Behringer Virtualizer Pro DSP1024P User manual

User´s Manual
Version 1.0 August 2000
www.behringer.com
ENGLISH
VIRTUALIZER
®
PRO DSP1024P

2
VIRTUALIZERPRODSP1024P
Thissymbol,whereveritappears,alerts
you to the presence of uninsulated
dangerousvoltageinsidetheenclosure
-voltage thatmay besufficient tocon-
stitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to important operating and mainte-
nance instructions in the accompanying
literature.Read themanual.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reducethe risk of electrical shock, do notremove
thecover (orback). Nouser serviceableparts inside;
referservicingto qualifiedpersonnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
DETAILEDSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS:
Allthe safety andoperation instructions should be readbefore the applianceis operated.
RetainInstructions:
Thesafety andoperating instructionsshould be retainedfor futurereference.
Heed Warnings:
Allwarnings on the applianceand in the operatinginstructions should be adheredto.
Followinstructions:
Alloperation and user instructions shouldbe followed.
Water and Moisture:
Theapplianceshould notbeused near water(e.g. near abathtub,washbowl, kitchensink,laundry tub,ina wet
basement, or near a swimming pool etc.).
Ventilation:
The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the
flowof airthroughthe ventilationopenings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliance(including amplifiers)that produceheat.
Power Source:
Theappliance should be connected toa power supply only ofthe type describedin theoperating instructions
or as marked on the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization:
Precautionsshould be taken sothat the grounding orpolarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Power-Cord Protection:
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
wherethey exit fromthe appliance.
Cleaning:
Theappliance shouldbe cleanedonly asrecommended bythe manufacturer.
Non-usePeriods:
Thepowercord of theapplianceshould beunpluggedfrom the outletwhenleft unusedforalong periodoftime.
Object and Liquid Entry:
Careshould be takenso thatobjects donot fall andliquids arenot spilledinto the enclosurethrough openings.
Damage Requiring Service:
Theappliance should beserviced byqualifiedservice personnelwhen:
-The power supply cord orthe plug hasbeen damaged; or
- Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
-The appliance hasbeen exposed to rain; or
-The appliance does not appearto operatenormally or exhibitsa markedchange in performance;or
-The appliancehas beendropped, orthe enclosuredamaged.
Servicing:
Theuser should notattempt toservice theappliancebeyond thatis describedin the OperatingInstructions.All
otherservicingshould bereferred toqualifiedservice personnel.

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VIRTUALIZERPRODSP1024P
FOREWORD
DearCustomer,
Welcometo the teamof VIRTUALIZER PRO users and thankyou very muchfor expressing your confidence
in BEHRINGER products by purchasing this unit.
It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because it is the culmination of many months of
hard work delivered by our engineering team to reach a very ambitious goal: making an outstanding device
betterstill. The VIRTUALIZERPRO has for quite along time beena standard tool used bynumerous studios
andP.A. rental companies. Thetask to improve one of our best-sellingproducts certainly meant agreat deal
ofresponsibility, which we assumed byfocusing on you,the discerninguser and musician.It also meant a lot
of work and night shifts to accomplish this goal. But it was fun, too. Developing a product usually brings a lot
of people together, and what a great feeling it is when everybody who participated in such a project can be
proudofwhatwe’veachieved.
Itis our philosophyto shareourjoy withyou, becauseyouare themost importantmemberof theBEHRINGER
family. With your highly competent suggestions for new products you’ve greatly contributed to shaping our
companyand makingitsuccessful. Inreturn, weguarantee youuncompromisingquality (manufacturedunder
ISO9000 certified management system) as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an extremely
favorable price. All of this will enable you to fully unfold your creativity without being hampered by budget
constraints.
Weare often asked how wecan makeit to producesuch high-gradedevices at suchunbelievably lowprices.
The answer is quite simple: it’s you, our customers! Many satisfied customers means large sales volumes
enablingus to get betterconditions of purchase forcomponents, etc. Isn’t itonly fair to passthis benefit back
to you? Because we know that your success is our success, too!
