NC Editor Manual
NC Editor is a patch editor for novation circuit original and tracks, featuring
- full access to all sound engine parameters (>300),
- a patch manager to access patches from the device's internal storrage,
- copy and paste patches in a pack/session and between packs (tracks only),
- a sophisticated sound generator
- Integration of Novation LaunchControl XL and Akai MidiMix Midi controller
NC Editor is based on touchOSC and therefore will run on Mac, Windows, Linux, IOS and Android devices.
NOTE: NC Editor needs touchOSC installed on the target device. TouchOSC offers free versions for Mac, Windows and Linux. They can run without functional restrictions, but please consider buying a licence if you use it regulary. TouchOSC for IOS and Android can be purchased in the according app stores. Visit TouchOSC for more information about this excellent tool!
Setup
Install TouchOSC and download NC Editor to your target device. Unzip NCEditor.zip. Inside you will find 3 Versions of NC Editor (for On-Screen only, Midimix and LCXL usage) with a .tosc file extension.
Open the NC Editor version you want to use by click/doubleclick/doubletap on the .tosc file.
Alternatively, start TouchOSC and
- use the file/open... menu on desktop devices or
- use import on mobile devices (see IPad screenshot below).
Transfer over Wifi
If you downloaded NC Editor to your desktop and want to transfer it to a mobile device, you can utilize TouchOSCs client/server feature to transfer a layout. See the touchOSC manual section for further instructions or watch this YT Video
Circuit Midi Connection
TouchOSC can host up to 5 Midi connections. The circuit has to be configured as connection 1, elseway NCEditor will not find the device. Connect your circuit to your host machine via USB. Then open the connection menü in TouchOSC (the "chain" symbol, see image below)
Activate connection 1 and set Send and Receive port to your circuit:
On windows it might be necessary to first enable the circuit in the edit/preferences dialog:
Run NCEditor
After the setup is done you can start NCEditor by clicking/tapping on the "Play" Button in the upper menu. To stop the execution, click/tap on the small dot in the upper right corner of the screen.
The NCEditor interface appears when your circuit is connected correctly. Note, that NCEditor automatically detects whether a circuit original or a circuit tracks is connected.
Connection Monitoring
The app continuously monitors the connection to your circuit. If the connection is interrupted (e.g. by disconnecting the USB cable), a warning dialog is displayed.
As soon as the connection is re-established, the dialog disappears and you can continue your session.
If the warning dialog appears right at the beginning, the connection could not be established in the first place. In this case check the connection and make sure that your circuit is configured to Connection 1 (see Circuit Midi Connection).
Setup MidiMix
You can use an Akai MidiMix to change the basic parameters of a patch.
Connect your MidiMix to your host via USB. Then upload the NCEditor.midimix configuartion file included in the downloaded .zip to your Midimix controller. (For upload you will need the MidiMix Editor from Akai, which also contains a manual)
In TouchOSC, the midimix has to be set as connection 2 in order to work properly. The procedure is similar to the connection of the circuit as described above, except that you will use connection 2 for the midimix.
If MidiMix is not available in the connection menu, the connection must first be activated in Settings/Midi
To start NCEditor with Midimix support, please use the "NCEdit MidiMix.tosc" layout. You can find it in the zip file you downloaded.
Setup LaunchControl XL
To use a Novation LaunchControl XL (LCXL) for basic patch parameter editing, connect the LCXL to your host via USB. Start Novation Components and upload the NCEditor.sys configuration file included in the downloaded .zip to the LCXL. You can use any free user template slot. Just make sure, that the according user template is active when you use NCEditor.
In TouchOSC, the LCXL has to be set as connection 2 in order to work properly. The procedure is similar to the connection of the circuit as described above, except that you will use connection 2 for the LCXL.
If LaunchControl XL is not available in the connection menu, the connection must first be activated in Settings/Midi
To start NCEditor with Launchpad XL support, please use the "NCEdit LCXL.tosc" layout. You can find it in the zip file you downloaded.
