EMU ProteusX User manual

E-MU Systems 1
Desktop Sound Module
Desktop Sound Module
Operation Manual
Operation Manual

2 Proteus X Operation Manual
Operation Manual
© 2003 E-MU Systems
All Rights Reserved
Revision A
Desktop Sound Module
E-MU World Headquarters
E-MU Systems
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95067-0015
USA
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IRELAND
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JAPAN
www.japan.creative.com

E-MU Systems 3
Table of Contents
1 - Introduction & Installation ......................................... 11
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 11
Proteus X ......................................................................................................................... 11
Before you Begin… .................................................................................................... 12
Notes, Tips and Warnings .......................................................................................... 12
System Requirements......................................................................................................... 12
Software Installation .......................................................................................................... 12
Programs installed ...................................................................................................... 12
Register your Software ................................................................................................ 13
Optimizing Your Computer for Proteus X ................................................................... 13
SCSI and IDE Drive Tips and Considerations .............................................................. 14
Setting up your Audio........................................................................................................ 14
Setting up the Preferences.................................................................................................. 15
Audio Preferences ........................................................................................................... 16
Streaming .................................................................................................................... 16
Pre-roll ........................................................................................................................ 16
Audio Setup ................................................................................................................ 17
VST Output Buses ....................................................................................................... 19
MIDI ................................................................................................................................ 19
MIDI Inputs ................................................................................................................ 19
MIDI Response ........................................................................................................... 20
Controllers ...................................................................................................................... 21
Other Settings ............................................................................................................. 22
Appearance Settings in Windows .............................................................................. 22
2 - Proteus Architecture .................................................. 23
A Modular System .............................................................................................................. 23
Bank ................................................................................................................................ 23
Saving .......................................................................................................................... 23
Multisetup ................................................................................................................... 25
Preset ........................................................................................................................... 25
Voice ............................................................................................................................ 25
Sample ........................................................................................................................ 25
Flexible Architecture ...................................................................................................... 26
Preset Diagram ............................................................................................................... 26
Voices .............................................................................................................................. 27
Multisample Voices .................................................................................................... 27

4 Proteus X Operation Manual
3 - Getting Started .......................................................... 29
Exploring the Tree ..............................................................................................................29
Multisetup Page.................................................................................................................. 30
Changing Presets (from Single View) ........................................................................... 31
Channel 1-16 View ........................................................................................................ 32
Changing Presets (from the 1-16 view) ........................................................................ 32
Adjusting the Controllers .............................................................................................. 33
Create Your Own Custom Bank........................................................................................ 34
Load a New Bank ............................................................................................................... 35
Opening a Preset ................................................................................................................36
Much More… ............................................................................................................. 38
Examine a Voice .................................................................................................................39
Wipe the Slate ............................................................................................................. 40
Save and Save As ............................................................................................................ 40
Proteus X Bank Structure ............................................................................................... 40
The Librarian ...................................................................................................................... 41
4 - Multisetup / Global Controls ....................................... 43
The Multisetup ................................................................................................................... 43
Changing Presets (from Single View) ........................................................................... 44
16 Channel View ............................................................................................................ 45
The Current MIDI Channel ....................................................................................... 46
MIDI Channel ............................................................................................................ 46
Preset Assignment ...................................................................................................... 46
Channel Volume ........................................................................................................ 46
Channel Pan ............................................................................................................... 46
Output Assignment .................................................................................................... 46
Output View Button ................................................................................................... 47
Aux FX View Buttons .................................................................................................. 47
Aux Send On/Off ........................................................................................................ 47
Preset FX Enables ........................................................................................................ 47
Select Effect ................................................................................................................. 47
Global Controls.................................................................................................................. 48
Master Volume Control & VU Meter ......................................................................... 48
Tempo Control ........................................................................................................... 48
Master Tune ................................................................................................................ 48
Master Transpose ........................................................................................................ 48
Limiter ......................................................................................................................... 48
Aux Outputs ............................................................................................................... 49
Proteus Sessions in PatchMix DSP ............................................................................ 49
Filter Override ............................................................................................................ 51
MIDI Controllers & Scribble Strips ........................................................................... 51
Mini Keyboard ............................................................................................................ 51
Preroll RAM Used ....................................................................................................... 51
CPU Meter .................................................................................................................. 51
Number of Samples Playing ...................................................................................... 51
Current Channel ........................................................................................................ 51
Working with Multisetups ................................................................................................. 52
Saving FX & Multisetups ............................................................................................ 52
VSTi Multsetups .......................................................................................................... 52

