Polac VST Loaders for Jeskola Buzz

Version: 1.1.10b (03-Dec-2023)
Author: Frank Potulski
Contact: polac_at_gmx_dot_de
Website: https://www.xlutop.com/buzz

Download (x86)
Download (x64)


What's New

http://forums.jeskola.net


Installation
Since even some more experienced Buzz users might be getting in trouble with the installation of all .dll's "shipping" within the package, the files need to be placed like this:

Buzz\vstscan.exe
Buzz\dxscan.exe
Buzz\dxvst.dll [DX/DXi loader]
Buzz\pbuzz.dll [BUZZ loader]
Buzz\ppsy.dll [Psycle loader]

Buzz\Gear\Machines.dll

Buzz\Gear\Generators\Polac VSTi 1.1.dll [VST Instrument Loader]
Buzz\Gear\Generators\Polac MIDI Bus II.dll [->send midi from vst to other buzz machines]

Buzz\Gear\Effects\Polac VST 1.1.dll [VST Effect Loader]
Buzz\Gear\Effects\Polac Out II.dll [for multiple output support]
Buzz\Gear\Effects\Polac MIDI In.dll [->for additional midi in devices]

Buzz\Gear\Vst\midivst.dll [MIDI Out support, ASIO waveout required]
Buzz\Gear\Vst\dmovst.dll [DMO loader]
Buzz\Gear\Vst\ladspavst.dll [Ladspa loader]

Important: without the Machines.dll the loaders won't work properly!

You've got to modify your Buzz\Gear\index.txt in order to access VST Plugins from the right-mouse click menu.

*Polac VSTi 1.1, [PVSTi]VST Instruments
*Polac VST 1.1, [PVST]VST Effects

The Polac Out II.dll and Polac MIDI In doesn't need a specific index.txt entry in order to work.

Once you're done with this procedure, you're almost done. The only thing left to do is telling *BOTH* Polac Machines (VST & VSTi) which directories are scanned for vst plugins. Just place an instance of BOTH loaders into your Buzz setup, right-click them and choose "Preferences" from the menu. A new window will open and ask you to specify your VST plugin resources. The loaders will scan the choosen paths recursive (invoking subdirectories) once you're done with setting things up and press the "OK" button. The procedure stated above needs to be done ONCE for BOTH loaders. If you succeeded you'll now be able to load your VST plugin of choice from within the usual right-click menu in the machine view.

Congrats! You're done with the installation.


Parameters and Attributes
A short description of all parameters and attributes. Many of these parameters and attributes can also be accessed in the settings view(just open the loader window).


Global Parameters
Dry Out If you are using the VST Loader, this parameter controls the dry output volume.
Wet Out This parameter controls the wet output volume.
Panning Sets the panning position of the Wet Out signal.
Global Command Eleven global commands available:
  • 00: Transpose
  • 01: Tempo Sync
  • 02: Trigger Seq
  • 03: Bypass
  • 04: Morph: Prg A
  • 05: Morph: Prg B
  • 06: Global Inertia
  • 07: Vel Commands
  • 08: Dly Commands
  • 0E: Sysex
  • 0F: RPB
Global Command Value Sets the global command value. You can find a detailed global command description below.
Program Selects a program of a VST(i). Only visible in pattern view.


Track Parameters
Note Note.
Note Velocity Sets the velocity of a note.
Note Delay Position of the note in a row/tick.
Note Cut Cuts the note between two ticks.
    Track Command 22 track commands are available:
    • ..: FT2-Style
    • 00: Retrigger
    • 01: ArpUp
    • 02: ArpDown
    • 03: Legato Mode
    • 04: Chord
    • 05: Slide Up/Down
    • 06: LFO Trigger
    • 07: LFO
    • 08: LFO Settings
    • 09: MIDI Message
    • 0A: Mute Track
    • 0B: Inertia
    • 0C: All Notes Off
    • 0D: Program Change
    • 0E: Bank Select
    • 0F: Ornament
    • 10: Automation Delay
    • 11: Psycle Note Command
    • 12: Note Off Velocity
    • 13: RPN/NRPN #
    • 14: Arp Chord
    • 15: Note Expression Track(VST3)
    • 16: Mirror Param Value
    • 17: Param Value Slope
    • Cx: Global Commands
    Track Command Value Sets the track command value. You can find a detailed track command description below.
    Track Parameter Sets the VST parameter you want to control. Also Pitchbend, MIDI CC, Mono/Polyaftertouch can be selected.
    Track Parameter Value Sets the value of the controlled parameter.
    MIDI Channel MIDI Channel selection.


