User manual

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Datura-Synthesizers and thank you for choosing Opus 8.

Opus 8 is a simple eight-channel sinusodial additive synthesizer. Explained easy you could
see it as a “drawbar-organ-synthesizer”. But Opus 8 can also generate other sounds like choir,
vibraphone, flute or different noise FX. Check the factory presets to get a taste of possibilities.

Each Datura-Instrument follows a special philosophy, an idea it is dedicated to. So maybe you
will miss some functions that are not included in Opus 8. Well, there are so many VST
instruments available full of faders, knobs and complex controls and matrixes. This Datura-
Synthesizer provides only the controls you need to program the kind of sounds for it was
developed. Enjoy!

Terms of License Agreement

Opus 8 is full freeware. You don´t have to register, activate or pay. Any commercial
distribution of this product is not allowed. If you want to send a copy of this software to a
friend, always copy the complete Opus 8 folder including this manual.

You may use Opus 8 for all kind of music and audio production (private or commercial) but
anyway on your own risk and responsibility. Opus 8 can generate very extreme loudness and
frequencies. Always make your experiences on a low level of volume. Be careful if you use
headphones.

“Datura VST Instruments” is a private project not a company. No warranty can be given!

You are not allowed to modify, decompile or reverse-engenieer the software.

Changes may be done without notice.

VST plugin technology was developped by Steinberg.

Support

If you have any problems or questions then contact via website: www.datura-instruments.de

It would be nice for me to hear some music you have created with datura synthesizers.

Check for updates and other VSTi: www.datura-instruments.de

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 Installation

If you are a user of some DAW-software (e.g. Sonar, Cubase…) you will know the place you
have installed your VST instruments. Copy the complete Opus8 folder into your VST path
and you are ready to go. If Opus8 is not found by your host, command it to scan VSTi.

You’re a novice in the VSTi world? Ok. No problem. Let me explain:

VST instruments or effects don’t work alone because they are constructed to plug them into
music software (host). Some VST instruments from different producers can be installed with a
“stand alone” option. This will be useful, if you want to play it live, without any sequencer or
music production software. But most users will plug them into their production software.

Well, if you don’t have any software that hosts VSTi you can download a host from the web.

For example got to: http://www.cantabilesoftware.com/ where you can get a great freeware
version of a vst host.

Check the preferences of your host software to define the path you will collect your VSTi
files. Copy Opus8 folder completely into this folder. Maybe you have to activate a scan in
your host. Then you are ready to go.

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 Opus 8 architecture

Opus 8 uses eight independend 12tone polyphonic oscillators with sinusodial waveform.

Each oscillator is organized as a channel like a mixing

console.

Pitch

There is a pitch section to choose the octave and base note

of the oscillator. To create organ sounds with 5th or 7th notes
you may set note-parameter to 5 or 7.

ENV

To modify the envelope of the sound you will change the

ADSR-faders in the ENV section.

A – means the attack time for the tone

D – means the decay time for the tone
S – means the level of sustain (as you hold the key)
R – means the release time (after you have depressed the
key)

For example: If you want to create a percussive sound, set

attack to a low level, set decay to a middle level, set sustain
to zero and release between your decay level or zero.

If your sound should play how long you press the key, so
push sustain to maximum.

LFO
This is the clou of Opus8. In difference to a drawbar-organ
each channel has a independend LFO for tremolo effect.
The LFO modulates the amplitude (loudness) of the tone
produced by this channel. You can change the speed (Freq)
and depth of this effect.

Mix
Like at a mixing console you will change volume and
stereo position (pan) or mute the channel. The LED-VU-
meter may give you the control over the tone level.

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Let’s have a look to the main section of Datura 8:

Gain & VU-Meter

The gain knobs are used to ajust

output level. If any distortion
happens, try to reduce gain level.

VU-meters will give you control

over the output level of Opus8.

Reverb
The reverb can be modified by
room size, stereo with, damping
of frequencies and mix.
MIX is remoted by MIDI
controller No.91 (effect level).

Delay
This simple stereo delay has
independend faders to ajust time
and feedback (number of echoes)
for each stereo channel.

Flanger
Flanger effect could modulate
your sound like a rotary-speaker.
“Rate” means the speed of the
effect and “Feedb.” the depth. Be
careful: To high feedback will
make the flanger oscillate and
produce harmful distortion.
MIX of the flanger is remoted by
MIDI controller No. 93 (chorus
level).

Main mix

Main volume and stereo balance

are controlled with this fader.

“Main” volume is remoted by

MIDI controller No.7 (volume)
and “Balance” will change with
MIDI controller No.8 (balance).

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 MIDI-controllers & remote

You can control Opus8 via MIDI controllers:

MIDI CC No.91 (effect level) changes reverb mix

MIDI CC No.93 (chorus level) changes flanger mix
MIDI CC No.7 (volume) changes main volume
MIDI CC No.8 (balance) changes main balance

Most parameters of Opus8 are defined as “public”. If your host does support, you will have
access via your VSTi slot in your DAW to use automation.

Tips & tricks

If your sound is sonaring or too much metallic, try to reduce reverb or other effects level.

If any frequency does appear dominant you should identify it by cheking the channels VU-
meters. Then reduce the level of this channel.

Keep in mind, that a constant single sinus-wave is not a natural sound and appears dead.
Well, this is where LFO comes in. Modulation will give life to your sound.

Don’t forget to backup your sound bank files! Keep a copy of the factory sounfile at a save
place.

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 Troubleshooting

No Sound Check all faders and muteswitches. A red muteswitch means that the
channel is inactive. Click on it to activate. Are the Envelopes ajusted
correctly?

Look to the peakmeters if the oscillators does produce any sound. If

not, there could be a problem with your MIDI-input. Check the
keyboard, cables and MIDI-settings in your host-software.

If the VU-meters in the main section are moving so you must search
the problem in your host-software.
Sound is very low Check the levels that are displayed by the peakmeters and VU-meters.
Set the sustain levels higher or try to change the level by turning the
gain knobs.
Sound is distorted Check the peakmeter of any chanel, if it is on maximum. If yes, reduce
volume of this channel. Then look to the VU-meters of the main
section. If there is any clipping ajust this by turning the gain knobs
down.

Maybe the effect settings are too heavy. Try to reduce feedback or mix
settings of FX.
LFOs ar not sync to Sorry. That option was not included.
MIDI clock

System requirements

- PC with multicore processor

- Microsoft Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
- Professional soundcard or audio-device with ASIO-driver –technology
- 500MB RAM
- widescreen (16:9) display/ graphics adapter set to 1929x1080 pixel
- MIDI-interface and software host supporting VSTi-plugin-technology*

* for example got to: http://www.cantabilesoftware.com/ where you can get a great freeware
version of a vst host.

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 www.datura-instruments.de