Tutorial 10: The Effect Page, and Basic Effects Programming

            Overview
            --------

            My least favorite "feature" of modern synthesizers is
            built-in effect processing.  Why?  Because, inevitably, the
            quality of a reverb isn't quite as good as a Lexicon, or it
            is lacking the latest in "harmonizing" capability of the
            great Eventide gear.  In other words, the built-in effects
            aren't as great as $8000 worth of rack gear.  Pity me -- I'm
            spoiled.

            However, if you consider the internal effects of a K2000 as
            an additional synthesis tool, you can really increase your
            sound pallette without breaking the bank.  So, for example,
            I might not consider the built-in reverb perfect for a solo
            piano piece, but I consider it a tool of great worth when
            creating a monster-backbeat-driven-wonk-from-hell synth
            blat.

            This tutorial will not be a primer on digital effects
            programming.  Frankly, doing a good job of it would take
            longer than this entire tutorial set.  Maybe I'll try that
            another day.  For now, if you are interested in programming
            digital effects, you might want to take a look at some of
            the following sources:

            .  The Digital Delay Handbook - by Craig Anderton.
            .  Various back issues of Keyboard and Electronic Musician
               magazines (many have features on effects programming).

            What I will attempt to do is utilize the internal K2000
            effects presets,  the MIDI control of effects on the patch
            Effects page and do some basic changes to existing effects
            setups.  This can help us enhance our use of the K2000's
            built-in digital effects, and provide us with a greater set
            of tools for sound creation.

            By the way, the .KRZ file used for the tutorial is called
            TUTOR_10.KRZ, and is available on my K2000 Page:

                        http://www.execpc.com/~ddg/k2000.html



            Technical Discussion
            --------------------

            The Effects Page

            The effects page is where you select a effect preset, and
            utilize some control over it (at the patch level).  Two
            important notes:

            .  First, a quote from the K2000 Musicians Guide -- "Keep
               in mind that these parameters are global -- that is, they
               affect every part of the program's sound that goes
               through the global effects processor.  The display
               reminds you of this by showing `All Layers' in the top
               line."

            .  Also, the effect that is *actually* used by a patch is
               dependant on the setting of FX MODE: parameter on the
               Effects Mode page.  We will discuss this in more detail
               in this tutorial.

            EffectPreset:

            Just as a K2000 patch uses a "preset" keymap, it also uses
            a "preset" effects algorithm.  However, don't imagine that
            you are stuck with the effects programs that are burned into
            the K2000 ROM.  In addition to the standard effects presets,
            there are additional presets on diskettes that were supplied
            with the K2000, and others are available on the Internet
            from Sweetwater and others.

            Wet/Dry Mix:

            The Wet/Dry Mix parameters allow you to set the level at
            which the effects are heard, and provides a method to change
            this mix value using any available modulation source.  What
            does this really mean?  Well, for example, we can not only
            set the amount of reverb on a guitar sound, but can also
            vary the reverb amount using a realtime controller (like the
            MOD wheel), or a modulation source (like an LFO).

            <Realtime 1 and 2>

            In addition to controlling the Wet/Dry Mix, the Effects Page
            also allows us to have patch control over two effects
            parameters.  This allows us to have access to the "knobs"
            on the effects processor using a modulation control source.
            This is particularily handy for ambient or new age type
            music, where subtle changes in effects parameters can have a
            major impact on the aural quality of a sound.  Generally,
            you can select any of the effects parameters as realtime
            modulation destinations on this page.

            { A few notes from Darwin:

            First, using the V3.01 operating system on a K2000rs, I ran
            into a number of problems using some controls sources.
            First, the controls sources for the Wet/Dry Mix and Realtime
            controllers were limited to a subset of the actual control
            list.  For example, ENV's 1-3 were not available, nor was
            ASR 1.  Why?  I don't know.

            Secondly, there seems to be a problem with using non-MIDI-CC
            modulation sources to control these adjustments.  For
            example, if I used ASR 1, set to a long envelope time, and
            controlling the Wet-Dry Mix, no effect was heard.  This is a
            serious limitation.

            These two problems (features?) may not exist in your version
            of the operating system.  However, these limitations have
            affected the extent to which the Patch Runs can examine all
            available control options. }


            The Effects Mode Page

            The K2000 offers several ways of controlling the effects
            processor preset selection.  The Effects Mode page selects
            between the available options.

