DigiDesign Synchronic User Manual
Synchronic
Version 7.3
™
Copyright
© 2007 Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology, Inc. All rights
reserved. This guide may not be duplicated in whole or in part
without the express written consent of Digidesign.
AudioSuite, Avid, Digidesign, Pro Tools, Pro Tools Academic,
Pro Tools HD, Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools M-Powered, and RTAS
are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid
Technology, Inc. in the US and other countries. All other
trademarks contained herein are the property of their
respective owners.
Product features, specifications, system requirements, and
availability are subject to change without notice..
PN 9329-55998-00 REV A 01/07
contents
Chapter 1. Introduction
Contents of the Boxed Version of Your Plug-in
System Requirements
Register Your Plug-ins
Working with Plug-ins
Conventions Used in This Guide
About www.digidesign.com
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Chapter 2. Installation and Configuration
Installing Synchronic
Authorizing Synchronic
Removing Plug-ins
Configuring MIDI
Using Instrument Tracks
Using MIDI and Auxiliary Input Tracks
Chapter 3. Synchronic Overview
Synchronic Modules
Playing Synchronic RTAS
Performance and Edit Modes
Performance Controls
Synchronic Presets
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Contents
iii
Chapter 4. Synchronic Parameters
Adjusting Synchronic Parameters
Sound Module
Playback Module
Effect Module
XFade Module
MIDI Module
Keyboard Focus Mode
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Chapter 5. Using the Synchronic AudioSuite Plug-in
Using Synchronic AudioSuite
Synchronic AudioSuite Modules
Previewing Synchronic AudioSuite
Chapter 6. Automating Synchronic RTAS
Using Automation Playlists
Using MIDI
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Chapter 7. Synchronic Plug-in Settings
Index
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Synchronic Plug-in Guide
iv
chapter 1
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Digidesign Synchronic plug-in for Pro Tools systems. Synchronic is designed to manipulate audio loops to create new and interesting
rhythmic variations. Synchronic is the ideal recombinatorial rhythm machine for anyone who
works with audio loops.
Synchronic is essentially an instrument plug-in
that is most effective at manipulating (slicing,
dicing, and recombining) rhythmic audio loops.
After you load your loops into Synchronic, you
can control Synchronic using its on-screen interface, Pro Tools MIDI tracks, an external MIDI
controller, or Pro Tools plug-in automation.
Synchronic plays back synchronized to the session tempo (including tempo changes) while
creating modifications in the playback order,
speed, and volume of individual beats and subdivisions of the beat (or “slices”) within a loop.
Synchronic also includes a multi-effects processor that synchronizes to the session tempo to
create in-tempo effects (such as filter sweeps and
delays).
References to Pro Tools LE™ in this guide
are usually interchangeable with Pro Tools
M-Powered™ or Pro Tools Academic™, except as noted in the Pro Tools M-Powered
and Academic Getting Started Guides.
Synchronic Features
• A DJ rig–inspired user interface for live performance, including Sound, Playback, Effect, and XFade presets and performance
parameters
• Control directly through its own plug-in
interface, a MIDI controller, the computer
keyboard (Keyboard Focus mode), MIDI or
plug-in automation, or a Digidesign-qualified Pro Tools control surface
• Support for 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz,
and 96 kHz sessions
• Support for RTAS
sions
®
and AudioSuite™ ver-
Since Synchronic synchronizes to MIDI Beat
Clock, it only sounds during Pro Tools playback.
Chapter 1: Introduction
1
Contents of the Boxed Version of Your Plug-in
Your Synchronic plug-in boxed version contains the following components:
• Installation disc
• Digidesign Registration Information Card
• One of the following authorization cards for
authorizing plug-ins with an iLok USB Smart
Key (not supplied):
• Activation Card with an Activation Code
– or –
• License Card
System Requirements
To use Synchronic, you need:
• An iLok USB Smart Key
• An iLok.com account for managing iLok licenses
◆
A Digidesign-qualified Pro Tools system
For complete system requirements, visit the
Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
Compatibility Information
Digidesign can only assure compatibility and
provide support for hardware and software it
has tested and approved.
