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2-19
Basic Operation
Tempo Mode
The PCM 80 gives you unique control over tempo. In the PCM 80, tempo is not
just a matter of setting echo rates. Any delay parameter (as many as 10 in some
effects) and any time-based modulator (LFO, Sw1 and Sw2) can be individually
assigned to an absolute time value, or assigned to a tempo value.
For example, a delay time can be set to a specific number of milliseconds, and
you will always get a delay of that number of milliseconds, regardless of tempo
changes. Alternatively, a delay time can be set to a specific ratio of echoes to
beats. Now, if you create a rhythmic echo pattern, delay times will be linked to
tempo. When you change tempo, the delay time will change to maintain the
same rhythm at the new tempo.
With the LFO and time-based switches, the rate of change can be an absolute
value (such as once per second), or it can be linked to tempo (for example, once
every four beats). Any delay parameter, or time-based modulator, can be set to
its own individual rhythm, allowing you to set up an effect which will change in
a rhythmically interesting way — evolving over time, for example, as opposed
to being a mere series of repetitions. Once delays and time-based modulators
are assigned, tempo rate can be easily changed in a variety of useful ways.
Tempo Rate can be set internally or via MIDI. If Tempo Source is set to Internal,
you can dial in any tempo from 40-400 BPM at location 0.0 in the Tempo mode
matrix. Alternatively, you can press the front panel Tap button twice in rhythm
to establish the rate you want, or you can have the value of a patch source act
as a tap trigger. (See Patching.) TheTap function, whether performed by the
front panel Tap button, or by an assigned controller, is always active, allowing
you to change tempo on the fly from any mode. You can also choose to have your
tempo transmitted as a MIDI Clock signal to control the tempo of connected MIDI
devices. (Control mode 3.6) If Source is set to MIDI Clock, PCM 80 tempo will
sync to incoming MIDI Clock. Whether tempo is set internally or via MIDI, the
LED in the Tempo button will flash at the current rate. (You can disable the
Tempo LED flashing under Tempo mode 1.3.) Press and hold the Tempo button
at any time to display the current Tempo Rate and Source.
Each effect in the PCM 80 has its own tempo rate setting which is stored with the
effect. You can override these individual tempo rates with a global tempo rate
at Control Mode 1.2. Tempo is also available as an independent patch source
which can control any effect parameter. (See Patching later in this chapter.)
When Compare is on, Tap
will not alter the tempo, but
will still reset the LFO's. See
Chapter 3 Modulation.