G-Stomper 8 - VA Beast
G-Stomper 8 - VA Beast
G-Stomper Studio
G-Stomper Rhythm
G-Stomper VA-Beast
User Manual
Contents
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8 VA-Beast Synthesizer
G-Stomper VA-Beast is a polyphonic virtual analog Synthesizer to produce complex synthetic sounds of any
variety, designed for experienced sound designers as well as for complete beginners.
The idea behind the VA-Beast Synthesizer is to offer a flexible sound engine that features classic subtractive
waveforms, multi-sample based audio sources as well as very powerful FM synthesis.
Each Oscillator offers 6 shapeable (regular) waveforms. These waveforms can also be synched using the
additional sync Oscillator of each Oscillator unit. Having an extra sync Oscillator means you don’t need to
sacrifice one of the regular Oscillators just to sync another one. You always have at least two Oscillators per
voice even when using Oscillator sync.
Each Oscillator can hold a Sample-based instrument using the additional “Waveform” PCM. Sample-based
(PCM) instruments are usually built of multiple samples, which are arranged across the keyboard and the
velocity range.
Each Oscillator provides an internal FM mode when using the Dual Sine Waveforms. In this mode each
Oscillator forms a 2-operator FM engine, which means you get a total of 4 operators per voice. In addition,
the Oscillator modulation section offers a number of powerful modulation types, including OSC FM, Filter FM,
Filter Resonance Modulation and Distortion RM.
Furthermore you’re always able route the Oscillator signals through two high quality Filter sections for
further processing.
8.1 Overview
G-Stomper Studio provides up to 12 Synthesizer Tracks, where each is powered by its own VA-Beast
Synthesizer instance.
The VA-Beast Synthesizer has 12 main sections (per track) to tweak/modulate the sound in real-time.
Filter 1 (Multi Filter with 8 Filter types + a dedicated Filter ADSR Envelope)
Filter 2 (Multi Filter with 8 Filter types + a dedicated Filter ADSR Envelope)
Amp Env / Output Level (dedicated ADSR Envelope for the amplification level)
Vibrato
Unison (multiplies and detunes the signal up to 5x, for a massive stereo-wide effect)
Glide / Legato
Arpeggio
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When you edit VA-Beast related parameters, then you always act on the currently selected VA-Beast Track
(the highlighted one).
If you want to change the OSC1 Shape on VT01 for example, first select VT01 and then change the OSC1
Shape Parameter.
Note: Use the bar at the right side to scroll up/down through all the parameter sections.
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The VA-Beast offers an 8-octave switchable on-screen keyboard, featuring a customizable pitch wheel, a free
assignable modulation wheel and a sustain pedal with 3 operation modes (momentary, toggle and
continuous). The on-screen keyboard can be toggled on/off using the keyboard switch in the toolbar.
To increase the size of the on-screen keyboard, long press the keyboard button.
Note:
An extended double size on-screen keyboard is available on the “VA-Beast Full Size Piano” view.
Press “View” in the toolbar on top and select “VA-Beast Full Size Piano” to show up.
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The VA-Beast on-screen keyboard provides a pitch wheel with individually customizable Up/Down range.
To show up the Pitch Beend Setup press PITCH right below the pitch wheel.
Use the Pitch Bend Setup to set the Up and Down range of the pitch wheel.
Note: The Pitch Bend Up/Down range is a global setting of the VA-Beast Synthesizer, which means it affects
all VA-Beast presets.
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The VA-Beast on-screen keyboard comes with modulation wheel, which controls a very powerful, free
assignable Morph Group. Using the modulation you can morph multiple parameters (faders) at once using a
single control. The morph amount can be set individually for each morphed parameter.
To show up the Morph Setup press MOD right below the modulation wheel.
The Morph Setup is subdivided in various sections, while each section corresponds with the matching section
in the VA-Beast Setup.
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The morph amounts are always relative to the actual parameter values.
If the actual parameter value is 50 and you set a morph amount of -40, then the result is a morph range
from 50 to 10.
In the following example, we set the following morph amounts (which automatically activates morphing):
When you now move the modulation wheel, then the assigned parameters move simultanously depending on
the assigned morph amounts.
You can of course assign much more than only two paramters, there’s no limitation.
Note: The Morph Setup is part of the VA-Beast preset, which means every sound can have its own
morphing.
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The VA-Beast on-screen keyboard provides a sustain pedal with 3 operation modes (momentary, toggle and
continuous).
