User's manual | Cwejman S1 MK2 User`s manual

S1 MK2 User’s Manual

(Guide/Handbook)

Table of contents

page

Certification..............................................................................................

1

Warranty and Assistance........................................................................

1

Limitation of warranty.............................................................................

1

Before using this Synthesizer................................................................

2

Checking Accessories.......................................................................

2

Environmental Conditions.................................................................

2

Grounding Requirements..................................................................

3

Rack Installation................................................................................

3

Installation of Instrument Stand (optional).........................................

3

Repackaging for Shipment................................................................

3

Warm up time....................................................................................

3

Introduction..............................................................................................

4

Connections.............................................................................................

4

Getting started.......................................................................................... 5

Patchbay...........................................................................................

6

Master Controller...............................................................................

6

Oscillators..........................................................................................

9

Oscillators CV.................................................................................... 10

Mixer..................................................................................................

11

Ring Modulator..................................................................................

12

Noise Generator Outputs and Oscillators Outputs............................

12

LFO.................................................................................................... 13

Low Pass Filter, Audio Input Mixer....................................................

14

Multi Mode, Audio Input Mixer...........................................................

14

Filters.................................................................................................

15

Low Pass Filter.................................................................................... 15

Multi Mode Filter................................................................................

18

Envelope Generators......................................................................... 20

Master Amplifier................................................................................. 21

Rear Panel......................................................................................... 23

Calibration................................................................................................. 24

Oscillator scale................................................................................... 24

Oscillator range.................................................................................

25

Master scale & Analog CV................................................................. 25

MIDI............................................................................................................ 26

Startup...............................................................................................

26

CV1 and Gate1/Trigg1....................................................................... 26

Gate2/Trigg2...................................................................................... 27

CV2.................................................................................................... 28

CV3.................................................................................................... 28

CV4.................................................................................................... 28

CV5.................................................................................................... 28

CV6.................................................................................................... 28

How MIDI Messages are Handled.....................................................

29

Program Change...............................................................................

29

Hold Pedal, Legato Pedal.................................................................. 29

All Notes-Off Message....................................................................... 29

All Sound-Off Message...................................................................... 29

Reset All Controllers Message........................................................... 29

Omni On/Off Messages...................................................................... 29

Reset Message Received.................................................................

29

CV Gate/Trigg Configuration.............................................................

29

Setting for CV Outputs......................................................................

30

Setting Parameters...........................................................................

30

Routing the CV Outputs....................................................................

31

Parameter Values, Table 1...............................................................

32

Upgrading Software..........................................................................

33

Possible Routing of CV Outputs.......................................................

33

MIDI Implementation Chart...............................................................

33

Inside the Synthesizer............................................................................. 34

Oscillators.........................................................................................

34

Sine Waveform..................................................................................

34

Triangle Waveform............................................................................

35

Sawtooth Waveform..........................................................................

35

Pulse Waveform................................................................................

36

Triangle + Pulse Waveform...............................................................

37

Sync, Frequency and Amplitude Modulation.....................................

37

Noise generator.................................................................................

39

Ring Modulator..................................................................................

39

Low Pass Filter................................................................................... 40

Multi Mode Filter................................................................................

44

Master Amplifier................................................................................. 45

Envelope Generators......................................................................... 46

LFO.................................................................................................... 47

Overdrive...........................................................................................

48

CERTIFICATION

Cwejman certifies that this instrument was thoroughly tested and inspected and found to meet its published specifications when it was shipped from the factory.

WARRANTY AND ASSISTANCE

All Cwejman products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship.

This warranty applies for 1 years from the date of delivery. We will repair or replace products, which prove to be defective during the warranty period provided they are returned to Cwejman.

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY

The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by buyer, unauthorized modification or misuse, accident or abnormal conditions of operations. No other warranty is expressed or implied. Cwejman specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Cwejman shall not be liable for any special incidental or consequential damages, whether in contract, tort or otherwise.

Copyright 2005 by Cwejman . Printed in Sweden. All rights reserved.

No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form without written permission of Cwejman .

1

Before Using this Synthesizer

Checking Accessories

Upon receipt of this instrument, run the checks shown below:

Run visual checks against any and all damages or imperfections.

Check the quantity and rating of standard accessories to assure their conformance with the table below.

Should there be any flaw, or damage, or missing or insufficient materials, contact the dealer or the sales and support office.

Power cable

Interconnection cables, 3.5mm

Rack holders

Rack Holder screws, M5

The Instruction manual

2

4

1

6

1

Environmental Conditions

Do not expose this unit to direct sunlight, corrosive gas, dust or vibration. The ambient temperature must be +15 to +30

°C and the relative humidity must not be greater than 85%. The storage

temperature of this unit is 0 to +50

°C.

This unit is designed with the affect of AC power supply line noise taken into consideration. However, it is recommended that it be used in a place where there is minimum noise. If noise is unavoidable, use a noise suppresser or the equivalent.

CAUTION!

Before turning this unit on, check the supply voltage switch on the Rear Panel for proper position.

Voltage selector in 115Vac position.

2

Safety Symbols

The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice or the like which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the equipment. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Grounding Requirements

The synthesizer is equipped with a three-conductor power cord which, when plugged into an appropriate receptacle grounds the instrument. The offset pin on the power cord three-prong connector is the ground wire.

Rack Installation

This instrument can be rack mounted by using a rack mounting kit.

Rack Mounting kit; 2 brackets that are attached to the sides of the instrument by 4 M5 screws.

Installation of Instrument Stand (optional)

An instrument stand can be attached to the unit using the instrument stand kit.

Instrument stand kit: 2 stands (right, left) that are attached to the sides of the instrument by 4 M5 screws

(same screws as for rack installation).

Repackaging for Shipment

The following is a general guide for repackaging for shipment.

NOTE: If the instrument is to be shipped to Cwejman Sound for service or repair, attach a tag to the instrument identifying the owner and indicating the service or repair to be carried out, include the serial number. Place the instrument in its original container if available. If the original container is not available wrap the instrument in heavy paper or plastic before placing in an inner container. Use plenty of packing material around all sides of the instrument and protect panel faces with cardboard strips.

Place the instrument and inner container in a heavy carton or wooden box and seal with strong tape or metal bands. Mark the shipping container DELICATE INSTRUMENT or FRAGILE.

Warm up time

After start up the unit requires 5 to 10 minutes to allow circuits to stabilise.

Specification

The following is an account of the entire unit and the technical performance of each individual module.

In addition there is a more detailed description of the characteristics of the unit's functions including descriptions of the modules, measurements of waveforms, spectrum analysis, frequency response, etc.

WEIGHT

DIMENSIONS

POWER

5 kg

440mm (L), 215mm (H), 70mm (D)

115/230Vac ± 10%, 20VA

3

Introduction

The S1 is a semi-modular, analogue monophonic synthesizer. It is easy to get started with since it is prepatched for optimal use of its sound producing possibilities and eliminates the need for external connections between modules during use. Each module can be disconnected and used separately, e.g. to control or be controlled by other instruments. This flexibility enables and simplifies experimentation with creation and reproduction of sound.

We can mention some important features of the S1:

* Three oscillators with seven basic waveforms

* Ring modulator

* Noise generator with two three noise shapes

* Low pass filter with selectable 4 / 6 poles and quasi band pass mode

* Multi mode filter with selectable 2 to 6 poles and three modes

* Wide range envelope generators

* Master amplifier with build-in overdrive stage

* LFO with seven basic waveforms and wide rate range

* Extensive modulation of, virtually, all synthesis parameters

* Build-in MIDI to CV/gate converter with 16-bit resolution

Several parameters can be voltage controlled by external signals and, simultaneously, control external devices by the build-in MIDI converters voltage outputs (see Rear Panel). The S1 is a stand alone instrument and the possibility with patching and integrating it into an external modular (or semi-modular) synthesizer makes it extremely flexible.

Connections

Power; Connect the included power cable with a 115/230Vac outlet.

BEFORE YOU TURN ON THE MACHINE, BE SURE TO CHECK THE VOLTAGE SELECTOR POSITION

ON THE REAR.

AUDIO

Connect the INSTRUMENT OUTPUT of the S1 to your audio system. Use a single-ended or balanced output cable, depending on what your audio system has to offer. For best audio performance, use the balanced output. Please refer to your audio systems instruction for reference.

MIDI

If you want to play the S1 via MIDI, connect S1's MIDI IN to the MIDI OUT of your MIDI controller.

Select the corresponding MIDI channels on both the S1 and your MIDI controller.

All MIDI functions of the S1 are explained in detail later in this manual. Please also refer to the instructions of your MIDI system/controller.

CV/GATE

If you want to play via CV/GATE equipped devices, please use the ANALOGUE INPUTS on the S1 rear panel.

Connect S1's CV IN to the CV OUT (1 Volt/octave) of your analogue sequencer or keyboard and connect the GATE and/or Trigger or S-Trigger to the appropriate output of your analog controlling device.

MIDI INTERFACE

MIDI OUTPUTS

MIDI CHANNEL

ANALOG

INPUTS

MIDI IN (and programming), MIDI OUT (only program verification) and MIDI THRU

CV1 Fixed: main pitch, 0 to 10 Volts (10 octaves)

CV2 Factory preset: Note on Velocity, 0 to 5 Volts

CV3 Factory preset: Control Change #05,

Modulation Wheel, 0 Volt ± 5 Volts

CV4 Factory preset: Channel After Touch, 0 to 5 Volts

MASTER CV CV1 incl. all controllers in the Master Controller

GATE1 +15 Volts active

TRIGG1 +15 Volts active



S-TRIG Inverted gate, short circuit active

MIDI channel selector

CV Main pitch, 1 Volt/ octave

GATE Envelope generator gate, 1 Volt threshold

TRIGG Envelope generator trigger, 1 Volt threshold

S-TRIG Inverted gate, short circuit active

4

CALIBRATION

MAINS INLET

115/230 V

SELECTOR

INSTRUMENT

OUTPUTS

OSC1, OSC2, OSC3, SCALE; 1 Volt/octave

OSC1, OSC2, OSC3, RANGE; ’RANGE’ octave steps

MASTER, SCALE; general scale sensitivity calibration

MASTER, ANALOG CV INPUT; 1 Volt/octave

Power cord inlet

Switch for mains voltage selection

BALANCED, 16 dBVmax @ 600 ohm (rear panel)

SINGLE ENDED, 10 dBVmax (front and rear panel)

GETTING STARTED

We guess that the first of all, you want to hear how the S1 sounds. Before you get deeper into this manual and all the functions of the S1, please take a short tour and make yourself familiar with some of the S1 basics.

Before you power up the S1, turn down the output level knob . The S1 can produce high output levels and you should make sure not to burn your valuable preamp, speakers or even more, your valuable ears.

FIRST power up the S1 and then turn on your audio system.

Now please bring the controls of the S1 to a simple basic setting:

You can also use this setting as an initial "reset"-patch to where you can go back to as a starting point for new sounds.

As soon you press a key on your keyboard (or start your sequencer), you should hear the sound of a simple bass-lead. You may also copy the picture on next page and fill in your own settings.

5

Now begin to experiment:

- Turn the FILTER MIX knob in the MASTER AMP section in position LPF or MMF to hear signals of all

oscillators.

- Change the waveforms and tunings of the oscillators.

- Change the setting of the LPF- and MMF sections (CUTOFF, Q-PEAK, POLE, MODE) and move

the FILTER MIX knob in the MASTER AMP section. See how timbres are changing?

- Turn up the CUTOFF MODULATION (CM) knobs and experiment with the ENVELOPE GENERATOR

settings to add dynamic timbre changes to the sound.

