Manual

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WELCOME
Imagine a Filter Bank with 36 different filter types and an XY pad to control filter frequency and
resonance. Record and playback the movement on the XY pad. Sounds interesting? Now
multiply this by 3, add some more effect types and polish it off with a flexible Stereo Delay!

You now have the materials to build for example a Lo-Fi effect combined with a Comb Filter and
an analog modelled Filter, each with their own XY pad and a Stereo Delay at the end of the
chain. This is what XY-Transfer is all about.

Thinking outside the box is what the Rob Papen brand loves to do. This is also the case with
XY-Transfer and if you have encountered our other instruments, you will have come across the
XY panel. It is a very creative tool for adding dynamic changes to a sound.

Well, now you can use our exciting XY panel in combination with a cool range of effects. Each
effect block has its own XY field. Very dynamic and complex effect configurations are possible
and can lead to some previously unheard and creative sounds!

The effects types are: Filter Bank, Comb Filter, Shaper, Room and Gater. Three of these effects
can be combined and complemented by a stereo delay in a single Preset. So, if you are looking
for a Filter Bank and beyond... XY-Transfer will move your audio into creative directions.

Enjoy XY-Transfer!

Rob Papen and Team, November 2019

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 2

 NAVIGATING XY-Transfer
Even though XY-Transfer has a very straightforward single-window interface, we’ll give you a
quick overview of XY-Transfer first. For details please refer to the following chapters.

2 3 4
6

1 Presets and In this section, you select Presets and Banks and gain access to the External
Globals MIDI Controller Setup and this manual. Click on the XY-Transfer logo to open
the Back Panel
2 Effect Block 1 All controls for Block 1 are in this area, including the XY Pad
3 Effect Block 2 All controls for Block 2 are in this area, including the XY Pad
4 Effect Block 3 All controls for Block 3 are in this area, including the XY Pad
5 Path Path determines how the 3 effect Blocks and the Delay are interconnected
6 Delay The Delay section houses all delay-related controls
7 Follower Follower tracks volume from selectable audio signals
8 Mod Matrix The Modulation Matrix area is used to define up to four modulation paths

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CONTROLS
XY-Transfer uses controller knobs, buttons and drop-down menus to adjust its parameters. You
operate the controls with the mouse. In most cases, you click-and-hold the control and move it
to the desired value. As you move the control, the readout at the top of the screen displays the
parameter name and its value.

If you hold the shift-key while moving the mouse, you can adjust in small increments. Consider
this to be a fine-tuning method. To reset a control to its default value you can either double-click
or ctrl-click the control.

On / Off buttons for XY-Transfer effect Blocks

When you click on the name button of an FX Block, the Block will toggle between On and Off.
All effect parts have these On/Off functions. When switched On, the button will light up in blue.

In general, there are three kinds of buttons:

On / Off Buttons The value toggles between On and Off with every mouse click.
Radio Buttons Radio buttons select one option out of several predefined settings by
clicking on the desired value; see the Trigger screen buttons for
Audio, Host and Manual trigger
Trigger Buttons A Trigger Button starts an action, such as the sound preview (Note
Symbol) to the left of the Preset Browser

Menus

Drop-down menus Drop-down menus work similarly to radio buttons, as they select one
out of many predefined values. The first click opens a menu which
lists all possible values. The second click selects the value.

MIDI / Control Menu

Right clicking (or control-click on Mac) on a control opens the MIDI / control menu. This menu
displays the parameter name, its current value and which MIDI control is linked (latched) to the
parameter. It allows you to do the following:

• Set control values

• Assign MIDI CC numbers
• Work with modulation paths

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Set Control Values

The control value menu items operate directly on the control value.

Set to Default Sets the control to its default value

Set to Zero Sets the controller to zero (0)
Set to Minimum Sets the control to its minimum value
Set to Maximum Sets the control to its maximum value
Set to Mid Sets the control to its medium value
Set to Value Enter the value as a numerical value in a text box
Set to Random Sets the control to a random value
Increase Increases the control by 1% or to the next menu-entry
Decrease Decreases the control by 1%.or to the previous menu-entry

MIDI Control through Latching

The Latching constructs sets up connections between MIDI Continuous Controllers (CC) and
XY-Transfer controls.

Latch to MIDI Latches the control to the next MIDI control message received.
Unlatch MIDI Clears the XY-Transfer parameter from any MIDI controls.
Set MIDI CC Enter the MIDI Controller as a numerical value in a text box
Clear MIDI Clears all MIDI latching.
As an example, to latch Room Length to an external MIDI expression controller, go through the
following steps:

1. Right click on the Room Length knob

2. Select Latch to MIDI in the pop-up menu
3. Next, move the MIDI Expression controller.
From now on the Expression controller will move the Room Length knob. You can still operate
the Room Length knob directly in XY-Transfer though. The latched MIDI controllers are global
and will work for all Presets and active XY-Transfer instruments in your host.