    Attributes
    MIDI In Channel Sets the receiving MIDI Channel(0=all).
    MIDI Out Channel Specifies transmitting MIDI Channel(0=all).
    MIDI Velocity Slope Velocity sensitivity.
    MIDI Velocity Min Sets the velocity low value.
    MIDI Velocity Max Sets the velocity high value.
    MIDI Transpose Transposes the incoming MIDI notes.
    MIDI: Receive Note Enables/disables MIDI note receipt.
    MIDI: ReceiveCC Enables/disables MIDI CC receipt.
    Quantisation Note quantisation while recording.

    0=OFF
    1=1
    2=1/2
    3=1/3
    4=1/4
    5=1/5
    6=1/6
    7=1/8
    8=1/12
    9=1/16
    10=1/32
    11=1/64
    Quantisation Note Off Enables/disables the note off quantisation. Quantisation must be set before, otherwise enabling note off quantisation will affect nothing.
    Record Note Off Enables/disables note off recording.
    Keyzone Lo Keyzone Lo.
    Keyzone Hi Keyzone Hi.
    Velocityzone Lo Velocityzone Lo.
    Velocityzone Zone Hi Velocityzone Zone Hi.


    Global Commands
    Pattern Transpose 00 00xx

    xx(0-30): Transpose in semitones (x-24).
    Tempo Sync

    01 xxxx

    xxxx(0-200):
    0: Loader sends Buzz tempo to VST(i)
    1-200: Loader sends selected tempo to VST(i)

    Trigger Seq

    02 xxxx

    xxxx(0-FFFE):
    0: Stops sequence playback.
    1-FFFE: Triggers sequence on measure x-1.

    Note: This note effect is useful for a couple like Reaktor or Fruityloops. You can jump to a certain song position with this command.

    Bypass 03 000x

    x(0-1):
    0: Bypass disabled
    1: Bypass enabled
    Morph: Prg A 04 xxxx

    xxxx(0-FFFE):
    Sets program A(for program morphing purpose). You can morph programs in the track parameter column(30FB: Morph Programs).
    Morph: Prg B 05 xxxx

    xxxx(0-FFFE):
    Sets program B(for program morphing purpose). You can morph programs in the track parameter column(30FB: Morph Programs).
    Global Inertia 06 xxxx

    xxxx(0-FFFE):
    Sets the inertia for all tracks(x/256 ticks).
    Vel Commands 07 0xyy

    x(0-2):
    0: Humanize Velocity
    yy(0-7F): controls humanize amount

    1: Quantize Velocity
    yy(0-0F): quantises to velocity/y

    2: Constant Velocity
    yy(0-7F): sets velocity constant to y
    Dly Commands 08 xxyy

    xx(00,01,02,04,1x,2x):

    00: Humanize Note Delay
    yy(0-7F): controls humanize amount

    01: Quantize Note Delay
    yy(0-0F): quantises to tick/y

    02: Constant Note Delay
    yy(0-FF): delays notes for y/16 tick(s)

    04: Tick Affinity
    yy(0-FF): controls the note delay affinity

    1x: Shuffle
    x(0-F): shuffle step x*2 tick(s)
    yy(0-FF): shuffle amount

    2x: Constant Note Delay II
    xyy(0-FFF): delays notes for y/32 tick(s)


    Track Commands
    FT2-Style

    .. xxyy

    xx(0-FF): Command

    yy(0-FF): Argument

    Protracker/FT2 style commands

    more details

    Retrigger

    00 xy0z

    x(0-F): Retriggerlength

    y(0-1):
    0: Retriggerlength 1/(x+1) Ticks
    1: Retriggerlength x+1 Ticks

    z(0-F): Number of Retriggers

    Note cut still influences here the note length, relative to retriggerlength/number of retriggers.

    ArpUp

    01 abyz

    a(0-F): Arpeggiolength a+1 Ticks
    b(0-F): Number of steps
    y(0-F): Second Note
    z(0-F): Third Note

    Note Cut still influences here the note length, relative to arpeggiolength/number of steps.

