USER MANUAL
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Applied Acoustics Systems DVM Inc. The software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement. The software may be used only in accordance of the terms of this license agreement. It is against the law to copy this software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement.
Contents 1 Introduction 7 1.1 System requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1.2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 1.3 Authorization and Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 1.3.1 Step 1: Generating the challenge key . . . . . . . . . . . 9 1.3.2 Step 2: Generating the Response key and Registering your Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1.3.3 Step 3: Completing the unlock process .
CONTENTS 4 2.5.2 Copying and Moving Presets and folders . . . . . . . . . 23 2.5.3 Renaming Presets and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 2.5.4 Deleting Presets and Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2.5.5 Documenting Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2.5.6 Locating a Preset in the Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2.5.7 Resizing the Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2.6 MIDI maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTENTS 5 6 Toolbar 35 5.1 Program Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 5.2 MIDI map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 5.3 CPU meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 5.4 Value Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Audio and MIDI Settings 36 6.1 Audio Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 6.1.1 Selecting a Audio Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTENTS 9 License Agreement 6 49
Introduction 1 Introduction The Ultra Analog Session is a virtual analog synthesizer. This special edition is based on the synthesis engine of the well-known A|A|S Ultra Analog-VA1. With this instrument, we have not attempted to emulate a specific vintage analog synthesizer but rather to combine into a modern instrument, different features of legendary synthesizers.
1.2 Installation • • • • • PIII 800 MHz 128 MB RAM 1024 x 768 or higher screen resolution DirectX or ASIO supported sound card MIDI Keyboard (recommended) Keep in mind that the computational power required by the Ultra Analog Session depends on the number of voices of polyphony and the sampling rate used. These computer configurations will enable you to play the factory presets with a reasonable number of voices. 1.
1.3 Authorization and Registration • A valid email address • Your product serial number (on the back of the sleeve of your CD or in your confirmation email for downloads) • The challenge key generated by the program Note that it is possible to use the program during 15 days before completing the authorization process. This period can be convenient if you are installing the program on a computer which is not connected to the internet.
1.3 Authorization and Registration 10 When you click on the Next button, a second window appears asking you to enter your serial number. Type your serial number as it appears on the back of the sleeve of the Ultra Analog Session CD-ROM. If you purchased Ultra Analog Session online, an email with your serial number will have been sent to you at the address which you provided during the purchase process. Figure 2: Enter your serial number in the pop-up window.
1.3 Authorization and Registration 11 Figure 3: Challenge key appears automatically after entering the serial number. Figure 4: Enter your registration information on the A|A|S webserver. and notify you of product updates promptly. This information is kept completely confidential. Registration of your product will entitle you to receive support and download updates when available, as well as take advantage of special upgrade prices offered from time to time to registered A|A|S users.
1.3 Authorization and Registration 12 ready supplied under the same email address will appear in the form. Feel free to update this information if it is outdated. Click on the Submit button and your response key will appear on-screen. Figure 5: Generation of the response key on the A|A|S server. If your computer is not connected to the internet, take note of your serial number and challenge key and proceed to an internet connected computer.
1.3 Authorization and Registration 13 Figure 6: Final step of the unlock process. Enter your response key in the window. Figure 7: Authorization has been successful.
1.4 Getting started 14 On Mac OS computers, this will only be necessary if: • You change your computer • You change the motherboard of the computer 1.3.4 Obtaining your response key and registering by fax or over the phone: Should you not have access to the internet, A|A|S support representatives are available to assist you in the unlock and registration process Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm EST.
1.4 Getting started 15 Audio Configuration Audio configuration tools are available from the Audio menu. The Audio Settings function allows you to select an audio output device from a list, organized by driver type, of those available on your computer. On Windows, if you have ASIO drivers available, these should be selected for optimum performance. Multi-channel interfaces will have their outputs listed as stereo pairs.
1.4 Getting started 16 time, this “tree view” will include a destination folder for imported presets as well as a Library folder. To open a folder, click on the “+” symbol on Windows or I symbol on Mac OS which will reveal the folder content. The preset library is different from the program list and can be viewed as a repository containing all the presets available to the application. Presets are loaded into the synthesis engine by copying them from the library into the program list.
1.5 Getting help 1.5 Getting help 17 A|A|S technical support representatives are on hand from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm EST. Whether you have a question on Ultra Analog Session, or need a hand getting it up and running as a plug-in in your favorite sequencer, we are here to help. Contact us by phone, fax, or email at: • North America Toll Free: 1-888-441-8277 • Worldwide: 1-514-871-8100 • Fax: 1-514-845-1875 • Email: support@applied-acoustics.
