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DarkStar Manual

1. PARAMETER mr Oscuwos VALUE TREMOLO This control sets the amount of TREMOLO effect for the selected PART At the 12 o clock position there will be no tremolo effect As the knob is moved in an anti clockwise direction the tremolo effect will be applied more and more in a negative manner As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction from the centre position the tremolo effect will be applied more and more in a positive manner The source for modulating the tremolo effect can be changed using a MENU function To access the TREMOLO OUTPUT settings press the MENU button labelled OUTPUT as shown in the following example VALUE i d Bl 4 DOWN EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT PART PORTA TRIGGER MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator in the OUTPUT button will light and the main display will now alternate between the first function and its current value Use the menu EDIT MENU UP button to select the tremolo setting as follows VALUE oA BANI K PROG Met Press the MENU UP _ lt p Li lt New selection TREMOLO button to change selection ME We PARAMETER VALUE The selections are LFO1 The settings of the LFO1 controls will affect the tremolo LFO2 The settings of the LFO2 controls will affect the tremolo Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows VALUE we i PROS Pr
2. PARAMETER VALUE NOTE Whilst this process is happening it is important not to send any other system excusive messages to DARKSTAR UTILITY 2 SAVE PART VOICE This feature allows you to save individual sounds from within each PART You can quickly recall these sounds into buffer memory during a performance for on the fly patch changes These voices cannot be saved directly into memory but can be saved into the program once loaded by carrying out a save program procedure Use the menu EDIT MENU UP button to select this feature With utility mode 2 selected the display will alternate between BANK PROG BANK PROG Display alternates Nn Lil lt Ready to transmit VOICE 1 between PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE Ensure the connected MIDI storage device is ready to receive the data Use the menu EDIT VALUE or VALUE button to transmit the voice as shown in the following example BANK PROG and VALUE buttons AL to transmit the voice VALUE Q N Press the TVALUE A gt g lt Single VOICE sending PARAMETER Oocuwos VALUE The display will show SEnt after the transmission UTILITY 3 SAVE PROGRAM This feature allows you to save any of the 64 PROGRAMS individually The transmitted program will be the one selected prior to entering UTILITY mode Use the menu EDIT MENU UP button to select this feature With ut
3. displayed in ascending order to transmit programs 1 32 WV PARAMETER as transmitted OSCILLATORS VALUE The main display counts up the program numbers 1 2 3 as they are transmitted When all 32 programs have been transmitted the display will show SEnt briefly to confirm completion UTILITY 5 SAVE ALL PROGRAMS 33 64 This feature allows you to save the upper group of 32 PROGRAMS together as one sysex dump Use the menu EDIT MENU UP button to select this feature With utility mode 5 selected the display will alternate between BANK PROG BANK PROG Display alternates rib o between lt Ready to transmit J i LI LI ALL PROGRAMS 33 to 64 PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE Ensure the connected MIDI storage device is ready to receive the data Use the menu EDIT VALUE or VALUE button to transmit the Pl as shown in the following example and VALUE buttons NEN displayed in ascending order to transmit programs 33 64 PARAMETER as transmitted CC mn OSCILLATORS VALUE VALUE a Press the TVALUE 4 gt p m H lt Programs 33 64 sending The main display counts up the program numbers 33 34 35 as they are transmitted When all 32 programs have been transmitted the display will show SEnt briefly to confirm completion NOTE Ensure the PROTECT feature is set to ON or disconne
4. Polyphonic portamanto for polyphonic parts Portamento has constant time two polyphonic modes and six pre glide modes MIDI Note ON OFF Velocity Pitch bend Mod wheel aftertouch assignable Program change Sustain pedal most parameter controls System exclusive gt Power Supply External SQvDC 800mA minimum output plug wired centre gt Dimensions Weight 340x230x50mm 13 4x9x2 inches 2 35kg Optional Accessories Rack 02 19 rack kit with extension lead to External inputs DarkStar Synthesizer NOTES D OWNERS MANUAL DarkStar Synthesizer MIDI IMPLEMENTATION Basic Default 6 1 16 Memorized Channel Changed 1 16 Default Mode 3 Messages Altered Note Number True Voice Velocity Note ON Note OFF Aftertouch Key s Ch s Pitch Bend Mod Wheel Part Volume Panning Tremolo Mixer joystick X left right Mixer joystick Y up down Filter Frequency Filter LFO Modulation Filter Envelope Modulation Filter Resonance Filter Resonance Modulation Envelope 1 Attack Envelope 1 Decay Envelope 1 Sustain Envelope 1 Release Envelope 2 Attack Envelope 2 Decay Envelope 2 Sustain Envelope 2 Release LFO 1 Speed LFO 1 Delay LFO 1 Shape LFO 1 Midi LFO 2 Speed LFO 2 Delay LFO 2 Shape LFO 2 Midi Sustain Oscillator 1 Detune Oscillator 2 Detune Oscillator 1 Pitch Modulation Oscillator 2 Pitch Modulation Oscillator 1 Pulse Width Oscillat
5. gt VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows VALUE i BANK PROG Press the VALUES gt New setting MIDI note and VALUE buttons value 96 C6 to change the setting Vw PARAMETER CC mrn OSCILLATORS VALUE MENU MIDI button This section contains three PART functions related to MIDI To access these settings press the MENU button labelled MIDI as shown in the following example VALUE S 4 L EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT PART PORTA TRIGGER MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator in the MIDI button will light and the main display will show the first function which is 1 MIDI CHANNEL This function allows you to set the MIDI transmit receive channel for the selected PART The front panel controls will transmit MIDI controller data on the selected channel With the first menu function selected the main display will alternate as follows BANK PROG BANK PROG Function 2 gt H Display alternates _ Setting MIDI channel 1 MIDI Channel between PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE MIDI channel 1 to 16 DarkStar Synthesizer OPERATION D Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows VALUE u ii Gc Press the VALUE gt gt lt New setting MIDI channel 16 and VALUE
6. Function _ LE LI _ Display alternates _ Keyboard tracking um J UL between 9 PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE The functions in the filter menu are 1 Keyboard tracking This function lets you choose whether the filter has the san range or has a different effect on the lower and higher notes This function is applie change The selections are Off The Keyboard tracking is off and so the filter s effect will the same across 25 50 100 150 The keyboard tracking is now on The filter will now open incr and more for the high notes until the effect is at its maximum when the level is set t settings included 25 and 50 where the filter will open less for the high notes anc 2 Resonance Modulation Source This function allows you to derive the filter RE of four different sources The selections are Envelope1 The settings of envelope 1 controls will affect the resonance modulat Envelope 2 The settings of envelope 2 controls will affect the resonance modula LFO1 The settings of the LFO1 controls will affect the resonance modulation LFO2 The settings of the LFO2 controls will affect the resonance modulation To select a different menu function use the MENU UP and MENU DOWN button BANK PR VALUE of umm Press the UP and lt ze lt A gt 5 DOWN buttons to pom select MENU functions PARAMETER EDIT OSCILLATORS VALUE To EXIT filt
7. Press amp hold down 6 9 BANK PROG L 2 bs l PARAMETER 7 a NALE PROGRAM Light in seriesto Flashes to indicate EDIT mode indicate EDIT mode EDIT gt If you don t want to keep the parameter changes made during editing simply select another program number COMPARE To hear the ORIGINAL settings of the selected program press and hold down the PROGRAM button then press the flashing program button once The indicator in the selected program button will now flash at twice the rate to indicate Compare mode the PART setup reverting back temporarily to the pre edit condition You can switch from Edit to Compare modes as often as you like simply press the button again to jump from one mode to the next STORE IN SELECTED PROGRAM If you want to store the new settings they can be saved into the selected program any previous settings will be overwritten To store the new settings press and hold down the selected program button whilst holding down the PROGRAM button for approximately 2 seconds The indicator in the program button will flash rapidly and SAVE will appear briefly in the main display whilst the store operation is carried out STORE IN ANOTHER PROGRAM If you want to keep the existing program and still save the edited setup you can store it in any of the other program bank locations First press and hold down the PROGRAM button and then s