Iwouldliketo thankallpeoplewhose helpon“ProjectVIRTUALIZER PRO” hasmadeitall possible. Everybody
hasmadevery personalcontributions,starting fromthe designers ofthe unitviathe manystaffmembers inour
company to you, the user of BEHRINGER products.
Myfriends, it’s been worththe trouble!
Thankyou verymuch,
UliBehringer

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VIRTUALIZERPRODSP1024P
DSP1024P
VIRTUALIZER PROVIRTUALIZER PRO
VIRTUALIZER PROVIRTUALIZER PRO
VIRTUALIZER PRO
Ultra-high performance Digital Multi-Effects Processor powered by a 24-bit high-speed Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
V“WaveAdaptiveVirtualRoom” reverbalgorithmscalculatedfrom precisemathematicalroommodels togive
youultra-naturalreverbeffects
V32breathtaking Reverb,Chorus, Flanger,Delay, PitchShifter, Vocoder,Rotary Speakereffects andmore
VMorethan 700effects variationsplus two individual parameters andseparate lowand highEQ section
VTwodigital processingengines offeryou independentor coupledeffects on left and rightchannels
VTrue stereo processing performance allows separation of left and right channels in the stereo field for
open-soundingenhancement of thesound sources
VFreeVIRTUALIZERdesignsoftwareallowsfortotalremotecontrolviaPC(downloadat www.behringer.com)
V24-bitA/D andD/A converters with 64/128 timesoversampling forultra-high headroomand resolution
VInternal24-bit processingwith professional 46 kHz samplingrate
VServobalanced inputs and outputs onXLR and 1/4"TRS jackconnectors for highsignal integrity
V100user preset memories tostore programs for instant recall
VAccurateeight-segment LEDlevel meterssimplify levelsetting foroptimum performance
V“Future-proof”software-upgradeablearchitecture
VFullMIDI capabilityallows real-timeparameter controland program selection
VHigh-qualitycomponents andexceptionally ruggedconstruction ensures long life anddurability
VInternalpower supply designfor professionalapplication
VManufacturedunderISO9000 certifiedmanagement system

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VIRTUALIZERPRODSP1024P
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................6
1.1 The designconcept......................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Beforeyoubegin ............................................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Control elements............................................................................................................................. 7
1.4 Theeffect algorithms ..................................................................................................................... 10
1.4.1 Reverbanddelay algorithms ................................................................................................11
1.4.2 Specialeffects .................................................................................................................... 12
1.4.3 Modulationand pitchshifter effects ..................................................................................... 12
1.4.4 Effectalgorithm combinations(multi-effectsprograms)........................................................ 12
1.4.5 Dual-mode effectsalgorithms .............................................................................................. 13
2. OPERATION ..........................................................................................................................14
2.1 Effectsstructure............................................................................................................................ 14
2.2 Selecting presets .......................................................................................................................... 14
2.3 Editing programs........................................................................................................................... 15
2.4 Savingprograms ........................................................................................................................... 15
2.5 MIDIcontrol................................................................................................................................... 15
3. APPLICATIONS .....................................................................................................................17
3.1 Levelsetting.................................................................................................................................. 17
3.2 Using theVIRTUALIZER PRO inthe auxbus ................................................................................ 17
3.3 UsingtheVIRTUALIZER PRO inthe insertpath ............................................................................ 18
3.4 Usingthe VIRTUALIZER PRO asan effectsdevice forinstruments ............................................... 19
3.5 UsingtheVIRTUALIZER PRO ina MIDIsystem............................................................................ 20
3.6 Saving dataviaMIDI ...................................................................................................................... 20
4. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................21
4.1 Reverberationandreflection .......................................................................................................... 21
4.1.1 Reverberationchambers...................................................................................................... 22
4.1.2 Springandplatereverb........................................................................................................ 22
4.1.3 Digitalreverb ....................................................................................................................... 23
5. INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................................24
5.1 Mains connection.......................................................................................................................... 24
5.2 Audioconnections ........................................................................................................................ 24
5.3 MIDIconnections .......................................................................................................................... 25
5.4 OperatingLevelswitch .................................................................................................................. 26
6. APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................26
6.1 Parameteroverview ....................................................................................................................... 26
6.2 Delay values / increments for presets 10 and 11........................................................................... 27
6.3 MIDI Implementation ..................................................................................................................... 28
6.4 Default settings ............................................................................................................................. 29
7. SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................30
8. WARRANTY ...........................................................................................................................31

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VIRTUALIZERPRODSP1024P
1. INTRODUCTION
WiththeBEHRINGER VIRTUALIZER PROyouhave purchasedavery powerful multi-effectsprocessorwhich
offersbothfirst-class reverbsoundsand various othereffectalgorithms. Althoughyouwill find ahighnumber of
effecttypes – 32newly developedeffecttypes withmore than 700variations –the VIRTUALIZER PRO canbe
operated easily and intuitively with its logically structured user interface.
