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Need help?Do you have a question about the BLIPBLOX AFTER DARK and is the answer not in the manual?
Press and hold the FILTER MOD button. FILTER LED color indicates mode: Lowpass (Blue), Bandpass (Aqua), Highpass (Green).
Press and hold the SNARE button, then move FILTER lever forward or back to adjust resonance.
Press and hold the KICK button, then move FILTER lever forward or back to adjust the multi-tap delay.
Press and hold the FILTER MOD button, then press the SEQUENCER button to toggle the sequencer.
Press and hold the SNARE button, then press RANDOMIZE button to enter or exit Drum Edit mode.
While in Drum Edit mode, use MOD knobs to select drum samples and LFO knobs to change pitch.
Press and hold the KICK button, then press SEQUENCER button to enter Drum Solo mode.
Press and hold the KICK button, then press the SNARE button to toggle drums on or off.
The After Dark is a compact, portable sound manipulation device designed for creative audio exploration and performance. It features a robust set of controls for real-time sound shaping, sequencing, and effects processing, making it suitable for both studio use and live improvisation. The device's intuitive layout and tactile controls encourage hands-on experimentation, allowing users to sculpt unique soundscapes and rhythmic patterns.
At its heart, the After Dark is an oscillator-based sound generator, offering a range of sonic possibilities. The "OSCILLATOR" section is central to sound creation, with dedicated controls for "CTRL 1" and "CTRL 2" to manipulate fundamental waveform characteristics. An "OSC TYPE" knob likely allows users to select different waveform shapes or synthesis methods, providing a diverse palette of starting sounds. The "VOLUME" knob in this section controls the output level of the oscillator, ensuring proper gain staging within the device's signal flow.
The device also incorporates a "SOUNDFREAK" section, which appears to be a unique sound processing or modulation engine. This section includes an "AMP" knob, likely controlling an amplifier stage, and an "AMP RELEASE" knob, which adjusts the decay time of the amplifier envelope. This allows for shaping the transient and sustain characteristics of the generated sounds, from sharp percussive hits to long, evolving drones.
A prominent "FILTER" section is crucial for tonal shaping. It features a large central "FILTER" lever, providing continuous control over the filter's cutoff frequency. This lever allows for dynamic sweeps and expressive manipulation of the sound's timbre. The "MOD" knob within the filter section likely controls the amount of modulation applied to the filter, allowing for dynamic and evolving filter movements.
The After Dark offers several filter modes, enhancing its versatility. Users can select between Lowpass, Bandpass, and Highpass filters by pressing and holding the "FILTER MOD" button. The color of the "FILTER LED" indicates the active mode: Blue for Lowpass, Aqua (light blue) for Bandpass, and Green for Highpass. This visual feedback makes it easy to identify and switch between filter types during performance or sound design.
Beyond basic filtering, the device includes a "HOLD RES" button, which, when pressed in conjunction with the "SNARE" button, allows for adjustment of the filter's resonance. Moving the "FILTER" lever forward or back while holding "SNARE" fine-tunes the resonance, adding character and emphasis to the filtered sound.
The After Dark also features a multi-tap delay effect. This effect can be adjusted by holding the "KICK" button and moving the "FILTER" lever. This allows for real-time manipulation of the delay parameters, such as delay time or feedback, creating rhythmic echoes or atmospheric textures.
The device is equipped with a comprehensive modulation system to add movement and complexity to sounds. An "ENV" (envelope) section, along with "MOD 1" and "MOD 2" knobs, suggests flexible routing of modulation sources to various parameters. The "MOD ATTACK" knob controls the attack time of a modulation envelope, allowing for shaping the onset of modulation effects.
Two "LFO" (Low-Frequency Oscillator) sections, "LFO 1" and "LFO 2," provide rhythmic and cyclical modulation sources. These LFOs can be used to animate parameters like filter cutoff, oscillator pitch, or amplifier gain, creating evolving textures, wobbles, or pulsating rhythms.
The After Dark incorporates a "SEQ" (sequencer) section, enabling the creation and playback of rhythmic patterns. The "TEMPO" knob allows users to adjust the playback speed of the sequencer, synchronizing the device with other gear or setting the pace for a performance.
The device includes dedicated "KICK" and "SNARE" buttons, indicating built-in drum sounds or the ability to trigger external drum samples. These buttons are not only for triggering sounds but also serve as control modifiers for various functions. For instance, the sequencer can be toggled on or off by holding the "FILTER MOD" button and then pressing the "SEQUENCER" button.
The After Dark offers advanced drum editing capabilities. To enter "DRUM EDIT MODE," users press and hold the "SNARE" button, then press the "RANDOMIZE" button. Repeating this sequence exits the mode. While in Drum Edit mode, the "MOD" knobs are used to select different drum samples, and the "LFO" knobs are used to adjust their pitch. This allows for detailed customization of the drum sounds, enabling users to craft unique drum kits and rhythmic textures.
A "DRUM SOLO MODE" is also available, activated by holding the "KICK" button and pressing the "SEQUENCER" button. This mode likely isolates a specific drum sound or pattern, allowing for focused editing or performance.
Furthermore, the device allows users to "TOGGLE DRUMS ON/OFF" by holding the "KICK" button and pressing the "SNARE" button. This provides quick control over the presence of drum elements in a performance or sequence.
The "RANDOMIZE" button is a powerful tool for generating new ideas and adding unpredictability. It can be used in conjunction with other controls, such as entering Drum Edit mode, to quickly explore new sonic territories.
The overall design emphasizes real-time performance, with clearly labeled controls and a logical workflow. The tactile nature of the knobs and levers encourages hands-on interaction, making the After Dark an expressive instrument for live improvisation and dynamic sound manipulation.
The provided documentation focuses primarily on operational features and does not detail specific maintenance procedures. However, as a general electronic device, typical maintenance would involve:
The After Dark is designed as a creative tool, encouraging users to explore its various functions to discover unique sounds and rhythmic possibilities. Its combination of sound generation, filtering, effects, and sequencing capabilities makes it a versatile instrument for electronic music production and performance.
General| Type | Synthesizer |
|---|---|
| Oscillators | 2 |
| Power Supply | USB power |
| Synthesis Type | Analog |
| Waveforms | Square, sawtooth, triangle |
| Filter | Low-pass filter |
| LFO | 1 |
| Sequencer | 16-Step |
| Effects | Delay |
| Connectivity | USB, MIDI |
