Devastor Manual

8/3/2019 Devastor Manual

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Devastor 1.2.0

/d

vasto

r/

Owners manual

Acknowledgement: Sebastian BachlinskiGary Brennan

January 4, 2010


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Chapter 1

Overview

Devastor its a multiband stereophonic distortion effect. It has two independent signal process-ing paths (for each channel: L,R).

After loading the plug-in within a host application, the GUI will appear:

Figure 1.1: Devastor graphical interface

There are two sections:

Configuration and preset management

Figure 1.2: Configuration and preset management section

Signal processing control section consists of the all remaining controls.

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Chapter 2

Signal flow

This chapter describes the signal path through Devastor. It also explains the basic componentsof the effect unit and their control parameters.

2.1 Basic modules

Internally, Devastor consists of a few basic components. These correspond to the sections onthe graphical interface:

2.1.1 Dynamics flattener

Depending on the value ofDynamics knob, this module will equalize levels in the signals am-

plitude. Its principle of working is similar to a compressors operation with auto normalisationof the amplitude. However, its control (using one knob) is much simpler than that.

Figure 2.1: Dynamics knob

2.1.2 Diode clipper

This is the central and the most important element of Devastor. It simulates the behaviour ofa diode clipper analogue circuit. The signal distortion is caused by the circuit clipping thetop and bottom from the audio waveform.

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Chapter 2. Signal flow 2.1. Basic modules

Figure 2.2: Diode clipper section

Control of this module is performed by following controls:

Preamp - Amplification of signal in Diode clipper.

Threshold - This is the nominal level of amplitude, above this the distortion of the signaloccurs.

Shape - Depending on a chosen Clipping curve, this parameter changes its characteristics.

Clip - Clicking the display that shows Clippers curve, we can switch between 6 availabledifferent curves:

Figure 2.3: Devastor Clippers curves

1. Hyperbolic tangent (Tanh)

2. Arcus tangent

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Chapter 2. Signal flow 2.1. Basic modules

3. Linear hard clip

4. Crossover

5. Asymmetric hyperbolic tangent

6. Mixed Tanh and Linear hard clip

Two LEDs; CLIP + / - indicate exceeding the threshold value by positive and/or negativehalves of signal. This module works asymmetrically relative to zero.

2.1.3 Filter

In Devastor, we have three filter units at our disposal. They are independently configurableand are able to work in different configurations (they are connected in parallel, before or afterthe Clipper circuit - see diagram below).

Figure 2.4: Filters section

For each filter, the following parameters can be controlled:

Cutoff - Filters cut-off frequency.

Reso/B.Width - Filters resonance or in a case of band-pass or band-reject filters, its width.

Volume - Volume of output signal (from the filter).

Filter type - Filter type; Lp - low-pass, Bp - band-pass, Hp - hi-pass, Br - band-reject, Off- filter off.

Pre/Post - Sets filter position to pre-clipper or post-clipper. Set to Pre, signal is filtered andthen sent to clipper. Set to Post, the signal goes through the Clipper first and then thefilter.

Above parameters apply to all filters. Filters can only be connected in parallel.

2.1.4 Master section

Amplitude of the output signal is adjusted by the Output volume knob. The Output metershows the current amplitude of the output signal after the adjustment. Dry/Wet knob controls

proportions between processed and non-processed sound outgoing from Devastor.

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Chapter 2. Signal flow 2.2. Possible filters configurations

Figure 2.5: Master section

2.2 Possible filters configurationsUsing the Pre/Post switches for each of the filters, we can obtain up to 8 possible combinations(configurations) of Filter and Clipper connections.

1. Filter 1: Pre,Filter 2: Pre,Filter 3: Pre

2. Filter 1: Pre,Filter 2: Pre,Filter 3: Post

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Chapter 2. Signal flow 2.2. Possible filters configurations

3. Filter 1: Pre,Filter 2: Post,Filter 3: Pre

4. Filter 1: Post,Filter 2: Pre,Filter 3: Pre

5. Filter 1: Post,Filter 2: Pre,Filter 3: Pre

6. Filter 1: Post,Filter 2: Pre,

Filter 3: Post

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Chapter 2. Signal flow 2.3. Path of the signals flow

7. Filter 1: Post,Filter 2: Post,Filter 3: Pre

8. Filter 1: Post,Filter 2: Post,Filter 3: Post

Note: Please note, when a filter is set to Pre mode, its output volume must begreater than zero or silence will be sent to the clipper. If it is the only filter

being used, nothing will heard.

