Quasimidi POLYMORPH Operating Instructions Manual
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Quasimidi POLYMORPH Operating Instructions Manual

Sequencer / synthesizer
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POLYMORPH

Operating Instructions

POWER
MIDI:
IN
ON / OFF
OSCILLATORS
OSCILLATORS
PW
OSCILLATOR-1
WAVE-1
TUNE
PW
OSCILLATOR-2
WAVE-2
TUNE
PW
OSCILLATOR-3
OR EXTERNAL
INPUTS
WAVE-3
TUNE
LFO 1-3
SIN
SWD
SWU
LFO-WAVE
SQR
TRL
RND
PWM
PITCH
STEP-MUTE
STEP-HOLD
CYCLE-
+
LENGTH
VALUE
SEQUENCE-
SELECT
1
QUASIMIDI POLYMORPH
OUT
THRU
HIGH-
PASS
+
+
ENV-MOD
LEVEL-1
CUTOFF
LOW-
PASS
+
SYNC
LEVEL-2
CUTOFF
+
LEVEL-3
LP 24 dB
LFO-RATE
LFO-DEPTH
VCO-FM
VCF-MOD
LINE-1
LINE-2
LINE-3
NOTE-FWD
+
+
+
VALUE
VALUE
VALUE
VALUE
2
3
4
5
MORPH-SEQUENCER
OUT-1
OUT-2
AUDIO
RESONANCE-FILTERS
RESONANCE-FILTERS
HP-ENV
+
RESONANCE
ENV-MOD
LP-ENV
+
RESONANCE
ENV-MOD
VCA-ENV
dB
RESO.
CUTOFF-FREQ.
EDIT
COMPARE
PAGE
START/STOP
F1
F2
FORWARD
BACKWARD
RANDOM
+
+
+
+
VALUE
VALUE
VALUE
6
7
8
ANALOG-EMULATION-SYNTHESIS BY QUASIMIDI
QUASIMIDI
OUT-3
OUT-4
IN-1
IN-2
ENVELOPE-GENERATORS
ENVELOPE-GENERATORS
ATTACK
DECAY
SUSTAIN
RELEASE
ATTACK
DECAY
SUSTAIN
RELEASE
ATTACK
DECAY
SUSTAIN
RELEASE
WRITE
EXIT
VALUE-TEMPO
SOUND
MODE
MODE
UNISON
ROTATE
MULTI
STACK
MIX-VOL-1
MIX-VOL-2
MIX-VOL-3
MIX-VOL-4
SEL-1
SEL-2
SEL-3
SEL-4
MIXER
EXPANSION-SLOTS
SEE BOTTOM-PLATE
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
VOLUME
PHONES
32 OHM
MULTI-EFFECT-
ALGORITHMS
Space-Distortion 1
Space-Distortion 2
Bright-Distortion 1
Bright-Distortion 2
EQ-Pan-Delay
Super-Chorus
Super-Flanger
Multitap-Delay

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Summary of Contents for Quasimidi POLYMORPH

  • Page 1: Operating Instructions

    MULTI STACK Bright-Distortion 1 STEP-MUTE Bright-Distortion 2 EQ-Pan-Delay STEP-HOLD Super-Chorus CYCLE- Super-Flanger LENGTH VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE MIX-VOL-1 MIX-VOL-2 MIX-VOL-3 MIX-VOL-4 SEQUENCE- Multitap-Delay SELECT SEL-1 SEL-2 SEL-3 SEL-4 MORPH-SEQUENCER MIXER QUASIMIDI POLYMORPH ANALOG-EMULATION-SYNTHESIS BY QUASIMIDI QUASIMIDI...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Sequencer section ......20 The Synthesizers of the POLYMORPH ....... . 22 Initializing to a neutral single sound .
  • Page 3 Warranty conditions........66 Technical data of POLYMORPH....... 67...
  • Page 4 Important safety instructions The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC NE PAS OUVRIR shock to persons.

