VOCODman - Audiofanzine
Contents
1. J p Then press RECORD gt ee VOCODER SEQUENCES The RECORD indicator will remain ON when record mode is activated Other MENU functions are disabled when record mode is active To exit record mode simply press the RECORD button again any changes made during the record phase will be automatically saved at this point SEQUENCE RECORD MENU This menu is automatically activated when RECORD mode is selected The main display will now alternate between the first function and its current value as shown below PANIC BANK PROS Function SEQUENCE LOOP L iL Fe a gt i rm Setting On PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE Use the menu EDIT buttons to change the menu or alter the settings as follows aries 9 A BANK PROG Press the VALUE 4 X ur m lt New setting Off and VALUE buttons NES to change the setting VADE ee PARAMETER 0000 OSCILLATORS VALUE The four functions in the sequence record menu are Menu 1 Loop This function sets the loop status The selections are as follows Off The sequence will not loop On The sequence always loops Trig The sequence always loops but only whilst the controlling trigger is ON see page 16 SEQUENCE menu Menu 2 Loop Type This function sets the direction of the loop The selections are as follows Forwards The sequence runs from the st2. MIDI Menu KEY TRANSPOSE This function for adjusting the key note of the internal oscillator is now included in the MIDI menu features in the PART menu on DARKSTAR synthesizer MODULATION Menu There are now just two functions in this menu as follows 1 Modulation Wheel Pitch Mod Depth This function allows you to set the amount of pitch modulation that will be applied when the Modulation Wheel is used RANGE 7 to 7 NOTE if pitch mod source is set to envelope 1 or 2 then the mod wheel will affect the amount of pitch envelope modulation 2 After Touch Pitch Mod Depth AtPt This function allows you to set the amount of pitch variation that will be applied when After Touch controller data is received RANGE 7 to 7 C2 OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION UTILITY MODE CHANGES O 88 The utility section has the following changes UTILITY 1 Protect ON OFF see page 30 in main manual UTILITY 2 Save PROGRAM see page 31 in main manual UTILITY 3 Save SEQUENCE Saves the currently selected sequence Display shows SEOU UTILITY 4 Save ALL PROGRAMS see page 32 in main manual Note all 64 programs are saved as one dump UTILITY 5 Save ALL SEQUENCES All 96 sequences in programs 1 to 24 Banks 1 2 amp 3 will be saved USING THE VOCODA WITH NON IVIIDI INSTRUMENTS MM You can use the VOCODA filters for processing non MIDI instruments such as guitars electric bass etc The facility for setting the trigger mode to AU
3. 5 NI IAIN 4 131205 TIVM urixacexo QONV ON3 NI guq ur ogs Sava wasn on eo Pose woo punospe rwwuw JOIANSS OL 389 40 LON NOLL0 V2 340 nu nena x YAZISSHLNAS DINOHdAIOd 3231I0A 8 ANANI NO IAIN ino ua OOG 9 aly TL d dIAV 34d 243XITIN OWNERS MANUAL QUICK START GUICK START If you want to quickly try out the performance of DARKSTAR VOCODA please read the following points CONNECTIONS Before making any connections make sure that the power on all your equipment is turned OFF Connect the power supply included to the power in socket on the rear panel of DARKSTAR and plug it into a suitable AC outlet Connect the audio cables for a basic vocoder system setup as shown on page 5 TURNING ON THE POWER Make sure all connections have been made correctly and the volume controls on the mixing desk and amplifier system are turned completely down Press the rear panel power switch on DARKSTAR Turn on the power of the mixing desk and then turn on the power of the amplifier system POWER UP INDICATIONS When DARKSTAR is powered up the main display will show a welcome message and the software version whilst various parameters are being set internally When this process is complete the dis
4. OSC2 This new function allows you to change the way oscillator 2 pitch relates to oscillator 1 s pitch The selections are Free Oscillator 2 pitch control can be used to set oscillator 2 pitch between 0 31 semitones above oscillator 1 Oscillator 2 can be modulated and it s phase is not related to that of oscillator 1 Sync Oscillator 2 pitch control can be used to set oscillator 2 pitch between 0 31 semitones above oscillator 1 and it is synced to oscillator 1 Oscillator 2 can be modulated Ratio Oscillator 2 pitch control can be used to set the ratio between oscillators 1 2 to one of six pre set values This is always fixed and so oscillator 2 cannot be modulated ENVELOPE LFO SECTIONS CHEM All the controls and functions in the envelope LFO sections are the same as DARKSTAR synthesizer Please see main owners manual pages 10 13 for full details OTHER MENU CHANGES Some of the other menu sections have small changes or additional features as follows PORTAMENTO TRIGGER Menu There is an expanded monophonic multi triggering mode now included in this menu 1 Trigger mode triG There are three selections as follows Single In this mode only the first note played and held down will run the envelopes Re trigger In this mode every new note played will run the envelopes Glide As per AUTO GLIDE feature detailed in the main DARKSTAR manual page 24 Audio In this mode the audio input level will run the envelopes