To toggle between the operation modes (momentary, toggle and continuous) press MOD right below the
modulation wheel. Depending on the operation mode, sustain pedal (button) will be replaced by a wheel.
If you press (or move in case of continuous mode) the sustain pedal control, then the Decay and Release
time of all ADSR Envelopes (Filter1, Filter2, Amp) whill be morphed to a value of 7 seconds. If one of these
parameters already has a value of 7 seconds or higher (when sustain pedal is off), then no morphing will be
applied to this particular parameter.
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If Notes hang for some reason, simply press the Panic button. This sends an internal All Notes Off, which
immediately stops all hanging Notes from being played.
Note:
Instead of the Panic button you can also press Stop (when the Sequencer is not running) to stop all playing
sounds. While the Panic button is dedicated to the VA-Beast Synthesizer, the Stop button stops all Sounds,
from VA-Beast and the Sampler.
KB Hold:
By long pressing the Panic button you can enable the Piano Keyboard to hold all your pressed
Keys until you press Panic (or Stop) again. This can be very useful to tweak a sound without
having a Sequence running.
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Use this setting to adjust the output level for the lowest possible Key Velocity (zero).
The highest possible Key Velocity (127) always results in 100% (max) output level.
The lower the slider value the greater the Key Velocity Range.
By default, the output level for Velocity 0 (zero) is set to 15%, which results in:
If you set the output level for Velocity 0 (zero) to 0%, then the result would be:
You can change the Key Velocity Range in the Synth section of the Setup dialog.
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The Quick Preset Selector is very easy way to select VA-Beast Presets with a single click rather than going
through the regular file browser.
‘<‘ and ‘>‘: Select the previous or next Sample within a particular sample folder.
Note:
Since a VA-Beast Preset does not always refer to an actual Preset file, the Quick Preset Browser cannot
adopt the folder of the current Sound. Therefore the Quick Preset Selector always keeps the currently
selected Preset folder, even if you select another track. This means you can switch between the tracks and
step up and down within the currently selected Preset folder, regardless what Preset was prevously loaded
(or set) at the tracks.
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Note:
The name which is shown on the display does not necessarily refer to a Preset file.
VA-Beast Presets can be part of a Pattern Set, Pattern or Sound Set, in their original form or with completely
changed or tweaked parameter settings. Therefore the reference to the original Preset file is not kept (other
than with audio samples).
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Note:
Instead of a regular waveform, each Oscillator can also hold a Sample-based instrument using the additional
“Waveform” PCM. Sample-based (PCM) instruments are usually built of multiple samples, which are arranged
across the keyboard and the velocity range (see Chapter: Oscillator 1 & 2 PCM (Multi-Sample based
Synthesis)).
To choose one of the waveforms, simply tap the waveform selector buttons.
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8.2.2.1 Sawtooth
The sawtooth wave contains all harmonics and is the richest of the available waveforms.
Shape:
Morphs the sawtooth to a pulse wave, as higher the Shape value as more the sawtooth gets a pulse wave.
Sync:
In sync mode a hidden sync oscillator is activated and controls the main pitch of the signal. In sync mode the
Shape fader controls the synched Oscillator’s frequency. As you change the Shape value you get strong
changes in timbre, the typical synched sound.
8.2.2.2 Pulse
The pulse wave contains only odd harmonics at 50% pulse width (square wave).
Shape:
Controls the pulse width from 50% (square wave) to 1%.
Modulate the Shape value from an LFO to create synthesized strings.
Sync:
In sync mode a hidden sync oscillator is activated and controls the main pitch of the signal. In sync mode the
Shape fader controls the synched Oscillator’s frequency. As you change the Shape value you get strong
changes in timbre, the typical synched sound.
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8.2.2.3 Triangle
The triangle waveform has only odd and not very strong harmonics.
Shape:
Cuts off the peaks of the triangle wave. As higher the Shape value, as more the peaks get cut off.
Modulate the Shape from an LFO to get a nice sounding soft timbre change.
Sync:
In sync mode a hidden sync oscillator is activated and controls the main pitch of the signal. In sync mode the
Shape fader controls the synched Oscillator’s frequency. As you change the Shape value you get strong
changes in timbre, the typical synched sound.
8.2.2.4 Sine
The sine wave is the simplest waveform there is. It has no additional harmonics. It is suitable for very soft
sounds or for use with FM.
Shape:
Controls the amount of harmonics to be added to the sine wave in use of phase distortion. As higher the
value as more harmonics will be added. Simply said, the sine wave gets morphed to a sawtooth
approximation.
