MANUALZIEN.

DOC

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Zyklus Improvisor
Manual
(version 0.5d)
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1.

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.
W HAT IS ZYKLUS IMPROVISOR ? ................................................................................................................................. 6
1.1.1. Live Compositional process ..................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.2. Real time recording and playing.............................................................................................................................. 6
1.1.3. Scene and song......................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.4. Auto arrangement features ...................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2.
PROGRAM INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.2.1. Installation ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2.2. Running the program ............................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2.3. Main Screen overview.............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.3.
FIRSTS AND UNAVOIDABLE STEPS BEFORE USING THE PROGRAM .................................................................................. 7

2.

MIDI PORTS CONFIGURATION................................................................................................................................... 8

2.1.
MENU MIDI SETUP....................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.1. Ports type Input........................................................................................................................................................ 8
2.1.2. Ports type Output ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.
MENU PORTS SECTION: MIDI IN ................................................................................................................................. 8
2.2.1. Section: "Live Input Port"........................................................................................................................................ 8
2.2.2. Section: "Real Time Control Input Port" ............................................................................................................... 10
2.3.
MENU PORTS SECTION: MIDI OUT............................................................................................................................. 11
2.4.
MENU PORTS SECTION: MIDI THRU .......................................................................................................................... 12
2.5.
STORING ZI MIDI CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................................ 12
2.6.
USING ZYKLUS IMPROVISOR IN A DAW ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................. 12

3.

MENU: DEVICES ............................................................................................................................................................ 12

3.1.
LOADING A DEVICES CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................................................ 13
3.2.
STORING A DEVICES CONFIGURATION ......................................................................................................................... 13
3.3.
DEVICES CONFIGURATION EDITION............................................................................................................................. 13
3.3.1. Section: Devices..................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.3.2. Section: Edit Devices............................................................................................................................................. 13

4.

MENU: SCENES/ HARMONIZER ................................................................................................................................ 14

4.1.
SECTION: SONG/SCENES ............................................................................................................................................. 14
4.1.1. Loading a song ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.1.2. Storing a song ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
4.1.3. Scenes .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.1.4. Settings stored/restored by a scene....................................................................................................................... 15
4.2.
SECTION: STEP/RECORDING........................................................................................................................................ 16
4.2.1. STEP On/Off .......................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2.2. Inserting a rest ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2.3. Next note position .................................................................................................................................................. 16
4.2.4. Note duration ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.3.
SECTION: ARPEGGIATOR ............................................................................................................................................. 16
4.3.1. On Screen Keyboard Velocity ................................................................................................................................ 17
4.3.2. Live Insert On/Off .................................................................................................................................................. 17
4.3.3. Live Insert: Minimum Distance (between 2 successives notes).............................................................................. 17
4.3.4. Live Insert: Insert Every...Played notes ................................................................................................................. 17
4.3.5. Minimum Voices For New Arpege ......................................................................................................................... 17
4.4.
SECTION: HARMONIZER .............................................................................................................................................. 17

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4.4.1. HRM....................................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.4.2. Natural, Harmonic, Melodic.................................................................................................................................. 18
4.4.3. OFF REC ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.4.4. Higgest Root Note.................................................................................................................................................. 19
4.4.5. Minimum Chord Voices Detection ......................................................................................................................... 19
4.5.
SECTION: XPOSER ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
4.5.1. Transposition method ............................................................................................................................................ 20
5.

MENU: ARP EDITOR ..................................................................................................................................................... 20

5.1.
5.2.

6.

SECTION: ARP SELECT ............................................................................................................................................... 20

SECTION: STEPS ......................................................................................................................................................... 20

MENU: LAYER EDITOR ............................................................................................................................................... 21

6.1.
SECTION: LAYER......................................................................................................................................................... 21
6.2.
SECTION: EDITOR........................................................................................................................................................ 22
6.2.1. Follow Layer, Seq number..................................................................................................................................... 22
6.2.2. Events list............................................................................................................................................................... 22
6.2.3. Event Edition ......................................................................................................................................................... 23

7.

MENU: METRONOME................................................................................................................................................... 23
7.1.
7.2.
7.3.

8.

OUTPUT PORT, CHANNEL............................................................................................................................................ 23

MODE.......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
SOUNDS ON BEATS ...................................................................................................................................................... 24

MENU: SYNC ................................................................................................................................................................... 24

8.1.
8.2.
8.3.

9.

INPUT PORT................................................................................................................................................................. 24
MODE.......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
ENABLING EXTERNAL TEMPO SYNCHRONISATION DISPLAYING. .................................................................................. 25

MENU: CHORD SENSITIVITY..................................................................................................................................... 25

9.1.
9.2.

10.

CHORD SENSITIVITY SETTINGS .................................................................................................................................... 25

CHORD INPUT LATENCE TIME ...................................................................................................................................... 25
MENU: OPTIONS........................................................................................................................................................ 26

10.1. SECTION: GENERAL .................................................................................................................................................... 26

10.2. SECTION: SCENE ......................................................................................................................................................... 26
10.2.1.
Change ends recording...................................................................................................................................... 26
10.2.2.
Change excludes Thru ....................................................................................................................................... 26
10.2.3.
Recall by program change................................................................................................................................. 26
10.2.4.
Change allows Program Changes for slots ....................................................................................................... 26
10.3. SECTION: THRU .......................................................................................................................................................... 26
10.4. SECTION: RECORD ...................................................................................................................................................... 27
10.4.1.
Sustain Ends Record.......................................................................................................................................... 27
10.4.2.
Force restart slot on layer record ..................................................................................................................... 27
11.

MENU: KEY COMMAND.......................................................................................................................................... 27

12.

TABS SLOTS SELECTION........................................................................................................................................ 27

13.

TAB SLOT: PERFORMANCE................................................................................................................................... 28

13.1. SECTION: OUTPUT INSTRUMENTS: DEVICE, BANK, PROGRAM ..................................................................................... 28

13.1.1.
Random program changes................................................................................................................................. 28
13.1.2.
Bank and Program changes .............................................................................................................................. 28
13.2. SECTION: LOOP MODE ................................................................................................................................................ 29
13.2.1.
Loop................................................................................................................................................................... 29
13.2.2.
Retrigger............................................................................................................................................................ 29
13.2.3.
One Shot ............................................................................................................................................................ 29
13.2.4.
Quantization ...................................................................................................................................................... 29
13.2.5.
Relative Tempo .................................................................................................................................................. 29
13.2.6.
Beats Loop......................................................................................................................................................... 30
13.3. SECTION: TRANSPOSE/HARMONISATION ..................................................................................................................... 30
13.3.1.
Slot transpositions ............................................................................................................................................. 30

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13.3.2.
Externals Harmonization/transposition............................................................................................................. 30
13.3.3.
Slot lights LED .................................................................................................................................................. 31
13.4. SECTION LAYERS ........................................................................................................................................................ 31
13.4.1.
Empty Sequence................................................................................................................................................. 31
13.4.2.
Sequence with notes........................................................................................................................................... 31
13.4.3.
Sequence in record ............................................................................................................................................ 32
13.5. SECTION: START/STOP/RECORD .................................................................................................................................. 32
13.5.1.
Mute Volume...................................................................................................................................................... 32
13.5.2.
Solo Volume....................................................................................................................................................... 32
13.5.3.
Start/Stop ........................................................................................................................................................... 33
13.5.4.
Rec (On/Off) ...................................................................................................................................................... 33
13.5.5.
Slot Volume........................................................................................................................................................ 33
13.6. SECTION: THRU .......................................................................................................................................................... 33
13.6.1.
Thru On/Off ....................................................................................................................................................... 34
13.6.2.
Arpeggiator On/Off ........................................................................................................................................... 34
13.6.3.
Arpeggiator Lock Input On/Off ......................................................................................................................... 34
13.6.4.
Slot Name .......................................................................................................................................................... 34
14.

TAB SLOT: SETTINGS .............................................................................................................................................. 34

14.1. SECTION: OUTPUT....................................................................................................................................................... 34

14.1.1.
Output port ........................................................................................................................................................ 35
14.1.2.
Steps On/Off ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
14.2. SECTION: SCALE ......................................................................................................................................................... 35
14.2.1.
Scale .................................................................................................................................................................. 36
14.2.2.
Layer Switch Mode ............................................................................................................................................ 36
14.3. SECTION: DYNAMICS .................................................................................................................................................. 36
14.4. SECTION: ZONE AND MIDI FILTERS ............................................................................................................................ 36
14.4.1.
Zone................................................................................................................................................................... 37
14.4.2.
MIDI Filters....................................................................................................................................................... 37
14.4.3.
Others Buttons ................................................................................................................................................... 37
14.5. SECTION: SLIDERS ...................................................................................................................................................... 38
14.5.1.
Sending ZI MIDI configuration ......................................................................................................................... 38
15.

TAB SLOT: LAYERS.................................................................................................................................................. 38

15.1. SECTION: KEYBOARD TRIGGERING ............................................................................................................................. 38

15.1.1.
Retrigger On/Off: .............................................................................................................................................. 39
15.2. SECTION: TRANSPOSITION SOURCES ........................................................................................................................... 39
15.2.1.
Mono/multiple transposition of sequences with Live keyboard: LIVE On/Off .................................................. 39
15.2.2.
Source of transposition: LAYER 1, MT LAYER 1.............................................................................................. 39
15.3. SECTION: VELOCITY ................................................................................................................................................... 39
15.3.1.
Offset (-50 +50).............................................................................................................................................. 40
15.3.2.
Rnd Deviation (0 50) ...................................................................................................................................... 40
15.4. SECTION: PROBABILITY .............................................................................................................................................. 40
15.5. SCALE RANGE ............................................................................................................................................................. 40
15.6. ASSIGN SEQUENCE ...................................................................................................................................................... 41
16.

TAB SLOT: ARPEGGIATOR .................................................................................................................................... 41

16.1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 41

16.1.1.
Triggering arpeggio .......................................................................................................................................... 42
16.2. HOLD, KEYSYNC, ONESHOT ............................................................................................................................... 42
16.2.1.
HOLD ................................................................................................................................................................ 42
16.2.2.
KEYSYNC .......................................................................................................................................................... 42
16.2.3.
ONESHOT ......................................................................................................................................................... 42
16.3. VELOCITY SETTINGS ................................................................................................................................................... 43
16.3.1.
Velocity: On/Off, Fixed .................................................................................................................................... 43
16.3.2.
Fixed velocity Accent Value .............................................................................................................................. 43
16.4. SORT ORDER , NUMBER OF STEPS ............................................................................................................................... 43
16.4.1.
Number of Steps................................................................................................................................................. 43
16.4.2.
Sort Order.......................................................................................................................................................... 43
16.5. RATE, RATE MULTIPLY .............................................................................................................................................. 44
16.5.1.
Rate: Period between pulse ............................................................................................................................... 44
16.5.2.
Rate Multiply ..................................................................................................................................................... 44
16.6. REPEAT MODE, NOTE LENGTH .................................................................................................................................... 44

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16.6.1.
Notes duration ................................................................................................................................................... 44
16.6.2.
Repeat Mode...................................................................................................................................................... 45
16.6.3.
Pong, Up/Down ................................................................................................................................................. 45
16.6.4.
Ping, Up/Down .................................................................................................................................................. 45
16.6.5.
Wrap, Up/Down................................................................................................................................................. 45
16.6.6.
Wrap+, Up/Down .............................................................................................................................................. 46
16.6.7.
Wrap-, Up/Down ............................................................................................................................................... 46
16.6.8.
First, Up/Down.................................................................................................................................................. 46
16.6.9.
Last, Up/Down................................................................................................................................................... 46
16.6.10. Random.............................................................................................................................................................. 47
16.6.11. Pause, Up/Down................................................................................................................................................ 47
16.7. TRANSPOSITION .......................................................................................................................................................... 47
17.

