Tempo Mode - Lexicon PCM 81 - REV 2 User Manual

PCM 81

TEMPO MODE

The PCM 81 gives you unique control over tempo. In the PCM 81,
tempo is not just a matter of setting echo rates. Any delay
parameter (as many as 10 in some effects) and any time-based
modulator (LFO, Sw1 and Sw2) can be individually assigned to an
absolute time value, or assigned to a tempo value.
For example, a delay time can be set to a specific number of
milliseconds, and you will always get a delay of that number of
milliseconds, regardless of tempo changes. Alternatively, a delay
time can be set to a specific ratio of echoes to beats. Now, if you
create a rhythmic echo pattern, delay times will be linked to
tempo. When you change tempo, the delay time will change to
maintain the same rhythm at the new tempo.
With the LFO and time-based switches, the rate of change can be
an absolute value (such as once per second), or it can be linked to
tempo (for example, once every four beats). Any delay parameter,
or time-based modulator, can be set to its own individual rhythm,
allowing you to set up an effect which will change in a
rhythmically interesting way — evolving over time, for example, as
opposed to being a mere series of repetitions. Once delays and
time-based modulators are assigned, tempo rate can be easily
changed in a variety of useful ways.
Tempo Rate can be set internally or via MIDI. If Tempo Source is set
to Internal, you can dial in any tempo from 40-400 BPM at location
0.0 in the Tempo mode matrix. Alternatively, you can press the
front panel Tap button twice in rhythm to establish the rate you
want, or you can have the value of a patch source act as a tap
trigger. (See Patching.) TheTap function, whether performed by
the front panel Tap button, or by an assigned controller, is always
active, allowing you to change tempo on the fly from any mode.
You can also choose to have your tempo transmitted as a MIDI
Clock signal to control the tempo of connected MIDI devices.
(Control mode 3.6) If Source is set to MIDI Clock, PCM 81 tempo
will sync to incoming MIDI Clock. Whether tempo is set internally
or via MIDI, the LED in the Tempo button will flash at the current
rate. (You can disable the Tempo LED flashing under Tempo mode
1.3.) Press and hold the Tempo button at any time to display the
current Tempo Rate and Source.
Each effect in the PCM 81 has its own tempo rate setting which is
stored with the effect. You can override these individual tempo
rates with a global tempo rate at Control Mode 1.2. Tempo is also
available as an independent patch source which can control any
effect parameter. (See Patching later in this chapter.)
When Compare is on, Tap will not
Patch
alter the tempo, but will still reset the
Sources
LFOs. See Chapter 3 Modulation.
Tap Button
Tap MIDI Adjust
Tempo
Effect Delay Times
Mod LFO, SW 1, SW 2
Tempo Patch Source
Basic Operation
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