User manual RME BS3X

User Manual V1.2 Special Message Section This product utilizes batteries or an external power supply (adapter). Do NOT connect this product to any power supply or adapter other than one described in the manual, on the product, or specifically recommended by CME. WARNING: Do not place this product in a position where anyone could walk on, trip over, or roll anything over power or connecting cords of any kind. The use of an extension cord is not recommended! If you must use an extension cord, make sure that the cord has the ability to handle maximum current needed by this product. Please consult a local electrician when possible. This product should be used only with the components supplied or recommended by CME. When used with any components, please observe all safety markings and instructions that accompany the accessory product. SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, CME reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update existing units. This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speaker(s), may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do NOT operate for long periods of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist. IMPORTANT: The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before damage occurs. Some CME products may have stands and/or accessory mounting fixtures that are either supplied with the product or as optional accessories. Some of these items are designed to be dealer assembled or installed. Please make sure that stands are stable and any optional fixtures (where applicable) are well secured BEFORE using. Stands supplied by CME are designed for the respect products only. No other uses are recommended. NOTICE: Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or effect works (when the unit is operating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, and are therefore the owners responsibility. Please study this manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: CME strives to produce products that are both user safe and environmentally friendly. We sincerely believe that our products and the production methods used to produce them, meet these goals. In keeping with both the letter and the spirit of the law, we want you to be aware of the following: Battery Notice: This product MAY contain a small non-rechargeable battery which (if applicable) is soldered in place. The average life span of this type of battery is approximately five years. When replacement becomes necessary, contact a qualified service representative to perform the replacement. This product may also use "household" type batteries. Some of these may be rechargeable. Make sure that the battery being charged is a rechargeable type and that the charger is intended for the battery being charged. When installing batteries, do not mix batteries with new, or with batteries of different type. Batteries MUST be installed correctly. Mismatches of incorrect installation may result in overheating and battery case rupture. Warning: Do not attempt to disassemble, or incinerate any battery. Keep all batteries away from children. Dispose of used batteries promptly and as regulated by the laws in your area. Note: Check with any retailer of household type batteries in your area for battery disposal information. Disposal Notice: Should this product become damaged beyond repair, or for some reason its useful life is considered to be at an end, please observe all local, state, and federal regulations that relate to the disposal of products that contain lead, batteries, plastics, etc. If your dealer is unable to assist you, please contact CME directly. FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A) IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by CME may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product use only high quality shielded cables. Cable(s) supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions. Failure to follow instructions could void your FCC authorization to use this product in the USA. NOTE: This product 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 environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to the instructions found in the users manual, may cause interference harmful to the operation of other electronic devices. Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee that interference will not occur in all installations. If this product is found to be the source of interference, which can be determined by turning the unit "OFF" and "ON", please try to eliminate the problems by using one of the following measures: - Relocate either this product or the device that is being affected by the interference. - Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker or fuse) circuits or install AC line filter(s). - In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change the lead-in to co-axial type cable. If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory results, please contact the local retailer authorized to distribute this type of product. If you cannot locate the appropriate retailer, please contact CME. The above statements apply ONLY to those products distributed in the USA. Table of contents SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION .........................................................................................................................2 FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A) .............................................................................................................................3 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................7 THE BITSTREAM 3X ..........................................................................................................................................7 TERMINOLOGY ..................................................................................................................................................8 INSTALLATION OF THE DRIVERS AND SOFTWARE...............................................................................9 GETTING STARTED WITH THE BITSTREAM 3X.......................................................................................9 