Note: In the Preset section you can save or load your whole MIDI (latch) controller setup to
disk. This function is called ECS (External Controller Setup). Use the ECS button to
operate.

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Modulation Settings
The third part of the MIDI / Control menu gives access to modulation routing. More details are
provided in the Modulation Matrix chapter.

Modulated by Displays the modulation source that controls this parameter.

Set Modulation To Creates an entry in the Modulation Matrix that has this parameter as
its destination.
Default Modulation Slot Sets all the entries in the modulation matrix that have this parameter
Amount as their destination, to the default amount.
Bypass / Un-Bypass Bypasses or un-bypasses all modulation matrix entries using this
Modulation Slot parameter as a destination.
Clear Modulation Slot Clears all entries in the modulation matrix that have this parameter
as their destination.

Computer Keyboard
You can select Presets and Banks using the computer keyboard. XY-Transfer’s back panel is
where you enable and disable this function. To access the back panel, click on the XY-Transfer
logo.

Up Arrow key Previous Preset.

Down Arrow key Next Preset.
Page Down key Next XY-Transfer Bank
Page Up key Previous XY-Transfer Bank

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PRESETS and GLOBALS

In the Preset Section you manage all XY-Transfer Presets and Folders. It includes a Favorites
function, which makes it easy to find your most used XY-Transfer Presets. You gain access to
the Presets by clicking on the Preset screen. A menu will open. It lists the available Presets ,
grouped in Banks. You can also use the < and > cursor-keys to step through the Presets of the
selected folder.

The Preset menu includes Quick Browser, Recently Browsed and Favorites functions for
locating and selecting Presets. Use the Load, Save, Rename, Copy, Paste and Default
operations to manage Presets and Banks.

Quick Browser
The Quick Browser shows all available Folders and their Presets. When you select a Preset, the
Preset itself and its corresponding Folder will be loaded immediately.

Recently Browsed
Recently Browsed displays a list of all recently used Presets. When you select a Preset from the
menu, it will be loaded immediately. Clicking on Clear Recent removes all entries from the list.

Favorites
Favorites shows the Presets that have been selected as being Favourite Presets. Clicking on an
entry will load in that Preset. You can select a Preset to be a Favourite by clicking on Save
Current Preset in Favorites. The Preset is then stored inside the 001 Favorites folder.

Save Preset Save Preset writes any changes you have made to the current Preset to disk,
overwriting the old version.

Save Preset As Save Preset As writes any changes you have made to the current Preset to
disk with a new name. This Preset will be saved in the current Folder. The
original version of the Preset remains intact.

Save Preset in Save Preset in Folder writes any changes you have made to the current Preset
Folder to disk in a Folder other than the current Folder. XY-Transfer will prompt you to
select the Folder you want to use. The original version of the Preset remains
intact.
Rename Preset Rename Preset asks you for a new Preset name. The Preset will be then
saved with the new name. The original version of the Preset is deleted.
New Preset New Preset creates a new Preset with default settings.
Delete Preset Deletes the selected Preset.

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 Load Preset This function loads a Preset from disk or any other attached storage, including
USB drives.
Default Preset This function sets all parameters to their default values and sets the Preset
name to Default.
Clear Preset This function sets all parameters to their default values but leaves the Preset
name unchanged.
New Folder Creates a new folder.
Rename Folder Changes the name of a folder.
Delete Folder Deletes the folder and all Presets that it contains.
Open Explorer This opens the location, where the Presets are saved on your hard disk. This
can usually be found in the following locations: PC: My documents\Rob
Papen\XY-Transfer\Bank folder, MAC: Applications\Rob
Papen\XY-Transfer\Bank folder
Revert to Original The Revert function is the same function that you access via the Edit / Orig
Preset / Revert to buttons. They allow you to toggle between, and compare, an edited Preset and
Edit Preset the original version of the Preset.
Set to 100% / 150% / Sets the XY-Transfer screen size. XY-Transfer will the selected size the next
200% Screen time you open XY-Transfer

Edit / Orig
As soon as you start editing a Preset (i.e. change a XY-Transfer control), the Edit button will
light up. If you the click on the Orig button it will return the Preset to its original settings (please
note that your edited sound is still available!). To return to the edited Preset, click on the Edit
button and it will reflect all changes that you have made previously. This function allows you to
compare the original Preset with the edited one, to hear the differences and impact of any
parameter changes.

External Controller Setup (ECS)

ECS stands for External Controller Setup. ECS is the complete configuration of MIDI Controllers
that have been assigned to XY-Transfer controls. The ECS function allows you to Save and
Load an External MIDI Controller setup. Once defined and loaded, it is shared by all
XY-Transfer Presets. You might want to create different ECS files for different physical
controllers.

