Modal Electronics ARGON8M - User Manual

QUICK START
GUIDE
Modal Argon8M is an 8 voice polyphonic wavetable synthesiser. It features 120 crafted wavetables split
into 24 banks of 5 morphable waveform sets, 32 oscillators in total (4 per voice) and a huge range of
wavetable and oscillator modifiers.
Beyond the oscillators there is a multi-mode filter, 3 envelope generators, 2 audio-rate LFOs, 3 powerful
independent and user configurable stereo FX engines, a real-time sequencer, a programmable arpeggiator
and an extensive modulation matrix.
Shift functions - parameters in light blue can be accessed by entering ‘Shift’ mode using the button to the
right of the screen with a light blue ring. Shift can be momentary by holding the button and changing a
parameter or latched by pressing the shift button.
Alt functions - parameters in light grey can be accessed by holding the button with the light grey ring in
the same section (Velo). ‘Alt’ mode is always momentary and you will exit ‘Alt’ mode on release of the
button.
Connections
Headphones - 1/4” stereo jack socket
Right - Audio Out for right stereo channel. 1/4” unbalance TS jack socket
Left/Mono - Audio Out for left stereo channel. If there is no cable plugged into Right socket then summed
to Mono. 1/4” unbalance TS jack socket
Expression - user configurable pedal input, 1/4” TRS jack socket
Sustain - works with any standard, open momentary foot switch, 1/4” TS jack socket
Audio In - stereo audio input, to process your audio source with Argon FX engines, 3.5mm TRS jack
socket
Sync In - analogue clock in. 3.3v, rising edge, 1 pulse per 16th note signal, 3.5mm TS jack socket
Sync Out - analogue clock out, same configuration as clock in, 3.5mm TS jack socket
MIDI Out - used to control other MIDI hardware, 5-pin DIN MIDI socket
MIDI In - used to be controlled from other MIDI hardware, 5-pin DIN MIDI socket
USB MIDI - MIDI in/out to a USB MIDI host, connect Argon8M to a laptop/tablet/mobile device for the
optional software editor, ModalApp, full size USB-B socket
Power - 9.0V, 1.5A, centre-positive barrel power supply
Screen Navigation
The two switched-encoders either side of the screen are used for
screen navigation and control:
Page/Param - When this encoder is in ‘Page’ mode it cycles
through the parameter pages (e.g. Osc1, Osc2, Filter); when it’s
in ‘Param’ mode it cycles through the parameters on that page.
Use the switch to toggle between the two modes, the mode is
displayed on the screen with a line at top for ‘Page’ mode and at
the bottom for ‘Param’ mode.
Preset/Edit/Bank - This encoder/switch is used to adjust the value
or ‘trigger’ the currently displayed parameter. When on the ‘Load
Patch’ parameter when the panel is in ‘Shift’ mode this encoder is
used to select the patch bank number.
Presets
Patch/Seq - this button is primarily used to switch the screen to
either the ‘Load Patch’ or ‘Load Seq’ param for loading patches
or sequences, however this button also puts the panel into either
‘Patch’ mode or ‘Seq’ mode. This changes the ‘Save’ and ‘Init’
buttons to either effect Patch preset management in ‘Patch’ mode
or Sequencer preset management in ‘Seq’ mode.
‘Init / Rand’ - this button/function only responds on a button hold.
Argon8M can have a large dynamic range so there is a Patch
Gain control that can be used to equalise patch volumes. Hold
the ‘Patch’ button and turn the ‘Volume’ encoder to control the
‘Patch Gain’ parameter.

Summary

Screen Navigation

Page;Param Encoder

Cycles through parameter pages or parameters on a page, toggled by its switch.

Preset;Edit;Bank Encoder

Adjusts parameter values or triggers actions, used for patch bank selection in Shift mode.

Presets and Patch Management

Patch;Seq Mode

Switches screen to Load Patch/Seq and sets panel mode for patch or sequencer management.

Init;Rand Function

This function is only responsive when the button is held.

Hardware Connections

Audio Outputs

Headphones, stereo right and left/mono audio outputs using 1/4" jack sockets.

Control Inputs

Expression pedal and sustain footswitch inputs via 1/4" jack sockets.

Sync and MIDI Ports

Analogue sync in/out and MIDI in/out via 3.5mm and 5-pin DIN sockets respectively.

USB MIDI and Power

USB-B for MIDI host connection and a 9.0V power adapter input.

Preset Saving Procedure

Quick Save and Full Save

Perform a quick save to the current slot or enter a full procedure for saving.

Preset Naming and Editing

Select slot, name preset using character selection, and confirm save.

Preset Editing Shortcuts

Utilize shortcuts for character case, numbers, symbols, spaces, and deletion.

Core Synthesis Functions

Oscillator Control

Control WavMod parameters, toggle between Osc1/Osc2 fine tune.

