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Related Manuals for Expert Sleepers Disting mk4
Summary of Contents for Expert Sleepers Disting mk4
- Page 1 Firmware v4.4 User Manual Page 1...
- Page 2 Expert Sleepers Ltd. Expert Sleepers Ltd assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this document.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Introduction............................6 Installation............................6 Power requirements.........................6 Inputs, Outputs and Controls........................6 Inserting a MicroSD card........................6 Startup..............................7 The encoder & menu system........................7 Selecting an algorithm..........................7 Settings..............................8 Help..............................8 Parameters............................9 Knob Recorder............................9 Tap Tempo............................10 Favourites............................10 Presets..............................10 Preset 0............................11 Select Bus............................11 SD Card Playback..........................11 Supported MicroSD cards......................11 Supported audio files........................12 Supported MIDI files........................12... - Page 4 C-1 Precision Adder (fractional offsets)..................26 C-2 Voltage Controlled Delay Line....................27 C-3 Clockable Ping Pong Delay (Z feedback)................27 C-4 Clockable Ping Pong Delay (Z input pan)................28 C-5 Resonator..........................28 C-6 Vocoder...........................29 C-7 Phaser............................30 C-8 Bit Crusher..........................30 D-2 Tape Delay..........................32 D-3 Waveform Animator.......................32 D-4 State Variable Filter........................33 D-5 LP/HP Filter..........................34 D-6 LP/BP Filter..........................34...
- Page 5 L-1 Stereo Reverb..........................62 L-2 Mono-to-Stereo Reverb......................62 L-3 Dual Reverb..........................63 L-5 Stereo Chorus..........................64 L-6 Mono Chorus...........................64 MIDI I/O.............................66 Introduction............................66 Connections...........................66 Breakout module..........................66 MIDI "Low-Voltage Signaling"....................66 Controlling the disting mk4 via MIDI...................67 MIDI Thru............................67 Calibration............................68 Calibration Procedure........................68 Calibration Data..........................68 Firmware Updates..........................70 Acknowledgments..........................71 Page 5...
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Page 6: Introduction
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of an Expert Sleepers disting mk4. Please read this user manual before operating your new module. Installation House the module in a Eurorack case of your choosing. The power connector is Doepfer standard. If using the power cable supplied with the module, the red edge of the cable is nearest the bottom of the PCB, and carries -12V. -
Page 7: Startup
Startup Video When the module powers up it first runs through some patterns on its display. The sequence is as follows: • Each of the seven columns in turn, from left to right. • Each of the five rows in turn, from bottom to top. It then shows the bootloader version (e.g. -
Page 8: Settings
chosen one, as is the case when using the menu. Settings Video The disting has a number of settings, which are stored in flash memory. They are accessed by menu 4 "Settings". Once you've entered the Settings menu, turn the encoder to select the setting to change. -
Page 9: Parameters
The default set of help files can be downloaded from the firmware update page here. Simply unzip the file onto your MicroSD card. The file structure should look something like this: i.e. the 'help' folder is at the root level of the card, and inside is a file per algorithm, named 'hXXX.txt', where XXX is the algorithm number, starting from zero for algorithm A1. -
Page 10: Tap Tempo
The maximum duration of knob recording is a little under 14 seconds. Tap Tempo Video Some algorithms (notably the Clockable LFO and Clockable Delay/Echo) use a press of the Z knob as a 'tap tempo' function. In these modes, pressing Z has the same effect as sending a clock pulse into the clock input. -
Page 11: Preset 0
Select Bus Video If enabled in the settings, the disting mk4 will respond to save/recall messages on the Select Bus. The Select Bus is a means of inter-module communication currently supported by a handful of modules from various manufacturers, including the... -
Page 12: Supported Audio Files
Supported audio files As of now, the only supported audio file format is 16 bit WAV, mono or stereo. Any sample rate can be used, however. Since higher sample rates impose greater bandwidth demands on the SD card streaming, we suggest you use the lowest sample rate that gives acceptable audio quality. - Page 13 -loop=1 This breaks down as: • The header: "disting playlist v1" • Default settings (optional) • List of audio files • Per-file settings after each file (optional) Files may appear more than once in the playlist, with the same or different settings. Settings are in the format "-"...
