Dave Smith Instruments Evolver Operation Manual
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Dave Smith Instruments Evolver Operation Manual

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  • Page 1 Evolver Keyboard Operation Manual...
  • Page 3 Evolver Keyboard Operation Manual Version 1.3 August, 2010 Dave Smith Instruments 1210 Cabrillo Hwy N Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-1449 © 2005-2010 Dave Smith Instruments www.DaveSmithInstruments.com...
  • Page 4 Tested To Comply With FCC Standards FOR OFFICE USE This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents Quick Start Preset Notes 3 FAQs Chaining Evolvers and Polys Inside Evolver Signal Flow Diagram Basic Operations Global Parameters Program Parameters Analog Oscillators (1 and 2) Digital Oscillators (3 and 4) Low-pass Filter Amplifier (VCA) High-pass Filter Feedback Distortion...

  • Page 7: Quick Start

    After turning knobs, just hit the Program switch so the LCD goes back to the Program / Bank screen, allowing you to change Programs again. Your Evolver also has some very cool features for use as a stereo signal processor – be sure to check this out.
  • Page 8 Summary You should be up and running now; for more operation information, read on. Or, just look up specific parameters for detailed notes. Pages 33 through 35 contain a handy reference for mod destinations and sources. At some point you should read through the manual to discover all the little features that you might not notice at first.
  • Page 9 Note: Remember to occasionally save your sounds via program dumps! The programs are organized as follows: Bank 1 and 2: These are classic Evolver sounds to be played from the keyboard. Bank 3: These programs are all sequencer-based; they will not play from the keyboard;...

  • Page 10: Faqs

    Frequently Asked Questions The Evolver is a very flexible instrument. While this provides a wide range of operational possibilities, it also means that you can put it into a state where it doesn’t seem to work. Here are some tips: •...

  • Page 11: Chaining Evolvers And Polys

    In other words, the outputs on the Poly Evolvers are not as hot as on the Evolver Keyboard (or the desktop model). We suggest using a mixer to balance the levels. You will also need to load the same programs into both instruments.
  • Page 12 Chaining Mono Evolvers You can also use one or more mono desktop Evolvers for more voices. If using one, set the Keyboard to MIDI clock Out, and set Poly Chain to 2. Set the Evolver to MIDI Clock In. A Note on Versions The same basic voice structure is used on all Evolvers.

  • Page 13: Inside Evolver

    Audio Inputs and Outputs There are several audio jacks on the rear panel. All are unbalanced stereo pairs (two mono jacks). First, there are the Audio Inputs for using the Evolver as a signal processor. Next are the Stereo Outputs. If you only use the Left/Mono jack, you will get a mono mix of both channels –...

  • Page 15: Basic Operations

    2 for a different bank. ARAM If there is a Poly Chained Evolver or Poly Evolver, and they have been updated to the latest software revisions, the program will also be saved in the chained units. Compare Feature: While editing a Program, you can press the C...

  • Page 16: Global Parameters

    MIDI data through to the Poly Chain MIDI out jack, where it can be routed to another Evolver or Poly Evolver. Note that MIDI clocks are handled separately per the MIDI Clock parameter. Check page for more details.
  • Page 17 Prog Tempo: Off, On – When set to Off, changing a Program will not change the tempo- this is useful for keeping a constant tempo but using different sounds. If set to On, a Program change will change the tempo to the BPM and Clock Divide values saved with the Program.
  • Page 18 MIDI Pressure: Off, On – When On, the synth will respond to MIDI pressure (aftertouch) received, and will transmit Keyboard Pressure to MIDI Out. Page 6: MIDI Control:xxx MIDI SysEx:xx MIDI Control: Off, On – When On, the synth will respond to MIDI controllers, and will transmit controllers from the keyboard to the MIDI Out.
  • Page 19 Page 11: PotMode:xxxxxxxx PotMode: Relative, Passthru, Jump – The Evolver Keyboard PE (Pot Edition) has two types of rotary controls on its front panel, potentiometers (or “pots”) and rotary encoders. Of the 58 controls, 43 of them are pots. Generally speaking, the more performance-oriented controls—like the filter's Frequency and Audio Mod controls—...
  • Page 20 It is handy for saving TART Programs on a computer or sending to another Evolver. The dumps include Program and Bank numbers, so when received the programs will be stored in the same...

  • Page 21: Program Parameters

    Following are descriptions of each Evolver Program parameter. Oscillators There are four oscillators in the Evolver voice. To select a particular oscillator for editing, press the appropriate oscillator switch, 1-4. Turning a knob will then adjust the parameters of the selected oscillator.

