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Introduction
DARKSTAR XP2 SYNTHESIS
Thank you for purchasing the RED Sound DARKSTAR XP2 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer.
The Analogue Synthesiser, mainstay of Seventies' and Eighties' music, is back, reinvented in a new, more reliable
and flexible form. Physical modelling via powerful DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) allow all the warmth and control
of the synthesizers of yesteryear without the problems of unstable tuning and unrepeatable sounds, and with
modern benefits like realtime control and multitimbral access.
Welcome to DARKSTAR XP2, an 8-voice polyphonic synthesiser with all the highlights of the analogue tradition,
Pulse Width Modulation, Ring Mod, Resonant Filtering and ADSR Enveloping, combined with all the advantages of
modern MIDI instruments like rock-solid tuning, perfect program recall, velocity response and 5 different timbres
simultaneously available.
So whether your aim is to recreate 'classic' timbres like 70's Disco Bassline / Screaming PWM Lead, chart new
sonic territory with realtime joystick manipulation of filter frequency and resonance, or even combine both
approaches in the same MIDI sequence, DARKSTAR XP2 is the perfect tool for you.
In the future, DARKSTAR XP2's capabilities will grow thanks to the ability to install other EPROM-based DSP
algorithms. This will allow you to convert DARKSTAR XP2 into many different products such as a vocoder or mono
synth.
But DARKSTAR XP2 already offers so much with its marriage of proven synthesis techniques and state-of-the-art
control. Now it's time to unlock the potential of analogue-style synthesis with modern control techniques in your
music.
Be creative!
OWNERS MANUAL
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Red Sound DarkStar XP2
Summary of Contents for Red Sound DarkStar XP2
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Page 1: Owners Manual
MIDI sequence, DARKSTAR XP2 is the perfect tool for you. In the future, DARKSTAR XP2's capabilities will grow thanks to the ability to install other EPROM-based DSP algorithms. This will allow you to convert DARKSTAR XP2 into many different products such as a vocoder or mono synth. -
Page 2: Front Panel
Front Panel DARKSTAR XP2 - Poly Synth... -
Page 3: Front Panel Features
Front Panel Features FRONT PANEL FEATURES OSCILLATORS: This section features [WAVEFORM], [PITCH MOD], [PULSE WIDTH] and [DETUNE] controls for each oscillator. The large [OSCILLATOR] button switches between oscillators 1 & 2. The [SHIFT] button is used to access the [OSC 2 PITCH], [PWM], [RING MOD] & [OSC MIX] controls in the oscillator sub-menu. ENVELOPES: This section features [ATTACK], [DECAY], [SUSTAIN] and [RELEASE] controls for each envelope. -
Page 4: Rear Panel
Use these sockets to feed the secondary pair of audio outputs to your mixing desk or amplification system. MAIN OUTPUTS - 1/4 jack connectors Use these sockets to feed the main left/right audio output of DARKSTAR XP2 to your mixing desk or amplification system. - Page 5 Connections OWNERS MANUAL...
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Page 6: Quick Start
Before making any connections, make sure that the power on all your equipment is turned OFF. Connect the power supply (included) to the ‘power in’ socket on the rear panel of DARKSTAR XP2 and plug it into a suitable AC outlet. Connect the audio cables for a basic system setup as shown on page 5. -
Page 7: Master Volume Control
MASTER VOLUME CONTROL Use this control to set the master output level of DARKSTAR XP2. The position of this rotary control will determine the overall output level from the rear panel [MAIN] left/right, [SUB] 1 & 2 audio sockets and also the [PHONES] monitor output. -
Page 8: Operation
PROGRAMS - Selecting, editing and saving sounds This section allows you to store all the DARKSTAR XP2 settings in memory for instant recall of your favourite sounds. The position of every control knob, switch and even the joystick can be memorised in 64 user definable program memory locations. - Page 9 Operation STORE IN EXISTING PROGRAM: If you want to store the new settings, they can be saved into the current program whereby any previous settings will be overwritten. To store the new settings simply press the EDIT [SAVE] button once, as shown below: VALUE COMP Press the save [SAVE]...
