more about proper keyscalable control.

@0VRLNDR Жыл бұрын

That's a valid opinion for sure, and something that I have missed at times as well. I don't think it was an issue of not being able to work it out, but more that they thought it would be more interesting if CV controlled the modulations instead of a traditional v/oct pitch. Makes me wonder if anyone-particularly those who built the DIY version-hacked in v/oct tuning via CV. That said you can get some really interesting sounds that would otherwise be a very complex patch by running external audio into the CV Voices input. Everything's a trade-off!

@colonelw.g.sparkman6931 Жыл бұрын

This is exactly like trying to westernize eastern Christian theology. I’m against it. You should let it just be eastern. Trying to westernize it forces it into a box that it was never intended to be.

@0VRLNDR Жыл бұрын

Interesting analogy, but I might be misunderstanding you? The Lyra-8 doesn't have v/oct pitch control, and using the CV won't turn Lyra-8 into a traditional Western music generator, or even tame it. The voltage control just gives another way to modulate the synth with external gear or other modular equipment for rich performance options. Soma did design it with the CV inputs, after all. In any case, cheers, and thanks for taking the time to comment!

@colonelw.g.sparkman6931 Жыл бұрын

@@0VRLNDR Forgive me for communicating in a confusing way. If you approach the Lyra-8 like a modern conventional synth, and expect to have normal results/work-flow, you will probably be disappointed. But, if you approach it with a blank slate, and an open mind, you will be humbled by what it can teach you. My point with the analogy, in an abstract way, was to relax the mind, so that we don’t project our previous understanding, and superimpose that on something entirely different. I sincerely hope that makes more since. Thank you for blessing us all with your music! The Lyra-8 is a gift to us all ❤️❤️

@0VRLNDR Жыл бұрын

@@colonelw.g.sparkman6931 YES could not agree with you more. It's one reason I always try to adopt a beginner's mind, even with gear or sounds I'm familiar with. Bring less to the table and you'll make something you wouldn't have thought of before!

@IvanovSergeyMusic 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful. I love the lyre 8 !

@0VRLNDR Жыл бұрын

Thanks Sergey!