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Performance Manual: Performance Controls

PANEL MODE Switches

The Chroma uses the 50 numbered switches on the right control panel for multiple purposes. The function of these switches is determined by the PANEL MODE switches (located below the DATA READOUT). There are four panel modes. The LEDs above each of the four switches show which mode the panel is in. The four modes will be discussed in detail later in this manual and in the Chroma Programming Manual. They are:

In addition to the four m odes listed above, there are a number of temporary panel modes that can be achieved by pressing two switches in a sequence. These panel modes are characterized by a flashing LED.

[PROG SELECT] Switch

A program consists of all the information necessary to describe a sound (such as waveform, modulation, etc.), plus the settings of some live performance controls. The Chroma has memory to store programs, numbered 1 through 50, plus one additional "current program", which functions like a workspace.

When [PROG SELECT] is pressed, the right control panel is set to the "Program Select" mode. In this mode, pressing one of the numbered switches causes the appropriate stored program to be copied into the "current" program" workspace. The program number is shown in the large two-digit PROGRAM NUMBER display. The current program always controls the sound of the Chroma. Editing may only be done to the current program. New programs created by editing the current program must be explicitly stored in order to retrieve them later.

TWO PROGRAM LINKAGE Switches

The Chroma has sixteen sound generating channels, each composed of an oscillator, filter, and amplifier. The channels are divided into eight pairs for flexibility. Normally, when a program is selected, all channel pairs will produce the same effect. However, the Chroma has switches for allowing the user to link two programs together, so that two independent sounds may be played simultaneously. When two programs are linked, the synthesizer channels are divided into two groups, called MAIN and LINK. The MAIN channels are controlled by the current program (shown in the PROGRAM NUMBER display). The LINK channels are controlled indirectly by one of the 50 stored programs (shown in the small DATA READOUT prefixed by "L").

Since the LINK information is one of the program parameters, a two-program link may be established automatically when a program is selected.

The TWO PROGRAM LINKAGE modes are:

A link function is established by pressing one of the three TWO PROGRAM LINKAGE switches (excluding [NO LINK], of course) and then pressing one of the 50 numbered switches on the right control panel.

Once a link has been established, there is a short-cut method for changing the link. Press the TWO PROGRAM LINKAGE switch twice in a row. For example, if a [LINK LOWER] has been established, pressing [LINK UPPER], [LINK UPPER] in sequence will establish a [LINK UPPER] automatically.

A link is cleared by pressing [NO LINK] twice.

[SET SPLIT] Switch

The keyboard may be split at any point you specify by using the [SET SPLIT] switch. Pressing [SET SPLIT] and then pressing any key on the keyboard causes the split to be moved to that point. (The note will not sound.) The Chroma remembers the split location, which can be viewed in the small DATA READOUT by pressing [SET SPLIT] again. Keys are numbered from -32 to 31, with 0 equal to middle C. If you do this, the LED on the [SET SPLIT] switch will flash, and the small DATA READOUT will show "SPL" followed by the key number of the previously selected split. You may now select another split, or, by pressing [SET SPLIT] one more time, retain the split currently held in memory. In addition, a n umber of special "hidden functions" that have nothing to do with the keyboard are accessible by pressing [SET SPLIT] followed by one of the numbered program switches. Some of these "hidden functions" are described in Alternate Audio Hookups and Diagnostics. [See also Programming Manual: Hidden Functions.]

Panning the MAIN and LINK Programs

The use of any of the TWO PROGRAM LINKAGE functions (except [NO LINK]) causes the small DATA READOUT to show the LINK Program Number (prefixed by "L"). The right side of the DATA READOUT will show the volume balance, in decibels, between the MAIN and LINK channels. The PARAMETER CONTROL slider can vary this balance over a -14db to +14db range, in 2db steps.

LINK/SPLIT Storage

The Link mode, LINK Program Number, and Keyboard Split are all parameters in the current program. A such, they will be stored when the program is stored, and recalled when the program is subsequently selected. The procedure for storing programs will be described later in this manual [see Editing].

