V2.5-KX-SYNTH-X16-HELP

Infos and license
Install infos
Help
Faq
Midi controllers

Infos and license:

http://kx77free.free.fr
Email: kx77free@free.fr

Two monophonic versions are available on http://kx77free.free.fr
M for the VSTi without the audio inputs: kx-synth-x16-M.zip.
FX for the VSTe with the audio inputs: kx-synth-x16-FX.zip.

Infos to Fruity Loop users:
The plug-in uses a little less CPU (-5%) and the export wav works fine
with this wrapper option: compatibility > Use fixed size buffer.
The Midi Learn doesn't work with FL, FL locks the CC for its automation.

General features:

Name: KX-SYNTH-X16

File name: KX-SYNTH-X16-V25.DLL

Author: Xavier Kalensky

Marque: KX77FREE

OS: All Windows (32-64)

Type: 2.3 VSTi

State: Release

Versions:
2.5 © 01-2010
2.00 © 04-2009
1.04 © 11-2008

Built with Synthedit 1.179

23 Kx77free SEM modules specialy written in C++ for this plugin:
matrix, filter, adsr, delay, sequencer, kxmod, etc...

Description:

Vintage Modular Polyphonic Synthesizer.

A virtual analog based on the VCS3 structure.

It is unusual for me to work on VA.
But when Burnie asked us Nova and me to do a VCS3 plugin I was interested.
This old EMS synthesizer is great with its modern matrix concept, its joystick
and its possibility to do feedback patches.
Nova collected some docs and Scot Solida sent to Nova his recordings.
I used them to research the way to do a close oscillator simulation.
I did a new filter based on the KX filter code.
Nova built a modern skin.
We did not built another SE clone of this synthesizer
but added some great features on the original concept.

One of the features of this plug-in is the polyphony with a total respect
of the original feeling of the EMS synthesizer.
A new KXMOD system is implemented to create fat vintage leads
or nice polyphonic instruments.
A CV and gate sequencer has been added to create real vintage sequences.

Common features with the VCS3:

Three variable shape oscillators,
tweaked to simulate the color
and bandwidth of Vcs3's oscillators.

16*16 pin matrix with feedback connections.

LP filter, 18 db per octave with self oscillating.

Noise generator with EQ.

Ring modulation.

Two external inputs
(Only available with the FX version).

XY joystick.

Added features:

Polyphony up to 6 voices.
Total control of the polyphony features
with the extended KXMOD system.

Each voice can be controlled with RELATIVE parameters
(KXMOD).

Analog sequencer (CV & gate) with
a memory of 256 CV and 256 gates,
files saved on disk, 2 accent lines,
random clock, keyboard input to transpose
or to reccord the CV...

Mini knobs to adjust each matrix modulation, 0 to 1.

Modern skin with notepad and variable color background.

Html help file.

You can adjust the response curve of the oscillators.

The original ASR (trapezoid) is extended to 2 ADSR with
Attack Reset mode, Host and internal sequencer synchronization.

Delay fx with host synchronization and LFO modulation.
It replaces the original spring reverb.

LFO, Sample & Hold and third ADSR envelope added,
monophonic modulations, they can replace the external inputs
(In1, In2).

Keyboard scalers.

X Y matrix Midi controllers.

Full Midi Learn.

Velocity to envelope segments, cut off and volume.

Midi in splitter.

Omni Midi output to control external monophonic instruments
and build polyphonic ensemble, each instrument is one voice...

Sequencer Midi ouput.

128 KX presets:
35 polyphonic instruments
20 unison presets
36 monophonic presets (v 1.04)
23 sequencer demos
14 tutorial and initialization presets

Infos:

If you connect a source to the input controls: Vol1, Vol2
the output volume can vary up to 0 db!
Before to connect any sources, you should adjust
the modulation level with the matrix mini knobs.

Minimum requirements:
Any old mono sse processors, P4, Athlon XP for mono presets or FX and M version.
A real frequency of 1.5 ghz for poly presets (2 plug-ins, 2*5 voices, 80% vst performance).
eg:
If you use a P4 3ghz with an old Cubase SE, in fact you use only one processor of 1.5 ghz!
A chord of 6 voices with an old P4 3 ghz with hyperthreading (2*1.5ghz) uses 50% of vst performance
following the complexity of the preset and the ASIO buffers.

