Plug-in Reference
Original manual by Anders Nordmark Revision: Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Marion Bröer, Sabine Pfeifer The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media except as specifically allowed in the License Agreement.
Table of Contents
5 The included effect plug-ins 75 MIDI effects 6 6 9 10 19 21 25 25 32 34 34 36 37 37 Introduction Delay plug-ins Distortion plug-ins Dynamics plug-ins EQ plug-ins Filter plug-ins Mastering – UV 22 HR (Cubase only) Modulation plug-ins Other plug-ins Restoration plug-ins Reverb plug-ins Spatial plug-ins Surround plug-ins (Cubase only) Tools plug-ins 41 The included VST Instruments 42 42 42 47 52 52 54 60 60 62 67 69 Introduction Prologue Sound parameters Modulation and controllers Spector (Cubase on
1 The included effect plug-ins
Introduction ModMachine combines delay modulation and filter frequency/resonance modulation and can provide many interesting modulation effects. It also features a Drive parameter for distortion effects. This chapter contains descriptions of the included plug-in effects and their parameters. In Cubase, the plug-in effects are arranged in a number of different categories. This chapter is arranged in the same fashion, with the plug-ins listed in separate sections for each effect category.
MonoDelay Parameter Description Range Lo/Hi These knobs specify the range (in Hz) of the filter frequency modulation. Both positive (e.g. Lo set to 50 and Hi set to 10000) and negative (e.g. Lo set to 5000 and Hi set to 500) ranges can be set. If tempo sync is off and the Speed is set to zero, these parameters are inactive and the filter frequency is instead controlled by the Freq parameter.
PingPongDelay StereoDelay StereoDelay has two independent delay lines which either use tempo-based or freely specified delay time settings. The parameters are as follows: This is a stereo delay effect that alternates each delay repeat between the left and right channels. The effect can either be tempo-based or use freely specified delay time settings.
Distortion plug-ins DaTube This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Distortion” category. AmpSimulator This effect emulates the characteristic warm, lush sound of a tube amplifier. The parameters are as follows: AmpSimulator is a distortion effect, emulating the sound of various types of guitar amp and speaker cabinet combinations. A wide selection of amp and cabinet models is available. The parameters are as follows: Parameter Description Drive Governs the amount of amp overdrive.
SoftClipper (Cubase only) Dynamics plug-ins This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Dynamics” category. Compressor This effect adds soft overdrive, with independent control over the second and third harmonic. The parameters are as follows: Parameter Description Input Regulates the pre-gain. Use high values if you want an overdriven sound just on the verge of distortion. Mix Setting Mix to 0 means that no processed signal is added to the original signal.
Parameter The SPL DeEsser has the following parameters: Description Attack This determines how fast Compressor will respond to sig(0.1–100ms) nals above the set threshold. If the attack time is long, more of the early part of the signal (attack) will pass through unprocessed. Parameter Description S-Reduction Controls the intensity of the de-essing effect. We recommend that you start with a value between 4 and 7.
EnvelopeShaper (Cubase only) Expander (Cubase only) Expander reduces the output level in relation to the input level for signals below the set threshold. This is useful, when you want to enhance the dynamic range or reduce the noise in quiet passages. You can either use the knobs or drag the breakpoints in the graphic display to change the Threshold and the Ratio parameter values. EnvelopeShaper can be used to cut or boost the gain of the Attack and Release phase of the audio material.
Parameter Description Parameter Description Live mode (On/Off) When activated, Live mode disengages the look ahead feature of Expander. Look ahead does produce more accurate processing but will add a certain amount of latency as a trade-off. When Live mode is activated, there is no latency. Monitor (Off/On) Allows you to monitor the filtered signal. Attack (0.1–1000 ms) This parameter sets the time it takes for the gate to open after being triggered.