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Page 14: Midi Playlist Format
triggers outputs a number of triggers during the sample e.g. triggers=4 will output 4 trigger pulses, equally spaced over the sample length. The triggers are +5V pulses lasting about 10ms. The maximum number of triggers per sample is 32767. Video ramp and triggers are mutually exclusive. -
Page 15: Example Files
Example Files A simple example playlist and some audio files which are known to be formatted correctly can be downloaded here MIDI/CV conversion The are two primary modes of MIDI/CV conversion, which can be mixed within a MIDI file: 1. Note on/off messages, and pitch bend messages, are used to generate a pitch CV from output A and a gate CV from output B. -
Page 16: Scale Playlist Format
Scale Playlist Format A scale playlist file might look something like this: disting playlist v1 -kbm=example.kbm equal.scl pyth_7a.scl pyth_12.scl johnson_7.scl -kbm=7.kbm equal.scl -kbm=root+fifth.kbm This breaks down as: • The header: "disting playlist v1" • Default settings (optional) • List of scale files •... -
Page 17: Algorithm Overview
Algorithm Overview Precision Adder Four Full-wave Minimum/ Linear/ Quantizer Comparator Dual Quadrant Rectifier maximum Exponential Waveshaper Multiplier Converter Sample and Slew Rate Pitch and Clockable Clockable VCO with VCO with Hold Limiter Envelope Delay/Echo linear FM waveshaping Tracker Precision Adder Voltage Clockable Clockable... -
Page 18: Precision Adder
A-1 Precision Adder Video A = X + Y + offset B = X - Y - offset offset = ±10V in 1V steps derived from Z Knob recorder enabled Parameter Min Max Default Description When 1, the offset is not restricted to 1V steps, and changes smoothly with Z. -
Page 19: Full-Wave Rectifier
A-3 Full-wave Rectifier Video A = abs( X + Y ) or abs( X ) B = abs( X - Y ) or abs( Y ) Z selects mode This algorithm provides a full-wave rectifier or absolute value function. The Z knob/CV select between one of two modes. -
Page 20: Quantizer
A-6 Quantizer Video A = quantized( X ) B = trigger on note change Z chooses scale & function of Y Y = transpose (Z positive) or trigger (Z negative) Outputs & Receives MIDI Parameter Min Max Default Description Input X attenuation. Transpose mode. -
Page 21: Comparator
scale) and added to the quantized result in one of two ways, controlled by parameter 1. If parameter 1 is zero, the transposition is applied to output A, after input X has been quantized to the chosen scale. If parameter 1 is one, the transposition is applied to input X before it is forced into the chosen scale. -
Page 22: Sample And Hold
output is exactly a sine wave, which is useful when you have a triangle wave VCO handy but really want a pure sine wave instead. B-1 Sample and Hold Video A = X when Y exceeds 1V B = noise ±8V Z is slew rate Parameter Min Max Default Description Mode. -
Page 23: Clockable Delay/Echo
Output A is a 1V/octave pitch CV reflecting the pitch of the signal on input X. The 0V point is C3 (approximately 130.81Hz). Input Y is simply added to the pitch CV, providing a means of applying e.g. vibrato, or transposition. Output B tracks the envelope of the signal on input X. -
Page 24: Lfo
The parameter applies a multiplier to the delay time, according to the following table: Parameter value Multiplier Parameter value Multiplier Parameter value Multiplier 1/64 3/16 x1.5 1/48 1/32 5/16 1/24 1/16 1/12 B-5 LFO Video X is Hz/V frequency Y is waveshape Z is tune A is saw ->... -
Page 25: Clockable Lfo
B-6 Clockable LFO Video X is clock input Y is waveshape Z is integer multiplier/divider A is saw -> sine -> triangle B is pulse -> square -> pulse Tap tempo enabled Parameter Min Max Default Description Sets an attenuation for both LFO outputs. Outputs A &... -
Page 26: Vco With Waveshaping
and below zero, resulting in a phase inversion ("thru-zero FM"). The 0V point for the pitch input is C3 (approximately 130.81Hz). The Z knob/CV provides a tuning control, with a range of approximately ±0.5 octaves. The A and B outputs provide sine and saw waves respectively. The output signals are ±8V (16V peak-to-peak) by default, but can be attentuated via the parameters. -
Page 27: Voltage Controlled Delay Line
has offsets in steps of 1V, this algorithm allows you to set a divisor for the offset. This defaults to 12, so when used to offset a 1V/octave pitch CV the offsets correspond to semitones. C-2 Voltage Controlled Delay Line Video X is audio input Y is delay time... -
Page 28: Clockable Ping Pong Delay (Z Input Pan)
The Z knob/CV controls the feedback, from zero to slightly more than 100%. Outputs A & B are the left and right outputs respectively. If the output mode parameter is 0 (the default), they are a mix of the dry (undelayed) signal and the delay effect. The amount of delay in the mix rises in direct proportion to the amount of feedback. -
Page 29: Vocoder
This algorithm implements a resonator, which is a kind of filter, but which is also often found as the basis for analogue drum synthesis. X is the input for the signal to filter. If used as a drum synth, this is the trigger input. The amplitude and nature of the trigger signal will affect the resulting sound. -
Page 30: Phaser
C-7 Phaser Video X is audio input Y is sweep Z is feedback (bipolar) A is phase-shifted output plus input signal B is phase-shifted output Parameter Min Max Default Description -31 31 Applies an offset to the Y input. Sets the number of phaser stages. This algorithm implements a phase shifter or 'phaser' effect. - Page 31 Y is the sample rate reduction CV input. It has a 1V/octave response i.e. the sample rate is reduced by a factor of 2 for every 1V rise in CV. This CV is offset by parameter 0, so you can set a rate reduction without a CV input.
