Red Sound Systems Darkstar Plus Owner's Manual

Introduction

DARKSTAR SYNTHESIS

Thank you for purchasing the RED Sound DARKSTAR 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer.

The Analogue Synthesiser, mainstay of Seventies' and Eighties' music, is back, reinvented in a new, more reliable
and flexible form. Physical modelling via powerful DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) allow all the warmth and control
of the synthesizers of yesteryear without the problems of unstable tuning and unrepeatable sounds, and with
modern benefits like realtime control and multitimbral access.

Welcome to DARKSTAR, an 8-voice polyphonic synthesiser with all the highlights of the analogue tradition, Pulse
Width Modulation, Ring Mod, Resonant Filtering and ADSR Enveloping, combined with all the advantages of
modern MIDI instruments like rock-solid tuning, perfect program recall, velocity response and 5 different timbres
simultaneously available.

So whether your aim is to recreate 'classic' timbres like 70's Disco Bassline / Screaming PWM Lead, chart new
sonic territory with realtime joystick manipulation of ring modulation and velocity controlled resonance, or even
combine both approaches in the same MIDI sequence, DARKSTAR is the perfect tool for you.

In the future, DARKSTAR's capabilities will grow thanks to the ability to change its EPROM-based DSP algorithms.
This will allow you to convert DARKSTAR into many different products such as a vocoder [now available] or mega­mono synthesizer.

But DARKSTAR already offers so much with its marriage of proven synthesis techniques and state-of-the-art
control. Now it's time to unlock the potential of analogue-style synthesis with modern control techniques in your
music.

Be creative!

OWNERS MANUAL

PAG E

1

Front Panel

9

10

11

PORTAMENTO

+

Off

-

TREMOLO

+

Off

-

PANNING

LEVEL

Sound

Red

the colour of music

Max

RELEASE

Min

Max

SUSTAIN

Min

Max

DECAY

Min

Max

ATTACK

Min

VELOCITY

PROG

BANK

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

2

VELOCITY LEVEL

SHIFT

Envelopes

PART

OUTPUT

EDIT

VALUE

/

PARAMETER

4

(

+10

LFO 2 MOD

ENV MOD

-10

(+10)

RES MOD

RESONANCE

(-10)

Max

LFO2

LFO1

RES MOD SOURCE

ENV1 ENV2

HI

BAND

LO

0

Env 2

(0)

env 1

SHIFT

Filter On

Filter

Filter Off

Press and hold

PROGRAM

for program select

(

BANK

8

MODULATION

FILTER TYPE

FILTER TYPE

FREQUENCY

Min

OFF

5

7

6

MIDI

/

PORTA TRIGGER

4

5

Y

X

JOYSTICK

3

2

PROG

4

PART SELECT

PART

MENU

LFO

8

5

6

12

EXT.

INPUT

LEVEL

OUTPUT

osc mix

DETUNE

24

19

17

ring mod

16

PULSE WIDTH

12

7

PWM

5

OSC 2 SEMITONE OFFSET

PITCH MOD

0

www.redsound.com

OSC 2 PITCH

WAVEFORM

1

UTILITY

Osc 2

Osc 1

Oscillators

SHIFT

Max

Min

Max

Min

SHAPE

DELAY

SPEED

(MIDI CLOCK)

RANDOM

SAMPLE

PULSE

SINE

LFO SHAPE

SQUARE

TRI

RAMP

3

1

LFO 2

LFO’s

LFO 1

SHIFT

3

2

1

DEMo

VALUE

UP

MENU

MENU

DOWN

7

VALUE

OUTPUT

FILTER

OSCILLATORS

EDIT

AUDITION

DARKSTAR - Poly Synthesizer

PAG E

2

Front Panel Features

FRONT PANEL FEATURES

1.

OSCILLATORS:

for each oscillator. The large [OSCILLATOR] button switches between oscillators1&2.The[SHIFT] button is used
to access the [OSC 2 PITCH], [PWM], [RING MOD] & [OSC MIX] controls in the oscillator sub-menu.

2.

ENVELOPES:

envelope. The large [ENVELOPE] button switches between envelopes1&2.The[SHIFT] button is used to access
the [VELOCITY] control in the envelope sub-menu.

