TubeOhm Pure-16/24Grain manual english

by TubeOhm 2010

LICENSE AGREEMENT between TubeOhm, L.Laska and you, the end user of PURE-D16/24Grain. Please read this license agreement before you install the software on your computer. By installing the software you agree to abide by this license agreement. You have buy a license to use the software on your computer. This software and written materials are subject to copyright. All rights reserved by TubeOhm. With a valid license you can use this software to produce sounds and make music in a professional manner. It is forbidden to sell parts of the software , copy or share it. TubeOhm is not liable for any damage or data loss caused by the usage of the software. Using this software is at your own risk! Please respect our work. If you like it , buy it.

About Pure-D16/24Grain After building some virtual analog synths and ' sample based 'synths it was time create a new synthesizer, based on small sample-grains. What we can do with a normal sound sample? How we can use it in another way ? These questions generated after a year's worth of hard work on TubeOhm's Pure-Grain. Pure-Grain is not a recreation of a classic synth, it's a unique synth as unique as you. So.... what is Pure-Grain ? Pure-Grain plays does not play samples in a normal way. The focus on Pure-Grain is set to new effects, organic human sound scapes, voice splitters and also strange natural instruments. This allows for a new type of granular synthesis. With help from a modulation envelope, Pure-Grain can pass through a sample, or stop at a vocal sample. The sound length is separete from the sound pitch. You can cut a small part, a GRAIN, from any position of the sample and use it as a waveform for the subtractive synthesis engine. The DELAY, LFO ,GATER and ARP can switch tempo to synchronise to the VST Hostprogramme. And yes , if the programming is harsh, you'll have aliasing an distortion in the sound , but sometimes after moving just a knob, you'll hear never before heard sounds with Pure-Grain. Pure-Grain is an very experimental synth , buildingblocks for sound designers and background effects for movies, industrial music - for all sounds you just can't do so with a 'normal' synth. Pure-Grain has a lot of new features and posibilities. The instrument can be used for pads, effects, unbelievable sounds and also some trashy sounds....... But after a small 'playaround' time it is easy for you to get fresh new sounds with Pure-Grain

Thanks to the beta testing team Armin Malberts Dennis Kawll Michael Lhrig Andrew Ainslie gater effects idea,sound design, betatester enhanced gater effects, betatester GUI color, german manual, Betatester , sound design english manual

Have a lot of fun using Pure-16/24Grain TubeOhm O-E , 15.07.2010 System requirements: Pure-D16/24Grain requires a VST Host programme PC running Win-XP/Vista / Win 7 minimum cpu 2000Mhz/dual/quad 100 MB free HDD space cpu usage on Q6600 3-12 % latency 255 samples, less on faster systems Installation: The software comes with an installer ! Default path: C:\programme\steinberg\vstplugins\PURE-G.dll The Sample Libary is in C:\Programme\TubeOhm\Pure-G\Samples \*.wav In the folder PURE-G/manual //Bank you can find this manual and the factory-soundbank ( backup). The installer-program install , PURE-D16/24Grain.dll in the choosen folder. Features: - ten voice polyphony - three LFOs - effects unit with delay, chorus, reverb, gater, arpeggiator - one grain oscillator - one multistage programmable envelope - three filters 2x 12/24 LP/HP and one 6 dB filter - midi learn function - one wave screen - two ADSR envelopes - monophonic soft distortion - grain select (static) - formant select (static) - dynamic grain and formant modes

