Vortex VSTi Manual. Homegrown Sounds

Transcription

1 1 Vortex VSTi Manual Homegrown Sounds

2 2 Table of Contents Changelog...3 Installation...3 Introduction...5 Quick Start...5 The Basics - Sequencers...6 The Basics Selecting Sounds...8 Triggers...9 Controls...12 Master Section...13 Advanced Panel Pitch Triggers...15 Advanced Panel Sequence Bypass...16 Advanced Panel Hold Bypass...16 Advanced Panel Options...16 Internal Sound Module...17 CC Mixer...21 TerraNova FX Engine...22 SoundScaper...22 Stereo Delay x Modulators...23 Compressor...25 Drive...26 Routing...26 Exciter/Bass...26 EQ...26 Recorder...27 Step Sequencers...28 The Sequencer...28 Trigger Enables/ Other Options...31 Sequencer Options...34 CC Sequencers...37 Squash to Scale...38 Midi Mixer...39 Multi-Sequencer...41 CC Assignments...43 Setting Up Midi Plugins in Reaper Setting Up Midi Plugins in Ableton Live...50 Setting Up Midi Plugins in Sonar X Setting Up Midi Plugins in FL Studio...54 Setting Up Midi Plugins in Cantabile Lite...56 Setting Up Midi Plugins in Studio One Setting Up Audio Multi Output for Vortex Synth Engine in Studio One v Disclaimer...63 License agreement...63 Copyright notice...63

3 3 Changelog V1.0 Initial Release Installation Delete any previous installation. Log on to and go to 'My Account' then click on 'files' Download the latest version of Vortex Samples and Vortex (They both need to be installed). First install the Sample Content by running the installer and choosing somewhere on your hard drive for it to live. Next Run the Vortex installer and navigate to your VST Plugin Folder. That's it, load up your Sequencer/Host and Vortex should be visible. IMPORTANT: Although the plugin has an internal sound engine, it can also be used as a Midi Plugin to control any Midi Devices with a Midi Input. In the latter case, the plugin relies on the VST Host to route midi from the plugin to your midi ports and so you may need to consult your hosts manual to achieve this. There are some Tutorials at the end of this manual with examples on how to set this up in various hosts. *.FXP and *.FXB Files Presets use the VST Standard format, an.fxp file is a single preset, and an.fxb file is an entire bank. Your host will have it's own system for saving and loading these files, so consult your Sequencer documentation if unsure. In the installation folder you will find a backup copy of the Default Bank, as well as a blank bank for building a bank from scratch (all slots are reset to default), and there is also a default preset, to be loaded into the current preset. To load, find the load button in your host and browse to the VST Plugin/Vortex directory and select. Any additional presets/banks will be stored in this folder too. If you have problems: If you are using Vista, there are security restrictions which prevent files from creating files within the 'Program Files' folder, so I suggest that you make your VST Plugin folder outside of program files as Vortex needs to create files on first load for it to function correctly. If using Vortex with external midi devices make sure that you have midi output from Vortex mapped to the Midi out that the Synth you want to control is connected to, you may have to consult your host documentation to achieve this if you haven't done it before. If you know that the midi is configured correctly and it still doesn't work, be sure that the

4 4 instrument and Vortex are both set to the same midi channel. A good solid midi driver/port is required for reliable midi operation, it is possible that not so good ports can drop data. If you find a problem, please either me from the website or use the HGS forum on KVR Homegrown Sounds Forum

5 5 Introduction Vortex is a multi-timbral MIDI step sequencer, which uses 12 sequencers each tied to a note in each octave. When a key is pressed the relevant sequence is triggered. The real fun/power lies in the triggers however which use CCs to manipulate the sequences in real time. See the midi specs page to get the control numbers and map them to momentary buttons on your controller. Once set up you can 'play' these whilst the sequence is running to create incredible complexity to the rhythm with effects such as stutter, double tempo, half tempo, reverse and most importantly re-trigger which is great for bringing everything back in time at the beginning of a bar. Each sequencer has it's own page which can be accessed via the note tabs, or when not in Multi Mode, the page will automatically selected when a midi key is pressed (as long as 'A' Auto is switched on). Sequencers have completely independent settings such as tempo, length, and many other settings. There is also the ability to switch off triggers for each sequence so they do not react when a the relevant CC is triggered. It takes a little practice to make the most of Vortex, but it's a fun learning curve and very addictive! Quick Start It is suggested that you you initially use the internal Sound engine to get a feel for Vortex before using it with external midi (there are guides for popular hosts at the back of the manual on setting up midi). Play a midi Key and you will see it automatically brings up that sequence in the Step Sequence Display. All controls in this section are purely for this selected sequence, hitting a different key will bring up all the controls for that one and so on. The sequence keys are C3 upwards on your midi keyboard. Whilst holding a sequence, go to the midi Mixer and you will notice that the playing channel has a light at the top to show which midi channel it is using. Here you can alter Vol Pan etc.. You can select a program using the program list, and set the bank MSB and LSB. For internal sounds MSB 0 contains 3 banks of instruments (LSB 0-2), MSB 1 contains 12 banks of drum kits (LSB 0-11). You can now select a sound by either: Clicking on the left half of the list which will bring up a popup menu. Clicking and holding on the right half of the display and dragging up/down. CTRL Clicking on the right half of the Program display which will select a random program. Go back to the sequence page and start dragging notes around and clicking buttons in the rows, and by now you should be on your way to fun! Whilst sequences are playing, hit some of the notes in the C2 Octave on your keyboard, these are the triggers, so for example F is stutter, C is reverse. See the Triggers section for a better description.

6 6 The Basics - Sequencers Your midi Keyboard is the main source of control over Vortex, the above image demonstrates the basic layout in normal Sequencer mode. Sequences are triggered by pressing a key in one of the sequence zones, and stop when the key is released. SEQ C3 and SEQ C4 are the main sequence triggers as they tend to be the most useful pitch range (although they can be octave transposed on the Advanced Options panel). Most of the presets are made using the C4 set. Vortex has 12 sequencers which equates to a sequencer for each key in the octave. All of these 12 sequencers play at the same base pitch, although triggering a sequence in a different octave is higher or lower. there is also hold mode (in the Master Section at the top) which allows the keys to stay on until they are pressed again. This is very useful for either working on presets or live performance. Above you can see the Sequence Selector from the main Sequencer page, if Auto Mode is switched on (which it is by default), then the newest sequence triggered is always displayed which makes it easy to edit in real-time. However you can also click one of these to edit a sequence temporarily. The red Marker shows which Sequence is currently being edited, the blue marker shows that the sequence has notes, and the row of lights at the top indicate which sequences are currently playing. The Sequencer is comprised of a 2 octave range of notes so that the middle line represents the Root Note, the top row is an octave above and the bottom row is an octave below. Even though sequences can be transposed in various ways, the display pretends that the sequence is in the key of C and so the background marking indicate the white and black notes for ease of editing.

7 7 To add a note, double click, to remove a note double click the note. Clicking/holding once on a note and dragging across the sequence will paint notes across on the sequence, if this is done whilst holding SHIFT it will only paint on currently active steps which is useful for keeping a rhythmic phrase. If CTRL is held whilst dragging the notes will be removed. CTRL + SHIFT and clicking anywhere will set all On/all Off alternatively in a flip flop fashion. Clicking anywhere on a step that is not a note and dragging will edit the velocity sliders which are the grey bars visible on active steps (NOTE: These are only visible if the Velocity Mode for the Sequence is set to Sequenced). Like Notes, these can be painted by dragging across the sequence. Below the note sequencer display is the sequencer Rows which control various behaviours for each step. Clicking on an active button will deactivate it, clicking on a deactivated button will activate it. Paint ode works here too, so dragging across the steps will activate the steps the mouse cursor passes over, holding CTRL will de-activate the steps, and holding CTRL+SHIFT will only affect active steps. The Steps indicator at the bottom shows the currently playing step of the sequence if it is playing. The Octave Row uses the Octave Mode Setting to determine it;s behaviour. For instance choosing +1 will make those steps 1 octave higher, choosing -+1 will cycle between 1 octave lower, normal and one octave higher. Note that the cycle modes make the sequence interesting because the counter increments continuously and so it can create complex evolving sequences very easily. It is also good for stutter because if Octave is enabled on the stuttered step it will cycle through the octave modes. The Volume Row uses the local Fixed Volume Knob to force the note velocity to that value. The Fixed Velocity Knob in the Master section dictates the maximum volume the local knobs can be, so that the work on a percentage basis. If set to full this can be used as an accent. The Ties Row behaviour is determined by the Ties Setting, there are various modes for tie-ing or extending the length of notes, see the Tie Mode section for more details. The Stutter Row is a programmable stutter sequence which is used when the programmable stutter trigger is invoked. When the P Stutter is triggered if a note exists on the stuttered step, then it will play to this rhythm. It does not relate to the playing sequence like the other rows, however it is placed here for convenience. Finally at the bottom is the steps slider which can be dragged left/right and determines how many steps the sequence will use.