Old host reference:
Vst Host or Cubase SE old 1.07 version, hosts not optimised for dual processors,
100% of vst performance=50% CPU really used...

Recommended configurations:
All Dual Core or Quad Core configurations with host programs optimized for these processors.
With Reaper v2.53 and Vista 32, the first preset uses 5% ( 6 voices) with a Quad Core 6600,
the same preset uses 19.5% with VST Host (host not optimised for Quad Core).

New features:
- Full Midi Learn.
- Frequency displays on the main panel.
- Note transposition for each oscillator.
- Bar synchro to any step of the sequencer (1 to 16).
- Bend selector for the synthesizer.
- Midi out on/off.
- 21 new pesets.

Improvements:
- All automation names rewritten.
- The sequencer files are in the plug-in folder.
- Initialization time of 2 sec.
- Less cpu use, no mute and initialization during the Prg Ch.
- Mini knobs to control directly the joystick with Midi controllers.
- New internal stucture with less modules and connections.
- The input level of the Fx is controlled by the Run AR to smooth
the signal when the FX are used directly .
- The destinations Vca, Ring a, Ring B and Fx go to the sleep mode
if any pins are not connected in theirs colunms.
- Midi out: the Prg Ch is filtered and better management of the CC123.

Bugs fix:
- The transposition of the sequencer CV to the matrix was wrong.
- The Mod signal of the voice n°6 was rectified and alway positive.
- If the loop ( Lp ) of the adsr was enabled during the sustain,
the adsr could not be retriggered.
- To avoid incompatibilities with some hots during the samplerate update,
the external inputs are unavailable with the VSTi version.
This feature is implemented in a monophonic VSTe (effect):
KX-SYNTH-X16-FX.

Special thanks to:
Eric Langou : www.novaflash.com
Great and free VST instruments.
http://www.novaflash.com

Burnie is a moderator of instrumentsvirtuels.free.fr.
http://instrumentsvirtuels.free.fr
http://lesitedeburnie.free.fr

Scot Solida is a member of KVR forum.

for the program Synthedit : Jeff McClintock
http://www.synthedit.com

About the VCS3:

The creator of the original VCS3 (1969) and
Electronic Music Studios (London) is Peter Zinovieff.
http://www.ems-synthi.demon.co.uk
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMS_VCS_3

VCS3 freeware links:

First SE VCS3 clone by R. Brooks:
http://www.vickers-armstrongs.com/synthedit/synthiaks.htm

EFM, Synthia 2: http://ele4music.blogspot.com
Ninecows, Cynthia: http://ninecows.dk/cynthia

Kx-Synth-x16 license agreement :
This plugin is provided as is with no warranty of any kind.
The use of this plugin is entirely at your own risk.
You may not distribute this plugin in any way.
This version is a freeware.
I hope you will enjoy this plug...
If you like this plugin don't forget to make some publicity about it.

Warning:
Caution ! , If you are a novice, don't work with a headphone and the volume at max
because electronic instruments can generate powerfull bass (<40 hz)
and very high frequencies (res at max).
The KX77FREE plugins are made for electronic experienced musicians
who pratice electronic sounds synthesis regularly.

KX77FREE License :
author of the vst plugins KX77FREE : Xavier Kalensky

The user downloads and uses the vst plugins KX77FREE at his own risk
The author of the vst plugins KX77FREE (or all other provider with KX77FREE agreement* )
can not be responsible of material* *or corporal damages (direct or indirect) caused
by the use of the vst plugins KX77FREE.
* like Mao magazines, the url to download the KX77FREE files (zip or setup.exe, wma) is
http://kx77free.free.fr. All other urls have not the author agreement!
** as any financial, personal or computer data loss.
It's recommended to save any important data before using the vst plugins KX77FREE.

The vst plugins KX77FREE in FREEWARE version are provided without warranty.
The user may not distribute the vst plugins KX77FREE in any way.
The vst plugins KX77FREE are always distributed with the file ''Licence.pdf ''
which contains this licence.
Before downlading and using the vst plugins KX77FREE,
the user has read carrefuly this licence (1-Warning and 2-License) and he accept it.

