CONTEXT 2 Owner’s Manual Detroit, MI • www.redpandalab.
CONTEXT 2 Owner’s Manual For firmware 2.2.2 and later November 2021 Red Panda LLC 44712 Helm St Plymouth, MI 48170 USA ©2020-2021 Red Panda LLC www.redpandalab.
Please register your product at redpandalab.com/register Product manuals and firmware updates are available at redpandalab.com/downloads For technical support, email support@redpandalab.
Contents Introduction Signal Flow Getting Started Inputs and Outputs Controls Reverb Algorithms Bypass Trails Reverb Hold (∞) Drone Mode HI / LO Response Tremolo (Spring Only) Dynamics Delay Presets Control Input Tap Tempo Using MIDI Reset to Factory Defaults Web Editor Support and Repairs Warranty Firmware Updates Specifications Credits 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 13 13 14 14 15 15 18 18 19 21 22 25 33 36 37 38 39 39
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Context 2. The Context is an algorithmic reverb inspired by 1980's rackmount digital reverbs. Those reverbs used specialized processors with limited precision. The Context 2 uses a high-performance processor with 32/64-bit floating-point processing at 48 kHz. It combines classic reverb algorithm design with modern digital signal processing techniques.
Signal Flow 6
Getting Started Connect the input and output using 1/4" TS cables (for mono) or TRS cables (for stereo). When using TRS cables, the left channel is on the tip and the right channel is on the ring. Plug in a 9V DC regulated power supply rated at 250 mA or more. If the pedal's LED turns magenta and it switches to bypass mode, that means it detected a problem with the power supply. The most common problem is that the power supply is not providing enough current.
Inputs and Outputs DC POWER USB IN CTRL OUT Connect a 9V DC center negative power supply rated at 250 mA or higher. USB mini B connector for MIDI, web editor, and firmware updates. 1/4" TRS mono or stereo input. 1/4" TRS jack for expression pedal, remote, or MIDI. 1/4" TRS mono or stereo output. The Context supports multiple input and output configurations, bypass modes, and signal levels. These can be configured using our web editor, or by sending MIDI System Exclusive strings.
Maximum Input Level Mode +12 dB with -3 dB pad +8 dB +5 dB (default) 0 dB Max. Signal Level Description (Volts peak-to-peak) 8.2 Vpp For extremely hot input signals. DSP output will be reduced by -3 dB. Analog bypass signal is not affected (so DSP bypass or kill dry work best). 5.7 Vpp Works well with synthesizers. 4 Vpp Works with most instrument and line-level signals. 2.3 Vpp Acoustic guitar and quiet instruments. The right LED blinks red if input clipping occurs.
Controls Each knob on the Context has a primary and secondary function. Editing Alternate Controls [SHIFT] Press and hold the [SHIFT] button to adjust alternate parameters shown in light blue. Settings are stored in presets and remembered when the pedal is turned off. Alternate functions are labeled [SHIFT] in the following sections.
MOD / [RATE] Adjusts reverb modulation amount and character. REV: adds forward reverb. SPRING: tremolo depth. [SHIFT] Adjusts modulation speed. HI / [DYNAMICS RECOVERY TIME] High-frequency response. Reverb damping is increased as knob is turned down. Flat at 3:00. [SHIFT] Dynamics recovering time. Center position is off. Turning the knob farther from the center position will lengthen the time it takes for the reverb level to recover.
Reverb Algorithms ROOM Fast build-up with multiple initial reflections. HALL Emulates a concert hall. Slow build-up with a longer initial delay. CATHEDRAL Emulates a large, reflective space. GATED Gated reverb with nonlinear decay. Known for big drum sounds, gated reverb also works well on guitar because you can add more reverb while keeping transparency and space between notes. REVERSE Reverse reverb.
Bypass The right footswitch turns the effect on and off. Tap to toggle between bypass and effect. Press and hold the right footswitch to turn on the effect in momentary mode - it will return to bypass when the footswitch is released. The Context remembers its bypass state when power is removed. Hold down the right footswitch while plugging an expression pedal, CV cable, or remote switch into the CTRL port to configure the port. See "Control Input" on page 19 for details.
Different textures can be achieved by adjusting the EQ, decay, and modulation rate/depth controls. Infinite sustain will build up to saturation, creating a noisy, distorted, modulated texture. Each reverb algorithm sounds different, and they can be shaped using modulation and EQ. When the footswitch is released, the reverb will decay out naturally. Using dynamic ducking infinite sustain will allow new notes to enter the reverb, while ducking the reverb output so that the notes are audible.
Turning the LO control down can help prevent the reverb from sounding muddy with low-frequency signals, or create a thin and "airy" reverb sound. Turning the HI control down creates a darker reverb. Boosting the high frequencies will add presence. Tremolo (Spring Only) Tremolo varies the volume of your signal in a rhythmic pattern. The Context 2 tremolo affects the volume of the wet and dry signal after the reverb.