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Page 10: Oscillator Section
Osc 1 Osc 2 This section of DARKSTAR XP2 produces the musical tones which form the basis of subtractive synthesis. There are two oscillators per ‘voice’ (musical note), each producing audible vibrations to act as a sound source. The timbre of each oscillator depends on its harmonic content which is determined by the waveform. There are basically two waveforms available, SAWTOOTH and SQUARE, each with its own specific set of harmonics. -
Page 11: Pulse Width
Operation PITCH MOD (PWM) This control has two functions determined by the [SHIFT] button. When the [SHIFT] function is NOT selected (SHIFT LED Off) this control sets the amount of pitch modulation to the selected oscillator. At the 12 o’clock position there will be no pitch modulation applied. As the knob is moved in an anti-clockwise direction the pitch modulation will become negative, first falling then rising. - Page 12 2. The pitch cannot change but you will hear timbral changes to the sound with vocal characteristics. The selections are: OFF: The waveforms of oscillators 1 & 2 will be free-running The waveforms of oscillators 1 & 2 will be synchronised DARKSTAR XP2 - Poly Synth...
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Page 13: Envelope Section
Env 2 This section of DARKSTAR XP2 is used to shape the sound over a period of time with two envelopes available. The first envelope is fixed to amplitude (or volume) and decides how quickly the sound starts, sustains and then fades away. - Page 14 On envelope 1 this maximum setting will make soft notes sound very quiet whilst on envelope 2 this will result in much less pitch, pulse width or filter modulation. DARKSTAR XP2 - Poly Synth...
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Page 15: Lfo Section
LFO 1 LFO 2 This section of DARKSTAR XP2 features 2 LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) which make regular electronic variations, too low to be heard when converted into audio vibrations. They can be used independently to alter elements of the sound by adding vibrato or changes to the harmonic content. - Page 16 The waveforms of all LFOs are synchronised but will re-start from the beginning of the selected waveshape each time a note is played. To exit LFO menu mode, simply press the [LFO] MENU button and check that the indicator goes out. Press once to exit LFO menu mode FILTER PART DARKSTAR XP2 - Poly Synth...
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Page 17: Filter Section
Filter Off Filter On This section of DARKSTAR XP2 features a classic 12dB per octave filter which, in subtractive synthesis, is used to remove unwanted frequencies. There are three different types of filter to choose from, LOW PASS, BAND PASS and HIGH PASS or the filter can be totally switched off. -
Page 18: Filter Menu
The indicator in the [FILTER] button will light and the main display will now alternate between the first function and its current value, as shown below: Display alternates Function = Setting = 50% between Keyboard tracking PARAMETER PARAMETER VALUE VALUE DARKSTAR XP2 - Poly Synth... - Page 19 Operation The functions in the filter menu are: 1. Keyboard tracking: This function lets you choose whether the filter has the same effect across the entire note range or has a different effect on the lower and higher notes. This function is applied as a percentage of note change.
- Page 20 Operation MULTITIMBRAL PARTS This section of DARKSTAR XP2 lets you to set up to five different sound sources on each program for multiple voice generation. You can specify the number of voices, note range, transposition, MIDI channel and other parameters for each individual sound so that for instance, a fat dirty bass sound can be played right alongside a warm string sound simultaneously on the same keyboard.
- Page 21 Operation PART VOICE SELECT: You can load-in single voices to the current program PART from any other program location. In this way you can easily find favourite sounds stored in other programs and import them into the program currently being created/edited. To change the selected PART voice, press and hold the [PART] button for a short period.
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Page 22: Key Transpose
The indicator in the [PART] button will light and the main display will show the first function which is: 1: POLYPHONY This function allows you set the maximum note allocation for each PART. The DARKSTAR XP2 synthesizer has a total number of 8 notes or ‘voices’ available and you must carefully allocate these between the different PARTS so as not to leave unused voices on one PART whilst missing notes played (because of under-allocation) on another. - Page 23 Operation 3: NOTE RANGE - LOW This function allows you to set the LOW note range for the selected PART. By allocating groups of notes to each PART you can play up to five different sounds simultaneously on a single keyboard using just one MIDI channel. With the third menu function selected the main display will alternate as follows: Display alternates Function =...
