WAVES
CODEX
USER GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION........................................................................................ 3
1.1 Welcome ................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Product Overview ..................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Concepts and Terminology ....................................................................................... 3
1.4 Components .............................................................................................................. 4
CHAPTER 2 – QUICK START GUIDE .............................................................................. 5
CHAPTER 3 – INTERFACE AND CONTROLS ................................................................ 6
3.1 Interface ................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Controls .................................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 4 – STANDALONE APPLICATION .............................................................. 21
CHAPTER 5 - WAVESTSTEM TOOLBAR.................................................................. 22
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CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
1.1 Welcome
Thank you for choosing Waves! In order to get the most out of your new Waves
plugin, please take a moment to read this user guide.
To install software and manage your licenses, you need to have a free Waves
account. Sign up at www.waves.com. With a Waves account you can keep track of
your products, renew your Waves Update Plan, participate in bonus programs, and
keep up to date with important information.
We suggest that you become familiar with the Waves Support pages:
www.waves.com/support. There are technical articles about installation,
troubleshooting, specifications, and more. Plus, you’ll find company contact
information and Waves Support news.
1.2 Product Overview
Waves CODEX is an advanced polyphonic granular wavetable synthesizer designed to
provide complex evolving sounds that can range from acoustic and analog emulations, to
completely new, previously unheard sounds. CODEX’s controls are highly inviting,
combining tradition with intuitive interaction in a way that lets users easily customize
existing presets and build custom patches from the ground up. The unique wavetable
oscillators are embedded in a subtractive synthesis engine that allows further shaping of
the sound using traditional analog subtractive components and layout.
1.3 Concepts and Terminology
CODEX is powered by Virtual Voltage™ technology, which connects its various
generators and transformation filters, envelopes and modulators. CODEX therefore uses
many of the same terms used by its hardware forerunners: VCF (Voltage-Controlled
Filter), VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier), and so on.
While anyone acquainted with synthesis should feel right at home with the subtractive
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section of CODEX, the advanced oscillators might at first seem daunting. Please browse
through the oscillator section of this manual to become better acquainted with the unique
features and vast possibilities of CODEX’s oscillators. The learning curve will pay off
when encountering other synthesizers, whether software or hardware, analog or digital.
All users can partake in the instant gratification of CODEX’s vast selection of factory
presets. CODEX’s team of experienced preset developers created hundreds of presets,
sorted by category, so you can quickly find the exact sound you need—leads, pads,
basses, sound effects, sequences, gated rhythmic lines, motions, and more. Or just
browse around until something catches your ear and captures your imagination.
Whether in the studio or live on stage, many musicians like to control their synth
parameters in real time for enhanced creativity and expression. While CODEX supports
the basic automation features of plugin hosting technologies such as VST, it also
supports MIDI Learn. Assigning a CODEX control to a knob on your MIDI controller is as
easy as right-click > Learn > knob turn, done!
Granular wavetable synthesis, analog modeling, and supreme sound quality do come at
a price. CODEX can be rather CPU- and RAM-hungry compared to other software
synthesizers. During the days of analog hardware, less expensive oscillators were often
considered “dirty,” while accurate oscillators were costlier than was practical for most
musicians. Ironically, in today’s digital world, creating a pristine oscillator is relatively
easy; it’s the “dirtiness” that takes more CPU calculations to recreate. To conserve CPU
power, CODEX lets you select the maximal number of simultaneous voices.
1.4 Components
CODEX has one component: CODEX Stereo.
CODEX is a virtual instrument plugin and will appear under the related selection menus
for virtual instruments under all supported DAW host applications.
Waves CODEX also works as a standalone application, using ASIO (Windows) or Core
Audio (Mac) drivers to play through your audio device of choice. CODEX receives MIDI
data to trigger notes and control changes.
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CHAPTER 2 – QUICK START GUIDE
Open CODEX on an instrument track in your DAW of choice, or launch the CODEX
standalone application.