MASTER TRANSPORT BAR .................................................................................................................................... 47

17.1. SECTION: GLOBAL TABS SLOT SELECTION ................................................................................................................... 47

17.2. SECTION: CLEAR SEQUENCES...................................................................................................................................... 48
17.3. SECTION: GLOBAL QUANTISATION ............................................................................................................................. 48
17.3.1.
Quantize Trigger On Musical Time Frame ....................................................................................................... 48
17.3.2.
LED At Quantised Time Frame ......................................................................................................................... 49
17.3.3.
LED Pending quantized events.......................................................................................................................... 49
17.3.4.
Global Quantize ................................................................................................................................................ 49
17.3.5.
Global Beat Loop .............................................................................................................................................. 49
17.3.6.
Time Signature .................................................................................................................................................. 49
17.3.7.
Master Tempo.................................................................................................................................................... 49
17.4. SECTION: GLOBAL START/STOPRECORD DES SLOTS SELECTIONNES ........................................................................... 49
17.4.1.
Global Thru ....................................................................................................................................................... 49
17.4.2.
Thru Memory ..................................................................................................................................................... 49
17.4.3.
Global InPut Harmonizer On/Off...................................................................................................................... 50
17.4.4.
Global InPut Transpose .................................................................................................................................... 50
17.4.5.
Global InPut Arpeggiator.................................................................................................................................. 50
17.4.6.
Global Start/Stop ............................................................................................................................................... 50
17.4.7.
Global Record ................................................................................................................................................... 50
17.4.8.
Overdub ............................................................................................................................................................. 50
17.4.9.
Sequence On Sequence ...................................................................................................................................... 50
17.5. SECTION: GLOBAL START/STOP/MUTE/SOLO ON ALL SLOTS....................................................................................... 50
17.5.1.
Momentary......................................................................................................................................................... 50
17.5.2.
Mute All Sequences............................................................................................................................................ 51
17.5.3.
Solo.................................................................................................................................................................... 51
17.5.4.
Restart Sequences.............................................................................................................................................. 51
17.5.5.
Start All Slots..................................................................................................................................................... 51
17.5.6.
Stop All Slots ..................................................................................................................................................... 51
17.6. SECTION:METRONOME/SYNCHRO ............................................................................................................................... 51
17.6.1.
METRO.............................................................................................................................................................. 51
17.6.2.
Sync Int/ext ........................................................................................................................................................ 51
17.6.3.
RND PC............................................................................................................................................................. 51
17.6.4.
Panic.................................................................................................................................................................. 51
18.
18.1.
18.2.
18.3.
18.4.
18.5.
18.6.
18.7.
19.

DISPLAY BAR ............................................................................................................................................................. 52

SECTION:MIDI IN ........................................................................................................................................................ 52
SECTION: POSITION POINTER....................................................................................................................................... 52
SECTION:CHORD , XPOS DISPLAY................................................................................................................................ 52
INFORMATIONS WINDOW ............................................................................................................................................ 52
OVERVIEW CURRENT BEATS SLOTS ............................................................................................................................ 53
ZOOM IN/OUT ............................................................................................................................................................. 53
TITLE .......................................................................................................................................................................... 53
APPENDICES............................................................................................................................................................... 53

19.1. HOW WORKS THE HARMONIZER .................................................................................................................................. 53

19.1.1.
Sequence transposition versus root chord......................................................................................................... 54
19.1.2.
Sequence harmonization versus chord type....................................................................................................... 54
19.2. FOLLOW ROOT PARAMETER BEHAVIOR. ...................................................................................................................... 54
19.2.1.
Sequence forced in same range ......................................................................................................................... 54
19.2.2.
Higgest root chord control ................................................................................................................................ 54

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19.3.
19.4.
20.

TRIGGERING MONO/MULTIPLE TRANSPOSITION OF SEQUENCES WITH LIVE KEYBOARD .............................................. 54

HOW WORKS DYNAMICS............................................................................................................................................. 54
SUGGESTIONS............................................................................................................................................................ 54

20.1. LOADING A DEVICES CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................................................ 54

20.2. SCENES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 55
20.3. ARPEGGIATION ........................................................................................................................................................... 55
20.3.1.
Live arpeggiation .............................................................................................................................................. 55
20.3.2.
Triggering.......................................................................................................................................................... 55
20.4. ARPEGGIATOR EDITOR ................................................................................................................................................ 55
20.4.1.
Arp Select .......................................................................................................................................................... 55
20.4.2.
Tie...................................................................................................................................................................... 55
20.5. TAB SLOT SELECTION .................................................................................................................................................. 55
20.6. TAB SLOT: SETTINGS .................................................................................................................................................. 55
20.6.1.
Section: Zone and MIDI filters .......................................................................................................................... 55
20.7. TAB SLOT: LAYERS ..................................................................................................................................................... 56
20.7.1.
Chord Thin ........................................................................................................................................................ 56
20.8. MASTER TRANSPORT BAR .......................................................................................................................................... 56
20.9. ZOOM IN/OUT ............................................................................................................................................................. 56

Translator: Ceresa31, zyklusimprovisor group member at zyklusimprovisor@yahoogroups.com

This manual is the result of many essays with Zyklus Improvisor developped by B.Keizer. This manual
have not be written by the author software who is not responsible of any translation errors but only
responsible of this very interesting tool !. Tanks you very much Mister B.Keizer.
Now very few functions specified in red color are not yet documented. Theses functions need
explanations.
If you want, you may forward informations, remarks and mistakes to the email adress above. The
returned informations and corrections will be usefully integrated in others manuals. Of course, the result
will be transmitted to the author software with his acceptance.
Jean-jacques Ceresa.

History:
August 2013: First upload.
18 /08/ 2013: Completed with informations coming from B.Keizer. Thanks to him.

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1. Introduction
______________________________________________________________
1.1.

What is Zyklus Improvisor ?

Zyklus Improvisor is an 8 track midi recording sequencer (see 1.1.2) with some unique and very
flexible auto arrangement features (1.1.4). Its designed from the ground up for improvising musicians,
and intelligently aids you in your Live Compositional process (see 1.1.1).

1.1.1.

Live Compositional process

Its easier than you think to compose songs by recording and layering sequences. Check out
our online tutorials to see just how easy. Sequences can be looped instantly, one on top of another, and
then all tracks can be harmonically modified in real time (1.1.4). The music need never stop.

1.1.2.

Real time recording and playing

Each track has slots for up to 4 sequences each, which once recorded, can be played back
simultaneously. Multiply these by eight tracks, and you have the potential for a total of 32 sequences all
going at the same time, synchronized the way you hear them in your head.

1.1.3.

Scene and song

A scene represents which sequence is playing on each synthesizer, how it is being played and so on.
This provides incredible flexibility in being able to build up and improvise within a song, varying its
elements in ways that would be difficult to achieve using conventional sequencers.
Scenes can be stored in one of the 16 memory locations, and all 16 scenes plus additional settings can
be saved into a Song. Songs can be saved to disk for later recall.

1.1.4.

Auto arrangement features

Improvisor has a unique feature: the possibility of changing your sequences (while you play) to other key
scales with the use of chord recognition. The appendices gives details about the auto arrangement
features (see 19.1).

1.2.
1.2.1.

Program installation
Installation

Installation is straightforward.
Unzip the ImproXXX.zip (XXX is version number) to your location of choice.
Leave the folder structure intact. No additional files are installed and no changes are made in your
Windows registry!

1.2.2.

Running the program

Double-click ImprovisorXXX.exe (XXX is the version number) to launch the program. There
are 2 windows opened:
Zyklus Improvisors main screen (see 1.2.3) and a
Max Runtime window. The Max Runtime window gives additional useful information, but isnt
necessary to run Zyklus Improvisor.

1.2.3.

Main Screen overview

MANUALZIEN.DOC

A quick overview of main window:

Display Bar
The display bar is only for displaying this kinds of events like (coming in notes, Bar and Beat numbers,
chord,) (see 18 for details)
Right pannels
Right pannels are global menus for necessary settings by advance. Apart the scenes pannels, others
pannels are used before any live performances and never during a live session as the musician need not
to be disturbed by this menus. For example, Ports MIDI In, Port MIDI Out menus are unavoidabble
menus for settings by advance(see 1.3).
Graphics On screen keyboards
On screen keyboards are duplicates of externals keyboards. Theses are for 3 mains functions:
Arpeggio input (see 4.3), chord input (see 4.4) and transpose (see 4.5) keyboards. Of course, you may
need of a Live external input keyboard for melody wich does not exist on the screen. For example, on
screen keyboards are useful to learn Zyklus Improvisor (called ZI).
Slots pannels
Slot pannels are used during a live session. There are 8 slots. Slots receives input from keyboards and
transmit notes on output to synthesizers. See 13, 14, 15, 16 for details.
Transport Bar
It is aglobal (Master) transport bar to control start/stop/record on all slots at the same time. This bar is
useful during a live session. See 17.

1.3.

Firsts and unavoidable steps before using the program

Before using Zyklus Improvisor, (called ZI) you need to choose MIDI Input/output ports used by ZI.
User must use MIDI Ports configuration menu (see 2), particularly following chapters:
"MIDI Setup" menu(see 2.1).
"Ports MIDI In" menu (see 2.2).
- "Live Input Port" section(see 2.2.1).
- "Real Time Control Input Port" section.(see 2.2.2).
"MIDI Out" Section (see 2.3).

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"MIDI Thru" section (see 2.4).

ZI MIDI configuration storing (see 2.5).

2. Midi Ports configuration

______________________________________________________________
Before using Zyklus Improvisor (ZI) you need to choose MIDI Input/output ports used by ZI.

2.1.

2.1.1.

Menu MIDI Setup

Ports type Input

Ports selected in MIDI In section (see 2.2) of Menu Ports, need also to be enabled in window MIDI
Setup (type input) (Menu File- MIDI Setup) otherwise ZI will never receive MIDI messages !.

2.1.2.

Ports type Output

Ports selected in MIDI Out section (see 2.3) of Menu Ports need also to be enabled in window MIDI
Setup (type output) (Menu File- MIDI Setup), otherwise MIDI messages produced by slots (1 8) (using
theses ports ), will never be transmitted outside !.
Nota:All settings changes done with MIDI Setup menu will be in effect only after the next run of ZI. So
you need to Exit ZI and execute it again.

2.2.

Menu Ports Section: MIDI In

This section define MIDI Input ports associated with ZI inputs.

Important: See also 2.1.1.

2.2.1.

Section: "Live Input Port"

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Rec/Thru: These input has two function:

MIDI Input Port , Channel for live playing (called Thru input) and
recording on "Slots".
MIDI messages coming from this source are send to Thru and Record input of all slots.
Link:
The Link Channel was a request from some users. Normally the input record channel is fixed ie. your
keyboard sends on channel 1 and ZI only listens to rec/thru channel 1. If those two are not the same, no
recording or thru is possible.
However, if Link is activated the input record/thru channel will be the same as the slots output channel,
overiding the fixed input setting.
Example : Link is activated, the user records something on slot 2, which has an output of port X on
channel Y. The rec/thru channel is temporarely set to Y behind the scenes. When recording is done, the
rec/thru channel is set back to its fixed value. Link Channel is therefore a dynamic input channel setting,
following the current recording slot and depends if Global Record AND Link are activated.
Rule: The keyboard must be set to transmit on the same channel expected by ZI. This channel is the
Output channel of the slot when LINK is On and slot in Recording mode, otherwise it is the Rec/Thru
channel.