Limiter Maximizer Limiter is designed to ensure that the output level never exceeds a certain set output level, to avoid clipping in following devices. Limiter can adjust and optimize the Release parameter automatically according to the audio material, or it can be set manually. Limiter also features separate meters for the input, output and the amount of limiting (middle meters). Maximizer can be used to raise the loudness of audio material without the risk of clipping.
MIDI Gate Make sure the MIDI track is selected and start playback. 5. Now play a few notes on your MIDI keyboard. As you can hear, the audio track material is affected by what you play on your MIDI keyboard. The following MIDI Gate parameters are available: Gating, in its fundamental form, silences audio signals below a certain set threshold level. That means, when a signal rises above the set level, the Gate opens to let the signal through while signals below the set level are cut off.
MultibandCompressor (Cubase only) Bypassing frequency bands Each frequency band can be bypassed using the “B” button in each compressor section. Soloing frequency bands A frequency band can be soloed using the “S” button in each compressor section. Only one band can be soloed at a time. Using the Compressor section By moving breakpoints or using the corresponding knobs, you can specify the Threshold and Ratio.
VintageCompressor (Cubase only) VSTDynamics Limiter Gate Compressor Routing selector VSTDynamics is an advanced dynamics processor. It combines three separate processors: Gate, Compressor and Limiter, covering a variety of dynamic processing functions. The window is divided into three sections, containing controls and meters for each processor. This is modelled after vintage type compressors. Compressor features separate controls for input gain, attack, release and output gain parameters.
Parameter Description The Limiter section Monitor (Off/On) Allows you to monitor the filtered signal. Attack (0.1–100ms) This parameter sets the time it takes for the gate to open after being triggered. Hold (0–2000ms) This determines how long the gate stays open after the signal drops below the threshold level. Limiter is designed to ensure that the output level never exceeds a certain set output level, to avoid clipping in following devices.
EQ plug-ins Apart from the frequency bands, the following parameters are available: This section describes the plug-ins in the “EQ” category. GEQ-10/GEQ-30 (Cubase only) Parameter Description Output This controls the overall gain of the equalizer. Range This allows you to relatively adjust how much a set curve cuts or boosts the signal. If the Range parameter is turned fully clockwise, +/- 12dB is the available range. Flatten button Resets all the frequency bands to 0dB.
StudioEQ (Cubase only) The following parameters are available: Parameter Description Low Freq This sets the frequency of the Low band. (20 to 2000Hz) Low Gain This sets the amount of cut/boost for the Low band. (-20 to +24dB) This is a high-quality 4-band parametric stereo equalizer with two fully parametric midrange bands. The low and high bands can act as either shelving filters (three types) or as a Peak (bandpass) or Cut (lowpass/highpass) filter.
Filter plug-ins General operation This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Filter” category. StepFilter can produce two simultaneous 16-step patterns for the filter cutoff and resonance parameters, synchronized to the sequencer tempo. DualFilter Setting step values • Setting step values is done by clicking in the pattern grid windows. • Individual step entries can be freely dragged up or down the vertical axis, or directly set by clicking in an empty grid box.
ToneBooster Using pattern copy and paste to create variations You can use the Copy and Paste buttons below the pattern selector to copy a pattern to another pattern memory location, which is useful for creating variations on a pattern. • Select the pattern you wish to copy, click the Copy button, select another pattern memory location and click Paste. The pattern is copied to the new location, and can now be edited to create variations using the original pattern as a starting point.
Tonic – Analog Modeling Filter (Cubase only) Filter Tonic is a versatile and powerful analog modeling filter plug-in based on the filter design of the Monologue monophonic synthesizer. Its variable characteristics plus the powerful modulation functions make it an excellent choice for all current music styles. Designed to be more a creative tool rather than a tool to fix audio problems, it can add color and punch to your tracks while being light on CPU usage.
WahWah X/Y Pad Parameter Description X Par Sets the parameter to be modulated on the x axis of the XY Pad. All of Tonic’s parameters are available as destinations Y Par Sets the parameter to be modulated on the y axis of the XY Pad. XY Pad Use the mouse to control any two of Tonic’s parameters in combination. By moving the mouse horizontally, you can control the x parameter, by moving it vertically, you can control the y parameter. You can also record controller movements as automation data.