  • Page 22: Digital Oscillators (3 And 4)

    VS noise. Wave 95 (126 on the VS) is a “blank” wave, which can give some options while sequencing waves. The Evolver ships with waves 97 - 128 the same as 1 - 32. Level: 0…100 – Sets the volume of the selected Oscillator.

  • Page 23: Low-Pass Filter

    Level: 0…100 – Controls the volume of external audio input connected to the Left and/or Right Audio Input jack on the rear of the Evolver Keyboard. There is a clip LED to the right of the control to indicate clipping on the input signal.

  • Page 24: Amplifier (Vca)

    Attack: 0…110 – Sets the Attack time of the filter ADSR envelope generator Decay: 0…110 – Sets the Decay time. Sustain: 0…100 – Sets the Sustain level. Release: 0…110 – Sets the Release time. Audio Mod: 0…100 – Sets the amount of audio modulation from the analog oscillator to the filter, separate in left and right channels (that is, Oscillator 1 modulates the left filter, and Oscillator 2 mods the right filter).

  • Page 25: High-Pass Filter

    VCA (but before the Delay) and filters the Evolver’s audio accordingly. Refer to the Signal Flow diagram on page 8 for details on the signal path. There are two separate high-pass filters, one for each channel, and they are controlled in tandem.

  • Page 26: Delay

    Note: There is a built-in noise gate that is enabled when distortion is not zero. If you want to use the noise gate but without distortion, use a distortion setting of 1. The noise gate uses the Left channel signal level to gate both channels. Note: If the Distortion Amount is = 0, modulating Distortion will have no effect.

  • Page 27: Output Hack

    Delay is 2 steps in length 2 Steps Delay is 1 step in length 1 Step Delay is one-half step in length 1/2 Step Delay is one-quarter step in length 1/4 Step Delay is one-eighth step in length 1/8 Step Delay is one-sixteenth step in 1/16Step length...

  • Page 28: Low Frequency Oscillators (Lfo)

    Amount: 0…100 – Sets the amount of LFO routed to the destination. Key Sync: When this switch is enabled (lit) the Evolver re-starts the LFO each time a new note is played (Key Sync). Key Sync on each LFO can be set independently.

  • Page 29: Modulators

    Mod Wheel, Key Pressure, Velocity, Breath Control, and more. Since each Evolver mod source has a single destination, the four general purpose Mods provide a way to send a mod source (such as a sequence or LFO) to additional destinations, with a different amount.

  • Page 30: Miscellaneous Parameters

    Misc Parameters The Misc Params section lets you configure a variety of parameters not found elsewhere. The parameter list is printed on the panel for easy reference. Use the Select knob to choose the desired parameter, and the Value knob, Param 2 knob, or the +/Y or -/N switches to adjust the value.
  • Page 31 Last note hit priority, re-trigger envelopes LastRetrg As mentioned above, the four groups are basically ignored when playing the Evolver stand-alone. When Poly Chained for polyphonic playing, the Poly group is for normal polyphonic playing; in which case the six key modes will have no effect.. The Mono group will only play one voice.
  • Page 32 Osc Slop: 0…5 – The amount of random oscillator frequency slop. The analog and digital oscillators in Evolver are very accurate, and will not drift. This works great for accurate sounds, and allows precise de-tuning. The Oscillator Slop parameter allows subtle amounts of frequency drift.

  • Page 33: Sequencer Operation

    In Evolver terms, a sequence is just a series of events at timed intervals that changes the value of one of the synth’s parameters in discrete steps.
  • Page 34 Tip: Using Reset while programming a sequence can be helpful. For example, when programming a specific melodic line, start by shortening the sequence to four or eight steps until those steps are set, and then gradually move the reset point to lengthen the loop until the desired number of steps is playing. Sequences do not have to be the same length, however, which makes for some very interesting, less repetitive patterns, particularly when sequences are set to odd and even numbers of steps.

  • Page 35: Programming A Sequence

    Clock Divide: see table – Provides a wider range of sequencer speeds. When “Prog Tempo” is set to On in the Global Parameters menu, changing this parameter also changes the master Clock Divide, and vice-versa. When Off, changing this parameter has no effect.
  • Page 36 To program a sequence: Press S Select the sequence you want to program by pressing the appropriate switch, 1-4. Select the destination for that sequence using the Destination knob. For example, to generate a sequence of notes, select OscAllFreq. Note: When a sequence is routed to oscillator frequency, each knob increment equals half of a semitone.
  • Page 37 Suggested Destinations You can really have some fun with other destinations. For example, route a sequence to Delay amount to have the delay level change; or to feedback amount to drastically change the sound every step. FM and Ring Mod Levels are fun to sequence, too— you get the idea.

