Cubix v1.0
by Psychic Modulation

Designed by Jack Resweber using SynthEdit

Cubix is a drumsynth/sampleplayer with an onboard arpeggiated bassline synth. Each drum section has it's own dual X-Fade sequencer section for beat mixing, as well as an Auto-Mix function. Designed with live operation in mind, Cubix can be used for making complex beats on the fly that can be randomized, mixed, matched and manipulated in a number of ways.



Getting started
Cubix is defaulted to play in sync with your host, when you load it up, and press play in your host app, Cubix will follow. You can stop Cubix without stopping your host by using the play/stop button (MIDIcc23).

If using it in a non-MIDI host such as Audiomulch, or using it in a modular environment like that of Bidule, or outside of EnergyXT's sequencer, 'host sync' can be turned off, and Cubix can run independantly with the play/stop button alone.

1. Play Button
   Starts/stops Cubix's sequencers
   *note-If outside of the host sequencer, this button will only work if Host Sync is deactivated
   
   
2. Host Sync
   When activated along with the play button, Cubix will start/stop according to the host sequencer's transport controls; will run or stop depending on if you press play or stop in your host app.
   
   
3. Reset
   Resets all sequencers; usefull if sequences become out of rhythm
   
   

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Drum Mixer
The drum mixer provides the main volume controls(MIDIcc 18-22) for quick drum mixing. The glowing analyzers around each volume knob indicates which module is playing. The analyzers can be turned off to preserve cpu if necessary.

1. Drum Selector
   When selected, will display the chosen drum/synth module's controls as well as sequencers
   
   
2. Volume Control
   Adjusts the overall volume of each module
   
   
3. Activation
   Each module can be activated or deactivated while in use, using the activation switches(MIDIcc 24-28). This bypasses the synth engine without affecting the sequence timing.
   
   
4. Output Channel
   Selects the audio output channel of each module (Channels 1-6)
   
   
5. FX Send Level
   Adjusts the level of delay sent to each drum/synth
   
   
6. Arp Velocity
   Selects the way velocity responds to the arpeggiator
   Note: velocity responds to each note even if overlapping
   Constant: velocity only responds to the first of any overlapping notes
   
   
7. Arp Hold
   When activated, will hold any arpeggiated notes until deactivated
   
   
8. Mono
   Sets the bass synth to mono, or polyphonic when deactivated
   
   
9. Portamento Time
   Adjusts the portamento time for the bass synth
   
   

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X-fade Sequencers
Each module has it's own dual 16-step X-fade sequencer. This sequencer is unique because it allows you to mix between two different sequence patterns. The sequencers use level sliders rather than on/off steps, to get full use of it's crossfading abilities. Levels can be altered quickly by simply dragging the mouse accross the grid. The sequencers are very flexible, and can be played forward or backward, paused and even randomized in two different ways. The crossfade slider defaults to Sequence A.

1. Sequencer-A
   Default sequencer to start with
   
   
2. Sequencer-B
   Move the slider down to mix into this sequence
   
   
3. Pause
   Pauses or resumes the sequence
   
   
4. Sequence Direction
   Sets the sequence to play forward or backward
   
   
5. Bar Reset
   When active, the sequence will reset on each bar, keeping it on beat. When disabled, the sequence is free roaming.
   
   
6. Step Level
   Each bar indicates the level of the pattern step; these can be adjusted by simply dragging the mouse accross the sequence grid
   
   
7. Randomization Type
   Selects the type of randomization; sequence 'speed' or 'position'
   
   
8. Random Probability
   Level of sequence randomization (MIDIcc 12-16)
   
   
9. Sequence Rate
   Selects the rate or speed of the sequence
   
   
10. MIDI
    Allows MIDI control of the sequencer; sequencer can be triggered with a MIDI keyboard or other device.
    
    
11. Key Track
    When activated, the synth module's pitch can be tracked with a MIDI keyboard.
    
    
12. Key Reset
    When activated, each MIDI note will reset the sequencer; when deactivated, the sequencer is free roaming, notes only resume/bypass sequencer output rather than affect the sequence timing.
    
    
13. Key Retrigger
    Used for retriggering notes while playing legato; only works if Key 'Reset' is activated.
    
    
    This portion of the sequencer section displays controls for sequence mixing and auto-mixing functions. The Auto-Mixer, when activated, uses an analyzer to display the position of the mix between the two sequencers, regardless of where the mixing slider is.
    
    
    
14. Sequence Crossfader
    Mixes between sequencer A and B. Slider position is defaulted at sequence A.
    
    
15. Auto-Mix Analyzer
    An analyzer for showing the movement of the auto-mix function.
    
    
16. Auto-Mix Activation
    Activates the auto-mix function.
    
    
17. Auto-Mix Inverter
    Inverts the path traveled by the auto-mixer.
    
    
18. Hold
    Activate this button to hold the auto-mixer in place; deactivate to resume.
    
    
19. Shape
    Selects the shape of the path traveled by the auto-mixer.
    
    
20. Rate
    Selects the BPM-synced rate or speed of the auto-mixer.
    
    
    The sequencers position/length can be adjusted by dragging the start/end points. These points arent visible until dragged with the mouse, so this usefull function can be easily overlooked.
    
    
    
21. Sequence Start Position
    Indicates the starting point of the sequence, to adjust, simply click just to the right of the position bar and drag to the right or left.
    
    
22. Sequence End Position
    Indicates the ending point of the sequence, to adjust, simply click just to the left of the position bar and drag to the left or right.
    
    
23. LED Indicator
    Indicates what step is being played during the sequence.
    
    
    This half of the Bass synth's sequencer looks a bit different from the other sequencers. Rather than mixing between two sequencers, the two are used to control each a different function.
    
    
    
24. Velocity Sequence Modulation Level
    Adjusts the level of modulation of the amplitude velocity by the 1st sequencer.
    
    
25. Filter/Pitch Sequence Modulation Level
    Adjusts the level of modulation of the filter cutoff or pitch by the 2nd sequencer.
    To switch functions, simply click the name above the control to view a dropdown box.
    

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LFO Section

The LFO is strictly for use within the Bass Synth, specifically for controling the filter cutoff frequency, but it can also be set to control the 3rd oscillator's pitch, typically for use when the oscillators are in sync mode. Controling both functions simultaneously can produce interesting synced filter sweeps.

1. Activate
   Activates the LFO
   
   
2. Level
   Adjusts the level of the LFO
   
   
3. Waveform
   Selects the shape taken by the LFO
   
   
4. Rate
   Selects the BPM-synced rate of the LFO
   
   
5. Half Time
   Divides the chosen LFO rate in half, producing a slower speed
   
   

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Delay Section

In the bottom left corner is a hidden delay section that can be used with each drum/synth using the FX send levels.

1. Delay Control Panel Selector
   
   
2. Activate
   Activates the Delay
   
   
3. Output Channel
   Selects the delay's output channel
   
   
4. Feedback
   Adjusts the delay's feedback level
   
   
5. Sync/Manual Switch
   Switches between sync and manual mode
   
   
6. Synced Rate
   Selects the BPM-synced rate of the delay
   
   
7. Manual Rate
   Manual delay rate control
   
   
8. Damping
   Applies a lowcut filter to the end tail of the delay
   left=short trail
   right=long trail
   
   
9. Delay Type
   Chooses between a normal or dotted delay line
   
   

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Drum/Bass Modules

Each drum module consists of a drum synth as well as a wav-player for layering. Each module has it's own individual control panel for in-depth synthesis and sample manipulation. The bass module consists of a complex synthesizer with onboard arpeggiator. Here's a brief walk-through of each module and their different functions, starting with the samplers:


Synth/Sample Mixing
Each drum module has a mixer section for mixing the drum synth with the sample player.

1. Drum synth level adjuster
   
2. Sample player level adjuster
   

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Wav Layers
Each drum module has it's own sample player for wav layering. Samples can be reversed and looped with adjustable start/end points.

1. Wavfile Loader
   Click this button to browse your hardrive for wavfiles, the name of the file will then be displayed in the box
   
   
2. Pitch
   Overall pitch of the sample
   
   
3. Loop
   Loops the sample depending on start/end positions
   
   
4. Direction
   Sets the direction of the sample, forward or reversed
   
   
5. Start Position
   Indicates the starting point of the sequence, to adjust, simply click just to the right of the position bar and drag to the right or left.
   
   
6. End Position
   Indicates the ending point of the sequence, to adjust, simply click just to the left of the position bar and drag to the left or right.
   
   

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Kick Drum

1. Waveform
   Selects the waveform of the drum: sine, triangle or even pulse for a more abrasive sound
   
   
2. Pitch
   Overall pitch of the oscillator
   
   
3. Pitch Envelope
   Adjusts the pitch envelope level; higher levels produce a more defined drum
   
   
4. Pitch Attack
   Adjusts the attack rate of the pitch envelope
   
   
5. Pitch Decay
   Adjusts the decay rate of the pitch envelope for defining the drum curve
   
   
   
   
   
6. Activation
   Activates the waveshaper
   
   
7. Frequency
   Adjusts the low frequency EQ
   
   
8. Boost
   Boosts the EQ level
   
   
9. Distortion
   Adjusts the level of distortion applied to the drum
   
   
10. Cut
    Cutoff frequency of the post-distortion filter
    
    
    
    
    
11. Attack
    
    
12. Decay
    
    
13. Release
    
    

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Snare Drum

1. Waveform
   Selects the waveform of the drum: sine, triangle and even pulse for a more abrasive sound
   
   
2. Pitch
   Overall pitch of the tone oscillator
   
   
3. Pitch Envelope
   Adjusts the pitch envelope level; higher levels produce a more defined drum
   
   
4. Pitch Decay
   Adjusts the decay rate of the pitch envelope for defining the drum curve
   
   
5. Rattle
   Produces a rattling effect by sending the noise's output through the tone oscillator
   
   
6. Tone/Noise Mixer
   Crossfades between the tone and noise oscillators
   
   
7. Noise Color
   Chooses the noise color:
   White for a light, airy noise
   Pink for a darker, heavy noise
   
   
8. Filter Type
   Chooses the filter type: LP, HP, BP1, BP2, BR
   
   
9. Frequency
   Cutoff frequency
   
   
10. Resonance
    Filter resonance
    
    
11. Filter Envelope Level
    Adjusts the filter's envelope level
    
    
12. Filter Decay
    Adjusts the decay rate of the filter's cutoff frequency
    
    
13. Attack
    
    
14. Decay
    
    
15. Release
    
    