Mastering – UV 22 HR (Cubase only) Modulation plug-ins This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Modulation” category. AutoPan The UV22 HR is a dithering plug-in, based on an advanced algorithm developed by Apogee. For an introduction to the concept of dithering, see the chapter “Audio Effects” in the Operation Manunal. The following options can be set in the UV 22 HR control panel: Option Description Hi Try this first, it is the most “all-round” setting.
Chorus Cloner (Cubase only) The Cloner plug-in adds up to four detuned and delayed voices to the signal, for rich modulation and chorus effects. The parameters are as follows: This is a single stage chorus effect. It works by doubling whatever is sent into it with a slightly detuned version. See also “StudioChorus” on page 30. Parameter Description Voices This allows you to select the number of voices (up to four).
Flanger Metalizer Flanger is a classic flanger effect with added stereo enhancement. The parameters are as follows: The Metalizer feeds the audio signal through a variable frequency filter, with tempo sync or time modulation and feedback control. Parameter Parameter Description Tempo sync on/ The button below the Rate knob is used to switch tempo off sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on.
Phaser Ringmodulator Phaser produces the well-known “swooshing” phasing effect with additional stereo enhancement. The parameters are as follows: Parameter Description Tempo sync on/off The button below the Rate knob is used to switch tempo sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on. Rate If tempo sync is on, this is where you specify the base note value for tempo syncing the phaser sweep (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet or dotted).
Parameter Description Parameter Invert Stereo This inverts the LFO waveform for the right channel of the oscillator, which produces a wider stereo perspective for the modulation. Fast Fine adjustment of the high rotor Fast speed. Amp Mod High rotor amplitude modulation. The Envelope Generator section controls how the input signal is converted to envelope data, which can then be used to control oscillator pitch and LFO speed.
StudioChorus Tranceformer The StudioChorus plug-in is a two stage chorus effect which adds short delays to the signal and pitch modulates the delayed signals to produce a “doubling” effect. The two separate stages of chorus modulation are completely independent and are processed serially (cascaded). Tranceformer is a ring modulator effect, in which the incoming audio is ring modulated by an internal, variable frequency oscillator, producing new harmonics.
Tremolo Vibrato Tremolo produces amplitude (volume) modulation. The Vibrato plug-in produces pitch modulation. Parameters are as follows: Parameter Description Parameter Description Tempo sync on/off The button below the Rate knob is used to switch tempo sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on. Tempo sync on/off The button below the Rate knob is used to switch tempo sync on or off. The button is lit when tempo sync is on.
Other plug-ins Chopper This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Others” category. Bitcrusher Chopper is a combined tremolo and autopan effect. It can use different waveforms to modulate the level (tremolo) or left-right stereo position (pan), either using tempo sync or manual modulation speed settings. The parameters are as follows: If you’re into lo-fi sound, Bitcrusher is the effect for you.
Octaver Tuner This plug-in can generate two additional voices that track the pitch of the input signal one octave and two octaves below the original pitch, respectively. Octaver is best used with monophonic signals. The parameters are as follows: This is a guitar tuner. Simply connect a guitar or other instrument to an audio input and select the Tuner as an insert effect (make sure you deactivate any other effect that alters pitch, like chorus or vibrato).
Restoration plug-ins Reverb plug-ins This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Restoration” category. This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Reverb” category. Grungelizer RoomWorks RoomWorks is a highly adjustable reverb plug-in for creating realistic room ambience and reverb effects in stereo and surround formats. The CPU usage is adjustable to fit the needs of any system.
