User manual ALESIS DATADISK

ALESIS Data Disk Reference Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 2 FEATURES................................................................................................................ 2 HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL ................................................................................... 3 SECTION 1 DATADISK QUICK START............................................................................... 4 TO FORMAT A DISK ................................................................................................. 4 RECEIVING ONE MIDI DATA FILE FOR STORAGE................................................. 4 RECEIVING MULTIPLE MIDI DATA FILES FOR STORAGE..................................... 4 SENDING A SINGLE STORED FILE ......................................................................... 5 SENDING MULTIPLE STORED FILES ...................................................................... 5 SECTION 2 DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS ....................................................................... 6 FRONT PANEL.......................................................................................................... 6 3 1/2" DISK DRIVE ........................................................................................ 6 LCD DISPLAY ............................................................................................... 6 SCROLL........................................................................................................ 6 NAME............................................................................................................ 6 RECEIVE ...................................................................................................... 6 SEND ............................................................................................................ 6 DELETE ........................................................................................................ 6 BACKUP ....................................................................................................... 7 DO/YES......................................................................................................... 7 REQUEST..................................................................................................... 7 INFO ............................................................................................................. 7 MIDI .............................................................................................................. 7 FORMAT ....................................................................................................... 7 POWER ........................................................................................................ 7 BACKPANEL ............................................................................................................. 7 MIDI IN.......................................................................................................... 8 MIDI OUT ...................................................................................................... 8 POWER ........................................................................................................ 8 DATADISK FRONT AND BACK PANEL .................................................................... 9 SECTION 3 INTERFACING DATADISK............................................................................... 10 DATADISK CONNECTED TO A SINGLE MIDI DEVICE............................................ 10 HANDSHAKING ............................................................................................ 10 DATADISK USED TO STORE HR-16/MMT-8 SEQUENCES..................................... 12 DATADISK IN A MORE COMPLEX MIDI SETUP ...................................................... 13 SECTION 4 DATADISK FUNCTIONS .................................................................................. 14 THEORY OF OPERATION ........................................................................................ 14 SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE................................................................................... 14 RECEIVE MODES......................................................................................... 14 SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS......................................................................................... 15 RECEIVE MIDI DATA FUNCTION................................................................. 16 RECV ONE SYSEX .......................................................................... 16 RECV MULT SYSEX......................................................................... 16 SEND MIDI DATA FUNCTIONS .................................................................... 16 SEND FILE XXXXXX YYYYYY ZZZZZZZZ ....................................... 16 SEND ALL FILES.............................................................................. 16 DELETE FILE FROM DISK FUNCTION ........................................................ 17 DEL NNNKXXXXXX YYYYYY ZZZZZZZZ ............................ 17 DELETE ALL FILES.......................................................................... 17 DISK BACKUP FUNCTIONS......................................................................... 17 BACKUP XXXXXX YYYYYY ZZZZZZZZ ........................................... 17 BACKUP ALL FILES ......................................................................... 18 BACKUP TO MIDI............................................................................. 18 REQUEST FUNCTION.................................................................................. 18 REQUEST SAMPLE DUMP XX ........................................................ 18 REQUEST SYSEX FOR YYYYYY .................................................... 18 DISK INFO FUNCTION ................................................................................. 19 XX FILES = ZZZ% YYY Kbytes free.................................................. 19 NNNNN XXXXXX YYYYYY ZZZZZZZZ ............................................. 19 SOFTWARE VERSION .................................................................... 