Filter Control

Control the Filter Type parameter.

Envelope Modulation

Adjust all envelopes simultaneously or latch MEG assign.

Sequencer and Arpeggiator

Clear sequencer notes, set linked sequence, add notes/rests to arp patterns.

Advanced Features and Modulation

Keyboard;Voice Modes

Cycle through voice modes like Mono, Poly, Unison, Stack, and set chord modes.

Modulation Assignment

Assign mod sources, set depth, global depth, clear assignments, and use fine tune for frequency.

Effects (FX) Control

Change FX types, reset to 'None', access synced delay times, and load FX presets.

Low Frequency Oscillators (LFO)

Access synced LFO rates and latch LFO assignments.

Overview

1. Usage Features
2. Screen Navigation and Control
3. Shift and Alt Functions
4. Presets
5. Preset Saving
6. Quick Recalls
7. Oscillators
8. Filter
9. Envelopes
10. Sequencer
11. Arpeggiator (Arp)
12. Keyboard/Voice
13. Modulation
14. Effects (FX)
15. Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFO)
16. Connections
17. Maintenance Features
18. Global Settings

The Modal Argon8M is an 8-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesizer module. It features a comprehensive sound engine, including 120 crafted wavetables organized into 24 banks of 5 morphable waveform sets, and 32 oscillators (4 per voice) with a wide array of wavetable and oscillator modifiers. Beyond the oscillators, the Argon8M includes a multi-mode filter, three envelope generators, two audio-rate LFOs, three powerful independent and user-configurable stereo FX engines, a real-time sequencer, a programmable arpeggiator, and an extensive modulation matrix.

Usage Features:

Screen Navigation and Control:

The Argon8M utilizes two switched-encoders located on either side of the screen for navigation and control.

• Page/Param Encoder: This encoder operates in two modes: 'Page' mode, which cycles through parameter pages (e.g., Osc1, Osc2, Filter), and 'Param' mode, which cycles through parameters on the currently displayed page. The switch on the encoder toggles between these modes, indicated by a line at the top for 'Page' mode and at the bottom for 'Param' mode.
• Preset/Edit/Bank Encoder: This encoder/switch is used to adjust the value or trigger the currently displayed parameter. When in 'Shift' mode and on the 'Load Patch' parameter, this encoder is used to select the patch bank number.

Shift and Alt Functions:

• Shift Functions: Parameters indicated in light blue can be accessed by entering 'Shift' mode. This is done by pressing the button to the right of the screen, which has a light blue ring. 'Shift' can be momentary (by holding the button while changing a parameter) or latched (by pressing the button).
• Alt Functions: Parameters in light grey are accessed by holding the button with the light grey ring in the same section (e.g., 'Velo'). 'Alt' mode is always momentary and exits upon release of the button.

Presets:

• Patch/Seq Button: Primarily used to switch the screen to either the 'Load Patch' or 'Load Seq' parameter for loading patches or sequences. This button also toggles the panel between 'Patch' mode and 'Seq' mode, which affects whether the 'Save' and 'Init' buttons manage Patch presets or Sequencer presets.
• Init / Rand Button: This function only responds to a button hold.
• Patch Gain: The Argon8M has a large dynamic range. To equalize patch volumes, hold the 'Patch' button and turn the 'Volume' encoder to control the 'Patch Gain' parameter.

Preset Saving:

• Full Save Procedure: Press the 'Save' button to enter the full save procedure.
• Quick Save: Hold the 'Save' button to perform a quick save (saving the preset into the current slot with its current name).
• Slot Selection: In the full save procedure, use the 'Edit' encoder to select the preset bank/number and press the 'Edit' switch to confirm.
• Naming: Use the 'Page/Param' encoder to select the character position and the 'Edit' encoder to select the character. Press the 'Edit' switch to finish editing the name.
• Naming Shortcuts:
  • Press 'Velo' for lowercase characters.
  • Press 'AftT' for uppercase characters.
  • Press 'Note' for numbers.
  • Press 'Expr' for symbols.
  • Press the 'Page/Param' switch to add a space (increments all above characters).
  • Press 'Init' to delete the current character (decrements all above characters).
  • Hold 'Init' to delete the entire name.
  • Press the 'Edit' switch to confirm settings and save.
• Navigation During Save: Hold the 'Page/Param' switch to move back a step at any point.
• Exiting Save: Press the 'Patch/Seq' button to exit without saving.

Quick Recalls:

The Argon8M includes 4 Quick Recall slots for rapid patch loading.

• Assigning a Patch: Hold 'Patch' + hold one of the four buttons on the bottom left of the panel to assign the currently loaded patch to a QR slot.
• Loading a Patch: Hold 'Patch' + press one of the four buttons on the bottom left of the panel to load the patch from the QR slot.