3.

LFO’S:

switches between LFO1&2.The[SHIFT] button is used to access the [MIDI CLOCK] control in the LFO sub­menu.

4.

FILTER:

[FILTER] button switches the filter on and off. The [SHIFT] button is used to access the [FILTER TYPE], [RES MOD]
and [LFO 2 MOD] controls in the oscillator sub-menu.

5.

PART SELECT:

different sounds in each program.

This section features [SPEED], [DELAY] and [SHAPE] controls for each LFO. The large [LFO] button

This section features [FREQUENCY], [RESONANCE] and [ENV MOD] controls for the filter. The large

This section features [WAVEFORM], [PITCH MOD], [PULSE WIDTH] and [DETUNE] controls

This section features [ATTACK], [DECAY], [SUSTAIN] and [RELEASE] controls for each

These buttons are used to select the 5 Multitimbral ‘PARTS’. You can create and store 5 totally

6.

MENU:

additional parameters for editing whilst the [EDIT] keypad is used to scroll up and down the menu and change the
values.

7.

AUDITION:

[VALUE UP] button, the [DEMO] program can be accessed.

8.

PROGRAM:

8 programs (total programs = 64).

9.

PART OUTPUT:

parameters for each individual PART.

10.

information and edit values.

11.

JOYSTICK:

[OSCILLATOR MIX] or filter [FREQUENCY] + [RESONANCE] parameters can be controlled by the joystick.

12.

parameters.

This section features 8 menu buttons and a 4-way keypad. The MENU buttons are used to select

This button can be used to trigger the currently selected PART. Also, in conjunction with the EDIT

This section features the [PROGRAM] and [BANK] buttons which are used to select the 8 banks of

This button is used to access the [LEVEL], [PANNING], [TREMOLO] and [PORTAMENTO]

PARAMETER/VALUE DISPLAY:

The joystick mixer can be assigned to a number of different parameters. For example

UTILITY:

This button is used to access the [JOYSTICK] menu and the SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE utility

This 4-digit LED display shows bank/program numbers, parameter

OWNERS MANUAL

PAG E

3

Rear Panel

MIDI

OUT INTHRU

POWER

ON

-

9v DCOFF

CAUTION: DO NOT OPEN CASE

REFER TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTSINSIDE

MADE IN ENGLAND

+

Sound

Red

the colour of music

1.

EXTERNAL INPUTS 1&2 - RCA Phono Connectors

www.redsound.com

8 VOICE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER

OUTEXT.

INPUT

1L

2R

Red Sound Systems Ltd

123 45

Use these sockets to connect any external line level sound sources to DARKSTAR for filter/envelope processing
whilst using MIDI control.

2.

STEREO OUTPUT - RCA Phono Connectors

Use these sockets to connect the audio output of DARKSTAR to your mixing desk or amplification system.

3.

MIDI IN/OUT/THRU - Connectors

MIDI data will be transmitted and received by these connectors.

4.

POWER - Switch

This turns the power on and off.

5.

DC POWER IN - Connector

Only use the 9vDC 500 mA [or greater amperage] PSU supplied with DARKSTAR to power the unit.

DARKSTAR - Poly Synthesizer

PAG E

4

Connections

POWER

ON

MIDI

OUT

EXT.

INPUT

PSU

RED

+

9v DC

-

MADE IN ENGLAND

OFF

CAUTION: DO NOT OPEN CASE

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTSINSIDE

REFER TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

IN

OUT

THRU

L

R

Red Sound Systems Ltd

2

1

R

L

TO

SOCKET

AC WALL

MIDI OUT

MIDI IN

or...

MIDI IN

MIDI SEQUENCER

MIDI OUT

MIDI IN

MIDI KEYBOARD

OTHER MIDI DEVICE

8 VOICE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER

EXTERNAL MIDI DRIVEN SOUND SOURCE 1

EXTERNAL MIDI DRIVEN SOUND SOURCE 2

www.redsound.com

STUDIO MIXING DESK

Sound

Red

the colour of music

OWNERS MANUAL

PAG E

5

Quick Start

QUICK START

If you want to quickly try out the performance of DARKSTAR, please read the following points carefully:

CONNECTIONS:

Before making any connections, make sure that the power on all your equipment is turned OFF.
Connect the power supply (included) to the ‘power in’ socket on the rear panel of DARKSTAR and plug it into a
suitable AC outlet. Connect the audio cables for a basic system setup as shown on page 5.

