** Piston Voice Manual **


* Introduction

Piston Voice is software for creating source files for Piston Collage.
Previously, Piston Voice simply played sampled source (PCM) files,
but Piston Voice can apply an envelope to the source in response to an keypress.
Additionally, a system of coordinates and overtones is used instead of PCM files, so filesize is reduced.



* Post-installation Functions

Overtone WaveformConstructs a wave using overtones
Coordinate-based WaveformConstructs a wave designated by coordinates
VolumeWaveform volume
EnvelopeChange in volume when a key is pressed
Release TimeDecrease in volume when a key is released
Pan PotDirection of sound (left/right)
Correction ValueFrequency correction value
Double Wave SynthesisExpresses the waveforms on Side A and Side B as one voice
Envelope and correction values may be individually set for each side



* Wave Type

Selects whether to use overtone based waveforms or coordinate-based waveforms
Changing this resets the waveform.

Coordinate-based


Overtone-based




* Waveform Monitor/Overtone Slider

Creates the waveform that forms the basis of the sound.

With "Coordinate-based" chosen, click the Waveform Monitor to create a waveform
Left-click inserts points, right-click deletes points

With "Overtone-based" chosen, drag the Overtone Slider to create a waveform.
Drag the slider with the left mouse button; Right-click sets it to zero.
Try starting with a preset.




* Edit Other Side
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Piston Voice synthesizes the source using two waveforms (Side A/Side B).
Left-clicking switches the editor to the other side.
To use one side only, set Side B's volume to zero.



* Volume
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If overtones cause the waveform to exceed the limits of the Monitor,
the indicator above the slider will turn red.
This will cause the sound to crack, so lower the volume.



* Waveform Presets


Used for one-touch waveform setup.
From the top, choices are: sinewave, triangular wave, saw wave, rectangular wave, random, and reverse.
If you don't understand the individual sounds and their respective values, random is recommended.



* Envelope Monitor

The change in volume after pressing a key is the envelope.
Points can be adjusted by left-clicking and dragging from inside the monitor.
Right-clicking deletes points.
The x-axis is time and the y-axis is volume.




* Release Time


The time it takes for the sound to dissipate after you press a key is the release time.
100 (10 seconds) is the maximum value.




* Pan/Pot


The left/right position of the sound is pan/pot.
0 is left, 128 is right, and 64 is center.
Right-clicking resets this to 64 (center).



* Correction Value

Playback speed can be offset slightly.
The sound can be changed by setting up a discrepancy between Side A and Side B.
Right-clicking sets this to zero.



* Keyboard/Keyboard Scope

Clicking the keyboard allows you to actually hear the sound.
The keys are also mapped to the computer keyboard.
Key mappings can be changed by clicking the keyboard scope
or by pressing "Ctrl+[up/down cursor]".

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* Velocity


This is the volume in response to a click or a keystroke.
This corresponds to Velocity when you actually use Piston Collage.