Jomox SUNSYN User Manual

Please read this - importand instructions

To avoid electric shock or fire, never expose this equipment to rain or
moisture. Useit only in well ventilated and dry rooms. Never use a damaged
power cord. Do not obstruct any air vents in the casing of the unit.

K

Ensure correct mains voltage setting and correct fuse before connecting
mains supply.The unit must be earthed by the power cord.Never disconnect the mains earth
from the mains lead!

Protect the unit from strong impact.

If liquid or a solid object should have entered the unit or the unit has been dropped or the
case has been damaged, switch power off immediately and consult qualified service personnel
or your appropriate JoMoX dealer. Make yourself familiar with the warranty claim.

Unplug the unit before cleaning. Clean with a damp cloth only. Do not spill liquid on the
unit. Do not use any household cleaners.

If you should not use the unit for a longer period, please disconnect the powercord from the
outlet.

Never open the units casing.The unit contains no user servicable parts. Refer all servicing to
authorised service personnel.

sunsyn version 1.0

user manual
text, figures: Matthias Fuchs
translation: Joeri Vankeirbilck, [e-mail]
layout, grafics, setting: Robert Siegel,[e-mail], Berlin

Copyright 2001 JoMoX GmbH.All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced
by any means or in any form without the express prior consent of JoMoX GmbH.

I Introduction

1-1 What is the SUNSYN? ...............................................7

1-2 About this Manual ......................................................8

1-3 Preparations ................................................................ 9

1-4 Connections-Input/Output ......................................10

1-4-1 Power ..........................................................................................10

Manual

Introduction

1-4-2 Audio-Connections ...................................................................10

1-4-3 Midi-Connections ......................................................................11

1-4-4 PCMCIA-Cardslot.....................................................................11

II Quick Start

2-1 Try it out ....................................................................13

2-1-1 The first time you switch on the SUNSYN.............................13

2-1-2 Autotune.....................................................................................13

2-1-3 Changing Midi Channels...........................................................14

2-2 Program-Section .......................................................14

2-2-1 Single-Sounds.............................................................................15

2-2-1-1 Selecting Single-Sounds ........................................................................ 15

2-2-1-2 Editing Single-Sounds ...........................................................................15

2-2-1-3 Storing Single-Sounds ........................................................................... 16

2-2-2 Multi Programs.......................................................................... 16

2-2-2-1 Select Multi Programs .......................................................................... 16

2-2-2-4 Storing Multi-Programs ........................................................................ 18

Quick Start Single Mode Multi Mode Addendum

2-3 Menu-driven Features ..............................................18

III Single-Mode (Sound Programming)

3-01 Initial Patch................................................................................ 22

3-1 VCO 1 and VCO 2 ...................................................23

3-2 RCO 1 and RCO 2 ...................................................25

3-3 Noise Generator .......................................................28

3-4 External Input .......................................................... 28

3-4-1 Connecting................................................................................. 28

Index

003

3-4-2 Setting the input level ...............................................................29

3-4-3 Setting the External Signal level ............................................. 29

3-4-5 Menu-driven Features .............................................................. 29

3-4-6 Envelope-Follower ....................................................................30

Introduction

Quick Start

Single Mode

3-5 Glide ...........................................................................31

3-6 VCF Filter ..................................................................31

3-6-1 Principle ..................................................................................... 31

3-6-1-1 Cutoff-Frequenzy ...................................................................................32

3-6-1-2 Filter Poles ...............................................................................................32

3-6-1-3 Resonance ...............................................................................................33

3-6-2 SUNSYN Filter ..........................................................................34

3-6-2-1 Operation of the Filter Section .............................................................37

3-6-2-2 Lowpass ...................................................................................................37

3-6-2-3 Filter slope .............................................................................................. 37

3-6-2-4 Highpass ..................................................................................................38

3-6-2-5 Bandpass ..................................................................................................38

3-6-2-6 The Morph Feature ................................................................................39

3-7 VCA ...........................................................................40

3-8 Envelopes, VCA ....................................................... 40

3-8-1 Envelope 1 ................................................................................. 40

3-8-2 Envelope 2.................................................................................. 40

Multi Mode

Addendum

3-9 LFOs .......................................................................... 41

3-10 Routing-Elements .................................................... 44

3-10-1 Principle ..................................................................................... 44

3-10-1-1 Source 1 and 2 .........................................................................................45

3.10.1.2 Modifier ...................................................................................................46

3-10-1-3 Destination ..............................................................................................48

3-10-2 Operation ...................................................................................49

3-10-2-1 Selecting a Routing-Element ................................................................49

3-10-2-2 Selecting the Modules ............................................................................49

3-10-2-3 Setting the Modulation-/Routing-Amount ......................................... 49

3-10-2-4 Using Midi-Controllers and Velocity ...................................................49

3-10-2-5 An Example ............................................................................................52

3-10-2-6 multiple Routing .....................................................................................54

