E-Mu Ultra Proteus User Manual

UltraProteus

FI434 Rev. A

Manual - Riley Smith

E-mu World Headquarters E-mu Systems, Inc. U.S.A. P.O. Box 660015 Scotts Valley, CA USA 95067–0015 Telephone: 408-438-1921 Fax: 408-438-8612

Important Notice: In order to obtain warranty service on your UltraProteus unit, the serial number sticker must be intact and you must have a sales receipt or other proof of purchase. If there is no serial number sticker on UltraProteus, please contact E-mu Systems at once.

This product is covered under one or more of the following U. S. patents: 3,969,682; 3,986,423; 4,404,529; 4,506,579; 4,699,038; 4,987,600; 5,013,105; 5,072,645; 5,111,727 and foreign patents and/or pending patents. UltraProteus is a registered trademark of E-mu Systems, Inc.

Europe, Africa, Middle East E-mu Systems, Ltd. Suite 6, Adam Ferguson House Eskmills Industrial Park Musselburgh, East Lothian Scotland, EH21 7PQ Telephone: 44-31-653-6556 Fax: 44-31-665-0473

PRINTED AND MADE IN THE USA

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Use in countries other than the U.S.A. may require the use of a different line cord or attachment plug, or both. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to qualified service personnel. To reduce risk of fire or electric shock do not expose this product to rain or moisture.

WARNING: READ THIS FIRST!

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or break down, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current, reducing the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

DANGER

Improper connection of equipment grounding conductor can result in the risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if you are in doubt as to whether the product is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with this product — if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified technician.

CAUTION

If the UltraProteus (model number 9053), is rack mounted, a standard 19-inch open frame rack must be used.

USER-MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

1. UltraProteus should be kept clean and dust free. Periodically wipe the unit with a clean, lint free cloth. Do not use solvents or cleaners.

2. There are no user lubrication or adjustment requirements.

In this document, whenever the word “UltraProteus” is mentioned, we are referring to the UltraProteus Synthesizer by E-mu Systems, Inc.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

3. Refer all other servicing to qualified service personnel.

INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS

WARNING; When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read all instructions before using UltraProteus.

2. To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is necessary when UltraProteus is used near children.

3. Do not use UltraProteus near water — for example near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, on a wet bar, or near or in a swimming pool.

4. UltraProteus should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

5. UltraProteus should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, fireplaces, stoves, or ovens.

6. UltraProteus should only be connected to a power supply of the type described in the operating instructions and as marked on the product.

7. This product, in combination with an amplifier, headphones, and speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause full or partial hearing loss or damaged equipment. Do not operate for long periods of time at high volume levels or at a level that is uncomfortable. Additionally, care must be taken when programming any of the filters contained herein using extreme operating parameters. This action could also produce signals which result in unacceptable high sound levels as noted previously. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing of the ears consult your physician.

8. UltraProteus may be equipped with a polarized line plug (one blade wider that the other). This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert this plug into the outlet, do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug. Contact an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.

9. The power supply cord of UltraProteus should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

10. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled

into the enclosure of UltraProteus through openings.

11. The product should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:

A. The power supply cord has been damaged; or

B. Objects have fallen on, or liquid has been spilled into the product; or

C. The product has been exposed to rain; or

D. The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a

marked change in performance; or

E. The product has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

12. All servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

INTRODUCTION & BASIC SETUP 1

Introduction .................................................................................................................... 3

Getting Started ................................................................................................................ 4

Connection Instructions .................................................................................................... 5

Background - About Sampling.......................................................................................... 9

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BASIC OPERATION

Main Controls ................................................................................................................ 12

Selecting MIDI Channels................................................................................................. 14

Selecting Presets/Hyperpresets ...................................................................................... 14

Adjusting Volume & Pan Position .................................................................................... 14

Memory Card ................................................................................................................ 15

Midimap Selection ......................................................................................................... 15

Multi-Timbral Operation................................................................................................. 16

Playing the Demo Sequences ......................................................................................... 16

Master Menu ................................................................................................................. 17

Enabling the Master Menu ............................................................................................. 19

Master Tune .................................................................................................................. 19

Transpose...................................................................................................................... 19

User Key Tuning ............................................................................................................ 20

Global Bend .................................................................................................................. 20

Global Velocity Curve ..................................................................................................... 20

MIDI Mode .................................................................................................................... 22

MIDI Mode Change ........................................................................................................ 22

MIDI Program Change Map............................................................................................ 23

MIDI Controller Assign ................................................................................................... 24

MIDI Footswitch Control ................................................................................................. 24

Send MIDI Data ............................................................................................................. 24

Sysex Packet Delay ....................................................................................................... 25

Proteus Sysex................................................................................................................ 26

Auto Select .................................................................................................................... 26

Compare Mode .............................................................................................................. 26

Viewing Angle ............................................................................................................... 26

Midimap Menu .............................................................................................................. 27

The Midimap ................................................................................................................. 29

Enabling the Midimap Menu........................................................................................... 30

Midimap Select .............................................................................................................. 30

Midimap Name.............................................................................................................. 31

Program to Channel Assign ............................................................................................ 31