For a list of Digidesign-qualified computers, operating systems, hard drives, and third-party devices, refer to the Digidesign website
(www.digidesign.com).
Synchronic Plug-in Guide
2
Register Your Plug-ins
If you purchase a plug-in online from the DigiStore (www.digidesign.com) using Internet Activation, you are automatically registered.
If you purchase a plug-in boxed version, check
the included Digidesign Registration Information Card for information about how to register
online.
Registered users receive periodic software update and upgrade notices.
Please refer to the Digidesign website
(www.digidesign.com) or the Digidesign Registration Information Card for information on
technical support.
Conventions Used in This Guide
All Digidesign guides use the following conventions to indicate menu choices and key commands:
:
Convention Action
File > Save Choose Save from the
File menu
Control+N Hold down the Control
key and press the N key
Control-click Hold down the Control
key and click the mouse
button
Right-click Click with the right
mouse button
Working with Plug-ins
Refer to the
tion on working with plug-ins, including:
• Inserting Plug-ins on Tracks
• Clip Indicators
• The Plug-in Window
• Adjusting Parameters
• Automating Plug-ins
• Using the Plug-in Settings Librarian
DigiRack Plug-ins Guide
for informa-
The following symbols are used to highlight important information:
User Tips are helpful hints for getting the
most from your Pro Tools system.
Important Notices include information that
could affect your Pro Tools session data or
the performance of your Pro Tools system.
Shortcuts show you useful keyboard or
mouse shortcuts.
Cross References point to related sections in
the Pro Tools Guides.
Chapter 1: Introduction
3
About www.digidesign.com
The Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com)
is your best online source for information to
help you get the most out of your Pro Tools system. The following are just a few of the services
and features available.
Registration
the enclosed registration form for details.
Support
or Customer Service; download software updates and the latest online manuals; browse the
Compatibility documents for system requirements; search the online Answerbase or join the
worldwide Pro Tools community on the Digidesign User Conference.
Training and Education
courses available online or find out how you can
learn in a classroom setting at a certified
Pro Tools training center.
Products and Developers
products; download demo software or learn
about our Development Partners and their plugins, applications, and hardware.
News and Events
Digidesign or sign up for a Pro Tools demo.
To learn more about these and other resources
available from Digidesign, visit the Digidesign
website (www.digidesign.com).
Register your purchase online. See
Contact Digidesign Technical Support
Study on your own using
Learn about Digidesign
Get the latest news from
Synchronic Plug-in Guide
4
chapter 2
Installation and Configuration
When you open Pro Tools, you are prompted to
Installing Synchronic
Installers for your plug-ins can be downloaded
from the DigiStore (www.digidesign.com) or can
be found on the plug-in installer disc (included
with boxed versions of plug-ins). Additionally,
an installer may also be available on a Pro Tools
software bundle installer disc.
Installation steps are essentially the same, regardless of the bundle, package, or system you
purchase.
Installation
authorize your new plug-in.
Authorizing Synchronic
The Synchronic plug-in is authorized using the
iLok USB Smart Key (iLok), manufactured by
PACE Anti-Piracy, Inc.
To install Synchronic:
1
Do one of the following:
• Download the appropriate plug-in installer
for your computer platform from the
Digidesign website (www.digidesign.com).
After downloading, make sure the installer
is uncompressed (.ZIP on Windows or .SIT
on Mac).
– or –
• Insert the Installer disc into your computer.
2
Double-click the plug-in installer application.
3
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete
the installation.
4
When installation is complete, click Finish
(Windows) or Quit (Mac).
iLok USB Smart Key
The iLok is similar to a dongle, but unlike a dongle, it is designed to securely authorize multiple
software applications from a variety of software
developers.
This key can hold over 100 licenses for all of
your iLok-enabled software. Once an iLok is authorized for a given piece of software, you can
use the iLok to authorize that software on any
computer.
The iLok USB Smart Key is not supplied
with your plug-in or software option. You
can use the one included with certain
Pro Tools systems (such as Pro Tools|HDseries systems), or purchase one separately.
Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration
5
If you purchased a plug-in online at the
DigiStore (www.digidesign.com), authorize the
plug-in by downloading licenses from iLok.com
to an iLok.
