Source Audio C4 Synth User Manual
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Source Audio C4 Synth User Manual

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C4 Synth User Guide

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the C4 Synth. This advanced piece of gear offers all the sound construction
tools of a classic Eurorack modular synthesizer and packages them in a compact and easy-to-use
effects pedal for guitar and bass. It is essentially a Eurorack modular synth in a box with
unprecedented tracking abilities, lightning-fast response, and countless sound options. Out of the
box the C4 offers six unique and dynamic synthesizer effects. Connect it to the Neuro Desktop Editor
or Neuro Mobile App and unlock this pedal's true power. Use the Neuro Editors to create your own
synth sounds with its classic Eurorack inspired editing interface or simply call up an effect from
countless presets created by the Source Audio team or the growing legion of C4 users. Create
incredible tones with the C4's choice of four parallel voices, three oscillator wave shapes, ten-plus
envelope followers, twenty-plus modulating filters, distortion, tremolo, pitch shifting, intelligent
harmonization, programmable sequencing and more.
The pedal comes in a compact and durable brushed aluminum housing with stereo inputs and
outputs, a three-position toggle switch, a simple four-knob control surface, and full MIDI
functionality via its USB port.
The
Quick Start
guide will help you with the basics. For more in-depth information about the C4
Synth move on to the following sections, starting with Connections. Enjoy!
SA249
C4 Synth User Guide
1

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Summary of Contents for Source Audio C4 Synth

  • Page 1: Welcome

    C4 Synth User Guide Welcome Thank you for purchasing the C4 Synth. This advanced piece of gear offers all the sound construction tools of a classic Eurorack modular synthesizer and packages them in a compact and easy-to-use effects pedal for guitar and bass. It is essentially a Eurorack modular synth in a box with unprecedented tracking abilities, lightning-fast response, and countless sound options.

  • Page 2: Overview

    Growing Library of Published Presets: For quick access to a world of great tones, try sampling sounds from a vast collection of published presets created by the Source Audio team and the ever-growing C4 Neuro Community. Unprecedented Sound Sculpting Options: The powerful Neuro Desktop Editor (Free download for Mac and Windows) and Neuro Mobile App (iOS and Android) offer maximum sound exploration possibilities.
  • Page 3 USB host. The USB port also offers connectivity to the Neuro Desktop Editor providing access to deep editing possibilities and pedal firmware updates. External Expression and Tap Tempo Control — Use the Control Input jack with the Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal (expression control to multiple parameters) or Tap Switch (adjust LFO rates on the fly).

  • Page 4: The C4 Synth: How Does It Work

    The C4 Synth: How Does It Work? Before diving fully into the C4 Synth and its Neuro Editor, it is important to understand the basic internal layout and signal path. Below is a simple block diagram that illustrates the C4’s Signal Path and Resource Blocks: Step 1.

  • Page 5: Quick Start

    To power the unit, connect the included 9V DC power supply to the jack labeled DC 9V on the back panel. When running a 3 party power supply, the C4 Synth requires an isolated 9V DC power source with a minimum of 165mA and a center-negative plug.
  • Page 6 Mode (indicated by the blinking top center LED). Alternate Control Mode switches from the Primary to Secondary function of the INPUT/SENS and MIX/VOL knobs. Also moving the center toggle switch will switch between the Green and Red Preset Banks (go to the Preset Banks section for more info). SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Contents Welcome ..............................1 Overview ..............................2 The C4 Synth: How Does It Work? ......................4 Quick Start ............................... 5 Connections ............................. 8 Controls ..............................11 Accessing the Green and Red Preset Banks ................... 14 Three Different Preset Modes ....................... 14 Universal Bypass ..........................

  • Page 8: Connections

    (if applicable) will be on the tip contact of the plug, and the Neuro App data will be on the ring contact. Input 2 accepts data from the Neuro Mobile App. Data from the Neuro Hub comes through the CONTROL INPUT port. SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 9 The ring contact on Output 2 acts as a data connection for the Neuro App, passing data from the C4 to the next Source Audio effect in your signal chain. You can daisy-chain the Neuro App data regardless of whether Output 2 is configured to output audio or not. Connect Output 2 to the next pedal’s Neuro App Data input (Input 2) using a stereo (TRS) ¼”...
  • Page 10 User’s Guide. CONTROL INPUT Port The 3.5 mm CONTROL INPUT Port connects to external control devices such as the Source Audio External Tap Switch, Dual Expression Pedal, Neuro Hub, and Hot Hand 3 Motion Controller. For more...

