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Spektro Audio NGEN User Manual

Algorithmic midi workstation
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Summary of Contents for Spektro Audio NGEN

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents NGEN – Algorithmic MIDI Workstation – User Manual How to Use Getting Started Hardware Setup Hardware Controls Menu Navigation File Management MIDI Mapping NSL - NGEN SCRIPTING LANGUAGE Features Clock Generators Generator MIDI FXs Patterns Performance Mode Projects Scale...

  • Page 3: Ngen - Algorithmic Midi Workstation - User Manual

    Take things even further by applying MIDI FXs such as Chord or Glitch to your sequences.All tracks in NGEN follow the same key and scale so it’s easier to get multiple sequences that work well with each other.Quickly save and restore your creations using patterns and projects stored in the microSD card.

  • Page 4: Getting Started

    To get started with NGEN, simply connect it to a computer or another USB-host device via USB, or to a MIDI-capable device via the MIDI Out jack. The MIDI Clock generator is active by default, so NGEN should be ready to receive MIDI Clock from a DAW or external gear to NGEN.
  • Page 5 5. By default, NGEN will load ACDGEN as the generator for track #1 so you should hear a sequence being played on your instrument. 2 - Generating and Modifying Sequences Using ACDGEN Now that NGEN is connected and transmitting MIDI notes to your instrument, let's see how to generate and modify sequences using the ACDGEN generator.
  • Page 6 5. Navigate to the Generator parameter and select a different generator for track 2. . By default, the 16 tracks available in NGEN are set to output MIDI notes to channels 1 through 16 sequentially. To access the parameters related to MIDI routing, clock division, and more, enable the Advanced Mode in the Settings / General page.

  • Page 7: Flow Diagram

    Flow Diagram The NGEN sequencing engine works by having a clock generator trigger the tracks' generators and MIDI FXs. The notes generated by each track's generator and MIDI FX are routed to the track's main and auxiliary output. The MIDI...

  • Page 8: Hardware Setup

    Please note that NGEN still needs to be powered via USB (check the Powering NGEN section below). Powering NGEN externally If you'd like to set up NGEN without a computer, you can power it using a USB power bank / battery or a standard USB wall charger.

  • Page 9: Setup Examples

    I2C Connection NGEN features an 1/8 TRS I2C connection on it's left side wired with SDA on the TIP and SCL on RING. We plan on adding I2C-related features in future NGEN rmware updates. Setup Examples NGEN + Computer NGEN + Hardware MIDI Synthesizer...
  • Page 10 NGEN + Modular Synthesizer NGEN + Multiple Gear...

  • Page 11: Hardware Controls

    Knobs The 4 knobs ( , and ) in NGEN serve different purposes depending on which menu is active. The default behavior of the 4 parameters is to control the main parameters of the selected Generator of the active Track.
  • Page 12 Certain NGEN features (such as the scale editor, name editor, and le selector) can have more control over NGEN's hardware controls and, as such, can use the available hardware controls in different ways. The standard behavior for NGEN's controls should be restored once you complete the operation or exit the feature (e.g. by pressing the...

  • Page 13: Menu Navigation

    The unit boots into the Main Menu which lets you access all the different features available in NGEN. We've limited the maximum depth of the menu system to two levels (MAIN MENU > FEATURE SUB-MENU). Use the to scroll through the list of features and click the to navigate to a sub-menu.

  • Page 14: Display Modes

    Advanced Parameters and Settings NGEN includes a variety of different features, settings and parameters that lets you use it in a variety of different ways but, to make it easier for you to get started, certain advanced parameters and settings are hidden by default.

  • Page 15: Parameter List

    NGEN includes unique animations for Generators and Clock Generators, designed to provide visual feedback of their current state/functionality. While displaying an animation, parameters modi ed via the 4 PARAM knobs are displayed on the top section of the display to prevent obstructing the animation.
  • Page 16 Shortcuts Shortcut Description Open Track Settings Secondary Action (for Generators and MIDI FX) Select a Track Select a Clock Generator (while in Clock sub-menu) Load a pattern Save a pattern (while in the Pattern selector) Delete a pattern (while in the Pattern selector) Load the next pattern Load the previous pattern Generate Pattern...

