Using Controllers
In addition to using the keyboard, the microSTATION
lets you control the sound by using the joystick, knobs
1–4, damper pedal, and foot switch or foot pedal.
These controls let you modify the tone, pitch, volume,
effects, etc. in realtime as you play.
Joystick
The joystick moves in four directions: left, right, up
(away from yourself), and down (towards yourself).
Each of the four directions can be used to control a
different function, such as modulating Program or
effects parameters. These assignments can be different
for every Program, but generally, they do the
following:
Standard Joystick functions
Controller
Move the joystick...
Name
Left
Right
Up (away from yourself )
Down (towards yourself )
Keyboard
Velocity
Velocity is a measure of how hard you play a note on
the keyboard. This can be used to modulate many
different aspects of the sound, such as volume,
brightness, or the character of the attack.
Note Number
Sounds can be programmed to change in character
based on the note being played.
As you play higher or lower on the keyboard, the note
number can modulate the timbre–such as becoming
brighter as you play higher. Envelopes may also
become faster or slower; the volume may change; and
so on.
Normally controls...
JS–X
Pitch bend down
JS+X
Pitch bend up
JS+Y
Vibrato
JS–Y
Filter LFO (wah)
Basic Information Using Controllers
Realtime Controls
The realtime controls consists of four knobs and two
buttons (SELECT and EXTERNAL).
You can use the realtime controls to:
• Apply modulation to sounds, or control the tone.
• Control the arpeggiator.
• Control an external MIDI device.
1. Press the REALTIME CONTROLS SELECT button
to select the set of functions that you want to
control (modes A–C), and then use knobs 1–4.
The REALTIME CONTROLS SELECT button lets
you choose one of the following three sets of
functions.
A mode and B mode: The knobs will modify the
sounds or effects.
C mode: The knobs will control the arpeggiator and
the tempo.
You are free to switch between these sets of
functions without affecting the content you've
edited in each different realtime control mode.
2. Press the REALTIME CONTROLS EXTERNAL
button, and use knobs 1–4.
The realtime controls will be in External mode.
Moving the knobs will transmit MIDI messages,
allowing you to control an external MIDI device.
The function of each knob can be specified in
GLOBAL/MEDIA: MIDI ‐ External Setup.
When you move a knob in the region of its
minimum or maximum value, there might be a
slight discrepancy between the value and the
knob's position.
Adjusting the tempo
In realtime control C mode, knob 4 (TEMPO) adjusts
the overall tempo of the entire microSTATION, which
will affect the items listed below.
When adjusting the tempo, the LED will blink at
quarter‐note intervals.
• Arpeggiator
• Sequencer mode songs
• Tempo sync LFO
• Tempo sync (BPM) delay effects
Note: Knob 4 (TEMPO) will not function if the
GLOBAL/MEDIA: MIDI ‐ MIDI Clock setting "Clock"
is set to Ext.MIDI or Ext.USB, or if this is set to Auto
and MIDI clock is being received.
You cannot change the tempo of the program
audition function. Knob 4 will not function while
the audition is playing.
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