Viscount Physis Plus Reference Manual
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Viscount Physis Plus Reference Manual

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Summary of Contents for Viscount Physis Plus

  • Page 1 organ series Reference Manual - English Edition: 1.0...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Important notes ..........................3 Product Care............................... 3 Notes about this manual ............................. 3 General descriptions ........................4 Switching on and main video page ....................9 How to navigate in the menus ..........................9 The Main Menu ..............................10 The Pipe Sets ..........................
  • Page 4 Stop Local Off ..............................49 On-screen error and info messages ......................... 49 Temperament ..............................50 Temperaments of the Physis Plus organs ......................52 The windchest in pipe organs ........................... 57 What MIDI is ..............................58 Detailed MIDI Implementation .......................... 60...

  • Page 5: Important Notes

    Depending on the model, some of the controls may not be present. This Reference Manual is updated to version 1.1.0 of the instrument's operating system. Visit the Physis Plus page on our web site for the detailed description of the Physis Plus technology!

  • Page 6: General Descriptions

    GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS IMPORTANT NOTE Below are four examples of Physis Plus consoles to illustrate where the controls are typically positioned. Your organ may not look the same as one of these illustrated. Look for the one most similar to your organ to locate the controls on the instrument and find the descriptions on the next pages.
  • Page 7 When the organ is switched on, memory bank 0 (in the models equipped with the [- -] thumb piston) or 1 is always selected. Combinations Sets are available in the Physis Plus organs thanks to which the number of usable combinations is extended. For more information see page 13.
  • Page 8 General descriptions  [TUTTI]: thumb piston that recalls Tutti. The Tutti can be modified. To do so, follow the procedure described for [S] or [SET] thumb piston.  [PLENUM]: Plenum thumb piston whose content is added to the stop configuration prepared by hand or by combination.
  • Page 9  [ANT ON]: switches on and off the Antiphonal audio outputs. The configuration of the external audio outputs is available in the "Physis Plus The Editor" application.  [P / D]: Pipe / Digital thumb piston which allows to play voices with the internal sound generation or with organ pipes through systems of external interfacing as Viscount VPI.
  • Page 10  MIDI [OUT]: MIDI output port. [USB]: two USB ports. The right port links the organ to a computer, in order to use the “Physis Plus The  Editor” Windows / Mac OS / iOs application. The left port is dedicated to USB flash drive (not included with the organ) to save and load configuration files and songs recorded using the internal sequencer.

  • Page 11: Switching On And Main Video Page

    Switching on and main video page SWITCHING ON AND MAIN VIDEO PAGE After turning on the instrument, the display shows the Physis Plus logo video page and, once ready, the main video page: containing the following display field:  PIPE SET: Pipe Set currently in use (page 11).

  • Page 12: The Main Menu

    Switching on and main video page The Main Menu The MAIN MENU gives access to all the instrument’s settings. To access to this menu, in the main video page press the [MENU/ENTER] button. The MAIN MENU sections are the following: Section Description Instrument’s tuning parameters (see page 17).

  • Page 13: The Pipe Sets

    Domus models: 6 Pipe Sets of which 3 supplied by Viscount The Pipe Sets supplied by Viscount are already present in the instrument at the time of purchase and programmed by our laboratories on the basis of the appropriate organ schools, however it can be modified by the user.

  • Page 14: Selection Of A Pipe Set (Select Function)

    The Pipe Sets Selection of a Pipe Set (SELECT function) To select a Pipe Set it is possible to follow two procedures: A. Using the [PIPE SET] thumb piston (in the models in which it is present) as described at page 6. B.

  • Page 15: The Combinations Sets

    The Combinations Sets THE COMBINATIONS SETS A Combinations Set contains all the memory banks and combinations, Tutti, Plenum and Crescendo steps, that can be selected directly on the instrument. By selecting a different Combination Set it is possible to use other memory banks and combinations, Tutti, Plenum and Crescendo steps.

  • Page 16: Selection Of A Combinations Set (Select Function)

    4. select the desired Combinations Set from those displayed in the list and press the [MENU/ENTER] button. The first Combinations Set, also indicated as M1 (Main1), contains the first memory bank programmed by Viscount. Copy or rename of a Combinations Set (COPY/RENAME function) To copy a Combinations Set in an other location, follow this procedure: 1.

