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SM Pro Audio V-MACHINE Operation Manual

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Summary of Contents for SM Pro Audio V-MACHINE

  • Page 2: Foreword

    SM Pro Audio may update the contents of this manual at any time without prior notice. The latest version of this manual is available from the SM Pro Audio website at all times. http://www.smproaudio.com 1.3.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Content Contents 1. Foreword ....................2 1.1. Thank you ................................2 1.2. Important Notes: ............................. 2 1.3. V‐Machine Team .............................. 2 2. What Is The V‐Machine? ................7 2.1. What can you do with a V‐Machine? ......................7 2.2.
  • Page 4 V-Machine Operating Manual – Content 8.5. MIDI Routing ..............................19 8.6. .VFX files ................................19 9. V‐Machine Hardware & Connections ............. 21 9.1. Hardware introduction ..........................21 9.2. Top panel ................................. 21 9.2.1. Keypad button user interface ......................22 9.2.2. LCD panel ............................... 22 9.3.
  • Page 5 V-Machine Operating Manual – Content 12.3.3. Installing plug‐ins on the V‐Machine without the VFX Application ....... 35 12.4. VFX Application layout and design ...................... 35 12.5. V‐Machine Pane ............................35 12.5.1. Standard keypad browsing ......................36 12.5.2. Power down icon ..........................36 12.5.3.
  • Page 6 Figure 18: Panic command keypad combo ......................29 Figure 19: Persistent State Parameter ........................30 Figure 20: VFX Application user process ........................ 32 Figure 21: V-Machine Pane ............................36 Figure 22: Plugin Pane ............................... 38 Figure 23: Mixer Pane ..............................40...

  • Page 7: What Is The V-Machine

    The V‐Machine is a purpose built stand‐alone VST/VSTi plug‐in player. Based on the recently developed Powered by VFX embedded technology plat- form, the V-Machine is an extremely versatile musical instrument. By its very nature it can adapt with the push of button and transform from a classic synth into a soaring string section.

  • Page 8: Intel Based Mac

    V-Machine Operating Manual –What Comes In The Box sed when connected to a computer and configured for use by the VFX Appli- cation software. The VFX Application has the following requirements: 3.1. Intel based Mac Minimal: Any Intel based Mac Suggested: 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 1 GB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.4.4...

  • Page 9: Overview And Concepts

    The V‐Machine does not implement any particular audio synthesis algorithm. Instead it acts as a host for a range of Windows VST and VSTi plug‐ins. Individual plug‐ins hosted on the V-Machine implement their own particular synthesis al- gorithms. Figure 2 shows an overview of how the V‐Machine is used.

  • Page 10: Figure 2: Operational Overview

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Overview And Concepts Figure 2: Operational overview...

  • Page 11: The Vfx Platform

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Overview And Concepts Figure 3: VFX Application 5.1. The VFX Platform The V‐Machine runs on the Powered by VFX platform developed by VFX Systems Pty Ltd, Melbourne Australia. The Powered by VFX platform is a software framework designed to provide ro- bust audio media support in embedded devices.

  • Page 12: Vsti Plug-Ins

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Overview And Concepts Designed to integrate virtual instruments and effect processors into a digital audio environment, the VST format has quickly became the most widely adop- ted audio plug‐in standard. 5.2.1. VSTi plug‐ins VST instruments (known as VSTi’s) are typically virtual synthesizers or sampler units.

  • Page 13: V-Machine Additional Preset Parameters

    V‐Machine. * Note: It is our intention over time to compile and maintain a certified V‐Machine plug‐in compatibility list on the SM Pro Audio website. Please check our website (www.smproaudio.com) for updates. 5.4. V‐Machine additional Preset parameters The V‐Machine adds a few additional parameters to each plug‐ins normal pa-...

  • Page 14: Building Your Own Sounds - Main Considerations

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Freedom Comes With Responsibility! analogy is also true when creating preset sounds for use on the V‐Machine. With patience and experience you will learn how to get the most out of the V‐Machine. Please read this manual to understand the some of the concepts you need to be aware of when creating your presets.