Volume, Pan & Output Mix ............................................................................................ 31

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MIDIMAP MENU (cont)

MIDI Enables ................................................................................................................. 33

Bank Select ................................................................................................................... 33

Program Map Select ...................................................................................................... 34

FX A.............................................................................................................................. 34

FX B.............................................................................................................................. 35

FX Amount .................................................................................................................... 35

FX Output Select ............................................................................................................ 36

Save Midimap ............................................................................................................... 36

EFFECTS SECTION

Where are the Effects? ................................................................................................... 39

Effects Output Routing ................................................................................................... 40

UltraProteus Effects Bus Architecture .............................................................................. 40

Effect Programming Instructions..................................................................................... 41

Reverb .......................................................................................................................... 42

Stereo Flanger ............................................................................................................... 46

Stereo Phaser ................................................................................................................ 48

Stereo Chorus ................................................................................................................ 49

Stereo Delay ................................................................................................................. 50

Stereo Cross Delay......................................................................................................... 51

Stereo Echo ................................................................................................................... 52

“B” Effects .................................................................................................................... 53

Stereo Fuzz ................................................................................................................... 54

Ring Modulator ............................................................................................................. 55

HYPERPRESET MENU

The Hyperpreset ............................................................................................................ 59

Enabling the Hyperpreset Menu ..................................................................................... 59

Hyperpreset Name ........................................................................................................ 60

Preset to Zone Assignment ............................................................................................. 60

Zone Volume and Pan.................................................................................................... 61

Zone Key Range ............................................................................................................ 61

Zone Velocity Range ...................................................................................................... 62

Zone Velocity Offset ...................................................................................................... 63

Zone Transpose ............................................................................................................. 63

Zone Pitch Tune............................................................................................................. 63

Hyperpreset Portamento Mode....................................................................................... 64

Free-Run Function Generator ......................................................................................... 64

Save Hyperpreset .......................................................................................................... 66

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRESET PROGRAMMING

Starting to Program ....................................................................................................... 69

Modulation.................................................................................................................... 70

Modulation Sources ....................................................................................................... 71

Footswitch Modulation ................................................................................................... 72

Midipatch ...................................................................................................................... 72

Envelope Generators...................................................................................................... 73

Low Frequency Oscillators .............................................................................................. 75

Function Generators ...................................................................................................... 76

Filter Modulation ........................................................................................................... 84

Parametric Filters .......................................................................................................... 87

The UltraProteus Filter ................................................................................................... 88

The Z-Plane Filter .......................................................................................................... 89

Another View ................................................................................................................. 92

UltraProteus Signal Flow ................................................................................................ 93

Note-On Modulation Control........................................................................................... 94

Realtime Modulation Control .......................................................................................... 95

Key Number .................................................................................................................. 96

Velocity Curves .............................................................................................................. 96

MIDI Realtime Controls .................................................................................................. 97

PRESET MENU

Enabling the Preset Menu ............................................................................................ 101

Preset Name ............................................................................................................... 102

Primary Instrument ..................................................................................................... 102

Secondary Instrument.................................................................................................. 102

Volume ....................................................................................................................... 103

Pan ............................................................................................................................. 103

Key Range .................................................................................................................. 103

Primary Key Range ..................................................................................................... 104

Secondary Key Range .................................................................................................. 104

Transpose.................................................................................................................... 105

Coarse Pitch Tuning ..................................................................................................... 105

Fine Pitch Tuning ......................................................................................................... 105

Alternate Envelope On/Off .......................................................................................... 105

Primary Alternate Envelope Parameters ....................................................................... 106

Secondary Alternate Envelope Parameters .................................................................... 106

Double + Detune......................................................................................................... 106

Sound Delay................................................................................................................ 107

Sound Start ................................................................................................................. 107

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRESET MENU (cont)

Sound Reverse ............................................................................................................ 107

Nontranspose .............................................................................................................. 108

Loop Enable ................................................................................................................ 108

Loop Offset ................................................................................................................. 108

Solo Mode ................................................................................................................... 109

Solo Mode Priority ....................................................................................................... 110

Portamento Rate ......................................................................................................... 110

Portamento Shape ....................................................................................................... 110

Portamento Mode ........................................................................................................ 111

Crossfade Mode ........................................................................................................... 111

Crossfade Direction ...................................................................................................... 112

Crossfade Balance and Amount .................................................................................... 112

Cross-switch Point ........................................................................................................ 113

Primary Filter Type ...................................................................................................... 113

Secondary Filter Type .................................................................................................. 113

Filter Level .................................................................................................................. 113

Morph Offset ............................................................................................................... 114

Filter Frequency Tracking ............................................................................................. 114

Filter Transform 2........................................................................................................ 115

Filter Reverse .............................................................................................................. 116

Auxiliary Envelope ...................................................................................................... 116

LFO 1 & 2 - Shape & Amount ....................................................................................... 117

LFO 1 & 2 - Rate, Delay & Variation ............................................................................. 117

Function Generator 1 and 2 ......................................................................................... 118

Note-On Modulation Control......................................................................................... 122

Realtime Modulation Control ........................................................................................ 123

Footswitch Control ....................................................................................................... 124

