Basic Features

• Live Features
• Coordination with the Audio Sequencer
• Main Studiotools Package

The six SCOPE Fusion Platform system are all based on the same basic software. Thus, many of the basic functions of the platform are available in all products

Live Features   

Imagine this: a professional digital console, a full rack of effects, a collection of high-calibre synthesizers, a powerful studio sampler, a routing patchbay and dozens of additional studio tools - all right inside your music computer. Working perfectly along with your favorite audio sequencer. And all of it behaves just like external hardware equipment: no latency, no delays, no overburdening of your computer, no installation headaches, no compromises in the sound quality department. The entirely unique SCOPE DSP technology makes all of this possible.

Furthermore, you can integrate external audio signals live: regardless whether they originate from a microphone, electric guitar, analog synth or 19" effects rack. The SCOPE Fusion Platform brings everything together. It's the ideal environment for your creativity.

• Route your microphone live through the excellent MasterVerb reverb plug-in or send your guitar live through the SCOPE Platform's tube-simulation effects.
• Route audio tracks from your sequencer in realtime through the 19" effects rack in your studio.
• Integrate your external sound generators and effects devices live into the audio sequencer.
• Work with professional monitoring during recording sessions - without the slightest ASIO delay.
• Mix and route all audio signals in your studio within a single environment, without limitations.
• Play virtual synthesizers and samplers really live. SCOPE eliminates the timing and latency problem, instead of just diminishing it. 

Coordination with the Audio Sequenzer   

All SCOPE Fusion Platform products have been outfitted with the newly developed Live Bar, from which the complete SCOPE setup can be controlled. You select synthesizers and samplers, dial in sounds, open mixers and set up signal routings - all from this central control spot. If desired, the Live Bar can be made to overlay your audio sequencer, so that you always have all of your SCOPE studio tools within quick reach.

SCOPE Fusion Platform systems are the ideal extension for any audio sequencer you may choose. Perfect coordination is ensured by the extensive driver set for Windows and Macintosh (ASIO 2.0, DirectSound, MME, tripleDAT, GigaSampler, Sound Manager and OMS). Furthermore, the PCI cards of the SCOPE Platform are equipped with the Ultra-Low-Latency Interface (ULLI), which provides hardware-based ASIO support. This makes latencies of as low as 1 msec possible! Audio drivers simply don't get any faster than this.

If you work with a VST-compatible recording program, you can also operate the instruments and effects of the SCOPE Fusion Platform from directly within that program. The XTC mode, which is a feature not only of Pulsar XTC but of all other CreamWare DSP systems as well, makes this possible. In this mode, you use the SCOPE studio tools exactly as you use VST plug-ins and instruments - but without placing any extra load upon your computer. The Direct Play feature even lets you play SCOPE instruments in XTC mode completely latency-free.

Main Studiotools Package   

This assortment of mixers, effects processors and other studio tools is included in every SCOPE Fusion Platform system.* With the two mixers, you can mix all of your signals "live", regardless of whether they come from internal sound generators, external hardware instruments, audio tracks or VST instruments from your recording program. The special 5.1 surround mixer equips you superbly for multimedia or film sound productions.

Mixer Features:

• STM 1632: 16 channel strips, individually mono/stereo switchable (up to 32 inputs)
• STM 16 S: 16 channel strips, mixed to six busses (L, C, R, Ls, Rs, LFE)
• 2 slots for insert effects per channel, two master inserts
• 4 aux paths (pre/post selectable)
• Switchable direct outs
• Margin and peak meter displays
• Settings can be stored as presets
• Remote-controllable and automatable via MIDI controllers
   

The highlight of the high-calibre collection of DSP effects is the outstanding MasterVerb - most likely one of the best-sounding reverbs you've ever heard. So dense and smooth - you'd swear it was a big studio processor. Also included: various dynamics and modulation effects, as well as filters and a graphic equalizer. All of these effects are likewise live-computed by the DSPs and place no demand upon your CPU's computing capacity.

DSP Effects:

MasterVerb
MasterVerb Classic
Kompressor
Limiter
Gate
Expander
Parametric EQ
4-Pole Filter
High Cut Filter
Low Cut Filter
Chorus
Flanger
Phaser
Delay
Dual Delay
Distortion

Studiotools:

STM 1632 - 16/32 channel Recording Mixer
STM 16 S - 16 channel 5.1 Surround Mixer
VRC-S - ADAT Remote Control Unit
Various audio Tools (Control Room, Aux-Rack...)
Various MIDI Tools (Monitor, Merger, Splitter…)



Mixing Features   

• Mixer Package I
• Mixer Package II
  

The SCOPE /SP virtual mixers can hold their own in comparison with large professional consoles in terms of both functionality and professionalism. 32-bit / 96 kHz processing with no latency whatsoever, up to 96 full-featured channels, up to nine surround channels… and these are just a few of the many mixer highlights.

