Sonicware ELZ 1 play - User Manual

Questions and Answers

S
Sean HebertAug 7, 2025
How to troubleshoot no sound on Sonicware ELZ 1 play Synthesizer?
- D
  Dana DavisAug 7, 2025
  If you are experiencing no sound or very low sound from your Sonicware Synthesizer, there are several things you can check: * Ensure the VOL knob on the back of the unit is properly adjusted. * Verify the MEMORY LEVEL is set correctly. * Try setting the TYPE to OFF for both the filter and effects. * Examine the envelope SUSTAIN value; if it's set to 0, the sound will be silent while the note is sustained. * In the MIXER settings, confirm that MUTE is not enabled and that the LEVEL is not set to 0.
K
Keith MurrayAug 16, 2025
What to do if PC/Mac does not recognize Sonicware ELZ 1 play Synthesizer ELZ_1 play?
- M
  Michael WashingtonAug 16, 2025
  If your PC/Mac is not recognizing the Sonicware Synthesizer ELZ_1 play, try the following: 1. Allow 10–30 seconds for recognition upon initial connection. 2. Ensure ELZ_1 play is in USB mass storage mode if you want to connect as mass storage. 3. Try a different USB port or cable. 4. Connect directly to the PC/Mac without a USB hub or extension. 5. Disconnect other USB devices. 6. Disable antivirus and background applications. 7. Restart your computer. 8. Test on another PC/Mac if available. 9. For Macs, in Finder preferences, check the box next to 'External disks'. If the issue persists, the mass storage data might be corrupted. In this case you should format the mass storage in the ELZ_1 play. Be aware that this operation will erase the data in the mass storage.
B
bryan66Aug 27, 2025
Why is the display dark or blinking on my Sonicware Synthesizer?
- J
  john65Aug 27, 2025
  If the display on your Sonicware Synthesizer is dark or blinking, it could be due to low battery charge. When the remaining battery charge is low, playing sound from the speaker could cause the backlight to dim or blink. Replacing the batteries with new ones should resolve this issue.

Summary

Important Safety Precautions

Usage Precautions

Precautions for safe operation and physical damage prevention.

Introduction and Key Features

Perform Live Anywhere

Emphasizes the portable and battery-powered nature for on-the-go use.

Synchronize with Other Devices

Explains connectivity and synchronization capabilities with other devices.

Names of Parts

Display Elements

Identifies and labels the elements displayed on the unit's screen.

Connection Example

Basic Operations - General

Preparing a Power Supply

Details how to connect the AC adapter or use batteries.

Starting and Turning Off the Unit

Instructions for powering on and safely powering off the ELZ_1 play.

Memory Management

Recalling MEMORY Settings

Steps to load saved sound configurations from memory.

Saving Settings to MEMORY

Steps to save current sound configurations to memory.

Mode Overview

Selecting Synth Engines and Editing Parameters

Synth Engine and Parameter Details

Details the available synth engines and their adjustable parameters.

LOW-BIT OSC Engine

Details the LOW-BIT OSC synth engine and its parameters.

STANDARD OSC Engine

Details the STANDARD OSC synth engine and its parameters.

CUSTOM OSC Engine

Details the CUSTOM OSC synth engine and its parameters.

SUPER OSC Engine

Details the SUPER OSC synth engine and its parameters.

8 BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH Engine

Details the 8BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH engine and its parameters.

8 BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH (MORPH)

Details the 8BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH MORPH mode and its parameters.

8 BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH (FM MODE)

Details the 8BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH FM MODE and its parameters.

8 BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH (WARP)

Details the 8BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH WARP mode and its parameters.

8 BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH (ADSAR)

Details the 8BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH ADSAR mode and its parameters.

8 BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH (TIME)

Details the 8BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH TIME mode and its parameters.

DNA EXPLORER Engine

Details the DNA EXPLORER synth engine and its parameters.

SiGRINDER Engine

Details the SiGRINDER granular synth engine and its parameters.

FM SYNTH Engine

Details the FM SYNTH engine and its parameters.

MASKED NOISE Engine

Details the MASKED NOISE synth engine and its parameters.

SAND FLUTE Engine

Details the SAND FLUTE synth engine and its parameters.

ZTRINGS Engine

Details the ZTRINGS physically modeled synth engine and its parameters.

STK DRUMMER Engine

Details the STK DRUMMER engine and its parameters.

Modulation of Synth Engine Parameters

Modulation with LFO

Details parameters for modulating synth engines using LFO.

Modulation with Envelope

Details parameters for modulating synth engines using Envelope.

Creating Waveforms for 8 BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH

Creating Waveforms in 8 BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH

Steps for creating waveforms directly within the 8BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH.

Creating Waveforms in 8 BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH (FM MODE)

Steps for creating waveforms in the 8BIT WAVEMEM SYNTH (FM MODE).