Pitch Bend Range ........................................................................................................ 124

Pressure Amount ......................................................................................................... 124

MIDI Controller Amount ............................................................................................... 124

Velocity Curve ............................................................................................................. 125

Keyboard Center ......................................................................................................... 126

Keyboard Tuning ......................................................................................................... 126

Mix Select ................................................................................................................... 127

Save Preset ................................................................................................................. 127

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COPY MENU

Enabling the Copy Menu .............................................................................................. 131

Copy Preset ................................................................................................................. 131

Copy Layer.................................................................................................................. 132

Copy Filter .................................................................................................................. 132

Copy LFO .................................................................................................................... 132

Copy Function Generator ............................................................................................. 133

Copy Auxiliary Envelope .............................................................................................. 133

Copy Note-On Control .................................................................................................. 133

Copy Realtime Control ................................................................................................. 133

Copy Hyperpreset ........................................................................................................ 134

Copy Zone................................................................................................................... 134

Copy Free-Run Function Generator ............................................................................... 134

Copy Midimap ............................................................................................................. 134

Copy Channel .............................................................................................................. 135

Copy Effects ................................................................................................................ 135

Copy Program Change Map.......................................................................................... 135

Copy Bank .................................................................................................................. 136

129

STEP-BY-STEP

Forward ...................................................................................................................... 139

Editing Presets............................................................................................................. 139

Starting From Scratch .................................................................................................. 140

The Instrument ............................................................................................................ 140

Volume ....................................................................................................................... 141

Pan ............................................................................................................................. 141

Transpose.................................................................................................................... 141

Coarse Tuning ............................................................................................................. 142

Fine Tuning ................................................................................................................. 142

Alternate Volume Envelope .......................................................................................... 143

Anatomy of an Envelope.............................................................................................. 144

Sound Delay................................................................................................................ 145

Sound Start ................................................................................................................. 145

Application: Sound Splicing .......................................................................................... 146

Time to Save?.............................................................................................................. 147

LFO Modulation ........................................................................................................... 147

Modulating Modulators ................................................................................................ 150

The UltraProteus Filter ................................................................................................. 151

Just Do It .................................................................................................................... 152

Filter Filosophy............................................................................................................ 154

137

vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STEP-BY-STEP (cont)

Morphology ................................................................................................................ 157

Using UltraProteus with a Sequencer ............................................................................ 158

More Advanced Sequencing ......................................................................................... 159

REFERENCE SECTION

Factory RAM Presets - Bank 0 ...................................................................................... 162

Factory ROM Presets - Bank 1 ...................................................................................... 163

Instrument Listing........................................................................................................ 164

B3 Wave Diagrams ...................................................................................................... 171

Instrument Locations ................................................................................................... 172

Percussion Instrument Locations ................................................................................... 173

Z-Plane Filter Descriptions............................................................................................ 178

Loop Offset Sample Locations....................................................................................... 235

Function Generator Curves ........................................................................................... 239

Function Generator, LFO & Envelope Specifications ....................................................... 247

Technical Specifications ................................................................................................ 248

MIDI Implementation Chart.......................................................................................... 249

MIDI Specifications ...................................................................................................... 250

SysEx Tutorial ............................................................................................................. 277

INDEX

WARRANTY

161

281

285

viii

UltraProteus INTRO/BASIC SETUP

Chapter 1: Basic Setup 1

UltraProteus Operation Manual2

PHONES

VOLUME

UltraProteus

C01 VOL127 PAN=P 195 Star Ship

HYPERPRESETMIDIMAP COPY

DEMO

CURSOR

HOME/ENTER

POWER

DATA

MIDI

PRESETMASTER

UltraProteus

UltraProteus is a new type of music synthesizer which upholds the legendary Proteus tradition of crystal-clear sounds while significantly furthering the evolution of electronic sound synthesis.

Many electronic instruments today involve the technology of sampling, where sounds are digitally recorded and played back at different pitches. Sampling has the advantage of highly accurate and realistic sound. One disadvantage of sampling is that once the sounds are recorded, it is difficult to change them in any significant way.

INTRODUCTION

THIS SYMBOL APPEARS THOUGHOUT THE MANUAL TO HIGHLIGHT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF ULTRAPROTEUS.

UltraProteus incorporates the E-mu Z-Plane filter, which has the ability to smoothly change its function over time. This ultra-powerful device can accurately simulate the resonance of musical instruments, the human voice or create entirely new timbres. The Z-Plane filter is composed of up to eight complex filters for unprecedented control over subtle aspects of the sound.

UltraProteus contains sixteen megabytes of Pop, Rock, Orchestral and World samples from the Proteus family of instruments. In addition, it includes hot

™

new drum sounds, new waveforms, and the Proformance

stereo grand piano. This amazing array of sounds can be combined or spliced, modulated and then shaped through one of 288 Z-Plane filters. Sampled sounds can be re-shaped and expressively controlled, allowing you to articulate the subtle nuances of complex instruments.

The 16 bit sound samples are arranged into 256 preset locations, 128 of which are user-programmable. 128 user-programmable Hyperpresets allow ultraflexible keyboard mapping of presets. The optional memory card lets you create an expandable library of your favorite presets and hyperpresets.