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Page 32: Tape Delay
D-2 Tape Delay Video X is audio input Y is tape speed Z is feedback A = dry + delay in ratio according to feedback B = delay signal only Parameter Min Max Default Description Tape length. Tape speed. This is a delay/echo effect which simulates a variable speed tape loop echo device. The delay time at '1x speed', with the tape length parameter at maximum, is just over 400ms. -
Page 33: State Variable Filter
varying the comparator thresholds, very rich textures can be generated. Here, four comparators and four LFOs are used. X is the audio input. The thresholds of the comparators are set by a combination of Y and Z. Y sets the 'centre' threshold; Z sets a 'spread' of the individual thresholds around the centre. -
Page 34: Lp/Hp Filter
D-5 LP/HP Filter Video X is audio input Y is filter frequency Z is filter resonance A is low pass filter output B is high pass filter output This is a filter with simultaneous low pass and high pass outputs. X is the audio input. -
Page 35: Bp/Notch Filter
D-8 BP/Notch Filter Video X is audio input Y is filter frequency Z is filter resonance A is band pass filter output B is notch filter output This is a filter with simultaneous band pass and notch outputs. X is the audio input. Y sets the filter frequency, with a 1V/octave response. -
Page 36: Ar Envelope (With Push)
E-2 AR Envelope (with push) X is trigger input Y is trigger input Z sets the envelope times A is envelope output B is envelope output Press Z to trigger Parameter Min Max Default Description Trigger Mode. See previous algorithm for video. This algorithm is a two-stage (attack/release or attack/decay) envelope generator. -
Page 37: Ar Envelope & Vca (With Push)
Z sets the envelope times, according to the mode set by parameter 1. In Z mode 0, the full range of Z values sweeps from short A & D, through short A & long D, through long A & D, through long A &... -
Page 38: Dual Ar Envelope
E-5 Dual AR Envelope Video X is trigger input A Y is trigger input B Z sets the envelope times A is envelope output A B is envelope output B Parameter Min Max Default Description Trigger Mode. Z Mode. -31 31 Output A Attenuverter. -
Page 39: Euro To Buchla Converter
mode). Z sets the envelope times. The full range of Z values sweeps from short A & D, through short A & long D, through long A & D, through long A & short D, and finally back to short A & D. A &... -
Page 40: Clockable Ad Envelope (With Mute)
F-1 Clockable AD Envelope (with mute) Video X is clock input Y is mute input Z sets the envelope shape A is envelope output B is envelope output Tap tempo enabled Parameter Min Max Default Description -31 31 Output Attenuverter. This algorithm is a two-stage (attack/decay) envelope generator, whose overall time is set from an input clock pulse. -
Page 41: Clockable Ad Envelope (With Trigger)
F-3 Clockable AD Envelope (with trigger) Video X is clock input Y is trigger input Z sets the envelope shape A is envelope output B is envelope output Tap tempo enabled Parameter Min Max Default Description -31 31 Output Attenuverter. This algorithm is a two-stage (attack/decay) envelope generator, whose overall time is set from an input clock pulse. -
Page 42: Shift Register Random Cvs
F-5 Shift Register Random CVs Video X is clock input Y is modify input Z sets the randomness A is unipolar output B is bipolar output Parameter Min Max Default Description Direction. Length. Slew rate. Output attenuator. This algorithm generates random CVs via the popular rotating shift register method. The joy of this method is that it generates a loop of CVs, with a controllable likelihood of change, including the possibility to lock the loop so it does not change. -
Page 43: Shift Register Random Quantized Cvs
F-6 Shift Register Random Quantized CVs Video X is clock input Y is modify input Z sets the randomness A is quantized CV output B is trigger output Outputs MIDI Parameter Min Max Default Description Direction. Length. Scale. Output attenuator. This algorithm generates random CVs via the popular rotating shift register method. -
Page 44: Shift Register Random Triggers
F-7 Shift Register Random Triggers Video X is clock input Y is modify input Z sets the randomness A is trigger output B is inverse trigger output Press Z to modify sequence Parameter Min Max Default Description Length. This algorithm generates random triggers via the popular rotating shift register method. The joy of this method is that it generates a loop of triggers, with a controllable likelihood of change, including the possibility to lock the loop so it does not change. -
Page 45: Es-1 Emulation
X is input 1 Y is input 2 Z is trim A is output 1 B is output 2 This algorithm provides a software implementation of the Expert Sleepers ES-1 module. The in conjunction with the Silent Way AC Encoder plug-in this allows you to pass CVs from your DAW to your modular via an AC coupled audio interface. -
Page 46: Pitch Reference