You can latch one of XY-Transfers controls to a MIDI Controller by using the right button (or
control-‐click on a Mac) menu and selecting Latch MIDI. You can Unlatch MIDI controls the
same way or clear all MIDI control assignments.

NOTE: please check your host manual on how to assign MIDI to FX plugins.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 8

 Load ECS Load ECS opens the Folder that holds ECS set-ups. The XY-Transfer
installer creates a Folder called ECS that holds all ECS files

Save ECS Save ECS saves the MIDI set-up you created so you may use it in
other songs. It is saved as an ECS file

Reset all MIDI This clears all MIDI settings for XY-Transfer Useful if you want to start
from scratch

Other Buttons
Across the Presets and Globals section you find several buttons that give you direct access
to various XY-Transfer functions. These are:

Bypass The Bypass button works as a bypass switch for the complete
XY-Transfer
Reset The Reset button clears all audio buffers
ECS Click to open the ECS menu
Help Click to open the XY-Transfer manual
Trigger Creates a manual trigger signal

XY-Transfer Logo
A click on the XY-Transfer logo takes you to the Back Panel. The Back Panel hosts several
global settings and infrequently accessed controls.

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EFFECT BLOCKS

Before you start

Keep in mind that XY-Transfer is designed to be used as an insert effect. The Presets have
been constructed with multiple effect and mix settings as part of the audio signal chain. This
includes dry/wet levels.

If you would use XY-Transfer in an effect-send configuration, you may run into some
unexpected results due to the mix settings in the Presets.

Each of the XY-Transfer effect blocks comes with its own mix settings. Familiarize yourself with
the signal flow in XY-Transfer. The Mix controls in effect blocks and the Stereo Delay use
highlighted green labels to help you in identifying them.

Block Controls
XY-Transfer is a modular effect unit, which uses 3 effect blocks with a user selectable effect
type, and a Stereo Delay to create a complex audio effect. The way in which the three blocks
and the delay are interconnected is called a path.

Path
The Path defines the order in which the audio signal traverses the effect blocks and the delay.
You select the path via the PATH menu, in the top right corner of the plug-in. There is a
graphical representation of the selected path.

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 Delay> B1 > B2 > B3 – The input
signal is routed to the Delay. The
Delay outputs are connected to Block
1. The Block 1 outputs are routed to
Block 2 inputs. The Block 2 outputs
are connected to the Block 3 inputs.
Finally, the Block 3 outputs present
the output signal of the Preset.

B1 > Delay > B2 > B3 - The input

signal is routed to Block 1. The Block
1 outputs are connected to Delay
inputs. The Delay outputs are routed
to Block 2 inputs. The Block 2 outputs
are connected to the Block 3 inputs.
Finally, the Block 3 outputs present
the output signal of the Preset.

B1 > B2 > Delay > B3 - The input

signal is routed to Block 1. The Block
1 outputs are connected to the Block
2 inputs. The Block 2 outputs are
connected to the Delay inputs. The
Delay outputs are connected to Block
3. Finally, the Block 3 outputs present
the output signal of the Preset.

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 B1 > B2 > B3 > Delay - The input
signal is routed to Block 1. The Block
1 outputs are connected to the Block 2
inputs. The Block 2 outputs are
connected to the Block 3 inputs. The
Block 3 outputs are connected to the
Delay. Finally, the Delay outputs carry
the output signal of the Preset.

Delay > Parallel – The input signal is

routed to the Delay. The Delay
outputs are connected to the Block 1,
Block 2 and Block 3 inputs. The
outputs of Block 1, Block 2 and Block
3 are merged, and the combined
output is presented as the output
signal of the Preset.

Parallel > Delay – The input signal is

routed to the Block 1, Block 2 and
Block 3 inputs simultaneously. The
outputs of Block 1, Block 2 and Block
3 are merged, and the combined
output is connected to the Delay
input. Finally, the Delay outputs carry
the output signal of the Preset.

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Block Bypass
The Block Bypass is a bypass switch for the effect block. Depending on the path it behaves in
two ways. When the block is in a serial configuration and the Bypass switch is engaged, the
block input connects directly to its output. If the selected Path connects the Block in a parallel
configuration, and the Bypass switch is engaged, the Block output is turned Off.

Block Commands
The Block Command menu allows you to copy, paste and swap blocks, and it lets you save and
load the blocks to and from disk. You open the Block Command menu with a click on the CMD
button or a right-click, while hovering over the block surface.

For each of these blocks, you can select the following:

Pan
Pan places the Block output in a stereo field. The Pan control is available in Block 3 in the serial
configuration, and in Block 1, 2 and 3 in parallel configuration.

