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Expert Sleepers Super Disting EX plus A User Manual

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Firmware v1.22
User Manual
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  • Page 1 Firmware v1.22 User Manual Page 1...
  • Page 2 Expert Sleepers Ltd. Expert Sleepers Ltd assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this document.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction............8 Bulk operations...........23 A note on videos..........8 Load all from SD card.........23 A note on navigating this manual....8 Save all to SD card........23 Extra Content.............8 Load from folder to........23 Installation............9 Save all to folder.........23 Power requirements........9 Load all dual from SD.........24 Connecting expansion modules.....9...
  • Page 4 Default mappings........47 Clearing the loop.........70 Note ranges..........47 Crossfades...........70 tempo............47 Envelopes............71 Chord scales..........47 Overdub fade..........71 Chord shapes..........48 Replace............71 Arpeggio modes..........49 Clocked operation........71 Chords, arpeggios, and multiple CV inputs ES-5 outputs..........71 gate............50 MIDI support..........71 WAV file defaults........50 support..........72 Scala and MTS (MIDI Tuning Standard) Parameters...........72 support............50 Default...
  • Page 5 Size mean '0'..........98 Clock inputs..........122 Pitch quantize..........98 Clock modes..........122 Shape............99 15 – Convolver..........123 Saving/loading WAV files......100 Impulse length and the factors that affect it Viewing the WAV path......100 ..............123 Clearing the audio buffer......101 Impulse responses on the MicroSD card...124 12 – Multi FX..........102 Recording impulse responses into the Routing............102...
  • Page 6 support..........145 Oscilloscope........170 Parameters..........145 K-6 24dB/oct VCF........171 Default mappings........146 K-7 Delay Stereo........171 Settings............146 K-8 Delay Stereo Clk........171 20 – Resonator..........149 N-7 Frequency Shifter.......171 Input normalization........149 N-8 Dual VCO..........173 Outputs............150 WAV file naming conventions and playlists. .174 MIDI support..........150 Per-algorithm defaults.......174 support..........150 Automatic '-natural' values......174 Parameters..........150...
  • Page 7 Firmware Updates..........201 Acknowledgments.........202 Where to get help...........201 Page 7...

  • Page 8: Introduction

    Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of an Expert Sleepers 'super disting EX plus alpha' (hereafter 'disting EX'). Please read this user manual before operating your new module. A note on videos Throughout this user manual you will find links to videos, which illustrate the corresponding sections of the text.

  • Page 9: Installation

    Installation House the module in a Eurorack case of your choosing. The power connector is 16-pin Doepfer standard . If using the power cable supplied with the module, the red edge of the cable is furthest from the top edge of the PCB, and carries -12V. ("-12V" is marked on the PCB itself next to this end of the connector.) Be sure to connect the other end of the power cable correctly, again so -12V corresponds to the red stripe on the cable.

  • Page 10: Jumpers

    Connect an ES-5 module via the header on the back of the disting EX marked “GT3/To ES-5”, using the 10-way cable provided. The red stripe should be oriented down on both modules, as shown in the photo above, and in the ES-5 user manual .

  • Page 11: Inputs And Outputs

    Inputs and Outputs The disting EX has six analogue inputs and four analogue outputs on 3.5mm TS jack sockets. These are designed to cope with any Eurorack signal (with a range of approximately ±10V), and are DC coupled, so can be used for CVs as well as audio. The inputs are numbered on a white background;...

  • Page 12: Sd Card Slot

    While the menu is active, turning 'P' scrolls through menu items, and pressing 'P' chooses the current menu item (or descends to the next menu level, if the current menu item is a submenu). Pressing 'V' jumps back up one menu level. Holding down 'V' exits the menu completely. SD Card slot The disting EX has a MicroSD card slot, to the left of the display.
  • Page 13 The speed of your SD card can be estimated using the 'Test SD speed' menu (under Misc->Tests). The maximum speed achievable with the disting EX is around 3 MB/s. Technical note: the disting EX accesses the MicroSD card in SPI mode, and so can never achieve the rated speed of the card, which assumes full SD bus access.

  • Page 14: Overview

    Overview The disting EX is a multifunction module. Its various functions are referred to as algorithms. Types of algorithms include audio processing (audio in, audio out e.g. delays, reverbs) • CV processing (CV in, CV out e.g. quantisers) • CV generation (e.g. envelopes) •...

  • Page 15: Parameters With

    The second line shows the current parameter number and name. Turning the 'P' knob scrolls through the parameters. Video The third line shows the current parameter's value, and if appropriate, its unit (the unit in the screenshot above is “%”). You'll note that there are two values shown. The first (leftmost) is the parameter's base value.

  • Page 16: Display Zoom

    Display zoom Video If enabled in the Settings (see below), the current parameter name or value is temporarily shown in a larger font. The value in the Settings is a multiple of 100ms for which to show the zoomed version. For example, a value of 10 shows the zoomed version for 1 second.

  • Page 17: Dual Mode

    Dual Mode In dual mode, the disting EX essentially behaves like two souped-up disting mk4s Left disting mk4 Right disting mk4 S knob S knob Turn to change parameter value. Hold & turn to choose parameter. Press to enter menu. Z knob Z knob Input Z...

  • Page 18: Help

    Help Video Video The per-algorithm help is hardcoded into the firmware – it is not stored on the SD card. Also it displays the help a page at a time, rather than scrolling it a character at a time! The algorithm help can be accessed via the dual mode menu, as shown in the first video above. It can also be quickly accessed by holding down the encoder for more than one second (shown in the second video), in which case it will be dismissed when the encoder is released.

  • Page 19: Disting Mk4 Algorithms With Improved

    disting mk4 algorithms with improved specifications B-4 Clockable Delay/Echo • ◦ Operates at 96kHz and offers a maximum delay time of around 22 seconds. C-3 Clockable Ping Pong Delay (Z feedback) & C-4 Clockable Ping Pong Delay (Z input • pan) ◦...

  • Page 20: Extra Algorithms Not Part Of The Disting Mk4

    N-7 Frequency Shifter • ◦ Has extra features which essentially turn it into a whole new algorithm, which is documented in full below. Extra algorithms not part of the disting mk4 While most of the dual mode algorithms are from the disting mk4, there are some extra algorithms which do not exist on the mk4.

  • Page 21: Presets

    Presets A preset on the disting EX stores the following information: The preset name. • The current algorithm(s). • The algorithm parameters. • The mapping to load when the preset is loaded. • The current parameter. • For dual algorithms: •...

  • Page 22: Load Preset

    Users have also created editors in MIDI controller apps – for example, see here for some nice TouchOSC layouts. Load preset Loads a preset from flash memory. Use the 'P' knob to choose the preset slot. The preset name is shown at the bottom of the screen, or <Empty>...

  • Page 23: Save To Sd Card

    Preset files may be located at the top level of the card, or inside folders. If a folder contains preset files, it is included in the names you can choose with 'P', and “(folder)” is displayed. Pressing 'P' will enter the folder and let you browse the preset files therein. Choosing the special item <..> steps back up to the parent folder.

  • Page 24: Load All Dual From

    to make the folder name unique. Load all dual from SD Loads an 'all dual presets' file from the MicroSD card. Take care – this function replaces all the dual mode presets saved in flash memory with those loaded from the card. Save all dual to SD Saves all the dual mode presets in flash memory to a file on the MicroSD card.

  • Page 25: Mappings

    Mappings A 'mapping' stores all the information about how an algorithm's parameters are controlled by CV, MIDI etc. It is dealt with separately from a preset on the rationale that you will change a mapping less often than a preset. Most of the Mappings functionality applies to single mode algorithms only, except for MIDI mappings, which also apply to dual mode.

  • Page 26: Mappings

    Whether to treat the CV as a gate – choose “Norm” for a normal CV, or “Gate” for a gate. A • gate-type mapping switches between the parameter's minimum and maximum when the input goes over 1V. The CV scaling – the relationship between incoming voltages and the parameter values. For •...