TURNING ON THE POWER:

Make sure all connections have been made correctly and the volume controls on the
mixing desk and amplifier system are turned completely down. Press the rear panel power switch on DARKSTAR.
Turn on the power of the mixing desk and then turn on the power of the amplifier system.

POWER UP INDICATIONS:

When DARKSTAR is powered up, the main display will show the software version
whilst various parameters are being set internally. When this process is complete, the display will show the BANK
and PROGRAM number. If this does not happen, check the power supply is of the correct type and the unit was
switched on correctly.

PLAYING THE DEMO:

To run the demonstration track, press and hold the [EDIT VALUE +] button, then press the

[AUDITION] button once to start playback. To pause the demo simply repeat the above.

SETTING THE MIDI RECEIVE CHANNEL:

To select the correct MIDI receive channel press the [MIDI] MENU
button and use the [EDIT] keypad [VALUE +] and [VALUE -] buttons to set the channel of the active PART (as
DARKSTAR can have up to 5 different sounds/MIDI channels setup in each PROGRAM you may have to change
the MIDI transmit channel on your keyboard a few times to play all the sounds).

SELECTING A PROGRAM:

To select the factory programs in BANK 1, press and hold the [PROGRAM] button
(LED on) and then press one of the buttons marked 1-8. To select one of the other 7 banks of 8 programs press
and hold the [PROGRAM] button then press the [BANK] button. Now you can select one of the 8 programs in the
new bank using the buttons marked 1-8 (

programs/banks

).

keep your finger on the [PROGRAM] button at all times when selecting

NOTE: Banks 1 to 6 (48 programs) feature factory presets that demonstrate the sonic power of DARKSTAR.
Programs in banks 7 and 8 all contain the same basic sound ready for you to overwrite with newly created sounds.

Use the [AUDITION] button or connected MIDI keyboard to trigger the sounds. You can modify the sounds in real­time by altering the controls in the OSCILLATOR, FILTER, ENVELOPE and LFO sections.

Please read the following “OPERATION” section carefully to fully appreciate the range of features and facilities the
DARKSTAR 8-Voice Synthesizer has to offer.

GETTING STARTED

After connecting DARKSTAR to your system as detailed on page 5, press IN the power switch on the rear panel to
turn the power on. As the software initialises (takes approximately 12 seconds) rows of indicators will light in
sequence, the main display will show a welcome message followed by the software version fitted to your unit, as
shown below:

BANK

PARAMETER

PROG

VA L U E

Software version = 1.10

Afterwards, the last selected program (before power was switched off at the previous session) will be recalled and
displayed as follows:

BANK

PROG

Bank 1, Program 1

DARKSTAR - Poly Synthesizer

PARAMETER

VA L U E

PAG E

6

OSCILLATOR SECTION

Operation

OSC 2 PITCH

SHIFT

PITCH MODWAVEFORM

PWM ring mod osc mix

OSC 2 SEMITONE OFFSET

1716 19 2412750

Oscillators

Osc 1

Osc 2

DETUNEPULSE WIDTH

This section of DARKSTAR produces the musical tones which form the basis of subtractive synthesis. There are
two oscillators per ‘voice’ (musical note), each producing audible vibrations to act as a sound source. The timbre of
each oscillator depends on its harmonic content which is determined by the waveform. There are basically two
waveforms available, SAWTOOTH and RISING, each with its own specific set of harmonics.

Controls for changing the amount of modulation to the pitch timbre of the oscillators are also included in this
section. These timbral and pitch modulations give the oscillator sound more depth and stimulate musical appeal to
the ear.

OSCILLATOR SELECT button

This large button switches between oscillator 1 and 2. When the indicator is OFF, oscillator 1 will be selected.
When the indicator is ON, oscillator 2 will be selected.