Volume
Volume sets the post-effect volume of Block.

Mix
Mix sets the balance between the dry input signal and the (wet) effect signal. It ranges from
100% dry (fully counter clockwise) to 100% wet (fully clockwise). If the Block is in Off mode, the
mix is effectively set to 100% dry.

Block Effect Menu

The Block Effect Menu is used to select the effect type for the Block. The following effects are
available:

Off In this the output is the same as the input, though its going through the Pan
and Volume effects.
Filter Use on of 36b filter types
Comb The Comb effect is a comb filter which uses many filter bands to create a
phasing effect
Shaper Shaper is category that combines a number of waveshaping / folding /
modulation effects
Room Room is a room simulator which creates a small ambience to larger
reverberating spaces.
Gater The Gater is a 16-step sequencer that opens and closes audio gates.

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FILTER
The XY-Transfer filter Bank holds up
to 36 Filter types. It is complemented
by a Pre-Filter distortion control. The
XY pad allows you to control the Filter
in a dynamic way; in a live situation
by dragging the dot or automated by
using a recorded movement.
XY-Transfer comes pre-installed with
a dedicated Filter Bank folder. It
contains many Presets that use only 1
block and this extremely versatile
Filter.

Filter Type
This allows you to select between many different Filter types. Depending on the selected Filter
Type, Filter Mode, and parameter settings, the filters used can change the harmonic content of
the sound subtly or drastically.

You can select Low Pass (LP), High Pass (HP), Band Pass (BP) and Notch Filter with different
slopes (from 6db to 36db). We have also included vocal and EQ Filters.

Low Pass Filter (LP) - Low frequencies pass through this Filter; those above the Cutoff
frequency are reduced by the slope (i.e. 6, 12, 18, 24 or 36dB) per octave.

High Pass Filter (HP) – High frequencies pass through this Filter; those below the Cutoff
frequency are reduced by the slope (i.e. 6, 12, 18, 24 or 36dB) per octave.

Band Pass Filter (BP) – This Filter type is a combination of Low Pass and High Pass Filters.
Only those frequencies near the Filter Cutoff frequency pass through (a band of frequencies).
The resonance (Q), controls the width of this band. Frequencies below and above the Cutoff
frequency are removed. The slope (12 / 24db per octave) controls how quickly these
frequencies are removed as you move away from the central filter frequency.

Notch Filter - The band of frequencies around the Filter Cutoff frequency is reduced in volume
(12 / 24db per octave). The resonance controls the width of the frequency band.

For the 12 and 24dB Filters there are 3 types, each with a different tonal character. The Z Filters
are zero-delay analog-modeled Filters.

In addition to these, there are:

Vowel Filter Vocal Filter, which adds voice-like Filtering to the sound. In Vox Filter
mode, the Vowel knob controls the vowel of the Filter.

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 Formant 1 Vocal Filter, which creates a vocal character based on 2 bands. Here the
Vowel knob changes the difference in frequency between these 2 bands.
Formant 2 Vocal Filter, which creates a vocal character based on 4 bands. Here the
Vowel knob changes the difference in frequency between these 4 bands.
Low Shelf The Low Shelf Filter acts as an EQ Filter so that frequencies below the set
Filter frequency are boosted or reduced in volume. In this mode, the Gain
Knob alters this change in volume.
High Shelf The High Shelf Filter acts as an EQ Filter so that frequencies above the set
Filter frequency are boosted or reduced in volume. In this mode, the Gain
Knob alters this change in volume.
Peak Shelf The Peak Shelf Filter acts as an EQ Filter so that frequencies around the
set Filter frequency are boosted or reduced in volume, with the Q changing
the range of this Filter. In this mode, the Gain Knob alters this change in
volume.

And finally, the Filter can be Bypassed, in this mode, the input still goes through the Pre-
Distortion.

Pre-Distort
Before the input signal reaches the filter, it passes through a pre-distortion unit. The Pre-Distort
control sets the distortion level. Use it to boost the signal and add overtones.

Frequency
The Cutoff Frequency sets the frequency above or below which the Filter begins to Filter out
frequencies. For instance, if you set the Cutoff to 2000Hz and use a 12dB Low Pass Filter it
reduces any frequencies above 2000Hz. Any frequencies at 4000Hz will be reduced by 12dB.

Q (Resonance)
Q is the resonance level of the Filter. Resonance emphasizes frequencies around the Cutoff
Frequency and creates a peak in the Frequency spectrum.

Vowel
The Vowel control selects the vowel character (a-e-i-o-u) in Vowel Filter mode. In the formant
filters it sets the spread (difference between filter frequencies) of the filter bands.

