How to use your swarada
Power
Swarada runs on a 5V DC supply. It does not have a battery inside, but draws power through a standard USB-C Pin, located on the back panel. The power can be supplied through a standard cable ( supplied with the unit), which can be connected through a USB either to a power adapter ( such as a phone charger), another device (such as a laptop), or a standard power bank.
The USB-C pin receptacle generally requires use with care if connected and disconnected frequently.
On/Off
Use the round switch (located on the back panel) to switch the unit on or off.
Swarada always retains the last configured settings and will start playing with the last saved setting when switched On.
We try to deliver Swarada set to default E key, but you can always set it to the key of your preference.
Selecting the key (Patti)
Swarada can be used for any of the 12 keys from C through B.
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Use the master knob to select the key of your choice.
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Key indicators are the four LED lights at the bottom. Double pressing the master knob will make the active key's LED blink.
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Turning the knob clockwise with a small step to take you to the next key. You will see the LED at the bottom moving accordingly. Turning it in the anticlockwise direction takes you back in the other direction.
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Using the feature a few times will give you a feel of the sensitivity, and how much of the knob to turn for each change.
The Tuning array
The tuning array of 8 keys (in two columns of 4 each), allows you to tune the Tanpura.
The left column is for individual volume setting (Volume control knobs), while the right column is for the pitch tuning (Pitch control knobs)
The volume control knobs also allow you to switch the particular string on or off, by pressing down once (Single press).
Each row of the tuning knobs array is for one particular string:
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The middle two are for the two Shadjas of the jodi.
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The bottom is for the Kharja.
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The top is for the Ma or Pa or Ni, as you choose.
Tuning the Tanpura
The most important attribute of Swarada is that you can manually tune each of the four strings, and thus can make Tanpura Tuning as your daily exercise routine. This undoubtedly is the best way to train your ears.
A single press of the volume knob turns off (or on) that particular string.
A typical Manual tuning process can be broken down as under :
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Switch off all the four strings. Then switch Sa1 on.
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Using an audio reference, use the right hand tuning knob to tune this Sa1. (Swarada TuneAssist app on ragasphere provides you with this reference.)
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Turn the Sa2 on, and tune it with Sa1. The reference note can be kept on during the entire tuning process.
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Next, turn the Kharja on, and tune it with the Sa jodi.
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Finally, the Pancham, Madhyam or the Nishad:
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Use the master knob to select the swar.
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There are two LEDs below this knob. The left LED indicates Ma, while the right indicates Pa, and both illuminated together indicate Ni.
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Single press of the knob will make the currently active LED blink. Turn the knob clockwise to change from Ma to Pa, and further to Ni while the LED is blinking.
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Double pressing the volume knob takes the particular string to the standard preset.
You can toggle between the manually tuned and the preset, to check if your tuning is accurate.
Tempo
The strings are played in the Pa-Sa-Sa-Sa sequence in a standard 2-1-1-2 pattern. The tempo can be turned up or down as per your choice. Long pressing the Master knob, and then turning up or down allows you to set the tempo at the desired level.
Please allow one full cycle to pass for this to happen.
Master volume
Use the master knob to set the overall volume at the desired level.
Individual String volumes
You can use the individual volume knobs for each string, to set the relative volumes of four strings at the desired level.
Line Out
A standard EP port is provided on the back panel to connect Swarada with an external power speaker or a sound system, using a standard aux cable.