UltraProteus features two studio-quality effects processors with 28 different effects to choose from. Hyperpresets allow you to have up to 32 different sounds on the keyboard at one time in any desired arrangement. Sounds can be placed side by side or layered with velocity control. The ability to respond multitimbrally to all 16 MIDI channels makes UltraProteus ideally suited for multitrack sequencing and composing using a MIDI sequencer.

THIS SYMBOL APPEARS THOUGHOUT THE MANUAL TO WARN YOU OF POTENTIALLY CONFUSING OPERATING PROCEDURES.

Other features include 3 stereo outputs for individually processing sounds (also configurable as 6 polyphonic submixes with fully programmable panning), integral sends and returns to allow the addition of external effects units without the need for a separate mixer, user definable alternate tuning, and of course, an extensive MIDI implementation.

Chapter 1: Basic Setup 3

INSTRUMENT

PRESET

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

GETTING STARTED

• RAM PRESETS CAN BE MOVED, ERASED OR MODIFIED AS DESIRED.

• ROM PRESETS CANNOT BE MOVED OR ALTERED UNLESS THEY ARE FIRST COPIED TO A RAM LOCATION.

In its most basic form, UltraProteus is organized as shown in the diagram below. Complete acoustic instrument samples and electronically created sounds are used as raw material to form Presets.

The Preset is a complete set of all program functions and combinations for a complete UltraProteus sound. Each preset consists of one or two Instruments. An Instrument is a complete set of samples or a digital waveform which covers the entire keyboard range. An instrument can be assigned to each of the Primary and Secondary layers of the preset.

The primary and secondary layers of the preset are essentially two instruments with complete modulation controls. The memory is organized into banks of 128 programmable RAM presets, unalterable ROM presets and Hyperpresets.

Bank Contents

RAM Presets

ROM Presets

RAM Hyperpresets

Card Presets

Card Hyperpresets

• HYPERPRESETS ARE GROUPS OF PRESETS ARRANGED ON THE KEYBOARD TO FORM SPLITS OR LAYERS.

• MEMORY CARD - ALLOWS YOU TO EASILY LOAD AND SAVE ADDITIONAL PRESETS AND HYPERPRESETS.

A Hyperpreset is a combination of up to sixteen presets arranged either side by side on the keyboard (to create a keyboard split) or on top of each other (to create a denser sound). Each preset in a hyperpreset is assigned to a keyboard Zone, with an associated key range, volume, pan, tuning and transpose setting. In addition, each zone can be assigned to a velocity range so that different presets can play depending on the key velocity. There are 128 Hyperpreset locations available to store your own custom keyboard setups.

- Layer -

Presets Assigned

to the same

Keyboard Range

(3 Zones)

Preset Preset Preset

(Zone) (Zone)

Preset

- Keyboard Split -

Presets Placed

Adjacent to Each Other

(Zone)

Preset

UltraProteus Operation Manual4

100-250VAC 50/60 Hz ~

Aux. or Tape In

MIDI Controller

(MIDI Keyboard, Sequencer, etc.)

Control

Pedal

E-MU SYSTEMS, INC.

Scotts Valley, California U.S.A.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE

OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Male RCA plug

Male Phono Plug

MIDI Out

MIDI

Main Outs

CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SETUP #1 BASIC SETUP

The Headphone

Output is located

on the Front Panel

OUTPUTS

THRUOUTIN

R - SUB2 - L R - SUB1 - L R - MAIN - L

Mixer

Amp

MONO STEREO

Main Outs to Mixer In

THE HEADPHONE OUTPUT MONITORS THE MAIN OUTPUTS ONLY. THE SUBMIX OUTPUTS DO NOT FEED INTO THE HEADPHONE OUTPUT.

IF ULTRAPROTEUS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE RESPONDING CORRECTLY, MAKE SURE THAT BOTH ULTRAPROTEUS AND YOUR MIDI CONTROLLER ARE SET TO THE SAME MIDI CHANNEL.

Speakers

Home Stereo

System

Home Studio

System

MIDI In

UltraProteus is controlled by MIDI messages received at the MIDI In connector. Connect the MIDI In of the UltraProteus to the MIDI Out connector of a MIDI controller such as a MIDI keyboard, MIDI wind controller or MIDI guitar controller.

Audio Outputs

UltraProteus is a high quality, stereo audio device. In order to reproduce its wide dynamic range and frequency response, use a high quality amplification and speaker system such as a keyboard amplifier or home stereo system. A stereo setup is highly desirable because of the added realism of stereophonic sound. Headphones can be used if an amplifier and speaker system is not available. Plug stereo headphones into the headphone jack located on the left side of the front panel. The Right Main output jack serves as a mono output when the Left Main plug is not plugged in. The Left Main output jack serves as a stereo output when the Right Main plug is not plugged in.

MOST ULTRAPROTEUS FACTORY PRESETS ARE PROGRAMMED TO RESPOND TO PEDAL CONTROL.

