Use Audio Plugiator User manual

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Plugiator User Manual
DSP Plug-In based Sound Synthesizer
User Manual Version V1.0
January 2008
User Manual
use audio

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Plugiator User Manual
License and DisclaimerLicense and Disclaimer
License and DisclaimerLicense and Disclaimer
License and Disclaimer
Installation and/or any use of the Product will constitute acceptance of all terms and conditions contained
herein. The software, firmware, sound data and related documentation included with this Product is
provided to you on a license basis. The Plug-in Manager software requires your separate acceptance of
its respective software license, for which you will be prompted during installation of the software.
You are prohibited to modify, disassemble, reverse engineer or distribute any software, firmware or
documentation provided with this Product. We must caution you that this documentation may include
technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. We can not warrant that the supplied software will be
compatible with any specific computer or configuration.
This Product requires the previous installation of Adobe Flash Version 9.0 or later.
The Product is provided for your reasonable enjoyment only and Use Audio Inc offers no warranty for
any particular fitness of the Product. Use Audio Inc warrants that the Product performs in material
conformance with published specifications in supported configurations. For hardware warranty terms,
please refer to the last pages of this user manual.
In no event will Use Audio Inc be liable for any loss of data or for errors in data use or processing
resulting from the use of this Product or the documentation. In particular, Use Audio Inc will not be
responsible for any direct or indirect damages (including lost profits, lost savings, delays or interruptions
in the flow of business activities, including but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential, or
other similar damages) arising out of the use of or inability to use this Product or the associated
documentation.
The use of registered names, trademarks, etc., in this publication does not imply, even in the absence
of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations
(patent laws, trademark laws etc.) and therefore free for general use. Permitted use of 3rd party
trademarks does not mean that Use Audio Inc is affiliated with the respective trademark holder in any
way. In no case does Use Audio Inc guarantee that the information given in this documentation is free
of such third-party rights.
This Product is in compliance with applicable CE, FCC Part 15 Class B and RoHS requirements as of
December 2007. Copyright © 2007-2008 Use Audio Inc. All rights reserved.

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Plugiator User Manual
TT
TT
Table of Contentsable of Contents
able of Contentsable of Contents
able of Contents
License and Disclaimer ...................................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 5
What’s in the Box ............................................................................................................... 6
Important Safety Instructions ............................................................................................. 7
Getting Started ........................................................................................................ 9
Making Connections ........................................................................................................... 9
Getting Sound out of your Plugiator ................................................................................ 10
Plugiator Control Interface .............................................................................................. 11
Multi Function Knobs ....................................................................................................... 11
Single Function Knobs...................................................................................................... 13
Quick Pads ....................................................................................................................... 14
Plug-Ins & Presets ................................................................................................. 15
Loading Plug-ins ............................................................................................................. 15
Changing Presets ............................................................................................................. 16
MIDI Program Change List .............................................................................................. 17
USB Connections and Driver Installation ............................................................... 18
Confirming that the Driver has been correctly installed ................................................... 20
Installing the Plug-in Manager Software .............................................................. 21
Using the Plug-in Manager Software .................................................................... 22
General ............................................................................................................................ 22
Panel Layout .................................................................................................................... 23
Software Menus ............................................................................................................... 24
File Menu ......................................................................................................................... 24
View Menu ....................................................................................................................... 25
Options Menu................................................................................................................... 26

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Plugiator User Manual
Making Firmware Updates .............................................................................................. 29
Online Menu .................................................................................................................... 33
Help Menu ....................................................................................................................... 33
Using the Plugiator................................................................................................ 34
Slot Configuration............................................................................................................ 34
Local ON/OFF .................................................................................................................. 35
Activity Monitor ................................................................................................................ 36
Presets ............................................................................................................................. 37
Preset File - Context Menu ............................................................................................... 37
Bank - Context Menu ....................................................................................................... 38
MIDI Keyboard................................................................................................................. 39
MIDI Monitor ................................................................................................................... 40
Tabs ................................................................................................................................. 41
Preset Manager ............................................................................................................... 41
Engaging Presets ............................................................................................................. 42
Modifying Presets using the Plugiator Control Interface .................................................. 43
Modifying Presets using the Plug-in Manager Software .................................................. 43
Online Sounds.................................................................................................................. 44
Recording & MIDI .................................................................................................. 45
Simultaneously using the Plug-in Manager and a MIDI Sequencing Application for
Recording and Playback .................................................................................................. 45
Specifications.......................................................................................................... 49
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ........................................................................ 50
MIDI Implementation Charts ................................................................................. 52
Hardware Warranty Regulations ........................................................................... 56
EMI / EMC Compliance ..................................................................................................... 57
Origin .............................................................................................................................. 57
Notes ...................................................................................................................... 58

