Strymon Volante Manual⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to the comprehensive guide for the Strymon Volante! This manual provides essential information for users‚ covering everything from basic operation to advanced MIDI integration and external control options․
The Strymon Volante is a multi-head magnetic media delay machine‚ offering a wide array of sonic possibilities․ This guide will walk you through understanding its various features and functionalities‚ allowing you to harness its full potential․ Whether you’re a seasoned sound designer or new to the world of delay effects‚ this manual will provide the necessary information to navigate the Volante’s unique control set․
From accessing manual mode to exploring MIDI clock synchronization‚ we’ll cover it all․ Learn how to adjust echo levels‚ sculpt tonality‚ and tweak mechanics for optimal sound․ Discover the power of presets and external control options with the Strymon MultiSwitch Plus and expression pedals․
Understanding Manual Mode
Manual Mode on the Volante allows users direct control over the pedal’s parameters․ It operates based on the physical settings of the knobs and switches‚ bypassing preset configurations․
Accessing Manual Mode (Bank 0‚ Patch 127)
To engage Manual Mode on your Strymon Volante‚ navigate to Bank 0 and select Patch 127․ This specific setting bypasses the stored presets‚ allowing the pedal to operate based on the physical positions of its knobs and switches․ When in Manual Mode‚ the Volante provides a direct and immediate response to any adjustments made to the controls․ This is particularly useful for experimentation and on-the-fly sound design․ It essentially makes the Volante function like a traditional effects pedal‚ where what you see is what you get․ Remember that any changes you make in Manual Mode are not automatically saved as a preset․
Functionality in Manual Mode
In Manual Mode‚ the Strymon Volante offers complete control over its echo and reverb parameters directly through the front panel knobs and switches․ This mode disengages preset recall‚ enabling real-time adjustments and sonic exploration․ Every tweak to the Echo Level‚ Spacing‚ or Mechanics controls instantly alters the sound‚ providing immediate feedback․ Manual Mode is perfect for crafting unique‚ evolving textures and for dialing in specific delay characteristics on the fly․ It allows for deep dives into the Volante’s capabilities‚ making it an invaluable tool for sound design and live performance․ Remember‚ settings are not saved automatically in this mode․
Volante Controls and Functions
This section details the Volante’s controls‚ covering main panel knobs‚ secondary functions‚ echo level adjustments‚ tonality‚ preamp gain‚ and mechanics․ Learn to shape your sound effectively with these tools․
Main Panel Controls Overview
The Strymon Volante’s main panel provides immediate access to its core sound-shaping capabilities․ Familiarizing yourself with these controls is crucial for crafting unique delay and reverb textures․ Key controls include those for adjusting delay time‚ feedback‚ and mix level‚ allowing for precise control over the echo characteristics․
The “Time” knob adjusts the delay time‚ while “Repeats” dictates the feedback amount․ The “Mix” knob balances the dry and wet signals․ Further‚ the “Mode” switch selects between different delay types․ These parameters interact dynamically‚ enabling a wide range of sonic possibilities․ Understanding their interplay is essential for unlocking the Volante’s full potential and achieving desired effects․
Secondary Functions of Controls
The Strymon Volante cleverly incorporates secondary functions accessed via holding a footswitch․ This expands the control surface without adding clutter․ These functions are crucial for fine-tuning your sound․ For example‚ holding a footswitch while turning a knob might adjust parameters like tape age or head spacing․
Consult the user manual to discover all hidden parameters․ These secondary functions often provide deeper control․ This enables subtle or dramatic sonic alterations․ Exploring these hidden features will unlock more of the Volante’s capabilities․ Experiment to discover new sounds and push the boundaries of your creativity․ Mastering these will make you a Volante expert․
Echo Level Adjustment
The Echo Level control on the Strymon Volante governs the volume of the delayed signal relative to the dry signal․ It is a critical control for setting the overall intensity of the echo effect․ Adjusting this knob allows users to create subtle ambient textures or bold‚ pronounced repeats․ Finding the right balance is key to integrating the Volante’s echoes seamlessly into a mix․
Experiment with different settings to discover the range of possibilities․ A lower setting adds a gentle depth‚ while a higher setting creates a more dominant echo presence․ Consider the context of your music when adjusting Echo Level․ This ensures your effects enhance rather than overpower your sound․
Tonality and Preamp Gain
The Tonality control on the Strymon Volante shapes the sonic characteristics of the echo repeats‚ offering control over both the frequency content and preamp gain․ This allows users to dial in a wide range of tones‚ from warm and mellow to bright and crisp․ Adjusting tonality affects the overall character of the echoes‚ impacting how they sit within the mix․
Furthermore‚ this control also influences the preamp gain‚ which can be used to add subtle warmth or push the echoes into saturation․ Experimenting with the Tonality control is essential for tailoring the Volante’s sound to suit different instruments and musical styles․ By carefully sculpting the tone‚ users can create unique and captivating echo textures․
Mechanics Control
The Mechanics control on the Strymon Volante allows you to adjust the simulated mechanical aspects of the tape or drum echo machine․ This parameter influences the character and imperfections of the echo repeats․ By manipulating this control‚ you can introduce variations in the playback speed‚ head alignment‚ and overall stability of the simulated echo system․
Experiment with the Mechanics control to create subtle or drastic shifts in the sonic texture‚ replicating the quirks and nuances of vintage echo devices․ From gentle flutter to pronounced wow and flutter‚ this feature provides a dynamic means to emulate the unique sounds of classic machines․ Mastering this control unlocks a world of textural possibilities․
MIDI Functionality
