Red Panda PARTICLE 2 User manual

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PARTICLE
Owner’s Manual
Detroit, MI • www.redpandalab.com

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PARTICLE
Owner’s Manual
Version 2.0 (firmware 2.0.1+)
April 2019
Red Panda LLC
4444 2nd Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
USA
©2019 Red Panda LLC
www.redpandalab.com

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Please register your product at redpandalab.com/register
Product manuals and firmware updates are available at redpandalab.com/support
For technical support, email [email protected]om

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Contents
Introduction 5
Getting Started 6
Controls 7
Bypass 9
Freeze 9
Feedback Lowpass Filter (Tone) 10
Modes 11
Combining Modes 14
Control input (expression pedal) 15
Presets 17
Tap Tempo 17
Web Editor (beta) 20
Advanced Configuration 22
Reset to Factory Defaults 22
Using MIDI 23
Support, Repairs, and Warranty 31
Firmware Updates 32
Specifications 33
Credits 33

5
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Particle 2. I designed the original Particle in 2010 and released the first
batch in 2011. I drilled, painted, labeled, soldered, and assembled those first pedals in my garage and a
spare bedroom. Thanks to the support of experimentally-minded musicians throughout the world, Red
Panda has been able to grow to a small team and continue to work on hard, interesting projects.
My goal with the original Particle was to take granular synthesis and map it to a real-time eect that
was easy to understand and control. Some of it’s limitations - and character - came from finding clever
ways to do things like reverse delay and granular playback on the Spin FV-1 DSP chip.
New in Version 2
The Particle 2 uses a much more powerful processor, and is a full-fledged granular processor capable
of generating dozens of simultaneous grains. It keeps the immediacy and control of the original Particle,
with improved fidelity, usability, and tweaks some of the knob responses. A primary goal was to make it
more pedalboard-friendly and easier to use on tour.
Some of the improvements include:
• Smaller enclosure, with all jacks on top
• Stereo (TRS) input/output
• Presets (4 on front panel, 127 via MIDI)
• Soft touch switches
• Momentary freeze footswitch
• Tap tempo with note divisions
• Higher sampling rate
• Higher headroom
• Better signal-to-noise ratio
• Improved pitch shifting
• Longer delay time
• Longer maximum grain size
• More simultaneous grains
• Additional parameters
• Ability to combine parameters from dierent modes
• USB MIDI
• Multi-purpose control port for expression pedal, CV, remote switches
• Expression pedal can be assigned to any combination of parameters
• USB firmware updates

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Getting Started
The Particle™ is a granular delay pedal. It chops your signal into small slices (grains), which are shifted,
randomized, and mangled using the techniques of granular synthesis. Results include radical pitch and
delay modulation, shimmering repeats, time stretching, stutter, and glitch sounds.
The Particle has five delay-based modes and three pitch-based modes. You can combine all of the
modes and access additional parameters via MIDI, saving the results in a preset for live use. Tap tempo
can be used for the delay time, grain size, density, and LFO rate, with dierent note divisions for each.
In the delay modes, the BLEND, DELAY, and FDBK knobs work just like a standard 3-knob delay. Start by
selecting REV (reverse delay), setting the CHOP to 9:00 and
PARAM knob to 5:00.
In REV (reverse) mode, the PARAM knob sets the probability
of each grain playing forward or reverse. The signal will
always be played in reverse at 7:00, always forward at 5:00,
and at 12:00 it will randomly play each grain forward or
reverse. The CHOP knob sets the size of each grain (below
12:00).
Next, change to RND (random delay) mode. The CHOP knob
still sets the size of each audio slice, but now the PARAM
knob sets the randomization range. At 7:00 there is no
randomization, and at 5:00 it randomly jumps within the set
delay time.
To explore each mode, set the BLEND knob to 5:00, CHOP around 9:00, and FDBK to 7:00. Step through
each of the eight modes, adjusting the DELAY/PITCH and PARAM knobs to see how they aect the sound.
Using a looper pedal to repeat a phrase or playing a recording through the Particle will make it easier to
discern the eect.
The FREEZE footswitch holds the signal in the delay line indefinitely while the button is held down, so
you can sample and manipulate a phrase. When the CHOP knob is above 12:00, it sets the threshold
for audio-controlled freeze. The input signal plays through when its level exceeds the threshold. When
the input level drops below the threshold, it starts reading from the delay buer instead. This allows you
to catch the beginning of each note and repeat it. When the chop knob is fully clockwise (5:00), it contin-
uously loops. Lower thresholds can create drones in between notes or tape splice eects.
We provide a web-based editor to configure your Particle, access hidden parameters, and fine-tune pre-
sets. See "Web Editor (beta)" on page 20 for more information.. It requires the Google Chrome brows-
er, and can be accessed at
https://www.redpandalab.com/content/apps/particle-editor/index.html
For live performance manipulation, we recommend using the Touch OSC template available on our web
site, or programming your MIDI controller using the information in "Using MIDI" on page 23.