  • Page 27: Mappings

    The button mappings offset the values set manually – the parameter value from the button is added to the value set via the parameter/value knobs. On the mapping editing screen, move the cursor (the dotted rectangle) with the 'P' knob. Turn the 'V' or 'R' knobs to adjust the value under the cursor.

  • Page 28: Mappings

    symmetric CC, the value 64 is mapped to the mid point of the range, and values above and below that are scaled by half the total range. A symmetric mapping is appropriate for a parameter which has a bipolar range around zero (for example, a pan position), where you want to be sure that a MIDI value of 64 gives you exactly zero in the middle.

  • Page 29: Mapping

    While editing the I2C mapping, pressing 'P' enters 'I2C learn' mode. The first I2C controller received by the module after activating Learn will be assigned to the current mapping. There is a setting for whether a mapping set by Learn automatically unsets any other mapping that uses the same controller.

  • Page 30: Card

    item <..> steps back up to the parent folder. Save to SD card Saves the current mapping to a file on the SD card. The file is placed in the root folder, and the filename is automatically constructed from the mapping name. Load all from SD card Loads an 'all mappings' file from the MicroSD card.

  • Page 31: Algorithms

    Single Mode Algorithms The following pages describe the disting EX's “single mode” algorithms. Page 31...

  • Page 32: Mixer

    1 – Matrix Mixer Mix inputs Mix inputs Mix outputs Mix outputs The Matrix Mixer is a flexible 6 into 4 mixer, mainly designed for CV processing, though it will happily handle audio as well. As well as a static mix, the algorithm is capable of complex dynamic mixes when CV mapping is used, and also of CV generation –...

  • Page 33: Options

    Name Max Default Unit Description 15-38 Mix N->M -200 These 24 parameters set the mix matrix. E.g. 'Mix 5->2' sets the amount of input 5 that will be summed into output 2. A negative amount indicates that the signal will be inverted. 39-44 In offset -10000 10000 0 Input offsets for inputs 1-6.

  • Page 34: Loop

    Delay only left Dry/delay mix left Delay only right Dry/delay mix right Augustus Loop is a disting EX implementation of one of Expert Sleepers' oldest products, the VST plug-in of the same name (here ). Essentially, it's a tape-inspired stereo delay.

  • Page 35: Display

    This diagram is reproduced from the VST plug-in user manual, and explains the signal flow graphically: There are four 'tape read heads' with independent delay times and stereo positions, allowing for straight stereo delays, ping pong delays, or hybrid multi-tap style effects. Output Input Input...
  • Page 36 Name Min Max Default Unit Description (coarse) coarse and fine delay times are added to produce the actual delay time. Time (fine) -100 100 Sets an adjustment to the delay time, in milliseconds. The coarse and fine delay times are added to produce the actual delay time. Delay A multiplier to apply to the delay time set by the multiplier...
  • Page 37 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Pitch inertia 0 Sets the amount of 'inertia' or slew on the pitch CV input. At zero, the tape speed follows the pitch input closely; at the maximum value, pitch changes are quite gradual. Stop tape When set to '1', the tape speed is set to zero.

  • Page 38: Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Clear loop When set to 1, instigates a rapid clear of the delay buffer (while maintaining passthrough of the dry signal). Saturation Enables the saturation processing (on the tape enable output, before the filter). Saturation Sets the depth of the saturation effect, by applying gain before the saturation waveshaper.

  • Page 39: Required

    button push, or a MIDI event. By default it is mapped to the 'L' button. Two taps are required to set the delay time. Taps more than 11 seconds apart are ignored. When the module is 'listening' for a second tap, a “!” is shown in the display, as in the screenshot above. Clocks required When using the clock input, the algorithm's default behaviour is to follow every clock pulse and immediately change the delay time.
  • Page 40 Simple ideas include putting external VCAs in the loop to control the amount of feedback. Or you could put other delays, reverbs, or pitch effects (e.g. chorus) into the loop. Putting a pitch shifter into the loop gives you the classic “pitch spiralling off to infinity” sound. The two options for the effects loop position are 'Pre-Filter' and 'Post-Filter', which as you might expect places the external loop either before or after the filter, giving you the option of filtering before you send the audio to the external effects, or filtering the result that comes back in.

  • Page 41: Multisample

    MicroSD card. It can have up to 3 input CV/gate pairs, or can be played via MIDI. It supports both velocity switches and round robins per sample. There is also a chord and arpeggio generator, based on that in the Expert Sleepers General CV module.

  • Page 42: Inputs

    information for the highest active voice: the file name, the file's natural pitch, and its switch setting. Inputs The 'Input mode' parameter controls how many of the module's inputs are used as CV/gate inputs. The options are as follows. Remember that holding 'V' shows you what the inputs are being used for.

  • Page 43: Support

    The output modes with stereo outputs also have alternative spread modes, which determines the effect of the 'Output spread' parameter: Spread mode 1 Voices are spread across the stereo field from left to right. Spread mode 2 Voices are spread across the stereo field in an alternating left/right manner, by a small amount for voices 1/2, increasing up to voices 7/8.

  • Page 44: Parameters

    Parameters Name Min Max Default Unit Description Attenuverter -200 200 Applies an attenuverter to the corresponding input. A negative value indicates that the CV will be inverted. Folder The folder on the MicroSD card to load the samples from. Attack time The envelope attack time.
  • Page 45 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Chord enable 0 Enables the chord generator function. The chord generator can be on or off globally, or per gate (MIDI/I2C counts as gate 3). Chord key The key of the chord generator. “0” is C, “1” is C♯/D♭...
  • Page 46 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Min note 3 The lowest note to respond to on the third CV/gate pair, and on MIDI/I2C. Max note 3 The highest note to respond to on the third CV/gate pair, and on MIDI/I2C. Output spread -100 100 Sets the amount by which voices are panned, according to the 'Output mode'.

  • Page 47: Default Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Gate offset Offsets (delays) the gate inputs relative to the pitch inputs. This is useful to allow pitch CVs to settle before they are sampled on the rising gate, and also to cope with modules which output both a pitch and gate but change their gate first.

  • Page 48: Chord Shapes

    Chord shapes The available shapes are as follows. Name Notes (within scale) Example (in C major) None Octave 1-1(8ve) C C(8ve) Two Octaves 1-1(8ve)-1(15ma) C C(8ve) C(15ma) Root/Fifth Root/Fifth + 8ve 1-5-1(8ve) C G C(8ve) Triad 1-3-5 C E G Triad + 8ve 1-3-5-1(8ve) C E G C(8ve)

  • Page 49: Arpeggio Modes

    Arpeggio modes The 'Arpeggio 1-3 mode' parameters specify the way in which the notes from the chord are played to create an arpeggio. The options are as follows: Name Behaviour Example (on C major triad) Notes are played from lowest to highest. C E G C E G ...

  • Page 50: Chords, Arpeggios, And Multiple Cv Inputs Per Gate

    Chords, arpeggios, and multiple CV inputs per gate How these features interact warrants some clarification. Video If the input mode is one in which there are multiple pitch CVs per gate, the chord generation is applied to each pitch CV. For example, if you supply the notes C and D, and set the chord generation to 'triad' in C major, you'll get the notes C, E, G, D, F, A.
  • Page 51 MTS dumps should be placed in a folder named 'MTS' on the MicroSD card, and the files should have the extension '.syx'. The file should be exactly 408 bytes in size; if the file you have is a different size, it is in the wrong format. Select the scale and keyboard mapping using the parameters.

  • Page 52: Soundfont ® S

    SoundFont ® Video SoundFont is a file format (usually using the .sf2 extension) which rolls up multiple audio samples with data describing how they are to be combined into an instrument. Such samples are ideally matched for use in this algorithm. Sadly the way the data is arranged in the file format does not lend itself to an efficient implementation on the module, so we have not supported being able to directly load .sf2 files from the SD card.

