SOMA METACONFORMER Manual de usuario
USER
MANUAL
METACONFORMER CONTENT |USER MANUAL
2
CONTENT
GENERAL OVERVIEW .................................................... 3
COMBINER TUTORIAL ...................................................10
SPLITTER TUTORIAL .....................................................17
TRANSLATOR TUTORIAL ................................................ 24
FEEDBACK AND GENERAL FUNCTION TUTORIAL .............................31
EXTRAS .............................................................. 35
METACONFORMERUSER MANUAL |GENERAL OVERVIEW
3
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Metaconformer is a modular MIDI processor designed to expand the capabilities of musical
instruments and to simplify the interaction between a musician and their MIDI instruments.
It offers new ways of playing music through innovative and groundbreaking MIDI message
routing capabilities between multiple instruments.
The MIDI protocol is an efficient engineering solution used reliably for decades by musicians.
However, in many situations it does not take into account the musical context, which is
essential for the artist. Metaconformer changes this. Located between the MIDI controller
and your instruments, it coordinates human ideas with the language of hardware.
Metaconformer's capabilities provide new ways of playing instruments, by combining MIDI
instruments and exploring their interaction. You will be able to play multiple instruments at
the same time as if they were part of one larger instrument. Metaconformer also opens up
the possibility of sound control through pressing the keys on your MIDI keyboard, instead
of having to reach for the knobs on your gear. This will allow you to discover and unlock
new facets and possibilities of your favorite instruments!
The idea behind the Metaconformer is to give musicians a new way of looking at their
instruments and what else they can do with a little creativity in MIDI.
SOMA is closely related to the idea of organismic synthesizers. Each of our instruments
aims to give the musician the experience of interacting with a system in which several
independent modules can influence each other and create more than the sum of its parts.
Metaconformer is no exception. It breaks down at least two barriers that have stood in
the way of all MIDI musicians for decades. It establishes a dialogue between different
instruments, breaking the barrier of parallel universes of MIDI channels. And Metaconformer
also allows you to enter the values of synthesis parameters not by turning knobs on your
synths, but by pressing keys on your MIDI keyboard, breaking the barrier of the one-
dimensional universe of notes and creating a multi-dimensional universe of parametric
chords.
METACONFORMER GENERAL OVERVIEW |USER MANUAL
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HARDWARE
1
USB power connector. Through the same connector, the firmware is updated. Read
more in the Firmware Update section.
2
Two MIDI inputs, messages from which are combined into a single stream.
3
Three MIDI outputs.
4
Hybrid output, that works in two modes: MIDI output or sync signal output with a
controlled divider and polarity. Read more in the Hybrid output section.
5
The mini-TRS MIDI connectors are equipped with a type A and B switch to make the
Metaconformer compatible with any instrument. It is recommended to connect only stereo
mini-jack TRS to MIDI cables.
This switch can act as an hardware on/off switch for each MIDI connector.
6
RST button to reboot the device.
7
The green LED indicates which menu or mode the user is in. Solid light indicates the
Learn menu. No green light means Play mode. Blinking light means Global Configuration
Menu.
8
The CFG button is responsible for switching to the Metaconformer Global Configuration
menu. In this menu, you can adjust the hybrid output, MIDI processor input channel, and
other mode-specific settings. Read more in the section Global Configuration Menu.
9
The LRN button is responsible for switching to the Learn menu of the selected MIDI
processor cell. See the tutorials for operating modes for details.
10
The and button are responsible for the cyclic movement of the Metaconformer
cursor. The cursor is responsible for selecting one of the eight MIDI processor cells and for
selecting a parameter in the Global Configuration Menu and the Learn menu.
11
Cell buttons are responsible for temporarily muting processor cells.
2 4
5
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1
7
8
10
11
12
9
METACONFORMERUSER MANUAL |GENERAL OVERVIEW
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12
The STATE/DATA LEDS function as an 8-bit display that provides information about
the state of the device in each operating mode.
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Metaconformer can be used as a MIDI splitter. Messages from each MIDI input are collected
separately, and then combined into a single stream.
To avoid various unexpected situations and conflicts, it is recommended not to send
messages from the same MIDI channel to both MIDI inputs of the Metaconformer.
After the messages are assembled, they are divided into two groups:
1. Messages from the input channel of the MIDI processor
2. Messages from other channels.
Messages from the second group are immediately sent to all MIDI outputs of the
Metaconformer. In Play mode, the green LED flashes as notes pass through Metaconformer.
One blink for noteOn, one blink for noteOff.
