Elektron Sidstation User Manual
A
Contact information:
Mail address:
Elektron Music Machines AB
Erik Dahlbergsgatan 3
411 26 Göteborg
Sweden
Email: info@elektron.se
Website: http://www.sidstation.com
Fax: +46 31 7437449
SidStation owners manual rev 2.2b. The operating system discussed in this manual
is of version 1.1. This manual is copyright ©1998-99 Elektron. All reproduction without written
authorisation is strictly prohibited. The information in this manual may change without notice.
ll other trademarks in this manual are properties of their respective owners.
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Using the unit safely
CAUTION!
• Before using this unit make sure that you have read the instructions below.
• Do not perform any modifications to the unit itself.
• Make sure that you use the correct power supply unit (PSU). If you don’t use the one
supplied by Elektro, please check that it fits according to the requirements found in
the PSU section of this manual.
• Please protect the SidStation from strong electronic discharges. These can make the
SidStation malfunction.
• Turn down the volume on your amplifier before switching on the SidStation. On
powerup the SidStation can emit a sharp click that could harm your equipment.
• Do not connect or disconnect cables to the unit with the power turned on.
• Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit.
• Avoid nuclear explosions. The SID-chip might be harmed.
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Contents
USING THE UNIT SAFELY ....................................................................................................................................... 2
CONTENTS................................................................................................................................................................. 3
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................................... 5
A
WORD FROM THE CREATORS ................................................................................................................................... 5
HE MOS6581 SID-CHIP .......................................................................................................................................... 5
T
FEATURES ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
CONVENTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.......................................................................................................................... 6
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SIDSTATION................................................................................................................... 7
T
HE SIDSTATION INTERFACE...................................................................................................................................... 7
ONNECTIONS AT THE REAR PANEL............................................................................................................................ 8
C
CARE INSTRUCTIONS & IMPORTANT NOTES..................................................................................................10
A
BOUT THE MEMORY................................................................................................................................................ 10
BOUT NOISE ...........................................................................................................................................................10
A
QUICK START.......................................................................................................................................................... 11
USING THE SIDSTATION ....................................................................................................................................... 12
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ETTING AROUND AND BASIC EDITING ......................................................................................................................12
Zero menu selection .......................................................................................................................................... 12
T
HE MENU SYSTEM................................................................................................................................................... 12
Patch play mode ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Direct Controllers and MIDI............................................................................................................................... 13
YSTEM PARAMETERS ............................................................................................................................................. 13
S
MIDI settings and SYSEX patch dump menu (MIDI) ......................................................................................13
Synchronisation menu (Sync)........................................................................................................................... 14
SidStation patch memory control menu (Mem) ............................................................................................... 15
The ASID C64 song player ............................................................................................................................... 15
PROGRAMMING THE SIDSTATION ..................................................................................................................... 16
A
NATOMY OF THE SYNTHESIS IN SIDSTATION ........................................................................................................... 16
P
ATCH EDITING ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
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SCILLATORS .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Waveform (Wave).............................................................................................................................................. 17
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)........................................................................................................................ 18
Envelope (Env) ..................................................................................................................................................19
Pitch.................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Vibrato (Vib) ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
Waveform table (Tabl)....................................................................................................................................... 21
OMMON PARAMETERS............................................................................................................................................ 23
C
Direct controls (CTRL)....................................................................................................................................... 24
Local patch synchronisation (Sync).................................................................................................................. 24
HE FILTER.............................................................................................................................................................. 25
T
The filter type menu (Typ) ................................................................................................................................. 25