Sync:
In sync mode a hidden sync oscillator is activated and controls the main pitch of the signal. In sync mode the
Shape fader controls the synched Oscillator’s frequency. As you change the Shape value you get strong
changes in timbre, the typical synched sound.
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Shape:
Controls the color (frequency content) of the noise with a 12 dB Low Pass Filter. As higher the value, as
brighter is the noise. At maximum you get (almost) white noise.
Sync:
In sync mode a particular range of the noise gets temporary sampled and repeated over and over.
This produces very special signals with strong body resonance characteristics. In sync mode the shape fader
works as a Waveform selector, which lets you choose from 16 different harmonic variations.
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The Dual Sine waveform of Oscillator 1 is a combination of two Sine waves (Sine wave 1 & 2) while
Sine wave 2 is pitched 1 octave higher than Sine wave 1.
Sine wave 1
Sine wave 2
Mixed output
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Sine wave 1
Sine wave 2
FM output
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In addition to generated waveforms, the VA-Beast synthesizer offers full Sample-based Synthesis per
Oscillator.
Each Oscillator can hold a Sample-based instrument using the additional “Waveform” PCM, while each
Sample-based (PCM) instrument can be built of multiple samples, which are arranged across the keyboard
and the velocity range.
As a matter of course, you can mix the synthesis forms, e.g. by using a Sample-based instumennt on OSC1
and a regular Sawtooth on OSC2. Also you can use all kind of modulation forms between the Oscillators,
independent of the used synthesis form.
To switch an Oscillator to PCM, simply tap the waveform selector buttons until you reach PCM.
Note: Once you switched over to PCM, you must use PCM SETUP to load at least one sample in order to
produce a sound. Just setting an Oscillator to PCM without loading at least one sample will result in silence.
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PCM Shape:
When using PCM (Sample-based Synthesisis) on a particular Oscillator, a Distortion effect can be optionally
applied right before the signal leaves the Oscillator.
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To setup or change a Sample-based instrument, press PCM SETUP in the particular Oscillator section.
Note: Please take note that the PCM Setup switch is only available if the Oscillator has been set to PCM.
To return to the regular Oscillator controls, press the [] switch in th upper right corner.
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The PCM Setup is based on three main sections; the parameter selector, the parameter edit controls and the
info display.
In the parameter selector, you can select a particular parameter for editing.
All parameters (except SMP which selects the sample) are related to the currently selected sample.
The extended action depends on the parameter and is the same as for the button in the center of the edit
controls (e.g. LEVEL: Reset to 100%, SMP: Sample Menu, LOOP START/END: Loop Editor).
ROOT KEY: Sample Root key (where the sample is played at original pitch), 0..127
LOW KEY: Start of the Sample Keyboard Range, 0..127
HIGH KEY: End of the Sample Keyboard Range, 0..127
SMP: Here you add, remove or select a particular sample in the instrument.
LOW VEL: Start of the Sample Velocity Range, 1..127
HIGH VEL: End of the Sample Velocity Range, 1..127
LOOP START: Loop Start Point sample position (Long press show Loop Editor)
LOOP END: Loop End Point sample position (Long press show Loop Editor)
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The parameter edit controls are used to change edit the currently selected paramameter.
The button in the center is used to access the extended action of the currently selected parameter
(e.g. LEVEL: Reset to 100%, SMP: Sample Menu, LOOP START/END: Loop Editor).
> Up
>> Rough Up
The info display shows the currently selected sample and all its related parameters values.
Note: Independent of the selected paramameter, a short click to the info display always selects the SMP
parameter and shows the Sample Menu.
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8.2.4 Oscillator 2
The main difference between Oscillator 2 compared to Oscillator 1 is the fact that it provides more control
over the Tune (Pitch) of the particular Waveforms.
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Partial No:
The Tune faders are scaled to harmonic partials of the current Keyboard pitch in a range from -38.0..+38.0,
which makes it very easy to find harmonic Pitches (e.g. for Dual Sine FM).
KB Off / Fixed:
This turns the Keyboard tracking off for Oscillator 2. In other words, in this mode Oscillator 2 runs on fixed
(Keyboard independent) Pitch, which is controlled by the Tune fader in a range from 8.66Hz..12544Hz. This
mode is very useful to create disharmonic FM or ring modulated sounds.
Note:
The Finetune fader has a fixed range of -50cents..+50cents and is not affected by the Tune mode.