Parameter Description Parameter Description High Range This determines the frequency above which high frequency damping will occur. Export Low Damping The amount of damping applied to the low frequencies. At 100%, no damping occurs. Values lower than 100% increase the amount of damping, reducing low frequencies over time. Values above 100% have the opposite effect. This button determines if during audio export RoomWorks will use the maximum CPU power for the highest quality reverb or not.
Spatial plug-ins StereoEnhancer This section contains descriptions of the plug-ins in the “Spatial” category. MonoToStereo This plug-in will expand the stereo width of (stereo) audio material. It cannot be used with mono files. The parameters are as follows: This effect will turn a mono signal into a “pseudo-stereo” signal. The plug-in must be inserted on a stereo track playing a mono file to work. Parameter Description Width This controls the width or depth of the stereo enhancement.
Surround plug-ins (Cubase only) Tools plug-ins This section describes the plug-ins in the “Surround” category. This section describes the plug-ins in the “Tools” category. MultiScope (Cubase only) Mix6To2 (Cubase only) The MultiScope can be used for viewing the waveform, phase linearity or frequency content of a signal. There are three different modes: • Oscilloscope (Ampl.) • Phase Correlator (Scope) • Frequency Spectrum analyzer (Freq.
• The “Freeze” button can be used to freeze the display for all three Scope modes. When the MultiScope is used with a surround channel in Scope mode, the pop-up menu to the right of the Scope button determines the result: Click it again to exit freeze mode. • If “Stereo (Front)” is selected, the display will indicate the phase and amplitude relationship between the front stereo channels.
• By adjusting the Frequency knob, you can divide the frequency spectrum into 8, 15, or 31 bands, or you can select “Spectrum”, which shows a high resolution view. • Current Time When Link is on this shows the current position in Cubase. If Link is off it shows the current time of the SMPTE Generator in “free run” mode. This cannot be set manually. • Use the Mode A and Mode B buttons to switch between different view modes. • Framerate This defaults to the frame rate set in the Project Setup dialog.
TestGenerator (Cubase only) This utility allows you to generate an audio signal, which can be recorded as an audio file. The resulting file can then be used for a number of purposes: • For testing the specifications of audio equipment. • For measurements of various kinds, including calibrating tape recorders. • For testing signal processing methods. • For educational purposes.
2 The included VST Instruments
Ö The signal flow of the Prologue synth is illustrated in the section “Diagrams” on page 73. Introduction This chapter contains descriptions of the included VST instruments and their parameters. Sound parameters Ö Most of the included instruments are compatible with VST3, this is indicated by an icon in front of the name (for further information, see the section “About VST 3” in the chapter “Audio Effects” in the Operation Manual).
Waveform Description OSC 1 parameters Triangle The Triangle waveform generates only a few harmonics, spaced at odd harmonic numbers, which produces a slightly hollow sound. Sine The sine wave is the simplest possible waveform, with no harmonics (overtones). The sine wave produces a neutral, soft timbre. Oscillator 1 acts as a master oscillator. It determines the base pitch for all three oscillators.
OSC 2 parameters OSC 3 parameters Oscillator 2 has the following parameters: Oscillator 3 has the following parameters: Parameter Value Description Parameter Value Description Osc 2 0–100 This controls the output level of the oscillator. Osc 3 0–100 This controls the output level of the oscillator. Coarse +/- 48 semitones This determines the coarse pitch for Osc 2. If FM is enabled, this determines frequency ratio of the oscillator regarding Osc 1.
About frequency modulation Ring modulation Frequency modulation or FM means that the frequency of one oscillator (called the carrier) is modulated by the frequency of another oscillator (called the modulator). Ring modulators multiply two audio signals. The ring-modulated output contains added frequencies generated by the sum of, and the difference between, the frequencies of the two signals. In Prologue, Osc 1 is multiplied with Osc 2 to produce sum and difference frequencies.
Filter section About the filter types You select which filter type to use using the buttons around the filter cut off knob. The following filter types are available (listed clockwise from 9 o’clock): Type Description 12db LP This lowpass filter has a gentler slope (12 dB/Octave above the cutoff frequency), leaving more of the harmonics in the filtered sound.