  • Page 17: Saving A Combinations Set In A Usb Flash Drive (Export Function)

    Reset the Main Combinations Set (RESET MAIN CMB function) To restore the content of the Main Combinations Set to the factory settings as programmed by Viscount, follow this procedure: 1. in the main video page press the [MENU/ENTER] button, 2. select the COMBINATIONS field, 3.

  • Page 18: Setting The Volumes (Levels Menu)

    Setting the volumes (Levels function) SETTING THE VOLUMES (LEVELS menu) The Physis Plus organs allow the user to adjust several volumes, in order to obtain a perfect sound balance among the sections and between internal and external amplifications. To display the volumes video page, press the [LEVELS] button:...

  • Page 19: Tuning The Instrument (Tuning Menu)

    Tuning the instrument (Tuning menu) TUNING THE INSTRUMENT (TUNING menu) The TUNING menu gives access to all the instrument’s tuning parameters. To access to this menu, in the main video page, 1. press the [MENU/ENTER] button, 2. place the cursor on the TUNING field and press [MENU/ENTER].

  • Page 20: Adjusting The Tremulants/Tremolos (Tremulants/Tremolos Function)

    Humana) more pleasant, and the tone of the reeds colourful. Physis Plus organs have two tremulants/tremolo for each section so as to customise further the sound, or to add more tremulant/tremolo to certain registers, such as Vox Humana. Access the VOICING function under the MAIN MENU (see page 20) to select which tremulant/tremolo will be applied to each register.
  • Page 21 Tuning the instrument (Tuning menu) The settings which can be made are: Parameter name Description Mode Operating modes of the AIR PRESSURE. Settings:  Standard: no change to the behavior set in the TUNING page.  Baroque Small: behavior of a small baroque organ, with particularly sensitive and unstable air supply.

  • Page 22: Selecting And Regulating The Voices (Voicing Menu)

    SELECTING AND REGULATING THE VOICES (VOICING menu) One of the main features of the Physis Plus synthesis technology is that it offers the user a wide array of options for customising the instrument with a very large number of organ timbres, and also makes available several parameters which can be adjusted to further increase the setup potential.

  • Page 23: Explanation Of The Int. Chest (Internal Windchest Parameter)

    (double) Wing, Pan L (left), Pan R (right), Center, Poly, Off NOTE Several sound generation parameters are available in the “Physis Plus The Editor” application for a more advanced customization of each voice. Explanation of the INT. CHEST (Internal Windchest parameter) An important option to customize the sound configuration of the organ is to arrange the voices’...
  • Page 24 Selecting and regulating the voices (Voicing menu) Wing L The tallest, broadest pipes are installed on the left, so the lowest notes are played by the speakers (Wing Left) furthest to the left. As the pitch rises the notes are played more and more to the right. Wing R The tallest, broadest pipes are installed on the right, so the lowest notes are played by the speakers (Wing Right)
  • Page 25 Selecting and regulating the voices (Voicing menu) Pan L All notes play on the left channel. (Pan Left) Pan R All notes play on the right channel. (Pan Right) Center All notes sound on both channels, left and right. Poly The notes are distribute among the audio channels, so as to avoid having more unison frequencies on the same speaker.

  • Page 26: Selecting And Adjusting The Orchestral Voices

    Selecting and regulating the voices (Voicing menu) Selecting and adjusting the orchestral voices The same operations described in the chapter above can be performed also with orchestral voices, with a single exception: the list of alternative voices and audio parameters are the same, regardless of which register is selected at the moment. To access the VOICING menu for the orchestral voices, follow the same procedure described at the beginning of this chapter.
  • Page 27 Selecting and regulating the voices (Voicing menu) After Orchestra sounds are programmed it is possible to store them in the desired combination. If you wish to set a different Orchestra sound in a different combination but associate it to the same register, enter the edit menu, select the voice, adjust the parameters as required and save all the settings in another combination.

  • Page 28: Keyboards Settings (Setup / Keyboards Menu)

    Keyboards settings (Setup / Keyboards menu) KEYBOARDS SETTINGS (SETUP / KEYBOARDS menu) The KEYBOARDS menu contains all the settings relating to the manuals and their function modes. To access to this menu, in the main video page, 1. press the [MENU/ENTER] button, 2.

  • Page 29: Adding The Keyboards / Pedalboard Keys Mechanical Noises (Keyboards Noise Function)

    Adding the keyboards / pedalboard keys mechanical noises (KEYBOARDS NOISE function) The organs of the Physis Plus series allow you to simulate the noises generated by the mechanical systems of the keyboards and pedals and their connections to the pipe valves, present in the antique mechanical pipe organs. In addition to...

