Intellijel — Atlx

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Atlantix Expander (Atlx) Manual PDF

Using the Atlx (Atlantix Expander) for Dense, Hyper-Complex Percussion & Rhythmic Patching

The Atlx is an expander for the Intellijel Atlantix dual oscillator/subtractive synth voice, primarily adding 16 extra jacks including independent waveform and filter outs, and a built-in ring modulator. While not a dedicated rhythm generator or trigger sequencer, the Atlx and Atlantix combo can be pushed into advanced percussive territory with creative patching:

1. Patch Individual Waveforms for Percussive Layering

• Dedicated outs for both A and B oscillators (Sine, Triangle, Saw, Square w/PWM on A, Sub Square on A) allow you to:
  • Patch each waveform to different VCAs/Filters for separate dynamic envelope control.
  • Layer multiple rapid VCO “clicks” and “thumps” as drum-voice elements (e.g., Triangle for kick, Square for snare body).
  • Complex Percussion Tip: Cross-patch envelopes and LFOs to VCO pitch or pulse width for FM "snap" or transients.

2. Advanced Filtering for Sculpting Rhythmic Timbres

• Filter outs (Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, Phazor):
  • Send different waveforms to different filter outputs; sequence or randomly switch between them for morphing drum timbres.
  • Stack filter outputs into VCAs with independent envelopes for layered, shifting percussion.
  • Automate the routing of filters for dynamic patterning, even mid-pattern, for polyrhythmic timbral changes.

3. Ring Modulator Magic

• The on-board ring modulator (RING Out) can be fed oscillator A and B (X and Y IN) or anything in your rack:
  • Ring mod is classic for metallic, clangorous sounds (think hi-hats, cymbals).
  • Modulate one oscillator at audio or LFO rates, or try audio input plus LFO for moving/chaotic metallic percussion.
  • Even send rhythmic CV or clock bursts into one input for AM/rhythmic gating effects.

4. Polyrhythmic/Complex Sequencing

• Not a sequencer itself, but the expander makes the Atlantix voice* far more patchable:
  • Use external sequencers with per-step outputs controlling oscillator pitch, filter cutoff, VCA amplitude, or PWM for evolving, unpredictable percussion.
  • Self-patch outputs back into modulation inputs (example: Sub osc out to filter CV, or filter out to FM in) for chaotic, complex patterns that “play themselves.”
  • Patch envelopes or LFOs clocked/divided/multiplied by odd intervals for polyrhythmic modulations (e.g., trig env A at 4, env B at 7).

5. Punchiness and Uniqueness

• Use the VCA drive circuit in Atlantix for analog saturation on percussive hits—punchier kicks, claps, or snares.
• Modulate oscillator sync, filter resonance, or ring mod X/Y inputs with rhythmic pulses or random gates for “glitch” or “granular” percussion.
• Highly parameterize envelopes for snappy, clicky, or long decaying drum elements.
• Experiment with patching sub-oscillator, ring mod, or phazored outputs into effects or external resonators for more attack or “body.”

Example Patch: Polyrhythmic Layered Drum Sequence

1. Osc A Triangle → VCA 1 (envelope from sequencer channel 1, 5/8 pattern) → Filter Lowpass out.
2. Osc B Square → VCA 2 (envelope from sequencer channel 2, 7/8 pattern) → Filter Bandpass out.
3. Sub Square A → VCA 3 (quick decay envelope, 3-step rotating clock) → Ring Mod Y input.
4. Ring Mod Out → additional VCA (snappy envelope; use this as "hi-hat" or clave).
5. Mix filter outs for composite percussion, multi-VCA mixing, or pan each to a different FX channel for maximum dynamism.

Pro Tip: Modulate oscillator pitch, filter cutoff, or PWM at audio rates from other rhythmic modules to create unpredictable, “broken” beats.

The Atlx unlocks Atlantix for multi-layered, hybrid drum voices with tight, patchable integration. It excels with creative modulation, layering, and self-patching—invaluable for complex polyrhythmic music!

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