Demos :
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Utility files :
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K-Plug's part 3 !
A K-Plug is basically an optimized program that allow you to make new sounds only with the PC3's controllers.
Those plug's are really simple to use, just adjust the controllers and make your sound, in exactly the same way you would do with a real synth.
Cobalt is a programmable virtual FM synthesizer based on 24 algorithms / 3 operators.
An algorithm is basically a structure with a defined signal path where you can adjust parameters.
If you want to change the structure, just select another algorithm.
The 24 algorithms are based on 5 main architectures :
- Cascade (alg 1 - 9)
- Merge (alg 10 - 15)
- Cascade + Merge (alg 16 - 18)
- Split (alg 19 - 20)
- Additive (alg 21 - 24)
Each architecture is divided into multiple algorithms, depending on the signal path and feedback / echo point. (more later)
In addition to this, you will have 2 selectable outputs (MIX or RINGMOD) and each algorithm comes in 2 versions :
'S' - stands for SINGLE version
'D' - stands for DUAL version, which double the algorithm and sligtly add some detuning and panning effects.
A K-Plug is basically an optimized program that allow you to make new sounds only with the PC3's controllers.
Those plug's are really simple to use, just adjust the controllers and make your sound, in exactly the same way you would do with a real synth.
Cobalt is a programmable virtual FM synthesizer based on 24 algorithms / 3 operators.
An algorithm is basically a structure with a defined signal path where you can adjust parameters.
If you want to change the structure, just select another algorithm.
The 24 algorithms are based on 5 main architectures :
- Cascade (alg 1 - 9)
- Merge (alg 10 - 15)
- Cascade + Merge (alg 16 - 18)
- Split (alg 19 - 20)
- Additive (alg 21 - 24)
Each architecture is divided into multiple algorithms, depending on the signal path and feedback / echo point. (more later)
In addition to this, you will have 2 selectable outputs (MIX or RINGMOD) and each algorithm comes in 2 versions :
'S' - stands for SINGLE version
'D' - stands for DUAL version, which double the algorithm and sligtly add some detuning and panning effects.
Example of a patch naming using algorithm 18 in single version :
Example of a patch naming using algorithm 2 in dual version :
Ok, now it's time to check those algorithms :
Feedback / Echo ?
Feedback :
Most of FM (if not all) synthesizers have a feedback parameter which routes the signal from an operator and sends it back to the input of the same operator. This loop is called a 'feedback'.
The result is a morphing waveform which goes from a pure sinewave to a sawtooth (more or less mellow).
But if you push the feedback too far, you will start to have some digital noise coming, making the sawtooth quite unusable. At full throttle, you have a great noise source !
Unfortunatly in the VAST synthesis you don't have access to this kind of construction so i had to use some tricks.
With the feedback, the best was to use a 'Shaped Sawtooth' 2 DSP block.
It morphes a sawtooth into a sine wave, so the idea was to use it the other way round.
The advantage is you can get a real pure sawtooth without any digital noise.
If you want some harsh digital noises, there are many other ways with Cobalt, believe me !
Echo :
In some classic FM synths, a few algorithms have a feedback using more than just one operator.
Once again, these structures are undoable directly with VAST, so i created a "kind of feedback loop", using several operators.
Because it's not a real feedback, i called it echo and it's much more closer to how it really works.
It works by making a 'pure copy' of an operators chain, putting this copy above the original chain, and putting an AMP block between the copy and the original. The AMP block controls the amount of 'echoing'....
It's very important to say that the pure copy is of course linked to the original parameters control wise !
If you change something in the original, the copy will have the same modifications.
The result is not so far to what you would get with a real feedback.....!
Reading / understanding the algorithms
Checking the signal path thru an algorithm may look difficult but it's a lot easier than it seems.
Let's take 2 examples :
Feedback :
Most of FM (if not all) synthesizers have a feedback parameter which routes the signal from an operator and sends it back to the input of the same operator. This loop is called a 'feedback'.
The result is a morphing waveform which goes from a pure sinewave to a sawtooth (more or less mellow).
But if you push the feedback too far, you will start to have some digital noise coming, making the sawtooth quite unusable. At full throttle, you have a great noise source !
Unfortunatly in the VAST synthesis you don't have access to this kind of construction so i had to use some tricks.
With the feedback, the best was to use a 'Shaped Sawtooth' 2 DSP block.
