RADIKAL TECHNOLOGIES Spectralis User Manual
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RADIKAL TECHNOLOGIES Spectralis User Manual

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  • Page 1 SPECTRALIS Spectralis...
  • Page 2 Mariahilfstr. 8 81541 München, Germany Maintaining the highest quality standards is the top priority for Radikal Technologies GmbH. This is why the design process for any of our new products continues even after they are released to the public. Technical changes are implemented at any time without prior notification, if we feel they serve to improve the product.

  • Page 3: Declaration Of Conformity

    (EMVG) dated August 30th, 1995. The following standards have been used to determine conformity: -EN 50082-1:1992, EN 50081-1:1992, EN 60065:1993 This declaration has been made solely on behalf of the manufacturer: Radikal Technologies Deutschland GmbH Mariahilfstr. 8 D-81541 München Munich/Germany, 15.12.2004...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    2.3.5 USB Troubleshooting ....................13 3.5.6 Spectralis Realtime Clock ..................14 2.3.7 Filetypes and the directory structure of the Spectralis flash memory ...... 15 3.3.8 Restoring the factory patterns, songs, sounds and samples ........17 2.3.9 Switching the Sample-Set file-type from "fix" to "dynamic" loading ....... 17 2.3.10 Formating Media (internal Flash and Smart-Media Cards) ........
  • Page 5 3.3.5 The LFO section of the analog-synth ..............55 3.3.6 Oscillators – the improved LFO’s! ................63 3.3.7 The fixed filterbank ....................64 3.3.8 The envelopes of the Spectralis analog-synth ............67 3.3.9 Note priority and multitrigger settings ..............67 3.4 Step-sequencer basics 3.4.1 Filterbank rhythms ....................
  • Page 6 3.17 Using your own samples .........................111 3.18 Controlling external MIDI gear ....................113 3.18.1 Assigning a part to MIDI ..................114 4.0 Help needed? The integrated spectralis help-system ..............116 4.1 Final comments ..........................117 4.2 Spectralis accessories ........................117...

  • Page 7: Warranty

    The final decision concerning validity of the warranty is made by Radikal Technologies GmbH. In case of a justified warranty claim the submitted product will be repaired or replaced within 30 days of receipt at Radikal Technologies offices.

  • Page 8: Safety Notices

    Safety notices SPECTRALIS 1.2 Safety notices CAUTION: Please do not open the instrument’s case at any time, to avoid the possibility of electric shock. There are no functions or features inside the unit intended for the user. Do not ever make any attempt to repair the instrument yourself! Any technical problems should be addressed with qualified service personnel only.

  • Page 9: Introduction

    – 2 Smart media card slots for storage of sounds, patterns, songs and samples. As you spend more time with your Spectralis you’re sure to realize and master its full potential. Hopefully this manual will prove to be a valuable companion on your path to enlightenment! In case you do come across questions not sufficiently addressed in this guide it is probably something we overlooked.

  • Page 10: Preparations

    Keyboard stand. Make sure that there is no obstruction to the ventilation slots. Avoid operating the Spectralis close to technical equipment which generates heat. In case you wish to install the Spectralis in a 19” rack you can order the optional rack-ears available at your retailer or directly from Radikal Technologies. The Spectralis will take up 5 rack spaces plus a little extra head-room room for the cables connected to it.

  • Page 11: Connections And File Operation

    ”cd”, ”aux” or ”line in”. All audio signals of our preset patterns from the various sections of the Spectralis are output via the sum-outs. Signals can also be routed to the sum outputs just as well as to the individual outs. In an extreme case you can even add the signal of a single oscillator to a sum output, in order to modulate an external analog sound generator.

  • Page 12: Midi Connections

    Spectralis, to play Spectralis sounds via an external controller-keyboard. ted, it used to be very II. Connect the MIDI OUT of your Spectralis with the MIDI IN of another MIDI- difficult to connect device, such as another synth, MIDI-interface and the like, to control any such external...

  • Page 13: Safe File Operation

    III. Avoid renaming files directly on the Spectralis Disk mediums. In case you want to Once the operating system rename files, please copy the files to your computers harddisk, rename the files at your senses a new drive it computer and copy the files back to the Spectralis mediums.

  • Page 14: Spectralis Realtime Clock

    In this case, the Spectralis will prompt a "set time"-dialog on power If your spectralis clock is running fine but shows a different date and time as your computer, you should set the time manually. Especcially when you are living in a different time-zone from from the Middle-European Timezone MEZ, setting the time is essential.