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Controls
Overview
TM
1
2
3
4
5 12
13
14
15
16
111087
69
91
2
3
14
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Tap tempo/freeze
Input
Output
9V DC 250 mA
Preset indicator
Expression pedal
Bypass indicator
Wet/dry blend Mode
Preset switch
Feedback
USB MIDI
Chop/freeze threshold
Delay time/pitch shif t
Parameter
Bypass/tap division

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Alternate Controls [DIV]
Press and hold the ON/[DIV] footswitch to adjust tap divisions and alternate parameters. Alternate func-
tions are labled [DIV] in the following sections.
To access [DIV] settings:
1. Start with the Particle enabled (blue light on)
2. Hold the ON/[DIV] footswitch until the LED changes to yellow (the pedal will briefly go into bypass)
3. While holding the ON/[DIV] footswitch, adjust the knobs and mode switch as desired
4. Release the ON [div] footswitch to store the settings
BLEND
Adjusts the wet/dry mix, from 100% dry to 100% wet. The dry signal stays at unity gain until 12:00, so
there will be a slight volume boost when the wet and dry signal are combined.
FDBK
Adjusts audio feedback (repeats).
[DIV] Feedback tone (see "Feedback Lowpass Filter (Tone)" on page 10).
CHOP
Adjusts grain size from 7:00 to 12:00. Above 12:00, sets the freeze threshold (see "Freeze" on page
9).
[DIV] sets grain size to a note division.
MODE
Selects one of the delay or pitch modes and which of the parameters are controlled by the DELAY/PITCH
and PARAM knobs.
[DIV] sets delay time to a note division.
DELAY/PITCH
Sets the delay time or pitch shift amount, depending on mode. The pitch shift range is ±1 octave, with no
shift at 12:00.
[DIV] sets delay time to a note division.
PARAM
Adjusts a mode-specific parameter.

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[DIV] sets grain density (interonset time) or LFO to a note division, depending on mode.
Bypass
The right footswitch turns the eect on and o. Tap to toggle between bypass and eect. From bypass,
pressing and holding the footswitch will engage the eect momentarily and return to bypass when you
release.
The Particle remembers its bypass state when power is removed.
Hold down the right footswitch while plugging an expression pedal, CV cable, or remote switch into the
CTRL port to configure the port. See "Control input (expression pedal)" on page 15 for details.
You can also hold down the right footswitch to adjust tap tempo note divisions ([DIV]) and hidden param-
eters. See "Tap Tempo" on page 17, and the following sections.
Freeze
When the CHOP knob is above 12:00, it sets the amplitude threshold for freezing the current delay buer.
Holding the TAP/FREEZE (left) footswitch will momentarily turn on freeze mode. The bypass LED chang-
es from blue to cyan while freeze is active.
The Particle has two dierent freeze modes:
• grain freeze (default): the delay buer is frozen
• delay freeze (v1): the delay output is recycled
You can change the freeze mode via MIDI or our web editor. It is stored in presets, and will be remem-
bered when power is o.
Grain freeze
The delay buer is frozen, allowing you to scrub through the frozen audio without degrading the sound.
The results vary depending on which mode is active:
• DELAY+DENS: repeats a slice of audio with length set by CHOP, DELAY scrubs through buer.
• DELAY+LFO: scrubs through buer at length set by PARAM.
• DELAY+REV: repeats a slice of audio with length set by CHOP, DELAY scrubs through buer.
• DELAY+PITCH: repeats a slice of audio with length set by CHOP, DELAY scrubs through buer.
• DELAY+RND: randomly jumps around buer.
• PITCH+DTUNE: repeats a slice of audio with length set by CHOP.
• PITCH+LFO: repeats a slice of audio with length set by CHOP.
• PITCH+DENS: repeats a slice of audio with length set by CHOP.
Delay freeze
Delay freeze recycles the delay output to its input, like the Particle v1 worked. When the delay time is
changed, the frozen loop is pitch shifted and mangled.