Experiment with the parameters and try to become familiar with the S1. If something might behave unexpectedly, please be patient. All related issues will be explained in this manual and with some practice, you will soon be able to manage the S1 and create a universe of great sounds.

Patchbay

As we mentioned before, the S1 is a semi-modular system. All modules inputs and outputs are pre-patched and can be altered or added by the use of patch-cords. To make the use of the patching capabilities most easy as possible, there is a specific legend used on all sockets:

- Audio and CV outputs are revealed by red surround.

Since all outputs all short circuit protected, there is no danger to couple output to output.

- Inputs are labelled in white text.

- Where an input is pre-patched internally, its source

is labelled red in a white box. These internal patches

are bypassed as soon as you insert a plug.

Master Controller

The Master Controller section determinates the master frequency and/or modulation depth to all modules coupled to it, such as oscillators and filters. The four knobs are easy to understand:

MODULATION LEVEL is pre-patched to the LFO output and determinates the master modulation depth being aplied to the incomming pitch CV (CV1), hereby modulating all oscillators and filters connected to the master

CV bus.

GLIDE determinates the time to glide from one note to another in 5 octave span.

TRANSPOSE is the master octave setting (± 3 octaves).

FINE TUNE (± 3 semitones).

The three MASTER CV switches disconnect the corresponding oscillator from the incomming pitch CV. The oscillators are not tracked anymore by an e.g. keyboard, thus allowing the creation of sounds that are not related to a tonal scale.

All oscillators FM LEVEL (controlled by knobs) are calibrated (1 Volt/octave) and can be controlled by an external sequencer or other CV source with calibrated 1Volt/octave signal.

MODULATION INPUT sockets; the inputs for individual frequency control of the three oscillators are internally prepatched to the LFO's output, OSC1's output and OSC2's output (as you can see on the labelling of these sockets).

The LFO's output is also pre-patched to the modulation input for the master controller.

6

This allows you to individually modulate the frequency of each of oscillator and the master controller just by moving the FM LEVEL knobs in the oscillator section. The same aplied to the MODULATION LEVEL knob in the MASTER CONTROLLER section. The MODULATION INPUT sockets breaks these pre-patched signals and allow you to redirect any other signal to frequency control of the oscillators and the master tuning.

The MIDI CV OUTPUTS sockets provide four different control voltages generated by the internal MIDI-CV converter of the S1, corresponding to incomming MIDI data.

The MIDI-GATES & TRIGGERS sockets provide the gate and trigger signals that are internally connected

(sent) to the envelope generators. Gate and trigger signals, generated by the internal MIDI CONVERTER are pre-patched to these inputs and can be overriden by inserting patch-cords.

The three corresponding TRIGG & GATE switches determinate the activating of the envelope generators to received MIDI messages and/or trigger/gate signals, selected MIDI channel (1) or selected

MIDI channel+1 (2).

The first (left) switch selects the trigger signal starting ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 and the third switch does the same for ENVELOPE GENERATOR 2. They choose between trigger signals (generated from note on massages) at MIDI channel 1 or MIDI channel +1 (2) OR " no trigger" (in the middle position).

The second switch selects the MIDI channel for activating of the ENVELOPE GENERATOR 2; selected MIDI channel (1) or selected MIDI channel+1 (2).

The MASTER CV TRACKING knobs control the cutoff frequency tracking, and allow you to set the filters to track the master pitch CV from 0% to 200%; you can e.g. make higher notes sound brighter than lower notes, from no effect thru calibrated 1 Volt/octave (1/1) to extreme 2 Volt/octave (2/1).

Additionally, each filter has the individual CUTOFF MODULATION switch that allows CV3 (Modulation Wheel) or CV4 (Aftertouch) to control the cutoff frequency.

7

CONTROLLER

MASTER GLIDE TIME CONTROLLER

1 millisecond to 10 seconds

MASTER MODULATION LEVEL pre-patched to LFO

ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 SELECTOR

TRIGGER 1, main MIDI channel

TRIGGER 2, main MIDI channel + 1

MASTER CV1 CONTROL

ON/OFF SELECTOR for

OSCILLATORS 1, 2, 3

MASTER TRANSPOSE

6 octaves in 1 octave steps

MASTER TUNING

± 3 semitones


GATE 1, main MIDI channel

GATE 2, main MIDI channel + 1


TRIGGER 1, main MIDI channel

TRIGGER 2, mani MIDI channel + 1

FREQUENCY CONTROL INPUTS

OSCILLATOR 1, pre-patched to LFO

OSCILLATOR 2, pre-patched to OSCILLATOR 1

OSCILLATOR 3, pre-patched to OSCILLATOR 2

MIDI CONVERTER CONTROL OUTPUTS

CV1 MASTER TUNING

CV2 VELOCITY

CV3 MODULATION WHEEL

CV4 AFTER TOUCH

(factory preset)

LOWPASS FILTER CUTOFF

MODULATION selector CV3-off-CV4

MASTER CONTROL INPUT pre-patched to LFO

ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1

GATE and TRIGGER

EXTERNAL INPUTS


GATE and TRIGGER

EXTERNAL INPUTS

LOWPASS FILTER

MASTER CV TRACKING

0 to 2 octaves/Volt

MULTI-MODE FILTER

MASTER CV TRACKING

0 to 2 octaves/Volt

MULTI-MODE FILTER CUTOFF

MODULATION selector CV3-off-CV4

MODULATION

LEVEL

GLIDE

TRANSPOSE

FINE TUNE

LPF CUTOFF

MASTER CV

TRACKING

LPF, CUTOFF

MODULATION

MMF CUTOFF

MASTER CV

TRACKING

MMF, CUTOFF

MODULATION

OSCILLATOR 1

OSCILLATOR 2

OSCILLATOR 3

MASTER

CONTROLLER

Master modulation level

1 millisecond to 10 seconds, 5 octave range

-3 to +3 in one octave steps

±3 semitones.

Low-Pass Filter frequency corner tuning; amount of master control voltage

0 to 2 0ctaves/Volt, detent at 1Octave/Volt

Low-Pass Filter frequency corner modulation source selector;

CV3-off-CV4, 5 Octaves range

Multi-Mode Filter frequency corner tuning; amount of master control voltage, 0 to 2 Octaves/Volt, detent at 1Octave/ Volt

Multi-Mode Filter frequency corner modulation source selector;

CV3-off-CV4, 5 Octaves range

FREQUENCY MODULATION

Modulation inputs for Oscillators and Master Controller

Pre-patched to LFO, 1 Volt/Octave.

Pre-patched to Oscillator 1 output, 1 Volt/octave

Pre-patched to Oscillator 2 output, 1 Volt/octave

Pre-patched to LFO, 1 Volt/Octave

8

OSCILLATORS

The Oscillators (OSC1-3) are the main sound sources of the instrument. They are identical, except to their pre-patched frequency modulation sources and the fact that OSC1 can be switched to LFO mode.

Oscillators are equipped with seven waveforms, sync and different frequency and pulse width modulation routes. Given that, the oscillators offer a great flexibility in wave shaping process.

The oscillator's frequency is controlled by RANGE, TUNE, MASTER CONTROLLER and FM LEVEL.

RANGE determines the octave range of the oscillators within six octaves respective to the coarse tuning of

OSC1 in LFO-mode.

TUNE finetunes the oscillators (± 6 semitones).

FM LEVEL determinates the intensity of frequency modulation. Frequency modulation for oscillators has different modulation sources (see table on the page 10) for a maximal modulation flexibility. Frequency modulation, by an audio signal, creates so called "side-bands" that consist of sum and difference of signals frequencies. These additional frequencies do mostly have a non harmonic sound. Modulation, by low periodic waveforms, such as LFO or envelope generator creates momentary pitch shift of modulated oscillator common named vibrato (by LFO) or pitch bend (by envelope generator).

More interesting things happen as soon as both frequencies are in the audio-range. The fast modulation of the frequency creates so called "side-bands" that consist of sum and difference of signals frequencies.

These additional frequencies do mostly have a non harmonic sound or (with extreme modulation) noise.

Experiment first with sine waves at different frequency ranges, and then go for more complex waveforms.

SYNC means that sync'ed oscillators frequency is tracked by the frequency of controlling oscillator;

OSC3's frequency is syncronized to OSC2's frequency, OSC2's frequency is syncronized to OSC1's frequency. When the tuned frequency of sync-ed oscillator has the same or multiple of frequency of controlling oscillator then sync-ed oscillators waveform has no or very little "glitch" which results in a sync-ed smooth waveform (i.e. sinus waveform). The sync-ed waveforms (with additional FM modulation) are perfect for cutting edge lead sound and hard, funky basses.

You want to know how to trigger oscillators at zero-crossing to get most natural and static drum sounds?

Simply tune the synced oscillator to a multiple number of cycles (i.e. OSC1 = 110Hz and sync-ed

OSC2 = 880Hz). Listen to the synced oscillator only with a sine wave only and tune it, until the tone sounds most "pure".

PULSE WIDTH % adjusts the pulse width of the pulse wave from 5% to 95%.

WAVEFORM selects the waveform or a mix of waveforms from an oscillator. PULSE WIDTH control works also on the waveform mixes where the pulse wave is included.

The different waveforms contain different harmonic structures respective to their overtone content.

Thus they sound different from each other and can be used as raw material for creating different types of sounds.

This is a brief description of waveforms:

*

Sine contains low order harmonics with low amplitude and sounds "dull" or "pure". It's very useful for

creating of whistles, flutes and other pure sounds.

*

Triangle contains more high order overtones than sine and sounds still "dull" and "pure" but with more

"edge". It is great for flutes or vibraphone-like sounds.

*

Saw contains many overtones and sounds "rich" and "cutting". It is especially useful for strings,

brass and vocal-like sounds

*

Pulse depends on the pulswidth. A symmetric wave (PW 50%) contains only odd harmonics and is

hollow- sounding. The more it differs from the symmetric wave, the more it sounds "edgy" and "nasal".

It is very useful for woodwind-like, pads, bass and string-like sounds.

*

Mixed triangle + saw

*

Mixed triangle + pulse

*

Mixed saw + pulse

9

RANGE

AUDIO mode

RANGE

LF mode

TUNE

PULSE WIDTH

Waveforms

RANGE

TUNE

PULSE WIDTH

Waveforms

SYNC

RANGE

TUNE

PULSE WIDTH

Waveforms

SYNC

OSCILLATOR 1

0 (C2) to 6 (C8) in 1 octave steps.

8 seconds to 120 milliseconds.

± 6 semitones.

5% to 95%.

Sine, Triangle, Saw, Saw+Triangle, Triangle + Pulse, Saw+Pulse,

Pulse: ± 5 Volts.

OSCILLATOR 2


± 6 semitones.

5% to 95%.


Pulse: ± 5 Volts.

Hard synchronized to Oscillator 1.

OSCILLATOR 3


± 6 semitones.

5% to 95%.


Pulse: ± 5 Volts.

Hard synchronized to Oscillator 2.

OSCILLATORS CV INPUTS

These input sockets provide the use of external signals for amplitude (AM)- and pulse width modulation (PWM).

The LEVEL inputs provide amplitude modulation. Modulation of oscillator's level (amplitude) can be provided by any low frequency- or audio signal, such as; LFO, Envelope Generators, Oscillators or any other signal source. If audio signals are used, the resulting waveforms are complex and contain in addition to the carrier frequency two inharmonic sidebands per spectral component. The sound character is familiar to the results of

FM and thus useful for generating of non harmonic sounds and noises.

