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About the Little Things

Now that we’re approaching the end of our little workshop we should take a look at what effect the monopho-

nic mode has on the Portamento function and other sound parameters, features which are so often

neglected. This is a shame because as in life, it’s the little things that count.

The Mono/Poly setting determines whether a sound can play many notes at once or just one at a time. Is this

to save on voices? No, this time it’s not a case of economics, it simply wouldn’t make sense. Instead, the

Mono function is a tool to replicate specific playing techniques used with analogue synthesizers.

EXAMPLE:

All monophonic synths respond in a certain way when a second note is pressed whilst the first is still being held. Inciden-

tally, a polyphonic synthesizer’s Unison Mode does exactly the same thing, i.e. all voices are assigned to a single note –

every new voice cuts off the previous, which resurfaces however when the new note is released. This effect is used to

produce fast trills in synth solos. To demonstrate, here’s a sound which you can play polyphonically first (TP047), and

then monophonically (TP048). Comparing the two modes should give you a good insight into the practical uses of the

Mono function.

The difference between the Mono and Poly mode is even more pronounced when used in conjunction with

the Portamento

feature (Porta Switch or via Controller #65). This parameter is also part and parcel of syn-

thesizer playing techniques. The Portamento function principally enables step-free gliding from one tone to

the next, one of electronic music’s most fundamental stylistic tools. The Portamento speed has to be

selected according to the sound and interpretation used. With the sequencer this can be achieved with Con-

troller #5 (Portamento Time).

EXAMPLE:

It is often required to be able to vary the glissando effect on impulse during a live performance. This can be particularly

useful with different solo phrases. Setting Assign1 to the PortaTime function will allow you to control the Portamento

speed with Knob4. The Performances TP049/050 will demonstrate this nicely. Pay particular attention to the Portamento

differences in the Poly and Mono modes. Try varying the Portamento speed and observe how the CS2x reacts. A little

time and effort is all it takes to deliver impressive synth solos to an appreciative audience – practice makes perfect!

The Mono mode in conjunction with the Portamento Function can approximate the Single Trigger Mode,

made popular by many Minimoog bass lines: when two keys are held down at the same time during legato

style playing, the second note’s attack phase (usually a typical filter sweep) is inaudible – the first note’s

envelope stays uninterrupted. Only when the current key is released will the second note’s envelope come

into effect.

EXPERIMENT:

To make all this a little clearer, call up Performance TP051. Playing this bass sound staccato style will produce a percus-

sive filter attack for each note. During legato playing however, only the first note’s attack is heard. Why? Simple: the Por-

tamento function is in effect, although the characteristic pitch glide is missing. This is achieved by setting the Portamento

speed to 0 – a little trick, used here to great effect. If you want Portamento however, simply adjust the speed for the

required effect. Now disable the Single Trigger Mode (TP052). Now trill a few notes - you will find that many playing tech-

niques and much phrasing is now impossible. To demonstrate, take a listen to the short demo “TUTRDEMO.MID”, which

we will cover below.

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