The Strymon Volante offers comprehensive MIDI functionality․ It enables control over parameters via MIDI CC messages․ Users can synchronize to MIDI clock and manage presets through program change messages for seamless integration․
MIDI Clock Synchronization
The Strymon Volante can synchronize to an external MIDI clock signal received via the MIDI IN port or the USB connection‚ ensuring perfect tempo alignment with other MIDI-enabled devices․ When synchronized‚ the delay times of the Volante will automatically adjust to match the incoming MIDI clock’s BPM (beats per minute)․ This feature is essential for live performances or studio recordings where precise timing is critical․ The Volante responds to MIDI clock messages‚ allowing for dynamic tempo changes to be reflected in its delay patterns․ Proper configuration within your DAW or MIDI controller is necessary to send a stable clock signal․ Users can also set the Volante to ignore MIDI clock if desired․
MIDI PC and CC Message Control
The Strymon Volante responds to MIDI Program Change (PC) and Continuous Controller (CC) messages‚ offering extensive remote control capabilities․ MIDI PC messages allow users to switch between presets stored on the Volante‚ enabling seamless transitions between different sound configurations․ MIDI CC messages provide real-time control over various parameters‚ such as delay time‚ feedback‚ and tone‚ allowing for expressive manipulation during performance․ The Volante’s parameters can be assigned to specific CC numbers‚ providing a customized control experience․ Using a MIDI controller or DAW‚ users can automate parameter changes or perform live adjustments․ The Volante must be set to the correct MIDI channel to respond to incoming messages․ Refer to the user manual for detailed CC assignments․
MIDI Channel Assignment
To ensure proper communication between the Strymon Volante and other MIDI devices‚ it is crucial to configure the MIDI channel correctly․ The Volante can be set to receive MIDI messages on any of the 16 available channels․ The MIDI channel assignment determines which messages the Volante will respond to‚ preventing interference from other MIDI devices operating on different channels․ To set the MIDI channel‚ consult the Volante’s user manual for specific instructions‚ as the procedure may involve using a combination of front panel controls or a dedicated MIDI configuration utility․ Once the MIDI channel is set‚ ensure that your MIDI controller or DAW is transmitting on the same channel․ Incorrect MIDI channel settings will result in the Volante ignoring incoming MIDI messages․
Presets and External Control
Explore the Volante’s preset capabilities and external control options․ Learn to save and recall settings‚ and integrate external devices for enhanced control and creative expression․
Preset Mode Operation (Blue Mode)
In Preset Mode‚ indicated by the blue mode‚ the Strymon Volante allows users to save and recall up to three presets using the Strymon MultiSwitch Plus․ For expanded control‚ the Volante can store up to 300 presets accessed via MIDI Program Change (PC) messages․ This mode provides a seamless way to switch between your favorite delay configurations on the fly․
By utilizing MIDI‚ users can create extensive libraries of sounds‚ making the Volante a versatile tool for both live performance and studio recording․ This functionality unleashes a wide array of sonic possibilities‚ allowing for quick access to diverse and intricate delay settings;
Using Strymon MultiSwitch Plus
The Strymon MultiSwitch Plus significantly expands the control capabilities of your Volante․ This external footswitch allows for easy access to presets in Preset Mode․ In this mode‚ the MultiSwitch Plus enables you to cycle through three stored presets directly․
Beyond preset selection‚ the MultiSwitch Plus can also be configured to control other functions‚ such as tap tempo or engaging specific features of the Volante‚ offering real-time manipulation of your delay effects․ Connecting the MultiSwitch Plus is straightforward‚ making it a valuable addition for enhanced performance flexibility․ Its integration unlocks a new level of control and creativity․
Expression Pedal and External Tap Switch
The Volante offers extensive control via external devices․ An expression pedal can be connected to modulate parameters like echo level‚ time‚ or feedback in real-time․ This allows for dynamic and expressive manipulation of your delay sounds during performance․
Additionally‚ an external tap switch can be used to set the delay time․ Tapping the switch provides a tactile and intuitive way to synchronize the delay to the tempo of your music․ Experiment with different expression pedal assignments to discover unique sonic textures․ Utilizing an external tap switch ensures your delays are always in sync with the band․
Additional Resources
Explore further information and support options for your Strymon Volante․ Access the complete user manual online for detailed explanations and troubleshooting tips․ Find warranty details and contact information for support․
Accessing the User Manual Online
The Strymon Volante user manual is readily available online for convenient access․ You can find the manual on the Strymon website under the support section․ Navigate to the Volante product page and look for the “Manuals” or “Downloads” tab․ This will lead you to a PDF version of the manual‚ which you can view directly in your browser or download for offline use․ The online manual provides comprehensive details about all Volante features‚ including control functions‚ MIDI implementation‚ and troubleshooting tips․ It’s a valuable resource for both new and experienced users seeking in-depth knowledge about the Volante’s capabilities․
Warranty and Support Information
Your Strymon Volante comes with a limited warranty‚ safeguarding against manufacturing defects․ The warranty period typically begins from the original purchase date․ For specific details regarding the warranty duration and coverage‚ please refer to the warranty information included with your Volante or visit the Strymon website․ If you encounter any issues with your Volante‚ Strymon offers comprehensive support resources․ You can find FAQs‚ troubleshooting guides‚ and contact information for their support team on their website․ Before contacting support‚ consult the user manual and online resources for potential solutions․ Strymon’s dedicated support team is available to assist with any technical inquiries or warranty claims you may have‚ ensuring your Volante operates smoothly․