E-MU Systems 5
5 - Preset Editor .............................................................. 55
Preset Globals..................................................................................................................... 56
Transpose & Volume ...................................................................................................... 56
Initial Controllers A-P .................................................................................................... 56
Tuning Tables ................................................................................................................. 57
Preset Modulators .......................................................................................................... 58
Channel Lag 1 & 2 Rate ............................................................................................. 58
Poly Key Timer ........................................................................................................... 59
Channel Ramp ........................................................................................................... 60
Preset PatchCords ....................................................................................................... 60
Voices & Sample Zones...................................................................................................... 61
Mix/Tune Tab ................................................................................................................. 61
Voice Selection ............................................................................................................... 61
Samples & Multisamples ............................................................................................... 61
Groups ............................................................................................................................ 62
Key Window Page............................................................................................................... 63
Velocity Window ............................................................................................................ 65
Realtime Window ........................................................................................................... 66
Continuous Controller Window Buttons ..................................................................... 68
Voice & Sample Zone Utilities........................................................................................... 69
Voice Utilities ................................................................................................................. 69
Open Voices ................................................................................................................ 69
New Voice ................................................................................................................... 69
Delete Voices .............................................................................................................. 69
Duplicate Voices ......................................................................................................... 69
Combine Voices ......................................................................................................... 69
Expand Voice .............................................................................................................. 70
Sample Zone Utilities ................................................................................................ 70
New Sample Zone ...................................................................................................... 70
Delete Sample Zones ................................................................................................. 70
Duplicate Sample Zones ............................................................................................ 70
Edit Menu Utilities - Cut, Copy & Paste ........................................................................... 71
Links.................................................................................................................................... 72
Link Utilities ................................................................................................................... 73
Mix/Tune Window ......................................................................................................... 73
Key Window ................................................................................................................... 74
Velocity Window ............................................................................................................ 74
CC Window .................................................................................................................... 74
6 - Voice Editor / Synthesizer Level ................................. 75
Simplified Proteus X Signal Path....................................................................................... 75
Overview of the Voice Editor............................................................................................. 76
Templates ........................................................................................................................ 76
Oscillator ............................................................................................................................ 78
Pitch Bend Range ........................................................................................................... 78
Tuning Controls ............................................................................................................. 78
Transpose .................................................................................................................... 78
Coarse Tuning ............................................................................................................ 78
Fine Tuning ................................................................................................................. 78
Fixed Pitch Mode ........................................................................................................ 78
Chorus Amount ............................................................................................................. 79
Tips for Using Chorus ................................................................................................ 79
Glide Rate & Curve ......................................................................................................... 79
Key Controls ...................................................................................................................80

6 Proteus X Operation Manual
Delay ........................................................................................................................... 80
Sample Offset ............................................................................................................. 80
Sample Start Offset ..................................................................................................... 80
Amplifier, Filter & Auxiliary Envelopes............................................................................. 81
Adjusting the Envelopes ............................................................................................ 81
Time-based and BPM Envelopes ................................................................................... 82
BPM Envelopes ........................................................................................................... 82
Envelope Repeat ............................................................................................................. 82
BPM Tempo Chart ...................................................................................................... 83
Filter Controls ................................................................................................................84
Filter Descriptions .......................................................................................................... 84
Filter Types .................................................................................................................. 84
Programmable Morphing Filters ................................................................................... 87
Dual EQ Morph .......................................................................................................... 87
2EQ Morph + Expression ........................................................................................... 88
2EQ + Lowpass Morph .............................................................................................. 89
Peak/Shelf Morph ...................................................................................................... 89
Amplifier Controls ............................................................................................................. 90
Volume ........................................................................................................................... 90
Panning ........................................................................................................................... 90
Amp Envelope Dynamic Range ..................................................................................... 90
Response ......................................................................................................................... 90
FX Wet/Dry .....................................................................................................................90
Voice Effect Sends............................................................................................................... 91
Modulation Cords.............................................................................................................. 92
Modulation Source Polarity ....................................................................................... 95
Summing Nodes ......................................................................................................... 95
PatchCord Lore ........................................................................................................... 95
LFO 1 & 2 ....................................................................................................................... 96
Delay ........................................................................................................................... 96
Shape ........................................................................................................................... 96
Variation ..................................................................................................................... 97
Sync ............................................................................................................................. 97
BPM ............................................................................................................................. 97
LFO Tricks & Tips: ...................................................................................................... 98
Lag Processors 1 & 2 ...................................................................................................... 98
Sample Loop Modulation .......................................................................................... 98
Assign Group .................................................................................................................. 99
Keyboard Modes .......................................................................................................... 100
Latch Mode ................................................................................................................... 100
7 - Effects ..................................................................... 101
Overview........................................................................................................................... 101
Programming Effects........................................................................................................ 102
Adding an Aux Effect in the Multisetup ......................................................................102
Adding an Effect to a Preset ......................................................................................... 103
Block Diagram of the Effects Routing ..................................................................... 104
FX Routing ........................................................................................................................ 105
Block Diagram of the Effects Screens ...................................................................... 105
Effects Overhead ....................................................................................................... 106
Typical Effects Usage ................................................................................................106
ASIO Outputs ........................................................................................................... 106
Main Output Window ..................................................................................................... 107
Main Output Window ............................................................................................. 107

