SOMA TERRA User Manual
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SOMA TERRA User Manual

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  • Page 1 USER MANUAL...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT TERRA'S SENSORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • Page 3: General Overview

    . THE CONCEPT TERRA was born in search of a balance, a golden mean between polar opposites such as broad possibilities vs . simplicity, and technology vs . nature . The primary aim of developing TERRA was to enable musicians to create complex, fluid musical parts, timbres and textures, using an immediate intuitive performance instead of a long exhausting programming and editing session .

  • Page 4: Main Features

    1 to 12 voice polyphony, depending on the algorithm . Ð A built-in Gyroscope, turning the slightest physical motion of the instrument into Ð synthesis parameters modulation . TERRA has an effect processor with Echo and Reverb modes, controlled by two knobs Ð and one sensor switch .
  • Page 5 3. MPE mode . Same as Mode 2, but with the microtonal component included, and continually sending each note sensor's state as CC messages . TERRA can be synched to an external MIDI clock, but there is no way to control TERRA Ð...

  • Page 6: Important Notes About Terra's Sensors

    TERRA . This can be done by putting a metal bracelet on your hand, connected by a thin wire to the metal case of any 1/4 inch jack plug inserted into the TERRA outs .

  • Page 7: Connecting Terra

    12 volt DC input, 0 . 4 A, "+" in the center, 5 .5 x 2 . 1 mm; and the power switch connected to it . TERRA comes with a high-quality power supply . In case of losing it, use a high-quality modern switching power supply with corresponding parameters! RIGHT CHANNEL line output TS/TRS 1/4 inch jack .

  • Page 8: The Interface

    HOLD — a sensor-indicator for the note keyboard (hereafter I) . Touching this sensor creates a snapshot of the note keyboard, which will then be retained and summed with what you play on this keyboard . This sensor is also involved in controlling TERRA's functions .
  • Page 9 USER MANUAL TERRA Tuning sensor (the PITCHFORK sign, hereafter !) . Activates tuning of various parameters: individual tuning of the note keyboard's sensors, transposing the whole keyboard, master tune of the synthesizer, choosing a preset tuning for the < >, and for setting up the MIDI output .
  • Page 10 TERRA USER MANUAL THE TRIANGULAR INDICATOR-CONTROLLER Indicates and controls various TERRA settings depending on the interface's current mode . If no function is activated (default, performance state) — the ? controls variations of the current synthesis mode . With L or S pressed — selects the preset bank .

  • Page 11: Playing Terra

    . TERRA's Play Zone is divided in two regions — left-hand and right-hand . The right hand controls the note keyboard, but can also control the left part's sensors when necessary . The left hand's index, middle, ring finger and the pinky control the parametric sensors .
  • Page 12 . This will allow TERRA to move unhampered by the table or any other flat, hard surface you put it on . To perform a vibrato using the motion sensor, put your palm on TERRA's body and shake it sideways .