INFO: To understand the basic functions of Pure-Grain, let us think about what happens with the grain synthesis. Each of you (I think) has cut a small loop from a long audio sample. A very short loop contains only one waveform cycle . If you now move the start point from the loop , you get a lot of different waveforms from one long audio sample. If you move the loop start position from sample start to sample end , you hear the complete sample and you are also able to stop the grain on any position in the sample. This is because only the loop plays !! Be shure that the Static Button is on !! Moving the loop (Grain) start point manually with the GRAIN SELECT knob we call the 'STATIC MODE'. This you can do ' manually' with the GRAIN SELECT knob. You create one waveform from a Sample and manipulate it with subtractive synthesis. What happens if we automate the GRAIN SELECT function with a modulation envelope? Be shure that the Dynamic Button is on !! Yes , we can do it and this mode is called ' DYMANIC MODE'. In this mode the envelope controls how fast and how far the grain moves in the sample. If the attack time is fast, then the samples will be played fast, if the attack is slow than the sample is played slow. But the pitch of the sample is the same, because we drive with a small loop through the sample. That means, we manipulate the SAMPLE TIME !!! Formant synthesis: Now we pitch the complete sample a few notes up. The pitch goes up, but the sample lengh is the same. That means, we can manipulate the pitch from the sample in spite of the sample length not changing. Now we have 2 parameters to have fun and play with. These two parameters in the DYNAMIC MODE can be controlled with the LFOs, FORMANT SELECT, KEYTRACK How does the DYNAMIC MODE work with the envelope ?? (DYNAMIC ON) The values of each stage from the envelope is the Grain-Position in the Sample. The needed time from one value to the next value in the envelope is the grain play time, because the grain moves from one position to the next in a given time.

If the envelope start on zero level and moves in 2 seconds to the maximum level, the grain moves in 2 seconds from the sample start to the sample end.-- you hear the complete sample in 2 seconds.-. Now the envelope moves back from maximun level to zero level. In this case the grain moves back from the end of the sample to sample start. You hear the sample in reverse !! The envelope has maximum 8 stages . With this, Pure-Grain can move the grain back and forwards or stop on any position of the sample. If you move a grain slowly through the sample it will give a very intresting sound effect, because the waveforms change very slow .It is like the classic wavescanning synths of old. Remember. If the envelope is rising, the sample plays forward, if the envelope is falling, the sample play in reverse and if the envelope is fixed on a level, Pure-Grain plays only the small GRAIN wave on this position. Useful samples: If you use you own samples for grain synthesis, take vocals or drum patterns, ore every kind of abnormal crazy samples !! It comes alive with sounds from a complex sample, and it is equal if the sound quality of the original sample. Inany case you will get new intresting results. Unuseful samples: Saw, sin, sqr sample for example, this because this kind of sample can be playse forward/reverse and still have the same sound. That defeats the purpose. Enhanced modulation of grains and formants Witch each of the LFOs you can modulate the Grain position and the Formants.(also VCA,VCF and pitch) The two LFOs can be switched to syncronize to the host tempo. Tip: If you use a square wave for the modulation of the Grain position, the Grain jump from one position to another position of the sample and you hear different rhythmic sounds. Remember, in the STATIC MODE you can choose the Grain position by hand with GRAIN SELECT. In the DYNAMIC MODE the envelope automates the GRAIN movement. In both modes you can modulate the Grain's position and the Formant (pitch) with the LFOs. If the STATIC MODE is on, Formant and pitch is also controlled by the envelope

Enhanced modulation of grains and formants The selector STATIC/DYNAMIC MODE is at the middle-top of the envelope module ! Here's a few examples: In the STATIC MODE you can adjust the grain position with GRAIN SELECT . You see here the blue marker. This shows you the actual Grain position! Picture 1.1 In the DYNAMIC MODE the red marker shows the movement through the sample. Also the modulation from the LFOs picture 1.2 The speed of the sample movement time is controlled by the envelope, The maximum position in the sample is controlled by the level of the envelope !! More about this in the manual later: In the STATIC MODUS you can adjust the grain position with the GRAIN SELECT knob. You see here the blue marker. This shows you the actual Grain position! picture 1.1

In the DYNAMIC MODUS the red marker shows the moving through the sample. Also the modulation with the LFO'S picture 1.2

picture 1.3

What happens in Picture 1.3. The Grain position starts from zero in the sample.Than the Grain moves in 2.1 seconds to the end of the sample. Level = 0 is sample start position Level max is sample end position The time from start to to max is the complete sample play time - forward !! But what happens tf the envelope moves back from max to zero ?? Easy, the grain moves from the end of the sample to the start point.(reverse) In this example the envelope has 2 stages. But this envelope can have up to 8 stages !! You understand ? With 8 stages it is possible to move back, forward and hold on the grain on any position of the sample. You can adjust the sample movement time of any stage and it is possible to loop the Envelope . In the example on 1.3 the stages have linear curves but you can change the curves from lin to log or to inverse log and much more !! A vast playground indeed !!