The PWM inputs of OSC 1 and 2 are hardwired to the outputs of the MIXER described below. The pulse width of all three oscillators can be modulated by any other signal.

10

CV, LEVEL

CV, PWM

Amplitude modulation input, ± 5 Volts wave @ 5Volts input CV.

Pulse width modulation input, 5% pulse width/ 1Volt input CV.

Mixer

This is a two input / two output DC-coupled mixer with input level controls. The inputs are pre-patched to the

LFO triangle wave and to the ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1, but can be coupled to any other source.

The outputs deliver the sum of the attenuated input signals and its inverted signal (sum+ and sum-). These outputs are pre-patched to the PWM inputs of OSC1 and 2 (see above). Especially when using the LFO signal, this can be a useful choice since the mixers outs provide the LFO signal with opposite polarity to OSC1's PWM respective OSC2's PWM. Consequently, the oscillators pulse width sweeps in opposite directions which results in interesting sonic possibilities.

INPUT LEVEL CONTROLS

MIXER INPUT 1 pre-patched to LFO TRIANGLE

MIXER INPUT 2 pre-patched to ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1

MIXER OUTPUT pre-patched to OSCILLATOR 1

PULSE WIDTH MODULATION INPUT

MIXER OUTPUT pre-patched to OSCILLATOR 2

PULSE WIDTH MODULATION INPUT

EXT INPUT1

EXT INPUT2

S+ OUTPUT

S- OUTPUT

Pre-patched to LFO triangle output, gain = 1.

Pre-patched to Envelope Generator 1 output, gain = 1.

Sum of input 1 and input 2, patched to

Oscillator 1, PWM input.

Inverted sum of Input 1 and Input 2, patched to

Oscillator 2, PWM input.

11

Ring Modulator

A ring modulator is a classic audio effect device and due to the non harmonic character of the output signal, very useful to create metallic timbres such as bells, sweeping whistles and percussive sounds and tremolo effects (modulated by low periodic signal like a LFO). Two input signals are needed and pre-patched to

OSC 2 and 3 sine wave outputs. Using the EXT INPUT sockets, any other signal (internal- or external signal source) can be routed directly into the ring modulator. The AM input enables amplitude modulation effects

(see "Mixer"). The output signal of the ring modulator is routed internally into audio mixer of the Low Pass Filter and Multi Mode Filter. The OUTPUT socket provide the ring modulator signal for other applications.

OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL

RING MODULATOR OUTPUT

EXTERNAL SIGNAL INPUTS pre-patched to

OSCILLATOR 1, 2 SINUS

EXT INPUTS

OUTPUT

LEVEL

Inputs, pre-patched to Oscillator 2, Sine Waveform, and Oscillator 3 (sine).

Multiplier output.

Amplitude modulation input, 0 dB gain @ 5 Volts.

Noise Generator and Oscillators Outputs

Low frequency oscillator.

In addition to the internal routing, these output sockets provide the oscillator signals and three sorts of noise:

- WHITE noise has a balanced level of all frequencies and can be used to create wind sounds.

- RED noise contains more low frequencies and can be used to create thunder- or ocean-like sounds.

- LOW is a random low frequency signal that can be used as a modulation source to achieve sounds with

random character.

NOISE GENERATOR

OSCILLATOR OUTPUTS

White noise, red noise, low frequency noise

OSC1, OSC2, OSC3 outputs

12

LFO, Low Frequency Oscillator

The LFO provides a sub-audio signal for modulation purposes. It is used to achieve periodic modulations like sweeps, vibrato effects or arpeggios.

RATE determines the frequency of the LFO and is indicated by the LED

WAVEFORM SELECTOR provides seven different waveforms.

The patch-section offers some more LFO functions:

The GATE SOURCE SELECTOR switch enables the LFO to start at a zero-crossing and thus to sync the LFO to MIDI/GATE 1, MIDI/GATE 2 or to an external signal patched to the EXT GATE socket.

Additional sockets allow the modulation of RATE and LEVEL and provide the LFO-OUTPUT.

Some interesting results can be achieved when the LFO OUTPUT is fed back to the EXT GATE input socket.

LFO RATE

60 seconds to 16 milliseconds

(0.016Hz to 62.5Hz)

WAVEFORM

SELECTOR

RANDOM

SQUARE

RANDOM

SLEW RATE 1

RANDOM

SLEW RATE 2

TRIANGLE

INVERTED

SAW TOOTH

SAW TOOTH

GATE SOURCE SELECTOR

MIDI GATE1/--/GATE2

LFO OUTPUT

RATE CONTROL INPUT

RATE

Waveforms

FM

LEVEL

EXT GATE

AMPLITUDE CONTROL INPUT EXTERNAL GATE INPUT

60 seconds (0.016 Hz) to 16 milliseconds (62 Hz)

Sample&Hold random (3 speeds), triangle, sawtooth (double rate), inverted sawtooth (double rate), square, all waveforms ± 5 Volts

Frequency modulation input, 1 Volt/octave

Amplitude modulation input, 0 dB gain @ 5 Volts CV

Synchronization to external signal (1V threshold) or ”Gate1/Gate 2”

13

Low Pass Filter Audio Mixer

Audio mixer for oscillator 1, 2, 3, ring modulator and pre-patched multi mode filters output.

The output signals of the three oscillators, the ring modulator and the output signal of the multimode filter has individual levels into the lowpass filter input. The red labelling indicates the saturation level of the filter's input stage when one source is used. Using more than one signal source, leads to earlier saturation.

Multi Mode Audio Mixer

The output signals of the three oscillators, the ring modulator and pre-patched white noise has individual levels into the multi-mode filter input. The thick scale indicates the clip level of the filter's input stage when one source is used (with higf Q-PEAK setting). Using more than one signal source, leads to earlier clip.

LOWPASS FILTER AUDIO MIXER

OSCILLATOR 1, 2, 3, RING MODULATOR and MULTI-MODE FILTER (pre-patched)

MULTI-MODEFILTER AUDIO MIXER

OSCILLATOR 1, 2, 3, RING MODULATOR and WHITE NOISE (pre-patched)

14

Filters

The most important sound shaping device of every substractive synthesizer is the filter. It cuts off specific and adjustable frequency ranges and thus overtones, which can result in drastic sonic changes of the filtered audio material. In the following, you will find a brief description of a filter in general, more detailed and technical information can be found on page 38 of this manual.

We distinguish between different TYPES of filters: low pass, high pass, band pass and notch:

*

Low pass filter cuts off high frequencies and let low frequencies pass.

*

High pass filter cuts off low frequencies and let high frequencies pass.

*

Band pass filter cuts off high and low frequencies and let a more or less broad frequency bandpass.

A band pass filter is a low pass and a high pass fliter in series.

*

Notch filters do the opposite and cuts out a more or less broad frequency band out of the frequency range.

A notch filter is a low pass and a high pass in parallel.

Low pass filters are the most common used for musicial applications and you'll find two in the S1.

To gain most extensive sonic capabilities, the S1 is also equipped with a multi mode filter, that can work as low-, high-, and band-pass (see page 42).

Next to the filter type, the slope or NUMBER OF POLES defines the characteristics of a filter.

The slope defines how steep the filter cuts off the attenuated frequency range. It is measured in dB/octave and one pole is equivalent to 6dB/octave. That means, that the most common 4 pole low pass filter cuts high frequencies with an attenuation of 24dB/octave and more efficient 6 pole filter cuts 36dB/octave.

The steeper the slope, the more effective the filter works (cuts overtones or undertones). Since lower slopes also produce very musical and sonically useful results, it makes sense to implement filters with switchable slope. The S1's filters with its two corresponding 3-slope-settings are most versatile and musically useful.

The next basic parameter is the CUTOFF-FREQUENCY or corner frequency. It defines at which frequency the filter starts to work, respective to attenuates frequencies. On the S1, the cutoff of both filters can be adjusted from 16Hz to 16kHz (by CUTOFF knob) and has a total frequency range from 5Hz to 30kHz.

Lets have a look on Q-PEAK. This parameter is also known as "resonance" or "emphasis". It boost the frequencies in the range of the cutoff and makes the tone sound more "cutting". From a certain level on, the filter starts self-oscillating and works as a sine wave oscillator.

The configuration of LPF and MMF coupled in series and/or in parallel creates a formant filter for various vocal like sounds.

LOW PASS FILTER

The Low Pass Filter, in 4 pole mode, emulates the familiar low pass filter in some analogue synthesizer.

S1's Low Pass Filter expands sonic potential by adding a unique designed 6 pole low pass mode and quasi band pass mode.

LPF is characterized by a non-linear transfer function, so-called saturation mode that is affected by the level of the incoming signal. In the audio mixer the red markings on the potentiometer scales show the level at which the filter operates in the saturation mode (For more details see LOW PASS FILTER, page 40).

The design quality of LPF's and new features makes the LPF more flexible than any other low pass filter used in analogue synthesizers and results in qualities, such as:

*

CUTOFF, Q-PEAK and output level are voltage controlled

*

4 and 6 poles low pass mode (24 dB/octave and 36 dB/octave)

*

Qasi Band pass mode (6dB/octave high pass on low side and 24dB/octave low pass on high side)

*

Saturable; from "warm" and "smooth" sound (at low to moderate level of incoming signal)

to heavy distorted "nasty" and "aggressive" (at high level of incoming signals)

*

Ideal as "effect filter" with external sound material

*

Low noise

15

FUNCTIONS

CUTOFF controls the filters cutoff- (or corner-) frequency.

POLE selects between 4 pole low pass, quasi band pass (that sounds different than the "true" bandpass of the MMF) and 6 pole low pass.

Q-PEAK determines the boost of the corner frequency. From "9" on, the filter starts self-oscillating.

To create useful and interesting sounds, the cutoff parameter has to be controlled dynamically.

This is mostly done by the later described envelope generators and/or by modulating the cutoff with a periodical signal e.g. an LFO- or an audio signal. This is done with the cutoff modulation section (CM).

CUTOFF MODULATION

CM 1 adjusts the corner frequency modulation intensity by ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1.

ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 switch inverts the control voltage of envelope generator 1.


ENVELOPE GENERATOR 2 switch inverts the control voltage of envelope generator 2

OSC1/LFO adjusts the corner frequency modulation intensity by the triangle waveform of OSC1 respective to the LFO. Maximum sweep reaching over +/-5 octaves.

OSC1 LFO switch selects the triangle waveform of OSC1 or the LFO as modulation source.

AUDIO

In the patch section of the LPF you'll find the HI Z INPUT which is an additional and patchable input.

It is internally pre-patched to the audio output of the Multi Mode Filter. This level is adjustable in the LPF

MIXER section as described above.

OUTPUT socket allows the filtered audio signal be coupled to any input. It's destinated to the audio input of the AMP-section (FILTER MIX).

CV

Here you'll find patchable modulation-inputs for the LPF:

CUTOFF can be used to provide other signals than the triangle waveform of OSC1 or the LFO (to which it is internally routed; see above) as a modulation source for the cutoff frequency. Use the OSC1/LFO knob to adjust the modulation intensity.

LEVEL can be used for gain-control respectively amplitude-modulation of the LPF output signal.

Q-PEAK enables the resonance to be voltage controlled. Again, using audio signals for cv duty can provide interesting results.