CONNECTION TO A COMPUTER ..................................................................................................................................9 CONNECTION WITHOUT A COMPUTER .....................................................................................................................10 DESCRIPTION OF THE FRONT AND REAR PANELS OF THE BITSTREAM 3X.................................................................11 FRONT: TYPE OF CONTROLS AND NUMBERING ........................................................................................................11 DESCRIPTION OF THE LCD SCREEN ........................................................................................................................13 The LCD Screen in « Normal Mode » ..........................................................................................................13 REAR PANEL: DESCRIPTION OF THE INPUTS AND OUTPUTS ......................................................................................14 THE EXPANSION PORT...................................................................................................................................14 OPERATING MODES OF THE BITSTREAM 3X .........................................................................................15 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STANDARD MODE AND USER MODE ..................................................................................15 STANDARD MODE...................................................................................................................................................15 PROPELLERHEADS REASON MODE..........................................................................................................................15 USER MODE............................................................................................................................................................15 CONFIGURATION AND USAGE OF THE BITSTREAM 3X ......................................................................16 THE RIBBON CONTROLLER .....................................................................................................................................16 THE CROSS-FADER .................................................................................................................................................17 THE JOYSTICK.........................................................................................................................................................17 SELECTION OF THE «CURRENT FUNCTION» ............................................................................................................18 Role of the up-down buttons and the encoder ............................................................................................18 SELECTION OF THE GROUP ......................................................................................................................................19 SELECTION OF THE MIDI CHANNEL ........................................................................................................................19 SELECTION OF THE SCENE MEMORIES .....................................................................................................................20 ANALOG BEHAVIOUR ..............................................................................................................................................20 DIGITAL BEHAVIOUR ..............................................................................................................................................21 CURVE MODELS......................................................................................................................................................22 MIDI AND USB INPUTS ..........................................................................................................................................23 MIDI AND USB OUTPUTS ......................................................................................................................................24 Complete Schematic Of the MIDI and USB Routing.............................................................................................25 CHAIN OF CONTROLS..............................................................................................................................................26 Example of Usage ...........................................................................................................................................26 ASSIGNING MIDI EVENTS TO THE CONTROLS OF THE BITSTREAM 3X........................................26 STANDARD VERSUS USER MODE ............................................................................................................................26 USING THE CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE ................................................................................................................26 USING THE « ASSIGN » MENUS ...............................................................................................................................27 CONFIGURATION OF THE CONTROLS OF THE BITSTREAM 3X...................................................................................28 MIDI events associated with the Standard mode .......................................................................................28 MIDI events associated with User mode......................................................................................................28 The common parameters in Standard and User modes ...........................................................................29 Selection of MIDI and USB Outputs ...............................................................................................................................29 "Auto-send".....................................................................................................................................................................29 Exclusion of a control of scene memories......................................................................................................................29 