  • Page 5: Important Notes

    Important Notes In addition to the "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" on the previous page please note the following: Important Notes Connecting to the Mains: - Do not connect the unit to a socket which is already feeding other units that can cause interference (for instance electric motors, light controls, fridges etc.) - The heat generated by the mains adaptor is completely normal.
  • Page 6 Important Notes Storage Protection: - The memory of the unit is secured with a Lithium battery (CR 2025). The storage contents will remain even when the unit is switched off. Depending on how it is treated, the battery will last for several years.

  • Page 7: Introduction

    Introduction Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the QUASIMIDI POLYMORPH. You can be sure that you have acquired one of the most modern electronic music instruments with many innovative features. By integrating the Morphing Sequencers with the expressive synthesizer engine, you have the ability to easily create sounds which most other synthesizers would find difficult if not impossible to copy.

  • Page 8: Installation And Audio Connections

    Basics Installation and Audio Connections The box in which the POLYMORPH is packaged is ideal for transportation. It is secured by molded-polystyrene supports. One of these also holds the power supply adaptor in a small box. power supply We recommend that you keep the box and polystyrene for future use, in case you want to transport the POLYMORPH for instance, or if you send it to QUASIMIDI for a software version update, it must be in the original packing.
  • Page 9 Connecting the POLYMORPH to a hi-fi system or portable stereo etc. From the point of view of connections, the POLYMORPH can be treated as if it were another CD player. Its output will be a similarly high line level and require a similar high impedance audio input stage such as any labelled LINE, AUX, TAPE, CD, DAT which usually have RCA/phono plugs and hence will fit the cables supplied by QUASIMIDI with your POLYMORPH.

  • Page 10: Trying Out The Setups (Factory Presets)

    Switch the amp on last, and start off with the volumes low until you have optimised the settings such as treble / mid / bass etc. The POLYMORPH will playback some drum patterns if you press the [START/STOP] button.
  • Page 11 Choosing Sounds Directly after turning the POLYMORPH on it is in the "SETUP" mode. If you turn the <SOUND> dial in this mode, not only the sound of the chosen parts will be changed, but also the sound of all 4 parts and the assigned sequencer memories.

  • Page 12: Description Of The Operating Surface

    Basics Description of the operating surface On the illustration below you see the operator controls of the POLYMORPH. This diagram in conjunction with the explanations will clarify 80% of the operation of the POLYMORPH. In this chapter you'll find the answers to most of your questions.

  • Page 13: Functions Of The Mixer / Turning Sequencer On And Off

    This dial is for the selection of sounds or to call up complete setups. After turning on the POLYMORPH is in the "setup" mode. A setup can be thought as a complete memory copy of the preset settings. All parameters are saved in setups except system menus. This mode is confirmed on the top left side of the display.

  • Page 14: Oscillators - Waveform Generators

    All four parts are independent from each other and can be driven on 4 MIDI channels. The specific MIDI channels can be set in the system menu of the POLYMORPH. The first part reacts on the MIDI channel that is set as master channel in the system menu. Parts 2-4 lay behind with a rising MIDI channel number.

  • Page 15: Resonance-Filters - Resonance Capable Filters

    <LEVEL1-3> - LEVELS 1-3 These controls set the volume of each oscillator independently from one another. When <LEVEL 3> is turned completely to the left, the 3rd oscillator is turned off and the POLYMORPH's polyphony is doubled from 8 to 16 voices.
  • Page 16 LOWPASS - LOW PASS FILTER The POLYMORPH's other filter is a low-pass filter, which has a switchable rolloff curve of either 12dB or 24dB per octave. The LPF filters out the treble above the set cutoff frequency and only lets the bass through.

  • Page 17: Envelope-Generators

    The envelope starts when it is triggered by the user eg. by playing a key on the keyboard. The POLYMORPH has four independent envelope generators. Three of these can be controlled directly on the operating surface. These three envelopes each have four parameters and are placed under each other in order.

