Numerology Techniques : Using Volta

This video provides step-by-step instructions for setting up MOTU's Volta Audio Unit with Numerology. Volta is an AudioUnit that allows you to use a "dc-capable" audio interface to control analog synthesizers. There are numerous advantages with this approach compared to using a MIDI-to-CV converter:

• When Volta calibrates its pitch outputs for an oscillator, it can also account for tuning variations across the range of the oscillator.
  
  
• When generating CV values for automation, you are no longer limited to the 127 steps of MIDI CC messages. This allows you to generate very smooth and accurate control values.
  
  
• You do not have to worry about "saturating" a hardware MIDI interface by sending it too many messages at once.
  
  
• Volta includes various CV generators internally, including LFOs and Envelopes. This gives you more flexible control options, particularly when working with smaller analog modular systems.

As of version 2.2, Numerology provides integrated support for Volta by including direct hardware audio input and output routing in the module. This makes setup very quick, as you don't have to create separate I/O channels to route audio around, as you do in some other hosts.

In addition, the Numerology module that hosts Volta has direct inputs for Numerology's digital CV signal streams. These signals are used to control Volta's Ramp parameters, which in turn are converted into analog CV signals you can use with analog synthesizers. This gives you a direct translation from the world of Numerology CV's to analog CV's, opening up all sorts of new possibilities:

• You can combine multiple CV generators in Numerology (Sequencers, LFOs, and Envelopes) to generate complex control sources.
  
  
• You can use Numerology's Stack preset mechanism to setup custom presets for different control-source settings.
  
  
• You can setup MIDI control over preset changes and almost all Numerology parameters so that you can control everything from a hardware controller.

The trick to being productive with Volta is to be organized. Give yourself some "Studio Tech" time to get everything setup and running properly, then when you're ready to start composing, you can focus solely on that. Here are some general tips:

• Dedicate a group of inputs and outputs on your audio interface for use with Volta.
  
  
• Label both ends of your cables clearly, this makes it easy to track down connection problems.
  
  
• Setup a Numerology project with one or more "template" stacks for use with Volta, that way you can start a new session quickly.
  
  
• There is a very useful Volta forum at http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/
  
  
• There is also a useful troubleshooting diagram for Volta here: http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5964