Chrome Tone Guitar Amp Modeling and Effects User Manual McDOWELL SIGNAL PROCESSING, LLC
McDSP Chrome Tone Plug-In Manual McDSP McDowell Signal Processing, LLC 1300 Crittenden Lane #401 Mountain View, CA 94043 Support Email: info@mcdsp.com Technical Support: help@mcdsp.com World Wide Web: www.mcdsp.
McDSP Chrome Tone Special Thanks to: • Jake Thorne, guitar nut and gear hound, • Stan Cotey and Scott Fafrak for all the gear • Lyle Workman, Jake Schaefer, and Gil Gowing for all the tracks and feedback, • Our beta sites, and • Rob Barrett, Jr. our #1 customer from the entire McDSP development team. Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998-2008 McDowell Signal Processing, Limited Liability Company All Rights Reserved.
Table of Contents McDSP Chrome Tone Plug-In Manual McDSP License Agreement Getting Started with Chrome Tone System Requirements Installing the Chrome Tone Plug-In Installation on Mac OS X Installation on Windows XP and Vista Installation on VENUE D-SHOW systems Authorizing your McDSP Plug-Ins Authorizing with a pre-programmed iLok Smart Key Authorizing with an iLok License Card Authorizing with iLok.
McDSP Chrome Tone Chorus Section 13 Flange, Chorus, and Vibrato Effects 13 Chorus Modulation from Dynamic Section 14 Tips for using the Modulation 15 A Closer Look at the Chrome Tone Stack 16 Chrome Tone About Box 16 Chrome Tone Plug-In Reference Guide 17 Chrome Tone Amp Specifications 17 Chrome Tone Specifications, Modulation on Chrous, Tremolo and Wah Pages 19 Chrome Tone Specifications Chorus 21 Chrome Tone Specifications Tremolo 22 Chrome Tone Specifications Wah 23 DSP Delay 24 DSP Usage 24 HD, and HD
McDSP License Agreement The software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement and may be used only in accordance with the terms of the agreement. McDowell Signal Processing, Limited Liability Company License and Warranty: The software which accompanies this license (the “Software”) is the property of McDowell Signal Processing, Limited Liability Company or its licensers and is protected by copyright law.
McDSP Limited Warranty: McDowell Signal Processing, Limited Liability Company warrants that the media on which the Software is distributed will be free from defects. Your sole remedy in the event of a breach of this warranty will be that McDowell Signal Processing, Limited Liability Company will, at its option, replace any defective media.
Getting Started with Chrome Tone Each McDSP plug-in is delivered inside an installer application, and uses the Interlok copy protection software to authorize each plug-in. This section describes how to install and authorize a McDSP plug-in. General system requirements are also described. System Requirements McDSP HD, Native, and LE plug-ins are compatible with Pro Tools™ HD, HD Accel TDM systems, as well as Pro Tools™ LE and Pro Tools™ M-Powered host based systems. McDSP plug-ins support Mac OS 10.4.
Getting Started * McDSP Windows test machines are chosen to follow the Digidesign recommended systems guide, which currently is the Dell Precision™ Workstation 670 with 2.79 GHz Xeon processor. All products are guaranteed to run on that system. Older Intel processors (i.e. Pentium III and predecessors) and AMD processors are not officially supported, although some users have had limited success with newer AMD processors (i.e. Dual Opteron 1.79 GHZ, Athlon 64 2.20 GHz, and Athlon 64 XP 3700).
Installing the Chrome Tone Plug-In Installation on Mac OS X The Chrome Tone plug-in Package includes this manual, ReadMe and Release Notes, a folder of presets for the Chrome Tone plug-in, and the Chrome Tone plug-in. Two copies of the Chrome Tone Licensing Agreement are included - one in this pdf manual and a second as a separate text file. The Chrome Tone plug-in manual requires that Adobe Acrobat reader (or similar .pdf reader) is installed.
Getting Started Re-installing the Chrome Tone plug-in presets manually: In you wish to restore the factory default presets, it may be useful to know how to manually re-install only the presets. • Go to the ‘Plug-in Settings’ folder: • Root->Library->Application Support->Digidesign->Plug-in Settings • If Pro Tools™ has not already done so for you, create a folder called ‘Chrome Tone’. • Place a copy of the folder from the Chrome Tone plug-in package called ‘Presets’ into the ‘Chrome Tone’ folder.
Installation on Windows XP and Vista The Chrome Tone plug-in Package includes this manual, ReadMe and Release Notes, a folder of presets for the Chrome Tone plug-in, and the Chrome Tone plug-in. Two copies of the Chrome Tone Licensing Agreement are included - one in this pdf manual and a second as a separate text file. The Chrome Tone manual requires that Adobe Acrobat reader (or similar .pdf reader) is installed.
