The Q960 Sequential Controller is a recreation of Bob Moog's famous 960 module. Built using modern components yet retaining the 960's unique functionality including the highly sought-after skip function, 3rd row timing control, trigger in/out for each stage, etc. The Q960 consumes 8 spaces (17" wide) just as the Moog 960, and uses the standard Synthesizers.com power supply (+15,-15,+5).

Extended information

The Q960 is an 8 stage, 3 row sequencer with an internal oscillator. Each row can control any voltage-controlled module such as an oscillator, filter, etc. A 9th stage provides a place for the sequencer to stop. A lamp for each stage indicates when it's active.

The front panel is divided into 3 sections: Oscillator, Stages, and Output. Each stage has 3 knobs which determine the voltage at the 3 row outputs (A, B, C). The row outputs can be scaled using the 'X' switches (X1, X2, X4). A mode switch for each stage selects Skip, Normal, or Stop. A trigger (Gate) input signal will select a particular stage, as does the manual push button. A trigger (Gate) output signal is available when a stage is active.

The oscillator has 6 ranges and a variable control. A lamp indicates when the oscillator is on. Both manual and Triggers (Gates) can control the oscillator's on/off condition. Voltage control of the oscillator frequency is also available with an accurate temperature compensated 1V/Octave response. An external shift input and manual button provide additional control of stage activation.

Technical specifications

Oscillator Lamp

Indicates the on/off condition of the internal oscillator.

Oscillator Range

Selects one of 6 oscillator frequency ranges.
Range 1: .05Hz - .46Hz
Range 2: .13Hz - 1.2Hz
Range 3: .5Hz - 47Hz
Range 4: 2Hz - 19Hz
Range 5: 8Hz - 75Hz
Range 6: 31Hz - 280Hz

Frequency Vernier

Variable control of oscillator frequency. Approximately a 1 to 9 range.

Oscillator On/Off Buttons

Manual control of oscillator operation.

Oscillator On/Off Inputs

Voltage control of oscillator operation. Typically a gate (trigger) signal, Oscillator square wave, etc.

Oscillator Voltage Control Input

Voltage control of oscillator frequency. 1 Volt per octave, temperature compensated.

Oscillator Output

Pulse wave oscillator output with a 90% (Default) duty cycle. 0-5 volts.

Stage Lamp

Indicates a stage is active. Normally only one stage is active at a time.

Stage Control Knobs

The knobs of the active stage determine the voltage at the row outputs.

Stage Mode Switch

Selects Skip, Normal, or Stop modes. Normal: A stage comes on, stays on for the duration of the oscillator cycle, then turns off and shifts to the next stage.
Skip: Removes the stage from the shifting sequence.
Stop: Prevents shifting to the next stage. The oscillator remains on.

Stage Set Buttons

Allows manual selection of a stage and resets the other stages.

Stage Trigger Inputs

Trigger (Gate) input signals cause stage selection and others to reset. This can be a keyboard gate, a pulse from an oscillator, a trigger output from another stage or sequencer, etc.

Stage Trigger Outputs

When the stage is active, a trigger (Gate) output is available at this jack. The output stays on as long as the stage is on.

Stage 9

A special 'Stop' stage where zero volts is sent to row outputs. Stage 9 can be Skipped with the mode switch, activated manually with the Set button or activated with a trigger input. Stage 9's trigger output is available as long as the stage is active (Lamp on). Whenever stage 9 becomes active, the oscillator is automatically turned off.

Row 'X' Switches

Determines the range of the control knobs for each of the 3 row outputs. X1 = 0-2 volts, X2 = 0-4 volts, X4 = 0-8 volts.

Outputs

2 outputs provide the voltage of the selected stage control knobs.

3rd Row Control of Timing Switch

Routes the output of the 3rd row to the oscillator to control frequency. When a stage knob is set to 0, there will be no affect on the oscillator frequency. Each volt output will double the oscillator frequency resulting in a halving of the stage On time. Row C's X switch does affect this.

Shift Input

Control of shifting from an external signal such as an oscillator, gate, trigger source. Can be used in conjuction with the internal oscillator for unusual timing effects.

Shift Button

Manual control of shifting.

Specifications
Panel Size: Octal width 17"w x 8.75"h.
Trigger, Shift, Control Input Signals: Fast rising 0-3 volts minimum, active high.
Output Voltage Levels: 0-8V.
Internal Oscillator: .1 to 2Khz.+, 1V/Octave Response
External Oscillator Speed: 2Khz maximum.
Power: +15V@120ma, -15V@30ma, +5@1ma.