16

CUTOFF (CORNER FREQUENCY)

TUNING; 16 Hz to 16 kHz

4 POLE / BANDPASS

6 POLE SELECTOR

CORNER PEAK CONTROL

FLAT to OSCILLATION

CORNER FREQUENCY MODULATION by ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1

CORNER FREQUENCY MODULATION by ENVELOPE GENERATOR 2

SOURCE SELECTOR

POSITIVE/ NEGATIVE GOING


SOURCE SELECTOR



CORNER FREQUENCY MODULATION by OSCILLATOR1 TRIANGLE/ LFO

EXTERNAL AUDIO INPUT pre-patched to

MULTI-MODE FILTER, OUTPUT

SOURCE SELECTOR

OSCILLATOR 1 TRIANGLE/ LFO

FILTER OUTPUT

CORNER FREQUENCY, EXTERNAL

MODULATION INPUT, pre-patched to


CUTOFF

FILTER GAIN CONTROL

L EVEL Q- PEAK

Q-PEAK CONTROL

CUTOFF

Q-PEAK

POLES

CM; CUTOFF

MODULATION

AUDIO

EXTERNAL INPUT

AUDIO, OUTPUT

CV, CUTOFF

CV, LEVEL

CV, Q-PEAK

Frequency corner; 16 Hz to 16 kHz

Flat to self-oscillation

4/6 poles (24/36 dB/octave) and additional BAND-PASS mode

Envelope Generator 1; 0 to ±10 octaves

Envelope Generator 2; 0 to ±10 octave

Oscillator 1 (triangle)/LFO; 0 to ±5 octaves

High Z (4 Mohm input impedance),

1 Volt input for gain = 0 dB

Filter output

Frequency modulation input, 1 Volt/octave, pre-patched to Oscillator 1 (triangle)/ LFO


Resonance, flat to self-oscillation @ 4 to 5 Volts CV

19

MULTI MODE FILTER

The MMF is the most flexible filter found in any monophonic synthesizer. The whole circuit solution of the filter is an analogue "state of the art" and results in remarkable qualities such as:

*

Wide frequency range from 5 Hz to 25 kHz

*

Vital parameters such as CUTOFF, Q-PEAK and LEVEL (output)

*

Selectable 2-, 4- and 6 poles

*

Low-, high-, band pass mode

*

Very clean sound even in self oscillation mode

*

Ideal as "effect filter" with external sound material

*

Clean, yet "warm" and "smooth" sound

*

Low noise

The Multi Mode Filter, with a wide range of controllable parameters, is especially useful as a tool to create various high quality sounds and recreate "sounds" from many classic synthesizers, as well.

Those qualities make the Multi Mode Filter a perfect complement to the Low Pass Filter.

Configuration in series or parallel the LPF and MMF filters make it easy to create various vocal like sounds or filter with an extreme steep slope (up to 72 dB/octave in low pass mode)

FUNCTIONS

CUTOFF controls the cutoff- (or corner-) frequency of the filter from 16Hz to 16kHz.

POLE selects between 2, 4 and 6 pole configuration for 12-, 24-, and 36dB/octave slope

Q-PEAK determines the boost of the corner frequency. From "9" on, the filter starts self-oscillating.

To create useful and interesting sounds, the cutoff parameter has to be controlled dynamically.

This is mostly done by the later described envelope generators and/or by modulating the cutoff with a periodical signal e.g. an LFO- or an audio signal. This is done with the cutoff modulation section (CM).

CUTOFF MODULATION


ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 switch inverts the control voltage of envelope generator 1.


ENVELOPE GENERATOR 2 switch inverts the control voltage of envelope generator 2

OSC1/LFO adjusts the corner frequency modulation intensity by the triangle waveform of OSC1 respective to the LFO. Maximum sweep reaching over +/-5 octaves.

OSC1 LFO switch selects the triangle waveform of OSC1 or the LFO as modulation source.

AUDIO

In the patch-section of the MMF you'll find the HI Z INPUT which is an additional and patchable input.

It is internally prepatched to the WHITE NOISE. This level is adjustable in the MMF MIXER section.

OUTPUT socket allows the filtered audio signal be coupled to any input. It's destinated to the audio input of the AMP-section (FILTER MIX).

CV

Here you'll find patchable modulation-inputs for the MMF:

CUTOFF can be used to provide other signals than the triangle waveform of OSC1 or the LFO (to which it is internally routed; see above) as a modulation source for the cutoff frequency. Use the OSC1/LFO knob to adjust the modulation intensity.

LEVEL can be used for gain-control respective to the amplitude-modulation output signal of the MMF.

Q-PEAK enables the resonance to be voltage controlled. Again using audio-signals can provide interesting results.

18

CUTOFF FREQUENCY TUNING

16 Hz to 16 kHz

2-4-6 POLE SELECTOR

CORNER PEAK CONTROL

FLAT to OSCILLATION

CUTOFF FREQUENCY MODULATION by ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1

CUTOFF FREQUENCY MODULATION by ENVELOPE GENERATOR 2

LOW-PASS/ HIGH-PASS/ BAND-PASS

MODE SELECTOR

SOURCE SELECTOR



SOURCE SELECTOR



CUTOFF FREQUENCY MODULATION by OSCILLATOR1 TRIANGLE/ LFO

SOURCE SELECTOR


EXTERNAL AUDIO INPUT pre-patched to WHITE NOISE

FILTER OUTPUT

CUTOFF, EXTERNAL MODULATION INPUT pre-patched to


CUTOFF

FILTER GAIN CONTROL

L EVEL Q- PEAK

Q-PEAK CONTROL

CUTOFF

Q-PEAK

POLES

Frequency corner; 16Hz to 16kHz

Flat to self-oscillation

2/4/6 poles (12/24/36 dB/oct) @ low-pass and high-pass mode

2/4/6 poles (6/12/18 dB/oct) @ band-pass mode

CM; CUTOFF

MODULATION

AUDIO

EXTERNAL INPUT

AUDIO, OUTPUT

CV, CUTOFF

CV, LEVEL

CV, Q-PEAK

Envelope Generator 1; 0 to ± 10 octaves

Envelope Generator 2; 0 to ± 10 octaves

Oscillator 1 (triangle)/LFO; 0 to ±5 octaves

High Z (4 Mohm input impedance),

1 Volt input for gain = 0 dB

Filter output

Frequency modulation input, 1 Volt/octave,

Pre/patched to Oscillator 1 (triangle)/ LFO


Resonance, flat to self-oscillation @ 4 to 5 Volts CV

19

Envelope Generators

The envelope generators provide control voltages (CV's) that can be used to dynamicy change of parameters, such as; frequency, amplitude, pulse width, cutoff.

The most common use is in connection with a filter and a voltage controlled amplifier in order to achieve dynamic timbre- and level-changes. Thus the envelopes of the S1 are internally connected to the oscillators, filters and the amp, but can be routed elsewhere via the patch-panel.

Both envelope generators are identical.

ATTACK TIME Time needed to reach the envelopes full level after a key is pressed (or the EG is started otherwise).

DECAY TIME Time needed to fall down from the full level to the sustain level.

SUSTAIN LEVEL Level that is held as long as a key is pressed.

RELEASE TIME Time needed to fall down to zero level after key is released (or other note-off command has been received).

GATE DELAY TIME Delay time between note-on command and start of the attack-phase.

ENVELOPE OUTPUTS

Provides the control voltages of the envelope and the inverted voltage.

CV INPUTS, external controls of envelopes

Allows the voltage control of all envelope parameters. This is very useful fea ture for modelling of complex dynamic sounds.

ATTACK TIME

0,5 milliseconds to 20 seconds

DECAY TIME


SUSTAIN LEVEL

0 to 5 Volts

RELEASE TIME


GATE DELAY TIME

1 milliseconds to 10 seconds

ENVELOPE OUTPUT

INVERTED

0 to -5 Volts

ENVELOPE OUTPUT

0 to 5 Volts

ATTACK TIME

CONTROL INPUT

DECAY TIME

CONTROL INPUT

SUSTAIN LEVEL

CONTROL INPUT

RELEASE TIME

CONTROL INPUT

20

ENVELOPE LEVEL

CONTROL INPUT

DELAY TIME

CONTROL INPUT

ATTACK TIME

DECAY TIME

SUSTAIN LEVEL

RELEASE TIME

DELAY TIME

CV, ATTACK

CV, DECAY

CV, SUSTAIN

CV, RELEASE

CV, DELAY

CV, LEVEL

OUTPUTS

0.5 milliseconds to 20 seconds


0 to 5 Volts


1 millisecond to 10 seconds

0.5 milliseconds to 20 seconds @ 0 to 5 Volts CV


0 to 5 Volts @ 0 to 5 Volts CV


1 milliseconds to 10 seconds @ 0 to 5 Volts CV

Amplitude modulation, 5 Volts signal peak @ 5Volts CV

Positive going, 0 to + 5 Volts

Negative going, 0 to - 5 Volts

Master Amplifier

The envelope generators provide control voltages that can be used to dynamically change timbres.

This section provides the output stage of the S1. The internally routed audio signals are summed, amplified and sent to the instrument's outputs.

FILTER MIX adjusts the mix ratio between LPF- and MMF-outputs in any proportion.

OVERDRIVE makes the S1 sound "nasty" and "grungy".

OUTPUT LEVEL controls the overall signal level, sent to your audio system.

AMPL MODULATION

The level of the sound can be dynamically controlled by the envelope generators.

ENVELOPE MIX adjusts the mixing ratio between both envelopes in any proportion.

ENVELOPE MODE switch determines how much the signal is attenuated over time. Logarithmic mode (log) is very useful for extremely percussive sounds.

The patch section provides:

AUDIO

EXT INPUT can be used to process external audio material in the S1' amp section. It is prepatched to the LPF output. Its level can be adjusted by the FILTER MIX knob.

OUTPUT provides a master audio output in addition to the one on the backside.

CV

ON / OFF switch makes the S1' amp velocity-sensitive, since it is pre-patched to CV2 (MIDI velocity).

Using the EXT VELOCITY socket, any other signal can be used to control the velocity.

21

LOW-PASS and MULTI-MODE FILTER

AUDIO MIXER

OVERDRIVE CONTROLLER

CLEAN (0) to SATURATED (10)

AUDIO OUTPUT

LEVEL

ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 & 2

AMPLITUDE CONTROL MIXER

AMPLITUDE CONTROL MODE

LINEAR 20%/Volt

LOG 16 dB/Volt

EXTERNAL AUDIO INPUT pre-patched to

LOW-PASS FILTER OUTPUT

MASTER AMPLIFIER

AUDIO OUTPUT

VELOCITY CONTROL

SWITCH

EXTERNAL VELOCITY CONTROL and AMP MODULATION pre-patched to CV2

AUDIO,

FILTER MIX

AUDIO,

OVERDRIVE

AUDIO, EXT INPUT

AUDIO, OUTPUT

AM,

ENVELOPE MODE

Mix control for Lowpass Filter and

Multi-Mode Filter audio output.

Overdrive control from clean to full saturated audio signal output.

Audio input, pre-patched to Lowpass Filter output.

Instruments audio output.

Envelope1 and Envelope2 panning mixer for amplifiers amplitude modulation.

AM,

ENVELOPE MODE

Linear mode, gain 0 dB @ 5 Volts CV, 20%/ Volt.

log mode, gain 0dB @ 5 Volts CV, 15 dB/ Volt.

AM, EXT VELOCITY Velocity control, pre-patched to CV2.