8. Key Synchronisation gt Adi 1 J gt 1 lt Setting ON PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE DarkStar Synthesizer C12 gt OPERATION D The first function in the LFO menu is 1 Key Synchronisation This function sets the LFOs to start from the beginning of the selected waveform each time a note is played The selections are Off The waveforms of all LFOs are synchronised but will be free running On The waveforms of all LFOs are synchronised but will re start from the beginning of the selected waveshape each time a note is played To EXIT LFO menu mode simply press the LFO MENU button and check that the indicator goes out as OUTPUT LFO PART 4 Press once to exit LFO menu mode FILTER SECTION 0 0 Min T Max 10 G 10 10 0 10 FREQUENCY RESONANCE ENV MOD FILTER TYPE RES MOD LFO 2 MOD Lo OFF Lo BAND HI ENVI ENV2 1 02 FILTER TYPE RES MOD SOURCE FILTER SHIFT J Fitero 29 Fiter On o This section of DARKSTAR features a classic 12dB per octave filter which in subtractive synthesis is used to remove unwanted frequencies There are three different types of filter to choose from LOW PASS BAND PASS and HIGH PASS or the filter can be totally switched off FILTER SELECT button This large button switches the filter on and off When the indicator is OFF the filter will be bypassed When the indicator is ON the filter will be active FREQU
9. Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows AE A BANK PROG Press the VALUE gt New setting 2 voices and VALUE buttons to change the setting e PARAMETER m oowoo VALUE With all 8 voices assigned there will be no further allocation allowed e g if PART 1 3 voices PART 2 1 voice and PART 3 4 voices you will be unable to set any further voices for PARTS 4 and 5 If you wish to create an additional PART go back and lower the voice allocation for the existing PARTS or setup another PROGRAM 2 KEY TRANSPOSE This function allows you to change the musical key of the selected PART by moving it up or down in single semitone steps to a maximum of 24 notes 2 octaves With the second menu function selected the main display will alternate as follows BANK PROG BANK PROG Function gt I H 1 4 Display alternates gt Setting 0 no transposition Key Transpose between PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE 0 to 24 semitones 0 to 24 semitones Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows and VALUE buttons transposed down 1 octave to change the setting oa s PARAMETER Em OSCuAOS VALUE VALUE Q N BANK Press the VALUE lt p r 4 New setting 12 3 NOTE RANGE LOW This fu
10. WAE 0 5 7 12 16 7 19 24 OSC 2 OFFSET SHIFT OSCILLATORS J Oscilator 29 Oscillator2 This section of DARKSTAR produces the musical tones which form the basis of subtractive synthesis There are two oscillators per voice musical note each producing audible vibrations to act as a sound source The timbre of each oscillator depends on its harmonic content which is determined by the waveform There are basically two waveforms available SAWTOOTH and RISING each with its own specific set of harmonics Controls for changing the amount of modulation to the pitch timbre of the oscillators are also included in this section These timbral and pitch modulations give the oscillator sound more depth and stimulate musical appeal to the ear OSCILLATOR SELECT button This large button switches between oscillator 1 and 2 When the indicator is OFF oscillator 1 will be selected When the indicator is ON oscillator 2 will be selected WAVEFORM OSC 2 PITCH This control has two functions determined by the SHIFT button When the SHIFT function is NOT selected SHIFT LED Off this control sets the selected oscillator s waveform At the fully anti clockwise position the waveform will be shaped like a SAWTOOTH This waveform contains every harmonic in decreasing volume and produces a very rich sound As the control is moved in a clockwise direction the shape progressively changes becoming mor
11. buttons to change the setting ve a a mr Oscuwos VALUE 2 SUSTAIN This function allows you to apply MIDI sustain to the selected PART With the second menu function selected the main display will alternate as follows BANK PROG BANK PROG Function Z _ Display alternates _ 4 Setting Sustain OFF 00 a between Sustain PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE Off and On Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows BANK PROG 1 D VALUE ue VU pate Press the TVALUE 4 gt o li 1 lt New setting Sustain ON and VALUE buttons ye to change the setting VY PARAMETER oowoo S O VALUE 3 PITCH BEND RANGE This function allows you to set the effective range of a controller keyboard s Pitch Bend wheel when used to bend the selected PART With the third menu function selected the main display will alternate as follows BANK PROG BANK PROG Function gt I d Display alternates Setting No pitch bend Pitch Bend betiyeen PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE 0 to 12 1 octave Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows VALUE uu i ins Press the TVALUE 4 gt lt New setting 12 semitones and VALUE
12. buttons yew to change the setting Vwo PARAMETER mrn VALUE lt 21 gt OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION PART OUTPUT button knobs This section contains further functions for PART editing To access press the PART OUTPUT button as shown in the following example LEVEL PANNING TREMOLO PORTAMENTO 1 1 Oft Off O O 0 0 PART OUTPUT o The indicator below the PART OUTPUT button will flash to indicate this mode is active CAUTION as these controls are shared with the ENVELOPE section care must be taken to check the status of the PART OUTPUT indicator before attempting to make any changes to the associated parameters LEVEL This control sets the relative output LEVEL for the selected PART At the fully anti clockwise position there will be no sound As the control is moved in a clockwise direction the level will be gradually increased until at the fully clockwise position the output level will be at its maximum The main display will show the volume level setting from 0 to 127 max when this control is moved PANNING This control sets the amount of PANNING effect for the selected PART At the 12 o clock position there will be no panning effect As the knob is moved in an anti clockwise direction the panning effect will be applied more and more with initial emphasis to the LEFT channel As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction from the centre position the panning effect will be applied more
13. amount of depth for the MODULATION WHEEL and AFTER TOUCH MIDI controllers To access these settings press the MENU button labelled MODULATION as shown in the following example VALUE 4 A A EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER PORTA TRIGGER MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator in the MODULATION button will light and the main display will now alternate between the first function and its current value as shown below BANK PROG BANK PROG D O i 5 Function _ Display alternates _ Ule Setting 0 Mod wheel between m pitch modulation PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE There are four functions in the MODULATION menu as follows 1 Modulation Wheel Pitch Mod Depth This function allows you to set the amount of pitch modulation that will be applied when the Modulation Wheel is used RANGE 7 to 7 NOTE if pitch mod source is set to envelope 1 or 2 then the mod wheel will affect the amount of pitch envelope modulation 2 Modulation Wheel Filter Mod Depth This function allows you to set the amount of filter modulation that will be applied when the Modulation Wheel is used RANGE 7 to 7 C 25 5 OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION 3 After Touch Pitch Mod Depth This function allows you to set the amount of pitch variation that will be applied when After Touch controller data is received RANGE 7 to 7 4 After touch Filter Mod Depth This function allows you to set the amount of filt