The Noise of Oscillator 2 is basically the same as on Oscillator 1, but it allows more control over the Noise
Filter than on Oscillator 1.
OSC2 Noisefreq:
Controls the Cutoff frequency of the Noise Filter. As
higher the value, as higher is the frequency.
Shape:
Controls the Resonance of the Noise Filter.
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The Dual Sine waveform of Oscillator 1 is a combination of two Sine waves (Sine wave 1 & 2).
The Dual Sine of Oscillator 2 is basically the same as on Oscillator 1, but it allows more control than the one
of Oscillator 1. On Oscillator 2 you can control the pitch of both Sine waves independently.
OSC2 Tune1:
Controls the pitch of Sine wave 1.
OSC2 Tune2:
Controls the pitch of Sine wave 2.
Sine wave 1
Sine wave 2
Mixed output
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Sine wave 1
Sine wave 2
FM output
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Simply said, Oscillator Synchronization means that you use the signal from one oscillator to restart another
oscillator. Oscillator Synchronization also means you only get an output signal from one Oscillator, even
though you use two.
Since the VA-Beast provides an extra (hidden) sync Oscillator in each Oscillator unit, you don’t need to
sacrifice a regular Oscillator just to sync another one. This means you can have 2 synced Oscillators running
at the same time.
When synchronizing an Oscillator with its Sync Oscillator, the Oscillator cycle gets restarted every time the
Sync Oscillator starts with a new cycle.
If the Oscillator runs at a higher frequency than the Sync Oscillator, then it’ll result in a new Waveform which
depends on both, on its own and in the Sync Oscillator pitch.
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Use the ‘Depth’ fader to change the depth/amount of the selected Modulation mode.
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8.2.6.1 FM/DFM
The VA-Beast Oscillator section supports two main types of Frequency Modulation.
In FM mode the modulation depth is fully under control of the depth parameter. FM is the rawer and more
aggressive mode.
In DFM mode the modulation depth stands in direct relation to the played note, which makes it more
“controllable”. In other words it is easier to create perfectly tonal playable sounds (over the complete
frequency spectrum).
Notice that the OSC Mix is fully set to OSC1 (see screen shot), which means OSC2 is not directly audible (it’s
only used to modulate OSC1).
Depth:
Controls the depth/amount of the Frequency Modulation (OSC2 > OSC1).
Note: A good practice is to modulate the OSC MOD Depth with one of the Modulation Envelopes as shown in
the screen shot above.
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By running both Oscillators in Dual Sine FM mode while using FM/DFM, you can create a 4 Operator FM
Engine, which makes it very easy to create complex FM sounds.
Depth:
Controls the depth/amount of the Frequency Modulation (OSC2 > OSC1).
Note:
As soon as an OSC gets frequency modulated (either when FM/DFM is enabled in
the OSC MOD section or when using Dual Sine Waveforms), the FM algorithm switch
of the particular OSC will be activated.
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8.2.6.2 FILT
Notice that the OSC Mix is fully set to OSC1, which means OSC2 is not directly audible (it’s only used to
modulate the Filter 1 Cutoff).
As a matter of course, Filter FM has only effect, if a Filter is applied (see screen shot).
Depth:
Controls the depth/amount of the Filter 1 Frequency Modulation (OSC2 > Filter 1 Cutoff frequency).
Note: A good practice is to modulate the OSC MOD Depth with one of the Modulation Envelopes as shown in
the screen shot above.
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8.2.6.3 FRES
Notice that the OSC Mix is fully set to OSC2, which means OSC2 is fully audible but also used to modulate
the Resonance of Filter 1. This wiring (which is similar to the internal filter setup of the Roland TB-303)
allows very high and well controllable resonant peaks.
As a matter of course, Filter Resonance Modulation has only effect, if a Filter is applied (see screen shot).
For best results, use Filter Resonance values between 50 and 100 and high OSC MOD values.
Depth:
Controls the depth/amount of the Filter 1 Resonance Modulation (OSC2 > Filter 1 Resonance).
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8.2.6.4 DIST
DIST: Distortion
In Distortion mode the mixed signal of Oscillator 1 & 2 is routed through a Distortion processor.
Depth:
Controls the amount of the Distortion effect
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8.2.6.5 DRM
In DRM mode the mixed signal of Oscillator 1 & 2 is Amplitude/Ring modulated, or in other words mulplied
with the signal of a third hidden Modulation Oscillator and finally routed through a Distortion Processor.
