# Moog — Subharmonicon - [Manual PDF](../../manuals/Subharmonicon_Manual.pdf) --- [Moog Subharmonicon User Manual (PDF)](https://www.moogmusic.com/sites/default/files/2020-05/Subharmonicon_Manual_v1.pdf) --- # Moog Subharmonicon: Eurorack Modulation Techniques *For Distorted Percussion, Dubstep/Drum & Bass Basses, and Atmospheric Pads* This guide leverages the Subharmonicon’s semi-modular patchbay, sequencers, and unique architecture to achieve a range of experimental and contemporary sounds. Each section refers to specific functionality in the Moog Subharmonicon User Manual ([PDF link above](https://www.moogmusic.com/sites/default/files/2020-05/Subharmonicon_Manual_v1.pdf)), as well as general eurorack modulation concepts. --- ## Distorted Percussive Sounds ### Patchbay Techniques - **Mixer Overdrive**: Push the sound sources (VCOs and SUBs) to near-maximum on the mixer. (Manual p.21-22, "MIXER") This will create warm analog distortion as the filter overdrives. - **VCF Self-Oscillation**: Turn up the filter "Resonance" until it self-oscillates. Modulate the "CUTOFF" with fast stepped voltages from one of the sequencers or an external envelope to create kick or tom-like percussive sounds. (Manual p.23, "THE FILTER") - **Envelope Triggers**: Use the patchbay "TRIGGER" or "RESET" input to inject external gates or rhythmic triggers, allowing precise control over percussive envelopes. (Manual p.35, "TRIGGER INPUT") ### Modulation Ideas - **Clocked Filter Modulation**: Patch a sequencer clock or rhythmic generator output into the "CUTOFF INPUT" to create sharp, rhythmic filter envelopes. - **Clock Out to VCA In**: As suggested (Manual p.49), patching the CLOCK OUT to VCA IN produces a choppy, gated effect, ideal for glitch percussion or artificial hi-hats. - **Fast Decay**: Set both VCF and VCA envelopes to sharp attack and very quick decay for punchy, snappy sounds (Manual p.24-25, "THE ENVELOPE GENERATORS"). --- ## Aggressive Dubstep/Drum & Bass Basses ### Subharmonics & Polyrhythms - **Deep Subharmonics**: Use SUB 1/2 FREQ dials (on both VCOs) to divide the fundamental for massive, perfectly tuned undertones (Manual p.18-20, "THE OSCILLATORS"). - **Sequencer Modulation**: Assign sequencer rows to modulate both main VCO and SUBs independently, generating morphing wobbles or growls every step (Manual p.26-27, "THE SEQUENCERS"). ### Modulation Tricks - **External Modulation**: Use the “VCO 1/2 SUB INPUT” jacks to sweep the undertone divisions dynamically with LFOs, random CV, or envelopes, for basslines that morph or “talk.” - **PWM Smash**: Select square waves and patch audio-rate sources, or envelopes/LFOs into "VCO PWM" jacks—produces brutal timbral variation, ideal for dubstep basses (Manual p.32-33). - **Filter Dub-wobble**: Patch rhythmic outputs (RHYTHM 1-4) or sequencer clocks, possibly from another eurorack source, into "CUTOFF INPUT" and sweep cutoff for classic dubstep filter movement. High resonance coupled with deep subharmonics sounds huge. #### Advanced Combinations - **Cross-Modulation**: Send SEQ 1 OUT to VCO 2 FREQ IN and SEQ 2 OUT to VCO 1 FREQ IN for evolving FM-like movement. - **Distorted Bass**: Max out the mixer, self-oscillate the filter, slap with envelope modulation—distorted, screaming, or broken-bass tones. --- ## Haunting Atmospheric Pad Sounds ### Slow, Evolving Modulation - **Drifting Subharmonics**: Use slow, external LFOs/voltage sources patched to VCO 1/2 SUB INPUT or VCO FREQ INPUTS for freq drift and evolving chord clusters. - **Gentle Quantization**: Try JI (just intonation) modes for consonant pads (Manual p.21), then slowly crossfade to ET or adjust underlying pitches to introduce subtle, complex beating/phase movement. ### Layering and Spatialization - **VCO Mixer Fades**: Slowly animate the VCO/SUB levels with external VCAs and LFOs (patch VCA EG OUT to VCA IN, mod usefully elsewhere to create swells and fades). - **Filter Resonance Drone**: Set filter to the edge of self-oscillation and modulate cutoff very slowly for whistling, airy resonance overtones. Apply small positive and negative amounts on "VCF EG AMT" for movement (Manual p.24). ### Rhythmic Ambience - **Polyrhythmic Sequencing**: Tie multiple rhythm generators at slow clock divisions to sequencer steps, creating unpredictable, non-repeating cycles suitable for evolving ambient patterns. - **Patchbay Trick**: Send mild random or sample & hold voltages to cutoff, VCO frequencies or subharmonics, for subtle, ghostly pitch/filter shifts. --- ## Further Expansion - Integrate with other eurorack modules for more envelopes, LFOs, effects, or CV processing via the extensive patchbay (Manual p.31-37). - Use MIDI or external sequencers for precise or generative modulation control (Manual p.41-44). --- Explore the **patch sheet overlays** and blank sheets at the end of the manual (Manual p.45-55) to write down and recall your favorite discoveries. --- **Reference: [Moog Subharmonicon User Manual (PDF)](https://www.moogmusic.com/sites/default/files/2020-05/Subharmonicon_Manual_v1.pdf)** **Generated With [Eurorack Processor](https://github.com/nstarke/eurorack-processor)**