  • Page 53: Round Robin Mode

    effect, though you can specify much longer times if you wish so each note is quite distinctly separated. Note that this applies to multiple notes triggered when using a single gate input with multiple CV inputs, as well as when chord mode is activated. The 'Break direction' allows you to specify whether the chord is played from bottom to top (up), from top to bottom (down), or alternately up and down.

  • Page 54: Sd 6 Triggers

    4 – SD 6 Triggers Video Trigger inputs Trigger inputs Assignable outputs Assignable outputs This algorithm, primarily designed for drum sample playback, offers 6 voices with independent triggers and sample selection. It is somewhat like the disting mk4's 'I-8 Dual Audio Playback with Z Speed' but much more capable.

  • Page 55: Outputs

    Outputs Outputs 1-4 are audio outputs. Each voice can be routed to one or a pair of these. ES-5 outputs If an ES-5 is connected (see above), the first 6 outputs of the ES-5 emit “end of sample” triggers when the corresponding voice's sample comes to an end. Trigger inputs By default, each input serves as a trigger input for the correspondingly numbered voice.

  • Page 56: Parameters

    Parameters Name Min Max Default Unit Description Attenuverter -200 200 Applies an attenuverter to the corresponding input. A negative value indicates that the CV will be inverted. Folder The folder on the MicroSD card to load the samples from. 8-13 Sample 1-6 The sample chosen for the voice.

  • Page 57: Wav File Defaults

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description 66-70 Folder 2-6 The folder on the MicroSD card to load the samples from for voices 2-6, or -1 to use the primary folder as set by parameter 7. Round robin Sets how round-robins are used. See above. mode WAV file defaults Loop setting: the default is for a file to be one-shot (not looping).

  • Page 58: Wav Recorder

    5 – WAV Recorder Record Play Record CV Play CV Left/mono input Right input L/R output pair 2 L/R output pair 1 This algorithm records audio (or CV) to the MicroSD card as a WAV file. It can record up to six channels of audio at 48 or 96kHz, 16 or 24 bit.

  • Page 59: Multi-Channel

    Recording can also be controlled by a CV into input 5. Playback can be controlled by input 6. Note that when recording five or six channels, these inputs are used for audio. Be sure to switch to five or six channels before connecting the audio signals to the inputs, or you risk attempting to start/stop recording &...

  • Page 60: Parameters

    Outputs 3/4 are also used as CV/gate outputs during auto-sampling. Parameters Name Min Max Default Unit Description Attenuverter -200 200 Applies an attenuverter to the corresponding input. A negative value indicates that the CV will be inverted. Input gain The gain to apply to the inputs. Sample rate 0 The sample rate of the recording.

  • Page 61: Default Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description AS Min The minimum velocity value to use when auto- velocity sampling with velocity switch layers. AS Max The maximum velocity value to use when auto- velocity sampling with velocity switch layers, or the fixed value to use if not using velocity switches.
  • Page 62 When the auto-sampler is enabled, you can preview the note timings by pressing the 'R' knob. This will generate a MIDI note and a gate of the set length, after which “Testing timing” will continue to be shown for the gap time. This function also helps to set up the latency adjustment.

  • Page 63: Multi-Switch

    6 – Multi-Switch Video Macro 1/2 Switch inputs Switch inputs or control CVs or control CVs Switch outputs Switch outputs This algorithm offers six highly configurable sequential or voltage controlled switches. Being DC- coupled, it can switch audio or CVs. Each switch consists of two sub-switches: an input sub-switch, to select one of the module's six inputs, and an output sub-switch, to select one of the module's four outputs.

  • Page 64: Default Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description 7-12 Macro 1-6 Can be mapped (to CV, MIDI etc.) and used as a control source by the switches. A inputs The inputs for the switch. See 'inputs choices'. A outputs The outputs for the switch. See 'outputs choices'.

  • Page 65: Inputs Choices

    Inputs choices Value Switch inputs Value Switch inputs Value Switch inputs None 2-3-4-5 3-4-5-6 4-5-6-1 1-2-3 5-6-1-2 2-3-4 6-1-2-3 3-4-5 1-2-3-4-5 4-5-6 2-3-4-5-6 5-6-1 3-4-5-6-1 6-1-2 4-5-6-1-2 1-2-3-4 5-6-1-2-3 6-1-2-3-4 1-2-3-4-5-6 Outputs choices Value Switch outputs Value Switch outputs Value Switch outputs None 2-3-4...

  • Page 66: Control Types

    Control sources (when type is 'Link') Value Control source Value Control source Value Control source None A plus 0 C plus 0 E plus 0 A plus 1 C plus 1 E plus 1 A plus 2 C plus 2 E plus 2 A plus 3 C plus 3...

  • Page 67: Reset Sources

    Reset sources A sub-switch is reset when its chosen reset input goes over 1V, or when the chosen Macro goes over Value Reset source Value Reset source Value Reset source None Input 1 Input 5 Macro 3 Input 2 Input 6 Macro 4 Input 3 Macro 1...

  • Page 68: Looper

    7 – Looper Video Record/Overdub/Clear Play/Pause/Mute Assignable inputs Assignable inputs Assignable outputs Assignable outputs This algorithm provides four simultaneous loopers, with two button record/play/overdub control in the manner of many stomp-box loopers. The loopers may be 8/16/32 bit, and mono or stereo, with corresponding adjustments to maximum loop time.

  • Page 69: Recording A Blank

    The target loop is set by parameter 7. You may like to map this to a knob for ease of access; or you may not, to avoid the risk of accidentally changing it. Note that special MIDI control of the target loop is provided –...

  • Page 70: Pausing/Muting/Retriggering The Overdubbing

    Pausing/muting/retriggering the loop Once a loop is playing, pressing 'R' pauses or mutes the loop, depending on the 'Pause/mute' parameter. If the loop is paused, the symbol changes to the 'double vertical line' icon: If the loop is muted, the symbol changes to an 'M': Pressing 'R' again returns the loop to play mode.

  • Page 71: Clocked

    Envelopes Two attack-decay envelopes are provided; one for when a loop is started and stopped, and one for when overdubbing starts and ends. While the loop is in the decay stage, fading out towards pause/mute, a 'v' is indicated in its display. While the end of overdub decay stage is active, the record indicator (the circle) flashes.

  • Page 72: Support

    MIDI notes 64, 65, 67, & 69 (i.e. E4, F4, G4, & A4) activate Record, Play, Reverse, and Octave Down respectively while simultaneously activating ‘Bypass clock’. MIDI note 71(i.e. B4) sets the ‘Bypass clock’ parameter to ‘1’ while held. These MIDI note numbers can be changed via the algorithm's menu: Whether or not the algorithm responds to MIDI notes, and the range of notes to respond to, can be set from the algorithm's menu (in the same way as illustrated for the SD Multisample algorithm, above).
  • Page 73 Name Min Max Default Unit Description 33-36 Monitor 1-4 The monitor output (1-4), or '5' to use outputs 1 output & 2 as a stereo pair, or '6' to use outputs 3 & 4 as a stereo pair. 37-40 Monitor 1-4 -100 100 If the monitor output is a stereo pair, and the loops are mono, this sets the pan position of the...

  • Page 74: Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Octave Controls the 'octave down' function. down Lowpass Sets the frequency of a second order low-pass filter filter applied to the loop outputs. '127' disables the filter; lower values set the cutoff frequency with a minimum of 200Hz. Bypass While this parameter is ‘1’, commands such as clock...
  • Page 75 Then navigate to one of the files in the set. The files will be loaded to the loops that correspond to their suffix number. Saving loops From the Looper menu, select 'Save WAV' and then 'Save all loops': Each looper that is not empty will be saved to the MicroSD card as a WAV file, into a folder named “!LOOPER”.