3-10-3 Modulomania ............................................................................ 55

3-10-3-1 Frequenz modulation FM ......................................................................55

3-10-3-2 Cross modulation XM ............................................................................57

004

Index

Manual

3-10-3-3 Pulse width modulation PWM ..............................................................58

3-10-3-4 Amplitude modulation AM ..................................................................58

3-10-3-5 Ring modulation RM .............................................................................59

3-10-3-6 Self modulation ...................................................................................... 63

3-10-3-7 Doubling signal paths ............................................................................ 63

3-10-3-8 Previous Voice......................................................................................... 63

3-10-3-9 Key-Voltage..............................................................................................64

3-11 Menu-Driven Features ............................................................. 65

3-11-1 Global Menu ............................................................................. 66

3-11-1-1 External In ...............................................................................................66

3-11-1-2 Card ..........................................................................................................66

3-11-1-3 Miscellaneous ..........................................................................................67

3-11-1-4 Tuning ...................................................................................................... 67

3-11-2 Arpeggiator Menu .................................................................... 68

3-11-3 Midi Menu ................................................................................. 69

3-11-3-1 Channel Menu ........................................................................................ 69

3-11-3-2 Unisono Menu ........................................................................................70

3-11-3-3 Enable Menu .......................................................................................... 70

3-11-3-4 SysEx Menu ............................................................................................ 71

3-11-4 Edit-Menü ..................................................................................72

3-11-4-1 Name ........................................................................................................72

3-11-4-2 Modulation Menu .................................................................................. 73

3-11-4-3 Out ............................................................................................................76

3-11-4-4 More Menu ............................................................................................. 77

Introduction

Quick Start Single Mode Multi Mode Addendum

3-12 Fixed controller mapping ........................................ 77

IV Multi – Mode...................................................................79

V Anhang.............................................................................. 83

Index

005

Manual

Introduction

First of all, we’d like to thank you for purchasing a SUNSYN and we’d like to congratulate
you on being intelligent enough to make this great purchase! We wish you a lot of success and a
lot of joy when working with the most powerful analog synthesizer on the planet – the
SUNSYN!

In the meanwhile, we kindly ask you to fill out your registration card and send it to us or to
your local JoMoX distributor. By returning this card, you’ll become a registered user and you’ll
regularly receive news updates from JoMoX.

Next to that, you’ll receive free updates for your SUNSYN via our website at www.jomox.de.
So, please don’t forget to fill it out and send it back to us!

What is the SUNSYN?

Besides being a box of nuts and bolts and capacitors, the SUNSYN is an extremely powerful
analog synthesizer module. It has 8 analog multi-timbral voices, each of which can have their
own sound and be controlled by midi in many mind-bending ways.You could look at the
SUNSYN as if it were 8 monophonic synthesizers in one case, or one big 32-oscillator monster,
or any combination inbetween.

The sound creation is fully ”real“ analog right down to the fast envelopes and CV modula­tion paths.With the exception of the RCO’s (Ramp Controlled Oscillators) and LFO’s (Low
Frequency Oscillators), all components of the sound engine and sound processing are made of
classic discrete analog circuitry to make the sound as powerful, raw and animated as possible.

Introduction

One of the truly interesting features of the SUNSYN is the inclusion of the RCO oscillators.
You have access to two of these per voice (16 in total) that contain digital wavefiles that can be
manipulated much like wavetables, but in this case are driven by the analog oscillators for truly
exotic sounds.Additionally, these RCOs have adjustable levels and one has the possibility to
even load in their own waveforms! More on this later

Another interesting feature, found only on the SUNSYN, is one of the most flexible and
versatile filters on the planet. You have access to each of the four filters poles via dedicated
knobs and can set individual low/high characteristics for each pole, thus enabling many
different filter variations continously from 12dB to 18dB and 24dB. The filter is also switchable
between 2 and four poles. Additionally, you are able to store 2 filters scenes (snapshots) per
voice and to morph between these two settings in the analog domain. One such filter per voice!

The routing system consists of a very versatile CV modulation matrix that allows easy,
flexible and saveable connections to be made between various analog components (including
the digital RCOs and external sound sources). You are given 4 routing elements per voice (2
sources, 1 modifier and 1 destination each) in addition to the fixed routings. Many options and
possibilities arise in this section, which should keep you tweeking into the wee hours of the
night. Everything works of course in the analog domain.Therefore, no operation is limited by
fixed-point calculation errors (as in DSPs), but instead offers the full dynamic-range for chaotic
effects which apear on many modulations.

What is the SUNSYN?

1-1

007

The SUNSYN has been conceived much like a classic modular system.The amount and
structure of the individual modules is fixed nevertheless, but the connections and modulation
possibilities between those individual modules can be made in a flexible and easy way allowing
for gentle order or unrestrained chaos! In contrast to a classic analogue modular system, all
parameters and modulations can be saved in the SUNSYN.