Basic Usage
NCEditor's UI provides faders, buttons, radials (knobs) and selectors that are fairly intuitive to use. All controls will grab the focus, so after touching a knob for example, you can slide the finger away for a better view and still keep control of that knob. Other controls will not interfer until you lift your finger and touch again.
Doubletap to default
All Radials as well as Modulator Depth and Macro Knob Depth controls can be reset to a default value by doubletapping. This is especially useful for centered values (like 'Cents' or 'Semitones').
All controls with a 'sync' option (LFO Rate and Delay, Chorus Rate) will default to their last value when sync was switched. Example: You switch off sync for LFO1 Rate and the value is 49. Then a doubletapp will reset to 49.
Fader Precision Mode
Setting an exact value on faders is sometimes fiddly and lifting the finger can change the value in the last split second.
Touching a fader at very right edge will enter precision mode, shown by a magnifier icon in the lower part. Sliding up and down will now change the value by only a fraction of the total range.
Selectors are horizontal sliders that allow to scroll through a range of values (e.g. Osc Waveforms). Selectors with a large range of values provide arrow buttons on the sides to step for and back through values.
FX Bypass
When creating a sound, you probably want to compare the dry sound with the wet sound (i.e. with reverb and delay) frequently. For easier access, the FX Bypass function of the circuit is also available on top of the Basic page.
Reverb and Delay
Longpressing the FX Bypass will show the FX Popup to quickly adjust reverb and delay for the current synth. To close the popup just click/tap somewhere outside.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to read the values from the circuit, so the values shown initially will not necessarily match the actual ones (However, if reverb and delay are changed on the circuit, this will be recognized and displayed accordingly in the FX popup).
Circuit Actions
Some actions on the circuit will have an effect on NCEditor
Synth Switch
switching between synth 1 and 2 on circuit tracks will also switch the editor. A synth switch will immediately load the according patch and switch the colorscheme.
As the original circuit does not send synth switch signals, the synth have to be switched manually on the Patch page.
Presets
Flipping through presets will instantly load the according preset into the editor. (There's a slightly different behavior on the patch page, see PatchManager section for more details).
Projects and Pack View
On Circuit Tracks, opening the projects or pack view will display a reminder to save your current edits, as switching a project/pack will load a new patch and discard all changes.
The warning is not displayed on the original circuit (as session changes are not accompanied by a midi message)
Synth Parameter Tabs
The NC Editor interface is divided into several tabs to keep the large number of parameters clear and easy to use.
For an explanation of the parameters in detail, please visit the description of the Novation Circuit sound engine.
The sequence of the tabs follows the following workflow:
1. Basic
here the most important parameters are set, which determine the basic characteristics of the sound: The two oscillators, the filter and the amp envelope.
2. Env & LFO
this is where you set the parameters that modulate the sound, the envelopes 2 and 3 and the two LFOs.
3. Modulator
The modulation matrix determines which modulator affects which parameter. A total of 20 entries are available, organized in 2 groups of 10 each.
4. Effects
finally the sound is given the final touch with effects and EQ.
Macro Knobs Editor
On the Macro tab, you can define how the 8 macro controls influence the sound during a live performance.
Strictly speaking, the Macro definitions also belong to the Synth parameters. However, it contains some additional functions that are explained in more detail in this section.
1. Show/Hide Menu
This switch can be used to show and hide the menu with the editing functions to prevent accidental use. When the menu is hidden, the icon turns into a "hamburger menu".
2. Fill
"Fill" allows you to transfer parameters to a macro without changing the sound of the patch.
Single Destination
The most common use and the easiest way to understand how "Fill" works is the single Destination scenario. Here is an example: . Let's say our patch has a "Filter Cutoff" of 70 and we want to manipulate it with a macro knob.
To do this, we set "Filter Cutoff" as Destination A and leave the other destinations at "No Destination" (1). Then we press "Fill" (2). As a result, the filter cutoff of the patch is now set to 0 (filter control on the basic tab, not in the image), while the macro knob has adopted the original value of 70 (3) and the depth value is set to a full 63(4). The sound remains unchanged, but the frequency can now be adjusted with the macro knob.
Reverse Knob Function
To configure the macro knob to work inversely proportional, the depth control must be set to a value < 0 before "Fill" is pressed.
