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something unexpected will happen. You will have to route the Altura through software to redirect
this control number, or avoid touching this knob when in Pitch Bend function.
Turn the DATA NEAR knob to display numbers
Zone that separates the Bend Up zone from the Bend Down zone. On startup, the Altura
defaults to Function 1: Pitch Bend, and the neutral zone will default based on the physical
position of the DATA NEAR knob. At 127, you will find a large piece of air where the pitch
remains unaffected. Change it to zero and the neutral zone will essentially disappear: you will
find it difficult to return a bent note to its original pitch, except by simply removing your left hand.
When using the Altura in Pitch Bend mode, set the neutral zone to whatever value suits your
need.
You will find the Altura lacks the resolution to use the Pitch Bend to produce precise, subtle
vibrato effects characteristic of the original theremin. Use the Modulation effect for this instead.
FUNCTION 2: MODULATION
Function 2 emulates the behavior of the Mod Wheel on a conventional MIDI controller. It
transmits a value from 0 – 127, as determined by the left sensor, to Control #2 on the currently
selected Send channel.
Turn DATA FAR all the way left to display 0. Turn DATA NEAR all the way right to display 127.
Move your hand near, the number rises, and you should hear note modulation, usually a tremolo
effect. Move your hand far away, the number falls, and the effect diminishes. You can reverse the
effect by swapping the numbers. The controller acts like a mid-air slider: move your hand to the
desired value; remove it and the value will "stick". This behavior is the same across Functions 2 –
6. Note that changing the Data knob values will have no effect until you wave your hand in front
of the left sensor. Only this will trigger transmission of a MIDI message.
On the Macchiato Mini Synth, Modulation controls the Depth of the Low Frequency Oscillator
(LFO). (You won't hear any effect if the Rate knob is set to Minimum!) Touching the Depth
knob on the Macchiato will override the Altura. Using the Altura will override the knob on the
Macchiato.
FUNCTION 3: NOTE-ON VELOCITY
This function emulates the role of key velocity on a conventional keyboard. The Altura reads
values 0 – 127 as determined by the left sensor, and combines this with pitch data from the right
sensor. Whenever the Altura detects it is time to transmit a new Note On message, it combines
the current velocity value with the current Pitch value into a single Note On message transmitted
on the currently selected Send channel. The Note On velocity defaults to 127 upon startup of the
Altura. Use the DATA NEAR and FAR knobs to set a maximum and minimum value for velocity.
(Keeping a minimum velocity around 30 will prevent you from accidentally silencing your Altura!)
You won't actually hear an effect until you wave your hands in front of both sensors.
. This changes the size of the Neutral
0 - 127
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