We also want to point out some peculiarities that are inevitable in a complex analogue syn-

Introduction

thesizer like the SUNSYN. Possibly you’ve only worked with digital (or virtual analogue)
synthesizers up to now. Thereby, you’ve perhaps gotten used to the extraordinary noise floor or
the lack of noise on digital machines. In an analog machine like the SUNSYN, you cannot
always guarantee a perfectly ”clean“ or 100% noise-free signal (nor would you want to!). In
spite of using the highest quality components and putting the highest efforts into the design of
the electronic circuitry, the computer part (digital brain) of the synthesizer might add some
noise to the audio signal.

Therefore, you might notice that there’s a bit more noise present than a digital synth might
produce.When you optimise the level of the SUNSYN and the gain of your mixing desk, these
side effects will not affect your productions in a negative way. Next to that,you’ll be rewarded
with an outstanding amount of power and warmth of the sounds, as well as the huge sonic
possibilities that analog has to offer. In case you’ve already worked with an old analogue classic
synthesizer, you’ll be used to the peculiarities of such a machine and you’ll be pleasantly
surprised by its stability and the ”clean“ sound of the SUNSYN.

The SUNSYN has an extensive front panel with a multitude of buttons and knobs to faci­litate easy programming.All important features can be accessed directly through their own
specific button or knob. Some of the features have to be accessed through menus.Their struc­ture and layout has been kept simple and efficient to make sure controlling and programming
is as intuitive as possible.

Almost every parameter can be controlled by Midi from within the sequencer and all knobs
send midi controllers for recording movements externally.

All sounds can be stored internally in the SUNSYN or on PCMCIA cards. Next to that, you
can do SysEx dumps to a computer or to another SUNSYN.

About This Manual

Manual Conventions

Two simple rules!! To make this an easy reference manual to read and to make the most
important functions easily recognisable, all control elements of the front panel that are
mentioned in the text are placed between parantheses (Cutoff) in a bold font. The contents of a
display are also written in bold but are placed inside arrows < 040 >. Example:

Turn the (Cutoff) knob until the LC-Display shows < 040 >.

Manual Layout

To make sure we do not overload you with too much information, some features will only be
explained briefly at first, but they’ll be fully explained later on so sit back, relax and enjoy.

1-2

008

About this Manual

Manual

Please don’t be worried if you don’t find something explained entirely the first time you
encounter the topic.We’ve attempted to layout information in a logical manner without getting
too detailed right away (can you say medical textbook?). You’ll become very familiar with all
related topics the more you work with this manual and the SUNSYN.

The Ugly Truth

Maybe you’re already a synthesizer guru and can program bass patches in your sleep? If so,
you might already be familiar with certain chapters in this manual, which would allow you to
skip them. In case you haven’t had the opportunity to work with synthesizers yet, and
especially if you’re new to terms like oscillator, filter, modulation and midi, we would recom­mend you read other literature in addition to the SUNSYN manual. The manual’s main focus is
to explain how to use the features the SUNSYN contains.Very little detail is given to what an
oscillator is, how does an envelope relate to a sound and so on. These synthesizer basics are
beyond the scope of this manual, so we strongly recommend the following publications:

• In German: ”Analoge Klangsynthese“ written by Reinhard Schmitz. Published by Wizoo

(ISBN 3-934903-00-2). You can find info about this book on the Wizoo site www.wizoo.de

• In English: ”Electronic Music Systems, Technologies and Controls“ written by Allen Strange

(ISBN 0-698-03602-2). Published by Brown Company Publ. Iowa. You can obtain this book

from Times Mirror International London (Fax: [phone])

Introduction

The SUNSYN is a synthesizer with extremely complex possibilities, many of which have not
been available in this form before.To get the most of the SUNSYN, and to become familiar
with it, you should study this manual as thoroughly as possible.

Next to that, we advise you experiment Einstein!!! Endless possibilities are awaiting you!

Preparations

Getting Started

1)Before You Start:

The SUNSYN can either be used as a desktop model or it can be converted into a 19“ rack.

a) Desktop Model - All you need to use it as a desktop model, is a surface that is big and solid

enough (aprox. 10 kg weight)! The SUNSYN comes setup for desktop use.

b)Rack Version – For this, follow these steps:

1. First, remove the wooden (guaranteed no tropical wood used!) side panels (four screws need

to be removed on each side).

2. After removing the metal side panels, please mount both metal-screws into their places at

the lower casing surface.

3. Put the wooden panels aside and turn the metal side panels around. The rack ”ears“ point

upwards.

4. Attach the metal side panels again with the 9 screws.The SUNSYN is now ready to be put

into a rack.

Preparations

1-3

009

Introduction

Rackmounting

black Screw

Fig. 2Fig. 1

”Caution!!!“

The SUNSYN gets hot – VERY HOT!!! It has an electronically controlled cooling system to
keep the internal temperature stable. Of course, this system only works well when enough fresh
air can flow through the machine.Therefore,you have to keep the ventilation slots uncovered.
If you use it as a desktop unit, please make sure that the rubberfeet will not subside into the
surface you put the unit on.

