4.2. Main Control Panel
The Comp DIODE-609 Graphical User Interface uses a classic retro look that closely
resembles the look of the unit being emulated. Even the Advanced Panel (which doesn't exist
in the original hardware unit) follows the same look. The only exception to this is the modern
VU meters that are reachable by clicking the "vintage" VU meters. This way, you get the
classic look of the original, but we can also have a display that's more modern, and adapted
for working in a computer environment. This is a mixed approach that we feel works better
with a computer, without losing the retro feel we love so much.
As is the case with the previous effects, as well as all current Arturia plug-ins, this GUI has
an Upper Toolbar and a Lower Toolbar. The Lower Toolbar is very important, because it gives
you access to the Undo and Redo functions, lists the editing history, to bypass the plug-in
(this button completely bypasses - turns off - the plug-in, contrary to the Power button on
the Main control panel) and displays CPU consumption.
Of course, the Upper Toolbar is also very important, since it is where you access the main
menus, perform important tasks like loading and saving presets and banks of presets, and
where you can select a preset and see the name of the active preset. The toolbars and their
features are covered in detail in the
We’ll now look at all the controls available, explaining what they do, their ranges and how
to interpret their numbers.
Notice that each time we click a control (knob or button), or simply hover the mouse over
it, the Lower Toolbar displays the parameter name at the bottom left. Also, a small pop-
up displaying the current parameter value appears to the right of the control. This changes
every time you move that control, updating the parameter value in real time.
Now, let’s take a look at each control on the Main Control Panel.
4.2.1. Stepped Controls
Notice that there are some special "buttons" or "displays" in the Lower Toolbar, besides the
ones already mentioned. One of them is labeled "Stepped Controls". By default, DIODE-609
loads with Stepped Controls on, to be faithful to the original behavior (the unit didn't have
continuous controls - the control knobs switch to predetermined values). This means that
when you move a control, it jumps from one value to the other.
For a more modern behavior, (which is probably what you are used to) please press the
Stepped Controls button in the Lower Toolbar. This will turn that feature off, and you will
have the usual continuous values control behavior. Beware that this only applies to knobs.
Switches and buttons will still just have predetermined values, as usual.
Comp DIODE-609 Main Panel in Stereo mode.
Arturia - User Manual Comp DIODE-609 - Comp DIODE-609 CONTROL PANEL
16
