Firmware V2.01 Release

Another firmware update V2.01 for the NerdSEQ has been released with as usual new features, fixes and more.

What was planned to be only a maintenance release turned out to be bigger again with some essential new features.

Check the Release Notes to see whats new and download all firmwares and the manual on the XOR Forum or on the NerdSEQ Page.

Firmware Release V2.0

Another massive free update squeezing even more out of the NerdSEQ hardware!!

This update is so big, I had to make it a V2.0!

They are many new features like the new advanced scaling screen, a complete re-write of the Midi Engine to allow the use of 3 independend Midi Ports and tons of small new feature. But the main add-on being the mapping screen which makes it able to even create your own features.

Check the release notes for V2.0 and download the firmware here.

Superbooth 2023

Also this year I will have a nice relaxed booth at Superbooth 2023!
Come and join me at Z240. There is new stuff to show for sure.
See you there!

https://xor-electronics.com/downloadfiles/photos/sb2023.jpg

Superbooth 2021

New Firmware V1.24

Another Firmware update has been release which adds again many new features and fixes.

Here are most of the changings / additions:

  • Added Random Ranges screen which contains a set of 16 different random ranges from 0 – 100%.  (press OK on any random value to get to the screen)
  • Enhanced the regular random FX functions (Random next FX). These can now be assigned with a range. Beside the random next FX, the random function can be completely enabled for FX columns, so it stays on and all FX values are being randomized within the selected ranges.
  • Overrule FX values such as from random, automators and others are now scaled to the real function values. So for example if you have an envelope FX which can be 4 digits and the first 2 digits select the envelope number and attack, then only the last 2 digits are overruled within it’s min/max values.
  • Added Random Value for Notes and MOD. These can be randomized now also by one of the selected ranges. (toggle with Shift+OK till you reach R x or RNx. R x selects a random pitch and RNx selects a random note within the selected range.)
  • Performance improvements if many functions are running at the same time
  • Added view of patternlength on sequencerscreen
  • Added Skip playing FX when editing. So the FX you are busy with is being skipped for playing until you leave the FX column again. (Can be enabled/disabled in the Setup screen). Works with FX from patterns and tables.
  • Added FX selector (FX Selekta)  which opens a FX list with all effects for this tracktype. (press OK on the Fx command column on pattern screens or tables)
  • Fix for clock divider/multipliers. If a track was stopped and started later it syncs well with the others.
  • Added force clock function so the set clock FX can be forced immediately (if first digit it set to 1) and not only after the pattern is ready. Works now also with applying a new clock in the first row directly.
  • Added ADD/SUB/MUL/DIV FX functions. This adds, subtracts, multiplies or divides with a value to the last played FX and plays the FX again. This can be with and without overflow. For example, if the last playing FX2 was MOD 005. The command with ADD 040 to FX2 adds then the 40 to the 005 and a new MOD plays with 045. Another add would play a 085 etc… Same for Mul, also last was MOD 005, now Multiply with 2 and the result is 10(A) which is being played…go on and you get an exponential curve. Multiplies and divisions have a 0.1 digit resolution. Funny to add for a sample offset to get cool timestreched samples (use the ADD in tables to have it run faster).
  • Added Midi column overrule channels for note columns 2,3,4. A midi track has 4 columns and each column can sequence it’s own midi channel now (yes up to 4 midi-synthesizers/drumsynths sequenced from one track). The polyphonic settings for the midi channels stay for columns that are not overruled by another channel.
  • Updated and fixed sega gamepad readout which should work now for most compatible gamepads with all buttons. I can’t guarantee for all clones, but all that I could get my hands on work fine now.
  • Fixed midi problem with channel aftertouch input
  • Added 11 point calibration and precision for CV/MOD outputs. If you got a good precise voltmeter (and I’m not talking about the 50 euro multimeters or in-rack) you can set more calibration points now for a slightly more precise calibration. There is no new calibration needed, it all converts automatically to stay as it was. The same added for the CV16 expander (firmware for that one following).
  • Fixed table issue if table source is the FX Tick and if it is on the same row
  • Added new ratcheting and random functions for the local triggers. Values in the trigger column bigger than E0 got a special function now for even and odd ratcheting, random triggers, random ‘ratches’, random gates based on the random ranges.
  • Updated the launchpad functions so mini and MK2 would work well again
  • Added euclidean features and trigger shifting with the launchpad
  • Added SPFX sync to mainclock command
  • Refactoring of the statusbar view. Added now all missing details to the stausbar in the patternscreens, table and patch screen and some other little beauty fixes
  • Changed toggle note value (SHIFT+OK) behaviour. The originial value is now also selecteable with this
  • Added toggle function on table (SHIFT+DELETE). Toggles between — and **
  • Added program change to midi control presets (former Midi CC FX) ( = program change from FX + channels possible)
  • Added random midi velocity from random ranges
  • Fixed sample playing/gating through CV inputs
  • Added sample triggering through CV inputs
  • Updated the LFO ranges so it allows finer amplitudes
  • Added scrolling for sample patterns
  • Table edit fix so the current table doesn’t switch to another while editing
  • Added notes in the CV and MOD FX for a modular track (also for tables and patches)
  • Fixed some wrong chords
  • Added function to either record/play from Midi CC#1 or from velocity into the MOD column / outputs.
  • Added Track follow Midi playing/recording. So the selected Midi Channel will play/record into the selected track (either the column on which it is on the sequencer screen or in the pattern)
  • Added up to 6 voice Polyphonic Midi recording/playing also into regular CV/Gate tracks.
  • Added Gate as automator destination for CV/Gate tracks
  • Added OK Button to open sample-load screen on sample column
  • Fixed Sample BRK repetitions
  • Audio Tracks 7 and 8 can now also be used for either Midi or the Expanders