8 8 Many of the Sequencer options are selected via the lists above, each of the 12 sequencers has it's own unique set of options which provides much flexibility. This is discussed fully in it's own section. The Basics Selecting Sounds Selecting sounds in Vortex is the same regardless of whether you are using the internal sound Module or external hardware using the standard midi bank/program number system. This uses 3 values to determine the current preset, they are called MSB, LSB and Program Number. Program Number selects which sound from the currently selected bank between 0 and 127. Midi devices can use MSB and LSB very differently there are no hard & fast rules and so if you are working with external gear you will need to consult the manual for that device. As mentioned the internal sound module uses the same system, however there are convenience labels on the popup menus to let you know which banks are available. MSB is used to access the type of instrument and so general instrument are on MSB 0 and the Drum Kits are on MSB 1. Once the MSB is selected which determines the type, the LSB can then be used to select an available bank of Instruments/Drum Kits which are also listed. For example: MSB 1, LSB 9, Program Number 10 will select Program 10 from the Percussion Kits 1 Bank. Like all list selectors in Vortex the left half when clicked brings up a popup menu so that a selection can be made, whilst clicking on the right half and dragging up/down allows stepping through the values. SHIFT clicking on the left half will set the list to it's default value, and SHIFT clicking on the right half will Randomize it's value. The latter is very useful on the program Number for quickly going through sounds from the current bank whilst a sequence is running until you find something you are happy with.

9 9 Triggers One of the most powerful and interesting feature of Vortex is the ability to trigger events live. Triggers can be used in combination with each other and after playing with them for a while you will develop a style. The best thing about them is that you can bring lots of life into the rhythm and create a complex track, full of surprising elements with little effort, and did I mention how much fun it is? The Triggers are activated by either using Octave C2 on your midi Keyboard, or alternatively you can set them up with buttons on your Midi Controller using the CCs described in the CC list at the back of the manual. Octave C2 is set as follows: C Reverse C# - Back D Retrigger D# - Forward E - Programmable Stutter F - Stutter F# - Tie G - Half Tempo G# - Mute A - Double Step A# - Pause B Quantize Tempo Each Sequence has a series of buttons which enable triggers for the Sequence, so for instance you could switch all triggers off apart from Stutter for one particular sequence so that all it will respond to is stutter. This creates a world of possibilities by changing which sequences will respond to which triggers. The default trigger mode is Synced, which is settable in the master section. When sync is enabled, you can use the triggers and once they are all released the original step position will be restored. This is the easiest way to use them. Note that forward and Back are the exception to this otherwise they would have no effect when pressed. Disabling Sync offers many more possibilities of interesting rhythms and effects, but you must manually re-sync everything by using the retrigger trigger to bring everything back in line. With sync disabled it is also useful to have a constant beat like a 4 to the floor kick drum with all triggers disabled. The reason for this is because the triggers can result in musical mayhem and it is essential to hear when the beat comes round to the next bar for hitting retrigger, especially until you are used to it! Here are descriptions of the triggers:

10 10 Reverse This one will reverse the sequence whilst it is held, if the sequence direction is Reverse already, then it will make it run forwards. Forward This will instantly advance the sequence by the amount set for Forward in the Options on the Advanced Panel. Retrigger This is the most important one if Trigger Sync is switched off as it allows restarting all sequences in time. Also Holding it will retrigger constantly at the quantize tempo. Back This will instantly send the sequence back by the number of steps selected in the back amount Options on the Advanced Panel. Stutter Probably the most fun Trigger It will prevent the sequence advancing and so create a stutter effect from the current step. CC 104 allows setting a control/controls to manipulate the stutter speed in real-time. Sending anything above the value 1 will result in a pause of x steps before the next stutter. So, sending 2 will half the tempo, sending 3 will behave like a triplet. It is probably most useful to set up a series of momentary buttons which reset to 0 when disabled and send a desired value when active. I have ones set up for 2,3,4,5 and 6, these can then be played in real-time whilst stuttering. Programmable Stutter Like Stutter this will freeze the sequence, however it will use the Stutter Row on each sequencer to decide whether to play a step or not so that a rhythmic pattern can be achieved. Each sequence has it's own Stutter pattern and so when combined it results in a sequence within a sequence and will be different depending on which step is stuttered. This stutter does not have it's own enable but, but uses the main Stutter button to determine whether a sequence will respond. Mute This one just prevents steps from playing, and any tied sounds will hang which can be very interesting especially if it is an evolving pad. It is also great for just letting some notes through by playing it in a rhythmic way. Half Tempo This halves the tempo so that all sequences with it enabled are half the speed. Double Tempo Doubles the tempo. This is one of the more useful triggers for creating great rhythms, by triggering it briefly at points in the bar, and the hitting retrigger at the start of the next bar for example. Pause Pauses the sequence, tied notes hang and when released the sequence will continue. Quantize Tempo This will force sequences to use the current quantize tempo set in the Master section. Tie Automatically Ties all notes on sequences where it is enabled. It's great with drums! The triggers can be used in combination, and experimentation is a must until you get used to it, I will try and give some tips on how I use them: Go mad with them! Whilst in Sync mode the stutters, pause, tempos and tie all bounce back to their previous playing sequence and so can be played rhythmically to create all sorts of

11 11 interesting rhythms in real time. Pause and Stutter can make a good pair, when played rhythmically. Stutter is great on its own for holding briefly, then letting the sequence go a little and holding again etc... If you are using the octave row with a cycle mode, you will get great Arpeggiations when stuttering those steps. I like a double tempo for a couple of beats followed by a hold reverse, a stutter, and then restart at the beginning of the next bar. It can be good to disable Half Tempo on a drum track so that the beat continues at the same speed whilst other sequences are half tempo.

12 12 Controls On/Off Buttons - These buttons are simple On Off buttons, the orange light states when they are switched on. Default/Random Buttons - These buttons appear throughout the synth, the blue one is 'randomize' and the green one is 'set to default.' They operate on the section they are within and act as local randomizer/default controls. Click once to trigger the event. Knob - The knobs are operated by clicking the mouse and moving it up or down. Hold CTRL and click to randomize the knob value, or SHIFT key for fine control, double clicking sets to default. Popup Lists/Scrollers You will notice on the lists that there are 2 different sections 2 them signified by the background colour. the left half when clicked will trigger a popup list so that a value can be selected. The right half when clicked and held allows scrolling through the values by moving the mouse Up/Down. If SHIFT is held whilst clicking the left side, the list will be set to its default value. If SHIFT is held whilst clicking the right side, the list will be randomized. If CTRL is held clicking the left side will decrement the value whereas clicking the right side will increment.