Digital Behaviour ............................................................................................................................................................30 The parameters dedicated to Standard mode ............................................................................................30 The parameters dedicated to User mode ....................................................................................................30 Min & Max values ...........................................................................................................................................................30 Selection of the MIDI Delay............................................................................................................................................31 Curve Models .................................................................................................................................................................31 Checksum Management for exclusive systems .............................................................................................................31 Chaining the Controls.....................................................................................................................................................32 Alphanumeric LCD Chain...............................................................................................................................................32 MIDI Channel .................................................................................................................................................................33 MIDI String .....................................................................................................................................................................33 Control value positions 1 & 2 .........................................................................................................................................34 Split control value ...........................................................................................................................................................34 Number of the CC or Note .............................................................................................................................................30 THE TRANSPORT BAR ....................................................................................................................................35 CONFIGURATION.....................................................................................................................................................35 SYNCHRONIZATION OF THE BITSTREAM 3X............................................................................................................35 USAGE OF STANDARD BUTTONS ..............................................................................................................................36 SCENE MEMORIES...........................................................................................................................................37 GOAL ......................................................................................................................................................................37 RESTITUTION OF SCENES.........................................................................................................................................37 SAVING THE SCENES ...............................................................................................................................................38 AUTOMATIONS .................................................................................................................................................38 KNOBS AND BUTTONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AUTOMATIONS ................................................................................38 Functions of the controls associated with automations .............................................................................39 WAVEFORMS GENERATOR: LOW FREQUENCY OSCILLATOR...................................................................................39 Goal ...................................................................................................................................................................39 Selection of the Waveform.............................................................................................................................39 Output Amplitude.............................................................................................................................................39 Adjustment of the frequency and synchronization......................................................................................40 Synchronization of the LFO from the internal or external MIDI clock ......................................................40 Adjustment of the offset value .......................................................................................................................41 ARPPEGGIATOR.......................................................................................................................................................43 Goal ...................................................................................................................................................................43 Rhythm..............................................................................................................................................................43 Accent ...............................................................................................................................................................43 Gate...................................................................................................................................................................43 Melody...............................................................................................................................................................44 Transpose.........................................................................................................................................................44 