See the iLok Usage Guide for details, or visit
the iLok website (www.iLok.com).
If you purchased a boxed version of a plug-in, it
comes with either an Activation Code (on the
included Activation Card) or an iLok License
card:
• To authorize plug-ins using an Activation
Code, see “Authorizing Plug-ins Using an Activation Code” on page 6.
• To authorize plug-ins using an iLok License
Card, see “Authorizing Plug-ins Using a License Card” on page 6
3
Transfer the licenses from your iLok.com account to your iLok USB Smart Key by doing the
following:
• Insert the iLok into an available USB port
on your computer.
• Go to www.iLok.com and log in.
• Follow the on-screen instructions for transferring your licences to your iLok.
For information about iLok technology and
licenses, see the electronic PDF of the iLok
Usage Guide.
4
Launch Pro Tools.
5
If you have any installed unauthorized plugins or software options, you are prompted to authorize them. Follow the on-screen instructions
to complete the authorization process.
Authorizing Plug-ins Using an Activation Code
To authorize a plug-in using an Activation Code:
1
If you do not have an existing iLok.com account, visit www.iLok.com and sign up for an
iLok.com account.
2
Transfer the license for your plug-in to your
iLok.com account by doing the following:
• Visit http://secure.digidesign.com/
activation.
• Input your Activation Code (listed on your
Activation Card) and your iLok.com User
ID. Your iLok.com User ID is the name you
create for your iLok.com account.
Authorizing Plug-ins Using a License Card
License Cards are specific to each plug-in or software option. You will receive the appropriate License Cards for the plug-ins that you purchase.
License Cards have a small punch-out plastic
chip called a GSM cutout.
The authorization steps in this section must be
repeated for purchased plug-in.
For additional information about iLok technology and authorizations, see the electronic PDF of the iLok Usage Guide.
Synchronic Plug-in Guide
6
To authorize a plug-in using a License Card:
1
Insert the iLok into an available USB port on
your computer.
2
Launch Pro Tools. You are prompted to authorize any installed unauthorized plug-ins or software options.
If you are already using a demo version of
the plug-in or software option, launch
Pro Tools before you insert the iLok, then
insert the iLok into any available USB port
when prompted by Pro Tools.
3
Follow the on-screen instructions until you
are prompted to insert the License Card into the
iLok.
4
Separate the GSM cutout from the larger protective card by pulling it up and out with your
thumb. Do not force the cutout down with your
finger.
5
Insert the GSM cutout into the iLok. Visually
verify that the metal portion of the cutout
makes contact with the iLok’s metal card reader.
Removing Plug-ins
If you need to remove a plug-in from your system, follow the instructions below for your
computer platform.
Windows
To remove a plug-in:
1
Click Start.
2
Click Control Panel.
3
Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
4
Select the plug-in from the list of installed ap-
plications.
5
Click the Change/Remove button.
6
Click OK to remove the plug-in.
7
When removal is complete, close the Add or
Remove Programs window.
Mac OS X
iLok with License Card
6
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete
the authorization process for each plug-in.
7
After the authorization has completed, remove the GSM cutout from the iLok. (If you
have to remove the iLok from the computer to
remove the cutout, be sure to re-insert the iLok
in any available USB port on your computer
when you are finished.)
To remove a plug-in:
1 Locate and open the Plug-ins folder on your
Startup drive (Library/Application Support
/Digidesign/Plug-ins).
2 Do one of the following:
• Drag the plug-in to the Trash and empty
the Trash.
– or –
• Drag the plug-in to the Plug-ins (Unused)
folder.
Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration
7
Configuring MIDI
(RTAS Only)
To control Synchronic using MIDI (Instrument
track data, an external MIDI controller, or a
MIDI control surface), you must first configure
Pro Tools for MIDI.
See your Pro Tools Getting Started Guide for
instructions on configuring MIDI interfaces,
MIDI devices, and your operating system
(Windows or Mac) for MIDI operation.
Using Instrument Tracks
(Pro Tools 7.0 or HIgher Only)
With Pro Tools 7.0 and higher, Virus Indigo can
be inserted on an Instrument track, which combines Auxiliary Input and MIDI functions into a
single track type. Once you have inserted Virus
Indigo on an Instrument track, MIDI is routed
automatically from the track to the plug-in.