Reason of Link : some users have demanding midi setups and changing midi channels is sometimes the
only way to get by some limitations of their setup. So during a recording, It is possible, to accept input
messages with any MIDI channel without the need to change MIDI channel settings on any keyboards.
Harmonizer: MIDI Input Port, Channel for chord detection . This input is connected to an external
Keyboard used to enter chord.
When 2 keyboards are available , you can connect one keyboard to the Midi Port selected in
Rec/Thru and the second keyboard connected to the port selected in Harmonizer.
When only one keyboard is available, you can choose the same MIDI port in Harmonizer and
Rec/Thru and split the keyboard as show in Zone Low,Zone High and Trp.
XPoser: MIDI Input Port , Channel for ZI transposition. These input is connected to an external keyboard
used to enter the transposition value.
Arpeggiator: MIDI Input Port , Channel for the arpeggiator. This input is connected to an external
keyboard used to enter notes to the arpeggiator.
Zone Low, Zone High
Key ranges (Low,High) for Rec/Thru, Harmonizer et Arpeggiator inputs.
When only one keyboard is used, it can be splitted in 3 zones.
Note:Zones limits are ignored for Xposer and Arpegiator ports. So notes on full range keyboard
are entered.
Example: split on a 88-note keyboard: lower part to harmonizer, upper part to rec/thru.
Split point is middle C, is C3 (midi note number 60).

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Harmonizer, zone from C-2 to B2.

Rec/thru, zone from C3 to G8.

Note See also Trp.

Trp
This Transposition is applied to note coming froms Rec/Thru, Harmonizer and Arpeggiator ports.
When only one keyboard is available and splitted in 3 zones, each zone have its own transposition used
(for example) to shift all zones in the same musical range.
Example:
Important, since the harmonizer is more or less, depending on the key scale, designed to work around
the middle C (note 60), when using a split as above and the center key of the harmonizer is C1, there
must be a transpose applied of +24 to get the harmonizer center key back to C3. The Trp value of the
harmonizer is set to +24. So a chord played on key C1,E1,G1 wil be received has a (C3,E3,G3) chord .

2.2.2.

Section: "Real Time Control Input Port"

This section define MIDI Input port to control internal ZI functions.

Important: See also 2.1.1.

Remote In
The purpose of this port is for using with a Korg NanoKontrol. Use the table below to see what the
function of each control is.
Theses controlors send MIDI Ctrl Change messages.
Korg NanaKontrol
Faders

CC type
Cont.

ZI Fonction
Slot Volume
(see 13.5.5)
Rotary pots
Cont.
Slot transpose
(see 13.3.1)
Uppers buttons
Mom.
slot Record On/Off)
(see 13.5.4 )
Uppers buttons
Toggle
Slot Thru (On/Off)
(see 13.6.1)
Play (see Note 1)
Toggle
Global Start/stop
(see 17.4.6)
Record (see Note 2) Toggle
Global Record
(see 17.4.7)
Forward (see Note 3) Mom.
Clear Current record
Rewind (see Note 4) Mom.
Restart
Loop (see Note 5)
Mom.
Select next layer
(In record mode)
Cont.: continuous
Mom.: momentatry

CC Num to slot Num Possible Values

2,3,4,5, 6,8,9,12
0 -127
1421 to slot 18
2330 to slot 18

16 to 64 (-48 to +0)
64 to 112 (0 to +48)
0 (Off), >0 (On)

3340 to slot 18

< 127 (Off), 127 (On)

45

0 (Stop), > 0 (Start)

44

0 (Stop), > 0 (Start)

48
47
49

127
127
127

Note1:
In addition to the function Play Start/Stop show in the table, this controler can do also an instrument
setting for the slots.

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

For each Ctrl Change with data between (0 to 7), a program Change message is sent to the MIDI port
and channel used by the slots (Out 1 Out 8) (see 2.3)
So, the same controler can do two operations.
example:
CC45 0
Stop Global and Program Change on output of slot 1 (Out 1).
CC45 1
Start Global and Program Change on output of slot 2 (Out 2).
..
CC45 7
Start Global and Program Change on output of slot 8 (Out 8).
Bank number and Program number used are thoses lastly selected on slot tab "performance" (see 13.1).
So it is easy to set the same Bank number and Programm number to more than one slot using the same
controler.
Note2:
In addition to Record global On/Off , this controler can do an instruments setting for slots. (see note 1).
Note 3:
Sending CC48 will clear the current *active* recording. Work like REC in transpore bar (see 17.2).
Note 4:
In addition to Restart , this controler can do an instruments setting for the slots. (see note 1).
Note 5:
Switching from a layer to the next arrives when the value is going toward positive value until maximum
value is reach(127).
In addition to Loop , this controler can do an instruments setting for the slots. (see note 1).
Devices
This port is used for remote controlling the Program setting each slot has. This Program setting is part
of the Devices feature that Improvisor has. When selecting a program in Improvisor the correct bank
and program change messages are send to the corresponding synthesizer. This can only work properly
if a device was defined in the first place in the Devices section. Instead of using the mouse for selecting
sounds you can also use a midi device like the Doepfer Pocket Dial. The Pocket Dial has 16 endless
rotary encoders. The trick when using endless encoder is youre not bound to a maximum of 128 values.
Using the endless encoders you can scroll to all your (hundreds or thousands of) sounds with automatic
bank switching when the end of a bank is reached. Note: in this particular case the Pocket
Dial doesnt send values between 0-127, instead it simply sends a cc96 message when turning
clockwise and a cc97 message when turning anticlockwise. The value of that message corresponds with
the slot number.
When receving theses messages, ZI behavior is the same as using Bank et Program buttons on slots
(see 13.1.2).
For example: CC MIDI messages are interpreted by ZI as following:
CC 96, data 2: one program up on slot 3.
CC 97, data 3: one program down on slot 4.
Scenes
This port is used to receive program change MIDI messages used by ZI to change scenes.
ZI need to be enabled by the option Scenes - Recall by program change (see Options menu 10.2.3).
Example: following messages are interpreted by ZI
Programme Change,
data 1: Change to scene 2.
Programme Change,
data 0: Change to scene 1.

2.3.

Menu Ports Section: MIDI Out

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

This section define MIDI Output Ports and Channels for each slot output (Out 1 to Out 8).
All the MIDI messages produced by slot and thoses coming from Thru input (if On) are sent to the
synthesizer connected to this port.
important: See also 2.1.2.

2.4.

Menu Ports Section: MIDI Thru

This setting allows to forward MIDI messages coming from Port In port to Port Out port.
This setting is independent of forwarding done by slot Thru input (when set On) (see 13.6.1).
Port In: MIDI in name device.
Port Out: MIDI out name device.
MIDI Thru On:Forwarding on/off.
important: See also 2.1.1, 2.1.2.

2.5.

Storing ZI MIDI configuration

Settings in MIDI Setup window (see 2.1) are stored elsewhere in a file when exiting ZI.
Settings done with ZI Menu Ports (see 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) can be stored in the current song file .ismn (menu
Scenes/harmonize Groupe Song/Scenes Save As ou Save) (see 4.1.2). So each "Song" file may
have differents MIDI In,MIDI Out, MIDI Thru ports.

2.6.

Using Zyklus Improvisor in a DAW environment

Since Zyklus improvisor doesnt have its own midi driver, a DAW cant see it. In such scenarios its best
to use one of the (freeware) available virtual midi pipeline programs like MidiYoke. Zyklus improvisor
tested with MidiYoke and works without a hassle.

3. Menu: Devices
______________________________________________________________
A Device is an instrument configuration for a slot. This configuration is sent from the slot output to the
synthesizer (see 13.1).
This menu allows to Load/ Edit ans Store a name configuration for any devices.

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

3.1.

Loading a Devices configuration

Load Device : Load a Devices file.

All Performance tab slots are set as following:
Slot 1: device 1 name, Slot 2: device 2 name, .....etc
For all slots: bank 1 name and program 1 name
This is a visual feedback, upon changes on Device,Bank and Program name in section Edit
Devices.(see 3.3)
Suggestions: see 20.1

3.2.

Storing a Devices configuration

Save: The current configuration is saved in the current file (previously loaded by Load (3.1) ).
Save As: The current configuration is saved in an other file.

3.3.
3.3.1.

Devices configuration Edition

Section: Devices

For any Device this section allows to set the number of Banks (Numbers Of Banks) and for any Bank
alllows to set the number of programs (Bank Item Size).
Example: To set the number of bank 5 for Device 1:
Devices: Select the device name "device 1".
Number of Banks: Select 5 (with the mouse or computer keyboard), then press Set.
Device name, bank name and program name can be changed in Edit Devices section (see 3.3.2).
Random PC
Allows to select a random Program change for slots with program grey button selected (see 13.1.1).

3.3.2.

Section: Edit Devices

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

This section allows names edition for Device,Bank or Program selected in section Device (see 3.3.1).
The Bank change method can be selected.

For any Device, one can select:

- Device Name: the device name selected in section Devices (see 3.3.1).
- Bank Name: the Bank name selected in section Devices.
- transmit MSB and LSB: On/Off transmission of individual controler MSB et LSB (CC0 et CC32).
- LSB as PC: if transmit LSB is On, enable the transmission of LSB as Program Change to replace
CC32.

For any Bank, one can select:

- Program Name: the program name for bank selected in section Devices.
- Mode Change: Text of the method.
- CC0/CC32: MSB et LSB values of MIDI messages transmitted CC0 et CC32.

Changes are done in memory configuration. To save this configuration on a file, use Save ou Save As
(see 3.2).
To update the changes in Slot section Instument (see 13.1), click on Drop Device Here.
The Bank change and Program change will be transmitted later when using the slot instrument section
(see 13.1.2).

4. Menu: Scenes/ Harmonizer

______________________________________________________________
4.1.

4.1.1.

Section: Song/Scenes

Loading a song

Load use this button to load a Song file (*.ismn) or do a Drag and Drop operation to the Drop Song
Here control (see 18.7).
Note:

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

When a song is loaded, the current Device Configuration is changed to a default configuration. It will be
necessary to load a Device configuration for this song (see 3.1).

4.1.2.

Storing a song

Save As: Allows to save the current Song in an other file (*.ismn).
Save: Allows to save the current Song in the current file (previously loaded by Load) (see 4.1.1). This is
only possible if the configuration is already saved by Save As.
Remarque:
Following Settings are saved/restored by a Song:
16 scenes.
MIDI port configuration (see 1).
Options of menu options (see 9).
Metronome settings(see 7).
Chord Sensitivity (see 9).
Step Recording,Arpeggiator,Harmonizer, Xposer(see 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5).
The 32 sequences assigned to slots layers (see 15.6).
Following Settings are not saved/restored by a Song:
Layer Editor (see 6).
Current configuration devices (see note 3.1).
Sync (see 8).

4.1.3.

Scenes

A scene is the way to save/restore all slots currents states.

To save a scene:
For example slots states into scene 2:
- Press Store (il will be highlighted),
- Then press scene 2 location (Store button return to un-highlighed state).

To cancel Store operation: select Store once again, it return to un-highlighed state.

To recall scene:
- Press on the scene location.
Remark:
- Scenes can be recalled in real time using an external controler (see 2.2.2).
- Options menu allows to filter the settings recalled by a scene (see 10.2).

To copy a scene:
For example scene 1 to scene 3:
- First, recall scene 1.
- Then select scene 3 with Copy control.

4.1.4.

Settings stored/restored by a scene

Following settings are saved/restored by a scene:

Settings of 8 slots.
Arp Editor settings for 8 slots (see 5).
Tempo Master.
Time Signature.

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Remark:Other control on Master Bar are not saved in a scene.

Suggestions: see 20.2

4.2.

Section: Step/Recording

The step recorder allows recording note by note in the current Layer selected in record mode (see
13.4.3). Notes are entered one by one using the external keyboard.

4.2.1.

STEP On/Off

When STEP is On, Step recording mode is enabled.

