This past month, I focused on programming the MS2000r.   While it is an amazing virtual analog synth, most of its programs scream “give me back my glow sticks!” and so I created several of my own in a search for more subtle and less dated sounds. Programming from scratch is a great exercise for understanding the building blocks to any synthesizer and I wanted to share the process I utilized.  This is not intended as a substitute for reading the manual and understanding all the various parameters in depth.  But if you just got your MS2000r and cannot wait to dig in, I have provided below a concise and ordered workflow for building a new program, based on the manual’s recommendations (I will leave some in-depth options like sequencer patterns for another time).

For starters, realize that every parameter can be edited by a combination of the front panel knobs, the SELECT keys at bottom, and the buttons below the LCD display.  The major synthesizer sections correspond to PAGES accessible in the LCD display (e.g. – OSC1, OSC2, EG, LFO, etc.), and can be accessed directly by pressing the respective SELECT key, or PAGE [+ or - ].  Also, notice that the ORIGINAL VALUE LED lights up when you turn a knob or press a button on the front panel and land on the default value for that parameter.

Some options, like modulation and delay effects, can only be viewed and tweaked on the LCD after pressing the respective SELECT [12 or 13] keys (MOD FX or DELAY FX).  I have tried to include the fastest combinations for each step (either a SELECT key, FRONT PANEL controls, the LCD buttons, or combinations).

Assuming you are in a program that you do not mind overwriting, do the following: (more…)