Overview - Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

OVERVIEW

The Architecture of the Q20

The Q20 provides eight Effect Blocks per Program, each of which can serve as either EQ, Pitch, Delay or Reverb. The display shows these Blocks from first to last, between the L/R IN (left and right inputs) and the L/R OUT (outputs). The display also illustrates the routings between the Blocks. In addition to the Block functions, there is a set of Modulations which may be used in a Program. These allow MIDI messages (such as note numbers, velocity, after-touch, pitch-bend or controllers) to serve as controls over parameters in the Q20. This is discussed in further detail in Chapter 6. For now, letÕs discuss the essence of Blocks and how they interact with each other.

What is a Block?

A Block is essentially a discrete effects processor that can be used alone or in conjunction with other Blocks. Each Block has a Mono input and up to three outputs (depending on its type): left, right and mix, a mono mix of the left and right outs. A Block requires that a signal be routed to it before it can effect the signal. The Block must also have its output connected either to the L OUT or R OUT (or both), or to the input of another Block (or to a series of Blocks) which is in turn connected to either the L OUT or R OUT (or both) before the BlockÕs effect can be heard.

The four effect functions available in a Block are: Equalization, Pitch, Delay and

Reverberation. Each one of these has several effect types. Example: Once a Block is assigned to use a Pitch function, you can choose a Chorus, Pitch Shifter, Flanger, etc. A full list of all the available effects and their parameters is shown in Chapter 5.

Selecting and Editing Blocks

Editing a Program is done by first selecting one of the eight Blocks, and then selecting a Block function (Type, Routing, Parameter, or Mix). Use the [< BLOCK >] buttons to move the pointer in the display to the left or right. The pointer appears as a down-pointing triangle just above the Blocks, thereby selecting one of the eight Blocks or the L OUT or R OUT (the L OUT and R OUT are special Blocks which arenÕt really edited, except when adjusting the mix). The pointerÕs position indicates which Block is being edited.

There are four Block functions, which are accessed by using the four Block function buttons: [TYPE], [ROUTING], [PARAMETER], and [MIX]. Pressing any of these buttons takes you to its related parameters, and simultaneously turns on the buttonÕs LED to indicate the selected Block function.

TYPE. The Type function is where you go first to define a Block. A Block is defined as either EQ, Pitch, Delay, Reverberation or Off. This is done in Type Page 1. Once a Block is defined, its effect type can be selected. This is done in Type Page 2. If you need to move or copy a defined Block to another position, you would go to Type Page 3 and 4.

Q20 Reference Manual

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