Here the basic sound generator in overview picture 1.4

How work the modules in combination ? picture 1.5

The basic sound generator consists of the Grain Select module, the formant module and the pitch module. With GRAIN SELECT and FINE you can choose the Grain position in the sample.(static mode) The arrow switches step fine on in 10' steps through the sample. FORMANT SELECT controls the pitch of the (both) sample (not the grain pitch) SAM1 and SAM2 adjusts the pitch of sample one and sample two. So you get more overtones in the grain. Best results is obtained if SAM1/2 in the middle. This is the work from the arrow switches.

With KEY-TRACK the FORMANTS move with the Note hight like 'VCF KEY TRACK'. You get the best results nearly in middle position. The tune module tunes the complete instrument Tune controls the complete tune Fine is the finetuning OKT moves one oct up and three oct down Semi pitch in +/- seven semitones Here in picture 1.6 the complete Grain oscillator in overview picture 1.6

The other modules like LFOs and the ENVELOPE control the Grain position, the time from one Grain position to the next Grain position and the formant and pitch. Why single and dual mode ?? The single mode picture 1.7

Pure-Grain uses for one Grain 2 Samples.

In the single mode the same sample is in use twice. Internally the Grains are mixed together with different phase and with a special amplitude modulation. To have less sound artifacts two samples give the best results. But both samples must have the same amplitude! With the mix knob and the arrow switch the amplitude of both samples will be adjusted. Pressing the arrow button sets the Amplitude to 50/50% . If you use another mix value, the Signal generates more overtones. Setting the mix to zero gives a sound with granular scattering. Test it , it is an experimental synth after all! To use your own Samples, open with the <SAMPLE> Knop the file browser and select your own samples. Sample formats in 16/24bit up to 44.1 kHz are supported

the dual mode picture 1.8

In the dual Mode you can load two different samples into Pure-Grain ! From the mix of both samples Pure-Grain generates one new Grain. Now you can manipulate this grain with the other modules. (static or dynamic)

Movement with the Envelope The envelope is the important function in the Grain manipulation picture 1.9a

LEVEL SEGMENT TIME picture 1.9b

RELEASE stage

picture 1.9c

The levels are the positions for the Grain.In the picture 1.9a the grain start from 30%sample position , rises up to 70% of the sample position , falls down to 30% (reverse) and goes slow up to 40% of the sample position. Then the grain hold on the release level and play only the wave cycle (grain) on this position. This is as if the loop in the envelope in not active ! If set to active , the envelope repeats on a chosen stage to release and so on !

picture 2.0

Here are the functions: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) envelope display AMP and OFS for the grainmanipulation (to GRAIN) AMP and OFS for the FORMANT manipulation (to FORMANT) the PITCH modulation____________________________________________ the RELEASE/HOLD switch TIME adjust knob= time for the complete envelope_________________ FINE adjust the adjustment of the envelope_______________ the important switch STATIC/DYNAMIC

DYNAMIC mode is on ! If the DYNAMIC MODE is on , the envelope controls the position and the time movement of the Grain. The FORMANT (to FORMANT) is controlled also. STATIC mode is on ! Is the STATIC MODE on, the position of the grain is only controlled by the GRAIN SELECT knob. FORMANT and PITCH works with the envelope in both modes !! A Picture over the Knobs shows that the knobs are disabled ! Grain select and Fine are disabled in DYNAMIC MODE. ToGrain AMP and OFS is disabled in STATIC MODE.

The knobs in the Envelope window: to GRAIN AMP and OFS OFS moves the zero point from the envelope up. Normally the envelope start with the level 0. That means Sample position 'start/begin'. With OFS the complete envelope become a new basic value. Example: if all values in the envelope are minimum (meaning zero) with OFS all values increment to a higher Level. That means the start position of the grain moves up. AMP controls the amplification of the envelope. Is AMP to maximum and the attack level rises from 0 to maximum, than the Grain moves through the complete sample. If AMP=50% on that grain, the Grain has it's end position to the half length of the sample. Is AMP=0% then there is no movement, becaus the amplitude = 0. AMP=0 than OFS has now the same function like GRAIN SELECT !! to FORMANT AMP and OFS it is similar the same like "to Grain", but these parameters control the FORMANT offset, AMP controls the amplification of the envelope and so the modulation's depth envelope formant control. PITCH controls the Envelope modulation to pitch of the GRAIN OSCILLATORS . It is a simple envelope to Pitch modulation. Enhanced possibilitys of the envelope

picture 2.1

In the piture 2.1 we have the following possibilities 1. release switch 2 TIME multiplication 3. TIME knob with time display right 4. Norm switch_______________________