E-MU Systems 7
Proteus X Composer FX Template................................................................................... 108
Key Points ..................................................................................................................... 108
Voice .......................................................................................................................... 108
Preset ......................................................................................................................... 108
Multisetup ................................................................................................................. 108
Controlling the Preset Effect Amount from the Voice ............................................... 109
Aux FX Screen ................................................................................................................... 110
Aux Effects ................................................................................................................. 110
Aux FX Send Amounts ................................................................................................. 110
Preset FX Screen................................................................................................................ 111
Preset Effects ............................................................................................................. 111
Preset FX Modulation Parameters ............................................................................... 112
Creating, Deleting & Reordering Templates ............................................................... 113
Effects Listing.................................................................................................................... 115
Effects Descriptions.......................................................................................................... 115
Background: Reverb ................................................................................................. 115
Reverb ........................................................................................................................... 116
Early Reflections Reverb ..............................................................................................116
Reverb Lite (mono) ...................................................................................................... 117
Chorus .......................................................................................................................... 118
Background: Chorus ................................................................................................ 118
Chorus / Delay .............................................................................................................119
Delay ............................................................................................................................. 120
Background: Delay ................................................................................................... 120
Discrete stereo .......................................................................................................... 120
Ping Pong, stereo ...................................................................................................... 121
Ping Pong, mono L->R ............................................................................................. 121
Delay (BPM) ................................................................................................................. 123
Early Reflections ........................................................................................................... 124
1-Band Para EQ ............................................................................................................ 124
4-Band EQ .................................................................................................................... 125
Flanger .......................................................................................................................... 126
Growl ............................................................................................................................ 127
Phaser ............................................................................................................................ 128
Pitch Shifter (mono) .................................................................................................... 129
Ring Modulator ............................................................................................................ 130
SP12-ulator ................................................................................................................... 131
Tube .............................................................................................................................. 132
Twin .............................................................................................................................. 133
8 - Controls ................................................................... 135
The Toolbars..................................................................................................................... 135
Viewing and Hiding the Toolbars ............................................................................... 136
Drag & Drop ..................................................................................................................... 136
Changing Settings ............................................................................................................ 136
Entering Numeric Values ............................................................................................. 136
Adjusting Key Ranges & Fades......................................................................................... 137
Selecting Voices using your MIDI Keyboard .............................................................. 137
Voice Processing Graphic Keyboard Operation ......................................................... 137
Adjusting Envelopes......................................................................................................... 138
BPM Mode & Tempo ................................................................................................138
Cut, Copy & Paste ............................................................................................................138
View Menu........................................................................................................................ 139
Main Display View ....................................................................................................... 139