  • Page 15: Filetypes And The Directory Structure Of The Spectralis Flash Memory

    These files can be set to "dynamic loading" or "fix loading" in the browse menu of the Spectralis. Sample-Sets, set to "dynamic loading", will only be loaded, if you select a song or a sound preset, that uses this sample-set. Sample-Sets set to "fix loading"...
  • Page 16 DSP-synth sounds and 8 banks for analog-synth sounds. Spec_En.hlp - english Help System files The spectralis has a help system that allows to recall a helpstring for all spectralis parameters. The file itself contains the help strings. It's easy to create your own messages for the help system.

  • Page 17: Restoring The Factory Patterns, Songs, Sounds And Samples

    Restoring the factory patterns, songs, sounds and samples 3.3.8 Restoring the factory patterns, songs, sounds and samples The image restore function can be activated from the file browser of the Spectralis. Please follow the step by step instruction below: 1.) Backup all files of the internal flash memory to your computer.

  • Page 18: Formating Media (Internal Flash And Smart-Media Cards)

    To start formatting use the [Shift]-button and hold it down while simultaneously Cards with a voltage pushing the [Browse]-button. All 3 of the media in the Spectralis will now show up of 3.3 Volts and storage in the 2x40 character display of the Spectralis. When pushing any of the encoders capacity of 4-128 MB.
  • Page 19 The pattern is also the most important storage level of the Spectralis. When you add a new motif to a part, the contents of the motif will be automatically copied to the Pattern Slot.
  • Page 20 SPECTRALIS...

  • Page 21: Frontpanel Overview

    Spectralis. Once you’re done reading this chapter and are moving on to the section dealing with practical tips for the use of the Spectralis, you will find this basic orientation helpful.

  • Page 22: Num-Button-Assignment"-Section

    Overview: Num-Button-Assignment SPECTRALIS 2.5.2 „Num-Button-Assignment“-section (upper left above the encoders 1-16) This is the section where you can determine the assignment of the numeric buttons [1]-[16]. Any function activated in the part section can be turned off with these buttons. Only one of the "Num Button Assignment"-buttons can be active at a time.

  • Page 23: Groove-Edit"-Section

    DSP- and the analog synth and can control external MIDI-equipment! 2.5.4 "Groove-Edit"-section (in the middle of the panel directly above the encoders 1-16) In the "groove-edit"-section of the Spectralis you can create new rhythm motifs for your patterns. [Step/Accent] The [Step/Accent]-button opens the beatmatrix menu in the display.

  • Page 24: Filterbank"-Section

    1-10. You will find another "How to" chapter for filterbank use on page 64 of this manual. 2.5.6. "Mixing-desk"-section (to the right above the encoders 1-16) This section assigns the 16 encoder row to the Part-Mixer of the Spectralis.

  • Page 25: Master"-Section

    Using the master volume control you can change the output level of the sum-output and the headphones output. The Spectralis saves the most recently selected volume level when the unit is being turned of, so you won’t experience any disadvantage compared to having a volume-potentiometer.

  • Page 26: Synth-Edit"-Section (Lfo, Vco, Vcf, Vca)

    2.5.10. "Transport"-section (the section with the green button) If we had to guess we’d think that the transport-section is probably the one section of the Spectralis which will generate the fewest questions. [ ] = [Stop] Using the [Stop]-button will stop the sequencer. When restarted, the sequencer will start with beat 1 of the song or the selected pattern.

  • Page 27: Numeric Buttons

    2.6.2 Rotary encoders Encoder is the name for the rotary knobs on the Spectralis. They allow you to control a parameter always from the currently memorized setting. Accordingly you won’t have to worry during LIVE performances about value changes frequently encountered with traditional potentiometers.
  • Page 28 [Edit] There are additional encoder functions in the menus for editing of sounds. Just push the encoder button (OSCWAVE) in the oscillator-section right after turning on the Spectralis. You will see the following display-message: 01/26:VCO Shape ^Osc1:100 ^Osc2:100 ^Osc3:100 ^Osc4:100 Here as well you will see a parameter description followed by a parameter-value, however there is also an additional up-arrow right before the description.

  • Page 29: How To

    3.0.3 Connect MIDI-keyboard There are times when you will want to play your Spectralis via a keyboard for one of the included "How to?"-chapters. Proceed as follows: a.) Set your MIDI-keyboard up in close proximity to the Spectralis and connect it with a power supply.