  • Page 15: Use The Presets Wisely

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Freedom Comes With Responsibility! formance under control. The more you load into a single preset the more likely you are to reach the CPU performance ceiling. 6.2. Managing resources 6.2.1. CPU considerations The V‐Machines firmware is purpose built for high performance operation and optimized to ensure most CPU cycles are dedicated to processing audio.

  • Page 16: Auditioning A Sound

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Auditioning A Sound • Shorten the length of release tails for VSTi’s if at all possible. Long release tails can build up polyphony (the number of notes playing simultaneously) during performances placing a burden on the CPU. Release tails can often be redu- ced without being detrimental to performances.

  • Page 17: Banks

    V-Machine Operating Manual – V‐Machine Internal Architecture Figure 4: Bank and Preset structural hierarchy 8.2.1. Banks Banks are collections of Presets. It is entirely up to you how you prefer to cate- gorize your sounds. Some users may wish to organise similar types of sounds together in a Bank while others may wish to create a bank of sounds that are used in a particular performance.

  • Page 18: Plug-In Slots

    V-Machine Operating Manual – V‐Machine Internal Architecture Preset sounds can be loaded, saved, and renamed from within the VFX application. 8.3. Plug‐in slots A Plug‐in Slot is a position in the V‐Machine’s internal audio signal path whe- reby you can load a VSTi or VST plug‐in.

  • Page 19: Midi Routing

    V-Machine Operating Manual – V‐Machine Internal Architecture 8.5. MIDI Routing MIDI data enters the V‐Machine via either the 5‐pin standard MIDI input or USB connector on the rear panel. MIDI can be routed to each of the 21 Plug‐in Slots in the V‐Machine’s Mixer ar- chitecture.

  • Page 20: Figure 5: Mixer Architecture - Audio And Midi Routing

    V-Machine Operating Manual – V‐Machine Internal Architecture Figure 5: Mixer architecture – Audio and MIDI routing...

  • Page 21: V-Machine Hardware & Connections

    V-Machine Operating Manual – V‐Machine Hardware & Connections 9. V‐Machine Hardware & Connections 9.1. Hardware introduction The V‐Machine is a compact purpose built audio processor. It has been desig- ned to interface seamlessly within a wide range of common audio production and performance environments.

  • Page 22: Keypad Button User Interface

    V-Machine Operating Manual – V‐Machine Hardware & Connections 9.2.1. Keypad button user interface The V‐Machine’s keypad interface has been designed to provide a simple me- chanism for navigation and control the V‐Machine. The keypads are arranged in four (4) rows of two (2) buttons.

  • Page 23: Rear Panel Connections

    V-Machine Operating Manual – V‐Machine Hardware & Connections 9.3. Rear panel connections The V‐Machine’s rear panel provides connectivity options to facilitate the con- nection of a range of peripheral devices. Figure 9: Rear panel connections 9.3.1. Power connector The V‐Machine features a power source input connector on the rear panel for connection of the included 12V 2A external 110‐240V 50/60Hz plug‐pack.

  • Page 24: Power Button

    V-Machine Operating Manual – V‐Machine Hardware & Connections 9.3.2. Power button The V‐Machine’s power button is located next to the power source input con- nector. To activate power to the unit, simply press the power button. 9.3.3. USB Slave connector A USB Slave connector is provided for connection to a host PC.

  • Page 25: Headphone Rotary Volume Control

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Turning On And Navigating The V‐Machine A standard 3.5mm TRS stereo output connector is provided on the rear panel to facilitate the connection of one (1) pair of headphones. The headphone output is designed only to drive headphones. Never connect the headphone output to other peripherals such as a mixing desk as damage may result to the peripheral or V-Machine.

  • Page 26: Single Keypad Navigation

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Turning On And Navigating The V‐Machine Figure 10: Standard LCD display view Proceed to navigate the V‐Machine with the keypad button user interface. Special Note: The fitment of some USB storage devices may prevent the V‐Machine from starting up.

