Jomox SUNSYN User manual

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Please read this - importand instructions
To avoid electric shock or fire, never expose this equipment to rain or
moisture. Useit only in well ventilated and dry rooms. Never use a damaged
power cord. Do not obstruct any air vents in the casing of the unit.
Ensure correct mains voltage setting and correct fuse before connecting
mains supply. The unit must be earthed by the power cord. Never disconnect the mains earth
from the mains lead!
Protect the unit from strong impact.
If liquid or a solid object should have entered the unit or the unit has been dropped or the
case has been damaged, switch power off immediately and consult qualified service personnel
or your appropriate JoMoX dealer. Make yourself familiar with the warranty claim.
Unplug the unit before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the
unit. Do not use any household cleaners.
If you should not use the unit for a longer period, please disconnect the powercord from the
outlet.
Never open the units casing.The unit contains no user servicable parts. Refer all servicing to
authorised service personnel.
K
sunsyn version 1.0
user manual
text, figures: Matthias Fuchs
translation: Joeri Vankeirbilck, [e-mail]
layout, grafics, setting: Robert Siegel, r[email protected], Berlin
Copyright 2001 JoMoX GmbH.All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced
by any means or in any form without the express prior consent of JoMoX GmbH.
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I Introduction
1-1 What is the SUNSYN? ...............................................7
1-2 About this Manual ......................................................8
1-3 Preparations ................................................................ 9
1-4 Connections-Input/Output ......................................10
1-4-1 Power ..........................................................................................10
1-4-2 Audio-Connections ...................................................................10
1-4-3 Midi-Connections ......................................................................11
1-4-4 PCMCIA-Cardslot.....................................................................11
II Quick Start
2-1 Try it out ....................................................................13
2-1-1 The first time you switch on the SUNSYN.............................13
2-1-2 Autotune.....................................................................................13
2-1-3 Changing Midi Channels...........................................................14
2-2 Program-Section .......................................................14
2-2-1 Single-Sounds.............................................................................15
2-2-1-1 Selecting Single-Sounds ........................................................................ 15
2-2-1-2 Editing Single-Sounds ...........................................................................15
2-2-1-3 Storing Single-Sounds ........................................................................... 16
2-2-2 Multi Programs.......................................................................... 16
2-2-2-1 Select Multi Programs .......................................................................... 16
2-2-2-4 Storing Multi-Programs ........................................................................ 18
2-3 Menu-driven Features ..............................................18
III Single-Mode (Sound Programming)
3-01 Initial Patch................................................................................ 22
3-1 VCO 1 and VCO 2 ...................................................23
3-2 RCO 1 and RCO 2 ...................................................25
3-3 Noise Generator .......................................................28
3-4 External Input .......................................................... 28
3-4-1 Connecting................................................................................. 28
Manual
Index
003
Introduction Quick Start Single Mode Multi Mode Addendum
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3-4-2 Setting the input level ...............................................................29
3-4-3 Setting the External Signal level ............................................. 29
3-4-5 Menu-driven Features .............................................................. 29
3-4-6 Envelope-Follower ....................................................................30
3-5 Glide ...........................................................................31
3-6 VCF Filter ..................................................................31
3-6-1 Principle ..................................................................................... 31
3-6-1-1 Cutoff-Frequenzy ................................................................................... 32
3-6-1-2 Filter Poles ...............................................................................................32
3-6-1-3 Resonance ...............................................................................................33
3-6-2 SUNSYN Filter ..........................................................................34
3-6-2-1 Operation of the Filter Section .............................................................37
3-6-2-2 Lowpass ...................................................................................................37
3-6-2-3 Filter slope .............................................................................................. 37
3-6-2-4 Highpass ..................................................................................................38
3-6-2-5 Bandpass ..................................................................................................38
3-6-2-6 The Morph Feature ................................................................................39
3-7 VCA ...........................................................................40
3-8 Envelopes, VCA ....................................................... 40
3-8-1 Envelope 1 ................................................................................. 40
3-8-2 Envelope 2.................................................................................. 40