Depth:
Controls the Pitch of the Modulation Oscillator from -63..+63 semitones.
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8.2.6.6 RM
In RM mode the signal of Oscillator 1 is Amplitude/Ring modulated, or in other words mulplied with the
signal of a Oscillator 2.
Notice that the OSC Mix is fully set to OSC1 (see screen shot), which means OSC2 is not directly audible (it’s
only used to modulate OSC1).
Depth:
Controls the depth/amount of the Amplitude/Ring Modulation (OSC2 > OSC1). With values below 50 you get
Amplitude Modulation and with values above 50 you get Ring Modulation (in fact it’s a smooth transition
between AM and RM).
Note:
The main difference between Amplitude Modulation and Ring Modulation that in case of Amplitude
Modulation the modulator signal (in our case OSC2) is unipolar (0..1), while in Ring Modulation the
modulator signal is bipolar (-1..+1).
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The Oscillator Mixer is used to set the mix level for the Oscillators 1 & 2.
Mixer Noise:
With the Noise switch you can replace the audible output of Oscillator 2 by white Noise.
Notice that even if Noise is enabled, the output signal of Oscillator 2 is still enabled and internally used for
Modulation (see Chapter: Oscillator Modulation).
Combine the Mixer Noise with a Modulation Envelope attached to the Oscillator Mixer to add some breath to
the beginning of a Sound.
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The Octave Shift switch is used to roughly tune a particular Sound 1 or 2 Octaves up or down.
0: No transposing
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8.2.9 LFO 1 - 3
The VA-Beast synthesizer provides 3 LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) per voice (and track).
8.2.9.1 Waveform
Triangle
Sawtooth
Triple Peak (a combination a smooth Sawtooth approximated Sine and a 3 times faster running
Sine wave)
Sine
To choose one of the waveforms, simply tap the waveform selector button.
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To choose one of the parameters, simply tap the parameter selector button.
8.2.9.3 Depth
Depth:
Controls the modulation depth/amount of the assigned parameter.
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Sync off:
The LFO rate is independent.
Sync on:
The LFO is synchronized with the tempo.
Note:
Depending on the Sync switch, the LFO Rate is set in Hz or in Partials (see Chapter: Rate (Tempo)).
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KB Sync off:
Within the current Sound (or Track), the LFOs of each voice are synchronized. In other words, if you play a
chord, but you hit the keys one after another with some time in between, then the LFOs of all voices of the
chord will be synchronized to the first pressed key.
KB Sync on:
The LFOs are independent for each voice.
Each played Note has it’s own LFO cycle, which is started/re-triggered when the Note starts to play.
In other words, if you play a chord, but you hit the keys one after another with some time in between, then
the LFOs of the different voices will not be in sync with each other.
Note:
The Single Cycle (Envelope) mode requires to the KB Sync to be enabled. Turning KB Sync off automatically
turns the Single Cycle (Envelope) mode off as well, if enabled (see Chapter: Single Cycle (Envelope) Mode).
Env off:
Normal LFO mode (the LFO cycles over and over).
Env on:
The LFO runs in Single Cycle (Envelope) mode. The LFO gets triggered when Note starts to play, then runs
once to its end and then stays at that position.
Note:
The Single Cycle (Envelope) mode requires to the KB Sync to be enabled. Turning Env on automatically turns
the KB Sync on as well, if disabled (see Chapter: Keyboard Sync).
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8.2.9.8 Invert
Invert off:
Normal LFO mode.
Invert on:
The amplitude of the LFO is inverted (turned upside down).
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The VA-Beast synthesizer provides 3 Modulation Envelopes per voice (and track).
AD (Attack, Decay)
When a Note/Key is pressed, it runs through the Attack and Decay phase.
To choose the Envelope Type, simply tap the Envelope Type selector button.
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For each Modulation Envelope you can choose 1 of 22 different parameter routings.
To choose one of the parameters, simply tap the parameter selector button.
Note:
A very powerful function of the VA-Beast is the fact, that the Modulation Envelopes can control the Rate and
Depth of the 3 LFOs (see Chapter: LFO 1 – 3). This alows very complex and asynchronous modulation
curves.
8.2.10.3 Depth
Depth:
Controls the modulation depth/amount of the assigned parameter.
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8.2.10.4 Attack
For each Modulation Envelope you can choose 1 of 3 different Attack Types
Linear
Logarithmic
Offset (this simply delays the Attack and then raises it in zero time to the max position)
Offset is very useful to create Clap sounds for example, which require multiple hard Attack peaks.