    ArpDown

    02 abyz

    a(0-F): Arpeggiolength a+1 Ticks
    b(0-F): Number of steps
    y(0-F): Second Note
    z(0-F): Third Note

    Note Cut still influences here the note length, relative to arpeggiolength/number of steps.

    Legato Mode

    03 xxxx

    xxxx(0-FFFE): Note Overlap

    Useful for VSTi's with glide/portamento mode. If this Track Command is set, the previous note glides to the current.

    Chord

    04 wxyz

    w(0-F): Second chord note(unused if 0).
    x(0-F): Third chord note(unused if 0).
    y(0-F): Fourth chord note(unused if 0).
    z(0-F): Fifth chord note(unused if 0).

    Quite useful for some lazy people.

    Slide Up/Down

    05 xxyy aaaa bbbb

    xx(0-7F): slide start point.
    yy(0-7F): slide end point.
    aaaa(0-30FF): the param you want to slide
    bbbb(0-7FFF): slide speed b/256 tick.

    Slides the selected track parameter.

    LFO Trigger

    06 xxyy

    xx(0-FF): LFO Rate
    yy(0-FF): LFO Depth

    Starts the LFO,resets LFO.

    LFO(free run)

    07 xxyy

    xx(0-FF): LFO Rate
    yy(0-FF): LFO Depth

    Starts the LFO without resetting.

    LFO Settings

    08 0xyz

    x(0-f): LFO Phase/Offset

    y(0-1): LFO Mode
    0: Hz
    1: Tick

    z(0-5): LFO Shape
    0: Sine
    1: Square
    2: Saw Up
    3: Saw Dowm
    4: Triangle
    5: LFO Shape: Random

    Track-dependant LFO Settings.

    MIDI Message

    09 xxyy

    xx(0-FF): MIDI Message #
    00-7F: CC 0-7F
    80-FD: user-defined MIDI Message
    FE: Pitch Bend Range
    FF: Pitch Bend

    yy(0-FF): Value

    The MIDI Messages can be edited: ->Default Valus->Midi Messages.

    Mute Track

    0A 000x

    x(0-1): mute/unmute track

    Mutes/unmutes the track, Mute track will only disable the note playback on the track, the parameter automation is not influenced by this track command.

    Inertia 0B xxxx

    xxxx(0-FFFE): Track-dependant Inertia, x/256 Ticks.
    All Notes Off 0C 000x

    x(0-1): Sends a note off for all active pattern notes.
    Program Change 0D 00yy

    yy(0-7F): Program Change
    Bank Select 0E xxyy

    xx(0-7F): MSB
    yy(0-7F): LSB
    Ornament 0F x0yz

    x(0-1): Mode selection
    y(0-F): Length tick / ( 2 << y )
    z(0-F): Relative note
    Automation Delay 10 xxxx

    xxxx(0-FFFE): Sets the automation delay position in a tick, if set to 0 the parameter automation syncs to the note delay.

    Note that the parameter inertia does not work if you use this command.
    Psycle Note Command 11 xxyy

    Special note command for psycle plugins only:

    xx(0-FF): psycle command
    yy(0-FF): psycle argument
    Note Off Velocity 12 00xx

    xx(0-7F): Note off velocity
    RPN/NRPN # 13 xxxx

    xxxx(0-FFFF): RPN/NRPN #
    Arp Chord 14 wxyz

    w(0-F): Second chord note(unused if 0).
    x(0-F): Third chord note(unused if 0).
    y(0-F): Fourth chord note(unused if 0).
    z(0-F): Fifth chord note(unused if 0).
    Note Expression Track(VST3) 15 xxxx

    xxxx(0-FFFF): Track number.
    Mirror Param Value 16 000x

    x(0-1): Mirror param value on/off
    Param Value Slope 17 xxxx

    xxxx(0-FFFE): Slope(0x8000=linear,<0x8000=log,>0x8000=exp)
    Global Commands Cx yyyy

    Cx(0-9): Global command selection.
    yyyy(0-FFFE): See above how to use the respective global command.

    Useful if you want to use more than one global command in a row.


    Protracker/FT2 Style Commands
    Arpeggio

    00 xy

    On subdivision step 0, the original note will be played. Step one will play the original note+x halftones. Step two will play the original note+y halftones. Step three will restart the process.