Messages from the first group are sent to theMIDI Processor, where, after being processed,
they are also sent to the MIDI output. See theCombiner Tutorial, Splitter Tutorial,
Translator Tutorial for details on how the MIDI processor works in the different modes.
MIDI PROCESSOR.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF OPERATING MODES
This processor consists of eight identical cells, the functionality of which depends on
the operating mode of Metaconformer.
Metaconformer can operate in one of three processing modes:
The Combiner does the same as any polyphonic synthesizer when it chooses which voice
will play the note coming from the MIDI input channel. But only independent instruments
act as voices.
This mode allows you to combine several monophonic synthesizers or samplers into one
instrument. The order in which the notes are activated determines the final timbre of the
sound. The process is similar to playing an entire orchestra because each voice has its own
unique dynamics and can be activated independently of the others.
Voices can be muted to hear how the chord will sound, made up of different combinations
of timbres.
Also, by moving the cursor of the active cell, you choose from which voice the Metaconformer
starts looking for a free cell. More details inCombiner Tutorial.
Splitter allows you to play multiple instruments on the same MIDI channel by splitting the
METACONFORMER GENERAL OVERVIEW |USER MANUAL
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keyboard into zones or ranges. This is useful in situations where the instrument only spans
a limited range of notes, such as samplers or drum machines.
This makes it possible to place up to eight instruments on a single MIDI keyboard, based
on their role in the mix, so you can conveniently play them all at the same time and hear
the interaction of timbres without having to switch keyboard channels or use multiple
keyboards.
The ranges may overlap.
Each range has 16 different transposition options. Including the ability to invert notes and
collapse the entire range into one of the extreme notes of the range.
Any range can be temporarily muted.
See the Splitter Tutorial for details.
Translator uses the keys on a MIDI keyboard to affect sound parameters in your synths’s
sound engine. Instead of turning knobs, play your keyboard to change the sound.
Each Metaconformer cell in this mode translates MIDI notes from the input MIDI channel
into CC messages that control parameters of the connected synth.
To use this mode effectively, you must have access to two MIDI channels at the same time.
The first channel is responsible for selecting the note and activating the VCA envelope
of your synth, otherwise you won't hear anything. The second channel is responsible for
selecting the value of the synth parameter through the number of MIDI note presses.
Of course, you can use two keyboards, but it's easier to use a second Metaconformer in
Splitter or Combiner mode for this. In this case, Metaconformer can provide you with as
many as eight keyboards with simultaneous access.
Each Translator cell can be temporarily muted by pressing its cell button. In this case, the
notes from its input channel will go to the output without changes.
SeeTranslator Tutorial for details.
Keyboard
VCA
FREQ
CC Knob
Keyboard
METACONFORMERUSER MANUAL |GENERAL OVERVIEW
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Each mode of operation (including those that will be released with future firmwares) has a
separate tutorial that describes in detail the setup process, usage ideas and all the features
of this mode. Additionally, visit our Instagram @somasynths and Youtube to see more
examples of the use of Metaconformer, as well as the rest of our instruments.
CONNECTION
1. Connect a MIDI controller to one of Metaconformer's MIDI inputs.
2. Connect at least one synthesizer to the MIDI output of the Metaconformer
3. Connect USB-mini cable to power on.
4. Metaconformer turns on and enters the waiting state. Now you need to select one of
the operating modes.
5. Rotate any CC parameter on your MIDI keyboard or controller, and the Metaconformer
cursor will start to follow the rotation.
Splitter
—
Combiner
—
Translator
—
6. After the cursor stops, the Metaconformer will start in the selected mode. The previously
saved settings for this mode will be loaded.
If you just press CFG instead of rotating CC in step 5, the Metaconformer will start in
the mode it was in before the restart.
FIRMWARE UPDATE
Metaconformer is an open system. Users can create their own firmware with any functionality
and upload it to the device. The process of updating the firmware should be done with care
and users should not upload unverified firmware into its memory.
Follow these steps to update the firmware:
1. Connect Metaconformer to the computer via USB.
2. While the CFG button is held, press the RST button. Metaconformer will start in flash
drive mode and will be detected as such on your computer, and all its LEDs will turn on.
3. Download the firmware from the SOMA website
(https://somasynths.com/metaconformer/firmware) and copy it to Metaconformer.
4. Rename the file to be called blink.bin
5. Restart Metaconformer by pressing RST. It will start already flashed.
6. You can now disconnect Metaconformer from your computer.
METACONFORMER GENERAL OVERVIEW |USER MANUAL
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USER INTERFACE
Metaconformer is made to be not only useful in practice, but also easy to use. Instead of
text and numbers on a matrix display, it communicates with the user through the sound of
your instruments and a minimum of information on the 8-bit STATE/DATA indicator.