The functions: RELEASE/HOLD =the Loop works also in release (Key on keyboard depressed) mode, or the loop stop in sustain and moves direct to the release phase. This works only if the loop in the envelope is switched on. TIME multiplication length the time axis of the whole envelope. T=50 , the envelope works very slow. TIME Knob adjusts the complete time of the envelope. Norm, Fine, Ultra: if you adjust the envelope with the mouse, the movement of the single segments can be adjusted - normal, fine or ultra fine. More adjustmens of the envelope click with the mouse on a envelope segment to open a popup menu picture 2.2

It is closed if you click to close or click the small rectangle in the envelope. In the popup menu you can adjust some additional parameters of the envelope Shapes the curves can be lin, log, exp ..... How many sustain stages . Repeat stage adjusts the stage for the loop Active stage adjusts the maximum stages 1..8. if you want to have a normal envelope with only one release stage, the sustain stages must have one stage less than the active stages. ** 8 active, 7 sustain stages !! gives one release stage.

Box Size makes the small rectangle bigger/smaller. I hope now you'll understand the function STATIC/DYNAMIC with envelope modulation. If you have additional questions >> Kontakt@TubeOhm.com ________________________________________________________________________________ The modulators LFO1, LFO2 LFO-M One other highlight is the tempo synchronization 'to host' modulation with the LFOs. You can set the tempo sync to LFO1/2 the gater and the delay. That allows you to program rhythmic soundscapes. You can set all modulators to free run also. But first, what is the difference between SYNC and T-SYNC ? SYNC means you can adjust the start phase of the LFO waveform if you press a key on the keyboard. T-SYNC (tempo sync) syncronizes the LFO frequency with the host tempo. Example: Host BPM=120 divisor =1/2 , the LFO works with 240 BPM=4 Hz LFO 1 can switched monophonic/polyphonic. IN Poly mode each of the 10 voices has it's own LFO. Set to monophonic = all voices have only one LFO for modulation. Additionally - LFO1 has a sample and hold function! The sample and hold frequency is controlled by LFO 2 Waveform LFO 1 intern picture 2.3

Waveform LFO 2 picture 2.3a

picture 2.3b resultant waveform LFO1with SAMPLE and HOLD

LFO2 is completely monophonic but has a fade in/out function. The components of LFO 1/2 picture 2.4

FREQ adjusts the LFO frequency, choose the waveform with the switch right near FREQ PHASE adjust the start phase of the LFO waveform 0..360 degree. This works only if SYNC is on. Phase =0, the sin begins with 0, phase =90 , the sin begin with the max pos amplitude Phase =180 the sin level is again 0, phase 270 the sin start with it's negative maximum. Tip: if you modulate the VCF, set SYNC to off, so the LFO runs free. Otherwhise the LFO will sync each time you press the key on the keyboard. That can cause spikes !! If the LFO works in polyphony, it works like an extra envelope for VCF or VCA T-SYNC syncronise the LFO frequency with the host frequency.It contains frequency multiplication or division. If T-SYNC is on, the frequency Knob doesn't work , T-SYNC now adjusts the LFO frequency. SAMPLE and HOLD takes each time (if LFO2 rises up) a sample from the LFO 1 amplitude and holds it . Look at picture 2.3b Routing of the LFO's 1+2 picture 2.5

The LFO can modulate the following parameters. TUNE = the pitch of the grain oscillator. (pitch modulation) GRAIN = moves the Grain with help from the LFO wave to another position in the sample. FORMANT 1../ 2../ 1+2 modulation of Sample 1/2 or both. VCF/VCA modulation of filter cutoff or VCA amplitude. _________________________________________________________________________ LFO 2 has nearly the same functions like LFO 1 but it is only monophonic. picture 2.6

LFO 2 contains a FADE IN/OUT function Fade in is the time to reach the max Amplitude Fade out is the time the max Amplitude moves to zero after a key on the keyboard is depressed.

