Lexicon PCM 80 - V1.1 REV 1 PITCH FX User manual

PCM 80
Pitch FX
Algorithm Card V1.1
User Guide

Lexicon Part # 070-11674 Rev 1
Copyright 1997
All Rights Reserved.
Unpacking and Inspection
After unpacking the Pitch FX Algorithm Card, save all packing materials in case you ever need to ship the card.
Thoroughly inspect the card and packing materials for signs of damage. Report any shipment damage to the
carrier at once; report equipment malfunction to your dealer.
This is a read only card.
Use only with the Lexicon PCM 80, software version 1.10 or higher.
To avoid damage to the card, do not expose to rain or moisture, extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or extreme shock.
In the event the card is dropped, damaged, or exposed to liquids, do not insert it into the PCM 80.
Precautions
Lexicon Inc.
3 Oak Park
Bedford MA 01730-1441
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.lexicon.com

Contents
Introduction
1. Pitch FX Card Operation
Handling the Algorithm Card............................................................... 1-1
Loading the Pitch FX Algorithms ........................................................ 1-3
Loading the Pitch FX Presets ............................................................. 1-4
2. The Pitch FX Algorithms and Parameters
Overview............................................................................................. 2-1
The Quad>Hall Algorithm ................................................................... 2-2
The Dual-Chmb Algorithm .................................................................. 2-4
The Dual-Plt Algorithm........................................................................ 2-6
The Dual-Inv Algorithm ....................................................................... 2-8
The Stereo-Chmb Algorithm ............................................................. 2-10
The VSO-Chmb Algorithm ................................................................ 2-11
Parameter Descriptions .................................................................... 2-13
Tips for Setting Parameters .............................................................. 2-14
3. Using the Submixer
Sends ........................................................................................... 3-2
Returns......................................................................................... 3-2
Routing ......................................................................................... 3-3
Useful Configurations ................................................................... 3-3
Rvb and Pitch FX Block Controls........................................................ 3-9
4. The Presets
Program Bank X0 Vocal & Instrument ................................................ 4-2
Program Bank X1 Music & Sound Design .......................................... 4-6

Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the PCM 80 Pitch FX Algorithm Card. Six
algorithms,eachcombinedwithuncompromisedLexiconreverb, provideawide
rangeofusefulpitchshifteffects,rangingfrompitchcorrectiontouniquespecial
effects.
AQuad>Hallalgorithmprovidesa4-voice pitch shifter, combinedwiththePCM
80ConcertHallreverb.TheotherpitchshiftalgorithmsusethePCM80DualFX
structure for unparalleled flexibility and ease of use. 100 new presets provide
exciting examples of the effects that can be created from each algorithm.
ThefiveDualFX-type algorithms:Dual-Chmb,Dual-Plt,Dual-Inv,Stereo-Chmb
and VSO-Chmb, each contain two independent effect blocks — one of three
stereoreverbsandoneofthreedifferentstereopitchshiftblocks.Eachalgorithm
alsohasthefullsetofmodulationandpatch featuresintroducedinthePCM80.
Configuration androutingcontrol isprovided by adedicated Submixer incorpo-
rated into each algorithm. Any combination of reverb and effects blocks can be
arranged in any configuration simply by changing the Submixer’s controls. As
the Submixer has continuously variable controls, you can alter the configura-
tionsonthefly—changing,forexample, fromreverb-into-effectstoeffects-into-
reverb.
The Submixer appears as a new row on the PCM 80 parameter matrix. Three
basic Submixer controls are provided: Sends, Returns, and Routing. Any
configuration can be achieved by simply adjusting these three parameters.
Sends control the eight levels feeding into the reverb and effect blocks.
Returns control the eight levels feeding from the reverb and effect blocks.
Routing controls the configuration of all inputs and outputs to allow the two
effects blocks to be placed in series, parallel, or reverse series.
The Submixer row also contains controls for each block: Input Level, Input
Width, Output Width, Output Level, High Cut and Low Cut filters, and Wet/Dry
Mix. All of the Submixer parameters are continuously variable and can be
controlled in real-time by any PCM 80 patch source.
Five of the Pitch FX algorithms are made up of combinations of the following 2-
voice Effect and Reverb blocks.
Algorithm Pitch FX Reverb
Dual-Chmb Dual Shift Chamber
Dual-Plt Dual Shift Plate
Dual-Inv Dual Shift Inverse
Stereo-Chmb Stereo Shift Chamber
VSO-Chmb VSO Shift Chamber
The Pitch FX Submixer
Rvb and Pitch FX Blocks