To choose the Attack Type, simply tap the Attack Type selector button.
Attack:
Controls the Attack time in a range from 0.0ms to 20s.
(the time from pressing a key until the envelope reaches its max level)
8.2.10.5 Decay/Release
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8.2.10.6 Invert
Invert off:
Normal Envelope mode.
Invert on:
The amplitude of the Envelope is inverted (turned upside down).
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The VA-Beast provides two Multi Filters (per voice) with 8 Filter types.
Cutoff:
Controls the Filter Cutoff Frequency in a range from 1Hz to 14000Hz
Res:
Controls the Filter Resonance
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8.2.12 Filter 2
But in addition it offers a switch to change the internal routing of Filter 2 (in relation to Filter 1) between
serial and parallel.
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The Filter Envelopes are regular ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) Envelopes, which control the
particular Filter Cutoff frequency depending on the Depth value.
8.2.13.1 Depth
Depth:
Controls the modulation depth/amount of the Filter Cutoff frequency.
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8.2.13.2 Attack
Linear
Logarithmic
Offset (this simply delays the Attack and then raises it in zero time to the max position)
To choose the Attack Type, simply tap the Attack Type selector button.
Attack:
Controls the Attack time in a range from 0.0ms to 20s.
(the time from pressing a key until the envelope reaches its max level)
8.2.13.3 Decay
Decay:
Controls the Decay time in a range from 0.5ms to 20s.
(the time from the moment the attack is finished until the envelope reaches the sustain level)
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8.2.13.4 Sustain
Sustain:
Controls the Sustain level
(the level which is kept as long a key is pressed).
8.2.13.5 Release
Release:
Controls the Release time in a range from 0.5ms to 20s
(the time from releasing a key until the envelope reaches the zero level)
8.2.13.6 Invert
Invert off:
Normal Envelope mode.
Invert on:
The amplitude of the Envelope is inverted (turned upside down).
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8.2.14 Vibrato
The Vibrato is technically an additional independent LFO with a limited frequency range, which is applied to
the Oscillator(s) Pitch.
8.2.14.1 Rate
8.2.14.2 Depth
Controls the Vibrato Depth in a range from +/-0cents (no vibrato) to +/-100cents (+/-1 semitone)
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The effect of unison is simply to multiply the signal which is being produced by the synthesizer and to detune
each signal against each other (just like detuning oscillators). This creates a much bigger sound, especially
by additionally panning the signals against each other.
Using the Unison with sawtooth waveforms lets you easily create the typical “Supersaw” sound known from
Roland Synthesizers (also known as “Hypersaw” from the Access Virus TI-line). To make this effect even
more significant, combine the Unison with the Chord Memory Feature (see Chapter: Chord Memory).
When you create a memorized chord with 4 voices (C2, C3, C4 and C5), and apply Unison at level 5x to the
sound, then each piano key plays actually 4x5 = 20 voices, each detuned and panned against each other.
The result sounds huge and has massive stereo-wide effect. The only downside of such a setup is the fact
that it requires quite a lot of CPU power. It’s actually nothing less than playing 20 voices at once.
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2x (pans 1 signal slightly to the left of the stereo field, and 1 to the right)
3x (pans 1 signal fully to the left of the stereo field, 1 to the right, and keeps 1 in the center)
5x (pans 2 signals fully to the left of the stereo field, 2 to the right, and keeps 1 in the center)
In Each level, all multiplicated signals are detuned against each other to create a massive stereo-wide effect.
Each multiplication level has its own characteristics. A higher level does not automatically mean you get a
better sounding result. Which level is the best for a particular sound, depends on many factors (waveforms,
filters, modulations, etc.). Higher values are usually ideal for lead sounds while lower values fit very well for
bass sounds. But at the end it mostly depends on your personal taste.
8.2.15.2 Depth
Controls the depth of the Unison effect, in fact the detune amount of each signal.
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G-Stomper VA-Beast comes with a powerful and easy to use Glide/Legato feature which is operating
monophonic as well as polyphonic (to morph complete chords for example).
If you play a new key, the previous Note (even if the key is released already) will glide to the new
Note. The Envelopes get triggered normally.
If you play a new chord, the previous Notes (even if the keys are released already) will glide parallel
to the new Notes. The Envelopes get triggered normally.
