How does Instruo Harmonàig generate four-note chords from one control voltage?

Instruo Harmonàig: Bringing Polyphony into Generative Modular Synthesis

Most quantizers transform an incoming control voltage into a single quantized pitch. Instruo’s Harmonàig takes a different approach. Instead of producing one pitch, it generates an entire chord from a single incoming control voltage.

Available both as a Eurorack module and as a VCV Rack module, Harmonàig is one of the most powerful tools for introducing harmony and polyphony into generative modular systems.

What Does Harmonàig Do?

The core idea is simple:

• One pitch CV enters the module.

• Harmonàig analyzes that pitch.

• Four related pitch CV outputs are generated.

These outputs correspond to:

• Root

• Third

• Fifth

• Seventh

Together they form a complete four-note chord.

This makes it possible to generate harmonically coherent chord progressions from a single melodic or generative control source.

Operating Modes

Harmonàig offers three primary operating modes:

Unison Mode

Before using the module, it is often useful to enter Unison Mode and tune all outputs identically.

This allows accurate calibration of oscillators and pitch sources.

Quantizer Mode

Quantizer Mode is the primary operating mode for generative music.

Incoming pitch CV is transformed into a four-note chord according to the selected harmonic settings.

Performance Mode

Performance Mode allows the module’s keyboard interface to be played directly.

For generative patching, Quantizer Mode is usually the most important mode.

Understanding the Four Outputs

The four pitch outputs represent harmonic intervals relative to the incoming note.

Root Output

Produces the original incoming pitch.

Third Output

Produces the third of the chord.

Fifth Output

Produces the fifth of the chord.

Seventh Output

Produces the seventh of the chord.

These four outputs can drive four oscillators, four voices, or multiple layers of a polyphonic patch.

Individual Slew Control

Each pitch output includes its own slew control.

This allows each voice to:

• Glide independently

• Jump instantly between notes

• Move at different rates

The result can be highly expressive harmonic movement rather than rigid block chords.

Transposition Functions

The transpose section allows harmonic movement without changing the incoming control voltage source.

Several operating modes are available:

• Octave transposition

• Quantized note transposition

• Fine tuning

These functions can be controlled manually or through external CV modulation.

Generative Applications

Harmonàig is especially useful for:

• Generative chord progressions

• Ambient music

• Polyphonic modular patches

• Algorithmic harmony generation

• Harmonic drone systems

• Evolving chord textures

Instead of building four separate melodic generators, a single CV source can become a complete harmonic structure.

Conclusion

Harmonàig transforms a single pitch stream into a harmonically coherent four-voice chord system. For generative musicians who want to move beyond monophonic sequencing, it offers a remarkably elegant solution.

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