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REPEATING LAST-PLAYED AUDIO
The Particle is always listening to your signal, even in analog bypass mode. This allows you to repeat a
phrase that you just played. With the Particle in bypass, set CHOP to 100% the DELAY knob to the desired
repeat time, or use tap tempo When you click the ON footswitch, the Particle will enter freeze mode the
the last segment of audio played.
TAP - FREEZE
Since the left footswitch is used for both setting delay time (tap) and freeze (hold), you can use it to set
the freeze time on the fly, in all modes. Tap once, wait, and then press and hold the footswitch. The
length of the frozen segment will depend on the tap division.
Feedback Lowpass Filter (Tone)
You can adjust the cuto frequency of the feedback lowpass filter to control the brightness of the re-
peats. The setting is stored in presets, and remembered when power is removed.
To adjust the feedback lowpass filter:
1. Start with the Particle enabled (blue light on)
2. Hold the ON [div] footswitch until the light blinks (the pedal will briefly go into bypass)
3. While holding the ON [div] footswitch, adjust the FDBK knob for the desired tone
4. Release the ON [div] footswitch to store the setting
Realtime adjustment is available via MIDI continuous controller messages.

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Modes
Mode Delay/Pitch Param Description
DELAY DENS Delay time Grain density
(interonset time)
Delay with grain density
DELAY LFO Delay range Stretch/compress ratio
(LFO speed)
Time stretch/compress
DELAY REV Delay time Direction probability Reverse delay
DELAY PITCH Delay time Pitch shift amount Delay with random pitch jump
DELAY RND Max. delay time Time randomization range Random delay
PITCH DTUNE Pitch shift Detune amount Detune/pitch clouds
PITCH LFO Pitch shift range LFO speed Pitch modulation
PITCH DENS Pitch shift Grain density
(interonset time)
Pitch with grain density
DELAY + DENS
The delay knob sets the delay time. The param knob controls the density of grains, breaking the incom-
ing audio down into blips at lower settings. The chop and param knobs interact in this mode. Get VO-
SIM-like eects by setting the chop and delay knobs equal with feedback cranked up.
When the CHOP and PARAM knobs are both at higher settings, the audio will perfectly overlap.
DELAY + LFO
Steps through the delay buer at a rate set by the parameter knob. The DELAY knob sets the length of
the audio buer (maximum delay time). Audio plays at normal speed with the param knob at 12:00, is
stretched at lower settings, and compressed at higher settings. The chop knob adjusts the length of each
playback slice. Results can be similar to subtle phasing with short delay times. Longer delays create
time stretching, skip/repeat, and glitchy robot sounds.
For time stretching, adjust the CHOP knob to minimize or maximize audio artifacts.
DELAY + REV
Reverse delay with delay time set by DELAY knob. The PARAM knob controls the probability of each
grain playing forward or reverse. Fully counterclockwise gives a reverse delay. At 12:00, grains are
equally likely to play forward and reverse. The CHOP knob sets the grain size, but also imposes a mini-
mum delay. Longer grains reduce artifacts, especially for sustained sounds. Very short grains produce
glitchy tremolo sounds.
For live reverse delay, use tap tempo with DELAY and CHOP set to the same note division. You can also
set CHOP to a smaller note division, so that the phrase is rewound in smaller chunks.
DELAY + PITCH
The delayed signal is randomly pitch shifted up or down by the amount set by the PARAM knob. The DE-
LAY knob sets the delay time. The CHOP knob controls how often the pitch changes.