13 13 Master Section Keyboard The full range keyboard will display incoming held notes. Red is the trigger Octave, blue is the C3 Sequence Octave, green is the C4 Octave Sequences and Yellow is the Pitch Triggers. Manual Tempo This knob when enabled overrides the Host Tempo an allows setting the tempo between 48 and 300 BPM. Fixed Velocity Max This is the amount used by Fixed Amount Velocity Mode ranging between 0 and 127. Note that each sequence also has it's own Fixed Velocity knob and this knob determines the max value and the local knobs are a percentage. Vol Amount This controls the velocity used by the Vol Row in the sequencer ranging from Usually this row is used as an accent and so the default is full however it could also be used to make the steps quieter. Cutoff -+ - This knob is used to offset the value of all Internal Synths for the Frequency Cutoff. Center represents no effect, ie all synths are using the values of the currently selected presets. Resonance -+ - This knob is used to offset the value of all Internal Synths for the Frequency Resonance. Center represents no effect, ie all synths are using the values of the currently selected presets. Release -+ - This knob is used to offset the value of all Internal Synths for the Release Time. Center represents no effect, ie all synths are using the values of the currently selected presets. Filter Decay -+ - This knob is used to offset the value of all Internal Synths for the Filter Cutoff Decay Time. Center represents no effect, ie all synths are using the values of the currently selected presets. Input Volume Vortex has a pair of audio inputs which will send the signal to the FX Engine. This determines the Input Level. NOTE If you are not using this feature make sure it is set to zero as when running it requires the FX engine to be awake constantly which consumes CPU. FX Mix Determines the level of FX between Dry and Wet in TerraNova. Master Volume This controls the Master Volume of the internal Sound Engine. Note that The output of Vortex runs through a limiter and so driving it too high will cause the limiter to kick in with audible effects. If the effect is not desired, it is better to use a lower level within Vortex and turn up on the Hosts channel.

14 14 Multi-Sequence Mode This will switch to using the Multi-Sequencer rather than the default Step Sequencer Mode. Hold When selected, all pressed key will be held until they are pressed again, or hold is released. Pitch Hold Determines whether the Pitch Triggers are held or not. Panic Sends note off messages to all 16 midi channels. Enable FX Switches TerraNova On/Off. Trigger Sync This forces the triggers to reset back to the current step when they are released, see the Triggers section for more details. Panel Selector This selects which panel is currently visible in the main display area of the plugin. Transpose Allows transposing the entire midi output. Quantize This switches the global quantize tempo used when triggering notes, in my experience 8 is the preferred value which makes triggering more precise in a useful way. Master Clock This determines the tempo of the master clock, which can be normal half or double. Preset Popup When clicked this will bring up a menu with all currently loaded presets. Preset Scroll (+) - Click on this and drag up/down to scroll through Presets. Be warned though if the presets use many samples it may take a few seconds for them to load. Preset Name This displays the Current Preset Name and can be changed by clicking on this box and typing. FILE This opens a menu which allows saving and loading either single instruments in the fxp format, or banks or instruments in the fxb format.

15 15 Advanced Panel Pitch Triggers The Pitch Triggers are an assignable Octave of triggers which when pressed will apply a specified transpose value and/or rescale to a specified scale to all sequences which have 'Repitch' enabled. By default the pitch triggers use the C4 Octave but it can also be set to use C5, C6 or disabled completely via the Octave mode option. Offset This is the pitch offset which is applied to the sequences which can between -36 to +36 semitones. Clicking on the left half brings up a popup or alternatively clicking the right half and dragging up/down allows scrolling. NOTE: The trigger must be re-pressed to hear the new pitch after altering it. Set All The button at the top will set all Lists to the value of the first one, so setting C to 3 and pressing this button will set all 12 lists to 3. Rescale This allows rescaling the pitch to another desired scale by either selecting valid notes on the keyboard layout or clicking load and choosing one of the presets. Enable Switches the Rescaler on/off for the Pitch Trigger. Scale Set All The button at the top will set all Scales to the Scale of the first one. All ON/OFF The button at the top of the enable column will set all the Scale Enables to either ON or OFF. It will alternate between setting them ON or OFF. CTRL will randomize the scale from selection of possible scales. SHIFT Clicking a scale will alternately reset it to either all off or all on. CTRL + SHIFT Clicking randomizes all Scales.

16 16 Default/Randomize Buttons The Green Buttons set defaults and the Blue Buttons Randomize. Specific Notes: The top right random Button will randomize the entire section, and the Default sets the entire section to default parameters. Offset Random/Default Just affects the Offset Column. Randomize will be over the range -+12 semitones. Scale Randomize This random (as well as the top right one) will select a random CHORD from the preset list. If you require more extensive randomization of the Scales, CTRL Clicking on a scale will choose a random Scale from over 1000 internal Scales. CTRL + SHIFT Clicking will do this to all 12 scales simultaneously. Advanced Panel Sequence Bypass This provides a way of bypassing sequences for the C3 & C4 Octaves which was a requested feature useful when controlling more than one Vortex simultaneously from the same Keyboard. Advanced Panel Hold Bypass This provides a way of disabling Hold on selected sequences for the C3 & C4 Octaves when Hold is enabled. Advanced Panel Options Scale Mode This mode decides what happens to the notes which don't fit into the selected scale, and so how they are squashed into the scale when a sequencers Scale Remapper is enabled.

17 17 Up Notes will be moved up to the next available note in the scale. Down - Notes will be moved down to the next available note in the scale. Nearest Both will be searched for out of up/down and the nearest will be used. Furthest Both will be searched and the furthest will be selected. Alternate This alternates between up and down. Back Amount When using the Back CC Trigger, this determines how many steps to skip backwards. FWD Amount When using the Fwd CC Trigger, this determines how many steps to skip forwards. C3/C4 Octave Offset It is considered that for most people C3 and C4 will be the main sequence triggers used, most presets are made to use C4 in particular. The offset allows transposing the Octave so that it can have the same base pitch of any other Octave, including the ones masked by the Triggers and Pitch Triggers. Scale Shift When Scales are being used, this setting allows shifting notes up in pitch before they are re-scaled which has the effect of causing chord inversion like behaviour or a manual ARP octave control. This is good for assigning a knob to it using CC 55. Internal Sound Module Vortex contains the powerful Ammonite Synth engine which is capable of many forms of synthesis in the shape of 12 independent synthesizers, one for each sequencer. Each of these synths at it's core uses 2 Oscillators which can interact in many different ways. It can synthesize additive, sample based, FM, AM and many more modes. If you wish to know more consult the Ammonite manual (which is available with the Ammonite Demo. The idea behind the Vortex Synths is that they behave much like an external midi Device because at it's core Vortex is a true midi Sequencing application and so can be used with any midi Device. The internal Sound Module is a Rompler, which means that it is a collection of presets which can be loaded. There are currently 3 banks of instruments and 12 banks of drums, each bank containing 128 presets. You can use the CC Mixer page to override up to 8 parameters though which adds a lot of flexibility as well as the 2 assignable CC sequencers and 2 assignable CCs on the mixer strip. The great thing about the way that the synth engine is implemented is that it makes using it very easy as there are only a few controls to worry about.

18 18 Light This shows if a synth is currently playing. Mono/Poly The red button determines if the synth is Mono or Polyphonic. Note Drum Tracks should always be in polyphonic Mode. Retrig When in Mono Mode this decides whether the Envelopes Retrigger or not when a note is already playing. Fine Tune Allows setting the fine tuning of the Synth -+ 1 semitone. Direct Out Normal operation is that all synths will use output and pass through the FX Engine, however each synth also has it's own dedicated output directly to the host so that it can be mixed in your hosts mixer and sent to other Effects etc... Note that each output is limited, but the Matser Volume will have no effect, you should use your hosts mixer strips to control volume. Midi Thru This allows the midi Notes to be passed through to the Vortex midi output so that an external synth can be combined with the internal. The mixer strip will have no effect on the external instrument however in this scenario as when it the internal synth is switched on the strip is dedicated to it. Midi CC Through Same as Midi Through however this lets the CC messages through. SET ALL The 3 set All Buttons next to the above 3 rows will set all values to whatever the first is set to. Semitune Allows retuning the instrument -+12 semitones. Velocity Curve Allows selecting a Velocity Curve applied to incoming velocities. Pitch Bend Range Sets the Pitch Bend Range for all Synths. Aftertouch Determines whether Aftertouch affects the Filter Cutoff in a negative or positive Direction. Velocity Sensitivity Sets how sensitive incoming Velocity is. Aftertouch The amount that Aftertouch affects the Filter Cutoff. Spread Spread adds a random value to the instruments pan every time a note is triggered, this knob determines the amount.