If you use your SUNSYN as a rack unit, please keep at least 1U above and below the
machine open. If possible, do not put it near another machine that produces a lot of heat as
well. If you’ve built your SUNSYN into a rack and you can’t stand visible cables, we
recommend blind panels with ”air slots.“

IMPORTANT: Please save the original packaging. If you don’t have a suitable case for
transportation, you can still use the original packaging.

By the way, did you fill out your registration card yet? Please send it to us.

Connections-Input/Output

Power:

connect the mains lead. Connect the supplied mains lead to the mains connector on the left
side of the SUNSYN’s back panel.

Audio-Connections:

especially when transferring audio over long distances, you should use balanced cables (provi­ded that your audio system allows such connections). You can use normal stereo cables for a
balanced connection. In case you prefer unbalanced cabling, you should use normal mono
cables with jack connections.

Stereo Out:
Can be used to connect your SUNSYN to your mixing desk or a suitable amplifier.The Stereo
Outs provide a mix of all eight voices giving you easy way to mix all eight outputs down to two
(Stereo Left and Right).

The SUNSYN accepts either 220 Volt or 110 Volt power.

IMPORTANT! Make sure the Voltage switch is set to the correct position before you

All audio inputs and outputs are electronically balanced. To guarantee optimal signal quality,

1-4

010

Connections-Input/Output

Manual

Individual Outs:
The SUNSYN also has 8 individual outputs (one for each voice).These can be used in multi
mode to send the signal of individual voices to a specific output. More details on how to do this
will be given later.

External In:
The External In is a stereo input for external signals. Both audio signals and control voltages
can be used. More details on this works later on.

Headphone Out:
Stereo headphones can be connected to the Headphone output. This output monitors the
signal of the Stereo Outs (which in turn is a mix of all eight voices). There is a separate

(Phones) knob to control the output level.

Midi-Connections:

The SUNSYN contains a Midi IN, OUT and THRU. Connect the Midi In to the Midi Out of
your master keyboard, computer, hardware sequencer etc.Connect the Midi Out or Midi Thru
to the Midi In of your computer, hardware sequencer etc. Avoid midi loops (unless you like the
effect)!! It’s a rule of thumb to keep the cables as short as possible.

Introduction

PCMCIA Card Slot:

The card slot on the backside of the SUNSYN accepts PCMCIA cards (photocard type).The
maximum capacity of acceptable card is 16MB. You can store sound programs and multi
programs on it. In addition, you can also put the ”raw material“ (.WAV files) for the RCO’s on
a card. RCO’s are digital oscillators that can play digital waveforms or short samples. 248
waveforms are bundled into each Waveset. A card can store up to 63 Wavesets.We’ll explain all
the details later in the manual!!

Insert the card (label up) into the cardslot until it ”clicks“ into the slot. To remove it, push
the release button and then carefully pull the card out of the slot.

Connections-Input/Output

1-4

011

Manual

QUICK START

Try it out!!

The first time you switch on the SUNSYN:

Check whether the Voltage Switch is in the right position!!!

Please make sure both the level of the SUNSYN and your mixing desk is turned down. You
could damage your ears or your speakers or both. The same thing goes for the headphone
level.

Switch on the SUNSYN by pressing the Power Switch on the back.The displays as well as
several buttons and LED’s should now light.The SUNSYN is now running an auto test routine.

After the ”welcome message“, the LC display shows

The top line of this ”info page“ contains the name of the current sound program, its number
and it shows whether it’s a single – or multi-sound.

The bottom line indicates what the Midi receive channel (RxC) and Midi transmit channel
(TxC) is. It also indicates the active audio output (Out) and the volume level (Vol) of the
program are.

The contents of the display are strictly informational at this point.You can’t change any
settings at this screen. This info page is the top-level page. In the next couple of paragraphs,
we’ll explain some of the more important features found throughout the menus. The complete
menu structure will be explained later on.

Autotune:

Push both the (Sync) and (Restart1) buttons at the same time. You can find these buttons in
the top left corner of the front panel. This activates the Autotune function of the SUNSYN.

The LC display indicates:

Quick Start

The LC display shows which of the 16 VCO’s is being tuned and the octave.After tuning, the
display returns to its initial setting and the SUNSYN can be played.

In Global Mode there is an additional Tuning Menu to calibrate each function separately.
We’ll explain this in the chapter „Global Mode“.

A rising temperature might cause tuning differences.To avoid this problem, we recommend
switching on the SUNSYN before an important recording.You should start the Autotune
function after the SUNSYN has warmed up.