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DELAY + RND
The DELAY knob sets the maximum delay time. The PARAM knob sets the randomization range. The
CHOP knob controls how often the delay time is changed (size of the audio slices). Short delays create a
chorusing sound. Use longer delays for random beat slicing eects.
With tap tempo, try setting DELAY to a whole note and CHOP to 1/8th or 1/16th note.
PITCH + DTUNE
The PITCH knob sets +/- 1 octave pitch shift. The PARAM knob controls the amount of random detuning
around the set pitch. Each grain is detuned by a random amount, so the CHOP knob controls how smooth
or stepped the eect is.
Lower settings of the PARAM knob will introduce slight detuning, similar to a dual-oscillator synth. As
the PARAM knob is increased, the amount of detuning and number of simultaneous grains will increase.
Higher settings will create pitch clouds.
For organ-like sounds, use little or no detuning (PARAM), +1 octave pitch shift, and high FDBK. The
CHOP knob can be used to fine-tune the pitch shifting, and at higher settings it will introduce a slight
delay between repeats. That is useful for creating "power up" video game sound eects from percussive
sounds.
For chorus or reverb-like sounds, set the PITCH knob for no shift (12:00), use the PARAM knob to add
a bit of detuning, and increase FDBK to create a reverberant sound. The CHOP knob will adjust the
smoothness of the eect.
PITCH + LFO
The PITCH knob controls the range of pitch shift, from one octave down to one octave up. Within that
range, the pitch ramps at a frequency set by the PARAM knob. The pitch changes with each new grain, so
the CHOP knob controls how smooth or stepped the eect is. FDBK can be used to smooth out the eect.

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PITCH + DENS
The PITCH knob sets +/- 1 octave pitch shift. The PARAM knob controls the density of grains, breaking
the incoming audio down into blips at lower settings. The CHOP and PARAM knobs interact in this mode,
and at higher settings there will be multiple overlapping grains.

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Combining Modes
In its default configuration, the MODE knob will assign the DELAY/PITCH and PARAM knobs to specific
functions and reset the previous mode's parameters. For example, switching from DELAY+DENS to DE-
LAY+LFO will set the grain density so that they perfectly overlap.
You can combine modes in several dierent ways:
• In the pitch modes, use tap tempo to set a delay time.
• Use MIDI to set parameter values. All of the Particle's parameters are available via MIDI.
• Assign the expression pedal to the DELAY/PITCH or PARAM knob in a dierent mode (see "Control
input (expression pedal)" on page 15).
• Use the "modeless" configuration setting to change the behavior of the MODE knob (see next section).
Modeless Configuration Setting
The mode switch reassigns the DELAY/PITCH and PARAM controls without clearing the audio buer.
When switching modes, the PARAM assignment from the previous mode is reset by default. Using MIDI
controller 119 (or our web editor), you can change the behavior of the Mode switch so that the previous
changes are retained. The setting is saved in presets, and also remembered when power is turned o.
When CC 119 is turned on, the MODE switch simply assigns the knobs to dierent parameters. This is
very flexible, but can also be confusing because the hidden parameter settings make it hard to find your
way back after making changes. You can always press the PRESET button to load the next preset, and
when the preset LEDs are o it will reset everything to the current knob settings.
We recommend leaving CC 119 o in normal use, and setting up one or more presets that allow you to
combine modes. The preset gives you a predictable starting point for manipulating the sound live.