  • Page 30: Select, Play And Adjust Patterns - The "Pattern-Jam" Mode

    While the goal of the average sequencer usually is the definite production of a piece of music, the sequencer of the Spectralis was optimized with an eye towards LIVE-use and LIVE "On the Fly Editing". That’s the feature we would like to introduce to you first.

  • Page 31: Solo"-Mode

    "How to...?": "Pattern-Jam"-mode SPECTRALIS automatically revert to the "Pattern-Select"-mode. This tip will also work with the [Select]-and the [Solo]-button. Tip: What actually happens during muting if you are pushing numeric button 16 – [Drums]? Pushing that button will actually mute the whole drum section! 3.1.4 "Solo"-mode...

  • Page 32: The Pattern Transpose Function

    C:Kick Using the first Encoder you can now select the sound-category. If you want to stick with the Category ”Kick” the Spectralis will offer you a selection of sounds (in this case ONLY Kicks), which are part of this category.

  • Page 33: Saving Patterns

    Now that you have made some changes to the patterns, you’re probably curious how you can actually save your changes – especially since the Spectralis will remind you to do so after changes during each pattern-change. As soon as you have made a change, the [Save]-button will start to blink.

  • Page 34: What Data Are Saved Inside A Pattern

    RAM memory of the Spectralis – if you want it to! This of course could result in some unpleasant surprises, especially during LIVE operation. On the other hand at home while arranging a song it could turn out to be useful, because you’re more...

  • Page 35: Deactivating The "Pattern Changed, Save First"-Messages

    If you don’t the next pattern-change will definitely have the same result. If you can’t keep an eye on the display during LIVE operation and don’t react to the messages, the Spectralis just won’t effect pattern changes. That could become a problem.
  • Page 36 "How to...?": Saving of patterns SPECTRALIS „Save:“ “Save:” offers the following Options: Memory Protection is turned off. You can overwrite existing settings, by executing the Save Process. DIS=Disable prevents the overwriting of patterns, sounds and settings. The Memory is protected in this setting..

  • Page 37: Editing Dsp-Synthesizer Sounds

    Sample-selection and tuning the sample-oscillator In the upper part of the Spectralis frontpanel, is the section which controls the sound edit functions. The controls always affect the current selected part. For instance if you’d like to change the sound of the snare-drum proceed as follows: - Chose the [Select]-Button in the Part-Section.

  • Page 38: Tuning The Sample Set

    Smart Media Card. This missing samples message can be recalled by pressing [Shift] + [Page-Up]. Just insert the corresponding Smart Media Card and browse the Medium to give your Spectralis the chance to load the missing files.

  • Page 39: Reverse Sample Playback

    SPECTRALIS "How to...?": Editing DSP-synthesizer sounds beating. The sample oscillators of the Spectralis can simulate that by shifting the sample-start point resulting in a sample based sound with liveness. Additionally you can add rhichness by trigger up to 8 DSP voices simultaneously with detuning.

  • Page 40: Changing The Volume Envelopes

    "How to...?": Editing DSP-synth sounds SPECTRALIS 3.2.6 Changing the volume envelopes Envelopes make it possible to change a volume progression of a sound. Some sounds resonate percussively, like the noise of a hammer being hit on a metal plate, or may take a couple of seconds to reach maximum volume, like for instance a Philicorda Organ when a volume pedal is pressed slowly.

  • Page 41: Velocity Sensitivity And Adjusting The Vca-Level

    (VCA-Level)-encoder. 3.2.8 Using the digital multimode filter The Spectralis provides a stereo multimode filter for each of its 32 stereo voices. This filter can be used as a lowpass, highpass and bandpass filter. A filter is a function which will let a frequency range of a sound pass through, while suppressing another range of the frequency mix.

  • Page 42: Envelope Control Of The Filter Frequency

    You can now play this part with your MIDI-keyboard. Once you’ve selected the part, the encoders of the Spectralis frontpanel are assigned to the selected synth part. You might want to select a multi-sample with lots of overtones.

  • Page 43: The Dsp Synth Lfo Section

    SPECTRALIS "How to...?": Editing DSP-synth sounds "Keyboard-Scaling"-settings can be adjusted as follows: Push the [Shift]-button and turn the (Reso-MM)-knob. The value of the keyboard- scaling will be displayed while the changes are taking place. When you are pushing the (Cutoff MM)-encoder button, the KeyScaling Parameters will be visible continuously in the display.