  • Page 76: Machine

    8 – Dream Machine Video Wave offset Wave input Fundamental wave Stereo outputs Fundamental envelope This algorithm is designed to generate drones, allowing the user to explore non-traditional harmonies based on prime ratios. It was inspired by the theories of composer La Monte Young .

  • Page 77: Primes

    resonant frequency of whatever environment you find yourself in). It can be dialled in via the parameter (in thousandths of a Hz), or set from the algorithm's menu. Note that the Hz value shown in the display also takes into account the octave parameter. Setting the primes Parameters 8-11 let you choose the set of prime numbers that will make up the allowable values for the frequency ratios.
  • Page 78 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Fundamental 1 32767 29135 Sets the fundamental frequency, in thousandths of a Hz. Octave Sets an octave shift for the fundamental. Denominator 1 Sets the denominator of the frequency ratios. Numerator 1 1 1024 42 Sets the numerator of the frequency ratio of tone 1.

  • Page 79: Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Reverb Chooses the reverb model. model Reverb size Sets the size of the reverb space – mainly affects the times of the early reflections. Reverb high Sets the amount of high frequency damping in damp the reverb tail.

  • Page 80: Bank

    9 – Filter Bank Video CV input (optional) Stereo inputs Gate input (optional) Odd sum output Stereo mix outputs Even sum output This algorithm provides a bank of eight parallel stereo bandpass filters or resonators. The filters' levels can be controlled manually, via CV, or with envelopes driven from gates, and their pitch can also be set manually or via CV or MIDI.

  • Page 81: Frequencies

    Setting the filter frequencies When set manually from the parameters, the filter frequencies are set in terms of MIDI note numbers. The frequency in Hz is also shown for convenience. Outputs Outputs 1 & 2 are a mix of the dry and filtered signals according to the 'Dry gain' and 'Effect gain' parameters.

  • Page 82: Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Spread -100 100 Sets an amount by which to spread out the filters in the stereo field. LFO depth Sets the depth of an octature LFO modulation of the filter gains. LFO rate -100 100 Sets the LFO rate.

  • Page 83: Wavetable

    10 – Poly Wavetable Videos (playlist) Wave offset Wave input Filter frequency Sustain Pitch CV Gate Paraphonic gate Stereo outputs Mono mix This algorithm is a complete 8 voice polyphonic synthesizer, using wavetable oscillators. Each voice has two envelopes, a filter and an LFO. Delay and chorus effects are also provided. The algorithm can be played equally well by CV/gate or MIDI.

  • Page 84: Inputs

    Note that the waveform may be different per voice if e.g. the 'Wave spread' parameter is used. For most parameters, the display shows the note numbers being played by the 8 voices, or “--” if a voice is not playing. On each voice is superimposed a vertical bar representing the voice's current envelope level.

  • Page 85: Support

    There are two choices of what is output as a 'paraphonic gate'. The first outputs a gate as long as any voices are playing; the second outputs a gate as long as any keys are held. This is set via the algorithm's menu: MIDI support This algorithm recognises note on, note off, and pitch bend messages.
  • Page 86 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Wavetable Chooses the wavetable from those installed on the MicroSD card. Wave offset -100 100 An offset for the wavetable position, added to that set from the wave input. Wave spread -100 100 An amount by which to spread out the per- voice wavetable positions.
  • Page 87 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Env -> wave -100 100 The amount by which envelope 1 affects the wavetable position. Env -> filter -127 127 The amount by which envelope 1 affects the filter frequency. Env 2 -> wave -100 100 The amount by which envelope 2 affects the wavetable position.

  • Page 88: Mode

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Arpeggio 1-3 The arpeggiator mode for each CV/gate input mode pair. See below for the options. Arpeggio 1-3 When set to 1, the arpeggio is simply the notes range formed by the chord. When set to 2 or 3, a copy of the chord is appended to the pattern, one or two octaves higher, creating a longer pattern that spans multiple octaves.

  • Page 89: Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Arp reset The input to use as the arpeggiator reset, or “0” input for none. A trigger pulse into this input will reset the arpeggiator back to step 1. Max voices Sets the maximum number of simultaneous voices.

  • Page 90: Tempo

    Value Name Description Spread by pitch Voices are spread across the stereo field according to their pitch, with note 48 at the centre. Per voice Each voice comes out of one output only, as described above. Tap tempo When the 'Delay time' parameter is current, pressing the 'R' button acts as a 'tap tempo' function to set the delay time (instead of resetting the parameter to its default value).

  • Page 91: 11 - Granulator

    11 – Granulator Videos (playlist) Delay mean Left input Right input Delay mean Record Pitch CV Gate Stereo mix outputs Stereo grains outputs This algorithm implements a granular synthesis engine, taking as its source material either live audio input or audio loaded from the SD card. Live audio can be recorded into a buffer (maximum size about 31 seconds) or streamed continuously.

  • Page 92: Routing

    Two suggested ways of getting started: 1) Connect an audio input, enable Record and enable Drone 1. 2) Connect CV/gate or MIDI, load a sample from the card, and play. Effects and routing The algorithm includes a standard delay/echo effect and a reverb, which can be applied to just the granulator or to the mix of the granulator and the dry signal, according to the 'Effects routing' parameter.

  • Page 93: Outputs

    grains. At the top right is an indicator of whether 'Record' is active. You can optionally set this mode to appear automatically when the interface is otherwise idle. Do this via the 'Auto visuals' option under the algorithm's menu. The value is a time in seconds, or zero to disable this feature.

  • Page 94: Parameters

    Parameters Name Min Max Default Unit Description Attenuverter -200 200 Applies an attenuverter to the corresponding input. A negative value indicates that the CV will be inverted. Buffer size 100 31250 5000 The audio buffer size in milliseconds. Input gain -34 12 Gain applied to the audio being recorded (does not affect the dry signal).
  • Page 95 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Opacity The 'opacity' of a note, which is the percentage of grains that would normally make up the note that actually sound. LFO depth -100 100 The depth of the LFO that affects the grain delay, expressed as a percentage of the buffer size.
  • Page 96 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Drone 3 pitch 0 The MIDI note number for drone 3. Drone 1-3 Enables (gates) for the three drones. enable Drone 1-3 The opacity of the three drones. opacity Drone 1-3 -40 6 The level (volume) of the three drones. level Out delay The type of the output delay effect: 'Off',...

  • Page 97: Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Sustain mode 0 Sets the behaviour of the sustain function. The options are “Synth” (sustained notes cannot be retriggered) and “Piano” (sustained notes can be retriggered). Delay mean The CV input to use to control the grain delay. input A CV of 5V corresponds to 100% of the buffer size.

  • Page 98: Size Mean '0

    Each of these options also has a 'fixed' variant ('Stochastic (fixed)' and 'Mid-grain (fixed)'). This behaves identically unless recording is active. The difference relates to how the grain positions are calculated, using the delay mean and spread parameters. In the non-fixed modes, the grain positions are relative to the current audio buffer write position – effectively, relative to 'now'.

  • Page 99: Shape

    Shape The 'Shape' parameter sets the volume envelope (also called 'window' in some of the literature) of the grains. The options are as follows. Value Name Description Image Gaussian A gaussian bell curve. Tukey A rectangle convolved with a raised cosine. Triangle A simple triangle shape.

  • Page 100: Saving/Loading Wav

    Saving/loading WAV files The Granulator can load WAV files from the MicroSD card into the audio buffer, and can save the buffer contents as a WAV file. Files are saved and loaded from the Granulator's own menu, which is accessed by pressing 'P' in the usual way: Loading a WAV file From the Granulator menu, select 'Load' and then either 'Load WAV' or 'Load WAV (raw)'.

  • Page 101: Clearing The Audio

    Clearing the audio buffer The 'Clear buffer' menu item under the Granulator menu erases all audio in the buffer. Page 101...

