Frequency Dial and Digital Display Query

[Lindsay]

Hello People,

I've recently acquired an older version of the voyager and am seeking an answer to the following question in relation to the frequency knob position on osc 1&3 and the digital display. Basically, with a 12 o'clock dial position the digital display reads + or - a few cents. Is this a known issue? Or an older software version problem?

[nickbtx]

I've got a new XL and the frequency position varies a bit on the #2 and #3 frequency dials. At 12 o'clock one shows a digital value of -4 and the other is -1. I'm sure it has to do with slight variation in the mounting of the encoders. I think what you're seeing is to be expected.

[thealien666]

Hello Lindsay, and welcome.

It's perfectly normal to see slight variations on those knobs when they're at top center. The Voyager is, first and foremost, an analog musical instrument. And as such, it works with high resolution "encoders" (actually analog potentiometers), which provide 16384 possible digital values (not necessarily parameter values however, as those digital values are averaged depending on software parameter resolution) for a 340 degrees turn. It also varies from one Voyager to another, depending on internal calibration at the factory.

The idea is to get the behavior and feel of an analog classic synth with continually variable knobs (like the original Minimoog D) with the added convenience of digital memory and programmability.

BTW, on an original Minimoog, those knobs aren't perfectly on center in order to get the oscillators perfectly in tune. And in order to keep them in tune, their position will vary very slightly with temperature changes. It's simply the nature of the instrument. The Voyager is somewhat less sensitive than a 37 years old Minimoog, but they're closely related, nonetheless.

Al.

[Lindsay]

Thank Al and Nick, much appreciated.