Check the discussion here:

https://xor-electronics.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1095

As usual the updates are free and can be either downloaded (including the updated manual) from the forum discussion or the NerdSEQ page:

https://xor-electronics.com/nerdseq/

Firmware Update V1.22

I’m happy again to present you the latest firmware with again plenty of new (major!!) functions and some fixes.

It took a bit longer this time, but i am sure it was definitely worth the waiting!

Some important information before you update:

– make a backup of your SD Card and especially of your projects
– Old Projects can simply be loaded with the new version
– Firmware updates always work, if it doesn’t, then you did something wrong. Check the Firmware update FAQ for some infos.
– No worries, in case of any issues you can always go back to your earlier version!
– I totally can understand if you are disappointed if your long awaited feature request is not included in this update. I really do my best to get much new stuff in the releases and i keep track on all the hundrets of feature requests. I constantly update my 2do list and change priorities depending on many factors. Please read the FAQ in the forum to find out how i work and how i don’t work. In the end, i can never please anybody. But i do my best to make it better each time.

Also note: Since the last versions the update will look a bit different around the end of updating. For most people the Progressbar will go back to 0 and some percent. That is totally fine and as long as it says ‘Updating Succeed’, then everything is fine.

Here are most of the changings / additions:

Envelopes
– added 8 ADSR envelopes with advanced settings ‘behind’ the automator screen
– many sources and destinations
– One Shot, AD-SR and Loop mode. (AD when the Gate is set, SR when it is released)
– Envelope chaining possible

Automators
– added envelope ‘mirror’ for automators with Offset, Invert, AMP and bitrate 1..12 bit
clones one of the selected envelopes actually into the automators
– updated CV input for automators, added Offset, Invert, AMP, Bitrate 1..12bit
– updated bitrate/quantisation to a finer resolution for all automators
– removed back function in LFO settings (obsolete)
– added pulse wave to the LFO

