8 - Preset Edit

Editing Presets

Synthesizer Basics

This chapter explains how preset sounds are constructed. It also contains important background information on the various programming aspects of the instrument.

If you are new to synthesizers and electronic music, you may need more background information than this manual provides. There are many books dedicated to synthesizer basics and MIDI available through your local music dealer. Magazines such as Keyboard and Electronic Musician, which are available at most newsstands, contain current information on the subject, as well as valuable programming tips.

Your initial involvement with the Emulator will most likely consist of using the existing presets and selecting MIDI channels. While the factory banks and presets are very good, there are probably some things you would like to change, perhaps the LFO speed, the filter brightness, or the attack time. You may also want to make your own custom presets using complex modulation routings.

Editing Presets

It’s easy to create new presets by using the Preset Edit menu to modify existing presets. This is really the best way of getting acquainted with the Emulator. If you don't like the results, simply reload the preset and you'll be back to the original sound. Changes are not made permanent until you SAVE a bank. Therefore, you can experiment all you want with presets, voices and samples without worrying about losing a sound.

We encourage you to actually try out the different functions as you read about them. Hearing what a control actually does will remove a lot of the mystery associated with it.

The Emulator has an extensive modulation implementation using two multi-wave LFO’s (Low Frequency Oscillators), three envelope generators, and the ability to respond to multiple MIDI performance controllers. You can simultaneously route any combination of these control sources to multiple destinations.

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