19 MIDI FUNCTIONS ......................................................................................... 19 MIDI ECHO....................................................................................... 19 RCV PROGRAM CHANGE ............................................................... 20 FORMAT DISK FUNCTION........................................................................... 20 NAME FILE FUNCTION ................................................................................ 20 RENAME XXXXXX YYYYYY ZZZZZZZZ........................................... 20 SELECT CHARACTER ..................................................................... 20 DISK STATUS AND INFO MESSAGES..................................................................... 20 NO DISK IN DRIVE ....................................................................................... 21 DISK UNFORMATTED.................................................................................. 21 DISK WRITE PROTECTED........................................................................... 22 DISK EMPTY................................................................................................. 22 DISK FULL .................................................................................................... 22 OPERATION ABORTED ............................................................................... 22 DUPLICATE FILE NAME............................................................................... 23 MAXIMUM NUMBER OF FILES .................................................................... 23 NOT ENOUGH DISK SPACE ........................................................................ 23 MIDI OVERFLOW TRY RECV MULT ............................................................ 23 ERROR IN SYSEX ERROR ON DISK ........................................................... 23 TARGET UNIT NOT RESPONDING ............................................................. 24 SECTION 5 OPERATION ..................................................................................................... 25 TO FORMAT A DISK ................................................................................................. 25 TO RECEIVE A FILE ................................................................................................. 26 TO RECEIVE MULTIPLE FILES ................................................................................ 27 TO REQUEST A DUMP............................................................................................. 28 PRODUCT SPECIFIC DUMP REQUEST................................................................... 29 TO RENAME A FILE.................................................................................................. 30 TO SEND A FILE ....................................................................................................... 31 TO SEND ALL FILES................................................................................................. 32 TO DELETE (ERASE) A FILE FROM DISK ............................................................... 33 TO DELETE (ERASE) ALL FILES FROM DISK ......................................................... 34 TO SET MIDI ECHO .................................................................................................. 35 TO SET UP A MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE ................................................................. 35 TO DISPLAY AVAILABLE DISK SPACE.................................................................... 36 TO DISPLAY FILE INFORMATION............................................................................ 36 TO BACKUP A FILE .................................................................................................. 37 TO BACKUP AN ENTIRE DISK ................................................................................. 39 TO BACKUP AN ENTIRE DISK OVER MIDI TO ANOTHER DATADISK ................... 40 SECTION 6 REAL-TIME MIDI SEQUENCE PLAYBACK ..................................................... 41 TO RECEIVE A MIDI SEQUENCE ................................................................ 41 TO SEND A MIDI SEQUENCE...................................................................... 43 SYNCING DATADISK TO A SEQUENCER................................................... 44 APPLICATIONS ............................................................................................ 47 STORAGE OF DATADISK MIDI SETUP PER DISK ..................................... 48 TO STORE THE DATADISK......................................................................... 48 SECTION 7 APPENDEX....................................................................................................... 49 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................... 49 PROBLEM SAVING TO DISK ....................................................................... 49 RECEIVING INSTRUMENT WON'T RECEIVE.............................................. 49 SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................... 51 BOOKS ON MIDI ....................................................................................................... 52 VIDEOS ON MIDI ...................................................................................................... 