  • Page 30: Enabling Of The Short Octave (1St Short Octave Function)

    Keyboards settings (Setup / Keyboards menu) Enabling of the Short Octave (1st SHORT OCTAVE function) This function makes the first octave on manuals and pedalboard short, so as to perform pieces written for ancient organs (16th to 18th century) in which the first octave was shortened. To access the adjustment screen, select the 1st SHORT OCTAVE field in the KEYBOARDS menu: The settings which can be made are: Parameter name...

  • Page 31: Configuring Of The Organ Solo Function (Organ Solo Function)

    Keyboards settings (Setup / Keyboards menu) Configuring of the Organ Solo function (ORGAN SOLO function) This function allows you to customize the Organ Solo function, activated by the [ORGAN SOLO] or [ORG SOLO] thumb piston. To access the adjustment screen, select the ORGAN SOLO field in the KEYBOARDS menu and press [MENU/ENTER]: The settings which can be made are:...

  • Page 32: Organ Controls Settings (Setup / Controls Menu)

    Organ controls settings (Setup / Controls menu) ORGAN CONTROLS SETTINGS (SETUP / CONTROLS menu) The CONTROLS menu contains all the settings relating to the controls available in the organ console. To access to this menu, in the main video page, 1.

  • Page 33: Combinations Settings (Setup / Combinations Menu)

    Combinations settings (Setup / Combinations menu) COMBINATIONS SETTINGS (SETUP / COMBINATIONS menu) The COMBINATIONS menu contains all the settings relating to the combinations available in the organ. To access to this menu, in the main video page, 1. press the [MENU/ENTER] button, 2.
  • Page 34 Combinations settings (Setup / Combinations menu) A.P. affected by Enable/disable to switch off [AUTO PEDAL] or [AUTO PED] thumb piston by [C] or [CANC] Cancel thumb piston. Settings: No, Yes Speakers Switches Enable/disable of storing the status of Internal, External, Main, Antiphonal amplifications in Combinations switches in the general combinations.

  • Page 35: Audio Settings (Setup / Audio Menu)

    The digital processors of the Physis Plus organs can recreate artificially the complex factors affecting the reverberation of a real pipe organ, generating the right reverberation to complete an already excellent sound quality.

  • Page 36: Setting The Internal Amp Equalizer (Int. Amp Equalizer Function)

    (not that from the external speakers, which can be adjusted by dedicated equalizers for each PROG. OUT output, available in the “Physis Plus The Editor” application).

  • Page 37: Regulating The Volume Of The Prog. Out Rear Outputs (Ext. Out Volumes Function)

    Audio settings (Setup / Audio menu) Regulating the volume of the PROG. OUT rear outputs (EXT. OUT VOLUMES function) The external sound configuration can be customized further by regulating the volume of each PROG. OUT rear outputs. To access the adjustment screen, select the EXT. OUT VOLUMES field in the AUDIO menu.

  • Page 38: Midi Settings (Setup / Midi Menu)

    NOTE For further informations about the MIDI interface of the Physis Plus organs, see page 58. Selecting the input and output channels (TX/RX CHANNELS function) The organ can send out MIDI messages on a single channel, or through two channels simultaneously. It can only receive on one channel.

  • Page 39: Setting The Input And Output Filters (Midi Filters Function)

    MIDI settings (Setup / MIDI menu) Setting the input and output filters (MIDI FILTERS function) A MIDI filter allows to block a particular message on all MIDI channels (if the signal is channelled). The CC transmission filter, for example, blocks Control Change MIDI messages in the [MIDI OUT] port, on all MIDI channels of the organ.

  • Page 40: Backup, Restore And Factory Reset Of Organ Configuration (Backup/Restore Menu)

    Parameter Display page page Pipe Sets All the pamaters contained in all the Pipe Sets available in the instrument. available in the “Physis Plus The Pipe Sets Stop list. Editor” application Combinations All the combinations of all the Combination Sets available in the instrument.

  • Page 41: Save The Organ Configuration In A Usb Flash Drive (Save Snapshot Function)

    Backup, restore and factory reset of organ configuration (Backup/Restore menu) Settings LCD Contrast UTILITY Settings Auto Mainpage UTILITY Available in the “Physis Plus The Settings Sub Loud Editor” application Available in the “Physis Plus The Settings External outputs parameters Editor” application...

