The lean, Mean, Production Machine

Introducing the STUDIO 440, the most versatile instrument we've ever produced. In fact, it's four instruments in one. The Studio 440 is a sophisticated and fully programmable twelve bit linear digital sampler, a multi-track MIDI sequencer with a 50,000 note capacity, an audiovisual post production tool that reads and writes SMPTE, and a powerful drum machine featuring velocity and pressure sensing pads. The Studio 440 is easy to use and provides more capability in a smaller package than any other system at any cost.
 
 

Real 12-bit Sampling

Based on Sequential's proprietary sampling technology, each of the Studio 440's eight voices delivers the superb clarity and transparent high end which is the hallmark of true twelve bit digital resolution. Additionally, the Studio 440 provides the user with all of the features required to produce professional audio products. Features like:

· Selectable sampling rates of up to 41.667 kHz so you can optimize memory and achieve full bandwidth on playback.

· Computer assisted looping functions (including cross-fade looping) so that you can easily produce your own library of custom sounds.

· Multiple sample locations for storing up to 32 different samples in memory at one time.

· True stereo outputs (2) plus separate audio outputs per voice (8) for individual processing of each.

· 32 levels of programmable panning per voice.

· Separate analog and digital controls per voice, including fully sweepable filters and VCAs for modifying any sample.

· Lots of on-board memory ( 768K bytes) with instant access to hard disks or CD-ROMs via the built-in Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI).

· A 3"1/2 inch double sided disk drive for storing all work quickly and reliably.

· Real-time sample monitoring. You hear exactly how your sample sounds at different sampling rates both prior to and during the actual sampling process.

The Studio 440 is an amazingly fully featured sampler. We urge you to compare its sound quality with samplers priced to $ 15,000. We think you'll agree that the STUDIO 440 is in a class all by itself.
 

The Master of Controllers

MIDI Sequencing

The STUDIO 440 sequencer controls parallel the transport controls of a typical multi-track tape recorder, emphasizing ease of use. It operates in MIDI Modes L 3, and Multi-mode (an enhanced Mode 4), and records up to 50,000 notes with as many as 999 measures per sequence, 99 sequences, a song build function, manual tap or programmable tempo control, single step and real-time recording. Its two independent MIDI outputs can control up to 32 channels of external MIDI equipment. Each of the sequencer's eight tracks can hold any combination of internal sound events and external MIDI events. And for ease of editing, all MIDI channel information is retained per track.
 

SMPTE Time Code

The STUDIO 440's audio-for-visual features are impressive, both as a master controller and as an audio slave. It reads and writes all four types of SMPTE time code, and can synchronize to five different sources: 1) internal clock 2) slave to external SMPTE 3) external MIDI clock 4) external MIDI Time Code, and 5) external clicks of 96,48, or 24 ppqn.
 

MIDI Time Code

In addition, the Studio 440 is the first sampler or sequencer to incorporate the new MIDI Time Code, a protocol that encodes SMPTE and sends it over MIDI for use in cue or event lists. Now it is possible to cue punch in/punch out recording by bar number, or with sub frame resolution by programming to SMPTE Time Code. You can even selectively pre trigger external synthesizers to compensate for their internal timing delays. The Studio 440's capabilities will be further enhanced when used in conjunction with forthcoming librarian, editing, and post production software packages by companies such as Digidesign, Hybrid Arts, Dr. T's Music Software, and Opcode.
 

The Ultimate Drum Machine

If you combine a high quality digital sampler featuring individual outputs with a 50,000 note SMPTE/MIDI based sequencer, all you need to create a superior drum machine is velocity and pressure-sensitive pads. The 440 has eight, organizing its 32 sound samples into four kits and four banks over these eight sound pads. In addition, every sound has two sets of sound parameters that include sample play back direction, pitch-bend envelope, loop types, loop points, start point modulation, and the familiar VCA VCF controls.

The four programmable kits allow for infinite variations of the same sound by editing only the performance parameters. Performance parameters can be assigned to any pad and include sound number, pan, pitch, volume, and a choice of one of the two sound parameter sets. These performance parameters are easily edited in real-time, and settings for all eight pads can be stored and recalled instantaneously from any one of the kits. And since the alternate parameters can have individual start/end points for each sound, there are actually up to 64 "different sounds" available at one time.

Sequential's factory library includes over 300 sounds, and is immediately available. In addition, any Prophet 2000 or 2002 sample can be loaded directly into the 440, so the actual number of sounds now available is too numerous to list. The STUDIO 440 is the ultimate drum machine.
 

The Best Value

The STUDIO 440 is a complete, four-in-one professional audio production machine that is small enough to fit under an airline seat, light enough to carry under your arm, yet big enough for any job. The STUDIO 440 is now available through selected Authorized Sequential Dealers. Insist on a demonstration in stereo.
 
 

STUDIO 440 FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

SAMPLING

8 Sound Channels (voices) 12-bit linear recording 768 kBytes (5l2k WORDS) of sound RAM Sampling rates and maximum recording time:

15.625 kHz rate : 33.5 seconds  —  6 kHz bandwidth
31.250 kHz rate : 16.7 seconds  —  12kHz bandwidth
4l.667 kHz rate : 12.5 seconds  —  18 kHz bandwidth

32 sample points Real-time monitoring of sample input
 
 

DIGITAL SAMPLE EDITING

Scale: Ability to change the amplitude of the original recording (including forced clipping).