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Plugiator User Manual
IntroductionIntroduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Plugiator, your new plug-in based sound module. A lot
of effort and passion went into this product, which we are sure you will appreciate -
and we hope you will have as much fun with it as we have.
The Plugiator is a light weight, very portable sound module that can emulate diffe-
rent synthesizer architectures based on its 'Virtual Circuit Modeling' technology without
relying on playback of sampled sounds.
It has been designed to model the exact behavior and deliver the same powerful
sound as the originals. The Plugiator sounds like the original, and not like a recording
of it - and maintains all the depth, the dynamics and the liveliness of the sound. Also
allows you to tweak any parameter and easily allows you to design new sounds from
ground up, if you like. When you compare its sound experience to sample based
solutions, you will quickly notice the difference.
Several aspects of the Plugiator concept are new and unique. Combining the compact
size and "compact" price point of sample-based sound modules with the latest in
DSP technology, the Plugiator provides innovation and flexibility previously only
available in the software plug-in domain.
Its open and modular architecture, combined with unique internet integration for
quick browsing of online sounds allows you to capture a whole world of sounds and
take it anywhere without dependency on your Computer. Use your computer for
management of your sounds - but when it is time to go out, perform and have fun,
you can now leave your computer at home if you like.
Great plug-in technology just became light-weight and portable!

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Plugiator User Manual
WhatWhat
WhatWhat
What’s in the Box’s in the Box
’s in the Box’s in the Box
’s in the Box
Please check that your product packaging contains all the following items:
nThis User Manual
nPlugiator Sound Synthesizer
nExternal Power Supply Unit
nUSB Cable 1.8m
nSoftware Installation CD
In case your product has been damaged during transport or the content of the
packaging is short of any of the items listed above, please report such issue to your
dealer immediately. In case your dealer does not prove to be helpful, please contact
Use Audio Inc. directly.

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Plugiator User Manual
Important Safety InstructionsImportant Safety Instructions
Important Safety InstructionsImportant Safety Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
PLEASE CAREFULLPLEASE CAREFULL
PLEASE CAREFULLPLEASE CAREFULL
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLY READ THE FOLL
Y READ THE FOLLY READ THE FOLL
Y READ THE FOLLOWINGOWING
OWINGOWING
OWING::
::
:
Electrical SafetyElectrical Safety
Electrical SafetyElectrical Safety
Electrical Safety
nDO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT NEAR WATER.
nCLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH.
nDO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES,
OR OTHER APPARATUS (INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEAT.
nUNPLUG THIS PRODUCT DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG
PERIODS OF TIME.
nPOWER CORD: Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
nSERVICING: Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
product has been damaged in any way, such as that the power supply or cord is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen onto the product, the product has been exposed to rain
or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
nDO NOT OPEN THE PRODUCT: Unauthorized opening of the product will void the limited
hardware warranty and exposes you to the risk of ELECTRIC SHOCK.
nPOWER ON/OFF SWITCH: Note that the power switch on the back of the product DOES NOT
break the connection from the mains.
nMULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This product may require the use of one of the possibly supplied
alternate power plugs. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to qualified
service personnel or equivalent.
nPOWER SUPPLY FAILURE: Never repair a power supply but replace it with a suitable new
power supply of identical specifications.

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Plugiator User Manual
PP
PP
Protecting your Ears and Equipmentrotecting your Ears and Equipment
rotecting your Ears and Equipmentrotecting your Ears and Equipment
rotecting your Ears and Equipment
CAUTION: This product is able to produce sound levels which may damage your ears
and/or speakers connected. Please be very conservative on the volumes you are using
and always keep your mixer and amplification levels in a range so that loud sounds
or spikes produced by the product (intentionally or unintentionally) would not exceed
safe levels for your equipment or your ears.
Disposal NoticeDisposal Notice
Disposal NoticeDisposal Notice
Disposal Notice
Should this product become damaged beyond repair or should you wish to dispose
the product, please observe all local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding
the disposal of electronic equipment. If your dealer is unable to assist you, you can
contact Use Audio Inc. directly and we shall assist you with an environmentally safe
disposal.

