Lexicon VORTEX Owner's Manual

UDIO

English

ORPHING

ROCESSOR

User Guide

Unpacking and Inspection

After unpacking the unit, save all packing materials in case you ever need to re-ship. Thoroughly inspect the unit and packing materials for signs of damage. Report any shipment damage to the carrier at once; report equipment malfunction to your dealer.

Notice

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designated to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment OFF and ON, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: reorient the receiving antenna; relocate the computer with respect to the receiver; move the computer away from the receiver; plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits. If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: "How to identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems." This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.

Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la class B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

Déballage et inspection

Après avoir déballé l’appareil, conservez-en l’emballage pour le cas où vous seriez amené à devoir l’expédier. Inspectez soigneusement l’appareil, ainsi que son carton d’emballage, afin d’y déceler tout signe extérieur de dommage. Signalez immédiatement au transporteur les dégâts survenus pendant l’expédition; les problèmes de fonctionnement doivent, eux, être communiqués à votre revendeur.

Auspacken und Überprüfen

Nach dem Auspacken des Geräts bewahren Sie bitte das Verpackungsmaterial für einen etwaigen zukünftigen Versand auf. Untersuchen Sie das Gerät und das Verpackungsmaterial auf sichtbare Beschädigungen. Schäden, die möglicherweise auf den Versand zurückzuführen sind, melden Sie bitte unverzüglich dem anliefernden Spediteur. Über Fehlfunktionen des Geräts sprechen Sie bitte mit Ihrem Händler.

Lexicon Part #070-10646

Lexicon Inc. • 3 Oak Park • Bedford, MA 01730 • USA • Telephone 781-280-0300 • Fax 781-280-0490

English

Desempaquetado e inspección

Luego de desempacar la unidad, guarde todos los materiales de embalaje por si acaso tiene que enviarla de vuelta en el futuro. Inspeccione a fondo la unidad y los materiales de embalaje para ver si hay signos de daños. Notifique inmediatamente al transportista sobre cualquier daño de transporte; reporte cualquier desperfecto del equipo a su vendedor.

Ispezione

Dopo essersi assicurati che il prodotto non abbia subito danni causati dal trasporto accettate il pacco, apritelo e conservate il cartone per eventuali rispedizioni. Rispedite la cedola inclusa alla GRIBY Music professional in modo da avere la convalida della garanzia tramite la LEXICON card.

Printed in the U.S.A.

Table of Contents

Getting Started .........................................................................

Introduction............................................................................

Front Panel Overview ............................................................

Setting Audio Levels • Setting MIX Values

Rear Panel Connections........................................................

Footswitch and Footpedal Connections • Headphones

Audio Connections ................................................................

In-Line Processing • Using Vortex on a Mixer Effects Return Bus

A/B Relay Switch ...................................................................

Basic Operation........................................................................

Overview................................................................................

Presets and Registers .........................................................

Effect Parameters................................................................

Adjusting Parameter Values • About the Parameters

TAP and Echo Rhythms ......................................................

Tempo and Rhythm • Tapping in a Tempo • Echo Rhythms

Audio Morphing™................................................................

About Morphing • Trying Some Morphs • Setting Morph Rates

Pedal Control.......................................................................

Assign a Parameter to a Pedal • Capturing Parameter Changes Made with a Pedal • Controlling Morphs with a Pedal

10 11

1 2

4 6

Using Registers ...................................................................

Storing Effects • Clearing Register Pairs • Using Footswitches • Finding the Preset Used to Create an Effect

Effect Descriptions ................................................................

Overview..............................................................................

Reflexion..............................................................................

Atmosphere .........................................................................

Orbits

Centrifuge ............................................................................

Aerosol ................................................................................

Mosaic Maze Duo

Deja Vu................................................................................

Choir

Shimmer ..............................................................................

Sweep

Shadow................................................................................

Cycloid.................................................................................

Bleen Fractal

Specifications.........................................................................

.................................................................................30

.................................................................................36

.................................................................................38

.................................................................................40

.................................................................................44

.................................................................................48

.................................................................................54

.................................................................................56

25 26 28

32 34

42 46 50

English

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of Vortex, the world's first Audio Morphing™ processor! You are about to discover that Vortex sets new standards for sound processing — for both the type and variety of effects it produces, and for the musical way in which it lets you control effects.

Unique effects and exciting performance capabilities provide lots of room for individual expression and experimentation. More like a musical instrument than a passive effects "black box," Vortex will change the way you make music.

Vortex effects are organized into sixteen pairs of presets. Each consists of multiple modulation and delay functions, and each has its own distinctive sonic signature. Some are based on combinations of classic effects, such as echo, rotary speaker, autopan, and chorus, while others defy verbal description.

All 32 effects share a common set of sixteen parameters. Changing settings to customize an effect is fast and easy, and 32 user registers are provided for storing your own Vortex creations.

Audio Morphing™ allows you to control dynamic transformations between any two effects. While this can produce truly mindboggling effects, it couldn't be easier to control — requiring only a single button push.

Getting Started

Some of the other exciting features of

Vortex are:

• Flexible processing paths: true stereo, dual mono, dual mono in/stereo out

• Envelope follower for dynamic control of each effect

• All echo rhythms synchronized to your master tempo

• Cross-feed and feedback/cross-feed mix paths for spatial effects and complex echo rhythms

• Register step and chains via footswitch

• Analog relay for musical instrument ampli-

fier channel switching

To make sure you get the most out of

Vortex, be sure to read the manual.

English

PEDAL/TAP

If a footpedal is connected, assigns footpedal control to any parameter selected by Parameter knob (except

ECHO 1

÷ and

ECHO 2

÷). LED

indicates pedal assignment. When no pedal is connected, or whenever Pa-

rameter knob is set to

ECHO 1

÷ or

ECHO 2

button enters timing information. Two pushes define a tempo for all effects. LED indicates 1st TAP received, waiting for 2nd TAP.