8 Proteus X Operation Manual
Tree View ...................................................................................................................... 140
Tree Navigation using the Keyboard ........................................................................... 141
Cursor Keys ............................................................................................................... 141
Find Items ................................................................................................................. 141
Refresh (F5) .................................................................................................................. 142
Context Sensitive Menus .............................................................................................142
Undo/Redo ................................................................................................................... 142
9 - Synthesizer Basics .................................................... 143
Editing Presets .................................................................................................................. 143
Modulation....................................................................................................................... 143
Modulation Sources ..................................................................................................... 144
Keyboard Key ............................................................................................................ 144
Key Velocity .............................................................................................................. 144
Release Velocity ........................................................................................................ 144
Gate ........................................................................................................................... 144
Key Glide .................................................................................................................. 144
Pitch and Mod Wheels ............................................................................................. 144
Keyboard Pressure (mono aftertouch) .................................................................... 144
Pedal ......................................................................................................................... 144
Miscellaneous Controllers A -P ............................................................................... 145
Low Frequency Oscillators (2 per voice) ................................................................ 145
Envelope Generators (3 per voice) .......................................................................... 145
Noise & Random Generators ................................................................................... 145
T-switch and Footswitches ....................................................................................... 145
Modulation Cords ........................................................................................................ 145
Envelope Generators ........................................................................................................ 146
Retriggering ............................................................................................................... 146
Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs).................................................................................. 147
Random Sources............................................................................................................... 148
Clock Modulation ............................................................................................................ 148
Syncing an LFO to the Clock ................................................................................... 148
Modulation Destinations ................................................................................................ 150
Modulation Processors .................................................................................................... 151
Modulation Processor Examples ................................................................................. 152
Dynamic Filters ................................................................................................................ 153
What is a Filter? ........................................................................................................ 153
Parametric Filters ...................................................................................................... 156
The Z-Plane Filter ......................................................................................................... 157
MIDI Channels & Real-time Controls............................................................................. 158
MIDI Program Change Commands................................................................................ 160
MIDI Bank Select Commands ..................................................................................... 160
Background: Bank Select Commands ..................................................................... 160
MIDI Modes ..................................................................................................................... 160

E-MU Systems 9
10 - Appendix ............................................................... 161
The Proteus X File Converter ........................................................................................... 161
Supported File Types .................................................................................................... 161
Background ................................................................................................................... 162
Source Format Information ......................................................................................... 162
Notes… ......................................................................................................................... 166
Keyswitching & Other Non-Proteus X Features ...................................................... 166
Relative Paths ........................................................................................................... 167
Fixed Location Folder ............................................................................................... 167
Mac Catalog/FSSpec Reference ................................................................................ 167
Monolithic Files ....................................................................................................... 167
Special Notes ................................................................................................................ 167
Combining Dual-Mono Samples into Stereo Files ................................................ 167
Floppy Disk Support ................................................................................................168
Note about EOS Banks Saved on DOS Floppies .................................................... 168
Proteus X VSTi .................................................................................................................. 169
Launching the VSTi Application .................................................................................. 169
Checklist for Launching Proteus X VSTi ..................................................................... 170
Cubase 5.1 ................................................................................................................ 170
PatchMix DSP ........................................................................................................... 170
VST Multisetup ............................................................................................................. 170
Keyboard Shortcuts .......................................................................................................... 171
Right Click Shortcuts........................................................................................................ 172
Drag & Drop ..................................................................................................................... 173
Toolbar Functions ............................................................................................................ 175
MIDI Implementation Chart........................................................................................... 176
MIDI Implementation Chart (part 2 - Controllers)
Received Channel Commands ................................................................................177
Special Notes: ........................................................................................................... 180
Index ............................................................................ 181

10 Proteus X Operation Manual

1 - Introduction & Installation
Introduction
E-MU Systems 11
1 - Introduction & Installation
Introduction
The Proteus X is a professional desktop sound module based on the Proteus sound
modules and Emulator samplers. The engineers and designers at E-MU Systems have
brought their years of experience and expertise to create the most comprehensive and
flexible software instrument ever.
Proteus X
Proteus X allows quick and easy creation of multitimbral setups on up to 32 different
MIDI channels. Other features include the following:
Proteus X allows the serious synthesist and programmer to literally design custom
instruments using the renowned Proteus 4 synthesis architecture.
• 24-bit playback
• Sample streaming from the hard disk allows huge sample banks.
• Up to 192 kHz sample rate
• 32-bit floating point internal processing
• Drag and drop sample, voice and preset selection
• Phase Locked Stereo signal path
• Ultra High Precision Pitch Interpolation (user selectable)
• High Voice Polyphony (system dependent)
• Real-time controllers for all important control points
•54 different filter types including multi-pole resonant filters, phasers, flangers, vocal
filters and multi-parameter morphing filters.
• Extremely powerful, yet easy to use voice and sample zones allow crossfading by
position, velocity or real-time controller up to 128 layers deep.
• Three multi-stage envelopes, two lag processors and two multi-wave LFO’s per
voice.
• Multiple solo modes and assignment groups let you simulate the playing response
of physical instruments and classic synthesizers.
• 36 patchcords per voice allow you to get as complex as you want when building
instruments. Arithmetic modifiers in the patchcord section allow you to construct
complex synthesis models.