WAVEFORM

(OSC 2 PITCH)

This control has two functions determined by the [SHIFT] button.

When the [SHIFT] function is (SHIFT LED Off) this control sets the selected oscillator’s waveform.

NOT selected ,

At the fully anti-clockwise position ( ) the waveform will be shaped like a SAWTOOTH. This waveform contains
every harmonic in decreasing volume and produces a very rich sound. As the control is moved in a clockwise
direction the shape progressively changes, becoming more and more ‘squared-off’ until, at the fully clockwise
position ( ) the shape will be a SQUARE or ‘pulse’ waveform. As a pure square wave (max and min values equal)
the harmonic content will be all the odd-numbered harmonics in decreasing volume which gives the sound a hollow
or ‘woody’ timbre. The width of the pulse can also be altered by the [PULSE WIDTH] knob to make the sound
thinner.

When the [SHIFT] function is selected (SHIFT LED Flashing) this control sets the amount of oscillator 2 pitch

,

offset. This detune setting is calibrated in semitones with the eight indicators labelled [OSC 2 SEMITONE OFFSET]
showing the value, as in the following example:

WAVEFORM

Oscillator 2 pitch offset =

Example:

12 semitones (1 octave)

Press once
before changing
the setting

OSC 2 PITCH

SHIFT

OSC 2 SEMITONE OFFSET

1716 19 2412750

Oscillators

Osc 1

Osc 2

OWNERS MANUAL

PAG E

7

Operation

PITCH MOD

This control has two functions determined by the [SHIFT] button.

When the [SHIFT] function is (SHIFT LED Off) this control sets the amount of pitch modulation to
the selected oscillator. At the 12 o’clock position there will be no pitch modulation applied. As the knob is moved in
an anti-clockwise direction the pitch modulation will become negative, first falling then rising. At the fully anti­clockwise position the modulation will be at its maximum negative depth. As the knob is moved in a clockwise
direction from the centre position, the pitch modulation will become positive, first rising then falling. At the fully
clockwise position the modulation will be at its maximum positive depth. See [OSCILLATOR] menu section below
for further details on the pitch modulation source.

When the [SHIFT] function is selected (SHIFT LED Flashing) this control sets the amount of pulse width
modulation or PWM for the selected oscillator when its [WAVEFORM] is set to SQUARE ( ). The PWM
SOURCE can be set to LFO1, LFO2, ENV1 or ENV2 (see [OSCILLATOR] menu) with negative and positive
modulations available. At the 12 o’clock position there will be no PWM. As the knob is moved in an anti-clockwise
direction the variation in the pulse width will become more and more pronounced in a negative manner. As the
knob is moved in a clockwise direction the variation in the pulse width will become more and more pronounced in a
positive manner.

PULSE WIDTH

This control has two functions determined by the [SHIFT] button.

When the [SHIFT] function is (SHIFT LED Off) this control sets the actual width of the pulse. At the
fully anti-clockwise position the fundamental will be at its minimum producing an extremely thin sound. As the knob
is moved in a clockwise direction the pulse width gets wider, with progressively less high harmonics being added
giving the sound a fuller timbre. At the fully clockwise position the minimum and maximum values of the pulse width
will be equal.

(PWM)

NOT selected ,

,

[RING MOD)

NOT selected ,

When the [SHIFT] function is selected (SHIFT LED Flashing) this control sets the amount of ring modulation
applied to the sound. Ring modulation occurs when the two sound sources are multiplied together and this gives
the resultant sound a hard, metallic edge. At the fully anti-clockwise position the ring modulation will be at its
minimum. As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the ring modulation gradually increases until, at the fully
clockwise position the ring modulation effect will be at its maximum.

DETUNE

This control has two functions determined by the [SHIFT] button.

When the [SHIFT] function is (SHIFT LED Off) this control sets the fine tuning for each oscillator. At
the 12 o’clock position the oscillators tuning will be unaffected. As the knob is moved in an anti-clockwise direction
the oscillators tuning will become more ‘Flat’, with a total negative detune of - 2 semitones available at the fully anti­clockwise position. As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the oscillators tuning will become more ‘Sharp’,
with a total positive detune of + 2 semitones available at the fully clockwise position. Small variations in the
oscillators relative tuning will fatten up a sound giving it a rich texture. Larger amounts of detuning create a more
extreme effect.