X & Y are the two inputs - connect these to CV outputs from your modular. A & B are the corresponding outputs - connect these to inputs on your audio interface. Z provides a trim control, allowing adjustment of the ES-2's operating frequency. Start with this at zero (LEDs off) and adjust to minimise noise in the CV recovered from the plug-in. -
Page 47: Tuner
G-5 Tuner Video X is input Y is not used A is a copy of X B is a sine wave at the tracked pitch Z sets the amplitude of B This algorithm provides a chromatic tuner. The pitch of the input signal is tracked and displayed as a note name, with indication of whether the note is sharp or flat. - Page 48 An incoming MIDI clock on the disting's MIDI input is used to generate 5V clock pulses on outputs A & B. Each has an independent clock divisor controlled by parameters 0 & 1. The parameter/divisor relationship is as in the following table: Parameter value Output A/B Run/stop Reset pulse...
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Page 49: Midi/Cv
G-7 MIDI/CV Video X & Y are not used A is pitch CV output B is gate output Z is not used Receives MIDI Parameter Min Max Default Description -31 31 Transpose. Pitch bend depth. Scale. Performs a MIDI to CV conversion on MIDI notes arriving on the disting's MIDI port. Output A is the pitch CV output;... -
Page 50: Crossfade/Pan
H-1 Crossfade/Pan Video A = Mix of X & Y according to Z B = Inverted mix of X & Y according to Z Knob recorder enabled Parameter Min Max Default Description Crossfade/pan law. Viewed as a stereo output, A & B provide a panned version of X, plus an oppositely panned version of Y. -
Page 51: Dual Quantizer (Z Scale)
H-3 Dual Quantizer (Z scale) Video A = quantized( X ) B = quantized( Y ) Z chooses scale Outputs MIDI Parameter Min Max Default Description Input X attenuation. Input Y attenuation. -31 31 X transpose. -31 31 Y transpose. Output A is a quantized version of input X;... -
Page 52: Dual Quantizer
H-4 Dual Quantizer Video A = quantized( X ) B = quantized( Y ) Z is trigger Outputs MIDI Parameter Min Max Default Description Input X attenuation. Input Y attenuation. -16 16 X scale/trigger mode. -16 16 Y scale/trigger mode. Output A is a quantized version of input X;... -
Page 53: Dual Euclidean Patterns
H-5 Dual Euclidean Patterns Video A is pattern 1 out B is pattern 2 out X is clock input Y is reset input Z sets the 'pulses' for pattern 2 Parameter Min Max Default Description Steps. Pulses (pattern 1). Rotation. Pulse length. -
Page 54: Noise
progressively double the maximum time; at the maximum ranage setting of 12, the maximum time is therefore 40.96s. Parameter 0 controls the function of Z: Parameter 0 value Z function Z controls delay Z controls length Output override (high). Z over 1V forces both outputs high. Output override (low). -
Page 55: Audio Playback
I-1 Audio Playback Video X is retrigger CV Y is start position CV Z selects the sample A is left audio output B is right audio output Algorithm-specific playlist filename: playlist-rm.txt This algorithm continuously plays audio files, in a manner very much inspired by Tom Whitwell's Radio Music module. -
Page 56: Audio Playback With V/Oct
I-3 Audio Playback with V/Oct Video X is retrigger CV Y is V/octave pitch CV Z selects the sample A is left audio output B is right audio output Parameter Min Max Default Description Octave shift. Algorithm-specific playlist filename: playlist-voct.txt This algorithm is much the same as the preceding one, except that it forgoes the sample start position input and instead has a pitch input. -
Page 57: Midi File Playback (Clocked)
J-1 MIDI File Playback (Clocked) Video X is clock Y is retrigger CV Z selects the MIDI file A is pitch CV output B is gate output Outputs MIDI Algorithm-specific playlist filename: midi-playlist-clocked.txt This algorithm plays MIDI files, converting the MIDI into CV outputs on A & B (as detailed above). -
Page 58: Audio Playback With End Cv
J-4 Audio Playback with End CV Video X is retrigger or end position CV Y is start position CV Z is end position or retrigger CV A is left audio output B is right audio output Parameter Min Max Default Description Selects the sample. -
Page 59: Wavetable Vco
Do not remove the MicroSD card or power off the disting while recording is active, as this could corrupt the card. The disting's screen shows different information than the usual algorithm name or parameter values in this mode. The left two columns of LEDs display level meters for the two audio inputs. The right section of the screen either shows a rectangle (for recording stopped) or a recording animation (when recording). - Page 60 folders. As an example, consider these SD card contents: "playlist-wavetable.txt" might contain disting playlist v1 24 RHODES G1-2.wav -wavelength=700 AKWF_hvoice If the folder contents were: then the folder's "playlist.txt" might contain disting playlist v1 AKWF_hvoice_0001.wav AKWF_hvoice_0002.wav AKWF_hvoice_0003.wav AKWF_hvoice_0004.wav AKWF_hvoice_0005.wav AKWF_hvoice_0006.wav AKWF_hvoice_0007.wav AKWF_hvoice_0008.wav etc.
