Main Features And Operation; Volume, Portamento Controls ,Function Switch And Led - Novation A-Station User Manual

Volume and Portamento controls - Function Switch and LED
This chapter describes the main front panel controls and
how they affect a sound.
Volume knob
This knob is dual function. When the FUNCTION switch is
set to NORMAL it adjusts the overall output volume on both
the Left and Right master audio outputs on the rear panel
and the Headphone output on the front panel. Using a mix-
ing desk as a comparison, this control can be thought of as
the channel volume fader.
When the FUNCTION switch is set to SHIFT the volume knob
adjusts the program output level. This control is used to main-
tain a consistent volume level without distortion throughout all
sound programs. Delicate sounds, those which use just one
Oscillator and closed filter settings, can be increased in volume
using this control. Conversely, sounds that use all Oscillators
and high polyphony (6 to 8 notes played at once), can be
reduced in volume to avoid distortion. Using a mixing desk as a
comparison, this control can be thought of as the gain or trim
control for the channel.
Portamento / Value knob
This knob is dual function. When the FUNCTION switch is set
to NORMAL (left position) it adjusts the Portamento effect.
Notes change instantly from one pitch to another when this
knob is zero. Turning the knob clockwise introduces the
Portamento effect. Notes will glide smoothly from one pitch to
the next. Increasing the amount will slow the time taken for the
pitch of the first note to reach that of the second note played.
When the FUNCTION switch is set to SHIFT (right position) this

Main features and operation

knob adjusts the value of the data on the display. For example
if Reverb is selected, this knob will control the amount of
Reverb applied to the sound.
Function switch and LED
This switch and its associated LED behave differently depend-
ing on the MODE selected.
Function switch operation in PROGRAM MODE
Set to NORMAL, programs may be selected by using the 0-9
and + / - keys on the data entry keypad. Set to SHIFT, the 0-9
keys select the function labeled in the light blue highlighted
area below each rubber key such as Delay, Reverb. The + / -
keys may still be used to select the PROGRAM number. The
LED above the switch will light to indicate SHIFT selected. In
SHIFT position, certain other front panel knobs and switches
have a secondary (shifted) function. - See following pages.
LED operation SAVE and UTILITY mode
In SAVE and UTILITY mode, the LED above the FUNCTION
switch will light if writing to program memory is enabled. (Global
memory protect set to 'off').
14