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Plugiator User Manual
Getting StartedGetting Started
Getting StartedGetting Started
Getting Started
Making ConnectionsMaking Connections
Making ConnectionsMaking Connections
Making Connections
1.1.
1.1.
1. 9V DC 500mA9V DC 500mA
9V DC 500mA9V DC 500mA
9V DC 500mA
Use only the 9V DC power adapter supplied with your Plugiator to power the box. In
case the supplied power supply comes with different power plug types, you may need
to change the power supply over to the plug type which is suitable in your country.
2.2.
2.2.
2. PP
PP
Powerower
owerower
ower
Switches your Plugiator on and off.
3.3.
3.3.
3. MIDI INMIDI IN
MIDI INMIDI IN
MIDI IN
Connect the MIDI OUT of your Keyboard / MIDI triggering source to the MIDI In.
4.4.
4.4.
4. MIDI THRUMIDI THRU
MIDI THRUMIDI THRU
MIDI THRU
The MIDI input signal is routed directly to the MIDI Thru so you can send the master
keyboard's MIDI data to other MIDI sound modules or device as well.
5.5.
5.5.
5. USBUSB
USBUSB
USB
Connect your Plugiator to your computer's USB port in order to use it with a MIDI
sequencer or the Plug-in Manager software.
6.6.
6.6.
6. MicMic
MicMic
Mic
The Plugiator allows you to connect a professional dynamic microphone to your
keyboard over a ¼" phono jack. Please note that some commercial headset
microphones use TRS connectors with Tip and Ring internally shorted. The Plugiator
is not designed to work with such Microphones.

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Plugiator User Manual
7.7.
7.7.
7. Audio OutAudio Out
Audio OutAudio Out
Audio Out
The Audio outputs of the Plugiator are two high quality analog unbalanced line
level outputs available on ¼" phono jacks as left and right signals.
In order to hear audio from the Plugiator, connect the Audio Out L & R to the Left /
Right inputs of a mixing console, a pair of powered speakers, a computer sound card
or a HiFi system.
8.8.
8.8.
8. HeadphoneHeadphone
HeadphoneHeadphone
Headphone
A headphone output is available on a ¼" phono stereo jack for monitoring audio
over a pair of stereo headphones.
Getting Sound out of your PlugiatorGetting Sound out of your Plugiator
Getting Sound out of your PlugiatorGetting Sound out of your Plugiator
Getting Sound out of your Plugiator
This would be a simple setup to quickly rig up your Plugiator with a MIDI keyboard:
1. Connect the MIDI OUT from your keyboard to the MIDI IN of the Plugiator.
2. Connect the line output of the Plugiator to a pair of active speakers (or a mixer);
or use the headphone output of the Plugiator.
3. You can now play the Plugiator via your MIDI keyboard sequencer.

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Plugiator User Manual
Plugiator Control InterfacePlugiator Control Interface
Plugiator Control InterfacePlugiator Control Interface
Plugiator Control Interface
The Plugiator control interface has been designed to allow you quick and easy access
to almost every function and setting you would want to tweak while using the product
without a computer connected.
With a total of three multi functional knobs, eight single function knobs and ten
quick pads you have great amount of control on your sound without the dependency
on a computer.
Multi FMulti F
Multi FMulti F
Multi Function Knobsunction Knobs
unction Knobsunction Knobs
unction Knobs
The Preset, Plugin and Volume knobs allow you to use a single knob to achieve
multiple functions.
Knob Actions:
1. Rotating the knob.
2. Single push down.
3. Push and hold down for 3 seconds.
4. Push and turn while keeping the knob pushed down

