M-Audio Torq manual VST Effects, Latency, Selecting Effects

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VST Effects

The 10 built-in effects provided with Torq cover a wide range of effects typically used by DJs—many DJs will never need more than these built-in effects. Others, however, will want to explore the possibilities of additional effects. For this reason, Torq allows you to use third-party plug-ins that adhere to the VST standard (referred to as “VST plug-ins”).

The amount of third-party VST effects available on the market today is staggering. The variety can range from top-of-the-line audio mastering plug-ins to simple devices made by someone in their spare time. As a result, your mileage with VST plug-ins will vary.

Latency

Another potential drawback from using VST plug-ins is latency. Latency is the observed lag between when you trigger an event or action on the computer and when you finally hear the results. When running without any VST plug-ins, Torq’s latency is nearly undetectable—Torq will respond to scratches, button presses, and knob tweaks immediately.

Some VST plug-ins, however, must perform very complex calculations on the audio. Sometimes, these calculations require that the plug-in buffer the audio so that it can process it in large chunks. In these cases, the plug-in will fill its buffer with some audio sent from Torq. It will then process the audio and send it to an output buffer. Once the output buffer is filled, the audio is sent back to Torq. This process, while extremely fast, can still manifest itself as a perceived lag in response time. And, as you can see, this phenomenon is beyond the control of Torq (the latency is created by the plug-in, not Torq).

If you find that a VST plug-in you’re using is creating latency, you can try to find a similar-sounding plug-in with minimal latency, or simply try to “play ahead” and anticipate the latency. While some other programs feature “Plug-in Delay Compensation,” such a system would not work with Torq because the program is entirely real-time (the music and effects are not preset or programmed).

Selecting Effects

To begin using a VST, you’ll need to select one from the list of available VSTs:

1.Click on the top window in the VST section of the Effect Rack. A pop-up menu will appear showing all valid VSTs in the selected VST folder (see Plug-in Preferences).

2.Click on the name of a VST. It will be loaded immediately and the VST’s graphic interface will open and float over the Torq interface..

3.To close the window, click the close icon in the window’s title bar or click the Wrench icon in the Effect Rack.

4.To open the same VST interface again, click the Wrench icon again.

Note: At the top of the VST drop-down menu list, you will see a “blank” plug-in as an option. If you select it, no VST will be loaded into the Slot (any current VST will be unloaded).

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Contents User Guide Table of Contents Torq User Guide Table of Contents Torq User Guide Welcome Torq Overview DecksTorq User Guide » Chapter Main Waveform DisplayMixer PFL/Headphone CueBrowser/Database Effect Racks SamplerSnapshots Master Module System Requirements WindowsInstallation Windows XPMacintosh OS Decks DisplaysControls Overview WaveformPlay/Pause SeekSetting QuickCues Deck ModeVinyl Mode QuickCueCDJ Mode Hybrid ModeLooping Loop In/Out» Using QuickLoops Loop On/OffQuickLoop » QuickLoop Size Preference» QuickLoop Behaviors Speed SliderSlider Range BPM Display » Automatic BPM Detection» Double/Halve Button » Manual TempoFine Tuning » Tap Tempo» BPM Entry KeyMidi Slider/Knob Control Midi Button ControlMidi Keyboard Control External Control Sync ButtonNudge Buttons Offset ButtonsWaveform Display Information Shown on DisplayWaveform Phase Grid ZoomLoop Points Cue PointsVinyl Mode Hybrid ModeCDJ Mode Playback ManipulationsAutomatic Tempo and Phase Detection Phase Grid ManipulationsSynchronization Adjusting with the Mouse Adjusting with Nudge ButtonsAdjusting with Offset Buttons Sync Button Locked SyncMomentary Sync Master TempoUsing Torq with only one turntable or CD player External ControlEnabling Vinyl/CD Control Torq User Guide » Chapter External Control Calibration Control TypeVelocity and Position Reversed Playback DirectionError Index Erratic Playback PositionErratic Velocity Values Standard Mode AMPutate ModeAbsolute Mode Relative ModeDeck Control Runout Protection BPM MatchingMidi Control Midi Prefs Midi Learn» Creating a Midi Assignment » Clearing a Midi Assignment» Changing Midi Assignment Keyboard LearnAssigning Buttons to Knobs or Sliders Assigning Knobs or Sliders to ButtonsSignal Source SamplerSampler Controls Record Sample ButtonRecording One-Shot Samples Recording Looped SamplesSample Volume Knob Trigger Sample ButtonLoop Sample Button Sample Speed/Rate KnobSample Name Window QuickScratch Assigning SamplesActivating QuickScratch Snapshots Snapshot ListCreating a Snapshot Using Snapshots Masking a SnapshotDuplicate Snapshot Delete SnapshotMomentary vs. Latching Behavior Polyphonic SnapshotsBrowser/Database Browser PaneDatabase Adding Folders to DatabaseAdding Multiple Folders Adding Folders from Your OS Searching Specific Database FoldersRemoving Folders from Database File List Editing FieldsArtist/Song Filename Swap Loading Songs into the Decks Click and DragFunction Keys Sorting the ListReset Button Search CategoriesIgnore Field Playlists Creating New PlaylistsRename Playlist Deleting a PlaylistAdding Songs to a Playlist Removing Songs from a PlaylistReordering Songs in a Playlist Activating a PlaylistSaving a Playlist Loading a PlaylistSession Playlist Rename the Session PlaylistDeleting Session Playlists ITunesLibrary PlaylistsSearching iTunes with the Database IPodsDrives Audio CDsMixer Mixer ArchitectureChannels Gain/MuteEQ/Kills PFL/Headphone CueChannel Volume Faders Line Input ButtonsCrossfader Crossfader Curve» Adjusting with the Mouse » Adjusting via MidiCrossfader Assign Transform ButtonsVolume Control PFL/Headphone CueSplit Button and Source Knob Master Output Level Meter and LimiterSetting the Record Level Master RecorderFilename RecordingEnable Button EffectsEffect Slot Mix Knob Routing ButtonTweak Knob Tweak ButtonDelay Built-In EffectsLoading Effect Racks Bypassing the EffectsTweak Knob Tweak ButtonReverb Mix Knob and Routing ButtonFlanger Tweak Knob and ButtonPhaser Dual-FilterDistortion Strobe ReverseParameter Knob Parameter ButtonBrake RepeatVST Effects LatencySelecting Effects VST Preset Management Assigning ControlsVST Crash Guard ReWire Master TempoAudio Routing Preferences Audio TabAudio Interface Sample RateBuffer Size Midi Tab Auto-Detect M-Audio Devices On/Off Scratch SensitivityNudge Sensitivity Crossfader Curve ControlAMPutate Mode External Control TabMidi Devices External ControlPlug-ins Tab Control CalibrationSystem VST Plug-in Directory Miscellaneous Tab Custom VST Plug-in DirectoryTorq Engine Cue ExclusivitySchaffel Mode Transport ModeQuickLoop Size Search iPod with DatabaseSync Mode Sample CounterSkin Preset Key Assignments AppendixWarranty Warranty Terms Warranty Registration