  • Page 11: Controls

    C4’s pitch detectors and envelope followers and the varying output levels of different instruments and their passive or active pickups, it is important to set the level of signal hitting the pedal’s processor. For hotter, active pickups it is probably best to SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 12 ALT Button (Alternate Function) This is a small black button located on the topside of the pedal next to the CONTROL INPUT jack. Pressing the ALT button temporarily puts the pedal into Alternate Control Mode (indicated by the SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 13 Enables or bypasses the effect. The footswitch is also used to toggle between the first (green LED) and second (red LED) Preset Banks. Go to the Accessing the Green and Red Preset Banks section this manual for more info on changing Preset Banks. SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...

  • Page 14: Accessing The Green And Red Preset Banks

    (Green) and second (Red) preset banks. Note: if “Quick Bank Switch Using Footswitch” has been selected from the Neuro Editor’s “C4 Synth Hardware Options,” it is also possible to change preset banks with the footswitch while the pedal is still engaged.

  • Page 15: Universal Bypass Tm

    (SENSITIVITY and VOL) will revert to their default settings. Universal Bypass Most effect pedals offer either true bypass or buffered bypass. The C4 Synth contains two separate circuits for bypass mode, allowing you to choose the method you prefer. The true bypass path uses signal relays, which are electromechanical switches.

  • Page 16: External Control

    The CONTROL INPUT port opens a variety of external control options, allowing for direct control over many of the C4’s parameters. It is an input for the, Source Audio Tap Switch, Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal, or a data port for the Neuro Hub.
  • Page 17 Configuring the Expression Pedal Use the C4 Synth’s Neuro Sound Editor to assign expression control to up to three parameters. Expression editing is accomplished in the External Control block of the Neuro Sound Editor. For more...
  • Page 18 Configuring the Hot Hand Use the C4 Synth’s Neuro Sound Editor to assign Hot Hand control to up to three parameters. Hot Hand expression editing is accomplished in the External Control block of the Neuro Sound Editor. For more info on assigning expression control to the C4 go to the External Control section of this manual.

  • Page 19: Neuro Mobile App & Neuro Desktop Editor

    Neuro Mobile App & Neuro Desktop Editor The C4 Synth was designed to be a simple plug-and-play effects pedal. Straight out of the box, the C4 offers six great sounding guitar/bass synth effects, but connecting the C4 to the Neuro Mobile App and Neuro Desktop Editor a vast Library of easy-to-access Presets created by the Source Audio team and the ever-growing community of C4 Synth users.
  • Page 20 C4 is ready for editing. If your C4 Synth is in need of a firmware update, the Firmware Update icon (the arrow icon) will be framed in yellow. Upon clicking the arrow icon, you will be instructed on the updating procedure.
  • Page 21 The attached pedal will retain all hardware option edits until either the option is de-selected, or a Factory Reset is performed. • Sound Editor (Wrench Icon): Opens the C4 Synth’s Sound Editor, revealing a deep set of editing controls for creating custom presets. SA249...
  • Page 22 Hardware Options Clicking the gear icon in the C4 Synth’s Connections window opens the Hardware Options menu (see the graphic below). Use the Hardware Options window to choose your pedal’s global hardware settings. The C4 Synth’s Hardware Options include the following: •...
  • Page 23 Preset Editor Click the Sound Editor (wrench) icon in the Connections section to open the C4 Synth’s Sound Editor in the center tab. This is where all of the sound editing work takes place. The Sound Editor is broken into several sub-sections, each containing a unique variety of virtual knobs and dropdown menus.
  • Page 24 Polyphonic Pitch 1 and 2: Routes the dry signal through the Polyphonic Pitch shifting module. With the Polyphonic Pitch shifting module it is possible to play chords. Use the Interval pull-down menu to select any interval up to three octaves above or below the root notes. SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 25 Interval 1 pull-down menu in the Harmony block. o Sequencer: The C4 can run one or two simultaneous sequencer patterns. Select the Sequencer option and choose from the Source Audio collection of Sequencer patterns or create your own Custom Sequences in the modules located further down in the Editor.
  • Page 26 Voice Mix Monitors: The four meters labeled Voice 1 through 4 monitor the Processor 1 & 2 ratio of each Voice through the Distortion block. • Distortion Type Dropdown Menu: Choose from any of the C4’s 13 different distortion types. SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 27 (for example the sound of an instrument being struck or that of a human voice). The C4 Synth has over 20 different Filters to choose from.
  • Page 28 Destination Dropdown Menus: Choose the final Output Destination of Processors 1 and 2. It is possible route the signal as follows o Output 1 Only: Routes all of that Processor’s signals to the C4’s Output 1 jack. SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 29 Output signal completely when it stops receiving an input signal above desired amplitude – thereby eliminating any unwanted hum or noise. Increasing the Gate knob causes the noise gate to close at higher and higher input levels. SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 30 Turning the knob to the left of 12 o’clock creates the opposite effect where the LFO modulation is smooth upon the initial strike and deepens up as the note fades. SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 31 Step Monitor Bars: The 16 bars in each of the Sequencers indicate each individual step and note. To edit a step, grab it with your cursor and drag the note up or down – the semitone SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 32 Harmony Use the Harmony module to assign key and scale for the Intelligent Harmonization function. Selecting the “Harmonization” from the Interval Mode Dropdown menu engages this function. Unlike the SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 33 External Control block are assignable to a single parameter. Use the Control Source dropdown menus to select the type of external controller being used. There are three different options in this menu: SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 34 Voices or at the end of the signal path. The one routing option that can’t be set up manually is the an external effects loop that places the external effect in front of the C4’s Voice processor. Choose this option if SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 35 See the diagram below to get a better understanding of the routing. • Preset Recall State: Selects the Engaged/Disengaged state of the preset when recalled via a MIDI Program Change (PC) message. SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...
  • Page 36 The Presets section is also where users can browse the Published Presets of other C4 Synth users. There are two views available in the Presets section - click on the icon labeled Device or Cloud (located in the blue square on the top right corner) to open each view respectively.
  • Page 37 SAVE TO CLOUD Button: It is also possible to save your preset to a private Cloud based storage location or Publish it for the rest of the C4 Synth community to try. After creating a preset, hit the SAVE TO CLOUD button. A box will pop up asking you to name it and provide a description. It will also ask you for YouTube or SoundCloud link (this is optional).
  • Page 38 Search/Filter section just below the tab options. Browse, Burn, and Play The Cloud offers access to the vast landscape of C4 preset created by the Source Audio staff and the ever-growing community of C4 users. It’s as easy as “Browse, Burn, and Play.”...
  • Page 39 Neuro community. To test a preset, simply click anywhere on the preset listing and it will instantly upload to your C4 pedal. • FACTORY Tab: Contains presets created by the Source Audio team and other synth aficionados. • MY LIBRARY Tab: Contains all the presets you have saved to your personal preset library.