General
– changed input calibration and autocalibration for a more precise response (Inputs need new calbration!!!)
– added ‘New Project’ function
– replaced old screensaver with a new fancy one
– Added ** in the sequencer screen which is to stop a pattern (shift delete on empty spot)
– added change to another pattern in pattern screen by holding the pattern button and navigating (navigates through the order in sequencer screen)
– fixed CV input sampling bug (occasional CV input drops)
– fixed note transpose for non-note values
– added ‘set’ Patch in pressing SHIFT+OK in patch screen
– added envelope FX functions to CV/Gate track
– added SHIFT UP/DOWN function to marked pattern Nerd Menu to shift all marked values up or down with wrap around
– added patternlength function for editing and playing (default patternlength in setup menu)
– updated euclidean and random jump to work within patternlength
– changed flip row, random order etc from nerd menu to work with marked area instead of the whole row
– added autobackup and special screen in case of crashing (which hopefully will never happen)
– Added default groove settings (setup screen) for new patterns
– Added probability for the whole sequencer row
– Fixed possible bad probability seed
– Updated current values settings, added Current value for Midi and Audio tracks
– changed behaviour to get into screens so it is ‘the same everywhere’ :
for all tracks, if you press the patch button you will get into the current values screen. If you press it again you will get to the track setup (and the other way around).  Of course except for if you selected a patch.
– added ‘Hold SHIFT+STOP” double request before stopping sequencer (enable in setup)
– fixed track transpose saving
– added max Mainclock steps (amount of steps for the baseclock)
– fixed navigation wrap so it works for all track types

Audio / Sample / Synth
– Added FM 4 Operator synth engine
– updated volume and bitcrush resolution to 256 instead of 128
– reduced sample memory to 190000 byte (needed more memory) Sorry here, still around 4 seconds. I tried to get as little as possible but still being future proof.
– added basic wavefolder function/effect
– added lofi delay function (per track)
– added sample glide functions
– added automator FX, envelope fx + glide + wavefold + delay settings for sample FX
– added gate off function (beside sample/wave off) to allow a envelope release. (shift+delete is either note/sample/wave off or gate off as 2nd function)
– added function to clone the audio from Track 7 to Track 8. So a nice stereo field can be generated when using different delay values.
– renamed sample tracks to ‘Audio’
– changed audio retrigger so a value of 00 would retrigger the envelope
– added double stop track function to stop waveforms from the current track
– added set waveform/sample as sample FX

CV16
– fixed missing decrements for CV16 standard FX values
– Fixed current values which didn’t show the modular tracks but the CV16 instead

T16
– delete in drummatrix deletes only the current drum and not the whole row anymore
– fixed trigger16 random and overrule functions for FX columns
– Trigger16 drummatrix triggers are now also visible in the regular T16 columns.

Midi
– Simple Midi debug in the record/input screen. Shows note midi data first byte on top
– Fixed samples so a waveform would also trigger from Midi
– fixed pitchbend from midi so it works also when not recording
– bugfix for midi active sensing
– fixed note delete for midi track (velocity was missing)
– Fix: editsteps work also for midi step change of notes

Table
– major rework of the tables
– added change to another table from the table screen (hold table button and then cursor up/down)
– added some pattern handling for tables (new table etc)
– Added new table functions for random, scaling, chords, not allowed notes etc (this allows indeed scaling of your main sequence)
– rewrite and timing fix for tables
– added table tick source from sequencer function (SPFX)
– Added CV input as table source
– Added Automators as table source
– fixed table editing
– Added nerd menu for table screen to release tables
– added Table presets to nerd menu to add different tables like doubles, triplets, different chords…
– enabled compact table functions which releases empty and unused tables
– added Table screen animation
– added Table functions for audio tracks (samples/waveforms)
– added backwards and pingpong Table features
– Added animation for tables

And many minor small things that came along the way or needed to be done…

The Firmware and Manual are always available on the XOR Website:
https://xor-electronics.com/nerdseq/
or on the Forum (with additional discussion about it):

Vacation, Panels, Updates

Vacation 2019

We will be on vacation from July 26th until August 15th. Any orders in the shop later than July 25th will be shipped right after the vacation. You will still be able to buy from our distibutors!