Oscillators:

• WavMod Parameters: Hold the 'Patch' button and turn the 'Wave1' or 'Wave2' encoder to control the WavMod parameters.
• Tune/Fine Controls: Press the 'Tune/Fine' switch to toggle between Osc1 and Osc2 tune and fine tune controls.

Filter:

• Filter Type Parameter: Hold the 'Patch' button and turn the 'Cutoff' encoder to control the Filter Type parameter.

Envelopes:

• Simultaneous Adjustment: Hold any of the EG switches for one second, then turn the ADSR encoders to adjust all envelopes simultaneously.
• MEG Latch: Press the 'MEG' switch when MEG is already selected to latch MEG assign.

Sequencer:

• Clear Notes: Hold the 'Patch' and 'Play' button to clear the sequencer notes.
• Linked Sequence: When the screen displays the 'Linked Sequence' parameter, hold the 'Edit' switch to set the value to be the currently loaded sequence.

Arpeggiator (Arp):

• Adding Pattern Notes/Rests: Hold the 'Arp' switch and press keys on an external keyboard to add pattern notes, or press the 'Play' button to add a rest.
• Arp Gate Control: Hold the 'Patch' button and turn the 'Division' encoder to control Arp Gate.

Keyboard/Voice:

• Voice Modes: Press 'Mode' repeatedly to cycle through Mono, Poly, Unison (2, 4, and 8), and Stack (2 and 4) voice modes.
• Chord Mode Chord: Press 'Chord' while holding a chord on an external keyboard to set the chord mode chord.

Modulation:

• Assigning Mod Slots: Hold (momentary) or latch the desired Mod source button, then set a depth by turning the desired modulation destination parameter.
• Exiting Assign Mode: When latched in a Mod Source assign mode, pressing the flashing Mod Source button again will exit assign mode.
• Global Depth: Mod source button + 'Depth' encoder sets the global depth for that mod source.
• Viewing Mod Slot Settings: Press ModSlot repeatedly to cycle through and view all mod slot settings on the screen.
• Clearing Mod Slot Assignment: When the screen displays a mod slot 'Depth' parameter (accessed via assigning modulation or the ModSlot button), hold the 'Edit' switch to clear the mod slot assignment.
• Assigning to Osc Frequency: To assign a mod source to an osc's global frequency destination, use either of the fine tune controls: 'Tune1' assigns to Osc1 tune, 'Tune2' assigns to Osc2 tune.

Effects (FX):

• Changing FX Type: Press FX1 / FX2 / FX3 switch repeatedly to change the FX type of the slot.
• Reset FX Type: Hold FX1 / FX2 / FX3 switch to reset the FX type of the slot to 'None'.
• Synced Delay Times: Turn the 'B' encoder into the negative range for the slot with a Delay FX assigned to access synced delay times.
• FX Preset Load: Press FX1 + FX2 + FX3 to jump to the 'FX Preset Load' parameter.

Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFO):

• Synced Rates: Turn the 'Rate' encoders into the negative range to access synced rates.
• LFO Assign Latch: Press the 'LFO1/LFO2' switch when LFO is already selected to latch LFO assign.

Connections:

• Headphones: 1/4" stereo jack socket.
• Right (Audio Out): 1/4" unbalance TS jack socket for the right stereo channel.
• Left/Mono (Audio Out): 1/4" unbalance TS jack socket for the left stereo channel. If no cable is plugged into the Right socket, the output is summed to Mono.
• Expression: 1/4" TRS jack socket for a user-configurable pedal input.
• Sustain: 1/4" TS jack socket for any standard, open momentary foot switch.
• Audio In: 3.5mm TRS jack socket for stereo audio input, allowing processing of external audio sources with Argon FX engines.
• Sync In: 3.5mm TS jack socket for analogue clock input (3.3v, rising edge, 1 pulse per 16th note signal).
• Sync Out: 3.5mm TS jack socket for analogue clock output, configured identically to Sync In.
• MIDI Out: 5-pin DIN MIDI socket for controlling other MIDI hardware.
• MIDI In: 5-pin DIN MIDI socket for control from other MIDI hardware.
• USB MIDI: Full-size USB-B socket for MIDI in/out to a USB MIDI host, allowing connection to a laptop/tablet/mobile device for the optional software editor, ModalApp.

Maintenance Features:

Global Settings:

• Reset Function: When the screen displays the 'Reset' option, hold the 'Edit' switch to trigger the 'Reset' function.

Modal Electronics ARGON8M Specifications

General

Polyphony	8 voices
Arpeggiator	Yes
Filter	Multi-mode filter (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass)
LFOs	3 LFOs
Envelopes	2 Envelopes
Effects	Reverb, delay, chorus
Modulation Matrix	Yes
Keyboard	37-key velocity-sensitive
Display	OLED display
Connections	MIDI In/Out, USB
Power Supply	DC power adapter
Connectivity	USB, MIDI
Type	8-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesizer