Zynthian Features

1 Zynthian Feature Set

This is a (slightly outdated) list of the main Zynthian's features:

1.1 Sound Engine

• Supported Synth Engines A healthy selection of synth engines covering subtractive, modern hybrids, frequency modulation(FM), physical modelling, samplers, wavetable and more running natively and as plugins using the LV2 format.

• Multi-layer & multi-engine: You can create sound layers with any engine, in any MIDI channel. You can lay several instruments in the same MIDI channel, or create true multi-timbric setups, mixing different engines. The first screen is "Layer List". From here you can create new layers, select the current layer in the GUI, change layer options (bold select) or remove one or all layers.

• FX-Chains: You can add effects to any synth layer as well as creating pure audio-processing layers. Effects are arranged in a chain, that can be re-arranged and extended.

• SnapShots: You can save the state of your zynthian in any moment. That includes layers, effects, MIDI-learning, controller values, audio-routing, etc. Moreover, you can configure your zynthian to restore the last state on startup.

1.2 Built-in Tools and Features

• A built in midi step sequencer: ZynSeq, the Zynthian Step Sequencer can be used in a live set for triggering programed loops using a pad grid or for building a full song. It can also record midi messages from some external gear.

• X-Y touch-controller: You can use the touch display for controlling 2 parameters from the UI, ala "Kaos Pad" ;-)

1.3 Midi & Hardware Controllers Interfacing

• Hardware/Software Controllers: The controllers show the real values, including decimals (this is relevant in MOD-UI, and will be in the incoming "linuxsampler's effect's chain"). Also, when the controller is assigned to a MIDI CC, it's shown in the bottom of the controller frame with a tiny number.

• MIDI class compliant USB host: It works with any “MIDI class compliant USB device/peripheral” connected to any of the 4 USB host-ports. These are the popular & inexpensive MIDI keyboards and controllers found at any musical instrument store.

• MIDI auto-connection: Simply plug your controller and it will work as expected.

• MIDI-learning: You can easily assign any parameter from the Zynthian UI to the knobs/pads of your hardware MIDI controller.

• Global Fine Tuning: You can adjust the “middle A” frequency using the web configuration tool. Pitchbending messages are used for doing the trick, so it only work with ZynAddSubFX, FluidSynth and LinuxSampler. For setBfree and MOD-UI engines i’ve to find another way

• Transpose: You can transpose layers. Well, in fact what is transposed is the whole MIDI channel, so all the layers in the same MIDI channel get transposed. You can access the “tranpose” feature from the “layer options” menu. You know, in the layer list, “bold click” on the layer you want to transpose. Currently this doesn’t work for MOD-UI engine.

• MIDI filter/router: All input MIDI messages are routed thru the MIDI router/filter (zyncoder), that can be configured using simple rules from the webconf tool. The output MIDI stream is sent to synth engines and to the desired MIDI outs. No extra latency is added. Everything is done in the same jack processing frame.

• Active Channel: this feature, that can be enabled/disabled from the admin menu and from the webconf tool, allows to forward all MIDI input to the active layer’s channel. This is very useful when your master keyboard can’t change its MIDI channel easily. You can rotate the active layer by clicking the “layer” knob, or selecting from the layer list.

• Program-Learning: You can associate Zynthian Sub-States to Program Change events. This SubStates, called SubSnapShots (or ZS3!) are related to a given Layers+Effects configuration and saved inside the snapshot. In conjunction with the Active Channel feature, it turns Zynthian in a powerfull Stage Beast.

• Channel Clone: it’s the new method for “layering” sounds while allowing to change volume and other controllers independently. Any MIDI channel can be bond to other channels, what it means that all the note on/off + pitch bending + channel presure (aftertouch) messages received by the source channel will be cloned to the bond channels.

1.4 Routing & Recording Audio & Midi

• Custom Audio-Routing: You can go beyond the default FX-chain audio routing, like routing audio from standalone engines to MOD-UI, allowing to use MOD-UI as a Real-Time Audio Proccesssor for the standalone engines. From the Zynthian UI's layer options menu you can do this, and much more.

• Audio Recording: The audio recording utility allows to easily record your sessions with Zynthian without the need of other computer or recorder device. The utility will detect if there is an USB flash pendrive plugged in the Zynthian Box and will use it for storing the audio files. If not present, it will save the audio files in the internal storage, in the "/zynthian/zynthian-my-data/capture" directory. WARNING! Using the internal storage for saving the recorded audio files is dangerous and you can end with a corrupted SD card. I recommend to ALWAYS use a USB drive.

• MIDI Recording: The MIDI recording utility allows to easily record your sessions with Zynthian without the need of other computer or recorder device. The utility will detect if there is an USB flash pendrive plugged in the Zynthian Box and will use it for storing the MID files. If not present, it will save the MID files in the internal storage, in the "/zynthian/zynthian-my-data/capture" directory. WARNING! Using the internal storage for saving the recorded MID files is dangerous and you can end with a corrupted SD card. I recommend to ALWAYS use a USB drive.

• PANIC options: that send "All Notes Off" and "All Sounds Off" MIDI-events. Optionally, you can add a physical "PANIC-button".

• Multi-port Architecture: the new MIDI router allows having several input and output ports, that can be configured and routed easily (by code). This will allow to adapt the Zynthian MIDI Router to the new features as we develop it.

• Audio to MIDI: For those having a Zynthian Box with Audio Input, now you can have tons of fun with this crazy feature. It uses the aubionotes tool (from the aubio suite) for converting audio to MIDI. The current conversion parameters are very experimental and the result is not the best, but you are free of trying to improve the result by tweaking with it!!

1.5 Networking & Remote Control

• WIFI: You can configure the RBPi's WIFI device for connecting with your favorite networks. See Web_Configuration_User_Guide

• MIDI over Network: It can be enabled from the Webconf or the UI’s Admin menu (or the webconf tool) to receive/send MIDI from/to other devices in your local network. It uses QmidiNet, that implements UDP/IP multicast and it’s fully compatible with IP-Midi 2 for Windows & Mac.

• TouchOSC Bridge: You can use OSC control surfaces that support this popular protocol. Tested with mobile phone and the MyOSC App from the PlayStore, but you can try with other Apps and share your experiences. Also, it's a good idea to make a point to point WIFI connection between the tablet/phone and your zynthian ("WIFI zone" feature, in Android). I've done and the latency is quite good!!

• WebConf Tool: The Zynthian Web Configuration Tool is a web-based tool that can be reached from any web browser and used for configuring/customizing your zynthian:
  • Library Manager: Snapshots, Presets, Soundfonts, Audio recordings, ...
  • Hardware configuration
  • WIFI Network configuration
  • MIDI configuration & profiles
  • a ssh console access
  • etc.

• Remote UI Access: A built in VNC server, that can be activated within the UI or within the Webconf tool for accessing the sound engines native GUI.