14. and more with initial emphasis to the RIGHT channel The source for modulating the panning effect can be changed using a MENU function To access the PANNING OUTPUT settings press the MENU button labelled OUTPUT as shown in the following example VALUE Pig 4 DOWN Wy EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT PART PORTA TRIGGER MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator in the OUTPUT button will light and the main display will now alternate between the first function and its current value as shown below BANK PROG Function gt H hn Display alternates ay n 4 Setting c Envelope 1 Panning source between PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE The selections are Pot The PANNING knob will affect the pan position directly Anti clockwise Left clockwise Right Envelope The settings of envelope 1 controls will affect the pan position Envelope 2 The settings of envelope 2 controls will affect the pan position LFO1 The settings of the LFO1 controls will affect the pan position LFO2 The settings of the LFO2 controls will affect the pan position DarkStar Synthesizer 22 gt OPERATION D Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows BANK PROG VALUE u Press the TVALUE lt gt p gt lt New setting LFO 2 and VALUE buttons to change the setting V wie C a
15. example Press amp hold down 1 lt 2 3 4 PROG 5 6 7 8 Y xX a pu pos ps i BANK The main display will indicate the new setting as shown the following example 4 xi P PROGRAM BANK PROG m Bank 1 E Program 2 PARAMETER VALUE DARKSTAR features a total of 64 programs that are grouped into 8 banks of 8 programs To access the other 7 BANKS press the BANK button whilst holding down the PROGRAM button and then press the required BANK number as shown in the following example 1 Press amp hold down 1 2 3 4 PROG 5 6 EBENEN 7 PROGRAM 3 Press Once 2 Press Once As soon as the numbered button is pressed the new BANK will be recalled The indicators for the BANK button and selected BANK number button example 7 will go out and the last selected PROGRAM in that BANK will be automatically recalled The main display will indicate the new setting as shown in the following example BANK PROG h m Bank 7 a Program 3 last selected in that BANK PARAMETER VALUE EDITING To edit the selected program simply adjust the controls When the first control or switch is moved the EDIT indicators and the selected program button indicator will start to flash to indicate EDIT mode as shown in the following example lt 27 gt OWNERS MANUAL d OPERATION
16. gt lt gt lt gt UT UE DarkStar Synthesizer FRONT PANEL FEATURES FRONT PANEL FEATURES 1 OSCILLATORS This section features WAVEFORM PITCH MOD PULSE WIDTH and DETUNE controls for each oscillator The large OSCILLATOR button switches between oscillators 1 amp 2 The SHIFT button is used to access the OSC 2 PITCH and PWM controls in the oscillator sub menu 2 ENVELOPES This section features ATTACK DECAY SUSTAIN and RELEASE controls for each envelope The large ENVELOPE button switches between envelopes 1 amp 2 The SHIFT button is used to access the VELOCITY control in the envelope sub menu 3 LFO S This section features SPEED DELAY and SHAPE controls for each LFO The large LFO button switches between LFO 1 amp 2 The SHIFT button is used to access the MIDI CLOCK control in the LFO sub menu 4 FILTER This section features FREQUENCY RESONANCE and ENV MOD controls for the filter The large FILTER button switches the filter on and off The SHIFT button is used to access the FILTER TYPE RES MOD and LFO 2 MOD controls in the oscillator sub menu 5 PART SELECT These buttons are used to select the 5 Multitimbral PARTS You can create and store 5 totally different sounds in each program 6 MENU This section features 8 menu buttons and 4 way keypad The MENU buttons are used to select additional parameters for editing
17. power in socket on the rear panel of DARKSTAR and plug it into a suitable AC outlet Connect the audio cables for a basic system setup as shown on page 5 TURNING ON THE POWER Make sure all connections have been made correctly and the volume controls on the mixing desk and amplifier system are turned completely down Press the rear panel power switch on DARKSTAR Turn on the power of the mixing desk and then turn on the power of the amplifier system POWER UP INDICATIONS When DARKSTAR is powered up the main display will show the software version whilst various parameters are being set internally When this process is complete the display will show the BANK and PROGRAM number If this does not happen check the power supply is of the correct type and the unit was switched on correctly SETTING THE MIDI RECEIVE CHANNEL To select the correct MIDI receive channel press the MIDI MENU button and use the EDIT keypad VALUE and VALUE buttons to set the channel of the active PART as DARKSTAR can have up to 5 different sounds MIDI channels setup in each PROGRAM you may have to change the MIDI transmit channel on your keyboard a few times to play all the sounds SELECTING A PROGRAM To select the factory programs in BANK 1 press and hold the PROGRAM button LED on and then press one of the buttons marked 1 8 To select one of the other 7 banks of 8 programs press and hold the PROGRAM button then press the BANK button Now you can sele
18. power is switched OFF Press and hold down the PROGRAM button and then turn power on The main display will show SURE to prompt confirmation of the load Press the MENU EDIT button marked VALUE to confirm the operation LOAD appears briefly in display rt l Loading back all 64 factory presets PARAMETER INALUE DarkStar Synthesizer OPERATION D EXTERNAL INPUTS O OOM This feature allows you to process external MIDI driven audio signals through the Filter and Envelope sections of DARKSTAR Connect the audio output of your MIDI synthesizer guitar etc to one of the rear panel sockets marked EXT INPUT The bi colour LEVEL indicator at the top edge of the front panel monitors the input signal level This indicator shows three input level conditions as follows OFF No signal or very low signal level BRIGHT GREEN Normal line level signal present Ideal working level RED Overloaded signal Level too high This indicator should be normally illuminated GREEN occasionally flashing RED If the level indication is incorrect adjust the output level on the external sound source accordingly NOTE if the input signal level is set incorrectly the audio quality may be affected Connect the MIDI OUT socket from your MIDI device to the MIDI IN on DARKSTAR as detailed in the following diagram P P E 4 4 4 OUT EXT MIDI ON POWER 3 E3 e 9 a 9 8 VOIC
19. the maximum ATTACK level has been reached At the fully anti clockwise position the response is virtually instantaneous As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the decay duration gradually increases until at the fully clockwise position the decay time will be at its maximum SUSTAIN This control sets the level of the envelope after the decay element is completed and until the note is released At the fully anti clockwise position the envelope will continue to decay to zero without interruption As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the level at which the decay ends gradually increases until at the fully clockwise position the sustain level will be at its maximum RELEASE VELOCITY This control has two functions determined by the SHIFT button When the SHIFT function is NOT selected SHIFT LED Off this control sets the time taken for the sustain level to reach zero once the note has been released At the fully anti clockwise position the response is virtually instantaneous giving an abrupt end to the sound As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the release time gradually increases resulting in a softer more natural end to the sound At the fully clockwise position the release time will be at its maximum DarkStar Synthesizer OPERATION When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control sets how much the selected envelope is affected by the velocity level Firmly struck notes will open th
20. E and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows and VALUE buttons NENU to change the setting Malik A BANK PROG Press the VALUE 4 1 p J ur New setting Protect Off PARAMETER VALUE SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE RECEIVE VOICE The received VOICE will be loaded into the current PART of the selected PROGRAM but never saved regardless of PROTECT setting MIDI channel and POLYPHONY values will be retained from original voice SINGLE PROGRAM The received PROGRAM will be loaded into the current PROGRAM and if PROTECT is OFF it will be saved If PROTECT is ON the program will be held in buffer memory just like an edited program allowing you to use the sounds in real time or store wherever you choose at a later stage DarkStar Synthesizer OPERATION You can use the buffer memory to receive multiple sys ex dumps on the fly from your MIDI sequencer as a track plays from beginning to end When power is switched off data in the buffer memory will be lost ALL PROGRAMS 1 32 or 33 64 If PROTECT is ON these system exclusive messages will be ignored If PROTECT is OFF the PROGRAMS will be stored in memory before being saved The display will show the current save program as it is downloaded as shown in the following example BANK PROG Display shows S for save lt lt Downloading ALL2 PROGRAMS currently at number 33