SET YOUR KEYBOARD TO TRANSMIT PEDAL ON CONTROLLER #4, OR SEE “MIDI REALTIME CONTROLLERS” IN THIS MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Chapter 1: Basic Setup 5

CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SETUP #2 STUDIO SETUP

MANY OF THE ULTRAPROTEUS FACTORY PRESETS HAVE BEEN PROGRAMMED TO USE A FOOT PEDAL CONTROLLER. TO USE THIS EXCITING FEATURE, SET YOUR MIDI CONTROLLER TO TRANSMIT THE FOOTPEDAL ON CONTINUOUS CONTROLLER NUMBER 4. (This is the default

value, which can be be changed to any controller number.)

MIDI Controller

(MIDI Keyboard, Sequencer, etc.)

MIDI Out

E-MU SYSTEMS, INC.

Scotts Valley, California U.S.A.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE

100-250VAC 50/60 Hz ~

OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

MIDI

Out

MIDI Switcher

Out In

MIDI

OutInIn

THRUOUTIN

MIDI

Computer

Out

Additional

MIDI

Devices

MIDI In

OUTPUTS

R - SUB2 - L R - SUB1 - L R - MAIN - L

Effects-Only

MONO STEREO

Dry-Only

Main Outputs

MIDI In

In this setup, UltraProteus is controlled by MIDI messages received at the MIDI In connector which have been routed by a MIDI switcher. The MIDI switcher allows any MIDI controller such as a MIDI keyboard, MIDI wind controller or a computer to be easily connected.

MIDI Out

The MIDI Out jack is normally used to transmit MIDI System Exclusive data to a computer or other device.

Audio Outputs

UltraProteus has three sets of programmable stereo outputs; Main, Sub 1, and Sub 2. Sub 1 is a non-effects output, Sub 2 is an effects-only output. Specific UltraProteus presets (or MIDI channels) can be routed to one of these stereo pairs in order to be further processed or mixed separately.

UltraProteus Operation Manual6

CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS

MIDI Controller

(MIDI Keyboard, Sequencer, etc.)

MIDI Out

E-MU SYSTEMS, INC.

Scotts Valley, California U.S.A.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE

100-250VAC 50/60 Hz ~

OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Sub Output Return

(To Main Output)

SETUP #3 PERFORMANCE SETUP

Additional

MIDI

Devices

MIDI In

MIDI

THRUOUTIN

Sub Outs 1 = NO Internal Effects Sub Outs 2 = From Internal Effects

OUTPUTS

R - SUB2 - L R - SUB1 - L R - MAIN - L

Send

Effect Device

MONO STEREO

Send/Return

Main Outs to Mixer In

Tip Ring

To Effect From Effect

SEND/RETURN CABLE

Signal is sent out on tip of plug and

returned to main outputs via ring of plug.

MIDI In

UltraProteus is controlled by MIDI messages received at the MIDI In connector. Connect the MIDI In of UltraProteus to the MIDI Out connector of a MIDI controller such as a MIDI keyboard, MIDI wind controller or MIDI guitar controller.

MIDI Thru

The MIDI Thru jack is used to connect additional MIDI devices onto the MIDI chain. MIDI Thru transmits an exact copy of the messages received at the MIDI In jack.

Audio Outputs

Each of the Sub 1 and Sub 2 output jacks on the UltraProteus are stereo jacks. The tip of each jack (accessed when a standard phone plug is inserted) is the left or right output of that group. If a stereo plug is inserted, the Ring of the stereo plug serves as a signal Return which sums into the Main outputs. The Sub 1 outputs bypass the internal effects. Sub 2 are the outputs of the internal effects.

Chapter 1: Basic Setup 7

CONNECTIONS

Therefore, the Sub 1 and Sub 2 jacks can serve as effect sends and returns in order to further process selected instruments and then return them to the main mix.

The diagram shows the Sub 1 and Sub 2 jacks being used as send/returns in order to further process selected UltraProteus presets without using the effects bus on the mixing board. In a pinch, the effect returns could also be used to sum additional instruments into the main outputs.

UltraProteus Output Section

L Bus

R Bus

Tip

RL RL RL

Ring

Tip

Ring

Tip

Ring

Tip

Ring

Tip Tip

Ring

SUB 2 SUB 1 MAIN

The Sub 1 and Sub 2 jacks can be used as effect returns to the Main Outputs.

POWER UP!

The power switch is located on the right side of the front panel. UltraProteus and its MIDI controller may be turned on in any order. When power is applied, the liquid crystal display will light, indicating that UltraProteus is operating. You may have noticed that there is no 110/220 Volt power selector switch on UltraProteus.

UltraProteus automatically switches itself for 110 or 220 Volt operation.

UltraProteus Operation Manual8

ABOUT SAMPLING

UltraProteus utilizes digital recording of acoustic sounds for the basis of each Instrument. This is similar to a tape recorder except that inside the UltraProteus, the sounds are permanently recorded on digital memory chips.

Sound and instrument waveforms are first sampled into the Emulator III, our top of the line, 16 bit stereo digital sampler. After the sounds and waveforms have been truncated, looped and processed, they are permanently encoded into the UltraProteus ROM (Read Only Memory) chips.