1.7 About this manual 18 • Bold characters are used to name modules, commands and menu names. • Italic characters are used to name controls on the interface. • Windows and Mac OS keyboard shortcuts are written as Windows shortcut/Mac OS shortcut.
Presets and MIDI maps 2 19 Presets and MIDI maps Ultra Analog Session comes with several factory presets covering a wide range of sounds. This collection of presets lets you play and familiarize yourself with this synthesizer without having to tweak a single knob. Soon, however, you will be experimenting and creating your own sounds and projects that you will need to archive or exchange with other users. You may also want to control the parameters of Ultra Analog Session with a specific MIDI controller.
2.2 Playing and Changing Presets 20 the toolbar at the top of the application window. The entire list of programs can be viewed by clicking on the H button left of the program number. It is important to note that presets in the program list and in the preset library are stored in different locations. They are in fact different copies of the same presets which may, as explained below, differ even if they share the same name.
2.3 Editing and Saving Presets 21 • Drag and drop presets from the browser onto the Ultra Analog Session interface. • Select a preset by clicking on its icon and use the Enter key from the computer keyboard. Once a preset has been selected in the library, it is possible to navigate in the library using the Arrow keys from the computer keyboard. A preset is selected when its name is highlighted. • Select a preset and use the Open Preset command from the File menu or the Ctrl-O/Apple-O keyboard shortcut.
2.4 Saving the Program List 22 • To create a new preset, it is also possible to rename the program using the Rename Current Program from the MIDI menu (or the Ctrl-R/Apple-R keyboard shortcut) and use the Save Preset or Save Preset As commands. When editing presets, it is very helpful to go back and forth between the different stages of your modifications and adjustments.
2.5 Organizing the Preset Library 23 • To save the current list of programs and replace the default program list, use the Save All Programs command from the Programs menu. This command is helpful if you wish to modify the program list or if you wish to restart the application in exactly the same state as when you left it. Note that this operation is not necessary when using Ultra Analog Session as a plug-in in a host sequencer as the program list is always saved with a project.
2.5 Organizing the Preset Library 24 On Mac systems, first select the item to be renamed and the use the Rename command from the Edit menu. It is also possible to ctrl-click on the selected item and then choose the Rename command. 2.5.4 Deleting Presets and Folders To delete a preset or folder, first select it by clicking on its icon in the browser, then use the Delete command from the Edit menu or use the Del key from the computer keyboard.
2.6 MIDI maps 25 hide the browser completely, move the double-headed arrow cursor fully to the left. Note that when Ultra Analog Session is used as a plug-in, the browser size is fixed and can not be modified. 2.6 MIDI maps MIDI maps containing information about MIDI links between the MIDI controllers and the Ultra Analog Session interface can easily be created as will be explained in Section 6.2. MIDI maps are represented in the browser with a MIDI connector icon.
2.9 Restoring the Factory Presets and MIDI Links 26 The exportation methods consists in using the Export command from the File menu as explained in section 2.7. Once you have exported the elements you wish to archive, just save the export file(s) to your usual backup location or medium. The second backup method will enable you to archive the entire material present in the browser. The content of the browser, including presets, MIDI maps and folders is saved into a database file.
2.9 Restoring the Factory Presets and MIDI Links 27 it is still possible to recover material from the backup file of the preset database which was created automatically when restoring the factory library as explained in Section 2.8. This method should be considered as a last resort, however, as recovering material from this backup file will remove the factory library which you have just installed and force you to redo the operation.
Architecture of the Ultra Analog Session 3 28 Architecture of the Ultra Analog Session The Ultra Analog Session is based on Ultra Analog VA, a very adaptable and versatile synthesizer. Different configurations of this engine have been chosen in order to cover the following categories of sound: basses, leads, pads and poly synths. Five factory presets have been designed for each of these categories and saved into the Engine factory folder of the browser.
Parameters 4 29 Parameters 4.1 General Functioning of the Interface 4.1.1 Tweaking Knobs All the knobs on the interface are selected by clicking on them. Once selected, they can be controlled in different ways depending on the effect you want to achieve. • For coarse adjustment click-hold on a knob and drag the mouse upwards or downwards to move it clockwise or counter-clockwise.
4.2 The Engine Module 4.2 The Engine Module 30 The Engine module is used to display the selected engine. The different types of sounds produced by the engines have been divided in the following categories: basses, leads, pads and poly synths. Each of these factory preset is saved in the Engine folder appearing in the browser. The different engines can be viewed by clicking on the View Engines button appearing on this module.
