Kaona Instruments — Zazou
Zazou Eurorack Module Manual (PDF)
ZAZOU Cheat Sheet
Eurorack Generative Sequencer (Firmware 1.0)
Panel Overview & Controls
Encoders
- Encoder 1: Menu navigation (short click = enter, long click = special functions)
- Encoder 2: Select/adjust algorithms, sequences (short click = select, rotate = change value)
- Encoder 3: Fine parameter changes, confirmations (click = confirm/select)
Buttons (4, color-coded)
- Track selection (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue)
- Base: Activate/deactivate tracks for parameter edits
- Algorithms/Sequences: Manual gate (play note from track)
- Live: Mute/unmute each track
Transport Buttons
- Play/Stop: Start/stop note generation (also via CV)
- Reset: Restart sequence from beginning (also via CV)
- Change: Advance sequence by one step (also via CV)
Input/Output Jacks (with voltages)
Inputs (CV)
- Gate Inputs (x4, color-coded):
- 4 Tracks, triggers note generation per channel
- Expected: Standard Eurorack gates/triggers (0V = low, ≥3V = high)
- Play/Stop In: Gate input to globally start/stop sequences
- Expected: Gate/trig, ≥3V active
- Reset In: Gate input to restart all sequences
- Expected: Gate/trig, ≥3V active
- Change In: Gate input: advance steps
- Expected: Gate/trig, ≥3V active
Outputs
- Gate Outputs (x4):
- One per channel; pulses active when note is sounding
- Levels: Standard Eurorack gate (0V = low, 5V = high)
- 1V/Oct Note Outputs (x4):
- Outputs pitch per note
- Range: 1V/oct (transposable/octave range settable), up to 5V (default) or 8V max (set in config)
- CV Outputs (x4):
- Outputs note velocity
- Range: 0–5V (or 0–8V, configurable)
- MIDI Out (TRS-A/B configurable):
- Poly/multitimbral MIDI note & velocity output, up to 4 channels
- MIDI Channel: Assignable per track
Other Connections
- SD Card: For saves, not needed to function but enables manual save/load
- Gate Connector: For dedicated cable link to Skippy (rhythm generator)
- USB Port: Firmware updates only (never connect with power plugged in!)
- Expander Port: Reserved for future use, do not connect anything!
Main Modes / Menus
| Section |
Entry |
Functions |
| Base |
Short click Enc 1 |
Set key/root, scale, global settings, per-track tuning |
| Algorithms |
Short click Enc 2 |
Choose & parameterize melodic algorithm per track |
| Sequences |
Long click Enc 2 |
Set chord/note progressions, chain chords, steps |
| Live |
Short click Enc 3 |
Circle of fifths display, mute/unmute tracks |
| Files |
Long click Enc 3 |
Save/load presets/tracks/sequences (SD needed) |
| Configuration |
Long click Enc 1 |
Set MIDI channels, clock/ref BPM, output voltages |
Quick Reference: Algorithms
| Algorithm |
Description/Style |
| RANDOM |
Random notes in scale/chord |
| ARPEGGIO |
Many arpeggio styles & patterns |
| WALKINGBASS |
Basslines (jazz, blues, boogie, etc.) |
| SERIAL |
Serialist (12-tone); chromatic only |
| CANTOR |
Fractal; pattern via recursion |
| FIBONACCI |
Fibo sequence; melodic propagation |
| INTERVAL |
Repeated intervals (set multipliers) |
| SIERPINSKI |
Fractal division/recurrence patterns |
| MANDELBROT |
Complex → simple patterns |
| JULIA |
Fractal, diverging/repetitive notes |
All algorithms have extensive parameters (chord, octave, duration, velocity, ornamentation, etc).
Selections
Scales (20+)
Major, Minor, Nat/Harm Melodic minors, Pentatonics, Blues (M/m), Jazz modes (Ionian, Dorian, etc), Chromatic, Bebop, etc.
Chord Types (selectable per algorithm)
- Major (M), Minor (m), 6, 7, M7, m7, sus, dim, aug, add9, add11, add13, etc.
- “SCALE” chord: allows access to all notes in selected scale.
Other Settings
- Root Note: Sets base key per track or globally
- Sequences: Choose progression (II-V-I, Circle of 5ths/4ths, blues 12-bar, etc.) or random/root etc.
- Velocity CV Output Voltage Range: 0–5V or 0–8V (set in Config)
- 1V/oct Note Output: Octave and max voltage clamped (5V/8V, configurable)
- BPM: Fixed or measured from PLAY/STOP gate In
Tips
- All settings are per-track or global (when all track buttons active)
- All parameters are auto-saved. SD card enables manual save/load/recall.
- Muting/Unmuting in Live mode is instant via track color button.
Troubleshooting
- MIDI TRS not working? Set TRS-A/B switch accordingly (change only while module is off)
- Note voltage or velocity too high? Limit max output to 5V in config
- USB use: Never connect USB while module is powered!
Voltage Ranges Reference
| Jack |
Type |
Voltage Range |
| Gate Inputs |
Input (per track) |
≥3V = trigger |
| Play/Reset/Change |
Input |
≥3V = trigger |
| Gate Outputs |
Output (per track) |
0V or 5V |
| 1V/Oct Output |
Output (per track) |
0–5V (or 0–8V) |
| CV Output |
Output (per track) |
0–5V (or 0–8V) |
Links