Dave Smith Instruments POLY EVOLVER KEYBOARD - Manual (Page 9)

Frequently Asked Questions
The Poly Evolver is a very flexible instrument. While this provides a wide range of
operational possibilities, it also means that you can put Evolver into a state where it
doesn’t seem to work. Here are some tips:
• How do I save a Program or Combo? Hit the W RITE switch. Then press the
+/Y ES switch when prompted. All other switches are locked out, though you can
hit the -/N O switch if you change your mind. You can change the Program and/or
Bank and store in a different location using the knobs. You can also press
C
OMPARE to check the sounds in the Program destinations.
• When I change Programs, the Sequencer speed always stays the same.
Check the Global Prog Tempo parameter – if it is Off, then the speed is not
updated when Programs change. Set it to On.
• I can’t get the filter to oscillate. Check the 4/2/P OLE switch – the filter only
oscillates when in 4-pole mode. (The filter is in 4-pole mode when the 4/2/P OLE
switch is lit.)
• I seem to be getting distortion in my output. Assuming that Distortion and
Output Hack are off, you are likely just overloading the signal somewhere. There
are many signal sources in the Poly, and many sources of gain. If too many are
used at levels that are too high, you will likely get some distortion. For example, if
you are using all four oscillators, lower the L
EVEL setting of each oscillator to the
40 – 60 range. Likewise, if using all three delay taps, lower the A MOUNT setting of
each.
• I can’t hear the External Audio input. In addition to increasing External In
L
EVEL , the filter and VCA must be open to hear the signal. You can initially turn
up the Lowpass Filter F REQUENCY and the initial VCA L EVEL to hear the signal.
The Peak Hold or Envelope Follower can be used to control the VCA or Filter
level, or the sequencer can trigger the envelopes. There are many different ways
to use different modulation sources to control the VCA and Filter when using
external inputs.
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