Getting Started Re-installing the Chrome Tone plug-in presets manually: In you wish to restore the factory default presets, it may be useful to know how to manually re-install only the presets. • Go to the Plug-In Settings folder: • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Digidesign\DAE\Plug-In Settings\ • If Pro Tools™ has not already done so for you, create a folder called ‘Chrome Tone’. • Place a copy of the folder from the Chrome Tone plug-in package called ‘Presets’ into the ‘Chrome Tone’ folder.
Installation on VENUE D-SHOW systems The Chrome Tone plug-in Package for VENUE D-SHOW systems includes presets for the Chrome Tone plug-in and the Chrome Tone plug-in. The Chrome Tone Licensing Agreement is displayed when installing the product on D-SHOW. The pdf manual can be obtained by running the Mac OS X or Windows XP/ Vista version of the Chrome Tone Pro Tools plug-in installer on any available computer.
Getting Started • If a previous version of the Chrome Tone plug-in was already installed, it will be updated by the installer. Important note for FilterBank HD and CompressorBank HD on VENUE D-SHOW consoles: The first time you instantiate either of these plugins, a dialog box will appear asking you to choose a user interface preference. Choose the Knobs interfaces, as some of the Slider interfaces are too large for the VENUE display.
Authorizing your McDSP Plug-Ins Authorizing with a pre-programmed iLok Smart Key McDSP bundles such as the Emerald Pack come with a pre-programmed iLok Smart Key. Simply insert the iLok into any available USB port on your computer. The iLok’s indicator light will illuminate when the iLok has a proper connection. The Plug-Ins included in the bundle require no further authorization steps. As with any iLok on your system it is recommended that your iLok be registered and synchronized with iLok.
Authorizing Your McDSP Plug-Ins Authorizing a McDSP Plug-In from a License Card with the Authorization Wizard: The Authorization Wizard is used to install an authorization from a License Card to the iLok USB Smart Key. To use the Authorization Wizard for the Plug-In you purchase, perform the following steps: • Insert your iLok USB Smart Key into an available USB port.
• Once the Plug-In is personalized, click the ‘Next’ button to continue. • Check the ‘Use License Card’ box and press the ‘Next’ button (figure 2.3). Note: Although the Authorization Wizard may appear to allow authorization by challenge/ response, that method is currently NOT SUPPORTED McDSP Plug-Ins. • Separate the small punch-out iLok License Chip (the removable metal and plastic tab) from the License Card by pushing the cutout up and out with your thumb. Do not force your finger downward.
Authorizing Your McDSP Plug-Ins • Once the authorization is installed on the iLok USB Smart Key, a dialog is displayed prompting the user to register their iLok USB Smart Key at the www.ilok.com website. The iLok.com website was created to allow users to manage the software authorizations on their iLok USB Smart Key. THIS STEP IS NOT REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE AUTHORIZATION OF MCDSP SOFTWARE. The registration of the iLok USB Smart Key to an iLok.com account can be bypassed by clearing the checkbox.
Authorizing with iLok.com Required for demo, upgrade, and replacement authorizations only iLok.com can be accessed from any Macintosh or PC with an Internet connection. You can do this at home, a friend’s, or at the office as long as there is an internet connection to access iLok.com--note that you don’t have to use your ProTools system computer! You simply use this computer to connect to iLok.com and transfer authorizations to your iLok Smart Key.
Authorizing Your McDSP Plug-Ins The next page will display the pending licenses available for download. This page will also display the name of the Plug-In, its manufacturer, the type of authorization (demo, Not For Resale, or License), the date the authorization was deposited, and the date when the authorization will no longer be available for download from the server. Before any transfer of authorizations can take place, you must synchonize your iLok Smart Key with iLok. com.
If you wish to go back into your account and visually confirm the transaction for yourself, select “View iLoks” Then select the iLok you had the authorizations transferred to. That’s it! Dont forget to logout and move the iLok Smart Key to your ProTools System if you are using another computer for Internet access. Also, you may need to install a different version of the Plug-In if you are upgrading or replacing. Transferring Authorizations with iLok.
Authorizing Your McDSP Plug-Ins Registering your McDSP Plug-In To register your McDSP Plug-In, fill out and return the product registration card enclosed with the boxed Plug-In package by mail or fax 707-220-0994. Registering your product entitles you to future upgrades and advance information from McDSP. Each individual product must be registered (even if you have multiple copies), and the product must be registered to an individual, not an entity.
McDSP Chrome Tone McDSP Chrome Tone Congratulations on purchasing Chrome Tone, the plug-In that brings the world of custom guitar amps, boutique outboard gear and pedal effects inside Pro Tools. The Chrome Tone plug-In is a collection of effects that includes distortion, compression, gating, chorus, flange, EQ, wah, tremolo, spring reverb, and tape delay. These effects can all be used together in a single stacked configuration, or as independent effects. All the Chrome Tone effects can share the same dsp.