3-9 LFOs .......................................................................... 41
3-10 Routing-Elements .................................................... 44
3-10-1 Principle ..................................................................................... 44
3-10-1-1 Source 1 and 2 .........................................................................................45
3.10.1.2 Modifier ...................................................................................................46
3-10-1-3 Destination ..............................................................................................48
3-10-2 Operation ...................................................................................49
3-10-2-1 Selecting a Routing-Element ................................................................49
3-10-2-2 Selecting the Modules ............................................................................49
3-10-2-3 Setting the Modulation-/Routing-Amount .........................................49
3-10-2-4 Using Midi-Controllers and Velocity ...................................................49
3-10-2-5 An Example ............................................................................................52
3-10-2-6 multiple Routing .....................................................................................54
3-10-3 Modulomania ............................................................................ 55
3-10-3-1 Frequenz modulation FM ......................................................................55
3-10-3-2 Cross modulation XM ............................................................................57
Index
Introduction
Quick Start
Single Mode
Multi Mode
Addendum
004
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3-10-3-3 Pulse width modulation PWM ..............................................................58
3-10-3-4 Amplitude modulation AM .................................................................. 58
3-10-3-5 Ring modulation RM .............................................................................59
3-10-3-6 Self modulation ...................................................................................... 63
3-10-3-7 Doubling signal paths ............................................................................ 63
3-10-3-8 Previous Voice......................................................................................... 63
3-10-3-9 Key-Voltage..............................................................................................64
3-11 Menu-Driven Features ............................................................. 65
3-11-1 Global Menu ............................................................................. 66
3-11-1-1 External In ...............................................................................................66
3-11-1-2 Card ..........................................................................................................66
3-11-1-3 Miscellaneous ..........................................................................................67
3-11-1-4 Tuning ......................................................................................................67
3-11-2 Arpeggiator Menu .................................................................... 68
3-11-3 Midi Menu ................................................................................. 69
3-11-3-1 Channel Menu ........................................................................................ 69
3-11-3-2 Unisono Menu ........................................................................................70
3-11-3-3 Enable Menu .......................................................................................... 70
3-11-3-4 SysEx Menu ............................................................................................ 71
3-11-4 Edit-Menü ..................................................................................72
3-11-4-1 Name ........................................................................................................72
3-11-4-2 Modulation Menu .................................................................................. 73
3-11-4-3 Out ............................................................................................................76
3-11-4-4 More Menu ............................................................................................. 77
3-12 Fixed controller mapping ........................................ 77
IV Multi – Mode...................................................................79
V Anhang.............................................................................. 83
Manual
Index
005
Introduction Quick Start Single Mode Multi Mode Addendum
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Introduction
First of all, we’d like to thank you for purchasing a SUNSYN and we’d like to congratulate
you on being intelligent enough to make this great purchase! We wish you a lot of success and a
lot of joy when working with the most powerful analog synthesizer on the planet – the
SUNSYN!
In the meanwhile, we kindly ask you to fill out your registration card and send it to us or to
your local JoMoX distributor. By returning this card, you’ll become a registered user and you’ll
regularly receive news updates from JoMoX.
Next to that, you’ll receive free updates for your SUNSYN via our website at www.jomox.de.
So, please don’t forget to fill it out and send it back to us!
What is the SUNSYN?
Besides being a box of nuts and bolts and capacitors, the SUNSYN is an extremely powerful
analog synthesizer module. It has 8 analog multi-timbral voices, each of which can have their
own sound and be controlled by midi in many mind-bending ways. You could look at the
SUNSYN as if it were 8 monophonic synthesizers in one case, or one big 32-oscillator monster,
or any combination inbetween.
The sound creation is fully ”real“ analog right down to the fast envelopes and CV modula-
tion paths. With the exception of the RCO’s (Ramp Controlled Oscillators) and LFO’s (Low
Frequency Oscillators), all components of the sound engine and sound processing are made of
classic discrete analog circuitry to make the sound as powerful, raw and animated as possible.
One of the truly interesting features of the SUNSYN is the inclusion of the RCO oscillators.