  • Page 17: File Management

    NGEN's internal memory. During it's boot process, NGEN checks if a microSD card is inserted. If no microSD card is inserted, NGEN will use its internal memory instead.
  • Page 18 List of File Types File Type Description Sub-Folder Extension NGEN Project Stores data for Projects / (Root) .HEX MIDI File MIDI les to be played by /MIDI .MID the MIDI Player generator. DrumGen Template DrumGen templates to be /DRUMGEN .HEX used by the DrumGen generator.

  • Page 19: Midi Mapping

    Absolute: the value is used directly according to the range described (values outside of the described range are ignored). Because NGEN uses MIDI Channel 16 for global settings, tracks set to IN CH 16 will only receive MIDI notes. MIDI Chart...
  • Page 20 Feature Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Amount Scaled Bounce Clock Status Scaled Reset Scaled Speed Scaled Balls Scaled Width Scaled Height Scaled Perform Macro 1 Scaled Macro 2 Scaled Macro 3 Scaled Macro 4 Scaled Patterns Load Pattern 1 Action Load Pattern 2 Action Load Pattern 3...
  • Page 21 Feature Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Tracks Select Previous Track Action Select Next Track Action Select Track # Absolute (1-16) Menu Open Track Settings Actions Open Generator Actions Open MIDI FX Actions Open Perform Actions GENERATORS ACDGEN Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Generate Action...
  • Page 22 Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Variate Action Shift Scaled Length Scaled Density Scaled Bass Shift Scaled Octave Scaled Note Length Scaled Bass Repeat Scaled Spread Scaled Octave Random Scaled Restart Scaled Lock Bass Scaled KB Shift Scaled DRUMGEN Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Generate Action...
  • Page 23 Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Length 4 Scaled Note 1 Scaled Note 2 Scaled Note 3 Scaled Note 4 Scaled INPUT SEQUENCER Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Shift Scaled Length Scaled Probability Scaled Quantize Scaled MARP Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Generate Action...
  • Page 24 MIDI PLAYER Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Shift Scaled Length Scaled Density Scaled Direction Scaled Quantize Scaled POLYFORM Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Generate Action Variate Action Shift Scaled Length Scaled Density Scaled Delay Scaled Pitch Probability Scaled Gate Probability Scaled Chord Probability Scaled...
  • Page 25 Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Generate Action Shift Scaled Length Scaled Density Scaled Velocity Scaled Type Probability Scaled Chord Length Scaled Inversion Probability Scaled Balance Scaled Mode Scaled SAMBA Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Generate Action Spread Scaled Length Scaled Density Scaled Random...
  • Page 26 Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Repeats Scaled Length Scaled Density Scaled Mode Scaled Note Length Scaled Random Probability Scaled Quantize Scaled Start Scaled THRU Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Shift Scaled Max Velocity Scaled Probability Scaled Random Velocity Scaled Quantize Scaled Delay Scaled...
  • Page 27 Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Loop Scaled Octave Scaled Spread Scaled Range Scaled Voices Scaled MIDI FXS ACCENT Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Generate Action Length Scaled Intensity Scaled CHORD Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Interval 1 Scaled Interval 2 Scaled Interval 3 Scaled...
  • Page 28 Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Probability Scaled Falloff Scaled Octave Random Scaled GLITCH Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Repeats Scaled Gate Length Scaled Probability Scaled Random Scaled Pitch Mod Scaled HUMANIZER Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Delay Probability Scaled Velocity Probability Scaled Max Delay Scaled...
  • Page 29 PROGRAM SEQUENCER Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Generate Action Length Scaled Hits Scaled Scaled Step 1 Scaled Step 2 Scaled Step 3 Scaled Step 4 Scaled Step 5 Scaled Step 6 Scaled Step 7 Scaled Step 8 Scaled SHAPER Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Pitch Minimum...
  • Page 30 Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Max Repeats Scaled Probability Scaled Falloff Scaled Octave Random Scaled Velocity Random Scaled STRUM Parameter MIDI CC Number Behaviour Max Delay Scaled...

  • Page 31: Nsl - Ngen Scripting Language

    NSL - NGEN SCRIPTING LANGUAGE The NSL Engine Generator is a powerful tool that lets you create your own custom algorithms using a simple scripting language. At it's core, the NSL Engine features a 32-step sequence (with individual pitch, velocity, length (in beats) and density per step) and standard parameters such Shift, Length and Density to control playback.
  • Page 32 PART / VALUE 1 VALUE 2 VALUE 2 SOURCE DESTINATION DESTINATION FEATURE (Address) (Value / RANGE RANGE Index) Constant 0x00 Value 0-127 ✔ ✕ Value Random 0x01 Random 0-127 ✔ ✕ Value Range Step Pitch 0x02 Step 0-31 0-127 (MIDI ✔...