Lorsque STEP is Off, normal live recording mode is enabled.

4.2.2.

Inserting a rest

When REST is On a rest is inserted on each key pressed.

4.2.3.

Next note position

The beat value is the time between notes. So the beat value define the position of the next note relative
to the position of the current note.
Each time a note n1 is pressed, it is recorded at the current position and the current position is advanced
by the beat value selected with one button (2 1/24). So the position of the next note n2 will be : current
position + beat value.
Remark: It is necessary to change Beat Value before entering the note n1.
Beat value are:
2: 2 beat (quarter)
1: 1 beat
: beat /2
1/3: beat /3
: beat /4
1/6: beat /6
1/8: beat /8
1/12 No
1/16 No
1/24: beat /24

4.2.4.

Note duration

Step Lenght: define note duration in percent of the beat value (10 to 200%).
100%: Duration will be the beat value.
200%: Duration will be twice the beat value.

4.3.

Section: Arpeggiator

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

This section allows to enter notes on the graphical keyboard. Notes are presented to slots arpeggiators:

When notes ared pressed on external keyboard, ARP must be enabled ( see transport bar 17.4.4).
Notes are displayed on the internal keyboard transposed by the Tr value (see Port-Midi InArpeggiator (2.2.1)).

Notes pressed on internal keyboard are entered (and transposed by the Tr value) when Chord
button is pressed.
Clear button allows to release all notes pressed on internal keyboard.

4.3.1.

On Screen Keyboard Velocity

The notes velocity when using internal keyboard.

4.3.2.

Live Insert On/Off

see Live arpeggiation 20.3.1

4.3.3.

Live Insert: Minimum Distance (between 2 successives notes)

see Live arpeggiation 20.3.1

4.3.4.

Live Insert: Insert Every...Played notes

see Live arpeggiation 20.3.1

4.3.5.

Minimum Voices For New Arpege

Define the minimum number of key pressed ( internal or external keyboard) to trigger an arpeggio.

4.4.

Section: Harmonizer

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

This section allows to enter chord on the graphical keyboard. This chord is used in the following case:
Set the Key before a Layer recording, to register the Key of the sequence to be recorded.
Root chord allows to set Key.
After recording, during playback, the sequence wil be harmonized with others chords entred on this
keyboard.

4.4.1.

HRM

On/off: Enable chord detection on internal or external keyboard (see 2.2.1).

When notes ared pressed on external keyboard, HRM must be enabled ( see transport bar 0). Chord
notes are displayed on the internal keyboard transposed by the Tr value (see Port-Midi InArpeggiator (2.2.1)) and the chord name is displayed (see 18.3).
Notes pressed on internal keyboard are entered (and transposed by the Tr value) when Chord
button is pressed. The chord is stored.
Clear button allows to release all the notes pressed on the internal keyboard.
Chord change (internal or external) are quantized on Global Trigger Quantize value( 17.3.1) .

4.4.2.

Natural, Harmonic, Melodic.

When the chord is minor mineur, during playback, the squence is harmonized using the minor scale
selected.
For example, if the recorded sequence is :
With natural, and a Cm chord, notes produced are :
With Harmonic, and a Cm chord, notes produced are:
With Melodic, and a Cm chord, notes produced are:

4.4.3.

C, D, E, F ,G, A, B
C, D, Eb, F ,G ,Ab, Bb
C, D, Eb, F ,G ,A, Bb
C, D, Eb, F ,G ,A, B

OFF REC

Allows to disable harmonization when in recording mode. This prevent any unwanted chord recognition
when all you want is just record a chord.
Note: This work only on external keyboard as, If you only have one keyboard at your disposal this can be
handy.
Harmonize Trigger Event

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

This Trigger option defines when chord detection is applied:

Beat: On the next beat.
TrgQ: Quantized by Quantize Trigger On Musical Time Frame (see transport bar 17.3.1).

4.4.4.

Higgest Root Note

When FollowRoot is selected on one or more slots Scale parameter (see 14.2), this setting defines the
highest root a slot note can have before it transposed down by an octave. Very usefull for bass parts.
See appendix 19.2 for details.

4.4.5.

Minimum Chord Voices Detection

Define the number minimum of key pressed ( internal or external keyboard) to trigger a chord.

4.5.

Section: Xposer

This section allows to set a general transposition Key to all slots. harmonic means in this case : force to
scale.
The value is entered on the internal or external keyboard.
When entered on the external keyboard on port xPoser (see 2.2), the Key is displayed on the internal
keyboard and on the display bar (see 18.3).

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

The transposition value is sent to slots if Input xPos in transport bar is On (see 17.4.4). Transposition will
be applied only on slots with xPos button set (see 13.3.2).

4.5.1.

Transposition method

Absolute: transposition value is relative to C3

Example:
- With key D3, value is +2.
- With key B3, value is 1.
Relative: transposition value is relative to current root chord.
RESET: When On, next chord played (internal or external), transposition value is reset.
With Absolu, result is the same as playing C3.
With:Relative, result is the same as playing current chord root key.

5. Menu: Arp Editor

______________________________________________________________
This menu allows pattern edition for any slot arpeggiator.
This menu complete the slot arpeggiator parameters settings described in Slot Tab Arpeggiator (see
16).
Patterns slot arpeggiator are saved in scene and song (see 4.1.4).

5.1.

Section: Arp Select

Allows slot selection pattern to edit.

See suggestions 20.4.1

5.2.

Section: Steps

This section allows steps patterns edition for the arpeggiator selected in section Arp Select (see 5.1).
Init:

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

All parameters are set to default value.

On
There are 8 buttons for each step Pattern. When On, step is enabled to produce a note.
When Off a rest is produced.
The real number of steps produced is set by the parameter Number of Steps (see 16.4).
When the slot arpeggiator is currently playing (see 13.6.2), a green LED is lighted each time a step is
produced.
Tie
Not yet implemented. See 20.4.2
Acc
Enable velocity accentuation for this step. The accent value is specified in slot Tab arpeggiator (see
16.3.2). The value is added to the original step velocity.
The step velocity is specified by Velocity On parameter (see 16.3.1)
Order
Order: order number (1 8).
Define the note played for this step. This parameter is the note index in the internal list of note.
Order: A
The notes are played all at the same time (like a chord).
Order: R
Order number is random.
Oct
Octave number value for step transposition [-2,-1,0,+1,+2].
Trp
Semi-tone value for step transposition [-11.. +11]
Prob
Probability for playing this step:
100: The step is played all the time.
50: The step is played half a time.
0: The step is no more often played.

6. Menu: Layer Editor

______________________________________________________________
This menu allows sequence edition. A new Layer sequence can be edited or a previously recorded
sequence can be changed (see 15.6).
The editor display sequence events in a vertical list (see 6.2.2).
The current selected event can be edited (see 6.2.3).

6.1.

Section: Layer

Name

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Allows to edit the current selected name layer (LAYER). The name is displayed on the Layer button (see
13.4).

6.2.

Section: Editor

This is the list editor.

6.2.1.

Follow Layer, Seq number

When On, it is easy to identify the sequence to edit. One need simply to select the Layer button in a slot.
The editor will be updated as following:
Sequence number assigned to the layer is displayed (Seq#), and the name Layer is displayed (see
6.1) .
The list is filled from the events sequence.
When Off, one need to enter in Seq# the sequence number to edit.

6.2.2.

Events list

This list display sequence events verticaly. Each event field is in a column.
Q.Pos :
Playback Position (Bar.Beat.Unit). This position is the quantization result from the recording position (see
Rec.Pos).
Example:
1:1:1 position is on Bar 1, first Beat.
1:2:240 position is on Bar 1, on middle of second beat.
The number of unit per beat is 480.
Rec.Pos:
This is the event recording position (Bar:Beat:Unit) at recording time.
Pitch:
Note Pitch (C-2 to G8).
Vel:

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Note Velocity (0 to 127).

Dur:
Note duration in beat (0.00 to 127.00)
Example:
1.00, Duration is a beat (quarter).
1.5, Duration is a dotted quarter.

6.2.3.

Event Edition

To edit an event, select the event in the list and edit the field event in controls above the list:
The field control are the following:
Edit Recording Position : Note Rec.Pos.
Edit Pitch Field: Note Pitch (Pitch).
Edit Velocity Field: Note velocity (Vel).
Edit Duration Field: Note duration (Dur).

7. Menu: Metronome
______________________________________________________________

This menu allows to define Metronome parameters.

Parameters are saved in a Song (see 4.1.2).

7.1.

Output Port, Channel

Define Metronome MIDI output port and channel.

Channel 10 (drums sounds) is common on all synthesizer.

7.2.

Mode

This setting define when Metronome is playing.

Record
Metronome is playing only in record mode. However, the transport bar allows to force audition. (see
remark).

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Off
Metronome is never playing. However, the transport bar allows to force audition. (see remark).
On
Le mtronome is always playing (Plaback and Record mode).
Remark: Button METRO set to On, on transport bar (see 17.6.1) allows to force Metronome audition
regardless of Mode.

7.3.

Sounds on beats

This settings allows to define differents sounds for each beat.

Beat 1 and Beat 2 to 7
Pitch: Sound number (C-2 G8).
Velo: note sound(0 127).
Dur: sound duration (10 100).
Volume
Metronome volume (0 127).

8. Menu: Sync
______________________________________________________________

This menu define external ZI synchronisation parameters.

Remark: The settings are not saved in Songs (see 4.1.2).

8.1.

Input Port

Define the MIDI port of external synchronisation source.

8.2.

Mode

Define what is the synchronisation source.

Remark: Button Sync Int/Ext in transport bar (see 17.6.2) have same behavior than Mode, and is
updated when Mode is changed and vice-versa.
Internal
ZI is synchonized on internal Tempo (see 17.3.7).
External
ZI ignore internal tempo and is synchronised on MIDI clock received on Input Port (see 8.1).
The tempo is MIDI clock dependant.
MIDI message interpreted by ZI are: Clock,Start, Stop. (Continue message is ignored).
When in external mode, Global Start button on transport bar (see 17.4) is disabled.

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

8.3.

Enabling external tempo synchronisation displaying.

Sync Tempo Detect On/Off

Its only an on/off function for the display next to it. ZI remain synchronised even when this button is Off.
Detected Tempo
Its just the readout of the calculated sync tempo coming from a external midi clock signal. Internally the
last 8 received clock signals are continiously compared to each other to get an average readout value.
Value is in quarter note per minute (qpm).

9. Menu: Chord Sensitivity

______________________________________________________________

This menu allows to define delay chord detection.

The goal is to allow the musicien to enter notes as a progression without pressing all keys at the same
time.

9.1.

Chord sensitivity settings

Base Thresh Time (ms)

All keys pressed during this time are taken.
Fudge Time (ms)
Fudge is a frame time at the end of Thresh Time.
If the musicien add notes during Fudge Time, then the acquisition time is extended with the amount
Extension (ms).
So the chord acquisition time can be extended by the way the musicien play a chord.
The musicien does not need to strike keys at the same time. The time detection will be extended to get
late notes.

9.2.

Chord input latence time

Chord acquisition may have 2 values

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Time = Base Thresh Time

If there is no new notes during Fudge Time, at the end of Base Thresh Time.

Time = Base Thresh Time + Extension

If there is new notes during Fudge Time, at the end of Base Thresh Time

10. Menu: Options

______________________________________________________________

10.1. Section: General

10.2. Section: Scene

10.2.1.

Change ends recording

Stops recording the current active recording layer (see 13.4.3) when another scene is selected.

10.2.2.

Change excludes Thru

On
A scene change does not change the actual state of Thru on slots.
Off
Current slot thru state is replaced by scene one.

10.2.3.

Recall by program change

On: Enable scene change by Program change MIDI message coming from Scenes port(see 2.2).