The first time you switch on the SUNSYN

2-1

013

That’s another peculiarity of analogue synthesis you should be aware of. If you’ve worked
with digital synthesizers only, then this might appear strange. If you’ve already worked with
older analogue synths, then you’ll be pleased with the SUNSYN’s stable tuning once it has
reached its stable operating temperature.

Changing Midi Channels:

You can set the global midi receive and transmit channel by pushing:

1. (Exit/Cancel)-button several times until you’re back at the top menu.

2. (Soft Button) < Midi > once.You have now reached the global midi settings menu.

Quick Start

3. (Soft Button) < Chann > once.

4. Use the (Soft-Controller)-knob below the function to change the value:

• < TxCh > (Transmit-Channel) choose channel 1 to 16.This sets the channel on which the

SUNSYN sends midi information.

• < RxCh > (Receive-Channel) choose channel 1 to 16. This sets the channel on which the

SUNSYN receives midi information.

5. Exit the midi menu:

• By pushing the (Exit/Cancel)-button several times.

You’re now back in the top menu level.

• Pushing the (Menu) button will get you back to the initial information page.

Program-Section

The SUNSYN has two different kinds of programs: ”Single Sounds“ and ”Multi Programs.“

•A Single Sound stores all parameter settings of the synth engine for a Single Sound.

•A Multi Program combines up to 8 different Single Sounds and stores their midi channel and

output assignment. More on this subject later on.

The Program Section of the SUNSYN is used to load, and store Single Sounds and Multi
Programs.Additionally, this section is also used to reach the combined menu-based features.

014

Programm-Section2-2

Manual

Single Sounds

Selecting Single Sounds:

Finally, let’s listen to some sounds! You can find all the necessary parameters in the Program
section (area around the (Load)-knob) on the front panel. Use the (Type)-button to switch
between Single Sounds
and Multi Programs.
The SUNSYN always
starts up in Single
Sound mode.

1. Push the (Type)
button until the <
Single > LED lights.

2. Use the (Number)-buttons or the (Load)-knob to select programs.

• If you use the (Number)-buttons, the sounds are loaded immediately.

• If you use the (Load)-knob to scroll through Single Sounds instead, the display shows the

sound number only. Only after either pushing the (Load)-knob or both of the (Number)-

buttons down is the sound loaded. Try it!

The three digit LED Display shows the current single sound number < 001 > and
the LC Display indicates

The lower line shows the midi receive- and transmit-channel, the assigned audio output and
the program level. You cannot edit these parameters from this menu.

Every time the SUNSYN receives midi information, the dot in the lower right corner of the
LED display (right above the word Midi) will light.

Have fun!

Quick Start

After satisfying your curiosity for the first time, we’ll now take a closer look at the Program
Section of the SUNSYN.

Editing Single Sounds:

The SUNSYN’s edit mode is always active, which means the knobs and buttons are always
alive and will affect the sound parameters.As soon as you change a setting, two asterisks
appear next to the single sound name in the LC display.

When turning a knob, the three digit LED shows the actual value of the changed parameter.

Programm-Section

2-2

015

Changes to the sound while tweaking do not automatically over-write your precious sound
programs or multis, so don’t worry about loosing data. You must press the (Store)-button and
choose yes to save any tweaks (more on this later).

When you push the (Manual)-button, the related < LED > will light and all knobs and
buttons will become ”disconnected“ from the selected Single Sound parameters, either stored
or tweaked. The sound parameters now take on the values of the current knob and button
positions. Cool!

Storing Single Sounds:

To start the saving process, you have to push the (Store) button:

Quick Start

The newly edited sound can now be:

• Rejected:

Push the (Exit/Cancel)-button. The edited Single Sound will not be stored and will be

removed from memory. Only the original Single Sound remains stored in memory (tweaks

will still be active until you switch single sounds).

• Stored at the location of the current Single Sound:

Push the (Soft-Button) < Yes >

The edited sound has now been stored in the current location.The original Single Sound has

been overwritten and has been removed from memory.

• Stored at another program location:

Choose a new location with the (Number)-buttons or the (Load)-knob.The LC Display will

now show the name and number of the Single Sound that resides at that location.

Once you’ve found a Single Sound that you want to overwrite, push the (Soft-Button) < Yes >

to store the edited sound to that location.
or

• by pushing the (Exit/Cancel)-button, the sound will not be stored.

Multi Programs

At this point in your SUNSYN education, we will study how to change and store Sound
Programs within Multi Programs.All other Multi Program settings will be explained in the
Chapter Multi-Mode.

Select Multi Programs:

1. Press the (Type)-button.

The LED < Multi > now lights. The LED Display shows the selected Multi Program number

< 001 >.
The LC Display shows:

016

Programm-Section2-2

Manual

This page is only meant to give an overview of the selected Multi Program. Nothing can be

edited here. Go into the Multi-Mode menu to edit the settings (hit Type-button).

2. Select with both (Number)-buttons or (Number)-knob the Multi Programm you want to
work on.

• If you use the buttons, the Multi Programm is loaded immediately.