1 - Introduction & Installation
System Requirements
12 Proteus X Operation Manual
Before you Begin…
You should have a good working knowledge of you computer’s operating system. For
example, you should know how to use the mouse, standard menus and commands. You
should also know how to cut, copy, paste, open and close files.
Notes, Tips and Warnings
Items of special interest are presented in this document as notes, tips and warnings.
System Requirements
To use Proteus X you will need at least:
Software Installation
Programs installed
Important: Install the EMU Digital Audio System audio card before
installing and running Proteus X.
1. Insert the CD labeled “Proteus X Program Disc” into your CD-ROM drive.
2. On the CD-ROM, locate the file called “Install Proteus X” and double click on it.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
• The Proteus X applications have been installed inside “Program Files/Creative
Professional/ProteusX.”
4. Look for any “ReadMe” files in the Proteus X folder or in the Start menu and read
these before continuing. The readme files may contain important last minute infor-
mation that didn’t make it into this manual.
5. Remove the Proteus X application disk from the CD-ROM drive.
f Notes provide additional information related to the topic being discussed. Often,
notes describe the interaction between the topic and some other aspect of the
system.
E Tips describe applications for the topic under discussion.

Warnings are especially important, since they help you avoid activities that can
cause damage to your files, your computer or yourself.
• Pentium III 1GHz or equivalent CPU (P4, 2 GHz or faster recommended)
• 512 MB RAM (1 GB DDR or greater recommended)
• Hard disk capable of 200 Mb/sec transfer rate.
• Windows 2000 or XP
• Proteus X Desktop Sound Module application
• Proteus X VSTi
• Proteus X Converter
• Proteus X Factory Sound Banks

1 - Introduction & Installation
Software Installation
E-MU Systems 13
Install the Proteus X Sound Banks
6. Locate “Sound Disk 1” and insert it into the CD-ROM drive. This disk contains the
Proteus Composer bank used in the tutorials.
7. If Windows AutoPlay mode is enabled for your CD-ROM drive, the installer begins
running automatically.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the bank on your hard disk. The Factory
Sound Banks are installed inside “Program Files/Creative Professional\
ProteusX\Production Sound Banks” by default.
9. You can install the other sound bank disks now or at a later time.
10. Launch the Proteus X program by double clicking the Proteus X icon on the desktop
or by selecting the Proteus X item from the Start menu.
Register your Software
Please register your software today to guarantee uninterrupted use.
Optimizing Your Computer for Proteus X
Windows: The following suggestions can help you configure your windows machine for
optimal performance. Since systems vary, we recommend that you note the original
settings of any system parameters you alter so that you can restore them in the event that
unexpected problems occur as you seek to optimize your system for Proteus X:
• Seriously consider dedicating a computer as your audio workstation. This
computer can be optimized for best audio performance.
• If possible, avoid assigning slower devices to the IDE controller used by your
audio drive.
•Get the fastest hard disk drive you can afford, as this is the single most important
component affecting Proteus X performance. Many drives now offer an 8MB
data buffer, which can also improve performance.
• Defragment your hard drive often.
•Perform a “clean” install of your operating system with only the minimum compo-
nents and programs installed.
•Use the System Restore feature of Windows XP or other restoration program such
as “Ghost
®
to keep your system uncluttered and fast.

1 - Introduction & Installation
Setting up your Audio
14 Proteus X Operation Manual
SCSI and IDE Drive Tips and Considerations