  • Page 13: Description Of Functions

    Bank 4 — monophonic sounds in the SOLO category . The rest of the preset banks are empty . If a selected preset is empty, TERRA will indicate that by ? blinking four times . On loading a preset, the synthesis parameters assigned to the knobs receive their preset values and get "frozen"...
  • Page 14 . To re-activate, release and press the sensor again . SELECTING A SYNTHESIS ALGORITHM TERRA has 32 synthesis algorithms, each of them offering a unique and complete musical instrument on its own . There are four groups of synthesis algorithms: POLYPHONIC —...
  • Page 15 SELECTING A VARIATION FOR A SYNTHESIS ALGORITHM When TERRA is in play mode — i .e . no tuning or calibration functions are activated and none of the control sensors L S E G !, are pressed — you can switch the current synthesis algorithm by selecting one of its 64 variations on ? .
  • Page 16 . THE FX PROCESSOR TERRA has a spatial effects processor unit that works in Reverb or Echo mode . / TIME . Decay time in Reverb mode; delay time in Echo mode .
  • Page 17 . The faster the blinking, the wider the microtonal interval . It's possible to set TERRA's keyboard to natural tuning (just intonation) . For that, hold down !, AND the note keyboard sensor that is the tonic note — and simultaneously press the following sensors on the Triangular Controller: .
  • Page 18 . USING < > WHILE PLAYING The Pitch Shifter (< >) lets you instantly transpose the notes played on TERRA . The resulting note pitch equals the sensor's tuning plus the interval set by the < >'s current combination .
  • Page 19 . TERRA is now in < > tuning mode . A constant C note is now playing (you can switch it off with %) . Along with it, there's a second, brighter and louder note which indicates the <...
  • Page 20 10% or more . 3. Sending MIDI clock to the MIDI input . When it registers an external MIDI clock, TERRA will automatically switch to synchronization by MIDI . The = knob will then adjust the subdivision quotient for the MIDI clock received, thus defining the note length .
  • Page 21 — These two sensors set the mode that the MIDI output works in . In this state the MIDI output is off . This is the default state when you turn on TERRA, and which it returns to when turned off .
  • Page 22 The MIDI output’s work mode is not stored into power-independent memory and will equal “MIDI Output Off” when TERRA is powered up . There’s a reason for that: forming a MIDI output takes processing power, which slows down TERRA’s sensors by 1-2 ms . So, to avoid MIDI output staying on unnecessarily, it is off by default .
  • Page 23 . SAVING PRESETS TO A USB DRIVE TERRA can save to or load from a USB stick drive one preset or all 96 presets, along with 24 Pitch Shifter adjustments . To start working with a USB stick drive, insert it into the USB slot and power up the synth .
  • Page 24 . If no compatible file is found on the USB stick drive, TERRA will indicate that by ? blinking once . All 96 presets and 24 Pitch Shifter settings will be loaded from the USB stick .
  • Page 25 .g . a mixer or an amplifier . The body of the person doing the calibration must not touch any items or TERRA's sensors — except the sensor you are calibrating . That also means not standing barefoot on ground, sand or a wet surface . These are necessary conditions for setting the right capacitance .