Feature List: • Power and Flexibility: Four different effect configurations are available Amp, Wah, Trem, and Chorus, plus an all in one Stack configuration. Many of the Chrome Tone configurations can share the same dsp chip. There are mono, mono to stereo, and stereo version of each configuration. See the Reference section for a complete listing of all Chrome Tone configurations and their specifications. • Double-Precision Arithmetic: at all stages of processing.
McDSP Chrome Tone Chrome Tone Amp Overview The Chrome Tone Amp has six distortion modes for everything from light grit to full shred. Distortion Drive, Type, and Frequency controls allow fine tuning of the distortion tone. The Amp also includes a full featured noise gate, compression and sustain circuits, low cut filters, shelving and parametric EQ, a guitar cabinet simulator (great for direct recording), and a reverb. • Six distortion modes for light to heavy distortion.
The Controls for Chrome Tone Amp Pre The Pre section provides low cut filtering to remove unwanted DC and similiar noise from the signal path, while also provided coloring to the track appropriate for guitar and other applications. The primary source of noise in most guitar signal paths is DC and 60 Hz hum. These unwanted signals are automatically removed with the low cut filter in the Pre section.
McDSP Chrome Tone Distortion The Chrome Tone Amp Distortion section provides a wide range of distortion tones from light to heavy. The Distortion controls are: • Drive - selected amount of gain (emphasis) of selected frequencies into the distortion circuit.
the signal once it exceeds the Threshold value, and the rate at which the compressor releases once the signal level drops below the Threshold value. The ‘C’ LED indicates when compression is occurring. • Sustain - the level to which the signal is boosted as its compressed. • Release - the rate at which the sustain action occurs. The ‘S’ LED indicates when sustaining is occurring. • Compression Ratio Popup - the ratio of input to output as determined by the compressor.
McDSP Chrome Tone • Reverb - the amount of reverberated signal mixed with the dry signal. • Output - the overall signal level adjustment. • Cabinet Type - several types of cabinets, plus two direct modes. The reverb algorithm in Chrome Tone is a combination of spring and ‘room tone’ reverberations. The cabinet types were created from a collection of amplifiers measured and tested during the course of Chrome Tone development.
A Look at the Chrome Tone Modulation The Chrome Tone Wah is a full featured modulated filter, configured as a Wah in default mode, and as a variety of other filters as per the 14 selectable types available. The Wah, like the Tremolo and Chorus configurations, has a Dynamics and Auto section for triggering modulation of the Wah filter (or Tremolo gain, or Chorus delay length). The Dynamic section acts as an envelope follower with adjustable attack and decay times.
McDSP Chrome Tone Input Determines the input gain of the Wah configuration. This control is also available on the Tremolo and Chorus configurations. Dynamic Gives complete control over an envelope follower used to modulate the Wah (or other selected filter) frequency. The Dynamic controls are: • Threshold - the level at which the envelope follower is triggered. When the input signal rises above the threshold, the envelope ‘opens’ at a rate determined by the Attack control.
Auto Gives complete control over an LFO (low frequency oscillator) used to modulate the Wah (or other selected filter) frequency. The Auto controls are: • Shape - the mix between two selected LFO waveforms. The two shapes can be selected from popup menus on either side of the Shape control. The second shape can also be a multiple of the first shape (1x, 2x, 3x, or 4x). • Rate - the speed of the LFO. There is a rate multiplier control underneath the Rate control for 0.1x, 1x, and 10x operation.
McDSP Chrome Tone A Closer Look at the Chrome Tone Wah The Chrome Tone Wah is a full featured modulated filter, configured as a Wah in default mode, and as a variety of other filters as per the 14 selectable types available. The Wah, like the Tremolo and Chorus configurations, has a Dynamic and Auto section for triggering modulation of the Wah filter (or Tremolo gain, or Chorus delay length). Wah Section Controls the filter type, frequency, and Q (resonance), and overall modulation range.
A Closer Look at the Chrome Tone Tremolo The Tremolo effect is the modulation of the volume (gain) of a signal path. This effect is common in guitar and keyboards, and a variety of other instruments. The beating, or volume movements can add life to an otherwise dull performance. The Chrome Tone Tremolo uses the same Dynamic and Auto sections found in the Wah configuration to modulate the gain in its tremolo circuit.
McDSP Chrome Tone A Closer Look at the Chrome Tone Chorus The Chorus effect is the modulation a set of delay lines to create a more spatial or sonically rich sound. This effect is common in guitar and keyboards, and a variety of other instruments. The Chrome Tone Chorus uses the same Dynamic and Auto sections found in the Wah configuration to modulate the gain in its tremolo circuit. Chorus Section The Chrome Tone Tremolo section five controls to adjust the Chorus effect.
as described in the ‘Flange’ section above, audition the effect on some tracks. Note how using the Spread control in a Mono to Stereo or Stereo configuration increases the overall stereophonic effect of the chorus. Switching from Chorus 1 and 2 with the remaining settings fixed allows the user to get acquainted with the types of sounds these modes produce.