The filter envelope (Env) ................................................................................................................................... 26
Filter modulation (LFO)...................................................................................................................................... 26
L
OW FREQUENCY OSCILLATORS (LFO)................................................................................................................... 27
Editing the selected LFO................................................................................................................................... 27
The LFO mixer menu (Mixer)............................................................................................................................ 27
The LFO shape menu (Shape).........................................................................................................................28
The LFO modulation control source menu (CTRL) ......................................................................................... 29
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The LFO synchronisation control menu (Sync)................................................................................................30
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AMING AND MANAGING PATCHES ............................................................................................................................30
Saving the patch ................................................................................................................................................31
Overwriting a patch ............................................................................................................................................31
Deleting a patch .................................................................................................................................................31
SYSEX
PATCH TRANSFERS .....................................................................................................................................32
Dumping a single patch from SidStation...........................................................................................................32
Dumping the entire patch memory....................................................................................................................32
Transferring patch data to the SidStation .........................................................................................................32
ROGRAMMING TIPS.................................................................................................................................................33
P
TROUBLE SHOOTING.............................................................................................................................................34
REFERENCE SECTION...........................................................................................................................................35
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ACTORY PATCHES ..................................................................................................................................................35
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................................................36
CREDITS....................................................................................................................................................................37
SIDSTATION MIDI IMPLEMENTATION.................................................................................................................38
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Introduction
A word from the creators
Thank you for buying the SidStation synthesizer module. The instrument that brings back the
unique sound of the SID6581-chip originally found in the Commodore 64 home computer. Using
the full power of the SID-chip combined with innovative synthesis techniques it gives musicians
access to a whole new world of exciting sounds. We have put many hours of hard work in this
product, a synthesizer that reintroduces the spirit and sound from the 80’s.
By using the famous “MOS 6581 Sound Interface Device” chip also known as the SID-chip from
the Commodore 64 computer, we bring you a classic sound, which can not be reproduced by any
other music equipment. Integrating it into the SidStation unleashes the full potential of this chip and
puts you in control. Freeing it from the limitations of the C64 architecture and providing new
methods to control the SID sound gives possibilities yet to be explored.
"The SID is the classic synthesizer that never had a case built around it."
The secret of the SidStation sound is only partially explained by the actual SID6581 chip. The
SidStation operating system stretches the chip to its limits by updating all SID6581 parameters up
to 200 times per second. This implies results of a previously unheard nature.
We in the SidStation design team wish you good luck with your new instrument and hope that it will
inspire you and your music.
The MOS6581 SID-chip
Features
In 1983, Commodore released the Commodore 64. It was a home computer based around the
6510 microprocessor and a couple of custom chips. It soon became very popular and played a
major part in shaping the computer gaming industry. During the development of the Commodore
64, Bob Yannes (who later founded Ensoniq) was approached by Commodore to help develop a
custom sound chip for their home computers. He created possibly the most flexible sound system
ever to be used in a home computer. The SID-chip is capable of three-note polyphony, with one
programmable filter, ring modulation and oscillator hard synchronisation. Each channel can use
one of 4 waveforms: Triangle, Sawtooth, Pulse and Noise (it was soon found that the Triangle and
Pulse waveforms could be combined to a different strange sound – in the SidStation this waveform
is called “Mixed”). But the characteristics of the SID-chip are much more than can be seen in
specifications. It’s wonderful lo-fi distorting filter, beautiful pulsesweep and dramatic ringmodulation
effects – it all has to be experienced.
• MOS 6581 synthesis
• Powerful SidStation OS operating system
• Special arpeggiator
• Unique waveform and notenumber table function
• Flexible LFO modulation system
• Hands on modulation capabilities through direct controllers
• External audio in connector routed through the filter
• C64 SID song player support
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Conventions in this manual
• When a button or knob is discussed the name is enclosed in brackets with bold style. For
instance the real-time control knob 1 is referred to as [KNOB 1].
• When a specific mode is discussed the name is written in italic and bold style. The play
mode is an example of this.
• Parameters in the LCD menus are written in bold style, like the parameter sync.
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A brief overview of SidStation
1
2
3
4
5
The SidStation interface
1 LCD
The backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) is your source of information of what’s happening in your
SidStation.
2 Indicator LEDs
Sync – Indicates the current update speed of the SidStation. Each blink represents one
hundred updates.
MIDI – Indicates incoming MIDI note events
Edit – This LED indicates that a patch is currently being edited.