• If you use the knob, please do not forget to click to load.

To edit a Multi Programm, you have to enter the Multi Menu:

1. Press the (Menu)-button.

2. Press the (Soft-Button) <Edit>

Quick Start

3. Push the (Soft-Button) < Assig > (Assignment)

4. Push the (Page)-button.
< LED 5-8 > lights and the LC Display shows:

You have now reached the second ‘half’ of this page.

5. You can now use the (Soft-Controller)-knobs under each Multi destination to select Single
Sounds within each Multi Program.

6. Hit (Soft-Button) < 002 >

Multisound 2 is now signed with to asterisks.The matched Single Sound (here No. 001) is

activ now. Ist soundparameters can be edited without leaving the Multi-Mode.

Programm-Section

2-2

017

Storing Multi Programs:

Storing a Multi Programm is done the same way as storing a Single Sound, therefore, we’ll

only give a brief description.

1. Press the (Store)-button.
The LED-Display flashes.
The LC Display shows:

2. To store to the selected/original location, press (Soft-Button) < Yes >.

•To store to another location, select another Multi Program with the (Load)-knob or
(Number)-buttons.
By pressing (Soft-Button) < Yes >, you can save the edited Multi Program.

Quick Start

3. To cancel the operation, just push the (Exit)-button.

Menu-driven Features

As we’ve already mentioned, the SUNSYN also has some menu-driven features.These

consist of global functions, arpeggiator settings, midi parameters and midi controller
assignments.

Menu structure:

The way these menus work is simple:

•You enter the menus by pressing the (Menu)-button. No matter which menu you are in, you
can go back to the top info page by pressing this button.

•You can use the corresponding (Soft Button) to select a sub-menu. (Don’t panic, there very
few submenus).

Submenus will always be displayed in the lower LC Display line.This way, you’ll immediately

know whether you are in a menu where you can edit parameters or in a submenu-selection list.

Editable parameters are always shown in the higher LC Display line, whereas their values are

in the lower LC Display line.

Some menus are too big to be shown on one display.They are shown on two ”pages“. To see

the entire menu, you have to scroll between both halves by pressing the (Page)-button.An
arrow in the LC Display indicates whether a menu consists of two ”pages“. This arrow appears
in the lower left or right corner, depending on what direction you have to scroll to see the other
parameters.

E.g.: the LC Display shows the following after selecting the RCO menu:

or

018

Menu-driven Features2-3

Manual

Press the (Page)-button so that the <Page 5-8> LED lights to see the second page.

•The (Soft Controller)-knobs can be used to change numeric values.
You can use both the (Soft Buttons) and (Soft Controllers) to change other values (yes/no,
on/off, etc.).

• Every time you press the (Exit/Cancel)-button, you go up one level in the menu structure.
To leave the entire menu structure and be taken to the top info page, just press the (Menu)­button.

• After pressing the (Exit/Cancel)-button several times, you will be brought to the top menu
level.

The LC Display then indicates

From this submenu selection list, you can enter the following submenus by hitting one of the

soft buttons.

Sub-menu choices are:

1. (Soft-Button) < Global >:
This sub-menu contains global settings that are the same for all voices (e.g. master tuning of
the SUNSYN or the LC Display contrast).

Quick Start

2. (Soft-Button) < Arpgi >:
Let’s you edit the arpeggiator settings.

3. (Soft-Button) < Midi >:
Contains the settings of all midi functions.

4.(Soft-Button) < Edit >:
Contains all the menu-driven features of the Single Sounds . This includes output
assignment, editing sound names, velocity and midi controller mapping and more.

In each of these sub-menus, you’ll be able to edit parameters or in some cases you’ll be

pointed to another sub-level. Some of these menus also contain two ”pages“.You can choose
either page by pressing the (Page)-button.

Except for midi channel selection, which we’ve explained earlier on, we won’t get into the

details of the menus right now. We’ll fully explain these submenus after we’ve guided you
through the SUNSYN’s sound engine.

Menu-driven Features

2-3

019

Manual

Voice

LFO 1

Env 1

RE

Source
Mod.

RE

Source/Mod

LFO 2

Env 2

RE

Source
Mod.

RE

Source/Mod

VCF

RE Dest.

VCA

Cutoff Res

RE

Dest.

RE

Amt

Out

M

I
X
E
R

VCO 1

VCO 2

RCO 1

RCO 2

Ext. In.

Noise

RE Dest.

FM

PWM

RE Dest.

FM

PWM

Sync

Sync

RE Source

RE Source

RE Source

RE Source

RE Source

RE Source

RE 4

RE 3

RE 2

Destination

Modifier

Source 1+2

1 bis 8

1

bis

8

1

bis

8

Single-Mode (Sound Programming)

In this Chapter, we’ll take a close look at the SUNSYN’s sound programming possibilities.
The features of each module and the interaction between these modules will be explained in
detail. Let’s first take a look at a SUNSYN Voice:

A voice includes all modules, all of which are made up of discrete circuitry (except for the
two software generated LFO’s and the RCO’s).