LFO-M ( modulations LFO ) and the wheels picture 2.7

Pure-G has a third LFO, the modulation LFO. This LFO is only monophonic. The modulation depth is controlled by the Mod Wheel and the DEPTH knob. FRQ Frequency is adjusted with the FREQ knob. It can switch off (LFO-M =red) and route to the Samples, Grains or both. PORTA on/off switch the portamento on/off and the Porta Knob adjusts the portamento time. The pitch wheel (left) controls the pitch in +/-0..12 semitones.

The subtraktive synthesis filter VCF picture 2.8

he filter in Pure-Grain is a multi combination filter. It contains a LP , a LP/HP and in the end there is a 6 db LP filter. This 6 dB LP filter reduces the high frequencies and also high Q values. picture 2.9 1x LP filter without 6dB LP

picture 3.0

1 x LP-filter with 6dB LP

picture 3.1

both main filter LP in chain with additional 6 dB LP without distortion bost

picture 3.2 both filters in chain , distortion on, 6dB filter off

picture 3.3 LP with HP filter in chain, distortion off, 6dB LP on

Filterrouting: Pure-G contains three filters. Two main filter , the second can switched from LP to HP and one 6dB Lp filter. picture 3.4

F-Mode is set to LP! That means only the first filter is set to LP .. The 6 dB is switch off picture 3.5 if Dig/6dB shows DIG./digital)

picture 2.8

if we switch now the 6dB filter from off (dig) to on (6dB) we can control its cutoff frequency with the SPACING KNOB. picture2.9 picture 3.6

The SPACING knob controls simultaniously the cutoff frequency from the 6dB filter and parallel the cutoff from the second main filter. Thus if the second filter is switch on in the F-MODE menue.(LP-LP or LP-HP) and if 6dB is off (dig) and the second filter is off F-MODE=LP , spacing has no function!! The second posibility Both main filters in chain Picture 3.0 picture 3.7

F-MODE shows LP-LP , BOOST is off . Both main filters in chain and both are LP. With 12/24dB both filters can be set to 12/24dB, Reso adjusts both filters Q. IF BOOST is on, the audio signal is distorted after the first filter. Now the second filter filters the

distorted audio signal again . Look to picture 3.1 The Cutoff knob adjusts cutoff only to filter 1,the spacing knob adjust the cutoff from Filter2. The third possibility in the third possibility the second filter is switch to HP Look to picture 3.2 picture 3.8

BOOST can be switch on/off. The 6 dB filter can be switched on/off in all three modes.It is only a kind of high damping function. In this third mode the result from a LP filter with a HP filter is a BP filter with adjustable bandwidth Remember, the 6dB filter is controlled also with SPACING like the second main filter . Here's the complete control panel again. picture 3.9

CUTOFF cutoff for the first filter DIG/6dB switches the 6dB filter on/off SPACING controls the cutoff from the second filter and the cutoff from the 6 dB filter simultaniously LIN/LOG damps the signal amplitufe if Q is high RESO is the resonace of both main filters F-ENV adjust the depth of the Envelope modulation (cutoff of both main filters) not the 6 dB filter KEY-T adjust the key tracking cutoff frequency. F-MODE it the filter routing. Boost distorts the audio signal if F-MODE is LP/LP or LP/HP . Filter envelope picture 4.0

Here's the complete filter module again. Right you see ADSR, the time stretch switch and the VELO knob ADSR is attack, decay, sustain, release . The time switch sets the overall time of the complete envelope. T=1 is a fast envelope, T=10 a very slow envelope. Velo is the keyboard velocity of the filter cutoff, works with both main filters.***

The VCA section with soft distortion at the end. picture 4.1

You'll see ADSR, the time stretch switch , the LIN/LOG switch the VELO knob ADSR is attack, decay, sustain, release . The time switch set the overall time of the complete envelope. T=1 is a fast envelope, T=10 a very slow envelope. LIN/LOG gives the ADSR another volume curve.LOG is useful for percussive sounds. VELO is the keyboard velocity of the VCA amplitude. SOFT DISTORTION works like tube distortion. If SOFT DIST is adjusted a little, it adds more overtonse to the audio signal- like an exciter. Setting Soft dist to maximum, distorts the audio signal heavily.

