User manual AKAI MFC42

Analog Filter Module WARNING!! To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. 1-En CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. THE SYMBOLS ARE RULED BY UL STANDARDS (U.S.A.) The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol , within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure; that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intented to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. 5B-En 9/25/2001 Rev. 4 WARNING WARNING: WHEN USING ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, BASIC PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING: WARNING The MFC42 is designed to be used in a standard household environment. Power requirements for electrical equipment differ from area to area. The operating voltage of this MFC42 is preset at the factory according to its intended destination. However, before connecting, check to see that the VOLTAGE SELECTOR on the rear panel is set to the correct voltage for your area. If not, please set it correctly before plugging in the power cord. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician or AKAI professional dealer. 120 VAC 230 VAC @ 60 Hz for USA and Canada @ 50 Hz for Europe If the VOLTAGE SELECTOR is not set correctly for your area: Confirm that the power cord is disconnected. Remove the VOLTAGE SELECTOR with a screw driver and replace it so that the correct voltage for your area is lined with the marker. Also, change the fuse according to the chart indicated on the rear panel as necessary. PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE MFC42 · Never touch the AC plug with wet hands. · Always disconnect the MFC42 from the power supply by pulling on the plug, not the cord. · Allow only an AKAI professional dealer or qualified professional engineer to repair or reassemble the MFC42. Apart from voiding the warranty, unauthorized engineers might touch live internal parts and receive a serious electrical shock. There are no serviceable parts inside. · Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the MFC42. · Use only a household AC power supply. Never use a DC power supply. · If water or any other liquid is spilled into or onto the MFC42, disconnect the power, and call your dealer. · Make sure that the unit is well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight. · To avoid damage to internal circuitry, as well as the external finish, keep the MFC42 away from sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.). · Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the MFC42. They may damage the surface, and may ignite. · Do not use denatured alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the MFC42. They will damage the finish. · Modification of this equipment is dangerous, and can result in the functions of the MFC42 being impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way. · Make sure that the MFC42 is always well-supported when in use (either in a specially-designed equipment rack, or on a firm level surface). · When installing the MFC42 in a 19" rack system, always allow 1U of ventilated free space above it to allow for cooling. Make sure that the back of the rack is unobstructed to allow a clear airflow. · In order to assure optimum performance of your MFC42, select the setup location carefully, and make sure the equipment is used properly. Avoid setting up the MFC42 in the following locations: 1. In a humid or dusty environment 2. In a room with poor ventilation 3. On a surface which is not horizontal 4. Inside a vehicle such as a car, where it will be subject to vibration 5. In an extremely hot or cold environment i WARNING For U.K. Customers Only WARNING THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED IMPORTANT This equipment is fitted with an approved non-rewireable UK mains plug. To change the fuse in this type of plug proceed as follows: 1) Remove the fuse cover and old fuse. 2) Fit a new fuse which should be a BS1362 5 Amp A.S.T.A or BSI approved type. 3) Refit the fuse cover. If the AC mains plug fitted to the lead supplied with this equipment is not suitable for your type of AC outlet sockets, it should be changed to an AC mains lead, complete with moulded plug, to the appropriate type. If this is not possible, the plug should be cut off and a correct one fitted to suit the AC outlet. This should be fused at 5 Amps. If a plug without a fuse is used, the fuse at the distribution board should NOT BE GREATER than 5 Amp. PLEASE NOTE: THE SEVERED PLUG MUST BE DESTROYED TO AVOID A POSSIBLE SHOCK HAZARD SHOULD IT BE INSERTED INTO A 13 AMP SOCKET ELSEWHERE. The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code: GREEN and YELLOW BLUE BROWN -- Earth -- Neutral -- Live As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, please proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured GREEN and YELLOW must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter E or with the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or coloured GREEN and YELLOW. The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the etter L or coloured RED. THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED Ensure that all the terminals are securely tightened and no loose strands of wire exist. Before replacing the plug cover, make certain the cord grip is clamped over the outer sheath of the lead and not simply over the wires. 