Gain
The Gain control sets the boost amount or level of attenuation in the EQ Filters.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 15

Spread
Spread introduces a difference in Filter frequency between the left and right channel. The left
channel Filter and right channel Filter will operate on a slightly different frequencies. You can
individually modulate the left and right channel Filter frequencies using the Modulation Matrix. In
the XY section, you can directly modulate the Filter Frequency, Q and Vowel and Gain
depending on the Filter type selected. More information about this in the XY section.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 16

COMB
A Comb Filter creates peaks and
troughs in the frequency spectrum. It
does this by copying a slightly
delayed version of the input signal
onto itself. The small delay causes
phase differences between the
delayed and the original signal. This
causes certain frequencies to be
added, creating peaks, while other
frequencies cancel each other out,
creating troughs. On a frequency
spectrum analyzer the output of the
Comb filter looks like a classic multi-
tooth comb – hence the name. By
varying the delay time, you change which frequencies become peaks and at which frequencies
the troughs occur. The Comb Filter can be used to create phasing and flanging effects. There
are two Comb types, Positive and Negative. It indicates the polarity of the comb filter.

Frequency
The Frequency control changes the Delay time between the input signal and its copy and
thereby changes the frequencies that are emphasized.

Feed
The Feedback control sets the output amount that gets fed back to the comb filter input. The
feedback amount can be positive or negative.

Damp
The Comb Filter has a built in Low Pass Filter. It dampens the higher frequencies.

Spread
Spread introduces a difference in Filter frequency between the left and right channel. The left
channel Filter and right channel Filter will operate on a slightly different frequencies. You can
individually modulate the left and right channel Filter frequencies using the Modulation Matrix.

Random
The random function arbitrarily flicks the feedback from positive to negative and vice versa. The
control determines how often this occurs. It adds noise components to the comb filter and in
doing so creates more of a more percussive sound than a smooth string sound.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 17

SHAPER
The Shaper effect houses several
types of audio or waveform
modulation. The types on offer are:
Ring Modulation, Frequency
Modulation, Phase Modulation,
Amplitude Modulation and a Lo-Fi
effect. In the XY section, you can
directly modulate the Shaper
parameters depending on the Shaper
effect selected. For more information
about this and the XY in general,
please read the relevant chapter.

Ring Modulation
Ring modulation multiplies the incoming signal with an oscillator, the carrier. Wave sets the
carrier waveform from sine, triangle, square to saw. Frequency determines the oscillator pitch.
Very low frequencies create a tremolo effect. At higher frequencies, it adds metallic overtones to
the signal - this is the stereotypical ring modulation effect.

Amount determines the effect intensity. Sym controls the symmetry of the waveform (in the
square wave it changes the pulse width). Via the Modulation Matrix, it is possible to control the
rectification of the waveform. High levels of rectification leave only the positive part of the
waveform to be used.

FM / PM / AM / Sym Modulation.
The FM / PM / AM and Sym modulation also work with a carrier oscillator, like the one found in
Ring Modulation. Instead of multiplication, the frequency (FM), phase (PM), amplitude (AM) or
waveform symmetry or pulse width (Sym) are being modulated. The carrier oscillator has a
frequency and waveform controls.

The volume of the carrier wave follows the volume of the incoming signal with an envelope
follower function. The Env control sets the speed with which the carrier tracks the input signal
level.

Low-Fi
The Low-Fi shaper degrades a signal’s audio quality by lowering the sample rate (Rate) and bit-
depth (Bits). Before entering the Low-Fi unit, the signal runs through a zero delay Low / High /
BandPass 12 dB Filter. The Filter can be bypassed. It has its own Frequency and resonance
(Q) controls. Via the Modulation Matrix, you can add noise to the signal, to further enrich the
sound.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 18

Spread
Spread introduces a difference in Filter frequency between the left and right channel. The left
channel Filter and right channel Filter will operate on a slightly different frequencies.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 19

ROOM
The Room effect is a room simulator.
It adds space and depth to the sound.
The effect is derived from the RP-
VERB 2 algorithm. We selected this
Room algorithm because it responds
well to dynamic modulation of its
parameters. With the XY pad you
can generate some very creative
effect sounds. The Mod control that
modulates the room can make it
sound very wild and untamed. Give it
a try!

Length
The length control is a measure for the room size. Use higher settings for bigger rooms.

Damp
The Damp control sets the level at which higher frequencies are filtered out.

HP
Use the High Pass filter to eliminate low frequencies from the reverb signal and avoid unwanted
boominess.

Mod
The Mod amount controls the amount of this modulation of the Room (reverb) signal. It works
like a chorus effect on the reverb tail. Via the Modulation Matrix, you can also change the
modulation speed.

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GATER
The Gater effect changes the volume
of the left and right channels using a
16 steps sequencer. For each step it
can pass through or block the audio.
It works well to create a Trance Gate
type effect. Basically, it is a
sequencer-controlled audio gate.