You have access to two of these per voice (16 in total) that contain digital wavefiles that can be
manipulated much like wavetables, but in this case are driven by the analog oscillators for truly
exotic sounds. Additionally, these RCOs have adjustable levels and one has the possibility to
even load in their own waveforms! More on this later
Another interesting feature, found only on the SUNSYN, is one of the most flexible and
versatile filters on the planet. You have access to each of the four filters poles via dedicated
knobs and can set individual low/high characteristics for each pole, thus enabling many
different filter variations continously from 12dB to 18dB and 24dB. The filter is also switchable
between 2 and four poles. Additionally, you are able to store 2 filters scenes (snapshots) per
voice and to morph between these two settings in the analog domain. One such filter per voice!
The routing system consists of a very versatile CV modulation matrix that allows easy,
flexible and saveable connections to be made between various analog components (including
the digital RCOs and external sound sources). You are given 4 routing elements per voice (2
sources, 1 modifier and 1 destination each) in addition to the fixed routings. Many options and
possibilities arise in this section, which should keep you tweeking into the wee hours of the
night. Everything works of course in the analog domain. Therefore, no operation is limited by
fixed-point calculation errors (as in DSPs), but instead offers the full dynamic-range for chaotic
effects which apear on many modulations.
Manual
What is the SUNSYN? 1-1
007
Introduction
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The SUNSYN has been conceived much like a classic modular system.The amount and
structure of the individual modules is fixed nevertheless, but the connections and modulation
possibilities between those individual modules can be made in a flexible and easy way allowing
for gentle order or unrestrained chaos! In contrast to a classic analogue modular system, all
parameters and modulations can be saved in the SUNSYN.
We also want to point out some peculiarities that are inevitable in a complex analogue syn-
thesizer like the SUNSYN. Possibly you’ve only worked with digital (or virtual analogue)
synthesizers up to now. Thereby, you’ve perhaps gotten used to the extraordinary noise floor or
the lack of noise on digital machines. In an analog machine like the SUNSYN, you cannot
always guarantee a perfectly ”clean“ or 100% noise-free signal (nor would you want to!). In
spite of using the highest quality components and putting the highest efforts into the design of
the electronic circuitry, the computer part (digital brain) of the synthesizer might add some
noise to the audio signal.
Therefore, you might notice that there’s a bit more noise present than a digital synth might
produce. When you optimise the level of the SUNSYN and the gain of your mixing desk, these
side effects will not affect your productions in a negative way. Next to that, you’ll be rewarded
with an outstanding amount of power and warmth of the sounds, as well as the huge sonic
possibilities that analog has to offer. In case you’ve already worked with an old analogue classic
synthesizer, you’ll be used to the peculiarities of such a machine and you’ll be pleasantly
surprised by its stability and the ”clean“ sound of the SUNSYN.
The SUNSYN has an extensive front panel with a multitude of buttons and knobs to faci-
litate easy programming.All important features can be accessed directly through their own
specific button or knob. Some of the features have to be accessed through menus. Their struc-
ture and layout has been kept simple and efficient to make sure controlling and programming
is as intuitive as possible.
Almost every parameter can be controlled by Midi from within the sequencer and all knobs
send midi controllers for recording movements externally.
All sounds can be stored internally in the SUNSYN or on PCMCIA cards. Next to that, you
can do SysEx dumps to a computer or to another SUNSYN.
About This Manual
Manual Conventions
Two simple rules!! To make this an easy reference manual to read and to make the most
important functions easily recognisable, all control elements of the front panel that are
mentioned in the text are placed between parantheses (Cutoff) in a bold font. The contents of a
display are also written in bold but are placed inside arrows < 040 >. Example:
Turn the (Cutoff) knob until the LC-Display shows < 040 >.
Manual Layout
To make sure we do not overload you with too much information, some features will only be
explained briefly at first, but they’ll be fully explained later on so sit back, relax and enjoy.
About this Manual
1-2
008
Introduction
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Please don’t be worried if you don’t find something explained entirely the first time you
encounter the topic.We’ve attempted to layout information in a logical manner without getting
too detailed right away (can you say medical textbook?). You’ll become very familiar with all
related topics the more you work with this manual and the SUNSYN.