6D-En ii WARNING FCC WARNING This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: · · · · Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. 21B-En AVIS POUR LES ACHETEURS CANADIENS DU MFC42 Le présent appareil numérique n'ément pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la Class B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada. 27-F This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. 27-En VENTILATION Do not prevent the unit's ventilation, especially by placing the unit on the soft carpet, in a narrow space, or by placing objects on the unit's chassis--top, side, or rear panels. Always keep the unit's chassis at least 10 centimeters from any other objects. 31C-En CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER'S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT. 32-En COPYRIGHT NOTICE The AKAI MFC42 contains and uses software in ROMs. This software, and all related documentation, including this OperatorOs Manual, contain proprietary information which is protected by copyright laws. All rights are reserved. No part of the software or its documentation may be copied, transferred or modified. You may not modify, adapt, translate, lease, distribute, resell for profit or create derivative works based on the software and its related documentation or any part thereof without prior written consent from AKAI professional M.I. Corp., Yokohama, Japan. iii WARNING WARRANTY AKAI professional M.I. Corp. warrants its products, when purchased from an authorized "AKAI professional" dealer, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 (twelve) months from the date of purchase. Warranty service is effective and available to the original purchase only, and only on completion and return of the AKAI professional Warranty Registration Card within 14 days of purchase. Warranty coverage is valid for factory-authorized updates to AKAI professional instruments and their software, when their installation is performed by an authorized AKAI professional Service Center, and a properly completed Warranty Registration has been returned to your "AKAI professional" dealer. To obtain service under this warranty, the product must, on discovery of the detect, be properly packed and shipped to the nearest AKAI professional Service Center. The party requesting warranty service must provide proof of original ownership and date of purchase of the product. If the warranty is valid, AKAI professional will, without charge for parts or labor, either repair or replace the defective part(s). Without a valid warranty, the entire cost of the repair (parts and labor) is the responsibility of the product's owner. AKAI professional warrants that it will make all necessary adjustments, repairs and replacements at no cost to the original owner within 12 (twelve) months of the purchase date if: 1) 2) 3) The product fails to perform its specified functions due to failure of one or more of its components. The product fails to perform its specified functions due to defects in workmanship. The product has been maintained and operated by the owner in strict accordance with the written instructions for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual. Before purchase and use, owners should determine the suitability of the product for their intended use, and owner assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. AKAI professional shall not be liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of use, or inability to use the product. The warranty provides only those benefits specified, and does not cover defects or repairs needed as a result of acts beyond the control of AKAI professional, including but not limited to: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Damage caused by abuse, accident, negligence. AKAI professional will not cover under warranty any original factory disk damaged or destroyed as a result of the owner's mishandling. Damage caused by any tampering, alteration or modification of the product: operating software, mechanical or electronic components. Damage caused by failure to maintain and operate the product in strict accordance with the written instructions for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual. Damage caused by repairs or attempted repairs by unauthorized persons. Damage caused by fire, smoke, falling objects, water or other liquids, or natural events such as rain, floods, earthquakes, lightning, tornadoes, storms, etc. Damage caused by operation on improper voltages. This warranty becomes void if the product or its software is electronically modified, altered or tampered with in any way. AKAI professional shall not be liable for costs involved in packing or preparing the product for shipping, with regard to time, labor, or materials, shipping or freight costs, or time or expense involved in transporting the product to and from AKAI professional Authorized Service Center or Authorized Dealer. AKAI professional will not cover under warranty an apparent malfunction that is determined to be user error, or owner's inability to use the product. THE DURATION OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER IMPLIED OR EXPRESS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, IS LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN. AKAI professional hereby excludes incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to: 1) Loss of time. 