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General| Brand | EMS |
|---|---|
| Model | iVCS3 |
| Category | Synthesizer |
| Language | English |
Updates to Samplers include new features like Loop Crossfade and Wave Scrubbing; old presets may need resaving.
Preset Banks updated for consistency. Users can restore factory presets via Preset Manager.
The 'LALA - Sonic Pleasures library' is updated. Restore purchases via the Presets and Mod. Shop.
VCO 1 ramp polarity reversed; VCO 2/3 square wave modified for PWM drift; VCO 3 triangular/ramp redesigned.
VCO, VCA, VCF changes may affect old presets, especially those using CONTROL INPUT MATRIX.
MAINS Toggle controls DSP. Audio Engine cannot be turned off when connected to Audiobus/IAA.
Pressing Home sends app to background, saving parameters for reload. See Settings for details.
Double-tap knobs/toggles for options; 'Edit' for keyboard values; 'Random', 'Default' settings. Fine resolution.
Tap Matrix to zoom in for new connections. Tap/drag outside to zoom out. Pinch to remove connections.
Double-tab Joystick handle to reset it to the central position (zero).
iVCS3 supports background audio, mixing with other apps, and Apple IAA/Audiobus.
Signals connected to METER in Matrix shown in Oscilloscope; feedback through to iVCS3 possible.
Swipe right-to-left on Preset, Bank, or Sample managers to delete.
Load presets remotely via MIDI Program Change messages (0-127). No bank selection yet.
Disable screen rotation for proper accelerometer functionality.
Tap Recovery Pins to change color (white, green, red) for different resistance/attenuation.
MIDI Panic sends 'All Notes Off', resets DSP and Keyboard.
Init resets default values, removes Matrix Connections and Sequencer Grooves.
Create Random Sound generates random values for parameters (excluding matrix/sequencer) for unique sounds.
SYNC sets global Metronome (MASTER BPM), affecting LFO/Sequencer via MIDI Clock or Ableton Link.
Adjust BPM via buttons or TAP to set tempo. MIDI Clock/Ableton Link control tempo when active.
Ableton Link synchronizes beat, phase, tempo wirelessly for multi-device jamming.
Default: 120 BPM equals 1 Hz.
Sync button waits for next beat from MIDI Clock/Ableton Link to reset LFO/Sequencer phases.
Steps to enable MIDI Clock: Open MIDI Manager, Send Signal, Enable for chosen Source.
Extra features available via In-App Purchasing, accessed through the 'In-App Shop'.
Symbols on iVCS3 modules indicate modification features: Oscillator Sync, VC Shape, Sample & Hold, etc.
Sync provides harmonic sound; VCO 2 is master, VCO 1/3 are slaves, resetting slave phase on each VCO 2 cycle.
Modification allows Oscillator 3 to be switched to Lo/Hi Range, similar to Oscillator 2.
VCO3 in 'High Range Mode' may disable Ramp Shape with 'Phase Sync Oscillators' and is CPU intensive.
Modification uses toggle switch to convert matrix columns 'O'/'P' to Voltage Controlled Oscillator Shape.
Adds Simple Random Voltage Generator or Sample & Hold. COLOUR controls frequency, LEVEL controls range.
Novel glide parameter enhances VCF sound quality and cutoff smoothing. Adjust threshold for best sound.
Modification provides extended attack (5s) and decay (up to 3 min) for Envelope Shaper.
Tap Recovery Pins to change color (white, green, red) for resistance/attenuation, affecting signal inversion.
Digital interpretation of red pins: no attenuation, green 0.66. Red pins allow adjustment between normal and inverted signal.
Old parameters default to resistor value (-1) for Snapshots; not enabled for HVPad/Control Manager.
Setup parameter, not for performance adjustment. Moving resistor control during patch may cause glitches.
New step value for JOYSTICK is low-pass filtered for smooth movement towards value, rate determined by knob.
Old parameters default to Glide amount for Snapshots; not enabled for HVPad/Control Manager.
Preset Manager collects Banks and Snapshots. Snapshot is a UI parameter photo; Matrix/Keyboard/Sequencer included.
Save interesting sounds as Snapshots via '+' icon, adding to selected Bank. Sort/delete via List Icon.
Share Banks via Dropbox/email. Restore factory Built-In Banks from 'Cloud' (Overwrite or Merge).
Snapshot banks are in Documents folder, accessible via iTunes Sharing.
Add new files by copying to documents (iTunes/other app) and refresh list.
Load a preset randomly from the banks list.
Delete all presets for a selected bank; a warning message will be displayed.
Snapshot bank file is Property List (.ivcs3); can be edited as text by renaming to .plist.
Swipe right-to-left on Snapshots or Snapshots Bank to delete.
Snapshot Pad obtains intermediate values between four snapshots via complex interpolations (Hyper Vectorial Synthesis).
Snapshot Pad can be resized to fullscreen for detailed controls.
Snapshot Pad has no effect on Matrix, Sequencer, and Toggles.
Samples manager reads/writes in Documents folder, shares via AudioCopy/Dropbox/iCloud. Reads Built-in files.