The Presets
Each of these five algorithms has a different combination of FX and Rvb types,
but the basic functionality of each is the same. Controls for each algorithm are
arranged in a PCM 80-type matrix. The audio parameters are identical to those
in the PCM 80. New control parameters are found in the Control row and a new
Submixer row.
ThePCM 80Pitch FXcardcontainsabuilt-inlibraryof100presetprogramsthat
provide not only a variety of effect configurations, but a whole new assortment
of exciting and useful pitch shift sounds. As in the PCM 80, the presets are
organized into banks of 50, and functionally grouped for a wide range of
applications. Be sure to experiment with all 100 presets to get a feel for the full
rangeofthePitchFXcapabilities.AsinthePCM80,eachpresethasoneormore
parameters patchedtothe frontpanel ADJUST knob, giving youinstant control
over the primary aspect of the effect — without going into Edit mode.
BankX0containspitcheffectsforvoice andinstruments.Row0contains“bread
andbutter”vocaleffectsforcorrectingintonationofrecordedtracksorthickening
up a voice (or voices) by adding from one to four additional doublings. These
presets work well with single voice melodies or multi voice harmonies as input.
The vocal harmony effects in Row 1 allow you to add from one to four voices of
harmony and reverb to a single voice track. Presets 1.7-1.9 allow you to use a
MIDI keyboard to control the tuning of voices in real time. The presets in Row 2
have been optimized for guitar. You’ll find the classic pitch effects for guitars
(stereo detune, vibrato) and some new variations that take advantage of the
combinationofpitchshiftwith reverb.Row3containsacollectionofusefulshift
and harmony effects for melodic and chordal instruments. Presets 3.8 and 3.9
are designed to be used with a foot pedal connected to the rear panel Foot
Controllerinput.Row4isdesignedfordrumsandpercussion.Thesepresetslet
youretune the snare andtoms, oreven detune thedrum reverband slapdelay.
Presets4.8and4.9provide“scratch”effectsonrhythmtracks.(PressTap twice
to lock in with the beat.)
Bank X1 provides special effects for music and sound design. The presets in
Row 0 let you transform simple sound effects into cosmic events and change
normal speaking voices into cartoon characters or demons from the dark side.
ThoseinRow1usepitch,delayandreverbtocreatelushechoesindeepspaces
with a variety of monophonic or polyphonic instruments as well as vocals. Row
2 contains musical special effects where a single input note produces pitch
sequences based on a variety of chords and scales. Those in Row 3 are
designed to spice up a synth pad or other sustaining source. Row 4 contains
several useful tools: VSO presets set up for time correction of varispeed
playback material, two dual mono in/stereo out variations that provide pitch
shiftingontheleftinputandreverbontherightandasetof “cleanslate”versions
of the algorithms to use when you want to create your own programs from
scratch.
We hope you will find the Pitch FX card easy to use, and a great extension of
the power of your PCM 80. To get the most out ofthe card, we suggest thatyou
invest the time to explore this manual. We think you’ll agree that the time spent
investigating will reward you with enjoyment of the full capabilities of the card.
Pitch FX Card Banks
Bank X0 Vocal & Instrument
0.0 - 0.9 Vocal Shift
1.0 - 1.9 Vocal Harmony
2.0 - 2.9 Guitar Magic
3.0 - 3.9 Instrument Shift &
Harmony
4.0 - 4.9 Percussion & Tempo
Bank X1 Music & Sound Design
0.0 - 0.9 Sci-Fi FX
1.0 - 1.9 Pitch & Delay
2.0 - 2.9 Pitch Sequences
3.0 - 3.9 Pads & Drones
4.0 - 4.9 Utility Programs:
VSO, Dual Mono,
"Clean Slate" versions
of the algorithms
Note: All of the Pitch FX algorithms
combine pitch shifting and stereo
reverb.Beawarethatin manyofthe
presets the reverb mix or level is
turned down or off. The amount of
reverb for agiven applicationis very
dependent on what else is going on
in the mix. In most of the presets
where the reverb is turned down,
we’vealreadysetthereverbparam-
eterstovaluesthatwillworkwellwith
the pitch effect -– all you need to do
is turn up the appropriate reverb
parameter (Rvb Mix or RvbOutLvl
in row 1 of any edit matrix).