  • Page 102: 12 - Multi Fx

    12 – Multi FX Videos (playlist) Reverb time Left input VSR (variable sample rate) Right input Pitch shift Stereo mix outputs Stereo aux outputs This algorithm is a flexible stereo multi-fx processor, offering simultaneous EQ, pitch effects, delay and reverb .

  • Page 103: Algorithm-Specific Eq

    The EQ section always comes first – it processes the 'dry' input. You have an option as to whether the pre- or post-EQ signal is considered to be the dry signal for purposes of the output mix (see the 'Dry routing' parameter). Each of the pitch, delay and reverb sections takes as input a mix of two signals, which you can choose freely from the pre- or post-EQ dry signals, or the outputs of the other sections.

  • Page 104: Delay

    Delay The delay section offers mono, stereo and ping-pong delay effects. In fact, 'mono' is a misnomer since the signal path is still stereo – but the delay is set by a single parameter for both channels, as compared to 'stereo' mode where each channel has independent delays. Each mode comes in two flavours –...

  • Page 105: Parameters

    When following MIDI clock, the parameter page shows 'MIDI', as well as the selected clock division and the effective time in milliseconds: Parameters Name Max Default Unit Description Attenuverter 1- -200 200 Applies an attenuverter to the corresponding input. A negative value indicates that the CV will be inverted.
  • Page 106 Name Max Default Unit Description 24 EQ 3 The frequency of EQ band 3. frequency 25 EQ 3 gain -120 120 0.1dB The gain of EQ band 3 (only if type is 'Shelving'). 26 Pitch input 1 Chooses one input to the pitch effect. 27 Pitch input 2 Chooses the other input to the pitch effect.
  • Page 107 Name Max Default Unit Description 44 Delay time R 5000 500 Sets the right delay time if the mode is 'stereo'. The right delay time, if following MIDI clock. 45 Delay feedback 0 Sets the delay feedback. 46 Delay mono- If the delay mode is 'ping-pong', sets the amount by which the input signal is reduced to a mono signal to be panned.

  • Page 108: Default Mappings

    Name Max Default Unit Description 66 Aux input gain -40 Sets the gain of the aux signal. '-40' is treated as –∞dB. 67 Delay clock Selects which input is used as a clock for the input delay time, or '0' for 'None'. 68 Delay R clock Selects which input is used as a clock for the input...

  • Page 109: 13 - Poly Exciter

    13 – Poly Exciter Videos (playlist) Tone Damping Pressure Sustain Pitch CV Gate Stereo outputs Mono mix This algorithm is an 8 voice polyphonic synthesizer, based on the method of exciting a resonant structure with a burst of audio. It produces results than can sound like a stringed instrument being plucked/struck.

  • Page 110: Built-In Exciters

    You can use any audio as an exciter – it doesn't have to be specially created. Drum sounds are interesting choices – try a bass drum for a softish sound, or a snare for a sound with a sharp, noisy attack.

  • Page 111: Algorithm-Specific

    Algorithm-specific display For most parameters, the display shows the note numbers being played by the 8 voices, or “--” if a voice is not playing. On each voice is superimposed a vertical bar representing the voice's current envelope level. If the Table parameter is current, the bottom line shows the table name. For parameters which control modulation of the exciter number, the bottom line shows the current exciter for the last played note.

  • Page 112: All Notes Off

    All notes off If you encounter stuck notes or other issues, an 'All notes off' function is available from the algorithm's menu. Parameters Name Min Max Default Unit Description Attenuverter -200 200 Applies an attenuverter to the corresponding input. A negative value indicates that the CV will be inverted.
  • Page 113 Name Min Max Default Unit Description LFO -> pitch -200 200 cents The amount by which the LFO affects the note pitch. LFO -> -127 127 The amount by which the LFO affects the exciter chosen exciter within the table. LFO speed -100 100 The LFO speed.
  • Page 114 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Arpeggio 1-3 When set to 1, the arpeggio is simply the notes range formed by the chord. When set to 2 or 3, a copy of the chord is appended to the pattern, one or two octaves higher, creating a longer pattern that spans multiple octaves.

  • Page 115: Default Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Ext exciter The external exciter input, or “0” for none. input Pitch bend The pitch bend input, or “0” for none. input Arp reset The input to use as the arpeggiator reset, or “0” input for none.

  • Page 116: Input Modes

    mode notes have a default pressure of zero. To this is added the 'Pressure' parameter, the MIDI channel and polyphonic pressures (if playing via MIDI), and the pressure from the input (if playing via CV/pressure pairs – see Input modes, below). So, Strum mode will be silent unless you give it pressure from one of these sources.

  • Page 117: Tap Tempo

    Tap tempo When the 'Delay time' parameter is current, pressing the 'R' button acts as a 'tap tempo' function to set the delay time (instead of resetting the parameter to its default value). Chords and arpeggiators The various chord and arpeggiator parameters are exactly the same as those in the SD Multisample algorithm.

  • Page 118: 14 - Quad Envelope

    14 – Quad Envelope Video Clock Gate/trigger Gate/trigger Gate/trigger Gate/trigger Envelope out Envelope out Envelope out Envelope out This algorithm is a quad complex (DAHDSR) envelope generator, with optional VCA functionality. Various trigger modes include gated, triggered (one-shot) and looping. The envelopes can be synced to clocks (analogue pulses, or MIDI).

  • Page 119: Algorithm-Specific

    with a nominal 8V range achieves unity gain for the VCA. Note that the VCA path is DC coupled, and that if the envelope's offset has been used to make it negative or bipolar, the multiplication is four-quadrant, meaning you can use this for fairly complex CV modulation, as well as for the common-or-garden usage of modulating an audio source's volume.

  • Page 120: Midi Support

    “active” gate signals i.e. the outputs are on while the envelope is active. MIDI support This algorithm recognises note on & note off messages. Notes 48-51 trigger envelopes 1-4 respectively. It also recognises MIDI clock, which can be used as a clock source via the 'Clock input' parameters. Whether or not the algorithm responds to MIDI notes, and the range of notes to respond to, can be set from the algorithm's menu (in the same way as illustrated for the SD Multisample algorithm, above).

  • Page 121: Default Mappings

    Name Max Default Unit Description Trigger The trigger mode for envelope 1 – see below. mode 1 Clock input The clock input for envelope 1 – see below. Clock mode The clock mode for envelope 1 – see below. Scale 1 -100 The scale for envelope 1, in units of 100mV i.e.

  • Page 122: Inputs

    Mode Behaviour Gate The envelope is triggered by a rising edge (or MIDI note on). If it reaches the sustain stage, it stays there while the gate is high (or the MIDI note is held). When the gate goes low (or the MIDI note is released) the envelope moves immediately to the release stage, whichever stage it is in at the time.

  • Page 123: Convolver

    15 – Convolver Video Trigger recording Input (mono or L) Recording input L Input R Recording input R Output (mono or L) Impulse out Impulse out Output R This algorithm performs real-time convolution of the input signal and another signal (often called an 'impulse response') which can be loaded from the MicroSD card or recorded live into the module's memory.

  • Page 124: Impulse Responses On The Microsd Card

    stereo option passes the dry signal in stereo but sums the two input channels to mono before convolution; it does not do true stereo convolution, which would double the CPU cost again. Latency: the algorithm works on blocks of audio at a time. It is more efficient to work on larger blocks, but conversely using larger blocks means a longer wait until you get the results i.e.

  • Page 125: Impulses

    is in some sense filtering one sound with another. A noisy signal tends to bring out all frequency components of the other signal – so for example a noisy impulse (like a typical reverb impulse) will be fairly frequency-neutral on the live audio, and a noisy signal (e.g. a drum loop) will bring out most of the frequency content of a pitched impulse (e.g.

  • Page 126: Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Sample rate 0 Sets the algorithm's sample rate. Live update 0 Enables the 'live update' mode. Generate Generates an impulse and enables recording impulse when set to 1. Default mappings The 'L' button is mapped to 'Generate impulse'. Page 126...