1. Select a preset from CODEX’s factory presets.
2. Play!
Use the next/previous preset arrow controls on the toolbar to scroll through
presets. If you’re looking for a certain type of sound, click the Presets button to reveal
the factory presets, sorted by category.
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CHAPTER 3 – INTERFACE AND CONTROLS
3.1 Interface
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3.2 Controls
The CODEX interface is arranged into four sections grouped according to function:
• Voice generation and subtractive elements (blue)
• Modulation sources and patches (purple)
• Effects, EQ, global and output sections (green)
• Arpeggiator/sequencer (red)
3.2.1 Oscillators
CODEX has two wavetable oscillators which are labeled 1 and 2.
OCTAVE determines the pitch range.
Range: 32, 16, 8, 4, 2 (from lowest to highest pitch)
TUNE determines the pitch.
Range: -12 to +12 semitones
FINE fine-tunes the pitch.
Range: -100 to +100 cents
RESOLUTION determines the resolution of the oscillator.
Range: 0 to 100
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TABLE selects one of 64 internal or imported wavetables.
Range: 1 to 64
WAVE selects a specific section of the wavetable to be used as the oscillator.
Range: 0 to 10
FORMANT controls the formant of the oscillator by altering the spectral peaks of the
sound spectrum.
Range: -100 to 100
START determines the start point of the wavetable scan.
Range: 1 to 64
MID determines the midpoint of the wavetable scan.
Range: 1 to 64
END determines the endpoint of the wavetable scan.
Range: 1 to 64
SPEED determines the wavetable scanning speed.
Range: 0 to 100 (free-running), 4/1 to 1/32 (synched)
SCAN SYNC determines whether the wavetable scanning is synchronized to the host
clock.
LOOP – When enabled, wavetable scanning loops continuously between ‘MID’ and
‘END’ points.
IMPORT allows the integration of user-selectable WAV files. Imported WAV files are
automatically converted into wavetables by CODEX. These new wavetables are saved
along with presets. CODEX supports WAV files of any length, bit-depth and sampling
frequency. For optimal results, samples of between one and five seconds are
recommended.
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FC enables CODEX’s advanced formant correction algorithms.
When enabled, formant can be controlled using the ‘FRMNT’ knob.
OSC SYNC synchronizes the pitch of OSC 2 to that of OSC 1. When SYNC is
activated, the OSC 2 pitch controls (OCT, TUNE, FINE) affect only its timbre, not its
pitch.
Range: On/Off
FM (Frequency Modulation) controls the amount by which the frequency of OSC 2 is
modulated by OSC 1. (OSC 2 only)
Range: 0 to 100
3.2.2 Additional Oscillators & Mix Section
This section is used to combine OSC 1 and OSC 2, and to add noise, sub-oscillation and
ring modulation.
SUB mixes in a triangle wave one octave below OSC 1.
Range: 0 to 100
NOISE mixes in white noise.
Range: 0 to 100
RING controls the ring modulation of OSC 1 and OSC 2.
Range: 0 to 100
OSC 1 / OSC 2 activate each oscillator.
Range: In/Out
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MIX balances the mix between OSC 1 and OSC 2.
Range: -50 to +50
MONO toggles between monophonic and polyphonic modes.
Range: On (mono) / Off (polyphonic)
RTRG controls envelope re-triggering. When activated, every note restarts the
envelopes. (Mono mode only)
Range: On/Off
UNISON activates a doubling effect which creates a richer sound.
Range: On/Off
PORT determines the glide time (portamento) between notes.
Range: 0.5 to 2500 ms (0 to 2.5 seconds)
ALWAYS/LEGATO determines whether glide will occur always, or only when the
previous note is still held.
Range: Legato, Always
3.2.3 Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF)
The VCF section includes selectable filter slope, frequency and resonance parameters
as well as a filter envelope which determines the filter movement on each trigger.
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TYPE determines the filter type.