See the Pro Tools Reference Guide for more
information on Instrument tracks.
Using MIDI and Auxiliary Input Tracks
With Pro Tools 7.x, you can use a MIDI track
and an Auxiliary Input, instead of or in conjunction with an Instrument track. With
Pro Tools 6.9.x and lower, you must insert Virus
Indigo on an Auxiliary Input and route MIDI
data from the MIDI track to the Auxiliary Input
in order to play it.
For more information on routing MIDI data
from a MIDI track to an Auxiliary Input
track, see the Pro Tools Reference Guide.
Synchronic Plug-in Guide8
chapter 3
Synchronic Overview
This chapter describes an overview of Synchronic features.
Synchronic Modules
Synchronic has a modular configuration for the
import, slicing, playback, and manipulation of
audio files (loops). Synchronic’s five modules
are: Sound, Playback, Effect, XFade, and MIDI.
Sound Module Can load up to twelve different
audio files, either mono or stereo, of any bit
depth and sample rate. After importing a file, it
can be sliced up to play in synchronization with
the Pro Tools MIDI Beat Clock. Any two sounds
(A and B) can be played back simultaneously.
Playback Module Manipulates the output of the
Sound module. Various aspects of sound playback, such as speed, order, and direction are
controlled by the Playback module.
Effect Module Processes the output of the Playback module. Four concurrent effects are available: Gain, Noise, Filter, and Delay.
XFade Module (RTAS Only) Mixes the A and B
sounds after they have been processed by the
Sound, Playback, and Effect modules. The crossfade between the A and B sounds can be controlled either in Preset or Manual mode.
MIDI Module (RTAS Only) Lets you assign and
trigger combinations of sounds and presets using MIDI. You can also map MIDI controllers to
Synchronic controls.
Synchronic, all modules in Performance mode (RTAS)
See Chapter 5, “Using the Synchronic
AudioSuite Plug-in” for detailed information on the AudioSuite version of Synchronic.
Chapter 3: Synchronic Overview 9
Playing Synchronic RTAS
See “Previewing Synchronic AudioSuite” on
page 49 for detailed information on playing
the AudioSuite version of Synchronic.
Synchronic RTAS does not play back the sound
(input) on a track as is the case with many plugins. Instead, Synchronic works as follows:
1 Load audio files (loops) into Synchronic’s
Sound module, much like you would add sound
to a sampler.
2 Use the Detection Slider to slice up the loops
into rhythmically logical units (beats and subdivisions of the beat).
3 Play back the sliced-up loop in tempo.
Synchronic’s Playback module lets you manipulate playback of each slice. The RTAS version of
Synchronic also lets you add in-tempo effects
and mix between two different sounds (Sounds
A and B).
Loading a Loop
For detailed information on loading audio
files (loops) into Synchronic see “Importing
a Sound” on page 20.
To load a loop in Synchronic:
1 Insert Synchronic on an Instrument track.
Synchronic starts and stops playback with the
Pro Tools Transport.
Synchronic Plug-in Guide10
Synchronic Plug-in window (no audio loaded)
When Synchronic is inserted on a track, it is
the sole sound source for that track. If Synchronic is inserted on an audio track containing audio regions, those regions will effectively be muted.
2 If necessary, switch the Sound module to Edit
mode. Click the Edit/Performance Mode toggle
to switch between Performance and Edit modes
(see “Performance and Edit Modes” on page 13).
Edit/Performance
Mode toggle
Sound module, Edit mode
3 To import an audio file (mono, dual mono, or
Import
button
Current
preset
stereo) into the Waveform display, do one of the
following:
• Drag an audio file from the Workspace to
the Waveform display.
– or –
• Use the Import button file to import an audio file into the current preset, and click
the Import button. In the Open dialog,
navigate to and select one or more audio
files (loops) for import. Mono files are imported as mono presets, and dual mono (.L
and .R files) and interleaved stereo files are
imported as stereo presets.
Choose an audio file (loop) for import
4 Click Open.
The selected file is loaded into Synchronic and is
immediately stored with the current preset. The
waveform for the loaded file appears in the
Waveform display. When selecting more than
one loop, they are loaded into consecutive available presets.