  • Page 44: Assigning Lfo And Midi Modulation To The Cutoff Frequency

    "How to...?": Editing DSP-synth sounds SPECTRALIS [LEAt] - controls the attack time of the depth envelope. [LErl] - Controls the release time of the LFO depth envelope. [LEdp] - Controls how much the depth envelope affects the modulation depth. By hitting [Page-Up] you reach the second menupage:...

  • Page 45: Playing The "Analog"-Synthesizer

    Before we discuss some of the special features of the analog synth, you probably want to hear some of the sounds, to get an idea of the sound potential of the Spectralis. As with all examples in the "practising/in use" section you'll have to have your Midi-keyboard connected to the Spectralis and the Midi Channel set to send on 1.

  • Page 46: Differences To Other Synthesizers

    "How to...?": Playing the "Analog"-synthesizer SPECTRALIS You may have noticed during playback of the sounds that the main voice of the Spectralis - the Hybrid Synth - is very flexible and is free of compromises in its soundquality. This chapter deals with Originally we were planning to make this a true analog section.

  • Page 47: Let's Go - Getting Familiar With The Analog Filters

    Without fail this will prompt the Spectralis to create a sharp high-pitched noise. No pain, no gain – especially if you’re not sure at which stage of the routing the feedback was generated.
  • Page 48 "How to...?": Playing the "Analog"-synthesizer SPECTRALIS you to change the filter frequencies. You should see the following menu in your display: 1/8:LP LFO FMWve:0 FMRte:0 DmDpt:0 It is plain to see, that this menu does not deal with envelope-amount EG-depth.

  • Page 49: Short Excursion: Oscillators And Envelopes

    SPECTRALIS "How to...?": Playing the "Analog"-synthesizer 4/6:LP Cutoff Att:0 Dcy:71 Stn:137 Rls:70 Now you can control the most essential functions of the 24 dB lowpass. Just play around for a while with all the functions described so far. This way you will get a good feel for the sonic capabilities of the filter.
  • Page 50 Short Excursion: Oscillators and envelopes SPECTRALIS II.) You can set the release-time of all involved oscillators to a bigger value. Version I.) is closest to what you may be used to from other synthesizers. Having an additional envelope controlled amp for each oscillator is definitely pure luxury – a...

  • Page 51: Back To Analog-Technology - The Multimode Filter And Filter-Routing

    (Cutoff MM) nothing happens . ”WHY”? Among other things in our Spectralis each oscillator has its own level-control for each filter. Could it be that these controls are turned down? It’s best to check – better safe than sorry! To do so, you’ll have to push the (OSC Wave)-encoder-button in the oscillator-section.
  • Page 52 24dB lowpass-filter and the multimode-filter. While the output of the lowpass filter is connected with the output of the Spectralis, this doesn’t appear to be the case with multimode filter. Otherwise we’d obviously be hearing the ighpass-effect even when the lowpass is closed.
  • Page 53 Both filters are now set to operate in parallel mode. We’re hopeful that you are developing a feel for the inner workings of the Spectralis by now. In that case you should not find it difficult to make the multimode-filter audible by itself.
  • Page 54 "How to...?" - Multimode-filter and filter-routing SPECTRALIS pushing the (EG-Depth)-encoder button and by pushing the [Page-Up]-button twice. Keep in mind that the effect of the envelope will only be noticeable when the frequency encoder (CUTOFF MM) is not completely open.