The Gater is triggered via the XY Mode menu. The Trigger options are:

Free The Gater runs continuously and gets retriggered only when you stop and
start the host playback

Trigger The Trigger button starts the Gater

Follower When the Follower volume exceeds the Trigger Threshold, the Gater starts.

Note A Note On message starts the Gater. A Note Off message stops the Gater.

You can control the length (number of steps) of the Gater using the Steps Menu, its speed using
the Speed Menu and its Loop mode using the Loop Menu. The looping can be either Off (only
available when not in Free mode), Loop or Ping-Pong. In Loop mode the Gater jumps from the
last step to the first step and continuous running. Ping-Pong mode reverses the Gater direction
when it hits the last and first steps and makes it go back and forth.

Each Gater step can block or pass the audio. Click on a step to switch between block and pass.
The left and right channels have their own Gater configuration, which allows for programmable
panning effects. The Gater has a command menu where you can save and load Gater patterns.

Smooth
The Smooth control eliminates abrupt changes in volume between blocking and passing steps.
If you experience clicks in the signal, try turning up the Smooth control until the clicks disappear.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 21

Swing
The Gater has a Swing control that creates a slight difference in timing between consecutive
steps. The Swing function can help to create a rhythmic feel and give the Gater a more
human/swing feel.

In the XY section you can directly modulate the Gater Left / Right settings, including the Mix.
The Gater can also be used as a modulation source. For example, use the Gater Left / Right
values in the Modulation Matrix to switch Filter frequency in a rhythmic pattern.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 22

BLOCK XY
A block comes with a dedicated XY
Pad. The XY Pad generates control
signals when dot position changes.
You can use the mouse to move the
dot around manually. It is also
possible to have the dot move along
a predefined path and even record
your own paths. The XY Pad’s
control signals, one for the horizontal
position (X) and one for the vertical
position (Y), can be assigned to any
of XY-Transfers parameters.
Depending on the path (and loop
settings) think of the XY pad as a
programmable two-dimensional LFO
or a set of dual linked envelopes.

Unlike the other XY pads which

appear in our other products, the XY
inside XY-Transfer has its neutral
setting in the lower left corner. The X
and Y values range from 0 to 100 %.
Double clicking resets the dot to the
lower left corner. In combination with
the effect parameters, this layout was
preferable and ensures that the XY-
dot can change effect parameters
effectively on all positions on the pad.

Positioned to the left and below the

XY Pad are controls that link the X
and Y position to effect parameters. Each control determines the modulation amount for the X
respectively Y position.

Live Modulation
When in Live mode, the X and Y values are updated immediately by the dot position and directly
affect any assigned effect parameters.

Recording Paths
It is possible to record paths for automated playback later. Switch on the Record button, below
the X/Y pad, then draw a path by click-dragging the dot. While the mouse is held down, the path
will be recorded into XY-Transfer’s memory.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 23

Next, select the Replay button, and press a key. You’ll see the X/Y indicator repeat the path you
recorded previously. The path is saved as part of a Preset. When you reload the Preset, the
path will be recalled and ready to play.

Mode
The Mode setting determines what starts the XY path playback and the duration of the
playback. The options are Free, Trigger, Follower and Note.

Free The XY runs continuously and gets retriggered only when you stop and
start the host playback
Trigger The Trigger button triggers XY playback
Follower When the Follower volume exceeds the Trigger Threshold, the XY is
triggered.
Note A Note On message starts the XY playback. A Note Off message stops the
XY.

Loop
The Loop function works as you would expect. When it is activated, the XY Pad dot position
continues running when it reaches the end of a path. With standard settings it will jump from the
end position to the start position in an endless loop. In the < > mode however, the XY dot moves
back and forth along the path. Instead of jumping to the starting position it will change direction
when it reaches the path’s end. When it hits the starting point again it will reverse and move in
the direction of the end point again.

Sync To
By default, when the X/Y path is replayed, the playback occurs at the same speed that was
used to record the path. Because the path is recorded though, we can now rescale, synchronise
or otherwise manipulate the playback speed. You can set the path playback such that the path
fits within a specific time interval, for instance a beat or a single measure, independently of the
elapsed time during recording. The Sync-To menu allows you to set the interval. The Off-setting
means the syncing is turned off, and the path plays back at the same speed with which it was
recorded.

Point Quantization
Paths are stored as a collection of 32 points. You can adjust the number of points stored in a
Preset, using the Point Quantization menu. You can reduce the number of points used down to
2 points and reduce the path to a small number of jump points. If you revert the resolution to 32
points, the original points will be restored (unless you have edited them).