If you play a new key before releasing the previous played key (legato), the previous note will glide
to the new Note at the set Glide Rate without re-triggering the Envelopes.
If you play a new key and no previous key is pressed, no gliding is applied and the Envelopes get
triggered normally (like in OFF operation).
If you play a new chord before releasing the previous played chord (legato), the previous Notes will
glide parallel to the new Notes at the set Glide Rate without re-triggering the Envelopes.
If you play a new chord and no previous chord is pressed, no gliding is applied and the Envelopes
get triggered normally (like in OFF operation).
Note: If you want Legato without Glide applied, set the Rate to 4096 semitones/sec (see Chapter:
Glide Rate)
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To choose one of the operation modes, simply tap the selector button.
8.2.16.1 Rate
The glide rate defines the tempo in semitones per second to glide from one note to another. The gliding
tempo is constant, which means as longer the distance between two Notes, as longer takes the glide.
Rate:
Controls the Glide Rate in a range from 4096 semitones/sec to 1.12 semitones/sec.
In mono mode you can only play one note at a time, like on a classic monophonic synthesizer.
If you play one key (and hold it) and then a second key without releasing the first one, the second note will
sound. If you now release the second key (while still holding the first one), the first one will retrig and start
sounding again.
Note:
You can combine the monophonic operation with the all Glide/Legato operation modes, Off, On and Auto
Legato. To simulate a typical 303 behavior for example, enable Mono and Auto Legato.
Mono off:
Normal polyphonic mode
Mono on:
Monophonic operation mode
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The Chord Memory feature of the VA-Beast allows you to map complete chords to single keys.
Once a chord is memorized, it will be transposed with every key you play.
Chord Memory Standard Mode with audible KB Hold (the one on the Panic button)
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8.2.17.1 Chord Memory Standard Mode (without using any KB hold switch)
1. Press the Chord Rec Button once to enable the recording mode.
3. While holding the Chord, press the Chord Rec Button again to save the chord
In standard mode, the saved chord starts always with the lowest note.
In other words, when you check the tool tip above the Chord Rec Button, you can see the chord notes as a
comma separated list of numbers, which always starts with a 0(zero), independent which note you pressed
first (e.g. 0,3,5).
For many cases this is the expected behavior and it's the most simple way to save a chord, since you can
hear the chord directly while you record it.
Note:
When you finish a Chord Recording (either by pressing the Chord Rec Button the second time or by reaching
the max Chord size), the memorized Chord gets enabled automatically and you can start playing with it
straight away. The max Chord size depends on the “Number of Synthesizer Voices” setting in the Setup
dialog (2 up to 10 voices).
8.2.17.2 Chord Memory with KB Hold (the one in the ChordMem section)
1. Press the Chord Rec Button once to enable the recording mode.
2. Press the KB hold Button (above the Chord Rec Button) to enable the extended mode.
In the KB hold mode you don't have to hold the chord, and sometimes it's easier to record it that way
(pressing each key one by one).
But there is an another big difference to the standard mode: Try to press first a note, then press an another
one below the first note. Now you can see in the tool tip, that the list is no longer starting with a 0(zero),
e.g. -15,-12,0,3,5.
In other words, the master key of the chord is not the lowest key, it's always the key that you pressed first.
This is very useful if you want to create chord with a range over multiple octaves, and you want the base key
not at the lowest position.
Of course the same chords can be achieved using the standard mode in combination with the audible KB
Hold function (the one on the panic button, see next Chapter), but then you always have to start with the
lowest key, which is not always the most intuitive way.
Note:
When you finish a Chord Recording (either by pressing the Chord Rec Button the second time or by reaching
the max Chord size), the memorized Chord gets enabled automatically and you can start playing with it
straight away. The max Chord size depends on the “Number of Synthesizer Voices” setting in the Setup
dialog (2 up to 10 voices).
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8.2.17.3 Chord Memory Standard Mode with audible KB Hold (the one on the Panic button)
1. Long press the Panic button in the toolbar on top of the screen to enable the main KB Hold.
2. Press the Chord Rec Button once to enable the recording mode.
As already mentioned above, in this standard mode, the saved chord starts always with the lowest note, e.g.
0,3,5,12,15.
The difference to the standard mode without KB hold is that you can switch the octaves between your key
presses.
This way is very useful if you want to hear the chord while saving it and you want the chord to spread over
multiple octaves.