  • Page 18: Lfo 1-3 Modulation Oscillators

    For the VCA-EG, if the sustain level is regulated to 0, the POLYMORPH sound would end after the decay phase regardless of how long the key is held. If the sustain level is higher than 0, the corresponding tone will be held until the key is released and the release time is finished.
  • Page 19 Basics The LFO provides a cyclical (recurring or repeating) change of a parameter. The POLYMORPH has 3 LFOs. You have 3 buttons to choose which of the 3 LFOs you would like to work with. All of these LFOs have a fixed modulation destination.

  • Page 20: Sequencer Section

    [PAGE-RIGHT] the lower line on the display will show for a short time the following: Seq Steps 9-16 If this does not occur you are in an edit menu of the POLYMORPH and will have to push [EXIT] to leave the edit sector.
  • Page 21 MIDI notes. There will be more in the chapter "The Morphing sequencer of the POLYMORPH" on page 38. In addition the POLYMORPH has a sequencer memory, independent from the setup memory, with 50-memory locations. This memory storage can be selected by holding down [SEQUENCE-SELECT] and turning <VALUE-TEMPO>.

  • Page 22: The Synthesizers Of The Polymorph

    The Synthesizers of the POLYMORPH The Synthesizers of the POLYMORPH In this chapter you will learn the POLYMORPH in more detail. To understand the different synthesizer parameters, start with the simplest sound, the initialized basic sound. After this you will learn everything about oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs etc.

  • Page 23: Oscillator Synchronization

    In this operating mode the frequency of the auxiliary oscillator is controlled by <WAVE>. To illustrate a view of the waveform, the POLYMORPH displays it as Sync 0-127. Now push [SYNC] in the oscillator section and listen to the results of the waveforms.

  • Page 24: Oscillator 2&3

    POLYMORPH. Simply connect an audio source like a CD-Player or a second synthesizer to the Inputs 1 and 2 of the POLYMORPH. Now you can select this audio signal as Ext-In 1 or Ext-In 2 like a normal waveform of the third Oscillator and can be processed the same way by the synthesis and the effects of the POLYMORPH.

  • Page 25: Volume Of Oscillator 2 & 3

    PART PLAY MODE AND PORTAMENTO EFFECT (GLIDE): MENU PAGE 13 15 On menu page 13 you can change the play mode of the chosen parts. The POLYMORPH offers polyphonic (several voices) and monophonic (single voice) operation. In addition you can turn off a complete part.

  • Page 26: The Oscillator Envelope:menu Pages 16 - 19

    Edit Part1 OSC <19> PWM-EG: +0 On the user surface of the POLYMORPH you find <ENV-MOD>. Depending on the operation mode of the first oscillator this has different functions. Oscillator 1 without sync: The pitch of all three oscillators is modulated.

  • Page 27: Pulse Width Modulation

    [VCO-FM]. Edit Part1 OSC <24> FM-Wave: SIN You should be able to hear the difference between the waveforms. The following waveforms are provided to the POLYMORPH from the LFOs: SIN = sine SWD = sawtooth down SWU = sawtooth up...

  • Page 28: The Filter Section Of The Polymorph

    The Synthesizers of the POLYMORPH The filter section of the POLYMORPH Initializing to a neutral single sound For the following example with the filters of the POLYMORPH, create a light sustained sound initially: Push [WRITE]. Select menu page 4 with [PAGE < >]. This appears: <4>...

  • Page 29: Filter Couple: Menu

    Edit Part1 FILTR |1> VCFTyp:PAR24 Both of the filters of the POLYMORPH can be driven in parallel or series. When both filters are connected in series they can be used as a band pass filter (low and high frequencies are damped, middle frequencies are let through).

  • Page 30: Low-Pass Filter Parameters: Menu Pages 12 - 18

    On these menu pages you can adjust how the cutoff frequencies of both filters are modulated by See page 18 LFO-3. Most parameters are found on the surface of the POLYMORPH. They are explained in section "LFO 1-3 modulation oscillator" of "The function of the controls and buttons" chapter. Only menu pages 24 and 25 offer extra possibilities.