The SCOPE Fusion Platform’s ability to mix external as well as internal signal sources live (latency-free) can in many cases make a hardware mixer totally superfluous. Or, as another example, you could create the premixes entirely in the computer, moving over to the studio console only for mastering. Regardless of the particular situation, SCOPE /SP is a uniquely capable enhancement to any existing mixing system.

The following mixers are included in SCOPE /SP:

Mixer Package I  

The highlight of this package is the deluxe STM 2448 Mixer - a professional mixing console which need not shrink from comparison with large studio consoles, but which is nevertheless easy and intuitive to use.

Selected features:

• 24 channel strips, individually mono/stereo switchable
• 8 recording busses (subgroups) with global routing matrix, 2 Inserts per bus
• Internal effects per channel: EQ (dynamic 4-band EQ with selectable filter type per band: peak, notch, high-/low-pass, high-/low-shelf), compressor with sidechain, compensation delay
• 4 effect inserts and a direct out per channel
• 6 mono aux paths and a stereo aux path, 2 inserts for the aux returns
• Mute, solo, mix, solo defeat, exclusive solo, 8 fader groups and 8 mute groups
• Master section with two 2 switchable monitors, talkback and 4 effect inserts, 5 different measurement points within channel strips for the peak meter and margin display
• Presets can be created for individual channels, individual effects and the complete mixer
• Remote-controllable and automatable via MIDI controllers
• The two additional mixers - the Dynamic Mixer and the Micromixer - are outstandingly well suited for use as submixers. Each one offers up to 32 mono channels or 16 stereo channels, mixer presets, VU meters and long-throw faders. In addition, the Dynamic Mixer is outfitted with effect inserts and fader groups.

Mixer Package II  

The package includes the Surround Mixer STM 48 S and the 96-channel Recording Mixer STM 4896.

Surround is the sound of the future. If you’re active in the areas of multimedia, post-production, music for film or DVD authoring, you will love the STM 48 S. The Surround Mixer offers you 48 full-featured channels* which are mixed to up to nine channels.

The following surround formats are supported:

5.1 - for DTS and Dolby Digital (L, C, R, Ls, Rs, LFE)
6.1 - for Dolby EX (L, C, R, Ls, Cs, Rs, LFE)
7.1 - for SDDS (L, Lc, C, Rc, R, Ls, Rs, LFE)
8.1 - proprietary format, especially interesting for sound installations

In addition to the features of the STM 2448, each individual channel features a graphical X/Y matrix and an additional control for the LFE channel, allowing you to create your surround mix in a very direct, intuitive manner. Of course, this mixer can also be completely automated via MIDI controllers, so you can effortlessly record the spatial movements of your signals.

The STM 4896 likewise offers 48 channel strips, which you can switch to stereo as you need - you can thus mix down as many as 96 signals with this top-grade virtual console! Naturally, this mixer offers all of the features of the STM 2448 as well.
 

Effects

• Effects Package I&II
• MasterVerb Pro
• Vocodizer
• Graph EQ/s
• PSY Q
• OptiMaster  

SCOPE /SP boasts a complete collection of high-quality effects processors. More than 50 DSP effects cover all areas: a premium reverb, various dynamic processors and modulation effects, tube type guitar effects, Vocoder, mastering tools and much more.

The processing power of the DSP hardware allows compromise-free 32-bit precision algorithms - guaranteeing professional sound quality. And of course, all effects are calculated live, without any latency. This way you can also process your external signals, whether from a microphone or electric guitar, with SCOPE /SP's effects processors.

The following DSP effects are included:
 
Effects Package I and II  

Two collections of high-quality DSP effects processors. All are computed with 32-bit precision algorithms and are thus perfectly suited for 24-bit productions. All effects in the SCOPE Fusion Platform operate live and completely free of latency*. They can therefore be used with both internal and external signal sources - without DSPs, that would be unthinkable!

Effects Package I
Standouts in this collection are the delays with up to 5 seconds delay time and the high-quality modulation effects such as the extremely warm Hexa Chorus.

4-Tap Chorus
AutoPan
AutoWah
Decimator
Delay LCR
Delay LCR Long
Delay Long
Dither/Shaper
Dual Delay Long
Early Reflector
Harmonic Chorus
Harmonic Flanger
Hexa Chorus
Multitap Delay
Overdrive
Pitch Shifter
Resonator
RingModulator
Tremolo

Effects Package II

A collection of especially sophisticated studio effects. Chorus and flanger of the Master series, MIDI-controllable filter and tremolo, tube-simulation effects, wild-sounding single-sideband processors...