- Page 24 NOTE: The output from the chorus section is ‘hard-wired’ to outputs 1&2 i.e. even if you set the PART output to 3&4 you will still hear the sound processed through the chorus on outputs 1&2. TIP - If you want to use the multiple outputs, set any PARTS with the chorus effect to outputs 1&2. DARKSTAR XP2 - Poly Synth...
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Page 25: Midi Channel
Operation MIDI MENU This section contains three PART functions related to MIDI. To access these settings, press the MENU button labelled [MIDI], as shown in the following example: VALUE COMP MENU save VALUE EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER PART PORTA TRIGGER MIDI MODULATION audition MENUS... - Page 26 This control sets the amount of PORTAMENTO for the selected PART. This feature changes the pitch from one note to the next creating a sliding or ‘glide’ effect from one note to another. The CONSTANT TIME portamento featured on DARKSTAR XP2 uses a regular time period between notes regardless of how far the pitch has to travel.
- Page 27 Operation The type of portamento can be changed using a MENU function. To change the PORTAMENTO settings, press the MENU button labelled [PORTA/TRIGGER], as shown in the following example: VALUE COMP MENU save VALUE EDIT OSCILLATORS FILTER PART PORTA TRIGGER MIDI MODULATION audition...
- Page 28 This function introduces a glide between notes without re-triggering the envelopes. As featured on many classic monophonic synthesizers (1 voice only), this ‘guitar-style’ glide occurs on DARKSTAR XP2 when a note is held down and a second note played (if the PART polyphony is set to 1 voice). When PART polyphony is set to 2 voices, and more than 2 notes are played, the 3rd note played will ‘steal’...
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Page 29: Other Menu Functions
Operation OTHER MENU FUNCTIONS MODULATION The MODULATION function is also contained in the [MENU] section. These settings determine the amount of depth for the MODULATION WHEEL and AFTER TOUCH MIDI controllers. To access these settings, press the MENU button labelled [MODULATION], as shown in the following example: VALUE COMP MENU... -
Page 30: Utility Mode
VALUE EDIT VALUE OSCILLATORS NOTE: When any PART chorus effect send level is set to 1 or above the chorused output will always appear from outputs 1&2 regardless of the setting made in this mode. DARKSTAR XP2 - Poly Synth... -
Page 31: Single Program
Operation UTILITY 3: PROTECT ON/OFF This is where you enable DARKSTAR XP2 to overwrite existing programs. System exclusive bulk dump messages from an external MIDI storage device can only be received and stored in memory when the protect is set to OFF. - Page 32 PARAMETER EDIT OSCILLATORS VALUE The main display counts up the program numbers (1, 2, 3...) as they are transmitted. When all 32 programs have been transmitted the display will show ‘SEnt’ briefly to confirm completion. DARKSTAR XP2 - Poly Synth...
- Page 33 UTILITY 8: MASTER MIDI CHANNEL This function allows you to set the master MIDI channel for DARKSTAR XP2. Received data such as MIDI Program Change commands will ONLY be recognised when this function is set to channel 1 -16. This setting is automatically stored when power is turned off.
- Page 34 Use the menu [EDIT VALUE + or VALUE -] button to change the setting, as shown in the following example: VALUE COMP New setting = Depth is 13 Press the [VALUE+] MENU and [VALUE -] buttons save to change the setting PARAMETER VALUE EDIT OSCILLATORS VALUE DARKSTAR XP2 - Poly Synth...
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Page 35: External Inputs
NOTE: if the input signal level is set incorrectly the audio quality may be affected. Connect the MIDI OUT socket from your MIDI device to the MIDI IN on DARKSTAR XP2. Using the [OSCILLATOR] menu function (see page 12 for further details), set oscillator 2 source to [IN-1] or [IN-2] depending on which input is in use on the rear panel. - Page 36 CONVERTING DARKSTAR XP2 When you purchase a conversion kit for DARKSTAR XP2 you will need to install a program EPROM chip inside the product. The access panel is situated on the rear panel. To open, remove the single fixing screw and lift out the panel taking care to not lose any of the parts or drop any objects inside the main casing.
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