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The PDP-400 has “32-note polyphony” which

means you can normally play up to 32 notes at once.

This number varies, however, according to the func-

tions being used.

The Keyboard & Polyphony
Keyboard only 32 notes.
Keyboard only (dual) 16 notes.
Keyboard + rhythm 24 notes (rhythm uses 8).
Keyboard (dual) + rhythm 12 notes
Keyboard + ABC 12 notes (rhythm 8; ABC 12).
Keyboard (dual) + ABC 6 notes
●The number of available notes is further reduced if the performance memory or a
Disk Orchestra Collection disk is being played at the same time. Further variation
occurs with “1-layer” and “2-layer” voices. The polyphony is halved with 2-layer
voices: voices 56 (JAZZ ORGAN 2), 58 (COSMIC 1), and 60 (COSMIC 3).
The PDP-400 also offers keyboard touch response, so the volume and timbre of
notes played can be controlled according to how “hard” you play the keys. The
amount of variation available depends on the selected voice.
Pitch WheelModulation Wheel
The MODULATION wheel can be used to apply “modulation” in the form of a
vibrato effect to notes played on the keyboard. More modulation is applied as the
wheel is rolled upward. Unlike the self-centering PITCH wheel, the MODULATION
wheel will stay where it is set so you can set any degree of modulation you like and
leave it that way. Please note, however, that when you select a different voice the “nor-
mal” modulation level for that voice will initially be recalled regardless of the position
of the MODULATION wheel. The MODULATION wheel will affect both voices in
the Dual and Split modes. Modulation data is also transmitted via the MIDI OUT con-
nector along with the note data.
The PITCH wheel can be used to “bend” the pitch of notes up or down while play-
ing. The PITCH wheel is self-centering, and will automatically return to center posi-
tion — i.e. normal pitch — when released. The PITCH wheel will affect both voices
in the Dual and Split modes. Pitch-bend data is also transmitted via the MIDI OUT
connector along with the note data. The range of the PITCH wheel is plus or minus
one whole tone.
DOWN
UP
PITCH
0
MAX
MIN
MODULATION