Range: High Pass, Low Pass, Band Pass, Band Reject
SLOPE toggles between two types of pole filters.
Range: 2-pole/12 dB per octave, 4-pole/24 dB per octave
CUTOFF controls the VCF cutoff frequency.
Range: 0 to 100 (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
RES controls the amount of filter resonance.
Range: 0 to 100
ENV determines the envelope’s cutoff modulation depth.
Range: -100 to 100
KBD controls keyboard tracking using C3 as its reference point.
Range: 0 to 100
FM controls the amount of frequency modulation on filter cutoff by OSC 1.
Range: 0 – 100
ADSR determines the filter’s envelope cutoff behavior after a note is triggered:
A (Attack): 1 to 10,000 (1 millisecond to 10 seconds)
D (Decay): 1 to 10,000 (1 millisecond to 10 seconds)
S (Sustain): 0% to 100% amplitude
R (Release): 1 to 10,000 (1 millisecond to 10 seconds)
At 0, time constants are linear; at positive values, the envelope slopes become more
concave (below, in black), for a punchier response. Negative values result in a more
convex slope shape, for smoother response (below, in red.)
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VEL sets the VCF cutoff in relation to the Note On velocity.
Range: 0 to 100
SHAPE determines the contour of the envelope time constants.
Range: -50 to 50
3.2.4 Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA)
The VCA envelope controls the note level from trigger to release:
A (Attack): 1 to 10,000 (1 millisecond to 10 seconds)
D (Decay): 1 to 10,000 (1 millisecond to 10 seconds)
S (Sustain): 0% to 100% amplitude
R (Release): 1 to 10,000 (1 millisecond to 10 seconds)
VEL sets the envelope depth in relation to the Note On velocity.
Range: 0 to 100
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SHAPE determines the contour of the envelope time constants.
Range: -50 to 50
PUNCH controls the dynamic transient enhancer which makes for a “snappier’ attack.
Range: On/Off
3.2.5 Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFOS)
CODEX features four LFOs: two free and two synchronized. The free LFOs have a
continuous cycle time control, while the synched LFOs are voice-triggered and use
musical note values (based on the host BPM) to determine the oscillation rate.
TYPE controls the LFO waveform shape.
Range: Sine, Saw Down, Saw Up, Triangle, Pulse, S&H (random)
RATE controls the frequency of the free LFO.
Range: 0.1 to 100 Hz
TIME controls the rate of the synched LFO, locked to the project’s BPM.
Range: 4/1, 3/1, 2/1, 1/1, 1/2, 3/8, 1/3, 1/4, 3/16, 1/6, 1/8, 3/32, 1/12, 1/16, 3/64,
1/24, 1/32
LED pulsates at the same rate as the LFO.
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3.2.6 Envelope 3
In addition to the filter and the VCA envelopes, CODEX includes an envelope generator
that can be freely assigned to selectable destinations via the modulation matrix.
A (Attack): 1 to 10,000 (1 millisecond to 10 seconds)
D (Decay): 1 to 10,000 (1 millisecond to 10 seconds)
S (Sustain): 0% to 100% amplitude
R (Release): 1 to 10,000 (1 millisecond to 10 seconds)
VEL sets the envelope depth in relation to the Note On velocity.
Range: 0 to 100
SHAPE determines the contour of the envelope time constants.
Range: -50 to 50
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3.2.7 Modulation Matrix
The Modulation Matrix allows the patching of modulation sources to selectable
destinations.
PHASE inverts the phase, per assignment. Depending on the phase setting, this will
change the direction of the modulation.
Range: On/Off
SRC determines the modulation source.
Range: LFO1, LFO2, LFO3, LFO4, Env3, Modwheel, Keyboard, Velocity,
Aftertouch, Bender, VCF Envelope, Sequencer
DEST determines the destination of the modulation source.