OVLLVL

INPUT

UDIO

ORPHING

ROCESSOR

PEDAL/TAP

ENVELOPE

MORPH A/B

ECHO FX LVL

MOD FX LVL

ECHO 2 ECHO 1

OUTPUT

MIX

STORE

Stores the current effect to whatever register is indicated by settings of A/B and REGISTER/PRESET.

CLEAR

Clears register pairs (A and B) to allow effects to be skipped for a footswitch step sequence, or footswitchactivated chains to be created. Repeat to restore the register pair.

÷,

A/B

Activates rear panel A/B relay, and toggles selection of A and B banks of presets and registers. A and B LEDs indicate current selection.

FEEDBACK 1 FEEDBACK 2 RATE 1 DEPTH 1 RESONANCE 1 RATE 2 DEPTH 2 RESONANCE 2

CLEAR

A B VALUE

A/BSTORE VALUE

Front Panel Overview

Button selects preset or register mode. LED lights when register mode is selected,

turns off in preset mode. Knob will select presets 1-16 or registers

1-16, depending on button setting.

Note using a footswitch to step through registers will cause a discrepancy between the REGISTER/ PRESET knob setting and the display (which will show the number of the register that is actually running.)

DUO

MAZE

MOSAIC

AEROSOL

CENTRIFUGE

ORBITS

ATMOSPHERE

REFLEXION

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

DEJA VU CHOIR SHIMMER SWEEP SHADOW CYCLOID BLEEN FRACTAL

INPUT

Sets the level of the incoming signal. LEDs indicate acceptable signal level (LVL), and overload (OVL).

PARAMETER

Selects among 16 parameters for adjustment with the VALUE knob, or pedal assignment.

English

DISPLAY

Numeric display of digits 1-64, and decimal point. Displayed digits indicate ID number of currently running effect. Digits accompanied by lit VALUE LED indicate parameter values. Decimal point lights to show an effect has been modified since it was stored.

VALUE

Adjusts values of selected parameter. All parameter values are displayed with a range of 1-64 and are accompanied by the VALUE LED.

Setting Audio Levels

1. Turn Vortex INPUT all the way down (fully counter-clockwise).

2. Connect Vortex inputs to an audio source, and Vortex outputs to an amplifier or mixer.

3. Apply an input signal at a level that you typically use.

4. While sending audio to Vortex, gradually turn up the INPUT control until the LVL LED* lights green. Continue to advance INPUT until the OVL LED lights on only the loudest peaks. If the OVL LED is lit continuously, turn the INPUT control down.

5. Adjust amplifier or mixer levels for optimum signal-to-noise performance.

* The LVL LED is off when the incoming signal is low; it lights to indicate acceptable levels (6dB to 30dB below overload). The OVL LED lights red when the signal approaches overload. Acceptable signals will light the LVL LED almost continuously, and the OVL LED only on peaks.

Setting MIX Values

The sound of each Vortex preset is highly dependent on the mix of dry (unprocessed) and wet (processed) signals. MIX settings are stored with each effect. If Vortex outputs are connected to amplifier or mixer channel inputs, you should not have to adjust this parameter to use any of the presets.

If Vortex outputs are connected to a console's returns (and Vortex output is, therefore, mixed with dry signal from the console), you should select each effect and raise the MIX parameter to its maximum value. (64=100% wet)

Be aware that several Vortex effects are meant to be used at 100% wet (

CENTRIFUGE, MOSAIC

Vortex with a console, you will get the strongest effect by connecting Vortex outputs to channel inputs.

, etc.) When using

ORBITS,

English

Rear Panel Connections

A/B

Relay-switched Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone output for remote channel switching of musical instrument amps via front panel or footswitch A/B control.

A/B RELAY

SPECIFICATION

< 100V, < 100mA

:TIP

:RING

:SLEEVE

A/B

A B

COM

BYPASS

STEP

TAP A/B

FOOTPEDAL

STEREO

PLUG ONLY

FOOTSWITCHES

Two Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone inputs, for momentary contact footswitches, allow footswitch control of front panel functions.

English

FOOTPEDAL

Tip/Ring/Sleeve 1/4" phone input for expression pedal control of selected parameter.

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART

15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND

(2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY

INTERFERENCE RECEIVED<

INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT

MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.

POWER

9V~, 1A, 50-60Hz

USE LEXICON

MSA AC ADAPTER

POWER

Use Lexicon MSA power pack, or 9VAC 1 amp equivalent.

VORTEX

LEXICON, INC.

WALTHAM MA 02154

MADE IN U.S.A. P/N 021-09504

SERIAL #

OUTPUT

Single-ended (unbalanced) stereo outputs provide

-2dBu nominal output level. Use the right output connector for mono output. If no connection is made at the right output, the left output can be used to drive high-efficiency headphones at modest volume.

OUTPUTS INPUTS

(HI-Z PHONES)

(MONO)

INPUT

Single-ended (unbalanced) inputs accept levels as low as -30dBu. Input impedance is 50 kΩ in stereo, 25 kΩ in mono. Use the right for mono input.

Footswitch and Footpedal Connections

Footswitches connected via the rearpanel footswitch jacks allow you to perform register STEP and BYPASS functions and/ or to control TAP and A/B effect morphing. Two momentary foot-switches can be wired to a tip-ring-sleeve connector. A stereo Yconnector allows two identical single switches to be used.

One footswitch is provided with your unit, along with a set of labels to identify footswitch functionality. If you are only going to be using one footswitch,connect it to perform TAP and A/B functions, or register STEP and BYPASS functions, and label it accordingly.

Headphones

A stereo signal which is adequate to drive high-efficiency headphones is available at the left output,

made through the right output

provided as a convenience for practice purposes, and is intended to provide only modest volume.

provided no connections are

. This feature is

Tip Sleeve

Ring

Tip Sleeve

Ring

TIP RING

SLEEVE

TIP RING

SLEEVE

STEP

A/B

BYPASS

TAP

An expression pedal connected via the rear panel pedal jack allows continuous control of selected front panel parameter.