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Inconvenience Delay in performance of the Warranty. The loss of use of the product. Commercial loss. Breach of any express or implied warranty, including the Implied Warranty of Merchant-ability, applicable to this product IMPORTANT NOTE: iv WARNING v CONTENTS CONTENTS Chapter 1 Introduction .................................................................................................... Features .................................................................................................................. Names and functions ............................................................................................... Front Panel ......................................................................................................... Rear Panel ......................................................................................................... Chapter 2 Basic Operation .............................................................................................. Connections ............................................................................................................. Signal flow ............................................................................................................... Keywords in basic operation ................................................................................... Filter operation ......................................................................................................... Changing the sound ................................................................................................ 1 1 2 2 5 6 6 6 7 8 9 Chapter 3 Advanced Operations .................................................................................. 10 Keywords in advanced operation .......................................................................... 10 Groove Modulator ................................................................................................... 11 Control the cut-off cyclically with Groove Modulator (TAP TEMPO) ...................... 12 Control the cut-off cyclically with Groove Modulator (RATE) ................................. 14 Control the cut-off cyclically with Groove Modulator (MIDI CLOCK SYNC) .......... 14 Shifting LFO waveform with L-R PHASE ............................................................... 15 Control on Mono channel with Groove Modulator ................................................. 15 MANUAL TRIGGER .............................................................................................. 16 Controlling Cut-off on Mono and Stereo channels simultaneously ........................ 16 Chapter 4 MIDI Function ............................................................................................... MIDI Receive channel setting ................................................................................ Recording the knob operation to sequencer .......................................................... Sending the settings via MIDI ................................................................................ Chapter 5 Connections to Others ................................................................................ Connecting to Keyboard as external Filter Module ................................................ Connecting the Turntable ..................................................................................... Connecting MPC2000/MPC2000XL ...................................................................... Connecting MPC3000 ........................................................................................... 18 18 18 19 20 20 20 20 23 Specifications ................................................................................................................ 24 vi Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 1 Introduction Thank you very much for your purchase of the MFC42. Here, you see its unique features and functions explained. Features Four 2-pole Analog Filters By the combination of four 2-pole filters, the MFC42 can be configured as 8-pole filter unit maximum. The sharp cut-off curve and powerful resonance setting allow wide range of sound making possible. Stereo and Mono Input Equipped with the Stereo Input and Mono Input independently and can be controlled separately. For instance, swing the rhythm section from Stereo Input with LFO while the bass from Mono Input being radically changed by manual filter settings ­ works as two conventional filter units. Four Filter types The four filter settings of High pass, Low pass, Band pass