E4/E3 CDs use a
proprietary format and
can only be read using
SCSI/ATAPI drives.
When considering the purchase of a new SCSI or IDE drive for use with Proteus X, make
sure that the new drive supports a sustained data transfer rate of at least 2 megabytes per
second. While it is impossible to reliably calculate the needs of your computer's
operating system — which must be considered in addition to Proteus X’s requirements
— you can get an approximate idea of the necessary speed of your hard disk drive based
on the bit depth and number of voices you need.
Data Transfer Rate Chart
•Regularly check your hard drive for fragmentation and de-fragment the drive
when necessary. Your drive will operate most efficiently when it’s not fragmented.
• If possible, use a two-drive system: one for audio, one for your system.
Setting up your Audio
Before you can start making music, you have to establish a connection between Proteus
X and your audio output hardware. This is done by selecting a software driver that
makes this connection between hardware and software.
1.
Select the Preferences screen from the menu bar.
2.
In the Audio section of the dialog box, select E-MU ASIO (if not already selected).
This setting interfaces with the E-MU Digital Audio System.
3.
With E-MU ASIO selected, the Proteus X will interface properly with the E-MU
Digital Audio System. After running Proteus X, you may want to adjust the Audio
Preferences for optimum performance on your computer system.
See Audio Preferences on page 16.
4.
If for some reason you want to use hardware that doesn’t support ASIO, select the
DirectSound driver. For Proteus X to communicate with your sound card, you need
to have Microsoft DirectSound installed on your computer and there must be a
DirectSound driver installed for your audio hardware.
Please go to page 16 for complete explanations of the Audio Preferences.
16 bits 44.1 k sample rate 86.2 k per Channel per second
48 k sample rate 93.8 k per Channel per second
24 bits 44.1 k sample rate 138 k per Channel per second
48 k sample rate 150 k per Channel per second

1 - Introduction & Installation
Setting up the Preferences
E-MU Systems 15
Setting up the Preferences
The preferences dialog box contains a variety of important controls used to configure
Proteus X for your audio hardware and to customize the controls to suit the way you
work.

To Access the Preferences Dialog Box
1. Select Preferences from the Options dialog box. The following screen appears.
2.
The preferences dialog box is divided into four main groups. Click on the tab
heading to select one of the four sets of controls.
Audio
Disk Streaming Controls, Audio Hardware Setup & Pitch Shift
Algorithm selection.
MIDI
MIDI Inputs Channels 1-16 & 17-32, IntelliEdit, and Receive/Ignore
Program Changes, Internal/External Tempo Source select
Controllers
This section allows you to set up the MIDI Continuous Controllers
you want the Proteus X to receive.
Other
This group contains three miscellaneous controls that didn’t fit
anywhere else: Load Last bank At Startup, Clear clip indicators after
10 seconds

1 - Introduction & Installation
Setting up the Preferences
16 Proteus X Operation Manual
Audio Preferences
Streaming
When you load a Proteus X bank (with Streaming on), you are not actually loading the
sample files themselves into your computer’s RAM. Only the preset information and the
first few seconds of the sample are loaded. The rest of the sample data is taken directly
from the hard disk when needed.
This streaming technique makes fast loading times possible even when using huge
banks that would clog a RAM-based sample player. Multi-layer, minute-long, stereo
samples on each key are no problem for Proteus X. Sample streaming technology is not
new. It was originally developed for hard disk audio recorders so that fast punch-ins and
punch-outs could be achieved.

If you get an error
message when trying to
open a file, the file may
be too large to fit into
RAM. Turn streaming on.
You have the option to enable or disable streaming audio. If streaming is turned off, the
Proteus loads (or attempts to load) the entire bank into your computer’s RAM.˙
If streaming is so great, why would you ever want to turn it off? Well, if you’re using your
computer as an audio workstation, performing multiple simultaneous functions, sooner
or later, you’ll exceed your computer’s CPU, memory or disk access resources. Sample
streaming makes very heavy demands on your hard disk. If you’re recording other audio
tracks, using multiple software plug-ins and playing Proteus X with a lot of voices, you
may run into a disk access bottleneck. By disabling streaming and loading the bank into
your unneeded RAM, your hard disk can be reserved for more critical operations.
Pre-roll
f
Tip: Decrease Pre-roll
time for fast load times
when auditioning sounds
and creating new banks.
Increase pre-roll time
when you’re playing
many notes or dense
sequences.
This important control allows you to set how many seconds of each sampl e should be
loaded into RAM when the bank is loaded. This setting greatly influences the perfor-
mance of Proteus X when streaming is on. The setting you choose depends on: the
number of samples you want to use and the amount of RAM you want to dedicate to
Proteus X.
The smaller the pre-roll, the more disk access will be required for sustained sounds.
Frequent disk access can overtax your computer system depending on its speed and the
number of other disk dependent applications you have running. Large pre-roll times
will improve polyphony and performance at the expense of system RAM and slower
bank loading. If you set the pre-roll high enough, the entire bank will be loaded into
RAM and no disk streaming will occur.