  • Page 33: List Of Commands

    : Returns the step pitch ( ) at index 16 ( : Returns a random value ( ) between 0 and 32 (VALUE = INT16 The INT16 parameter type uses a pair (x and y) of 8-bit values (0-255) to create a 16-bit value (0-65535) by shifting the rst value 8 bits to the left and adding the second value to it ( List of Commands 0 x A 1...
  • Page 34 Parameters: (Jump Position) Examples: : Jumps to position 548. 0 x F F Description: Ends the program. Parameters: None [ MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON ]...

  • Page 35: Clock Generators

    Free Clock The Free Clock is the NGEN's internal clock and it can be used to generate an internal clock when no external MIDI Clock is available. It also features an 8-stage swing sequencer that can be used to create interesting swing patterns.
  • Page 36 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Sets the BPM for the internal clock Length Sets the length of the swing sequence Modulation ( Sets the amount of clock modulation M O D (swing) Swing Sets the swing amount Generate Generates a new swing sequence Bounce Clock The Bounce Clock is an experimental clock generator that uses virtual balls (dots) enclosed in a box to generate its clock signal.

  • Page 37: Generator Parameters

    Generator About Generators The generators in NGEN are used to generate MIDI notes/sequences to play external MIDI instruments. Each generator uses a speci c algorithm to create a unique MIDI sequence based on certain ideas, musical styles, and production techniques. These sequences can then be modi ed and interacted with via the different parameters available in each generator.
  • Page 38 • Normal: A straightforward random algorithm. • Floor: Uses a smaller selection of notes and has a higher probability of playing the fundamental / base note (great for basslines). • FifthOct: Limits the note selection to the fundamental / base note and its fth. •...
  • Page 39 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Offset Sets a beat offset for the ACDGEN – sequence (in 1/16 steps). ARPER Generator Description: Arper is a generator designed to generate classic arpeggios using an algorithmically generated chord progression. Parameter List: Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Generate Generates a new sequence.
  • Page 40 DRUMGEN Generator Description: DrumGen is a 4-part drum sequencer that uses 3D probability templates to generate sequences based on certain music styles. A new template can be selected via the TEMPLATE parameter or by pressing SHIFT + Generate. The 4 parts are completely independent and can be set to individual sequence lengths, probability and MIDI notes. New DrumGen templates can be created using the open-source DrumGen Template Editor.
  • Page 41 The Input Sequencer is a non-algorithmic generator that lets you record incoming MIDI notes to it's sequence (up to 32 steps) and play them back. Recorded sequences can be manipulated using parameters such as Length, Probability and Note Length. During recording, the button adds a silent / mute step and the shortcut adds a hold step.
  • Page 42 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Length Sets the total length of the sequence. Density Sets the sequence's density. Offset Sets the offset of the sequence. Length 1 Sets the length of the rst note's sequence. Length 2 Sets the length of the second note's sequence.
  • Page 43 Generator Description: The NSL Engine is a programmable generator that can run NSL les and features a 32-step sequencer. For more information about NSL (NGEN Scripting Language), check out the NSL documentation. Parameter List: Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Generate Generates a new sequence.
  • Page 44 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Variate Generates a variation based on the current sequence. Shift Transposes the sequence diatonically. Length Sets the total length of the sequence. Density Sets the sequence's density. Delay Sets the delay for generated note (x/16) Pitch Probability ( Sets the pitch probability.
  • Page 45 • STABS: Generates a sequence of stabs (short chords) that can be used for house, techno, and other dance music genres. In this mode, Density disables certain chords in the sequence based on their density value. • FIXED LEN: Generates a sequence of chords with a xed length and a top melody. In this mode, Density controls the density of the top melody.
  • Page 46 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Generate Generates a new sequence Spread Offsets all four parts. Length Sets the total length of the sequence. Density Sets the sequence's density. Random Sets the probability of random hits. Rotate Rotates all four sequences forward. Probability ( Sets the probability of all four parts.
  • Page 47 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Variate Generates a variation based on the current sequence. Repeat Set the number of note repeats. Length Sets the length of the sequence. Density Sets the sequence's note density. Mode Sets the playback mode. Note Length ( Sets the proportional note length of generated notes.
  • Page 48 TURING Generator Description: Turing is an algorithm inspired by the Music Thing's Turing Machine. It uses a lockable 16-bit shift register to generate evolving sequences. Parameter List: Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Write Flips the rst bit. Clear Clears the shift register.