            Effect:

            This allows you to select an effect to monitor while in the
            Effects Mode and Effects Editor pages.  If the FX MODE
            parameter is set to Auto, the effect listed here will match
            your patch's EffectPreset parameter.  Otherwise, it will be
            user-selectable, and can be used to audition effects
            parameter changes with the current patch.  This parameter is
            also used when you are using the effects section in
            "Master" mode -- which allows you to control the effects
            used with no regard to the current patch's EffectsPreset
            setting.

            Wet/Dry:

            As on the patch Effects page, this allows you to set effects
            level while working on patches, or for the patch/setup
            output when the FX MODE: parameter is set to MASTER.

            FX Mode:

            FX Mode determines which K2000 effects preset will be used
            when you select a patch.  The options are:

            Master:

                 You will select an effects algorithm on the Effects
                 Mode Page.  This effects algorithm (and its related
                 Wet/Dry Mix) will be used regardless of any patch's
                 EffectsPreset value.  However, when the FX Mode is set
                 to Master, you have complete control over all effects
                 parameters via MIDI Continuous Controllers.

            Program:

                 When any patch is selected on the FX Channel,  the
                 effect used by that patch will be used for all patches.
                 You can also set the FX Channel parameter to
                 "Current", which will allow the effects processor
                 follow any change made on the K2000's front panel.

            Setup:

                 This is similar to Program mode, only the patch will
                 change to match a selected Setup.  In this case,
                 changes made at the Program (or patch) level will not
                 change the effects algorithm used.

            Auto:

                 Using the Auto setting, the effects preset used will
                 always match the K2000's front panel "mode".  In
                 other words, whatever you are doing on the K2000 edit
                 screen will be echoed by the effects processor.


            You may want to read through the more detailed Mode
            explinations in the K2000's Musician's Guide (page 9.2 in my
            copy), since an improper setting of the FX MODE: parameter
            can make K2000 use very frustrating.  However, a simple rule
            of thumb that I use:

            .  If I'm doing multitimbral synth recording, I will
               normally use the Master setting.  This allows me to set
               up an effect, and use it appropriately with each patch.
               When you use the General MIDI patch set, the FX Mode
               setting is Master by default.
            .  If I'm playing live, and am using patches for my sound
               sources, I will set the FX Mode parameter to Program.
               This way, the effects I've assigned to a patch will be
               used when I select it.
            .  If I'm playing live, and am primarily using Setups for
               sound selection, I will set the FX Mode parameter to
               Setup.  This way, the effect assigned to a setup is used
               properly.
            .  If I'm working on sound programming, I will use Auto as
               my FX Mode setting.  This way, the Effects Processor
               settings match the patch's settings, and it allows for
               easier changes to the effects parameters.  This is the FX
               Mode setting we will be using for the tutorials.

            FX Channel:

            Depending on the FX Mode that you are using, the FX Channel
            may be used to determine the selected effects preset.

            .  If you are in Master mode, the FX channel parrameter
               selects which MIDI channel will be used for incoming MIDI
               control.  If you do not want to have any MIDI control of
               the effects processor, this can be set to "None".
            .  In Program mode, the effects process will change to the
               preset of the patch selected on the MIDI channel
               signified by the FX Channel parameter.
            .  If you are in Setup Mode, the value of the FX Channel
               parameter is not used.
            .  In Auto Mode, the FX Channel mode parameter is used to
               determine how MIDI Program Change values will be handled.
               In this case, the setting of the FX Channel will limit
               Program Change to only affect the processor on the
               selected channel.  If set to Current, Program Changes
               will match the MIDI channel setting of the K2000's front
               panel.


            The Effects Editor Pages

            Depending on the effects algorithm used, the parameters and
            values of the Effects Editor page changes.  The complete
            manipulation of all possible effects configurations is
            beyond the scope of this tutorial;  however, we will cover
            some simple parameter changes, and open the door for further
            experimentation.

            Now, the Patch Runs ...



            Patch Run #1 : A Patch's Effects Page.

            Before starting the patch runs, we need to set the K2000's
            FX Mode to Auto.  This way, we will be able to audition the
            effect edits as we do them.  Hit the Effects button on your
            synth's front panel.  Make sure that the FX Mode parameter
            is set to Auto.  Also, users with rack versions of the K2000
            should have a MIDI Continuous Controller that sends the Data
            Control (MIDI CC #06).  Now, let's edit...