In the last example, the cutoff frequency of the patch is now set to 127 (filter control on the basic tab, not in the image), depth to -64 (full reverse) and the macro knob to 57 (127 - 70). The sound is unchanged again, but the frequency can now be manipulated in the opposite direction.
Multiple Destinations
It is also possible to set several destinations automatically. However, this is more of an experimental feature, as the results are not always easy to understand.
For destination A, the process is the same as described above. However, the value of the macro knob is now fixed. The algorithm now adjusts the depth and start values of the other destinations so that the respective patch value of the parameter is reached at exactly this value of the macro knob. As a result, the sound remains unchanged again, but the entire value range of 0 - 127 will not be available for destinations B, C and D.
This is an example of what the result of a fill with multiple destinations could look like.
As with Destination A, the knob function can also be inverted for Destinations B, C and D by setting the Depth to a negative value before pressing the "Fill" button. (see Dest. B in the image above)
As destination A determines the value of the macro knob, a different order of the destinations will lead to different results.
3. Resolve
"Resolve" transfers the current setting of the macro to the corresponding synth parameters and resets the settings. As a result, the sound of the patch remains unchanged, while the macro manipulation is removed. "Resolve" is therefore a kind of reverse function to "Fill".
4. Clear
"Clear" resets all parameters of the currently selected macro knob. In contrast to "Resolve", the values are not transferred to the corresponding synth parameters. This function is useful if you want to reassign a macro knob from scratch (for example, after copy & paste the values to another macro).
5. Print
With "Print", the current macro configuration is output as a comma-separated list in the log console. You can then copy this list and paste it into a spreadsheet table.
Please note, that this function is only useful on desktop versions of TouchOSC, as copying is not available on mobile devices.
Application:
- Show the log view. To do this, select "Toggle Log" in the "View" menu.
- Switch to the "Script" tab in the log view.
- Start the editor and press the "Print" button. The log output appears.
- Select the log output and copy the text using the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+C or Cmd+C
You can then use the text import wizard (or a comparable CSV import function of your spreadsheet program) to transfer the data to your spreadsheet document.
Unfortunately, the system output (time etc.) is also copied. However, it is separated by a comma so that it appears as a separate column and can be easily deleted after the transfer.
6. Suggest
"Suggest" offers typical destinations for the selected macro. If you press the button repeatedly, you will receive further suggestions.
Suggest only fills destination A, to fill additional destinations use the Cycle function.
6. Cycle
"Cycle" moves all destinations down one level and the last one (Destination D) to the top position. This is particularly helpful if you want to quickly fill a macro with several destinations.
This is a popular case for multiple destinations with Macro Knob 2 ("Oscillator Mod"): The cent values of the two oscillators are set in opposite directions.
You can set this up quickly by pressing the Suggest" button until "OSC1 Cent" appears, then cycle down the destinations and press Suggest again until "OSC2 Cent" is reached.
The "Cycle" function can also be useful with Fill to try out several destinations in different sequences.
8. Copy & Paste
You can use copy & paste to quickly transfer the parameters of one macro to another. Select the macro you want to copy and press "Copy". The message line shows which macro data is now in the clipboard. Then select the target macro and press "Paste". The parameters of the macro and the value of the macro knob itself are transferred.
Please note that the parameters of the original macro are not reset. The two macros now have identical functions. To reset the original macro, use the Clear function.
Patch Manager
the patch manager allows you to prelisten to other patches without overwriting the currently edited patch (unlike in novation components, as we probably all found out at some dark moment in the past). You can also load, save and rename patches and copy and paste them to other slots in the same pack or even between packs (only circuit tracks, as the original circuit does not support more then one pack)
1. Patchname
displays the name of the currently selected patch (Who would have thought)
The patch buttons give you access to all patches stored in the circuit's memory (128 on 4 pages for circuit tracks and 64 on 2 pages for circuit original)
Selecting a patch button will load the patch for prelistening. The currently edited patch will stay in the editor and is not lost. Clicking the button again will switch back to your edited patch, this allows you to quickly jump back and forth to compare your current sound to other patches.
