Synapse DUNE 2 User Manual
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Synapse DUNE 2 User Manual

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  • Page 1 User’s Manual...
  • Page 2 Copyright c Synapse Audio Software 2014. All rights reserved. Concept and Manual: Richard Hoffmann Graphic Design: Marcin Lezak Programming: Richard Hoffmann, Marcin Lezak Sound Design: See Appendix All technical specifications in the product described in this manual are subject to change without notice. The document may not be changed, particularly copyright notices may not be removed or changed.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    4.3 Oscillator 3 ....1.4 New features in Dune 2 ..4.4 Noise Generator ... . .
  • Page 4 Polyphony ... . 7.2.2 Modulation Rate ..7.2.3 Patch structure ..DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    (Synapse Au- than its predecessor, Dune 1. Fast vector processing as dio/Dune 2). The next time you start your host soft- well as support for multiple processor cores allow the ware, Dune 2 will appear in the VST instrument list.

  • Page 6: Compatibility

    50 mb per instance, plus some memory shared manding. Optimized SSE-2 vector processing, as well by all instances. If you plan to run many Dune 2 as support for multiple processor cores allow Dune 2 to instances, your system should be equipped with suffi- cient memory.

  • Page 7: New Features In Dune

    If you are familiar with oscillator stacks are set to 32 oscillators in FM this system, making the transition to Dune 2 should mode and all 8 unison voices are enabled, Dune 2 be relatively easy. will render 1536 FM operators per key press (64x8x3 operators).

  • Page 8: Graphical Envelopes

    1.4.7 Patch Management 1.4.4 Unison One of the most important changes in Dune 2 is the The patch management in Dune 2 is now entirely ability to edit all 8 unison voices directly, turning Dune based on files and folders. Each patch is a single into a multi-part synthesizer.

  • Page 9: Audio-Rate Modulation

    1.4.9 Multi-threaded processing Most DSP algorithms employed in Dune 2 are a magni- tude more complex than previously, in order to achieve a yet higher sound quality. This also means a much higher computational load, at least in theory.

  • Page 10: Basic Operation

    All sound parameters are covered in chapter 4. 2.1 Overview The Dune 2 interface can be divided into four parts (see fig. 2.1). The center screen (A) hosts the patch manage- ment, global and patch settings, the modulation matrix and the arpeggiator.

  • Page 11: Controlling Parameters

    Ctrl+Click to set knobs to their default position. controller map (see chapter 6). 2.4 Adjusting Polyphony Dune 2 allows you to play multiple notes at the same time. The "Polyphony" drop-down menu in the mas- ter section on the right adjusts the number of notes that can be played simultaneously.

  • Page 12: Pitch Bend And Modulation Wheel

    When released, it automatically snaps back to center position. The modulation wheel typi- cally controls vibrato type effects, but can be used to modify other sound parameters as well. It remains in whatever position it was set to. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 13: The Center Screen

    Important note for Dune 1 users: Dune 2 keeps the active patch in memory, not the en- tire bank. Always save patches you edit, switching to Alternatively click on the left/right arrow buttons to a different patch will lose your edits!
  • Page 14 Copy FX 1/2 copies all effect bus 1/2 param- eters into the clipboard, in order to apply them to a different patch or to a different Dune 2 in- stance. Paste FX 1/2 pastes all effect parameters from the clipboard into effect bus 1/2.

  • Page 15: Settings

    MIDI hardware and/or host sequencer sends too few messages, thus causing a Dune 2 can take advantage of up to six processor cores steppy response. The downside of smoothing is latency for synthesizing sounds. Enabling multithreading is and lower accuracy on rapid movements.
  • Page 16 By default, all MIDI velocity values control the des- Click on the numbers and drag the mouse up or tination in a linear manner (1:1). For example, an down to increase/decrease the pitch bend range. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 17 Modulation rate to the host tempo, a feature very useful for rhythmic The modulation rate determines how frequently the effects. DUNE 2 offers two ways to sync LFOs and modulation matrix is evaluated. MSEGs to the host sequencer: Normal rate is almost always sufficient, and the best choice for most sounds.