KX77FREE : © 2003-2010 by Xavier Kalensky. All Rights Reserved.
All other copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners

SynthEdit: © 2003 by Jeff McClintock. All Rights Reserved.

VST and ASIO are trademarks of Steinberg Soft- und Hardware GmbH

Infos and license
Install infos
Help
Faq
Midi controllers

Install infos

1- Unzip the KX-SYNTH-X16-V25.zip.

2- Copy the dll and the plug-in folder into your Vstplugins folder.

Help:

FAQ:

1 - What is the difference between "Run" and "Play run"?

The plug-in is alway running with "Run". With "Play run" it's running only when your sequencer host is playing (play), it's useful if you use continuous sounds or the sequencer.
Do not forget that if you use a continuous sound built with looped EGs, etc, the sound must be triggered by the trigger button (ctrl 64, hold pedal) or with a Midi note on.

2 - What are exactly the "Run Att" and the "Run Rel" parameters?

They are the fade-in and the fade-out of the voices!
You can use them like a global AR envelope or to control the fade-out of continuous sounds.
The "Run Att" is useful to avoid audio clicks when you trig continuous sounds following the connections of the matrix.
The "Run Gate" selector permits to select the source which controls these parameters.

3 - Why my host cannot load the SEM modules when the plugin is loading?

You forgot to copy the "KX-SYNTH-X16-V25" folder when you installed manually the plugin with the zip.
Normally the SE engine unzip the embedded sem modules but to avoid this bug with Live 8 and vista32, it's strongly recommended to follow installation instructions.

4 - Why the Help button doesn't work?

You forgot to copy the "KX-SYNTH-X16-V25" folder when you installed manually the plugin with the zip.

5 - Why the sequencer track is empty (demo files)?

You forgot to copy the "KX-SYNTH-X16-V25" folder when you installed manually the plugin with the zip.

6 - Why the sound is muted after the loading in the host program?

This plug-in can produce continuous sounds, following the matrix connections, that's why a delayed initialization is implemented to avoid any CPU spike when this plug-in is loaded with a continuous sound. The initialization time is set to 2 seconds.

7 - Why the voice panels have blank areas?

They are not very nice but I prefer to keep this blank areas if I decide to add some parameters. I think that is more easy to work with them if the voice parameters are at the same area of the main parameters.

8 - How can I reduce the CPU use?

It's not really a problem, you can reduce the number of voices.
Many of monophonic presets are provided with the original bank.
Do not forget that the VCS3 was a monophonic synthesizer, the polyphony is a bonus!
Do not make connections in the matrix if you do not use them and set to 0.000 the unused parameters (orange knobs) .
The frequency modulation uses more cpu because the Vcos are tweaked and all Vco modules are used when you change the pitch in continuous.

9 -Midi Learn Setting:

The Midi Learn setting is saved in the bank and in the preset.

10 - Beta-testing results:

This is a stable release, it was tested on 32 and 64 Windows with the main VST hosts:
Cubase SX, Cubase SE, Cubase 5, Samplitude, Orion, Cantabile, Energy XT, Reaper, FL, Live, VstHost., Chainer, Sonar...

11 - Minimum requirements:

Any old mono sse processors, P4, Athlon XP for mono presets or FX and M version.
A real frequency of 1.5 ghz for poly presets (2 plug-ins, 2*5 voices, 80% vst performance).

If you use a P4 3ghz with an old Cubase SE, in fact you use only one processor of 1.5 ghz!
A chord of 6 voices with an old P4 3 ghz with hyperthreading (2*1.5ghz) uses 50% of vst performance
following the complexity of the preset and the ASIO buffers.

Old host reference:
Vst Host or Cubase SE old 1.07 version, hosts not optimised for dual processors,
100% of vst performance=50% CPU really used...

12 - Recommended configurations:

All Dual Core or Quad Core configurations with host programs optimized for these processors.
With Reaper v2.53 and Vista 32, the first preset uses 5% ( 6 voices) with a Quad Core 6600,
the same preset uses 19.5% with VST Host (host not optimised for Quad Core).