Conceptually, the sampling process is very simple, as shown in the Basic Sampling System diagram. As a sound wave strikes the diaphragm of a microphone, a corresponding voltage is generated. To sample the sound, the voltage level is repeatedly measured over time and the corresponding data values are stored in memory. To play the sound back, the numbers are read back out of memory, modified by the Z-plane filter, converted back into voltages, then amplified and fed to a speaker which converts the voltage back into sound waves. Of course, playing back 32 channels at different pitches tends to complicate matters, but this is basically how it works.

BACKGROUND

Analog/Digital Converter

1011001

Basic Sampling System

UltraProteus

Memory

10100101001 01010010100 10101010100 10101001010

-3V

Z-Plane Filter Amplifier

Digital/Analog Converter

1011001

-1V -2V3V-1V-2V3V1V

Chapter 1: Basic Setup 9

UltraProteus Operation Manual10

UltraProteus BASIC OPERATION

11Chapter 2: Basic Operation

MAIN CONTROLS

VOLUME

CONTROL

DISPLAY

PHONES

HEADPHONE

JACK

VOLUME

UltraProteus

CARD

SLOT

C01 VOL127 PAN=P

021 Real:Z Piano

Volume Control

This is the master volume control for all audio outputs. Note: For maximum dynamic range, set this control at full level.

Card Slot

The card slot accepts RAM and ROM cards containing additional presets, hyperpresets and midimaps.

Master Menu Select Button

The Master menu contains global parameters which affect the entire machine. The LED to the left of the button indicates that you are in the Master menu.

THE COMPARE FEATURE MUST BE TURNED ON IN THE MASTER MENU.

12 UltraProteus Operation Manual

Midimap Menu Select Button

A Midimap is a set of parameters used to configure UltraProteus to other MIDI gear such as a sequencer or keyboard setup. The 16 Midimaps contain digital effects setting as well as assignments of presets/hyperpresets to MIDI channels. An LED to the left of the button indicates that you are working in the Midimap menu.

Preset Menu Select Button

The Preset menu is used when you want to create or modify a preset. The LED to the left of the button indicates that you are working in the Preset menu. To Compare an edited preset with the unedited version, simply exit Preset Edit mode. The stored preset will be heard whenever the main screen is selected. Changing the preset will erase the edited version.

Hyperpreset Menu Select Button

The Hyperpreset menu is used to place presets at certain locations on the keyboard to create custom keyboard layouts. The LED to the left of the button indicates that you are working in the Hyperpreset menu.

MAIN CONTROLS

MASTER

MIDIMAP

PRESET

PRESETMASTER

HYPERMIDIMAP COPY

DEMO

HYPER-

PRESET

COPY

BUTTON

CURSOR

CONTROLS

CURSOR

HOME/ENTER

BUTTON

DATA ENTRY

CONTROL

DATA

POWER

MIDI

ACTIVITY

LED

POWER

SWITCH

Demo Sequence Select

UltraProteus contains two play-only sequences to demonstrate the range of sounds. Press and hold the Midimap and the Hyperpreset buttons simultaneously to select the Demo Sequence selection screen.

YOU MUST HOLD THE MIDIMAP AND HYPERPRESET BUTTONS FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO SECONDS TO START THE DEMO SEQUENCES.

Cursor Control

These buttons move the cursor to the next parameter on the display in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. (The cursor is the little flashing line underneath one of the parameters in the display.) Press either cursor control button repeatedly until the cursor is underneath the desired parameter.

Copy Button

The copy menu allows you to copy selected groups of parameters between Presets, Hyperpresets, and Midimaps.

Home/Enter Button

The Home/Enter button is used to confirm a particular operation or to return the cursor the “Home” position in the upper left corner (main screen-lower left). The LED flashes to indicate that UltraProteus is waiting for your response.

Data Entry Control

The data entry control is a stepped, variable control which is used to change parameter values. The control increments or decrements the current value one unit with each click. This control incorporates acceleration (values advance faster if the control is turned quickly).

Power Switch

Switches AC power to UltraProteus On and Off.

THE CURSOR CAN ALSO BE MOVED BIDIRECTIONALLY USING THE DATA ENTRY CONTROL WHILE THE RIGHT CURSOR BUTTON IS HELD DOWN. (I.E. PRESS AND HOLD THE CURSOR BUTTON AND TURN THE DATA ENTRY KNOB.)

MIDI Activity LED

Indicates that MIDI data is being received.

13Chapter 2: Basic Operation

BASIC OPERATION

MIDI Channel

Program No.

Volume

Stereo Position

Program Name

Bank No.

IF ULTRAPROTEUS IS NOT RESPONDING PROPERLY OR PLAYS THE WRONG PRESET, MAKE SURE THAT BOTH ULTRAPROTEUS AND YOUR MIDI CONTROLLER ARE SET TO THE SAME MIDI CHANNEL AND THAT THE MIDI VOLUME IS TURNED UP.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MIDI, SEE MIDI REALTIME CONTROLS ON PAGE 97.

