Scales is an 8hp dual-channel note quantizer and step sequencer. It quantizes input voltages to notes in a user-defined scale, with two independent outputs, shift/interval control, and a 128-step SH-101-style step sequencer with storage for up to 35 fully programmable patterns.218
Capabilities 2
Note Quantizernote-quantizer
Dual-channel quantizer with user-defined scales, shift modes (PRE, DIATONIC, POST), root control, and scale selection via CV. Supports triggered and continuous quantization.218
Step Sequencerstep-sequencer
128-step SH-101-style step sequencer on OUT B with up to 35 programmable patterns in 5 banks of 7 slots; supports notes, rests, and ties with step-entry recording.218
Jacks 6 — 3 in / 3 out
Name
Signal
Voltage
Description
Inputs (3)
PITCH IN
cv
-10V to 10V
Connect the signal you wish to quantize to this input. In SEQ Mode, functions as a pitch reference for the quantizer side.218
SHIFT IN
cv
-10V to 10V
Modulation input for shifting quantized outputs. In DUAL mode, functions as a second PITCH input for OUT B. In SEQ Mode, functions as a reset jack.218
TRIG IN
gate
—
Trigger or gate input. Scales samples PITCH each time trigger goes high. If nothing inserted, Scales continuously samples PITCH. In SEQ Mode, functions as a clock input.218
Outputs (3)
OUT A
cv
-10V to 10V
Outputs a quantized version of the PITCH input, conforming to the active scale notes and any applicable shift. 1V/Oct, -10V to +10V range.218
OUT B
cv
-10V to 10V
Outputs a quantized version of PITCH input by default; in DUAL mode, quantizes the SHIFT input; in SEQ mode, outputs the step sequencer's pitch sequence. 1V/Oct, -10V to +10V range.218
TRIG OUT
gate
—
Outputs trigger or gate depending on configuration. If A>TRIG and B>TRIG are both off, passes through the TRIG IN gate. If A>TRIG or B>TRIG enabled, fires a trigger when the respective output changes pitch.218
Parameters 12
Name
Type
Range
Behavior
A -> TRIG
menu_setting
—
When on, sends a trigger to TRIG OUT whenever OUT A changes pitch. Long press accesses trigger delay setting. In SEQ Mode, ties sequencer advance to OUT A pitch changes.218
B -> TRIG
menu_setting
—
When on, sends a trigger to TRIG OUT whenever OUT B changes pitch. In SEQ Mode, gates TRIG OUT to only fire when sequencer is playing.218
CONFIG button
button
—
Press to enter CONFIG Mode; press again to exit. Long press within CONFIG Mode enters Calibration Mode. In SEQ Mode, shifts note scale up one octave when recording.218
INTRVL button
button
—
Press to enter INTRVL Mode for setting the interval of OUT B relative to OUT A. Long press enters Tuning Mode (sends 0V to both outputs, high gate to TRIG out). In SEQ Mode, ties the previously entered note to the next entered note when recording.218
LEARN button
button
—
Short press enters Learn Mode retaining active scale; long press (>1 sec) clears active scale before entering Learn Mode. In SEQ Mode, shifts note scale down one octave when recording.218
LOAD button
button
—
Press to enter LOAD Mode for scale patterns. Long press (>1 sec) in SEQ Mode loads sequences. Short press in SEQ Mode enables/disables recording.218
MULTIFUNCTION buttons
button
—
Context-sensitive: in Scale Display Mode sets scale notes; in ROOT Mode sets root note; in INTRVL Mode sets interval amounts; in SAVE/LOAD Mode selects bank and slot; in CONFIG Mode sets configuration options.218
OUT B mode
menu_setting
—
Selects OUT B operating mode: CHROM (chromatic interval offset), DIATONIC (diatonic interval offset), DUAL (second pitch input on SHIFT IN), or SEQ (128-step step sequencer output).218
ROOT button
button
—
Press to enter ROOT Mode. In ROOT Mode, pressing a note button transposes the scale to that root; long-pressing sets root without transposing. In SEQ Mode, inserts a rest into the sequence when recording.218
SAVE button
button
—
Press to enter SAVE Mode for scale patterns. Long press (>1 sec) in SEQ Mode saves sequences. Short press in SEQ Mode plays the internal step sequence in time with a clock at TRIG IN. Hold on power-up to restore factory scales.218
SHIFT MODE: SCALE
menu_setting
0V – 5V
Uses the SHIFT input voltage (0–5V) to select a scale from the most recently loaded bank. Every ~0.7V loads a new scale; 0V selects the first scale in the bank. Front panel scale editing is not possible while in SCALE Shift Mode.218
Trigger LED
menu_setting
—
Lights every time Scales sends a trigger or gate signal to the TRIG out jack.218
Firmware history 2 versions
Version
Released
Notes
1.01
2019-07
Enhancement: When recording a sequence, gate is held high for as long as a note button is held, enabling real-time keyboard performance via OUT B. Fix: When A->Trig or NO Trig is selected, tied notes now hold the gate high when advancing the sequence.218