This section provides a description of the new operating system.
To describe the operation of the system, we need to define some terms. In this system, serial loops (or groups of loops) are referred to as "Pages". Parallel loops are referred to as "Channels". The system is arranged like a mixing board with 4 "Channels" that can be fed by a tape deck which plays loops. You can only listen to 4 tracks of the tape (4 loops) at a time. "Pages" are like snapshots of the mixer with different tracks of the tape assigned to each channel. When you select a new Page, the actual change occures at the edge of the loop. If no loops have been initialized in that Page, the loop assigned to the first channel is initialized (like the original JamMan).
Original JamMan:
| Loop 1 |
| Loop 2 |
| Loop 3 |
| Loop 4 |
| Loop 5 |
| Loop 6 |
| Loop 7 |
| Loop 8 |
JamMan Special: (example)
| Chan 1 | Chan 2 | Chan 3 | Chan 4 | |
| Page 1 | Loop 1 | Loop 2 | -- | -- |
| Page 2 | Loop 3 | Loop 4 | Loop 5 | -- |
| Page 3 | Loop 6 | -- | -- | -- |
| Page 4 | Loop 7 | Loop 8 | Loop 9 | Loop 10 |
JamMan Special: (Original emualtion example)
| Chan 1 | Chan 2 | Chan 3 | Chan 4 | |
| Page 1 | Loop 1 | -- | -- | -- |
| Page 2 | Loop 2 | -- | -- | -- |
| Page 3 | Loop 3 | -- | -- | -- |
| Page 4 | Loop 4 | -- | -- | -- |
It used to be 8X8 but we never seemed to use more than 4 channels so we figured it would help simplify things if we limited it to 4X4. "Pages" are easier to expand than channels (probably just a def change). I usually only use a single page so that part of the code has not been extensively tested. I've noticed some pops and clicks but haven't had time to do the proper cleanup on this yet.
Like the original JamMan, several "Functions" have been provided alter the content or operating mode of a given channel. While up to 4 loops can be played back at a time, you can only apply a "Function" to one channel/loop at a time (note - there are some exceptions). To apply a Function to a channel, the channel is first made active (select it then press and hold the CHAN button) then the TAP button is used to toggle the Function on and off.
This is a table of functions with "Replace" selected. Pressing TAP will toggle "Replace" on and off.
| 0 - Loop | ||
| 1 - Layer | ||
| 2 - Make Room * | ||
| 3 - Replace | E | TAP |
| 4 - Mute | ||
| 5 - Fade | ||
| 6 - Dest Fade | ||
| 7 - Chan Trigger | ||
| 8 - All Trigger | ||
| 9 - Echo/Delay | ||
| 10 - Reset |
Several changes had to be made to the controls and LEDs on the front panel to accomidate the new functionality of this system. The PARAMETER SELECT (right-most) encoder which previously selected the operating mode and the number of beats now selects a parameter which can be edited by turning the SELECT encoder. The current value of the parameter being edited appears on the display. In general, you tend to edit the set up for this box before you actually put audio into it.
Most parameter values appear as values between 0 and 19. For parameters which use numbers to represent modes, refer to the appropriate sections of this document or the quick reference card when editing.
The other major change to the front panel was the use of the three LEDs beside the display. These LEDs now turn on or flash to indicate what is currently being displayed when using the system via the footswitches (or, when applicable, the MODE knob). In this way the display can still be useful when using the system via the footswithes. In general, a solidly lit LED indicates "Selected" while flashing indicates "Active" (note: This is the opposite of the original JamMan. Sorry but the old way was just too weird)
4.2.1. Mode Knob <go back to table of contents>
This sets the MIDI channel that the system will respond to. Refer to the MIDI section for details about the MIDI implementation. Note that this can automatically be set via the "Learn mode".
4.2.1.2. Destructive Fade Rate
This sets the rate at which the audio will decrease in level when the Channel (Destructive) Fade is enabled.
This sets the overall signal level out of the system. There is also a controller available for this parameter for "Volume Pedal" type of applications.
This sets the signal level of the dry signal through the system when the MIX pot is set to 100%.
4.2.1.5. Slap
Time
This sets the delay time of the Slap
echo. Values range from 35ms to 105ms in 5ms steps.
| Display | Delay Time (milliseconds) |
| 1 | 35 |
| 2 | 40 |
| 3 | 45 |
| 4 | 50 |
| 5 | 55 |
| 6 | 60 |
| 7 | 65 |
| 8 | 70 |
| 9 | 75 |
| 10 | 80 |
| 11 | 85 |
| 12 | 90 |
| 13 | 95 |
| 14 | 100 |
| 15 | 105 |
| 16 | 110 |
4.2.1.6. Slap
Level
This sets the signal level of the
Slap delay. Values range from 1 (off) to 16 (full)
An internal, audible click has been added to the system. The rate of the click is based on the number of beats set in for the Page. The click is not added to the acual audio and can be adjusted at any time. This parameter sets the audio level of the click. Note that the click for the first beat is slightly longer than the others to help identify beat "one" (the loop boundry).
This is the audio level of this channel as it is set in the mixer. Note that the "Non-Destructive Fade" reduces this level. You currently have to un-fade manually. The default on power up is for all channels in all pages to be at full level (16). The front panel resolution of this parameter is 16 positions but 128 via MIDI.
This is the position of the channel in the stereo field. When several channels occupy the same position in the stereo field, a psuedo-undo effect can be accomplished. The default on power up is to set channels 1 and 2 hard left and right with all of the remaining channels in the center for all pages. The front panel resolution of this parameter is 16 positions but 128 via MIDI.
When a channel is in the Echo/Delay mode, this parameter allows you to divide the loop size up. This system allows you to divide by any value from 1-127.
This parameter set the channels feedback when the channel is used in the Echo/Delay mode.
This parameter sets the number of times a segment is played. If set for 0, the channel loops indefinitely. The "channel trigger" or "all channels trigger" Function must be used to start playback. The "stutt-t-t-tter" effect in the original JamMan is not supported. This just queues loop playback.
This parameter sets the number of beats for the given Page. The number of beats set for a Page effects the MIDI clock (not implemented yet) and the audible click.
As mentioned earlier, each page consists of 4 channels. Each channel contains several parameters which can be saved with a specific page.
4.2.2. Bypass/Reset Button <go back to table of contents>
The functionality of the RESET/BYPASS button has been changed in this software. When the RESET/BYPASS button is pressed and quickly released, the system toggles in and out of BYPASS. When bypassed, the letter "P" appears on the display. When the button is pressed and held, all loops are cleared. A dash (-) flashes on the display when a clear operation is executed.
This button was the FUNCTION button in the original JamMan but here, only enters the Learn Mode (when held). Refer to section 7.1. MIDI Learn on page 15.
This button essentially works the same as in the original JamMan.
This LED essentially works the same as in the original JamMan.
4.3. Pages <go back to table of contents>
Much of the flexability of this system revolves around the use of "Pages". In some ways "Pages" could be thought of as user registers. You set them up to respond a certain way then recall them later when you want to use them. The best way to think about this system is as an 8 channel mixing board. Each channel has an identical set of adjustments (level, pan, etc). Then there are more global things like master level (on a conventional mixing board). In this system our requirements are a little different because of what we are trying to do, but the basic concept is similar. On this mixing board you have the option of setting all of the channel and global parameters and saving them in a "Page". Each page has it's own set of channel settings and global settings which can be stored.
The following global parameters are available within each "Page":
Number of beats
The active channel number
The Channel Mixer information
Each Channel of each Page contains the following data:
Channel level
Channel Pan
Number of Repeats