and Notch. The filter type can be switched directly by the combination of toggle switch settings. Groove Modulator The Groove Modulator function offers the control of filter cut-off or resonance synced to the rhythm. By the combination of Tap Tempo or MIDI Clock Sync functions with LFO/Envelope, the filter cut-off/resonance can be controlled. It also has the Manual Trigger function to trigger the envelope manually at any point. MIDI function Almost all keys and knobs are assigned with the MIDI Control Change number. With the use of external sequencer, e.g. MPC2000/MPC2000XL, the movement of each key and knob can be recorded and played back later. The Send Scene function can send all the key and knob settings at once via MIDI. By recording this data at the beginning of each sequence, the settings can later be recalled when played back. Analog Phaser/Distortion The Phase Shifter and Distortion effects are built-in. The addition of these effects to the filter control makes the sound control more flexible. 2-Band EQ on Output With the High and Low EQ at the output stage, the tone of output sound can be controlled. Phono Input With the Phono Input provided at Stereo Input with LINE/PHONO selector, the turntable can be connected directly. 2U Rack mountable The enclosure is shaped so that it can either be rack mounted or placed on desktop to suit your playing style. With the optional mounting kit, i.e. KIT-MFC, the MFC42 can be mounted on the MPC2000/ MPC2000XL. 1 Chapter 1 Introduction Names and functions ­ Front Panel ­ 1. 2. POWER switch button Switches the MFC42 on/off. MIDI CH. key Sets the MIDI channel of the MFC42. Off, 01~16, L01~L16 (L: Local Off) The value is indicated on 7-seg LED (key flickers while setting). CC NUMBER key To confirm the CC (Control Change) numbers assigned to the keys and knobs. The value is indicated on 7-seg LED (key flickers while confirming). 3. 4. +/­ keys Adjust the value of various parameters. Pressing the + and ­ keys together sends out all parameter settings via MIDI ­ Send Scene function. 7-seg LED Shows the various parameter values, i.e. Tempo, MIDI channel, Control Change number. When the RATE knob is moved, the flickering speed of upper and lower halves of LED changes 5. 6. accordingly. MIDI CLOCK SYNC key Set to ON to sync to the external sequencer or rhythm machine via MIDI Clock. The speed of MIDI Clock and the note length selected by BEAT key control the speed of LFO or the trigger timing of 7. envelope (key is lit while ON). BEAT key Used with the MIDI CLOCK SYNC or TAP TEMPO key, it selects the note length that controls the speed of LFO or the trigger timing of envelope. One of the six LEDs on their side is always selected (ON) and the key press toggles the selection. The (two whole notes). mark designates the note length of breve 8. 9. - 3 - key Changes the selected note by BEAT key to triplet notes (key is lit while ON). TAP TEMPO key Tempo is detected by the timing of key presses. The tempo entered and the note selected by BEAT key set the speed of LFO or the trigger timing of envelope. The tempo entered is indicated on 7-seg LED (default tempo setting is 120BPM). 10. RATE knob Sets the speed of LFO or the trigger timing of envelope. The flickering speed of upper and lower halves of 7-seg LED changes accordingly. 11. TRIGGER key Manually triggers the envelope for cut-off or resonance at desired point. The trigger is turned on when the key is pressed and turned off as released. The envelope is set with A/D/S/R knobs. 2 Chapter 1 Introduction 12. A knob Sets the attack time of envelope. 13. D knob Sets the decay time of envelope. 14. S knob Sets the sustain level of envelope. 15. R knob Sets the release time of envelope. 16. ENVELOPE key The BEAT Module triggers the envelope for cut-off/resonance cyclically when it's ON (key is lit while ON). 17. LFO key The BEAT Module applies the LFO of constant speed to cut-off/resonance when it's ON (key is lit while ON). 18. WAVE key Selects the waveform for LFO from 4 waveforms of Triangle, Square, Sawtooth and Random. The key press toggles the waveform selected. The LED of selected waveform is lit. 19. CUTOFF key The cut-off is controlled by the Groove Modulator or Manual Trigger when ON (LED is lit while ON). It can be used with RESO key. 20. RESO key The resonance is controlled by the Groove Modulator or Manual Trigger when ON (LED is lit while ON). It can be used with the CUTOFF key. 21. DEPTH knob Sets the depth of LFO waveform/amount of envelope change that controls cut-off/resonance. The larger the LFO waveform/Envelope, the more the changes. 22. DESTINATION switch Selects the destination of Groove Modulator/Manual Trigger to either Mono or Stereo channel to control its cut-off/resonance. 23. L-R PHASE knob Adjusts the phase difference of LFO waveform between Left and Right channels (Stereo channel only). 24. INPUT knobs (Mono/Stereo channels) Adjusts the input level. This adjusts the signal level introduced to the filter module. 25. 2 POLE keys (Mono/Stereo channels) Turns 2-pole filter on/off (key is lit while ON). 26. 4 POLE keys (Mono/Stereo channels) Turns 4-pole filter on/off (key is lit while ON). 