Let’s take a closer look at each one of them:

•Two VCO’s (Voltage Controlled Oscillator). These are the SUNSYN’s most important sound

sources. Each of the VCO’s has assignable modulation inputs.

•Two RCO’s (Ramp Controlled Oscillator).These two oscillators can play digital waveforms

or short samples.

• One Noise Generator that can produce either white or pink noise.

• One External Input with envelope follower that you can use to send audio signals and

control voltages into the SUNSYN.

Single Mode

Single-Mode

3

021

All six signal sources are hardwired into the Filter (VCF). From there they go into the

Amplifier (VCA) and then to the outputs.

•The VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter) is a fully configurable 4 Pole Filter. Just like the VCO’s,
it has modulation inputs. It is also switchable to a 2 Pole filter.

•Two Envelopes that can be routed to several modulation destinations. Next to that, ENV 1 is
hardwired to the VCF and ENV 2 is hardwired to the VCA.

•Two assignable LFO’s (Low Frequency Oscillators).

• Next to all of this, each voice has a Routing System that contains up to four Routing
Elements. All important inputs and outputs of the modules are integrated this system. This
way, signal and modulation routings can be set up and stored in a very flexible way. Midi
controllers can also be used in this modulation system.

These four Routing Elements can be used together with the hardwired signal flows of the

SUNSYN. In this simple overview, we’ve only mentioned the inputs and outputs of the Routing
Elements to keep it clear. Each voice has access to up to four Routing Elements, allowing you
to use 1, 2, 3 or 4 per voice. Keep in mind that Routing Elements only become active once you
program them, so it is possible to not use any at all or any combination up to four.

Initial-Patch:

Even though the user interface of the SUNSYN is very clear, the amount of available

features might cause some confusion. If you get lost, you can simply load the ”Initial Patch“.
This Single Sound contains standard settings for all parameters and modulation paths. It might
be a good starting point for your own patches.

Single Mode

When the SUNSYN is delivered, you find the initial patch on Single Sound no. 255.

1. Press the (Menu)-button to select the sub-menu.

2. Press the (Soft-Button) < Edit >.You’re now in the Single Sound edit menu.

3. Press the (Soft-Button) < More >.

4. Finally press the (Soft-Button) < Init >.
This loads the Initial Patch. Caution, loading the Initial Patch will overwrite the existing

Single Sound you’re currently on, so make sure you scroll to a program you do not want to
keep any longer.

To get to satisfying results in a faster way, it might be practical to use a preset sound or the

initial patch as a starting point and continue working from there on.

3

022

Single-Mode

Manual

Time

Amplitude

Time

Amplitude

VCO 1 and VCO 2

Both Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) are the SUNSYN’s most important sound
sources.They’re made up of discrete analogue circuitry. Essentially, they produce audio signals
with different waveforms.The different waveforms contain different harmonics and therefore
have different sonic characteristics.The
frequency of the VCO’s pulse width can be
voltage controlled with the use of
modulation inputs (more on this later on).
The VCO’s are principally identical.The
following control elements are available:

(Range) defines the octave setting from
‘32 to ‘2.The ‘16 and 4’ buttons have dual
functions.When the ‘16 LED flashes, the
octave setting is ‘32.When the ‘4 LED
flashes, the octave setting is ‘2.Try it!

You can use the (Semitones)-knob to tune VCO 2 against VCO 1 in semitones.The
transposition range is 1 octave.

Single Mode

The (Cents)-knob can be used to fine-tune VCO 2 against VCO 1.The range is one
semitone.

Although the user interface might suggest that Semitones and Cents affect VCO 1, they only
affect VCO 2.VCO 2 is always tuned against VCO 1.

The (Waveform)-buttons define the
waveform that a VCO produces. You
can alternatively use either Saw Wave

B or Pulse/Square Wave D.

The (Pulsewidth)-knob sets the Pulsewidth of the Pulse signal.

Amplitude

A parameter value of < 068 > means a symetric Square signal.

Reducing the value to < 000 > reduces the pulsewidth.

Amplitude

Values to < 127 > wides the pulses.

(Level) defines the output level of the oscillator signals. This

parameter only affects the hardwired signal that goes into the

Amplitude

filter. It does not affect the signal that may be used in a Routing
Element (more on this later on). The level range is calibrated in
such a way that it is possible to (intentionally) distort the signal.

Time

Time

Time

VCO 1 & VCO 2

3-1

023

The (Sync)-button can be used to ”hard sync“ VCO2 to VCO1.This means VCO2 will be

OSC 2 synced

OSC 1

Time

Amplitude

Amplitude

Time

Key-Trigger

Amplitude

Time

Key-Trigger

restarted every time VCO1 passes a zero crossing. Depending on the selected frequency,
oscillator 2 will play some waves incomlpete.This will create more complex waveforms.
Changing VCO2’s frequency, e.g. by turning the modulation wheel and using it as a midi
controller, will cause a change in tonal character
instead of a change in pitch. (Further on, we’ll
explain how it’s done)
E.g. you can use the sync feature to create
”cutting“ lead sounds.