Range................................................................................................................................................................44 Resolution.........................................................................................................................................................44 Direction............................................................................................................................................................44 Modes and synchronization ...........................................................................................................................45 Velocity .............................................................................................................................................................46 Swing.................................................................................................................................................................46 Offset.................................................................................................................................................................46 Channel.............................................................................................................................................................46 MOTION SAMPLER ..................................................................................................................................................49 Goal ...................................................................................................................................................................49 Recording a Sequence ...................................................................................................................................50 Restitution of a sequence...............................................................................................................................51 SYNC-24 OUTPUT..............................................................................................................................................53 GOAL ......................................................................................................................................................................53 ELECTRICAL SIGNALS GENERATED ........................................................................................................................54 NAVIGATION OF THE MENUS......................................................................................................................54 PRINCIPLES OF NAVIGATION ...................................................................................................................................54 HIERARCHY OF THE MENUS (SUMMARY)................................................................................................................56 OTHER USEFUL FUNCTIONS ........................................................................................................................60 SHIFT KEY .............................................................................................................................................................60 Blocking MIDI Data .........................................................................................................................................60 Blocking Bitstream 3X MIDI Channel insertion ...........................................................................................60 Access to supplementary digital controls.....................................................................................................60 Increasing the range of value changes ........................................................................................................60 Access to multiplexed parameters................................................................................................................60 INITIALISATION OF THE BITSTREAM 3X ..................................................................................................................61 REGULATING THE CONTRAST ..................................................................................................................................61 UPDATING THE FIRMWARE......................................................................................................................................62 REVERSAL OF THE VIDEO MODE ..............................................................................................................................63 USAGE EXAMPLES OF THE BITSTREAM 3X ............................................................................................64 USAGE WITH A SYNTHESIZER SOFTWARE ................................................................................................................64 Propellerheads Reason (before V3,0)..........................................................................................................64 Ableton Live......................................................................................................................................................66 DEFINITION OF THE EXCLUSIVE SYSTEMS OF THE BITSTREAM 3X .............................................68 GENERAL FORMAT OF EXCLUSIVE SYSTEMS ...........................................................................................................68 LIST OF THE GLOBAL PARAMETERS ACCESSIBLE VIA SYSEXS..................................................................................70 Example of communication ................................................................................................................................72 DEFINITION OF MIDI DATA ASSIGN ACCESSIBLE VIA SYSEXS .................................................................................72 DEFINITION OF THE LCD ASSIGN DATA ACCESSIBLE VIA SYSEXS ...........................................................................74 MIDI OVERVIEW ..............................................................................................................................................75 