  • Page 31: The Amp (Amplifier) Section

    In general, this smooths the volume of the sound, but also the dynamic range. The amplifier of the POLYMORPH also has it's own envelope, which controls the compressor attack and release behaviour. The amp menu of the POLYMORPH not only has the controllable amplifier (VCA) and its envelope, but also the volume and panpot of the mixer.

  • Page 32: Volume Modulation: Menu

    The effects of the POLYMORPH In comparison to most of the other synthesizers the POLYMORPH offers a very luxurious supply of effects. It's not only that the POLYMORPH has 4 different effect processors, but it provides these fourfold.

  • Page 33: The Equalizer Section

    The Equalizer Section The effect section of the POLYMORPH has for every part a two-band sweep equalizer. You can adjust the centre frequency and the boost and cut of each band. This way you can give your sounds the finishing touch.

  • Page 34: The Fx-1 And The Fx-2 Sections

    FX-1 and FX-2 that are available with the results of the value range for the delay time. The delay effects can also be synchronized to MIDI clock or for example the morphing sequencer of the POLYMORPH. In the table you will find a column that shows the synchronized corresponding note values.

  • Page 35: Effect Volume (Level): Menu

    The Synthesizers of the POLYMORPH *When calling up a delay effect a synchronized delay time will be pre-set. That's why you can change the different note values by calling up the basic types. EFFECT VOLUME (LEVEL): MENU PAGE 2 On menu page 2 you can control the effect volume: Edit Part1 FX1 <2>...

  • Page 36: The Controller Edit Menu

    At "64" you have a linear path. At 127 the touch curve is moved up. Then you do not have to play harder (you don't need a dynamic value of 127) to reach the highest touch value of the POLYMORPH. Value:...

  • Page 37: Modulations Wheel Assignment: Menu

    Modulations wheel assignment: menu page 4-5 Menu pages 4 and 5 allow you to assign POLYMORPH controllers to the modulation wheel (MIDI controller 1). On menu page 4 you can select the modulation destination and on menu page 5 you can change the strength and polarity of the control.

  • Page 38: The Morphing Sequencers Of The Polymorph

    "Anyone can play the synthesizer. One doesn't have to know anything." See page 20 You were familiarized with the basic possibilities of the POLYMORPH sequencer in section "sequencer section" in chapter "The function of the controls and buttons". Now we are coming to the extensive possibilities that you find in the sequencer edit menu.

  • Page 39: Transposing: Menu

    The morphing sequencers of the POLYMORPH Of interest is the combination of different resolutions giving exciting sequences. This parameter can be individually adjusted for every one of the four sequences. Select the desired sequence with [SEL 1-4]. Transposing: menu page 3 On this menu page you can transpose the pitch up and down in semitone steps, separately on all of the four sequencers.

  • Page 40: Ext1 - 16" Starting A Sequence From An External Midi Note

    Some sequences sound great, but they don't fit to a synchronized drum computer. It seems as though the first beat of the drum computer is not on the first beat of the POLYMORPH sequencer. In addition when the setup changes it seems as though the POLYMORPH stumbles. The reason is that when entering the notes in the sequencer, one doesn't notice that the metrum has been moved one or more steps backward or forward.

  • Page 41: Real-Time Transposing: Menu Pages 7 - 11

    The notes in between these two borders will be obtained for transposing. If the transpose midi channel corresponds with one of the four parts of the POLYMORPH, notes on the outside of the range are used to play as normal tones. The notes inside of this range are not used to play as normal notes.

  • Page 42: Transpose / Muting Subsets

    The morphing sequencers of the POLYMORPH Transpose / muting subsets When listening to the pre-programmed setups you probably noticed the variations, which can be called up with [NUMBER 1-8]. These variations are subsets for the actual setups. For all of the eight subsets you can: Decide which of the four sequences are played or not when selecting the subsets.

  • Page 43: The Combination Of The Synthesizer Parts With The Sequencer Setups

    Of course you can always fall back on the single sounds, which are saved on the inside of a setup in the POLYMORPH. When you change a sound inside of a setup, the original sound will not be touched. Rather the setup makes a copy of the original sound and saves it as a part the complete setup.