Ext clk – Indicates when the SidStation is slaved to external MIDI clock.
3 Real-time control knobs
These knobs are used for changing parameters both in edit mode and in play mode. By turning
a knob clockwise the corresponding value on the LCD increases. Doing the opposite decreases
the value. This allows quick and easy editing in the SidStation menu system. In this manual we
refer to them as [KNOB 1], [KNOB 2], [KNOB 3] and [KNOB 4].
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4 Rotary encoder wheel
Used to stepwise increase or decrease a value. By turning the rotary encoder one step
clockwise the value is increased by one unit. Turning it counter-clockwise decreases the value
by one unit. In this manual we refer to it as the [ENCODER].
5 Keyboard
This is where most data input is done. The symbols on the right side and below the keyboard
indicate the directions and functions that happen when the corresponding key is pressed. The
cross (A key) is the symbol for [EXIT] or “up one level”. The [UP] and [DOWN] (B and C key)
arrows allows a value to be increased or decreased. In some menus a blinking cursor is shown.
Use the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] (* and # key) arrows together with the [UP] and [DOWN] arrows
to move it around (note: some menus only allow left and right movement). The dot (D key) is the
symbol for [ENTER]. The number keys have different functions in different areas of the
SidStation OS. Please see section “Getting around and basic editing” for more information.
Connections at the rear panel
6 MIDI connectors
MIDI Thru – Connect this output to the next keyboard in your MIDI chain.
MIDI Out – Connect this output to the MIDI In port of your sequencer or keyboard.
MIDI In – Connect this input to the MIDI Out port of your sequencer or keyboard.
7 Audio connectors
Out – Line level audio output to connect to your mixerboard or amplifier.
Ext in –Accepts an unbalanced line level signal that is routed through the SIDs filter.
ARNING: Never connect any signals to the “Ext in” input that can be carrying hazardous
voltage (signals of too high voltage). This may damage your SidStation and possibly harm
the SID chip. “Ext in” is designed for normal line level signals.
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8 LCD Contrast
This knob controls the contrast of the LCD. Please set the contrast to an appropriate value. The
display is a “super-twist” model, which means that it has a wider observer angle to maximise
visibility. The contrast should be set so that no “ghosting” appears from inactive character cells.
9 Power connector
Connect the DC power adapter here. Check the specifications below carefully if you fit a PSU
not supplied by Elektron.
The PSU should be stabilised, deliver a voltage of 6V up to 7V DC and be able to supply at least
400mA to power the SidStation. The connector has a diameter of 2.1 mm. The connector should
have the positive voltage on the inner core, and ground on the outer ring. Please check that this
applies to your PSU before powering up the SidStation as both this standard and the opposite
exists.
ARNING: Using an improper type of power adapter may result in malfunction of the
SidStation and could even damage it. Please consult your dealer if you are unsure of which
kind of ada
ter you should use.
10 Power switch
Turns your SidStation on or off.
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Care instructions & important notes
To ensure many years of troublefree operation some advice about taking care of your SidStation
could be in place:
• Never use any aggressive cleaners on the casing or display. Remove dust, dirt and
fingerprints with a dry soft cloth. If needed, damp the cloth slightly with water to remove
more persistent dirt.
• Never use sharp objects near the display to avoid scratches or damage. Also avoid applying
any pressure to the display itself.
• When transporting the SidStation from one place to another please use the box within which
it was shipped (with padding) or use equivalent packaging.
About the memory
The data contained in the SidStation memory may be corrupted or lost during a repair, upgrade
or after a temporary malfunction. To be sure that your sounds (patches) are preserved in these
cases, please use the SYSEX patch dump feature to transfer the data over MIDI. No liability is
assumed for lost data by Elektron.
About noise
The SID6581 chip is designed unlike any other chip. This design has given the SidStation a
unique sound. The price to pay for this special design technology is that the noise-level
unfortunately is quite high. We have done all we can to help to keep the noise-level down, and
compared to the original Commodore 64 it is very silent. What is left is the noise generated by
the SID-chip itself. Some people find the noise level irritating, whereas others appreciate it as a
part of the unique qualities of the SID chip.
