FXpansion DCAM Synth Squad Operation Manual - Manual (Page 6)

6
1: Introduction
1:1 Welcome to DCAM: Synth Squad
DCAM: Synth Squad at a glance
DCAM: Synth Squad contains 4 individual devices:
Strobe
• souped-up performance synth
• designed for easy programming of classic subtractive analogue synth sounds
• centred around a simple 1-oscillator architecture
• includes a built-in arpeggiator
Strobe is installed as an instrument and as an effect for processing audio through its circuit.
Cypher
• 3-oscillator, complex synth
• FM and other audio-rate modulation
• several other specialized oscillator functions
• a dual-filter/waveshaper architecture
• a built-in arpeggiator
Cypher is a more challenging environment for programming – if you require a traditional analogue-style sound, you’ll
achieve quicker results using Strobe.
Cypher is installed as an instrument and as an effect for processing audio through its circuit.
Amber
• classic string synthesizer model with divide-down oscillator structure
• constantly generates the notes for a 96-note keyboard range within a single voice
• 3 vintage chorus models and a formant filter
Amber is installed as an instrument and as an effect for processing audio through its circuit.
Fusor
Fusor is an environment for:
• layering synths
• applying FX processing
• step-sequencing
• performing modulation between the various loaded elements
Fusor is installed only as an instrument plugin – it cannot be used as an effect for processing external audio.
A note on effects
None of the individual synths feature built-in audio effects, with the exception of Amber’s chorus, which is essential for a
string synthesizer. You may wonder why we took this decision. There are a couple of main reasons:
1. Classic analogue synthesizers have no problem sounding great without any effects
2. We wanted the synths in DCAM: Synth Squad to sound equally great without relying on any effects
However, we realise that effected super-patches are valid in their own right. This is where Fusor comes in – it includes an
extremely versatile suite of built-in effects, as well as a comprehensive way of modulating them. If effects are vital to you,
we encourage you to use the synths within Fusor to see (and hear) what’s possible.