5. REMOVING INSTALLING CHIPS Open the rear access panel as described in the main DARKSTAR manual page 33 Note the correct orientation of EPROM pin 1 notched end towards access panel screw fixing Use the supplied chip removal device to withdraw the EPROM position tweezer pins under each end of the chip and pull directly upwards Remove new VOCODA chip from the anti static pack and store the removed DARKSTAR synthesizer EPROM in its place for safe keeping Check all pins on the VOCODA chip are in line straighten any if necessary before attempting to fit the chip Observing the correct polarity as stated above carefully place the EPROM into the chip socket checking that all pins are located correctly jiggle pins into position before pressing home firmly Check that no foreign objects have entered the case before closing the access panel SEE NOTE BELOW RE INITIALISING THE SOFTWARE This operation re sets the on board memory with the specific VOCODA programs sounds and parameters HAVE YOU BACKED UP YOUR PREVIOUS DATA if not replace the original EPROM and carry out a full sys ex dump now Connect the power supply to DARKSTAR but before switching the power on press and hold down the AUDITION amp PART 1 buttons simultaneously see diagram on page 2 Now switch on the power The test software should be running The first test checks the MIDI IN OUT ports main display shows SE F7 This test should be ignored To bypass
6. Velocity Pitch bend Mod wheel aftertouch assignable Program change Sustain pedal most parameter controls System exclusive C23 5 OWNERS MANUAL DarkStar Vocoda MIDI IMPLEMENTATION Basic Default 16 1 16 Memorized Channel Changed 1 16 Default Mode 3 Messages Altered Note Number True Voice Velocity Note ON Note OFF Aftertouch Key s Ch s Pitch Bend Mod Wheel Part Volume Panning Tremolo Mixer Osc 1 2 Mixer Ring Joystick X left right Joystick Y up down Vocoder Speed Vocoder Midi Envelope 1 Attack Envelope 1 Decay Envelope 1 Sustain Envelope 1 Release Envelope 2 Attack Envelope 2 Decay Envelope 2 Sustain Envelope 2 Release LFO 1 Speed LFO 1 Delay LFO 1 Shape LFO 1 Midi LFO 2 Speed LFO 2 Delay LFO 2 Shape LFO 2 Midi Sustain Oscillator 1 Detune Oscillator 2 Detune Oscillator 1 Pitch Modulation Oscillator 2 Pitch Modulation Oscillator 1 Pulse Width Oscillator 2 Pulse Width Oscillator 1 Pulse Width Modulation Oscillator 2 Pulse Width Modulation Oscillator 1 Waveform Oscillator 2 Waveform Program Program No 1 64 Change True On Master Channel Control Change O System Exclusive System Clock Clock Start Real Time Commands All sound off Reset all controllers Aux Local ON OFF Messages All Notes OFF
7. adjustments OUTPUT TREMOLO can be used for tremolo effect adjustments Synthesizer disabled in banks 4 to 8 In this mode the on board formant sequencer 11 band vocoder filter can be used to shape the sound of the internal oscillators You can use this mode to layer vocoder phrases over mono phonic bass lead sounds created by the oscillators The sequencer can be triggered in a variety of ways from the SEQUENCE menu When SYNTHESIZER mode is selected the main display and VOCODER MODE display will show BANE FREXS HANK PROS ri Display alternates Li EP Function gt 0 beiween amen y PARAMETER PARAMETER o o o o VALUE VALUE auen VOC h osc sea VOCODER MODE Input Connections EXT 1 Left NO CONNECTION EXT 2 Right NO CONNECTION Key Controls Functions VOCODER CONTROL JOYSTICK can be used for filter spectrum adjustments VOCODER SOUND SEQUENCER section can be used to create patterns SEQUENCE menu can be used to adjust trigger source OSCILLATORS section can be used to set the sound ENVELOPES can be used to shape the sound LFO section can be used to vary the sound OUTPUT LEVEL can be used for volume adjustments OUTPUT PANNING can be used for panning effect adjustments OUTPUT TREMOLO can be used for tremolo effect adjustments Filter In this mode the unit works as a vocoder style spectrum filter
8. immediately to the new sound 2 Half Glide The current sound is morphed to the new one over the first half of the sequence period 3 Full Glide The current sound is morphed to the new one over the whole of the sequence period 4 Consonant The current sound plays for a short period 60ms followed immediately by the next sound Example would be the letter d pronounced deeeee 5 Skip The event will be omitted producing a gap in the sequence The following diagram shows examples of the different GLIDE settings Hold Full Glide Half Glide Consonant Full Glide Skip Parameter Value DarkStar Vocoda OPERATION VOCODER SEQUENCES lt es ON OFF o VOCODER SEQUENCES PROG 5 This section of the DARKSTAR VOCODA features the VOCODER sequencer There are a total of 96 user recordable sequences 4 per program in banks 1 2 and 3 Each of these sequences can produce up to eight vocoder definitions allowing you to build up a useful library of vocoder phrases NOTE sequencer modes are only available in programs 1 24 banks 1 to 3 The five buttons in the VOCODER SEQUENCE section are automatically activated when SEQUENCE CODER or SYNTHESIZER mode are selected see pages 9 10 for further details To select one of the four sequences simply press a button marked 1 4 as shown below Example selecting Sequence 2 GEID ON OFF e o
9. indicator appears to be stuck ON Vocoder MIDI CLOCK set to ON event paused waiting for clock Sequence record mode inactive Vocoder switched OFF main VOCODER button indicator off DarkStar Vocoda C22 gt SPECIFICATION DARKSTAR VOCODA Bands 11 frequency bands Noise 15 preset vowel sounds Modes 5 Filter Vocoder Internal oscillator Sequence coder and Synthesizer Sequences 96 4 per program in banks1 2 amp 3 8 step sequences Voice Specification 2 Oscillators Each continuously variable between Sawtooth and square pulse output Each can be de tuned and can be modulated by one of the envelopes LFOs For each the pulse width can be varied and modulated by one of the envelopes LFOs Oscillator 2 can be transposed 31 semitones Oscillator 2 can be switched between Free Sync and Ratio modes Vocoder Joystick X Y Joystick X axis Spectrum Frequency Y axis Boost Envelopes 2 x ADSR envelopes each of which can be set to respond to key velocity LFOs 2 X LFOs each with a separate speed and delay control Each LFO can be set to output one of the following waveforms Ramp Triangle Square Sine Pulse Sample amp hold Random Each can be set to key sync Each can be synced to incoming MIDI clock Triggering Portamento Note triggering can be single re trigger or auto glide Portamento has constant time two polyphonic modes and six pre glide modes MIDI Note ON OFF