  • Page 44: The System Menu

    The functions of the single outputs: Menu page 4 The POLYMORPH has 4 single outputs. So it can send out 4 parts on separate outputs. Where FX2 is producing a stereo effect, then keeping the parts together would be preferable. The advantages of the single outputs are sometimes less interesting than the stereo effect.

  • Page 45: Local On/Off: Menu

    Local off operation. When starting the morphing sequencers there will be no sounds produced. Edit System/MIDI <5> Local: ON Use the local off mode, when you want to record the sequencers of the POLYMORPH into an external sequencer. MIDI-Synchronization: Menu page 6 On menu page 6 you can switch the morphing sequencer of the POLYMORPH to an external synchronization.

  • Page 46: Midi Output Filter

    On menu pages 11-14 you can choose what MIDI data from the POLYMORPH will be sent out. Edit System/MIDI <11> TXClock: ON You decide in this menu, if the POLYMORPH clock information is sent or not. Only when it is sent can the other instruments like the RAVE-O-LUTION 309 run in synchronized Tempo with the POLYMORPH.

  • Page 47: Sysex Dump Tempo: Menu

    The working speed of different types of MIDI equipment differs. Some choke when too much MIDI data is being received at once at the input. That is why the POLYMORPH can be adapted to a MIDI filer, external sequencer, computer etc. The dump speed has three transfer speeds to make these devices more compatible.

  • Page 48: The Write Menu

    The write menu The write menu is about storing data internally and externally via MIDI, and also initializing the POLYMORPH. Storing a setup The setup memory saves all updated settings with exception of the system menu. You can store the settings of all four parts, all effect settings of the parts and the complete sequencer data easily in the 64 memory banks.

  • Page 49: Storing A Sequence

    In the sequencer memory the sequence of the recently selected part will be stored. The POLYMORPH has 50 of these memory slots. This extra memory area is for the exchange of sequences between the single setups. The sequencer memory holds the following parameters: Assigning the parameter to the rows Line 1-3.

  • Page 50: Initializing The Complete Memory/ Reloading Of The Factory Settings

    If you would like to go back to the original factory settings, you can completely initialize the POLYMORPH. When replacing the battery or after an update an initialization has to be made. CAUTION!! When initializing you lose all of your saved data.

  • Page 51: Initializing A Setup

    Initializing the effect section of a sound/FX-Bypass function With this function the Effect section of a sound can be initialized or be loaded with preset standard values. These preset settings are also printed on the surface of the POLYMORPH. Let's see how to do it: Push [WRITE] to get in the write menu.

  • Page 52: Initializing A Sequence

    "dumping". System exclusive data is sent over the MIDI interface for data archiving. When the memory of the POLYMORPH is full and you want to program further, you have the possibility to save the sounds in a computer or MIDI data filer. Afterwards you can create new sound bank without having to lose the finished ones.

  • Page 53: Send Temp - Sending The Momentary Settings

    In connection with a software sequencer the dumping function works well, because at the beginning of a song you can send the complete active settings to the POLYMORPH. Do the following to send the momentary condition of the POLYMORPH over MIDI: Push [WRITE] to get in the write menu.

  • Page 54: Send Setups - Sending Of The Setup Memory

    Leave the write menu with [EXIT]. Send all - Send all POLYMORPH settings With this function you can archive externally the complete memory of the POLYMORPH. Push [WRITE] to get into the write menu. By using [PAGE<>] select page 12. The display shows: <12>...

  • Page 55: Appendix

    MIDI Implementation of the POLYMORPH APPENDIX MIDI Implementation of the POLYMORPH Function Transmitted Recognized Default Basic Channel Changed 1-16 1-16 Default Mode 3b* Mode 3b* Mode Changed Mode 3b, Mode 4 Mode 3b, Mode 4 (M=1)* 1-127 1-127 Note Number...