10.2.4.

Change allows Program Changes for slots

On: Enable sending program change on scene change.

10.3. Section: Thru

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Define Slot Thru behavior when Thru button is selected.

Multi: More than one slots can have Thru On.
Single: Only one slot can have Thru On. Others slot have Thru Off.
SingleOnRecord : Only one slot can have Thru On when the slot is set on Record mode (see 13.5.4).

10.4. Section: Record

10.4.1.

Sustain Ends Record

Sustain On MIDI message (CC 64, value 127) stop current recording(see 13.5.4).

10.4.2.

Force restart slot on layer record

When entering in record this option avoid long waiting times (when a slot is looping for example 32 beats
= 8 bars in 4/4 time signature) and layer 1 is looping and you want to record layer 2 fast, it simply returns
to the very first beat of the loop. Of course you will miss the rest of the loop if you were on beat 14 for
example.
When entering in record with this option Off, you need to wait the loop point of currently playing
sequences. Sometimes hearing the sequence until the loop point reach is preferable to get an easy
record well synchronised.

11. Menu: Key Command

______________________________________________________________
With theses useful specific shortcut command you can control ZI with the computer keyboard during a
Live performance which is impossible to do using the mouse. Theses interface is complementary to
external control via MIDI controlers (see 2.2.2).
Command action
toggle global Start/Stop (see 17.4.6)
toggle global record (see 17.4.7)
Master tempo up (see 17.3.7)
tempo down (see 17.3.7)
slot thru on/off (1 to 8) (see 13.6.1)
Current layer recording On/Off on slot 1 to 8 (see 13.4.3)
Set focus on any slots layer (see 13.4.2)
Set focus on current slots layer (see 13.4.2)
Toggle current slot Start/Stop (see 13.5.3)
Select scenes 1 to 8 (see 4.1.3)
toggle state of selected layer (see 13.4)
Clera current recording (see 17.2)
Pannic (see 17.6.4)

Computer Keyboard
space bar
numeric asterix ( * on numeric keypad)
page up
page down
F1 to F8 (with global record off)
F1 to F8 (with global record on)
Left,right,Up,down arrows
numeric + (on numeric keypad)
1 to 8 (on querty keypad)
numeric 1 to 8 (on numeric pad)
enter (on numeric pad)
backspace
escape

12. Tabs Slots selection

______________________________________________________________
Slot parameters are spread on several tabs. Only one Tab is selected at a time.

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

To select slot tab press following buttons:

P: Performance tab.
S: Settings tab.
L: Layers tab.
A: Arppegiator tab.
Suggestion: see 20.5.

13. Tab Slot: Performance

______________________________________________________________

This tab allows to change common settings during live performance.

13.1. Section: Output Instruments: device, bank, program

Devices: device name among 32 devices.

Bank: bank name in this device.
Program (vert): program name in this bank.
Device Bank, Program settings are saved/restored by scenes. This allows differents instruments for
differents scenes.

13.1.1.

Random program changes

When this control is surrounded, a random program change is selected by the following way:
Pressing RND PC on the transport bar (see 17.6.3).
Pressing Random PC button in Devices section (see 3.3.1).

13.1.2.

Bank and Program changes

When bank or program is changed, MIDI messages are sent to ouput using Devices bank and program
change method (see 3.3.2).
Example:
When MSB and LSB On, MIDI messages are:
CC:0 Data0:MSB
CC:32 Data0:LSB
Program Change Data0:Number of current program change.

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

13.2. Section: Loop Mode

Define how sequences are played and triggered.

13.2.1.

Loop

Once started (see 13.5), sequences play in loop. Sequences are harmonized by chord in real time (if
Harmonisation is On, see 13.3.2). New chord does not trigger current sequence playing.
When in record mode, recording is automatically looped when the end of loop is reach, so recording is
mixed with the previous loop which is curently playing (and possibly harmonised).

13.2.2.

Retrigger

As for Loop, once started, sequences play in loop. However when new chord arrives (internal or external
(see 4.4) ), sequences are restarted. Triggering (internal 4.4 or external 2.2.1) is quantised by Global
Trigger Quantize (17.3.1).

13.2.3.

One Shot

Once started, sequences play once. As with Retrigger, when new chord arrives, sequences are
restarted.
When sequences are stopped, a new chord (see 4.4)or new transposition (4.5) restart sequences.

13.2.4.

Quantization

Quantize sets a quantization factor for recorded sequences. This is a playback parameter and original
recording position are not affected. Ranges is from 1/128 to 1/4 of a note. When Global is selected the
Global Quantize setting in the master/transport section is used (see 17.3.4).

13.2.5.

Relative Tempo

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With Tempo you can speed up or slow down the relative tempo of all layers inside a slot.
This setting is always a ratio of the global tempo that can be set in the master/transport section.
Values ranges from 1/8 to 8 times the global tempo. (see 17.3.7)

13.2.6.

Beats Loop

Beats sets the number of beats how long a loop will be (see Loop 13.2.1). Values from 1 to 32 beats.
A special value REC is also possible. When set to this value the loop length is determined on the
length of the original recording. Beats can be forced by Global Beat Loop in transport bar (17.3.5).

13.3. Section: Transpose/harmonisation

13.3.1.

Slot transpositions

There are 2 fields, the RIGHT field is for transpose thru (real time playing) and the LEFT field for
harmonic transpose layers. Harmonic transpose means that notes are forced to be in scale when
transposing.
Transpose Layers: transposition in semitones.
Transpose Layers Octave: transposition in octaves.
Reset Transpose Layers: Set transposition to 0.
Transpose Thru: transposition in semitones.
Transpose Thru Octave: transposition in octaves.
Reset Transpose Thru: Set transposition to 0.

13.3.2.

Externals Harmonization/transposition

Harmonization On/Off: Enable harmonization coming from from external (see 2.2.1 port Harmonizer)
or internal (see 4.4).
Remarque: Harmonisation need also to be enabled with Harmonizer set to On in transport bar (see 0).

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xPoser On/Off: Enabe slot to keep transposition coming from external (see 2.2.1 port xPos ) or internal
(see 4.5). When On, transposition value is displayed on the button.
Remark: Input xPos in transport bar need also to be On(see 17.4.4).
Transposition can combined with harmonization (if slot Harmonisation is On).
If enabled, transposition is applied to sequences in play mode (13.4) (see 13.5.3) and arpeggiator in play
mode (see 13.6.2).

13.3.3.

Slot lights LED

Current Beat
When slot is playing (see 13.6.2), current beat number is displayed.
LED Events
Play Led: When a sequence note or thru note is played, a green LED is lighted during a short pulse.
Rec Led: When in record mode, red LED is lighted during a short pulse on each beat. The pulse is
longer on first beat.

13.4. Section Layers

There are 4 variations or sequences (Layer) by slots. A sequence is a recording place.

More than one sequence can be played together but there are triggered/stopped all together with start
button (see 13.5.3).
Each sequence have a button to control sequence state. Button state is a sequence state
representation:

13.4.1.

Empty Sequence

Empty: It is a sequence with no notes inside. (dark gray background without border).
Selecting an empty sequence does nothing.

13.4.2.

Sequence with notes

Mute (Off) : Sequence is not empty but playing is disabled (light grey background with a border).
(Sequence number 2 is actually selected).

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Play (On): Sequence is not empty with playing enabled (green background with a border).
When a sequence is in Play state, we toggle from Mute to Play state by selecting the button twice.
(Sequence number 2 is actually selected).

13.4.3.

Sequence in record

Record: Sequence in record (red backgroud with border).

When a slot is in record (see 13.5.4), selecting a sequence set it in record mode.
The sequence number 3 has bee selected in record. During recording, sequences 1 and 2 have notes
and only sequence 1 is enabled for playing.
Attention:
When sequence with notes is set in recording, the sequence is cleared.
If we want to add a previously recorded sequence with a new take, we need to use Overdup in transport
bar (see 17.4.8).
Sequence order state change
When in playback mode:

When in record mode:

When all sequences are in stopped, selecting a sequence in playback (see 13.4.2) automatically select
slot start button(see 13.5.3).
Just a question, does this scheme of stepping through various stages (when in record mode that is)
really makes sense? Ive never heard anybody complaining about it, but its something you must get
used to. Maybe other options are avaible I didnt think of ?

13.5. Section: Start/stop/record

13.5.1.

Mute Volume

When Mute is On, currently playing sequences (see 13.4.2) and arpeggiator (see 13.6.2) are muted.

13.5.2.

Solo Volume

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When Solo is On, only this slot is playing, others slots are muted (see 13.5.1) .

13.5.3.

Start/Stop

Start/Stop sequence in playback mode(Layer in playback state 13.4.2).

Start and stop are quantized by Quantize Trigger in transport bar (17.3.1).
When slot is stopped, the position pointer is reset to beginning (Current Beat 1) (see 13.3.3)
Start is enabled only if Global Start in transport bar is On (17.4.6).

13.5.4.

Rec (On/Off)

This button set slot in recording mode. Recorded sequence will be the one set in recording mode (see
13.4.3)

13.5.5.

Slot Volume

Allows to set slot volume. MIDI messages (CC 07) are sent to slot output port (see 14.1).

13.6. Section: Thru

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13.6.1.

Thru On/Off

When Thru is On: MIDI message are enabled on slot inputs and transmitted on slot output in accordance
with individual filters (see 14.4).
When Thru is Off, MIDI messages are disabled on slot input.
When Global THRU in transport bar is OFF (17.4.1), MIDI note On/Off are disabled on slot input but
others MIDI messages are enabled.
When THRU is set to Off, currently playing notes are forced to stop automatically (key Off) to avoid
permanent note. However if Sustain pedal is On, note Off will be delayed until pedal is released.
Note:
When Thru is On, Key Off MIDI messages received on input are replaced by Key On with zero velocity
when output.
Sequences currently playing are not affected by Thru On/off.

13.6.2.

Arpeggiator On/Off

Start/Stop arpeggiator on slot output.

Start/Stop is quantized by Quantize Trigger in transport bar( 17.3.1)
Starting is enabled only if Global Start in transport bar is On (17.4.6).

13.6.3.

Arpeggiator Lock Input On/Off

Lock Input On: Disable but store next notes on arpeggiator input. This allows arpeggiator currently
playing to ignore notes played by musician.
An arpeggio is really a series of notes. Assume you have on slot 1 a bass arpeggio playing that is based
on the input notes C1 and C2. If you lock that slots input from receiving any other played notes, you are
free to use your keyboard as input for other arpeggios. So each arpeggiator can be based on different
(input) notes. But since the harmonizer is also active for arpeggiated notes, later on (when all arps are
defined , locked and running) you can use the harmonizer alone for giving the impression that arps are
manipulated by its notes input, but in reality its done by the harmonizer. I hope I make sense here!

13.6.4.

Slot Name

Slot name are saved/restored by scene.

14. Tab Slot: Settings

______________________________________________________________

This tabs is for settings used during live playing.

14.1. Section: Output

Define the MIDI output used by the output slot.

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14.1.1.

Output port

When STEP is off (see 14.1.2), this is the output port used by slot to send notes coming from sequences
arpeggiator or Thru (see 2.3).

14.1.2.

