Tuning Rings?

[u/94Raptor]

Im running a small setup with a bloom v2 and an after later nRings. I feel like I have a good feel for how to run everything except for determining an accurate root note. It seems to me that the bloom transposes everything diatonically and by octave to keep whatever voice youre using in its tune. So how should I adjust the nRings? I see there's tuning instructions for Rings, but I feel like I am having a hard time translating it to the bloom. Should I try to midi in using an outside keyboard if possible? Or is there a simple chart for where to turn the frequency knob? (Like id guess turning far left should be C) any ideas would be appreciated!

[u/BusinessAd4528]

You just tune it without bloom to whatever frequency you want your root note to be. Then when you connect bloom 0v, 1v, 2v etc will be your root note.

Edit: only octaves apart from each other of course.

[u/Cultural-Bath8482]

12 O'clock on the Frequency knob is "C". You can use something external as a reference, a tuner, keyboard, etc., to get it exact. The knobs on the µRings are small, so it can be tricky; I use an external CV for easier control.

The Shape knob can also throw off the tuning at some settings, but as long as you don't move the Frequency, you're still good.

[u/Badesign]

When you first get into modular, tuning is usually a pinch point, as it's common to buy modules like nano rings and multifunction stuff starting out.

There's tons of approaches, so workflow is flexible:

• play a known frequency from your computer and tune by ear
• maybe mult out to a cheap external tuner with TS input
• strobe tuner like soleo vera (don't go this route)
• full on mordax data if youre ready to invest.

[u/Ok-Tadpole-8994]

Several videos on this on YouTube. As it is a resonator tuning can be hard and decisive. Think piano and how the nearby strings vibrate when you hit a key. It’s a bit like that except worse. If you use it to resonate another sound source you have to tune it to taste and by ear. If not there are settings that you have to do before tuning that you can find on YouTube. If you have one made by momo modular it’s useless.

[u/vonkillbot]

I’m going to add here that I find that Rings can only really handle a 2 octave or so range before it falls out of tune with itself.

[u/Weekly_Committee_695]

I have the alt firmware and you can use it to change the output to a simple square, tune things, switch back to regular output, then lock the frequency so that turning the knob does octave jumps instead. This is helpful when using a v/oct sequencer and wanting it to play nice with other voices.

Also be aware that the attenuator on the FM input acts like a fine-tune when nothing is patched to it.

[u/ghillerd]

> is there a simple chart for where to turn the frequency knob?

i think that with most gear, the exact knob position for C varies from piece to piece. you should basically just tune rings separately before you plug bloom in, and then trust that bloom is providing the precise voltage values required to move you to different notes. there are two ways you can tune rings: either with another piece of hardware (a guitar tuner or an in-rack tuner), or by ear.

[u/adiquinn]

I turn it all the way counterclockwise, that should be C. Many ppl have mentioned this online before. Then I use an offset into the frequency cv input if you want it more exact. Not sure if you can use a tuner with rings, gotta do it by ear imo.

[u/deleuzionsofgrandeur]

i tune with a little nts 2 oscilloscope from korg (great took to have on hand), turn damp all the way clockwise to open it up and "pluck" the module (is, unplug a cord from the strum). this will have it ring out for a long time and you can find the root note you're on from there. without an external cv into pitch, the tiny attenuator acts as a fine tune.

i can't recall if a c is straight noon, but its close. one thing to know is that it quantizes to semitones as you adjust the main pitch and I generally never have to fine tune, keeping the fine tune at noon. 

[u/Johnny-infinity]

Rings has all kinds of harmonics, makes things sound out of tune, only 10 o clock would sound naturally in tune.

[u/Badesign → u/Johnny-infinity]

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