10. the MIDI test press the AUDITION button once The re initialisation code should now run the display counting up the following 1 Program initialise display shows IP 01 64 2 Sequence initialise display shows IS 01 96 3 Program check display shows CP 01 64 4 Sequence check display shows CS 01 96 This process takes approximately 172 minutes to complete Afterwards the full test software will be automatically activated buttons LED s and pot tests Please ignore this test When you see the LED indicators tracking across the panel in sequence it is safe to turn the power off Peel off the backing paper from the supplied panel overlay and place this onto the DARKSTAR front panel for identification of the re labeled vocoder controls DARKSTAR has now been successfully converted into a VOCODA IMPORTANT NOTE REMEMBER TO FOLLOW THE ABOVE RE INITIALISATION PROCEDURE EVERY TIME YOU CHANGE APPLICATIONS I E SYNTH TO VOCODA RE INITIALISE VOCODA TO SYNTH RE INITIALISE gt OWNERS MANUAL FRONT PANEL 4amod Ajdde 4eujeboj OFS LYVd NOILIANY SSHd ONISTTIVILINI Aa CE SONS IOSS NNN NIOLLV IAIN HESSIHL VLNOd 3oNane3s SuaivTioso NJ INOLLICICINZ Barrie m ds P s 5554571555 HICIOOO A x o o UO JepoooA 49 Je v
11. the sequence will start The trigger will turn off only when the last note is released BANK PROG 1 1 hate LAKAL VALUE Audio The sequence will start when the audio input reaches a certain internal threshold level and turn off again when the audio falls below another level this being internally set at half the start or ON level BANK PROG 1 1 NIBENIN PARAMETER VALUE The eight MENU SEQ button indicators will track across from left to right whenever the sequence is triggered if no MENU mode is selected The trigger selection will apply to all four sequences in the program When NOTE POLY and AUDIO trigger modes are selected you can pre select another sequence in advance cue which will be ready to play directly after the current sequence has ended Whilst a sequence is playing select another sequence as shown in the following example Select new sequence ARES RECORD 3 4 Mu ON OFF 6 76 Current sequence VOCODER SEQUENCES The second selection will be paused indicator flashing until the trigger is reset from the MIDI note or audio level When BUTTON trigger mode is selected the new sequence selection will start immediately DarkStar Vocoda OPERATION RECORDING A VOCODER SEQUENCE mM To enter sequence record mode press and hold down the sequence button then press the RECORD button as shown in the following example Press amp hold
12. Active sense System Reset Mode 1 OMNI ON POLY Mode 3 OMNI ON MONO Mode 2 OMNI OFF POLY Mode 4 OMNI OFF MONO Date 1st August 2000 Version 1 01 O Yes
13. DIO lets you route such a signal through the filter whilst applying real time modulation to the sound These effects can transform a guitar bass sound Follow these instructions to setup VOCODA in this way 1 Connect your guitar bass signal to the EXTERNAL input 1 and 2 if stereo required Post after effects units or send return patch from amplifier will work best 2 Select FILTER type in the first VOCODER menu 3 Select AUDIO trigger mode in the first PORTA TRIGGER menu 4 Select VOCODER menus 5 and 6 and adjust the modulation depth source try ENV2 source with approximately 5 modulation depth as a start Experiment with these settings 5 Select ENVELOPE 2 indicator in ENVELOPES button ON and set the controls roughly as follows This will apply a sharp wow effect each time a note or chord is struck Try adjusting the envelope controls to change the shape of the sound 6 Adjust the VOCODER CONTROL joystick to change the basic filter frequency The position of the joystick has a direct relation to the mod depth i e whether it is positive or negative With positive mod applied use the joystick towards the upper left hand side position With negative mod applied use the joystick towards the upper right hand side position TROUBLESHOOTING __ Problem Check Unit locks up operation erratic Have you changed 5 without re initialising Sequence will not run Vocoder MIDI CLOCK set to ON MENU
14. DISPLAY This 4 digit LED display shows bank program numbers parameter information and edit values 11 VOCODER CONTROL The joystick control morphs the spectrum of the vocoder filter sound 12 UTILITY This button is used to access the SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE utility parameters OWNERS MANUAL REAR PANEL CL UL DARKSTAR 8 y INPUT B VOICE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER R www redsound com ED 7 INPUT 1 RCA Phono Connector When VOCODER is selected use this socket to connect the mono sound source NOTE in other modes such as FILTER mode use as LEFT channel input for stereo sound processing 2 INPUT 2 Phono Connector When VOCODER INTERNAL OSCILLATOR modes are selected use this socket to connect the pre amplified microphone signal NOTE in other modes such as FILTER mode use as RIGHT channel input for stereo sound processing 3 STEREO OUTPUT RCA Phono Connectors Use these sockets to connect DARKSTAR VOCODA to your mixing desk or amplification system DarkStar Vocoda CONNECTIONS 430020A 40 4 jeoid Q3 VOSA3M IAIN MS3G ONIXIN OIGNLS 32IA3Q IAIN YSHLO M M o W39N3no3S
15. INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE INSTALLATION J Before attempting to install your new VOCODA software please follow the instructions below BACK UP EXISTING DATA NOW Each time you install a software conversion the internal memory that contains all existing PROGRAM sound data will be re initialised erased and re set Therefore please follow the procedures in the UTILITY section of the main manual pages 31 32 to save all your sound data as system exclusive dumps before starting any conversion installation work NOTE this back up operation should be carried out each time a software conversion is made Your VOCODA software conversion kit should contain the following 1 EPROM chip 2 Panel overlay 3 Chip removal device 4 VOCODA Manual no problem if you re reading this If any part of the kit is missing please contact your local distributor dealer or RED Sound direct The EPROM chip is a static sensitive device and although quite robust can be damaged if handled inappropriately To avoid accidental damage please observe these simple anti static precautions Touch a good earth point to discharge any static build up before commencing work metal radiator pipe or earthed domestic sound equipment Avoid excessive movement after discharging walking across man made fibre carpets will instantly create static Avoid touching EPROM pins handle at either end of chip casing TURN OFF POWER AND REMOVE ALL CONNECTIONS BEFORE PROCEEDING
16. S New setting 2 and VALUE buttons NES to change the setting vate ee ee PARAMETER Cer OscuaoRS 0000 VALUE MENU 5 Filter Mod FILt This function allows you to apply Filter modulation to the oscillators or external sound source You can process any musical instrument through the filter section even non MIDI instruments such as guitar electric bass etc when the trigger mode in PORTA TRIGGER menu is set to AUDIO see page 21 22 for full details RANGE 7 to 7 the center 0 setting OFF MENU 6 Filter Mod Source Src This function allows you to control the Filter modulation from one of four sources as follows Envelope The settings of envelope 1 controls will affect the filter modulation Envelope 2 The settings of envelope 2 controls will affect the filter modulation LFO1 The settings of the LFO1 controls will affect the filter modulation LFO2 The settings of the LFO2 controls will affect the filter modulation NOTE The following controls are only active SEQUENCE CODER and SYNTHESIZER modes Additionally the two SEQUENCE SOUND control knobs are only activated in these modes whilst recording sequences SPEED MIDI CLOCK This control has two functions determined by the SHIFT button When the SHIFT function is NOT selected SHIFT LED Off this control sets the speed of the sequence At the fully anti clockwise position the speed will be at its slowest As the knob is moved in a
17. This can be used to process external stereo sound sources through the filter and envelope sections adding subtle or extreme sonic changes to the sound When FILTER mode is selected the main display and VOCODER MODE display will show BANK PROG BANK PROG 1 1 1 Function L _ Display alternates _ Ub Setting Filter M l L between 18 c PARAMETER PARAMETER 5 4 VALUE VALUE 9 e ALTER VOCA OSC SEQ SYNTH VOCODER MODE Input Connections EXT 1 Left Audio signal left EXT 2 Right Audio signal right Key Controls Functions VOCODER CONTROL JOYSTICK can be used for filter spectrum adjustments ENVELOPES can be used to shape the sound OUTPUT LEVEL can be used for volume adjustments OUTPUT PANNING can be used for panning effect adjustments OUTPUT TREMOLO can be used for tremolo effect adjustments DarkStar Vocoda OPERATION MENU 2 Gain GAIn This function sets the vocal input level when VOCODER and INTERNAL OSCILLATOR modes are selected not active in other modes The vocal input is filtered into 11 bands and the levels of these bands are detected The GAIN setting scales these levels before they are used to scale the 11 filtered bands from the signal input Two of the OVERLOAD indicators in the VOCODER section are directly associated with this GAIN setting The FILTER indicator detects over ranging on the filter calculations wh
18. VOCODER SEQUENCES SEQUENCE Menu This section contains the trigger start stop settings for the sequences To access the trigger settings press the MENU button labelled SEQUENCE as shown in the following example vane n vae EDIT OSCILLATORS __VOCODER SEGUENCE PORTA THIGGEH MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator in the SEQUENCE button will light and the main display will now alternate between the first function and its current value as shown below HANK PROS Function TRIGGER f AUR J L 4 Setting Button PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE C 15 gt OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION There is a single function in the sequence menu as described below Menu 1 Trigger triG This function dictates how the sequence will start and stop There are four trigger options as follows Button Pressing the sequence button will start the sequence If LOOP is set to TRIG pressing and holding the button will make the sequence loop continuously When the button is released the trigger will be turned off BANK PROG 1 1 bUEn aceon 2 RECORD ON OFF o 1 PARAMETER 8 VALUE VOCODER SEQUENCES MIDI Note Every MIDI note ON message received will start the sequence When the corresponding MIDI note OFF is received the trigger will be turned off pus Polyphonic MIDI When the first note is played