    Slide Up

    01 xx

    Slide up xx notches

    Slide Down

    02 xx

    Slide down xx notches

    Tone Portamento

    03 xx

    If xx is zero, keep portamento'ing

    Vibrato

    04 xy

    x - speed
    y - depth

    If either is zero, use previous value

    Slide Panning

    05 xy

    x - amount to slide panning left
    y - amount to slide panning right

    Autopan

    06 xy

    x - speed
    y - depth

    If either is zero, use previous value

    Tremolo

    07 xy

    x - speed
    y - depth

    If either is zero, use previous value

    Set Panning Position

    08 xx

    0=left, 80=middle, FF=right

    Volume Slide

    0A xy

    x - amount to slide volume up
    y - amount to slide volume down

    Set Volume

    0C xx

    FF=max

    Subdivide Amount

    0F xx

    This is the same as the Protracker Fxx command, except it doesn't actually change the speed of the song, only the speed of the track's effects. If the subdivide amount is higher, effects will be updated more often, making them run faster. The default value is 6.

    Probability

    10 xx

    xx - Probability for note being played. 01=will almost certainly not be played, 80=50%, FF=almost certain

    Auto Shuffle

    13 xy

    x - Ticks to shuffle. 2 shuffles every other step, 3 every third step and so on.

    y=Shuffle amount. 0=none, F=almost a full tick. change the subdivision amount to, say, 10 for greater precision.

    Randomize Volume

    14 xx

    xx - Maximum amount the volume will be randomized

    Randomize Delay

    15 xx

    xx - Maximum number of subdivision steps the note will be delayed

    Randomize Pitch

    16 xx

    xx - Maximum number of notches the pitch will be randomized

    Combined note delay + cut

    18 xy

    x - The subdivision step to trigger the note
    y - The subdivision step to release the note

    Sustain Pedal

    19 xy

    y - Subdivision step to trigger command
    x=1 - Depress sustain pedal
    x=2 - Release sustain pedal

    Filter Cutoff

    20 xx

    Set filter cutoff

    Slide Filter Cutoff Up

    21 xx

    Slide filter cutoff up xx notches

    Slide Filter Cutoff Down

    22 xx

    Slide filter cutoff down xx notches

    Filter Cutoff LFO Type

    23 0x

    x - 0 - sine, retrig at notestart
    x - 1 - saw, retrig at notestart
    x - 2 - square, retrig at notestart
    x - 4 - sine, don't retrig at notestart
    x - 5 - saw, don't retrig at notestart
    x - 6 - square, don't retrig at notestart

    Filter Cutoff LFO

    24 xy

    x - speed
    y - depth

    If either is zero, use previous value

    Filter Resonance

    28 xx

    Set filter resonance

    Slide Filter Resonance Up

    29 xx

    Slide filter resonance up xx notches

    Slide Filter Resonance Down

    2A xx

    Slide filter resonance down xx notches

    Filter Resonance LFO Type

    2B 0x

    x - 0 - sine, retrig at notestart
    x - 1 - saw, retrig at notestart
    x - 2 - square, retrig at notestart
    x - 4 - sine, don't retrig at notestart
    x - 5 - saw, don't retrig at notestart
    x - 6 - square, don't retrig at notestart

    Filter Resonance LFO

    24 xy

    x - speed
    y - depth

    If either is zero, use previous value

    Not Cut

    DC xx

    Releases note

    Set Glissando

    E3 0x

    0=Off, 1=On

    Vibrato LFO Type

    E4 0x

    x - 0 - sine, retrig at notestart
    x - 1 - saw, retrig at notestart
    x - 2 - square, retrig at notestart
    x - 4 - sine, don't retrig at notestart
    x - 5 - saw, don't retrig at notestart
    x - 6 - square, don't retrig at notestart

    Panning LFO Type

    E6 0x

    x - 0 - sine, retrig at notestart
    x - 1 - saw, retrig at notestart
    x - 2 - square, retrig at notestart
    x - 4 - sine, don't retrig at notestart
    x - 5 - saw, don't retrig at notestart
    x - 6 - square, don't retrig at notestart

    Tremolo LFO Type

    E7 0x

    x - 0 - sine, retrig at notestart
    x - 1 - saw, retrig at notestart
    x - 2 - square, retrig at notestart
    x - 4 - sine, don't retrig at notestart
    x - 5 - saw, don't retrig at notestart
    x - 6 - square, don't retrig at notestart