2.3 Path of the signals flow

The input signal goes to the Flattener, then, depending on setting of the Pre/Post switches,it is sent to the group of Filters and the Diode Clipper. Finally, the amplitude of outputsignal is changed by the Output volume knob and mixed with dry signal accordingly withthe value of Dry/Wet value.

Figure 2.6: Signal flow

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Chapter 3

Preset management

3.1 Browsing presets

Presets are organised into groups. Storing like this is completely compatible with the nativemethod used by the host application. In the host sequencer, the presets are unfolded fromhierarchical to a linear structure with 128 preset slots. The user can see those presets in thebrowser as being assigned to particular groups (defined by user).


The user interface Preset Management controls are:

Preset name - This displays the name of currently selected preset. It also allows editing ofthe preset name.

Prev/Next - Those buttons are used to navigate through all presets (whole bank), Nextbutton moves to the next slot, and Prev button to the previous one. When the end of agroup of presets is reached, the first slot of the next group will be chosen when the Nextbutton is pressed again. Similar action will be performed if we press the Prev button

when the beginning of a group is reached.

Prev + Ctrl - Prev button pressed with Ctrl1 key, copies current preset slot to buffer.

Next + Ctrl - Next button pressed with Ctrl key, pastes buffer to current preset slot withpostfix copy added to its name.

Browser - Allows selection of presets using a browser menu.

1On MacOS use Apple key instead of Ctrl key.

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Chapter 3. Preset management 3.2. Loading and Saving presets

Preset Group 1

Preset Group 2

Preset Manager

Load Preset

Save Preset

Load Bank

Save Bank

Preset 1

Preset 2

Figure 3.2: Browsing presets via context menu

It is worth mentioning that changing any of the presets is not permanent. After removing andreloading the plug-in again, the factory presets will be recalled. However, saving the projectwithin the host application with Devastor, and reloading that project will cause a recall of all

changes we have made in this project.

3.2 Loading and Saving presets

There are some additional options that add functionality to preset management. They areplaced in the context menu which is accessible from the Browse button:


When we click this button, the context menu is unfolded:

Preset Group 1

Preset Group 2

Preset Manager

Load Preset

Save Preset

Load Bank

Save Bank

Figure 3.4: Preset management - under Browse button

In this chapter, well focus on the first 4 items:

Load Preset - Loading preset and overwrite the active slot from the file (.dvprs- DevastorPreset).

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Chapter 3. Preset management 3.3. Preset manager

Save Preset - Saving current preset as a file (.dvprs- Devastor Preset) 2.

Load Bank - Loading whole bank of presets from file (.dvprsb- Devastor Bank).

Save Bank - Saving whole bank of presets as a file (.dvprsb- Devastor Bank).

Note: Internal files written by a Devastor are in XML format and can be editedin a text editor.

3.3 Preset manager

As was mentioned earlier, presets in Devastor are organised into groups. Presets can be chosenfrom the context menu (under the Browse button). Presets can also be chosen within the hostsequencer (where they appear as a flat structure). Preset manager is a tool, which allows toeasy management of the presets structure. To open it, just click the Browse button:


From the context menu choose Preset Manager:

Preset Group 1

Preset Group 2

Preset Manager

Load Preset

Save Preset

Load Bank

Save Bank

Figure 3.6: Preset manager - Item

The Preset Manager menu will appear.

2Before saving single preset, remember to Store it using Ctrl + Browse button if On demand preset

storing is active, which is default behavior.

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Chapter 3. Preset management 3.4. Preset storing

Figure 3.7: Preset manager window

This shows the preset structure with the bank name as the root. A preset represents the deepestlevel of the structure.