  • Page 26: Description Of The Synthesis Algorithms

    DESCRIPTION OF THE SYNTHESIS ALGORITHMS THE BASICS TERRA has 32 synthesis algorithms, each of them a complete musical instrument . The algorithms are divided into 4 groups with 8 algorithms each . POLYPHONIC — polyphonic synthesis with a standard polyphonic keyboard;...
  • Page 27 USER MANUAL TERRA POLYPHONIC ALGORITHMS GROUP A family of sounds inspired by acoustic and electro-acoustic instruments: plucked, bowed, reed, hammered . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity . Turns on "keyboard" mode...
  • Page 28 TERRA USER MANUAL An ecstasy in the realm of distortion, embraced tightly by a resonance low-pass filter . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity . Enables a duophonic Enables feedback from FX-out mono-mode for 1-12* .
  • Page 29 USER MANUAL TERRA The 80's sweet dreams, inspired by a small CASIOTONE synth . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity . The less significant sensor The more significant sensor controlling filter resonance level .
  • Page 30 TERRA USER MANUAL Warm rays of detuned saws through resonator prisms . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity . The less significant sensor The more significant sensor controlling the resonator controlling the resonator excitation degree .
  • Page 31 USER MANUAL TERRA A realm of meditative singing bowls and bells . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity . Global feedback from FX output Itchy nose . into FM input .
  • Page 32 TERRA USER MANUAL An exalted synthesis, inspired by church organs . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity . The less significant The more significant sensor controlling the amount sensor controlling the amount...
  • Page 33 USER MANUAL TERRA A combination of FM + wavefolder + HPF in a feedback loop . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity . A dynamic LPF controlled Algorithm structure by the main envelope .
  • Page 34 TERRA USER MANUAL A synthesis mode prominently using the modulation of various parameters by noise . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity . The less significant sensor The more significant sensor controlling the "Bell'...
  • Page 35 . * A unique mode where the built-in Gyroscope acts as a microphone with very special characteristics, picking up sound from TERRA's body . Most of the ? settings in this algorithm are very subtle, their effect noticeable only during a long performance period .
  • Page 36 TERRA USER MANUAL A drum kit . Kick, snare and cymbals, all synthesized, no samples used . Adds resonance filter with envelope to snare . Modulation Cymbals of kick pitch by envelope . pitch variation . Cymbals Kick drum Snare drum sound pitch variation .
  • Page 37 USER MANUAL TERRA FM synthesis, with each of the three mono-groups working as a separate controllable operator inside the FM synthesis . Defines the FM structure between the groups . Off = 1 — > 3, 2 — > 3 . On = 1 — > 2 — > 3 .
  • Page 38 TERRA USER MANUAL Three mono-synthesizers controlled by a tri-monophonic keyboard . FM modulation using FX out as the source . Timbre switch for group 2 Timbre switch (combined with 1, it switches for group 1 . timbre for group 3) .
  • Page 39 USER MANUAL TERRA Three mono-synthesizers with rhythmic modulation, usable for a soundtrack to "The Draughtman's Contract 2095" . "Sharp" waveform for rhythmic LFO . 1st part of the LFO 2nd part of the LFO waveform switch . * waveform switch . * 0 .5 : 1 : 2 rhythm...
  • Page 40 TERRA USER MANUAL Three-operator FM synthesis with independent tuning of the modulating oscillators . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity . FM structure . Global feedback from Off = 1 — > main, 2 — > main .
  • Page 41 FM madness controlled by the Gyroscope . Three-operator FM synthesis, where modulating oscillator frequencies are set by the built-in Gyroscope's X and Y axes . With B and C sensors activated, take TERRA into your hands and tilt it . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity .
  • Page 42 TERRA USER MANUAL A sunny afternoon bathed in rays of soft PWM modulation and octave iridescence . Enables memorizing the state of A-D and G for every sensor 1-12 at its last activity . Pitchbender type (A) . Off — pulls all notes to the Distortion gain .
  • Page 43 USER MANUAL TERRA BASS ALGORITHMS GROUP Fat FM bass with rhythmic LFO . "Sharp" waveform for the rhythmic LFO . 2nd part of the switch for the 1st part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO's waveform . * rhythmic LFO's waveform . * LFO tempo x 1 .
  • Page 44 TERRA USER MANUAL "Metallic" FM bass with rhythmic LFO . "Sharp" waveform for the rhythmic LFO . 1st part of the switch for the 2nd part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO's waveform . * rhythmic LFO's waveform . * LFO tempo x 1 .