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Plugiator User Manual
PP
PP
Presetreset
resetreset
reset
The preset knob is used in the following actions:
a. Rotating to scroll through presets of the currently selected plug-in.
b. Single push down to enable numerical entry of a two-digit preset number
via the quick pads (preset 100 is entered as "00").
c. Push and hold down for 3 seconds to store & overwrite modified preset
parameters into the internal memory of the Plugiator.
PluginPlugin
PluginPlugin
Plugin
The plugin knob is used in the following actions:
a. Rotating to scroll through the list of plug-ins available on your Plugiator.
b. Single push down to load the currently selected plug-in.
c. Push and hold down for 3 seconds to send an "all notes off" MIDI message.
That function is useful to shut off a note which got stuck. Stuck notes typically
indicate a flaw in the MIDI keyboard, the sequencer or the MIDI interface
and are not usually caused by the Plugiator synth itself.
VV
VV
Volumeolume
olumeolume
olume
The volume knob is used in the following actions:
a. Rotating to increase or decrease the output volume of the Plugiator both
on the Line outputs & the headphone out.
b. Push, hold down and then rotating to change the MIDI channel number
[Channel 1 till Channel 16 & OMNI]. The MIDI channel will be set to the
currently displayed number when you release the push function of the
knob.

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Plugiator User Manual
Single FSingle F
Single FSingle F
Single Function Knobsunction Knobs
unction Knobsunction Knobs
unction Knobs
The first five single function knobs are used to control various sound design parameters
on each plug-in. These knobs do not have a fixed function & vary depending on the
currently loaded plug-in: see the printed label ob the Plugiator in the row of the
currently active plug-in.
The last three knobs control Delay Time, Delay Effect Dry/Wet, Chorus Flanger Dry/
Wet & stay constant throughout all plug-ins.
Note the one exception to that rule:Note the one exception to that rule:
Note the one exception to that rule:Note the one exception to that rule:
Note the one exception to that rule: For the B4000 the Chorus Flanger Dry/Wet
knob has been assigned to Rotor Speed which is switchable from Slow to Fast.

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Plugiator User Manual
Quick PQuick P
Quick PQuick P
Quick Padsads
adsads
ads
The quick pads on the Plugiator are used in the following actions:
a. Single push down to engage the previously assigned preset or preset and
plug-in combination, corresponding to that quick pad number.
b. Push and hold down for 3 seconds to assign the currently loaded Plug-in
and Preset to the corresponding quick pad number.
Note:Note:
Note:Note:
Note: When making an assignment to a quick pad the Plugiator stores the Plug-in
and Preset number that will be recalled when the quick pad is pushed. If you modify
a particular preset that was previously assigned to a quick pad, the quick pad would
then refer to and call up the modified sound.

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Plugiator User Manual
Plug-Ins & PPlug-Ins & P
Plug-Ins & PPlug-Ins & P
Plug-Ins & Presetsresets
resetsresets
resets
The Plugiator runs one plug-in at a time and can store upto eight plug-ins
(instruments) within its internal memory.
Along with your initial purchase of the product you have been supplied with three
plug-ins; the Minimax, B4000 and the LightWave. Additionally, the Vocodizer can be
downloaded for free after registering your hardware online at www.use-audio.com/
register.
In addition to these four plug-ins, more plug-ins can be purchased & downloaded
from www.use-audio.com/options.
Loading Plug-insLoading Plug-ins
Loading Plug-insLoading Plug-ins
Loading Plug-ins
There are four ways of loading plug-ins within the Plugiator.
1. Using the “PLUGIN” knob located on the control surface of the unit (refer to
the previous chapter "Plugiator Control Interface")
2. Loading plug-ins via the Plug-in Manager Software installed on a computer.
3. Using quick pads to load Plug-ins or Presets you have previously assigned to a
quick pad number (refer to the previous chapter "Plugiator Control Interface")
4. Loading a plug-in from your MIDI keyboard by sending a MIDI Program Change
& playing a note to confirm this selection.
Example:Example:
Example:Example:
Example: By sending the MIDI Program change 101 and playing a note on your
keyboard within a short duration you will load the first plug-in (MINIMAX).