Modulation and controllers The two LFOs have identical parameters: The lower half of the control panel displays the various modulation and controller assignment pages available as well as the effect page. You switch between these pages using the buttons below the Filter section. Parameter Description Speed This governs the rate of the LFO. If MIDI Sync is activated (see below), the available rate values are selectable as note values, e.g. beat increments of the sequencer tempo in Cubase.
Assigning LFO modulation destinations 2. Select a destination. The selected velocity destination is now shown in the list. Beside the destination, a default value (50) has been set. The value represents the modulation amount. See below for an example of how velocity modulation works. To assign a modulation destination for a LFO, proceed as follows: 1. Click in the “Mod Dest” box for one of the LFOs. A pop-up appears with all possible modulation destinations are shown.
• You switch between the four envelopes in the section to the left. Release Release determines the time it takes for the value to fall back to zero after releasing the key. Range is from 0.0 milliseconds to 91.1 seconds. Clicking on either of the four mini curve displays 1 to 4 will select it and display the corresponding envelope parameters to the right. The mini curve displays also reflect the envelope settings for each corresponding envelope.
Assigning Envelope velocity destinations The following controllers are available: You can also assign Envelope modulation that is velocity controlled (i.e. governed by how hard or soft you strike a key). This is done as follows: Controller Description Modulation Wheel The modulation wheel on your keyboard can be used to modulate parameters. Velocity Velocity is used to control parameters according to how hard or soft you play notes on your keyboard.
Effects (EFX) page The parameters are as follows: This page features three separate effect units: Distortion, Delay and Modulation (Phaser/Flanger/Chorus). The Effect page is opened by clicking the EFX button at the top of the lower half of the control panel. Parameter This switches tempo sync of the delay times on or off. Delay 1 Sets the delay time ranging from 0ms to 728ms. If MIDI sync is activated the range is from 1/32 to 1/1; straight, triplet or dotted. Delay 2 Same as Delay 1.
• If button “F” is active, the selected Part’s program will play back with the sample rate set in the host application. • If button “1/2” is active, the selected Part’s program will play back with half the original sample rate. • If button “1/4” is active, the selected Part’s program will play back with a quarter of the original sample rate. • The Cut 1 & 2 parameters allow you to shift the frequency range of the spectrum filter. This makes it easy to create unique-sounding filter sweeps.
Oscillator pop-up Raster This pop-up menu is opened by clicking on the text below the centrally placed section (which illustrates the currently selected oscillator configuration). This parameter reduces the number of harmonics present in the oscillator waveforms in the following manner: Setting Description 0 All harmonics present. 1 Only every second harmonic present. 2 Only every third harmonic present. ... ...and so on.
Modulation and controllers • If you want to random calculate a spectrum filter curve, you can choose the Randomize function from the Preset pop-up. The lower half of the control panel displays the various modulation and controller assignment pages available as well as the effect page. You switch between these pages using the buttons below the Morph section. Each time you choose this function, a new randomized spectrum will appear.
About the sync modes Assigning LFO modulation destinations The Sync modes determine how the LFO cycle affects the notes you play: To assign a modulation destination for a LFO, proceed as follows: Parameter Description 1. Click in the “Mod Dest” box for one of the LFOs. Part In this mode, the LFO cycle is free running and will affect all the voices in sync. “Free running” means that the LFO cycles continuously and isn’t reset when a note is played.
Assigning LFO velocity destinations Envelope page You can also assign LFO modulation that is velocity controlled (i.e. governed by how hard or soft you strike a key). This is done as follows: The Envelope page is opened by clicking the ENV button at the top of the lower half of the control panel. The page contains all parameters and the modulation and velocity destinations for the four independent envelope generators. 1. Click in the “Vel Dest” box for one of the LFOs.