Bank Contents

RAM Presets

ROM Presets

RAM Hyperpresets

Card Presets

Card Hyperpresets

MIDI CHANNEL SELECTION

Press the cursor key repeatedly until the cursor is underneath the channel number. (The cursor is the little flashing line underneath one of the parameters in the display.) Rotate the data entry control to select MIDI channel 01-16. As the channel is changed, the display will change to show the preset/hyperpreset, volume and pan associated with the displayed channel.

C01 VOL127 PAN=P

000 Preset Name

PRESET/HYPERPRESET (PROGRAM) SELECTION

Press the cursor key repeatedly (or press Home/Enter) until the cursor is underneath the program number. A Program is a Preset or a Hyperpreset. As the data entry control is rotated, the program number and name will change. The displayed program will be assigned to the displayed MIDI channel. Programs are arranged into banks of 128, as shown in the diagram at left. Banks can be selected independently of the program number by pressing the Home/ Enter button while turning the data entry knob.

C01 VOL127 PAN=P

000 Program Name

÷ MIDI Channel Parameters ÷ Preset/Hyperpreset Name

CHANNEL PAN SHOULD NORMALLY BE SET TO “P” UNLESS REALTIME CONTROL OF PANNING IS DESIRED. IF PAN IS SET TO “0”, STEREO EFFECTS CREATED IN THE PRESET WILL BE LOST.

14 UltraProteus Operation Manual

CHANNEL VOLUME

Press the cursor key repeatedly until the cursor is underneath the volume value. Rotate the data entry control to select volume 000-127. (This is the same parameter as MIDI volume control #7, and changes made over MIDI will be shown in the display.)

CHANNEL PAN

Press the cursor key repeatedly until the cursor is underneath the pan value. Rotate the data entry control to select pan values -7 to +7 or “P”. When “P” is selected, the pan value specified in the preset is selected. Any other value will override the pan parameter in the preset. (This is the same parameter as MIDI pan control #10, and changes made over MIDI will be shown in the display.)

BASIC OPERATION

MEMORY CARD

The memory card is a convenient method of saving and transferring presets and hyperpresets. Insert the card firmly into the slot on the front panel with the label facing up. Press the eject button to release the card. A RAM card stores 128 presets, 128 hyperpresets and 16 midimaps. RAM cards may be Write-Protected by moving the little switch on the end of the card. If a memory card is NOT inserted, the display reads “ --noCard-- ” for banks 3 & 4 and the list of selectable midimaps shrinks to 16.

MIDIMAP SELECTION

A Midimap is a set of parameters which can be used as a pre-sequence setup, storing the program and other parameters for each MIDI channel or it could be used as an “Effects Preset”, since each Midimap stores a complete effects setup. There are 16 Midimaps in UltraProteus and an additional 16 Midimaps can be stored on a memory card.

To Select a Midimap

Press the Midimap key, lighting the LED. The current screen will be the one most recently selected since powering up UltraProteus. The first screen in the menu is Midimap Select. Move the cursor to the lower line and use the data entry control to select one of the 16 Midimaps. The Home/Enter LED will be flashing. Press the Home/Enter key to load the new Midimap.

RAM CARDS CAN BE USED TO STORE YOUR OWN PRESETS, HYPERPRESETS AND MIDIMAPS.

ROM CARDS CONTAIN PRE-RECORDED PRESETS, HYPERPRESETS AND MIDIMAPS. YOU CANNOT SAVE DATA TO A ROM CARD.

RAM CARDS NEED TO BE INITIALIZED BEFORE THEY ARE FIRST USED. THEY DISPLAY WILL PROMPT YOU TO INITIALIZE A BLANK CARD.

MIDIMAP SELECT M00 -defMIDIMap-

MIDIMAP

16 Channels

MIDI CHANNEL 1

PROGRAM

VOLUME

PAN

MIDI

ENABLES

BANK

SELECT

Simply scrolling through the list DOES NOT change the Midimap. You must move the cursor down to line two and press Enter. Try out the different

Midimaps and notice that the effects change with each one.

MIX

SELECT

Main

Sub 1

FX A

FX B

EFFECT

THE “CURRENT MIDIMAP” IS REMEMBERED ON POWERDOWN, EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY NOT HAVE SAVED IT. THIS EFFECTIVELY GIVES YOU A TOTAL OF 17 INTERNAL MIDIMAPS.

15Chapter 2: Basic Operation

BASIC OPERATION

MULTI-TIMBRAL OPERATION

Multi-timbral operation means that the UltraProteus can play more than one sound at the same time. To access multiple presets on different MIDI channels simultaneously, follow these instructions:

1. Set the MIDI mode to MULTI-Mode, using the MIDI mode function in the Master menu (page 22).

2. Decide which MIDI channels you wish the UltraProteus to receive, and turn “All Messages” Off for the MIDI channels that you DO NOT want UltraProteus to receive using the MIDI Enables in the Midimap menu (page 33). Turning “All Messages Off” turns that channel Off.

If you do not turn any channels Off, UltraProteus will receive all 16 MIDI channels simultaneously!

3. Select the desired preset or hyperpreset for each of the MIDI channels you wish the UltraProteus to receive using the Preset/Hyperpreset -> MIDI Channel selection screen in the Midimap menu (page 31).