21. E POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER 2 R THRU OUT D OFF 9v DC REI Sound Systems Ltd MADE IN ENGLAND C AUDIO OUTPUT MIDI OUT MIDI KEYBOARD or other MIDI device Using the OSCILLATOR menu function see page 9 for further details set oscillator 2 source to IN 1 Move the MIXER joystick over to the lower left position and play some notes on the external instrument You should only hear the sound from the external sound source through the filter and envelopes Use the joystick to mix oscillator 1 and ring modulation in with the external input for a combined effect OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION MIDI CONTROLLERS O DARKSTAR s comprehensive MIDI specification allows you to record and playback changes to the front panel knobs switches in real time This extensive power and control over these parameters will allow you to explore new areas of creativity in the studio Whenever a control knob is turned the joystick moved or a button pressed MIDI controller data will be transmitted from the MIDI OUT socket directly into your MIDI sequencer allowing you to record detailed parameter changes for instant automated playback You can record simple one shot parameter changes or over dub as many as you like to build up complex multi layered sound scenarios Example To record these events first ensure your MIDI sequencer is connected to the MIDI In Out sockets on the rear panel of DARKSTAR as deta
22. EL SOURCE TREMOLO LEVEL SOURCE PORTAMENTO LEVEL TYPE AUTO GLIDE ON OFF MENU PART button This section contains the first four functions for PART editing To access these settings press the MENU button labelled PART as shown in the following example VALUE Par d 9 L E 4 DOWN EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT PART MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator in the PART button will light and the main display will show the first function which is 1 POLYPHONY This function allows you set the maximum note allocation for each PART The DARKSTAR synthesizer has a total number of 8 notes or voices available and you must carefully allocate these between the different PARTS so as not to leave unused voices on one PART whilst missing notes played because of under allocation on another As an example a bass sound will probably only require one or two notes to be played at any one time so it would be extremely wasteful to allocate any higher number of voices to this type of sound Also this will leave a greater number of spare voices for parts where you want to use chords DarkStar Synthesizer OPERATION D With this first menu function selected the main display will alternate as follows BANK PROG BANK PROG Function gt m ri H a Phy tomates 4 Setting 6 voices Polyphony gUWeen PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE 0 to 8 notes voices
23. ENCY FILTER TYPE This control has two functions determined by the SHIFT button When the SHIFT function is NOT selected SHIFT LED Off this control sets the basic cut off frequency of the filter The affect this control has on the sound depends on the type of filter selected low band or high pass as detailed in the following paragraph When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control selects the FILTER TYPE The four indicators labelled FILTER TYPE show the current setting at all times To change the filter type first press the SHIFT button and then move the FILTER TYPE knob The indicators will show the value as shown in the following example C 1 gt OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION FREQUENCY FILTER TYPE gly Example Filter type High Pass gt 9 OFF Lo BAND Hi FILTER TYPE ENVI ENV2 02 RES MOD SOURCE tod Press once FILTER SHIFT before changing 26 Fiero 562 Fitter On sto the setting At or near the fully anti clockwise position the LOW PASS filter type will be selected LOW PASS This type of filter allows the low frequency elements to pass whilst reducing the higher frequencies as the FREQUENCY control is moved anti clockwise About the 12 o clock position the BAND PASS filter type will be selected BAND PASS This type of filter allows a limited band of frequencies to pass whilst reducing the remaining high and low frequencies t
24. ESIZER Oo gt Polyphony 8 Voices Multitibral 5 Parts Each part features Level Transpose and Note range setting Tremolo effect modulated from one LFO Pan effect modulated from one LFO or Envelope Voice Specification 2 Oscillators Each continuously variable between Sawtooth and square pulse output Each can be de tuned and can be modulated by one of the envelopes LFOs For each the pulse width can be varied and modulated by one of the envelopes LFOs Oscillator 2 can be transposed 5 7 12 16 17 19 or 24 semitones Oscillator 2 can be switched between Normal Formant wave Pink noise White noise Blue noise Input 1 Input 2 Mixer Joystick X axis oscillator mix Y axis Ring Modulation gt Filter 12dB per octave resonant The cut off frequency can be modulated by the LFO or envelope and set to track the keyboard The resonance can be varied and modulated by one of the envelopes or LFOs The output can be switched between off low pass band pass and high pass Envelopes 2 x ADSR envelopes each of which can be set to respond to key velocity gt LFOs 2 X LFOs each with a separate speed and delay control Each LFO can be set to output one of the following waveforms Ramp Triangle Square Sine Pulse Sample amp hold Random Each can be set to key sync Each can be synced to incoming MIDI clock gt Triggering Port mto triggering can be normal or autoglide
25. INTRODUCTION DARKSTAR SYNTHESIS EE DARKSTAR 8 VOICE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER Thank you for purchasing the RED Sound DARKSTAR 8 voice polyphonic synthesizer The Analogue Synthesiser mainstay of Seventies and Eighties music is back reinvented in a new more reliable and flexible form Physical modelling via powerful DSPs Digital Signal Processors allow all the warmth and control of the synthesizers of yesteryear without the problems of unstable tuning and unrepeatable sounds and with modern benefits like realtime control and multitimbral access Welcome to DARKSTAR an 8 voice polyphonic synthesiser with all the highlights of the analogue tradition Pulse Width Modulation Ring Mod Resonant Filtering and ADSR Enveloping combined with all the advantages of modern MIDI instruments like rock solid tuning perfect program recall velocity response and 5 different timbres simultaneously available So whether your aim is to recreate classic timbres like 70 s Disco Bassline Screaming PWM Lead chart new sonic territory with realtime joystick manipulation of ring modulation and velocity controlled resonance or even combine both approaches in the same MIDI sequence DARKSTAR is the perfect tool for you In the future DARKSTAR s capabilities will grow thanks to the ability to change its EPROM based DSP algorithms This will allow you to convert DARKSTAR into many different products such as a mega mono synthesizer or vocoder But DAR
26. KSTAR already offers so much with its marriage of proven synthesis techniques and state of the art control Now it s time to unlock the potential of analogue style synthesis with modern control techniques in your music Be creative OWNERS MANUAL NV IOO ld NOI INGO 1NdINO aana SUOLVTIIOSO v amp NMOG gt ii 4 ana g O9Otd y 109195 Itlvd o 26 sow 50 o o o o o X o IHS 31114 v 4 L 5 097 IHS JOUNOS GOW 534 UAL AdVHS O51 zon 107 ZANA LANA IH WOONWA JWS 35104 INS 3wnos 0 Jirre 1250 0 Gonz on QOW 38 5 2019 COW AN3 JONVNOSJY uw 3dVHS 93345 o o i i a Nouviaow EN P 20 s o ZOOO 1 Oooo OI o atus S3dO013AN73 lu vd ANUN Ssyolvit9s AAT 195350 3NOIIW3S 2 OSO 9 v e 1 0 ve 61 at 91 e 9 0 00 WON Z 580 Nivisns YOVLIV HLGIM 35104 GOW HOlld Q o o Zazisaninis d o o amp 6 D OIN3WVBIOd OIOWRL An amp 1fidNI lt
27. PITCH modulation from one of four different sources The selections are DarkStar Synthesizer OPERATION D Envelope1 The settings of envelope 1 controls will affect the oscillators pitch Envelope 2 The settings of envelope 2 controls will affect the oscillators pitch LFO1 The settings of the LFO1 controls will affect the oscillators pitch LFO2 The settings of the LFO2 controls will affect the oscillators pitch 2 Pulse Width Modulation source This function allows you to link the selected oscillator s PULSE WIDTH modulation to one of four different sources The selections are Envelope The settings of envelope 1 controls will affect the oscillators pulse width modulation Envelope 2 The settings of envelope 2 controls will affect the oscillators pulse width modulation LFO1 The settings of the LFO1 controls will affect the oscillators pulse width modulation LFO2 The settings of the LFO2 controls will affect the oscillators pulse width modulation 3 Oscillator 2 source This function allows you to select the sound source for OSCILLATOR 2 The selections are Type 1 normal oscillator This oscillator contains the full range of frequencies Type 2 Formant style oscillator This oscillator is formed from a limited band of frequencies Noise1 Pink PINK noise has the higher frequencies reduced Noise 2 White WHITE noise and has all frequencies at an equal level Noise 3 Blue BLUE noise has the lower frequen