1-1
Pitch FX Card Operation
1
Pitch FX Card
Operation
Handling the
Algorithm Card
The Pitch FX Algorithm Card is a standard PCMCIA card designed to be used
withtheLexiconPCM80(version1.10orhigher).Careandhandlingofthecard,
aswellassomeroutineprecautionsarenotedhere.Pleasereviewthesebefore
using the card toavoid damage to the card,as well as abnormal behavior in the
PCM 80. Refer to your PCM 80 User Guide for information on troubleshooting
the PCM 80 itself.
The Pitch FX Algorithm Card is designed for use ONLY with the PCM 80
V1.10 or higher.
The Pitch FX card is a Read Only Memory Card which cannot be overwritten. It
will only load properly into PCM 80s running 1.10 or higher software.
Handle cards with care.
Do not bend the card, or subject it to moisture, extreme temperature, direct
sunlight, or extreme shock.
Insert card completely before attempting card operations.
Incomplete card insertion can cause abnormal behavior.
Do not press EJECT while loading the card.
If the card is inserted before the PCM 80 is powered on, wait for the
completion of Power On Diagnostics andthe loading of the first program
before attempting to use or remove the card.
Card algorithms will be loaded automatically into the PCM 80 on power on.
Removing thecard before thecompletion ofthe normalPCM80 poweroncycle
may cause abnormal behavior.
Oncethe algorithmshavebeen loaded fromthe card,youcan eitherremovethe
card, or leave it in the PCMCIA card slot.
While the PCM 80 is running an extension card algorithm, it will not load
a second algorithm card.
Recognition of a second algorithm card requires returning to the PCM 80's
internal memory by loading a preset or register from one of the internal
algorithms before loading the new algorithm card.
Care and Handling
Card Insertion
Operational Behavior

Lexicon
1-2
PCM 80 Pitch FX User Guide
MIDI SysEx register dumps require that the algorithm card used to create
the effect(s) be loaded.
Be aware that, if you create a bank of registers with effects created from more
than one algorithm card, you will need to perform separate SysEx dumps for
each card used.
The algorithm used to create an effect must be loaded into the PCM 80 for a
SysEx dump to occur. If you do not have the appropriate algorithm card loaded
into the transmitting PCM 80, the data for the effect is not transmitted and the
following message is displayed:
Can't dump effect
Need algorithm card
Ifyoudonothavetheappropriatealgorithmcardloadedintothereceiving PCM
80 when a valid SysEx for an effect created from a card algorithm is received,
the following message is displayed:
Effect unchanged
Need algorithm card
Aplaceholderistransmittedforanyregisterwhichcannotbedumpedduetothe
absenceof analgorithmcard.Thisplaceholdercontainstheprogramnameand
algorithmnumber,butnoeffectparameterdata.Thisallowsaneditortoidentify
registers which were not sent, and the algorithm card which must be loaded to
complete the dump. The PCM 80 will always ignore the placeholder, and will
display the following message when a placeholder is received:
Effect unchanged
No data in dump
Notethat registersmadefrom algorithmcardscanbefreelycopiedbetweenthe
PCM 80's internal register bank (R) and RAM card banks (C0, C1, etc.) without
loading the algorithm card.