52 Alesis DATADISK Direct MIDI to Disk/Universal Data Storage USERS MANUAL INTRODUCTION Alesis DATADISK Direct MIDI to Disk /Universal Data Storage INTRODUCTION The DATADISK is a real-time MIDI data storage and retrieval unit capable of storing 800K bytes of data onto a 3 1/2" floppy diskette. Unlike similar units which store data to a large RAM (Random Access Memory) buffer before processing, data in DATADISK is stored and retrieved directly from disk so there is no waiting for large RAM buffers to fill. The disk functions are used to transfer data between the disk drive and MIDI. Because the disk size is fixed, data can not exceed 800K bytes. Each disk can hold 53 MIDI data files, but the total size of the data cannot exceed the maximum disk size, or 800K. As an additional benefit, DATADISK is universal in that it will read virtually all manufacturers system exclusive data without updating software. A large 16 character by 2 line LCD display is fitted to make the functions and operations faster, easier, and less cryptic. FEATURES --Instantly expands memory of any synthesizer or sequencer, drum machine, or effects processor --Easier, safer, and faster than tape backup --Will store MIDI System Exclusive data from virtually any manufacturer --Uses standard 3 1/2" floppy diskettes --Stores up to 800K of data per disk --SEND ALL command allows sending stored data to all MIDI devices in your systems at once INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL Since a musician's time is better spent making music than reading manuals, we've tried to make this manual not only easy to use, but also fast and easy to find things when you need to. Therefore, the manual is broken down to 6 major sections, of which Section 5 will be probably be referred to the most. They are: SECTION 1 - QUICKSTART This section tells you how to use the most frequently needed operations. If you have to use your DATADISK now but don't have the time to read the entire manual, Section 1 will quickly guide you through. SECTION 2 - DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS This section gives a brief explanation of all front panel and rear panel controls and indicators. SECTION 3 - INTERFACING DATADISK Section 3 deals with the interfacing of DATADISK to another MIDI device or into a MIDI system. SECTION 4 - DATADISK FUNCTIONS Section 4 gives an overview of the software functions and pages of DATADISK . SECTION 5 - OPERATION This section will probably be the most used part of the manual as it describes how to execute every function in a step by step manner. Actual display readouts of DATADISK are also included. SECTION 6 - REAL-TIME MIDI SEQUENCE PLAYBACK This section decribes the DataDisk's Real-Time MIDI sequence recording and playback functions. SECTION 7 - APPENDIX Section 6 provides a simple troubleshooting guide and operational specifications for DATADISK. 3 SECTION 1 SECTION 1 DATADISK QUICK START TO FORMAT A DISK DATADISK will use any standard 3 1/2" double sided, double density floppy diskette, but first the disk must be customized for use in DATADISK . This is called "Formatting". 1) Insert Disk 2) Press the FORMAT button. "FORMAT DISK?". The display will read: 3) Press the DO/YES button. The display will read: "ARE YOU SURE?" 4) Press the DO/YES button again to initiate formatting. DATADISK will proceed to format the disk and will tell you what its doing. 5) When formatting is complete, the display will return to "FORMAT DISK?" once again. You can now begin a Receive operation by pressing the RECEIVE button. RECEIVING ONE MIDI DATA FILE FOR STORAGE 1) Press the RECEIVE button. The display will read "RECV ONE SYSEX: WAITING FOR DATA". 2) Send the MIDI exclusive file from the sequencer, synthesizer, or sampler. The display will tell you that it's receiving the data. 3) When the transmission is complete, the DATADISK will display that the file has been stored and assign a file number. RECEIVING MULTIPLE MIDI DATA FILES FOR STORAGE 1) Press the RECEIVE button twice. The display will read "RECV MULT SYSEX: WAITING FOR DATA". QUICK START 2) Send the MIDI exclusive files from the sequencer, synthesizer, or sampler. The display will tell you that it's receiving the data. 3) At the end of the data transmission, the DATADISK will ask if the file is complete. Send more data or press the YES button to store all of the data received into one file. SENDING A SINGLE STORED FILE 1) Press the SEND button. The display will show a file. 2) Press SCROLL UP or SCROLL DOWN button until the desired program is displayed. 3) Press the DO/YES button to send the program. PLEASE NOTE: Files are displayed alphabetically by manufacturer, product, and user name. SENDING MULTIPLE STORED FILES 1) Press the SEND button twice. The display will ask "SEND ALL FILES?". 2) Press the DO/YES button to begin transmission of the files. The display will show each file as it is sent. 5 SECTION 2 SECTION 2 DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS FRONT PANEL 3 1/2" DISK DRIVE The disk drive accepts standard double sided, double density (DD) 3 1/2" floppy diskettes, the same as those used in many synthesizers, samplers, and computers. Each disk will store up to 53 MIDI data files as long as the total size of file data does not exceed a maximum of 800K. LCD DISPLAY The LCD Display shows the current DATADISK operating status and allows you to view files stored on the diskette. The display features 2 lines of up to 16 characters each. SCROLL The SCROLL buttons are used to view either the files of a diskette, select a file, digit, or character, or abort an operation. NAME The NAME button is used to enter the character editing mode and allows you to name or rename a file. RECEIVE The RECEIVE button is used to enter the Receive MIDI Data mode. In this mode, the DATADISK is able to receive either a single MIDI system exclusive file, multiple system exclusive files (up to the limit of available diskette space), or a MIDI Sample Dump. SEND The SEND button is used to send data stored on a diskette to either a sequencer, synthesizer, or sampler, through MIDI. Either a single or multiple files can be sent. DELETE The DELETE button is used to erase an unwanted file or files from a diskette. CAUTION: Once a file is deleted, it is lost forever! DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS BACKUP The BACKUP button is used to copy either a single file or multiple files of a diskette onto another for safety purposes. This is known as "Backing Up" the diskette. DO/YES The DO/YES button is used to initiate all operations of the DATADISK , and to select any choices which might appear in the display. The DO/YES button is actually a fail safe, giving the user a final choice to either initiate or abort any previously selected operation. REQUEST The REQUEST button allows the user to request sample or program bulk dumps from a MIDI device that requires a request before it can send MIDI data. When the DO/YES button is pressed, the transfer is handled as in the Receive MIDI data function. INFO This button is used to display information about the diskette currently inserted in the disk drive. The information displayed in the first page will be the