Editing Presets - E-Mu MORPHEUS Operation Manual

STEP-BY-STEP
This chapter walks you through Morpheus in a step-by-step manner.
Although it is not possible to cover every detail of programming a
synthesizer of this complexity, these first steps will hopefully get you
started in the right direction. Before starting this chapter, please read
the Programming Basics chapter of this manual. It contains important
background information, which will help you get the most of this
chapter.
• If you are new to synthesizers and electronic music, you may need
more background information than this manual provides. There are
many books dedicated to synthesizer basics and MIDI available through
your local music dealer. Magazines such as Keyboard and Electronic
Musician, which are available at most newsstands, contain current
information on the subject, as well as valuable programming tips.
Morpheus (or any synthesizer for that matter) is not really one instru-
ment but a collection of modules which can be connected together to
create many different instruments. In programming a synthesizer, you
become an instrument builder. The more knowledge you have about
music, acoustics, and electronics, the more success you will have in
constructing the sounds of your dreams.
Learning about sound synthesis will be much easier if you learn to really
LISTEN to the sounds all around you, then try to recreate them. Listen
to how the pitch rises on that bird's chirp, or how the volume changes
on that organ. Soon you'll be hearing sounds in a whole new way. Of
course, imitating natural sounds is only a part of sound synthesis. The
real fun happens when you create a wonderful new sound that no one
has ever heard before. Experimentation + Knowledge = MAGIC!
Programming Morpheus is like exploring new territory. No one before
you has EVER had access to this powerful technology. You have to
explore to find what's out there!

EDITING PRESETS

A good way to get acquainted with Morpheus is by examining and
editing existing presets. If you hear an effect or a control you like, take
the time to discover how it was achieved.
Start with a preset you like and try changing it around. If you don't like
the result, simply change the preset momentarily and you'll be back to
the original sound. Changes are not made permanent until you SAVE a
preset. Therefore you can experiment all you want without worrying
about losing a sound.
Chapter 10: Step-by-Step 139