Tip Sleeve

Ring

TIP RING SLEEVE

Typical Pot(entiometer)

10-50K

PEDAL

Sleeve Ring

English

TAPA/B

BYPASSSTEP

Use a second (optional) footswitch to control the remaining footswitch functions.

Tip

Audio connections to Vortex are unbal-

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Stereo In

Stereo Out

Dual Stereo In

Stereo Out

Dual Mono In

Stereo Out

Dual Mono In

Dual Mono Out

Mono In

Stereo Out

Maze B

Shadow A

Bleen B

Orbits A/B

Duo B

Duo A

Centrifuge A/B

Mosaic B

Maze A

Choir B

Shadow B

Reflexion A/B

Atmosphere A/B

Aerosol A/B

Mosaic A

Deja Vu A/B

Choir A

Shimmer A/B

Sweep A/B

Cycloid A/B

Bleen A

Fractal A/B

anced and should be made with high quality shielded cables with 1/4" tip-sleeve phone jacks at the Vortex end.

Vortex is a true stereo processor. Left and right inputs are processsed separately. The chart to the right shows the processing path of each preset.

Even if you are using a mono input, take advantage of the stereo outputs. All Vortex effects are designed to be mono compatible and to maximize the spatial characteristics of each effect. If mono output is required, use the right output jack. The left and right signals are summed internally when only the right output is used.

Audio Connections

English

In-Line Processing

Note that MIX settings are stored with Vortex effects. The presets have been designed with specific MIX settings for each effect which should not need adjustment when the unit is used in-line.

Mono In

(R)

AUDIO MORPHING PROCESSOR

OVLLVL

INPUT

Mono Out

Effects Send

Effects Return

PEDAL/TAP

FEEDBACK 1 FEEDBACK 2

ECHO 2

RATE 1

ECHO 1

DEPTH 1

ENVELOPE

RESONANCE 1

MORPH A/B

RATE 2

ECHO FX LVL

DEPTH 2

MOD FX LVL

RESONANCE 2

OUTPUT

MIX

Guitar

Amp

A/BSTORE VALUE

CLEAR

A B VALUE

Stereo Instrument

Stereo Mixer (Effects Sends)

Out

OVLLVL

INPUT

PEDAL/TAP

FEEDBACK 1 FEEDBACK 2

ECHO 2

RATE 1

ECHO 1

DEPTH 1

ENVELOPE

MORPH A/B

ECHO FX LVL

MOD FX LVL

OUTPUT

UDIOA

ORPHING

ROCESSOR

MIX

Out

(panned hard right)

CLEAR

RESONANCE 1 RATE 2 DEPTH 2 RESONANCE 2

Ch 1

(panned hard left)

Ch 2

A/BSTORE VALUE

A B VALUE

Mixer

CENTRIFUGE ATMOSPHERE

MOSAIC

AEROSOL

ORBITS

REFLEXION

AEROSOL

CENTRIFUGE ATMOSPHERE

REFLEXION

Using Vortex on a Mixer Effects Return Bus

If Vortex is using a console’s returns, select each effect's MIX parameter, then use the VALUE knob to set it to its maximum value (64).

Some Vortex effects are meant to be heard 100% wet, with no dry signal added. Adjust your console's wet/dry mix accordingly.

FEEDBACK 1 FEEDBACK 2 RATE 1 DEPTH 1 RESONANCE 1 RATE 2 DEPTH 2 RESONANCE 2

Stereo

Mixer

CLEAR

A B VALUE

A/BSTORE VALUE

Effects Returns

AEROSOL

CENTRIFUGE ATMOSPHERE

REFLEXION

DEJA VU

DUO

CHOIR

MAZE

SHIMMER

MOSAIC

SWEEP

SHADOW

CYCLOID

ORBITS

BLEEN

FRACTAL

DEJA VU

DUO

CHOIR

MAZE

SHIMMER

SWEEP

SHADOW

CYCLOID

BLEEN

FRACTAL

AUDIO MORPHING PROCESSOR

DEJA VU

DUO

CHOIR

MAZE

SHIMMER

MOSAIC

SWEEP

SHADOW

CYCLOID

ORBITS

BLEEN

FRACTAL

OVLLVL

INPUT

Effects Sends

PEDAL/TAP

ECHO 2 ECHO 1 ENVELOPE

MORPH A/B ECHO FX LVL MOD FX LVL

OUTPUT

MIX

Out

English

A/B Relay Switch

Vortex is equipped with an electrically isolated analog switch that allows remote control of guitar amplifier lead/rhythm channel selection. Simply connect a standard 1/4" guitar cable between the Vortex rear panel A/ B relay switch and the A/B switching input on your amp.

Both the front panel A/B button, and the footswitch A/B control will activate this switch, allowing you to simultaneously switch effects and amplifier settings.

English

For example, if your amp channel A corresponds to lead, and channel B to rhythm, you can load Vortex's A registers with effects you want to use on leads, and load the B registers with rhythm effects. Now, a single tap on the A/B footswitch will coordinate switching between lead effects on your A channel and rhythm effects on your B channel.

Any amplifier with a channel switching feature and a footswitch connection can be connected to the rear panel A/B relay connector on Vortex. The switch functions as follows:

Mono plug* Stereo plug

A switch closed sleeve tied to Tip B switch open sleeve tied to Ring

* To switch polarity, use a stereo plug into Vortex, with a mono plug going into the amp. Attach the two wires to the connector sleeve and ring so that A = open and B = closed.

Overview

Vortex provides a rich set of performance and programming features — all of which are simple and straightforward. Effect selection, editing, store, and morph functions are easily accomplished with dedicated knobs and buttons.