            All of the patches in this tutorial will be prefaced with
            "[ddg] 10/nn", where nn represents that patch run associated
            with it.  The first patch, "[ddg] 10/01 FX1" is a typically
            bubbly synth patch.  Hold down a note for a few seconds, and
            notice that there are no effects present.  However, moving
            the Mod Wheel will change the amount of delay present.
            Also, changing the Data Controller will change the speed of
            the delay effect, and will track those changes in real time.
            Turn the Mod Wheel up, and fling the Data Controller around.
            Note some of the special effects that can be made using
            delay time changes.

            Enter the patch editor and move to the Effects pages by
            hitting the [more>] key until the Effects soft button is
            available, then pressing that button.  The EffectsPreset
            being used is a custom Stereo Delay that I've created for
            this patch.  You can see that the Wet/Dry mix is set to 0%,
            but that ModWheel is used for a "Source", and the Depth is
            set to 90.  This means that the effect will not be heard
            initially (given the 0% Mix), but the Mix will me modulated
            by the AR1 envelope to increase the mix to about 70%.  Why
            70%?  Because the maximum value of the Depth parameter is
            127, and our value is 90.  90 divided by 127 is a little
            over 70%.

            Also, you will see that the parameter set below has
            DelayTime being controlled by the Data control source.  By
            setting the "Source" to Data, we are able to able to
            manipulate the delay time while playing.  Also, note that
            the initial Adjust value is set to 60.  This "adjusts" the
            effect of the Mod Wheel on the DelayTime, preventing it from
            falling too low.  The Depth value is set to 67, allowing the
            Data Controller to modulate the DelayTime to its maximum
            positive adjustment of 127.

            Play around with the various modulation options on this
            page.  If you have a controller keyboard (or other MIDI
            device) that has a number of MIDI Continuous Controllers
            available, try using several sources to manipulate the
            effects patch in real time.

            {Again, I note that the v3.01 version of the operating
            system both limits the control sources available for real
            time control, and also just doesn't properly use some of the
            non-MIDI controls.  Hopefully, this will be fixed in the
            software version you are using.}



            Patch Run #2:  The Effects Editor.

            Select patch "ddg [10/02] FX2".  This is a simple vocal
            "WOO"-ing sound -- nice to use with simple ostinado lines.
            There is a deep delay and chorusing effect used on the patch
            -- which we will manipulate in this Patch Run.

            First, enter the Patch Editor, and move to the Effects page.
            Note that I am using a standard Effects Preset -- #13,
            "Crispy Lead".  Funny effect name for a vocal patch, but
            it works.  Also note that the Wet/Dry mix is set to 50%.  No
            other control options are being used, and we will leave the
            existing parameters intact.  Exit the Patch Editor, and
            enter the Effects Editor (by hitting the EFFECTS button on
            the front panel of your K2000).

            We initially are presented with the Effects Mode page.
            Since we are in Auto mode, the currently selected effects
            preset is displayed, as well as the Wet/Dry mix that we had
            set in the patch.  In order to edit the effects parameters,
            we have to decend one level -- into the Effects Editing
            page.  To do this, hit the [Edit] key.  The K2000's display
            will now be filled with a number of parameters.

            The Crispy Lead effect preset uses a complex chain of
            effects -- a parametric EQ, followed by a digital chorus,
            followed by a digital delay, and finally an audio mixer to
            combine the sounds.  If you are familiar with the various
            effects types, you will probably understand the majority of
            available options.  However, if you are not, let's go over
            some of the most significant settings.

            The leftmost column of parameters are for the parametric EQ.
            You have three "bands" of frequencies that can be
            affected, and a level control for each.  The values are
            listed in "Khz", with decimal values representing lower
            frequencies.  In order to best hear the effect, set the
            value of Lvl1: to +12, and manipulate the Frq1: value to
            hear changes in the timbre of the sound.  Basically, this is
            a supercharged tone control, with three user-adjustable tone
            settings.  You can greatly alter the timbre of a patch with
            a parametric EQ, and it often comes in handy when
            "tweaking" a patch for a recording.  If you haven't used
            parametric EQ's in the past, you should spend a little time
            palying with the interaction of the three bands on the sound
            of a patch.

            The second column is the digital chorus effect.  Chorusing
            effects are obtained by changing the pitch of a sound, and
            mixing it with the original.  The combination of the two
            sound sounds fatter, and often smoother.  The two most
            important controls are the LFOSpd: and LFODep: -- LFO Speed
            and LFO Depth.  Why an LFO?  Well, in order to change the
            pitch without sounding out of tune, the pitch change
            amount is constantly varied by an LFO.  Radically adjust
            these parameters.  Differences in LFO Speed generally affect
            the quality of chorusing by making it either
            "smoother/deeper" or "more warbling".  LFO Depth
            determines how much pitch change (in terms of frequency)
            takes place.  Small amounts produce subtle chorusing, while
            high levels can create audible "tremolo" effects.