1 - Introduction & Installation
Setting up the Preferences
E-MU Systems 17
Sample Buffers
This control allocates the amount of RAM that will be set aside for Proteus X (in other
words, the number of the largest complete samples in the bank that can be kept in the
RAM cache). As samples are played, they are loaded from the hard disk into RAM. If you
play those samples again and they are already in RAM, they don’t have to be reloaded.
This control sets the size of the RAM cache that will be kept and lowers disk access at the
expense of RAM.

To Optimize the Performance and Polyphony of your System:
The polyphony of the Proteus X is dependent on a variety of factors including:
Begin by choosing 44.1kHz or 48.kHz as your output sample rate.
The software-based filters can eat up CPU cycles and reduce polyphony.
Synthesizer parameters also use CPU cycles. When creating presets, feel free to use
modulation cords as needed, but don’t leave cords half connected if you aren’t using
them since these patch settings waste CPU cycles. Turn off both the source and desti-
nation of unused cords.
Audio Setup
These controls let you set audio quality parameters related to Proteus X and your sound
card.
Type
You have a choice to use either Direct Sound or ASIO audio drivers. If you have another
high quality sound card installed in your system, it will be shown in this field.
ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output) is a cross-platform, multi-channel audio transfer
protocol. ASIO is fast and supports 16-bit and 24-bit data width. To use Proteus X with
the E-MU Digital Audio System, select the E-MU ASIO driver.
Selecting Direct Sound uses the audio output device specified in the control panel of
your computer. In general using Direct Sound is not recommended because of speed
and latency issues.
• The Pre-roll setting (if streaming is enabled).
• The Sample Buffers setting (if streaming is enabled).
• The CPU Cap setting.
• The bit depth of your samples —16 or 24 bits (24 bits = fewer voices)
• The sample rate of the audio hardware—44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz.
• The speed of your computer —CPU speed, RAM and hard disk access time.
Cost of Filters on Voice Count
No Filter
No additional CPU load.
2nd Order
Additional CPU load comparable to playing another 1/2 sample.
4th Order Additional CPU load comparable to playing another 3/4 sample.
6th Order Additional CPU load is comparable to playing 1 more sample.
(polyphony is divided by 2)
12th Order Additional CPU load comparable to playing 2 more samples.
(polyphony is divided by 3)

1 - Introduction & Installation
Setting up the Preferences
18 Proteus X Operation Manual
Buffer Size
This control sets the number of sample periods between updates of the synthesizer
parameters. The buffer size can be adjusted according to the speed of your computer’s
CPU. A faster CPU can handle a lower buffer size. The default setting is 128 sample
periods, a good compromise of performance to CPU usage.
Use Optimal Buffer Size
When this box is checked, the Proteus X will choose the best buffer size based on the
ASIO Buffer Latency setting (located in the ASIO control panel). You should normally
leave this feature enabled for best audio performance. In certain rare cases you may want
to manually set the buffer length to improve MIDI or synth performance.
Sample Rate
This control sets the output sample rate of the Proteus X, and will always match the
sample rate of your sound card. The default setting is 44.1kHz.
CPU Cap

Warning: Sounds
with long release times
will exhibit “voice
stealing” more than short
percussive sounds.
This control sets percentage of CPU resources that will be used by Proteus X and conse-
quently the maximum number of samples that can be played at the same time.
Depending on the design of the preset, a single Proteus X voice may contain multiple
samples which play simultaneously. The maximum setting is 80% CPU usage. If you
hear notes being “stolen” in your sequence or as you play the keyboard, or if the disk
meter readout at the bottom of the window goes into the red, increase the value of this
control. If you have other applications running, you may want to reduce the setting of
this control to free up more CPU for them.
Headroom/Boost
Headroom is the amount of dynamic range remaining before clipping occurs .
The amount of headroom is adjustable from 12 dB to -30 dB in 1 dB increments.
A headroom setting of 12dB provides the hottest output level, (and the highest signal to
noise ratio) but may produce “clipping” if too many notes are played at once. The
default headroom setting is -15 dB, which maintains an excellent signal to noise ratio
while keeping a reasonable amount of headroom in reserve. If you hear the signal
clipping or breaking up, make the headroom value more negative. In practice, you can
think of this control as adjusting the control range of the Master Volume control.
Ultra-High Precision Interpolation Button
This button allows you to select between E-MU’s ultra-high precision pitch shifting
algorithm or a lower quality pitch shifting scheme which uses fewer CPU resources.
If you are using presets with a sample placed on every key, as is the case on many banks,
you can switch high precision off to free up CPU with no penalty in audio quality. No
pitch shifting is occurring anyway. High quality pitch interpolation is only needed when
you are playing presets which have a few samples mapped across the entire keyboard. In
this case, the Proteus X shifts the pitch of the available samples to fill in the keyboard.
ASIO Control Panel
This button brings up the E-MU ASIO control panel which allows you to set the ASIO
buffer latency in milliseconds. This important setting determines how fast notes will
sound after you play them. If this time is too long, (>10mS) the keyboard response will
feel slow and sluggish. If set too fast, however, you will hear the sound break up and
crackle when you play too many notes. Experiment to find the setting that gives the best
performance on your computer.