  • Page 127: Engine

    16 – Chord Engine Videos (Playlist) Calibration Chord gate Root gate Root CV Pitch CV Gate Pitch CV out Pitch CV out Pitch CV out Pitch CV out This algorithm generates chords of pitch CVs from an input pitch CV, with a number of options for how the harmony CVs are worked out.

  • Page 128: Display

    The second, 'SATB mode', builds a chord according to common practice four part harmony. (SATB stands for soprano/alto/tenor/bass.) The input CV is assigned to one of the four voices according to the 'cantus firmus' parameter, and the remaining voices fill out the chord according to the root degree and position parameters.

  • Page 129: Mode

    ES-5 outputs 5-8 output per-voice triggers or gates, according to the 'Output gate mode' parameter. This has the options 'Triggers', 'Inv Triggers' (inverted triggers, always high except for a low pulse when the trigger is fired, useful for driving an envelope generator which is generally in sustain but which needs to be retriggered when the chord changes), and 'Gates' (in which case the output is gated by the main gate input, input 4).
  • Page 130 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Custom Shape mode: the first note of the custom chord. chord 1 See below. 14-17 Custom Shape mode: the second to fifth notes of the chord 2-5 custom chord. See below. Root degree 0 SATB mode: the root degree.
  • Page 131 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Root Sets when the root note is sampled. The options tracking are 'Continuous' (0), 'Triggered' (1) (when input 3 goes high), 'Trig with note' (2) (sample the root whenever the note is sampled), or 'When note changes' (3) (sample the root whenever the note changes).

  • Page 132: Mappings

    algorithm. Please refer to the documentation of that algorithm, above. This algorithm adds an extra scale option, 'Melodic Minor'. When using this scale in SATB harmony mode, the cantus firmus uses the melodic minor scale , using the ascending or descending form automatically depending on the voice movement.

  • Page 133: Arpeggiators

    After calibration, the current calibration of all four voices is shown. 'Default' indicates that an output has not been calibrated and is using the default scaling (1V/octave with 0V corresponding to MIDI note 48). The vertical lines in this view indicate the current pitches/voltages of each voice.

  • Page 134: Output

    17 – Microtuner Video Audio input Audio input Audio input Audio input Audio thru or fixed V Audio thru or fixed V Audio thru or fixed V Audio thru or fixed V This algorithm is a tuner, displaying the pitch of up to four input signals at once. It can use Scala or MTS to tune to a microtonal scale.

  • Page 135: Display

    the bottom of the display. At the top right of the display is the tracked pitch expressed in Hz ('55.3Hz' above). Below this is the closest note in the active scale, expressed as a note number and frequency ('33 55.0Hz' above – this is telling you that the correct pitch of A2 is 55.0Hz). Note that this depends on the chosen scale.
  • Page 136 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Output 1 Sets what is output on output 1. The choices are 'Thru' (a straight copy of input 1) and 'Fixed V' (a fixed voltage, determined by the following parameter). Output 1 The fixed output voltage, if the 'Output 1' voltage parameter is set to 'Fixed V'.

  • Page 137: Mappings

    18 – Tracker Video Calibration Audio input Root CV Tracked envelope Mix L Mix R Tracked pitch CV This algorithm tracks the pitch and envelope of an audio signal, and uses it to generate either CVs (of the tracked pitch and a chord related to it) or pitch-shifted versions of the input audio to form a chord.

  • Page 138: Modes

    Note that the root is not the same as the key. In the key of C major for example, a root degree of II gives the chord D-F-A. In the key of D major, a root degree of I gives D-F♯-A. The third mode uses incoming MIDI notes to directly specify the three harmony notes.

  • Page 139: Display

    Value Name Description The dry signal i.e. the unmodified input signal. Shift 1 The output of the first pitch shifter. Shift 2 The output of the second pitch shifter. Shift 3 The output of the third pitch shifter. Mix L The left output of a stereo mix of the dry signal and the pitch shifters.

  • Page 140: Support

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Chord key The key of the chord generator. “0” is C, “1” is C♯/D♭ etc. Chord scale 0 The scale of the chord generator. See above. Chord shape 0 Shape mode: the shape of the chord generator. See above.

  • Page 141: Calibration

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Env down Sets the slew time of the envelope output when slew the envelope is falling. The special value '-1' means 'use the same time as the up slew'. Tracked CV Sets the slew time of the tracked pitch CV slew output (range 2-1000ms).

  • Page 142: Mappings

    line. After calibration, the current calibration of all four voices is shown. 'Default' indicates that an output has not been calibrated and is using the default scaling (1V/octave with 0V corresponding to MIDI note 48). The vertical lines in this view indicate the current pitches/voltages of each voice.
  • Page 143 19 – Macro Oscillator Video Timbre Colour Pitch CV Trigger Output 1 Output 3 Output 4 Output 2 This algorithm is an implementation of the open source Braids module by Émilie Gillet. It provides four independent instances of the module, each with its own output. The disting EX's inputs can be freely assigned to any or all of the instances.

  • Page 144: Oscillator 1

    Outputs Video A full matrix mixer is provided to flexibly assign the four macro oscillators to the disting EX's four outputs. This is accessed through the algorithm's menu. While in this menu, turning the left (P) encoder moves the highlight rectangle, and turning the right (V) encoder changes the item under the highlight.

  • Page 145: Outputs

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description AD Timbre Sets the amount by which the envelope affects the timbre for macro oscillator 1. AD Colour 1 0 Sets the amount by which the envelope affects the colour for macro oscillator 1. AD VCA 1 Sets whether the envelope is applied to the volume of the output for macro oscillator 1.
  • Page 146 Name Min Max Default Description FM input Selects which input is used as the FM input, or '0' for 'None'. Trigger input Selects which input is used as the trigger input, or '0' for 'None'. Timbre input Selects which input is used as the timbre input, or '0' for 'None'.
  • Page 147 Value Name Description 141- Poly ch+0/1/2/3 The macro oscillator is placed in a group with other oscillators with the same MIDI option, and round-robin polyphonic voice allocation performed to distribute MIDI notes among the voices. MIDI notes are used for both pitch and trigger.

  • Page 148: 20 - Resonator

    20 – Resonator Video Brightness Damping Structure Position Audio input Output L Resonator mix Mono mix Output R This algorithm is an implementation of the open source Rings module by Émilie Gillet. Building on the features of the original module, this algorithm also provides a flexible stereo output mix of the 'odd' and 'even' Rings outputs and of the dry signal.

  • Page 149: Outputs

    Outputs Outputs 1 & 2 provide a stereo mix of the resonator outputs and the dry signal, according to the 'Output gain', 'Dry gain', 'Odd pan', 'Even pan', and 'Dry pan' parameters. Output 3 provides a simple mix of the resonator odd and even outputs. Output 4 provides a mono mix of the stereo output.

  • Page 150: Default Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Output gain -40 Level of the resonator outputs in the stereo mix. '-40' is treated as –∞dB. Dry gain Level of the dry signal in the stereo mix. '-40' is treated as –∞dB. Odd pan -100 100 -100 Pan position of the resonator 'odd' output.
  • Page 151 the MIDI mode to 'Strum' will stop the algorithm generating its own strums internally. Page 151...

  • Page 152: Macro Oscillator 2

    21 – Macro Oscillator 2 Video Pitch CV 1 Pitch CV 3 Pitch CV 2 Pitch CV 4 Output 1 Output 3 Output 4 Output 2 This algorithm is an implementation of the open source Plaits module by Émilie Gillet. It provides four independent instances of the module.

  • Page 153: Outputs

    The disting EX has no way of knowing whether its sockets are connected or not, so this algorithm relies on the various 'input' settings being set to zero or not. To take the same example, if the 'Trigger input' setting is set to zero, the algorithm will generate constant sound; if the setting is non- zero, the algorithm assumes you're going to supply triggers on the input you choose.