McDSP Chrome Tone Tips for using the Modulation The Input control of the Dynamic section opens up a new dimension in possibilities. The use of the input audio is the most common envelope-wah setup. Chrome Tone Wah also allows a separate audio signal to be used as the input to the Dynamic section via a side chain mode. MIDI data, including note, note velocity, and controllers (1-128) can also be selected as the Dynamic section input.
A Closer Look at the Chrome Tone Stack The Chrome Tone Stack configuration is a combination of the Wah, Tremolo, Amp, and Chorus configurations, grouped into pages of controls. Each control page is setup exactly as the individual configurations. Page selector and bypass controls are found in the upper left hand corner of the user interface. Clicking the Page labels displays the controls for that page. Clicking the LED under each Page label enables (or disables) that section of the Stack configuration.
McDSP Chrome Tone Chrome Tone Plug-In Reference Guide Chrome Tone Amp Specifications Parameter Settings Function LOW/CUT 75 to 1000 Hz Selects the point where low frequency signals are reduced. Filter slopes vary between -12 dB/Oct and -6 dB/Oct depending on PRE TYPE. Pre Type (popup) Flat, Low Bump, Vintage I, Vintage II, Vintage III Selects the coloring of the input signal. The ‘Flat’ mode is the original mode. Other modes add coloring appropriate for guitar and other ‘amped sound’ applications.
Parameter Settings Function Equalizer (Low Shelf, Parametric, High Shelf) GAIN -12 to +12 dB Boost or cut to selected frequency region. FREQ 40 to 400 Hz 0.40 to 4.00 kHz 4 kHz to 15 kHz Low Shelf Parametric High Shelf DRIVE 0 to 12 dB Amount of gain (emphasis) of selected FREQ in distortion circuit. DRIVE TYPE Normal, Wide, Low and various Filters Controls and shapes the frequencies that feed the distortion circuit . FREQ 200 to 2000 Hz Frequency where the DRIVE control gain is focused.
McDSP Chrome Tone Chrome Tone Specifications, Modulation on Chrous, Tremolo and Wah Pages Parameter Settings Function -24 to 24 dB Determines the input gain of the effect section. THRESH -40 to 0 dB Level at which the envelope follower is triggered. When the input signal rises above the threshold, the envelope ‘opens’ at a rate determined by the Attack control. When the input signal drops below the threshold, the envelope ‘closes’ at a rate determined by the Decay control.
Parameter Settings Function SHAPE -100 to 100 The mix between two selected LFO waveforms Shape Types: Sine, Triangle, Saw Up, Saw Down, Square LFO waveforms Shape multiple: 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x The second shape can also be a multiple of the first shape (1x, 2x, 3x, or 4x) RATE 0.1 to 10 Speed of the LFO Rate Multiplier: 0.1x, 1x, 10x Rate control for 0.
McDSP Chrome Tone Chrome Tone Specifications Chorus The Chorus effect is the modulation a set of delay lines to create a more spatial or sonically rich sound. This effect is common in guitar and keyboards, and a variety of other instruments. Parameter Settings Function CHORUS TYPE Flange, Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Analog Delay (in Stack configuration only) Selects between Flange, Chorus 1, and Chorus 2 modes.
Chrome Tone Specifications Tremolo The Tremolo effect is the modulation of the volume (gain) of a signal path. This effect is common in guitar and keyboards, and a variety of other instruments. The beating, or volume movements can add life to an otherwise dull performance.
McDSP Chrome Tone Chrome Tone Specifications Wah Parameter Settings Function WAH TYPE 3 wahs, 3 low pass, 3 high pass, 3 phasors, wah + low pass, high pass + wah, experimental, 12/24/36 dB per oct in each set of filter types 14 filter options: 3 types of band pass wah including the standard wah filter type found on many Wah pedals, 3 high pass filters (12, 24, and 36 dB/oct), 3 low pass filters (12, 24, and 36 dB/oct), 3 phasors (2, 4, and 6 stages), a wah plus low pass filter, a high pass plus wah f
DSP Delay The delay incurred by any of the Chrome Tone plug-In configurations is ZERO samples. On HD systems the delay is 1 (ONE) sample. There is still a two sample delay from the TDM connection to the Chrome Tone plug-In. This is the absolute minimum number of delay samples a TDM plug-In can have.
McDSP Chrome Tone Configuration (Mono to Stereo) # Instantiations per DSP on HD systems # Instantiations per DSP on HD Accel systems Tremolo 7 14 Stack 1 2 Many of the Chrome Tone plug-In configurations can operate on the same dsp, depending on the configuration’s dsp requirements.
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