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................75 NUMBERS AND CONVENTIONS ................................................................................................................................75 MIDI HARDWARE INTERFACE .................................................................................................................................75 MIDI DATA FORMAT...............................................................................................................................................75 CHANNEL MESSAGES ..............................................................................................................................................76 MODE .....................................................................................................................................................................76 VOICE .....................................................................................................................................................................76 SYSTEM MESSAGES .................................................................................................................................................76 COMMON ................................................................................................................................................................76 REAL-TIME .............................................................................................................................................................76 SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE ...............................................................................................................................................77 ADDITIONAL STATUS NOTES ...................................................................................................................................77 RUNNING STATUS ...................................................................................................................................................77 UNDEFINED AND UNIMPLEMENTED STATUS ............................................................................................................77 Table 1: MIDI byte value summary ...............................................................................................................78 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS................................................................................................................80 USER MANUAL Introduction Congratulations, you have just purchased a MIDI Controller from Wave Idea: the Bitstream 3X. The Bitstream 3X is a part of the latest generation of high performance MIDI controllers dedicated to use in home studios or on stage. Featuring all the required inputs and outputs for the applications below, the Bitstream 3X was developed with the musician in mind to give him all the necessary controls to get maximum usage out of the latest software or MIDI compatible material. We made this user manual as complete as possible, and if you need more information check the website of Wave Idea: www.waveidea.com, or contact the support team at:support@waveidea.com The Bitstream 3X The Bitstream 3X is an entirely advanced programmable universal MIDI controller, designed for both amateur and experienced users. It offers a large number of controls of all types (sliders, buttons, joystick, ribbon controller ...) allowing maximum usage of the machine or software to which it is connected. Besides a MIDI controller, the Bitstream 3X gives you many necessary automations for on stage use (arppeggiator, LFO, motion sampler...); allowing to automate the release of MIDI notes and events. V 1.2 - Page 7 USER MANUAL Terminology The terms below are widely used throughout this manual, and we explain them here to make sure their exact meanings are understood in order to make this manual clearer. Analog Arppeggiator Assignable Assignation Control change CC Control Digital Download Driver Firmware Footswitch Global Group Hook Jump LCD LFO MMC Note On/Off NVM Push Scene Slider Sync-24 Sysex Toggle Upload User Controls of which values can vary from 0 to 127 (as opposed to digital controls) Feature allowing the generation of MIDI notes depending on user parameters input Controls of the Bitstream 3X which can generate MIDI events MIDI configuration of a Bitstream 3X control Standard MIDI event recognized by any MIDI device or software Any knob, slider, button Two states of control (on/off), as opposed to analog control Action to send a new assign configuration to the Bitstream 3X Program that allows to a computer to recognize the Bitstream 3X Embedded software of the Bitstream 3X, also called OS Digital input allowing the connection of an external pedal Bitstream 3X parameter which doesn't correspond to an assignation Set of configured controls of the Bitstream 3X Controls behaviour that avoids `jumps' of their values when changing from one group to another Control behaviour that reflects the physical value of the control Display of the Bitstream 3X Low Frequency Oscillator MIDI Machine Control : transport function MIDI events, allowing synchronization MIDI Message controlling musical notes « Non volatile memory » : internal memory of the Bitstream 3X, allowing you to save your configuration even without it being powered Digital control behaviour of the Bitstream 3X (as opposed to `toggle') Physical position of all the Bitstream 3X controls. Can be saved at any time. Vertical potentiometer, 8 of them are present on the Bitstream 3X Synchronisation protocol of vintage (pre-MIDI) instruments like TB-303... System Exclusive : device/manufacturer specific MIDI event Behaviour of a digital control as opposed to `push' Action to read from the Bitstream 3X a configuration assigned Parameter defined by the user V 1.2 - Page 8 USER MANUAL Installation of the drivers and software The Bitstream 3X is a « plug and play » device, fully compliant with the MIDI over USB specification. This means that it doesn't require a particular driver on any operating system OS's compatible with this specification, which is the case for almost any OS including Windows