  • Page 27: Parameter Navigation Next/Previous

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Turning On And Navigating The V‐Machine 10.2.3. Parameter navigation Next/Previous Use the Previous and Next buttons as shown to navigate quickly through plug‐in parameters as- sociated with the currently selected Preset. Figure 13: Parameter navigation Quick Tip: As some plug‐ins have literally hundreds of available parameters it may be useful to prioritize the order of the parameter list for speedy access.

  • Page 28: Save Command

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Turning On And Navigating The V‐Machine When in the Global System Settings use the Next/Previous keypad buttons ad- jacent to the MENU label to scroll through the available options. Adjustment of individual settings can be made using the keypad buttons ad- jacent to each option displayed on the LCD Panel.

  • Page 29: Panic Command

    V-Machine Operating Manual – V‐Machine Specific Plug‐In Parameters 10.3.4. Panic command Pressing the two in‐line keypads adjacent to the PANIC command label activates the MIDI PANIC command. Figure 18: Panic command The MIDI PANIC command sends an “all notes keypad combo off”...

  • Page 30: Persistent State Parameter

    The Persistent State Parameter has two values ON and OFF. It defines whether or not the state of the plug‐in parameters is retained while switching between Presets during a single V-Machine session. A single session refers to the time the V‐Machine remains powered on.

  • Page 31: Consume Program Change Parameter

    By sending MIDI Bank and Program change messages from a connected MIDI controller it is possible to change the current Bank and Preset of the V‐Machine. This can be handy if the V-Machine controlled by a sequencer, or is not within reach to click the keypad buttons manually.

  • Page 32: The Vfx Application

    V-Machine Operating Manual – The VFX Application 12. The VFX Application 12.1. Application concepts The VFX Application is a PC and Mac compatible application designed to assist in the creation and configuration of sounds and settings for the V‐Machine hardware. Although the V‐Machine can be used in ‘stand‐alone’ mode, con-...

  • Page 33: First Steps

    • Insert the Getting Started CD into your computers CD drive • Run the ‘Download VMACHINE for Mac’ download wizard • The wizard directs your web browser to the SM Pro Audio website where you can download the most up to date version of the VFX Application...

  • Page 34: Configuring The Vfx Application Preferences

    3. There is currently no provision to send MIDI data out of the VFX Application other than to a connected hardware V‐Machine over USB. 4. Mac users – please refer to the Mac manual addendum available from the SM Pro Audio website for more information regarding preferences for the Mac VFX Application.

  • Page 35: Installing Windows Vst ".Dll" Plug-In Files Manually On The Computer

    VFX plug‐in installation Wizard. Plug‐ins with specific authorisation require- ments will be catered for on a case‐by‐case basis and added to the wizard over time. Updates will be made available on the SM Pro Audio website. 12.3.2. Installing Windows VST “.dll” plug‐ins manually on the computer Many plug‐ins can be installed on your computer by copying the raw VST .dll...

  • Page 36: Standard Keypad Browsing

    V-Machine Operating Manual – The VFX Application Figure 21: V-Machine Pane 12.5.1. Standard keypad browsing The keypads on the V‐Machine Pane respond just as expected. Browse up and down through Banks and Presets by mouse clicking the virtual Previous/Next virtual keypads.

  • Page 37: Save Icon

    V-Machine Operating Manual – The VFX Application • Audio Input Level – adjusts the sensitivity of the audio input • File Management – offers file management options such as copying data to and from memory locations • LCD Settings – offers adjustment of the LCD’s brightness and contrast setting Global System Settings can be navigated and adjusted as desired.

  • Page 38: Sync Icon

    V-Machine Operating Manual – The VFX Application 12.5.7. Sync icon Mouse clicking the SYNC icon activates synchronization if a V‐Machine hard- ware unit is connected via USB. Synchronization transfers all Global System Settings, Banks, Presets, plug‐ins, and associated files (samples and configuration files) to the V‐Machine.