Copying Waveforms Between Memory and Banks

Recording Audio Data for DNA EXPLORER;SiGRINDER

Recording Audio Input

Step-by-step guide for capturing audio input to the unit.

Selecting and Editing Envelopes

Envelope Types and Parameters Overview

Details the different envelope types and their associated parameters.

ADSR Envelope

Describes the standard ADSR envelope and its parameters.

ADSR Envelope with Curve

Details the ADSR envelope with curve adjustments.

ADS-RA-R Envelope

Describes the ADS-RA-R envelope type and its parameters.

ADS-RA-R Envelope with Curve

Details the ADS-RA-R envelope with curve adjustments.

Selecting Filters and Editing Parameters

LPF-6; HPF-6 Filters

Details the Low-Pass (LPF-6) and High-Pass (HPF-6) filters.

LPF-12; HPF-12 Filters

Details the Low-Pass (LPF-12) and High-Pass (HPF-12) filters.

BPF; NOTCH Filters

Details the Band-Pass (BPF) and Notch filters.

PEQ (Peaking EQ) Filter

Details the Peaking Equalizer (PEQ) filter.

LO EQ; HI EQ Filters

Details the Low EQ and High EQ filters.

Filter Modulation

Filter Modulation with LFO

Details parameters for modulating filters using LFO.

Filter Modulation with Envelope

Details parameters for modulating filters using Envelope.

Editing Effects

Effect Types and Parameters Overview

Details the various effect modules and their adjustable parameters.

Drive, Distortion, Fuzz, and Chorus Effects

Details parameters for Drive, Distortion, Fuzz, and Chorus effects.

Vibrato and Phaser Effects

Details parameters for Vibrato and Phaser effects.

Tremolo and Flanger Effects

Details parameters for Tremolo and Flanger effects.

Ring Modulator and Auto Wah Effects

Details parameters for Ring Modulator and Auto Wah effects.

Crusher Effect

Details parameters for the Crusher effect.

Modulation Module Effects

Details parameters for Stereo Chorus and Vibrato modulation effects.

Phaser and Tremolo Modulation Effects

Details parameters for Phaser and Tremolo modulation effects.

Flanger and Auto Pan Effects

Details parameters for Flanger and Auto Pan effects.

Ring Modulator and Auto Wah Effects (Part 2)

Details parameters for Ring Modulator and Auto Wah effects (continued).

Delay and Reverb Module Effects

Details parameters for Delay and Reverb effects.

Reverb;Master Module Effects

Details parameters for Room, Hall, Plate, Custom Reverb, Arena, and Vinyl Record effects.

Cassette Tape, Crusher, Tunnel, and Infinity Effects

Details parameters for Cassette Tape, Crusher, Tunnel, and Infinity effects.

Selecting and Editing Settings

Voice Mode Settings

Details the POLY, MONO, and LEGATO voice modes and their parameters.

Unison Settings

Details parameters for UNISON settings, including ON/OFF, PITCH, and DETUNE.

Arpeggiator Settings

Details parameters for the Arpeggiator function, including modes and BPM sync.

Level and Tune Settings

Details parameters for adjusting overall LEVEL and TUNE settings.

Editing Sequencer

Sequencer Display Overview

Explains the elements shown on the sequencer display screen.

Main Operations in Sequencer Mode

Describes key operations and shortcuts for sequencer mode.

Step Sequencer

Details the process of inputting notes step-by-step in the sequencer.

Parameters During Step Recording

Details parameters available when the sequencer is stopped or in step recording mode.

Real-time Recording

Instructions for recording sequences in real-time.

Selecting and Editing Mixer

Mixer Settings - Pan (Looper)

Details parameters for adjusting the pan of looper tracks.

Mixer Settings - Level (Looper)

Details parameters for adjusting the level of looper tracks.

Mixer Settings - Mute (Looper)

Details parameters for muting looper tracks.

Mixer Settings - EFX Send Position

Details parameters for the send position of effects for AUX IN and USB.

Mixer Settings - EFX Send Level

Details parameters for the send level of effects for AUX IN, USB, and SYN.

Mixer Settings - Pan

Details parameters for adjusting the pan of AUX IN, USB, and SYN sources.

Mixer Settings - Level

Details parameters for adjusting the level of AUX IN, USB, and SYN sources.

Mixer Settings - Mute

Details parameters for muting AUX IN, USB, and SYN sources.

Using LOOPER

Main Operations for LOOPER

Describes key functions and button combinations for controlling the LOOPER.

Record to LOOPER

Step-by-step instructions for recording audio into the LOOPER.

Editing LOOPER Setting

Guide on how to access and adjust LOOPER settings.

Loop Setting - BAR

Details parameters for setting LOOPER recording length in bars.

Loop Setting - Reverse

Details parameters for playing LOOPER tracks in reverse.

Loop Setting - 1 SHOT

Details parameters for 1SHOT playback modes (Off, Gate, Latch).