19 19 Drift Adds a random value to the instruments pitch every time a note is triggered, this knob determines the Amount. Portamento The portamento time when mono mode is engaged. These Modifiers are the same as the +- controls in the master section which are designed to add/remove values at the global level. They are designed this way so that in live performance the entire sound of Vortex can be transformed in real-time to create an evolving sonic journey. When they are centred they have no effect and the presets values are used, and then by moving them you can remove or add from/to those values. It is HIGHLY Recommended that you assign at least some of these knobs on your controller as they are fantastic for live performance, each has it's own CC number which is listed below. I will also describe the ones in the master section: Filter Cutoff - CC 74 Resonance CC 71 Release - CC 72 Filter Decay - CC 75 VCA Attack - CC 73 VCA Decay - CC 78 VCA Sustain - CC 76 Filter Attack - CC 77 Filter Sustain - CC 79 OSC Mix - CC 82 (this has a different effect on different presets) OSC FM - CC 83 (this has a different effect on different presets) LFO Amount - CC 84 LFO Decay - CC 95 LFO Sustain - CC 96 LFO Speed - CC 90 Noise Level - CC 81

20 20 Other useful Live performance CCs are: 91 - FX Mix 7 Volume 54 EQ 55 Scale Shift 59 Hold 61 Bass Level 62 Drive Enable 63 Drive Level

21 21 CC Mixer The CC Mixer Allows setting CC Parameters of either external devices and/or the internal synths. These knobs set absolute values but will be overridden by values used in the CC Sequencers. Any CC Number can be selected, for easy reference the internal Synth Values are labelled, but bear in mind they aren't relevant to external devices. You must consult your Devices manual to find out it's CC assignments. Enable Each strip must be enabled for it to function. Knob Sets the current value between CC Number Sets the current CC Destination.

22 22 TerraNova FX Engine TerraNova is a versatile and powerful FX Engine capable of many different types of Effects from subtle to extreme. There are 5 basic blocks which can be use in any order (or parallel mode) which consist of: SoundScaper This is capable of Reverbs, Comb/Delay Effects etc... using 8 delays and 4 All Pass Filters. Modulators x 3 Each Modulator is capable of a variety of Effects such as Flangers, Phasers, Ring Modulators etc... BPM Delay Clock Synced Delays with damping. Compressor Although this is on the TerraNova panel it is actually independent of the FX Section and can be used when it is switched off. Recorder Like the Compressor this is not part of TerraNova and can be used when it is switched off. For the FX to work, it must be enabled in the Master Section and the FX Mix knob is used to set the amount of the effect. SoundScaper SoundScaper is an effect which is very good at delay based effects from tight combs, to Reverbs and finally to long church bell type delays, good for atmospheric endless sounds. It uses a series of up to 8 comb filters, and up to 4 All Pass. It was initially inspired by Freeverb. Time Although these settings are named, the names are fairly meaningless due to the nature of the plugin, but the names are to give an idea. The mode dictates the highest possible timings for the Combs and forms the maximum setting for the Scale slider. The lowest setting ie; the combs are for tight maximum delay times, and they gradually increase as you move down the list. Combs Num Sets the number of combs used by Scaper, which can be 0 to 8, they are use sequentially in terms of the sliders so setting 4 combs would mean that combs 1,2,3, and 4 are used. All Pass Num Sets the number of All Pass filters used by Scaper, which can be 0 to 8, they are used sequentially in terms of the sliders so setting 2 All Pass would mean that All Pass 1 and 2 are used.

23 23 Combs ID Hidden behind this setting is 1000 different Comb Timing Relationships for the 8 Comb Delays which can change the overall sound. CTRL Click will choose a random one. Comb Scale This is the most important slider, it changes the timings of the combs on a scale between 0 and the Time Setting. Feedback This is basically the feedback amount of the comb filters. Damp How much the comb filters are dampened/dulled. Width Stereo Width of the effect. Pre-delay This is the delay before the sound passes through the comb filters. Mix Mixes between the dry signal and the Effect. Level Overall level of the Effect. Stereo Delay The delay is always synced to the Synth's tempo. Feedback The feedback amount of the delay. Damp How much the signal is damped over time. Width The stereo width of the plugin ranging from Mono to Full Stereo. Mix Mixes between the dry signal and the Effect. Level Overall level of the Effect. Left The delay time in bars, Dot will multiply by 1.5. Right The delay time in bars, Dot will multiply by x Modulators These are a general purpose effect capable of a multitude of effects. There are 3 available in the Effects section.

24 24 Note that Rate, Depth, Offset and Feedback can have different functions depending on the selected Mode, so those setting will be described along with the Modes when not used as: Feedback Sets the intensity of the selected effect. Depth The depth of the LFO Offset Offsets the centre level of the LFO. AutoPan This will pan the signal using the selected Waveform, and in the case of an Envelope being used, the Waveform will be a Sine Wave. This slider controls the width of the stereo. Mix Mixes between the dry signal and the Effect. Level Overall level of the Effect. Mode This is where you select which effect the Modulator will use from the following: Flanger A Standard Flanger. Phaser 1 Phaser using 6 passes. Phaser 2 - Phaser using 4 passes. Phaser 3 - Phaser using 2 passes. Ring Modulators 1-6 Ring Modulators The signals volume is manipulated by the LFO. Each mode uses a different waveform /and/or equation. Gapper Modulates the volume via the selected Wave. Pitch Shift 1 Uses delay base pitch shifting interpolated for a smoother character. Feedback has no effect. Pitch Shift 2 Uses delay based pitch shifting with no interpolation, has glitchy sounds along with it. Feedback has no effect. Chorus Warbles the pitch to create a chorus effect. Offset has no function, Feedback increases Speed of chorus modulation. The whole thing is then modulated by the selected Wave. FM Extreme Effect similar to chorus but used at much higher frequencies. Low Pass 1-4 The first 2 modes use Low Pass 1 at 1x and 2x respectively, the last 2 are the same but use Low Pass 2. For all Filter modes, Feedback controls the resonance.

25 25 Hi Pass The first 2 modes use Hi Pass 1 at 1x and 2x cascade respectively, the last 2 are the same but use Hi Pass 2. Band Pass 1,2 Uses 2 different Band pass filters depending on which is selected. Notch Notch Filter. Peak Peak Filter. Low Shelf Low Shelving Filter. Hi Shelf Hi Shelving Filter. Synth Tone 1-6 Modulates a Synth Tone, 6 to choose from. Decimator Degrades the sound by the selected levels. Modulation Delay 1 Uses a delay, the time is modulated by the selected LFO. Modulation Delay 2 Same as Modulation Delay 1 except uses shorter delay times. Wave This selects the Modulation LFO or Envelope Follower that affects the modulation and Autopan. The LFO waveshapes are the same as used in the synths LFOs, see that section for more details. Custom Mode is also available. Envelope follower generate a Modulator from the RMS volume of the signal, each mode has different timings for the attack and decay which can also be extended via the depth and offset sliders. Compressor Threshold Sets the threshold which the compressor will operate on, when set to full on the level is 0db, and goes down to -140db. Ratio The ratio is set with this knob which determines how steep th compression slope is. Release sets the release time of the compression in milliseconds.

26 26 Drive The Drive effects the whole output of the synth and will function even if the effects are switched off. Enable Switches the drive on/off Type There are 4 different types of drive to select. Amount How much is applied, be careful the volume can get very high! Routing This box when switched on allows switching the order of the 5 main effects by simply dragging, click on one of the FX and then drag and drop to the slot you want it in, and the order will be resorted accordingly. If it is is switched off the FX will operate in Parallel mode. Exciter/Bass The Exciter adds a narrow band of distortion to a high frequency which has the effect of brightening the sound, use sparingly. Bass sets the plugin Bass Level. Note this is always on. EQ Allows selecting a preset for applying an EQ pattern.