  • Page 55: The Lfo Section Of The Analog-Synth

    Since firmware version 93k the Spectralis Analog-Synth has a very extensive LFO section. No less than 10 LFOs in the Spectralis in the Analog section alone are at your disposal. 4 of these LFO's have been designated as Master-LFO's. These LFO's have some additional features compared to the other 6 LFO's.
  • Page 56 "How to...?" - The LFO section of the Analog-Synth SPECTRALIS The arrows in front of the parameter names indicate, that you can reach additio- nal parameters by simply pushing of the 4 encoders. Using the the first encoder under the display will prompt the following display message:...
  • Page 57 In between values create transitional forms between the major waveforms LFO Waveform start-point The Spectralis allows both - a "freerunning" mode, in which the LFO's continue oscillating totally independent from your keypresses, and a LFO fixed starting point mode where a played note will start the LFO on a desired phase starting point.
  • Page 58 MLFO1-MFLO4 Master-LFO 1-4 MMLFO Multimode-filter section LFO LPLFP Lowpass-filter-section LFO VLFO1-VLFO4 Oscillator-section LFO1-4 Velocity Aftertouch Whee1 Modulationwheel Brth Breathcontroller Pitch Pitch Bender This Display message is repeated in a number of sections of the Spectralis in slighty modified form:...
  • Page 59 "How to...?" - The LFO section of the Analog-Synth SPECTRALIS Waveform-Modulation 1.) Push the [Osc Wave] encoder button in the oscillator section 2.) Depending on the desired oscillator push the [VCO-Shape] encoder button under the display. You should see the following display message: 1/2: VCO1 Wave ´`Shape:100´`Pwm:-1...
  • Page 60 "How to...?" - The LFO section of the Analog-Synth SPECTRALIS In this menu you can select and edit the modulation sources and pitch-values 24dB Lowpass filter frequency and resonance modulation 1.) push the [Cutoff LP] encoder button in the filter section 2.) Use the [Page-Up] button to select menupage 4/8 to choose the following...
  • Page 61 SPECTRALIS "How to...?" - The LFO section of the Analog-Synth Multimode filter section LFO menupage: 1/7:MM LFO FmWve:0 FmRte:0 FmDpt:0 [FMWve] - filterfrequency modulation LFO waveform The first encoder selects the desired waveform. You can find an overview of the waveforms in the description of the master-LFO waveforms.
  • Page 62 "How to...?" - The LFO section of the Analog-Synth SPECTRALIS finepitch encoder of the first oscillator, will tkae you to the first menu page of this level, using the encoder of the second oscillator will take you to menupage 4 of the sub level.

  • Page 63: Oscillators - The Improved Lfo's

    Doing so allows for rather complex sound-changes and effects. Please select song 5 of the Spectralis factory presets and select pattern 1. Playing a key on your keyboard, you will now hear a pretty nice filter-self-oscillation-effect with modulation, which should make you forget the missing LFO’s for the moment.

  • Page 64: The Fixed Filterbank

    How to...? The fixed filterbank SPECTRALIS under the diplay and you can hear modulation with a variety of frequencies. In order to keep the results clearly audible throughout, set the filter-frequency to middle position with the help of the (CutOff LP)-encoder – in other words set it to a value of 127.
  • Page 65 This behaviour is the most significant difference compared to a normal graphic EQ. The Spectralis allows feeding the filterbank signal either into the two analog-filters or directly into the FX-processors or the output bus. For the preset sound "VoiceSng" the filterbank signal has been fed into the multimode filter.
  • Page 66 How to...? The fixed filterbank SPECTRALIS just push it once more. Encoders 1-10 are now assigned to the level of the individual frequency-bands. If you set all filter levels to 0 beside the lowpass filter and if you rise up the volume for the LP-filter output to a high volume, the sound engine should produce a low rumbling noisefloor, in case you have a speaker-system that is capable of reproducing such low frequencies.

  • Page 67: The Envelopes Of The Spectralis Analog-Synth

    14 with the Spectralis envelopes. 3.3.9 Note priority and multitrigger settings Monophonic synths like the Spectralis analog synth can only play one note at a time. Depending on which note is played the pitch can be higher or lower. This is certainly not...
  • Page 68 In our opinion it wouldn’t be right to eliminate the possibility to emulate these vintage note-priority and trigger ”features”. As a result the Spectralis features the following trigger and note priority settings for all three of its trigger groups: LAST Last Note Priority without retriggering of envelopes during legato play.
  • Page 69 SPECTRALIS Note priority and multitrigger settings What the hell are You will find the menu for setting the assorted note priority choices and retrigger options trigger-groups? in the expanded part-select menu for the analog synth. The sound engine of Use the Part->[Select]-button and then push and hold the numeric button [12] button...

  • Page 70: Step-Sequencer Basics 3.4.1 Filterbank Rhythms

    Level-Control – the step- envelopes. The step-envelopes of the Spectralis are a somewhat unusual feature for a step- sequencer. They permit the triggering of tempo-based mini-envelopes, which are independent of the note-triggering of the synth work in addition to the already existing envelopes in the synthesizer parameter section.
  • Page 71 SPECTRALIS Step sequencer basics - Filterbank rhythms SEQ: This is where you can select the Sequencerline, which you would like to work on in the Editor. The stepsequencer has 32 sequencerlines with free assignable routing targets, you can choose from.