In Vortex, the tedious process of entering delay times which have to be recalculated for every tempo change is replaced by simple rhythm controls.The unique combination of the front panel TAP and ECHO÷ controls makes it easy to set up precise echo rhythms — and to synchronize the echo rhythms of

every effect

any tempo

— on the fly!

Audio Morphing™ gives you unprecedented real-time control of parameter values, effects ordering and control routing. While the dynamically changing sounds can range from subtle to extreme, you control morphing with simply a button push or a pedal sweep.

An expression pedal can be assigned to control any one of fourteen parameters in each effect with a single button push (and pedal assignments can be stored with your effects.)

Basic Operation

A dual footswitch, provided with your unit, allows you to bypass effects, step through your registers, or cycle through chains of effects.

Each of these functions is described in detail in this section.

English

Presets and Registers

Vortex is loaded with 32 permanent presets, arranged in two banks, and numbered 1A-16A and 1B-16B.

Vortex also has 32 memory locations, called registers, where you can store your own effects. When first shipped, Vortex has a duplicate set of the presets loaded into the registers. Although these are grouped into register pairs which match the preset A/B pairs, you can store any effect you want into any register space.

Vortex has 32 presets and 32 registers for storing your customized effects. Pressing the REGISTER/PRESET button ...

DUO

MAZE

MOSAIC

AEROSOL

CENTRIFUGE

ORBITS

ATMOSPHERE

REFLEXION

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

LED indicates register selection.

DEJA VU CHOIR SHIMMER SWEEP SHADOW CYCLOID BLEEN FRACTAL

..determines whether presets

(REFLEXION ... FRACTAL),

or registers (1 ... 16) will be

selected by the knob.

The REGISTER/PRESET button determines whether the knob will load registers or presets. The LED lights to indicate register is selected.

Turn the REGISTER/PRESET knob to select and load the preset or register number you want.

Each preset and register has an A and a B version. In the presets, A and B versions are matched into specific effect pairs. You can set up your own pairing system in the registers.

The front panel A/B button determines which version of an effect will be loaded. When this button is pressed with an effect running, it will initiate a dynamic transition, or

morph

from one effect to the other. (The ability to make these transitions is one of the most exciting features of Vortex and is explained fully under

Morphing

later in the

manual. )

The setting of A/B determines whether the A or B versions of presets and registers will be loaded.

LEDs indicate A/B selection.

A B VALUE

A/B

English

Adjusting Parameter Values

Each effect in Vortex has sixteen adjustable parameters. Control over these parameters is simple — select a parameter with the PARAMETER knob, then adjust it with the VALUE knob. All parameter settings made from the front panel can be stored with the effect.*

Select a parameter.

PEDAL/TAP

ECHO 2

ECHO 1 ENVELOPE MORPH A/B

ECHO FX LVL

MOD FX LVL

OUTPUT

MIX

Parameter values (1-64) will be displayed when VALUE is turned.

The decimal point indicates changes have been made since the last store operation.

* Parameter changes made with an expression

pedal are fect. See

not

automatically stored with the ef-

Pedal Control

FEEDBACK 1 FEEDBACK 2 RATE 1 DEPTH 1 RESONANCE 1 RATE 2 DEPTH 2 RESONANCE 2

The VALUE knob is always active, and will adjust whichever parameter is indicated by the PARAMETER knob. The first turn of VALUE will display the current parameter setting and light the VALUE LED. Subsequent adjustments will increment or decrement parameter values along their entire range (1-64).

Use the VALUE knob to adjust the selected parameter.

A/B VALUE

A B VALUE

The VALUE LED lights whenever parameter values are displayed.

Effect Parameters

The decimal point on the display will light when a parameter is adjusted to indicate that the effect has been modified since the last store operation. If no further adjustments are made with VALUE, the display will revert to showing the number of the currently running effect. The edit indicator will remain on until the effect is stored, or until changes are lost by selecting another effect with the REGISTER/PRESET knob.

English

About the Parameters

Vortex parameters, in addition to providing familiar mix and level controls, allow you to access dimensional, rhythmic, and dynamic aspects of each effect. These controls make Vortex much more like a musical instrument than a simple effects box — they let you Vortex's unique effects.

The MIX and OUTPUT controls, which have the same function in each effect, are described here. Certain other parameters, such as the modulation controls (Rate, Depth, etc.) affect different aspects of the modulation in each effect. These are marked with an asterisk (*) and described for specific effects in

Effect Descriptions.

Other parameters, such as the ECHO÷ controls and Morph A/B, are described fully in sections of their own.

Each parameter has a range of control which is displayed as 1-64. The general behavior of each parameter is as follows:

MIX

Controls the balance between Vortex effects (the combination of ECHO FX LVL and MOD FX LVL) and the dry audio signal. 1=100% dry; 64=100% wet.

play

OUTPUT

Controls the output level of the MIX signal.

*MOD FX LVL

Controls the level of the modulation portion of an effect. 1=off.

*ECHO FX LVL

Controls the level of the echo portion of an effect. 1=off.

MORPH A/B

Controls the rate of morphing between A and B effects. 1=10 seconds; 64=.01 second. See

Morphing.™

*ENVELOPE

All Vortex effects are dynamically sensitive. ENVELOPE controls the amount of sensitivity applied to the effect. 1=off; 64=maximum sensitivity.

Note: When both inputs are used, ENVELOPE is derived from the left input.

ECHO 1÷ and ECHO 2÷

Vortex has two delay lines dedicated to echo effects. The ECHO ÷ controls allow selection of rhythmic divisions of the tempo you've set. See

TAP and ECHO Rhythms.

Audio

*FEEDBACK 1 and 2

Control feedback to the two delay lines (ECHO 1 and 2). Several configurations of feedback and cross-feedback are used in the effects.

Vortex has two LFOs which are used to control different types of modulation (such as vibrato, rotary, pan, etc.) The RATE, DEPTH, and RESONANCE controls provide access to different aspects of the modulation portion of each effect.