28. and Press once to exit DOWN buttons to NEN oscillator menu mode select MENU functions wv Vue C 9 gt OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION ENVELOPE SECTION Min Min Min 0 Min DECAY SUSTAIN O 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 VELOCITY LEVEL Ls ENVELOPES SHIFT X Envelope 1 Envelope 2 RELEASE VELOCITY This section of DARKSTAR is used to shape the sound over a period of time with two envelopes available The first envelope is fixed to amplitude or volume and decides how quickly the sound starts sustains and then fades away The second envelope can be used to control the filter frequency pulse width or pitch modulations to alter the character of the sound ENVELOPE SELECT button This large button switches between envelope 1 and 2 When the indicator is OFF envelope 1 will be selected When the indicator is ON envelope 2 will be selected ATTACK This control sets the time period for the envelope to reach its maximum after a note is played At the fully anti clockwise position the response is virtually instantaneous giving a percussive edge to the sound As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the time to reach maximum gradually increases giving a softer start to the sound At the fully clockwise position the attack time will be at its maximum DECAY This control sets the rate at which the envelope falls to the SUSTAIN level after
29. cies reduced External Input1 amp 2 You can switch off all the internal sound generators for oscillator 2 and instead use the rear panel connectors marked EXTERNAL INPUTS 1 2 to process any MIDI driven external sound source through the filter and envelope sections See page 29 for further details 4 Oscillator Sync This function synchronises oscillator 2 with oscillator 1 The oscillator 2 waveform will now restart its cycle each time oscillator 1 starts its own cycle The result of this keeps the pitch of both oscillators identical making a distinct change to the timbre For the best results use envelope 2 to try and move the pitch of oscillator 2 The pitch cannot change but you will hear timbral changes to the sound with vocal characteristics The selections are ON and OFF To change the current oscillator menu setting use the EDIT keypad VALUE and VALUE buttons as shown in the following example T O Press times 7 to change value E bor gt EDIT OSCILLATORS BANK PROG BANK PROG Function m 7 Pitch Modulation gt m I 4 RRS E j 4 New Pitch Mod Source source elween LFO2 PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE To select a different menu function use the MENU DOWN and MENU UP buttons To EXIT oscillator menu mode simply press the OSCILLATOR MENU button and check that the indicator goes out VALUE Y VALUE CA Press the UP
30. ct one of the 8 programs in the new bank using the buttons marked 1 8 keep your finger on the PROGRAM button at all times when selecting programs banks NOTE Banks 1 to 6 48 programs feature factory presets that demonstrate the sonic power of DARKSTAR Programs in banks 7 and 8 all contain the same basic sound ready for you to overwrite with newly created sounds Use the AUDITION button or connected MIDI keyboard to trigger the sounds You can modify the sounds in real time by altering the controls in the OSCILLATOR FILTER ENVELOPE and LFO sections Please read the following OPERATION section carefully to fully appreciate the range of features and facilities the DARKSTAR 8 Voice Synthesizer has to offer GETTING STARTED O After connecting DARKSTAR to your system as detailed on page 5 press in the power switch on the rear panel to turn the power on As the software is initialising takes approximately 12 seconds rows of indicators will light in sequence and the version number fitted to your unit will be shown on the main display BANK PROG 5 4 Software version 1 01 PARAMETER VALUE Afterwards the last selected program before power was switched off at the previous session will be recalled and displayed as follows P Bank 4 E E Program 6 PARAMETER VALUE DarkStar Synthesizer C 6 5 OSCILLATOR SECTION EJ 2 mitones PICH MOD PULSE WIDTH
31. ct the MIDI IN before attempting to save programs This will avoid sys ex data from the save transmission coming straight back into DARKSTAR which could result in irregularities to the program data TROUBLESHOCTING Problem Check No Power Check power supply connection Check internal program EPROM is fitted correctly inside access panel No sound Check PART level Filter Frequency or Decay Sustain levels set to zero Osc 2 set to External input with no source connected Envelope 1 Attack time set to maximum DarkStar Synthesizer C 52 gt ACCESSORIES D DARKSTAR ACCESSORIES IHE For conveniently mounting DARKSTAR in any 19 rack environment there is a custom rack kit available RACK 02 Complete with all fixings and EXTERNAL INPUT extension socket lead to allow instant access to input connections once DARKSTAR is installed Please ask your dealer distributor for availability UPGRADING DARKSTAR nmm When you purchase an upgrade kit for DARKSTAR you will need to change the program EPROM chip inside the product The access panel is situated on the rear panel To open remove the single fixing screw and lift out the panel taking care to not lose any of the parts or drop any objects inside the main casing Follow the instructions supplied with the upgrade kit for replacing the chip safely Correct chip polarity C zx OWNERS MANUAL SPECIFICATION DARKSTAR 8 VOICE SYNTH
32. ctronic variations too low to be heard when converted into audio vibrations They can be used independently to alter elements of the sound by adding vibrato or changes to the harmonic content LFO SELECT button This large button switches between LFO1 and 2 When the indicator is OFF LFO1 will be selected When the indicator is ON LFO2 will be selected SPEED This control has two functions determined by the SHIFT button When the SHIFT function is NOT selected SHIFT LED Off this control sets the rate of the selected LFO Cn gt OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION At the fully anti clockwise position the speed will be at its slowest As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the speed gradually increases until at the fully clockwise position the LFO rate will be at its maximum When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control is used to synchronise the LFO with an external MIDI clock The trigger rate can be set to a range of values from 1 8th beat to 4 bars in duration At the fully anti clockwise position the LFO to MIDI synchronisation feature will be OFF As the knob is moved in clockwise direction the trigger rate becomes less frequent until at the fully clockwise position the LFO will cycle once every 4 bars To view the setting press the SHIFT button The main display will now show the current value as shown in the following example BANK PROG L L LFO to MIDI clock m trig
33. e and more squared off until at the fully clockwise position the shape will be a SQUARE or pulse waveform As a pure square wave max and min values equal the harmonic content will be all the odd numbered harmonics in decreasing volume which gives the sound a hollow or woody timbre The width of the pulse can also be altered by the PULSE WIDTH knob to make the sound thinner When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control sets the amount of oscillator 2 pitch offset This detune setting is calibrated in semitones with the eight indicators labelled OSC 2 SEMITONE OFFSET showing the value as in the following example VEFOI WAN RM osc 2 iur Example o wW o o o Oscillator 2 pitch offset d wo 12 semitones 1 octave SHIFT before OSCILLATORS the setting OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION PITCH MOD This control has two functions determined by the SHIFT button When the SHIFT function is NOT selected SHIFT LED Off this control sets the amount of pitch modulation to the selected oscillator At the 12 o clock position there will be no pitch modulation applied As the knob is moved in an anti clockwise direction the pitch modulation will become negative first falling then rising At the fully anti clockwise position the modulation will be at its maximum negative depth As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction from the centre position