Steps On/Off

When On, this mode allows to play consecutive notes from sequences (see 13.4.2) or arpeggiator (see
13.6.2) to distinct output Out X (see 2.3).
So, notes sequences can play distinct sound syntheziser defined in a steps list (Steps). The setting are:
Nbr Steps: list size in numbers of steps (8 maximum).
Output port list: define for each step, the output Out X (see 2.3) used by the note currently playing.
Value (-) means no output. In this case a rest is played to replace the note.
The list is read in circular fashion. Valid entries are from the first to Nbr Steps. Entries beyond Nbr
Steps are not used. When the end of list is reach, a return to the first step is done.
Example, let
Notes sequence: C,D,E,F,G,A,B
Nbr Steps: 3
List: 1, 3, 2, - , - , -, - , Only 3 steps in the list will be used.
First note (C) will use 1st step port (Out 2).
2nd note (D) will use 2nd step port (Out 1).
3rd note (E) will use 3rd step port (Out 3).
4th note (F) will use 1st step port (Out 2).
5th note (G) will use use 2nd step port (Out 1).
etc.
Example with rest.
Notes sequence: C,D,E,F,G,A,B
Nbr Steps: 3
List : 1, 3, -, - , - , -, - , When using the last step, a rest wil be played.
Another example with used steps.
Notes sequence: C,D,E,F,G,A,B
Nbr Steps: 3
List: 1, 3, -, 4 , 5 , -, - , Step from 4th in the list (4,5,-,...) are not used.
Steps mode is enabled when STEPS button is On. When Off, mode is normal , sequence and/or
arpeggiator are played on port defined by Output Port (see 14.1).

14.2. Section: Scale

This parameter scale defines how chord recognition is applied to sequences.

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14.2.1.

Scale

Scale intruct how the harmonizer select notes on output

Off
When set to Off there is no chord recognition/scaling at all, this is very useful for drum parts.
Diatonic
Diatonic is the normal mode. The output notes are diatonic to output scale. This means that chromatic
notes are forced to diatonic notes in output scale.
Chromatic
Chromatic allows more freedom, but with the risk off notes being out of scale. Chromatic mode try to
keep chromatic notes intact when harmonizing.
FollowRoot
FollowRoot can be used when you want a slot to perform a Bass role. In this case the sequence is
played back in its most original form and simply transposed. So the output range is forced to the input
range based on a Higgest root Note (see 4.4.4).
See details in chapter 19.2.

14.2.2.

Layer Switch Mode

With Layer mode you have the possibility to hear only a Single layer at the time or having Multiple layers
playing at once.
Single
When a playing layer is selected (see 13.4.2), other layer are set Off.
Single setting can be useful for example if you want to switch quickly between different bass sequences.
Multiple
This is the default mode. Multiple layers are playing at once (see 13.4.2).

14.3. Section: Dynamics

The Dynamics feature allows you to route Dynamics info from other slots. Dynamics in this case means
velocity AND timing events.
Example: slot 1 plays a simple 4-note pattern in a single bar and slot 2 a 8-note pattern.
When slot 1 accepts dynamics from slot 2 then the velocity and timing info from slot 2 are
"superimposed" on slot 1. Slot 1 still plays its own pitches but with the dynamics of slot 2.
This allows you to experiment with all kinds of rhythmic content from other slots. It's also possible to
accepts dynamics from multiple slots. When disabling the dynamic button that corresponds to its own
slot you effectively killed the notes output from that slot. In this way you can use a slot that is only
needed as a source for dynamics events without actually generating midi note output.

See chapter 19.4 for details on dynamics behavior.

14.4. Section: Zone and MIDI filters

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14.4.1.

Zone

Define a key range for Thru input (see 2.2.1). Zone only applies to real time playing (when Thru is on),
but does not affect layers.
Zone Low: Low key.
Zone High: High key.

14.4.2.

MIDI Filters

Define which MIDI messages are enabled or blocked when Thru is On (see 13.6.1).
Following buttons enable/disable transmission on output.
On: Message is transmitted.
Off: Transmission is disabled.
Buttons State are saved/restored in scenes and songs

CC (Ctrl change), On/Off: Enable/disable MIDI CC ( continus controler) . CC 1 (Modulation) and CC

64 (Sustain) is treated separately.
MOD (Modulation) On/Off: Enable/disable MIDI CC 1 (Modulation).
SUS (sustain) On/Off, Enable/disable MIDI CC 64 (Sustain).
PB (Pitch wheel) On/Off, Enable/disable MIDI Pich Wheel .
AFT On/Off, Enable/disable MIDI After Touch.
MonoAft: Enable, After Touch Chan Press only (Key Press is disabled).
PolyAft: Enable, After Touch Chan Press only (Key Press is disabled).
After each KeyOn, Key Press Data0: Previous Key, Data1: 0 is automatically inserted. It allows to
cancel previous After Touch associated to the previous note.
MIDI message After Touch Chan Press received are replaced by Key Press, Data0: Current Key,
Data1: current pressure

Remarque
PolyAft mode is useful when the keyboard does not transmit Key Press aftertouch but only Channel
Press aftertouch. This mode emulate to produce Key Press to individual note.

14.4.3.

Others Buttons

PGR

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Not implemented. See PRG 20.6.1

RESET CTRL
A MIDI message MIDI Ctrl 121 data 0 (Reset All Controlers) is sent to output when the following arrives.
When RESET CTRL is set to On.
On scene change (see 4.1.3).
when MIDI KeyOn is received.
On slot Start/Stop (see 13.5.3).
Note:
RESET CTRL state is not saved/restored by scenes and song.
When a Song is loaded, RESET CTRL is set On on all slots.
See RESET CTRL 20.6.1.

14.5. Section: Sliders

Potentiometers for Modulation (CC 1), Pitch Bend and Panoramic (CC 10).
MIDI messages are transmitted to slot output when the following arrives:
On potentiometer change.
When events discribed in 14.5.1 arrives.

14.5.1.

Sending ZI MIDI configuration

When the following arrives:

Song loading (see ).
Scene change (see ).
Following MIDI messages are transmitted to output:
CC 121, data 0 : Reset All Controlers.
CC 1,
data 0 : Current Modulation potentiometer value (see 14.5).
CC 7,
data 127:Current Volume potentiometer value (see 13.5.5).
CC 10, data 64: Current Pan potentiometer value (see 14.5).

15. Tab Slot: Layers

______________________________________________________________

15.1. Section: Keyboard triggering

The goal is to allows triggering and transpose of sequences on the fly with the live keyboard.
See appendix 19.3 for a complete description.This function only works if MOM (momentary) is On on
Transport bar (see 17.5.1).

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15.1.1.

Retrigger On/Off:

Restarts currently running layers when a new keypress is received.

Alls layers are restarted at the same time, keyboard triggering is immediate (not quantised).

15.2. Section: Transposition Sources

Work in conjonction of the MOM function (see 17.5.1).who allows triggering of the running sequence with
a keypress on Thru Live keyboard. See appendix 19.3 for a complete description
The velocities of the sequences follow the triggering note velocity.

15.2.1.

Mono/multiple transposition of sequences with Live keyboard: LIVE On/Off

Off
When Off, only one sequence is triggered from any key. Only the first key trigger the sequence. The
sequence is played with is current transposition no matter the keys pressed. However the velocity of the
running sequence follows the note velocities of next note pressed without retriggering if Retrigger is Off
(see 15.1.1). When Retrigger is On the sequence est restarted for each note pressed with a new
velocity.
Current transpostion may be:
The original transposition, if hamonization is off (see 13.3.2).
The transposition of root chord, if harmonisation is On.
On
When On, multiple sequence are triggered for each key pressed. Each key pressed, trigger the same
sequence transposed by the key pressed. So we hear the same transposed sequence added the the
previous ones already running. However this added sequence is not triggered from the start, but as if it
was triggered at the same time that the previous one. So what we hear is a muti transposition of the
same sequence for each key hold. Each time a new key is hold we hear a new transposition as if the
added sequence is un-muted.
NB : Mono/multiple transposition, the harmonizer is very important to make full use of the trigger section
as without it ,sequence wil be played transposed but no harmonized, so probably out of the current scale
if other slot are currently harmonized.

15.2.2.

Source of transposition: LAYER 1, MT LAYER 1

Theses buttons was more of an experiment really, it uses layer 1 as a transpose source for layers 2, 3
and 4 while muting layer 1 at the same time, a sort of invisible transpose source.

15.3. Section: Velocity

Allows to change notes velocity played by the slot..

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15.3.1.

Offset (-50 +50)

Allows to increase or decrease velocity by adding a constant to the original note velocity.
0, no velocity change.
+1..+50 values, increase velocity.
-1..-50, values decrease velocity.
Note: Offset value is added to Rnd Deviation value (see 15.3.2).
Example:
Offset: +10.
Rnd Deviation: +0.
Output velocity : Original velocity + 10 + 0.

15.3.2.

Rnd Deviation (0 50)

Allows to increase or decrease velocity by adding a random value to the original note velocity.
Random value is in the range: [-(Rnd Deviation 1) ,-3,-2,-1,0,+1,2,,+ -(Rnd Deviation 1)].
0,1 return 0
11 return a random value [-10 +10]
Offset value is added to Rnd Deviation value (see 15.3.1).
Example:
Offset: 10.
Rnd Deviation: 11 (random [-10..+10].
Note:Output velocity : original velocity + random number (0..+20).

15.4. Section: Probability

Note:
Define probability to play notes (from 0 to 100):
100: Notes are played at 100% of the time. Notes are always played.
50: Notes are played haft a time.
0: Notes are not played very often.
Chord Thin On/Off:
Not implemented. See 20.7.1

15.5. Scale Range

Define the pitch range of playing sequences.

"ScaleRange" has everything to do how sequences react to the harmonizer and its input.

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Normally, if ScaleRange is set to Chord, when the user hits a certain chord for the harmonizer, the
sequence tries to follow the chord as much as possible. Moving the chord up, the sequence goes up,
moving the chord down, the sequence goes down.
However, when ScaleRange is set to AsRecord, the sequence tries to move around as it was recorded
originally. So, no matter how the chord is moving up or down, the sequence stays more or less in the
same note range as it was recorded.
AsRecord:
Output range is the original sequence range and is chord independant. For example:
Witth a recorded sequence: C3,D3,E3,F3,G3,A3,B3
On C5 majeur chord , harmonized sequence is a major scale from C3 to B3.
On C4 minor chord , harmonized sequence is a minor scale from C3 to B3.
Chord:
Output range is dependant of chord range. For exemple, with the same recorded sequence that above
and a C2,E3,G3,E4 chord the result is a major scale spreading from C2 to E4, C2,D2,E3,F3,G3,A3,E4.
Also, output follows chord inversions. For example.
Input sequence:
C3, D3, E3, F3, G3, A3, B3
Output on C major root (C3,E3,G3):
C3, D3, E3, F3, G3, A3, B3
Output on C major 1st inversion (E3,G3,C4):
E3, F3, A3, A3, C4, D4, E4
G3, A3, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4
Output on C major 2nd inversion (G3,C4,E4):

15.6. Assign Sequence

In Improvisor each layer corresponds to a internal sequence. There are 32 sequences available.
Normally you would setup each layer to a different sequence, but maybe sometimes you want a layer
to behave as a copy of another sequence. To give 2 (or more) layers the same sequence number, those
layers share the same sequence.

16. Tab Slot: Arpeggiator

______________________________________________________________

16.1. Introduction
Each slot have a distinct arpeggiator producing notes to slot output (see 14.1) . Each arpeggiator can be
enabled/disabled (see 13.6.2). Slot are able to play arpeggiator and sequences at the same time (Layer
1 4) (see Play 13.4.2).
When slot is enabled for harmonization (see 13.3.2), sequences and arpeggiator are harmonized.
Arpeggiator input notes can be driven by an internal (see 4.3) or external (see 2.2.1) keyboard.

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Once triggered, (see 16.1.1) the arpeggiator builds a note serie and play the notes. Notes are played
one after one until the last note defined by Nbr Of Steps parameter (see 16.4).
Others setting define, period between notes (see 16.5.1), Playing Order (see 16.4), Repeat mode (see
16.6), duration note (see 16.6.1).
Pattern editor for each arpeggiator is in Arp Editor menu (see 5).

16.1.1.