22

REAR PANEL

23

MIDI INTERFACE

MIDI OUTPUTS

MIDI CHANNEL

ANALOG

INPUTS

CALIBRATION

MAINS INLET

115/230 V

SELECTOR

INSTRUMENT

OUTPUTS

MIDI IN (and programming), MIDI OUT (only program verification) and MIDI THRU

CV1 Fixed: main tune, 0 to 10 Volts (10 octaves)

CV2 Factory preset: Note on Velocity, 0 to 5 Volts

CV3 Factory preset: Control Change #05,

Modulation Wheel, 0 Volt ± 5 Volts

CV4 Factory preset: Channel After Touch, 0 to 5 Volts

MASTER CV + Glide & Pitch Bend control





STRIG inverted gate, short circuit active

MIDI channel selector

CV main tune, 1 Volt/ octave

GATE envelope generator gate, 1 Volt threshold

TRIGG envelope generator trigger, 1 Volt threshold

STRIG inverted gate, short circuit active

OSC1, OSC2, OSC3 SCALE; for sensitivity 1 Volt/octave

OSC1, OSC2, OSC3 RANGE; ’RANGE’ selectors octave calibration

MASTER, SCALE; general scale sensitivity calibration

MASTER, ANALOG CV INPUT; analog control voltage calibration, 1 Volt/octave, 5% range.

Power cord inlet

Switch for mains voltage selection

BALANCED, 16 dBVmax @ 600 ohm (rear panel)

SINGLE ENDED, 10 dBVmax (front and rear panel)

CALIBRATION

OSCILLATOR SCALE

Oscillator 1:

1. Connect MIDI keyboard to synthesizer (MIDI IN).

2. Set oscillator 1 and 2 to sawtooth waveform.

3. Set the LPF MIXER control knobs on oscillator 1 and 2 to position 8, and all other control knobs to position 0.

4. Set LPF CUTOFF control knob to position 10

5. Set AMP FILTER MIXER control knob to position LPF.

6. On MASTER CV set switch for OSC2 to off.

7. On OSC 1 set RANGE and TUNE to position 0.

8. On OSC 2 or OSC 3 set RANGE switch to position 1, and TUNE to position 0 for 5 octave keyboard or position 0 for 8 octave keyboard (Master keyboard).

9. Press the lowest C on the keyboard and adjust FINE TUNE on the MASTER CONTROLLER until both oscillators have the same frequency and minimum phase shift.

10.

Press each successively higher C (C3, C4, C5, etc.). Adjust trim potentiometer OSC1, SCALE on the rear panel for correct frequency. The frequency of Oscillator 1 must correspond to C3,

C4, C5, etc. When correctly adjusted the Oscillator 1 frequency is exactly 2, 4, 8, 16…etc.

times higher than Oscillator 2.

24

Oscillator 2 and 3:

OSCILLATOR RANGE

Oscillator 1:

1. On MASTER CV set switch for OSC1 and OSC2 to ON.

2. On OSC 1 and OSC 2 set RANGE switch and TUNE to position 0.

3. Press any key on the keyboard.

4. Carefully adjust TUNE on Oscillator 1 until both oscillators have the same frequency and minimum phase shift.

5. Step up the RANGE switch on Oscillator 1 and adjust trim potentiometer OSC1, RANGE for correct frequency. When correctly adjusted the Oscillator 1 frequency must be 1, 2, 3, 4,… etc. octaves higher than Oscillator 2 (i.e. exact multiples of one octave).

Oscillator 2 and 3:

Repeat the procedure as for Oscillator 1, using one of the other oscillators as reference.

MASTER SCALE

This procedure tunes the entire instrument. The object is to calibrate CV1 and MASTER CV

(rear panel) for 1 Volt/octave.

If the oscillators correspond internally over 4-5 octaves any one of them may be used for a reference tone, otherwise an external source must be used.

Perform the calibration using the MASTER SCALE trim potentiometer.

MASTER ANALOG CV

An external analog control voltage from, e.g. an analog synthesizer or other instrument with an analog control voltage output can control the instrument.

Perform the calibration using the MASTER ANALOG CV trim potentiometer on the rear panel.

NOTE: ) Therefore the source of external control voltage must not deviate by more than 2-3% from 1 Volt/octave.

25

MIDI

General

The MIDI interface is a so-called MIDI to CV & Gate/Trigger that converts MIDI messages to analog control voltages (CV) and Gate/Trigger (Gate/Trigg) control voltages. There are six CV channels, CV1-CV6, and two Gate/Trigg ports, Gate1/Trigg1 and Gate2/Trigg2.

All the functions that have an external ’Control Voltage Input’, normally marked ’CV’ can be controlled via MIDI control voltages CV1-CV4.

The MIDI interface is preconfigured for certain functions, see description below, but can be reconfigurated by first programming the MIDI message that is to control the CV output and then routing the CV output to the module to be controlled.

For example, CV2 can be configured to be controlled by a foot controller instead of Note-On

Velocity which is the factory-preset configuration. Or CV4 can be programmed to accentuate a filter at a certain keystroke, so-called accent function instead of the preset configuration which is Channel After Touch. See CV Gate/Trigg Configuration below.

MIDI channels are selected by the MIDI CHANNEL switch on the Rear Panel. This switch sets the address in binary form.

MIDI channel 1; all pins down (0000).

I

I

MIDI channel 16; all pins up (1111).

MIDI channel switch, code pattern

Startup

After startup of the instrument all CV outputs are at 0 Volt and Gate/Trigg outputs are actively low

(0Volt). MIDI mode is Mono On, Omni off.

CV1 and Gate1/Trigg1

Function

CV1 is used to control the Main Tune and is permanently programmed for MIDI Note On/Off messages. When a Note-On message is received a corresponding control voltage is sent to the CV1 output, Gate 1 goes actively high and Trigg 1 generates a short pulse. When a corresponding Note-Off message is received, Gate 1 goes actively low and CV1 retains its value.

CV1 is preprogrammed to produce 0 Volt out with MIDI note number 24. The tone it produces is selected by, among other things, transposing the Master Controller’s selector and the oscillator Range switch (see description of oscillators for more detail). The notes with numbers lower than 24 are ignored by default but can be reprogrammed to provide a total register of 10 octaves.

If several Note-On messages are received in sequence the most recently received note is played. For each Note-On message a new Trigg 1 pulse is generated if it is not inhibited by the

Legato mode. When a Note-Off message is received the previous note is sent out and a new

Trigg 1 pulse is generated. Five simultaneous Note-On messages can be stored in the memory.

CV1 controls, via MASTER CONTROLLER selector switches on the front panel, the frequency of the oscillators (switches OSC1, OSC2, OSC3) and the frequency corners of the filters (LPF

TUNE and MMF).

26

Gate1 activates Envelope Generator 1 (with fixed connection to Gate1) and/or Envelope

Generator 2. The selection is made by MASTER CONTROLLER selector switches GATE 1

1-off-2 and GATE 2 1-off-2 on the front panel. Gate1 can also control LFO Sync via a switch in the LFO Gate1-Gate2 section.

Trigg1 is used to retrigger Envelope Generators (attack and decay portion of envelope signal). This can be disabled by MASTER CONTROLLER selector switches TRIGG 1 1-off-2 and TRIGG 2 1-off-2 on the front panel.

Connections

CV1 is accessible from both the front and rear panels, see the figures below. Gate1 is accessible as an output on the rear panel in the MIDI CONVERTER OUTPUTS section. Gate 1 can be complemented by the signal GATE in the ANALOG INPUTS section on the rear panel. Trigg1 is accessible as an output on the rear panel in the MIDI CONVERTER OUTPUTS section. TRIGG1 can be complemented by the signal TRIGG in the ANALOG INPUTS section on the rear panel.

Gate2/Trigg2

Function

Gate2 and Trigg2 follow Note-On messages on the selected MIDI-channel + 1. This is useful, for example when using the selected MIDI channel for melodies and main rhythm patterns, and the selected MIDI channel + 1 for added rhythm patterns.

When a Note-On message on MIDI channel + 1 is received, the corresponding Gate2 goes

(actively) high and Trigg2 produces a short pulse. When the corresponding Note-Off message comes, Gate2 goes actively low. The notes with numbers lower than 24 are ignored by default but can be reprogrammed to provide a total register of 10 octaves.

If several Note-On messages are received in sequence Gate2 is held (actively) high the entire time and a new Trigg2 pulse is generated. Five simultaneous Note-On messages can be stored in the memory.

Gate2 can control Envelope Generator 2 via MASTER CONTROLLER selector switch GATE 2

1-off-2 on the front panel. Gate 2 can also control LFO Sync via a switch in the LFO Gate1-Gate2 sec tion.

Trigg2 is used to control Envelope Generator 1 or Envelope via MASTER CONTROLLER selector switches TRIGG 1 1-off-2 and TRIGG 2 1-off-2 on the front panel.

Connections

Gate2 is accessible as an output on the rear panel in the MIDI CONVERTER OUTPUTS section.

Trigg2 is accessible as an output on the rear panel in the MIDI CONVERTER OUTPUTS section.

The following two drawings show the MIDI GATES & TRIGGERS at the bottom left of the front panel and the MIDI CONVERTER OUTPUTS on the rear panel.

MIDI outputs and pre-patched Envelope Generators Gate/Trigg inputs at bottom left on Front Panel

Rear Panel, MIDI Converter outputs

27

CV2

Function

CV2 is preprogrammed for Note-On Velocity but can be reprogrammed, see the following section Functions for CV Outputs . CV2 is pre-patched for amplitude control but can be deselected by a switch under the AMP-CV section. Default sensitivity is 100% but can be altered, see CV Gate/Trig Configuration below.

Connections

CV2 is accessible from both the front and rear panels, see the figures above. CV2 can also be substituted by an external control voltage via an input on the front panel under ’AMP-CV’ section.

CV3

Function

CV3 is preprogrammed for Control Change #1, Modulation Wheel messages, but can be reprogrammed to react on any MIDI message, see Parameter Programming below.

CV3 is pre-patched for Fixed Modulation CV Select for LOWPASS FILTER and MULTI-MODE

FILTER frequency corner modulation. Default sensitivity is 100% but can be altered, see CV

Gate/Trig Configuration below.

Connections

CV3 is accessible from both the front and rear panels, see the figures above.

CV4

Function

CV4 is preprogrammed for Channel Aftertouch messages, but can be reprogrammed to react on any MIDI message, see Parameter Programming below.

CV4 is pre-patched for Fixed Modulation CV Select for LOWPASS FILTER and MULTI-MODE

FILTER frequency corner modulation. Default sensitivity is 100% but can be altered, see CV

Gate/Trig Configuration below.

Connections

CV4 is accessible from both the front and rear panels, see the figures above.

CV5

Function

CV5 is preprogrammed for Control Change #5, Portamento (Glide) Time, but can be reprogrammed to react on any MIDI message, see Parameter Programming below. Default sensitivity is 100% but can be altered, see CV Gate/Trig Configuration below.

Connections

CV5 is not accessible as an output.

CV6

Function

CV6 is preprogrammed for Pitch Wheel messages, but can be reprogrammed to react on any

MIDI message, see Parameter Programming below. CV6 is prepatched to the Master Controller for modulation of oscillator pitch and frequency corners of the filters. Default sensitivity is set to ±24 semitones but can be set anywhere between ±1-24 semitones in semitone steps, see

CV Gate/Trig Configuration below.

Connections

CV6 is not accessible as an output.

28

How MIDI Messages are Handled

Program Change

Program Change messages with patch #01 restore the parameter settings to their default values. A currently played note is turned off by making both Gate 1 and Gate 2 inactive, the

CV1 output is held at its latest value. The Note Stack is emptied. All CV Outputs on the S1 that are programmed for a controller or other function output are cleared, the output is set to 0V and the Pitch Wheel is centered. All other patch numbers are ignored. Note that restoring the parameter memory via the Program Change message takes a couple of hundred milliseconds and during this time no other messages will be handled.