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Control input (expression pedal)
The CTRL (control) input supports dierent methods of remotely controlling the eect:
• Expression pedal
• Remote switch
• Control voltage (CV) with 0-3.3V range
To configure a device, hold down the right footswitch while plugging it in. The Tensor will detect which
device is connected using the steps below. You can also use our web editor to configure the port (see
"Web Editor (beta)" on page 20).
The configuration is remembered when the device is unplugged or power is turned o.
Expression Pedal
An expression pedal can be assigned to any combination of knob settings at the heel and toe position (up
to 6 parameters). Moving the expression pedal will morph between the settings.
You can also calibrate the range of the expression pedal, to ensure that its full travel is used.
Calibrating Expression Pedal Range (no knob assignments):
1. Start with the pedal powered on and nothing plugged into the CTRL port.
2. Hold the right footswitch while plugging in the expression pedal. The right LED will blink yellow
three times to indicate it is in CTRL configuration mode. You can release the right footswitch and
begin configuration immediately.
3. Move the expression pedal to the heel down position.
4. Move the expression pedal to the toe down position.
5. Hold the right footswitch for 3 seconds to save the configuration. The right LED will blink green to
indicate that the configuration has been saved.
Configuring Expression Pedal Knob Assignments
1. Start with the pedal powered on and nothing plugged into the CTRL port.
2. Hold the right footswitch while plugging in the expression pedal. The right LED will blink yellow 3
times to indicate it is in CTRL configuration mode. You can release the right footswitch and begin
configuration immediately.
3. Move the expression pedal to the heel down position.
4. Adjust the knobs for the desired sound.
5. Move the expression pedal to the toe down position.
6. Adjust the knobs for the desired sound.
7. Hold the right footswitch for 3 seconds to save the configuration. The right LED will blink green to
indicate that the configuration has been saved.
Knobs that are not adjusted during configuration will not be aected by the expression pedal. Expres-
sion pedal assignments are stored in presets and when the expression pedal is unplugged or power is
turned o.
Expression pedals with 5-25 kΩ linear potentiometers work best.

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Control Voltage
Control voltage input is configured the same way as an expression pedal.
CV Range: 0-3.3V (with over/under-voltage protection)
Tip: 0-3.3V input
Ring: 3.3V output (with current limiting)
Sleeve: ground
The expression input has current limiting in case you use a TS cable, but it is preferable to use a 1/4”
TRS cable with the ring unconnected. We sell a suitable cable at our web site, and the Expert Sleep-
ers ‘floating ring’ cable is another option. Instructions for building your own cable are available on our
Knowledge Base.
Remote Switch
A remote switch has up to 4 modes of 4 switches that can access presets and pedal functions. It works
with our remote switches, some third-party switches, and is DIY friendly for dierent control interfac-
es. See our Knowledge Base for infomation on building a compatible switch. Note that the switch uses
parallel resistors, and switches with shorting contacts will not work without an adapter (most tap-tempo
switches and the Roland FS-6, for example).
1, 2, 3, and 4-button switches are supported. The modes and functions accessible will depend on the
number of buttons. A single-button switch can load or save your favorite sound.
To save a preset, hold the corresponding button for two seconds. The right LED will blink green to indi-
cate that the preset has been stored. Presets are also accessible via the PRESET button and MIDI pro-
gram change messages.
Configuring a Remote Switch:
1. Start with the pedal powered on and nothing plugged into the CTRL port.
2. Hold the right footswitch while plugging in the remote switch. The right LED will blink yellow 3 times
to indicate it is in CTRL configuration mode. You can release the right footswitch and begin configu-
ration immediately.
3. Press one of the buttons on the remote switch to select a mode.
4. Hold the right footswitch for 2 seconds to save the configuration. The right LED will blink green to
indicate that the configuration has been saved.
Particle firmware 2.0.1 supports one mode, enabling the remote switch to change presets.
Mode Switch Function LED Indication
1 A Preset 1 (hold to save) Blinks green when saved
B Preset 2 (hold to save) Blinks green when saved
C Preset 3 (hold to save) Blinks green when saved
D Preset 4 (hold to save) Blinks green when saved