4. Save the Midimap using the last screen in the Midimap menu.

5. UltraProteus will now respond multi-timbrally on the MIDI channels you have specified.

6. The effects can be programmed and each MIDI channel assigned to an effects bus if so desired. The volume and pan position can be adjusted for each MIDI channel in the Midimap Volume and Pan screen. Remember to SAVE the Midimap or all of your work will be LOST when you select another Midimap.

PLAYING THE DEMO SEQUENCES

UltraProteus contains a play-only sequencer with 2 different sequences to give you an idea of what is possible using this amazing instrument. Press and hold both the Midimap and Hyper buttons. The sequence will start momentarily. Press the Enter button to stop the sequence. Press the right cursor button to advance to the next sequence. Sequences will cycle automatically.

16 UltraProteus Operation Manual

DEMO 1 2 ENTER=Stop >=Nxt

UltraProteus MASTER MENU

18 UltraProteus Operation Manual

The Master menu contains functions that affect the overall operation of UltraProteus. For example, changing the Master Tune will change the tuning of all the presets, not just the one currently displayed.

To enable the Master menu

Press the Master button, lighting the LED. The current screen will be the one most recently selected since powering up UltraProteus. The Cursor will appear underneath the first character of the screen heading on line one.

To select a new screen

Press the Home/Enter button or press the Cursor key repeatedly until the cursor is underneath the screen title heading. Rotate the data entry control to select another screen.

To modify a parameter

Press the Cursor button repeatedly (or hold the right cursor key while turning the data entry control) until the cursor is underneath the parameter value. Rotate the data entry control to change the value.

MASTER MENU

To return to the main screen

Press the Master button, turning off the LED.

MASTER MENU FUNCTIONS

Master Tune

Master Tune adjusts the overall tuning of all presets so that UltraProteus can be tuned to other instruments. The master tuning range is ± 1 semitone in 1/64th semitone increments. A master tune setting of “+00” would indicate that the UltraProteus is perfectly tuned to concert pitch (A=440 Hz).

MASTER TUNE +63

Transpose

This function transposes the key of UltraProteus in half-step intervals. The transpose range is ± 12 semitones or one octave.

TRANSPOSE +12 semitones

19Chapter 3: Master Menu

MASTER MENU

APPLICATION: THE USER KEY TUNING CAN BE USED TO TUNE INDIVIDUAL PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS.

IT IS POSSIBLE TO TUNE THE PITCH UP SO HIGH THAT THE RANGE OF ULTRAPROTEUS' PITCH SHIFTER IS EXCEEDED. IF THE PITCH WILL NOT GO ANY HIGHER, TRY USING THE TRANSPOSE CONTROL INSTEAD OF COARSE TUNING.

User Key Tuning

In addition to standard twelve tone equal temperament, UltraProteus contains four additional preset tuning tables (Just C, Vallotti, 19 tone, and Gamelan) and one user definable tuning. User Key Tuning allows you to alter the parameters of the user definable tuning stored in memory. The initial frequency of every key can be individually tuned, facilitating the creation of microtonal scales. Using the cursor key and the data entry control, select the key name, the MIDI key number and the fine tuning. The key name is variable from C-2 to G8. Coarse Tuning (which also happens to be the MIDI key number) is variable from 0 to 127. The fine tuning is variable from 00 to 63 in increments of 1/64 of a semitone (approx. 1.56 cents). For each preset, the specific tuning table is selected in the Preset menu.

USER KEY TUNING

Key Name

Key:C1 036-00

Fine Tuning

Coarse Tuning

Global Bend

This function sets the range of the pitch wheel controller only when Pitch Wheel is routed to control pitch . The maximum pitch bend range is ± 12 semitones. This function only affects presets which have their individual pitch bend range set to global.

IN ORDER FOR THE PITCH WHEEL TO CONTROL PITCH, IT MUST BE ROUTED TO THIS DESTINATION IN THE REALTIME MODULATION CONTROL SCREEN.

ALSO: THE AMOUNT PARAMETER IN THE MODULATION SCREEN WILL HAVE NO EFFECT WHEN THE PITCH WHEEL IS USED TO CONTROL PITCH.

GLOBAL BEND ±12 semitones

Global Velocity Curve

Incoming velocity data can be modified by a velocity curve in order to provide different types of dynamics in response to your playing or to better adapt to a MIDI controller. This function allows you to select one of eight global velocity curves or leave the velocity data unaltered (off). Global velocity curve only affects presets which have their individual velocity curve set to global.

GLOBAL VEL CURVE 8

20 UltraProteus Operation Manual

GLOBAL VELOCITY CURVES

MASTER MENU

120

100

Result Velocity

Curve 1

Played Velocity

120

100

Result Velocity

Played Velocity

120

100

Result Velocity

100

120

Curve 2

120

100

Played Velocity

120

100

Curve 3

100

120

Result Velocity

Curve 4

120

100

Played Velocity

120

100

Result Velocity

Played Velocity

120

100

Result Velocity

Played Velocity

120

100

Curve 5

100

120

Result Velocity

Curve 6

100

120

Played Velocity

120

100

Curve 7

120

100

Result Velocity

Curve 8

120

100

Played Velocity

21Chapter 3: Master Menu

+ 266 hidden pages