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Plugiator User Manual
Below is the list of plug-ins and Program Change numbers required to load plug-ins.
PP
PP
Program Changerogram Change
rogram Changerogram Change
rogram Change NoteNote
NoteNote
Note Plug-inPlug-in
Plug-inPlug-in
Plug-in
101 any MINIMAX
102 any Lightwave
103 any B4000
104 any Vocodizer
Additional plug-ins available via the Online Shop
PP
PP
Program Changerogram Change
rogram Changerogram Change
rogram Change NoteNote
NoteNote
Note Plug-inPlug-in
Plug-inPlug-in
Plug-in
105 any Prodyssey
106 any Pro-12
107 any Fmagia
108 any Drums’n’Bass
Changing PChanging P
Changing PChanging P
Changing Presetsresets
resetsresets
resets
Each plug-in on the Plugiator has 100 internal presets.
Note:Note:
Note:Note:
Note: Creating, storing, modifying and managing preset files will be discussed later in
this User Manual
There are four ways of changing presets for the currently active plug-in on the
Plugiator.
1. Using the „PRESET“ knob located on the control surface of the box to scroll
through presets. This will call up the corresponding preset which is stored in
the Plugiator box (refer to the previous chapter "Plugiator Control Interface")
2. Changing presets via the Plug-in Manager software installed on a PC. Note
that in this case, a preset which is stored in the software will be recalled. These
presets reside on your computer, and may not be related to presets stored in
your Plugiator box. To quickly store a preset which you called up from the

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Plugiator User Manual
Plug-in Manager software in the Plugiator box, use the "Store" function of the
preset knob.
3. Quick pads to load presets or plug-ins you have previously assigned to that
quick pad number. This will call up the corresponding preset which is stored in
the Plugiator box (refer to the previous chapter "Plugiator Control Interface")
4. Changing presets from your MIDI keyboard by sending MIDI Program Change
messages in the range of 1 to 100. This will call up the corresponding preset
which is stored in the Plugiator box.
Note:Note:
Note:Note:
Note: Presets which are stored in the Plugiator box are not nessesarily in sync with
presets listed in the Plug-In Manager Software. Changes you make in the software
will not be stored in the box unless you write the bank to the Plugiator hardware. Vice
versa, changes you make to the presets stored in the Plugiator box will not be available
in the software unless you read out a bank from the Plugiator box. That was done on
purpose to allow management of multiple banks across multiple Plugiator boxes.
MIDI PMIDI P
MIDI PMIDI P
MIDI Program Change Listrogram Change List
rogram Change Listrogram Change List
rogram Change List
MIDI Program change 1....100 Loading Presets.
MIDI Program change 101....108 + any Note Loading Plug-ins.
MIDI Program change 109....127 Have no effect.

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Plugiator User Manual
USB Connections and Driver InstallationUSB Connections and Driver Installation
USB Connections and Driver InstallationUSB Connections and Driver Installation
USB Connections and Driver Installation
The USB interface on the Plugiator is used for two applications:
1. To connect the Plugiator to the Plug-in Manager software installed on your
computer / laptop to manage presets and settings.
2. Recording MIDI information from your Plugiator Control interface & MIDI IN
directly into your favourite computer music sequencing application.
To install the Plugiator Drivers and Plug-in Manager software on a PC you will require
a Windows XP operating system with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista. For support of
the Mac OSX please refer to www.use-audio.com.
Make the following connections in order to begin the installation.

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Plugiator User Manual
After connecting the Plugiator to your computer’s USB port, Windows will
automatically detect and install the “USB Audio Driver”
You will see a dialog box (figure shown below) displaying that a new USB device has
been found and that Windows is installing drivers for this device automatically.

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Plugiator User Manual
Confirming that the Device has been found and the Drivers haveConfirming that the Device has been found and the Drivers have
Confirming that the Device has been found and the Drivers haveConfirming that the Device has been found and the Drivers have
Confirming that the Device has been found and the Drivers have
been correctly installed:been correctly installed:
been correctly installed:been correctly installed:
been correctly installed:
1. Go to My Computer -> Device Manager.
2. Under your Machine Name -> Sound Video & Game controllers you will find
an entry for your Plugiator unit called "USB Audio Device"
3. If you can see the entry for the `USB Audio Device' within Device Manager the
driver installation is correct.
If this step was not successful, unplug the USB cable from the computer and try to use
an alternative USB port available.
Note:Note:
Note:Note:
Note: It is recomended that you always use the same USB port to connect the Plugiator
to your Computer which you used while installing the drivers. Otherwise, in some
computer configurations, your Plugiator may not be recognized.