    Retrig Note

    E9 xx

    xx - subdivision count at which note is retriggered

    Fine Volume Slide Up

    EA xx

    Fine volume slide up

    Fine Volume Slide Down

    EB xx

    Fine volume slide down

    Note Cut

    EC xx

    Releases note

    Note Delay

    ED xx

    Delay notestart for xx subdivision steps

    Fine Panning Slide Left

    EE xx

    Fine panning slide left

    Fine Panning Slide Right

    EF xx

    Fine panning slide right

    Set Pitch Up Slope

    F1 xx

    80=linear

    Set Pitch Down Slope

    F2 xx

    80=linear

    Set Volume Up Slope

    F3 xx

    80=linear

    Set Volume Down Slope

    F4 xx

    80=linear

    Set Panning Slope

    F5 xx

    80=linear

    LFO Rate Mode

    FB 0x

    Set LFO rate behaviour:

    0=Protracker
    1=Matilde

    Reset Panning Position

    FC 0x

    Reset panning position on note

    0=Off
    1=On

    CC Mode

    FE 0x

    If enabled 14bit gets outputted otherwise 7bit(default)

    Pitch Bend Semitones

    FF xx

    Set pitch bend resolution, default is 24 semitones(required to get the tone portamento command to work properly).





    Shortcuts
    There are some shortcuts defined.


    Shortcuts
    ` Switch between the buzz mainwindow and the previously active window.
    CTRL+SHIFT Center loader window.
    CTRL+D Stores the current program to favorites.
    Left/Right Next/previous program in bank.
    CTRL+Left/Right Next/previous program via midi program change.
    CTRL+Up/Down Midi bank select.
    /,* Midi Transpose: Octave up/down.
    +,- Midi Transpose: Semitone up/down.
    CTRL+LDBLCLICK On machine: Opens GUI view.
    SHIFT+LDBLCLICK On machine: Opens settings view.
    CTRL+SHIFT+LDBLCLICK On machine: Opens parameter view.
    ALT+LDBLCLICK On machine: Opens buzz parameters.
    LDBLCLICK Minimizes loader window.
    RDBLCLICK Parameter list: Fits parameter list to screen.
    CTRL+SPACE Closes all loader windows except the active one.
    ESCAPE Closes active loader window.
    SHIFT Parameter list: enables the parameter fine adjustment.
    TAB Windows styled cycling through all opened loader instances.
    CTRL+TAB Cycles through the views of a loader window.
    CTRL+Return Activates/Deactivates the overwrite mode.
    F2 GUI view.
    F3 Paramlist view.
    F4 Settings view.
    CTRL+F8 Bypass On/Off.
    F9 Enables/disables MIDI CC receipt.
    F10 Enables/disables MIDI note receipt.
    F11 Show/Hide all loader windows.
    F12 All Notes Off(MIDI Reset).


    Loader Window and Menus
    If you have successfully loaded a plugin you can open the loader window. Three views are available: GUI view, the paramlist view and the settings view. There are several menus:


    Machine Menu
    Open... Loads a plugin via open dialog.
    Plugins> All vst plugins which could be found in the selected directories.
    Editor... Opens the loader window.
    MIDI Send... There are a couple of plugins which are midi only, which means they are producing midi events. These events can be sent to other machines to control them with these events(Trollo, QuickKeys, MoCon...-plugins).
    Preferences... Default settings for attributes and a couple of other things. Here you can configure the loader startup values.
    About... Blabla...


    Presets Menu
    Load... Loads a complete bank or a single program. You can import presets from Cubase, Logic as well as Orion.
    Save... Saves a complete bank or a single program. You can save the presets as FXP or FXB.
    Rename... Renames the active program.
    Copy Makes a copy of the active program.
    Paste Pastes a previously copied program to the active program.
    Preset Factory... You're too lazy, stupid or not just in the mood to create a complex preset yourself? You don't need to - let the Preset Factory handle that for you!
    Show Preset Numbers Bank preset numbering on/off.
    Prefer Builtin/Favorites Defines what is displayed in the program menu by default. If set to 'builtin' you'll see the default bank of a plugin, otherwise the programs of your favorites(Organize...).
    Organize... Opens a preset manager where you can manage your favorite programs.
    Store... Stores the selected program to the favorites(Shortcut: CTRL+D).
    Programs All programs of the bank or favorites are listed here, depending on what is set as default. A couple of plugins will have its own program management, therefore these programs cannot be displayed here.