The Envelope parameters are as follows: Assigning Envelope modulation destinations Attack To assign a modulation destination for an Envelope, proceed as follows: The attack phase is the time it takes from zero to the maximum value. How long this should take, depends on the Attack setting. If the Attack is set to “0”, the maximum value is reached instantly. If this value is raised, it will take time before the maximum value is reached. Range is from 0.0 milliseconds to 91.1 seconds. 1.
• To remove a modulation destination click on its name in the list and select “Off” from the pop-up. 2. Select a destination. The selected modulation destination is now shown in the list. Beside the destination, a default value (50) has been set. The value represents the modulation amount when the controller is at its full range.
Delay Parameter Description You can select between 3 basic delay characteristics: Feedback The feedback parameter controls the amount of positive or negative feedback for all four delay lines. The adjustable range is from -1 to 1. Level This controls the output level of the effect. • Stereo Delay has two separate delay lines panned left and right. • In Mono Delay the two delay lines are connected in series for monophonic dual tap delay effects.
Mystic (Cubase only) • When the signal is fed back into the comb filter, it goes via a separate, variable lowpass filter. This filter corresponds to the damping of high frequencies in a physical instrument – when set to a low cutoff frequency it will cause high harmonics to decay faster than the lower harmonics (as when plucking a string on a guitar, for example). • The level of the feedback signal is governed by a feedback control. This determines the decay of the feedback tone.
Spectrum displays Morph Adjusts the mix between the two signal paths: waveform A spectrum contour A and waveform B spectrum contour B. Coarse This offsets the pitch for the impulse sound. In a typical “string setup”, when the impulse sound is very short, this will not change the pitch of the final sound, but the tonal color. Allows you to draw a filter contour with your mouse for spectrum filters A & B. • To set up the contour, click in one of the displays and drag the mouse to draw the desired curve.
Master Volume and Pan Crackle This allows you to send noise directly into the comb filters. Small amounts of noise will produce a “crackling”, erratic effect; higher amounts will give a more pronounced noise sound. The master Volume controls the master volume (amplitude) of the instrument. By default this parameter is controlled by Envelope 1, to generate an amplitude envelope for the oscillators. Feedback This determines the amount of signal sent back into the comb filters (the feedback level).
A low frequency oscillator (LFO) is used for modulating parameters, for example the pitch of an oscillator (to produce vibrato), or for any parameter where cyclic modulation is desired. Assigning LFO modulation destinations To assign a modulation destination for a LFO, proceed as follows: 1. Click in the “Mod Dest” box for one of the LFOs. The two LFOs have identical parameters: Parameter Description Speed This governs the rate of the LFO.
Assigning LFO velocity destinations On the Envelope page, the parameters for one of the four envelope generators is shown at a time. You can also assign LFO modulation that is velocity controlled (i.e. governed by how hard or soft you strike a key). This is done as follows: • You switch between the four envelopes in the section to the left. Clicking on either of the four mini curve displays 1 to 4 will select it and display the corresponding envelope parameters to the right.
Release Assigning Envelope velocity destinations Release determines the time it takes for the value to fall back to zero after releasing the key. Range is from 0.0 milliseconds to 91.1 seconds. You can also assign Envelope modulation that is velocity controlled (i.e. governed by how hard or soft you strike a key). This is done as follows: Punch 1. Click in the “Vel Dest” box for one of the envelopes. A pop-up appears with all possible velocity destinations are shown.
The following controllers are available: • To activate an effect, click the “Active” button so that a dot appears. Controller Description Modulation Wheel The modulation wheel on your keyboard can be used to modulate parameters. Velocity Velocity is used to control parameters according to how hard or soft you play notes on your keyboard. A common application of velocity is to make sounds brighter and louder if you strike the key harder.
HALionOne Modulation You can select between 3 modulation characteristics: • The Phaser uses an 8-pole allpass filter to produce the classic phasing effect. • The Flanger is composed of two independent delay lines with feedback for the left and the right channel respectively. The delay time of both delays is modulated by one LFO with adjustable frequency. • Chorus produces a rich chorus effect with 4 delays modulated by four independent LFOs.