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 24

Space Quantize
Space Quantize allows you to snap all points in the current path to a set of intersecting grid
lines. Normally Space Quantize is disabled, but when you select 32, 16, 8 or 4, it will snap all
points in the path to the nearest grid point. When you deactivate the Quantize function, the
points move back to their original positions (unless you have edited them).

Time Quantize
Time quantization determines how often the XY position is updated. This is useful when syncing
the XY path to your hosts tempo. For rhythmic applications of the XY Pad, use this parameter in
conjunction with the Point Quantization and Sync settings.

Smooth
The Smooth control softens sharp transitions in the path direction and avoids sudden changes
in X and Y control signals. If you are familiar with analog synthesis, think of the Smooth control
as a slew limiter for the X and Y control signals.

Speed / Speed Control / Speed Source

In addition to being able to sync path playback to a time interval, you can modulate the playback
speed directly. The Speed knob changes the playback speed from taking 1/16 of the original
duration time, to 16 times the initial time. Speed Ctrl and Speed Source set up a modulation
path that dynamically adjusts the playback speed based on the modulation source.

Edit
The Edit button places the path in Edit mode. When in Edit mode, you can make changes to the
path by click- dragging points to a new location.

Right Click Menu / Command Button

Right clicking on the X/Y screen (or clicking on the Command Button) displays the X/Y menu.

Edit Position When Edit is On, you can edit a pre-recorded path.
Reset All Reset XY modulation and path.
Reset XY Resets the XY path
Copy to Block Copy the XY path & modulation to the other blocks
Swap with Block Swap the XY path & modulation to the other blocks
Set to circle, square Sets the X/Y path to a circle, square and other predefined shapes.
etc
Reverse Reverses the X/Y path.
Flip Horizontally Flips the X/Y path horizontally.
Flip Vertically Flips the X/Y path vertically.
Rotate Rotates the X/Y path by a set number of degrees.
Snap to Grid Snaps the X/Y path to a set number of grid points.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 25

 Smooth Smoothest the X/Y Path.
Scale X & Y Scales the X/Y path around the center by a set amount.
Undo Undoes the last command.
Latch X To MIDI Latches the X position to the next MIDI controller used. The currently
latched CC is displayed. Note: In some hosts you may have to move a
control to map t to your controller. In this case click on X-> to set the control
Latch Y To MIDI Latches the Y position to the next MIDI controller. The currently latched CC
is displayed. Note: In some hosts you may have to move a control to map t
to your controller. In this case click on Y-> to set the control.
Set X MIDI CC Allows you to set directly which MIDI CC will be latched to the X position.
Set Y MIDI CC Allows you to set directly which MIDI CC will be latched to the Y position.
Unlatch XY Unlatches X/Y MIDI control.
Load Loads in a previously saved X/Y path.
Save Saves the current X/Y path to disk.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 26

DELAY
The XY-Transfer Delay is modelled on
a stereo tape-delay machine. It can be
placed anywhere in the signal path by
selecting the right Path option.

Left Delay
The Left Delay control sets the delay
time for the left channel. If you engage
the Sync button, the delay time is
synchronised to the host’s tempo. The
Right Delay control sets the delay
time for the right channel. If you click
on the Mono button, the right channel
delay time is set by the left channel delay time.

Feedback
Feedback sends the delay output back to its input. It creates multiple repetitions of the input,
separated by the delay time. Each repetition has a reduced volume compared to the previous
one, which creates the effect of echoes that fade out over time. The further you open the
Feedback control, the more repeats the Delay will generate. When Equal is turned On,
XY-Transfer automatically adjusts the feedback levels such that the left and right channels fade
out in the same time.

Cross Feed
Cross Feed sets the cross-channel feedback levels. The left channels feeds into the right
channel and vice versa. When Equal is turned On, the Cross Feed function is not active.

Low Pass Filter

The Low Pass filter reduces the high frequency content in the Delay output. Subsequent repeats
become softer and duller.

High Pass Filter

The High Pass filter reduces the low frequency content in the Delay output and simulates the
limited bandwidth and reduced dynamics of tape-based delays.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 27

FOLLOWER
XY-Transfer has a Volume Follower
which derives an envelope-like control
signal from an audio signal. It traces
the audio volumes. The Follower
output can be used as a modulation
source, and as a trigger.

Source
Source selects the audio signal that is being followed. The options are the input, the output of
Block 1, 2 or 3 and the XY-Transfer output.

Boost
Boost amplifies the input signal before it reaches the Follower. Use it to amplify weaker signals
when you still need to generate a full range control signal.

Smooth
The Smooth control reduces the dynamics of the input signal. It eliminates sudden changes in
volume. Applying the Smooth control on the input may give you increased control over the
Follower control signal.

Trigger Threshold
While the Follower is listening to the audio signals, it can also be used to trigger the XY pad and
Gater. The threshold control sets the level above which the trigger signal is generated.