    Learn Menu
    Auto Learn If enabled, all touched controls in the vst gui get assigned to buzz sliders - track by track, one after another (until the last available track slider has been reached).
    Learn MIDI CC Necessary to make the loader recognize vst plugins which use the Midi CC method for controller automation.
    Clear Params Wipes all learned parameters.
    Save as Default Writes an .dat containing all learned parameters of a plugin. These settings will be automatically used if you load the plugin.
    Restore Default Reverts all changes to the saved defaults.
    Learned Parameter List Shows the list of all available tracks and their learned VST parameters.


    View Menu
    GUI Shows the VST plugins' gui (default view).
    Parameter List A schematic listing of all available VST plugin parameters.
    Settings All loader settings (as found in the machine attributes) can be found here as well besides a number of track dependant things (track selector, LFO...).
    Plugin Information Opens dialog containing some informations about a plugin.
    MIDI: Receive Note Enables/disables the MIDI note receipt.
    MIDI: Receive CC Enables/disables the MIDI CC receipt.
    Bypass Bypass on/off.
    All Notes Off Sends a "all notes off" to plugin.


    GUI View
    The default view once a plugin is loaded into the Polac machines. A double-right-click on a VST or VSTi instance will open it.


    Parameter View
    A list view showing all parameters of the loaded VST plugin. All parameters can be edited here as well. Use SHIFT+Leftmouse for fine tuning values. To the left of each paraemeter you'll find a button. You can select/deselect here a parameter for randomizing or morphing purpose(preset factory).


    Settings View
    Surely the most important section of the loader besides the vst gui. There are a couple of sections here:

    Track Settings:

    • Track Selector: Here you can select a track for record, mute a track.
      -Leftclick: (de)selects track for recording
      -DoubleLeftclick: (de)selects all tracks
      -CTRL+Leftclick: (un)mutes track.
      -CTRL+DoubleLeftclick: (un)mutes all tracks
      -Rightclick: selects active track(track settings)
    • Overwrite: When enabled, the pattern data will be overwritten during recording. You can optionally keep the automation or non-automation data(rightclick the overwrite button). Overwrite can be optionally toggled via CC64, quite useful if using a foot switch.
    • Inertia: Used in order to smooth parameter automation changes. 0.00 ticks might occur steppy (depending on the plugin), above 1 isn't very responsible for live purposes but can be used for making long parameter movements easier. A good, responsive default is 0.50 ticks.
    • LFO Shape: Available waveforms as LFO Shape:
      -Sine
      -Square
      -Saw Up
      -Saw Down
      -Triangle
      -Random
    • LFO Mode: The track LFO's can operate with a HZ or tick related measure.
    • LFO Phase: Sets the starting point for each LFO.
    • Assigned Parameter/CC: Shows the list of all available vst plugin parameters. Can be used to assign vst parameter to a track parameter by simply selecting it. The value slider can be directly linked to a midi cc as well as its value range can be customized. A right-mouse click on it opens the regarding menu.
    • Midi Channel: Specifies the Midi Channel that is used for each track (!ATTENTION! Not to be confused with the Global Midi Channels!).

    MIDI Settings:

    • In Channel: MIDI Channel that is beeing used by Loader instance to listen for incoming MIDI events.
    • Out Channel: MIDI Channel that is used by Loader to sent MIDI events.
    • Transpose: Transposition of incoming notes by value(note).
    • Velocity Slope: Velocity sensitivity.
    • Velocity Min: Sets the minimum velocity.
    • Velocity Max: Sets the maximum velocity.
    • Quantize: Determines the quantisation raster of incoming midi events for recording and ONLY for recording. Changes made after recording don't have an effect.
    • Quantize NoteOff: If this switch is enabled, NoteOff events are quantized as well.
    • Record NoteOff: Enables/disables note off recording.
    • MIDI Mode: Mode A can be referred as "standard" mode. Incoming MIDI events will be used by all VST Loader instances which have Midi enabled. Mode B will only enable Midi for the highlighted VST Loader instance.

    Global Settings:

    • Dry Out(PVST only)
    • Wet Out
    • Panning
    • Transpose: Global transposition of all notes for playback.
    • Tempo Sync: If Buzz is enabled, Buzz' master tempo will be used for the VST loader tempo syncronisation. In case you're working with tempo changes (e.g. shuffle using master tempo changes) it's quite handy to lock the loaders' tempo manually.
    • Link Dry/Wet(PVST only): If enabled, dry out and wet out can be controlled with only one slider.