When playing musical instruments in different situations, this orientation method is much
more convenient, because it uses not only the visual channel, but also the auditory channel,
and also consumes less mental resources on the part of the user. Anyone who has ever
worked with MIDI will appreciate this.
Metaconformer knows what is between the MIDI controller and the musical instrument, so
it actively uses it and turns it into an advantage.
Setting up cells is fast, simple and intuitive. Metaconformer takes all information from
messages sent from your MIDI controller. It's like a dialogue.
To set up a voice in Combiner mode, you need to press just one note while in the Learn
menu. Metaconformer will remember the MIDI channel of that note and set up the cell.
To set the range in Splitter mode, you need to press two notes while in the Learn menu.
Metaconformer will remember their MIDI channel, and the values of these notes will indicate
the boundaries of the range.
To set up a cell in Translator mode, while in the Learn menu, turn the MIDI controller knob
corresponding to the desired parameter, then press a note on the MIDI channel that will
be translated. Metaconformer will remember the CC number of the parameter and its MIDI
channel, as well as the MIDI channel from which the notes should be translated.
Details about the operation of all modes of Metaconformer are found in the respective
tutorials for these modes.
You don't need a computer to set up Metaconformer, just a MIDI controller is enough.
Instead of storing a lot of static patches, which can easily get confusing, Metaconformer
offers a flexible system that you set up once with your instruments, and then only need to
adjust slightly according to the situation and your ideas.
Metaconformer is like a Swiss Army knife. He does not know how to do everything, but he
is always at hand. And what he can do, he does excellently.
METACONFORMERUSER MANUAL |GENERAL OVERVIEW
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8-BIT STATE/DATA DISPLAY
The simple 8-bit display in the spirit of ancient computers from the 1960s is capable of
displaying binary coded values, or cell states in on / off format. Such a display minimally
distracts from playing your instruments, while being able to convey all the necessary
information.
In Play mode, the display shows the state of cells as active / inactive, the position of the
cursor and active cells. In global configuration and learn mode, it shows binary coded
parameter values.
For details about displaying information from the Learn menu and Global Configuration, see
the Tutorials of the respective operating modes and the Feedback and General Function
Tutorial.
Metaconformer is designed so that you don’t need to interact with binary coded numbers
at all if you prefer, as all feedback is available in the form of sounds from the connected
instruments. However, Metaconformer still outputs a minimum of information in binary
form. You can get familiar with binary numbers in the Extras section to get the most out
of Metaconformer feedback.
CONCLUSION
The name is derived from the words meta — between, and conform. A device that is placed
between the musician and the instrument.
A device that understands the desires of the musician and is able to translate these desires
into the language of hardware.
A device that will help you access new possibilities that were previously hard to reach or
hidden.
A device that brings your instruments closer.
Sometimes you don’t need to invent something radically new, it’s enough to wisely
redistribute the possibilities that already exist. Metaconformer does exactly this.
METACONFORMER COMBINER TUTORIAL |USER MANUAL
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COMBINER TUTORIAL
Connection
1. Connect the mini-USB cable to power Metaconformer
2. Connect the MIDI output of your MIDI keyboard to the MIDI input of the Metaconformer
Use only stereo mini-TRS to MIDI cables to connect to MIDI inputs and outputs. Using
mono cables may damage the device.
Do not apply signals higher than 3.3V to MIDI inputs and outputs. Connect these jacks
only to the MIDI inputs and outputs of other MIDI devices. When applying CV or other
signals, a miracle will not happen, but there is a risk of damaging the device.
3. Connect the MIDI outputs of Metaconformer to the MIDI inputs of the instruments you
want to play.
You can connect instruments to all four outputs of Metaconformer, or chain them
together via MIDI thru.
The fourth MIDI output of Metaconformer is hybrid and can also be used as a sync
output instead. For settings for this output, see the Hybrid output section.
Communication СС knob
After turning on Metaconformer, the operating mode must be selected. To do this, just turn
any knob that sends a CC message. For example, the modulation wheel of a MIDI keyboard.
Let's agree to call it the Communication CC, because with this wheel (or knob) you will
communicate with Metaconformer and will be able to change its settings. You can assign
the Communication CC function to a different knob any time Metaconformer is turned on
or restarted. If available, using a modwheel is practical for this role.
STATE DATA
MIDI OutKeyboard
MIDI In
MIDI InMIDI In MIDI Thru
Synth/
Sampler
Synth/
Sampler
Synth/
Sampler
Tabla de contenidos
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