Each of the items can be renamed by double clicking on the item with the mouse.

The preset structure appears as a standard list of presets within the host application makingit fully compatible with it. As a result, no matter how the structure is represented (either as atree structure or flat), the maximum number of presets is 128. The number of presets in this

structure cannot be changed. We can only move the presets from one group to another (bydragging) or changing their order in group. The Group order in the bank can also be changedby dragging.

There are two buttons at the bottom of the Preset Manager window.

Add group - Adding the empty group in a bank.

Remove group - This removes a group from a bank but only when it is empty. It meansthat all preset slots were reallocated among the existing groups.

To exit from the Preset manager press the Cross button in the top right corner.

3.4 Preset storing

Using Next, Prev buttons within Preset Manager we can navigate through the preset bank.Any change made in preset can be stored automatically or on demand (option available in menuunder Options button):

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Chapter 3. Preset management 3.4. Preset storing

. . .

Load Midi CC Map

Save Midi CC Map

Preset Storing

Default Resources

Quality

About

. . .

Automatic

On Demand

Figure 3.8: Preset storing flag

Automatic - When any parameter in the current preset is changed, it is automatically stored.

On demand - If a parameter is changed, the change is not saved within the preset until theStore button is pressed (Ctrl key + Browse button)3. Navigating to a new preset willcause changes to be lost unless stored. This is the default.

This Preset Storing flag is stored in a configuration file and applies to all newly inserted instancesof the plug-in. Saving the configuration file is performed after closing any instance of the plug-in.

3On MacOS use Apple key instead of Ctrl key

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Chapter 4

Configuration

4.1 Midi control

Devastor has an ability to assign its controls (on GUI) to any Midi Control Change code(MidiCC), This allows control of the plug-in using external software or hardware.

Note: This feature works only in VST version, AU effect plug-in has no midi inputnecessary to receive midi messages.

4.1.1 Midi learn

To assign a Devastor control to a midi controller:

1. From the context menu under Options button, we set Midi Learn Mode.

Midi Learn Mode

Unlink Connection

Load Midi CC Map

Save Midi CC Map

Preset Storing

Default Resources

Quality

About

Figure 4.1: Options Menu

2. In the Preset name edit box, the waiting... message will appear. In this mode, plug-inis waiting for any movement of its controls on GUI or any of controls on the external midicontroller connected to a host (with an active midi input channel directed to Devastor).The edit box will display the name of currently modified control.

3. When the control is set, go to the Options context menu and uncheck the Midi LearnMode option. Last modified control on GUI will be assigned to the last moved control

on the midi controller.

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Chapter 4. Configuration 4.1. Midi control


4.1.2 Midi Unlink

To disconnect midi controller and Devastor GUIs control:

1. From the context menu under Options button, we set Midi Learn Mode first.

Midi Learn Mode

Unlink Connection

Load Midi CC Map

Save Midi CC Map

Preset Storing

Default Resources

Quality

About


2. In the Preset name edit box, the waiting... message will appear. In this mode, plug-inis waiting for any movement of its controls on GUI or any of controls on the external midicontroller connected to a host (with an active midi input channel directed to Devastor).The edit box will display the name of currently modified control.

3. Unlink Connection item in Options menu is activated now. Click it to disconnectMidi CC and GUIs control. 1

4. Uncheck the Midi Learn Mode option.

4.1.3 Loading and saving Midi MapTo save a Midi Map (mapping of GUIs controls with MidiCC), we can use the option from thecontext menu, which is accessible under the Options button:

1Youre allowed to unlink few connections one by one, by repeating steps 2 and 3.

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Chapter 4. Configuration 4.1. Midi control

Midi Learn Mode

Unlink Connection

Load Midi CC Map

Save Midi CC MapPreset Storing

Default Resources

Quality

About


Load Midi CC Map - Loading a Midi Map from file (.dvccmap- Devastor Control Map).

Save Midi CC Map - Saving a current Midi Map to file (.dvccmap- Devastor ControlMap).