Hold Pedal, Legato Pedal

The Hold Pedal message sustains a note being played by keeping the Gate1 output active regardless of Note-Off messages. The Gate2 output is affected in the same way when the message is received on selected MIDI channel +1.

Legato Pedal messages cause a legato effect by not making the Trig1 output active for Note-On messages. The Trig2 output is affected in the same way when the message is received on MIDI channel+1.

All Notes-Off Message

Turns off a played note. Gate1 is made inactive. Pitch output is held at its latest value.

A played note is not turned off if the Hold pedal is active. Gate2 is affected in the same way when the message is received on MIDI channel+1.

All Sound-Off Message

Turns off a played note. Gate1 is made inactive. Pitch output is held at its latest value.

A played note is turned off even if the Hold pedal is active. Gate2 is affected in the same way when the message is received on MIDI channel+1.

Reset All Controllers Message

Resets all controllers to default states. All CV Outputs on the S1 programmed for a controller or other function output are cleared, the output is set to 0V and the Pitch Wheel is centered.

Omni On/Off Messages

Turns Omni mode on or off. Note that the second byte in Omni On messages is not recognized since the S1 is a monophonic instrument. A currently played note is turned off by making both

Gate1 and Gate2 inactive but the CV1 output is held at its latest value. The Note Stack is also emptied.

Reset Message Received

When the reset message is received the MIDI interface performs a warm reset. The description regarding Power On describes what happens.

CV Gate/Trigg Configuration

Configuring the CV outputs is made in two steps. First a parameter must be set to define which MIDI message is to control the output. Then the CV output must be routed to the desired module.

29

Settings for CV Outputs

CV Output 1 is always Pitch Out and it is not possible to use it for anything else.

CV Outputs 2-5 can be programmed to react to MIDI Controllers or a number of pre-defined functions. These functions are listed below and in Table 1:

1. MIDI Control Change. The CV function parameter is set to 0-119 which corresponds to controller #0-119. When a CV output is programmed for a Controller only 7-bit values are handled, i.e. if both Coarse and Fine messages are received for the controller only the portion that has been programmed is used. Controllers that are used for parameter programming or other predefined functions cannot be used for a CV output – this applies to RPN/NRPN controllers, Data Entry controllers and Hold/Legato pedal controllers. When a CV output is programmed for a controller the CV Range parameter sensitivity is between 0% - 200%.

2. Note-On Velocity: If the CV Function parameter is set to 121 the CV output produces a value corresponding to Note-On Velocity for notes that are played. The CV Range parameter determines sensitivity between 0% - 200%.

3. Accent: If the CV Function parameter is set to 123 the CV output goes high = 5V if the Note-On velocity reaches a certain value. The CV Range parameter determines the value at which the output goes high and can be 0-127.

4. Key Aftertouch: If the CV Function parameter is set to 124 the CV output produces a value corresponding to Key Aftertouch messages for notes that are played. The CV Range parameter determines sensitivity between 0% - 200%.

5. Note-Off Velocity: If the CV Function parameter is set to 125 the CV output produces a value corresponding to Note-Off Velocity for notes that are released. The CV Range parameter determines sensitivity between 0% - 200%.

6. Channel Aftertouch. If the CV Function parameter is set to 126 the CV output produces a value corresponding to Channel Aftertouch. The CV Range parameter determines sensitivity between

0% - 200%.

7. Unused: If the CV Function parameter is set to 120, 122 or 127 the CV output is blocked and will not react to any messages. The CV output is set to a constant 0V.

See Table 1 for further details.

CV Output 6 is always Pitch Wheel Out and it is not possible to use it for anything else. Pitch

Wheel Range can be set either by changing the parameter as described below or by RPN message

Pitch Bend Range, 0x0000.

Setting Parameters

Parameters for the CV outputs are set by NRPN messages as follows:

· Initialize the NRPN Coarse part to 0.

· Select the parameter by the NRPN Fine part. See Table 1 for details.

· Send a Data Entry Coarse message with the required value. Since parameters are always between

0-127 the Data Entry Fine message is not needed.

The NRPN Coarse and Fine values will be retained until another NRPN or RPN message is received or until the S1 is turned off.

Note: When done with parameter changes NRPN Coarse and Fine should be set to 0x7f,

(NRPN/RPN zero value). This is to avoid changing the parameters unintentionally.

Example 1:

The CV2 Function is programmed for Note-On Velocity as default. To change this to react instead to the Foot Controller (#04) do the following:

· Send an NRPN Coarse (#99) message with value 0.

· Send an NRPN Fine (#98) message with value 03 to select the CV2 Function parameter.

· Send a Data Entry Coarse (#06) message with value 04 to set the new function.

30

Example 2:

The CV2 Output Range is set to 32 as default. To change this to 64 for a 200% range instead do the following. Presume that the instrument has not received any other messages and has not been turned off since the last parameter change.

·

· The NRPN Coarse message need not be set since it will retain its last value.

Send an NRPN Fine message with value 09 to select the CV2 Range parameter.

· Send a Data Entry Coarse message with value 64 to set the new range.

Example 3:

The CV2 Output Range is now changed but is to be changed to 16 to provide 50% range instead.

· The NRPN Fine message need not to be set since it will retain its last value.

· Send a Data Entry Coarse message with value 16 to set the new range.

Routing the CV Outputs

CV outputs to the different modules are routed via switches on the front panel and/or with patch cables.

Route with switches as follows:

· Turn off the switch on the front panel that the CV output is currently using. Remove any patch cable that might be connected.

· Find the switch on the front panel that is to be used and select it.

Route with patch cables as follows:

· Remove patch cable from the CV output that is currently in use and turn off any switch that is currently used for the CV output.

Reroute the patch cable to the new CV output.

31

Table 1, Parameter Values

Parameter Function

Base Note

NRPN Fine

Value

(NRPN

Coarse = 0)

01

CV1 Function

CV2 Function

CV3 Function

CV4 Function

CV5 Function

CV6 Function

CV2 Range

CV3 Range

CV4 Range

CV5 Range

CV6 Range

02

03

04

05

06

07

09

10

11

12

13

Data Entry

Coarse Value

0-127, default is 24

CV1 is always handled as main tune control. This parameter currently has no effect.

Comment

Lowest possible note that will be played.

0-127

Default is 121 for

Note-On Velocity

0-119, respond to

Control Change messages with this number.

120 = CV Output is unused

121 = Note-On velocity


123 = Accent

124 = Key Aftertouch

125 = Note-Off velocity

126 = Channel

Aftertouch


Same as for CV2

0-127

Default is 1 for modulation wheel controller

0-127

Default is 124 for Channel after touch

0-127

Default is 5 for glide time

CV 6 is always handled as

Pitch Wheel out. This parameter currently has no effect.

Same as for CV2

Same as for CV2

0-63

Default is 32 which provides 5V full swing at data=127

63 provides x2, i.e. 5V at data=64, and 16 provides x0.5 i.e. 2.5V at data=127.

This can be viewed as 0-

200% scaling with about

5% resolution.

Same as for CV2

Same as for CV2

Same as for CV2 from 0 to ±24 semitones

32

Scaling for controllers, or

Scaling for velocity, or

Scaling for aftertouch, or

Accent trigg level

(Note that when scaling is programmed, values larger than 32 will be ignored and set to 32 instead)

Same as for CV2

Same as for CV2

Same as for CV2

Default is ±24 semitones

Upgrading Software

Software in the S1 CVGate interface can be upgraded via MIDI.

Software is upgraded via a programmer software that runs on any Windows machine. This software can be downloaded from the official website. The Windows machine must of course also have a standard MIDI interface.

New software versions for the S1 CVGate can also be downloaded from the official website. For further details see the website.

Possible Routing of CV Outputs

CV Output

CV1, Front/Back panel




CV5 n/a

CV6 n/a

MIDI Implementation Chart

Function

Basic Channel: Default

Changed

Mode: Default

Messages

Note Number

True Voice

Velocity: Note-On

Note-Off

Aftertouch: Key

Channel

Pitch Bender

Control Change

0-127

Transmitted

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Routings

Ring modulator input

LFO FM/AM input

Etc…

Same as for CV1

Same as for CV1

Same as for CV1 n/a n/a

O

O

O

O

O

Recognized

1-16

1-16

4

2, 4

0-127

0-127

O

Remarks

Program Change

True#

System Exclusive

System Common:

System Realtime:

Aux Messages:

All Sound Off

Reset Controllers

All Notes Off

Omni On

Omni Off

Reset

O = Yes

X = No

Mode 1: Omni On, Poly

Mode 2: Omni On, Mono

Mode 3: Omni Off, Poly

Mode 4: Omni Off, Mono

X

O

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

33

O

1

O

X

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

For service purposes only

INSIDE THE SYNTHESIZER

The S1 synthesizer is an analog instrument (not including the MIDI Converter of course). Most parameters such as frequency, amplitude, resonance (Q-PEAK), attack time, decay time, etc. are adjustable via potentiometers on the front panel and can also be voltage controlled via respective CV inputs.

The main voltage regulator is equipped with a highly stable reference circuit with a stability of 20ppm/deg C to guarantee long term stability. In addition, great attention has been taken to design of the oscillators to achieve the highest possible frequency stability; a carefully chosen compensation circuits has been designed by simulation tool and practically verified to achieve high stability throughout the entire temperature range.

In addition to the application of know-how from the analogue field, modern simulation tools have been used to optimize and verify the characteristics and performance of all circuits inside the S1.

Since the filters are among the most dominant sound processors in an analog synthesizer great effort have been taken in their design both in regard to the form of simulation and practical listening tests with the object of being able to offer two completely different types of acoustical characteristics in the

LPF and MMF. Via countless testing and listening it was determined that the filters, in addition to the customary 12 and 24dB/octave slope, must also have a 36dB/octave slope. The difference between 24 and 36dB slope may seem to be slight but is highly pronounced to a listener and offers new and highly useful possibilities in sound modification.

Envelope generators have been developed by simulation in a computer environment. All the parameters can be voltage controlled within a large time range; Attack, Decay, Release times are adjustable from 0.5 milliseconds (actually 350 microseconds) to 20 seconds.

S1 is a so called semi-modular synthesizer which means that all modules, e.g. oscillators, filters, etc. are interconnected in a certain configuration. The configuration can be altered using patches. Connections between the different modules can be broken and routed to other inputs or outputs. For example, to crossconnect the filters, the MULTI-MODE FILTER external audio input is connected to the LOWPASS FILTER audio input which can produce unexpected effects such as the generation of sub-octave tones. The list of possible configurations is, of course, very long so the following is a description of the constituent parts of the instrument, i.e. the modules.

OSCILLATORS

There are three oscillators that are largely identical (except that OSCILLATOR1 that can be used as an extra LFO in the LF mode) with five basic waveforms; sine, triangle, sawtooth, variable pulse, and triangle mixed with variable pulse.

Sine Waveform

An ideal sine wave is the most fundamental signal (tone) that contains only the basic tone. In an analog synthesizer the sine wave is produced by synthesis that results in a signal that is not completely perfect.

See the illustration below. The left side shows the sine signal and the right side shows its spectrum density.

Aside from the basic signal (440Hz) there are a number of harmonic overtones.

7.5

5.0

OSCILLATOR OUTPUT, SINE, A440

0.0

440.00 Hz

-10.0

-20.0

2.5

-30.0

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

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4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

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8.00

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Frequency (Hz)

34

In other words the sine wave has its own character, it sounds nearly clean but it can change its timbre by, e.g.a filter sweep (dynamic) or by a filter with a peak frequency that corresponds with the harmonic overtones of the signal (static). The illustration below shows the result of modifying the signal with the Lowpass Filter and Q-peak = 7.