Note:
When you finish a Chord Recording (either by pressing the Chord Rec Button the second time or by reaching
the max Chord size), the memorized Chord gets enabled automatically and you can start playing with it
straight away. The max Chord size depends on the “Number of Synthesizer Voices” setting in the Setup
dialog (2 up to 10 voices).
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8.2.18 Arpeggio
Up/Down (plays the active notes first in ascending, then in descending order and then starts over)
To choose one of the patterns, simply tap the pattern selector button.
Note:
All operation patterns can be used in a range of 1 - 4 Octaves (see Chapter: Octave Range).
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Use the Octave range selector to set the Octave range for the Arpeggio (1 - 4 Octaves).
Sync off:
The Arpeggio rate is independent.
Sync on:
The Arpeggio is synchronized with the tempo.
Note:
Depending on the Sync switch, the Arpeggio Rate is set in Hz or in Partials (see Chapter: Rate (Tempo)).
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8.2.19
The Amplifier Envelope is a regular ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) Envelope, which controls the
Output Level of a Sound, or in other words its basic shape.
The Amplifier Envelope gives the Sound its main characteristic (plucked, stopped, soft, hard, etc.).
8.2.20.1 Attack
Linear
Logarithmic
To choose the Attack Type, simply tap the Attack Type selector button.
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Attack:
Controls the Attack time in a range from 0.0ms to 20s.
(the time from pressing a key until the envelope reaches its max level)
8.2.20.2 Decay
Decay:
Controls the Decay time in a range from 0.5ms to 20s.
(the time from the moment the attack is finished until the envelope reaches the sustain level)
8.2.20.3 Sustain
Sustain:
Controls the Sustain level
(the level which is kept as long a key is pressed).
8.2.20.4 Release
Release:
Controls the Release time in a range from 0.5ms to 20s
(the time from releasing a key until the envelope reaches the zero level)
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Level:
Controls the main output level of the Sound.
Note:
The Output Level is at the very end of the VA-Beast internal audio chain. It defines the level at which the
audio signal leaves the Synth before it gets passed to the Mixer.
Note:
Regarding the Amplifier Envelope, the Output Level defines the Envelopes max level.
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Track Pads (VT[..]) are located on the VA-Beast Synthesizer, VA-Beast Poly Grid and VA-Beast Full Size
Piano.
Note: The number of available/enabled Tracks depends on the 'Number of Synthesizer Tracks' setting in the
Setup dialog.
Depending on the selected Track Pad Mode, the VT[..] Buttons have different actions applied.
Tap the Track Pad Mode Button to switch between the different modes.
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The following list describes the actions which are applied to the Track Pads (VT[..]) in the different modes.
Select/Menu:
Click Select Track
Long Click Show up the Track Menu
Select/Mute:
Click Select Track
Long Click Track Mute ON/OFF
Mute/Select:
Click Track Mute ON/OFF
Long Click Select Track
Solo/Select:
Click Track Solo ON/OFF
Long Click Select Track
8.3.4 Actions for the Track Pad Mode Button in the different Modes
All Modes:
Click Select Mode
Select/Menu:
Long Click Multi-Mute ON/OFF (see Chapter: Programmable Multi-Mute)
Select/Mute:
Long Click Multi-Mute ON/OFF (see Chapter: Programmable Multi-Mute)
Mute/Select:
Long Click All Track Mute OFF
Solo/Select:
Long Click All Track Solo OFF
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The VA-Beast Track Menu provides all operations for a particular Synthesizer Track.
Make sure that the Track Pad mode is set to Sel/Menu (which is the default).
Long click a Track Pad to open to the Track Menu.
8.4.1 VT[..]
Mute:
Track Mute ON/OFF
Solo:
Track Solo ON/OFF
Shuffle:
Track Shuffle/Swing ON/OFF
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8.4.2 Load
8.4.3 Save
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8.4.4 Copy
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8.4.5 Clear
VA Initial Preset:
Initialize the VA-Beast instance of the Track with a pre-defined Initial Preset
8.4.6 Import
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8.4.7 Export
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8.4.8 Automation
To use it, you just have to define at least 2 Automation steps (in use of the Step Edit mode) for the desired
parameter. Then call Auto-Complete Parameter Automation and enjoy the magic. The number of key steps is
not limited. The Auto-Complete just fills all the gaps between the key steps with a smooth movement.
Note: Keep in Mind, that you must set the start step, even if it gets the same value as the already set
parameter value.
(for details see Chapter: Parameter Automation > Generate Parameter Automation)
(for details see Chapter: Parameter Automation > Randomize Parameter Automation)
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