The Ugly Truth
Maybe you’re already a synthesizer guru and can program bass patches in your sleep? If so,
you might already be familiar with certain chapters in this manual, which would allow you to
skip them. In case you haven’t had the opportunity to work with synthesizers yet, and
especially if you’re new to terms like oscillator, filter, modulation and midi, we would recom-
mend you read other literature in addition to the SUNSYN manual. The manual’s main focus is
to explain how to use the features the SUNSYN contains. Very little detail is given to what an
oscillator is, how does an envelope relate to a sound and so on. These synthesizer basics are
beyond the scope of this manual, so we strongly recommend the following publications:
•In German: ”Analoge Klangsynthese“ written by Reinhard Schmitz. Published by Wizoo
(ISBN 3-934903-00-2). You can find info about this book on the Wizoo site www.wizoo.de
•In English: ”Electronic Music Systems, Technologies and Controls“ written by Allen Strange
(ISBN 0-698-03602-2). Published by Brown Company Publ. Iowa. You can obtain this book
from Times Mirror International London (Fax: [phone])
The SUNSYN is a synthesizer with extremely complex possibilities, many of which have not
been available in this form before. To get the most of the SUNSYN, and to become familiar
with it, you should study this manual as thoroughly as possible.
Next to that, we advise you experiment Einstein!!! Endless possibilities are awaiting you!
Preparations
Getting Started
1)Before You Start:
The SUNSYN can either be used as a desktop model or it can be converted into a 19“ rack.
a) Desktop Model - All you need to use it as a desktop model, is a surface that is big and solid
enough (aprox. 10 kg weight)! The SUNSYN comes setup for desktop use.
b)Rack Version – For this, follow these steps:
1. First, remove the wooden (guaranteed no tropical wood used!) side panels (four screws need
to be removed on each side).
2. After removing the metal side panels, please mount both metal-screws into their places at
the lower casing surface.
3. Put the wooden panels aside and turn the metal side panels around. The rack ”ears“ point
upwards.
4. Attach the metal side panels again with the 9 screws. The SUNSYN is now ready to be put
into a rack.
Manual
Preparations 1-3
009
Introduction
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”Caution!!!“
The SUNSYN gets hot – VERY HOT!!! It has an electronically controlled cooling system to
keep the internal temperature stable. Of course, this system only works well when enough fresh
air can flow through the machine. Therefore, you have to keep the ventilation slots uncovered.
If you use it as a desktop unit, please make sure that the rubberfeet will not subside into the
surface you put the unit on.
If you use your SUNSYN as a rack unit, please keep at least 1U above and below the
machine open. If possible, do not put it near another machine that produces a lot of heat as
well. If you’ve built your SUNSYN into a rack and you can’t stand visible cables, we
recommend blind panels with ”air slots.“
IMPORTANT: Please save the original packaging. If you don’t have a suitable case for
transportation, you can still use the original packaging.
By the way, did you fill out your registration card yet? Please send it to us.
Connections-Input/Output
Power:
The SUNSYN accepts either 220 Volt or 110 Volt power.
IMPORTANT! Make sure the Voltage switch is set to the correct position before you
connect the mains lead. Connect the supplied mains lead to the mains connector on the left
side of the SUNSYN’s back panel.
Audio-Connections:
All audio inputs and outputs are electronically balanced. To guarantee optimal signal quality,
especially when transferring audio over long distances, you should use balanced cables (provi-
ded that your audio system allows such connections). You can use normal stereo cables for a
balanced connection. In case you prefer unbalanced cabling, you should use normal mono
cables with jack connections.
Stereo Out:
Can be used to connect your SUNSYN to your mixing desk or a suitable amplifier.The Stereo
Outs provide a mix of all eight voices giving you easy way to mix all eight outputs down to two
(Stereo Left and Right).
Connections-Input/Output
1-4
010
Introduction
Rackmounting
black Screw
Fig.2Fig.1
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