  • Page 56: List Of The Midi-Controllers

    All controls of the POLYMORPH are transmitted on MIDI with “MIDI-Controllers”. That way, all sound changes on the POLYMORPH can be recorded into an external sequencer. In the following list you can see, which MIDI-Controller is responsible for which parameter on your POLYMORPH.
  • Page 57 List of the MIDI-Controllers Parameter Seq.Assignable Mod.Assignable OSC Attack OSC Decay Pitch EG amount PWM EG amount OSC1 Wave Coarse Tune OSC2 Wave OSC2 Interval OSC2 Detune Hold (only if HOLDPEDAL=ON) Portamento ON/OFF Pitchbend Sensitivity Algorithm (Sync,12dB/24dB,ser./par.) OSC3 Wave OSC3 Interval OSC3 Detune OSC3 Level FX1 Feedback Filter...

  • Page 58: Polymorph System-Exclusive Format

    POLYMORPH System-Exclusive Format POLYMORPH System-Exclusive Format Request Data from device Byte Value Remarks System Exclusive start command QUASIMIDI id number device number = system channel-1 POLYMORPH id number (R)equest data adress high adress mid adress low data count high (2 bit)
  • Page 59 POLYMORPH System-Exclusive Format 04 08 00 -"- part 4 sequence 04 09 00 reserved 04 7F 00 -"- 05 00 00 setup 2 common parameter 43 08 00 setup 64 part 4 sequence 44 00 00 reserved 7F 7F 00 -"-...
  • Page 60 POLYMORPH System-Exclusive Format osc 2 level 0..127 osc 3 wave 0..32 osc 3 coarse tune 0..48 (32"..2") osc 3 tune 0..127 osc 3 level 0..127 filter input 27..127 (0..100) hpf cutfreq 0..127 hpf resonance 0..127 hpf dyn amount 0..127 (-64..+63) lpf cutfreq 0..127...
  • Page 61 (Expension Board 2 exists (00=no, 01=yes)) 10..13 v v v v Version no. (4 ascii characters, i.e '1.00') end of System Exclusive * note that if cc = 7F the POLYMORPH respond regardless of what master channel it is on...

  • Page 62: Graphical Overview Of The Edit Menus

    Graphical Overview of the edit menus Graphical Overview of the edit menus...
  • Page 63 Graphical Overview of the edit menus...

  • Page 64: List Of The Single-Sounds

    List of the Single-Sounds List of the Single-Sounds The following list gives you an overview over the 128 available single sounds of the User Bank (U001-U128). These sounds can be selected via MIDI program changes. U001 SeqSound U033 Clavinet U065 Vangelis U097 MKS 50 U002 Bassline U034 Organ 2...

  • Page 65: List Of The Setups

    List of the Setups List of the Setups Also the setups can be called up via MIDI. Use the MIDI channel which is 4 above the system channel (RxSetChg=ON in System Edit!). Sp01 Dr.RELAX Sp17 CIRCLEB Sp33 Filter Sp49 Iteratio Sp02 SUBSONIC Sp18 CIRCLEC Sp34 Argon...

  • Page 66: Warranty Conditions

    Fill out the Registration card and send to the preprinted address on the front of the card. How to Validate the Warranty: To validate the Warranty, fill out the Warranty card and return it to QUASIMIDI within ten days from the date of purchase.

  • Page 67: Technical Data Of Polymorph

    Play mode: Multitimbral, stack, rotate and unison mode Oscillator bank: Based on ANALOG EMULATION SYNTHESIS by QUASIMIDI; 3 independent Oscillators per voice, wave forms: sine, triangle, sawtooth, rectangle, pulse, noise, complex wave spectrums; own pitch envelope for Oscillators, Sync, Pulse width modulation, and wave morphing Filter section: 24 / 12 dB low-pass filter with resonance and ist own envelope generator;...

  • Page 69: Contact Address

    Contact address Contact address QUASIMIDI-Musikelektronik GmbH Bahnhofstr. 44 35282 Rauschenberg GERMANY Phone: +49-6425-93000 Fax: +49-6425-930093 Internet: www.quasimidi.com E-mail: info@quasimidi.com...

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