To generate reverberation that is very natural in character, we at BEHRINGER developed innovative virtual
acousticsalgorithms whichallow for computingall roomand reverbparameters withabsolute pro-level quality
anda highlynatural sound character.
Despite extensive computing work which is done in the DSP1024P by a “dual-engine” 24-bit processor, the
VIRTUALIZER PROcan be operated easily andconveniently. All parameteredits areperformed with thejog
wheel(rotary control).100 presets are available tostore user-definedprograms.
However, the DSP1024P is by no means limited to excellent reverb and delay programs. In addition to the
simulationof classicplate reverbs, the VIRTUALIZER PRO givesyou extraordinarymodulation effects (such
aschorus andflanger), plusa fewspecial-purpose variants,e.g. amusical pitchshifter aswell as tremolo and
rotaryspeakersimulations. Withthevocoder andvocaldistortion effect programs,you even haveultra-modern
effectsavailable thatthe DSP1024Pgenerates withabsolute realism.
A very special feature are the high and low filters which can be freely edited and directly selected in each
preset.With these filters you canfine-tune thesound of yourpresets tomatch any givenroom characteristics
–atime saving featureespeciallyfor live applications,whereevery secondcounts.Additionally,the DSP1024P
offersdelaytimes ofup to 5.1seconds instereomode. Notonlywill theVIRTUALIZER PROconvince youwith
its logical and easy-to-operate user interface, its technical features, too, are quite impressive. The following
criteriaensure thepro-level processingof audiosignals:
VExtremelylow-noise andhigh-precision 24-bitAD/DA converters.
VAprofessional samplingrate of46 kHz ensures a highsignal resolutionwith afrequency responseranging
from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
VThe24-bitprocessor features twosections(dual-engine software),eachprocessing one independentaudio
channel.
VLikeall BEHRINGER products,the DSP1024Puses only high-gradecomponents and circuitry.
With its complete MIDI implementation the DSP1024P can be integrated in any MIDI system. Our free
VIRTUALIZER design MIDI software editor (available at www.behringer.com) enables you to program the
VIRTUALIZER PROfrom your personalcomputer, andthe MIDI interfaceallows fortransmitting datafromthe
DSP1024Pand store themon anexternal storage medium.For example, you can usesys-ex dumps tosend
allpresets andsettings to your sequencer programand reloadthem from there whenever youwant.
The following instructions manual will introduce you to the BEHRINGER VIRTUALIZER PRO
and its various functions. After reading the manual carefully, make sure it is always on hand
for future reference.
1.1 The design concept
ThephilosophybehindBEHRINGERproductsguaranteesano-compromisecircuitdesignandemploysthebest
choice of components. Top-quality 24-bit AD/DA converters which belong to the best components
available owing to its outstanding specifications and excellent sonic characteristics. Two 24-bit DSPs are used
astheheartoftheVIRTUALIZER PRO.These perform theprecisecalculationsneededfortheprocessing of the
complex algorithms. Additionally, the VIRTUALIZER PRO uses high quality resistors and capacitors with very
tighttolerances,high-gradeswitches, low-noiseoperationalamplifiersas wellotherselectedcomponents.