Updates

I’m very busy getting the new Firmware ready as well as the CV16 expander. If nothing comes in between, then the new Firmware Release Candidate which includes a Major CV input update, Major flexible Midi input routing with polyphonic recording, new transpose settings, many fixes and tiny updates and a beta of the Launchpad integration (LP Pro) will be avalibale on the XOR Forum by the end of the week. If something comes in between, then it will be a nearly finished Release Candidate. At least something to start testing and to play around with.  The CV expander is scheduled for the end of August now.

Panels

A new alternative frontpanel (Designed by Eric from Klavis) for the NerdSEQ is avaliable. A limited stock of the NerdSEQ with the new panel is ready to order in the XOR webshop. Just the panels and matching panels for and with the expanders will be following around the end of august.

Massive NerdSEQ update!

I’m happy to announce the new firmware release of the NerdSEQ as well as the release of the first Expander which brings the NerdSEQ to the next level.

Lets start with the new Firmware V1.19 features and fixes:

– Added: Midi sequencing:
– new pattern screen for 4 note polyphonic (+ Velocity) sequencing per track.
– Midi track support Notes, Pitchbend, Program Change, Polyphonic and Channel Aftertouch, CC, NRPN, flexible assignment of tracks and midi channels
– Midi notes can be played (cloned) on the local modular tracks (CV & Gate) if wanted.
– Most Midi commands can also be controlled by the automators
– Midi Probabilities: Note1, Note2, Note3, Note4, FX1, FX2, FX3
– Flexible Limiter for automation to Midi to reduce Midi data
– Added: NSA (Nerd Sound Adapter) Expander support. Beside the Midi expander 4 additional expanders can be connected which are then integrated in the sequencer.
– Expanders can be assigned to one or multiple tracks.
– Firmware updates of the expanders simply possible via the NerdSEQ. So new features are also possible for the expanders. As reliable as NerdSEQ firmware updating.
– Trigger 16 Expander:
– Provides 16 more Trigger/Gate outputs with all functions the local trigger outputs can do (eg. Trigger Length, Delayed Gate, Retriggering….)
– Binary output to be able to create some cool dividers
– Added Trigger 16 screens and sequencing + integration with all FX and Automators.
– Added drummatrix to allow classic drum sequencing with a good overview
– Square wave generation to trigger output from automator lfo
– Added Track Setup screen for all track types where Track specific settings can be done.
– Fixed: when pressing stop twice (or stop track from FX) could insert problems
– Fixed: Possible crash when starting the sequencer with an empty project from external clock
– Added: General Track Assign screen where tracks can be assigned to either Internal CV/Gate, Midi or to the available expanders.
– Added: FX command to start a pattern from the sequencer by position
– Fixed: Avoid Sample retriggering without a playing sample
– Added: SHIFT+DELETE on a Note column acts now as either ‘Delete Note’ or as ‘Insert Note Off’, no browsing down to lowest note needed anymore.
– Fixed: possible SEGA gamepad freeze situation after saving
– Fixed: Muting for sample patterns with odd groove settings
– Added: Start playing possible from all regular screens now
– Fixed: Compact pattern function with copy/paste clipboard
– Added: Copy paste between compatible pattern columns. Copy and paste can be from all notes to all notes, triggers to triggers, grooves to grooves from different pattern types. Content can now also be copied between the 2 sample parts.
– Added: Per track multiplier / divider. Dividers and Multipliers can be either live assigned to a track or via FX command.
Dividers/Multipliers: /32,/16,/8, /7,/6,/5,/4,/3,/2, *2,*3,*4,*5,*6,*7,*8)
– Visual updates: Sequencer screen layout, divider settings are shown per track, introduced VU meters for the samples, main clock indicator update
– Added: Colors on sequencer screen. Change the colors of special parts for fast recognition
– Enhanced: Longer filenames support for sample loader
– Added Enabling/Disabling of Midi clock output

Also the new expander ‘More Triggers 16’ is now finally avaliable!!

Beside 16 more Trigger/Gate outputs, many functions have been added to the NerdSEQ.

Check the video below so you know what it can do and wha to expect:

The new firmware and the updated manual are available on the NerdSEQ page or on the Forum.

The ‘More Triggers 16’ Expander is available in the XOR Webshop.

Trigger 16 Expander about to be released!