DC-Filter
Deesser
Ducker
Ducking Delay
MasterChorus
MasterFlanger
MidiPole Filter
MidiTremolo
PatternDelay
RandomFlanger 
SoftClip
SpaceFlanger
SSB ModDelay
SSB Modulator
SSB Phaser
StepFlanger
Stereo Expander
Tube Drive
TQ Drive
Vocoder III
 
MasterVerb Pro - High-End Reverb Processor  
 
The MasterVerb Pro is a reverb to meet the strictest professional requirements. The already highly acclaimed algorithm of the MasterVerb has been revised and refined for the Pro version.

New features, such as authentic early reflections based on the source-image method and adjustable reverb color and width controls provide for even more realistic impressions of space. And intuitive controls like the X/Y control for simultaneous adjustment of reverb time and room size, make working with the reverb processor unbelievably fast and satisfying.
 
Graph EQ/s - 31-Band Stereo Equalizer Package  

The GraphEQ is a highly professional tool for sound processing. This sophisticated 1/3rd-octave equalizer is ideal for mastering, compensating room resonances, or for creating extreme sound effects. The unique filter algorithm featuring true 32-bit resolution delivers sound quality rivaling that of extremely expensive stand-alone equalizers. The GraphEQ package includes both mono and stereo versions.

As would be expected with a graphic equalizer, the GraphEQ is very easy to operate. The stereo version offers a link option to guarantee exactly-matched settings on both channels when desired. As with all SCOPE Fusion Platform plug-ins, the current GraphEQ settings can be stored as presets and recalled at any time with just a couple of quick mouse clicks. It is even possible to load multiple GraphEQs - for example, to independently equalize the monitor, control room and mix outputs.

In contrast to most other graphic equalizers, which offer only a single fixed filter Q value, the GraphEQ features a Q control to adapt the equalizer to different situations. A high Q value lets you zero in precisely on a specific frequency, with negligible effect upon adjacent frequencies. With the "standard" lower Q values, you can manipulate the sound in broader frequency bands. At very low Q values, neighboring equalizer bands overlap, enabling you to boost or cut selected frequencies to a much greater degree than is normally possible with graphic EQs.

When the GraphEQ is used as a Mixer insert effect, or in conjunction with the Insert Rack module, you can use standard MIDI control-change messages to adjust all of its faders in realtime. You can carry out all adjustments from an external MIDI controller or use your MIDI sequencer to automate the GraphEQ for dynamic effects. The possibilities are practically limitless!

Highlights:

• Sophisticated equalizer package
• Mono and stereo versions included
• 20 Hz - 20 kHz in 31 1/3rd-octave bands
• 12 dB boost/cut per band
• Internal headroom (60dB)
• Adjustable Q value (0.7 to 5)
• Stereo channels can be linked
• LED indicators for signal and peak
• Additional High- and Lowcut-Filter
• Numeric text fields per EQ band, with one decimal place 

PSY Q - Psycho Acoustic Processor 
  
PSY Q is a powerful but easy to use tool for sound optimization. Behind the unassuming surface lurks a professional psychoacoustic equalizer with an integrated stereo expander, a bass compressor and a SoftClip unit. The components are finely tuned to one another and function as an "intelligent" ensemble: that is, the PSY Q continually analyzes the incoming signal and reacts to it by performing complex phase and frequency response manipulations.

The result: the sound material is altered in a way which is pleasing for the human ear. Bass tones are given additional impact and loudness, high frequencies have increased shimmer and "airiness" and the complete mix becomes more transparent and defined. PSY Q simply makes things sound good.

OptiMaster - Intelligent Mastering Processor 
  
The new OptiMaster turns your recording into a professional-sounding final production. OptiMaster includes all the tools you need for mastering. The processor combines a normalizer, multiband expander, multiband compressor and multiband limiter into a compact, extremely capable unit. The Wizard function can even analyze the audio signal and set the important parameters automatically - as if by magic.

Simple operation and the utmost in sound quality. With the OptiMaster, your mix gains enormous penetrating power and volume in the wink of an eye. How much sound pressure can your monitors handle?

Vocodizer - High-End Vocoder with Integrated Synthesizer 

The Vocodizer is one of the most flexible, high-performance vocoders ever to have been created. Its freely-configurable filter bank enables it to emulate virtually any of the hardware or software vocoders which are currently in vogue. Either the powerful internal synthesizer with its 128 waveforms and 24 dB/octave filter or any desired external signal source can be used as the synthesis signal.
Whether you're generating robotic voices, modifying human voices beyond all recognizability, turning a solo vocal into a chorus or rhythmizing layer sounds - the Vocodizer's abundance of features makes it the perfect tool.