Touch a file in the list to show actions: Load to Sampler, Open In... (email, other apps).
Rename files in Documents Folder. Samples Manager adds original audio file extension if omitted.
Samples manager only shows audio files; other files in Documents folder are not visible.
Pre-listen to samples before loading them.
Captures audio from microphone, saves as WAV (44.1kHz, 16-bit) in Documents Folder with numbered id-name.
Record mono/stereo WAV (16-bit, 44.1kHz) per iDevice channels. Grab Audio uses iPad mic/line regardless of connection.
Import files from Dropbox (login/logout via Settings) or paste from AudioCopy clipboard.
Access iPod library for songs, audiobooks, podcasts. Convert to WAV/CAF and store in Documents Folder.
Document picker allows selecting files from outside app sandbox (iCloud Drive, third-party extensions).
Add files via iTunes File Sharing: Connect iPad, go to Apps > File Sharing, select iVCS3 Documents, click Add.
Enter 'learn mode' to hear MIDI CC messages. Associate parameters with MIDI CC/Channel. Set 'Widget Range'.
Binds widget to vertical movement on keyboard (Scrub Y). Setting allows speed (gravity) adjustment.
Accelerometer X used to control parameters via horizontal inclination of the device.
Accelerometer Y used to control parameters via vertical inclination of the device.
Low Frequency Modulation is a table look-up oscillator with seven built-in shapes. Frequency in Hz/BPM.
Adjust LFO BPM via buttons or TAP to set tempo. Replaces current value with integer BPM.
Resets to zero the phase of the current LFO.
Resets to zero the phase of ALL active LFOs.
Enabling Link disables 'LFO in Hz' slider; LFO frequency sampled from 'MASTER BPM' via SYNC.
Rescales 'MASTER BPM' from SYNC based on musical note time values (Normal, Triplets, Dotted).
Defines 'D' as dotted note and 'T' as triplet for SYNC subdivision.
With 1/4 default, Sequencer step fires every BPM according to 'Local Tempo' or 'MIDI Clock'.
Enable/disable incoming MIDI signals from physical, virtual, network ports. Understands MIDI Clock from remote apps.
Swipe symbol indicates fast switching to listed app by swiping right.
Wi-Fi symbol appears in Network port cell if Core MIDI Network is connected.
Ports receiving MIDI Clock displayed as icons. Clock symbol enables/disables MIDI Clock receiving per port.
Receive MIDI Clock from one port at a time; enable/disable for current or select another port.
Sets input channel for selected port. iVCS3 DK receives Note On/Off in OMNI or specific channels.
Supports MIDI data via Bluetooth LE on iOS/Mac. Connections are secure and require explicit consent.
NRPN allows manufacturer-specific MIDI controllers not part of basic MIDI standard. Requires CC 99/98 pair.
NRPNs require CC 99 (MSB) & 98 (LSB) to specify parameter, CC 6 for value, CC 38 for fine adjustment.
NRPN uses 14-bit Continuous Controller feature, offering 16,384 values instead of 128.
Do not use CC 99/98 as normal CC when NRPN enabled to avoid overlap. Order: CC 99 98 6 38. MIDI Learn works.
Back Panel adds Sequencers, Samplers, FX for experimental use. OUTPUT channels feed FX chain.
INPUT sources: Mic, Audiobus/IAA, Samplers, DK/Sequencer, or SCOPE feedback.
Signals connected to METER in Matrix shown in Oscilloscope; feedback through to VCS3.
Ext. Input switch selects source: DK/Sequencer, Mute, or Mic/Sampler (Audiobus/IAA) for each channel.
Select Ext. Input between DK/Sequencer or Mic/Sampler. Mix signals in Mic/Sampler mode. Mute clears Ext. Input.
VCS3 Keyboard DK produces a 3 Volt control signal. Middle F#=0V, High C=-1.5V, Low C=+0.5V (settings).
Employ DK as Controller Voltage or play with internal VCO (saw). Controls: Frequency, Dynamic Range, Tuning Spread, Level.
Tuning Spread range is +- half semitone (original), +- 2 semitones (iVCS3). Calibrate via Input Level (Ch.1/2).
Achieve perfect pitch (temperate scale) by setting Input Level Ch1/2 to 0.32v. Other settings yield +- tones/octave.
DK keys have a built-in VCO. Amplitude controlled by key touch position (pianissimo to fortissimo).
Play iVCS3 keys top-to-bottom to change note amplitude (dynamics/MIDI key velocity).
VCA inside DK allows mixing iVCS3 audio signal with internal DK VCO.
Send signal to METER, mix with DK VCO, send back to iVCS3 input 1 for 3-VCO mix controlled by keyboard dynamic.
Contrast original DK (highest note priority) and iVCS3 'NEW' legato behavior (switchable via Settings).
Locking DK Keyboard sustains every note. Last pressed key held even after finger lift. Snapshots save touched keys.
DK Keyboard outputs 1V/octave. Trim voltage via Input Level Ch1/2 to 0.32v for 12 notes/octave.
Sequencer is fully programmable: direction, steps, tempo, random direction. Groove values set step info.
