All instructions in this manual must be carried out by a professional who observes the valid safety
regulations. In operation, they have got dangerous voltages in the instrument. Spectral Audio
GmbH accepts no liability for personal injur y or m aterial damage.
3. Changeover between the signal types saw tooth, noise and rectangle
4. SLIDE: regulates the time balance of VCO 1 and VCO 2
VCO 2:
5. TUNE: Regulates the pitch of the VCO 2
6. SYNC: Synchronises VCO 2 with VCO 1
7. Changeover between the signal types saw tooth, external (input on rear of housing) and rectangle
Mixer:
8. VOL VCO 1: Volume of VCO 1
9. RINGMOD: Volume of the ring modulation of VCO1 and VCO2
10. VOL VCO 2: Volume of VCO 2
VCF:
11. CUTOFF: Cut-off frequency of the filter
12. RESONANCE: increases the harmonics at the cut-off point
13. Changeover between lowpass and highpass
14. ACCENT: Pulsed increase of the cut-off frequency and the volume
15. ACCENT ON Indicator: Lights when the accent function is switched on (MIDI Controller 65)
16. Determines the edge steepness of the filter: 12 or 24dB / octave
17. KEYFOLLOW: The cut-off frequency is influenced by the actual note
LFO:
18. RANGE: Changeover between three LFO frequency ranges
19. FREQUENCY: Setting the LFO frequency
20. LFO Indicator: Indicates each positive half wave of the LFO.
Note:
The eye recognises frequencies larger than 60 Hz as being static.
21. Changeover between symmetrical and asymmetrical LFO waveforms
22. Selector s witch for different LF O waveforms. By means of the m atrix presentation, there are a total of 9
signal forms available: sinus , asymm etric al sinus, triangle, s aw tooth, rectangle, pulse, r andom , noise and
external (input on the rear of the housing)
23. MODULATION: Determines the strength of the LFO influence
The basic principle of the ProT one c orres ponds to the tried and test ed analog synthesizer principle with VCO,
VCF, VCA, envelope generator and LFO. This principle is called subtractive synthesis.
In order that the Pr oTone is suitable for MIDI, an additional MIDI to CV conver ter is necess ary which converts
the MIDI signals into analog signals with which the VCOs, the filter, as well as the envelope generator are
controlled.
The raw material for the s ound is of f er ed by the VCOs (V
or rectangular signal as well as the noise generator (f or effects such as wind and thunder sounds) . The width
of the rectangular signal from VCO1 can be changed with the PW regulator (2). The narrower the rectangular
signal (regulator turned to the right), the 's harper ' the sound. VCO 2 is synchronised f rom VCO1 with the SYNC
switch (6). The tone will be interesting in this case when the TUNE regulator (5) of VCO2 is turned (or by
modulating with the LFO VCO 2), which results in a typical "Sync-Sound".
By means of the external VCO input, other sounds can also serve as raw material. The ring modulator
multiplies the signals of the two VCOs which markedly amplifies the beat (frequency difference).
Note:
When the SYNC switch (6) is switched on, no beats are developed and the ring modulator has
therefore no effect.
The SLIDE regulator (4) determines the time balance from one note to another and is valid for both VCOs.
Afterwards, the signal flows through the voltage controlled f ilter (VCF=V
certain frequency ranges are suppress ed. The lowpass filter allows low frequencies to pass and suppr esses
the high ones, the highpass filter lets high fr equencies through and suppresses the low ones. The frequency
from which the signals are s uppr ess ed is c alled the limit or cut-off f r equenc y. With the ProTone, this is formed
from various sources:
oltage Controlled Oscillator) in the for m of a sawtooth
oltage Controlled Filter), within which
1. CUTOFF frequency regulator (11)
2. ENV MOD regulator (29) (influence of the envelope on the cut-off frequency)
3. LFO
4. ACCENT regulator (14)
5. KEYFOLLOW switch (17).
With the KEYFOLLOW s witch (17), the cut- off fr equency increases on higher notes so that audible f requency
bands always remain the same. The res onance forms a feedback of the output to the input of the filter and
causes an amplification of the frequencies around the cut-off frequency.