27 27 Recorder The Recorder is a powerful way of recording the sound output from Vortex. It can record sample Accurate Loops to the set amount of bars, or be used Manually to record an improvisation etc... Files are Auto Named by Date/Time and in a subfolder (named by the BPM) in the folder specified in the registry. To change this location simply click on Set Path and browse to the desired directory, the path will be automatically updated in the registry for the next recording. Record When this button is clicked, if Recorder is in manual mode then it will begin recording immediately, however if it is in 'x' bar mode the Recorder will arm and wait for the next Bar start to come around, the Bar Start is actually set to the first note of the first triggered sequence. Bars Mode Select Manual or the number of bars that will be recorded. Bit Rate Select the Recorded Bit Rate. Open Folder This will open the Folder where the Recordings are being stored. It is suggested that you see this location as a temporary place and move the WAVs you want to keep elsewhere. Set Path Click this to change the Recorded files location, simply browse to the desired folder and click Select. The new path will be updated in the registry and the next file will be recorded to that location.

28 28 Step Sequencers Vortex has 12 step sequencers which are identical in options, and so I will describe just one. Each sequence is triggered via the note it is named after, so any C key will trigger the C sequence. When Auto mode is switched on, and not in multi mode, the sequence will automatically switch to the last note on making it easy to edit on the fly. When a note is released, the sequence displayed will be the previous one triggered. The Sequencer Adding/Editing Notes - Notes are added to the sequence by double clicking on a step and the note will be placed, whilst the mouse is held down moving up and down will move the selected note respectively. If there is no note on that step, then the note will be placed and the step enabled. Normal Notes are yellow, however if they are tied then they will be green for easy reference. If 'P' (Paint Mode) is enabled which it is by default, once a note is selected you can drag across the sequence and new notes will be placed, if CTRL is held then notes will be removed or if SHIFT is held then notes will only be painted on enabled steps. This behaviour is also true for the Button Rows. Moving a Note To move a note, simply click on it it and drag up/down. If Paint mode is disabled then notes can be dragged left/right and if a note is dragged to a different step all settings such as velocity, CC Sequences, Octave, Volume, and Ties will be moved too. If sequence data exists on the destination step it will swap places with the step which has been moved. Removing Notes/Steps - To remove a note simply double click it and it will be removed and the step disabled.

29 29 Velocity - The grey line to the left of each step represents the velocity value, which is visible when the Velocity type is set to Sequenced. Clicking anywhere on a step where a note does not exist will edit this value by moving the mouse up and down. You can also switch to a dedicated velocity editor via the top button 'VEL' making editing velocities much clearer. Lights The lights will show currently playing sequences. Sequence Selection - The top row allows selecting which sequence is currently being edited (C to B), by clicking on the relevant note, however when 'A' (Auto) is switched on it will automatically be selected as described above. SEQ/VEL/CC1/CC2 This selects which screen is currently displayed: SEQ This is the normal display shown above which allows editing notes and velocity. VEL This screen gives dedicated control over the Note Velocities. CC1/CC2 Each Sequence has 2 dedicated CC Sequencers which can be assigned to any CC Value, these 2 screens are where they are edited. Info Overlay 'I' This enables the Information Overlay which will give information about the current mouse position on the sequencer. Paint Mode See the Adding/Editing a note description above to read what Paint Mode does. A (Auto View) When this is switched on and Vortex is in Step Sequencer Mode, the last pressed midi note will automatically display the relevant sequence for quick editing. It may take a short time to get used to this, but it proves to be a quick and intuitive way to work with sequences. If you wish to disable it, you can switch it off via this button. Auto View doesn't work in Multi-sequencer Mode as it would prove confusing as multiple sequencers are triggered simultaneously. Flip When clicked this will reverse the entire sequence including all sequencer rows. Shift When clicked and the mouse button is held, moving the mouse left/right will move all notes left or right, or moving up/down will shift them all up or down. When using up/down, if notes move above the top they will be added to the bottom and vice versa.

30 30 Default/Randomize - The green and blue buttons to the top and right are the default/randomizers, green being default and blue randomize. The top right will default/randomize the entire sequencer, the right sets will do Notes, Muters (whether a step is switched on or not), or sliders. The sliders function varies depending on which screen is visible. In the 'OFF' mode and 'VEL' mode it will affect the Velocity Sliders, in CC1 and CC2 mode it will affect the CC Sliders. There are also def/rands for each of the sequencers rows. CTRL Clicking Default This will Default the parameters across all 12 Sequences. Red Random Buttons These will randomize on all 12 sequencers simultaneously Set All This will set all sequences AND Lists to the values of the current sequence. This makes it easy to initialize a patch by setting a custom default to make a starting point when working on a preset. General Editing - You click and drag across the row and new values will be placed, if CTRL is held then notes will be removed or if SHIFT is held then notes will only be painted on enabled steps. Octave Row This row will affect the selected step by following the SEQ Octave Mode setting, so for example if +1 is selected each selected step will be +1 octave. See the SEQ Octave Mode section of the manual for more details of the different modes.

31 31 Vol Row When a step is selected, the Vol Amount Knob will be used to determine the velocity of the note instead of either the played velocity or the fixed velocity (if it is enabled). This overrides all velocity types. Ties Row This row decides whether to tie a note or not, and will behave according to the Tie setting (see the tie menu setting for details of modes). Stutter Pattern This will determine the pattern used when programmable stutter is used (CC 106). Stutter must be enabled on the sequence for this to work. Please note that the stutter is unrelated to the main sequence it is just placed here for convenience, it is simply a pattern which will repeat the current single step following this pattern. Each sequence has it's own Stutter sequence and so complex sequences can be set up easily. Steps This slider determines how many steps the sequence will used and is edited via the slider by moving the yellow marker left or right. Each sequence can have a unique step size. Lights The lights will indicated the current step being played. SHIFT This is used to move the entire sequence up/down/left or right. To use it click and hold the mouse button down, and then move the mouse in the desired direction. Copy/Paste Clicking copy will copy the Vortex Sequencer, Tie, Vol, Octave, and Muter Lanes. You can the navigate to a new preset and use paste to replace the existing data. NOTE You can also use this as a temporary buffer to store the data, make changes and if you don't want to keep them, click on paste to restore back to the state you copied. This buffer only exists in active memory and so once the GUI/Plugin is closed down it will be lost. Double/Quad Double will copy the first 16 beats of the sequence/tie/octave/vol and Muter Rows to the last 16 beats, and quad will repeat the first 8 beats x3 to the end of the sequence. Undo Undo the last change to the sequencer section. Note that undo will only undo the current sequence events, if you wish to undo another sequence you must first select it via the top buttons. Trigger Enables/ Other Options

32 32 The top Row of buttons decides whether the triggers will have any effect on the current sequence, when they are lit red they will respond to that trigger when it is active. These will also light up when a trigger is active globally as a useful indicator. Reverse Enables the current Sequence for the Reverse Trigger. < > Enables the current Sequence for the Forward and Back Triggers. This trigger will step back or forward by the amounts set on the Advanced Panel->Options. Retrigger Enables the current Sequence for the Retrigger Trigger. This trigger will restart the sequence whilst held at the quantize tempo. Stutter Enables the current Sequence for the Stutter and Programmable Stutter(Stutt) Trigger. Tie Enables the current Sequence for the Tie Trigger. When the Tie trigger is active all notes are tied. Half Tempo Enables the current Sequence for the Half Tempo Trigger. When the half Tempo trigger is active all sequences are played at half their tempo. Double Step Enables the current Sequence for the Double Step Trigger. When the double step trigger is active all sequences are played at double step, meaning every other note is missed out. Mute Enables the current Sequence for the Mute Trigger. The Mute trigger stops the notes from playing but the sequence continues silently. Pause Enables the current Sequence for the Pause Trigger. The Pause trigger pauses the sequencer. Quantize Step Enables the current Sequence for the Quantize Step Trigger. This trigger causes the sequence to play at the current quantize tempo. The bottom Row consists of mainly pitch options which decide whether the current sequence will respond to the various methods of altering pitch within Vortex: REPITCH This is used to determine whether the sequence can be repitched/re-scaled using the Pitch Triggers on the Advanced Page. MTUNE 1/MTUNE 2 These are used by the Multi-Sequencer for the 2 independent Pitch Transposers. Note that you can use one or the other, however if both are selected and Mtune 2 has a value other than 0, it will override any Mtune 1 transpose value. SC Shift This determines whether this sequence will respond to the Scale Shift parameter used by the Pitch Trigger Scales. SOLO Allows Soloing the current Sequence, whilst enabled if another sequence is selected via the top menu or a note, the new sequence will be solo'd instead. Note that this is different to the Mixing Desk Solo which solos the midi channel, this solo is useful because in the case that multiple sequences are assigned to the same channel, the single sequences can be solo'd individually.