TRANSPOSE Switches

There are two pairs of switches for transposing the keyboard information sent to the MAIN and LINK channels. Each pair of switches has one labelled [DOWN 1 OCT] and one labelled [UP 1 OCT]. Each switch has its own LED. Only one LED in each pair may be on at a time.

You will notice that by pressing only one switch, it is possible to reach any of the three possible states (left on, right off; left off, right on; both off).

The Transpose function only affects notes that are subsequently played. Notes that are already sounding do not change when the Transpose function is used. The Transpose parameters are stored and recalled just like the Link and Keyboard Split parameters. They may be changed at any time during live performance without affecting the settings in the Chroma's memory.

[AUTO TUNE] Switch

Though the Chroma should rarely require retuning, an occasional "touch-up" may be desirable, especially when the instrument is turned on after being out in the cold. Pressing the [AUTO TUNE] switch causes the Chroma to tune each of the 16 oscillators and filters. If any of the channels fail to tune properly, an error message ("Err") will be displayed in the small DATA READOUT followed by the defective channel number (numbered 0 through 7). See the Diagnostics section for more information about errors.

TUNE Slider

The TUNE slider is intended to be used as a master tune for the entire instrument. Primarily, it is used to bring the Chroma into tune with other instruments. It has a narrow range (plus-or-minus one semitone) for fine tuning. When a greater tuning range is required, you must edit the TUNE parameter [26]. See the Chroma Programming Manual for more information on editing.

Lever 1 and 2

On the left cheek block there are two levers, labelled 1 and 2. These levers may be pushed forward or backwards, and will return automatically to the center position. The function of the levers is specified from within a program and therefore will vary from one program to another. The Program Listing (included with this manual) shows what functions the levers (and other assignable devices) have been set to control. Since the levers may be used in many different ways, a convention may be established for typical uses of the levers.

Lever 2 will most commonly be used for pitch bending. Lever 1 will be used for other effects, such as vibrato depth. Since the levers may be assigned to many functions, these conventions are optional.

PEDAL Inputs

The PEDAL inputs (located on the rear panel) are designed to be used with a standard volume control-type footpedal (100K ohms to ground).

The PEDAL inputs, like Lever 1 and 2, are assignable from within a program. Their function is not restricted. one PEDAL input is labelled VOLUME and one is labelled EFFECTS, but this is just for convenience.

FOOTSWITCH Inputs

There are two types of footswitches used with the Chroma: the Dual Footswitch Assembly (two piano-type brass footswitches), and the Single Footswitch.

The functions of the Dual Footswitch Assembly may be altered, but normally the left pedal is used for latching and holding a chord. The right pedal is usually used for sustain. (more information about altering the functions of the pedals is described in the Chroma Programming Manual.)

The Single Footswitch will be referred to as the Sequence Program Footswitch and is used to step through a predetermined sequence of programs. Each program includes a number which " points" to another program. When the Sequence Program Footswitch is depressed and held, the large PROGRAM NUMBER display will show the program which has been "cued" by the current program. When the footswitch is released, the program will jump to the "cued" program. This program in turn can "point" to another program, and thus a series or sequence of programs can be established.

To program a specific sequence, select a starting program. Then hold down the Sequence Program Footswitch. While holding the footswitch down, select a program to jump to by pressing one of the 50 numbered switches. When the footswitch is released, the program will change to the new program. This process can be repeated until all 50 programs have sequencing destinations.

Each program can cue of "point" to only one other program. Sequences may be in a loop. For example, you could set up the following sequence:

[1] → [5], [5] → [34], [34] → [17], [17] → [1]

Since program 1 "points" to program 5, the loop will repeat. The program cue is the only parameter which does not need to be explicitly stored in order to be retained. Once a sequence of programs is established, it will automatically be remembered until you specifically change it.

Pressure Sensor

The Chroma is designed to accept an optional pressure sensor. Electronic and mechanical provisions have been made so that the installation of the sensor assembly is simple.

Instructions for its use are covered in the information included with the sensor modification kit. See your local dealer for more information.