  • Page 42: Restore The Factory Organ Configuration (Factory Reset Function)

    Backup, restore and factory reset of organ configuration (Backup/Restore menu) Restore the factory organ configuration (FACTORY RESET function) To restore the entire organ configuration (Pipe Sets, combinations, settings) to the , follow this procedure: factory conditions 1. in the main video page press the [MENU/ENTER] button, 2.

  • Page 43: Utilities Functions (Utility Menu)

    Utilities functions (Utility menu) UTILITIES FUNCTIONS (UTILITY menu) The UTILITY menu contains general functions like informations concerning the organ model, update of the operating system, lock of some functionality of the organ, expression pedals calibration and others. To access to this menu, in the main video page, 1.

  • Page 44: Controlling The Access To The Organ Settings (Lock Organ Function)

    Utilities functions (Utility menu) IMPORTANT NOTES! Once the USB flash drive is inserted please wait some seconds before starting the upgrade. If the instrument still does not detect the drive, showing “USB pen not found” message, press [EXIT] to leave the upgrade and then try again.

  • Page 45: Pedals Calibration (Shoes Calibration Function)

    Utilities functions (Utility menu) Pedals calibration (SHOES CALIBRATION function) Whenever a new CPU is installed in an organ, or when one or more pedals are replaced, it could be necessary to calibrate pedals. To recall the calibration function, follow this procedure: 1.

  • Page 46: Playing And Recording Of Musical Sequences (Sequencer)

    PLAYING AND RECORDING OF MUSICAL SEQUENCES (SEQUENCER) The Physis Plus organs are equipped with an internal sequencer (digital recorder) capable of recording performances on the instrument, the commands and controls used and MIDI data received through the MIDI [IN] port. Recordings...

  • Page 47: Recording A Song (Record Mode)

    Playing and recording of musical sequences (Sequencer) Using recorded and/or modified songs with dedicated software MIDI files recorded by the internal sequencer can be modified with the most common MIDI editing softwares. This might prove useful to correct errors of the recording or to generally improve the track. However, we strongly advice inexperienced users not to do so.

  • Page 48: Overdubbing A Song (Overdub Mode)

    Playing and recording of musical sequences (Sequencer)  Overdub: creation of a new recording to be added to the sequence just acquired.  Discard and Exit: delete the recording and quit sequencer Record mode. If the SAVE field is selected, the system prompts the user to assign a name to the MIDI sequence about to be saved.

  • Page 49: Creating Lists Of Songs (Song List Function)

    Playing and recording of musical sequences (Sequencer) NOTES When overdubbing tracks with changing tempo, it is impossible to rewind or Fast Forward while recording. However, it can be done when paused. After the overdubbing has been started, it is impossible to change the play speed. However, it can be done when paused or stopped.

  • Page 50: Play Options Of The Sequencer (Play Options Menu)

    Playing and recording of musical sequences (Sequencer) 3. arrange the songs within the list (or confirm the previous programming). To move a piece into a different position, locate the cursor on the relative field of the file with the [ ] and [ ] buttons and use [+] to move the position forward or [-] to set an earlier position.

  • Page 51: Appendix

    If this occurs with the internal memory, try again or contact the technical support at the e- mail address service@viscount. No files found There are no files of that type in the current memory.

  • Page 52: Temperament

    USB flash drive or to format it. If having problems with the internal memory, try again and then, if still having problems, contact the technical support at the e-mail address service@viscount.it communicating the error message. Song load failed The system failed to load a MIDI file.
  • Page 53 Appendix This is the Equal Temperament System (with the comma split in twelve parts). The Pythagorean comma can be split in larger parts and divided among a few (less than 12) fifths. This leads to other temperaments, such as the Werckmeister III, which spreads the comma in four, equal parts, between C-G, G-D, D-A, and B-F#.