When you are on the Patch tab, you can also browse the presets of the circuit to preview other patches. In this case, the patches are not loaded immediately (as would happen on other tabs of the NCEditor)
Note, that the prelistened sound is discarded when you leave the patch manager (as it's ... well just a prelisten). To permanently swap a patch into the editor, it has to be loaded (see Load function below)
3. Inital
selects an initial preset with all values to default. It is a good starting point to develop a new sound from scratch.
4. Variants
When you create a new sound, there comes a point where you want to capture the stage of your idea before you develop it further. It gives you the freedom to keep experimenting wildly without losing the good foundation you've created. Or you may want to try different alternatives and compare them later.
For this purpose the editor provides 3 "Variant" slots. These are volatile memories in which you can quickly store, compare and reload a sound during a session. To store and load a variant follow the steps as described in "Load" and "Save" below.
5. Load
The "Load" button loads the previewed sound into the editor and overwrites the currently edited one (and possibly all changes made up to that point). Ok, this sounds a lot scarier than it actually is, because you'll for sure know what you're doing. I think. Just in case, the Load button is only available when you have a patch selected so you really know what you are loading.
6. Save
You can save your just created masterpiece to any slot of the circuit's current pack. Click on a patch button to prelisten to the sound that is currently stored there. If you find a sound worth to overwrite, click/tap that patch again. The "Save" button becomes available.
Click/Tap on the "Save" button and you will be promted with a naming dialog:
Enter a suitable name for your patch.
You can still cancel. No way? Then hit "OK" and your patch will be stored under it's super imaginative and inspiring name! Great! Done.
(footnote: Of course, you can just hit the save button on your circuit twice to preserve your godlike spark for posterity, but this will store the sound only to that particular project and it won't be available in other projects or packs)
7. Select
By ticking the checkbox, the patch manager is put into the selection mode. In this mode, you can select multiple patches to copy and paste them from one place to another. This also works between packs, so essentially you can access all sounds of all packs in any project (circuit tracks only)
Selected patches are marked by an outline. Tapping an unselected patch will add it to the selection, tapping a selected patch will remove it. In selection mode, patch buttons do not grab the focus, so you can slide above mutliple patch buttons to add or remove them.
Prelisten still works in selection mode, you will always audit the last added patch, which is highlighted.
8. Copy & Paste
In selection mode, the "Load" and "Save" Buttons are replaced by "Copy" and "Paste"'.
To copy, make a selection, then press "Copy". The message line under the Copy and Paste Buttons will show the number of copied patches.
Next select the patches that you want to be replaced and press "Paste". Pasting might take some time while the patches are uploaded to the circuit one by one. If it takes more than an instant an upload dialog with a progress bar is displayed.
Do not disconnect the devices during the upload!
After the operation is completed successfully, the number of pasted patches is displayed in the message line.
The number of patches copied and pasted do not have to be the same. If fewer fields are selected during pasting, the excess patches are discarded. If, on the other hand, more fields are selected, the copied patches are pasted repeatedly.
For example, you can copy only one patch and paste it to many other patches. This is useful if you copy somthing like "Inital" or the famous "Random Decay" patch to mark patches as "free to overwrite".
Protip:
You can even copy patches between different circuits! This is useful e.g. if you want to copy patches from an old, original circuit to a new circuit track (something that is actually not possible in components).
First connect both circuits to your host device. Then start touchOSC. Go to the connection menu (button with the chain icon) and configure the circuit you want to copy from as connection 1. Start NCEditor and copy the patches.
Then stop NCEditor (press the small gray dot in the upper right corner of the screen). Go back to the connection menu and configure the target circuit as connection 1. Start NCEditor again and paste the patches here.
Patch Generator
The Patch Generator is a powerful, creative tool to get inspiration for new sounds. Basically, the Patch Generator distributes random values to the parameters of a patch. But there are numerous ways to influence this process.
Warning!
Using the patch generator may lead to unexpected frequencies and sound volumes! Use it on your own responsibility. Please keep the master volume down.
1. Parameter Switches
Each parameter of a patch can be activated individually for the assignment of a random value. This allows you to specify exactly which values are shuffled and which are not.