27. 8 POLE key (Mono channel only) Turns 8-pole filter on/off (key is lit while ON). 28. FILTER TYPE switches (Mono/Stereo channels) Selects the filter type from High pass, Low pass, Band pass and Notch type ( and designates down position). 4 designates up 29. CUTOFF knobs (Mono/Stereo channels) Adjusts the cut-off frequency of filter. The sound changes with the rotation of knob. 30. RESONANCE knobs (Mono/Stereo channels) Adjusts the resonance of filter. Gives sound the distinguishable character. It even oscillates when the knob is turned up too high. 3 Chapter 1 Introduction 31. LEVEL knobs (Mono/Stereo channels) Adjusts the output level of filter module. These are used to balance the Mono/Stereo outputs. 32. LINK key Enables to control the cut-off for both Mono and Stereo channels simultaneously. The CUTOFF knob on Mono channel controls both channels. The CUTOFF knob on Stereo channel is disabled when LINK is ON (LED is lit while ON). 33. INVERT key Inverts the movement of cut-off control for Mono and Stereo channels only while LINK is ena bled (LED is lit while ON). 34. PAN knob (Mono channel only) Adjusts the panning of output signal from the Mono channel filter module. 35. PHASE SHIFTER key Turns the phase shifter effect on/off. It gives sound the swirl effect/rolling effect (LED is lit while ON). The effect is applied to both Mono and Stereo channels. 36. SPEED knob (Phase Shifter) Adjusts the speed of phase shifter (swirling/rolling) effect. 37. DEPTH knob (Phase Shifter) Adjusts the depth/amount of phase shifter (swirling/rolling) effect. 38. DISTORTION key Turns the distortion effect on/off. It distorts the sound (LED is lit while ON). The effect is applied to both Mono and Stereo channels. The amount of distortion is adjusted by the INPUT and/or LEVEL knobs on Mono/Stereo channels. The output level is adjusted by the OUTPUT knob. 39. OUTPUT knob (Distortion) Adjusts the OUTPUT level of distortion effect. 40. HIGH knob (EQ) Adjusts the level of high frequency component in OUTPUT L/R and headphones. 41. LOW knob (EQ) Adjusts the level of low frequency component in OUTPUT L/R and headphones. 42. MAIN VOLUME knob Adjusts the level of OUTPUT L/R. 43. PHONES LEVEL knob Adjusts the level of headphones. 4 Chapter 1 Introduction ­ Rear Panel ­ ` d OE Æ @·d OE h~ AL rlbgJfl¨¢¯"¢B ¤ ¢ª ¢ ¢ X C ¸ "¢B 1. 2. MONO IN Input phone jack for the Mono channel. STEREO IN Two types of input connectors for the Stereo channels, 2 phone jacks and 2 RCA connectors. Both types of connectors can be used simultaneously (but without their balance control). When 3. 4. 5. Mono signal is used, connect it to L/MONO phone jack. LINE/PHONO switch Set the slide switch to PHONO side when the turntable is used. SIGNAL GND terminal Used for the signal grounding of the turntable. OUTPUT L/R Two types of output connectors for the output L/R, 2 phone jacks and 2 RCA connectors. Both types of connectors can be used simultaneously. The same signal is available on both. 6. 7. 8. 9. MIDI IN Receives the MIDI signal. MIDI OUT Sends out the MIDI signal. MIDI THRU Returns the MIDI signal received at MIDI IN terminal. AC Inlet Connects the power cord supplied. Note: This unit is equipped with the voltage selector. Be sure to check the setting, before connection. 5 Chapter 2 Basic Operation Chapter 2 Basic Operation Connections Be sure to turn all equipment off before making connections. ` d OE Æ @·d OE h~ AL rlbgJfl¨¢¯"¢B ¤ ¢ª ¢ ¢ X C ¸ "¢B SIGNAL GND PHONO MIDI OUT MONO OUT MIDI IN Synthesizer Sequencer Sequencer Turntable STEREO(L/R) Monitor Rhythm machine Signal flow MONO INPUT LEVEL FILTER PAN LEVEL PHASER OUTPUT L/R DIST EQ PHONES STEREO INPUT LEVEL FILTER LEVEL 6 Chapter 2 Basic Operation Keywords in basic operation [Filter] As the coffee filter, it separates one to pass through and the other to block. In sound application, the separation is determined by their signal frequencies. This particular criterion frequency is called as "cut-off frequency". There are several filter types of different characteristics. Low Frequency High Frequency response in original passes through filter ··· Level Level Cutoff frequency Level Cutoff frequency Low Frequency HIGH PASS High Low Frequency LOW PASS High Passes the frequency components higher than the cut-off frequency and cuts out the lower frequency components. Passes the frequency components lower than the cut-off frequency and cuts out the higher frequency components. Level Cutoff frequency Level Cutoff frequency Low Frequency BAND PASS High Low Frequency NOTCH High Passes the frequency components adjacent to the cut-off frequency and cuts out the higher and lower frequency components. Cuts out the frequency components adjacent to the cut-off frequency and passes through the higher and lower frequency components. Note: The CUTOFF knob may not change the sound character as the depth of filter notch is lessened when RESONANCE knob is turned up. [Cut-off] The point specified in frequency that determines where the filter effect takes place. The filter separates the signal, to pass or cut-out, referenced to the cut-off frequency. Changing the cut-off frequency changes the sound character. [Resonance] It accentuates the frequency components near the cut-off frequency to give sound the distinguish character. It oscillates when it's overdone. 