Intellijel — Plonk
Plonk Manual PDF
Intellijel Plonk Cheat Sheet
Overview
Plonk is a physical modeling percussion synthesizer capable of creating both realistic and synthetic percussive sounds. It uses separate Exciter and Resonator sections, is duophonic (2-voice), and supports deep modulation and preset storage.
Inputs, Outputs, and Controls Reference
Jacks/Input/Outputs
| Jack |
Type |
Purpose |
Voltage Range |
Notes |
| A. X |
CV In |
Modulate X-assigned parameter |
±5V |
Summed with X knob/param. Attenuverter present. |
| B. MOD |
CV In |
Modulate MOD-assigned parameter or special control |
±5V |
Attenuverter present. Gate >1.5V for gate-based. |
| C. DECAY |
CV In |
Offset DECAY knob/param |
±5V |
Attenuverter present. |
| D. Y |
CV In |
Modulate Y-assigned parameter |
±5V |
Summed with Y knob/param. Attenuverter present. |
| E. PITCH |
CV In |
1V/oct pitch input |
±5V |
Only updates while TRIG high. |
| F. TRIG |
Gate In |
Triggers Exciter |
Std. gate, >1ms |
|
| G. VEL |
CV In |
Velocity/expression |
0 to +5V (norm. +5V) |
Controls accent, dynamics, or volume by menu. |
| H. OUT |
Audio Out |
Main mono audio |
- |
- |
Knobs and Front Panel Controls
| Control |
Function |
| PITCH (knob) |
Base pitch of resonator. |
| DECAY (knob) |
Scales overall sound/resonator decay. |
| X / Y (knobs) |
Manual modulation for X/Y assigned parameter (bipolar). |
| ENCODER |
Menu navigation/value change (push+turn function). |
Buttons
| Button |
Function |
| DISPLAY |
OLED screen with activity LEDs for both voices. |
| PITCH |
Opens pitch menu (Octave/Quantize). |
| TRIGGER |
Manually fires exciter for preview. |
| EXCITER |
Opens exciter menu (mallet/noise/shaping/etc.). |
| OBJECT |
Opens resonator menu (model/decay/tone/etc.). |
| MOD |
Assign MOD CV input (+ depth). |
| CONFIG |
System config/output/FX/global. |
| LOAD/SAVE |
Load/save presets and manage memory. |
| X / Y |
Assign X/Y CV input (+ depth). |
Quick Start
- Default Patch: Power on, output to system audio, set PITCH/X/Y (12:00), DECAY full CW.
- Trigger: Press TRIGGER to play.
- Preset: LOAD → scroll/select/preview with ENCODER → click to load.
- Sequencer: TRIG from sequencer to TRIG; CV to PITCH; optionally VEL for velocity.
- Live Modulate: MOD input for preset stepping/kits (factory presets 1/5/9/13 support).
- Edit Sounds: Use EXCITER and OBJECT menus.
Menus and Modulation
- Exciter Parameters: Mallet/Noise mix, Mallet stiffness, Noise attack/decay/density/filters/envelope type.
- Object Parameters: Resonator type (String/Beam/Marimba/Drumhead/Membrane/Plate), Decay, Tone, Position, Inharmonicity, Low Cut, Pitch Envelope amt/decay, Polyphony (1/2).
- Modulation Destinations: Most exciter/object parameters can be mapped to X, Y, or MOD, plus bitcrusher and saturation FX.
- Special MOD: Choke (Res, Noise, Both), Preset Step, Morph, Randomize.
Preset Management
- 128 memory slots. Panel knobs are always live and override/offset preset values!
- Load: LOAD → ENCODER scroll → preview with TRIGGER → click to load.
- Save: SAVE → ENCODER pick slot → SAVE or click ENCODER to enter name → confirm with Y.
- Transfer (USB-MIDI): See manual for SysEx instructions.
Other Notes
- Calibration: See CONFIG > Global Config.
- Firmware/Changelog: Many expanded FX/modulation since v1.10.
- Size/Power: 12hp, 44mm deep, 170mA @ +12V, 6mA @ -12V.
Parameter Modulation Depths
- Depth settings: LOW (±16), MEDIUM (±32), HIGH (±64), FULL (±128) for X, Y, MOD.
Links
Tip: Plonk is highly dynamic—experiment, assign modulation, and morph between presets for maximum variety!