Generalmusic Promega 2 User manual

OWNERS MANUAL

Generalmusic Promega 2
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on choosing the Generalmusic Promega. The Promega
represents the pinnacle of musical instrument technology, utilizing
Generalmusics unique DRAKE technology to give you the powerful combination
of physical modeling and state-of-the-art stereo sample playback.
Physical modeling technology provides total accuracy of sound reproduction
while giving the complete dynamic range of the original instrument without
compromise, (unlike traditional sampling where the designer must choose a
few specific dynamics to sample). By combining this physical modeling
technology with hi quality sample playback techniques, Generalmusic have
created an electronic musical instrument without equal.
The Promega offers sounds which are 100% pure physical models, (like
RHODS1); sounds which are pure sample playback, (like STRINGS1), and sounds
which combine both technologies in sonic harmony, (like ST.GRAND1). Different
technologies were chosen for each sound according to which could provide the
best results in each case.
This powerhouse of technology is packaged in the most easy-to-use professional
instrument ever produced. The logical layout provides immediate access to all
the available features, allowing every function of the Promega, whether beeing
used as a simple stand-alone piano or a complex MIDI controller, to be fully
understood and utilized with the minimum of instruction.
In section #2 of this manual youll find the QUICK GUIDE. This provides step-
by-step examples of how to combine sounds, split the keyboard, add effects
and save your sound combination into a Performance Memory. We recommend
that you familiarize yourself with the instrument by first following all the examples
in this section. The remainder of the manual offers a complete description of all
the other functions offered by the Promega. The last section contains reference
information such as the MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART and other useful data
concerning the structure of the instrument.
We hope you enjoy many years of great music making with your new Promega.

Generalmusic Promega 2
Table of contents
Section 1
Instrument Layout ......................................................................................... 1
Rear Pannel ..................................................................................................... 2
Power and Standby ........................................................................................... 3
Master Controls ................................................................................................ 3
Section 2
Quick Guide ......................................................................................... 5
Example 1 : Layering sounds. ............................................................................ 7
Example 2 : Controlling the effects. .................................................................... 8
Example 3 : Splitting the keyboard. .................................................................... 9
Example 4 : A few things to try. ........................................................................ 10
Example 5 : Simple sound editing. ..................................................................... 11
Example 6 : Recalling performance memories ..................................................... 12
Example 7 : Storing your own creations ............................................................. 13
Section 3
Front Pannel Controls ........................................................................ 15
Graphic EQ. .................................................................................................... 16
Other Controls ................................................................................................. 17
Performance Memories ..................................................................................... 18
Storing a new performance ............................................................................... 19
Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels ..................................................................... 20
Section 4
Effects ............................................................................................... 21
Adding an effect to a sound .............................................................................. 22
Using the same effect on multiple sounds ...........................................................22
Enabling and disabling effects ........................................................................... 23
Storing parameter changes ............................................................................... 24
Section 5
Edit Sound ......................................................................................... 25
Section 6
Edit MIDI ........................................................................................... 27
Section 7
Edit Controls...................................................................................... 31
Controls ......................................................................................................... 32
Pedal types and settings ................................................................................... 32
Section 8
Appendix ........................................................................................... 37
Technical Specifications .................................................................................... 38
Promega2 : Sound list ...................................................................................... 39
Promega2 : Effect list ....................................................................................... 39
Technology ..................................................................................................... 40
MIDI Implementation Chart ............................................................................ 42
Types of serial cables ....................................................................................... 43
Chart of charachters ........................................................................................ 44

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Section 1
Instrument Layout

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MAIN OUT
(balanced)
Right e Left/Mono
The left and right channel when connecting the instrument in stereo. If you
are connecting in mono using only one cord, connect the cord to the LEFT/
MONO output and ensure that nothing is connected to the RIGHT output.
REAR PANNEL
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
(1)
(2)AUX OUT
1 e 2
Assignable outputs 1and 2. Any section of the instrument can be
assigned to use these outputs. They can either be used separately or
as part of the stereo pair 1+2. For more information about assigning
sections of the instrument to use these outputs, see the description
of the OUT function in the CONTROLS chapter of this manual.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
INPUT
Right e Left/Mono
You can connect either a stereo device, (like a CD-Player or MIDI sound
module) or a mono device, (like a microphone or guitar), to these
inputs. If you are connecting a mono device using only one cord, connect
the cord to the LEFT/MONO input and ensure that nothing is connected
to the RIGHT input. The INPUT slider on the front panel controls the
volume of the device connected to these inputs.
Used to receive midi data from other devices, (like a computer or
controller keyboard).
MIDI
Used when chaining a number of midi devices together. The THRU
connector sends a copy of what is arriving at MIDI IN; effectively
extending the MIDI IN cord to the next device in the MIDI chain.
Thru
Out
In
Mode Switch This switch should be used to set the type of host PC.
For Mac computers the switch should be set to the MAC position.
For PC/Windows, the switch should be set to the PC2 (fast) position.
If you encounter any problems using the interface with this
configuration, try selecting the PC1 (slow) setting.
The connectors are used for the three optional pedals. The types of
pedals you can connect to these are as follows:
Computer Connector
This connector is designed to accept the small 8-pin DIN plug at one
end of a Mac serial cable or the special cable supplied with the
Generalmusic Multimedia Kit.
DISPLAY CONTRAST
Controls the contrast between background and foreground colors
for the LCD display panel.
(10)
PEDAL
(11)
Either a standard footswitch* or a continuous volume type pedal.
PEDAL 2/PEDAL 1
DAMPER:
See the description of the functions DAM, PD1 and PD2 in the CONTROLS chapter of this manual
for information about assigning these pedals.
Used to send midi data from the instrument to external devices, (like a
computer or MIDI sound module).
Either a standard footswitch* or the damper pedal of the optional
Generalmusic Pro Pedal Unit.
* Any type of footswitch can be used. The Promega will automatically detect the type of
footswitch connected and configure itself accordingly.