1 - Introduction & Installation
Setting up the Preferences
E-MU Systems 19
VST Output Buses
This control is only active in the Proteus X VSTi application. This setting allows you to
add additional VST buses (stereo pairs). Proteus X channel outputs can be assigned to
VST buses in the Multisetup, Output field. These outputs are sent to the VST Mixer in
your recording application. You must restart the VSTi for the changes to take effect.
MIDI
This group of preferences allows you to set up the MIDI inputs, adjust the master MIDI
volume and velocity curves and turn the “IntelliEdit” feature on or off.
MIDI Inputs
Channels 1-16, 17-32
The Proteus X can respond to 32 MIDI channels at once. Since there can be only 16
MIDI channels per MIDI cable (or input) two inputs are provided. Set the MIDI Inputs
(Ch. 1-16, Ch. 17-32) to match up to two outputs from your MIDI interface or
sequencer. If you don’t need 32 channels you can turn either input off.
IntelliEdit
This control allows you to set the MIDI device for IntelliEdit. Selecting “None” disables
the feature.
When editing sample key ranges or editing voices it is convenient to select the key
position by simply playing your MIDI keyboard. IntelliEdit lets you selectively edit key
ranges using the keyboard when you need to, but blocks keyboard editing when you
may not want it, such as when your keyboard is playing in the background. Here’s how
it works.

1 - Introduction & Installation
Setting up the Preferences
20 Proteus X Operation Manual

To Use IntelliEdit:
1.
Make sure IntelliEdit is set to the same MIDI port your keyboard is using.
2.
In one of the Voices and Sample Zones screens such as “Key Window”, position the
cursor inside one of the Key Range fields (Low or High).
3.
Press and hold, Ctrl+Alt on your computer keyboard.
4.
Play your MIDI keyboard. The key range will be edited.
5.
In the Voice Edit window, holding Ctrl+Alt lets you select voices for editing. If more
than one voice is assigned to the key, the voices will cycle around with repeated
pressing of the same key.
6.
To select multiple voices, you must use the Group feature. See Groups on page 62.
Receive Program Changes
This check box selects whether or not MIDI Program Change messages from your MIDI
controller or sequencer will be received or ignored by the Proteus X. Place an X in the
check box to receive program changes.
External Tempo Source

Important!
If External Tempo Source
is set to external, the
tempo control in the
Voice Editor will be
“greyed-out” and non-
functional.
This check box selects between internal tempo clock or MIDI clock as the tempo source.
The Proteus X uses a global master tempo for Tempo-based Envelopes, Tempo-based
LFOs, and clock modulation. When this check box is selected, MIDI clock will be used
for the global tempo and the tempo control in the Multisetup window will be disabled.
MIDI Response
These controls allow you to customize the MIDI response of the Proteus X to match
your MIDI Controller or other instruments.
Velocity Curve
Incoming velocity values can be scaled by one of 24 curves to better adapt to
your playing style or MIDI controller. Selecting “linear” leaves the velocity data
unaltered. The shape of the selected curve is displayed in the window. Select the
curve that works best for you.
Volume Curve
This is an adjustment to help match MIDI controller #7 volume response to other
manufacturers’ equipment. Three curves are provided: Linear, Inverse Square or
Logarithmic. The action of this control is displayed in the window.
Volume Sensitivity
This control allows you to modify the response curve for MIDI continuous
controller #7 (Volume). This allows you to match the Proteus's response to other
manufacturers’ equipment. Low numbers compress the volume control range,
raising the volume level at lower controller #7 values.