Ducking (below 12:00) When the signal level exceeds the threshold, the reverb signal is attenuated. The reverb "ducks" below loud notes, and comes back as the note decays. Quiet notes have more reverb, and loud notes have less. The release ([SHIFT]-HI) control sets the amount of time it takes for the reverb signal to recover, increasing counter-clockwise from 12:00. The range is 30 - 3000 ms. Expansion (above 12:00) When the signal level drops below the threshold, the reverb input signal is attenuated.
Use reverb expansion with a quick release to create unnatural reverb tails. Set the threshold right below the point where the LED blinks red on note attacks. As notes decay, the reverb level will fall off more rapidly. Use expansion to emphasize loud chords, while applying more subtle reverb to melodies. Set the threshold so that the LED is red during loud passages and green during quiet passages.
Delay Context 2 has delay available in all modes. Each reverb engine has its own stereo delay line. The input signal is fed into both the delay and reverb. The delay feedback signal is also fed into the reverb. The DELAY ([SHIFT]-PRE) control sets the delay time and the FDBK ([SHIFT]-DECAY) control sets the feedback amount. This allows you to set a single repeat or to use feedback to create resonant or flanged reverb sounds. There is a minimum delay time when feedback is used.
Control Input The CTRL (control) input supports different methods of remotely controlling the pedal: • Expression pedal • Control voltage (CV) with 0-3.3V range • Tap Tempo • TRS MIDI in (tip active) • Remote switch To configure a expression pedal or remote switch, hold down the right footswitch while plugging it in. The pedal will detect which device is connected using the steps below. You can also use our web editor to configure the port. The configuration is remembered when power is turned off.
Control Voltage Control voltage input is configured the same way as an expression pedal. CV Range: 0-3.3V (with over/under-voltage protection) Tip: 0-3.3V input Ring: 3.3V output (with current limiting) Sleeve: ground The expression input has current limiting in case you use a TS cable, but it is preferable to use a 1/4” TRS cable with the ring unconnected. We sell a suitable cable at our web site, and the Expert Sleepers ‘floating ring’ cable is another option.
Tap Tempo You can set independent note divisions for delay time, reverb pre-delay, and tremolo rate. The tap divisions are stored in presets, and delay note division set via the mode knob is remembered when power is removed. The CTRL port supports external tap tempo switches that use a normally open contact, including multi-output tap controllers. Some remote switch modes also provide a tap tempo switch. Tap the switch at quarter note intervals to set the delay time using tap tempo.
Using MIDI Your pedal supports USB MIDI (in/out) and 1/4" TRS MIDI (input only). USB MIDI Your pedal is a class-compliant USB device, which allows you to: • Control all parameters • Access additional hidden parameters The pedal can work with any USB MIDI host, including: • Macintosh and Windows computers. The pedal shows up as a MIDI device and is available to all programs. • Apple iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone using the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.
MIDI Timing Clock MIDI timing clock messages are used to synchronize multiple MIDI devices to a single clock transmitter. The clock is typically provided by a DAW in computer-based setups and a sequencer or drum machine in hardware-only setups. Dedicated MIDI clock generators are available for more complicated setups that need tight synchronization, and some devices can convert between MIDI clock, DIN sync, and taps.
MIDI real time messages are high-priority messages that can interrupt other MIDI messages to ensure the best possible syncronization timing. However, the accuracy of the clock depends on the transmitter and any devices it passes through. It is common to have +/-1 milliseconds of jitter, with is irregular timing due to individual clock ticks arriving too early or too late. All equipment that receives MIDI clock needs to smooth out the timing to maintain a stable tempo.
Reset to Factory Defaults Use the following procedure to reset the Context's configuration data to factory default settings. This will erase any advanced configuration and control port settings, but presets will not be affected. Secondary parameters will be reset to their default values and expression pedal will be assigned to DECAY. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. With the pedal unplugged, set the mode switch to the ROOM position. Hold the ON footswitch while plugging in power. The right LED will be solid white.
MIDI Continuous Controller Messages 26 CC Num Destination Notes 4 Expression pedal CTRL input 12 Blend 13 Reverb predelay 14 Reverb decay 15 Low response 16 High response 17 Modulation amount 18 Modulation rate 20 Delay time 21 Delay feedback 22 Reverb / delay balance 23 Dynamics threshold 24 Dynamics recovery time 80 PRESET / [∞] 81 ON / [∞] Use gated mode to send 127 on press and 0 on release. Matches footswitch behavior.