4.4 The Osc Module 4.4 The Osc Module 31 Depending on the sound engine used, Ultra Analog Session uses one or two oscillators. In the case where one oscillator is used, the Detune knob of the Osc module is used to change the frequency of the output signal from the oscillator. In the case where two oscillators are used, the Detune knob is used to change the frequency of the second oscillator relative to that of the first oscillator. This is useful to make the sound richer.
4.6 The Amp Module 32 position following an envelope signal. The Attack knob is used to control the speed of this motion while the Amount knob is used to determine the amount of deviation. 4.6 The Amp Module The Amp module is an amplifier used to control the volume of the output signal of the synthesizer. The general level of the output signal is determined using the Level knob. In its leftmost position, the output signal is muted and turning this knob clockwise increases the volume.
4.7 The Output Effect Stage 33 note is determined by the value (in BPM) appearing in the Tempo display of the Clock module. The effect can also be synced to a triplet (t) or dotted note (d). The different chorus algorithms can be controlled with the three knobs appearing at the bottom of the module. The Mix knob is used to adjust the ratio of “dry” and “wet” in the output signal of the module.
4.7 The Output Effect Stage 34 adjusted with the knobs located at the bottom of the module. The Mix knob is used to set the relative amount of “dry” and “wet” signal which is related to the proximity of the sound source. The Decay is used to control the reverberation time of the room.
Toolbar 5 35 Toolbar The toolbar at the top of the Ultra Analog Session interface allows you to monitor important information related to your current set-up. 5.1 Program Display Displays the number and name of the program currently loaded in the synthesis engine. The + and − buttons on the left of the program number, or alternatively the + and − keys on the computer keyboard, are used to navigate upwards and downwards in the program list.
Audio and MIDI Settings 6 36 Audio and MIDI Settings This chapter explains how to select the audio and MIDI devices used by Ultra Analog Session as well as how to create and edit MIDI links and MIDI maps. When referring to commands that are different on Windows and Mac OS systems, the commands are listed in the following order: Windows command/Mac OS command. 6.1 Audio Settings 6.1.
6.2 MIDI Settings 6.2 MIDI Settings 6.2.1 37 Selecting a MIDI Device To select the MIDI device used by Ultra Analog Session: • Go to the MIDI menu and choose the MIDI Settings option. A list of the MIDI devices installed on your computer will appear in the MIDI Configuration window. • Select the MIDI device you want to use and click on the OK button. 6.2.2 Creating MIDI Links Every control on the Ultra Analog Session interface can be manipulated by an external MIDI controller.
6.2 MIDI Settings 38 • To edit the MIDI link, right-click/Control-click again on the control and choose Edit MIDI Link to open the MIDI links window. You can also use the Edit MIDI Link command from the MIDI menu. • Click on the MIDI link you wish to modify and then on the Edit button to launch the EDIT MIDI Link window. • Specify the MIDI controller number and MIDI channel of the physical controller you wish to link to the parameter in the corresponding drop-down menus.
6.2 MIDI Settings 39 • MIDI links can also be removed from the MIDI Links window by clicking on the MIDI link to be removed to select it, then by clicking on the Remove button and the OK button to confirm the change. 6.2.5 Creating a MIDI Map A set of MIDI links can be saved into a MIDI map by using the Save MIDI Link As from the File menu. Different MIDI maps corresponding to different MIDI controllers can thereby be saved for Ultra Analog Session.
6.3 Latency Settings 6.3 Latency Settings 40 The latency is the time delay between the moment you send a control signal to your computer (for example when you hit a key on your MIDI keyboard) and the moment when you hear the effect. Roughly, the latency will be equal to the duration of the buffers used by the application and the sound card to play audio and MIDI. To calculate the total time required to play a buffer, just divide the number of samples per buffer by the sampling frequency.
Using the Ultra Analog Session as a Plug-In 7 41 Using the Ultra Analog Session as a Plug-In Ultra Analog Session is available in VST, DXi, AudioUnit and RTAS (for Mac OS only) formats and integrates seamlessly into the industry most popular multi-track recording and sequencing environments as a virtual instrument plug-in. The plugin versions will work exactly the same way as the standalone version, except for the audio, MIDI, and latency configurations that will be taken care of by the host sequencer.
7.6 MIDI channel 42 saved the project when you re-open it even if the preset library of the instrument was modified. MIDI links are also saved. Note that the default program list (the same as that loaded in standalone mode) appears when Ultra Analog Session is opened in a new project or if a new instance of the plug-in is opened in an existing project.