  • Page 18: Mod Matrix

    Figure 3.2: The modulation matrix. Click anywhere in the source column to choose the modulation source, and anywhere in the destination column to select the sound parameter to modulate. In the amount column, click and drag vertically to change DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 19: Arpeggiator

    The files should contain only a single track, and they should be monophonic. An exception is when the "Playback" mode is chosen, in this mode poly- Figure 3.3: Arpeggiator screen. phonic MIDI files can be played back too. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 20 Chord mode chops up a chord into a rhythmic for modulation, by choosing "Arp Note", "Arp pattern, according to what is programmed in the Velocity" or both as a source in the modulation step sequencer or MIDI file. matrix. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 21 8th note, 16th notes, dotted notes (*), triplets (T) etc. When SYNC is disabled, the rate is specified in Hz. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 22: Sound Parameters

    In order to obtain this possibility in a synthesizer, so called envelopes are used to add dy- The structure of a Dune 2 patch is shown in fig. 4.1. namic variation to a sound. The most important en- The block diagram shows the basic working principle velope is the amplitude envelope ("Amp Env"), which...
  • Page 23 Distortion, EQ, Phaser, Delay, Reverb... Filter Env Amp Env Adjust the Adjust the brightness volume over time over time Unison Voice #1 Unison Voice #2 Unison Voice #3 Figure 4.1: Structure of a Dune 2 patch. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 24: Oscillators 1+2

    The chosen tuning mode affects the overall tuning and volume of the oscillator stack. Sine Triangle Linear mode tunes all oscillators around the cen- ter with equal spacing. Nonlinear mode moves some oscillators closer to Figure 4.2: Basic oscillator waveforms. the center. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 25: Synthesis Types

    When two or more oscillators are active in the stack, available per oscillator. When using more than one the detune parameter allows to spread their pitch voice, it is furthermore possible to specify different around the center frequency. types for different voices. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 26 3 and 64 waveforms. Note that you can select different to complete a full cycle. wavetables for different unison voices. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 27: Oscillator 3

    +/- 36 semitones. A larger range can be obtained by In the second algorithm, both operator A and B using the modulation matrix, if required. This will be modulate the frequency of operator C. covered in chapter 5. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 28: Noise Generator

    A further interesting effect that can be applied to the bution of all frequencies. oscillator stacks 1 and 2 is to multiply them with each DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 29: Mixer

    CUTOFF knob. It sets the corner frequency where are generated. If the oscillators are detuned, this will the filter operates. Its meaning depends on the filter lead to very inharmonic, metallic sounds. type chosen: DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 30 MSEGs, LFOs and the filter envelope can be used. The most common way to A notch filter rejects frequencies around the cut- control cutoff is the filter envelope, discussed later in off frequency and passes everything else. this chapter. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 31: Filter Models

    Figure 4.6: Response of a resonant low-pass filter. 4.7.2 Filter Models Drive Dune 2 features a number of different filter models to The DRIVE knob sets the input gain of the filter. choose from. All filters except the legacy Dune 1 filters...
  • Page 32 CL Bandpass 4p TR Lowpass 3p A four-pole bandpass filter with 12 dB attenua- A three-pole lowpass filter, with 18 dB attenua- tion per octave around the cutoff frequency. tion per octave above the cutoff frequency. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 33: Filter Effect

    4.7.3 Filter Effect SK Lowpass 2p Dune 2 features a filter effect section, which allows to perform additional processing in series with the main A two-pole lowpass filter, with 12 dB attenuation filter. The filter effect can be processed before or after per octave above the cutoff...
  • Page 34 Note that the signal level should The bitcrush effect reduces the dynamic range of be 0 dB for this effect to work best, otherwise a the signal. The amount of reduction is controlled temporary DC offset may occur which results in DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 35 filter and the extra filter. Lowpass 2p A two-pole lowpass filter with 12 dB attenuation per octave. Highpass 1p A one-pole highpass filter with 6 dB attenuation per octave. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 36: Filter Envelope

    At 100%, During the decay stage, the envelope falls back to a the envelope spans the entire cutoff range from the lower level, the sustain level. The DECAY control DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 37: Amplitude Envelope

    The ATTACK parameter specifies the duration it (see fig. 4.8). It works in the same manner as the filter takes for the amplitude envelope to go from zero to envelope. its maximum level. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 38: Unison Voices

    The MAIN Dune allows to use multiple voices for any note monitor displays the current number of active voices, played. This is useful to for a variety of tasks, the as well as the maximum possible. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 39: Voice Edit/Common

    Allows to solo individual voices. Note that only voices that are actually in use can be solo’ed. Pressing solo on the 4th voice of a 3-voice patch will thus lead to Figure 4.9: Voice parameters. silence. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 40: Master

    FX Bus. The FX bus can be enabled or disabled monophonic lines. Using mono or legato modes also for each voice separately. results in the smallest CPU usage possible. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 41: Msegs