  • Page 39: Channel Plug-In Slot

    V-Machine Operating Manual – The VFX Application The V‐Machine’s architecture allows for three plug‐ins to be inserted into each section of the mixer; Each of the four (4) mixer channels, two (2) FX returns, and the Main output channel. VST instrument plug‐ins can only be loaded into the first Plug‐in Slot (Plug‐in Slot A) of each Mixer channel.

  • Page 40: Mixer Channel, Fx Send, And Main Output Selector Tabs

    V-Machine Operating Manual – The VFX Application Menu making sure the ranges do not intersect. This is a simple way to create a split keyboard layout. To layer sounds within a Preset simply set each virtual instrument plug‐ins High/Low MIDI note range to overlap at the point where the layer is desired.

  • Page 41: Channel Pan

    V-Machine Operating Manual – The VFX Application Click and hold your mouse button down over the channel Gain control area and move up or down to adjust the corresponding channel Gain value. Release your mouse button when you have made the desired adjustment.

  • Page 42: L&R Audio Input Selector

    V-Machine Operating Manual – The VFX Application Quick Tip: This is great way to share VST plug‐in effects between channels and thus minimize the impact on the CPU. For example this would be beneficial if you needed a similar reverb ef- fect across a multi channel Preset sound creation.

  • Page 43: Parameter Pane

    V-Machine Operating Manual – The VFX Application Presets that clip in the VFX Application, they will also overdrive the V-Machine’s DAC (digital audio converter) resulting in distorted audio output. 2. It may be useful to also place a limiter plug‐in in the Main channel to protect against clipping! 12.8.

  • Page 44: Loading, Saving And Renaming Presets

    V-Machine Operating Manual – The VFX Application 12.9.2. Loading, saving and renaming Presets Saving a Preset saves the current individual Preset configuration. It’s a useful me- chanism to store your individual Preset sounds prior to loading into another Bank, or even sharing configuration files with other users who use the same plug‐ins.

  • Page 45: Uninstalling The Vfx Application

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Walk Through Usage Examples on the PC. If you confirm the VFX Application will proceed to save the full con- figuration to the stick. The V‐Machine hardware features a file management utility that can be accessed via the Global System Settings Menu.

  • Page 46: New User Installs Vfx Application

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Walk Through Usage Examples 9. The Musician selects “Overdrive” as the Selected Parameter, presses MIDI Learn then adjusts a MIDI knob on the USB MIDI controller. 10. The V‐Machine displays “Learn... ” and waits until a MIDI CC message is re- ceived from the MIDI knob.

  • Page 47: V-Machine Hardware - Firmware Updates

    Firmware is the computer program that is embedded into a hardware device. It includes all the instructions required for the V‐Machine to operate successfully. SM Pro Audio plans on offering regular firmware update releases to keep the V‐Machine up to date with new features and to fix known operational bugs brought to our attention.

  • Page 48: Vfx Application - Software Updates

    15. VFX Application – Software Updates 15.1. VFX Application updates SM Pro Audio plans on offering regular updates to the VFX Application to in- corporate new features and fix known operational bugs that are brought to our attention. VFX Application updates will be made available for download on the SM Pro Audio website.

  • Page 49: Temperature Operation

    Electronic registration – Register the product purchase online at http://www.smproaudio.com Postal registration – Print the PDF product warranty registration card included on the “Getting Stated CD” and post to your closest SM Pro Audio distributor as listed below. SM Pro Audio...

  • Page 50: Trademarks

    V-Machine Operating Manual – Trademarks The product warranty registration form will request such purchase details in- cluding serial no., date of sale, Dealer name, as well as name and address of the customer. If a defect occurs during the warranty period, contact the point of purchase or write an email to warranty@smproaudio.com.

  • Page 51: Correspondence

    Cycle the power off and on to resume operation. 22. Correspondence For technical support, warranty claims, and all other enquiries, please contact your local SM Pro Audio distributor. Contact details of all SM Pro Audio distributors list can be found online at http://www.smproaudio.com...

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