Loop Setting - REC

Details parameters for recording start behavior and end settings.

TEMPO Setting

Setting Metronome

Details how to configure the metronome volume and pre-count.

Changing Keyboard Octave Range

Instructions for adjusting the keyboard's octave range.

MEMORY Management

Selecting MEMORY

Steps to select and change the currently active MEMORY setting.

Changing MEMORY Names

Instructions for renaming saved MEMORY settings.

Initializing MEMORY Settings

How to reset a specific MEMORY setting to its factory defaults.

Exporting MEMORY Settings

Steps to export MEMORY settings to external storage.

Importing MEMORY Settings

Steps to import MEMORY settings from external storage.

Pattern Management

Changing PATTERN Name

Instructions for renaming saved patterns.

Initializing PATTERN Settings

How to reset a specific PATTERN setting to its factory defaults.

Exporting PATTERN Settings

Steps to export PATTERN settings to external storage.

Importing PATTERN Settings

Steps to import PATTERN settings from external storage.

LOOPER Management

Selecting LOOPER

Steps to select and change the currently active LOOPER.

Changing LOOPER Names

Instructions for renaming saved LOOPERs.

Deleting LOOPER Files

Steps to delete a selected LOOPER file.

WAVEDATA Management

Exporting Waveforms for WAVEMEM SYNTH

Steps to export waveforms from WAVEMEM SYNTH engines.

Importing Waveforms for WAVEMEM SYNTH

Steps to import waveforms for WAVEMEM SYNTH engines.

Exporting Waveforms for DNA EXPLORER;SiGRINDER

Steps to export waveform data for DNA EXPLORER and SiGRINDER.

Importing Waveforms for DNA EXPLORER;SiGRINDER

Steps to import waveform data for DNA EXPLORER and SiGRINDER.

MIDI Functions

Setting MIDI Channels

How to configure MIDI transmit/receive channels for tracks.

MIDI Channel Configuration

Table detailing MIDI channels for various functions and their default values.

Using MIDI THRU Function

How to pass MIDI messages through the unit.

Setting CLOCK OUT

How to transmit MIDI clock signals from the unit.

SYNC Functions

Synchronizing with External Clock

How to synchronize the unit with external clock sources via the CLOCK menu.

AUDIO SYNC Functions

Connecting External Clock to AUX IN

Instructions for connecting external clock sources to the AUX IN jack.

AUDIO SYNC OUT Function

How to output SYNC signals from the headphone jack.

VELOCITY Function

Adjusting VELOCITY

How to adjust velocity parameters and curves.

DUAL MONO Mode

Adjusting AUX IN GAIN

Adjusting MASTER TUNE

CARD Functions

Accessing Card via PC;Mac (USB Mass Storage)

Instructions for connecting the unit to a PC/Mac in USB mass storage mode.

Using User Waveforms with ZTRINGS

How to use user-created waveforms with the ZTRINGS engine.

Using SmplTrek Drum Kits with STK DRUMMER

How to use drum kits created with SmplTrek in the STK DRUMMER engine.

Deleting Files from External Card Storage

Steps to delete files from the external card storage.

Backing Up User Data

How to back up all user data from the ELZ_1 play.

Restoring Backup User Data

Steps to restore backed-up user data to the ELZ_1 play.

Formatting External Card Storage

Instructions for formatting the external card storage.

Changing POWER Settings

Setting AUTO POWER OFF

How to configure the automatic power-off timer.

Changing Battery Type

How to set the battery type for accurate display.

Restoring Factory Default Settings

System Information

Updating ELZ_1 Play Firmware

Troubleshooting

No Sound or Very Low Volume

Solutions for issues related to sound output levels.

Display is Dark or Blinking

Solutions for display problems.

PC;Mac Not Recognizing ELZ_1 Play

Troubleshooting steps when the device is not recognized by a computer.

Specifications

Synth Engines (Max Polyphony)

Lists synth engines and their maximum polyphony.

Envelopes and Looper

Details envelope types and LOOPER capabilities.

Filters, Voice Modes, and Unison

Details filter types, voice modes, and unison options.

Effects and Arpeggiator Specifications

Lists specifications for effects, arpeggiator, and sequencer.

Sequencer Specifications

Details the specifications for the sequencer function.

MIDI Specifications

Details MIDI interface specifications.

Main Unit and Connectivity

Specifications for the main unit, keyboard, audio I/O, USB, and interfaces.

Power Supply, Accessories, and Dimensions

Specifications for power, included accessories, size, and weight.

Sonicware ELZ 1 play Specifications

General

Polyphony	8 voices
Arpeggiator	Yes
Type	Synthesizer
Synthesis Type	FM, Wavetable
Waveforms	Sine, Saw, Square, Triangle
Effects	Delay, Reverb
Sequencer	16-step
Connectivity	MIDI In/Out, USB
Power	USB
Oscillators	2 oscillators per voice
Filter	Low-pass, High-pass

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