Arpitecht - Synthesizer WMD - Free user manual and instructions

Type	Eurorack synthesizer module
Brand	WMD
Model	Arpitecht
Category	Synthesizer
Width	8 HP (40.4 mm)
Height	3U (128.5 mm)
Depth	25 mm (typical)
Weight	100 g
Power consumption	+12V: 100 mA, -12V: 20 mA
Power connector	Eurorack 10-pin ribbon cable
Main functions	Arpeggiator, pattern generator, clock divider
Controls	Rotary encoders, buttons, CV inputs
Inputs	Clock, reset, CV (pitch, gate, etc.)
Outputs	CV pitch, gate, trigger, mod
Firmware update	Via microSD card (FAT32, up to 32GB)
Included accessories	Power ribbon cable, screws, microSD card
Cleaning	Dry cloth; avoid liquids
Safety	Do not expose to moisture; power off before patching
Repairability	Spare parts available via WMD; user-serviceable via open source design
Manual	Free PDF download at notice-facile.com

Frequently Asked Questions - Arpitecht WMD

What power supply does the Arpitecht need?

The module requires a standard Eurorack power supply with +12V (100 mA) and -12V (20 mA). Use the included 10-pin ribbon cable.

How do I update the firmware?

Download the latest firmware from the WMD website, copy it to a FAT32-formatted microSD card (up to 32GB), insert the card into the module while powered off, then power on. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Can I use the Arpitecht with other Eurorack modules?

Yes, it is designed for the Eurorack format. Use standard patch cables to connect CV and gate signals to other modules.

What is the maximum polyphony?

The Arpitecht is monophonic; it generates one note at a time. For polyphony, combine multiple modules.

How do I reset the pattern?

Send a high gate signal to the Reset input. Alternatively, press the Reset button (if available) or cycle the clock.

What does the 'Degree' parameter do?

Degree selects the interval pattern (major, minor, etc.) applied to the root note. It determines the sequence of pitches.

Can I save my own presets?

Yes, the module stores up to 16 presets on the microSD card. Load and save via the menu.

The module does not power on. What should I check?

Verify the ribbon cable orientation (red stripe -12V) and that power supply outputs are within spec. Check for shorts on the rear PCB.

How do I clean the module?

Use a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid liquids, as they may damage the circuitry. For stubborn dirt, slightly dampen the cloth, but ensure no moisture enters.

Where can I find the full manual?

Download the free PDF manual from notice-facile.com by searching for 'Arpitecht WMD'. It includes detailed explanations and patch examples.

USER MANUAL Arpitecht WMD

RESET: This button, whose function is also accessible through the RESET input, returns the sequence to the first step of the arpeggio.

ROOT ENABLE: This switch disables the root note of the scale. The jack is normaled high, and the root switch will invert the CV when down.

DIRECTION: Change the direction of the arpeggiation here. The middle position of the switch is UP and DOWN. When the CV jack is used, the switch is disabled, and direction is directly controlled by the voltage on the jack. High for UP, low for DOWN.

TRANSPOSE: In the middle position, this knob is at 0, clockwise transposes up to +12 semitones, and counter-clockwise transposes -12 semitones. 1V/OCT, -1V to +1V.

SCALE: Selects between 16 different scales, beginning with major and ending (all the way clockwise) with chromatic.

INPUT: Quantize CV signals by plugging in here. This also serves as the arpeggio start note. Changing the voltage here alters the note at which the arpeggio begins, and resets step to zero. 0-5 Volts.

STEP: A pulse here will advance the arpeggio to the next step.

RUN: This input allows the step input to advance. It is normaled high.

RANDOM: When high, the next step will be randomized within the scale, mask, and range.

1V/OCT OUT: -1 to 6V compensated/buffered output.

SLIDE OUT: Gate for when a slide is active from SLIDE RHYTHM or SLIDE input.

RANGE: The two RANGE buttons select the overall octave spread of the arpeggiation or quantized CV, while the accompanying LEDs display the current position (blue) and range (red).

NOTES: The Arpitecht features 64 note masks that allow you to select which notes in the scale will be incorporated into the arpeggiation.

SLIDE TIME: Controls the rate of the analog slide circuit when triggered by either the internal SLIDE RHYTHM or the SLIDE input.

SLIDE RHYTHM: Like RHYTHM, this knob allows you to apply one of 32 automatic slide rhythms to your sequence. Instant acid.

RHYTHM: The RHYTHM knob selects between 32 built in gate sequences. Together with SLIDE RHYTHM, a world of rhythmic variation is right at your fingertips.

NEW OUT: The NEW output delivers a trigger every time the note changes.

GATE OUT: Output that combines the RHYTHM PATTERN, pulse width of the STEP input, and held SLIDE gates.

SPECSINTROD

The Arpitecht started as a quantizer that used only CV to determine scales and notes. Immediately, it was super playable and fun to explore. But tying up a lane just for sequencing/quantizing seemed like a waste of good space.

I added a clock input so the Arpitecht could step through its own notes. This let us do nice changes with that same single-lane sequencer, running slower. The concept for the base module was 95% done on the first prototype. Refinement took eight more revisions.

Coding and revisions took the better part of a year as I wrote and re-wrote parts of the firmware to be faster and as I subtly improved the interface. A couple full re-starts took place as well.

Then, once it was nearly done, I heard, "What if it could do chords?" from the design room... Fortunately there was a single ADC input left, and the Triad came to be after a few prototypes and lots of coding.

Once the first bit of code was running on the Arpitecht, it was instant fun. Now that it's finished, it's instant techno, or avant garde jazz, or chip-tune trill chords.

Thank you for purchasing an Arpitecht, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

W. Mathewson

Depth: 30mm (with cables)

Power: +70mA, -35mA (+84mA, -48mA with Triad)

All CV Inputs: 100k ohm impedance

CV Outputs: (including Triad): Buffered 100 ohm impedance

Automatic load compensation

Gate Inputs: 50k ohm Impedance

Gate Outputs: 10V, 470 ohm impedance

CV inputs sum with knobs. Full sweep is 5V

Input Range: 0-5V (Transpose: +-1V)

Gate/Logic Inputs: 2V threshold Schmitt Trigger

Output Range: -1 to 6V. 14 bit

Triad Note Output Range: 0-4V. 12 bit

Inversion CV Input Thresholds: 1.25V and 2.5V

Firmware upgradeable via USB

TRIAD EXPANDER

INVERSION: Transposes the lowest note up an octave.

0: No transposition.
1: Transpose note 1.
2: Transpose notes 1 and 2.

TRIAD: CV/Knob for selecting the group of three notes from the scale. Follows Scale and Transpose on the Arpitecht.

NOTE 1-3: Buffered CV outputs for each note in the triad. NOTE 1 is the lowest note from the display. NOTE 3 is the highest.

NEW: Trigger output when the TRIAD is changed. No trigger for inversion changes.

SCALES

(ROOT NOTE: C)

1: IONIAN (MAJOR)

2: DORIAN

3: PHRYGIAN

4: LYDIAN

5: MIXOLYDIAN

6: AOELIAN (MINOR)

7: LOCRIAN

8: MELODIC MINOR

9: DORIAN FLAT 2

10: LYDIAN AUGMENTED

11: PHRYGIAN DOM

12: HUNGARIAN MINOR

13: PERSIAN

14: ENIGMATIC

15: HEXATONIC +4

16: CHROMATIC

RHYTHM PATTERNS (PRESET ↓/ STEP →)

SLIDE PATTERNS (PRESET ↓/ STEP)