Parameter switches do not lock the mouse focus, so it is possible to activate or deactivate buttons by sliding over them.
The parameters for macros and modulators are activated in groups to simplify operation.
A few parameters (Pre, Post and Distortion Compensation) are excluded from random assignment to avoid excessive volume differences.
Nevertheless, especially the distortion can cause harsh volume changes! Please keep a low basic volume and watch out for the warning sign!
The round buttons at the edge group units that logically belong together. For example, you can activate or deactivate all parameters of OSC1 at once by clicking or tapping the OSC1 button.
The buttons of the units deactivate the group only if all buttons are activated. If you want to deactivate all buttons of a mixed group, you have to tap the Unit button twice.
3. All Button
The 'All' button activates all parameters at once. As with the other unit buttons, all parameters can be deactivated by clicking the All button twice. This is very handy if you want to quickly return to an initial state.
4. Shuffle
Shuffle takes the current patch and assigns random values to the parameters according to the current setting.
A newly shuffled patch is automatically loaded into the editor. So you can create a random patch, inspect and change the parameters on the other editor pages and return to the generator.
5. Create
"Create" does the same as "Shuffle", but loads an initial sound first. (a similar result can be achieved by loading the "Initial" patch on the patch page first and then click "Shuffle").
6. Undo/Redo
The generator offers an Undo and Redo function for the last 20 steps. This way you can experiment freely and reverse at any time if you don't like the direction your sound design takes.
Note, that editing a patch on the editing pages (as described in 4. Shuffle) will also add a step to the undo stack.
Sometimes you may not even want to make a decision about which parameters to mix. For this case, there is the 'random buttons' function that randomly activates parameter buttons (random squared, so to speak)
The slider determines the proportion of buttons that should be activated. The further to the right, the more parameters are activated.
By clicking the "RND" button the buttons are set.
8. Deviation
"Deviation" determines how far the random assignment of a value may deviate from the original value.
A low setting of "Deviation" produces a subtle change in the patch, while a high setting produces more extreme results.
So, for example, if you want a slow evolution of your sound, you can set a low deviation and press shuffle repeatedly (perhaps with random buttons in between).
To turn deviation off completely (and use the full range of values for randomization) set the deviation value to 0 or press the on/off button on the left.
9. Harmonic
Harmonic restricts the random assignment of values of certain parameters in such a way that (hopefully) more harmonic sounds are produced. This is useful if you want to create more musical patches instead of wildly wobbling ambient textures.
TLDR: Harmonic has 5 levels. The further you move the slider to the right, the stricter the rules become and the more harmonic the result will be. Hopefully.
Under the hood, "Harmonics" affects the "Semi" and "Cent parameters of both oscillators as well as all modulators that affect the oscillators pitch.
At level 5 (strictest level), only octaves are allowed for "Semi", and "Cent" is kept in a range with a thickening, chorus-like effect. Modulators are also given only values that are not perceived as detuning.
As the Harmonic value decreases, these constraints are gradually softened to allow for greater tonal variety while maintaining a basic harmonic framework.
To switch off any harmonic restricitons, move the slider down to 0 or press the on/off button on the left.
Hardware Controller Support
NCEditor supports the use of a Novation LaunchControl XL and Akai Midimix controllers to edit the parameters of the "Basic" page. This has several advantages:
- A more haptic experience of editing
- at the same time better orientation (e.g. display of OSC waveforms)
- Seamless switching to parameters not accessible on the controller,
- Basic parameters can be edited while on another page
- Additional functions like "pickup" and "undo"
Both controllers offer roughly the same functionality, but may be implemented differently due to the different layouts.
LaunchControl XL
Please note that a special user template must be loaded onto the LaunchControl XL before it can be used. In addition, the layout "NCEditor LCXL.tosc" must be used. (See LaunchControl XL Setup)
1. Knobs and Faders
The Basic page was modeled after the layout of the Launchcontrol XL interface.
All knobs and buttons are shown in the same color as on the LaunchControl XL (the LaunchControl's faders have no LED).
The arrangement in rows (different from the layout of the screen version) makes it easier for your hands to memorize the position of each element.