    Miscellaneous Settings:

    • Automation Mode:
      -Normal: if activated, the loader records automation data as long as you move the fader/knob.
      -Touchfader: if activated, the loader records automation data as long as the fader/knob is held, even if you stop the movement.
    • Virtual Keyboard: If enabled, the pc keyboard can be used to send midi notes to the vst plugin.
    • MIDI Mode: Mode "User-Defined" can be referred as standard mode. Incoming MIDI events will be used by all VST Loader instances which have Midi enabled. Mode "Active Editor" will only enable Midi for the highlighted VST Loader instance. Mode "All Editors" will enable Midi for all vst's with opened editors.
    • Refresh Button: use this to update the settings view.
    • Morph: Here you can select the programs for morph purpose. If some programs are selected you can select "Morph Prgs" in the "Track Parameter" combo box. The slider movement can be recorded to track parameter colums now.


    How To Use...
    Some hints:


    Multi-out VST's
    If a VST has multiple outputs, you can use the Polac Out II to access these outputs. The picture below shows how you have to connect the machines. Polac Out II will detect the connected machine. Doubleclicking this machine will open a dialog showing up all available outputs of the connected VST.




    Multi-in VST's
    If a VST has more than two inputs, a dialog will automatically pop up when a new machine is connected to the loader. All available inputs are listed in this dialog, you only have to choose the appropiate inputs.




    Additional MIDI In Devices
    You can use the Polac MIDI In machine to make other machines able to receive midi data also from other midi devices than the buzz default midi device. See below how to use this machine:




    Buzz/Psycle wrappers
    To use them inside the loader simply place some buzz or psycle machines in one of your vst directories. Alternatively you can create a shortcut of a machine via explorer and move the shortcut to a vst directory. The machines will be detected by the loader and can be selected via pluign menu later on.









    Oversampling/Bridging
    It's possible to load a plugin in oversampling or bridging mode, for oversampling just hold CTRL key, for bridging hold the SHIFT key while loading(or enable one of these features per plugin via preferences dialog). Note that bridging means that a plugin will run in a separate process.




    MIDI-generating VST's (Midi Send...)
    In the loader rightclick menu is an entry called "MIDI Send". A couple of plugins are generating midi. These midi events can be directly sent to other loader instances to control them with these midi events. Only if a plugin is a "midi generator", the midi send dialog will shop up other loader instances where to send the events.




    Parameter Automation
    Up to 128 VST parameters can be controlled simultanously, depending on the number of tracks. VST parameters/MIDI CCs can be assigned in this way:
    1. Open the GUI/Params window.
    2. (a) Open the Learn menu and select a track you want to assign with a VST parameter/MIDI CC. If you want to learn a MIDI CC also enable "Learn MIDI CC".
      (b) Open the Learn menu and select Auto Learn. If you want to learn a MIDI CC also enable "Learn MIDI CC".
    3. Now you only have to move a Fader/Knob/Button, in most cases the parameter is learned now. Alternatively you can move a Controller/Pitchbend of your masterkeyboard or faderbox to learn them.
    Several Notes:

    - there are a couple of plugins that cannot be assigned to a track in this way. So you have assign the VST parameters manually(=>Parameters...).
    - you can unbind a parameter by rightglicking on a learned parameter in the parameter list.


    Midi Message Editing
    Midi messages can be used via track command 07. Predefined midi messages are:
    00-7F: MIDI CC
    FE: Pitch Bend Range
    FF: Pitch Bend

    Messages [80] to [FD] are undefined. To edit the midi messages, right-click the loader, open the Default Values... dialog, click the midi message button. This will open the midi message.ini in your texteditor. A short example how to edit the midi message.ini:

    All is numbered from [00]-[FF], here we are editing midi message [FE].

    [FE] Bn 64 00,Bn 65 00,Bn 06 xx //Pitch Bend Range

    n: A byte with n will be combined with the track midichannel
    xx: the variable value
    //: Comment.

    Each byte has to be separated from the other bytes with either a space, tab or comma. Three bytes will give one midi event.


    Preset Factory
    You're too lazy, stupid or not just in the mood to create a complex preset yourself? You don't need to - let the Preset Factory handle that for you!