When the [SHIFT] function is selected (SHIFT LED Flashing) this control sets the mix level between the oscillators.
At the 12 o’clock position the level of both oscillators will be equal. As the knob is moved in an anti-clockwise
direction the level of oscillator 2 will begin to decrease until, at the fully anti-clockwise position, only oscillator 1 can
be heard. As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the level of oscillator 1 will begin to decrease until, at the
fully clockwise position, only oscillator 2 can be heard.

OSCILLATOR MENU

This section contains the remaining functions for the oscillators. To access these settings, press the MENU button
labelled [OSCILLATORS], as shown in the following example:

[OSC MIX)

NOT selected ,

,

,

DARKSTAR - Poly Synthesizer

PAG E

8

Operation

VAL U E

MENU

DOWN

MENU

UP

VAL U E

OSCILLATORSEDIT MODULATIONMIDILFOOUTPUTFILTER PORTA/TRIGGERPAR T

MENU

The indicator in the [OSCILLATOR] button will light and the main display will now alternate between the first function
and its current value, as shown below:

BANK BANKPROG PROG

Function =
Pitch Modulation
source

PARAMETER

VA L U E

Display alternates

between

First selection =
Envelope 1

PARAMETER

VA L U E

There are 4 functions in the oscillator menu with multiple settings as detailed in the following paragraphs.

1. Pitch Modulation Source:

This function allows you to derive the selected oscillator’s PITCH modulation from

one of four different sources. The selections are:

Envelope1 ­Envelope 2 ­LFO1 ­LFO2 -

2. Pulse Width Modulation source:

The settings of envelope 1 controls will affect the oscillators pitch.
The settings of envelope 2 controls will affect the oscillators pitch.

The settings of the LFO1 controls will affect the oscillators pitch.

The settings of the LFO2 controls will affect the oscillators pitch.

This function allows you to link the selected oscillator’s PULSE WIDTH

modulation to one of four different sources. The selections are:

Envelope1 ­Envelope 2 ­LFO1 ­LFO2 -

3. Oscillator 2 source:

Type 1(normal oscillator) ­Type 2(Formant style oscillator) ­Noise1(Pink) ­Noise 2(White) ­Noise 3(Blue) ­External Input1&2 -

The settings of envelope 1 controls will affect the oscillators pulse width modulation.
The settings of envelope 2 controls will affect the oscillators pulse width modulation.

The settings of the LFO1 controls will affect the oscillators pulse width modulation.

The settings of the LFO2 controls will affect the oscillators pulse width modulation.

This function allows you to select the sound source for OSCILLATOR 2. The selections are:

This oscillator contains the full range of frequencies.

This oscillator is formed from a limited band of frequencies.

PINK noise has the higher frequencies reduced.

WHITE noise and has all frequencies at an equal level.

BLUE noise has the lower frequencies reduced.

You can switch off all the internal sound generators for oscillator 2 and instead use the rear
panel connectors marked [EXTERNAL INPUTS1-2]toprocess any MIDI driven external sound source through the
filter and envelope sections. See page 29 for further details.

4. Oscillator Sync:

This function synchronises oscillator 2 with oscillator 1. The oscillator 2 waveform will now
restart its cycle each time oscillator 1 starts its own cycle. The result of this keeps the pitch of both oscillators
identical making a distinct change to the timbre. For the best results use envelope 2 to try and move the pitch of
oscillator 2. The pitch cannot change but you will hear timbral changes to the sound with vocal characteristics.
The selections are: ON and OFF.

OWNERS MANUAL

PAG E

9

Operation

To change the current oscillator menu setting, use the [EDIT] keypad [VALUE +] and [VALUE - ] buttons as shown
in the following example:

Press 3 times
to change value

BANK BANKPROG PROG

Function =
Pitch Modulation
source

PARAMETER

VA L U E

VAL U E

MENU

DOWN

VAL U E

EDIT

Display alternates

MENU

UP

OSCILLATORS

between

New Pitch Mod Source =
LFO2

PARAMETER

VA L U E

To select a different menu function, use the [MENU DOWN and [MENU UP] buttons. To EXIT oscillator menu
mode, simply press the [OSCILLATOR] MENU button and check that the indicator goes out.