The ACCENT regulator (14) s ets the s har e of the s econd envelope and affects the cut-off frequency as well as
the volume. It is only active when the ACCENT indicator ( 15) lights, i.e., when the accent function is switched
on via the MIDI controller 65. The accent f unction is always active when the unit is switched on. By means of
the MIDI controller 65, it is now possible, as with the TB 303, to give individual notes an accent (value 127) or
to take an accent away (value 0). For this purpose, the corresponding control value must be sent in the
sequencer, timed either before or with the note.
Before the signal leaves the ProTone, it arr ives at the VCA (V
the ProTone in stereo form. Here the input signal is multiplied with a contr ol signal. In this way, the volume can
be influenced by a control signal which comes from the envelope generator and the MIDI converter. The
volume of the ProT one is c ontrolled with the GRO UND LEVEL regulator ( 30) as well as via the MIDI c ontroller
EXT (7). Additional to this level is the s hort-ter m increas e through the acc ent func tion. The panor am a (volum e
relationship of the left-hand to the right-hand signal) can be set with the PAN regulator (31).
The LFO is particularly developed with the ProTone. Using its signal, the pitch from VCO1 and VCO2, the
pulse width of the rectangular signal from VCO1, the cut-off frequency of the filter as well as the panorama can
be modulated with the LFO ON ... switches (24).
oltage Controlled Amplifier) which is available in
With switches (21) and (22) select ion can be m ade between 9 diff erent signal f orm s. By means of the external
LFO input on the rear of the housing, it is also pos sible to use any other signal for modulation. To do this,
switch (22) m ust be turned completely to the right. A microphone, etc , must be connected via a pre-am plifier
as this is a high level input. When the external inputs of the ProTone are used, the ProTone must
simultaneously receive a note command (the same MIDI channel) in order that something is audible.
The envelope generator determines the chronological sequence of the volume after receiving a note
command. The MIDI to CV converter then gives out a gate signal (+5V) with which the sequence of the
envelope generator begins. The gate signal rem ains at +5V until the 'note off ' com m and com es, i.e., the key is
released. The parameter s of the envelope can be set with regulators (25) to (28) . How the envelope should be
imagined is described later on in the glossary.
There where 3 different ser ies made:
Serie # 1 : 960000 .. 960020 with golden front panel
Serie # 2 : 960021 .. 960161 with red front panel, C66 and C67 added
Serie # 3 : 960162 .. 960470 with red front panel, now with switch and trafo for 115V / 230V; R173,
R174, C63-C65 inbuilt; R174 and R175 (NTCs) added (by hand); G ND Connection to case
This manual describe the last serie.
This manual contains no the hole schematics. Spectr al Audio m ay send it to you for important
reasons, please write to info@spectralaudio.ch
.
4 Improvements and explanations
4.1 Sense of R174 and R175
These two resistors helps to increase the lower limit of the cutoff f r equency. Otherwise a ploopnoise may occur when reaching 0 Hz cutoff fr equency with a high resonance. You may reach the
0Hz using the LFO.
They are in serie connected from U20 pin 16 to G ND.
4.2 Sense of C63 – C65
With tim e, the pots may become noisy. You may hear this effect especially at t he Cut off pot. Using
the C63 – C65 solve this problem.
They are connected from the middle pin ( + ) of the pot to GND (-). Resonance has negative voltage,
so middle pin is (-) and GND is (+):
These NTC resistors improves the te m per ature stability of the two VCOs a lot. I t is important that, if
you add these NTCs, also change the resistors R81 and R86 to 5k1. Use hot glue to glue them
onto U16. Sold them parallel to R81 and R86:
After this change, a readjustment must be done.
4.4 Hum Problems
In some circumstances, the internal connect ion from GND to the metal case cr eat es a hum noise
because of closed earth loops.
In this case it may help to cut this internal G ND connection.
You will find it (on later Proton's series only) on the digital pcb, a pretty wide track to one screw. Cut
it with a sharp cutter.
4.5 Increasing the Gate voltage to +12V
To increase the Gate voltage f rom +5V to +12V, two additional resistors and one NPN transistor are
necessary.
Apart from this, port 1.3 (pin 4) of the microprocessor must be connected to GND that the gate
signal output from the microprocessor is inverted.
