RASTER 2 Stereo Delay With Pitch Shifter Plymouth, MI • www.redpandalab.
Raster 2 Owner’s Manual Version 2.0 (firmware 2.0+) October 2021 Red Panda LLC 44712 Helm St Plymouth, MI 48170 USA ©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 Front Panel Getting Started Inputs and Outputs Raster 2 Controls Control Input Web Editor Reset to Factory Defaults Effects Design With the Raster 2 Using MIDI Support, Repairs, and Warranty Firmware Updates Specifications Credits 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 22 25 27 28 29 39 41 42 42
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Raster 2. The Raster™ is a digital delay with a pitch and frequency shifter integrated into the feedback loop. Forward or reverse delay can be shifted once or have continuously shifted repeats. It delivers a wide range of sounds including modulated and harmonized delays, reverse delays, chorus, arpeggios, infinite descents, chaotic self-oscillation, and continuously evolving soundscapes. The core of the Raster™ is a clean delay with 1600 milliseconds of delay time.
Signal Flow Parallel FDBK + L DELAY L PITCH L + L + R + L + R + L + R MONO + R DELAY R PITCH R STEREO FDBK Ping Pong + L DELAY L PITCH L FDBK FDBK + R DELAY R MONO PITCH R STEREO Series L FDBK FDBK PITCH L + DELAY L + DELAY R R FDBK 6 + PITCH R
Front Panel Alternate Controls 9 10 11 12 13 CTRL CTRL 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 L L R SHIFT L BLEND FDBK RATE R L PRESET [SAVE] M/L/TAP SHIFT TAP R DELAY DEPTH L R WAVE [ALT] TM M/L/ ON TRAILS R 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1. SHIFT footswitch. 2. Shift indicator. 3. SHIFT footswitch mode: momentary (M), latching (L), or tap tempo (TAP). 4. Shift mode switch: transpose by semitones ( ), detune ( ), or phase/frequency shift ( ). 5. PRESET button and indicators. Hold to save. 6. BLEND knob.
Getting Started The Raster 2 is a stereo digital delay with two pitch and phase/frequency shifters integrated into the delay structure. The delay lines and shifters are independent, but are usually adjusted in ratios or by "tilting" the effect to the left or right channel. The delay structure is configurable, so that the shifters can be inside the feedback loop for continuously shifting repeats, or outside the feedback loop to shift all repeats to the same pitch.
Using the Raster Ignore the ALT controls (gray labels) until you are comfortable with the basic operation of the Raster 2. For now, turn the RATE and DEPTH controls all the way down (7:00) and SHIFT control to center (12:00). Put all toggle switches in their center position. The BLEND, FDBK, and DELAY controls can be used as an 800 millisecond 3-knob delay. Self Oscillation The Raster's DELAY and FDBK knobs are tuned for exploration of self-oscillation and feedback.
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 Raster 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.
Bypass Mode Auto (default) DSP Analog Analog + FX Level Kill Dry Uses analog or DSP bypass, depending on other configuration. Dry signal and bypass passes through DSP. Our pedals use studio-quality A/D and D/A converters with low latency. This is a good choice in most situations. Dry signal passes through DSP when effect is on, and buffered analog signal path in bypass. Depending on the input signal, there could be a small click when the effect is engaged.
Raster 2 Controls Controls are identified by their front panel labels in BOLD. Alternate controls are labeled in gray, and are related to the primary (blue) control label. They are saved to presets and remembered when the pedal is turned off. Each each knob's alternate function is related to its primary function and the default setting is 12:00 (center). To adjust alternate parameters, hold the WAVE/[ALT] pushbutton until the right LED turns cyan.
rewind what you just played, turn down the feedback and use reverse delay feedback mode. Trails Delay trails allow the repeats to decay naturally after the pedal has been switched to bypass. Global trails setting OFF Echoes stop immediately when effect is turned off. ON Echoes decay naturally after effect is turned off.
[ALT]-DELAY adjusts the offset or ratio between the left and right delay. Turn the knob left or right to control which delay is heard first. Turning the control counter-clockwise from 12:00 will shorten the left delay time. Turning the control clockwise will shorten the right delay time. [ALT]-DELAY settings close to 12:00 will add a small time offset between delay channels (0-30 ms). That causes a sense of space and motion as the repeats gradually separate or shear apart.
The FDBK control adjusts the delay line feedback (regeneration). Infinite repeats at approximately 3:00 (∞), with greater than unity feedback above that. Due to nonlinearity and filtering in the feedback path, the exact spot where self-oscillation occurs will depend on the input signal and tone control. Increasing the FDBK control beyond self-oscillation will add distortion.
presets and remembered when the pedal is off. You can set the feedback left/right balance control to its minimum or maximum value to disable feedback for the right or left delays, respectively. With the series delay structure, for example, that allows you to put a slapback delay in front of a longer delay with feedback. Intermediate settings are useful for balancing the overall decay time with different delay times.
Shift Left/Right Balance [ALT]-SHIFT adjusts the shift left/right balance. In most shift modes, turning the control counter-clockwise will cause the right channel to shift less, then no shift, then shift opposite the right channel at the minimum. Turning the control clockwise will keep the right shift constant while reducing, disabling, and then inverting the left delay shift. The SHIFT control will affect both channels.