  • Page 72: Tonal Sequences

    Step sequencer basics - Tonal sequences SPECTRALIS 3.4.2 Step-sequencer basics - tonal sequences In the second part of the step-sequencer description we will attempt to program a little melody sequence. First we’ll have to select an existing factory preset prepared for this purpose.
  • Page 73 Most presets – when no sequencer line has been edited – have the resolution of the sequencer line set to 16 notes. However, the Spectralis sequencer allows for a wide range of step resolutions. You can set the length of a single-step from anywhere between a 192th note and 12 bars.
  • Page 74 The step-sequencer basics - Tonal sequences SPECTRALIS 2/7:Resol LastStep Style Start Reso:16th Len:16 Once you start changing the setting of the resolution with the first encoder “Reso” it will have an immediate impact on the currently playing sequence. Changing the length of a sequenceline The length of each individual Sequencer Line can be set to anywhere from one to 192 Steps.

  • Page 75: Step-Sequencer Advanced I 3.5.1Tonal Sequences

    In the following chapters you will become familiar with some advanced features. There are different types of sequencer lines available in the Spectralis step-sequencer. We differentiate between tonal lines and parameter lines. We will deal with the tonal lines first.

  • Page 76: Option 1: Adjusting Preset Values And Entering Steps

    Step-sequencer advanced - Tonal sequences SPECTRALIS 3.5.2 Option 1: Adjusting preset value and entering steps Push the [Function]-button in the sequence-edit section and select page 1/7 of the sequence edit menu by hitting the [page-down]-button if not already selected. 1/7:Fnc TrigMod->TGrp1 Stp:01-16...

  • Page 77: Option 3: Input And Editing Of Notes In The Single-Step Editor

    SPECTRALIS Step-sequencer advanced - Tonal sequences in this menu as well which steps conform with the value shown in the display by looking at the blink/lit indicator of the numeric buttons . If the step value conforms the button will be lit (light on).

  • Page 78: Midi Learn Function For Pitch

    1 but possibly beat 5. This can cause real problems, especially when changing from one pattern to another. To deal with this issue the Spectralis has a function which allows you to rotate the sequencer line step by step. If you move the...

  • Page 79: Target Selection

    Not only tonal lines can be rotated but also other parameter lines. 3.6 Target selection The sequencer lines of the Spectralis can play notes, affect parameters of the Analog Synth and send MIDI data. In the “Target Selection” menu you can determine which target you want the sequencer-line to control.

  • Page 80: Special Features For Midi Targets

    You can set up a maximum of three trigger groups in the Spectralis which will allow you to play three different sounds simultaneously or play them back...

  • Page 81: Playing The Triggergroups

    Part. The long and short of it is that now you don’t have just one single analog Part available – as in the original release version of the Spectralis - but a total of 3 analog Parts with numbers 12, 13, 14...

  • Page 82: The Definition Of Triggergroups

    MIDI keyboard or can alternatively be played back via the MINI- Keyboard of the Spectralis by using the Part-Play Function. Simply select a sound from the category “Multi” in your sound selection. You can use that sound to familiarize yourself with the selection and playing of the trigger groups.
  • Page 83 SPECTRALIS The definition of triggergroups Master-LFO envelopes is assigned to the trigger groups of oscillators 1-4. If you are assigning oscillator 2 to trigger group 3, the Master-LFO2 will also be controlled by trigger group 3. Keep in mind, that even though trigger-groups have been defined no sound has yet been created.

  • Page 84: Step-Sequencer Advanced

    Step sequencer advanced II - Parameter control lines SPECTRALIS 3.8 Step sequencer advanced II You already have learned how to manage tonal sequencerlines and some of the features we are describing in this section have been discussed already in the first advanced step-sequencer chapter.
  • Page 85 Len:16 Rslt - Sequence line resolution Each sequence line in the Spectralis has it's independent resolution. By default, the resolution is set to 16th which means, that every step is equivalent to a 16th note. The resolution can be set from 1/192th to 13/1.

  • Page 86: Triggerpoint Muting And Overwriting

    Step sequencer advanced II - Parameter control lines SPECTRALIS hit the steps you want to get smooth results for with the buttons 1-16 and change the transition time with the LGld- (Lineglide) parameter. Step-mute The mute function not only disables the step envelope trigger points but also the...