Waveform display, stereo file, before slicing
Shift-click to choose multiple contiguous
files. Control-click (Windows) or Command-click (Mac) to choose multiple noncontiguous files.
Chapter 3: Synchronic Overview 11
Slicing a Loop
Performing Synchronic
Once you have loaded a loop, it is ready to be
sliced up and can be played back in tempo with
the session.
To slice a loop in Synchronic:
■ Adjust the Detection slider until you see the
desired number of slices in the loop. As you increase the detection percentage, slices will appear at detected attack transients in the
waveform.
Detection sliderslices
Loop loaded into Sound preset 1, sliced up
For detailed information on slicing up a
loop, see “Slicing Up a Sound” on page 23.
Playing a Loop
After loading up to twelve loops into Synchronic and slicing them up, you can “perform”
those loops using the Playback, Effects, and
XFade modules.
Slices can be played back in different orders, intempo effects can be added (such as Filter and
Delay), and different combinations of sounds
and effects can be crossfaded.
\
For detailed information on the Playback,
Effect, and XFade modules, see Chapter 4,
“Synchronic Parameters.”
The flexibility of Synchronic’s playback and effects possibilities, along with its DJ-rig inspired
interface, invite real-time performance. You can
play it live using the on-screen interface, a MIDI
controller, your computer keyboard, or a control surface; or you can control it using MIDI
data on a Pro Tools MIDI track or using
Pro Tools plug-in automation.
\
For information on automating Synchronic
see Chapter 6, “Automating Synchronic
RTAS.”
To play a loop in the RTAS version of Synchronic:
■ Click Play on the Pro Tools Transport, or press
the Spacebar.
To play a loop in the AudioSuite version of
Synchronic:
• Click Preview in the Plug-in window.
Synchronic plays back the loaded loop according to the session tempo.
Synchronic Plug-in Guide12
Performance and Edit Modes
Each of the Synchronic modules can be independently switched between Edit and Performance modes with the Mode toggle. This lets
you have one module in Edit mode (for example, to fine tune a sound) while playing another
in Performance mode.
The AudioSuite version of Synchronic functions only in Edit mode. Performance mode
is not available, and the Mode toggle does
not exist. See “Synchronic AudioSuite Modules” on page 47 for more information.
To toggle a module between Performance and Edit
mode:
■ Click the Mode toggle to the right of the mod-
ule’s name.
Mode toggle
(Performance mode)
Mode toggle (Sound module)
When the triangle in the Mode toggle points to
the right, it indicates that the module is in Performance mode. When the triangle points
down, it indicates that the module is in Edit
mode.
Edit Mode
Edit mode provides detailed access to the module’s controls. Changing parameters in Edit
mode immediately alters the currently selected
preset. Edit mode lets you load audio files, edit
presets, and make MIDI assignments that can be
instantly recalled in Performance mode.
Detailed information about each module’s
Edit parameters is described in Chapter 4,
“Synchronic Parameters.”
Performance Controls
(RTAS Only)
Synchronic provide several types of controls for
real-time performance, including presets, userassignable performance controls (User Knobs),
the Sound A and B selectors, and an on-screen
keyboard.
Presets Store and recall the Edit mode settings
for each module. Synchronic provides twelve
presets for each module. For more information,
see “Synchronic Presets” on page 14.
Performance Mode
In the Synchronic RTAS, each module can be
viewed in Performance mode to provide presets
and performance controls. Performance mode
lets you select sounds loaded into the Sound
module, select presets and manipulate performance controls for the Playback, Effect, XFade,
and MIDI modules.
Detailed information about each module’s
Performance mode controls is presented in
Chapter 4, “Synchronic Parameters.”
Presets, Playback module
Chapter 3: Synchronic Overview 13
User Knobs Control predefined parameters in
the Playback, Effect, and XFade modules. In Edit
mode, you can assign a module’s User Knobs to
control certain performance parameters. The
MIDI module lets you assign MIDI controllers to
each of the User Knobs in each module.
