Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

Actually, I thought the bad take-out analogy worked quite well!  ;)


WRT the sequencer... Yes, as with anything, time with the new toy 
will help immensely.  Even after you've learned its architecture, 
programming the Evolver in general DOES take a bit of getting used 
to.  When working quickly, I found that I would often forget to 
switch back from sequence mode to normal, or out of shift mode back 
to normal, prior to making edits with the knobs.  I'd think, "Now 
whyyyy isn't that sound changing the way I thought it would...  DOH!  
I just ruined one of my sequence tracks while trying to edit the 
filter!"  ;)

A few random thoughts and ideas about working with the sequencer:

• For nearly all of the "musical" sequences I programmed for the 
Evolver presets, I worked out the little riffs on one of my keyboard 
synths prior to spinning the knobs on the Evolver's sequencer 
tracks.  I found it easier to plan ahead this way, as opposed to 
trying to compose the little riffs on the sequencer.

• Having a keyboard synth handy while actually programming the 
Evolver sequencer can be useful in a number of ways.  For instance, 
it can help when trying to remember the specific notes of a riff you 
just composed.  It's also useful to quickly audition your sequence 
across a wide range of notes to see where it sounds best.

• Don't forget that the sequencer can modulate just about anything on 
the Evolver.  Don't get stuck in the rut of using it only to modulate 
pitch (i.e. play your notes).  Digital waveshape, filter settings, 
and all sorts of things can be "sequenced".

• Get more mileage from the four sequencer tracks:  You can use one 
or more of the four "Modulation Sources" to apply a sequencer track 
to more than one destination.  For instance, if you want Oscillators 
1 and 2 to play the same notes, you don't have to use two sequencer 
tracks to accomplish your goal.  You can use one sequencer track 
applied to Osc 1 pitch, and then use a Modulation Source to apply 
that same sequencer track to Osc 2 pitch, making sure to set the 
modulation amount to maximum (99).

• Note that the speed of the LFO's can be sync'd to the sequencer.  
Above a speed amount of 150, an LFO can be set anywhere from one 
cycle per 32 sequence steps, to 16 cycles per one sequence step.  See 
the "LFO's" section in the manual for details.

• Each of the four tracks in the sequencer can use a different number 
of steps.  This makes it easy and fun to set up little polyrhythms, 
which make the sequence sound as if it were a lot longer than just 16 
steps.

• Using square wave LFO modulation of various synth parameters, and 
sync'ing the LFO speed to the sequencer, can also make the sequencer 
sound as if it is capable of more than 16 steps.  Using a 16 step 
sequence, start out with a an LFO speed setting of 1 LFO cycle per 16 
sequence steps, and you'll start to get the idea.

• You can make "keyboard gated sequences".  In other words, sequences 
that don't make a sound until and unless you play the keyboard.  
These can act and play more like regular patches... with the 
exception that you have the added complexity of the four sequencer 
tracks at your disposal to mangle the sound as you play a hot lead or 
bass.


I'll spot you that none of the above tips are deep, complex, or earth 
shattering, but I hope they help get you started having fun with your 
Evolver.


Ski
www.ex5tech.com
EX5Tech Evolver forum:
http://www.ex5tech.com/ex5ubb_cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=23


--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, "rickyannotta 
<rickyannotta@y...>" <rickyannotta@y...> wrote:
> 
> I just picked up an Evolver after selling a digital keyboard b/c i 
> found the sounds on the digital synth a bit uninspiring. It's like 
> when you go to a bad chinese food take-out and no matter what you 
> order it tastes like same thing! (weird analogy huh)
> 
> Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knows of or can share some 
> insights, tutorials, tricks working with the step sequencer. I've 
> only had it a few days and the Evolver is different than anything 
> I've used before.  Besides the step sequencer on my JX-3P, the only 
> experience I've had is with a real time digital sequencer!  
> 
> If anyone can think of anything let me know! (but it probably just 
> comes down to spending more time with my new toy!)
> 
> -Rick