Triggering arpeggio

Triggering arpegio is defined by Minimum Voices For New Arpege setting (see 0). Triggering is
quantized by the pulse period (see 16.5) (see remark).

Triggering with internal keyboard (see 4.3)

Notes are triggered by CHORD are permanently pressed. Following actions stop arpeggio:
Global Stop (see 17.4): Stop immediately without quantization. Arpeggio can be restarted by Global
Start.
Slot Arppeggiator Off ( 13.6.2). Stop arpeggio with quantization (see 17.3.1). Arpeggio can be
restarted by Slot Arppeggiator On.

Playing on extrnal keyboard (see 2.2.1)

When notes are pressed on keyboard, arpeggio is triggered. When notes are realeased arpeggio is
stopped (see 16.2).

Remark: Quantisation behavior is different than chord quantisation that is based on Global Quantize
Trigger (see 17.3.1).

16.2. HOLD, KEYSYNC, ONESHOT

This settings define how arpeggiator react to triggering and holding notes.

16.2.1.

HOLD

Allows the musician not to hold key pressed on keyboard.

HOLD Off
Once triggered, the arpeggio play until all key are released. Arpeggio stop when last note is relesead.
When retriggered the arpeggio it continues from the last position when stopped.
HOLD to Off when arpeggio is running, stop arpeggio. When retriggered the arpeggio it continues
from the last position when stopped.
HOLD On
Once triggered, the arpeggio continues to play even if keys are released. During curent cycle, notes can
be changed it were applied to the next cycle.

16.2.2.

KEYSYNC

KEYSYNC On
Works only when ONESHOT is On.
Once arpeggio is running, each new note pressed restart the arpeggio at the beginning.

16.2.3.

ONESHOT

ONESHOT: Off

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Arpeggio play cycle in loop

ONESHOT: On
Arpeggio play only one cycle (Nbr Of Steps) and stop automatically even if keys are hold after stop.
ONESHOT On, HOLD Off: partial cycle
Arpeggio start , but if alls keys are released before the end of cycle, arpeggio stop. When retriggered,
arpeggio continues from the las position when stopped.
ONESHOT On, HOLD On: One full cylce
Arpeggio play only one full cycle (Nbr Of Steps) even if keys are released before end of cycle.

16.3. Velocity settings

16.3.1.

Velocity: On/Off, Fixed

When Velocity is Off, original velocity comes from keyboard (internal (4.3) or external (2.2.1)).
When On, un fixed velocity replace the original velocity. Fixed value is defined by the fixed field.

16.3.2.

Fixed velocity Accent Value

Accent value (0 127) is added to notes velocity for each step with Acc On (see pattern editor 5.2).

16.4. Sort Order , Number of Steps

When notes are entered on input, there are stored in a list and ordered Sort Order parameter(see
16.4.2).

16.4.1.

Number of Steps

Number of Steps is the cycle size. Only notes inside this size were played. The cycle is played in loop if
ONESHOT is Off or once otherwise.
If Numbers Of Steps is upper than numbers of entered notes, notes will be repeated by Repeat Mode
(see 16.6.2) and Sort Order (see 16.4.2) setting until the number of steps is reach.
In the reverse case , when musician play 5 notes (i.e C3,E3,G3,C4,G4) and Number Of Steps is 3, notes
(C4,G4) will not be played. There are no repeat and Repeat Mode will have no effect (see 16.6.2).

16.4.2.

Sort Order

Define the sort order method in the internal list.

Up: notes are ordered by increasing pitch.
Down: notes are ordered by decreasing pitch.
When the last steps is reach there is a return to the first step in the list.

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16.5. Rate, Rate Multiply

Rate (see 16.5.1) and Rate Multiply (see 16.5.2) define the time period beetween notes.
This period is in notes values relative to tempo Master (see 17.3.7). So arpeggio can have the same
tempo or different tempo than sequences.
Example, let:
Rate: a quarter.
Sequence Relative Tempo: x2 (see 13.2.5).
Master Tempo: 60 (see 17.3.7).
Sequence tempo is twice (120 QPM) than arpeggio tempo (60 QPM).

16.5.1.
Rate
1/2
1/4
1/8
1/12
1/16
1/24
1/32

16.5.2.

Rate: Period between pulse

Value
half
quarter
eighth
eighth of triplet
sixteenth
sixteenth of triplet
thirty second

Rate Multiply

A multiply factor applied to Rate (16.5.1).

Straight: 1. Note periode est Rate
Doted: 1,5. Note period is: Rate + Rate.
Triplet: 2/3. Note period is: (Rate / 3) x 2

16.6. Repeat Mode, Note length

16.6.1.

Notes duration

Note length
Define note duration relative to Tempo Master
Rate
Initial

1/8
1/12
1/16
1/24
1/32
Remark:

Valeur
Periode beetween 2 notes. Rate value (see 16.5.1)
quarter 10%.
eighth 10%.
eighth of triplet 10%.
sixteenth 10%.
sixteenth of tripet 10%.
thirty second 10%.

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With Initial, duration is Rate dependant.

With 1/4 to 1/32, duration ar not Rate dependant.

16.6.2.

Repeat Mode

This the repeat method useful when number of notes played is lower than the size cycle (16.4.1).

16.6.3.

Pong, Up/Down

Pong: notes are played one by one. Last note in list is played twice before playing in reverse order.
Example:
Notes list: C,E,G
Nbr Of Steps: 8
Sort: Up
Steps
Notes

1
C

2
E

3
G

4
G

5
E

6
C

7
C

8
E

1
C

2
E

3
G

...
...

Sort: Down
Steps
1
Notes
G

2
E

3
C

4
C

5
E

6
G

7
G

8
E

1
G

2
E

3
C

...
...

16.6.4.

Ping, Up/Down

Ping: notes are played one by one. Last note in list is not played twice before playing in reverse order.
Remark: This mode is often called "Up then Down" (or "Down then Up") on others devices
Example:
Notes list: C,E,G
Nbr Of Steps: 8
Sort: Up
Steps
Notes

1
C

2
E

3
G

4
E

5
C

6
E

7
G

8
E

1
C

2
E

3
G

...
...

Sort: Down
Steps
1
Notes
G

2
E

3
C

4
E

5
G

6
E

7
C

8
E

1
G

2
E

3
C

...
...

16.6.5.

Wrap, Up/Down

Wrap: notes are played one by one. When last note is played there is a return back to the list beginning
and the list is played again,etc.
Remark: This mode is often called "Up" (or "Down") on others devices.
Example:
Notes list: C,E,G
Nbr Of Steps: 8
Sort: Up
Steps
Notes

1
C

2
E

3
G

4
C

5
E

6
G

7
C

8
E

1
C

2
E

3
G

...
...

Sort: Down
Steps
1
Notes
G

2
E

3
C

4
G

5
E

6
C

7
G

8
E

1
G

2
E

3
C

...
...

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16.6.6.

Wrap+, Up/Down

Wrap+: work like Wrap. When the last note is played, a transposition of +1 octave is applied to notes.
Example:
Notes list: C3,E3,G3
Nbr Of Steps: 8
Sort: Up
Steps
Notes

1
2
C3 E3

3
G3

4
C4

5
E4

6
G4

7
C5

8
E5

1
C3

Sort: Down
Steps
1
2
Notes
G3 E3

3
C3

4
G4

5
E4

6
C4

7
G5

8
E5

1
2
G3 E3

16.6.7.

2
E3

3
...
G3 ...

3
C3

...
...

Wrap-, Up/Down

Wrap-: work like Wrap. When the last note is played, a transposition of -1 octave is applied to notes.
Example:
Notes list: C3,E3,G3
Nbr Of Steps: 8
Sort: Up
Steps
Notes

1
2
C3 E3

3
G3

4
C2

5
E2

6
G2

7
C1

8
E1

1
C3

Sort: Down
Steps
1
2
Notes
G3 E3

3
C3

4
G2

5
E2

6
C2

7
G1

8
E1

1
2
G3 E3

16.6.8.

2
E3

3
...
G3 ...

3
C3

...
...

First, Up/Down

The list is played Up or Down. Then the 1st note is repeated to complete the cycle.
Exemple:
Notes list: C3,E3,G3
Nbr Of Steps: 8
Sort: Up
Steps
Notes

1
2
C3 E3

3
G3

4
C3

5
C3

6
C3

7
C3

8
C3

1
C3

Sort: Down
Steps
1
2
Notes
G3 E3

3
C3

4
G3

5
G3

6
G3

7
G3

8
G3

1
2
G3 E3

16.6.9.

2
E3

3
...
G3 ...

3
C3

...
...

Last, Up/Down

The list is played Up or Down. Then the last note is repeated to complete the cycle.
Example:
Notes list: C3,E3,G3
Nbr Of Steps: 8
Sort: Up
Steps
Notes

1
2
C3 E3

3
G3

4
G3

5
G3

6
G3

7
G3

8
G3

46

1
C3

2
E3

3
...
G3 ...

MANUALZIEN.DOC

Sort: Down
Steps
1
2
Notes
G3 E3

3
C3

4
C3

5
C3

6
C3

7
C3

8
C3

1
2
G3 E3

3
C3

...
...

16.6.10. Random
Note in list are randomly played

16.6.11. Pause, Up/Down

Pause: Only the 1st note is repeated to complete the cycle.
Example:
Notes list: C3,E3,G3
Nbr Of Steps: 8
Sort: Up
Steps
Notes

1
2
C3 C3

3
C3

4
C3

5
C3

6
C3

7
C3

8
C3

1
C3

2
C3

3
...
G3 ...

Sort: Down
Steps
1
2
Notes
G3 G3

3
G3

4
G3

5
G3

6
G3

7
G3

8
G3

1
2
3
...
G3 G3 G3 ...

16.7. Transposition

Transposition Octave Down: -1 octave transposition.

Transposition Octave Up: +1 octave transposition.
Transposition [-48..+48]: Semitones transposition.
Reset transpose: Reset transposition.

17. Master Transport Bar

______________________________________________________________
17.1. Section: global tabs slot selection

For the selection of the same tab in all slot:

P: Performance Tab.
S: Settings Tab.
L: Layers Tab.

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A: Arpeggiator Tab.

Suggestion: see 20.5

17.2. Section: Clear sequences

Clear Current Recording: last recording is clear when in record mode only.
Clear Selected Layer On/Off: When on, allows clearing next selected Layers.
Attention: Do not forget to set this button to Off !
Clear All Sequences: Clear all sequences on all slots.

17.3. Section: Global Quantisation

17.3.1.

Quantize Trigger On Musical Time Frame

Allows to synchronize triggering actions on slot, like the following:

Slot Start/stop (13.5.3) , Slot Layer Play/mute (13.4.2).
Slot Arpeggiator On/Off (13.6.2).
Chord triggering (internal or external) (see 4.4).
Transposition triggering (internal or external) (see 4.5).
But not for arpeggio triggering (internal or external) (see 16.1.1).
All actions described above are quantized on following values relative to Master Tempo (17.3.7):
Bar: beginning of next bar.
Beat: beginning of next quarter.
1/8: beginning of next eighth.
1/16: beginning of next sixteenth.
This allows user action to be synchrinized to the music. LED light show when an action arrive (17.3.3)
and when this action is taken (17.3.2).

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

17.3.2.

LED At Quantised Time Frame

The LED flick during a short pulse on Trigger On Musical Frame (see 17.3.1).

17.3.3.

LED Pending quantized events

When the action described in 17.3.1, arrives, the LED is light On to show the arrival. When action is
quantized by Quantize Trigger On Musical Frame, LED is Off.

17.3.4.

Global Quantize

When Slot Quantize parameter is Global (see 13.2.4), the slot use Global Quantize value.

17.3.5.