XP, MacOS X, and Linux. Just connect your Bitstream 3X USB cable to a PC or a Mac, and it's ready to use! Note 1: The first connection of the Bitstream 3X to the USB port will install automatically the generic drivers. After the first connection, the Bitstream 3X will be immediately recognized. Once the Bitstream 3X is recognized by the computer to which it is connected, the display screen will indicate the connection by the USB bitmap on the top right. Once the Bitstream 3X is recognized, the supplementary MIDI peripherals will be listed. These correspond to the Bitstream 3X like this: Peripheral listed USB MIDI IN 1 USB MIDI IN 2 USB MIDI OUT Name associated by default USB audio device USB audio device [2] USB audio device Corresponding to the Bitstream 3X USB MIDI OUT 1 USB MIDI OUT 2 USB MIDI IN Note 2: Windows 98 and 2000 do not support MIDI-USB standards, if the Bitstream 3X is going to be used with one of these systems, contact the support team at Wave Idea. Note 3: Windows should be installed with the latest Windows update so that the communication MIDI ­ USB functions perfectly. (Example Windows Xp service pack 2) Note 4: A special Windows Xp driver is available from the Wave Idea website, it allows to change the generic devices names listed above ( USB audio device) to a more convenient name "Wave Idea Bitstream 3X". This driver is optional and not required for the proper operation under Windows Xp. Getting started with the Bitstream 3X Connection to a computer Connecting the Bitstream 3X to a computer can simply done via the USB port. This port is capable of transferring MIDI data to the Bitstream 3X, as well as powering the controller without requiring the transformer that came with the machine. The Bitstream 3X can also be connected to a computer via standard MIDI ports, if the computer is equipped with MIDI ports, the Bitstream should then be connected to these, being sure to connect the input « MIDI In » on the Bitstream to the « MIDI Out » of the computer and vice-versa as with any other MIDI gear. In this case, the user can chose to connect the USB port to add supplementary MIDI inputs and outputs, and to power the Bitstream via the same USB port. The user can also decide to not connect the USB port, and in this case, the usage of the external transformer is required. Note 1: The connection of the USB port powers the Bitstream 3X, in this case the connection of the external electricity source is not required. Note 2: The external transformer could be connected at the same time as the USB port as the Bitstream 3X has an intelligent power supply system which allows it to accept the two sources at the same time. Example of the complete connection between MIDI and a computer V 1.2 - Page 9 USER MANUAL Connection without a computer The Bitstream 3X can be connected to all musical instruments which are MIDI via the standard MIDI ports, if the instrument is equipped with MIDI ports with DIN-5 connectors, the Bitstream should be connected to these, taking care to connect the MIDI Input of the Bitstream to the MIDI Output of the instrument, and vice versa. Connecting without a computer requires the usage of the external transformer that came with the machine. Note 1: The usage of an external transformer other than the one delivered with the machine is not recommended. However, a transformer with the same characteristics could be used: Output Voltage 9V DC Curent of 400 mA minimum Any Polarity (The Bitstream adapts itself to the polarity of the external transformer) V 1.2 - Page 10 USER MANUAL Description of the front and rear panels of the Bitstream 3X Front: Type of controls and numbering 1 Ribbon Controler Hold Key Shift Key 5 Transport Buttons + 5 assignable buttons (SHIFT activated) 1 Joytsick - 2 axes - 1 button Up-Down Selection keys Contrast control MIDI channels Groups Selection of scenes Access to scenes Access to Automations Selection Encoder 1 Button encoder EDIT Buttons Mode Key 8 Buttons 1 Cross-Fader 1 LFO 35 rotary potentiometers 8 linear sliders Assignable Parameters V 1.2 - Page 11 USER MANUAL The white numbers on the machine in the preceding image are the numbers associated to each control. These are the numbers of the CC or Note associated to the control in « normal mode » of the Bitstream 3X, and this for the group « 0 ». Each incrementation of group number increases by 8 the CC/Note generated by the Bitstream 3X in standard mode. Example 1: CCs generated by the 2nd slider in Standard Mode: Group 0: CC or Note # 41 Group 1: CC or Note # 49 Group 2: CC or Note # 57 ... Example 2: CCs generated by the first button in Standard mode: Group 0: CC or Note # 58 Group 1: CC or Note # 66 Group 2: CC or Note # 74 ... Note: the numbers of the CC's generated are « modulo 128 », as defined by the MIDI standard Summary of the controls numbers assigned to the Bitstream 3X controls The following table illustrates the huge number of controls available on the Bitstream 3X. Each of these controls is able to generate MIDI events in Standard mode (CC or Note numbers listed here, depending on selected group), as well as in User mode. All the controls mentioned with « depends on group number » are able to generate 21 different MIDI events corresponding to the 21 Bitstream 3X groups. Number 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8-39 40-47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58-65 66 Description Record button Play button Backward button Stop button Forward button Ribbon controller Joystick Axis X Joystick Axis Y 32 Rotary potentiometers 8 linear sliders Cross-fader left Cross-fader right Backward button Forward button Stop button Play button Record button Joystick button Footswitch input Encoder button Buttons 1 to 8 LFO Note Shift function not active Shift function not active Shift function not active Shift function not active Shift function not active Depends on group number Depends on group number Depends on group number Depends on group number Depends on group number Depends on group number Depends on group number Shift function active Depends on group number Shift function active Depends on group number Shift function active Depends on group number Shift function