19. art point to the end point and then repeats until the sequence is turned off at which point it runs to the end and stops Backwards From the start point the sequence jumps to the end point and then runs backwards from the end point to the start point This repeats until the sequence is turned off at which point it runs to the end and stops Reverse The sequence runs from the start point to the end point and then reverses back to the start point This ping pong cycle continues until the sequence is turned off at which point it runs to the end point and stops Menu 3 Loop Start This function defines the loop start point The start point can be set anywhere between events 1 to 8 providing the END point is at or beyond the START point Menu 4 Loop End This function defines the loop end point The end point can be set anywhere between events 1 to 8 providing the START point is at or before the END point C 7 gt OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION RECORDING Press the RECORD button to activate record mode RECORD indicator ON The first event will now be selected as indicated by the LED in button No1 Cum 4 PROG 5 Use the PRESET sound palette or PARAMETER VALUE controls in the TVOCODER section see pages 12 13 14 to set the sound for the first event in the sequence Press and hold down the current event button to audition the sound freezes the sequence on the event so that the sound can be easily monitore
20. clockwise direction the speed gradually increases until at the fully clockwise position the sequence rate will be at its maximum When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control is used to synchronise the sequencer with an external MIDI clock The trigger rate can be set to a range of values from 1 8th beat to 4 bars in duration At the fully anti clockwise position the MIDI synchronization feature will be OFF The first setting is 1 8 beat which will trigger the complete 8 step sequence every beat of the bar As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the trigger rate becomes less frequent until at the fully clockwise position each sequence event will last 4 bars completing its 8 event cycle in 32 bars DarkStar Vocoda C 12 5 OPERATION To view the setting press the SHIFT button The main display will now show the current value as shown in the following example BANI PROG 1 1 CL LC 4 Sequence MIDI clock trigger rate 1 cycle every beat PARAMETER VALUE To change the setting move the MIDI CLOCK knob The main display will show the new value Range OFF 1 8bt 1 6bt 1 4bt 1 3bt 1 2bt 2 3bt 3 4bt 1bt 2bt 3bt 1bar 1 5 bars 2 bars 3 bars 4 bars PARAMETER PRESET This control ONLY OPERATES IN SEQUENCE RECORD MODE and has two functions determined by the SHIFT button When the SHIFT function is NOT selected SHIFT LED Off this control selects one of the 11
21. d adjusted as shown in the following example 4 PROG 5 SEQUENCER SOUND t Set vocoder filter band or vowel preset VALUE PARAMETER GUDE PRESET Press amp hold When you are satisfied with the sound for the first event you can move on to the next event again setting the vocoder sound as shown below BCU Press once to select 4 PROG 5 amp press hold to freeze setting the sound BANK PROG 4 Display shows setting when event button is pressed 28 11 band configuration PARAMETER EE etc 7 preset vowel setting VALUE Continue to select edit events until you are satisfied with the results You can select events at random whilst editing i e event 7 could be set first followed by event 3 and so on Remember the PRESET OFF setting can be used to add spaces between events When the sequence is complete exit record mode by pressing the RECORD button This automatically saves the sequence into memory EVENT COPYING This feature allows you to transfer all parameter data from one sequence event to another at the press of a button As an example when you create a complex sound using the 11 band filter on one event you can easily copy this in its entirety to any number of other events in the sequence To copy events first press and hold down the currently selected event button as shown in the fo
22. e the main display will show a welcome message followed by the software version fitted to your unit as shown in the example below BANK PROG 1 5 N 4 Software version 1 01 PARAMETER VALUE When the boot up phase is complete the last selected program before power was switched off at the previous session will be recalled and displayed as follows BANK PROG 1 1 d Bank 1 1 PARAMIETER VALUE DARKSTAR VOCODA is now ready to use NOTE The information contained in this booklet focuses on the differences between the VOCODA conversion and the standard DARKSTAR synthesizer Any common features facilities are omitted from this booklet and must be checked by reading the full DARKSTAR manual We therefore recommend that initially you use the DARKSTAR synthesizer format to familiarize yourself fully with the operating system and procedures used throughout DarkStar Vocoda C 6 VOCODER CONTROL Joystick _ BOOST A To Min e Min Low 11111 VOCODER CONTROL OPERATION The DARKSTAR VOCODA conversion uses the joystick solely for frequency spectrum adjustments and this control is available in all five modes The vocoder filter sound can be boosted across a wide frequency range allowing you to home in on particular elements in the voice Moving the joystick around will create a real time vocoder spectrum sweep or morphing effect which can also b
23. e recorded via MIDI for instant playback from your sequencer NOTE the rotary controls the VYOCODER section are only used to adjust parameters for the sequencer modes i e Do not expect sonic changes as per standard DARKSTAR from these controls unless creating a sequence The X axis left to right position of the joystick controls the vocoder frequency At the South West lower left position the frequency will be at its lowest around 100 Hz as shown in the following diagram Frequency approx gt 100Hz _ BOOST ES lll Min Low 11113 111 VOCODER CONTROL As the joystick is moved to the right the frequency gradually increases until at the South East lower right position the frequency will be at its highest around 5 kHz as shown in the following diagram C BOOST 5 un Low VOCODER CONTROL Frequency approx 5kHz The Y axis up and down position of the joystick controls the amount of boost to the selected frequency This works like a band pass filter boosting the frequencies about the selected frequency without affecting other frequencies above or below At the South lower position the boost will be at its minimum As the joystick is moved towards the North position the selected frequency will be gradually boosted until at the fully North upper position the boost will be at its maximum as shown in the