1-3
Pitch FX Card Operation
Loading the
Pitch FX Algorithms
Inorderto runthePitchFXalgorithms,thesoftwaremustbeloadedintothePCM
80’s “extension” memory. To do this:
If the PCM 80 is turned off:
1. Insert the Pitch FX algorithm card into the PCMCIA card slot.
2. Power up the PCM 80. The software will be loaded automatically.
If the PCM 80 is already running:
1. Insert the Pitch FX algorithm card into the PCMCIA card slot.
2. Press Control and use SELECT and Up and Down to go to Control 2.1.
The following message should appear:
Card Load: PitchFX 1.1
2.1 (Press LOAD)
3. Press Load/✱. The following message will appear briefly to indicate the
load was completed:
Extensions now
available
If the PCM 80 is running an algorithm from a different extension card:
Loading a different algorithm card requires returning to the PCM 80's internal
memory by loading a preset or register from one of the internal banks.
Otherwise, the following error message will be displayed when you press
Load/✱:
Cannot load while
running extension
To load a different algorithm card :
1. Press Program Banks and select an internal preset bank (P0 - P3).
2. Turn SELECT to display any preset in any of these banks, then press
Load/✱.
3. The new algorithm card can now be loaded as described above.
Once extension card soft-
ware is loaded, you can re-
move the card from the slot.
The algorithms will remain in
the PCM 80 until the unit is
turnedoff,oranewalgorithm
card is loaded. This makes
the PCMCIA card slot avail-
able for loading and storing
registers on RAM cards.

Lexicon
1-4
PCM 80 Pitch FX User Guide
Loading the
Pitch FX Presets Once the software is loaded, the PCM 80 will have access to the additional
programbanksavailableonthealgorithmcard.Theseextensionmemorybanks
are labeled with an X.
1. Press Program Banks repeatedly until the Xbanks are displayed. These
will follow all of the PCM 80's internal Program banks.
2. Use SELECT, Up and Down and Load/✱to view and load the Pitch FX
presets.
You can edit these presets and save the changed version into the PCM 80’s
internalregisters,oryoucansavethemintoRAMcardregisterbanks.IfthePitch
FX algorithms are loaded, recalling programs created with the algorithms is as
simple as selecting and loading any PCM 80 program.
If the Pitch FX algorithms are not loaded when you attempt to load a program
created with them, the display will indicate that the selected register requires
extension memory (in this case, the Pitch FX card).
Extension
R 1.1 PitchFixFX
Complete descriptions of all of the Pitch FX presets are given in Chapter 3.

2-1
The Algorithms and Parameters
2
The Algorithms and
Parameters
Digital pitch shifting requires temporal compression or expansion of audio data
and the addition or removal of small audio segments to compensate.
Raising pitch is accomplished by compressing the audio data — making it run
faster.Asthisshortenstheaudiosegment,acopyofasectionoftheaudiobeing
processed is added to fill out the remaining time. To lower the pitch, the signal
is expanded, requiring the removal of a section of the audio. These operations
areperformedrepeatedlyathighspeed,atintervalswhichvaryaccording tothe
type of audio signal being processed.
At each point where audio is added or removed, the audio signal must be
rejoined, or spliced. If added or removed segments were perfectly correlated
with the remaining audio, splicing would be seamless. In reality, these splice
points are the source of audible artifacts which can be minimized, but not
completely eliminated.
Much of the art of pitch shifting, therefore, is in determining the appropriate
intervals for sampling and the optimal points for splicing. As the PCM 80 Pitch
FX card gives you significant control over these operations, you may find it
helpful to keep in mind some of the other factors which can affect pitch shift
quality:
• Amount of pitch shifting
Large shift intervals require more splicing. As each splice can be the source of an
artifact, increasing their number increases the likelihood of audible artifacts.
• Pitch-complexity of the input material
Pure tones have simple waveforms which can be correlated easily for smooth
splicing.Pitch shifting of simpletones such asthosegenerated bya solovoiceor a
monophonicinstrumentgenerallyproducesfewerartifactsthanpitchshiftingofwide
bandwidth material such as piano chords, full orchestra, etc.
• Low frequency content of the input material
Pitch shifting low frequency material requires the addition or removal of larger
segments of audio than high frequency material. The increased size of these
segments can introduce delays which are heard as artifacts.
• Transient content of the input material
When large amounts of pitch shifting are applied to complex input material with
dense percussive transients (drums, strummed mandolin, complex speech, etc.)
some of the transients may lose definition or be shifted slightly in time.
The PCM 80 Pitch FX algorithms are designed to provide high quality pitch
shifting and easy access to controls that can enhance the quality ofthe effects
onanyinputmaterial.Thefollowingdescriptionsprovidetheinformationyouwill
needtoselectthemostappropriatealgorithm for your specificneeds,aswellas
tips on adjusting the parameters.
Overview