  • Page 38: Arpeggiator

    Arpeggiator As a last-minute addition, a simple arpeggiator was included as a hidden function. As a hidden function, the operation is a little less than obvious, but the assumption is that it’s nice to have anyway. Note: The Arpeggiator settings are not saved as part of the Program. Basic operation is simple: while holding the R switch, simply hit the Sequencer 1 ESET...

  • Page 39: Modulation Destination Table

    Modulation Destinations Display Destination No destination selected Oscillator 1 Frequency Osc 1 Freq Oscillator 2 Frequency Osc 2 Freq Oscillator 3 Frequency Osc 3 Freq Oscillator 4 Frequency Osc 4 Freq Oscillator All Frequency – goes to all four OscAllFreq Oscillator 1 Level Osc1 Level Oscillator 2 Level...
  • Page 40 LFO 1 Frequency LFO 1 Freq LFO 2 Frequency LFO 2 Freq LFO 3 Frequency LFO 3 Freq LFO 4 Frequency LFO 4 Freq LFO All Frequency LFOAllFreq LFO 1 Amount LFO 1 Amt LFO 2 Amount LFO 2 Amt LFO 3 Amount LFO 3 Amt LFO 4 Amount...

  • Page 41: Modulation Source Table

    Modulation Sources Display Source No Source selected Sequence 1 Sequence1 Sequence 2 Sequence2 Sequence 3 Sequence3 Sequence 4 Sequence4 LFO 1 LFO 1 LFO 2 LFO 2 LFO 3 LFO 3 LFO 4 LFO 4 Filter Envelope FilterEnv Amp (VCA) Envelope VCA Env Envelope 3 Envelope3...

  • Page 42: Midi Implementation

    MIDI Implementation The Evolver receives MIDI data according to the mode controls in the Global Section. In addition, there is interaction between some of the Program parameters that determine the overall response of Evolver to MIDI data. Following are the Global parameters that affect response to MIDI.

  • Page 43: Basic Midi Messages

    MIDI Messages Received Channel Messages Status Second Third Description 1000 nnnn 0kkkkkkk 0vvvvvvv Note Off. Velocity is ignored 1001 nnnn 0kkkkkkk 0vvvvvvv Note On. Note off if vvvvvvv = 0 1010 nnnn 0kkkkkkk 0vvvvvvv Polyphonic Key Pressure 1011 nnnn 0vvvvvvv 0vvvvvvv Control Change;...
  • Page 44 Oscillator 4 Level Oscillator 1 Shape Oscillator 2 Shape Oscillator 3 Shape Oscillator 4 Shape FM 4->3 FM 3->4 RM 4->3 RM 3->4 Noise Level Low Pass Filter Frequency Filter Resonance Filter Envelope Amount Filter Attack Filter Decay Filter Sustain Filter Release Filter Audio Mod Filter Split...
  • Page 45 Channel Number 0-15. 0000 0110 Inquiry Message 0000 0010 Inquiry Reply 0000 0001 DSI ID 0010 0010 Evolver Keyboard ID (Family LS) 0000 0000 Family MS 0000 0000 Family Member LS 0000 0000 Family Member MS 0jjj nnnn Main dsPIC Software version: jjj – Major rev; nnnn – Minor Rev...
  • Page 46 Transmitted Channel Messages Status Second Third Description 1000 nnnn 0kkkkkkk 0000000 Note Off. 1001 nnnn 0kkkkkkk 0vvvvvvv Note On. 1011 nnnn 0vvvvvvv 0vvvvvvv Control Change; see “Received Controller Messages” table following 1100 nnnn 0ppppppp Program change, 0 – 127 for Programs 1 – 128 within current Bank 1101 nnnn 0vvvvvvv...