• Right-click anywhere on the control panel and select “Locate contents”. Parameter Description DCA Decay Controls the time it takes the DCA signal to decay to the sustain level. A file dialog opens where you can navigate to the folder location. DCA Sustain Controls the DCA signal level after the Decay phase, as long as you press the key on your MIDI keyboard. HALionOne and MIDI files DCA Release Controls the DCA signal after a key is released.
Embracer – Surround Pad Synthesizer (Cubase only) Osc 1 and 2 Embracer is a simple but powerful polyphonic synthesizer designed entirely for producing pads and accompaniment sounds. With its easy-to-use envelope and tone controls, it gives you fast access to the sounds you need without having to search through thousands of presets. However, the most powerful feature of Embracer is its surround output.
Parameter Description Using Embracer in Surround Mode Width Ctr Use this parameter to select a modulation source for the width parameter. Available sources are: Mod Wheel, Aftertouch, Velocity and Envelope. Both oscillators are controlled simultaneously. However, modulation depth is controlled independently by the respective width parameter of each oscillator. Max Poly Sets the total number of voices available. Each oscillator uses one voice per note played.
Monologue – Monophonic Analog Modeling Synthesizer (Cubase only) Monologue is a monophonic analog synthesizer based on physical modeling technology. It offers full, rich and colorful sounds without consuming a lot of CPU power. The Monologue synthesizer is the perfect tool for bass, lead and sequenced sounds. Parameter Description Depth Controls the pitch modulation depth for the mod source defined in the “mod src” field. The available range is +/one octave.
Envelope Parameter Description Use this to adjust the depth of the effect modulation. Parameter Description Depth A – (Attack) Sets the attack time. FBK Controls the feedback of the effect. D – (Decay) Sets the decay time. Mix Controls the balance between dry and wet (effect) signal. Set to 0, the effect will be off. Set to 50, the balance between dry and wet signal is 50/50. Overdrive Controls the amount of overdrive (distortion) added to the signal.
Diagrams Prologue Mystic 73 The included VST Instruments
Spector 74 The included VST Instruments
3 MIDI effects
Introduction 7. Try the different arpeggio modes by clicking the Playmode buttons. This chapter describes the included MIDI realtime effects and their parameters. The symbols on the buttons indicate the playback order for the notes (up, down, up+down, etc.). The Play Order settings are described below. How to apply and handle MIDI effects is described in the chapter “MIDI realtime parameters and effects” in the Operation Manual.
Arpache SX Parameter Description Poly Determines how many notes should be accepted in the input chord. The “All” setting means there are no limitations. Sort Mode When you play a chord into the Arpache SX, the arpeggiator will look at the notes in the chord as sorted in the order specified here. For example, if you play a C-E-G chord, with “Note Lowest” selected, C will be the first note, E will be the second and G the third. This affects the result of the Arp Style setting.
Trigger Mode Description Waveform selectors Sort Normal Matches the notes in the MIDI input to the notes in the dropped MIDI part. If there are fewer notes (numbers) in the MIDI input, some steps in the resulting arpeggio will be empty. Sort First As above, but if there are fewer notes in the MIDI input, the missing notes will be replaced by the first note. These determine the shape of the controller curves sent out.
AmpMod 1. Select the key to which you want to assign a chord, by clicking in the lower “Trigger Note” keyboard display. This is only used for the two waveforms with “periodical envelopes” (see above). The period value (set in beats) determines the length of the envelope. In the following figure, Period is set to 4th and the AmpMod is 4 beats. This results in a quarter note-based curve in which the top amplitude decreases gradually, repeated each bar. 2.
Compress Using switches The Switch Setup section at the bottom of the panel allows you to set up variations to the defined chords. This works with all three modes and provides a total of eight variations for each assignable key (that is, a maximum of 8 different chords in Global mode, 12 x 8 chords in Octave mode and 128 x 8 chords in Normal mode). The variations can be controlled by velocity or note range.