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Presets
The Particle stores 127 presets. Presets 1-4 are accessible from the front panel, and all are accessible
via MIDI program change messages. MIDI program 128 resets the parameters to the current knob set-
tings. (Note that some controllers label MIDI programs 0-127 and some use 1-128.)
If preset 1-4 is selected, the Particle will remember the current preset when power is turned o and
restore it. That allows it to be gig-ready, without worrying if the knobs have been moved.
Changing the Current Preset
• Press the preset button to cycle through presets 1-4 and the live knob settings.
• Send a MIDI program change message.
Saving a Preset
To save preset 1-4, press the preset button to select the desired preset, then hold the preset button for 2
seconds to store the current settings in that preset location. Note that when you select the preset loca-
tion, the sound will change to that preset. After holding the button 2 seconds, the current knob settings
will be saved.
To save any preset (1-127) via MIDI, send a MIDI program change message while holding down the PRE-
SET button (do this without preset 1-4 selected, to avoid accidentally overwriting). You can also save a
preset using a MIDI System Exclusive message (See "System Exclusive (SysEx)" on page 28).
Tap Tempo
Tap the left footswitch at quarter note intervals to set the delay time using tap tempo. The LED will blink
yellow to indicate the current tempo. To cancel tap tempo, quickly double tap the left (TAP) footswitch.
You can set independent note divisions for chop (grain length), delay time, density, and LFO rate. The
tap divisions are stored in presets, and remembered when power is removed. More note divisions are
available via MIDI.
By default, the delay time is set for quarter notes and tap divisions are o for other parameters.
To view or change tap divisions:
1. Start with the Particle enabled (blue light on)
2. Hold the ON [div] footswitch until the LED changes to yellow (the pedal will briefly go into bypass)
3. While holding the ON [div] footswitch, adjust the controls as described below
4. Release the ON [div] footswitch to store the settings
While in tap division mode, the PRESET LEDs blink based on the current tap division (o for none). The
Bypass LED blinks red at quarter notes.

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Tap tempo LED assignments
Preset 1 2 3 4
Assignment Grain size Density LFO rate Delay
Tap tempo control assignments
Control Tap Division Assignment
CHOP Chop (grain size)
DELAY/PITCH Delay time
MODE Delay time
PARAM DENS: density
LFO: LFO rate
Delay note divisions (MODE knob)
Mode Position Note Division
DENS Whole note
LFO Half note
DTUNE Dotted quarter note
RND Quarter note
PITCH Quarter note triplet
REV Dotted eighth note
LFO Eighth note
DENS Eighth note triplet

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Delay, chop, and density note divisions (CHOP, DELAY, PARAM knobs)
O (tap tempo disabled)
Whole note Eighth note triplet
Half note 16th note
Dotted quarter note 16th note triplet
Quarter note 32nd note
Quarter note triplet 32nd note triplet
Dotted eighth note 64th note
Eighth note 64th note triplet
LFO note divisions (PARAM knob)
O (tap tempo disabled)
8 measures Eighth note
4 measures Eighth note triplet
2 measures 16th note
Whole note 16th note triplet
Half note 32nd note
Quarter note 32nd note triplet

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Web Editor (beta)
The web-based Particle editor can be used to configure your pedal, access hidden parameters, and
fine-tune presets. It is intended for "oine" configuration and editing. For live performance editing, we
recommend using dedicated MIDI hardware or software and MIDI control change messages.
Connect your pedal to a computer using a USB cable and go to the web editor URL using Chrome:
https://www.redpandalab.com/content/apps/particle-editor/index.html
The editor uses Web MIDI, which is not supported by all browsers. We ocially support Chrome.
The editor is currently beta software. It is fully functional, but does not look great.
Pedal Status
The web editor indicates whether the pedal is connected. If the status is "not found", ensure that the
pedal is turned on and connected to your computer. Click the refresh button to refresh the status.
Edit
The Edit tab shows all of the Particle's realtime parameters. The on-screen controls are updated to
match the current state of the pedal, but there is a slight lag that may make it unsuitable for live per-
formance. The web editor's controls allow higher resolution changes than MIDI continuous controller
messages (up to 24 bits).
Modeless allows you to access parameters from all modes using the pedal's MODE switch. See "" on
page 13 for information.
Freeze Mode changes the freeze behavior as described in "Freeze" on page 9.
Mod
The Mod tab allows you to configure the pedal's CTRL port for an expression pedal or remote switch.
The control port mode (expression or remote) is stored globally, but expression pedal assignment and
remote switch configuration are stored in each preset.
The expression pedal can be assigned to up to 6 parameters, with a minimum/maximum range for each.
Preset
The Preset tab allows you to send MIDI program change messages and save presets to the pedal's on-
board memory. Presets 1-4 are also available via the pedal's PRESET button.