User Knobs, Playback module
Sound A and B Selectors Are available both in
Edit and Performance mode for the Playback
and Effect modules. These buttons toggle which
sound—Sound A or Sound B—the current Playback or Effect preset is processing. Both Sound A
and B selectors can be enabled at the same time,
allowing for a single Playback or Effect preset to
modify both Sound A and Sound B at the same
time. When neither Sound A nor Sound B selectors are enabled, the currently selected Playback
or Effect preset is disabled until one of the
Sound selectors is enabled.
Synchronic Presets
Each module has 12 presets available, as follows:
• Sound module presets are used to load and
store audio files (loops).
• Playback, Effects, and XFade module presets are used to store and recall various Edit
mode settings.
• MIDI module presets store MIDI control assignments (which can include combinations of presets from each of the other
modules).
Plug-in settings and presets can be shared
between the AudioSuite and RTAS versions
of Synchronic. However, the AudioSuite version of the plug-in can import and export
only information stored for the Sound, Playback, and Effect modules in the first preset.
Synchronic presets are unique to each instance
(each insert) of Synchronic in a session. To save
the global state of Synchronic presets in a given
instance, use the plug-in librarian (see
Chapter 7, “Synchronic Plug-in Settings”).
Sound A/B selectors, Playback module
On-Screen Keyboard Can be used to trigger presets in the other four modules. You can also assign the on-screen keyboard, or an external
MIDI keyboard, to trigger different presets. For
more information, see “MIDI Module” on
page 42.
Keyboard, MIDI module
Synchronic Plug-in Guide14
Synchronic presets can be triggered by the MIDI
module in Performance mode, or a Pro Tools
MIDI track or an external MIDI keyboard controller for performance situations (live or in the
studio).
For information about assigning keys and
MIDI controllers in the MIDI module, see
“MIDI Module” on page 42.
Presets can also be selected using plug-in automation or even your computer keyboard.
In Keyboard Focus mode, you can select presets using your computer keyboard (see
“Keyboard Focus Mode” on page 45).
To select a preset, do one of the following:
■ In Performance mode, click a Preset button in
any module. MIDI module presets are the “keys”
of the on-screen keyboard.
– or –
■ In Edit mode, click a Preset button in the
Sound module, or select a preset from the Preset
pop-up menu for the Playback, Effects, and
XFade modules. In Edit mode, the MIDI module’s presets are not available on-screen.
Preset pop-up menu, Playback module
To duplicate a Playback, Effect, or XFade preset:
1 Select the preset you want to duplicate.
2 Control-click (Windows) or Command-click
(Mac) the destination preset.
The settings from the selected preset will be copied to the destination preset.
To edit and store a preset:
1 Select the preset you want to edit. For the
Sound module, you must be in Edit mode to select the preset you want to edit (see “Sound
Module” on page 18).
2 If the module is in Performance mode, toggle
to Edit mode and edit as desired (for detailed information on the Edit mode parameters of each
module, see Chapter 4, “Synchronic Parameters”).
Any edits to any module’s parameters are immediately applied and stored in the selected preset.
Chapter 3: Synchronic Overview 15
Synchronic Plug-in Guide16
chapter 4
Synchronic Parameters
Adjusting Synchronic Parameters
To type a parameter value:
1 Click on the parameter text that you want to
edit.
Editing Parameters Using a Mouse
You can adjust rotary controls with a mouse by
dragging horizontally or vertically. Parameter
values increase as you drag upward or to the
right, and decrease as you drag downward or to
the left.
Editing Parameters Using a Computer Keyboard
Each rotary control has a corresponding parameter text field directly below it. This displays the
current value of the parameter. You can edit the
numeric value of a parameter with your computer keyboard.
2 Change the value.
• Type the desired value.
– or –
• To increase a value, press the Up Arrow on
your keyboard. To decrease a value, press
the Down Arrow on your keyboard.
3 Do one of the following:
• Press Enter on the numeric keyboard to input the value and remain in keyboard editing mode.
– or –
• Press Enter on the alpha keyboard (Windows) or Return (Mac) to enter the value
and leave keyboard editing mode.
To move forward through the different parameters, press the Tab key. To move backward, press Shift+Tab.
Chapter 4: Synchronic Parameters 17
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