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INTRODUCTION
DARKSTAR SYNTHESIS
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 DARKSTAR 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!
1
OWNERS MANUAL
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Red Sound DarkStar
Summary of Contents for Red Sound DarkStar
- Page 1 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.
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Page 2: Front Panel
FRONT PANEL FRONT PANEL DarkStar Synthesizer... -
Page 3: Front Panel Features
FRONT PANEL FEATURES FRONT PANEL FEATURES FRONT PANEL FEATURES OSCILLATORS: This section features [WAVEFORM], [PITCH MOD], [PULSE WIDTH] and [DETUNE] controls for each oscillator. The large [OSCILLATOR] button switches between oscillators 1 & 2. The [SHIFT] button is used to access the [OSC 2 PITCH] and [PWM] controls in the oscillator sub-menu. ENVELOPES: This section features [ATTACK], [DECAY], [SUSTAIN] and [RELEASE] controls for each envelope. -
Page 4: Rear Panel
MADE IN ENGLAND EXTERNAL INPUTS 1&2 - RCA Phono Connectors Use these sockets to connect any external line level sound sources to DARKSTAR for filter/envelope processing. STEREO OUTPUT - RCA Phono Connectors Use these sockets to connect DARKSTAR to your mixing desk or amplification system. - Page 5 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS OWNERS MANUAL...
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Page 6: Quick Start
Before making any connections, make sure that the power on all your equipment is turned OFF. Connect the power supply (included) to the ‘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. -
Page 7: Operation
Oscillator 1 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. - Page 8 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 PITCH modulation from one of four different sources. The selections are: DarkStar Synthesizer...
- Page 9 OPERATION OPERATION Envelope1 - The settings of envelope 1 controls will affect the oscillators pitch. The settings of envelope 2 controls will affect the oscillators pitch. Envelope 2 - LFO1 - The settings of the LFO1 controls will affect the oscillators pitch. LFO2 - The settings of the LFO2 controls will affect the oscillators pitch.
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Page 10: Envelope Section
Envelope 2 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. -
Page 11: Lfo Section
LFO1 LFO2 This section of DARKSTAR features 2 LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) which make regular electronic 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. - Page 12 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 Function = Display alternates Setting = ON Key Synchronisation between PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE DarkStar Synthesizer...
- Page 13 Filter Off Filter On 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.
- Page 14 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...
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Page 15: Filter Menu
FILTER MENU This section contains the remaining functions for the filter. To access these settings labelled [FILTER], as shown in the following example: VALUE MENU MENU DOWN VALUE EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT PART PORTA/TRIGGER MENU The indicator in the [FILTER] button will light and the main display will now alternate its current value, as shown below: BANK PROG... - Page 16 OSC 2 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 &...
- Page 17 OPERATION OPERATION RING MODULATION Ring Modulation = maximum setting on both sound sources OSC 1 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 RING MODULATION...
- Page 18 OPERATION MULTITIMBRAL PARTS 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 sound so that for instance, a fat dirty bass sound can be played right alongside a warm string sound simultaneously on the same keyboard.
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Page 19: Key Transpose
OPERATION OPERATION With this first menu function selected the main display will alternate as follows: BANK PROG BANK PROG Display alternates Setting = 6 voices Function = between Polyphony PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE = 0 to 8 notes/voices Use the menu [EDIT - VALUE + and VALUE -] buttons to change the setting as follows: BANK PROG VALUE... -
Page 20: Midi Channel
MIDI controller data on the selected channel. With the first menu function selected the main display will alternate as follows: BANK PROG BANK PROG Display alternates Function = Setting = MIDI channel 1 between MIDI Channel PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE RANGE = MIDI channel 1 to 16 DarkStar Synthesizer... -
Page 21: Pitch Bend Range
OPERATION OPERATION Use the menu [EDIT - VALUE + and VALUE -] buttons to change the setting as follows: BANK PROG VALUE MENU Press the [VALUE+] New setting = MIDI channel 16 and [VALUE -] buttons MENU DOWN to change the setting VALUE PARAMETER EDIT... - Page 22 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...
- Page 23 ‘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.
- Page 24 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 polyphony 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’...
- Page 25 OPERATION OPERATION VALUE MENU MENU DOWN VALUE EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER OUTPUT PART 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: BANK PROG BANK...
- Page 26 PART SELECT 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...
- Page 27 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.
- Page 28 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). BANK PROG Loading back all 64 factory presets PARAMETER /VALUE DarkStar Synthesizer...
- Page 29 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:...
- Page 30 To record these events, first ensure your MIDI sequencer is connected to the MIDI In/Out sockets on the rear panel of DARKSTAR as detailed 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.
- Page 31 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’...
- Page 32 NOTE: Ensure the PROTECT feature is set to ON (or disconnect 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.
- Page 33 UPGRADING DARKSTAR 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.
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Page 34: Specification
2 x ADSR envelopes, each of which can be set to respond to key velocity 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. LFOs: 2 x LFOs, each with a separate speed and delay control. - Page 35 NOTES NOTES OWNERS MANUAL...
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Page 36: Midi Implementation
DarkStar Synthesizer MIDI IMPLEMENTATION MIDI IMPLEMENTATION Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks Default Basic 1-16 1-16 Memorized Channel Changed 1-16 1-16 Default Mode Mode 3 Messages Altered Note True Voice Number: Note ON Velocity Note OFF Key’s Aftertouch Ch’s Pitch Bend Mod Wheel...