24. following diagram Boost 1 lll e Low VOCODER CONTROL T Boost maximum OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION VOCODER SECTION SEQUENCER SOUND Min D Min Min ME SPEED VALUE PARAMETER MIDI CLOCK GUDE PRESET ALTER VOCR OSC SEQ SYNTH VOICE FILTER OUT VOCODER MODE OVERLOAD VOCODER SHIFT Vocoder Off Vocoder On This section of the DARKSTAR VOCODA produces all the vowel sounds for the VOCODER sequencer You choose from a full compliment of 16 pre set sounds or edit the 11 band filters individually to create your own specific tones Controls for changing how one sound changes or morphs into the next and sequence speed are also included The VOCODER menu is used to select the operating mode VOCODER button This large button switches the vocoder on and off When the indicator is OFF the vocoder filter will be bypassed When the indicator is ON the vocoder filter will be active VOCODER Menu This is where you select the five vocoder modes To access the settings first press the MENU button labelled VOCODER as shown in the following example VALUE CA peu pe peu p 5 p MENU 4 b MENU DOWN Va EDIT OSCILLATORS VOCODER OUTPUT LFO SEQUENCE PORTA TRIGGER MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator the TVOCODER button will light and the main display will n
25. frequency bands or the noise generator for editing The combined setting of these elements shapes the overall vowel characteristic These bands can be compared to a multi band graphic equalizer as shown in the following example diagram Low Mid High Example of 11 band gt 4 T T T 4 vocoder filter 1234567891011 Noise At the fully anti clockwise position BAND 1 will be selected Between the 9 o clock and 3 o clock positions BANDS 2 to 11 can be accessed The NOISE and SPECTRUM settings are accessed from the 3 o clock to maximum position When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control is used to access the factory pre set filter sound palette There are 15 classic vowel sounds available all of which have been setup by our engineers using the 11 band filter described previously At the fully anti clockwise position the filter will be OFF As the control is moved in a clockwise direction the first sound will be selected followed by the remaining 16 sounds until at the fully clockwise position the last sound ZZ will be selected PRE SET VOWEL LIST OFF ALL A p d EE1 EE2 F G ii nn nG Oo SS f uu ZZ Try all the presets to hear the effect they have on the sound VALUE GLIDE This control ONLY OPERATES IN SEQUENCE RECORD MODE and
26. has two functions determined by the SHIFT button When the SHIFT function is NOT selected SHIFT LED Off this control sets the level of the selected frequency band as set by the PARAMETER control At the fully anti clockwise position the level will be at it s minimum 0 As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the level gradually increases until at the fully clockwise position the level will be at its maximum The 11 bands have a level range of 0 127 whilst the noise and spectrum functions have a level range of 0 15 C 1 gt OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION Using the graphic equaliser analogy Levels 0 64 127 127 etc When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control is used to set the way in which one sound changes into the next during the sequence The setting of the glide function can alter the sequence pattern quite dramatically For example the sound can be made to change immediately from one vowel to the next producing a punctuated effect or morph between the sounds creating one fluid expression At the fully anti clockwise position the HOLD feature will be selected As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the other selections become available with the SKIP feature being accessed at the fully clockwise position There are five glide settings as follows 1 Hold The current sound will be maintained until the next sequence point at which point it changes
27. ich results in reduced filter quality The OUTPUT indicator detects distortion of the filter output Filter over ranging X Filter output distortion input overload sae Du xy e o e O os voce FLIER our VOICE FILTER OUT vdice OUT OVERLOAD OVERLOAD OVERLOAD The VOICE indicator shows microphone input overload conditions at the A D When this lights reduce the input level at the microphone signal source i e pre amplifier desk output With the second menu selected the main display will alternate as follows PANIC PROG BANK PHOS 1 _ Display alternates l gt j Function gt 1 Li i 1 batween d lt Setting 3 PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE 1 to 16 max This setting will be applied to the VOCODER and INTERNAL OSCILLATOR modes Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows BANK PROG 1 1 VALUE Press the VALUES New setting 2 and VALUE buttons NS to change the setting PARAMETER Cet OscuATORS 0000 OSCILLATORS VALUE MENU S Gain Gn This function sets the level of the S detector when VOCODER INTERNAL OSCILLATOR and SYNTHESIZER modes are selected not active in other modes This noise source adds definition to the vocoder osci