active Depends on group number Shift function active Depends on group number Depends on group number Depends on group number Depends on group number Depends on group number Depends on group number V 1.2 - Page 12 USER MANUAL Description of the LCD Screen The LCD Screen in « Normal Mode » Value Curve Model Hook mode display Scene number MIDI channel Group number Group name Diplay for the 8 other assignable digital controls Extension and USB states Ribbon and sync-24 states Transport Bar display Operating Mode (STD / USR) Ribbon Bargraph & value Hold Display for the 3 automations Display for the 8 assignable buttons Assigned LCD string Description of the different zones MIDI Channel Value State of Hook mode Scene Expansion + USB Display Ribbon + SYNC-24 Display Transport bar Mode Value ribbon + Hold LCD Chain Switch Display Name of the group Group Display for the 3 automations Model of the curve of evolution Indication of the current MIDI channel (1-16) Current control value (0-127) Direction to give to the control in order to unblock the hook mode Number of the current scene (0-99) State of the extension port and of the presence of the USB State of the ribbon controller and of the output sync-24 (Play/Pause/Stop/Rec) Value of the operating mode (Standard/User) Hold value and bar graph of the ribbon controller Alphanumeric chain assigned to each control (16 char.) Display for the 16 digital controls present on the Bitstream 3X Chain assigned to each of the 21 groups (14 char.) Currently selected group (0-20) Display for the 3 automations (LFO, Arpp, sampler) Curve Model of the current control being changed V 1.2 - Page 13 USER MANUAL Rear panel: description of the inputs and outputs Main power switch Power supply connector USB port Footswitch pedal plug Expansion port MIDI Outputs 1 &2 MIDI Output Thru MIDI Input Sync-24 Output The expansion port The Bitstream 3X has an expansion port for receiving analog or digital peripherals such as sliders, buttons, and joysticks ... When a peripheral is connected to the Bitstream 3X, it is automatically detected and managed in the same manor as the controls on the Bitstream itself. This expansion port uses a protocol owned by Wave Idea and in no case should be connected to an unknown peripheral, as doing so can cause damage. The connection is « plug and play », for more information about this expansion port, refer to the documentation of the connected module. V 1.2 - Page 14 USER MANUAL Operating Modes of the Bitstream 3X Differences between Standard mode and User mode The Bitstream 3X has 2 operating modes: Standard and User. Depending on the software or machine to control, one of the two modes will be used, it can be changed at any time by pushing the button « Mode » Standard Mode The standard mode is pre-programmed, no configuration is required. This mode is principally used by users who are used to the music software Propellerheads Reason, Ableton Live, Native Instruments, or all other synthesizer software responding to MIDI. Propellerheads Reason Mode In addition to the "Standard Mode", a new "Reason Mode" has been added from firmware version 1.1 and higher. This mode is pre-programmed for Propellerheads reason 3.0 and higher versions, fully compatible with the Reason remote technology, the Bitstream 3X will be fully recognized by Reason and pre-programmed. For further information about this mode, please refer to the dedicated application note. User Mode The user mode gives access to all MIDI parameters which will be generated by the Bitstream 3X. The user can thus configure complex parameters into the Bitstream 3X, either by using the menus or by using configuration software. Among the available parameters, there are Min & Max values for each control, the MIDI delays to insert, the exclusive systems management, the chaining of controls and many others. The table below lists the principle differences between the Standard and User modes: Mode standard Note / CC Mode User All (Including Sysexs) Programming Required MIDI Generated Events Access to MIDI Parameters For more information, concerning User mode, see the chapter entitled « Assignment of MIDI Parameters » Menus associated to modes Operating mode Standard User Reason Selection of standard mode (pre-programmed) Selection of User mode Selection of Reason mode V 1.2 - Page 15 USER MANUAL Configuration and usage of the Bitstream 3X The Ribbon Controller The Bitstream 3X is equipped with a ribbon controller allowing control from the user finger. This control is, from the point of view of functionality, considered like a slider or button, and thus it is configured in the same manor, and is capable of generating any MIDI event. The ribbon controller calculates the position of the user finger, and transforms that position into a value between 0-127, assignable in a MIDI event. The user can put his finger above the controller and see the «ribbon bar graph » which will adjust according the movements of the finger. The MIDI will thus be generated automatically. The « Hold » Key allows the temporary saving of an ribbon value with a simple touch. In this way, any value of the ribbon controller can be saved and then modified again later at any moment. This hold key allows the user to fix the ribbon controller to a desired value before relaxing his hand from the machine. This key also works as the on/off switch for the controller (3 seconds long push). The LCD screen shows whether the controller is on or off. To use the ribbon controller, follow these steps: Put your finger above the controller, which will generate the MIDI events associated with the controller. When a desired position is reached, push the « Hold » button and the value will be saved (temporarily). You can then remove your hand and see the saved value appear on the bar graph on the LCD screen. Upon the next usage of the ribbon Controller, you can get back the saved value with the « Hold » button and re-generate the MIDI events assigned to the controller. This mode functions similar to the « Hook » mode used by the sliders. V 1.2 - Page 16 USER MANUAL Menus associated to the ribbon Controller ribbon On/Off State of the infrared controller The Cross-Fader The