  • Page 87: Single Parameter Editor

    SPECTRALIS Step sequencer advanced II - Parameter control lines one step after the other. Press and hold [Shift] and [Page-Up] and [Page-Down] to reach other sequencerlines without leaving the singlestep edit mode. If you want to copy the settings of the current step to other steps in the sequencer line, just press and hold [Shift] and hit the encoderbuttons, you want to copy the settings to.

  • Page 88: Editing Motifs And Patterns

    The Num-Buttons can be used as well to select a motif. Pressing numbutton [1] for example loads the motif, which was assigned to the same part at pattern number one. In case, that there can't be found a motif at the same part, the spectralis automaticly selects another part as the motif source.

  • Page 89: The Motif Edit Menu

    SPECTRALIS How to...? The Motif Edit Menu Load Motif into Pattern Freaky with: [origSND] [curSND] [NO] [YES] This message appears as well, if you select a motif with the numbuttons. Independent from this menu you still can change the motif by using the numbottons.

  • Page 90: Initialising Motifs And Part Parameters

    Pushing down the fourth encoder deletes the motif. 3.9.4 Exchanging drum grooves Parts 1-11 are the drum-parts of a Spectralis pattern. Sometimes it is handy to exchange the entire drum-groove of an pattern. You can do that by hitting the [Drum Groove]-button in the Num Button Assignment Section.

  • Page 91: Recording Your Own Motifs

    Otherwise the next pattern selection will result in loosing these changes. 3.9.5 Recording your own motifs If you are not satisfied with the preset-motifs of the spectralis, there is only one way to achieve happiness: You will have to create some motifs of your own!! There are different ways to record or input new motifs into the spectralis sequencer.

  • Page 92: Step By Step Input

    Once you’re finished recording, you may want to change the quantize setting. As soon as you stop playing the keyboard, the Spectralis will playback the recorded notes with the selected quantize setting. Satisfied with the reult? Then simply push the [Stop]- button.

  • Page 93: Chord-Record" Recording - Independent Note And Rhythm Input

    You have 16 chord/note memories for your later tapping session. Once you play a couple of notes on your keyboard or the spectralis "mini-keyboard", you will notice, that the counter with each keystroke is moving forward by one number. If...
  • Page 94 Once you have specified all desired notes and/or chords, the Spectralis of course does not have any information yet regarding touch sensitivity, time position or the length of the notes. This information is being input in the next step - the "Tapping"...

  • Page 95: Programming New Rhythms With The Beat-Matrix

    "How to...?" Beatmatrix programming of new rhythms 3.9.9 Programming new rhythms with the beat-matrix For the Spectralis realtime-access to all functions was a top priority. When we were discussing the step-sequencer you surely have noticed that there is no function, for which you will have to stop the sequencer.
  • Page 96 "How to...?" Beatmatrix programming of new rhythms SPECTRALIS The value of the third encoder under the display – the velocity– is always in effect until the next value change for all Step-Inputs following the most recent change. If you want to change the velocity value for an already existing Step, simply enter the desired value and push the corresponding position in the matrix once more.

  • Page 97: The Song-Chain Mode

    After the jam session is over, jump back to the song chain and let the song run until your end-marker. The Spectralis so far can memorize up to 32 songs with 32 patterns each and up to 499 songsteps. That should be enough for your next rave event, electronic mega festival or even your little brothers birthday party.

  • Page 98: Jumping Into Pattern-Jam Mode

    "How to...?" Editing a song-chain SPECTRALIS [Stop] The [Stop]-button stops the song at the current songstep. If you restart the song by pressing [Play], the song will automaticly start at the beginning of the current songstep. If you press [Stop] twice or if you press [Stop] when the songs was already stopped, the sonstep-number will be resetted to songstep 1.
  • Page 99 SPECTRALIS "How to...?" Editing a song-chain with the Spectralis "Mini-Keyboard". Pressing the CFlat will play the original pitch. Setting the Solo-Settings of the current songstep Press and hold the [Solo]-button and select the parts with the num-buttons to specify the solo-seting for the current songstep.

  • Page 100: External Synchronisation And Metronome Settings

    Sync:DIS Play:YES If [Sync] is set to "Yes" the Spectralis will start and stop when MIDI Start/Stop Messages were received and will sync to external clock. The transport bar of the spectralis will still start and stop the sequencer with it's internal clock.

  • Page 101: Part Activity Monitoring

    Sometimes, one listens to a preprogrammed pattern and just would like to know, which part is playing which instrument or effect in that pattern. The Spectralis has a kind of part activity monitor function, that lets the partnumber buttons flash corresponding to note events played on this part.