  • Page 49: Midi Fxs

    MIDI FXs About MIDI FXs: NGEN features a number of different MIDI FX's that can be used to manipulate and enhance sequences played by the Generators non-distructively. MIDI FXs Parameters: As with Generators, each MIDI FXs contains a set of parameters that can be adjusted via the...
  • Page 50 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Quantize Quantizes all intervals to the active – key / scale Chord Interval 1 Interval of the rst chord note Chord Interval 2 Interval of the second chord note Chord Interval 3 Interval of the third chord note Chord Interval 4 Interval of the third chord note Probability...
  • Page 51 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Random Amount of glitch randomization Pitch Mod Enables octave randomization – HUMANIZER Humanizer is designed to make sequences sound more natural as if it was played by a human. It works by adding random amounts of delay and velocity modulation to incoming notes. It's great for making polyphonic sequences sound less mechanical and static.
  • Page 52 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping CC Out CC number to send – PROGRAM SEQUENCER (PROG SEQ) The Program Sequencer MIDI FX offer a way of sequencing MIDI Program Changes creatively. When used with synthesizer / drum machines that respond quickly to program changes, these program change sequences will make it sound as if there are multiple different instruments being played sequentially.
  • Page 53 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Step 8 Sets the program change number of – the eighth step SHAPER The Shaper MIDI FX scales incoming MIDI notes based on an adjustable pitch and velocity range. It also includes options to multiply note lengths and to map MIDI notes to different MIDI channels based on their pitch (useful for triggering certain drum machines / samplers such as the Elektron Digitakt and Octatrack).
  • Page 54 Parameter Description Hardware Mapping Max Delay Maximum delay time (in milliseconds) Max Repeats Maximum number of repetitions of delayed notes (similarto feedback) Probability ( Probability of spraying a note Falloff ( MIDI Velocity falloff of sprayed notes Octave Random ( Randomizes the octave of the sprayed notes Velocity Random (...

  • Page 55: Patterns

    Patterns are queued and loaded at the beginning of the next bar if NGEN is playing or immediately if NGEN is stopped. Saving Patterns The changes you make in NGEN are not automatically saved to the current pattern to avoid accidental overwriting of patterns.

  • Page 56: Pattern Menu

    Variate All generates 8 variations of the current pattern and automatically saves them to the current project. Pattern Reloading NGEN includes a new feature that lets users quickly reload the active pattern from it's last saved state by holding down and pressing the...
  • Page 57 This feature is useful for quickly reloading an entire pattern after making changes to it during a live performance. Work ow Suggestion The pattern system can be used to create, store and load different variations based on the initial pattern. After creating your rst pattern, return to the Main Menu and save it as pattern one.

  • Page 58: Performance Mode

    Performance Mode About Performance Mode NGEN includes a dedicated performance mode available under the sub- P E R F O R M menu. Performance Mode includes 8 macro parameters that let you map up to 4 parameters of any Generator or MIDI FX, in any track, per macro and set speci c ranges for each mapping.

  • Page 59: Projects

    This feature is particularly useful for live performances and jam sessions where projects can used to different songs or sections of a song. NGEN uses a separate core to handle the loading and saving of projects, ensuring that the audio engine is not interrupted during the process.

  • Page 60: Scale

    Scale About Scale Because NGEN is designed with live performance in mind, most of the Generators process notes in terms of musical intervals rather than speci c notes. Therefore these Generators use the selected Key and Scale in the SCALE sub-menu to translate those intervals to the appropriate notes.
  • Page 61 Scale Editor The Scale Editor allows you edit the currently selected scale by enabling or disabling notes. Use the to select a note and press the to toggle it on or off. To return to the Scale menu, press the button.