  • Page 47: System Exclusive Messages

    0000 vvvv Global Parameter Number 0 – 17. Global Parameters are listed starting on page 46. Note that some parameter numbers are not used; this is to maintain compatibility with other Evolver models. 0000 vvvv Parameter value, LS Nibble 0000 vvvv...
  • Page 48 1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX) The Evolver will respond by sending out the Program Data in the format described in the Program Data Dump on page 43. It also sends a Program Name Dump message (also on page 43) after the Program dump. This makes it a complete Program dump while maintaining compatibility with other Evolver models.
  • Page 49 File Version 0000 1110 Request Global Parameter Transmit 1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX) Evolver will respond by sending out the current edit buffer in the format described in the Global Parameter Dump on page 43 Program Data Dump Status Description...
  • Page 50 Waveshape Data 0vvv vvvv Waveshape number, 0 – 127, corresponds to Waveshapes 1 – 128. Only Waveshapes 96 – 127 can be sent to Evolver and saved as user programmable; others will be ignored. 0vvv vvvv 293 bytes in “packed MS bit” format (see page Error! Bookmark not defined.).

  • Page 51: Packed Data Format

    Status Description 1111 0000 System Exclusive (SysEx) 0000 0001 DSI ID 0010 0000 Evolver ID 0000 0001 File Version 0000 0100 Reset Switch 1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX) Only sent when Poly Chain is on and MIDI clock is set to Out...

  • Page 52: Global Parameter Data

    Global Parameter Data Parameter Range Description 0 – 127 Program Number 1 – 128 0 – 3 Bank Number 1 – 4 0 – 100 Master Volume 0 – 100 0 – 72 Master Transpose; 0 = -36 semitones (- 3 octaves), 36 = 0 (no transpose), and 72 = +36 semitones.
  • Page 53 0 – 3 Pressure Curve 0 – 1 Local Control Off/On 0 – 1 Damper Polarity; 0 = normally open, 1 = normally closed Note: Some parameters are not used in order to maintain the closest match with other Evolver models.

  • Page 54: Program Parameter Data

    Program Parameter Data Parameter Range Description 0 – 120 Oscillator 1 Frequency, 0 – 120 in semitones (10 octave range) 0 – 100 Oscillator 1 Fine Tune; 0 = -50 cents, 50 = 0 (centered), 100 = + 50 cents 0 –...
  • Page 55 0 – 110 VCA Envelope Decay 0 – 100 VCA Envelope Sustain 0 – 110 VCA Envelope Release 0 – 6 Output Pan Left channel panned fully left, Right fully to the right Left channel panned mostly left, Right mostly to the right Left channel panned somewhat left, Right somewhat to the right Mono...
  • Page 56 Parameter Range Description 0 – 198 Envelope 3 Amount; -99 to +99 0 – 68 Envelope 3 Destination (see destination table on page 53) 0 – 110 Envelope 3 Envelope Attack 0 – 110 Envelope 3 Envelope Decay 0 – 100 Envelope 3 Envelope Sustain 0 –...
  • Page 57 0 – 12 Program Clock Divide (see Master Clock Divide for selections) 0 – 200 Glide, Oscillator 2; 101 – 199 = Fingered; 200 = osc midi off 0 – 5 Oscillator Slop 0 – 12 Pitch Bend Range, in semitones 0 –...
  • Page 58 Parameter Range Description 0 – 24 Modulation 4 Source (see Source Table on page 55) 0 – 198 Modulation 4 Amount; -99 to +99 0 – 68 Modulation 4 Destination (see destination table on page 53) 0 – 166 Delay 2 Time 0 –...
  • Page 59 Modulation Destinations No destination selected Oscillator 1 Frequency Oscillator 2 Frequency Oscillator 3 Frequency Oscillator 4 Frequency Oscillator All Frequency – goes to all four Oscillator 1 Level Oscillator 2 Level Oscillator 3 Level Oscillator 4 Level Oscillator All Level Noise Level External In Level Oscillator 1 Pulse width...
  • Page 60 LFO 3 Amount LFO 4 Amount LFO A Amount Envelope 1 Amount Envelope 2 Amount Envelope 3 Amount Envelope A Amount Envelope 1 Attack Envelope 2 Attack Envelope 3 Attack Envelope A Attack Envelope 1 Decay Envelope 2 Decay Envelope 3 Decay Envelope A Decay Envelope 1 Release Envelope 2 Release...

  • Page 61: Hidden Functions

    Modulation Sources No Source selected Sequence 1 Sequence 2 Sequence 3 Sequence 4 LFO 1 LFO 2 LFO 3 LFO 4 Filter Envelope Amp (VCA) Envelope Envelope 3 External Audio Input Peak External Audio Envelope Follower Pitch Bend Mod Wheel Pressure Midi –...
  • Page 64 Dave Smith Instruments 1210 Cabrillo Hwy N Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-1449 www.DaveSmithInstruments.com...

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