Sunday, 3 November 2019

How to Program a Bass Bot TT 303 - Demo 3

A quick 3rd demo of the TT303 by Cyclone Analogic.

This video covers traditional programming and play.
No midi or external sequencers used this time. If you're familiar with writing a melody on a Roland TB303 you'll probably see that the procedure is identical.

This video could be renamed "how to program your 303".
The first part of the video is standard "Pattern Play".
 Then we switch to "write/pattern mode" Here is where we write our tune.
First we need to erase our previous pattern.
Then set the number of steps (in this example its 12) .. Max of 16.
Hit pitch mode. Write the melody. Then into "time mode" to tell the sequencer how many notes to play. Hit "run" to play the tune :-)

This melody is kinda boring :-( .... lets spice it up with some accents, slides or transpose up/down. Just like the good old days.:-)

DX 5 - 3. Edit Mode

The DX5 has the same 3 modes: Play, Function & Edit that you find in the DX7.
It's also colour coded like the DX7.

1. Play (white)
2. Function (green)
3. Edit (violet)

Edit Mode  

Edit Mode is where we edit the voices and can also create new voices.
Notice the colour .. the violet colour indicates its part of the edit mode.

Entering Edit Mode is done here: EDIT/COMPARE
 You can switch between channel A and Channel B voices by pressing the violet EDIT A & EDIT B switch
Individual voice parameters are selected by pressing the appropriate violet labeled switches & programmed using the data entry slider / switches. These are identical to the DX7.


In some instances, you will want to compare the original sound to an edited one.
Do this by pressing the edit/compare switch again.
To save edited voices, you need to enter the store mode


Operator Select

There are six operator select switches. OP1 to OP6 ... just press the one you wish to work on.
Only one operator can be worked on at a time.
The operator on/off switches are below.

Working from left to right these are the next set of switches;


Algorithm.
Permits selection of any of the 32 algorithms.
Use the Data slider / switches.

Feedback Level
Feedback can be applied to one operator in any algorithm.
This controls the level only.  Range : 0 to 7
Use the Data slider.

Operator Output Level.
You can control the output level of a selected operator.
range; 0 to 99
If the operator is a carrier you will effect the volume.
If the operator is a modulator you will effect the harmonic spectrum & timbre.


EG select EG/Pitch EG
This is linked to the Envelope Generator Switches: R1- R4 & L1 - L4
These switches select the EG parameters to be worked on.



Some envelope examples


 MODE
Permits selection of
The Frequency Ratio or Fixed Frequency Oscillator Mode
1. Frequency Ratio -- operator pitch is scaled to the keyboard was you'd expect.
2. Fixed Frequency --- a fixed freq is produced no matter which key is pressed.
                      (frequency is set using the coarse and fine switches - described below)

COARSE, FINE
These parameters determine the actual frequency of each operator.in the Frequency Ratio or Fixed Frequency Oscillator Mode.

For The operators functioning as carriers ... pitch is determined.
For The operators functioning as modulators ... timbre is determined.
ie the harmonic spectrum of the sound.

DETUNE
Permits slight detuning of the selected operator in relation to the others..... to create richer, fuller voice effects.... depends on whether the operator is a carrier or modulator.
Carrier ---- thick multi instrument effect.
Modulator --- results in periodic variation in timbre similar to a phase shift effect.

SCALING
These 5 parameters make it possible to vary the EG level of each operator across the keyboard in many ways.
LD - Left Depth
LC - Left Curve
BP - Break Point
RD - Right Depth
RC - Right Curve


SCALING: RATE SCALING
Shortens overall envelope length as you go up the keyboard ... imitates stringed instruments
Range: 0 to 7

SENSITIVITY : key Velocity
Range: 0 - 7
Applied to a carrier--- produces louder sounds
Applied to a modulator -- effects the timbre

SENSITIVITY :Amplitude Modulation
Sets the sensitivity to LFO AND EG BIAS. applied via any controllers (breath, Foot pedal, mod wheel)
LFO - applied to a carrier - effects tremolo
LFO applied to a modulator ---  periodic variation of timbre.
EG Bias - applied to a carrier --- volume comtrols
EG Bias applied to a modulator --- brilliance control