34. e envelope to its maximum level whilst softer strokes will produce a lesser result dependent on the velocity setting The eight VELOCITY LEVEL indicators show the velocity setting for the selected envelope To change the setting first press the SHIFT button and then move the VELOCITY knob The indicators will show the value as shown in the following example Min 0 RELEASE VELOCITY W o 4 Example Envelope 1 velocity setting 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 VELOCITY LEVEL ini Dr S ENVELOPES SHIFT before changing 50 Envelope 1 56 Envelope 2 se the setting an At the fully anti clockwise position indicator 0 there will be no velocity effect with soft and hard notes each producing the same maximum result As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction indicators 1 to 6 the envelope will open less and less when softer notes are played until at the fully clockwise position indicator 7 the softest notes will not open the envelope at all On envelope 1 this maximum setting will make soft notes sound very quiet whilst on envelope 2 this will result in much less pitch pulse width or filter modulation LFO SECTION M Q Min SPI MIDI CLOCK Max Max EED DELAY SHAPE o o o RAMP SQUARE SINE PULSE SAMPLE RANDOM LFO SHAPE SHIFT LFO s J30 FO 29 LFO2 X This section of DARKSTAR features 2 LFOs Low Frequency Oscillators which make regular ele
35. e power on and off Z DC POWER IN Connector Only use the 9vDC 800 mA PSU supplied with DARKSTAR to power the unit DarkStar Synthesizer gt 4 191208 TIVM V OL IAIN 5 IAIN 990550555 ASAA ONIXIW OIGNLS ASIAAC IAIN 43HLO OM OM NI IAIN 9 mo 3QVW sva ON 1 aatanvno OL gt 352 LON OQ NOUIQVO lain sujeisAs uros cael Cae ap YAZISSHLNAS DINOHdAIOd 32310A 8 e e el WIL gt 3 NA ino z L ja n z ADYNOS ANNOS TVN331X3 2 lt V JDYNOS ANNOS IAIN TVN 3H31X3 w OWNERS MANUAL QUICK START QUICK START If you want to quickly try out the performance of DARKSTAR please read the following points carefully CONNECTIONS Before making any connections make sure that the power on all your equipment is turned OFF Connect the power supply included to the
36. elect another program number KEEP THE PROGRAM BUTTON HELD DOWN and then press the new program button a second time The previously edited setup will now be recalled into this program buffer If you are happy to overwrite the program press and hold down the selected program button whilst still holding down the PROGRAM button for approximately 2 seconds The indicator in the program button will flash rapidly and SAVE will appear briefly in the main display whilst the store operation is carried out STORE IN ANOTHER BANK If you want to store the edited sound in a different BANK altogether press and hold down the PROGRAM button and then press the BANK button once KEEPING THE PROGRAM BUTTON HELD DOWN AT ALL TIMES select the program number you wish to overwrite The previously edited setup will be recalled into the program buffer of the new bank If you are happy to overwrite the program press and hold down the selected program button whilst still holding down the PROGRAM button for approximately 2 seconds The indicator in the program button will flash rapidly and SAVE will appear briefly in the main display whilst the store operation is carried out You can try any amount of program locations before saving the new setup by repeating this procedure To exit PROGRAM mode at any time simply release the PROGRAM button LED off The 64 factory presets can be re loaded back into memory at any time RE LOAD ALL 64 FACTORY PRESETS Ensure
37. er menu mode simply press the FILTER MENU button and check that HEB OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT lt 15 gt OPERATION MIXER Joystick Control RING MODULATION e m il uil Min Min OSCI osc2 MIXER The centrally mounted joystick MIXER control is a unique feature of DARKSTAR which allows you to mix between the oscillators or external sound sources and ring modulation on the fly for extra expression and creative power OSCILLATOR 1 2 MIXING The balance between oscillators 1 amp 2 can be varied according to the X axis left to right position To hear oscillator 1 by itself position the joystick knob at the South West lower left position as shown in the following diagram MODULATION e e lt Q x Mix position gt Oscillator 1 only osci osc2 MIXER 5 5 To hear oscillator 2 by itself position the joystick knob at the South East lower right position as shown in the following diagram MODULATION e lt Q al lt 5 lt position osci osc2 Oscillator 2 only MIXER To hear oscillator 1 amp 2 together at equal levels position the joystick knob at the due South lower centre position as shown in the following diagram RING MODULATION x Mn win lt position osci 0562 Oscil
38. er variation that will be applied when After Touch controller data is received RANGE 7 to 7 Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows and VALUE buttons ASENU to change the setting wie o A BANK PROG Press the VALUE SB 4 New setting 6 PARAMETER mr Osuwos VALUE To select a different menu function use the MENU UP and MENU DOWN buttons QUE oA BANK PROG Press the MENU UP _ 4 p H l H New selection button to change selection MENU AFTER TOUCH PITCH MOD PARAMETER actos VALUE To EXIT modulation menu mode simply press the MODULATION MENU button and check that the indicator goes out lt lt 4 Press once to exit MODULATION menu mode PORTA TRIGGER MIDI MODULATION PART COPYING This feature allows you to transfer all parameter data except the polyphony setting from one PART to another at the press of a button As an example if you create a great sound on PART 1 you can easily copy this sound in its entirety to any number of other PARTS in the same program By using the same MIDI channel and note ranges for all PARTS the oscillators will sound simultaneously in unison when a note is struck PART copying is also useful for making new sounds from the basis of an original To copy a PART first press and hold down the currently selected PART button LED
39. ess the TVALUE lt gt p rc lt New setting LFO 2 and VALUE buttons EN to change the setting V mie PARAMETER mrn OSCILLATORS VALUE PORTAMENTO This control sets the amount of PORTAMENTO for the selected PART This feature changes the pitch from one note to the next creating a sliding or glide effect from note to note The CONSTANT TIME portamento featured on DARKSTAR uses a regular time period between notes regardless of how far the pitch has to travel At the fully anti clockwise position there will be no portamento effect As the control is moved in a clockwise direction the portamento level will be gradually increased until at the fully clockwise position the portamento effect will be at its maximum 5 OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION The type of portamento can be changed using a MENU function To access the PORTAMENTO TYPE settings press the MENU button labelled PORTA TRIGGER as shown in the following example VALUE Pa d E ia B 4 DOWN EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT PART PORIA IRIGGER MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator in the PORTA TRIGGER button will light and the main display will now alternate between the first function AUTOGLIDE and its current value Use the menu EDIT MENU UP button to select the portamento setting as follows VALUE oA BANK mE y P H ress the MENU UP 4 lt
40. ger rate every beat PARAMETER VALUE To change the setting move the MIDI CLOCK knob The main display will show the new value Range OFF 1 8bt 1 6bt 1 4bt 1 3bt 1 2bt 2 3bt 3 4bt 1bt 2bt 3bt 1bar 1 5 bars 2 bars 3 bars 4 bars DELAY This control sets the time taken for the LFO to be introduced after a note is struck At the fully anti clockwise position the LFO will start immediately As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the delay period before the LFO starts will gradually increase until at the fully clockwise position the delay time will be at its maximum SHAPE This control selects the waveform which determines the contour of the LFO modulation There are 8 waveforms to choose from as follows RAMP IN TRI ne p 1 1 waveshape Sine PULSE ni LFO SHAPE SAMPLE amp HOLD RANDOM a gt SENS LFO s JO wor ouo LFO MENU This section contains the remaining functions for the LFOs To access the LFO settings press the MENU button labelled LFO as shown in the following example VALUE Par d a E 4 DOWN EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT PART PORTAVIRIGGER MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator in the LFO button will light and the main display will now alternate between the first function and its current value as shown below BANK PROG BANK PROG gt Display alternates A