number of files stored on the diskette, the percentage of memory used, and the amount of free space available on the diskette. The second page will show each individual file name and the number of bytes in each file (see Section 4). A third page will show the DATADISK software version. MIDI The MIDI button is used to set the MIDI output of the DATADISK to echo the data received at the MIDI input. MIDI ECHO ON sets the MIDI output to operate as a MIDI THRU port. MIDI ECHO OFF sets the MIDI output to send only MIDI file data initiated from the front panel of the DATADISK . A second page selects if the DATADISK is to receive program change information (for initiating sending files from the DATADISK ) and on which MIDI channel. FORMAT The FORMAT button is used to prepare an unformatted diskette (a diskette that hasn't been especially adapted for DATADISK) for use by the DATADISK. POWER The POWER button turns the DATADISK on or off. 7 SECTION 2 BACKPANEL MIDI IN The MIDI IN jack is used to receive MIDI data from a sequencer, sampler, synthesizer, or effects processor for storage on diskette. MIDI OUT The MIDI OUT jack is used to send MIDI file data to a sequencer, synthesizer, or sampler. This jack can also be selected to function as a MIDI THRU jack so that it echo's an exact copy of what is being received by the MIDI IN jack. POWER The POWER jack is a 4 pin DIN jack which connects to the outboard 9 VAC power transformer. DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS DATADISK FRONT AND BACK PANEL DISK DRIVE SCROLL DISPLAY RECEIVE NAME SEND BACKUP POWER DELETE DO/YES SCROLL INFO MIDI REQUEST FORMAT POWER MIDI IN MIDI OUT/THRU FIGURE 1 9 SECTION 3 SECTION 3 INTERFACING DATADISK DATADISK CONNECTED TO A SINGLE MIDI DEVICE Set-up of the DATADISK is simplicity itself. Simply connect the MIDI Out of the synthesizer, sequencer, effects processor, or other MIDI device that is to send system exclusive data, to the MIDI In of DATADISK. To off-load data, connect the MIDI Out of DATADISK to the MIDI Input of the MIDI device that will be receiving the data. HAND-SHAKING Although most MIDI devices that are capable of dumping data to DATADISK will only need one MIDI cable at a time when using DATADISK (MIDI device Out to DATADISK In for a dump; DATADISK Out to MIDI device In for an up-load), there is some earlier MIDI equipment that requires both cables to be connected for operation. This is because the MIDI device must Handshake with DATADISK. When such a MIDI device is in the receive or up-load mode, DATADISK may be able to send data faster than the MIDI device is able to process it. In order to give itself a chance to catch up with the transmission, the MIDI device sends out a command to stop the transmission (the "Handshake"), then after it has caught up, it sends out another command to begin transmission again. INTERFACING DATADISK FIGURE 2 A/B DATADISK WITH A SINGLE MIDI DEVICE A. WITH HANDSHAKING B. WITHOUT HANDSHAKING 11 SECTION 3 FIGURE A. WITH HANDSHAKING Alesis MMT-8 sequencer, synthesizer, sampler, or other MIDI device MIDI IN MIDI OUT MIDI OUT MIDI IN DATADISK FIGURE B. WITHOUT HANDSHAKING Alesis MMT-8 sequencer, synthesizer, sampler, or other MIDI device MIDI IN MIDI OUT DATADISK INTERFACING DATADISK DATADISK USED TO STORE HR-16/HR-16:B, MMT-8 SEQUENCES In the setup shown below, DATADISK sends System Exclusive data to the HR-16, which has been set to echo System Exclusive information received at its MIDI Input and send it back out of its MIDI Output (see HR-16 manual for specific instructions). The data is then sent to the MMT-8's MIDI Input. FIGURE 3 DATADISK USED TO STORE HR-16/MMT-8 SEQUENCES MIDI THRU MIDI IN HR-16/HR-16:B Drum Machine Tone Module MIDI OUT MIDI OUT MMT-8 MIDI Sequencer MIDI OUT DATADISK 13 SECTION 3 DATADISK IN A MORE COMPLEX MIDI SETUP If you are using DATADISK with a number of other MIDI devices, you may wish to use a programmable MIDI patcher to route their MIDI inputs and outputs to DATADISK's MIDI input and output. This will enable you to perform loads and dumps to and from any or all of your MIDI devices without having to manually change any of your connections. FIGURE 4 DATADISK IN A MORE COMPLEX MIDI SETUP DATADISK In Out In QuadraVerb/MIDIVERB III Tone Module Out Out In Out In Tone Module Out MMT-8 MIDI Sequencer HR-16/HR-16:B Drum Machine In Tone Module Out MIDI Switcher/Patchbay Out In In Out In DATADISK ALL CONNECTIONS ARE MIDI DATADISK FUNCTIONS SECTION 4 DATADISK FUNCTIONS THEORY OF OPERATION SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE DATADISK is able to work because the data is stored in the form of System Exclusive (or sysex) files. System Exclusive is the unique way that each manufacturer identifies its own particular data. This allows data from one manufacturers equipment not to be mistaken for another manufacturers when it is sent and stored. When DATADISK is in the Receive mode, either the first byte, or the first three bytes, of information received is the manufacturer ID. In most cases,DATADISK will identify both the brand and model of the equipment that it receives the system exclusive data from. If the data is from an unknown manufacturer, DATADISK will display "ID xxH" for 1 byte IDs or "xxxxxx" for 3-byte ids (where xx or xxxxxx is the manufacturer ID number in hexidecimal) instead of the manufacturer's name. This will not confuse how the data is stored by DATADISK, or loaded by the unknown piece of equipment, however. RECEIVE MODES DATADISK normally receives data in the Receive One Sysex mode. After the manufacturer ID bytes identify the unit, DATADISK begins storing data to disk and continues until it receives an End System Exclusive command. Some synthesizers or MIDI devices will send multiple messages, one after the other, which DATADISK will recognize and still save under the same file as long as there is no more than 1/2 second delay between the end of one message and the beginning of the next. If there is more than 1/2 second but less than 1 second, then DATADISK will have stored the first file but will not have had enough time to store the directory of that file before the next set of MIDI messages arrive. When this occurs, DATADISK will display "MIDI OVERFLOW" and suggest that you use Receive Mult mode. 15