CC Num Destination Notes 88 Bypass (Receive only) 0-63 Bypass 64-127 Effect On 89 Tap (Receive only) 64-127 Remote tap 102 Algorithm 106 Delay note division 0 Room 1 Hall 2 Cathedral 3 Gated 4 Reverse 5 Plate 6 Spring 7 Grain See “Note Divisions” table 107 Predelay note division See “Note Divisions” table 108 Tremolo note division See “Note Divisions” table 110 Receive MIDI clock (global) 0-63 Off 64-127 On (default) 111 Trails 0 64 127 Off On Global (default) 27
Note Division Continuous Controller Values Allowable values for each parameter are limited by the minimum and maximum parameter values. Note that values are grouped by dotted/basic/triplet notes for each division and are not in strictly decreasing order.
MIDI System Exclusive Messages The Context uses MIDI System Exclusive Messages to get and set configuration properties and state. The following System Exclusive messages can be used to configure the Context, read current configuration, and access other functionality that is not available through standard MIDI messages (for example, saving presets to internal memory). You can use these messages to write a custom editor or configure a MIDI controller to control the Context.
Properties Firmware Version Get Set ID 1 X 7F ID 2 01 Data Bytes 8 Data Firmware version: 0: Major 1: Minor 2: Patch 3: Release type (ascii) 4-7: Build number Returns the firmware version. Input voltage Get Set ID 1 X 7F ID 2 0B Data Bytes 2 Data 100 * PSU voltage in Volts Returns the approximate input voltage. Can be useful for diagnosing power issues. Maximum input level (headroom) Get Set ID 1 ID 2 Data Bytes X X 7F 10 1 Data 02: +5.2 dBu max (4.0 Vpp) (default) 03: +0.5 dBu max (2.
Remote Modes Mode 1 2 3 Switch A B C D A B C D A B C D Function Preset 1 (hold to save) Preset 2 (hold to save) Preset 3 (hold to save) Preset 4 (hold to save) Preset / live knob settings Bypass / on Reverb hold (latching) Tap Dry kill (momentary) Delay Kill (momentary) Reverb sustain (momentary) Reverb damping (momentary) LED Indication Blinks green when saved Blinks green when saved Blinks green when saved Blinks green when saved Blinks yellow at tempo In mode 1, you can also hold the Context's SHI
Web Editor The web editor can be used to configure your pedal, access hidden parameters, and fine-tune presets. It is intended for "offline" configuration and editing. For live performance editing, we recommend using dedicated MIDI hardware or software and MIDI control change messages. Connect your pedal to a computer using a USB cable and go to the web editor URL using Chrome: https://www.redpandalab.com/content/apps/context-editor/index.html Note the https in the URL.
This tab also displays the installed firmware version and the input power supply (PSU) voltage. A low PSU voltage may indicate that the power supply is not able to provide enough current to properly power the pedal. Help The Show MIDI Devices button on the Help tab will display all of the MIDI devices accessible by your browser.
MIDI Channel Get Set ID 1 X X 7F ID 2 12 Data Bytes 1 Data 00: channel 1 (default) 01: channel 2 ... 0F: channel 16 Data Bytes 1 Data Preset location (MIDI program number) Get or set MIDI channel. Save Preset Get Set X ID 1 7F ID 2 13 Save a preset to internal memory. Global Trails Get Set ID 1 X X 7F ID 2 16 Data Bytes 1 Data 00: off 01: on May be overridden by preset trails setting. Receive MIDI Clock Get Set ID 1 X X 7F ID 2 17 Data Bytes 1 Data 00: off 01: on Global MIDI clock on/off.
Support and Repairs Technical Support Please register your product at redpandalab.com/register within 30 days of purchase. For technical support, send your question via email to support@redpandalab.com or use the contact form on our web site. Be sure to include your serial number. We are a small company with limited resources for technical support, so it might take us a few days to reply. Product manuals and firmware updates are available at redpandalab.
Warranty ONE YEAR LIMITED MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY 1. Limited Warranty. For one (1) year following the date of purchase, Red Panda, LLC will repair or replace, in its sole discretion, the Product, in order to correct defects in material or workmanship that existed when the Product was purchased (collectively, “Manufacturing Defects”.
Firmware Updates The Context's firmware can be updated via drag and drop using any Mac or PC. No driver or special software is required. To tell which version of firmware your pedal is running: 1. Hold down the PRESET (left) footswitch and connect power. 2. The right LED will blink blue. 3. Continue holding the PRESET footswitch for 2 seconds. 4. The LED will turn solid blue. The pedal is now in USB Mass Storage mode. 5. Connect the pedal to the computer using a mini USB cable. 6.
Specifications Maximum input level: Frequency response: Input impedance: Output impedance: Bypass: Power supply: Power connector: Power consumption: Dimensions: Weight: +0.5 dBu (high gain) +5.2 dBu (default) +8 dBu (max with unity gain) +12 dBu (max with -3 dB pad) 20-20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB 1 MΩ < 1 kΩ analog buffered 9V DC, center negative 2.1mm I.D. x 5.5mm O.D. barrel connector 250 mA 78 (W) x 124 (D) x 59 (H) mm 3.1 (W) x 4.9 x 2.3 (H) inches 0.