  • Page 102: The Arpeggiator

    3.13 The arpeggiator An arpeggiator extracts single notes from played chords and plays them in a selectable order. The Spectralis sports 6 arpeggiators - for each tonal line one independent arpeggiator. The arpeggiator receives notes from the MIDI input, the internal minikeyboard of the spectralis or by the pattern sequencer. After...
  • Page 103 SPECTRALIS "How to...?" The arpeggiator „asPl“ - As Played The arpeggiator plays the notes in the same order one plays them on the keyboard. „Reso“ - Resolution The resolution of the notes can be set from 192th up to 12 whole notes.
  • Page 104 "How to...?" The arpeggiator SPECTRALIS „Hold“ This function keeps all notes in the arpeggiator memory and plays them until you release all keys and press another chord or note. By pressing down and holding one key one can add more and more notes by touching them one after another.

  • Page 105: Signal Routings - Foreword

    SPECTRALIS 3.14 Signal routings - Foreword We’re sure you have noticed that the Spectralis on the one hand has two separate synth sections independent of each other – the analog synth and the DSP sampling synth – but also features two external inputs. Additionally the Spectralis has numerous routing options –...

  • Page 106: Routing External Signals To The Analog Synth

    Spectralis. The Spectralis also has a channel strip for the external inputs. You can access it with a little detour, by pushing the [Level]-button in the "Filterbank"-section and next the encoder-button (16).

  • Page 107: Feed Parts To Individual Outputs

    "How to...?" Signal routings Keep in mind when inserting external signals, that the analog-filters and the filterbank of the Spectralis have post-signal amps, which may have to be by-passed if you want to process an external signal without triggering the analog-synthesizer.

  • Page 108: Storing Sounds

    SPECTRALIS 3.15 Storing Sounds The Spectralis stores its sounds in banks on its flash rom.A bank can contain up to 100 sounds. The Spectralis has thre different types of soundbanks - banks fordrum/ percussion sounds, banks for DSP Synth sounds and of course banks for the Analog Synth.
  • Page 109 SPECTRALIS "How to...?" Storing sounds you may be playing a sequencer pattern and you notice, that the bassdrum sound is so fabulous that you want to be able to use it in the future also in other patterns. You may not actually remember which pattern you have currently...

  • Page 110: Creating A New Soundbank

    Once you have entered the Name you can confirm saving the sounds by once more pushign the [Save]-button or using the [ENTER]-button. The Spectralis will then automatically leave the "naming" dialog. It will revert to a spot two menulevels above for the start of the next sound storage.

  • Page 111: Randomize Sound

    The Spectralis allows to import your own samples into the DSP sound engine. Samples must be saved in a special format in order to be accepted by the Spectralis. That maybe is annoying at the first seight - but you will realize very soon, that the special...
  • Page 112 Spectralis CDR, that ships with the Spectralis. The latest version can always be found at our Spectralis User Forum - so you may want to check from time to time, whether there is a new version available supporting more sample formats. So far, this application is only available for the PC but we promise to publish a MAC version soon.

  • Page 113: Controlling External Midi Gear

    We already covered the assignment of individual stepsequencer lines to MIDI targets in the target selection chapter of the step sequencer description (Chapter 3.6.1, page 80) . In this chapter you will learn how to assign any of the Spectralis pattern sequencer parts to external MIDI gear.

  • Page 114: Assigning A Part To Midi

    You can use any MIDI channel without creating a MIDI definition for it as well. Just keep the values undefined, if you don’t want the Spectralis to control the program change, the volume or the panning position. Only MIDI definitions...
  • Page 115 SPECTRALIS Controlling external MIDI gear defined by the users will direct the Spectralis to send these data on song select. Bank: Defining a bank change number Synthesizers, sporting more than 128 soundprograms are usually supporting bank-change controllers to make all programs selectable from MIDI messages.

  • Page 116: Help Needed? The Integrated Spectralis Help-System

    SPECTRALIS 4.0 Help needed? The Integrated Spectralis Help-System The Spectralis is a very deep and complex machine. Especially the analog synthesizer has countless features to create new sounds and to control every single detail of the timbre you are creating. Sometimes you may need some help. Just the oscillator section comes with hundreds of parameters.

  • Page 117: Final Comments

    4.1 Final comments We hope that this manual has helped you to get to know the Spectralis a little better. Surely there will be other unexplored areas you will come across as you start playing with your new Instrument.

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