33 33 These two buttons just below the Squash to Scale are simple triggers: No Pitch This is a quick way of switching Off all the pitch relevant settings which is a one click shortcut to disable Squash to Scale, REPITCH, MTUNE1 and MTUNE2. It is most useful for drums which usually do not want to be transposed in anyway. Solo Off This is a quick way of switching off all Solo activity for both the mixer Solos and the Sequence Solos.

34 34 Sequencer Options Tempo This setting determines the speed which the sequence will play as a division of the global clock speed. Octave Mode These modes determine how the Octave row will behave: OFF - Octave row has no effect These simply will play the step using the + value, so +1 will play an octave above etc As with the + except it will be Octaves. Cycle Each subsequent request will increment the octave value until the selected value is reached and then it will cycle back to 0 and so on. It is reset to zero when a new note is triggered. Cycle As above except the octaves are cycled down. Cycle These will cycle up to the selected value, and then backwards and so on. Direction - Various play modes: Forward Default Forward Mode. Reverse Plays the sequence in reverse Note order. Alternate 1 - Alternate Up then Down. Alternate 2 - Alternate Up then Down and play extra last note. Alternate 3 - Alternate Down then Up. Alternate 4 - Alternate Down then UP and play extra first note. Random 1 - Random Note from currently Held Notes, Repeats can Occur. Random 2 - Random Note from currently held notes, Repeats cannot Occur.

35 35 Single Shot In this mode a sequence will play only once when it is triggered and held. It will play again only if it is re-triggered. The only exception to this is in multi-sequence mode, usually already playing sequences are not re-triggered in this mode, however single Shot will re-trigger. Transpose This will transpose the sequence by the selected amount. Channel Which midi Channel the Sequence will use. It is suggested to keep to the default method of sequences 1-12 using the corresponding midi channels This tends to make life much easier in terms of knowing what's what, but of course it's only a suggestion, you can assign any midi channel from any sequence, and have several sequences targeting the same midi channel. Ties Mode This determines the behaviour of the Ties Row. Tied In this mode notes will be tied until the next note on and released just before it the new note is triggered. Tied Extend - In this mode the note will only be tied for a single step at a time, and so it is possible to add ties to empty steps to increase the length of the note. If a new note is triggered and the previous is tied, the old note will be released before the new one is triggered. Legato In this mode the old tied note will be released after the new one is triggered with the exception of already playing notes, which will be re-triggered. Legato Extend - As Step Tied, except that the old tied note will be released after the new one is triggered with the exception of already playing notes, which will be retriggered. Latch This overrides the Ties Row and makes all notes Tied. Latch Legato This overrides the Ties Row and makes all notes Legato. Latch Extend This overrides the Ties Row and makes all notes Tied Extend. Velocity Mode Determines how notes respond to velocity: Midi Uses the incoming played Velocity. Fixed Uses the 'Fixed Velocity' Amount. Sequenced Enables the velocity sliders on the sequencer grid which will then be used to determine each notes velocity. Sequenced Percent - Incoming Velocity forms a percentage for the sequence velocities so that every time a sequence is triggered the velocities will vary. Sequenced Random - Adds a random amount with every sequenced note, adjust the amount using the sequencers fixed velocity knob. Random Min - Randomizes the velocity for each sequenced note, the fixed velocity knob sets the lowest possible value. Random Max - Randomizes the velocity for each sequenced note, the fixed velocity knob sets the highest possible value.

36 36 Retrigger Determines how the sequence is retriggered: Normal Sequences are retriggered every time the sequence is triggered. No Reset Sequences will never retrigger. Hard Sync The sequence is locked to the first triggered sequence. CC Sequencer 1-2 Sets which CC Number is used by the CC Sequencers. NOTE: Unique to these menus if you click whilst holding CTRL + SHIFT it will send out the CC Value which is useful for midi learn with external software etc... CC Mode 1-2 Determines which mode is used by the CC Sequencer: OFF Sequencer is disabled Static Sequencer is disabled but the first slider is used to set the CC Value. Step Notes The sequencer will send the CC Value at each playing note position. Step All The Sequencer will send CC Values at ALL positions regardless whether a note is playing or not. Envelope Modes - Envelopes join together the sequence steps to form a smooth sequence of CC messages in various ways. Note that modes with an L use a linear line to join the values, and modes with a C use Cosine to join the lines for a more natural sound. ENVL/ENVC Step These modes will use only the values of enabled steps to create the envelope. ENVL/ENVC All These modes uses all steps in the sequence to create the envelope ENVL/ENVC Single These Modes create a single line between the current enabled step and the next enabled step, however unlike step mode the transition will happen over a single step. Slope Leg In these modes, the CC Value will move to the next value much faster than the envelope modes, the speed being determined by which mode is used, 1 being the fastest. The effect is something along the lines of the way glide works on a synthesizer. Slope Z In these modes, the CC Value will drop to zero, the speed being determined by which mode is used, 1 being the fastest. Slope Leg In these modes, the CC Value will move to the next value much faster than the envelope modes, the speed being determined by which mode is used, 1 being the fastest. The effect is something along the lines of the way glide works on a synthesizer. Slope Leg/Z S These are identical to the above modes however only happen on active steps as opposed to all steps.

37 37 CC Sequencers There are 2 CC Sequencers per Sequence and the tempo is tied to the parent sequence. Each sequence has its own mode and each can trigger a different CC Value. To edit the sequence simply move the slider up/down for each step, the values range between 0 and 127. The darker sliders represent notes which are disabled, however in all modes except Step Note these will still be used, they are darker just to help differentiate between active and non-active steps. SHIFT will allow shifting the entire values up and down by clicking on shift and holding the mouse button whilst dragging up/down.

38 38 Squash to Scale Allows forcing a sequence to fit to an enforced Note Pattern, and notes will be remapped based on the global Scale Setting in the master section. It is useful when using note randomize, as you can make sure that all randomized notes will be made musically useful. Each Scale represent the 12 notes of an octave. The first note can't be switched off as it is always the root note. The display shows the scale with a root note of C for simplicity, you will notice the way the buttons mimic the white/black notes of a keyboard. When creating a scale it is basically a pattern or a series of relationships between the root note and the other selected notes. In use it will dictate which notes are acceptable in the sequence and notes which are disallowed will be squashed to fit the Scale according to the rules of the selected mode (for example up is next acceptable note up). The button to the left switches the Scale Re-mapper On/Off. Holding the control key whilst clicking on it will randomize the scale from a database of over 1000 scales. Clicking on Load will bring up a list of useful Scale Presets which can be used. Holding the Shift Key whilst clicking will set to default, which is All Off.

39 39 Midi Mixer The Mixer works with both the internal Sound engine and external Midi Devices, If the internal Button is active that strip will be used to control the internal Synth for that channel. For the internal Sound Engine the Enable and Program Change Enable buttons do not need to be switched on, the strip will work regardless. When using External Devices, The Enable will allow the Knobs to work, and the Program Change Enable will allow The program change messages to be sent. The mixer allows controlling up to all 16 midi channels, so that full setups can be recalled when a preset is loaded. Note that the strip must be enabled for it to function, and furthermore there is a separate enable for the program change section in case you wish to control this externally. SEQ Solo This switches on Sequence Solo which will prevent playback of all except the currently selected sequence on the Sequence Page. It duplicates the same button on the Sequence Pages. The row of lights at the top will indicate the current sequence being soloed. Internal Sound This switches on the internal sound synth for that channel. The strip is then used exclusively to control the internal synth. Enable (Left Button) This will enable the top section of the strip, allowing the 4 knobs to be used. Mute (Middle Button) This will mute the selected Midi Channel. Solo (Middle Button) This will solo the selected Midi Channel, all others will be muted. Volume Controls the Midi Channel Volume. Pan Controls the Midi Channel Pan.