Range: Global Pitch, OSC 1 Freq, OSC 1 Resolution, OSC 1 Formant, OSC 1
Table, Scan 1 Start, Scan 1 Mid, Scan 1 End, Scan 1 Speed, OSC 2 Freq, OSC
2 Resolution, OSC 2 Formant, OSC 2 Table, Scan 2 Start, Scan 2 Mid, Scan 2
End, Scan 2 Speed, OSC 2 FM, Sub, Noise, Ring, OSC Mix, VCF Cutoff, VCF
Res, VCF FM, VCF Env, VCF A, VCF D, VCF R, VCF Crv, VCA, VCA A, VCA D,
VCA R, VCA Crv, Pan, HP, LP, Dist, Crusher, Chorus, Delay Mix, Delay Rate,
Reverb, Porta, LFO 1 Rate, LFO 2 Rate, LFO 3 Rate, LFO 4 Rate, Env3 A, Env3
D, Env3 S, Env3 R, Env3 Crv, Arp/Seq Rate, Arp\Seq Gate, Mod 1, Mod 2, Mod
3, Mod 4, Mod 5, Mod 6
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MOD sets the degree to which the modulation source affects the destination.
Range: 0% to 100%
3.2.8 Arpeggiator/Sequencer (ARP/SEQ)
The ARP/SEQ section functions both as a traditional arpeggiator and as a 16-step
sequencer. Each sequencer step has an In/Out toggle as well as a pitch control which
may be set +/-24 semitones from the currently held note.
MODE determines the operational mode.
Range: Off, (Arp) Up, (Arp) Down, (Arp) Up/Down, (Arp) Random, Sequence
OCT determines the range, in octaves, of the arpeggiator.
Range: 1, 2, 3, 4
RATE sets the arpeggiator rate. The drop-down menu activates the host BPM sync
function and sets the rate using note values. When the rate is set to Free, the host BPM
sync is off and the rate is set manually using the knob on the right.
Range: Free (host BPM sync off; range 1 to 50 Hz), 1/2, 3/8, 1/3, 1/4, 3/16, 1/6,
1/8, 3/32, 1/12, 1/16, 3/64, 1/24, 1/32
GATE determines the length of each sequencer step as a percentage of its note length.
Range: 5% to 100%
STEPS determines the number of steps in the current sequence.
Range: 1 to 16
HOLD enables latching of arpeggiator and sequencer notes after the keys are released.
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RTRG enables re-triggering of arpeggiator and sequencer notes when new notes are
played.
SWING pushes even-numbered notes/steps toward the next odd-numbered note/step, to
create a shuffle/swing feel.
Range: 0 to 100
3.2.9 Effects (FX)
DIST controls the amount of distortion effect. Distortion is applied per voice, eliminating
IMD (inter-modulation distortion.) Settings below 50% create a warm, saturated drive
effect; settings above 50% result in a more aggressive, “crunchier” sound.
Range: 0% to 100%
PRE VCF is a toggle control which determines the placement of the distortion effect in
the signal path, either pre-VCF or post-VCF.
Range: Pre/Post
CRSHR is a distortion-like effect which simulates a reduction in the sample-rate and
resolution of the sound.
Range: 0 to 100
DELAY is a stereo delay which allows separate delay times for left and right channels,
using note values.
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LEFT sets the delay time for the left channel.
Range: 1/2, 3/8, 1/3, 1/4, 3/16, 1/6, 1/8, 3/32, 1/12, 1/16, 3/64, 1/24, 1/32
RIGHT sets the delay time for the right channel.
Range: 1/2, 3/8, 1/3, 1/4, 3/16, 1/6, 1/8, 3/32, 1/12, 1/16, 3/64, 1/24, 1/32
MIX determines the amount of delay effect in the mix.
Range: 0 to 100
FEEDBACK determines the amount of gain fed back to the delay input.
Range: 0 to 100
REVERB controls both the amount and size of the virtual plate reverb sound. In addition
to increasing the amount of reverb, higher values also increase the reverb size and time.
Range: 0 to 100
CHORUS determines the amount of chorus modulation.