  • Page 154: Default Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Coarse tune Coarse tuning control for macro oscillator 1. Fine tune 1 -100 100 cents Fine tuning control for macro oscillator 1. Harmonics 1 0 Sets the harmonics control for macro oscillator Timbre 1 Sets the timbre control for macro oscillator 1.

  • Page 155: Settings

    Settings A number of configuration settings (mostly, choosing which inputs are used by each instance) are accessed from the module's menu: While in this menu, turning the left (P) encoder moves the highlight rectangle, and turning the right (V) encoder changes the item under the highlight. For each macro oscillator instance, the following settings are available.

  • Page 156: Fm Banks

    FM banks One of the much-hullabalooed features of the v1.2 Plaits update is its six-operator FM model, with its ability to load DX7 voice banks. The original Plaits module used a system whereby new banks could be loaded into the module by encoding them as audio and playing them into one of the module inputs.

  • Page 157: 22 - Midi Player

    22 – MIDI Player Video Calibrate Play Clock Reset Pitch CV 1 Pitch CV 2 Gate 2 Gate 1 This algorithm plays standard MIDI files, outputting the MIDI via the breakout, and converting the MIDI to CVs and gates. It will use an internal clock (using the file's tempo, if specified), or sync to analogue clocks or incoming MIDI clock.

  • Page 158: Midi File Limitations

    File playback loops by default. If a filename contains '_ONESHOT' that MIDI file will not loop. This algorithm does not use playlists, or limit itself to a single 'MIDI' folder, as is the case with the dual mode (disting mk4) algorithms which play MIDI files. MIDI file limitations This algorithm will use the first 24 tracks of each MIDI file.

  • Page 159: Outputs

    Outputs The module generates CVs or gates according to the various 'MIDI/CV mode' parameters. Remember that holding 'V' and turning it will show the output assignments: ES-5 Outputs A connected ES-5 expander will be used for gates, according to the 'MIDI/CV mode' parameters. All notes off/all sound off The MIDI 'all notes/sound off' functions are available for manual use via the menu: These apply to the internal MIDI/CV converters, and are sent as MIDI on all 16 channels.
  • Page 160 Name Min Max Default Unit Description 13-36 Track mode Set the playback mode for the tracks. The 1-24 options are: 0 – Normal playback. 1 – Track is muted. MIDI/CV 1 Mode for MIDI/CV converter 1. See below. mode MIDI/CV 1 MIDI channel for MIDI/CV converter 1.

  • Page 161: Default Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description Output Set whether the algorithm outputs MIDI clock MIDI clock (via the breakout). Default mappings Input 6 is mapped to 'Play'. MIDI/CV modes The algorithm implements four pitched MIDI/CV converters, and one converter intended for drums. The pitched converters can be put into a number of modes, as follows.

  • Page 162: 23 - Poly Fm

    23 – Poly FM Video Sustain Pitch CV Gate Output 1 Output 3 Output 4 Output 2 This algorithm implements an eight voice polyphonic, four part multitimbral, FM synthesizer. It uses the six-operator FM engine from the open source Plaits module by Émilie Gillet (exactly as used in the Macro Oscillator 2 algorithm, above).

  • Page 163: Voice Vs Voice

    the one chosen in the Settings. When controlling the algorithm via I2C, only timbre 1 can be accessed. Voice vs Voice Yamaha's original documentation made the unfortunate decision to name the choice of sound within a bank a 'voice', which conflicts with the more common term for one of the sound-generating elements of the hardware (as in the phrase “eight voice polyphonic”...

  • Page 164: I2C Support

    By default, the four MIDI channels starting from the one defined in the Settings trigger notes using the four timbres, respectively. However, you can also manually choose the MIDI channel for each timbre using the algorithm’s menu: I2C support This algorithm supports voice-based note messages (0x51, 0x52, and 0x53, EX.VOX) to directly trigger each voice.
  • Page 165 Name Min Max Default Unit Description Sustain Activates sustain (notes remain playing when the gate goes low). Bend range The pitch bend range, in semitones. Applies both to MIDI pitch bend, and to CV pitch bend, in which case a CV of ±5V maps to the chosen bend range.

  • Page 166: Default Mappings

    Name Min Max Default Unit Description MIDI vel Selects a velocity curve applied to incoming curve MIDI notes. Pitch bend The pitch bend input, or “0” for none. input Arp reset The input to use as the arpeggiator reset, or “0” input for none.
  • Page 167 Editor ) and free/open source (e.g. dexed The 'SysEx target' parameter determines which of the algorithm's timbres will be affected by voice dumps or parameter edits. The following messages from the editor are supported: Single voice dump The editor sends a complete voice, which replaces the one the timbre is currently playing.

  • Page 168: Dual Mode Algorithms

    Dual Mode Algorithms The following pages describe the disting EX's “dual mode” algorithms that are not also algorithms on the disting mk4. H-2 Dual Sample and Hold Video A = X when Z exceeds 1V B = Y when Z exceeds 1V A = Z when X exceeds 1V B = Z when Y exceeds 1V Parameter Min Max Default Description...

  • Page 169: J-5 Oscilloscope

    If X & Y are the inputs, parameters 2 & 3 add white noise into the signal from inputs X & Y respectively, allowing you to use the algorithm as a source of random voltages without having to patch anything into the inputs. Similarly, if Z is the input, parameter 2 adds white noise into Z. Parameters 4 &...

  • Page 170: K-6 24Db/Oct Vcf

    K-6 24dB/oct VCF Video X is audio input Y is cutoff Z is resonance A & B are output Parameter Min Max Default Description -80 80 Y offset. -64 64 Y attenuverter. -12 48 Drive. Normalize. This algorithm is a 24dB/octave lowpass filter, implemented using circuit emulation of a four pole transistor ladder filter X is the audio input;...

  • Page 171: N-7 Frequency Shifter

    N-7 Frequency Shifter Video X & Y are signal inputs Z is frequency shift or attenuator A & B are signal outputs Parameter Min Max Default Description Mode. Range. Include pot. -32 32 Mix. -31 31 Feedback. Delay. This algorithm is a stereo frequency shifter, which can also be a Single-Side-Band (SSB) modulator. X and Y are the audio inputs.
  • Page 172 eventually the output is 100% wet i.e. just the frequency shifted signal. Parameters 4 & 5 control a feedback loop around the frequency shifters. Parameter 4 controls the feedback (which can be negative) and parameter 5 sets the delay time of the loop (with a maximum of around 170ms).

  • Page 173: N-8 Dual Vco

    N-8 Dual VCO Video X is V/Oct pitch input 1 Y is V/Oct pitch input 2 Z is wavetable position A is wavetable output 1 B is wavetable output 2 Receives MIDI Parameter Min Max Default Description Chooses the wavetable. -32 32 Offset A.

  • Page 174: Wav File Naming Conventions And Playlists

    WAV file naming conventions and playlists The disting EX supports WAV file playlists exactly as documented for the disting mk4. However, it also supports naming conventions to set the most commonly used settings without requiring a playlist. Some of these naming conventions set features not available on the mk4 e.g. round robins. Look in the folders on the MicroSD card that is supplied with the module for some examples.

  • Page 175: New Playlist Flags

    If the gap between neighbouring samples is at most 3 semitones, the switch is set so that the higher sample is pitched down within the gap. For larger gaps, the lower sample is pitched up over half the remaining range. For example: Gap between samples Behaviour...

  • Page 176: Wavetables

    1 marker point in file Marker is assumed to be loop start; loop is from the marker to the end of the sample. 2 marker points in file Markers are used as loop start and end. 3 or more marker points in file First marker is ignored (assumed to be playback start point); second and third markers used as loop points.

  • Page 177: Settings

    Settings The Settings menu provides access to some global settings which are not part of a preset. These settings are stored when changed and reapplied when the module powers up. General The Settings->General menu contains these settings: Setting Value range Default Function Contrast 0-255...