The VIRTUALIZER PRO DSP1024P uses SMD technology (Surface Mounted Device). These subminiature
componentsknown fromaerospace technologyallow foran extremepacking density,plus theunit’s reliability
couldbe improved.Additionally,the unitis manufacturedin compliance witha ISO9000certified management
system.
1. INTRODUCTION

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VIRTUALIZERPRODSP1024P
1.2 Before you begin
YourBEHRINGERVIRTUALIZER PROwas carefully packedinthefactory andthepackagingwasdesigned to
protectthe unitfrom rough handling.Nevertheless, werecommend thatyou carefully examinethe packaging
and its contents for any signs of physical damage, which may have occurred in transit.
If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping
company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.
Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.
The BEHRINGER VIRTUALIZER PRO fits into one standard 19" rack unit of space (1 3/4"). Please allow at
least an additional 4" depth for the connectors on the back panel.
Besurethat thereisenough space aroundtheunit forcoolingand pleasedonot placetheVIRTUALIZER PRO
onhigh temperaturedevices suchas poweramplifiers etc.to avoid overheating.
Before you connect your VIRTUALIZER PRO to the mains, please make sure that your local
voltage matches the voltage required by the unit.
The mains connection of the VIRTUALIZER PRO is made by using a mains cable and a standard IEC
receptacle. It meets all of the international safety certification requirements. Please make sure that all units
haveaproper ground connection.
Please make sure that all units have a proper ground connection. For your own safety, do not
remove the ground connection within the units or at the supply, or fail to make this connection
at all.
Please ensure that only qualified persons install and operate the VIRTUALIZER PRO. During
installation and operation the user must have sufficient electrical contact to earth. Electro-
static charges might affect the operation of the VIRTUALIZER PRO!
Seechapter5 “INSTALLATION”forfurther details.
As a standard the audio inputs and outputs on the BEHRINGER VIRTUALIZER PRO are fully balanced. If
possible, connect the unit to other devices in a balanced configuration to allow for maximum interference
immunity.Theautomatic servo functiondetectsunbalanced connectionsandcompensates the leveldifference
automatically(6 dB correction).
The MIDI links (IN/OUT/THRU) are made over standardized DIN patch cords. The data communication is
isolatedfrom groundby opto-couplers.
1.3 Control elements
Fig.1.1: VIRTUALIZER PRO frontpanel
The BEHRINGER VIRTUALIZER PRO is equipped with ten parameter keys, a jog wheel (rotary control), an
LEDdisplay and a power switch.Each ofthe two fullyindependent channelscan be monitoredwith an8-digit
LEDmeter.
1. INTRODUCTION

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VIRTUALIZERPRODSP1024P
Fig. 1.2: Display section of the DSP1024P
1
The two LED CHAINS display the input signal level in dB, referenced to the internal digital maximum.
Pleasenotethat thenominallevel of theVIRTUALIZER PRO can beselectedwith the+4 dBu / -10 dBV
switch located on the back panel.
2
TheEFFECTTABLE gives you anoverview ofthe 32different effectalgorithms.
3
After power-up, the LED DISPLAY shows the number of the preset last used. This clearly legible, 2½
digit numeric display has plus/minus indicators to show that parameters are being incremented or
decrementedin Editmode.
Fig. 1.3: Function keys and jog wheel
4
With the JOG WHEEL, a continuous rotary control, you can freely edit the selected parameters. Turn
thewheel clockwiseto increasethe values,or counterclockwiseto reducethem.As longas noneof the
edit functions to the right of the JOG WHEEL have been selected, you can use the wheel to select a
program directly, which is shown by a dot lit up in the DISPLAY. While this dot is on, you can select a
programthoughits settingswillnot take immediateeffect.When theJOGWHEEL hasnotbeen touched
for at least one second, the LED in the DISPLAY disappears and the program will be loaded.
5
Use the EFFECT key to directly select one of the 32 basic effect algorithms with the jog wheel.