*RATE 1 and 2

Control the speed of the modulation effect. 1=0.1Hz; 64=100Hz. Higher speeds are capable of producing "ring modulation" effects.

*DEPTH 1 and 2

These controls are generally associated with RATE 1 and RATE 2, and control the amount of modulation.

*RESONANCE 1 and 2

Control aspects of the resonance around the modulation effect, such as level, cross-resonance level, tuning. etc.

English

TAP and Echo Rhythms

Tempo and Rhythm

Vortex has two independent delay lines (ECHO1 and ECHO 2), which are configured in a variety of ways to create rhythmic effects. The configuration and extent of control over these echoes is one of the things that gives Vortex effects their exciting rhythmic patterns, and their dimensional quality. The other unique component in creating Vortex's echo effects is

Other effects processors require you to slave your tempo to their preset delay times, or to calculate and set an absolute tempo in milliseconds, then use that number to calculate delay times for appropriate rhythms, then to enter those delay times into the box. Changing tempo requires repeating the entire process.

Vortex will slave echo rhythms to any tempo you want. Setting tempo is as easy as tapping your foot, and you can change tempo as often as you like — even on the fly.

you

English

In Vortex, tempo is set simply by pressing TAP twice. Because every effect in the box is synchronized to the current tempo, all effects are always rhythmically compatible. You can tap with a footswitch, or with the front panel PEDAL/TAP button. (If you have a footpedal connected to Vortex, you must select one of the ECHO÷ parameters in order for the button to function as TAP. See

The ECHO 1÷ and ECHO 2÷ controls allow you to easily set up extraordinary polyrhythms within any effect. These rhythmic divisions are automatically stored with the effect .

Pedal Control.

Tapping in a Tempo

Setting the tempo for Vortex couldn't be easier — simply press TAP twice in rhythm to establish the tempo you want. The front panel LED will light on your first press of TAP to indicate a tap interval is being calculated. Your second TAP defines the tap interval and turns off the LED. Now, any effect you select will be synchronized to your tempo. To

)

select a new tempo at any time, just TAP twice. Vortex will update the tempo throughout the box on receipt of the second TAP. (If a second TAP is not received within approximately 30 seconds, Vortex will remain at the current tempo and turn the LED off.)

This simple method of setting tempo really frees you to experiment. Try running through the presets and simply tapping different intervals. Some effects will sound markedly different with the tempo altered. — Try listening to an effect, then TAP in a whole note interval and listen again. TAP in 3 beats, then 4 beats, to get an idea of the changes that can be made to a single effect.

Tap intervals in Vortex can be as long as 28 seconds, allowing long phrases of music, rather than single beats, to determine tempo.

Whenever Vortex is turned on, the tap interval will return to the default value. (1=a quarter-note at 65 bpm)

Echo Rhythms

Echo rhythms are divisions of the tap interval you've selected for Vortex. The ECHO 1÷ and ECHO 2÷ controls allow you to set independent rhythms, which will always be related to the tap interval, for each of Vortex's two delay lines.

For example, if you tap in a whole note interval (4 beats between taps), the parameter value 4 corresponds to quarter-note echoes, 8 corresponds to eighth-note echoes...64 to sixty-fourth-note echoes.

The ability to set different rhythmic divisions for Vortex's two echoes allows you to set up some very interesting patterns. For example:

1. Load any effect with a dual echo configu-

ration, such as preset 8.

2. Tap in a whole note interval (4 beats

between taps).

3. Turn the Parameter knob to ECHO 1÷,

and set the VALUE knob to 16. This will give ECHO 1 a sixteenth-note rhythm.

4. Select ECHO 2÷, and set its VALUE to 8,

giving ECHO 2 an eighth-note rhythm.

Now, you can tap any interval, and the relationship between ECHO 1 and ECHO 2 rhythms will be maintained — and still be synchronized with the tempo. (ECHO 1 will always have a rhythm which is twice as fast as that of ECHO 2.)

DUO B.

English

Vortex echo divisions are calculated with 16-bit acuracy. This ensures that the rhythmic relationships between ECHO 1 and ECHO 2 are highly accurate and stable, even for unusual polyrhythms such as 2 against 9, or 11 against 13 — patterns that would be extremely tedious, and perhaps impossible, to set up on another effects processor.

Try setting up some patterns such as 3 against 2, 7 against 9, etc. — they're all a snap with Vortex.

ECHO Value

12345 678

Rhythmic Divisions

1 2

Tap Interval

3 5 6 7

(Number of Beats between TAPs)

53 7

5:4 7:4

5 6 7

5:4 7:4

The maximum delay time for one echo in

Vortex is 923 milliseconds. The maximum

•••

delay time for configurations which use Vortex's two delay lines in series is 1846 ms. In theory, this would require you to calculate the allowable tap interval/rhythmic division to

make sure the times you enter fall below the limit. Vortex, however, not only performs this tedious calculation for you, but lets you ignore the whole issue of maximum delay times, by intelligently processing whatever combination you enter.

If a tap interval/ rhythmic division combination is selected which exceeds the maximum delay, Vortex will divide the selected delay time in half until it falls below the limit. For example, if a whole note won't fit, Vortex will give you a half note. If a half-note won't fit, it will give you a quarter note, and so on, until a compatible value fits. This way, no matter what tap interval and rhythmic division you select, the musical relationship between them is preserved.

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About Morphing

One of the most exciting controls that Vortex gives you is the ability to continuously transform one effect into another. This feature, which we call Audio Morphing,™allows you to transform closely related, or wildly dissimilar effects — and to set the time period over which the transformation occurs.

As this concept is completely new to audio effects, it will be helpful to keep a few things in mind when using this control.

Morphing is accomplished with the A/B switch.