There are several different sources of noise. The most distinct source is the oscillators that
never keep totally silent, even when the envelope is done. This means that after the sound is
supposed to have died out it can still be heard in the background. Using the gated envelope will
cure this bug, but will introduce other strange SID effects (see the oscillator section for details).
Another source of noise is that the address and data bus leaks noise into the audio output. To
restrict this problem we have put the SID-chip on an isolated address/data-bus. However, we
still have to write data to the chip, so there is some noise from this source. To locate this type of
noise, pump up the volume, vary the update speed from low to high, and you should note a
slight pitch change in a part of the background noise.
For best results we recommend using a noise-gate.
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Quick start
This is a very simple MIDI setup that allows you to quickly get started with your SidStation:
The following setup could be used to connect the SidStation to a computer sequencer:
Note: The computer sequencer must be configured to echo incoming MIDI data. Please consult
your sequencer documentation for more information.
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Using the SidStation
Getting around and basic editing
The SidStation is controlled using three different types of controls. The keyboard can be used to
do everything, but realtime controllers and a rotary encoder have been added to make sound
editing smoother.
The menu system is made up of a hierarchy of menus and parameters. Use the arrow keys
([UP], [DOWN], [LEFT] and [RIGHT]) to direct the focus on the display. The current focus is
indicated with flashing brackets or a flashing arrow. By pressing the [ENTER] key you select the
item and enter a new sub-menu. To exit to a higher level in the menu system you press the
[EXIT] key.
To change a value of a parameter, select it by moving the focus over it and press the [UP] key
to increase the value or [DOWN] to decrease it. The [ENCODER] wheel can also be used to
change parameter values in steps. Turn it clockwise to increase or counter-clockwise to
decrease.
If any values on screen, some or all of the four realtime controllers can be used to set a new
value. The values are assigned from left to right, giving the [KNOB 1] access to the first
parameter, [KNOB 2] to the second and so on for the number of values presented on screen.
The numbers on the keypad can be used for quick access to menus. Pressing 1 moves the
focus to the first option and selects it. Pressing 2 moves to the second option and select it etc.
Some menus are two screens wide. This is represented by a small animated arrow that points in
the direction the next screen is located. Simply move the focus in that direction to access the
screen.
Zero menu selection
While editing an oscillator in single mode, or an LFO, it is possible to quickly access other
menus by using the zero menu selection feature. As an example we can say that we are
currently editing the oscillator 1 waveform. You can now move to the waveform menu of another
oscillator by using the zero menus. First press the “0” key on the keypad and the screen will
show rotating directional arrows. Now you can press either arrow right/left for accessing the next
or previous waveform oscillator menu. You can also press keys one through three to directly
access a specific oscillator. This work equivalent for LFO menus, only difference is that there are
four LFO menus in total.
The menu system
When you switch on your SidStation you are greeted by a short welcoming message and then
the following screen appears:
This is the top-level menu from where you start exploring the SidStation. On this screen there
are three menu items to choose from, controlling three very different aspects of the SidStation.
Choose using the [UP] and [DOWN] keys. Press [ENTER] to enter the menu.
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Patch play mode
This is where you select and edit a patch in the SidStation. The patch is a set of parameters
which can be named and stored in the SidStation memory bank. The parameters control the
nature of the sound that is played on the audio output when MIDI data is received. In the
SidStation memory you can store up to one hundred different patches. The patch selection
screen is shown below:
The [UP] and [DOWN] keys along with the [ENCODER] wheel lets you browse the patches
stored in memory. To select a patch press the [ENTER] key. A patch that is selected but not yet
activated with [ENTER] will flash.