It morphes a sawtooth into a sine wave, so the idea was to use it the other way round.
The advantage is you can get a real pure sawtooth without any digital noise.
If you want some harsh digital noises, there are many other ways with Cobalt, believe me !
Echo :
In some classic FM synths, a few algorithms have a feedback using more than just one operator.
Once again, these structures are undoable directly with VAST, so i created a "kind of feedback loop", using several operators.
Because it's not a real feedback, i called it echo and it's much more closer to how it really works.
It works by making a 'pure copy' of an operators chain, putting this copy above the original chain, and putting an AMP block between the copy and the original. The AMP block controls the amount of 'echoing'....
It's very important to say that the pure copy is of course linked to the original parameters control wise !
If you change something in the original, the copy will have the same modifications.
The result is not so far to what you would get with a real feedback.....!
Reading / understanding the algorithms
Checking the signal path thru an algorithm may look difficult but it's a lot easier than it seems.
Let's take 2 examples :
Algorithm 4, with switch button ON (output in ring modulation)
With this structure, operator 2, which has a feedback option, modulates the operator 3 which modulates the master operator. The result is ring modulated with the output of the operator 2.
Algorithm 12, with switch button OFF (output in mix mode)
In this algorithm, the operator 2 has a feedback option.
It's output and the output of the operator 3 are merged and they modulate the master operator frequency.
Then, in the mix section, the output of the master operator is mixed with the output of the operator 3.
3 operators
In addition to the structure, to make noise you need some sound sources.
These sources are called operators in the FM world.
They are usually sine based (true, a few synths have other waveforms) and they interact with other operators by modulating their frequency, and you have access to the amount of modulation.
With these two parameters you really have a huge amount of sound mangling possibilities.
Cobalt gives you 3 operators, named M, 2 & 3
- Operator M is the master oscillator because it is usually located in the end of the path and gives you the frequency reference.
You can control it's frequency with fader A, you don't have acces to a dedicated volume control.
- Operators 2 and 3 have more parameters and you can set their frequencies and volumes.
Depending of the faders positions, you have acces to 2 kinds of volume control :
-Fixed, meaning the volume will stay at the value you set.
-Env, which means the volume will change timewise, accordingly to the settings of Attack and Decay values of the global ADSR.
Frequency control is done in semitones steps, with a huge range going from G-2 (6 Hz) to D#9 (9956 Hz)
With a value of 64, your operators have the reference frequency : C4 (262 Hz)
A PDF file is provided and gives you the value / note / frequency ratio.
Think twice (or more !)
Yes, if you read those lines you may think that 3 operators can sound too simple...
Ok, first let me say that with just those 3 little operators and 24 algorithms with selectable outputs you already have a huge amount of sound possibilities.
The FM world is a bit tricky and sometimes just by changing a setting you can go to a totally different sound texture.
Then, the overall idea behind the K-Plug's is to provide something fun to play with.
I wanted to have the control of frequency and amplitude of at least 2 operators and a 4 segments ADSR envelope. It's controllers consuming and i ran out of controllers quickly so i think making a controlable fm synth with 3 operators is the good compromise between complexity and fun....
And think twice because the kurzweil has a setup mode, and you can easily stack different algorithms and make a very complex structure. By doing this, you are just adding operators ! Now you have access to 3, 6, 9 or more operators....! Check the setups demos, the setups are built using 2 programs in stack mode, basically giving you a 6 operators architecture.
And yes, you can edit the sounds in setup mode, one by one or both at the same time.....!
Let's check something with the setup mode.
Here is a comparison between some DX7 algorithms and how to recreate them with Cobalt.
Please note i'm not saying Cobalt can do anything a DX7 can do but there can be some overlaping.
And Cobalt has a much more simpler approach.....
As stated above, there is a classic ADSR envelope which controls the overall amplitude of the sound.
Each segment of this envelope can be easily controled with faders F, G, H, I
Another control is the switch button which gives you access to 2 kinds of algorithm outputs.
If the switch is ON, the output is sent thru a RING MODULATOR, if it's OFF you have a classic MIX output.
Hidden control :
The feedback / echo setting is located in the controllers page.
The breath controller is used to control this parameter.
Each segment of this envelope can be easily controled with faders F, G, H, I
Another control is the switch button which gives you access to 2 kinds of algorithm outputs.
If the switch is ON, the output is sent thru a RING MODULATOR, if it's OFF you have a classic MIX output.