    Four buttons are located on the left side of the edi- tor: Dune 2 introduces four graphical envelopes called MSEG (Multiple Segment Envelope Generator). Copy copies the MSEG into the clipboard. Graphical envelopes allow precise and customizable...
  • Page 42 This is important when using the envelope for The MSEG rate can be modulated via the modula- trance gate and other rhythmic effects, synchro- tion matrix. Note that this only works when sync is nized to the song tempo. disabled. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 43: Lfos

    MIDI key number almost any sound parameter can be used as a modu- has no effect on the envelope. The higher the key track lation destination. Additionally, LFOs can modulate DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 44 1/1 sets the modulation rate to span one bar. Clicking on the shape popup menu allows to select 2/1 sets the modulation rate to span two bars. one of the waveform shapes depicted in fig. 4.10. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 45 Furthermore, the amount knob itself can be modulated via the modulation matrix. This allows to vary the modulation amount over time, for instance with a second LFO or an envelope. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 46: Effect Bus 1+2

    4.14 Effect Bus 1+2 Type Crunch simulates a typical guitar pedal distor- Dune 2 offers two effect busses with nine effects in each tion effect. to further enhance the sound. All of them may be used simultaneously, and most units offer several sub-types Overdrive simulates a typical guitar overdrive to further increase their versatility.
  • Page 47 Gain (-) equalizer: Frequency The Low Shelf EQ amplifies or attenuates fre- Peak frequency quencies below the chosen frequency. The peaking EQ offers a frequency and gain pa- rameter like the Low Shelf EQ, additionally a DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 48: Phaser

    This section is identical to EQ 1 and allows further fied in units of the current song tempo, such as quar- processing of the signal. For example, two different ters, eights or sixteenths notes, with either their stan- DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 49 Lower values can be useful to make the effect more Sets the lowest frequency the Phaser . For the Cho- subtle, however, and higher values can be useful with rus/Flanger types, this parameters specifies the fre- strong feedback. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 50: Chorus

    Mixes the dry and processed signal. Since the chorus Rate effect is achieved by mixing the original with a delayed Sets the modulation rate of the effect in Hertz (Hz). copy of itself, the mix ratio should be typically around DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 51: Delay 1+2

    The re- Dual Ping-Pong uses two ping-pong delay sult is a comb-filter effect which can sometimes sound units, one for each channel. The result is a pair interesting. Turning off sync also allows to modulate DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 52: Reverb

    The feedback parameter adjusts how long the echoes A reverb effect is used to create the illusion of a sound are repeated. The percentage specifies the level change being played back in a spatial environment such as a DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 53 Six different algorithms Stadium simulates a very large reverberant are offered in Dune 2: space. Type Predelay Ambience is a program useful for subtle reverbs of short to medium duration, e.g. 1-2 sec. Adjusts the onset of the reverberated signal. When set...

  • Page 54: Compressor

    Mod-Amt Vintage simulates a vintage analog broadband compressor, which saturates the signal. Good All reverbs in Dune 2 employ modulation, to gener- for bass sounds. ate a rich timbre. The modulation amount parameter adjusts how strong this modulation is. At low s Input Adjusts the input level.
  • Page 55 Threshold 100:1 Release The release parameter adjusts the time it takes for the Input (dB) compressor to recover when the threshold is no longer exceeded. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 56 Adjusts the compressor output level in decibel (dB). Dry/Wet Blends between the dry and processed signals. While a compressor is traditionally used 100% wet, mixing in the dry signal has become a popular trick known as "parallel" or "New York" compression. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 57: Modulation Matrix

    filter cutoff frequency or other sound parameters. Advanced users will appreciate the ability of the modulation matrix to modulate itself, by choosing any of the 32 modulation slots as a destination. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 58: The Differential Unison Engine (Dune)

    five voices. The second and third column, set to side of the stereo panorama, which creates a very spa- modulate the volume and panorama, are restricted to cious effect. The Synapse Audio WASP is such a syn- affect the second and third unison voice, respectively. thesizer.