Global Beat Loop

Force Beats Loop(see 13.2.6) on all slots to the Global Beat Loop value.

17.3.6.

Time Signature

This set Numerator/Denominator time signature for the song.

Values are: 2/4,3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4
Zyklus Improvisor is only based on quarter note beat . This setting is only useful for visual feedback of
the current position Bar:Beat (see 18.2) and to instruct the Metronome behavior (see 7, 7.3).

17.3.7.

Master Tempo

Set the ZI master tempo in BPM with a quarter note beat. Values are from 20 to 275 BPM.
This setting is useful only in Sync Internal mode(see 8.2).

17.4. Section: Global Start/StopRecord des slots selectionnes

17.4.1.

Global Thru

This button is a global enabling/disabling of Thru on all slots. Il is easier for the musician to disable
Global Thru on all slots rather disabling individual slot (see 13.6.1).

17.4.2.

Thru Memory

Thru Memory set to On allows to memorize all THRUs states before any recoding and restore theses
automatically when recodings ends. So, during the recording the user may set any slots THRU On or
Off as requiered by the current recording. At the ends of recording the THRUs states will be restored at
the time Global Record is released.
During a recording, this is a useful feature that allows the user to changes THRU configuration without
the need to remember what was THRUs states before recording and without the need to restore theses
manually.

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Example
Assume we have THRU enabled on slots 1,2 and 5. When we are in normal play mode we hear those
slots when live playing. As soon as the user go into record mode, and select for example THRU slot 3,
and hitting the THRU buttons, slots 1, 2 and 5 set to the unThru state to mute theses. When recording
on slot 3 is done, and well leave record mode (Global Record Off), well go automatically back to the
previous thru state (slots 1,2 and 5 THRU on and slot 3 THRU off).

17.4.3.

Global InPut Harmonizer On/Off

Enable/disable input chord detection (internal or external) (see 4.4).

Remark:
When slot HRM is On (see 13.3.2), playing sequences (see 13.4.2) and playing arpeggiator (see 13.6.2)
are harmonized by the received chord

17.4.4.

Global InPut Transpose

Enable/disable transposition input (internal or external) (see 4.5).

17.4.5.

Global InPut Arpeggiator

Enable/disable input arpeggiator (internal or external) (see 4.3).

17.4.6.

Global Start/Stop

Allow to control synchronous Start/Stop on all slots.

Global start allows to start immediately any sequences already in play mode (see 13.4.2) and any
arpeggiator in play state ( 13.6.2).
Once started , slot can be stopped using the same button. Sequences are immediately stopped and the
Bar Beat pointer is reset (see 18.2).

17.4.7.

Global Record

This button is set On automatically when a slot sequence is set in recording mode (see 13.5.4).
When this button is set Off, Slot Rec button is set Off automatically. This button is a double of Slot Rec
button. This allows to stop a record immediately from transport bar without searching Slot Rec button..

17.4.8.

Overdub

When On, setting a sequence in record mode does not clear pevious recording in this the squence.
New recording wil be mixed to previous one.

17.4.9.

Sequence On Sequence

Not implemented: see SOS 20.8

17.5. Section: Global Start/Stop/Mute/solo on all slots

17.5.1.

Momentary

This is quite similar as found on the Zyklus MPS hardware sequencer. A sequence is only played when a
key is pressed on the keyboard. When multiple keys are pressed you will hear multiple versions
(polyphonic) of the sequence. It will only work when MOM was activated before.
When MOM is On, only slot in Loop mode "loop" (see 13.2.1) and Start On (see 13.5.3), will be enabled
for keyboard triggering.
Nota: Start need to be set after set MEM to On.
See also:Keyboard triggering 15.1

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

17.5.2.

Mute All Sequences

When On, any sequences currently playing continue to play but are muted.

17.5.3.

Solo

When SOLO is On:

Next slot selection force this slot to start (Start On) et stop others slots (Start Off) (see 13.5.3). So the
slot will play solo.
If a Layer slot is selected, it will be played Solo on this slot.

17.5.4.

Restart Sequences

Restart currently playing sequences on next trigger quantized by Quantize Trigger (see 17.3.1).

17.5.5.

Start All Slots

Start playing on all slots. All slots Start buttons are set automatically. But to get slot playing, it is
necessary to have :
Layers in Play state (see 13.4.2) and global Start On(see 17.4.6).

17.5.6.

Stop All Slots

Stop playing on all slots. All slots Start buttons are reset automatically.

17.6. Section:Metronome/Synchro

17.6.1.

METRO

Allow to force Metronome audition (see 7.2).

17.6.2.

Sync Int/ext

Allows to choose between internal/external synchronisation (see 8).

17.6.3.

RND PC

Allows to pick a random program change for anay slot with grey control Program selected (13.1.1).

17.6.4.

Panic

Allows to send note Off MIDI messages. Following MIDI message are sent to aany slot::
CC 120 0 (All sounds off)
CC 121 0 (All controlers off)
CC 123 0 (All notes off)
Pitch wheel 0 64 ( 0)

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

And to be sure to stop all notes (in the case of synthesizers that does not understand previous
messages):
Key On velocity 0 for any notes (0 127).
Key Press 0 for anay notes (0 127).

18. Display Bar

______________________________________________________________
18.1. Section:Midi In

Note In: Note received on input.

Velocity In: Note vlocity.
Midi In Indicator: LED is lighted during a pulse for each received note from keyboard.

18.2. Section: Position pointer

Current Position: Bar, Beat display

Beat Indicator: LED is lighted during a pulse for each beat. Pulse duration is longer for beat 1.

18.3. Section:Chord , xPos display

Chord recognition display (see 4.4), and transposition key from keyboard (see 4.5).

Harmonize Root Key: Root chord.

Harmonize Chord Type: Chord type (category).
xPose Key: Transposition note name.

18.4. Informations Window

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Display somes status informations when executing user actions.

18.5. Overview Current Beats Slots

Current Beat Slots

The window is like a view meter to display beat progression on each slot.
On Y axis: 8 view meter for each slot.
On X axis: Actual playing beat position.
Beats range
Define maxiimum X axis value in number of beat (4 to 128).

18.6. Zoom In/Out

Allow to resize main window.

18.7. Title

Allows to load a Song file using a Drag And Drop operation (see Load 4.1.1).

19. Appendices
______________________________________________________________
19.1. How works the harmonizer
There are a few rules of how the analyzer works and the way it influences sequences:
Rule 1: Improvisors sequence manipulation with chord recognition is based on diatonic
scales. A diatonic scale for example in C major contains the following notes: C, D, E, F, G, A
and B. So if you recorded something in C major, and later press a C minor chord at the
keyboard, all notes that dont belong to that C minor scale (because you recorded it in C
major!) are forced to C minor. This means that an E is lowered to Eb, an A to Ab and a B to
Bb.
(NB: There are of course other minor scales but Improvisor uses only one type at this moment).
Rule 2: Sequences are recorded with root key taken into account. Its important that before

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recording a sequence you set the scale you want to record in. When recording something in D minor set
the chord to be D minor and use a basic triad for that. See also rule 3.
Rule 3: Sequences are played back in their original state when using basic triads (major or
minor). A basic triad is a chord like C, E, G (C major) or D, F, A (D minor).

19.1.1.

Sequence transposition versus root chord.

19.1.2.

Sequence harmonization versus chord type

19.2. Follow root parameter behavior.

19.2.1.

Sequence forced in same range

19.2.2.

Higgest root chord control

Higgest
Note
B
A#
A
G#
G
F#
F
E
D#
D
C#
C

Root chord played at lower octave

Root chord:

-11,-10, -9, -8,-7, -6, -5, -4, -3, -2,-1 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11

C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B
B C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#
A#, B C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A
A, A#, B C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#
G#, A, A#, B C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G
G, G#, A, A#, B C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#
F#, G, G#, A, A#, B C, C#, D, D#, E, F
F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B C, C#, D, D#, E
E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B C, C#, D, D#
D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B C, C#, D
D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B C, C#
C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B C

For example: With HiggestNote to G#, Root can be all notes from C to G#. For Root
A,A#,B, Root is substracted by 12 semitones

19.3. Triggering mono/multiple transposition of sequences with Live keyboard

It was an attempt to mimic the Zyklus MPS behavior where you could trigger and transpose sequences
on the fly at the keyboard. This function only works if MOM (momentary) was activated on the transport
bar in the first place (see 17.5.1). Only slots that were started (see 13.5.3) *after* MOM was activated
will have their layers respond to keyboard presses. Its a bit fidly to set up, and by all means not perfect,
but you can make some nice things with it. You can make your sequences follow your live played
melody. Oh, and it s polyphonic as well (see 15.2.1).
NB : the harmonizer is very important to make full use of the trigger section.

19.4. How works Dynamics.

20. Suggestions
______________________________________________________________
20.1. Loading a Devices configuration
1)After loading a file, it will be useful to display the file name in Devices area section.

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

Good idea.
2)When a Song is loaded (see 4.1.1), the current Device configuration in memory is replaced by a
default configuration. So after loading a Song, the Device configuration for this song need to be loaded
too.
It will be better if the Device configuration loading will be automatic at Song loading time.
I understand your point, but theres a problem. The device file (*.idev) was deliberatedly separated from
the song file (*.ismn) in the first place, because of the relative large file size (about 3Mb) of the device
file. Also, because of file management hassle (not so sofisticated in Max) I omitted that for now. Maybe
in a future update.

20.2. Scenes
Dynamics are not saved.
Confirmed, but its rather tricky to solve. It would break the song data structure internally. For a future
update.
Scene name is not saved.
Confirmed, already solved, will be on next update.

20.3. Arpeggiation
20.3.1.

Live arpeggiation

This whole arpeggiator Live thing was probably not so good idea. The intention was that the notes of
the arpeggiator were determined by listening to what the user plays live. A sort of arpeggiated delay to
live playing. The idea was nice, the implementation not so. Im thinking of removing it after all.

20.3.2.

Triggering

Remark: Quantisation behavior is different than chord quantisation that is based on Global Quantize
Trigger (see 17.3.1).

20.4. Arpeggiator editor

20.4.1.

Arp Select

As slot name is saved in scene and song, this control will be able to display slot name in place of slot
number.

20.4.2.

Tie

Not working now, it was rather difficult to implement in the end. Ive removed it for the next update, it only
adds confusion.

20.5. Tab slot selection

To save user actions, selecting the same tab 2 times, return to previous selected tab.
Could be done, but in that case the program needs to remember what button was pressed and what the
previous selected tab was. I will look into it.

20.6. Tab Slot: Settings

20.6.1.

Section: Zone and MIDI filters

PGR
Not implemented.
not saved/restored by scenes and song.
Need an explanation.
Youre right. I think I did that on purpose, but I have a hard time to remember why. Must be something to
do with the fact that Program Changes by themselves are used for controlling ZI.

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MANUALZIEN.DOC

RESET CTRL
Need an explanation.
When a new song is loaded, a lot of initialization routines are carried out behind the scenes. This is just
one of them. Not preferable perhaps?
RESET CTRL state is not saved/restored by scenes and song.
It was added at a later stage and I didnt want to change the song/scene structure at that time, making
previous songs incompatible. And, its not working 100%. If activated it makes the very first note of the
loop inaudible, at least overhere. Bug.

20.7. Tab Slot: Layers

20.7.1.

Chord Thin

Need an explanation
Forget it, it was an attempt to reduce the number of sequenced notes that were playing using the MOM
function. Remember, you could trigger sequences *polyphonically* from the keyboard leading to massive
number of notes when hitting 6 keys for example.

20.8. Master Transport Bar

SOS
Need an explanation
Forget it, it was an attempt to *merge* running sequences to one single sequence. Not working properly.

20.9. Zoom In/Out

To remember window size, it wil be useful to display a value for each size.

56