Whenever a new algorithm is selected, all parameters are reset to default values. See table
6.4 in the appendix.
6
The VARIATION key allows you to select an alternative variation of each effect algorithm activating a
different setup of the numerous internal effect parameters. With this feature you can extensively
manipulatethe effectsound withina verywide range.
7
Use the ENGINE L key to select the left audio channel for true-stereo effects. Many effects may have
different ENGINE L and ENGINE R parameters available through EDIT A and EDIT B. Where to find
which parameter can be seen from the parameter list printed on the top of the unit.
1. INTRODUCTION

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VIRTUALIZERPRODSP1024P
8
Use the ENGINE R key to select the right audio channel (similar to : ENGINE L). If you wish to
process the left and right audio channels simultaneously (couple mode), press both ENGINE keys
together. In couple mode both ENGINE LEDs light up. Whenever you edit one of the two audio
channels and then switch to couple mode, the parameters of the active channel will be copied to the
other; i.e if you press ENGINE L before R, left will be copied to right. When parameters cannot be
adjusted separately in a specific algorithm, the DSP1024P switches to couple mode automatically.
9
In each preset you can edit at least two parameters in addition to the preset variation. Use the EDIT A
keyto select thefirst parameter.The exact parameterassignment can be seen fromthe parameter list
printed on top of the unit.
10
The EDIT B key allows you to modify the second parameter as required.
11
To give your programs the finishing touch, the VIRTUALIZER PRO incorporates two filters. Use the
EQHI key toraise or lower the high-frequencyportions of theeffect program.
12
The EQLO key activates afilter which processesthe low-frequency portions of your preset.
13
The IN/OUT key enables you to bypass the DSP1024P. The green LED lights up as soon as the
VIRTUALIZER PROisactivated. Depending ontheMix modeadjusted(seebelow), thiskeycanalso be
usedto activate theMute function. Additionally, the greenLED starts flashingwhenever MIDI data are
beingreceived.
14
Use the STORE key to save the edited program to a user preset as shown in the display. 100 user
presets are available on the DSP1024P.Press the key once, select a memory location (number) with
the JOG WHEEL, then press the key again to store the preset.
15
Use the POWERswitch toswitch the VIRTUALIZER PRO onor off.
Key combinations
To protect the DSP1024P against user errors, three important edit commands have been implemented as a
series of key combinations. For example, in normal operating modes, the presets cannot be reset to their
factory defaults, so as to secure your own programs as safely as possible. Please proceed as follows to
reinitialize the preset default settings:
VKeep the keysEFFECT and STOREpressed before powering up the VIRTUALIZER PRO.Then switch
on the DSP1024P and keep the two keys pressed for about two seconds. The program numbers are
counted up and reset to their original default settings.
TheVIRTUALIZER PROprovidestwomethods tomixtheinputand theeffectsignals(ExternalMixand Internal
Mix modes). Select External Mix mode to use the DSP1024P with a mixing console: in this mode all presets
are set to 100% effect intensity, i.e. you can use the aux return busses of your console to add the processed
signal to the original signal. In External Mix mode the IN/OUT key is used to bypass the unit. Here’s how to
enter External Mix mode:
VWith the unit switched on, press the Mix mode key combination, i.e. the keys EQ LO and EQ HI. The
VIRTUALIZER PROenters Mix mode. When thedisplay shows two dashes, theDSP1024P is in External
Mix mode, and when a figure is displayed, Internal Mix mode is selected. To toggle between the two
modes, simply press both EQ keys for about 2 seconds.
InInternal Mix modeyou canuse thejog wheel tofreely selectthe effectintensityin eachpreset withina range
from 0% to 100%, a highly useful feature, for instance, to insert the DSP1024P in the effect loop of a guitar
amp. Good results can be achieved with settings between 20% and 50%.
Anotherkeycombination canbeused toenter MIDI mode.With the VIRTUALIZER PROswitched on, proceed
asfollows:
VKeep the keys IN/OUT and STORE pressed for about two seconds, the DSP1024P automatically enters
MIDImode. Use theIN/OUT key to step throughthe various MIDIparameters. Press anyother key to quit
MIDImode.