LFO : Wave
Permits selection of a LFO waveform. There are 6.
Use the data entry control slider or switches.
 LFO : Speed
range : 0 to 99
99 = 50Hz

LFO : delay
You can set a delay of 0 - 3 secs before the LFO starts (after a key is pressed)

LFO : PM depth
Sets the depth of pitch variation.of the LFO.
range 0 to 99

LFO : PM Sensitivity
Sets the sensitivity of operators to PM to LFOs or controllers.
Range: 0 to 7

LFO : AM depth
Sets the depth of AM (tremolo or wow) produced by LFOs  for all operators simultaneously.
This is independent of the various controllers.

LFO : Key Sync
Either on or off
on= modulation begins when key is pressed
off = the LFO is free running and modulation commencement is random.
 
Oscillator key Sync
Normally all oscillators are syncronized.
You can turn this off or on.
When off, oscillations begin at random

Transpose
Permits transposing the overall pitch up or down the keyboard.
Max 2 octaves.

Voice Name
Use this to give voices a name.
Use the OPERATOR SELECT & OPERATOR ON/OFF & BANK /VOICE switches

You will see letters & numbers under each switch.

Dash (-) ,period (.) and space are entered using the Key Assign switches

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FM Index
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DX 5 - Getting started - 1. Play Mode

The DX5 has the same 3 modes: Play, Function & Edit that you find in the DX7.
It's also colour coded like the DX7.

1. Play (white)
2. Function (green)
3. Edit (purple-blue)

 Play Mode

Play Mode (white) is the simpliest and a good place to start.
Here you can access the sounds contained in the internal & external memory.

These are the internal/cartridge  voice memory selection switches, along with switches
to set the keyboard assignment ... single, dual, split.



The DX 5 is often described as two DX7s ... though its also a bit like a DX21
(but with 6 operators , not 4).
(If I understand the DX21 manual correctly, it actually has two completely separate 4 operator ,8 algorithm FM synths)

You can split the keyboard between two different sounds, and even split the sounds to left and right outputs. There is 32 note polyphony in single and split modes. You can specify hard splits on the keyboard. The keyboard ranges from E0 to F7 with full velocity and after touch.



Individual voices are selected using the two groups  (bank & voice).
The white labeling indicates the voice selection... arranged in two groups of 2 rows.
There are 4 banks. Each bank has 8 voices.
The upper row of switches is for channel A.
The lower row of switches is for channel B. 


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FM Index
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Yamaha DX5 - initial pics

Just arrived.
Some fun times ahead.








Saturday, 2 November 2019

Yamaha DX7 - Edit Mode

This is how we program new voices.

Though this is a long post, most of the basic concepts are repeated again and again, so once you have understood the first few edit procedures it is dead easy after that.
So don't be discouraged. And don't let anyone tell you that programming a DX7 requires a degree in rocket science. They have probably never owned a DX7 or tried to program one.

The take home concept to know is that by varying the pitch frequency, modulation, and envelope data , it is possible to edit pre-programmed voices or to create entirely new voices.

Press the purple Edit/compare Function button on the extreme left  to enter EDIT MODE


Setting and modifying parameters is done with the DATA slider


A small dot will appear next to the voice number if any data is modified.



-------------------------------------------------
Operator On/Off
There are 6 operators - numbers 1 to 6
In edit mode pressing these keys will turn them on and off,


Voice 4, 5 & 6 have been turned off in the pic above

aLL the voices have been turned off in the above pic

-----------------------------------------------------
EG copy
This copys the envelope data from one operator to another.


Use the store key

---------------------------------------------

Algorithm
Press Key 7

 Use the Data entry key +1 & -1 or the slider to increase/decrease value to select one of the 32 algorithms.

--------------------------------
Feedback
Press Key 8

Choose an algorithm with a feedback loop.
eg:

The range of feedback : 0 to 7.

Use the Data slider to change the amt of feedback.

--------------------------------------

LFO

Use Keys 9,10,11,12,13.14.to set the LFO parameters.

Once the paramets are set, you can use the mod wheel, a breath controller, aftertouch etc
to apply the LFO effect.