Note: Midi Map files written by a Devastor are XML standardized, it means Youcan re-edit them within any text editor.

4.1.4 Sound processing quality

We have to our disposal following possible grades:

Low

Medium

Higher

Highest

That can be chosen from the Quality submenu:

. . .

Preset Changing

Default Resources

Quality

About

. . .

LowMedium

Higher

Highest

Figure 4.5: Quality control

The higher the quality of processing, the more CPU resources are requires by the plug-in, butthe better the sound quality. This setting is stored per single plug-in instance in the project

file (in host application). It is not stored within the preset

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Chapter 4. Configuration 4.2. Default resources

4.2 Default resources

Therere included some default presets with Devastor or empty Midi CC map. These are loadedevery time it is started. This can be changed to point to user default presets or default Midi

CC map.

Midi Learn Mode

Unlink Connection

Load Midi CC Map

Save Midi CC Map

Preset Storing

Default Resources

Quality

About

Presets

Midi CC Map

Figure 4.6: Default resources

The following types of resources can be replaced by users ones and those will be loaded everytime new instance of plug-in be loaded:

Presets - Default Devastors Preset Bank (.dvprsb)

Midi CC Map - Default Devastors Midi CC Map (.dvccmap)

4.2.1 Default presets

To set the default bank of presets, use the options from the Presets submenu:

. . .

Save Midi CC Map

Preset Storing

Default Resources

Quality

. . .

Presets

Midi CC Map

Use Factory Presets

Use Clear Presets

Choose file

Figure 4.7: Default presets

We can choose one of following options:

Use Factory Presets - This is default one after installation of Devastor. If You choose thisoption, default bank of presets becomes the factory one provided within plug-in by pro-ducer.

Use Clear Presets - After choosing this item from menu, the default bank will contain all

presets consisting of zeroed parameters.

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Choose File - Its possible to set by user his own default bank of presets he previously made,by using this option. Choose File opens a file dialog to browse a location where thebank of presets made by user is saved. When user confirms, the path to that bank isstored in the Devastors configuration file. And this bank becomes the default one.

. . .Presets

Midi CC Map

Use Factory Presets

Use Clear Presets

User Defined

[Users bank file name]

Choose file

Figure 4.8: Users default presets

When the users bank is set as a default preset bank, the menu indicates this fact byshowing the checked User Defined menu item, and one row below the file name of userspreset bank.

4.2.2 Default Midi CC Map

The option used to set the default Midi CC map.

. . .

Save Midi CC Map

Preset Storing

Default Resources

Quality

. . .

Presets

Midi CC Map

No Mapping

Choose file

Figure 4.9: Default Midi CC Map

Only two options are available in this submenu:

No Mapping - It is the default one, mean no default Midi CC mapping is available after

loading Devastor into the host application.Choose file - Similarly to selecting default preset resource, this options is used to set the

default Midi CC Map, which will be loaded every time we load Devastor in the hostapplication. When we set the path to Midi CC Map using this options, its indicated byshowing Midi CC Map file name in this submenu:

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. . .Presets

Midi CC Map

No Mapping

User Defined

[Users Midi CC Map file name]

Choose file

Figure 4.10: Users default Midi CC Map

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Chapter 5

Contributions

Wed like to thank the people who helped us with Devastors development. For beta testingand factory presets:

Chris Liebing

Jeremy Jacobs

Juan Juez-Sarmiento Ramos

Martin Roth

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Contents

Contents

1 Overview 1

2 Signal flow 22.1 Basic modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2.1.1 Dynamics flattener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.1.2 Diode clipper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.1.3 Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.1.4 Master section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2.2 Possible filters configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.3 Path of the signals flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 Preset management 83.1 Browsing presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.2 Loading and Saving presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93.3 Preset manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3.4 Preset storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

4 Configuration 134.1 Midi control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.1.1 Midi learn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134.1.2 Midi Unlink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144.1.3 Loading and saving Midi Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144.1.4 Sound processing quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.2 Default resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164.2.1 Default presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4.2.2 Default Midi CC Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

5 Contributions 19

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Devastor Manual

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