Lexicon
PCM 80 Pitch FX User Guide
2-2
ThePCM80PitchFXCardcontains6PitchShiftalgorithms:Quad>Hall,Dual-
Chmb, Dual-Plt, Dual-Inv, Stereo-Chmb and VSO-Chmb. Each of these
offersa uniquetypeof pitchshifting,combinedwithanuncompromisedLexicon
reverb.
Thefollowing pagescontaindiagramsforeachalgorithm,alongwithacomplete
parametermatrix.Descriptionsofallofthepitchparametersfollowthealgorithm
drawings. The control and submixer parameters which allow configuration and
routing of the effect blocks are described in the next chapter. Refer to the PCM
80 User Guide for detailed descriptions of all other effect parameters.
The Quad>Hall algorithm, is a 4-voice pitch shifter in series with the PCM 80
ConcertHall reverb.AsinthePCM80multi-voicealgorithms,eachvoice hasits
own delay, level, feedback, cross-feedback and panning controls. The maxi-
mum delay time for each voice is 1.250 seconds.
Inthis algorithm, the reverb effect isfixed inposition following thepitch shifters,
with a final Mix control allowing control over the amount of reverb in the
processed sound. Quad>Hall is designed for creating pitch effects, and is an
obviouschoice forcreatingsequencesofnotesorchords,melodyfragments,or
small amounts of pitch shift for doubling (or quintupling) effects.
The Quad>Hall
Algorithm
Concert Hall

2-3
The Algorithms and Parameters
The PCM 80 Concert Hall provides very clean reverberation. It is designed to
remain behind the direct sound — adding ambience, but leaving the source
unchanged. This effect has a relatively low initial echo density which builds up
gradually over time.

Lexicon
PCM 80 Pitch FX User Guide
2-4
The remaining five Pitch FX algorithms: Dual-Chmb, Dual-Plt, Dual-Inv,
Stereo-Chmb and VSO-Chmb are created from 3 Reverb blocks and 3 Pitch
ShiftEffectblocks.Theindividualreverband effect blocks are describedbelow,
followed by the diagrams and matrixes and parameter descriptions for the
algorithms. Descriptions of the Dual FX controls common to all of these
algorithms is presented in Chapter 3.
ThisalgorithmincludesadualpitchshiftercombinedwiththePCM80Chamber
reverbusingtheDualFXstructure.Thepitchshifterhastwovoices.Eachvoice
has independent controls for pitch, level, delay, pan, feedback and cross-
feedback.Thepitchofeachvoiceisadjustableupordownovera3octaverange
witharesolutionof1cent.Maximumdelaytimeforeachvoiceis1.250seconds.
The Dual-Chmb
Algorithm
Chamber
Dual Shifter

2-5
The Algorithms and Parameters
The Chamber reverb produces an even, relatively dimensionless reverbera-
tion,with littlechange incolorasthesounddecays.Theinitialdiffusionissimilar
to the Concert Hall algorithm, but the sense of space and size is much less
obvious. This characteristic, along with the low color in the decay tail, makes
Chamber useful on a wide range of material. It is especially useful on spoken
voice, giving a noticeable increase in loudness with very low coloration.