28. llator sound With the third menu selected the main display will alternate as follows BANI BANK PROS ere _ Display alternates Function S GAIN 2 LI x betwen gt 11 Setting 0 OFF PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE 0 off to 15 max This setting will be applied to the selected mode Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows E 2 RANKS PROS Press the VALUE 6 H 4 New setting 8 and VALUE buttons NEM z to change the setting ja 2 e PARAMETER Cc ror VALUE Cn OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION MENU 4 Spectrum S SP This function sets the frequency of the S detector when VOCODER INTERNAL OSCILLATOR and SYNTHESIZER modes are selected not active in other modes Adjusting the frequency of the noise source changes the timbre of the S detector and overall vocoder sound With the forth menu selected the main display will alternate as follows PANIC PROG BANK PROS Function S SPECTRUM gt P a Display alternates gt E lt Setting 3 between PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE O low to 15 high This setting will be applied to the selected mode Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows VALDE CYAN BANK PROS Press the VALUES c
29. llowing example 4 PROG 5 gt 1 88 Press amp hold DarkStar Vocoda OPERATION Now press the event button which coincides with the desired destination as shown below 4 PROG 5 8 gt 4 2 3 7 8 5 Press EVENT 1 copied to EVENT 7 After copying the original event will still be selected You can repeat this process for any number of events in the sequence OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION OSCILLATOR SECTION WAVEFORM PITCH MOD PULSE WIDTH DETUNE OSC 2 PITCH PWM Osc 1 2 RING MODULATION O O O O FREE SYNC 41 1 43 32 2 1 3 1 a4 OSC 2 RATIO MODE SHIFT OSCILLATORS 30 Oscilator 1 20 Osoilator2 The oscillator section of the DARKSTAR VOCODA is essentially the same as in the standard DARKSTAR synthesizer One major change is that oscillator 2 can now be set to a range of RATIO modes for greater flexibility Any changes to the specification of this section are detailed below WAMEFORIV OSC 2 PITCH When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control now sets the value of the selected RATIO mode This detune setting is calibrated in different ways depending on the selected ratio mode and the eight indicators labelled OSC 2 RATIO MODE now show the setting or ratio value as in the following example Example WAVEFORM OSC 2 PITCH O
30. nvelope The large ENVELOPE button switches between envelopes 1 amp 2 The SHIFT button is used to access the VELOCITY control in the envelope sub menu 3 LFO S This section features SPEED DELAY and SHAPE controls for each LFO The large LFO button Switches between LFO 1 amp 2 The SHIFT button is used to access the MIDI CLOCK control in the LFO sub menu 8 VOCODER This section features SPEED SOUND VALUE and SOUND PARAMETER controls for the vocoder The large VOCODER button switches the vocoder on and off The SHIFT button is used to access the MIDI CLOCK GLIDE and PRESET controls in the vocoder sub menu 5 VOCODER SEQUENCES These buttons are used to select and record vocoder sequences You can create and store 4 totally different sequences in each of the 24 programs in banks 1 2 and 3 6 MENU This section features 8 menu buttons and a 4 way keypad The MENU buttons are used to select additional parameters for editing whilst the EDIT keypad is used to scroll up and down the menus and change their values 7 AUDITION This button can be used to trigger the envelopes in SYNTHESIZER FILTER modes etc amp PROGRAM This section features the PROGRAM SEQUENCE and BANK buttons which are used to select the 8 banks of 8 programs total programs 64 sequences 96 9 OUTPUT This button is used to access the LEVEL PANNING TREMOLO and PORTAMENTO parameters 70 PARAMETER VALUE
31. on E CEB 5 947 300W N 2 DA 3avHs oN S 559 HIO HarH dOH O3 aog WOONVY 391 SNS 3HVvCIYOS IHL dive O Toe m Ah C1907 IW EBLSIANTHVO un SavHas ANNOS eowaneas o Je edong Zr Je O o S3dO013AN73 AAnun syuoivitg9gsg9 UHS 3dowouvasoso a e v L o ve ve se ev ONAS cH Va ALOON NOLYTNOON SNH DxllNe L oso 080 3evauu NIVLSNS Avoad HLAM 357109 GOW NOL AHOJSAVAA Seumues Seucanues 01 4 VY o SNININV I ties m 1 48 4 cn IE 1 OLNBIAINVLHOd QO IO NSHL lt gt lt gt jr LW Ut DarkStar Vocoda FRONT PANEL FEATURES FRONT PANEL FEATURES 1 OSCILLATORS This section features WAVEFORM PITCH MOD PULSE WIDTH and DETUNE controls for each oscillator The large OSCILLATOR button switches between oscillators 1 amp 2 The SHIFT button is used to access the OSC 2 PITCH PWM OSC MIX and RING MOD controls in the oscillator sub menu 2 ENVELOPES This section features ATTACK DECAY SUSTAIN and RELEASE controls for each e
32. ow alternate between the first function and its current value as shown below BANK PROG BANK PROG 1 1 Function TYPE Display alternates _ Setting Vocoder between PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE e ALTER OSC SEG SYNTH VOCODER MODE The four functions in the vocoder menu are Menu 1 Type mode tYPE This function sets the basic operating mode of the DARKSTAR VOCODA There are five selections as follows Vocoder In this mode the unit works as a traditional vocoder combining a control signal Mic and external sound source synth The pitch information comes from the sound source whilst the vocal sound is passed through the 11 band vocoder filter creating classic vocoder sounds DarkStar Vocoda OPERATION When VOCODER mode is selected the main display and VOCODER MODE display will show Function TYPE Input Connections BANK PROG 1 PARAMETER VALUE Display alternates between gt BANK PROG 1 1 lt Setting Vocoder Y PARAMETER VALUE EXT 1 Left Connect your sound source synthesizer etc to this socket EXT 2 Right Connect your pre amplified microphone via mixing desk etc to this socket Key Controls Functions VOCODER CONTROL JOYSTICK can be used for filter spectrum adjustments VOCODER MENU DETECTOR can be used to add noise elements to the sound OUTPUT LEVEL can be used for