            The Delay column is next.  The important variables here are
            the DlyTime (Delay Time) and Feedback.  Delay Time varies
            the length of time between echoes.  Very short delay times
            will often produce "bathroom reverb" sounds, while longer
            time can be used for "canyon echoes", and ever rhythmic
            counterpoint.  The Feedback control determines the number of
            times a single sound echos.  Think of an old movie staged in
            the Alps.  The liederhausen-clad star shouts "HELLO", and
            hears "HELLO...Hello...hello...llo...lo" in return.  For
            our purposes, this represents (roughly) five repeats.
            Adjusting the Feedback amount will allow you to vary between
            1 and <infinity> repeats.  Use caution with those infinite
            repeats -- you stand a chance of repealing the laws of
            physics...

            Finally, the right section is a Mixer which determines
            the amount of Dry, EQ'd, Delayed and Chorused sound is
            returned.  Mix ingredients to suit...

            When you are done "playing" with the effects, hit the
            [Exit] button to return to the patch selection window.  If
            you have changed any of the parameters, the K2000 will ask
            you if you want to save the effect.  This is similar to
            saving a KeyMap -- the effect has to be saved in order to be
            available to your patches.  If you like the changes you
            made, you can either replace the existing Crispy Lead
            effects patch, or rename it and save it to another location.
            After you have saved the patch, you will be returned to the
            patch selection screen.



            Patch Run #3: Choosing an Effect.

            Patch "ddg[10/03] FX3" is a little Conga slap with a big
            reverb.  It has that "Motown Handball/Sonar" reverb sound.
            Since it is a very percussive sound, reverb and delay
            effects used on it will be very apparent.  We will use this
            sound to create a custom effect.

            Enter the patch editor, and move to the effects page.  You
            will see that I'm using the "Arena" effects preset.  While
            that might be fine for some uses, it may also be
            inappropriate for others.  Let's say we want a discrete echo
            sound instead.  How do we select a specific effect type?
            Well, let's check the Effect Editor first...

            Rather than exiting the patch, you can hit the [Edit] key
            while in the patch editor -- you will be moved directly to
            the effects editor from within your patch.  This will happen
            correctly even if you are in "Master FX Mode" -- the K2000
            will simply switch to Auto mode.  In this case, you can see
            all of the available parameters for the Arena reverb, and
            some options for naming, dumping or deleting this effects
            preset.  However, there isn't really a way to change the
            base effect type.   Grrrr.  But wait!  Checking in the
            manual, it states "Use the CHAN/BANK buttons to change the
            configurations to be used by the currently selected preset
            effect."  Bingo.  Remember -- Chan/Bank = effect
            configuration change!

            Use the Chan/Bank buttons to select the 4-tap delay.  Set
            the parameters as follow:

            Tap1Delay: 75ms          Dry Level: 0
            Tap2Delay:150ms          Tap1Lvl  R:7  L:0
            Tap3Delay:225ms          Tap2Lvl  R:0  L:7
            Tap4Delay:300ms          Tap3Lvl  R:5  L:2
            FeedDelay:375ms          Tap4Lvl  R:2  L:5
            FeedBack:  30%

            You now have a little Conga Slap rhythm that zips about the
            stereo plane.  If you like, save the effect preset (again,
            it's just like saving a keymap), then use the Chan/Bank
            button to change the effect configuration to Room Simulator.
            Set the parameters as follow:

            GrossSize: Club          Dry Level: 0
            DecayTime: 0.80 seconds  Rev Level: 9
            ListenPos: Middle
            HFDamping: 0

            Bing!  A little club scene, hep (or is it hip?) cats
            whacking on a conga -- makes me want to snap my fingers with
            cool-joy!  For experimental purposes, you should spend the
            time to run through all of the effects configurations.  Even
            if you are an experienced effects programmer, you will find
            a number of seldom-used, but powerful, options available
            through the K2000's effects processor.



            That's all for this tutorial.  Again, this tutorial is
            hardly complete -- entire books have been writting on the
            Digitech effects processors, and that's a larger task than
            I'm up for.  However, I hope that this tutorial has given
            you some ideas for using the effects processor as an
            additional synthesis tool, and that you will take full
            advantage of it.

            NOTE: My email address has changed.  If you want to get in
            touch with me, just send me e-mail at:

            ddg@wi.rr.com

            See you soon!