Loads of creative features combined with simplicity of use and outstanding sound make the Vocodizer simply the vocoder to have.

Sampling Features   

SCOPE /SP comes with the unique STS-5000 Realtime Audio Transforming Sampler. With the DSP card providing reliable hardware, and the remarkable STS-5000 sampling software, you have a complete studio sampler right inside your computer. And it offers you fantastic possibilities.

Without a doubt the STS-5000 is the most capable sampler available today. In fact, the term "sampler" is an understatement when used to refer to this revolutionary instrument. Because the STS-5000 permits spectacular realtime manipulations of sound which, not too long ago, were considered impossible to do with samples. We are talking about realtime pitch-shifting and time-stretching, with formant correction, formant shifting and the Robot Mode.

Just a few of the many highlights:

• Stereo sampling with resampling function
• 16/24/32-bit sampling at 44.1/48/96 kHz
• Import/export formats: Akai S1000 & S3000, Soundfont 2, WAV, AIFF
• Realtime time-stretching and pitch-shifting with formant correction
• Formant shifting, Robot mode, Auto Chord Function
• 25 available filter types, with resonance
• Integrated graphical sample editor with extensive editing capabilities
• Polyphony up to 64 voices 

Synthesizer Features   

SCOPE /SP comes with a vast collection of superior-quality synthesizers. From analog to wavetable, FM, Vector, and drum synthesizers - you’ll find everything here. There’s even a complete modular system with more than 140 modules and 80 ready-to-play synthesizers included!

The sonic possibilities of the SCOPE Fusion Platform are virtually limitless. Let yourself be inspired.
 

VDAT Recording Package 
 
You are working with ADATTM recorders? Then you will love VDAT and the virtual control unit VCR-128!

VDAT is the virtual counterpart to ADAT. It runs in wordclock-precise sync to your external recorders and can also be remote-controlled via an Alesis BRC. VDAT offers you 128 hard-disk-based tracks and supports 32-bit / 96 kHz recording. You can use the powerful VRC-128 to control your VDAT / ADAT setup comfortably and with an optimal overview. Up to sixteen real and virtual devices can be so combined.

With VDAT, you can bolster your existing ADAT setup with a large number of additional tracks. At 16-bit resolution, the VDAT permits up to 128 tracks! However, the VDAT can also record with 24-bit and 32-bit resolution. And even at this resolution, which guarantees absolutely faithful sound recording and reproduction, as many as 96 tracks are possible.

Or you can deploy the VDAT to make the ADAT(s) largely unnecessary during the actual studio production. At the click of a button, a complete ADAT tape is copied onto your hard disk. From that point on, you can work in a much more relaxed fashion - without rewind times, tape wear and creative error messages. The VDAT combines the best of both worlds: compatibility with the ADAT format and all advantages of the virtual studio.
 

Hardware and I/Os   

The PCI hardware of SCOPE /SP is every bit as innovative and efficient as its software. In addition to the power of the fifteen SHARC DSPs, the SCOPE board features a flexible I/O system. Audio inputs and outputs, as well as a MIDI interface, are located on a daughterboard which mounts directly onto the DSP card.

There are four such I/O options to choose from. Each of them offers between 20 and 28 I/Os comprising combinations of analog, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, ADAT and Z-Link* inputs and outputs. For ultimate sound quality, all I/Os work with 24 bit and 96 kHz resolution.

The unique on-board Ultra-Low-Latency Interface ULLI allows for lightning-fast audio drivers. ULLI features hardware-based ASIO support and makes driver latencies of as low as 1 millisecond possible! Audio drivers simply can't get any faster.

Furthermore, the SCOPE card is equipped with five S/TDM buses to facilitate smooth integration of additional SCOPE-family hardware. Thus, you can upgrade your system with extra DSP power and more I/Os in a highly flexible manner.

For seamless integration of SCOPE /SP into professional studio environments, the Sync Plate is included in the package. BNC wordclock I/O and ADAT 9-pin inputs and outputs provide the necessary interfaces to external hardware.

The Sync Plate allows synchronization and control of external ADAT machines. Sample word-accurate sync between tape and HDR software can also be easily achieved. The plate is connected to the SCOPE board via a standard ribbon cable and does not require a dedicated PCI slot.

• Part 6: Extra power

  In the final part of the Beginners Guide To Computer Music we look at adding power to your computer set-up, without upgrading your computer…