When you press A/B, Vortex doesn't simply switch back and forth between Banks A and B. It

transforms

The rate at which this transformation occurs is determined by the MORPH A/B parameter.

MORPH A/B allows you to determine the time it takes for one effect to transform into another when A/B is pressed. Morph rates,

one effect into another.

like other parameters, are stored as part of the effect.

Morphs are performed between register pairs. To set up a morph, store one effect into an A register, then store another effect into the corresponding B register. You can store any preset, or any modified preset into any A or B register.

Because you can store any effect you want, in any register, you can select morphs to perform subtle, smooth parameter changes, or radical shifts between effects.

When you morph between two versions of the same effect, all of the parameter values move smoothly from one version to the other.

When you morph between two different effects, the entire structure of the effect transforms to the other effect. Everything changes — rates, levels, audio routing, routing of the LFOs and envelope, etc.

Audio Morphing™

An expression pedal gives you dynamic control of morphing — and allows you to create dramatic new effects.

The ability to morph from any effect, or effect variation, in the box to any other effect gives you an infinite number of possible new effects, as a new effect is created at virtually every point in the morph. Assigning control of the morph to an expression pedal allows you not only expressive control over the morph, but allows you to halt the morph at any point. This is one of the most dramatic features of pedal control and is explained in detail in the next section,

Pedal Control.

English

Trying Some Morphs

Vortex presets and registers are arranged in A/B pairs. When A/B is pressed (from the front panel, or via footswitch), Vortex will automatically morph between the A and B effects.

Try listening to some of the preset effect pairs to get an idea of what morphing can do with different effect combinations.

Preset 3 ORBITS

The A and B versions in this preset are variations on a single effect, B having slow orbital paths, and A having faster orbits. This is a good example of using morphing to produce subtle changes in the overall sound of an effect.

Preset 4 CENTRIFUGE

The A and B versions are similar, but the difference in parameter settings for the two versions creates two related yet distinctly different effects. In this case, morphing produces a more dramatic change in the overall sound as the morph progresses from A to B.

Preset 15 BLEEN

The A and B versions are completely different from one another. A is based on envelope detune, while B is based on "ring modulated" echo feedback. The sound is completely transformed as the effect morphs from A to B.

Setting Morph Rates

The MORPH A/B parameter allows you to specify independent morph rates for each effect. The combined morph rates set for A and B determine the total length of time a morph will take. The total duration of the morph can be varied from 10 seconds to .01 second. (1=slowest rate; 64=fastest rate)

When you are morphing from A to B, the rate you have set for effect A determines how quickly you from B to A, it determines how quickly you

arrive

B similarly controls departure and arrival rate to and from effect B.

When these two values are equal, you will hear A and B effects in equal proportion at the midpoint of the morph. Setting unequal morph rate values allows you to slide this transition point toward the A or B effect — essentially specifying what proportion of the total time will be spent on each effect. Along the transition path between one effect and another, some very unusual effects can be heard.

leave

effect A. When you morph

at effect A. The rate you set for effect

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Pedal Control

Using an expression pedal with Vortex allows you a wide range of dynamic control over any parameter. Any one of fourteen parameters can be assigned to pedal control — and pedal assignment can be stored as part of an effect. A and B effects can each have different pedal assignments.

To make use of the many features available through pedal control, simply connect a pedal via the rear panel FOOTPEDAL connector. Each time an effect is loaded, Vortex checks this connection to verify pedal connection. When a pedal is connected, the PEDAL function of the PEDAL/TAP button is activated.

Now, PEDAL/TAP functions as a TAP button

only

when ECHO 1÷ or ECHO 2÷ is selected. When the Parameter knob is turned to any other position, pressing this button assigns the selected parameter to pedal control.

Assign a Parameter to a Pedal

Assigning a parameter to the pedal is

easy:

1. Plug a pedal into Vortex, and load a new effect (so that Vortex will recognize pedal connection.)

2. Turn the Parameter knob to select any of the fourteen assignable parameters — for example, MIX.

3. Press PEDAL/TAP. The LED will light to indicate that the pedal has been assigned to that parameter.

When a pedal is plugged into Vortex ...

...the PEDAL/TAP button assigns any one of fourteen parameters* to pedal control.

PEDAL/TAP

ECHO 2

The LED will light when you assign a parameter and whenever an assigned parameter is selected with the knob, until the assignment is changed or removed.

ECHO 1

ENVELOPE

MORPH A/B

ECHO FX LVL

MOD FX LVL

OUTPUT

MIX

* Output level is not recommended for continuous control.

(The decimal point on the display will also light, as pedal assignment is a change which can be stored with the effect.)

4. When the pedal is moved beyond the displayed value of MIX, the pedal will acquire control over the full range of the MIX parameter.

With a standard expression pedal, the toe-up position = Parameter Value 1, toedown = 64.

The PEDAL/TAP button performs TAP functions when ECHO 1÷ or

FEEDBACK 1 FEEDBACK 2 RATE 1 DEPTH 1 RESONANCE 1 RATE 2 DEPTH 2 RESONANCE 2

ECHO 2÷ is selected.

PEDAL/ TAP

ECHO 2

ECHO 1

ENVELOPE MORPH A/B

ECHO FX LVL

MOD FX LVL

OUTPUT

MIX

FEEDBACK 1 FEEDBACK 2 RATE 1 DEPTH 1 RESONANCE 1 RATE 2 DEPTH 2 RESONANCE 2

English

Once a parameter is assigned to a pedal, pedal control of the parameter is always active, even if you move the Parameter knob to select another parameter for editing.

While an assigned parameter is selected, value changes made with the pedal will be displayed. When pedal motion stops, the display will return to display of the register or preset number.

When the Parameter knob is turned to another position, the Pedal LED will turn off, and the value of the new parameter will be displayed. The new parameter can be edited with VALUE; the pedal will continue to control its assigned parameter.