9. Wave
 There are 6 waveforms
You use the data slider  to select the waveform.

10. Speed
This sets the frequency of the LFO
 Range: 0 to 99
You use the data slider  to select the frequency

11. Delay 
Sets a delay between the pressing of a key and onset of LFO modulation.
0 = no delay
99= longest delay
You use the data slider  to select

12. PMD -
Pitch modulation depth
The depth of LFO modulation applied to pitch
This is independent of the controller settings
0= no pitch mod
99 = max pitch mod
You use the data slider  to select

13. AMD
Amplitude modulation depth
0=  no amp mod
99 = max amp mod
This is independent of the controller settings
You use the data slider  to select

14. Sync
Either on or off
Pressing the sync button
alternately will turn it on or off.
on= modulation begins when key is pressed
off = the LFO is free running and modulation commencement is random.

---------------------------------
Mod Sensitivity
15. Pitch
16. Sensitivity
This adjusts the depth of pitch and amplitude modulation
Pitch:  range 0 to 7
It sets the modulation sensitivity to all operators

Amplitude : range 0 to 3
Amp modulation is independent for each operator.
It creates "wow effects for modulator operators.
It creates tremolo effects for carrier operators,
You can select the operator using the operator select key
Pressing the key successively selects the operator - 1 to 6.
Only active operators will be displayed. The ones that are turned off will be skipped.

-----------------------------
Oscillator

17. Mode/Sync
18. Frequency Coarse
19 Frequency Fine
20. Detune


17. Mode / Sync
Pressing button 17 will cycle between mode & sync

Frequency Ratio -- operator pitch is scaled to the keyboard was you'd expect.

Fixed Freq - a fixed freq is produced no matter which key is pressed.
                      (frequency is set using buttons 18/19)

Sync -
ON = oscillators begin at phase 0

18. Frequency Coarse
19 Frequency Fine





 20. Detune

------------------------------------------------------------------

EG - The envelope generator
Buttons 21 & 22
For more detailed info see here
The EG controls volume and/or timbre - depends if its effecting a modulator or a carrier.
Modulator -- timbre
carrier - volume

The shape of the envelope is controlled by levels & rates
Pressing button 21 will cycle through each rate (1 - 4)
Use the slider to set the amount of rate.

Pressing button 22 will cycle through each level (L1-L4) 
Use the slider to set the amount of level

The envelope can be set individually to each operator.
Use the z button to choose operators

---------------------------------------------------------
Keyboard Level Scaling
Buttons 23, 24, 25
Allows you to choose a keyboard break point and make a envelope to the left & right of this point.
You have control of the envelope shape (curve & depth).

For more detailed info chick here

The Breakpoint can be anywhere between A1 and C8
There are 4 different curves available:+/- exponential and +/- linear.


Depth varies between 0 and 99
0=flat

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Keyboard Rate Scaling
Button 26
Range is 0 to 7
0 = short treble decay link an acoustic piano
7 = long bass decay
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operator
Buttons 27, 28.

Sets the output levels & touch response levels of each operator.
(each operator has its own envelope) 
Output level range: 0 to 99
Use the z button to choose the operator.

The Key velocity = key touch response.
This can be applied to carriers and modulators ... so it effects more than just volume.
You can effect timbre !
Range : 0 to 7
-----------------------------------
Pitch EG
Buttons 29, 30

Just like the other DX7 envelopes you have Rate & Level settings
Pressing the RATE button successively will scroll through rate settings R1 , R2, R3, R4.
The same idea applies to the LEVEL button

------------------------------------------
Key Transpose & Voice Name
Buttons 31, 32

31. Key Transpose -- transposes pitch over a +/- 2 octave range.
(Semitone steps) with C3 as standard.
For example, to transpose up one octave hit KEY TRANSPOSE and then press C4.

32 Voice Name
Max of 10 characters.

To edit a name:
a) Press VOICE NAME
b) Hold the Character button and scroll through the letters/numbers
 You move along the LCD with the +/- buttons.

c) Use the 32 green membrane buttons to enter the name. Numbers 0-9 and letters A to V.

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FM Index
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