1. INTRODUCTION

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VIRTUALIZERPRODSP1024P
Fig. 1.4.: Back panel connectors and control elements
16
Usethe OPERATINGLEVELswitch toadapt theVIRTUALIZER PRO todifferentoperating levels.You
can select a -10 dBV semi-pro level used for home recording and a +4 dBu level used in professional
studios.The level indicators on the front panelare automatically adaptedto read the selected nominal
level,i.e. an optimum operating rangeof the meters is alwaysguaranteed.
17
Theseare theVIRTUALIZER PRO’sanalog INPUTS.The VIRTUALIZER PROhas bothXLR and 1/4"
jackinputs andoutputs. EachXLR and jack set are wired paralleland canbe usedeither balancedand
unbalanced.
18
These are the VIRTUALIZER PRO’s analog OUTPUTS. Also on balanced or unbalanced XLR or 1/4"
jacks.
19
SERIAL NUMBER. Please take the time to have the warranty card filled out completely and return it
within14 daysafter the date of purchase,so asto be entitled to benefitfrom ourextended warranty.Or
useour onlineregistration optionavailable onthe WorldWide Webunder www.behringer.com.
20
Theseare the VIRTUALIZER PRO’sMIDI connectors (MIDI OUT /THRU / IN).Total remote controlis
possibleviaMIDI.
21
This is the MAINS CONNECTOR / FUSE HOLDER / VOLTAGE SELECTOR. Beforeyou connectthe
unit, please make sure that the displayed voltage corresponds to your Mains supply. Please note that
the AC voltage selection is defined by the position of the Fuse Holder. If you intend to change the
operatingvoltage,removethe Fuse Holderandturnit by180degreesbeforeyou reinsertit.Matchingthe
twomarkers monitorsthe selectedvoltage. Pleasenote that, depending on themains voltagesupplied
tothe unit,the correct fuse type andrate mustbe installed(see chapter7 “SPECIFICATIONS”).Please
use the enclosed mains cable to connect the unit to the mains power supply.
Please note that not all appliances can be used with different mains voltage ratings. Please
check the description on the back of the unit and the box.
1.4 The effect algorithms
Ina digitaleffects device alleffect programsare basedon algorithms computedby aDigital SignalProcessor
(DSP). How does this work? A DSP can perform an enormous number of binary computations in a minimum
amountof time.The binarycomputations usedto generate an effect aspart ofa programare determinedby a
so-calledalgorithm whichrepresents arule forcomputing numericalvalues thatare exactlyspecified foreach
effect type. For example, reverb algorithms differ from chorus algorithms in their programming. Plainly
speaking:eacheffect isbasedon aspecificalgorithm whichprocessesthe inputsignal(converted fromanalog
to digital before). All of this work is done by the DSP. Once the effect has been generated and added to the
input signal, the digital music signal is converted back to analog by means of a D/A converter.
The VIRTUALIZER PRO permits the change of as many as five parameters which influence the sound in
different ways. This means that for some algorithms the parameters are chosen by using key combinations
with ENGINE L and ENGINE R. In thesecases a combinationof ENGINE L and ENGINE R with theEDIT A
and EDIT B key will not mean that only one channel is affected. The combination EDIT A – ENGINE L is a
different parameter than the combination EDIT A – ENGINE R, these parameters will be changed on both
channels.With areverb effect (likePRG 1)EDIT B – ENGINE R doesnot meanthat theright audio channelis
processed, but that the second EDIT B parameter (with PRG 1: High Multiply) is adjusted.
Theonly exceptionis the DUAL MONO (PARALLEL)effects, whichproduce another effect in theleft channel
fromthe rightchannel.
Inthose casesEDIT B – ENGINE L orEDIT B – ENGINE R meansthat you selectEDIT B and theleft orright
engine.If we only state EDIT B for instance then theselection of theleft or right enginesdoes not playa role.
1. INTRODUCTION