The four values at the bottom of the screen are user assignable parameters called direct
controllers. This allows realtime control of up to four parameters that can be selected by the
patch programmer. The SidStation knobs are mapped in the following order:
[KNOB 1] – DC1
[KNOB 2] – DC2
[KNOB 3] – DC3
[KNOB 4] – DC4
When a patch is selected you can play it by sending MIDI notes from your keyboard or other
MIDI compatible equipment. The SidStation is now in play mode.
By pressing [RIGHT] you enter the edit mode where you edit the parameters of the patch
currently playing. Please see the “Programming the SidStation” section for more information on
how to edit a patch.
Note: When changing patches there may be a short loud static noise. This is normal and is
a result of changing the filter settings between different patches. This is not because of the
SidStation, but depends on the way the SID-chip is designed.
Direct Controllers and MIDI
The four direct controllers (DC1 to DC4) all send and receive MIDI control data. They are
mapped to MIDI control number 16 through 19. Direct controllers that are not used (shows as ---
in the patch selection menu) still output MIDI control data for the corresponding MIDI control
number. This means that the SidStation also can be used as an external control box for other
synthesizers.
System parameters
The system menu screen contains the parameters that control MIDI, synchronisation and
memory integrity. It is accessed from the top-level menu and is seen below:
The system parameters are divided into three submenus called MIDI, Sync and Mem.
MIDI settings and SYSEX patch dump menu (MIDI)
The MIDI submenu lets you set the MIDI base channel of your SidStation and also control the
SYSEX patch dump function:
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By adjusting the BaseCh value you set the MIDI channel which is monitoring incoming MIDI
data. If your connected MIDI equipment sends note data to your SidStation on channel 1, you
must set the base channel to 1. Any other data on channels 2-16 is ignored. The MIDI thru port
echoes all incoming data.
The SYSEXDump switch controls the system exclusive (SYSEX) patch dump functions. It is
easy to make a backup of your patches in your SidStation to a computer sequencer or a MIDI
data recorder. See section “SYSEX patch transfers” for more information.
Synchronisation menu (Sync)
The Sync sub-menu controls how the SidStation is being updated.
Sourc sets the source for the update frequency. There are three choices:
• Patch - the update frequency and HCut settings are taken from the local patch settings.
• Globl - the global settings for Speed and HCut found at the right of this screen are used for
all patches.
• ExtCl - the update speed is locked to external MIDI clock (when available). HCut setting is
taken from the global value found to the right on this screen.
When locked to an external clock, the SidStation makes 48 updates per quarter note (2 updates
per MIDI clock). This can be used to time various parts of the SidStation to the external beat.
The arpeggiators, square LFO, sample & hold LFO and oscillator delay are obvious targets for
such timings. But actually all sound updating parts of the SidStation (except for the VCA
envelope will be locked to the external clock. See small table below for various note signatures:
Desired note length Speed value
½ 96
¼ 48
1/8 24
1/16 12
1/32 6
1/64 3
If the clock source is set to “Globl” then the Speed parameter sets the timing. The timing of the
SidStation arpeggiator (as well as all other functions in the SidStation) is then directly derived
from the Speed parameter. A speed value is given in the unit Hertz, which is how many times
per second the sound settings are updated. A value of 100 means that the sound parameters
are updated 100 times per second, and an arpeggiator speed value of 20 would mean that the
arpeggiator is updated 5 times per second.
The “Hard cut” HCut parameter controls a function that compensates for a bug in the envelopes
of the 6581 sound chip. When a new note is triggered, the first few milliseconds of the envelope
sometimes are left out. This means that the notes played sometimes suffer from a slightly bad
timing. With the HCut setting you can choose to force the oscillators to keep silent for a certain
amount of time when a new note is triggered. With a setting high enough the envelope bug will
not be noticed. However, this function will make the SidStation to react more slowly to new
notes (often referred to as “lag”), so this function may not be appreciated in all situations. But
when working with a sequencer this is no problem as you can program the sequencer to send
notes to the SidStation a certain time in advance. The time the envelope will be kept quiet can
be calculated from the following formula: Time = HCut/speed (s)
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