Quick reference to commands and shortcuts 8 43 Quick reference to commands and shortcuts File Menu Command Windows New Folder. . . Mac OS Description Apple+Shift+N New Folder in the Browser Open Preset Ctrl+O Apple+Option+O Open the selected preset Save Preset Ctrl+S Apple+S Save the current preset Save Preset As. . . Save MIDI Links Save the current preset under a new name Ctrl+Shift+S Apple+Shift+S Save the current MIDI links Save MIDI Links As. . .
Quick reference to commands and shortcuts Edit Menu Command Windows Mac OS Description Undo Ctrl+Z Apple+Z Undo last command Redo Ctrl+Y Apple+Shift+Z Redo last command Copy Ctrl+C Apple+C Copy selected item Paste Ctrl+V Apple+V Paste Delete Del Info. . .
Quick reference to commands and shortcuts 45 Audio Command Windows Mac OS Description Audio Settings Display the Audio Settings window Audio Control Panel Display the Latency Settings window if DirectSound is used, the ASIO control panel when ASIO drivers are used and the Audi MIDI setup configuration tool on Mac OS systems
Quick reference to commands and shortcuts 46 MIDI Command Windows Mac OS Description MIDI Settings Display the MIDI Settings window Learn MIDILink MIDI link learn mode for the last control touched Add MIDI Link Enables one to add a MIDI link on the last controlled touched Forget MIDILink Drop a MIDI link Set MIDI Link Minimum Value Limit the value of a MIDI link to a minimum value Set MIDI Link Maximum Value Limit the value of a MIDI link to a maximum value Edit MIDIlinks Display the Edit
Quick reference to commands and shortcuts 47 Programs Menu Command Windows Mac OS Description Locate Program in Browser Ctrl-L Apple-L Locate the current program in the browser and select it Rename Program Ctrl-R Apple-R Rename the current program in the program list Switch to Program Ctrl-P Apple-P Change the current program Save All Programs Save the entire program list including modifications to programs.
Quick reference to commands and shortcuts 48 Help Menu Command Windows About Ultra Analog Session . . . User Manual Mac OS Description Display the About Ultra Analog Session window F1 Display the user manual Authorize Ultra Analog Session . . . Display the Authorization window. Active only if the application has not been authorized. Visit www.applied-acoustics.com . . . Launch the browser and go to the AAS website. Join the user forum . . . Launch the browser and go to the AAS forum.
License Agreement 9 49 License Agreement IMPORTANT! CAREFULLY READ ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT BEFORE OPENING THIS PACKAGE. OPENING THIS PACKAGE INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, PROMPTLY RETURN THE UNOPENED PACKAGE AND ALL COMPONENTS THERETO TO THE PARTY FROM WHOM IT WAS ACQUIRED, FOR A FULL REFUND OF ANY CONSIDERATION PAID.
License Agreement 50 reproduce such notices on all copies thereof permitted under this Agreement or associated documentation. 4. LIMITED WARRANTY. Except for the foregoing, THE SOFTWARE IS provided “AS IS” without warranty or condition of any kind.
License Agreement 51 may terminate this Agreement at any time, upon notification to AAS. This Agreement will terminate immediately without notice from AAS if the Licensee fails to comply with any provision of this License. Any such termination by AAS shall be in addition to and without prejudice to such rights and remedies as may be available, including injunction and other equitable remedies.
Index amp, 32 architecture, 28 ASIO drivers, 36 audio, 36 configuration, 15, 36 device, 36 format, 36 filter, 31 folder copying, 23 creating, 23 deleting, 24 renaming, 23 forum, 17 browser, 15, 19 customizing, 25 hide, 24 resize, 24 buffer size, 36, 40 buttons tweaking, 29 getting started, 14 challenge key, 8, 9 chorus, 32 commands, 43 community, 17 compare, 22 contact, 17 database backup, 26 restoring, 26 delay, 32, 33 display, 29 documenting presets, 24 driver, 36 edit, 22 effect, 32 engine, 30 envelo
INDEX osc, 31 oscillator, 31 output effect, 32 output effect stage chorus, 32 delay, 33 level, 34 reverb, 33 topology, 34 parameters, 29 performance, 7 physical modeling, 7 plug-in, 16 audio parameters, 41 automation, 41 MIDI channel, 42 MIDI parameters, 41 MIDI program change, 42 multiple instances, 41 performance, 42 saving projects, 41 window size, 41 polyphony, 8 preset, 15, 19, 35 backup, 25 browser, 19 changing, 20 compare, 22 copying, 23 database, 25 deleting, 24 documenting, 24 edit, 22 editing, 21