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Page 61: Programmable Quantizer
K-5 Programmable Quantizer Video A = quantized( X+Y ) B = trigger on note change Z is slew Y = pitch or trigger Outputs MIDI Parameter Min Max Default Description Scale. Input X attenuation. Input Y attenuation. -31 31 Transpose. Offset. -
Page 62: Stereo Reverb
L-1 Stereo Reverb Video X is left input Y is right input A is left output B is right output Z is wet/dry Parameter Min Max Default Description Size. Feedback. Character. Lowpass filter. A stereo reverberation effect. X and Y are the stereo audio inputs. An equal mix of these is used to feed the reverberator. A and B are the stereo audio outputs. -
Page 63: Dual Reverb
A and B are the stereo audio outputs. These are a mix of the input and the reverb output. Z is a wet/dry control. At zero, the output is 100% dry i.e. the input signal with no reverb added. For positive Z, reverb is added while holding the dry level constant. For negative Z, the dry and reverb signals are progressively crossfaded, until eventually the output is 100% wet i.e. -
Page 64: Stereo Chorus
L-5 Stereo Chorus Video X is audio input Y is LFO rate A is left output B is right output Z is wet/dry Parameter Min Max Default Description LFO depth. -31 31 Y offset. -31 31 Feedback. Lowpass filter. A stereo chorus effect. X is the audio input. - Page 65 chorus output. Z is a wet/dry control. At zero, the output A is 100% dry i.e. the input signal with no chorus added. For positive Z, chorus is added while holding the dry level constant. For negative Z, the dry and chorus signals are progressively crossfaded, until eventually the output is 100% wet i.e.
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Page 66: Midi I/O
MIDI I/O Introduction The disting mk4 has a pair of industry standard MIDI ports - one input, one output - which can be used to connect to a huge variety of external equipment. Connections The MIDI ports are exposed on a 4-pin expansion header (labelled GT2) at the top of the PCB: All of the necessary electronics are on the PCB;... -
Page 67: Controlling The Disting Mk4 Via Midi
Association has now released a reference hardware design based on 3.3V, which they call the "Low-Voltage Signaling" standard, and it is this that the disting mk4 uses. The disting is therefore fully compatible with any device that adheres strictly to the MIDI specification, but may not be with devices that play fast and loose with the spec and assume 5V. -
Page 68: Calibration
Calibration Here you will find details of • How a disting is calibrated. • How to use the calibration data in your own code. The disting is calibrated before it leaves the factory. It is not expected that you would need to do this yourself in normal circumstances. - Page 69 From these we can derive constants A, Br, D, Er so that conversion between codec codes and actual voltages can be handled simply in the code as follows: int vL = ( ( inL - A[0] ) * Br[0] ) >> 24; int vR = ( ( inR - A[1] ) * Br[1] ) >>...
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Page 70: Firmware Updates
Firmware Updates Video The disting mk4's firmware can be updated using a Micro SD card. The process is as follows: • Download the firmware from the Expert Sleepers website. • Unzip the download. • Copy the file 'image.hex' from the unzipped download to the root folder of a Micro SD card. -
Page 71: Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments The font used in the disting mk4 is an adapted version of 'Tom Thumb' by Robey Pointer. More on the font here. Page 71...
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