40 40 CC 3/ CC 4 Option assignable buttons for assigning a CC to each knob, which value is set below. Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, Aftertouch Decides whether incoming Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel and Aftertouch will be passed on to this channel. Program Change This switches on Program Change support. This is always enabled for the internal Synths and is the only way to access the synth presets. INST/DRUM/FX This button cycles between the 3 states and serves no function except to provide a visual hint as to what type of instrument is being used on the channel especially when using external hardware. Program This is the actual program number. MSB Used to select a bank in conjunction with LSB, every midi device responds differently to these commands and so if you wish to use banks then consult your instruments documentation. LSB The second part of the Bank Select Message. The internal Sound Engine uses Internal Sound Engine Notes - The internal Sound engine uses MSB 0 for instruments and MSB 1 for drum banks. Instruments (MSB 0) There are currently 3 banks of 127 instruments available on LSB 0-2. So for instance selecting MSB 0, LSB 0 will select instrument bank 1, and then select which program to use between in the Program Number Box. LSB 0 This bank of 127 presets is made up of Leads and Basses mostly using various forms of synthesis. LSB 1 This bank has a variety of sounds which mostly use samples instead of oscillators. LSB 2 These are blip type instruments which are good for sequencing. Drums (MSB 1) - There are 12 banks of 128 drum kits available: LSB 0-5 These 5 banks all have the same drum Mapping, Programs 063 use a more or less GM mapping, but uses a different layout for the second octave which includes non percussive sounds such as guitar stabs etc.. LSB 6-8 These banks have random assortments of sound with no particular mapping. Great for finding happy accidents by CTRL clicking the program number to bring up a random kit. LSB 9-11 These are Mixed percussion Kits. CC 3/ CC 4 number Allows selecting which, if any CC control will be assigned to the CC 3/CC 4 knobs. The buttons to the left of this row will set all values to whatever is selected on Channel 1. This is useful if using a multi-timbral module where all Ccs have the same effect and for example you want to set CC3 to 'Release Time'.

41 41 Multi-Sequencer The Multi-Sequencer provides a way of playing the step sequences by attaching sets of sequences to a single midi note so that the note when triggered will trigger all selected sequences. To add to this, there are also 2 tune setting for re-tuning the sequences, each one is separate and will only affect sequences which have the 'MTUNE1' and 'MTUNE2' buttons enabled. This provides the ability to have 2 sets of tuning targeting different sequences. On top of this there is also more real time tuning avail;able via the upper octaves of the keyboard whilst the Multi-Sequencer is enabled which is additive to the other tuning options, so for instance you could build a complex series of tunings on the sequencer, and then transpose the entire output on the fly using the upper octaves. Note that if both MTUNE1 and MTUNE 2 are enabled, MTUNE2 will always take precedence. There are 2 Octaves available for creating multi sequences, making 24 in total which are set to Octaves C3 and C4 on your controller keyboard, any note above this is for the re-pitching discussed above. The way the sequencer works is that if a multi-sequence is triggered and for example it has a drum pattern on C sequence, if another sequence is then triggered without releasing the first, the drum pattern would continue an not retrigger. In other words, a sequence will only retrigger if it is not already playing with the exception of single shot mode. Whilst this may sound complex it actually provides a lot of freedom in how the M Sequencer can be used. For example, one way to use it would be to play one sequence at a time, and so use each M sequence key as a pattern. Another way is to set up some sequences purely for retuning and then

42 42 several different M sequences with different combinations, or a combination of the two. Here are the main rules: When the 1st MS is triggered all appropriate sequences will be played and all sequences will use the tuning and Rescale of that Sequence. When a 2nd MS is triggered and the 1st is still held, any new sequences will be triggered, and the tuning and rescale of the 2nd sequence will be used by all playing sequences. When a note is released, tuning and scale will revert back to the previous MS settings, any sequences which are not valid for still held M Sequences will be ended. Tuning & scale is always from the newest triggered sequence, and as M sequences are dropped, it is the newest from the remaining. Sequences are only retriggered if a; they are not already playing or b; they are in single shot mode. Octave 1/Octave 2 Determines which set of 12 M Sequences is currently being edited. Light This shows whether the current row is currently playing. Playing Sequences This section determines which actual sequences are triggered when the key is pressed. The buttons are shaped to mimic the keyboard white/black notes to make it easier to see which sequences are selected. CTRL + Click This will randomize the selection of the clicked row. CTRL + SHIFT + Click This will randomize all rows. HOLD + Click This will switch all Off for a clean slate on the clicked row. Tune 1/Tune 2 Transposes the pitch, will only affect sequencers which have the MTUNE1 and MTUNE 2 buttons enabled. If a sequence has both enabled and Tune 2 is greater than 0, it will take precedence over Tune 1. Rescale This allows choosing a scale to force the notes to fit according to the Scale Mode setting in the master section. This is great for changing the tune of the sequence and preventing it sounding like a typical re-pitched step sequencer. It must be enabled to take effect. Note that the first button is always enabled as this is the root note. Load Scale Like in Squash to Scale a Preset can be loaded via the popup menu.

43 43 CC Assignments 7 Master Volume 30 Pitch Trigger 1 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 31 Pitch Trigger 2 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 32 Pitch Trigger 3 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 33 Pitch Trigger 4 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 34 Pitch Trigger 5 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 35 Pitch Trigger 6 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 36 Pitch Trigger 7 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 37 Pitch Trigger 8 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 38 Pitch Trigger 9 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 39 Pitch Trigger 10 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 40 Pitch Trigger 11 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 41 Pitch Trigger 12 Any Value above 0 will trigger. 54 EQ Type 55 Scale Shift 59 Hold 61 Bass Level 62 Drive Enable 63 Drive Level 71 Filter Resonance ENV Release VCA Attack Filter Cutoff Filter Envelope Decay VCA Sustain Filter Attack VCA Decay Filter Sustain Noise Level -+

44 44 82 Oscillator Mix -+ (function varies between presets) 83 FM Amount/Depth -+ (function varies between presets) 84 LFO Amount LFO Speed FX Mix 95 LFO Decay LFO Sustain -+ Triggers 104 Stutter Note Speed ( The number of steps between stutters, 1 is normal, 2 is half, 3 is 1/3 etc...) 105 Quantize Tempo 106 Programmable Stutter Back 112 Reverse 113 Retrigger 114 Forward 115 Stutter 116 Mute 117 Half Tempo 118 Double Tempo 119 Pause Internal Synth Note that these are only relevant from inside the plugin, they will not work from your external controller. You can use them via the internal CC Sequencers or assignable knobs Filter Type 71 - Resonance 72 - Vol/Env/Pitch Release 73 - Vol Attack 74 - Filter Cutoff 75 - Vol Decay 76 - Sustain 77 - Filter Attack

45 Filter Decay 79 - Filter Sustain 80 - Pitch Decay 81 - Noise Level 82 - Osc Mix - Multi Function depending on Synth Mode 83 - Osc Level - Multi Function depending on Synth Mode 84 - LFO Amount 85 - LFO Destination (0-Filter, 1-Pitch, 2 Vol) 86 - Pitch ENV Amount 87 - LFO Waveshape 88 - Analog Mode Enable 89 - Analog Mode 90 - LFO Tempo 91 - LFO Wave Shape 92 - LFO Enable 93 - Filter Envelope Amount 94 - LFO Attack 95 - LFO Decay 96 - LFO Sustain 97 - Octave Enable makes OSC 2 1 Octave Higher Wave A Choice Wave B Choice Synth Mix Mode Custom Wave A Custom Wave B Custom Mode A Custom Mode B Octave Tune Sample WAV Sample WAV Sample Start Sample Start 2