Copy/Append: Allows transfer of one sample to another (empty) sample location, or the splicing of two samples together. The "splicing" of sounds can be crossfaded or abrupt. Also allows reversal of the source material before appending to easily create special forward/reverse sounds.

Looping: Forward or bi-directional sustain or release loop; linear or equal power crossfade looping (forward or bi-directional).

Mix: Allows the "merging" of two samples digitally.

Direction: Forward or reverse playback of sample data.

Start Mod: The playback start-up point of the sample can be controlled by velocity.
 
 

ANALOG CONTROLS

Separate VCF and VCA per voice. VCF is lowpass 24 dB/octave.

Outputs: Each (up to 32) sample assignable to any of the 8 outputs; or, assignable to any one of 32 pan (stereo placement) positions. Stereo placement can also be a function relative to the sample's pitch.

Envelopes: ASR type, 2 per voice (VCF, VCA) DIR type, 1 per voice (BEND)

VCA attack can be exponential (positive values) or reverse exponential (negative values-typical of reverse sounds).

Attack and Release times can each be fixed from 0 to 120 seconds.

Sustain time can be fixed (from 8 milliseconds to 120 seconds), or GATED, which sustains the sound for as long as the pad is held.

Special BEND envelope to create pitch sweeps upwards or downwards from the original pitch. Can be set to occur immediately or upon release of a pad.

All envelope settings (attack rate, sustain time, release rate, and bend depth/rate) can be set to track pitch and velocity.

MAPPING OF SOUNDS: Sound mapping is done per MIDI channel and is over an 88 key range, from low A (A 1 ) to High C (C7). All samples can be mapped to one MIDI channel, or distributed throughout the 16 MIDI channels.
 
 

SEQUENCER

8 tracks

32 channels of MIDI information per track (16A, 16B).

400k Bytes of sequence RAM, equivalent to approximately 100,000 MIDI events (50,000 notes). Sequence RAM independent of sample RAM.

99 sequence locations. Sequence length from 1 to 999 bars. Number of repeats per sequence 0 to 254 or INFINITE.

12 song locations. Song length from 1 to 500 steps. Number of repeats per step 0 to 31.

The ability to mute or unmute selected tracks can be entered as steps in a song.

Auto Correct Resolutions: 4, 4T, 8, 8T, 16, 16T, 32, 32T, OFF

Tempo range is 40 to 250 beats per minute (BPM). Tempo is also displayed in frames per beat (FIB).

continued

SMPTE types are 24, 25, 30 Drop and 30 non-drop Frames Per Second (FPS).
 

SEQUENCE EDITING

All editing operates only on data that is between the PUNCH-IN and PUNCH-OUT points. Resolution is to bar and click (24 clicks per quarter-note).

The following editing can be selected per track & MIDI channel (or internal sound number, where appropriate) : Every type of MIDI data can be selectively erased. Transposition up or down by 24 semitones. Velocity resealed from 0% to 250%
(100% = no change).

The following editing is done by track only:  Rotation of all MIDI data (this allows you to re-define the beginning of sequence,
shifting the initial data to the end of the sequence). Replace one internal sound with another, for quick "auditioning" of different sounds playing the same pattern. Copying of sequence data, resolution is by bar. Data can be "channelized" to a new MIDI
channel. Bounce any or all tracks to one track. MIDI channel separation is maintained.
 

OTHER EDITING

Extract Workloop allows you to set aside a portion of your sequence for editing and further recording, with the option of returning it to the same location in updated form, or discarding it while retaining the original.

Delete sections of a sequence, resolution is by bar.

Insert bars into a sequence, resolution by bar.

Tap Track allows you to manually enter the occurrence of quarter or eighth note values, replacing the normal "clock" used. References are made against SMPTE time code. TAP EDIT allows alterations of the taps.

Accelerandos or ritardandos can be programmed by assigning a tempo change at any given bar of plus or minus 99.9 BPM over a period of from 1 to 99 beats.

MIDI offset allows shifting of the MIDI data from either MIDI OUT jack by plus or minus 15 milliseconds to adjust for delays in external MIDI devices.
 

INTERFACES, INPUTS, & OUTPUTS

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD): 2 lines of 16 characters each.

DATA ENTRY SLIDER

8-SOUND PADS: Velocity & Pressure Sensing, assignable.

AUDIO OUTPUTS: 8 separate audio outputs plus stereo outputs (also act as headphones or mono mix out).

MIDI : IN, OUT A, OUT/THRU A, OUT B.

TERMINAL SYNC IN & OUT.

CLOCK SMPTE OUT: Logic Level Signal of +5 volts DC.

CLOCK SMPTE IN: Tape or Logic Level.

TAPE SMPTE OUT: An AC coupled signal for printing sync tones on tape.

SCSI : 25 pin D-connector Small Computer Systems Interface for connection to hard disks and future storage devices such as CD-ROMs.
 

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Footswitches Factory Sound Disk Sets
 

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

22"1/4 Wide x 11" Deep x 4"1/4 High
Approximate Weight: 17 pounds
 

POWER REQUIREMENTS

110/220 Volts

Specifications subject to change without notice.



Copyright Sequential Circuits.
Scanned and OCR by Pierre G.

this document and pictures.

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