14
KEY ASSIGN MODE
The advent of micro-computer technology has had a profound effect on the relationship of the keyboard to the
synthesizer, and allows a greater degree of flexibility and versatility than ever before. In the past, synthesizer
keyboards were able to produce one, or at best two, notes at a time. Today, an integrated circuit approximately the
size of a pack of matches can perform a huge number of diverse tasks in a split second. Among other things, the
micro-computer can "scan" a keyboard of any size, and assign each key depression to one of several synthesizer
"voices" (6 for the Polysix). This is called channel assigning, and the micro-computer that performs that task is
called the Assigner. Since musicians do not normally play more than five to eight notes at the same time, this
allows considerable economy because each note on the keyboard does not need a synthesizer voice permanently
assigned to it. This lets us build a better and more portable instrument at a lower price.
In addition to the normal polyphonic one voice per key-depression playing mode, the Polysix assigner can
perform a number of other useful functions, such as: Unison mode (all 6 voices sounding the same note), Hold
(infinite sustain), Chord Memory (for parallel harmonies), and arpeggiation. Each of these will be described below.
KEY ASSIGN MODE
HOLD CHORD MEMORY UNISON POLY
1) HOLD
This mode "holds" played note(s). This function can be activated before or after key(s) are depressed on the
synthesizer keyboard. It works with any Key Assign Mode (Chord Memory, Unison, and Poly).
To Next Page
Loading...