If you prefer to work with your eyes on the LaunchControl instead, it's a good idea to mark the meaning of the controls with labels. (I am also currently looking for a way to provide overlays).
Next to the wave selection switch is a large display with the name of the waveform, so you can see the current setting at a glance.
3. Finetune
With these two buttons you can increase or decrease the last edited parameter by single steps. This is a great help in setting values precisely.
4. Delay and Reverb
To set the reverb or delay intensity for the current synthesizer, first select the "Reverb" or "Delay" parameter using the left and right arrow keys on the LaunchControl. The unlit knob in the third row takes the name of the selected parameter. Then turn the knob to the desired value.
5. Filter Bypass, Drive and Type
Filter "bypass", "type" and "drive type" are operated using the rows of buttons as displayed on the screen.
6. Undo
If you accidentally changed a wrong parameter or are not satisfied with the result, you can restore the previous value with undo.
This only applies to parameters that can be changed via the controller.
7. Pickup
When you switch the synth, the positions of the controls on your LaunchControl XL will no longer correspond to the values displayed in the editor.
The same applies if you have used your LaunchControl in another setup in the meantime.
To synchronize the settings, you can activate the "Pickup" function.
If you now operate one of the controls, you will initially only see a ghost representing the position of the control without changing the value of the parameter itself.
Only when the knob and the current value match, the parameter can be changed by the knob. This ensures that the value is picked up smoothly and large jumps are avoided. (In a way, you are taking over the function of a human motorized fader, which is a sad fate for an artist of your format.)
If, on the other hand, you want to get a result quickly and don't care about the current values, you can switch off "Pickup".
8. FX Bypass
switches the FX bypass on and off. (See also basic usage of FX Bypass and Reverb and Delay)
9. Current Synth
displays the currently edited synth
MidiMix
Please note that a special configuration must be loaded onto the MidiMix before it can be used. In addition, the layout "NCEditor MidiMix.tosc" must be used. (See MidiMix Setup)
1. Knobs and Faders
The Basic page was modeled after the layout of the MidiMix interface.
The arrangement in rows (different from the layout of the screen version) makes it easier for your hands to memorize the position of each element.
If you prefer to work with your eyes on the MidiMix instead, it's a good idea to mark the meaning of the controls with labels. (I am also currently looking for a way to provide overlays).
Next to the wave selection switch is a large display with the name of the waveform, so you can see the current setting at a glance.
3. Finetune
With these two buttons you can increase or decrease the last edited parameter by single steps. This is a great help in setting values precisely.
4. Filter Drive and Type
Filter "type" and "drive type" are operated using the rows of buttons as displayed on the screen:
- "Filter Type" includes the 6 buttons from the right in the top row (amber LEDs),
- "Filter Drive Type" includes the 7 buttons from the right of the bottom row (red LEDs)
5. Filter Bypass
The current bypass value is displayed next to the "Bypass" button (in the screenshot shown it is "OSC1").
To change the value, press and hold the "Bypass" button. The top row (amber) will now take over the function to set the "Bypass" value.
6. Undo
If you accidentally changed a wrong parameter or are not satisfied with the result, you can restore the previous value with undo.
This only applies to parameters that can be changed via the controller.
7. Pickup
When you switch the synth, the positions of the controls on your MidiMix will no longer correspond to the values displayed in the editor.
The same applies if you have used your MidiMix in another setup in the meantime.
To synchronize the settings, you can activate the "Pickup" function.
If you now operate one of the controls, you will initially only see a ghost representing the position of the control without changing the value of the parameter itself.
Only when the knob and the current value match, the parameter can be changed by the knob. This ensures that the value is picked up smoothly and large jumps are avoided. (In a way, you are taking over the function of a human motorized fader, which is a sad fate for an artist of your format.)
If, on the other hand, you want to get a result quickly and don't care about the current values, you can switch off "Pickup".
8. FX Bypass
switches the FX bypass on and off. (See also basic usage of FX Bypass and Reverb and Delay)
Long pressing "FX bypass" will open the "Reverb and Delay" popup.
9. Current Synth
displays the currently edited synth