5. Parameter Reference
5.1. Main Section
The main section sets parameters for the global setting of the sound program.
5.1.1. Voices
Sets the number of voices.
You can set the number of voices from 1 to 64. For polyphonic mode, it specifies the maximum voices. For unison mode, it specifies the number of voices triggered with key-press.
CPU load is almost proportional to the number of voices in use. CPU consumption of sleeping voices is very low (almost negligible).
But it is recommended to refrain from setting too many voices than needed for safety. If you use a new computer (PowerMac G4(or above) or Windows with Pentium 4(or above)), you do not have to care so much. But if you use an old computer, you ought to care with CPU load. Around 8 voices is enough for most cases (unless you use a sustain pedal). It is a good manner to keep the number of voices just enough.
5.1.2. UNISON
Switches the unison mode on/off.
On unison mode, all the voices are triggered with one key. It is suitable for making fat sounds for solo/lead.
The key logic is different between the polyphonic mode and the unison mode.
If the total number of pressed keys exceeds the number of voices, the new key replaces the oldest key. For the polyphonic mode, once the oldest key is replaced by the new key, the key is is not retriggered even if other keys are released and the total number of pressed keys gets below the number of voices.
On the other hand, a replaced key is "sleeping" for the unison mode. If other keys are released and the sleeping key is still pressed, the key is retriggered.
Unison mode is useful for making fat sounds. A tip for making fat sounds with unison is to detune oscillators among voices. You can use Voice Detune for doing it easily.
5.1.3. LEGATO
Switches the legato mode. This function is enabled when Portamento is on.
When the legato is on, the sound always glides from the most prior key before note-on.
When the legato is off, the sounds glides only if another key is pressed.
5.1.4. Voice Detune
Specfies a detune amount among voices.
It sets the detune amount from 0 to 100cent.
Voice detune has two important purposes.
Natural (analog-like) sounds behavior
Pure digital oscillators are perfectly tuned. However, they sometimes cause an interference problem. For example, if you mix two perfectly tuned sine waves at the same frequency, it causes a strong interference (causes a silence in the worst case).
On the other hand, analog oscillators' pitch is always slightly fluctuating. A slight fluctuation avoids an interference and helps natural sounds behavior. Most factory presets use 3 cent voice detune to avoid an unnatural oscillator interference.
Unison effect
Unison mode is a powerful tool for making fat sounds. With unison mode, each voices should be detuned among them. You can set a detune amount easily by the voice detune knob.
5.1.5. Portamento
Switches the portamento on/off and sets the portamento time.
Setting the knob to the minimum, the portamento is set to off. Turning the knob from the minimum, the portamento is enabled and the sound glides from the most prior key before note-on. Increasing the portamento time, the glide gets slowly.
5.1.6. Volume
Sets an audio output level.