Note: If the pedal is unplugged while an effect is running, Vortex will not recognize the fact that there is no pedal until a new effect is loaded. If the pedal is unplugged while an effect with a pedal assignment is running, Vortex assumes the pedal has been moved to value = 1, and will not allow pedal reassignment or deassignment. If you unplug the pedal, load a new effect to make sure that Vortex recognizes the disconnection.

To remove a pedal assignment, simply reselect the assigned parameter and press PEDAL/TAP, or select another parameter for assignment and press PEDAL/TAP. When a pedal is deassigned, the parameter returns to its original value (as set prior to pedal assignment.)

Remember that, once a pedal is connected to Vortex, whether or not a parameter assignment has been made, you must turn the Parameter knob to ECHO 1÷ or ECHO 2÷ to perform TAP functions with the button. (Footswitch TAP function is unaffected.)

Capturing Parameter Changes Made with a Pedal

Value changes made with an expression pedal are store an effect. If you want to save the value indicated by the current pedal position, turn the VALUE knob in either direction to set this as the "original" value. When the effect is stored, this is the value that will be saved for that parameter, even if the pedal is reassigned, or deassigned.

not

automatically saved when you

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Controlling Morphs with a Pedal

The behavior of the pedal when MORPH A/B is selected for pedal assignment is slightly different. When you assign MORPH A/B, the pedal immediately acquires control over the morph, and the morph jumps to the current pedal position. (Toe up=1=effect B; toe down=64=effect A.)

A/B still selects the A or B effect, and the A and B LEDs indicate which effect is available for editing. Edits can be made via the front panel to either A or B effect parameters, but the pedal determines which effect is being

heard

. For example, you can edit the parameters of effect B, and your edits will take effect, but if the pedal is in the toe down position, you will only be hearing effect A. You won't hear the results of your edits to effect B until you move the pedal to its toe up position.

When you deassign the pedal, Vortex will immediately switch to whichever effect, A or B, is indicated by the front panel LEDs.

Remember that A and B effects can have different pedal assignments. If either the A or B effect has been stored with the pedal assigned to MORPH A/B, (and a pedal is connected) pedal control is immediate when the effect is loaded.

If you are using Vortex's A/B relay fea-

Pedal Control

ture, pedal morphing allows independent control over morphing and channel switching.

For example, you could use the pedal to

control morphing between

ORBITS B

lead or rhythm channels for either effect.

, and use the A/B switch to select

ORBITS A

and

English

Storing Effects

Vortex presets cannot be erased or overwritten by parameter changes; the original version will always be restored when loaded. If you make changes to a preset and want to save the changes as a custom effect, or if you want to match certain effects as A/B pairs, you must store your new versions into registers.

When first shipped, Vortex has a duplicate set of the presets loaded into the registers. Although these are grouped into register pairs which match the preset A/B pairs, you can store any effect you want into any register space. For example, you can store a version of Centrifuge B into Register 1A, and a version of Orbits A into Register 1B.

To store the currently running effect:

1. Press STORE.

2. If you were in preset mode, the register LED will go on, indicating that Vortex has automatically switched to register mode — selecting whatever register is indicated by the position of the REGISTER/ PRESET knob and the A/B button.

3. Releasing STORE will store the currently running effect into the register indicated on the display, overwriting the effect previously stored there. The display will flash briefly to indicate the store operation was successful.

Using Registers

4. Store operations are executed on release of the STORE button. If you want to store to a different register, or to a different register bank, than the one displayed, turn the REGISTER/PRESET knob to the register number you want, and check the

before

setting of the A/B button STORE.

releasing

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Clearing Register Pairs

Vortex has a clear function which allows the use of footswitches to link effects in a variety of useful ways. Clearing a register does not erase the contents of a register pair. It clears a space in the register sequence so that the register is skipped in any effect sequence you create. Note that the clear operation affects both register effects (A and B).

To clear a register pair...

1. Press CLEAR.

2. If you were in preset mode, the register

LED will go on, indicating that Vortex has

automatically switched to register mode

— selecting whatever register pair is

indicated by the position of the REGIS-

TER/PRESET knob.

3. Both A and B effects in the displayed

ID number will flash. (The ID number of

any cleared register flashes when se-

lected with the REGISTER/PRESET

knob.)

To restore a cleared register pair, simply

repeat the clear operation.

Using Footswitches

A dual footswitch can be connected to Vortex to perform register step and bypass functions. (A second footswitch allows handsoff control of A/B bank switching and TAP functions.)

Stepping through the registers

You can use a footswitch to step through either the A or the B bank of effects stored in the registers. (Use A/B to switch between banks.) The footswitch will increment continuously up to register 16, then wrap back to register 1 (or the first uncleared register).

If you are in preset mode, the first click of the switch will automatically switch you into register mode, loading whatever register is indicated by the position of the REGISTER/ PRESET knob and the setting of the A/B button; subsequent clicks will increment from that point on.

Skipping registers and creating chains

Vortex’s clear function allows you to use a

skip

footswitch to a sequence, or to create register

Skipping allows you to create a specific sequence of effects. If, for example, you want to use a series of 8 effects, simply clear the 8 unwanted registers and turn the REGISTER/PRESET knob to 1. Now, the footswitch will increment through the registers, passing over the cleared registers without requiring you to step through them.

Turning the REGISTER/PRESET knob to any position other than 1, will set up register chains which use cleared registers as loop points.

Skip and chain functions are illustrated below.

effects you do not want in

chains

English

Registers 4, 9, 10 and 14 have been cleared...

1234 567891011 12 13 14 15 16

With the REGISTER/PRESET knob set to Register 1, the footswitch will step through the remaining registers, then loop back to Register 1.

12356781112131516

Turning the REGISTER/PRESET knob to any position other than 1,

will set up register chains which use cleared registers as loop points.

The combination of cleared registers shown above would

create these four chains ...