Let us now fine tune your sound with effects Important: the big volume Knob adjust the volume before the effects. The volume knob in reverb adjust the volume again. The effects chain works like the following. First the signal runs through the delay, then through the chorus and then through the reverb. The Gater can be switched befor the delay (pre) or after the reverb(after) Output signal l Pure-Grain>>**GATER**>>Delay>>Chorus>>Reverb>>**GATER. The Delay picture 4.2

Stereo delay with time, feedback, host sync , live function and damping MIX mix the delay with the original signal. TIME is the delaytime of each delay TS host Sync Funktion (SYNC 1 /2 = OFF, , , 1/8, 3/8,1/16, 3/16 ) *** is sync activity, the time knobs have no function!! The time is calculated by the host clock.*** FEED is the feedback from each delay DMP damps the high frequencies If the live function is in use, a slow LFO modulates the time of both delays . The delay doesn't sound static.

The Chorus picture 4.3

The stereo chorus has the following functions: MIN = base delay for the chorus PHASE = stereo depth DEEP = modulation depth LFO for chorus SPEED = frequency of the LFO MIX = mixes original with chorus signal FEEDBK = feedback of the chorus 4 stage/2 stages = more chorus effect

The reverb picture 4.4

Reverb functions PREDELAY = time gap before the onset of reverb LP= damping of high frequencies HP = damping of the low frequencies STEREO = stereo/mono ROOM = big/small reverb room DRY-WET = mix original with reverb signal VOLUME = output volume

GATER AND ARPEGGIATOR The Gater The gater set the output volumen rhytmic to zero (adjustable) It has two functions modes. The both functions are selectable with the triangle switch above MODE Modus 1 picture 4.5

In mode one the gates are set with the small red switches. Two gates chained gives a longer gater signal. Time control. Gate 1 and gate 2 together gives double overall gate time. Modus 2 . Modus 2 picture 4.6

In mode two the gate volume can be controlled by the black displays and switched on/off by the red switches.Mode 2 plays 8 times the gates if it is on. No time control is possible if two gates are daisychained ! The Gater controls ON triangle switch -switches the gater on/off FRQ adjusts the gater frequency if sync is off SYNC syncs the gater to the host frequency. If sync is on, freq has no function !! 8 small switches switched the gate on/off 8 black displays adjust the volume of each gate in modus 2 EFFECT PRE/AFTER adjust the routing before the delay or after reverb MIX, mixes the Gater with the original signal. If MIX is maximum the gater cuts the sound completely.

The ARPEGGIATOR picture 4.7

Arpeggiator functions ** Pure-G had a sync to host/free function (SYNC-H/Free). In the SYNC-H mode, the speed can't be adjusted with the BPM Knob, only in free run. LIVE on/off= on/off= with an internal LFO the gate time is modulated. That gives a dynamic ARP-sound . LIVE off= you can adjust the note lenght manually FRQ 1,1/2,1/4 speeds up the tempo. OFF/UP/DWN.... select the different ARP modes and switch the arp on/off HOLD- hold the keys on the keyboard. OKT- the ARP transpose 1 oct or 2 oct or 3 oct

MIDI und MIDI LEARN Pure-Grain receives midi on all midi channels MIDI learn picture 4.7

Click with the right mouse button on a Knob, choose MIDI LEARN, move the hardware knob on your keyboard. Ready !! In each Sounbank you can have one complete midi learn setup. Different MIDI learn setups are not stored by a single sound. The laste stored MIDI learn setup overwrites all other MIDI learn setups !! Known BUGS: after switching to a new sound patch it may give small attack spikes for the first 10 played notes. Sorry, that is system specific. We'd change it if it were possible. FAQ: Not enought high frequencies ?? **** 6db Filter on?- switch it off ! **** change with grain select the grain Grain can't find the samples **** The Sample Bank is moved in another folder. Must be in C:\Programme\TubeOhm\PureG\Samples SPIKES in fast attack times **** the envelopes are fast, 1 sample. Increase the attack time until the spikes go away. Aliasing in high frequencys *** sometimes it sounds better in you move the KEY TRACK knob in formant select a little bit.

TubeOhm 24.07.2010