Hold
The Hold control sets the time during which the Trigger cannot be retriggered.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 28

MOD MATRIX
XY-Transfer incorporates a 4-slot
Modulation Matrix. Each slot defines a
modulation path. A modulation path
consists of a Source, a modulation
Amount and a modulation Destination.
The Source selects the modulation
control signal. The Amount sets the
modulation depth or strength. The
Modulation destination selects the
target parameter that is being
changed. XY-Transfer has an
extensive collection of modulation
Sources and Destinations

Sources
There are 3 main groups of modulation sources:

• MIDI
• XY-Transfer generated modulation signals
• Output signals

MIDI Sources
Mod Wheel – modulation wheel CC21
Mod/After - modulation or after-touch CC84
Channel After – channel after-touch CC85
Poly After – poly after touch CC86
Velocity – last note velocity CC87
Pitch bend – pitch bend CC88
Breath – MIDI cc controls CC89
Foot CC90
Expression Note – MIDI note number 0 to 127
CC16 Center Note – MIDI note centered at MIDI
note 57, increasing / decreasing by 1 per
CC17
octave
CC18
Note Random 1 – random value when a note
CC19 is pressed
CC20 Note Random 2

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 29

XY-Transfer Modulation Source
Follower – Volume Follower Block 2 X
Block 1 Gater Left – Block 1 Left Gater value Block 2 Polar X
Block 1 Gater Right – Block 1 Right Gater Block 2 Y
value
Block 2 Polar Y
Block 1 X – Block 1 X value (from 0 to 1)
Block 3 Gater Left – same as Block 1
Block 1 Polar X – Block 1 X polar value (from
Block 3 Gater Right
-1 to 1)
Block 3 X
Block 1 Y – Block 1 Y value (from 0 to 1)
Block 3 Polar X
Block 1 Polar Y – Block 1 Y polar value (from
-1 to 1) Block 3 Y
Block 2 Gater Left – same as Block 1 Block 3 Polar Y

Block 2 Gater Right

Input and Output Sources

Because XY-Transfer modulation operates at a sample level, the input and output audio signals
of any Block can be used as a modulation source (from -1 to + 1). For unipolar values the range
is from 0 to 1.

UniPolar Input Block 3 Unipolar Out

Block 1 Out Out
Block 1 Unipolar Out Unipolar Out
Block 2 Out Offset - constant value
Block 2 Unipolar Out White Noise – white (from -1 to +1)
Block 3 Out UniPolar White Noise – unipolar (from 0 to
+1) white noise.

Modulation Destinations

Global
None Global Dry Mix

Global Settings Global Pan

Global Volume
Block 1 / 2 / 3
The modulation destination for the effect blocks depend on the selected effect type. They
always include Volume, Pan and Mix as destinations as well as XY Pad X and Y modulation
amounts. Please have a look at the Block 1/2/3 headings in the modulation destination menu
after you have selected the effect types.

Delay
Delay Speed Delay Cross

Delay Left Delay LP

Delay Right Delay HP

Delay Fine Delay Mix

Delay Feed

Follower / Mod Matrix

Follower Boost Mod1 Amount

Follower Smooth Mod2 Amount

Follower Threshold Mod3 Amount

Follower Hold Mod4 Amount

Mod Amount

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 31

BACK PANEL

A click on the XY-Transfer logo switches the plug-in to its back panel. The back panel contains
program information and several global settings. These settings affect all instances of
XY-Transfer. Typically, the settings you make here are of the type Set-and-Forget; i.e. you only
need to do it once right after installation of the plug-in. Think of these as a collection of
preferences.

Computer Keyboard on/off

When enabled, you can leaf through the Presets and Banks using the computer-keyboard. The
assigned keys are:

Up Arrow Button Previous Preset

Down Arrow Button Next Preset
Page Down Previous XY-Transfer Folder
Page Up Next XY-Transfer Folder

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 32

MIDI Program Change
The Program Change switch enables XY-Transfer to select Presets based on MIDI Program
Change it receives. When this switch is Off, XY-Transfer will ignore any MIDI Program Change
commands.

MIDI Bank Change

The Bank Change switch enables XY-Transfer to select Bank Folders in response to MIDI Bank
Change commands it receives. When this switch is Off, XY-Transfer will ignore any MIDI Bank
Change commands.

Screen Size Options

The screen size selection sets the relative size of the XY-Transfer plug-in compared to the DAW
that hosts it. 100% is the default setting. Please note that size changes do not take effect
immediately. You will need to close the XY-Transfer window and re-open it to see the plug-in
with its updated dimensions. Depending on the host DAW, in some exceptional cases you may
have to save, close and re-open the song.

Note: The size options can be found in the Preset menu too.

Rob Papen XY-Transfer 33