Context Gate Mono Mode – Channel Gate When this is activated, only single note events in a specified MIDI channel are let through, which can be used with MIDI controllers that can send MIDI over several channels simultaneously, for example guitar controllers which send data for each string over a separate channel. You can either set this to a specific channel (1–16), or to “Any”, i.e. no channel gating.
Density MIDIControl This generic control panel affects the “density” of the notes being played from (or thru) the track. When this is set to 100%, the notes are not affected. Lowering the Density setting below 100% will randomly filter out or “mute” notes. Raising the setting above 100% will instead randomly add new notes.
MIDIEcho Repeat This is the number of echoes (1 to 12) from each incoming note. Echo-Quant. The Echo-Quant. parameter sets the delay time, i.e. the time between a played note and its first echo note. You can either use the slider or type to set the value in ticks (1/480 ticks of quarter notes) or click the arrow buttons to step between the “rhythmically exact” delay times (displayed as note values – see the table below).
Note to CC Length Decay This parameter lets you adjust how the length of the echoed notes should change with each successive repeat. The higher the setting (25 –100), the longer the echoed notes will be compared to their original notes. About ticks and note values This effect will generate a MIDI continuous controller event for each incoming MIDI note.
Quantizer Step Designer Quantizing is a function that changes the timing of notes by moving them towards a “quantize grid”. This grid may consist of e.g. straight sixteenth notes (in which case the notes would all get perfect sixteenth note timing), but could also be more loosely related to straight note value positions (applying a “swing feel” to the timing, etc.). The Step Designer is a MIDI pattern sequencer that sends out MIDI notes and additional controller data according to the pattern you set up.
Ö If you drag a controller event bar all the way down, no controller value will be sent out on that step. 5. Select “Velocity” on the Controllers pop-up menu. This pop-up menu determines what is shown in the lower controller display. Other pattern functions 6. Adjust the velocity of the notes by dragging the velocity bars in the controller display.
3. Press the Record button and press the desired keys on your keyboard to select the corresponding patterns. Selecting a control panel At the top of the Track Controls effect window you will find a pop-up menu. This is where you select which of the available control panels to use: The pattern changes will be recorded on the MIDI track. 4. Stop recording and play back the MIDI track. You will now hear the recorded pattern changes.
GS Basic Controls XG Effects + Sends The following controls are available when the GS Basic Controls mode is selected: The following controls are available when the XG Effects + Sends mode is selected: Control Description Control Description Send 1 Send level for the reverb effect. Send 1 Send level for the reverb effect. Send 2 Send level for the chorus effect. Send 2 Send level for the chorus effect. Send 3 Send level for the “variation” effect.
Track FX This plug-in is essentially a duplicate of the Track Parameter section. This can be useful if you e.g. need extra Random or Range settings, or if you prefer to have your track parameters in a separate window (to get this, [Alt]/[Option]-click the Edit button for the effect). The Track FX also includes an additional function that isn’t available among the track parameters: Scale Transpose This allows you to transpose each incoming MIDI note, so that it fits within a selected musical scale.
Index
A Bitcrusher 32 Mix6To2 37 ModMachine 6 MonoDelay 7 Monologue Synthesizer 71 MonoToStereo 36 MultibandCompressor 16 MultiScope 37 Mystic Modulation parameters 62 Sound parameters 60 C N Chopper 32 Chorder (MIDI effect) 79 Cloner 26 Compress (MIDI effect) 80 Compressor 10 Note to CC (MIDI effect) 84 D Apogee UV22 HR 25 Arpache 5 76 Arpache SX 77 Arpeggiator 76, 77 AutoPan 25 Autopan (MIDI effect) 78 B DaTube 9 Density (MIDI Effect) 82 Dither 25 E Embracer Synthesizer 69 EnvelopeShaper 12 Expander