The slope of the control voltag e CV is set with tr immer R10. Octave jumps which are initiated via
MIDI-IN, must result in a 1.00 V change.
For this purpose, an accurate voltmeter must be connect ed to the CV socket J3 and the refer ence
note (default: 36=C1) initiated and the voltage value noted (some mV). Now initiate t he MIDI not e
four octaves higher (C4) and adjust R10 so t hat the voltage is 4.00 V higher. Check the reference
note again and repeat the adjustment if necessary.
5.2 Analog PCB (VCO1 and VCO 2)
In order to tune the VCOs, t he analog PCB must first be separated from the front panel ( 6 scr ews
with spacers). The analog PCB must then be reconnect ed to the digital PCB and started.
After disassembly, the Tune VCO1 and Tune VCO2 knobs must be replaced and positioned exactly
in the centre (Tune setting = 0).
Before adjustment, the unit should be in operation for approximately one hour. The adjustment
should be made at room temperature.
Before adjusting the VCO , check the CV slope (chapter above). The setting of R10 in the MIDI to
CV converter is valid for both VCO of cour se.
5.2.1 VCO1
The frequency of t he oscillat or can be taken from pin 8 of U11 or at the unit output, whereby the
filter must be open and set to Lowpass. Only VCO1 must be audible (set the mixer correctly). Make
sure that no LFO modulation take place.
The offset for VCO1 is set with R21 and the slope with R157. Nonlinearity in the upper frequency
range is adjusted with R29.
Proceed as follows to make the adjustment:
1. Set trimmers R21, R157 and R29 to the base set t ings shown below.
2. Set the ProTone
3. Press key A3 and set the VCO1 frequency with R21 to 220.00 Hz, measur ed with an exactly
frequency meter.
4. Press key A1 and set the frequency to 55.00 Hz with R157.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until frequency values are stable.
MIDI reference note
to C1 by pressing the learn-key.
6. Press the key A5 and set the freq uency to 880. 0 Hz with R29.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 and re-adjust if necessar y.
5.2.2 VCO2
The offset for VCO2 is set with R131 and the slope with R156. Nonlinearity in the upper frequency
range is adjusted with R132.
Proceed as follows to make the adjustment:
8. Set trimmers R131, R156 and R132 to the base set t ings shown below.
10. Press key A3 and set the VCO2 frequency with R131 to 220.00 Hz, measured with an
exactly frequency meter.
11. Press key A1 and set the frequency to 55.00 Hz with R156.
12. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until frequency values are stable.
13. Press the key A5 and set the frequency to 880.0 Hz with R132. Check here if no beat s are
audible with VCO1 open, too. If so, adjust R132 in that way that no beats are audible.
14. Repeat steps 3 to 6 and re-adjust if necessary.
Socket for U6 28 pin assemble with EPROM "ProTone V1.04"
QZ1 12 MHz (HC 49)
T1 BV 030-7010.0 L Transformer
S16 V20212MS02Q C&K
J1 DIN 5pol Socket
J2 DIN 5pol Socket
J3 Jack Socket 6,3mm
J4 Jack Socket 6,3mm
J5 Jack Socket 6,3mm
J6 Jack Socket 6,3mm
J7 Jack Socket 6,3mm
J8 Jack Socket 6,3mm
J9 PCB-Plug 4.8 x 0.8 mm
J10 PCB-Plug 4.8 x 0.8 mm
J11 Plug Connector 18 pole angular
P2 47K LIN PW VCO1 solder time max. 5 sec
P3 47K LIN VOL VCO1
P4 47K LIN CUTOFF
P5 47K LIN RESONANZ
P6 10K LOG F LFO
P7 47K LIN MOD LFO
P8 10K LOG LEVEL
P9 47K LIN VOL RING