Hidden control :
The feedback / echo setting is located in the controllers page.
The breath controller is used to control this parameter.
Cobalt PC3 / PC3K control panel :
Cobalt PC3 / PC3K controllers page :
This page allows you to make some fine adjustments or check the sounds you're editing.
Kurzweil have put a great feature by allowing us to save 'on the fly' faders' positions so you can make your sounds by adjusting the controllers, hit the 'SETCTL' button and save your sound.
This is how the K-Plug's work.
I found very easy to program Cobalt by using the faders for ADSR adjust and use the controllers page for precise programming but remember to hit the 'SETCTL' button to update values....
Effects and other settings :
I used every controllers i had so there is nothing left to have direct control of the effects section or other goodies like the mono / poly function....
Basically Cobalt gives you the opportunity to create the basic settings of your sound but you can make any other adjustments to this sound by going a bit further into programming without going really into VAST.
You can adjust the effects section by going to the effects page and put any processing you want.
This is how the presets were made...
Let's have a look to this page :
Kurzweil have put a great feature by allowing us to save 'on the fly' faders' positions so you can make your sounds by adjusting the controllers, hit the 'SETCTL' button and save your sound.
This is how the K-Plug's work.
I found very easy to program Cobalt by using the faders for ADSR adjust and use the controllers page for precise programming but remember to hit the 'SETCTL' button to update values....
Effects and other settings :
I used every controllers i had so there is nothing left to have direct control of the effects section or other goodies like the mono / poly function....
Basically Cobalt gives you the opportunity to create the basic settings of your sound but you can make any other adjustments to this sound by going a bit further into programming without going really into VAST.
You can adjust the effects section by going to the effects page and put any processing you want.
This is how the presets were made...
Let's have a look to this page :
And if you want to make some modifications on the mono / poly response, other keyboard settings or patch level adjust, then you will have to go to this page :
Ok, now i think you have a complete idea of what it is all about.
The idea of making a FM Plug for the PC3 serie came in the beginning of this year, and the original version of Cobalt was a 5 algorithms synthesizer but i found it was a bit too simple so i let it grow and i worked on other projects.
I can't tell you exactly what kind of sound can/can't be done with Cobalt.
Of course it's good at making bells, metallic or harsh digital sounds, but in the process of testing and making the presets i found it can make some warm and organic sounds, something you won't expect from a FM synth.
One word : explore !
Troubleshootings :
Aliasing :
I didn't put any limitations of the faders course, operators max frequency or modulation ratio.
If you push Cobalt too far you may have overdrive, aliasing or other digital noise.
This is.......a "normal" behaviour !
I think you can have have some interesting results in pushing those DSP's to their limits.
No sound at all :
In some case, more particulary with the ringmod option ON, you may have no sound.
This is a normal behaviour too.
A ring modulator needs 2 sources to work but if you lower the amplitude of one source, you lower the amplitude of the ring modulator output too.
To avoid this, check the amplitude controls of the 2 ringmod sources.
Thanks a lot for coming here and reading !
Once again, if you like this product, spread the word, not the file.........!!!
All sounds programmed by Stephane 'Barb' Garganigo
The idea of making a FM Plug for the PC3 serie came in the beginning of this year, and the original version of Cobalt was a 5 algorithms synthesizer but i found it was a bit too simple so i let it grow and i worked on other projects.
I can't tell you exactly what kind of sound can/can't be done with Cobalt.
Of course it's good at making bells, metallic or harsh digital sounds, but in the process of testing and making the presets i found it can make some warm and organic sounds, something you won't expect from a FM synth.
One word : explore !
Troubleshootings :
Aliasing :
I didn't put any limitations of the faders course, operators max frequency or modulation ratio.
If you push Cobalt too far you may have overdrive, aliasing or other digital noise.
This is.......a "normal" behaviour !
I think you can have have some interesting results in pushing those DSP's to their limits.
No sound at all :
In some case, more particulary with the ringmod option ON, you may have no sound.
This is a normal behaviour too.
A ring modulator needs 2 sources to work but if you lower the amplitude of one source, you lower the amplitude of the ring modulator output too.
To avoid this, check the amplitude controls of the 2 ringmod sources.
Thanks a lot for coming here and reading !
Once again, if you like this product, spread the word, not the file.........!!!
All sounds programmed by Stephane 'Barb' Garganigo