  • Page 62: Tools

    Tools About Tools The Tools sub-menu contains different features that can be used to monitor, control, and con gure NGEN's settings. List of Available Tools MIDI MONITOR ( M O N I T O R The built-in MIDI Monitor lets you track incoming and outgoing MIDI messages. It...
  • Page 63 Track Generator MIDI FX Input Output Clock Note Number Channel Channel Output Rate SAMBA 1/16 Percussion Jungle: Track Generator MIDI FX Input Output Clock Note Number Channel Channel Output Rate SHUFFLER 1/8 Sliced Drum Break ACDGEN Pads / Legato Synth ACDGEN Sub Bass ACDGEN...
  • Page 64 Track Generator MIDI FX Input Output Clock Note Number Channel Channel Output Rate SHUFFLER 1/16 THRU 1/16 TURING 1/16 1/16...

  • Page 65: Tracks

    Tracks About Tracks The NGEN features 16 tracks that work similarly to MIDI tracks in standard DAWs. Each track contains different settings for active Generator, MIDI FX, Program Change, routing, and more. These settings can be accessed via the TRACK sub-menu (available in the MAIN MENU) or the shortcut.

  • Page 66: Track Settings

    Track Settings Setting Description **Advanced Status The Status toggle lets you enable or disable certain tracks. Disabled tracks will not be processed and will not generate any MIDI notes Generator Selects one of the available generators for the track MIDI FX Selects one of the available MIDI FX for the track Clock Rate...
  • Page 67 Track States To create more dynamic patterns, NGEN can control the prominence of each track in new patterns via the Track State feature. When generating new patterns ( ), NGEN can assign a random state to each track (according to the Randomize State setting).

  • Page 68: About This Section

    Tips & Techniques About this section NGEN can be used in a variety of different ways and this section is designed to help you get started with some of the most common techniques. Tips & Techniques Tips for Live Performance...
  • Page 69 Chaining MIDI FXs While NGEN only allows one MIDI FX per track, it's possible to chain multiple MIDI FXs by using the Aux Output of a track and the Thru Generator. To chain MIDI FXs, follow these steps: Select the track you'd like to chain MIDI FXs to.
  • Page 70 Creating longer sequences...

  • Page 71: Settings

    Settings About Settings NGEN features a number of settings that let you customize your unit to better suit your needs. Settings are stored in the device's internal memory and are retained even after the device is powered off. To save your current settings, select the option.
  • Page 72 Setting Description Screensaver Period ( Sets the amount of time before the screensaver is S c r e e n s a v r activated Brightness Sets the display's brightness level MIDI Setting Description MIDI CC Rx Enables or disables MIDI CC input MIDI Thru Enables or disables Soft MIDI Thru CV OUT...
  • Page 73 The Auto Variate feature in NGEN is designed to automatically generate sequence variations for enabled tracks after a certain number of bars. This feature works on a per-track basis and can be enabled or disabled for each track via the Auto Vari8 toggle available on the Track sub-menu.

  • Page 74: Firmware Update

    To update the rmware on your NGEN, you'll need to download the latest rmware version from the links below and follow the instructions for your hardware version. If you have any questions or need help updating your NGEN, don't hesitate to get in touch with us via the Contact page on our website.
  • Page 75 4 - Connect the unit via USB while holding down the BOOT button. 5 - NGEN should mount as a USB drive on your computer. Once mounted, release the BOOT button. 6 - Follow steps 5-7 of the primary method to update the rmware.
  • Page 76 SETTINGS: MIDI CC RX now properly saves and loads. MENU SYSTEM: When receiving MIDI CC values, the UI now updates to display the correct values. PATTERNS: NGEN no longer re-loads the previous pattern when saving a new one. POP: Balance parameter now works correctly.
  • Page 77 DRUMGEN: Opening the template selector no longer causes system delays. Version 1.1 Added New NGEN Framework: The entire NGEN's internal framework has been re-factored to improve performance and make it easier to add new features. Pattern Generation: algorithmically generate or variate an entire pattern.
  • Page 78 When saving projects, NGEN will now check if there's enough space available. When loading projects, NGEN will now check if the project version is compatible with the current rmware version. New Project le format with support for dynamic le size.
  • Page 79 Screensaver now properly activates after 5 minutes of no hardware interaction. Idle Mode (Animation / Param List) now activates after 5 seconds of no hardware interaction while in the Generator and Clock sub-menus. Version 1.0 Initial Version...

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