7 Chapter 2 Basic Operation RESONANCE knob fully counter-clockwised position Level Cutoff frequency Level As the knob is turned up . . . Low Frequency High Low Frequency High [Pole] Determines the shape of cut-off curve. The larger the number, the sharper the curve. The sound character is different with different curves. (1 pole = -6dB/Octave) Note: Up to 8-pole is available on Mono channel. Frequency Cutoff frequency 2POLE ( -12dB/oct ) 4POLE ( -24dB/oct ) 8POLE ( -48dB/oct ) Filter operation ( -3dB) Let's master the operation of MFC42, confirming how the sound changes when the signal goes through the filter, in the actual application. The following is based on the connection of rhythm machine (stereo connection), but the operation of the MFC42 is the same with other devices. (Connection to rhythm machine) Connect the stereo output of the rhythm machine to the STEREO IN connectors of the MFC42. Connect the OUTPUT L/R to your sound monitor system (or connect your headphones to the headphone jack, instead). While the MAIN VOLUME is turned down, turn on the rhythm machine, the MFC42 and then your monitor system in that order. (Level adjust) Adjust the level of MFC42 while playing the rhythm machine. Turn the INPUT and LEVEL knobs on Stereo channel fully clockwise. Next, turn the MAIN VOLUME (or PHONES LEVEL for headphone) up to the appropriate level. (Panel settings) Turn the RESONANCE fully counterclockwise and the CUTOFF knob to 2 O'clock position, and set the FILTER TYPE switches to LOW PASS (both switches down) position. Now, we're all set to experiment. (Auto-tuning) As the characteristic of analog circuitry, the heat makes the filter cut-off operation unstable. With the built-in Auto-tuning function, it self-adjusts the internal filter circuit optimal. · Press the MIDI CH. and CC NUMBER keys simultaneously to start it (bars on LED flash while autotuning). Perform this auto-tuning when the unit is warmed up. 8 Chapter 2 Basic Operation Changing the sound 1. Passing the filter First, pass the input signal through the filter on the Stereo channel. Press 2 POLE key on the Stereo channel. This makes the sound of rhythm machine go through the filter. You now hear the change in sound already. 2. CUTOFF change The CUTOFF knob changes the character of sound fed through the filter. Try rotating the CUTOFF knob, paying attention to the character of sound. Now press 4 POLE and 2 POLE keys alternatively while rotating the CUTOFF knob to hear the difference by the number of poles. 3. FILTER TYPE selection FILTER TYPE, as the name implies, the type of filters is selected here by the combination of toggle switch position. Depending on the filter type selected by the combination of these switches, the way the sound change differs when the CUTOFF knob is rotated. Try selecting the different filter types while rotating the CUTOFF knob. Also, try them out with different pole selections. (Refer to Keywords in basic operation.) 4. RESONANCE change The resonance effect gives the distinguish character of metallic sound. Try rotating the RESONANCE knob. It should sound metallic as you rotate the knob. As the effect of RESONANCE changes largely on the position of CUTOFF knob, try changing the CUTOFF position when the effect of resonance is not so significant. 5. Using the effects The MFC42 has the Phase Shifter and Distortion effects unit built-in. The phase shifter gives the sound the swirl or roll effect. The distortion effect distorts the sound. Turn the PHASE SHIFTER on and adjust the SPEED and DEPTH knobs. Hear how the sound changes with the various CUTOFF and FILTER TYPE settings. Turn the DISTORTION on and check its effect, also. The output level of distortion is adjusted by the OUTPUT knob. The amount of distortion is adjusted by the INPUT and/or LEVEL knobs on Mono/Stereo channele. These two effects can be used simultaneously. 6. Adjusting the EQ The MFC42 is equipped with the 2-band EQ. Adjust the tone of sound to your taste with the HIGH/ LOW knobs. The operation on Stereo channel has been explained above. The operation on Mono channel is basically the same with the following few exceptions. · The PAN knob is available for panning adjustment. · The selection of up to 8 POLE is available. 9 Chapter 3 Advanced Operations Chapter 3 Advanced Operations Keywords in advanced operation [LFO] The LFO stands for the Low Frequency Oscillator. The LFO waveform is used to control the pitch, level and character of sound cyclically. In the MFC42, the LFO is applied to the cut-off/resonance to change the character of sound cyclically. Also, the waveform of LFO changes the way it changes the sound character. Applying LFO to Cutoff/Resonance . . . Slow In Cutoff L F O s p e e d Fast LFO ON LFO waveform apply this to cutoff . . . 