FILTERED SINUS WAVEFORM BY LOW-PASS FILTER

PEAK @ SECOND HARMONIC TONE

PEAK @ THIRD HARMONIC TONE

PEAK @ FIFTH HARMONIC TONE

7.5

5.0

2.5

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

Triangle Waveform

This waveform has a higher content of overtones than the sine wave and consequently sounds different. The odd overtones are most prominent. The amplitude of the overtones is higher than those in the sine wave but also diminish more rapidly.

7.5

5.0

OSCILLATOR OUTPUT, TRIANGLE, A440

0.0

440.00 Hz

-10.0

-20.0

2.5

-30.0

0.0

-40.0

-50.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

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8.00

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Frequency (Hz)

Sawtooth Waveform

The sawtooth wave is the classic waveform and perhaps the most used in the creation of many characteristic bass and brass synthesizer sounds. This is due to the fact that the sawtooth wave contains both even overtones (2, 4, 6,…) and odd overtones (3, 5, 7,…) that have high amplitudes even for overtones of higher order. By dynamic and/or static filtering the character of the sound can be altered in many ways. See the illustration below.

7.5

5.0

OSCILLATOR OUTPUT, SAW TOOTH, A440

0.0

440.00 Hz

-10.0

-20.0

2.5

-30.0

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

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Frequency (Hz)

35

Pulse Waveform

The pulse wave is another classic waveform with variable pulse width and contains very strong overtones. Unlike the sawtooth wave the overtone content of the pulse wave can be altered by changing pulse width. For example, a symmetrical pulse contains only odd overtones (3, 5, 7, …).

See the illustration below.

7.5

5.0

OSCILLATOR OUTPUT, SQR(50%), A440

0.0

440.00 Hz

-10.0

-20.0

2.5

-30.0

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

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3.0k

5.0k

7.0k

9.0k

11.0k 13.0k 15.0k 17.0k 19.0k

Frequency (Hz)

A pulse wave with 26% (or 74%) pulse width contains the following overtones; 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10,

11,…). See the illustration below.

7.5

5.0

OSCILLATOR OUTPUT, FILTERED PULSE(26%), A440

0.0

440.00 Hz

-10.0

-20.0

2.5

-30.0

0.0

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-2.5

-70.0

-5.0

7.5

5.0

-80.0

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

-90.0

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3.0k

5.0k

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9.0k

11.0k 13.0k 15.0k 17.0k 19.0k

Frequency (Hz)

A pulse wave with 33% (or 67%) pulse width contains the following overtones; 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11,…).

See the illustration below.

OSCILLATOR OUTPUT, PULSE(33%), A440

0.0

440.00 Hz

-10.0

-20.0

2.5

-30.0

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

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3.0k

5.0k

7.0k

9.0k

11.0k 13.0k 15.0k 17.0k 19.0k

Frequency (Hz)

36

For example, if the pulse with 33% pulse width is modified by the Multi-Mode Filter (Highpass mode,

Q- peak = 7) in series with the Lowpass Filter (Q-peak = 7), the result can be as shown in the illustration below, with dominant 4th and 5th overtones. The basic tone is heavily suppressed and the modified pulse signal sounds completely different than the original signal.

7.5

5.0

OSCILLATOR OUTPUT, FILTERED PULSE(33%), A440

0.0

440.00 Hz

-10.0

-20.0

2.5

-30.0

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

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3.0k

5.0k

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9.0k

11.0k 13.0k 15.0k 17.0k 19.0k

Frequency (Hz)

Triangle + Pulse Waveform

This is a waveform created by combining a triangle waveform and pulse waveform in the ratio 3 to 1.

Even the waveform has a unique character; the flute-pipe sound of the triangle wave combines with the overtone-rich pulse wave. See the illustration below.

7.5

5.0

OSCILLATOR OUTPUT, TRIANGLE+PULSE(50%), A440

0.0

440.00 Hz

-10.0

-20.0

2.5

-30.0

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

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3.0k

5.0k

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9.0k

11.0k 13.0k 15.0k 17.0k 19.0k

Frequency (Hz)

2.5

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

The oscillators can be synchronized (except for oscillator1) and also frequency and amplitude modulated by each other so that the basic waveforms (sine, triangle, sawtooth, pulse) can be modified in a multitude of ways. This is a very useful method in the creation of many fundamental waveforms with completely different character for further modification. Some examples are shown in the illustration below.

OSCILLATOR2 PULSE out, FM(OSC1/SIN)

7.5

OSCILLATOR2 SINUS out, FM(OSC1/SIN)+SYNC

7.5

5.0

5.0

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

2.5

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

37

2.5

0.0

7.5

OSCILLATOR2 FM(OSC1-SAW)+SYNC, 0SC1 & OSC2 SAW out

5.0

28

-2.5

-5.0

-2.5

-5.0

2.5

0.0

7.5

OSCILLATOR2 SINUS out, FM+AM(OSC1/SAW)+SYNC

5.0

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

A simple, yet acoustically interesting synchronized waveform that can be used as a template for creating

Bass lead sounds is shown in the illustration below.

OSCILLATOR1/PULSE(PW-5%) + OSCILLATOR2/PULSE (PW-95%)

SYNC, A440

7.5

5.0

-2.5

-5.0

2.5

0.0

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

It is possible to create many useful Bass-leads with varying timbre and character by simply varying the pulse width of the oscillators and increasing the frequency of the synchronized oscillator (Oscillator2) above the frequency of Oscillator1, (and, for example, filter sweeping). The sound will have more depth and life, for example, if Oscillator2 is regulated as FM with a little envelope or LFO.

Another example of what the oscillators can produce is noise. By frequency modulating the oscillators in a ring, Osc1 to Osc2 to Osc3 to Osc1, noisy signals can be created. See the illustration below.

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4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

RING FREQUENCY MODULATION, OSCILLATOR1/SINUS out

C5

C2

0.0

-10.0

-20.0

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-40.0

-50.0

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-80.0

-90.0

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Frequency (Hz)

38

Even though these waveforms do not look like noise, they are synthesized noise. By frequency modulating the oscillators in a ring a multitude of signals are created just like those found in noise.

However, unlike random noise this synthesized oscillator noise can be manipulated in several ways, e.g. varying the frequency (illustration above) or varying the degree of frequency modulation

(illustration below). In other words, this noise can be played with and noise with varying bandwidth can be created (resonance effect).

RING FREQUENCY MODULATION, VARIABLE FM LEVEL, OSCILLATOR1/SINUS out

WHITE NOISE SYNTHESIS

BAND-PASS NOISE SYNTHESIS

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Frequency (Hz)

NOISE GENERATOR

There are three noise outputs; white (wide band, unfiltered), red (lowpass filtered with 12 dB/octave) and low frequency noise (slow random).

In the illustration below white noise and red noise is shown on the left side and spectrum density on the right side.

WHITE NOISE

RED NOISE

0.0

-10.0

-20.0

-30.0

-40.0

-50.0

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-90.0

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Time (milliseconds)

70 80 1.0k

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9.0k

11.0k 13.0k 15.0k 17.0k 19.0k

Frequency (Hz)

RING MODULATOR

The multiplier, even popularly called the ring modulator is a very useful sound processor for the creation of sounds with non-harmonic overtones and undertones such as bell and wood sounds.

The ring modulator multiplies the amplitude of two incoming signals. This results in two sine-formed signals with the difference and sum frequencies of the incoming signals. For example, if the incoming frequencies are 1000 Hz and 200 Hz, two signals with the same amplitude are created

(multiplier gain = 1), one at 800 Hz and the other at 1200 Hz, i.e. the sum and difference of 1000 Hz and 200 Hz. The fundamental tones are suppressed. However, the real ring modulators is not so perfect so that there will always be residual products and the fundamental tones cannot be completely suppressed. The illustration below shows typical outputs from the ring modulator.

39

7.5

RING MODULATOR, INPUTS; OSC2/SIN & OSC3/SIN

5.0

2.5

7.5

RING MODULATOR, INPUTS; OSC2/SAW & OSC3/SQR

5.0

2.5

0.0

0.0

-2.5

-2.5

-5.0

-5.0

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

With synchronized oscillators a signal can be created with harmonic character but with the characteristic ring modulator sound. In addition, if one of the oscillators is used to frequency modulate the synchronized oscillator, the result can be as in the illustration below.

7.5

RING MODULATOR, INPUTS; OSC2/SIN & OSC3/SIN

OSC3 SYNC'ED and FREQUENCY MODULATED by OSC2

5.0

7.00

2.5

0.0

-2.5

8.00

-5.0

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

LOW PASS FILTER

The sound processor with greatest effect is the Low Pass Filter and every synthesizer has at least one as the foremost tool for sound modification.

The Low Pass Filter is a 6-pole construction. The reason for this is as follows; the slope of the filter must be as steep as possible to provide the greatest filter effect. However, since it is obviously not always desirable to use a filter with a steep slope, the LPF is equipped with a switch that enables selection of either 6-pole or 4-pole operation. The illustration below shows the LPF frequency response for both modes.

LOW-PASS FILTER, Q-PEAK = 0

4-POLE MODE

6-POLE MODE

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40

2.5

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

The illustration below shows the suppression of square wave overtones in the LPF.

0.0

LOW-PASS FILTER, SQR WAVE IN

4-POLE MODE

6-POLE MODE

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Frequency (Hz)

Q-peak affects the amplitude of the corner frequency from flat to self-oscillation. The illustrations below show the output signals with variable Q-peak, the frequency response for varying Q-peak and a swept filter in self-oscillation mode.

7.5

LOW-PASS FILTER (6 POLE MODE), VARIABLE Q-PEAK

Q-PEAK = 0

Q-PEAK = 4

7.5

LOW-PASS FILTER (6 POLE MODE), VARIABLE Q-PEAK

Q-PEAK = 4

Q-PEAK = 8

5.0

5.0

-2.5

-5.0

2.5

0.0

3.00

0.0

-10.0

-20.0

-30.0

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

-100.0

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

LOW-PASS FILTER, FREQUENCY RESPONSE, VARIABLE Q-PEAK

Q-PEAK = 0

Q-PEAK = 5

Q-PEAK = 8

30 50 70 100 200 300 500

Frequency (Hz)

1.0k

2.0k

5.0k 10.0k

41

7.00

8.00

0.0

-2.5

7.5

LOWPASS FILTER (6 POLE MODE),

SELF-OSCILLATION MODE, MODULATED by LFO/SAW

5.0

2.5

-5.0

-7.5

100 200 300

Time (milliseconds)

400 500 600

LPF is characterized by a non-linear transfer function, so-called saturation mode that is affected by the level of the incoming signal. In the audio mixer the red markings on the potentiometer scales show the level at which the filter operates in the non-linear mode (saturation mode). The illustration below shows the saturation effect.

7.5

LOWPASS FILTER, SATURATION EFFECT

LINEAR MODE (SQR WAVE in, 3Vp-p)

SATURATED MODE (SQR WAVE in, 6Vp-p)

7.5

LOWPASS FILTER, SATURATION EFFECT

LINEAR MODE (SQR WAVE in, 3Vp-p)

EXTREME SATURATED MODE (SQR WAVE in, EXT AUDIO INPUT)

5.0

5.0

-2.5

-5.0

2.5

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

2.5

0.0

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

A complicated saturation effect can be seen, amplitude, amount of resonance, and frequency corner are affected and altered by the input signal strength.

Spectrum analysis in the illustration below shows that the filter effectively suppresses the square wave overtones but also adds even harmonic overtones (the most dominant being the 2nd overtone – 2000

Hz). This brings to mind certain characteristics in electron tube amplifiers that from a musical point of view can be advantageous. It is well known that even overtones often add a musical timbre and electron tube amplifiers are valued for this, among other things.

