Sub 37 drifting out of tune but returns with pitch wheel

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Saxobone
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Joined: Sun May 22, 2016 7:25 pm

Sub 37 drifting out of tune but returns with pitch wheel

Post by Saxobone » Fri Jan 26, 2024 1:40 pm

My sub 37 will randomly drift out of tune (almost by a half step) but if I do a quick bend on the pitch wheel it snaps back. But then sometimes immediately wobbles out of key again.
Can someone advise?

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stiiiiiiive
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Re: Sub 37 drifting out of tune but returns with pitch wheel

Post by stiiiiiiive » Fri Jan 26, 2024 6:46 pm

Yep, I may have an explanation.

I had a similar observation on my Little Phatty after a while without playing it. It was actually due to the pitch bend wheel being not well calibrated: it would stay a bit off when released, causing a very weak voltage to control the pitch bend.

This is not a problem with litlle pitch bend amounts, but when a preset has a pitch bend wheel amount set to 12 semitones in both directions, it can become quite obvious.

That being said, I did not observe a 1 semitone offset. But worth checking, I guess.

OlivianKocja
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Joined: Mon Oct 23, 2023 8:19 am

Re: Sub 37 drifting out of tune but returns with pitch wheel

Post by OlivianKocja » Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:32 am

It sounds like your Sub 37 is experiencing some tuning instability. Here are some things to try:

Calibration:

Run the built-in note calibration: Access the calibration menu in the global settings and run the note calibration process. This can help stabilize the tuning across all notes.
Check external calibrator: Consider using an external MIDI tuning reference if the internal calibration doesn't resolve the issue. This can provide a more precise tuning benchmark.
Oscillator settings:

Verify oscillator octaves: Ensure all oscillators are set to the same octave. Slight octave discrepancies can create noticeable tuning shifts.
Explore temperature compensation: If available, activate temperature compensation on your Sub 37. This can help adjust for tuning changes due to ambient temperature fluctuations.
Other factors:

MIDI control: Check if any external MIDI controllers or sequencers are accidentally sending pitch bend messages. Any unintended pitch adjustments can cause unwanted tuning shifts.
Patch settings: Review your patch settings, especially parameters like glide or portamento. These can introduce temporary tuning shifts if not used intentionally.
If none of these suggestions work:

Contact Moog support: It's possible there might be a hardware issue requiring professional attention. Moog support can provide further guidance and potential repair options.
Remember, a slight pitch bend should indeed "snap back" the tuning, so that behavior itself isn't unusual. However, experiencing frequent and significant drifts suggests further investigation. Good luck getting your Sub 37 back in tune!

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