41. he filtered frequency band being set by the position of the FREQUENCY control At or near the fully clockwise position the HIGH PASS filter type will be selected HIGH PASS This type of filter allows the high frequency elements to pass whilst reducing the lower frequencies as the FREQUENCY control is moved clockwise RESONANCE RES MOD This control has two functions determined by the SHIFT button When the SHIFT function is NOT selected SHIFT LED Off this control sets the boost level of the frequencies around the cut off point as set by the FREQUENCY control At the fully anti clockwise position there is no boost As the control is moved in a clockwise direction the frequencies will be gradually increased until at the fully clockwise position the resonance will reach self oscillation producing a new pitched element similar to acoustic feedback When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control sets the level of resonance modulation At the 12 o clock position there will be no resonance modulation As the knob is moved an anti clockwise direction the amount of resonance modulation will become more and more pronounced in a negative manner As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the amount of resonance modulation will become more and more pronounced in a positive manner see FILTER MENU below for details on selecting the resonance modulation source ENV MOD LFO 2 MOD This control has two functions dete
42. iled on page 6 Check the MIDI transmit recieve channels on the sequencer s record channel match those on DARKSTAR and when you re ready press RECORD on the sequencer Whilst the sequencer is recording move any knobs switches to transmit the MIDI data When you re happy with the control changes STOP the sequencer Now reset the MIDI sequence to the beginning and press PLAY to hear the changes re played precisely as you recorded them See the MIDI implementation chart at the end of this booklet for detailed MIDI controller information UTILITY MODE _ m The Utility section contains MIDI System Exclusive functions for saving programs to an external MIDI device Using sysex dumps you can create an unlimited library of sounds and programs for instant recall at any time To enter utility mode press the UTILITY button once as in the following example BO UTILITY e lt Indicator on Utility mode The parameters in utility mode are as follows UTILITY 1 PROTECT ON OFF This is where you enable DARKSTAR to overwrite existing programs System exclusive bulk dump messages from an external MIDI storage device can only be received and stored in memory when the protect is set to OFF With utility mode 1 selected the display will alternate between PROG BANK PROG Display alternates between BANK f Ls rm Default setting Protect On PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE Use the menu EDIT VALU
43. ility mode 3 selected the display will alternate between BANK PROG BANK PROG Lu _ Display alternates rn 1 between Ready to transmit PROGRAM pus PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE Ensure the connected MIDI storage device is ready to receive the data Use the menu EDIT VALUE or VALUE button to transmit the program as shown in the following example BANK PROG VALUE OA Press the TVALUE 4 p L im x x Program sending and VALUE buttons to transmit the program PARAMETER CC mn VALUE lt 31 gt OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION UTILITY 4 SAVE ALL PROGRAMS 1 32 This feature allows you to save the ower group of 32 PROGRAMS together as one sysex dump Use the menu EDIT MENU UP button to select this feature With utility mode 4 selected the display will alternate between a nos BANK PROG L uu Display alternat 1 MW LE kr c e gt H Ready to transmit ALL PROGRAMS 1 to 32 PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE Ensure the connected MIDI storage device is ready to receive the data Use the menu EDIT VALUE or VALUE button to transmit the program as shown in the following example BANK PROG VALUE 70 Press the VALUE 4 gt Bl X m es lt Programs 1 32 sending and VALUE buttons
44. j lt New selection button to change selection MENU m PORTAMENTO TYPE Vo PARAMETER EDIT OSCILLATORS VALUE The selections are OFF No portamento will be applied Type 1 The portamento starts from the current pitch of the last note played Type 2 The portamento starts from the current pitch of the voice used for the new note Pre glide 1 The portamento starts 2 semitones above the note pitch Pre glide 2 The portamento starts 2 semitones below the note pitch Pre glide 3 The portamento starts 5 semitones above the note pitch Pre glide 4 The portamento starts 5 semitones below the note pitch Pre glide 5 The portamento starts 12 semitones above the note pitch Pre glide 6 The portamento starts 12 semitones below the note pitch NOTE For monophonic parts polyphony set to 1 voice portamento TYPE s 1 and 2 will have the same effect Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows BANK PROG VALUE u Press the VALUE gt _ setting Pre glide 2 yy L and VALUE buttons M5 LU to change the setting V var Maen PARAMETER AUTO GLIDE TRIGGERING This function introduces a glide between notes without re triggering the envelopes As featured on many classic monophonic synthesizers 1 voice only this guitar style glide occurs on DARKSTAR when a note is held down and a second note is played if the PART polypho
45. lator 1 amp 2 balanced MIXER RING MODULATION Ring modulation occurs when the two sound sources are multiplied together and this gives the resultant sound a powerful metallic edge To introduce ring modulation on both sound sources simultaneously move the joystick away from the due South position as shown in the following example DarkStar Synthesizer g TIE lt Ring Modulation maximum setting on both sound sources in OE osc 1 Hera Osc 2 MIXER To introduce high levels of ring modulation on one sound source more than the other move the joystick away from the centre line towards the North West or North East positions as shown in the following example RING MODULATION g E RING MODULATION lax Q z g z g lt Ring Modulation mainly oscillator 2 Ring Modulation Mox mainly oscillator 1 Min Min Min e Min osc 11011 osc2 Oscl prrss irr osc2 MIXER MIXER Try moving the joystick around its axis whilst making changes to the filter FREQUENCY and RESONANCE controls to hear how these controls react with one another C17 gt OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION MULTITIMBRAL PARTS A This section of DARKSTAR lets you to set up to five different sounds on each program for multiple sound generation You can specify the number of voices note range transposition MIDI channel and other parameters for each individual sou
46. moved in an anti clockwise direction the oscillators tuning will become more Flat with a total negative detune of 2 semitones available at the fully anti clockwise position As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the oscillators tuning will become more Sharp with a total positive detune of 2 semitones available at the fully clockwise position Small variations in the oscillators relative tuning will fatten up a sound giving it a rich texture Larger amounts of detuning create a more extreme effect OSCILLATOR MENU This section contains the remaining functions for the oscillators To access these settings press the MENU button labelled OSCILLATORS as shown in the following example VALUE m CA _ gt gt gt gt gt gt MENU MENU DOWN EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT LFO PART PORTA TRIGGER MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator in the OSCILLATOR button will light and the main display will now alternate between the first function and its current value as shown below BANK PROG BANK PROG Function I m Pitch Modulation gt Display alternates gt n First selection source between am Envelope 1 PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE There are 4 functions in the oscillator menu with multiple settings as detailed in the following paragraphs 1 Pitch Modulation Source This function allows you to derive the selected oscillator s
47. nction allows you to set the LOW note range for the selected PART By allocating groups of notes to each PART you can play up to five different sounds simultaneously on a single keyboard using just one MIDI channel With the third menu function selected the main display will alternate as follows BANK PROG BANK PROG Note Range LOW between value 60 C3 PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE 0 to 100 notes limited by setting of NOTE RANGE HIGH e g the highest LOW NOTE value will be determined by the note value set in NOTE RANGE HIGH see next section OWNERS MANUAL OPERATION Use the menu EDIT VALUE and VALUE buttons to change the setting as follows and VALUE buttons value 36 C1 to change the setting PARAMETER mr Oscuwos VALUE VALUE a Press the TVALUE lt lt lt New setting MIDI note 4 NOTE RANGE HIGH This function allows you to set the HIGH note range for the selected PART The lowest HIGH NOTE value will be determined by the note value set in NOTE RANGE LOW With the fourth menu function selected the main display will alternate as follows BANK PROG BANK PROG Function nme L H alternates _ Setting MIDI note Note Range HIGH etween value 72 C4 PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE 0 to 100 notes limited by setting of NOTE RANGE LOW Use the menu EDIT VALUE