13 - Know problems:

FL Studio:
The SE 1.1 plug-in use a little less CPU (-5%) and the export wav works fine
with this wrapper option: compatibility > Use fixed size buffer.
The SE 1.1 Midi Learn doesn't work with FL, FL locks the CC for its automation.

Orion:
To change the values of the knob fields, use the "Caps lock" key.

Samplitude 15:
Minor SE 1.1 graphic bugs with the knobs fields,
they appear blank if you choice a preset in the preset list.
You need to click on to see the value.

Asio4All and some hosts:
Following your chipset and your host, after a samplerate update,
the host cannot reconnect itself the Asio4All driver.
You must reselect the Asio4All driver manually.
This is an Asio4all bug with some old host like Cubase SE (1.07, 2004).
You must select " Release Asio Driver in Background " in the asio options of Cubase SE.
And avoid to work less than 44.1k with Asio4all.

14 - Why did you disable the audio inputs?:

It's not easy for me to do a regression but after a long period of tests,
I notified that the audio inputs on VSTI are not really supported by all hosts,
specialy by the old Cubase with some Asio drivers.
This feature is only 100% safe when you change the samplerate with a good native Asio drivers
which have same stable clock for the inputs and outputs without any SRC.
I will do a monphonic FX plug-in to use this feature in all hosts.

15 - Why the KX-SYNTH-X16's banks are not compatible between themselves?:

To avoid possible conflicts with some hosts the ID of each version (old v2, poly, mono, fx) is different.

Midi controllers:

All controllers can be edited with the Midi Learn (right click).

The CC120 and the CC123 are disabled.

CC 120 = All sounds off
CC 123 = All notes off

The default set is the same of the version 2.0.

CC = Continuous Controllers
*= Midi refefrence

CC controllers:
CC CTRL 3, Noise
*CC CTRL 5, Porta
*CC CTRL 7, Vol
CC CTRL 9, Pan 2
*CC CTRL 10, Pan 1
*CC CTRL 12, Delay (Effect 1 contrrol)
CC CTRL 14, In 1
CC CTRL 15, In 2
CC CTRL 16, Sust V
CC CTRL 17, Vca
CC CTRL 18, Sust M
CC CTRL 19, Mod
CC CTRL 20, Offset M
CC CTRL 21, Cut off
CC CTRL 22, Res
CC CTRL 23, Kbd
CC CTRL 24, Pitch 1
CC CTRL 25, Pitch 2
CC CTRL 26, Pitch 3
CC CTRL 27, Ring
CC CTRL 28, Joystick X
CC CTRL 29, Joystick Y
CC CTRL 30, X
CC CTRL 31, Y

7 bits controllers:
*CTRL 64, Trigger (hold pedal)
*CTRL 69, Seq on/off (hold 2 pedal)
*CTRL 72, Rel V
*CTRL 73, Att V
*CTRL 74, Bright
CTRL 75, On M
CTRL 76, On V
CTRL 77, Att M
CTRL 78, Dec M
CTRL 79 Dec V
CTRL 80, s=0 M
CTRL 81, s=0 V
CTRL 82, Lp M
CTRL 83, Lp V
CTRL 84, Rel M
CTRL 85, Off M
CTRL 86, Off V
CTRL 87, Noise EQ
CTRL 88, Vcf
CTRL 89, Fx mix
CTRL 90, Fdbck
*CTRL 91, Fx In (Effect level)
CTRL 102, Shape 1
CTRL 103, Sine 1
CTRL 104, Saw 1
CTRL 105, Shape 2
CTRL 106, Pulse 2
CTRL 107, Tri 2
CTRL 108, Shape 3
CTRL 109, Pulse 3
CTRL 110, Tri 3
CTRL 111, EQ 1
CTRL 112, EQ 2
CTRL 113, Vol 1
CTRL 114, Vol 2
CTRL 115, Clock Spd
CTRL 116, Loc left
CTRL 117, Loc Right
CTRL 118, Patt Left
CTRL 119, Patt Right

Infos and license
Install infos
Help
Faq
Midi controllers