DETAILED GUIDE

TM

1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the world of

the Stylophone Gen X-1
QUICK For more tips join the
GEN X-1 community online
portable analog synthesizer
START www.stylophonegenx1.com The keyboard is set out in the same way as a piano keyboard, with
the bottom row of notes representing the white keys and the top

GUIDE
row the black keys.
You play by touching the tip of the stylus on to a note or your
finger/stylus on the sound strip.
Insert 4 Switch on To remove the stylus simply press on the right end and lift gently
AA batteries Pick up the stylus and play! to release, TAKE CARE not to damage the connection wire!
The sound strip above the keyboard can be played with either the stylus
or your finger. When played, it will override any playing of the keyboard.
PLEASE NOTE: You need to press down on the sound strip for it to work.

2. ENVELOPE 3. LOW FREQUENCY

ATTACK 
how quickly the frequency fades in OSCILLATOR
PITCH 
how much of the envelope is ALSO Low-Frequency Oscillator that modulates the
controlling the pitch, pitch of the sound. You can change it in the
DECAY 
how quickly the frequency fades out following ways:
WAVE PATTERN Changes the shape (and so
TUNING KEYBOARD AND SOUNDSTRIP Attack and no decay = sustain (by leaving the sound) of the wave pattern,
As your Stylophone Gen X-1 is an analog You have two ways to make sounds with the stylus: filter open).
Square (jumps between pitch levels)
instrument, the tuning can sometimes drift • The keyboard to play distinct notes The envelope controls two parameters on the
depending on temperature and humidity. If • The soundstrip above the keyboard to slide Triangle (rises and falls smoothly between
Gen X-1, the pitch and the filter, When the
this happens, please see the Users’ Guide. between notes on a scale. The soundstrip can pitch levels)
pitch dial is set to zero the attack and decay
also be played with your finger – this will override will effect only the filter, When the pitch dial is RATE OF WAVES Effects the number of waves
PITCH ADJUST any playing of the keyboard. turned, the attack and decay will also effect the you hear per second.
This handy control on the underside of the pitch of the Gen X-1. DEPTH OF WAVE Changes the depth of the
GEN X-1 allows you to fine tune the pitch The attack dial is used to adjust the amount of wave pattern creating peaks and troughs,
of your sound exactly. time it takes for either the filter/ pitch to fade The LFO is a very slow oscillator that controls
in, The decay control adjusts the amount of other parameters on the Gen X-1.
TRIM DIAL time it takes for the filter/ pitch to fade out.
(SCREWDRIVER REQUIRED) It can effect the pitch of the oscillator and
Think about the sound of a bell, it starts off the frequency of the Pulse Width Modulation
abruptly (low attack) and fades out slowly (X button). The switch allows you to choose
(high decay), between square and triangle wave patterns.
Configure your Gen X-1 to these settings and play Configure your Gen X-1 to these settings and play
with the envelope... with the LFO...
PITCH DIAL
(REAR)