123 5678 151611 12 13

If the REGISTER/PRESET knob is set to a register within a chain, the

footswitch will cycle through the chain until the next cleared

(To use a chain containing Register 1, you must set the

With the REGISTER/PRESET knob set to Register 7, the footswitch will step through this sequence ...

If the REGISTER/PRESET knob is set to a cleared register, the footswitch will

skip to the first register in the next chain, then step through that chain.

7856

Bypass

A footswitch can be used to toggle a bypass function. When active, “bP” (byPass) appears on the display. In this state the output of Vortex will remain at the level set by OUTPUT, but will be 100% dry (MIX setting=1).

While bypassed, PARAMETER, VALUE, and any assigned pedal functions are inactive.

REGISTER/PRESET and A/B functions (via footswitch or front panel) remain active during bypass, allowing you to cue an effect to load when bypass is turned off.

To use this feature, turn bypass on ("bP" displayed). Select a new effect (the ID number of the effect you select will briefly interrupt the display of "bP". If you want to switch banks, press A/B — the LED will respond to your selection, although the relay will not be activated until bypass is turned off. Now, when you turn bypass off, the effect you've selected will load.

TAP functions (via footswitch or front panel) also remain active during bypass, allowing you to change tempo while bypassed.

English

Finding the Preset Used to Create an Effect

Vortex gives you the ability to radically change the sound of any preset. Your new sounds can then be stored in any one of 32 locations (registers 1-16, A or B).

At some point, you may want to retrace your steps, and identify the preset used to create a particular stored sound.

To do this:

1. Using the REGISTER/PRESET knob and the A/B button, select the register for which you want to identify the source.

2. If you are not already in preset mode, press the REGISTER/PRESET button — the LED should go off.

Note that Vortex will load the preset which corresponds to the current knob position.

3. Press and hold down the REGISTER/ PRESET button. The display will blink.

Now, Vortex will reload your register selection.

4. While still holding down the REGISTER/ PRESET button, move the VALUE knob. The number and version (A or B) of the preset used to create that register will be displayed briefly.

This will not affect the audio —you will still be hearing the selected register.

The display will return to the selected register after a brief timeout, or on release of the REGISTER/PRESET button.

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Overview

Vortex effects are not passive, they are responsive to your playing. Each can be controlled dynamically by the ENVELOPE control, allowing you to play the effects with your own personal style.

Each effect is made up of several simultaneous modulation and delay modules. The sonic signature of each effect is determined by the number and type of these modules, as well as the audio and control connections between them.

Although each effect is designed with a different combination of modules, Vortex provides a single set of 16 general parameters to control them all.

All Vortex effects have the same general structure, as shown below. (The shaded area of the diagram is detailed in the indvidual effect descriptions that follow.)

Left

Right

Input

EFFECT MIX

Left

Output

Right

Certain parameters have similar characteristics in all Vortex effects. For example, OUPUT and MIX always provide control of output level and processed/unprocesed mix. Within each effect, MOD FX LVL generally controls the amount of modulation effects, and ECHO FX LVL controls the amount of echo effects in the processed signal.

Effect Descriptions

Vortex presets are designed to emphasize certain functions in each effect, but you will find that altering selected parameters allows you to create entirely different sounds from any single effect. The following diagrams and descriptions provide maps for your explorations, as well as descriptions of each preset pair and of the effect itself.

Note: When connections are made to

both

Vortex inputs, envelope control of

all effects is driven by the

left

input.

English

DETUNE*

Res 1 Res 2

Mod Fx Lvl

Echo Fx Lvl

Mod Fx Lvl

Fbk 1

ECHO 1

ECHO 2

Fbk 2

Rate1

Depth 1

L PAN

R PAN

Rate 2

Depth 2

A B

Reflexion

1 REFLEXION

consists of a stereo envelope detune module in series with dual echoes. Each echo, in turn, feeds an independent auto panner.

The detune is driven by ENVELOPE. The amount of detuning increases as the input varies from soft to loud. Different playing dynamics and ENVELOPE values can produce a wide range of effects from subtle pitch changes on note attacks for doubling effects, to radical pitch bends. Turning up RES 1 and RES 2 creates envelope flanging effects. MOD FX LVL controls the undelayed output of the detune effect.

* ENVELOPE Controls detune depth, 1=off, 64=max detune

ECHO FX LVL Level of envelope detune sent to echoes

MOD FX LVL Output level of undelayed envelope detune FEEDBACK 1 Feedback gain around ECHO 1 FEEDBACK 2 Feedback gain around ECHO 2

RATE 1 Auto-pan speed for ECHO 1

DEPTH 1 Auto pan width for ECHO 1

RESONANCE 1 Resonance gain for left detune

RATE 2 Auto-pan speed for ECHO 2

DEPTH 2 Auto pan width for ECHO 2

RESONANCE 2 Resonance gain for right detune

English

As ECHO FX LVL is on the input to the echoes, an expression

pedal assigned to this parameter can produce dramatic echo swells.

About the Reflexion Presets

Reflexion

bling effect on loud attacks combined with echo rhythms that initially alternate between eighth-notes and eighth-note triplets, then “settle” into an eighth-note pattern. The echoes dance between left and right.

A produces a moderate dou-

Reflexion

In turned down, making the doubling effect more subtle. Resonance values are turned up, and the echo rhythms are set to 3 against

Morphing between A and B produces smooth changes in dynamic response, and a cross-fade of echo rhythms.

B, the envelope value is

If you have an expression pedal, you can

Reflexion

use flanger.

1. Save copies of REFLEXION B into any A and B register pair.

2. In the new B register, set ENVELOPE to 10 and press STORE.

3. In the new A register, set ENVELOPE to 45 and press STORE.

4. Assign the pedal to MORPH A/B

Now, moving the pedal will create a flange effect. For more dramatic flanging, turn up RESONANCE 1 and RESONANCE 2 in both A and B effects.

to create a pedal-controlled

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