Two independent groove values (DK, Joystick): Key & Dynamics. Auxiliary groove for Channel 1 Panning.
Auxiliary groove for Ch1 Panning is absolute, overwrites Main Panel Ch1 PAN (Ext.) when enabled.
Record Groove values by tapping DK/STICK buttons. Keyboard AKS shows Keys/Dynamics programming.
Enable 'Record' in KS: notes skip to next step, allowing dynamic programming. Random/Interval buttons transpose sequence.
Interval buttons introduce offset voltage when touched, don't transpose sequence.
Enable/disable Sequencer steps by pushing down Steps buttons after programming Grooves.
Sync/jump through steps during performance by touching top bar step numbers.
Sequencer has two Voltage Outputs: DK Keyboard to Input 1 (Keys)/Input 2 (Dynamics), and Sequencer to STICK rows.
Disable/only vertical/both Joystick Outputs via toggle. Joystick handles work as offset, reset by double-tap.
Joystick Vertical Range (16) must be set to 0.32 (V/Octave sensitivity) for Input 1 (8).
DK Groove routes Keyboard Voltage to Input 1 (8) and Dynamics Voltage to Input 2 (9).
STICK Groove routes Keyboard Voltage to Vertical Stick (16) and Dynamics Voltage to Horizontal Stick (15).
Enabling SYNC switch disables local tempo; TEMPO is sampled from Master SYNC Clock.
Subdivide SYNC Tempo via Subdivision Menu, showing musical note time values.
Subdivision Menu lists symbols for musical note time values (Normal, Triplets, Dotted).
Normal SYNC subdivisions: 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64.
Triplet SYNC subdivisions: 1/1T, 1/2T, 1/4T, 1/8T, 1/16T, 1/32T, 1/64T.
Dotted SYNC subdivisions: 1/1D, 1/2D, 1/4D, 1/8D, 1/16D, 1/32D, 1/64D.
Defines 'D' as dotted note and 'T' as triplet for SYNC subdivision.
With 1/4 default, Sequencer fires a step every BPM according to 'Local Tempo' or 'MIDI Clock' BPM.
SCOPE jack-socket (Column A) connects to METER, allows feedback into Studio via Input Amplifiers.
Oscilloscope manages time scale, zooming, amplitude gain. Reads DC and AC signals.
Spectral mode uses time/amplitude for logarithmic display. Frequency analysis FFT is 4096 samples.
Feed iVCS3 with two samplers, or mixed signal from mic/line or Audiobus/IAA.
Touch and drag sampler waveform to scrub audio. Scrubbing speed relates to finger position on waveform.
Tap symbol to set loop points. Enter 'loop edit mode' for fine regulation or selecting whole file.
Tap and hold for fine loop regulation. Double tap to select the whole file again.
Deselect loop (tap again) to zoom-in into the loop selection.
Resets scanning to the start position.
Absolute mode: pointer jumps to finger touch. Relative mode: scrubbing occurs from sampler position toward finger.
Icons control: Reset samplers, Synchronise Ch.2 phase to Ch.1, Load audio sample.
For stereo samples, choose input channel: left/right or 50% mix of both.
Scan reset can be triggered from DK or the Sequencer.
Link Sampler Ch.2 Ratio with Sampler Ch1 (lock icon) for stereo files and synchronized scanning ratio.
Disable Crossfade and change Waveform style via Settings.
Master Output FX: Flanger/Delay toggle (Off, Flanger, Delay). FLANGER: lfo/d knobs adjust frequency/amplitude.
DELAY: 'd' knob sets delay line length. 'g' knob controls feedback for echo density. Wild pitch glissandi possible.
Flanger 'd' time: 1-10ms. Delay 'd' time: 10-2000ms. Flanger 'lfo': 0.01-10Hz. Delay 'lfo': 0-1 (dry/wet).
Functions as compressor, limiter, expander with soft/hard-knee mapping and variable performance.
Recommended sampling rate is 44.1 kHz. Lower rate reduces burden but also frequency range.
Buffer Size sets Audio Device latency. Taken from Host when using Audiobus/Inter-App.
Sets the number of keys visible in the main view.
Select one of six reverberation modes: FDN (8 delay line stereo) or Parametric (Schroeder model).
IR convolution types: Hybrid 1 (FDN/IR), Hybrid 2 (Parametric/IR), FTConv (signal/IR memory).
Spring crash uses hardware accelerometer for triggering spring tilts, like the original.
Ring Modulation (RM) was famous effect used by BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Creates voices of Cybermen/Daleks.
Three RM types: 'Ideal' (simple multiplication), 'VCS3' (quadratic operator), 'Diode' (Julian Parker model).
RM 'Input A' is Modulating Signal, 'Input B' is Carrier Signal. Inverting order changes sound results.
Switch includes/excludes Matrix, Keyboard, Sequencer, Control Manager, Knobs Color when saving new presets.
Sets Snapshot Pad interpolation time interval (15-350ms). Shorter times mean higher resolution, higher CPU.
Saves/restores all iVCS3 and Fx parameters on exit, reloads on next opening.
Enable/disable Joystick Handle Springy feature.
Link or unlink Dropbox account.