Bitstream 3X is equipped with a digital cross-fader, which allows the generation of 2 distinct MIDI events, sending opposing values. The cross-fader can be seen as 2 sliders, each having his MIDI assignment. These 2 virtual sliders send opposing values #1 and #2 to create the function of cross-fader. The schematic below shows the values generated by the 2 MIDI events associated with the crossfader. Value #1 generated 127 Value #2 generated 64 0 Position of cross-fader Cross-fader Screen The Joystick V 1.2 - Page 17 USER MANUAL The Bitstream 3X is equipped with a dual axis joystick, allowing the generation of 2 distinct MIDI events, in the same manor as the cross-fader. These 2 MIDI events are considered as 2 distinct sliders, covering the X and Y axes (horizontal and vertical respectively). So, with one finger on the joystick, the user can generate 2 different MIDI events, for example, a panoramic and volume, or other filter parameters... The joystick features a "No Lever reset" option that allows to avoid a return to center once relaxed. Joystick Screen Value of joystick on horizontal axis(X) Graphical Representation of Joystick, and position Value of joystick on vertical axis(Y) Selection of the «Current Function» Role of the up-down buttons and the encoder The up-down and encoder buttons have the same role: the selection of parameters or the changing of the value of a parameter. Along with modifiable parameters, which help the non-assignable controls, there are: - - - The groups The memorized scenes The MIDI channels Finally, to improve the ergonomy of the Bitstream 3X, the notion of « Current Function » is introduced. This « current function» will be the actual function selected (along with the three listed above), which responds to the up-down and encoder buttons. One of these functions is simply activated by the touch of the corresponding button. The screen will indicate the active function by showing two brackets around the value of the function. V 1.2 - Page 18 USER MANUAL Example: Current function is "selected group" Group with indicating brackets Note 1: While the Bitstream 3X is in Menu Mode, the up-down and encoder button allow the navigation of different menus as well as permit the changing of parameter values. Selection of the group The Bitstream 3X has 21 groups, accessible directly via the up-down and encoder button (while the current function selected is that of the groups). A group is a « layer » of configuration of the ensemble of the Bitstream 3X controls. Each control included on the Bitstream 3X can generate 21 different MIDI events without being reprogrammed. The Bitstream 3X can be reprogrammed whenever desired by sending sysexs, without any interruption in the music, so the assignment possibilities are therefore endless. Note 1: the number of CC and Note controllers assigned in the standard mode are shown on the face of the Bitstream 3X. Each increase or decrease in the group increases or decreases by 8 the Note or CC generated. The standard mode, therefore allows the coverage of 128 numbers of notes or CC available in MIDI. Menus associated with the group Group select 001 - 021 Selection of the group Selection of the MIDI channel The Bitstream 3X can generate MIDI events on all 16 different MIDI channels, as defined by the norm. By simply pressing the up-down buttons, while the « current function» is the MIDI channel selected, allows the modification of the MIDI channel on which the Bitstream 3X generates its messages. V 1.2 - Page 19 USER MANUAL The Bitstream 3X, has 2 MIDI output ports that can be selected independently by each control, it therefore has 32 virtual MIDI channels (16 in each port). The selection of the output port for each control is done via the « assign » menus of the Bitstream 3X, as well as by the configuration software. The MIDI channel of 1 to 16 can be selected directly from the user interfaces of the Bitstream 3X. Note 1: To program a MIDI event generated on a fixed MIDI channel, independent of the Bitstream 3X, User mode is required, the value of the MIDI channel being directly programmed in the MIDI message. Note 2: The MIDI channels are generally numbered from1 to 16, and correspond to the MIDI channel numbers varying from 0 to 15, or 0 to F in hexadecimal, standard notation in MIDI. For example, a CC numbered 10 to generate on a fixed MIDI channel numbered 2 will have a message like this: B1 0A VV with B1 = CC on MIDI channel 2, 0A = 10 in decimal, VV = value of the CC. Menus associated to the MIDI channel MIDI channel 001 - 016 Selection of the MIDI channel Selection of the scene memories The Bitstream 3X has 100 available scene memories, also called « snapshots ». When activated, the selection of the number of the scene memory is done by using the up-down buttons, as well as the encoder. To save a snapshot, it is necessary to select a number via the up-down buttons or the encoder before saving or sending the scene. After the scene is saved or sent (via the save/send button), the Bitstream 3X will show the number chosen. For more information on this subject, refer to the dedicated chapter. Menus associated to scene memories Scene select 000 - 099 Selection of the number of the scene Analog behaviour Besides the joystick, which doesn't need the analog function, all the analog function of the Bitstream 3X can be configured in 2 modes: Hook mode or Jump mode. Jump mode allows the instantaneous sending of MIDI data no matter what position the control is in at the time of the change. This mode could provoke undesirable jumps in the values when the user uses the different groups of the Bitstream 3X, the physical value of the control may not correspond to the value of the same control in a new group. Hook mode allows the user to avoid any undesirable jump in values: After any group change, if the physical position of the analog control doesn't correspond to the value of the same control in the newly selected group, the MIDI data is not sent while the physical position and the value are different. Thus, no jump in value is obtained. The LCD screen of the Bitstream 3X indicates the direction to move the control to finally generate the MIDI. V 1.2 - Page 20