Lexicon
PCM 80 Pitch FX User Guide
2-6
The Dual-Plt Algorithm This algorithm includes a dual pitch shifter combined with the PCM 80 Plate
reverbusingtheDualFXstructure.Thepitchshifterhastwovoices.Eachvoice
has independent controls for pitch, level, delay, pan, feedback and cross-
feedback.Thepitchofeachvoiceisadjustableupordownovera3octaverange
witharesolutionof1cent.Maximumdelaytimeforeachvoiceis1.250seconds.
Plate
Dual Shifter
ThePlate reverb mimicsthe soundof metalplates,withhighinitialdiffusionand
a relatively bright sound, making it a good choice for enhancing any type of
percussion.

2-7
The Algorithms and Parameters

Lexicon
PCM 80 Pitch FX User Guide
2-8
Inverse
Dual Shifter
The Dual-Inv Algorithm This algorithm includes a dual pitch shifter combined with the PCM 80 Inverse
reverbusingtheDualFXstructure.Thepitchshifterhastwovoices.Eachvoice
has independent controls for pitch, level, delay, pan, feedback and cross-
feedback.Thepitchofeachvoiceisadjustableupordownovera3octaverange
witharesolutionof1cent.Maximumdelaytimeforeachvoiceis1.250seconds.
Inverse reverb allows you to vary the slope of the initial portion of the reverb
envelope.Theslopecandecay,remainlevel,orriseoveravariabletimeinterval.
When the time interval is up, the reverberation cuts off abruptly. The resulting
effect is similar to a gate, but is not at all dependent on the level or complexity
oftheinputsignal.Slopesareadjustableoveranegative,even,orpositiveslope.
Positive slopes create inverse effects, while more even slopes create gated
effects. Negative slope values have rather natural reverb tails.

2-9
The Algorithms and Parameters

Lexicon
PCM 80 Pitch FX User Guide
2-10
The Stereo-Chmb algorithm is optimized for the best possible shifted audio
quality while maintaining the stereo imagery of the source material. Pitch is
adjustable up or down over a 3 octave range with a resolution of 1 cent. This
effectiscombinedwiththePCM80ChamberreverbusingtheDualFXstructure.
The Stereo-Chmb
Algorithm
Stereo Shifter
Chamber
The Chamber reverb produces an even, relatively dimensionless reverbera-
tion,with littlechange incolorasthesounddecays.Theinitialdiffusionissimilar
to the Concert Hall algorithm, but the sense of space and size is much less
obvious. This characteristic, along with the low color in the decay tail, makes
Chamber useful on a wide range of material. It is especially useful on spoken
voice, giving a noticeable increase in loudness with very low coloration.

2-11
The Algorithms and Parameters
The VSO-Chmb
Algorithm
The VSO-Chmb algorithm provides the same high quality shifter as Stereo-
Chmb,designed for onthe flypitchcorrectionofvarispeedplayback sources.A
varispeed parameter allows you to match the varispeed setting of the playback
source. The algorithm can match speeds ranging from +55.00% through
–35.48% with a resolution of .01%.
This algorithm is a utility program designed to provide pitch correction of
varispeed material. This is a true stereo algorithm which maintains the stereo
image of source material. It can be used in applications that require on the fly
compression/expansion. SimplymatchthevalueoftheVarispeedparameter to
the varispeed setting of the playback source.
For example, to compressa30second spotto 24seconds,the playbackspeed
must be increased by 20%. The spot now has the correct run length, but
increasingthespeedcreatedanupwardpitchshift of 386 cents.Runthe shifted
audiothroughtheVSO-Chmb algorithm.SettheVarispeedparameterto+20%.
Thisshiftsthepitchdown386cents.Thespotnowhasarunlengthof24seconds
and is at its original pitch.
To expand a 28 second spot to 30 seconds, the playback speed must be
decreased by 7.14%. Set both the playback source and the VSO Shifter to
–7.14%. The spot will remain at its original pitch and have a run length of 30
seconds.
LiketheStereo-Chmbalgorithm,VSO-Chmbiscombinedwithastereochamber
reverb within the Dual FX structure. This adds considerable flexibility. You can
for example, add reverb to the material as it is being pitch corrected (great for
voiceovers, etc.).
Note that there is no direct synchronization of the pitch shift with the playback
source. The accuracy ofthe pitchcorrection isdependent upon the accuracyof
the playback source’s varispeed mechanism and display.