qu-bit-electronix/nautilus

Nautilus

Qu-Bit Electronix

Nautilus is a complex stereo delay network inspired by sub-nautical communications, consisting of 8 unique delay lines with up to 20 seconds of audio each, configurable feedback modes, Chroma coloration effects, and a Sonar CV/Gate output.669

Capabilities 2

CV/Gate Generatorcv-gate-generator
Sonar output generates stepped CV, variable clock, or gate signals derived from delay network analysis. Configurable via Narwhal.669
Stereo Delaystereo-delay
8 delay lines (4 per channel) with up to 20 seconds per line; multiple delay modes (Fade, Doppler, Shimmer, De-Shimmer) and feedback modes (Normal, Ping Pong, Cascade, Adrift). Up to 80 seconds in Cascade mode.669

Jacks 16 — 13 in / 3 out

NameSignalVoltageDescription
Inputs (13)
Audio Input LeftaudioLeft channel audio input. Normals to both channels when right input is unpatched. AC-coupled, 10Vpp range, input gain configurable via Tap+Mix.669
Audio Input Rightaudio669
Chroma CVcv-5V to 5V669
Clock Ingate≥0.4V669
Depth CVcv-5V to 5V669
Dispersal CVcv-5V to 5V669
Feedback CVcv-5V to 5V669
Freeze Gategate≥0.4V669
Mix CVcv-5V to 5V669
Purge Gategate≥0.4V669
Resolution CVcv-5V to 5V669
Reversal CVcv-5V to 5V669
Sensors CVcv-5V to 5V669
Outputs (3)
Audio Output Leftaudio669
Audio Output Rightaudio669
Sonarmixed0V to 5VMultifaceted output generating algorithmically derived CV or gate signals from the delay network analysis. Configurable as stepped CV, gate, or clock passthrough.669
Assignable destinations
Stepped Voltage669 Master Clock669 Variable Clock669

Parameters 16

NameTypeRangeBehavior
ChromaknobSelects from a set of effects applied within the feedback path: lowpass filter, highpass filter, bitcrusher/sample-rate reduction, saturation, wavefolder, and distortion. Each effect can be applied independently per delay line.669
Delay Modebutton669
DepthknobControls the amount of the selected Chroma effect applied to the feedback path. Fully CCW = no effect; fully CW = maximum effect. Exception: variable bitcrusher uses fixed random amounts regardless of position.669
DispersalknobAdjusts spacing between active delay lines, creating polyrhythms and strum effects. With only 1 sensor, offsets left and right delay frequencies as a fine tune.669
Dispersal Attenuverterknob-5V – 5VAttenuates and inverts the Dispersal CV input. Fully CW = no attenuation; noon = fully attenuated; fully CCW = fully inverted. Assignable to any CV input via Narwhal.669
Feedbackknob669
Feedback Modebutton669
FreezebuttonLocks the current delay buffer for beat repeat. Buffer length determined by clock and resolution at time of freeze. Maximum buffer length 10 seconds. Behavior configurable via Narwhal (Normal, Punch In, Always Wet).669
MixknobBlends between dry and wet signal. Fully CCW = dry only, fully CW = wet only. Mix curve configurable via Narwhal.669
PurgebuttonClears all delay lines from the wet signal on press or gate-high. Configurable for continuous purge mode via Narwhal.669
ResolutionknobDetermines clock division or multiplication applied to the delays, ranging from 2 Bars down to 512th note. Also controls reverb amount when held with Tap button.669
ReversalknobIncrementally reverses each delay line from left to right. With 1 sensor: no reverse → left only → both reversed. With all sensors: reverses each of 8 lines in order 1L, 1R, 2L, 2R, etc.669
Sensorsknob1delay lines per channel – 4delay lines per channelControls the number of active delay lines. Fully CCW = 1 per channel (2 total); fully CW = 4 per channel (8 total). In Cascade/Adrift modes, also controls how many delay lines contribute to the wet output.669
Tap Tempobutton669
Transpose Downmenu_setting1semitone – 12semitoneSets De-Shimmer mode pitch shift amount. 1–12 semitones below input signal.669
Transpose Upmenu_setting1semitone – 12semitoneSets Shimmer mode pitch shift amount. 1–12 semitones above input signal.669

Firmware history 5 versions

VersionReleasedNotes
v1.2.12025-03-17Fixed Factory Reset button combo to be Tap+Purge.669
v1.2.02024-06-01Added mix curve options via Narwhal; LED dimmer via Tap+Chroma; freerunning delay time via Tap+Delay Mode; Summed Mono Mode via Tap+Feedback Mode; end-of-chain reverb; Continuous Purge; custom LED colors via Narwhal.669
v1.1.22022-12-12Added USB power section to Technical Specifications.669
v1.1.12022-10-24Fixed text box issue in Reversal section.669
v1.1.02022-10-06Initial release firmware.669

References 2

  1. [669]
    Qu-Bit Nautilus Manual v1.2.1 (firmware v1.2.0)manual
    verified 2026-05-21
  2. [670]
    Qu-Bit Nautilus product pageproduct_page
    verified 2026-05-21