46 46 RPN These are used for control of the currently selected Sequence Note they will only work if the GUI is open in some hosts. MSB 1 - Notes/Muters. LSB 0 to 31 for the steps, the value range is between 0 and 25, 0 will switch a step off and 125 will select a position on the 2 octave display. MSB 2: LSB 0 Step size - value is between 1 and 32 LSB 1 Tempo LSB 2 Octave Mode LSB 3 - Direction LSB 4 - Transpose LSB 5 - Channel LSB 6 Ties Mode LSB 7 Velocity Mode LSB 8 Retrigger Mode LSB 9 - CC1 LSB 10 CC1 Mode LSB 11 - CC2 LSB 12 CC2 Mode TRIGGERS: Values above 0 are ON. LSB 13 Reverse Trigger Enable LSB 14 <> Back/Forwards Trigger Enable LSB 15 Retrigger Trigger Enable LSB 16 Stutter Trigger Enable LSB 17 Tie Trigger Enable LSB 18 Half Tempo Trigger Enable LSB 19 Mute Trigger Enable LSB 20 Double Tempo Trigger Enable LSB 21 Pause Trigger Enable LSB 22 Quantize Step Trigger Enable LSB 23 Repitch Trigger Enable LSB 24 Multi-Tune 1 Trigger Enable

47 47 LSB 25 Multi-Tune 2 Trigger Enable LSB 26 Fixed Velocity Amount. Value is between 0 and 127. MSB 3 - Velocity Sliders. LSB 0 to 31 for the steps, the value range is between 0 and 127. MSB 4 - CC1 Sliders. LSB 0 to 31 for the steps, the value range is between 0 and 127. MSB 5 - CC2 Sliders. LSB 0 to 31 for the steps, the value range is between 0 and 127. MSB 6 - Octave Row. LSB 0 to 31 for the steps, any value above 0 is classed as ON. MSB 7 - Vols Row. LSB 0 to 31 for the steps, any value above 0 is classed as ON. MSB 8 - Ties Row. LSB 0 to 31 for the steps, any value above 0 is classed as ON. MSB 9 - Stutter Row. LSB 0 to 31 for the steps, any value above 0 is classed as ON. MSB 10 Squash Scales LSB Values over 0 are ON. 0 is OFF. MSB 11 Squash Enables. LSB Values over 0 are ON. 0 is OFF. NRPN (MSB 0 LSB 0) Midi Bypass Channel Midi Volume Midi Pan Midi CC Midi CC4 1-16

48 48 Setting Up Midi Plugins in Reaper 4 These are instructions for Pulse Control but also apply to Vortex. Add a new track Click on IO Select the Midi Port which the Pulse is connected to Select the Channel that the Pulse is set to on the Hardware Unit, in my case channel 16 Select the Input button and from the list select the midi controller that you want to control the pulse with.

49 49 Finally Click on FX and Add Pulse Controlled Switch On Record Monitoring Record Arm the track so that you can play it and that's it! Doing it in this order means that when the Pulse Control is loaded all parameters will be sent top the pulse, if the Midi output and channel is not set first, then you need to click send All in the plugin to initialize the patch.

50 50 Setting Up Midi Plugins in Ableton Live 1: Create 2 Midi Tracks 2: The idea is that you have one track for Vortex and another for the destination track, you then route from the Vortex to the destination Instrument as in the following screen grabs:

51 51

52 52 Setting Up Midi Plugins in Sonar X1 Step 1. Open a new project Step 2. Insert a Soft Synth. Select Vortex Check MIDISource, First Synth Audio Output and Enable MIDI Output Synth Track Folder and Synth Property Page are optional. Step 3. Click on the MIDI track you just created for Vortex then click the ProChannel tab. Just above the middle of the channel strip, set the following: Set the Channel to match Vortex s setting. (It defaults to 1) Set the Bank to 0. (The only one available at this time) Select a Preset. If Program Change is enabled in Vortex, it will load this Preset every time you hit Play in Sonar X1 Set Echo to On or Auto-thru as you like. Near the bottom of the channel strip, set the input to your MIDI controller. The output must match the channel set in Vortex in the general area at the top.

53 53 For Hardware Synths: Step 4. Insert a MIDI Track. On the ProChannel strip, near the bottom, set its input to Vortex and again make sure the channel matches the one set in Vortex. Set its output to the Synth you want Vortex to control. This channel can be different than Vortex s if need be. Set Bank and Preset as you normally would. Set Echo to ON, not Auto-thru. Otherwise Vortex s MIDI output won t go to your synth. Step 5. Insert an Audio Track. Go to the Track Strip and set the input to the synth you re using. Set Output as you normally would. For Soft Synths: Step 4: Insert soft synth as usual. Set its MIDI input to Vortex and match the channel to Vortex s. Set Echo to ON, not Auto-thru. Otherwise Vortex s MIDI output won t go to your synth. Special thanks to John Cress for this!

54 54 Setting Up Midi Plugins in FL Studio 1: If you haven't already, add Vortex to FL by clicking Channels->Add One->More 2: Find Vortex in the List and click the button so there is an F which means it will be visible in the main instrument list from now on. 3: Double click Vortex and after it is loaded and visible, click on the tools Icon. 4: Change the output port to a number unused by anything else, 12 in this case

55 55 5: Now find the plugin that you wish to control, in this case I am finding Vortex 6: Once loaded click on the tools Icon 7: Set the Input Port to the same port you set the Vortex output. 8:Select the Vortex channel and play some keys, and you should here Vortex playing the VST you loaded. NOTE, the inbuilt instruments don't appear to have a tools icon for setting the in port and so Vortex may only be useful for VST Instruments, please let me know if you know how to set input ports on them.

56 56 Setting Up Midi Plugins in Cantabile Lite These are instructions for Pulse Control but also apply to Vortex. Click on the Send To box and select the midi port that to which the pulse is connected. Load Pulse Control. In Pulse Control Choose the channel that the pulse is set to. Click Send All to initialize the Patch

57 57 Setting Up Midi Plugins in Studio One v2 (Thanks to Janusz!) Step 1. Open your Studio One browser, by clicking Browse button visible right to Transport bar, select Instruments tab and drag & drop Vortex or ARP plugin to empty space in arranger view. It create new Midi track for Vortex or ARP plugin.

58 58 Step 2. Select your Midi keyboard for controlling Vortex via drop-down menu of Instrument Input item in track settings and appropriated Input Midi channel for keyboard via drop-down menu of Instrument Channel item visible right to Instrument Input. Step 3. Set desired Output Midi Chanel for your Vortex or ARP track.

59 59 Step 4. Select track of your instrument, set Vortex or ARP as Instrument Input via drop-down menu and Input Channel. Of course, Input Midi Channel should be matched with Vortex or ARP Output Midi Channel. Step 5. If you would like use Vortex multitimbral feature, you need duplicate Vortex track via Track menu or via context menu of your Vortex track. When you use it, Studio One doesn t add new Vortex instance, but create only new track for existing plugin instance. This solution allows you use this same preset for all Vortex track with different Midi channel settings. Additionally when you open Vortex for editing, changes are applied to all duplicated Vortex tracks. If you would like use internal, multitimbral Vortex synth engine you needn t duplicate track because Vortex manage it internally.

60 60 Step 6. Set appropriated Output Midi channels in all Vortex tracks, select Vortex as Instrument Input in tracks of all controlled instruments, and of course matched Input Midi channels for those instruments. In this same way you can use vortex with external instruments defined in Studio One. Step 7. On below screenshot, you can see how Vortex controls 4 tracks of 3 instruments via 3 Midi Channels. Because adding many Vortex tracks occupy lot of space in arranger view, so I recommend move all created Vortex tracks to one Folder Track, by selecting those tracks and clicking Pack to folder item in context menu.

61 61 Setting Up Audio Multi Output for Vortex Synth Engine in Studio One v2 (Thanks to Janusz!) Step 1. To Vortex is implemented also multitimbral synth engine with multi output support. By default for Vortex plugin is created only first stereo audio output pair, but Studio One supports multi-out feature for VST instruments. You can manage instruments outputs in Studio One via Console view, so if you would like add next audio output for Vortex you need open Console e.g. by click on Mix button visible on right side of Transport bar. Step 2. Click on Instr. Tab on vertical Console toolbar visible in left part of Console. It opens box with list of all VST instruments used in your Song project.

62 62 Step 3. Each instrument bar visible on above list has own drop-down menu available by left click on small down arrow. Open this menu and click Expand menu item. Step 4. Now you can add next outputs for Vortex or remove existing outs by simple checking or unchecking output items visible in expanded Vortex view in Instruments box. When you check an output on this list, it automatically add next channel to Studio One mixer.