  • Page 45 USER MANUAL TERRA Organ-like FM bass with additive synthesis . Bass drum component . Raises the high-frequency Pitchbender type (A) . Off — down . On — up . component an octave up . Distortion . Varies the mid- Varies the high- frequency component .
  • Page 46 TERRA USER MANUAL Wicked square-wave bass with a rhythmic LFO . "Sharp" waveform for the rhythmic LFO . 1st part of the switch for the 2nd part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO's waveform . * rhythmic LFO's waveform . * LFO tempo x 1 .
  • Page 47 USER MANUAL TERRA "Kick drum" bass with rhythmic LFO . "Sharp" waveform for the rhythmic LFO . 1st part of the switch for the 2nd part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO's waveform . * rhythmic LFO's waveform . * LFO tempo x 1 .
  • Page 48 TERRA USER MANUAL A sawtooth-wave bass with a resonance LPF and distortion with rhythmic LFO . "Sharp" waveform for the rhythmic LFO . 1st part of the switch for the 2nd part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO's waveform . * rhythmic LFO's waveform .
  • Page 49 USER MANUAL TERRA Stereo detuned saw bass with rhythmic LFO . "Sharp" waveform for the rhythmic LFO . 1st part of the switch for the 2nd part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO's waveform . * rhythmic LFO's waveform . * LFO tempo x 1 .
  • Page 50 TERRA USER MANUAL A complex "detuned" bass with a multitude of parameters . The beats frequency for different notes: Off — different . On — same . The less significant sensor The more significant sensor controlling LPF frequency controlling LPF frequency in FM feedback .
  • Page 51 USER MANUAL TERRA SOLO ALGORITHMS GROUP "Organ" arpeggiator with noise modulation . "Sharp" waveform for the rhythmic LFO . 2nd part of the switch for the 1st part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO's waveform . * rhythmic LFO's waveform . * LFO tempo x 1 .
  • Page 52 TERRA USER MANUAL "Synthi" arpeggiator with noise modulation . "Sharp" waveform for the rhythmic LFO . 1st part of the switch for the 2nd part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO's waveform . * rhythmic LFO's waveform . * LFO tempo x 1 .
  • Page 53 USER MANUAL TERRA "Resonance" arpeggiator with reverb . "Sharp" waveform for the rhythmic LFO . 1st part of the switch for the 2nd part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO's waveform . * rhythmic LFO's waveform . * LFO tempo x 1 .
  • Page 54 TERRA USER MANUAL "Metallic" arpeggiator with reverb and distortion . "Sharp" waveform for the rhythmic LFO . 1st part of the switch for the 2nd part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO's waveform . * rhythmic LFO's waveform . * LFO tempo x 1 .
  • Page 55 USER MANUAL TERRA A "Soft Solo" with shades of nostalgia for the lost faith in Cosmic Space . . . also with noise modulation and distortion . Odd tune for the modulating oscillator frequencies . Shifts the frequency Shifts the frequency of modulating oscillator 1...
  • Page 56 TERRA USER MANUAL "LFO Solo" with shades of faith in Cosmic Space restored! Also comes with detune and strange feedbacks . The beats frequency for different notes: Off — different . On — same . 1st part of the switch for the 2nd part of the switch for the rhythmic LFO waveform .
  • Page 57 USER MANUAL TERRA "Electrons singing" — a formant voice synthesizer . An old electronic military choir with vibrato (=) . Vowel 1 variation . Vowel 2 variation . Doubling voice 1 . Doubling voice 2 . Doubling voice 3 .
  • Page 58 TERRA USER MANUAL "Voder" is a reconstruction of the voice synthesizer created by Homer Dudley at Bell Labs in 1939 . This algorithm is our way of connecting with the source of electronic synthesis . We invite you to read a...

  • Page 59: Tables

    USER MANUAL TERRA TABLES FACTORY PRESETS FOR < > The main factory presets are stored in this bank . engages a 'just intonation' variation of the current setting . All factory presets can be changed and written over . The main factory preset settings in semitones:...
  • Page 60 6 — down stereo 12 — up & down + octave up & down stereo MIDI CONTROLLER ASSIGNMENT OF TERRA'S SENSORS A — CC16 1 — CC20 5 — CC24 9 — CC28 B — CC17 2 — CC21 6 — CC25 10 — CC29 C —...

  • Page 61: Technical Characteristics

    Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~2 .2 kg * TERRA comes with a high quality power supply . If it gets lost, use a high-quality modern switched-mode power supply with 12 V output voltage, at least 0 .

  • Page 62: Credits

    TERRA USER MANUAL CREDITS Andrey Lens — development for wooden body plans and manufacturing technology . Andrzej Slovik — manufacture organization and control . Denis Manakov — court philosopher . Dmitriy Zakharov — adjustments and control . Grzegorz Lacek — organization, sales, management and communications .
  • Page 63 Manual version 1 . 1 2022 . Designed in Russia...

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