33. play will show the BANK and PROGRAM number If this does not happen check the power supply is of the correct type and the unit was switched on correctly SETTING THE MODE To select VOCODER mode press the VVOCODER MENU button and use the EDIT keypad VALUE and VALUE buttons to set the mode to VOCODER Press the VOCODER MENU button again to exit menu USING THE VOCODER Select a bright string pad type sound on your connected synthesizer Now talk or sing into the connected microphone whilst playing chords on the keyboard to hear the full vocoder effect Move the joystick about to hear the effect this has on the frequency spectrum Please read the following OPERATION section carefully to fully appreciate the range of features and facilities the DARKSTAR VOCODA conversion has to offer OVERVIEW GETTING STARTED cum DARKSTAR VOCODA is more than just a standard vocoder There are five operating modes which enable you to explore many areas of creativity The built in mono synthesizer can be used as a sound source for robotic style vocoding or as a stand alone instrument Filter mode can be used to process external sound sources in stereo whilst the sequence coder allows you to create complex vocoder sequences After connecting DARKSTAR VOCODA to your system press IN the power switch on the rear panel to turn the power on As the software initialises takes approximately 15 seconds rows of indicators will light in sequenc
34. scillator 2 pitch mode 0 0 o RATIO Setting 4 3 FREE SYNC 1 1 32 4 1 OSC 2 RATIO MODE TR ea before changing SHIFT OSCILLATORS the setting Se ay NOTE Whilst adjusting this function the oscillator sound will be temporarily muted between settings PULSE WIDTH osc 1 2 MIX This control now has two functions determined by the SHIFT button The non shift function PULSE WIDTH is unchanged When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control now sets the oscillator 1 2 mix At the fully anti clockwise position only oscillator 1 will be heard As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction oscillator 2 will be gradually introduced until at the 12 o clock position both oscillator 1 and 2 will be of equal volume At the fully clockwise position only oscillator 2 will be heard DETUNErRING MODULATION This control now has two functions determined by the SHIFT button The non shift function DETUNE is unchanged When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control now sets the level of ring modulation At the fully anti clockwise position there will be no effect As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the level of ring modulation will be gradually increased until at the fully clockwise position the effect will be at its maximum DarkStar Vocoda OPERATION OSCILLATOR IVIENU Changes to the OSCILLATOR menu are as follows 3 Oscillator 2 ratio mode
35. used to vary the sound OUTPUT LEVEL can be used for volume adjustments OUTPUT PANNING can be used for panning effect adjustments OUTPUT TREMOLO can be used for tremolo effect adjustments 4 Setting Internal oscillators 1 w o FALTER VOC R SEG SYNTH VOCODER MODE Sequence coder disabled in banks 4 to 8 In this mode the input is stereo with the 11 band vocoder filters being controlled by the on board formant sequencer to shape the incoming sound You can use this mode to layer vocoder phrases over vocals or any sustained instrument sound The sequencer can be triggered in a variety of ways from the SEQUENCE menu When SEQUENCE CODER mode is selected the main display and VOCODER MODE display will show Function BANK PROG 1 PARAMETER VALUE 4 Display alternates Er between C9 BANK PROG 1 1 Setting Sequence coder PARAMETER VALUE sis o ALTER VOC R OSC sea SYNTH VOCODER MODE OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION Input Connections EXT 1 Left Audio signal left EXT 2 Right Audio signal right Key Controls Functions VOCODER CONTROL JOYSTICK can be used for filter spectrum adjustments VOCODER SOUND SEQUENCER section can be used to create patterns SEQUENCE menu can be used to adjust trigger source OUTPUT LEVEL can be used for volume adjustments OUTPUT PANNING can be used for panning effect
36. volume adjustments OUTPUT PANNING can be used for panning effect adjustments also LFO controls when pan source is set to LFO 1 or 2 gie 9 o ALTER osc SEG SYNTH VOCODER MODE OUTPUT TREMOLO can be used for tremolo effect adjustments also LFO controls when tremolo source is set to LFO 1 or 2 Internal Oscillator Vocoder In this mode the unit works as a traditional vocoder combining a control signal Mic and the internal oscillator sound source The sound is triggered via MIDI from an external keyboard with pitch information coming from the internal oscillators There is an S emphasis detector for adding noise to the oscillator sound This mode can be used to create the familiar robotic vocoder sound When INTERNAL OSCILLATOR mode is selected the main display and VOCODER MODE display will show Function Input Connections BANK PROG 1 PARAMETER VALUE EXT 1 Left NO CONNECTION EXT 2 Right Connect your pre amplified microphone via mixing desk etc to this socket Key Controls Functions lt Display alternates gt between BANK PROG 1 1 PARAMETER VALUE VOCODER CONTROL JOYSTICK can be used for filter spectrum adjustments OSCILLATORS section can be used to set the sound ENVELOPES can be used to shape the sound VOCODER MENU DETECTOR can be used to add noise elements to the sound LFO section can be
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