# Vortex Runner 0.1

Vortex Runner is a CS-80-inspired, monophonic Workshop Computer synth voice.
It has one shared note, gate, envelope, LFO, CV, MIDI, and preset path, rendered
as two independently coloured audio outputs. Audio Out 1 is Voice A; Audio Out
2 is Voice B, which can be gently detuned for width or pushed into more obvious
intervals.

This is a stable-tested draft release. The supplied firmware is
`uf2/Vortex_Runner_current_stable_dual_output_20260830.uf2`.

## Install And Start

1. Flash `Vortex_Runner_current_stable_dual_output_20260830.uf2` to a program
   card with the normal Workshop Computer card-flashing workflow.
2. Insert the programmed card and power the Workshop Computer.
3. For a first sound with no controller connected, leave Pulse In 1 unpatched:
   the voice remains open for direct panel auditioning.
4. For pitched playing, patch a 1V/oct source to Audio/CV In 1 and its gate to
   Pulse In 1. In the Web MIDI editor, choose `-3 V to +3 V, C4 at 0 V` for a
   Keystep-style bipolar pitch source.
5. To choose a saved card preset at boot, hold the switch Down while powering
   up. Turn Main to choose the binary LED slot, release Down to browse, then
   press Down again to load that slot and complete boot.

The Web MIDI editor can audition factory patches, manage named browser presets,
and save or load eight named card slots. Connect using a USB-C data cable, open
the editor in a browser with Web MIDI SysEx support, then choose the Vortex
Runner MIDI input and output. `Refresh Slots` reads the card automatically on
connection; use `Apply Settings` to audition the current editor state and
`Save Settings` to write the selected card slot.

## First Patch: Vortex Horizon

Start from the `Init` factory preset. This patch is a restrained animated lead:
the two outputs are nearly in unison, with enough detune to make a stereo image
without the fast wobble of the Doctor Who preset.

### Workshop System Patch Note

```text
  1V/OCT KEYBOARD OR SEQUENCER                     VORTEX RUNNER                 MIXER / OUTPUT
  +----------------------------+                 +----------------+             +----------------+
  | Pitch CV                   |---------------->| Audio/CV In 1  |             | Channel 1: L   |
  | Gate                       |---------------->| Pulse In 1     |             | Channel 2: R   |
  +----------------------------+                 |                |             +----------------+
                                                 | Audio Out 1    |------------>| Channel 1       |
                                                 | Audio Out 2    |------------>| Channel 2       |
                                                 +----------------+

  Set the mixer channels to equal level, then pan Channel 1 left and Channel 2 right.
```

Use the editor to set both voices close to the following values:

| Section | Voice A | Voice B |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Saw level | 20% | 20% |
| Pulse level | 45% | 45% |
| Sine level | 25% | 25% |
| Noise level | 0% | 0% |
| Output level | 75% | 75% |
| Pulse width | 50% | 50% |
| PWM amount | 8% | 8% |
| HP cutoff | 10% | 10% |
| LP cutoff | 55% | 52% |
| Resonance | 20% | 22% |

Set the shared envelopes to about 20% attack, 40% decay, 65% sustain, and 35%
release. Start with ring modulation and LFO-to-PWM/VCF/VCA at zero. Add only a
small amount of LFO-to-pitch, around 5 to 8%, for gentle vibrato.

On the panel, short-tap Down to select the voice to edit: LED 0 marks Voice A
and LED 1 marks Voice B. Hold Down and place Main just off centre for a subtle
Voice B detune. The middle switch page controls the selected voice's pulse width
and PWM; the up page controls its HP, LP, and resonance.

For a stronger CS-style ensemble effect, increase Voice B detune only a little
at a time and keep the two output levels matched. Larger detune settings are
deliberately musical intervals rather than a conventional chorus effect.

## Performance Notes

- With USB MIDI active and Pulse In 1 unpatched, Vortex Runner stays silent
  until it receives a MIDI note. MIDI pitch is absolute and is not transposed by
  the panel base-pitch control.
- A patched Pulse In 1 takes gate priority. The pitch source can remain CV while
  the pulse input supplies articulation.
- The switch Down performance page gives direct access to Voice B detune, ring
  modulation, and vibrato depth. Keep vibrato low for the Vortex Horizon patch.
- `CC1` controls vibrato. `CC20-27` control source mix and primary tone; `CC28-31`
  control HP, ring amount, ring speed, and portamento; `CC32-35` control linked
  amp/filter ADSR offsets.

## Included Firmware

- `uf2/Vortex_Runner_current_stable_dual_output_20260830.uf2`: current tested
  release candidate
- local rollback UF2s are deliberately ignored by git and are not release files