  • Page 40: Daisy-Chaining Neuro Communication

    Daisy-Chaining Neuro Communication If you have multiple Source Audio One Series pedals running in series, it is possible to maintain Neuro communication with each pedal through a single Neuro cable connection. Source Audio makes couplers that are designed specifically for connecting multiple One Series products in series. These couplers are available at the Source Audio Reverb.com...

  • Page 41: Midi Through The Usb Port Or Neuro Hub

    The C4 responds to MIDI Program Change (PC) and Continuous Controller (CC) messages via its mini USB port. The C4 Synth’s USB port is plug-and-play ready for Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software on Windows and Mac computers. The C4 uses class-compliant drivers, so no special drivers are needed.
  • Page 42 2. In the top bar menu select Device > Edit Device MIDI Map from the dropdown menu. 3. The C4 Synth MIDI Map Editor window will open. Scroll to the MIDI CC value you wish to map and select that CC’s dropdown menu. A list of parameters will unfold.

  • Page 43: C4 Synth Specifications

    Open the updated Neuro Desktop and connect the C4 Synth to a computer using a mini USB cable. If the C4 is in need of an update the Firmware Updates icon (the arrow icon) in the Connections field will be framed in yellow. Simply click...

  • Page 44: Troubleshooting

    Power source: Ensure that the factory power supply is being used, or an isolated power supply or pedal power port providing 9V and a minimum of 165mA. Near noise source: Move pedal away from power supplies and other equipment. SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...

  • Page 45: Frequently Asked Questions

    Neuro Desktop Editor from the Source Audio Downloads page. Open the updated Neuro Desktop and connect the C4 Synth to a computer using a mini USB cable. If the C4 is in need of an update the SA249 C4 Synth User Guide...

  • Page 46: Rubber Feet

    Apple support article: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202491. Rubber Feet The C4 Synth comes standard with a flat aluminum bottom, making it easy to apply Velcro and mount to a pedalboard. Additionally, adhesive rubber feet are included in the C4’s box. Applying the rubber feet to the bottom of the pedal can help prevent it from sliding on flat surfaces such as a hardwood floor.

  • Page 47: Warranty

    Source Audio. Warranty Information Source Audio may, at its option, require proof of the original purchase date in the form of a dated copy of the original authorized dealer’s invoice or sales receipt. Service and repairs of Source Audio products are to be performed only at the Source Audio factory or a Source Audio authorized service center.

  • Page 48: Version History

    Do not open the effects pedal under any circumstance. This will void the warranty. The foregoing limited warranty is the only warranty given by Source Audio and is in lieu of all other warranties. All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for any particular purpose, exceeding the specific provisions of this limited warranty, are hereby disclaimed and excluded from this limited warranty.

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