I have had this a while and yes it is mind blowing and overwhelming. I find the best approach is to ask what it is you want to modulate, then how it should evolve. Start with basic stuff then save each one. You have plenty of storage so go wild. Now add twists and save those to new locations. You can build a huge preset library and chain what you like. The quickest way to program from scratch is to edit a parameter, then hit each segment for that parameter before doing the next parameter. Combine this with the copy function for parameters or entire segment settings as much as you can to shortcut the process (hold segment source then hold destination, either parameter open in edit or no parameter open for entire setup). You'll be programming it much quicker like many other sequencers.

If you want real pro stuff you can set Time to 0 and Level to Relative 0 to add just "evaluating functions" like a single line of code to a segment ..and string these together. You can always add direct jumps to more presets to add stages so you don't feel you're wasting them. You can then do amazing programming type stuff that is all logic based to allow many branches of possibilities when connected to e.g. joystick.

Only voting half star less than perfect for two things that could be more musician friendly and potentially updated: 1, a more proper external clock sync. There are workarounds but it would be better to not have to. 2, the Relative Quantized negative value would be easier to set modes or scales if the readout didn't involve extra math and simply read e.g. -14 semitones or -1 Oct -2 semi. As of current it reads:-2 Oct +10 semi for the same example. I think most would agree with that being quirky but an easy fix.

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I would give this five stars if I could find more ways to actually use it to make music. I spent months learning to use the Control Forge. It has a fantastic and very comprehensive manual and it can do sooooo many things. It really is the last word in control voltage, but and that"s a big but I have a really hard time employing it in my patches. Partly because it is very long winded to program. I have yet to actually see one being used for anything but random crazy noises, although it is the king of that. It really is a marvel of engineering and design. Hopefully I will find more use for it in the future. My sales rep gave me a great deal on it and I"ve been nothing but happy with Sweetwater"s customer support.