CONTROL FORGE

Each segment can include a conditional jump that makes the function generator skip to a different segment when a condition is met. Conditions include a CV input above a threshold, a gate input high, or a rising or falling edge. This enables non-linear sequences, sub-loops, self-modifying patterns and stochastic variations.

AutoChain automatically links multiple presets into two kinds of multi-preset shape. The first is a retriggerable pattern that behaves like a long, syncable LFO. The second is an envelope-like pattern with retriggering, an optional sustain section and a release section that is jumped to when the gate falls. AutoChain is how you build a single evolving contour or envelope that spans more than one preset. A shape can then run longer than a single eight-segment preset allows. It is distinct from the Preset Sequencer, which steps through a user-defined list of presets.

The Preset Sequencer chains multiple presets into a series that steps through under trigger, clock or manual control. Because each preset can be eight segments with complex transition shapes and conditional logic, combining them produces patterns hundreds of steps long with evolving character.

BPM Mode (added in firmware v1.01c) sets each segment's length in musical note values against a tempo you enter in BPM. This makes musically synchronized patterns, envelopes and sequences without calculating segment times by hand. You enter the tempo in the Preset Globals menu. Note lengths run from a 1/128th note up to 32 whole notes, including triplet and dotted values (shown as 1/2t, 1/4d and so on). In Play Mode the screen shows Tempo instead of Time Scale. Double-clicking the encoder toggles between note values and the equivalent time. Tempo Mode is only saved with a preset if you set it in Preset Globals. The double-click display is temporary. If Tempo Mode is off in Globals, it assumes 120 BPM.

Set the segment's Jump Mode to wait4LogicRise. The segment then holds until it sees a rising edge on the logic/gate input. This lets you advance segments in sync with a clock or gate.

Not with a continuous external clock. Control Forge does not accept a continuous clock input the way a sequencer does. You can reset it and set its tempo. You can also use Jump Mode (wait4LogicRise) to advance segments in sync with a gate or clock signal.

Control Forge stores up to 500 presets, 200 preset sequences and a shared pool of 20,000 dynamically allocated sequence steps. Because the steps are dynamically allocated, you can have a few very long sequences or many short ones. A preset sequence steps through a user-defined series of presets under trigger, clock or manual control, via the Preset Sequencer Increment, Decrement and Reset inputs.

Yes. You can transfer all Control Forge presets and sequences to any number of Satellite modules. Satellite then runs as a standalone CV source, fully independent of Control Forge. It uses the same 8-segment playback engine without the full programming interface. You transfer presets by patch cable (Control Forge output to Satellite CV 1 input) or by playing a WAV archive into Satellite's input.

Control Forge has a steeper learning curve than most Eurorack modules. It rewards patience and planning. The best approach is to decide what you want to modulate and how it should evolve before you program. Some users draft presets on graph paper first. Once the paradigm clicks, the interface is systematic. Every parameter is one button press away, with no menu diving. The OLED gives clear visual feedback.

Control Forge is a programmable, preset-oriented modulation source, not an instant hands-on function generator. You program elaborate multi-step patterns with conditional logic, randomization and clock sync, then recall them as presets. That makes it deliberate rather than immediate. It pairs well with a quick, tactile function generator when you want direct hands-on control alongside it.

Control Forge has eight inputs and four outputs, all on 3.5 mm mono jacks. The inputs are Gate/Trig, Logic, CV 1, CV 2, Time Scale CV and the three Preset Sequencer jacks Increment, Decrement and Reset. The outputs are a main + Output, an inverted − Output and two assignable Trigger outputs. The Gate/Trig, Logic and three Preset Sequencer inputs are 100 kΩ with a 1.6V threshold. CV 1, CV 2 and Time Scale CV accept -5V to +5V at 100 kΩ. The + and − outputs swing -5V to +5V from under 1Ω. Each Trigger output delivers 10V from 1 kΩ with a selectable pulse width.

Control Forge's main + Output is accurate to 1 mV or better across its full -5V to +5V range. The inverted − Output is accurate to 2 mV or better over the same range. Both drive from under 1Ω. With per-segment quantization to the nearest 1/12 volt, that precision makes Control Forge suitable for accurate 1V/octave pitch as well as smooth modulation. The Trigger 1 and Trigger 2 outputs are separate 10V pulses (1 kΩ, selectable width) for gates and clocks, not pitch.

Control Forge has two independent trigger outputs. You can program them to fire on a variety of events, affecting either Control Forge itself or external modules. Each delivers a 10V pulse from 1 kΩ with a selectable pulse width. Because a trigger can be tied to an internal event, such as reaching a particular segment or condition, and routed back into Control Forge, it can drive external envelopes, clocks and gates in sync with a contour, or feed the module's own inputs for self-modulating and looping behavior. The triggers are separate from the + and − CV outputs.

Yes. Control Forge uses a color OLED display. Like all OLED screens, it can dim or ghost over years of use. That is normal wear, not a defect. Rossum offers a replacement OLED kit for $50, and it installs without soldering. To slow the wear, use the brightness and screensaver settings.

Yes, since firmware v1.01c_170608. Go to Utilities > OLED Control. Turn the encoder to pick a brightness level from 1 to 11. The value is color-coded for its effect on OLED life: green is great, yellow is okay, red is a concern if you leave your system on 24/7. Click the encoder to reach the ScreenSaver setting. The screensaver delay ranges from 2 to 60 minutes, or Never. If you routinely leave your system on for long periods, Never is not recommended. Any button press or encoder turn dismisses the screensaver without registering as a control input.

Control Forge is 22 HP wide and 25 mm deep. It fits any standard Eurorack case, including shallow skiffs.

Control Forge draws 125 mA on +12V and 25 mA on -12V. It uses a standard 16-pin Doepfer-style connector, needs no +5V rail and is reverse-polarity protected.

Control Forge's current firmware is v1.01c_170608 (download: v1.01c WAV), from June 2017. Its headline additions are Tempo (BPM) Mode and OLED display controls: an adjustable brightness level (1-11) plus a screensaver that engages after 2 to 60 minutes, both to extend display life. Version 1.01c also fixed a display flicker on the top few lines and corrected field selection in Preset Globals. To see your installed version, enter Play Mode, hold the Global button until Utilities appears, and scroll to the bottom.

Play the firmware WAV file (download: v1.01c WAV) into the CV 1 input from a computer or audio device. Enter the update mode first: in Play Mode, long-press the Global button and select Load Software. On Mac, Safari can corrupt the audio stream. Use Chrome, QuickTime Player or another app instead.

Download the factory presets file from the Control Forge downloads page and load it with the Load User Data function, which replaces the presets in your module. To keep presets you have created, use Merge User Data instead, which loads the factory set while leaving your own presets intact. The updated factory file (170621) fixes a faulty preset 457 and adds template preset 320, which demonstrates external clock sync via WaitForLogicRise. Factory presets load the same way as any user-data archive, played as an audio file into the CV 1 input.

A Control Forge that will not power up points to a hardware fault. Contact support to start a repair. Rossum services these through a repair partner. As it transitions contract manufacturers, it may supply a replacement circuit board that fits your existing panel and ships directly to you, which can save you sending the whole module. Some board-level faults may not be economically repairable, in which case a replacement board is offered subject to stock. Include your serial number and order details.