X
LINE-IN
-1

-2 LINE-OUT

POWER
SWITCH
4. FILTER 5. DELAY
This is a Low Pass Filter that cuts off high A repeating, decaying echo. When switched on,
frequencies. this creates a repetition of your sound.
CUT OFF The point to cut off the high D TIME This increases the time between the
ENVELOPE LFO PWM & frequencies initial signal and the echo,
SUB-OCTAVE
When no pitch is engaged, Low-Frequency Oscillator RESONANCE The frequency of the peak point F-BACK This creates multiple echoes,
Three options to enrich
the Attack and Decay that modulates the sound. to set the cut off.
the sound: LEVEL This controls the amount of echo
control the filter. You can change it in the
X 
adds Pulse Width NO SOUND? Try turning Cut Off to the middle. you hear,
ATTACK 
how quickly the following ways:
frequency fades in WAVE select square Modulation This does not control anything, but simply This adds space to your sound as it mimics
or triangle -1  adds a frequency one applies a filter to the GEN X-1. different environments. Think of the difference
PITCH 
controls the
RATE the number of octave lower you hear between clapping in a small room
oscillator pitch Think about how physical barriers affect
waves per second -2 adds a frequency two (short delay time as the sound bounces off the
DECAY 
how quickly sounds in the world around us, like hearing
DEPTH 
changes peaks octaves lower close wall and then is quiet) and clapping in a
the frequency fades loud music through a wall (muffled, low bass
out and troughs of big cave (big delay and more feedback as you
frequencies but high notes cut out), and then
the wave hear echo several times as it bounces around),
how it changes when you open the door (all
frequencies heard). This is a primitive real world This is delay!
Configure your Gen X-1 to these settings and play
DELAY FILTER LINE-IN Low Pass Filter,
with the Delay. ..
A repeating, decaying echo. A Low Pass Filter that cuts A 3.5mm mini jack socket Configure your Gen X-1 to these settings and play
allows you to apply the LFO with the filter...
DELAY ON 
activates effect off high frequencies.
dials, filter, cut off, resonance
CUT OFF the point to cut and all delay dials, to incoming
D-TIME 
time between off the high
the signal and audio of your choice. Why not
frequencies put your guitar or even voice
the echo
through the GEN X-1 !
RESONANCE the frequency
F-BACK 
creates multiple
echoes
of the peak point LINE-OUT
where you set This mini jack socket
E-LEVEL 
sets how much the cut off is your audio out and
echo you hear No sound? Try turning Cut is also suitable for
Off to the centre position. headphones.
6. SIDE CONTROLS
LINE-IN A mini jack 3,5mm socket allows you
7. TUNING
As your Stylophone Gen X-1 is an analog
HOW IT
to apply the LFO dials, filter, cut-off, resonance
and all delay dials, to an incoming signal of your
instrument then the tuning can sometimes
drift depending on the temperature and
ALL BEGAN...
choice, Why not put your guitar or even voice riumidity, If this happens then we have a
through the GEN X-1! process to get you back into tune.
OUT Made an analogue sound you love, but 1. Hold the stylus on the middle C note (8th
want to record it digitally so that you can use it whole note from the left) and turn the pitch
in a composition? This mini jack socket is your dial on the back of the unit until this is in
line out and is also suitable for headphones, tune (any chromatic tuner should do).
X This adds Pulse Width Modulation, This 2. Then hold the stylus on the low C note
is used to create a chorus effect, with two (1st whole note from the left) and check if
oscillators appearing to play together, The this is in tune, If it is not, then use a small
frequency of the PWM is controlled by the LFO. screwdriver to turn the concealed trim pot
SUB OCTAVES This enriches your sound by dial on the top edge of the unit until this
adding a second frequency below your source note is in tune.
sound. 3. You may then need to check that the middle
-1 Adds a frequency one octave lower than C is still in tune – repeat step 1 if it is not.
your source sound. PITCH ADJUST
-2 Adds a frequency two octaves lower than This handy control on the underside of the
your source sound. GEN X-1 allows you to fine tune the pitch of
your sound exactly,
The Stylophone was invented in The Stylophone pocket
1968 by Brian Jarvis of Dubreq synthesizer was an
8. SAFETY & OPERATING INFORMATION Studios, London. Repairing a overnight success as an
toy piano for his niece, Brian instrument that’s fun to
Keep these instructions shock. one or more of the following
had the idea to replace the toy use and easy to play. It is
for reference as they –D
 o not open the product measures: keys with electronics, creating a one of the best-selling
contain important safety other than to change the – Reorient or relocate the monophonic organ and a unique, musical instruments of
and operating information. batteries using the slide off receiving antenna. electronic sound. all time, selling over NE W ANALO G
IMPORTANT: battery cover. – Increase the separation Designed with a simple oscillator,
controlled by a metal keyboard 4 MILLION STYLO PHO NE
Battery Information –D
 o not tamper with any between the equipment and AVAI L ABL E NOW
internal components. receiver. on a printed circuit board and since its launch in 1968.
IMPROPER BATTERY USE
played with a hand-held stylus,
MAY RESULT IN A FlRE, –T
 here are no user serviceable – Connect the equipment into
EXPLOSION, OR OTHER parts in the unit and opening an outlet on a circuit different
the Stylophone was born.
THE
HAZARD. the product will invalidate from that to which the STYLOPHONE
– Only adults should handle
the warranty. receiver is connected. SOUND
batteries. – I f the unit should be damaged – Consult the dealer or an
in any way, stop using it. experienced radio/TV
– Keep batteries away from A SIMPLE, RAW, ELECTRONIC TONE
–D
 o not attempt to repair the technician for help.
children and pets.
product yourself. The user is cautioned that Over the last 50 years, the Stylophone has been used by many
– Do not mix old and new
changes and modifications great artists including David Bowie and Kraftwerk, securing its
batteries or batteries of –C
 ontact your retailer or
made to the equipment place firmly in music history. Today the Stylophone is used in new
different types: alkaline, our customer service
without the approval of and inventive ways across the musical spectrum, from hip-hop to
lithium, standard (carbon- department if the product classical, metal to folk, there’s always room for its unique sound.
requires servicing. manufacturer could void the
zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-
user’s authority to operate this
cadmium, nickel metal- –T
 ake care when using the
equipment.
hydride). stylus and refrain from BRIAN JARVIS