When (Restart) is pressed,VCO1 will be restarted at a zero crossing every time it’s
triggered.
Due to the fact that the VCO’s are real analogue, they are always oscillating – not only when a
note is played. Therefore, a note-on command will always trigger them at a different wave
position. (Restart) overcomes this and will make them start at a zero crossing every time the
sound is triggered. This subtle effect can be used when creating percussive sounds and effects
(e.g. bass drums). It will give these sounds a bit more ”bite“ and it’ll make them a bit more
static.This feature is also interesting in combination with the sync feature

Single Mode

3-1

024

VCO 1 & VCO 2

Manual

Time

Amplitude

digital Waveform

RCO 1 and RCO 2

In addition to the VCO’s, each SUNSYN voice
also contains two further oscillators, the so-called
Ramp Controlled Oscillators or RCO’s.

They are digital oscillators that are capable of
playing digital waveforms or short samples.The
entirely analog synth engine of the SUNSYN
treats these waveforms the same way as it treats
the VCO signals.

Because the digital waveforms can already
sound very complex on their own, before even
going through the filter etc., they open up even
more sonic possibilities.

Keep in mind though that these RCO’s should
not and will not make the SUNSYN a fully featured sample player.Their capabilities can’t be
compared to those of digital synthesizers either.The analog VCO’s are the most important and
most effective sound sources.The RCO’s have been conceived of as additional sound sources.
They can expand the sonic possibilities of classic analogue synthesis, as we have known it up to
now.

It could be interesting e.g., to create a digital sound with the RCO’s and then ”fatten it up“
with the VCO’s!

The other way round you can add e.g. slightly detuned sinewaves from both RCO’s to make
sounds even fatter.Try it!

Both RCO’s are identical.Their functions are controlled through the menu system, knobs,
soft-buttons and soft-controllers. Both RCO’s are controlled and edited this way.

Single Mode

The waveforms to which the RCO’s have access are grouped and stored in Flash-ROM. One
wave is a 44.1kHz 16-bit PCM .WAV file with a lengh of 256 samples.

A group of waves is called ”Waveset“ and contains 248 consecutive waves. Each waveform
varies more or less from the previous one.

In the RCO menu, you can choose individual waveforms
and play them as a continuous loop.You can also play several
waveforms consecutively and thereby create sonic spectra
that analogue synthesis can’t produce.Within given
boundaries, you can define the amount of individual
waveforms that are played and the order they are played. On
top of that, you can reverse them (even when playing back
several waves).

RCO 1 & RCO 2

3-2

025

The RCO Menu:

Press the (Edit)-button in the RCO 1 section to enter the RCO 1 menu. Make sure (Page)

LED <1-4> is lit.

The matching Soft-Controllers now have the following functions:

1. (Soft-Controller) < R1Wav > (RCO 1 Waveform)
Here you choose one of the 248 waveforms that RCO 1 plays.

2. (Soft-Controller) < RCOBnk > (RCO Bank)
Here you can choose one out of 7 available Wavesets (= Banks) < 001–007 >.
Due to the fact that RCO1 and RCO2 always access the same waveset/bank, this parameter
is always set for both RCO’s at the same time.The setting is automatically ported to the
other RCO.

3. (Soft-Controller) < R1Oct > (RCO 1 Oktave)
This lets you define the octave range of RCO1. It can be lowered < -001 > or raised < 001 >
by one octave.

4. (Soft-Controller) < R1Tu > (RCO 1 Tuning)
This is where you can change the tuning of RCO1.The display shows a range of < -128 > to <
127 >.The tuning happens in steps of 1/16th of a semitone. This means you can tune it 8
semitones up or down.

Single Mode

This menu also consists of two pages. Using the (Page)-button, you can edit further RCO

parameters.

The Soft-Controllers now have the following functions:

1. (Soft-Controller) < R1 > (RCO 1 Reverse)
This lets you reverse the way waveforms are played. < on / off > (not yet implemented ­sorry).

2. (Soft-Controller) < CseLop > (Coarse Loop)
This parameter defines the way RCO’s play a loop of several waves long. The value range is
< 001–016 >.
A waveset (or bank) contains 248 consecutive waves.When Coarse Loop has value 1, only
the selected wave will be played as loop.When Coarse Loop has another value, an increasing
number of waves is played according to a mathematical scheme.The ”start-wave“ will always
be the wave that has been selected through ”R1Wav“. Depending on the value of CseLop,
some waves aren’t played or others are played several times. Therefore, the sound can vary a
lot.

3-2

RCO 1 & RCO 2

026