FXpansion DCAM Synth Squad Quick Start Guide - Manual (Page 32)

32
Amber
• classic string synthesizer model with divide-down oscillator structure
• constantly generates the notes for a 96-note keyboard range within a single voice
• 3 vintage chorus models and a formant filter
Amber is installed as an instrument and as an effect for processing audio through its circuit.
Amber is one of the first attempts to realistically model a divide-down string synthesizer. While it
excels at psychedelic string, pads and organ sounds, it is versatile enough to be used for other
sounds such as basses, leads, keyboard/piano sounds and atmospheric textures.
See chapter 5 of the operation manual for more details about Amber’s architecture and controls.
Synth and Ensemble sections
Each of these two sections feature a paraphonic stage (that can generate 96 notes within a
single voice) followed by a polyphonic stage (which is monophonic when using a single voice).
Both sections are very similar, with their respective monophonic processing stages defining
their character. The Synth section features a polyphonic resonant filter, while the Ensemble
section contains a formant filter and a chorus, switchable between 3 different chorus models.
Performance controls
The Mode control in the Performance controls section allows drastic changes to Amber’s
playing response. Each section can be set to ‘Paraphonic’ mode, meaning that each paraphonic
note features its own velocity-sensitive amp envelope, the shape of which is determined
by the Synth/Ensemble envelopes. Alternatively, each section can be set to one of several
‘Mono’ modes, including paraphonic single-amp operation (‘MonoAtk’ and ‘MonoRel’) and fully
monophonic operation (‘MonoNote’). Setting both sections to ‘MonoNote’ causes Amber to
behave like a conventional polyphonic synth.
Modulation in Amber
Note that during single-voice paraphonic operation, the TransMod system acts monophonically.
To use polyphonic modulation, you must use multiple Amber voices. Note that a single voice
includes 12 oscillators, 192 velocity-sensitive envelopes and 384 1-pole tone filters, as well as
the polyphonic elements. It therefore uses a lot more CPU per voice than Strobe or Cypher!