Range: 0 to 100
3.2.10 EQ
The EQ section is a 4-band fixed-frequency graphic equalizer with high-pass and low-
pass filters. At high boost levels, the EQ saturates with different tonal qualities than the
Distortion module.
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HiPASS controls the high-pass filter frequency.
Range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
LoPASS controls the low-pass filter frequency.
Range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
100 controls equalization at 100 Hz.
Range: -30 to +30 dB
600 controls equalization at 600 Hz.
Range: -20 to +20 dB
1500 controls equalization at 1500 Hz.
Range: -20 to +20 dB
9000 controls equalization at 9000 Hz.
Range: -25 to +25 dB
3.2.11 Global and Out Sections
TEMPO displays the current tempo.
Range: 1 to 300
SOURCE determines the clock source.
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Range: Host, Internal
BEND RANGE determines the range of the pitch bender.
Range: 0 to 12
VOICES determines the number of voices that can be played simultaneously.
Range: 1 to 32
GAIN sets CODEX’s overall output volume, after all generators and processors.
Range: -80 to 0 dBFS
METER displays CODEX’s overall output energy.
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CHAPTER 4 – STANDALONE APPLICATION
The CODEX standalone application requires an ASIO driver for Windows or a Core
Audio driver for Mac OS-X.
CODEX.exe (Win) or CODEX.app (MAC) loads the CODEX instrument and
configuration preferences dialogs.
The standalone application’s menu file contains three items:
• All Notes Off – sends an All Notes Off MIDI command to the CODEX synthesizer,
useful in cases of “stuck” sustaining notes.
• Preferences – displays the preferences dialog for Audio, MIDI, and user settings.
• Exit
THE PREFERENCES DIALOG
The preferences dialog allows configuration of Audio, MIDI, and user settings.
Audio offers control over the following parameters:
• Output Channels allows selection of audio outputs from the selected device.
• Sample Rate displays and sets the sample rate.*
• Buffer Size displays and sets the buffer size, which influences latency.*
• *In Windows, sample rate and buffer size cannot be changed from this panel. To
modify these settings: close the application, adjust sample rate and buffer size with
your driver's control panel, and relaunch.
MIDI offers control over the following parameters:
• MIDI Input Device displays a list of available MIDI input devices on the current
system. Select the MIDI device through which to receive MIDI data.
• Input Channel - CODEX standalone is ready to receive MIDI in OMNI mode
from all channels. The MIDI channel control allows the selection to receive MIDI
input only from certain channels as selected in the checkboxes.
• Output Device - Not used
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Chapter 5 - WaveSystem Toolbar
Use the bar at the top of the plugin to save and load presets, compare settings, undo
and redo steps, and resize the plugin. To learn more, click the icon at the upper-right
corner of the window and open the WaveSystem Guide.
Load with Preset – MIDI, Arp/Seq and Tempo
The Load with Preset filter is a CODEX-exclusive custom toolbar that lets you choose
whether or not to load certain preset characteristics such as MIDI assignments,
arpeggiator/sequencer settings, and tempo. When checked, these parameters are
loaded. Here are some practical examples:
MIDI – Let’s say you’ve assigned a MIDI controller knob to CODEX’s VCF cutoff. Loading
the next preset will reset this parameter; you will then have to redo the MIDI Learn
routine in order to attach the knob to the control. However, if you uncheck the MIDI
checkbox, the next preset will be loaded, but the current MIDI assignment will remain in
place.
Arp-Seq – Let’s say you have a bass line arpeggio that you like, and you want to test
the pattern using a different sound. Uncheck the Arp/Seq checkbox, and the preset will
be loaded without any associated Arp/Seq settings, leaving the pattern as is.
Tempo – Let’s say you are working on an arpeggio with an internal tempo of 140.
Loading presets may set the tempo to a different value or to the value determined by
your host computer. To ignore tempo settings saved with other presets, uncheck the
Tempo box, and your current tempo setting will remain in place when other presets are
loaded.
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