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VOLUME
This controls the overall volume of the entire instrument. For best
results it should be set to about 75% of the maximum value. When
connecting the Promega to an amplification system for the first time,
begin by setting the VOLUME slider to its minimum position and
then increase the volume slowly to set the audio level. Adjust the
amplifiers input gain so that the best listening level can be achieved
with the VOLUME slider set at about 75% of the maximum value.
INPUT
This controls the volume level of the devices connected to INPUTS 1
and 2 on the back panel. When connecting a device for the first
time, this slider should be set at minimum level and its value gradually
increased until a desirable listening level is reached.
HEADPHONES JACK
There are two headphones jacks located at the extreme left side of
the metal rail which runs beneath the keyboard; just below the
STANDBY button.
POWER and STANDBY
MASTER CONTROLS
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The main power switch is located on the back panel of the
instrument. When you first turn the Promega on, the
instruments internal memory data is decompressed ready
for playing. This process takes around 60 seconds to comple-
te.
On the left side of the rail below the keyboard you will find the STANDBY
button. This button can be used instead of the main power switch. When
you turn off the instrument with the STANDBY button the uncompressed
data remains in memory eliminating the need to wait when you switch the
instrument on next time.
To turn the instrument off with the STANDBY button, you need to keep it
pressed down for about two seconds. This is designed to avoid the possibility
of switching the instrument off in case the button is accidentally pressed
momentarily. You can release it when you see the panel lights go out. To
switch the instrument on again just press the STANDBY button quickly.
The light in the STANDBY button has two colors. Green for ON and red for
OFF.
For most purposes, the STANDBY button should be used instead of the main
power switch, (in much the same way that you might use the sleep or
standby function on a computer instead of shut down). If you are going
to leave the instrument turned off for a long period of time, (say, overnight
or longer), then you should shut the instrument down with the main power
switch. Also, if you plan to move the instrument and disconnect it from the
power socket, you should first turn it off using the main power switch instead
of using the STANDBY button.
NOTE: Some devices such as CD players, MiniDisc Players
etc. will have a very different output level from an electronic
keyboard like the Promega. Wherever possible, you should
adjust the output volume of the device so that it delivers only
enough volume to allow the INPUT slider to be set to about
75% of its maximum value.

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Section 2
Quick Guide
For those of you who dont like to read manuals or
wish to read the manual detail later, heres everything
you need to get started

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The Promega2 has been designed with ease of use and quick access to all features in
mind. Common functions such as layering sounds, splitting the keyboard and assigning
effect can all be carried out without the need to use any edit menus or LCD functions.
This chapter will serve as a quick guide to get you up and running as quickly as
possible with the Promega.
First well look at real-time operations (setting up the instrument manually without
using the Performance Memories), and then move on to storing and recalling your
favorite sound combinations.
Essentially, you can think of the Promega as number of different sound modules or
sections, each of which has exactly the same controls. All of these sections have a
large red ON/OFF button so combining a number of sounds is as simple as switching
on a number of these sections simultaneously.
Lets start by looking at one of these sound modules in detail:
This is the PIANOS module from the PROmega2.
The red ON/OFF button
is used to activate or de-
activate the section as
required.
The large rotary
knob, (or V-POT), is
used to select
between the various
sounds in the section.
The slider can be used to adjust
the volume of the section, (and
many other parameters as
we will see later on).
The OCTAVE buttons are
used to raise or lower
the pitch of the section
by 12 half-steps.
The EFFECTS buttons will
add or remove the
currently selected REVERB
and PRO EFX processing
to the current sound.
The TO LEFT button
will assign the sound
in this section to the
left side of the current
keyboard split point.
The Promega2 has three sound sections:
Section 1: PIANOS
Section 2: VINTAGE KEYS
Section 3: BASS/OTHER
You can repeatedly press the + or  button to
keep shifting the sections pitch higher or lower.
To return the section to its original pitch, simply
press both the + and  button together. Original
pitch is indicated by both leds being off.
Thats it! Having explained how the controls of one of these modules operate, you should
now be able to see that all the other sound modules work in exactly the same way.
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EXAMPLE 1: Layering sounds
Start by switching on the instrument so that you have the only
the main piano sound active. Youll notice that only the first
section is switched on, (its red ON/OFF button is illuminated).
Now lets add a string sound to this piano. Because of the
way the Promega is designed, you can set up your second
sound and make all the adjustments you need BEFORE
you actually hear it.
1) Go to the BASS/OTHER section and use the Virtual-
POT to select the sound SLOWSTRING PAD, (at the
6 oclock position).
2) Use the slider to adjust its volume level to about 90.
Now we can add some reverb to this sound.
Make sure that the REVERB button is turned on and
the PRO EFX button is turned off.
11
11
1
22
22
2
33
33
3
Finally, we need to check that the sound is in its normal octave
range and also that it is not assigned to a split keyboard.
Check that the OCTAVE setting is normal, (both leds should
be off. Pressing both buttons together will accomplish this).
Check that the TO LEFT button is turned off.
Now were ready to turn the section on.
3) Press the red ON/OFF button in this section.
You should now hear the string sound mixed with the
piano.
Lets try some examples combining these various modules together and youll begin to see
just how easy it is to work with the Promega. We recommend that you work through these
examples in order since each example starts with the settings from the previous one.
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