  • Page 54: Temperaments Of The Physis Plus Organs

    - 1/4 sc: a pure fifth narrowed by 1/4 of syntonic comma - 1/4 pc: a pure fifth narrowed by 1/4 of pythagorean comma Temperaments of the Physis Plus organs In addition to Equal temperament, with the Plysis Plus organs you can play other temperaments described below.
  • Page 55 Appendix Pythagorean Based on eleven pure Pythagorean fifths and a wolf fifth on G#. This tuning can be used to play monodies, and music that does not use thirds in general. Most useful for curiosity and educational ends. Meantone 3# - Meantone 3b This tuning is the prototype of all temperaments based on fifths reduced by ¼...
  • Page 56 Appendix Chaumont A meantone temperament; the wolf fifth has been improved by enlarging the fifths on Eb and Bb. There are six pure major thirds: F, C, G, D, A, E. The third major on B, although not very pleasant, can still be used. Kellner 1975 This tuning was created by Kellner, who figured out its structure from the symbols on the first page of the...
  • Page 57 Appendix Werckmeister IV Based on five fiths, each reduced of 1/3 of Pythagorean comma, and two more thirds increased of the same amount. Very pleasant with mostly unaltered tonalities, it becomes “harder” as the alterations increase. Werckmeister V Based on five fiths reduced by 1/5 of Pythagorean comma, and one fifth increased of the same amount.
  • Page 58 Appendix Meantone Pure Minor 3rd This temperament is built with fifths narrowed by 1/3 of syntonic comma. The wolf fifth on G# is very large and completely unusable. The nine minor thirds based on C, G, D, A, E, B, F#, C#, G# are pure. The eight major thirds based on Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, A, E, are narrower, with respect to the pure, by 1/3 of syntonic comma.

  • Page 59: The Windchest In Pipe Organs

    Appendix Barca The Barca temperament is based on six fifths (from C) reduced by 1/6 of syntonic comma each, and one fifth (on Eb) reduced of the remaining skisma. Therefore there are Pythagorean thirds, tonalities with many alterations still sound well. Neidhardt II It consists of three pure fifths on E, Ab and F;...

  • Page 60: What Midi Is

    Appendix Double wing The tallest pipes are placed in the centre. As the pitch lowers, the pipes are gradually distributed further and further to the outside, alternating. Single wing (left) The tallest pipes are placed to the left, and the smaller (with higher pitch) pipes to the right.
  • Page 61 Appendix MIDI is able to transmit a multitude of digital data by means of just one cable, and thus just one connector. this is thanks to the MIDI channels. There are 16 MIDI channels, and in a similar way as for radio communications in which two stations can only communicate if they are tuned to the same frequency (or channel), two MIDI instruments connected together are only able to communicate if the transmitter instrument channel is the same as the receiver instrument channel.

  • Page 62: Detailed Midi Implementation

    Appendix Detailed MIDI Implementation CHANNEL MESSAGES Using default settings, channel messages are sent and received on the following MIDI channels: Data format: BnH 00H vvH 4 manuals models: Ch.1: Manual IV / Solo notes and controls n=channel number :0H–EH (1–15) Ch.1: Manual III / Swell notes or controls vv=bank MSB number :00H–7FH (0–127)
  • Page 63 Tutti 06H: general information and Crescendo steps. 02H: device ID reply Control Change 0 can be used to select Memory 31H: Viscount ID Banks. ffH ffH: device family code mmH mmH: device family member code Data format: CnH mmH...
  • Page 64 Appendix  VISCOUNT SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MESSAGES Ensemble Parameter: Ensemble  Register on/off Video page: Tuning Data format: F0H 31H snH xxH yyH F7H Data format: F0H 31H 2FH 32H vvH F7H F0H : Exclusive status 31H : Viscount ID F0H : Exclusive status...
  • Page 65 34H 20H:IV/I or SO/CH off Data format: F0H 31H 2FH 72H vvH F7H F7H: End of Exclusive F0H: Exclusive status This message is received only. 31H: Viscount ID 2FH: system control  Couplers (2 manuals organ models) 72H: orchestra volume Data format: F0H 31H 2FH 70H vvH F7H vvH: orchestra volume value (00H–7FH, 0-127)
  • Page 66 MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART Viscount Physis Plus Organs Version: 1.0 Classic Organ Date: 30 Aug. 2023 FUNCTION… TRANSMITTED RECEIVED REMARKS BASIC Default 1,2,3,4,5 1,2,3,4,5 CHANNEL Changed 1÷15 1÷15 MODE Default Mode 3 Mode 3 Messages ******** ******** Altered ******** ******** NOTE 30÷101...
  • Page 67 Disposal of old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applìcable throughout the European Union and other European countries with separate collection programs) Dir. 2002/95/CE, 2002/96/CE e 2003/108/CE This syrnbol, found on your product or on its packaging, indicates that this product should not be treated as household waste when you wish to dispose of it.
  • Page 68 Viscount International S.p.A. Via Borgo, 68 / 70 – 47836 Mondaino (RN), ITALY Tel: +39-0541-981700 Fax: +39-0541-981052 Website: www.viscountinstruments.com...

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