  • Page 59: List Of Sources

    100% (50% + 50%). Note that in Dune 2, there is two ways to change the The current value of a source is multiplied with the parameters of unison voices. You can use the modula-...
  • Page 60 Identical to keytrack, except that this source is based the MIDI standard, such keyboards are very rare and on the pitch of the MIDI key, rather than its note never found wide usage. Hence, polyphonic aftertouch number. is not supported. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 61 C64. The resulting The output of oscillator 2. When using this source, sound is different from the regular arpeggiator, which make sure to adjust the modulation rate to "Fast" or constantly triggers and releases voices. "Audio-Rate". DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 62 The value of LFO-1, LFO-2 or LFO-3 multiplied by the modulation wheel data. Use this to create vibrato MSEG 2 or tremolo effects with the depth controlled by the modulation wheel. The output of envelope generator 2. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 63: List Of Destinations

    The overal fine tuning in cents. Cents are a fraction simply increase the number of unison voices and set of a semitone (+50 equals half a semitone, +100 a full the oscillator pitch of that voice only. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 64 Modifies the detune parameter of the oscillator stack. amount of +50 corresponds to a +180 degree phase Oscillator density must be higher than 1 for this to shift, an amount of +100 to +360 degrees, etc. While work. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 65: Ring Mod/Noise

    When the oscillator is set to WT mode, this parame- ter sets the Wavetable position. This allows to sweep Adjusts the mixer panorama position of the ring mod- through the wavetable by applying a LFO or MSEG. ulator. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 66: Filter

    This section describes the filter destinations. Adjusts the filter drive parameter. Filter Cutoff Filter FX Amount Adjusts the filter cutoff frequency relative to the front panel knob and using the same value range. Changes the filter effect’s "Amount" knob. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 67: Amplifier

    This allows you to specify different amplitude envelopes for different LFO Amount voices or to dynamically vary those parameters for each note. Adjusts the amount of the specified LFO. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 68: Mod Matrix

    In that case you would choose Mod Wheel as a source and the MM slot(s) containing the modulation envelope as a Phaser destination. You may also have one MM slot modulate another Adjusts the corresponding phaser parameters. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 69 L/R times specified with the front panel knobs. Adjusts the corresponding reverb parameters. All pa- rameters except pre-delay can be modulated. Comp Adjusts the corresponding compressor parameters. DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 70: Midi Reference

    Noise Level Dune Parameter CC # MIDI Ctrl Name Ring Mod Level Sound Controller 10 Common Arpeggiator Modulation Wheel Modulation Wheel Arp On Glide Portamento Time Arp Rate Sustain Pedal Sustain Pedal Arp Note Length Volume DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 71 MM Amount 2 Filter Sustain MM Amount 3 Filter Release MM Amount 4 Filter Cutoff Brightness MM Amount 5 Filter Reso MM Amount 6 Filter Env Amt MM Amount 7 Filter Key Track MM Amount 8 DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 72: Optimizing Performance

    — check if you really need all of them. If you run Dune 2 on a modern quad-core or better CPU 7.2.2 Modulation Rate with multi-threading enabled, you should see a sub-...

  • Page 73: Patch Structure

    8 oscillators in it. In contrast to its predeces- sor, Dune 2 has stereo oscillators with pan + pan spread, it is thus no longer necessary to use multiple unison voices to achieve a stereo sound.

  • Page 74: Troubleshooting

    If your problem is not listed here, do not it is possible that your gear sends other controller mes- hesitate to contact us at service@synapse-audio.com, sages that Dune will respond to. The default controller we are happy to assist you.

  • Page 75: Midi Messages Are Not Received

    MIDI setup of your host sequencer, as well as the setup of your hardware. 8.6 The CPU usage is very high Check if your system meets the minimum system re- quirements. Also read chapter 7, "Optimizing perfor- mance". DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

  • Page 76: Legal Information

    "you" and files included with the distribution, including sampled "your" in the License Agreement shall refer to such sounds, presets and demonstration songs, is licensed entity. but not sold to you, for use in music production. If DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 77 License Agreement, and no notice shall be required from the licensor to effectuate such termi- nation. Upon termination of this License Agreement for any reason, you shall make no further use of the DUNE 2 User’s Manual...
  • Page 78 Ed Ten Eyck http://www.edtaudio.com Daniel Thiel (eXode) https://soundcloud.com/exodesound Vincent Bastiat http://ghostwaveaudio.com Ingo Weidner ingo_weidner@web.de Junebug http://www.electronisounds.com Mark Holt https://soundcloud.com/markholt Michael Kastrup http://www.xsynth.com Kevin Schroeder https://www.facebook.com/DejaVuSound Richard Hoffmann http://www.synapse-audio.com Rob Lee http://www.roblee-music.com Satya Choudhury http://satyatunes.com Solidtrax http://www.solidtrax.nl DUNE 2 User’s Manual...

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