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HiHat

1. Pitch
   Adjusts the pitch of the pulse tone
   
   
2. FM Level
   Adjusts the FM level of the pulse tone
   
   
3. D-Tune
   Detunes the FM oscillator
   
   
4. Pulse Width
   Adjusts the width of the pulse tone for a more spread out sound
   
   
5. Tone/Noise Mixer
   Crossfades between the tone and noise oscillators
   
   
6. Noise Color
   Chooses the noise color:
   White for a light, airy noise
   Pink for a darker, heavy noise
   
   
7. Filter Type
   Chooses the filter type: LP, HP, BP1, BP2, BR
   
   
8. Filter Routing
   Routes the filter to affect the noise only, or both tone and noise
   
   
9. Frequency
   Cutoff frequency of the noise filter
   
   
10. Resonance
    Filter resonance
    
    
11. Attack
    
    
12. Decay
    
    
13. Release
    
    

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Percussion Drum

1. Texture
   Selects whether the drum has a 'wood' or 'metal' type sound
   
   
2. Pitch
   Overall pitch of the oscillator tone
   
   
3. Height
   Defines the curve of the drum
   
   
4. Hit
   Level of the initial hit
   
   
5. Noise
   Lets in a subtle noise for adding air to the drum
   
   
6. Dim
   Dims the cutoff frequency of the noise
   
   
   
   
7. FM
   Frequency Modulation: Inputs a 2nd oscillator for modulating the carrier tone
   
   
8. PM
   Pitch Modulation: Routes the modulation oscillator into the carrier's pitch
   
   
9. SM
   Sync Modulation: Sync modulation of the modulator and carrier producing a gritty effect
   
   
10. Rate
    Adjusts the overall rate of the modulation oscillator
    
    
11. Sub
    Adjusts the sub-rate of the modulation oscillator; good for producing phone ring type sounds and FX
    
    
12. Dull
    Dulls the modulation; good for reducing the definition of modulation
    
    
13. Depth
    Overall modulation depth; adjusts the overall level of modulation
    
    
    
    
    
14. Attack
    
    
15. Decay
    
    
16. Release
    
    

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Bass Synth

1. Oscillator 1 Waveform
   
   
2. Oscillator 2 Waveform
   
   
3. Oscillator 3 Waveform
   
   
4. Phaz Level
   Adjusts the level of phase distortion of oscillators 1 & 2
   
   
5. Tune
   Fine-tunes oscillator 3
   
   
6. Osc Mix
   Mixes between osc 1/2 and osc 3
   
   
7. Sync
   Syncs the pitch of osc 1/2 with osc 3
   
   
8. LFO
   Allows the LFO to affect the pitch of osc 3, this is usefull for modulating while in sync mode, which can produce interesting results
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Cutoff Frequency
   Adjusts the filter's cutoff frequency
   
   
10. Resonance
    Adjusts the filter's resonance
    
    
11. Filter Type
    Chooses the filter type: LP, HP, BP1, BP2, BR
    
    
12. Gain Compensation
    Switch this on to compress the filter output; usefull for taming extreme resonance
    
    
13. Filter Envelope Level
    Adjusts the filter's envelope level
    
    
14. Filter Velocity
    Adjusts the velocity of the filter envelope
    
    
15. Filter Attack
    
    
16. Filter Decay
    
    
17. Filter Sustain
    
    
18. Filter Release
    
    
    The bass synth has it's own arpeggiator whic hcan be used with the sequencer for creating gated rhythmic arps.
    
    
19. Arp Type
    Selects the type of arpeggio
    
    
20. Arp Octave
    Chooses the number of octaves traveled by the arp
    
    
21. Arp Beat
    Chooses the BPM-synced rate of the arpeggiator
    
    
22. Arp Portamento
    When activated, allows the arpeggiated notes to be susceptible to the portamento time
    
    
    
    
23. Amp Envelope
    The usual attack, decay, sustain and release controls
    
    
24. Amp Velocity
    Adjusts velocity of the amp envelope
    
    

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MIDI Controls



Other Controls:

Kick
Random Probability - 12
Seq Mixer - 75

Snare
Random Probability - 13
Seq Mixer - 76

Hihat
Random Probability - 14
Seq Mixer - 77

Perc
Random Probability - 15
Seq Mixer - 78

Bass
Random Probability - 16
Velo Seq Mod Level - 79
Filter Seq Mod Level - 80

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Credits



Many thanks to the following for providing the tools to aid in the creation of this VSTi:

Chris Kerry - mod osc / arp / midi / FX modules

David Haupt - filter / wavplayer / sub-control modules

Dan Worall - sequencer modules

Jeff McClintock - SynthEdit

Steinberg - VST Plugin Technology