8.00

42

0.0

LOWPASS FILTER, OSC1/SQR WAVE IN, LEVEL = 7, Q-PEAK = 7

-10.0

1000,0 Hz

-20.0

-30.0

2000,0 Hz

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

1.0k 3.0k 5.0k 7.0k 9.0k 11.0k 13.0k 15.0k 17.0k 19.0k

Frequency (Hz)

Parameters such as Q–peak and Level are voltage controlled which enables the filter to modify signals with modulation of frequency corner. It can also create other tone characteristics with, e.g. modulation of Q-peak and LEVEL by other means of control. The illustrations below show some examples.

7.5

LOW-PASS FILTER (6 POLE MODE), OSC1 SQR WAVE in

LPF FREQUENCY MODULATED by OSC1/TRIANGLE

7.5

LOW-PASS FILTER (6 POLE MODE), OSC1 SAW WAVE in

LPF FREQUENCY MODULATED by OSC1/TRIANGLE

5.0

5.0

2.5

2.5

0.0

0.0

-2.5

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

3.00

-5.0

-7.5

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

7.5

LOW-PASS FILTER (6 POLE MODE), OSC1 SINUS WAVE in

Q-PEAK MODULATED by OSC1/TRIANGLE

3.00

5.0

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

2.5

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

Time (milliseconds)

7.00

8.00

8.00

43

20

Dual band pass mode, dual Q-PEAK, variable SPACING

0

-20

-40

-60

-80

-100

20 64 256 1024

Frequency (Hz)

4096 20000

20

Dual band pass mode, single Q-PEAK, variable SPACING

0

-20

-40

-60

-80

-100

20 64 256 1024

Frequency (Hz)

4096 20000

20

0

-20

-40

-60

-80

-100

20

MULTI MODE FILTER

This filter has musical characteristics that differ from the Low Pass Filter. It has low pass, high pass and band pass mode and is linear, i.e. has no compression mode. Acoustically it is different and provides a necessary complement to the Low Pass Filter. Both filters can be connected in parallel or in series

(pre-patched), or cross-connected.

No. of poles for low pass mode: 2-4-6 (12, 24, 36dB/octave)

No. of poles for high pass mode: 2-4-6 (12, 24, 36 dB/octave)

No. of poles for band pass mode: 1-2-3 (6, 12, 18 dB/octave)

The diagrams below show the filter frequency response for all three modes:

Low pass mode, 2-, 4-, 6-pole, Q-PEAK=7 High pass mode, 2-, 4-, 6-pole, Q-PEAK=7 Low pass mode, 2-, 4-, 6-pole, Q-PEAK=7

64

2 pole

4 pole

256 1024

Frequency (Hz)

6 pole

4096 20000

20

0

-20

-40

-60

-80

-100

20 64

2 pole

4 pole

6 pole

256 1024

Frequency (Hz)

4096 20000

20

0

-20

-40

-60

-80

-100

20 64 256 1024

Frequency (Hz)

4096

2 pole

4 pole

6 pole

20000

4

2

0

-2

-4

6

The output signal of the filter in low pass and band pass mode is shown below: the best way to illustrate the filtering effect is by using the low pass mode (here with 2-, 4-, and 6 pole).

Low pass mode, 2 pole, Q-PEAK=0 Low pass mode, 4 pole, Q-PEAK=0 Low pass mode, 6 pole, Q-PEAK=0

6 6

4

2

0

-2

-4

4

2

0

-2

-4

-6

0 0.001

Time (seconds)

0.002

0.003

-6

0 0.001

Time (seconds)

0.002

0.003

-6

0 0.001

Time (seconds)

0.002

0.003

The filtering in band pass mode (cutoff frequency is equal oscillators frequency, square waveform) is presented below. Observe the difference in filtering effect with 2, 4 and 6 poles; the square signal has been filtered to an all most pure sinus signal with 6 pole band pass filter.

Band pass mode, 2 pole, Q-PEAK=4 Band pass mode, 4 pole, Q-PEAK=4 Band pass mode, 6 pole, Q-PEAK=4

6 6 6

4

2

0

-2

-4

4

2

0

-2

-4

4

2

0

-2

-4

-6

0 0.001

Time (seconds)

0.002

0.003

-6

0 0.001

Time (seconds)

0.002

0.003

-6

0 0.001

Time (seconds)

0.002

The frequency sweep of the MMF filter in oscillating mode is shown in the illustration below.

7.5

MULTI-MODE FILTER (6 POLE MODE),

SELF-OSCILLATION MODE, MODULATED by LFO/SAW

5.0

2.5

0.0

-2.5

0.003

-5.0

-7.5

100 200 300

Time (milliseconds)

400

44

500 600

MASTER AMPLIFIER

Attenuation in the voltage controlled amplifier (VCA) is controlled by Envelope Generator 1 and 2 via the panning mixer (ENVELOPE MIX) and the VELOCITY CONTROL (CV2).

There are two attenuation control modes: Linear and logarithmic (Log).

In linear mode the attenuation follows a linear relationship; 1 volt increase (or decrease formula:gain = X Volts/0.2

)

of control voltage amplifies (or attenuates) 20% of the incoming signal or expressed in a simple mathematical

In the logarithmic mode attenuation = X Volts * 15 dB

The illustration below shows what the signals look like in the two modes.

7.5

MASTER AMPLIFIER OUTPUT,

AMPLITUDE MODULATED BY ENVELOPE GENERATOR

LINEAR MODE

LOG MODE

5.0

2.5

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

50 100 150

Time (milliseconds)

200 250 300

Performance at maximum attenuation of audio signals is shown in the illustration below.

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

0.0

-10.0

MASTER AMPLIFIER, ATTENAUTION RANGE

Power Level = 0.31 dBVrms, VCA CV = 5 Volts

Power Level = -84.91 dBVrms, VCA CV = 0 Volts

-20.0

-30.0

-100.0

-110.0

900 950 1.0k

Frequency (Hz)

1.1k

1.2k

45

ENVELOPE GENERATORS

Both envelope generators are identical and provide control voltages that can be used to dynamic change of all voltage controlled parameters, such as; frequency, amplitude, pulse width, cutoff.

The most common use is controlling a filters cutoff frequency and a voltage controlled amplifiers amplitude in order to achieve dynamic timbre- and level-changes. The envelopes of the S1are internally pre.patched to different modules, such as; Master Controller, MIXER, LPF and MMF and Master Amplifier. All parameters such as Attack time, Decay time, Sustain level, Release time, Delay time, and Output level are voltage controlled. These parameters can be modulated with various waveforms or governed from a voltage source.

For example, when controlled from CV1, the higher one plays on the MIDI keyboard the more Decay time decreases. In other words, the lower the tones are the longer the Decay times are, and the higher the tones are the shorter the Decay times are.

Envelope Generator, Attack, Decay &Release=0, Sustain=4

8

6

4

2

0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Time (milliseconds)

7 8

Envelope Generator, variable release time

9 10

8

6

4

2

0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Time (milliseconds)

7 8 9 10

Envelope Generator, variable attack time

8

6

4

2

0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Time (milliseconds)

7

Envelope Generator, variable decay time

8 9 10

8

6

4

2

0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Time (milliseconds)

7 8 9 10

The diagrams below show modulated ATTACK TIME, DECAY TIME and

SUSTAIN LEVEL by external CV sources.

ATTACK, CV modulated by envelope generators output DECAY, CV modulated by envelope generators output

8

6

4

2

0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Time (milliseconds)

7 8 9 10

8

6

4

2

0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Time (milliseconds)

7 8 9 10

SUSTAIN, CV modulated by a an external signal

8

6

4

2

0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Time (milliseconds)

7 8 9 10

46

LFO's

The Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) can be used as modulation sources of all voltage controlled parameters, such as; oscillators frequency, pulse width, and cutoff frequency. LFO's has a wide rate range of

60 seconds (0.01 Hz) to 16 milliseconds (60 Hz). The waveforms shapes can be modified by applying voltage control for rate speed and output level. LFO can be gated by MIDI GATE's.

LFO's offer seven waveforms:

* Sample & Hold with 2 additional

slewed shapes

Triangle

*

*

*

* Saw tooth

Ramp /inverted sawtooth)

Square

LFO's basic waveforms are shown below:

TRIANGLE WAVEFORM

6

4

2

0

-2

-4

-6

0 0.3

Time (seconds)

0.6

SQUARE WAVEFORM

6

4

2

0

-2

-4

-6

0 0.3

0.6

6

4

2

0

-2

-4

-6

0

SAMPLE & HOLD, SLEW RATE 1

0.3

Time (seconds)

0.6

-2

-4

0.9

-6

0

6

4

2

0

SAW TOOTH WAVEFORM

-2

-4

0.9

-6

0

6

4

2

0

0.3

Time (seconds)

0.6

RAMP WAVEFORM

0.9

-2

-4

0.9

-6

0

6

4

2

0

Time (seconds)


0.3

Time (seconds)

0.6

0.3

-2

-4

0.9

-6

0

6

4

2

0

0.6

0.9

Time (seconds)


0.3

Time (seconds)

0.6

0.9

47

0.50

-1.00

-1.50

2.00

1.50

0.50

0.00

0.50

-1.00

-1.50

2.00

1.50

0.50

0.00

2.00

1.50

0.50

0.00

0.50

-1.00

-1.50

OVERDRIVE

The Output Mixer combines two signals, a clean signal from the Master Amplifier and a saturated signal from a saturation stage. The saturation stage is overdriven successively with the knob from clean to full saturated signal. This gradually produces increasing distortion, soft clipping, and with hard overdriving successively changes the operating point (as in a triode) to cause increasingly unsymmetrical clipping. This unsymmetrical clipping results in the retention of more so-called musical material that would otherwise be lost in symmetrical clipping.

The illustration below shows the output signal and distortion just below the clipping limit, and the clipped output signal and accompanying distortion components.

1.00

Time (milliseconds)

2.00

SATURATION STAGE, SIGNAL @ UNDER SATURATION LEVEL

10.0

0.0

-10.0

-20.0

-30.0

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

3.00

1.0k

3.0k

5.0k

7.0k

9.0k

11.0k

13.0k

15.0k

17.0k

19.0k

Frequency (Hz)

SATURATION STAGE, SIGNAL @ LIGHT SATURATION LEVEL

10.0

0.0

-10.0

-20.0

-30.0

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

1.00

Time (milliseconds)

2.00

-80.0

-90.0

3.00

1.0k

3.0k

5.0k

7.0k

9.0k

11.0k

13.0k

15.0k

17.0k

19.0k

Frequency (Hz)

SATURATION STAGE, SIGNAL @ STRONG SATURATION LEVEL

10.0

0.0

-10.0

-20.0

-30.0

-40.0

-50.0

-60.0

-70.0

-80.0

-90.0

1.00

Time (milliseconds)

2.00

3.00

1.0k

3.0k

5.0k

7.0k

9.0k

11.0k

13.0k

15.0k

17.0k

19.0k

Frequency (Hz)

In the lower waveform it can be seen that distortion consists of both even and odd overtones, with the second overtone as most significant. Once again this brings to mind the characteristics of the electron tube amplifier with soft, rising overtones, strong signal and rapidly diminishing overtone spectrum.

The overdriven signal (left portion of illustration) recovers momentarily from the clipping mode, the same property found in electron tube amplifiers, but lacks the characteristic recovery time from clipped to linear condition found in hard-coupled operation amplifiers.

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