1 cycle Frequency LFO OFF 1 cycle Cutoff frequency 1 cycle Time The LFO speed means the length of waveform. The cutoff frequency changes along the LFO waveform. [Envelope] It's the parameter that changes the pitch, level and character of sound in time span. In the MFC42, it is applied to the cut-off/resonance to change the sound in time. The A/D/S/R knobs adjust the shape of envelope. Slow Trigger timing of Envelope Adjusting trigger timing of Envelope . . . Applying Envelope to Cutoff/Resonance . . . In Cutoff When Envelope of this ADSR setting is triggered . . . Trigger timing Fast Frequency Note OFF In Envelope, it adjusts the duration between Envelopes, not like the cycle length in LFO. The ADSR knobs adjust the shape of Envelope. When Envelopes overlap as the duration is set too short, the following envelope resets the previous one. When Envelope is triggered by the Groove Modulator described later, the shape of Envelope becomes as shown above since the sustain time is zero. Refer also to [ADSR] on next page. Cutoff frequency Time Note ON 10 Chapter 3 Advanced Operations [ADSR] The ADSR stands for the Attack time, Decay time, Sustain level and Release time of the envelope. In the example of keyboard instrument, the Attack time is the time between the key press and the time it takes to reach the maximum sound level. The Decay time is the time it takes to reach reach to the sustain level from the maximum level. The Sustain level is the level while the Changes Note OFF Sustain level (S) Attack time Decay time (A) (D) Note ON Release time (R) Time key is held pressed. The Release time is the time between the key is released and the sound diminished. As in the above example, the envelope is often used change the sound level in time span. In the MFC42, the ADSR envelope is applied to the cut-off/resonance to change the sound character in time span. Note: When the envelope is triggered by the Groove Modulator, described later, the envelope becomes as the waveform shown at "Adjusting the trigger timing of envelope" on the previous page since the sustain time (the time the key is held) is not programmable. Similarly, in the Manual Trigger operation, the sustain time is the time the TRIGGER key being held. Groove Modulator What is the Groove Modulator? In order to control the cut-off and/or resonance and change the sound character cyclically, it requires the setting of "speed", "way" and "amount" of change. The section that does all these is called the Groove Modulator and consists of the BEAT module, LFO/ENVELOPE module and DEPTH module. GROOVE MODULATOR BEAT MODULE MIDI/TAP/RATE (Speed of change) CUTOFF LFO/ENVELOPE (Way of change) RESONANCE DEPTH (Amount of change) BEAT module (speed of change) This is the module that sets the speed of LFO and the trigger timing of envelope. It consists of MIDI CLOCK SYNC, TAP TEMPO and RATE modules. One of them is selected to control the speed and timing. LFO/ENVELOPE (way of change) This module sets the way the cut-off/resonance is changed. The sound is changed according to the shape of LFO/Envelope specified (either one of LFO or Envelope is selectable, but not both). DEPTH (amount of change) This module sets the magnitude of LFO waveform or the depth of envelope. The magnitude of waveform or the depth corresponds to the amount of change. 11 Chapter 3 Advanced Operations Control the cut-off cyclically with Groove Modulator (TAP TEMPO) Cut-off control with LFO We're going to explain how to control the cut-off by the Groove Modulator with the rhythm machine connected (stereo connection). Follow the steps below while playing back the rhythm machine. Preparation Turn on the LFO, CUTOFF and 2 POLE (Stereo channel) keys. Set the FILTER TYPE as LOW PASS and set the CUTOFF and RESONANCE knobs to 12 O'clock position. Be sure to set the DESTINATION switch to Stereo channel (down position). ON ON ON Procedure 1. LFO speed setting (speed of change) Set the LFO speed with TAP TEMPO and BEAT keys. Press the TAP TEMPO key twice in sync to the rhythm (default tempo setting is 120BPM). The fine adjustment of tempo can be made with +/­ keys. Select the note pressing the BEAT key. Pressing the BEAT key toggles the note selected. Select the crotchet note for the time being (it can be changed Tempo entry Press the key twice. The tempo is calculated by the time between the first key press and the next. The tempo entered is shown on the 7-seg LED. later). The length of this note is the length (1 cycle) of the LFO waveform. (Refer to the Keyword in advanced operation.) 2. LFO waveform selection (way of change) Selects the LFO waveform here to specify how the cut-off changes. Press WAVE key to select the waveform. The key press toggles the waveform selection. Select the "Triangle" for this example. 3. LFO magnitude setting (amount of change) Rotate the DEPTH knob to adjust the magnitude of LFO waveform. The sound begins to change as the DEPTH knob is rotated to + (or ­) side. For easier understanding of sound change, turn the knob fully clockwise here. Note: When the DEPTH is set at 0, no change is observed as the magnitude of waveform is set to zero. Knob position 0 + In LFO Cutoff frequency (DEPTH knob 0) ­ By this step, the sound is changed cyclically synced to the rhythm. 12