P10 1M LOG SILDE
P11 47K LIN TUNE VCO2
P12 47K LIN VOL VCO2
P13 47K LIN ACCENT
P15 1M LOG ATTACK
P16 1M LOG DECAY
P17 47K LIN SUSTAIN
P18 1M LOG RELAISE
P19 47K LIN ENV MOD
P20 47K LIN PAN
Capacitors
Kind Gird [mm] Dimensions [mm] Producer
C18 3.3n Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C19 100p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C20 100p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C21 22p Ker 2.54 1.8 x 3.5 Phillips
C22 470p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C23 470p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C24 4p7 Ker 2.54 1.8 x 3.5 Philips
C25 1u Foil 5 6 x 10.5 EVOX
C26 47n Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 EVOX
C27 470p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C28 470p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C29 47n Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 EVOX
C30 100n Ker 2.54 3.2 x 5.1
C31 100n Ker 2.54 3.2 x 5.1
C32 100p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C33 100n Ker 2.54 3.2 x 5.1
C34 100n Ker 2.54 3.2 x 5.1
C35 22p Ker 2.54 1.8 x 3.5 Philips
C36 100n Ker 2.54 3.2 x 5.1
C37 470p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C38 470p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C39 4p7 Ker 2.54 1.8 x 3.5 Philips
C40 470n Foil 5 6 x 10.5 EVOX
C41 47u Elko 2 d=10
C42 1n Ker 2.54 1.8 x 3.5 Philips
C43 1u Elko 2 d=5
C44 47n Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2
C45 100n Ker 2.54 3.2 x 5.1
C46 470p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C47 3.3n Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C48 2.2u Elko 2 d=5
C54 10u Elko 2 d=5
C55 100p Foil 5 2.5 x 7.2 WIMA
C57 100n Ker 2.54 3.2 x 5.1
C58 100n Ker 2.54 3.2 x 5.1
C59 100n Ker 2.54 3.2 x 5.1
Q9 BC 546 B
Q10 BF 245 B
Q11 BC 546 B
Q17 BC 556 B
Q18 BC 556 B
Q19 BC 546 B
Q20 BC 556 B
Q21 BC 546 B
Q22 BC 546 B
Q23 BC 546 B
Q24 BC 556 B
Q25 BC 556 B
Q26 BC 556 B
DL1 2.5 x 5mm Green Assemble with 8 mm spacer (Total 17mm)
DL2 2.5 x 5mm Red Assemble with 8 mm spacer (Total 17mm)
DL3 2.5 x 5mm Red Assemble with 8 mm spacer (Total 17mm)
DL4 2.5 x 5mm Red Assemble with 8 mm spacer (Total 17mm)
U11 TL 074 CN
U13 TL 074 CN
U14 TL 072 CN
U15 TL 074 CN
U16 CA 3046
U17 TL 074 CN
U18 XR 2208 CP
U20 LM 13700 N
U21 LM13700 N
U22 TL 074 CN
U23 TL 074 CN
U24 LM13700 N
U25 LM13700 N
U26 CD 4001 BCN
S10 PVA1-EE 1 pole on-off Push-Push Switch ITT
S11 PVA1-EE 1 pole on-off Push-Push Switch ITT
S12 PVA1-EE 1 pole on-off Push-Push Switch ITT
S13 E103-SD1CBE 1pole on-off-on Toggle Switch C&K
S14 PVA1-EE 1 pole on-off Push-Push Switch ITT
S15 PVA1-OA 1 pole on-off Momentary Switch ITT
SW1 56P36-01-1-06N 6 pole Rotary Switch Grayhill
J12 Connector 18 pole (Socket) mounted on Solder Side
8 Mechanical part list
Pcs. Part
1 Front Panel
1 Chassis
1 Backside
4 Screw M3 x 5mm with counter bore head black
5 Cylinder head screw M3 x 5mm black
1 Nut M3 for grounding
1 Washer for grounding
8 Sheet metal screw 2.9 x 6.5mm black
6 Sheet metal screw with counter bore head 2.9 x 22mm black
6 Spacer 14 mm
2 Spacer 25 mm metal with thread M3
1 Analog PCB assembled
1 Digital PCB assembled
6 Nuts for Phone Jack
19 Knobs 18 splines
1 Knob "D" Shape 1/8"
1 Inlet IEC Socket with Fuse Box
1 Fuse 250mA
1 Cable blue with thimbles 4.8mm
2 Cable brown with thimbles 4.8mm
1 Cable yellow-green with thimbles
1 Power switch 1 pole with 4.8mm terminals