Press the UP and
DOWN buttons to
select MENU functions

VAL U E

MENU

DOWN

VAL U E

MENU

UP

OSCILLATORSEDIT

VAL U E

MENU

DOWN

EDIT

MENU

VAL U E

UP

OSCILLATORS

Press once to exit
oscillator menu mode

ENVELOPE SECTION

PANNINGLEVEL PORTAMENTOTREMOLO

--

++

Min Min

MaxMax MaxMinMin

DECAYATTACK RELEASESUSTAIN

VELOCITY LEVEL

Envelopes

env 1

OffOff

Max

VELOCITY

54673210

SHIFT

Env 2

This section of DARKSTAR is used to shape the sound over a period of time with two envelopes available. The first
envelope is fixed to amplitude (or volume) and decides how quickly the sound starts, sustains and then fades away.
The second envelope can be used to control the filter frequency, pulse width or pitch modulations to alter the
character of the sound.

ENVELOPE SELECT button

This large button switches between envelope 1 and 2. When the indicator is OFF, envelope 1 will be selected.
When the indicator is ON, envelope 2 will be selected.

DARKSTAR - Poly Synthesizer

PAG E

10

Operation

ATTAC K

This control sets the time period for the envelope to reach its maximum after a note is played. At the fully anti­clockwise position the response is virtually instantaneous giving a percussive edge to the sound. As the knob is
moved in a clockwise direction the time to reach maximum gradually increases giving a softer start to the sound. At
the fully clockwise position the attack time will be at its maximum.

DECAY

This control sets the rate at which the envelope falls to the [SUSTAIN] level after the maximum [ATTACK] level has
been reached. At the fully anti-clockwise position the response is virtually instantaneous. As the knob is moved in a
clockwise direction the decay duration gradually increases until, at the fully clockwise position the decay time will
be at its maximum.

SUSTAIN

This control sets the level of the envelope after the decay element is completed and until the note is released. At
the fully anti-clockwise position the envelope will continue to decay to zero without interruption. As the knob is
moved in a clockwise direction the level at which the decay ends gradually increases until, at the fully clockwise
position the sustain level will be at its maximum.

RELEASE

(VELOCITY)

This control has two functions determined by the [SHIFT] button.

When the [SHIFT] function is (SHIFT LED Off) this control sets the time taken for the sustain level to

NOT selected ,

reach zero once the note has been released. At the fully anti-clockwise position the response is virtually
instantaneous giving an abrupt end to the sound. As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction the release time
gradually increases resulting in a softer, more natural end to the sound. At the fully clockwise position the release
time will be at its maximum.

When the [SHIFT] function is selected (SHIFT LED Flashing) this control sets how much the selected envelope is

,

affected by the velocity level. Firmly struck notes will open the envelope to its maximum level whilst softer strokes
will produce a lesser result, dependent on the velocity setting. The eight VELOCITY LEVEL indicators show the
velocity setting for the selected envelope. To change the setting, first press the [SHIFT] button and then move the
[VELOCITY] knob. The indicators will show the value, as shown in the following example:

MaxMin

RELEASE

VELOCITY LEVEL

54673210

Envelopes

Envelope 1

Envelope 2

(VELOCITY)

(SHIFT)

Example: Envelope 1 velocity setting = 5

Press once
before changing
the setting

At the fully anti-clockwise position [indicator 0] there will be no velocity effect, with soft and hard notes each
producing the same, maximum result. As the knob is moved in a clockwise direction [indicators 1 to6]the
envelope will open less and less when softer notes are played until, at the fully clockwise position [indicator 7] the
softest notes will not open the envelope at all. On envelope 1 this maximum setting will make soft notes sound very
quiet whilst on envelope 2 this will result in much less pitch, pulse width or filter modulation.

OWNERS MANUAL

PAG E

11