  • Page 178: Midi/I2C

    Setting Value range Default Function Accessibility When set to 1, the module sends accessibility SysEx messages when the encoders and knob buttons are operated. Enable display 0-20 Enables display zoom in single mode. See above. zoom Enable second Enables a second display attached to the FHX display expander header.
  • Page 179 Setting Value range Default Function I2C address 0-127 The module's I2C address. Select Bus function 0-3 The function of the Select Bus – see below. Default first CC 0-127 Sets which CC# to start at in the default MIDI mapping – see above. Show MIDI If '1', when a MIDI CC is received that changes a parameter...

  • Page 180: Midi To I2C

    Value Name Description Choose algorithm MIDI program change messages change the current algorithm. Ignore MIDI program change messages are ignored. Preset + bank As '0', but additionally Bank Select messages (CC 0) are also recognised to access presets beyond the first 128. Top level preset MIDI program change messages change the current preset, always using a 'top level' preset, as accessed from the Preset menu –...
  • Page 181 Please note that by default, the disting EX's own I2C address (as a follower) is set to 0x31, which is the same as that of the ER-301. Please change this to avoid a clash. Generated I2C messages The messages generated follow the ER-301 format documented here , specifically message 0x11 for CVs and message 0x00 for gates.

  • Page 182: Favourites

    Name Value range Description First CC 0-100 Sets the port number to use when converting the first CC. CCs above port this, up to the last CC, will use the port numbers following the first. Favourites This menu lets you set up the 'favourites' dual mode slots, numbered O-1 to P-8. These slots can be set up to point to any of the dual mode algorithms (A-1 to N-8), allowing convenient access to your most often used algorithms.

  • Page 183: Show I2C History

    of each line is 'R' if the message was received on the Select Bus or 'B' if the message was received via the MIDI breakout. Show I2C history Shows the last 16 bytes received on the I2C bus. The address byte is shown inverted. Show stats Shows a whole bunch of numbers.
  • Page 184 Test MIDI out Sends MIDI channel 1 CC #0 messages with a value ramping from 0 to 127 from the MIDI breakout's output. Test select bus out Sends MIDI channel 1 CC #1 messages with a value ramping from 0 to 127 on the Select Bus.

  • Page 185: 5-Pin Din Midi I/O

    The header is a standard 0.1" pitch header compatible with e.g. typical IDC cable sockets. When using the Expert Sleepers MIDI breakout, pin 1 of the breakout's header (GT1) corresponds to pin 1 of the disting EX's header (GT4). Orient the ribbon cable to match up these pins. The supplied ribbon cable has two rows of four contacts –...

  • Page 186: Midi System Exclusive (Sysex)

    All SysEx messages are prefixed with a manufacturer's ID, which is a unique series of hex bytes assigned by the MIDI Manufacturers Association. The Expert Sleepers ID is 00H 21H 27H, so all SysEx messages relating to Expert Sleepers hardware will begin...
  • Page 187 40H – Request algorithm F0 00 21 27 5D <SysEx ID> 40 F7 Requests the current algorithm number(s). Responds with '40h – Algorithm', as below. 41H – Request preset name F0 00 21 27 5D <SysEx ID> 41 F7 Requests the current preset name. Responds with '41h – Preset name', as below. 42H –...
  • Page 188 49H – Request enum strings F0 00 21 27 5D <SysEx ID> 49 <parameter number> F7 Requests the value strings for an 'enum' type parameter. Responds with '49h – Enum strings', as below. 4AH – Set focus F0 00 21 27 5D <SysEx ID> 4A <parameter number> F7 Sets the given parameter to be the currently active one in the module's display.
  • Page 189 a single mode algorithm, the second algorithm number in the message is ignored. 52H – Request algorithm names F0 00 21 27 5D <SysEx ID> 52 F7 Requests the names of the single mode algorithms. Responds with '52h – Algorithm names', as below.

  • Page 190: Sent Sysex Messages

    P Encoder Turn CW P Encoder Turn CCW V Encoder Press V Encoder Turn CW V Encoder Turn CCW V Encoder Long Hold L Knob Pressed R Knob Pressed Sent SysEx messages 32H – Message F0 00 21 27 5D <SysEx ID> 32 <NULL terminated ASCII string> F7 This message is transmitted in response to any request for a string e.g the version string.
  • Page 191 44H – All parameter values F0 00 21 27 5D <SysEx ID> 44 [<16 bit value>] F7 Contains the current values of all parameters in the current algorithm. 45H – Parameter value F0 00 21 27 5D <SysEx ID> 45 <parameter number> <16 bit value> F7 Contains the value of the given parameter in the current algorithm.
  • Page 192 70H – Accessibility event F0 00 21 27 5D <SysEx ID> 70 <event> <display mode> F7 This message is transmitted in response to user interaction. The event uses the same values as '78H – Accessibility remote control' above. 72H – Screen as text F0 00 21 27 5D <SysEx ID>...

  • Page 193: Select Bus

    Select Bus The disting EX is capable of both sending and receiving on the Select Bus. Note that the jumper needs to be set appropriately as shown below: The Select Bus is a means of inter-module communication currently supported by a handful of modules from various manufacturers, including the Malekko Varigate 8+ Macro Machines...

  • Page 194: I2C Connection

    I2C Connection The disting EX supports an connection, via the header on the PCB marked “JP2”. The GND, SCL & SDA lines are clearly marked on the PCB. Be sure to connect these to the corresponding lines on the other I2C device(s) in use. Make/remove I2C connections with the power off.

  • Page 195: Presets

    Presets load preset <address> 0x40 <preset number MSB> <preset number LSB> save preset <address> 0x41 <preset number MSB> <preset number LSB> reset preset <address> 0x42 get current preset <address> 0x43 returns 2 bytes Algorithms (single mode) load algorithm <address> 0x44 <algorithm number> get current algorithm <address>...

  • Page 196: Algorithm-Specific

    get parameter max <address> 0x4A <parameter number> returns 2 bytes Algorithm-specific WAV Recorder, start / stop recording <address> 0x4B <0 - stop, 1 - start> WAV Recorder, start / stop playback <address> 0x4C <0 - stop, 1 - start> Augustus Loop, set pitch <address>...

  • Page 197: Voice Control (Note Based)

    note off for the specified voice <address> 0x53 <voice> Voice Control (note based) These messages in general behave in the same way as MIDI note on/offs. set voice pitch for note id <address> 0x54 <note id> <pitch MSB> <pitch LSB> note on for specified note id <address>...

  • Page 198: Other

    returns 1 byte get parameter max <address> 0x5C <side / parameter index> returns 1 byte set parameter X to value Y (using the actual parameter value) <address> 0x5D <side / parameter index> <value> set parameter X to value Y (using 0..16384 range) <address>...
  • Page 199 set ES-5 output <address> 0x67 <header 0-5> <8 bit value> Page 199...

  • Page 200: Calibration

    Calibration The calibration menu is accessed via the settings, as described above. Calibration requires a 3V voltage reference. Any stable and accurate voltage source can be used. It's a good idea to let the whole system warm up for 5 minutes before calibrating to stabilise any temperature-dependent factors.
  • Page 201 Firmware Updates Video The disting EX's firmware can be updated using a MicroSD card. (See 'Supported MicroSD cards' above.) The process is as follows: Download the firmware from the Expert Sleepers website. • Unzip the download. • Copy the file (which will be named something like 'distingEX_1.0.0.hex') from the unzipped •...
  • Page 202 Acknowledgments The disting EX logo and boot animation were designed by Andrew Beltran. The font used in the disting mk4 (and so also in the disting EX's 'retro' mode) is an adapted version of 'Tom Thumb' by Robey Pointer. More on the font here Much of the I2C implementation was developed in collaboration with scanner darkly...

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