    The Preset Factory allows you to create new sounds in 3 ways:
    1. Morphing:
      The morph slider will, generally spoken, take preset A, B and linearly blend between both. If there wasn't the Mode setting above. "ALL" will really just do the blend-job, but then it get's interesting again. "Selected" will only touch the parameters which are selected in the parameter list (F3). "Not selected" does the same with all non-selected parameters. "Learned" only affects the vst parameters that have been assigned to buzz parameters. "Not learned" vice versa.

    2. Genetics ("Breed"):
      The genetics slider determines the amount of vst parameters that will be taken from both presets. It doesn't change the preset unless you press the "Breed!" button. Once it's pressed, it takes the specified amount of (random!) vst parameters to create a new sound. Of course, you can point out which parameters may be used for this procedure using the Mode as in the morphing.

      To make it easier for you:
      E.g. your plugin has got 10 vst parameters and you don't move the genetics slider, 5 parameters from both selected presets will remain in the new preset. Which exact parameters are used is Breed's choice (random).

    3. Randomize:
      Good old-fashioned patch randomizing. You can specify the amount of randomization by enabling the % range. The Mode is enabled for usage with randomizing as stated above.

    Preferences
    Here you can configure the loader preferences, which means that the loader will use these settings each time you start a new loader instance. Also the vst directories can be configured here. The preferences dialog can be accessed via the machine menu(rightclick on loader). There are three tabs, two for global settings which will have effect for all plugins and one for settings done per plugin:


    Global I:

    Here one can set the default values for the loader attributes, also some other things can be defined here such as inertia, the number of tracks, midi or automation mode etc...


    Global II:

    Select your vst directories and some settings related to the dx/buzz loader, also an option to select the PVST data folder, 'My Documents' is set by default.


    Plugin:

    Some plugin-specific settings:

    • VST Keys: If enabled the loader sends keystrokes to the plugin.
    • Fixed Length Processing: The loader processes samples with a constant blocksize, note that this will delay the output for 256 samples. Only a couple of plugins will need this enabled(Spinaudio/PPG).
    • Save Bank To Song: All Programs of a VST(i) are saved to the buzzsong.
    • Save Prg To Song: Only the selected program of a VST(i) is saved to the buzzsong. A couple of plugins will cause problems on bank saving(Delay Lama,FFX4), so this has to be enabled.
    • Use sizeWindow(): Disable this if a gui does not resize correctly.
    • Stereo Fix: some plugins will remain mono if this one is not enabled(Cyanide).
    • Disable shortcuts/virtual keyboard. Disable if a plugin has its own keyboard handling.

    Links
    More infos about these loaders can be found here:

    PVST FAQ
    buzzmachines.com message board posts about PVST

    Some buzz-related sites:

    buzzmachines.com - latest infos on effects/generators
    buzzchurch.com - a new buzz-related forum
    the new buzz beta - oskari's latest buzz binaries
    buzzmusic - site hosting buzz-generated music
    buzzformat.com - buzz overloader
    cyanwerks.com - buzzdev archive here
    noolmusic - lots of infos about buzz here
    buzé - remake of buzz, open source
    aldrin - linux/windows buzzclone, open source

    Buzz Devs:

    Btdsys
    Fuzzpilz
    ld0d

    Various links:

    kvraudio.com
    rjkole.com
    ronnypries.de


    Thanks To...
    Thomas Potulski - for programming help and tips

    Ronny Pries - for lots of ideas and help, help on this manual, beta testing, for being sort of project manager ;)

    oskari - for buzz and newbuzz help

    CyanPhase - for the great buzz tutorials

    usr - for suggestions and help with the machines.dll

    Cameron Bonde - for tons of feature suggestions and beta testing

    CyanPhase - for the great buzz tutorials

    ld0d - for some help on the vst menus in the machine menu

    djlaser - for tips and suggestions

    P. DooM - for the buzzhack sourcecode


    Also big thanks to all on the beta list:

    .tOm, ps, Wayfinder, soma, WakaX, mute, btd, Rolf Kohl, Mva, Boneyhands and the rest I forgot here.


    Legal Notice
    These buzzmachines are FREEWARE. They may be redistributed freely, as long as the .dll files are provided with this documentation. You're not authorized to sell them by any way.


    VST and ASIO are trademarks of Steinberg Soft- und Hardware GmbH