48. nd so that for instance a fat dirty bass sound can be played right alongside a warm string sound simultaneously on the same keyboard When connected to a MIDI sequencer you can really get the maximum sound generating power out of DARKSTAR by setting each PART to different MIDI channels for complex synthesizer layering The five PARTS SELECT buttons grouped beneath the joystick mixer are used to select the active PART for editing When a PART button indicator is on any changes to the front panel controls and or MENU functions will be applied to that part only Current PART PART 1 B B 1 2 3 4 5 PART SELECT To select another PART press the required PART button as shown in the following example B Kop 4 New PART PART 4 e o PART SELECT PART COPY You can copy all the parameter settings from one PART to another This allows you to quickly build up powerful unison sounds on a single MIDI channel see page 26 for further details Before creating the sound for a PART you must first setup the basic structure which defines how the PART is played and what limitations will apply in relation to the other PARTS The following functions and associated parameters can be set for each part namely 1 MENU PART button POLYPHONY KEY TRANSPOSE NOTE RANGE LOW NOTE RANGE HIGH 2 MENU MIDI button MIDI CHANNEL SUSTAIN PITCH BEND RANGE 3 PART OUTPUT button OUTPUT LEVEL PANNING LEV
49. ny is set to 1 voice When PART polyphony is set to 2 voices and more than 2 notes are played the 3rd note played will steal the 1st note but the envelopes will not be re triggered TYPE 2 portamento will be used regardless of the current portamento setting If the 3rd note is released the 1st note will be re instated again without re triggering the envelopes This feature allows polyphonic auto glide To setup conventional auto glide the PART polyphony should be set to 1 AUTO GLIDE should be ON and PORTAMENTO type should be OFF To access the AUTO GLIDE function press the MENU button labelled PORTA TRIGGER as shown in the following example DarkStar Synthesizer OPERATION vau O a A EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER PORTA TRIGGER MIDI MODULATION MENU The indicator in the PORTA TRIGGER button will light and the main display will now alternate between the first function and its current value as shown below PROG BANK PROG aie ae gt BU id Bi ween gt d dui Auto glide between PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE OFF and ON VALUE uL oe mee vie pie Press the TVALUE 4 gt p li i lt New setting Auto glide ON and VALUE buttons to change the setting PARAMETER CC Em ocws OSCILLATORS VALUE OTHER MENU FUNCTIONS MODULATION The MODULATION function is also contained in the MENU section These settings determine the
50. or 2 Pulse Width Oscillator 1 Pulse Width Modulation Oscillator 2 Pulse Width Modulation Oscillator 1 Waveform Oscillator 2 Waveform Program Program No 1 64 Change True 0 63 0 63 On Master Channel Control Change OOOOOOOOOOxXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOX OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO System Exclusive System Clock X Clock Start Real Time Commands All sound off Reset all controllers Aux Local ON OFF Messages All Notes OFF Active sense System Reset Mode 1 OMNI ON POLY Mode 3 OMNI ON MONO Mode 2 OMNI OFF POLY Mode 4 OMNI OFF MONO Date 1st December 1999 Version 1 01 C X6 gt O Yes
51. rmined by the SHIFT button When the SHIFT function is NOT selected SHIFT LED Off this control sets the amount of change depth of the cut off frequency as set by the FREQUENCY control At the 12 o clock position there will be no change to the filter cut off frequency As the control is moved in an anti clockwise direction the filter will be increasingly opened by the audio modulation in a negative manner As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction from the centre position the filter will be increasingly opened by the audio modulation in a positive manner When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control sets the level of LFO 2 modulation At the 12 o clock position there will be no LFO 2 modulation applied As the knob is moved in an anti clockwise direction LFO 2 modulation will be applied more and more in a negative manner As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction from the centre position LFO 2 modulation will be applied more and more in a positive manner DarkStar Synthesizer FILTER MENU This section contains the remaining functions for the filter To access these settings labelled FILTER as shown in the following example i i EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT LFO PART PORTA TRIGGER MENU VALUE YN MENU UP The indicator in the FILTER button will light and the main display will now alternat its current value as shown below BAN PROG BANK PR
52. the pitch modulation will become positive first rising then falling At the fully clockwise position the modulation will be at its maximum positive depth See OSCILLATOR menu section below for further details on the pitch modulation source When the SHIFT function is selected SHIFT LED Flashing this control sets the amount of pulse width modulation or PWM for the selected oscillator when its WAVEFORM is set to SQUARE ru The PWM SOURCE can be set to LFO1 LFO2 ENV1 or ENV2 see OSCILLATOR menu with negative and positive modulations available At the 12 o clock position there will be no PWM As the knob is moved in an anti clockwise direction the variation in the pulse width will become more and more pronounced in a negative manner As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the variation in the pulse width will become more and more pronounced in a positive manner PULSE WIDTH This control sets the actual width of the pulse At the fully anti clockwise position the fundamental will be at its minimum producing an extremely thin sound As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the pulse width gets wider with progressively less high harmonics being added giving the sound a fuller timbre At the fully clockwise position the minimum and maximum values of the pulse width will be equal DETUNE This control sets the fine tuning for each oscillator At the 12 o clock position the oscillators tuning will be unaffected As the knob is
53. whilst the EDIT keypad is used to scroll up and down the menu and change the values 7 AUDITION This button can be used to trigger the currently selected PART amp PROGRAM This section features the PROGRAM and BANK buttons which are used to select the 8 banks of 8 programs total programs 64 9 PART OUTPUT This button is used to access the LEVEL PANNING TREMOLO and PORTAMENTO parameters for each individual PART PARAMETER VALUE DISPLAY This 4 digit LED display shows bank program numbers parameter information and edit values MIXER The joystick mixer adjusts the balance between OSCILLATORS 1 and 2 or external input and also sets the amount of RING MODULATION 12 UTILITY This button is used to access the SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE utility parameters OWNERS MANUAL e REAR PANEL C EX MIDI INPUT DARKSTAR eege 8 VOICE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER RED THRU RED Systems Ltd 7 EXTERNAL INPUTS 1 amp 2 RCA Phono Connectors Use these sockets to connect any external line level sound sources to DARKSTAR for filter envelope processing IN us 2 STEREO OUTPUT RCA Phono Connectors Use these sockets to connect DARKSTAR to your mixing desk or amplification system 3 MIDI IN OUT THRU Connectors MIDI data will be transmitted and received by these connectors 4 POWER Switch This turns th
54. will flash as shown in the following example Press and hold current PART button gt s d d PART indicator flashes gt ie P PART SELECT Now press the PART button which coincides with the desired destination as shown below Press and hold current PART button gt so a lt Press PART 1 copied to PART 5 50 ye gt lt PART 5 indicator lights PART SELECT momentarily to confirm transfer After copying the original PART will still be selected You can repeat this operation for other PARTS until the polyphony is used up Remember to save the program after editing has been completed DarkStar Synthesizer OPERATION D PROGRAMS This feature allows you to store all the DARKSTAR settings in memory for instant recall of your favourite sounds The position of every knob switch and even the joystick position can be memorised in 64 user definable program memories The MENU buttons are used to recall compare and store the programs To enter program mode press and hold down the PROGRAM button indicator ON as in the following example V lt To access Program Mode press amp hold down PROGRAM NOTE The functions within program mode can only be accessed whilst the PROGRAM button is held down The labelling above each button designates the program number from 1 to 8 RECALL To recall a program press any of the PROG buttons whilst holding down the PROGRAM button as in the following

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