placing excessive force on WEEE STATEMENT

– Use only batteries of the The finished Stylophone design
stylus cable. Information on Disposal for
same or equivalent types as resembled an old transistor
Users of Waste Electrical and
recommended. –C
 lean the unit with a dry, radio and production began in
Electronic Equipment
– Insert the batteries observing soft cloth. London in 1968.
This symbol on
the proper polarity ( +/-) as –D
 o not clean the unit with the product and
illustrated or indicated inside liquids, alcohol or solvents. accompanying
the battery compartment. documents means
AVOIDING HEARING DAMAGE:
– Exhausted batteries are to WARNING: that used electrical and
be removed from device. If operating the unit electronic products should
Depleted batteries may with headphones, not be mixed with general
cause the unit to malfunction. earbuds or similar: To prevent waste. For proper treatment,
– Remove the batteries when possible hearing damage, do recovery and recycling, please
not listen at high volume levels take this product to designated
the product will not be used
for an extended period. for long periods. collection points where it will REGISTER ONLINE
be accepted free of charge.
– The supply terminals are not FCC STATEMENT
to be short­circuited.
– Do not use rechargeable
This equipment has been
tested and found to comply
Alternatively, in some countries
you may be able to return your WARRANTY
products to your local retailer
batteries.
with the limits for a class B
digital device, pursuant to part
upon purchase of an equivalent ACTIVATE TIPS & DEMOS
– Non-rechargeable batteries 15 of the FCC Rules. These
new product.
YOUR
are NOT to be recharged,
– Never throw batteries into a
limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against
Disposing of this product
correctly will help save WARRANTY NEWS & UPDATES
valuable resources and NOW!
fire or other heat sources. harmful interference in a
residential installation. This
prevent any potential negative AND MORE UNIQUE
– Do not overtighten battery
compartment screw. equipment generates, uses
effects on human health
and the environment, which
STYLOPHONE SOUNDS
and can radiate radio frequency
BATTERY DISPOSAL: could otherwise arise from
energy and if not installed
Spent or discharged batteries
must be properly disposed of
and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause
inappropriate waste handling.
Please contact your local WWW.STYLOPHONEGENX1.COM
and recycled in compliance authority for further details
harmful interference to radio
with all applicable national of your nearest designated
communications. However, SHARE Y OUR SOUNDS
legislation. collection point.
there is no guarantee that
Penalties may be applicable for
#stylophone
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS: interference will not occur FO LLO W U S:
– Do read these instructions incorrect disposal of this waste
in a particular installation. If
thoroughly before using in accordance with national and stylophoneofficial stylophone_official
this equipment does cause
the unit and save them for regional legislation. Stylophone the_stylophone
harmful interfernce to radio
future reference. or television reception, which
– Do not allow liquids to spill can be determined by turning Not happy with your product? Let us know and we’ll put it right!
into the unit or subject the the equipment off and on, the
Get in touch www.StylophoneGenX1.com
unit to excessive smoke, user is encouraged to try to
dust, mechanical vibration or correct the interference by
MAKING SYNTHESIZERS
SINCE 1968