Position (approx.) 5:00 LEDs ○○○○ ○○●● Right shift +1 octave If independent left/right shift is enabled, the LEDs will show the control position instead of the patterns above. Detune Detune mode smoothly shifts from a 4th down to a major third up, with emphasis on small pitch ratios. Small shifts created chorused or detuned sounds. When used with delay, subtle detuning will cause each repeat to change slightly, creating a unique but interesting and natural evolution as the sound decays.
Harmonic 5th harmonic A440 (Hz) 2200 Pitch Shift + perfect fifth 3300 Frequency Shift + 220 Hz 2420 The shift left/right balance ([ALT]-SHIFT) control will keep the left (CCW) or right (CW) delay shift constant while reducing and then inverting the shift of the other delay. Turning the control counter-clockwise will keep the left shift constant while reducing, disabling, and then inverting the right delay shift.
Modulation Controls Adjusts the modulation LFO frequency from approximately 0.05 - 10 Hz. The modulation waveform LED blinks at the LFO frequency (if MOD DEPTH is not off). When envelope or inverse envelope modulation is selected, this control will have no effect. The MOD PHASE L/R (ø) control adjusts the relative phase of the modulation between the left and right delay lines. At 7:00 and 5:00 the LFO waveforms will be inverted relative to each other.
The modulation signal is added to the SHIFT control position. For LFO waveforms, the shift amount will change smoothly above and below the control position. Amplitude modulation The DEPTH control sets the modulation depth similar to a tremolo control. Lower settings will give small changes in amplitude, while the maximum setting will completely mute the signal at the bottom of the waveform.
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.
Remote Modes Mode 1 Switch A B C D 2 24 A B C D Function LED Indication Blinks green when saved Preset 1 Double tap: manual settings Hold (4 sec): save Preset 2 Blinks green when saved Double tap: manual settings Hold (4 sec): save Preset 3 Blinks green when saved Double tap: manual settings Hold (4 sec): save Preset 4 Blinks green when saved Double tap: manual settings Hold (4 sec): save Left footswitch Right footswitch Preset down Preset up
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/raster-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.
Reset to Factory Defaults Use the following procedure to reset the Raster's configuration data to factory default settings. This will erase any advanced configuration and control port settings, but presets will not be affected. Note that this is rarely useful for troubleshooting problems with your pedal. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Start with the pedal unplugged. Set the delay range and right footswitch mode toggle switches to the left. Press and hold the ON footswitch while plugging in power.
Effects Design With the Raster 2 The Raster 2 combines delay, modulation, pitch, phase, and frequency shifting (all in stereo). It is capable of a wide range of delay-, pitch-, and amplitude-based effects. Some effects can be acheived multiple ways, with slightly different sounds. Some are approximations of commonly-used techniques, which give you familar effects with unique textures.
Using MIDI Your pedal supports USB MIDI (in/out) and 1/4" TRS MIDI (input only). Every parameter (and more) is fully controllable, allowing you to synchronize the pedal with sequencers, integrate it with your DAW, and change presets on multiple pedals with one button during a performance. Even if you do not use MIDI directly, it is the underlying protocol for our web editor and pedalboard controllers.
MIDI Continuous Controller Messages 30 CC Num Destination Notes 4 Expression pedal CTRL input 14 Blend 15 Blend L/R tilt 16 Shift 17 Shift L/R tilt 18 Delay time 19 Delay time L/R tilt 20 Feedback 21 Feedback L/R tilt 22 Modulation rate 23 Modulation phase L/R tilt 24 Modulation depth 25 Modulation depth L/R tilt 26 Tone 80 SHIFT/TAP footswitch Use gated mode to send 127 on press and 0 on release. Matches footswitch behavior.
CC Num Destination Notes 89 Tap (Receive only) 64-127 Remote tap 90 Shift on/off (Receive only) 0-63 Shift off 64-127 Shift on 102 Modulation waveform 103 Modulation destination 104 Shift mode 105 Delay structure 106 Feedback mode 107 Delay range 108 Delay note division 0 Sine 1 Triangle 2 Ramp up 3 Ramp down 4 Square 5 Random step 6 Random smooth 7 Envelope 8 Inverse envelope 0 Wet amplitude (tremolo) 1 Shift 2 Delay time (default) 0 Transpose 1 Detune 2 Phase/frequency shift 0 Paral
CC Num Destination Notes 113 Right footswitch mode* 114 Shift link left/right channels 0 1 2 0 1 119 Feedback invert** Momentary Latch Mute output in bypass Linked (tilt, default) Independent 0-63 Off 64-127 On * indicates values that are remembered when pedal is turned off, but not saved in presets. ** indicates values that are saved in presets, but not remembered when pedal is turned off. • Note Division Continuous Controller Values Delay time range: 1/128th note to whole note.
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.
CC Value 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Note Division 16th note triplet Dotted 32nd note 32nd note 32nd note triplet Dotted 64th note 64th note 64th note triplet Dotted 128th note 128th note 35
MIDI System Exclusive Messages The Raster uses MIDI System Exclusive Messages to get and set configuration properties and state. The following System Exclusive messages can be used to configure the Raster, 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 Raster.
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.
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. Get / Set Parameter Value (high resolution) Get Set ID 1 ID 2 Data Bytes Data X X yy yy 1 U1.23 fixed point value encoded as 4 7-bit digits Uses internal parameter IDs to get and set parameters with high resolution.
Support, Repairs, and Warranty 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 or DSP 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.
