Operation Manual 8888 Safety Precautions/ Usage Precautions Safety Precautions The use of an adapter other than the specified type may damage the unit and pose a safety hazard. · Connect the AC adapter only to an AC outlet that supplies the rated voltage required by the adapter. · When disconnecting the AC adapter from the AC outlet, always grasp the adapter itself and do not pull at the cable. · If the unit is not to be used for a long time, disconnect the AC adapter from the outlet. Battery operation · Use four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries (alkaline or manganese). · The MRT-3 cannot be used for recharging. Pay close attention to the labelling of the battery to make sure you choose the correct type. · If the MRT-3 is not to be used for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the unit. · If batteries leakage has occurred, wipe the battery compartment and the battery terminals carefully to remove all remnants of battery fluid. · While using the unit, the battery compartment cover should be closed. Safety Precautions/ Usage Precautions Warning In this manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and cautions for you to read so that accidents can be prevented. The meanings of these symbols are as follows: This symbol indicates Warning explanations about extremely dangerous matters. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device the wrong way, serious injury or death could result. This symbol indicates Caution explanations about dangerous matters. If users ignore this symbol and handle the device the wrong way, bodily injury and damage to the equipment could result. Please observe the following safety tips and precautions to ensure hazard-free use of the MRT-3. About power Since power consumption of this unit is Caution Environment Avoid using your MRT-3 in environments fairly high, we recommend the use of an AC where it will be exposed to: adapter whenever possible. When powering · Extreme temperature the unit from the batteries, use only an · High humidity or moisture alkaline type. · Excessive dust or sand AC adapter operation · Excessive vibration or shock · Be sure to use only an AC adapter which supplies 9 V DC, 300 mA and is equipped with a "center minus" plug (Zoom AD-0006). 2 ZOOM MRT-3 Handling Caution Usage Precautions Safety Precautions/ Usage Precautions · Since the MRT-3 is a precision electronic device, avoid applying excessive force to the controls. Do not operate the keys or controls with your foot. · Take care that no foreign objects (coins or pins etc.) or liquids can enter the unit. · Be sure to turn the power to all equipment off before making connections. · Before moving the unit, turn the power off, and disconnect all cables and the AC adapter. · Electrical interference For safety considerations, the MRT-3 has been designed to provide maximum protection against the emission of electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and protection from external interference. However, equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the MRT-3, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely. With any type of digital control device, the MRT-3 included, electromagnetic interference can cause malfunctioning and can corrupt or destroy data. Care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage. Alterations Caution Never open the case of the MRT-3 or attempt to modify the product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit. Caution In Case of Trouble If there seems to be a defect or a problem with the unit, immediately disconnect the AC adapter or remove the batteries to shut off the power. Then disconnect any other cables connected to the unit. · Cleaning Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the MRT-3. If necessary, slightly moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleanser, wax, or solvents (such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since these may dull the finish or damage the surface. Please keep this manual at hand for future reference. ZOOM MRT-3 3 Contents Safety Precautions/ Usage Precautions · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 2 Introduction ··································· Creating Songs (Song Mode) What Is a Song? Recording Song Patterns ········· 32 32 33 Contents ·························· ················ 5 6 6 6 Names of Parts Top Panel Rear Panel ······························ Changing the Tempo Within a Song · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 36 Changing the Song Volume ············· ········ ···································· ··································· 37 38 Selecting a Dedicated Song Kit Getting Connected ························· ···················· ···················· 7 7 7 Connection Example 1 Connection Example 2 Checking the Amount of Remaining Memory for Songs · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 39 Copying a Song Deleting a Song ··························· ··························· ······················· 39 40 41 Preparations ·································· ······························ 8 8 Deleting All Songs Using Batteries Other Functions · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 42 Controlling the MRT-3 With a Foot Switch · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 42 Synchronizing Playback With an External Device · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 44 Playing MRT-3 Sounds From an External MIDI Component · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 46 Setting the Pattern/Song Playback Swing · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 47 Setting the Precount for Real-Time Recording · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 48 Returning the MRT-3 to the Factory Default Condition · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 49 Terms Used in This Manual Listening to the Demo Song ············· 9 ·········· 11 12 14 14 Playing the Pads (Manual Play) Using Patterns (Pattern Mode) Playing a Pattern ······ ······ ·························· Changing the Tempo of Pattern Playback · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 15 Real-Time Pattern Recording Pattern Step Recording ··········· 16 19 ·················· Changing User Pattern Resolution After Recording · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 21 Changing the User Pattern Length · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 21 Changing the User Pattern Beat Copying a Pattern Erasing a Single User Pattern Deleting All User Patterns ······· Troubleshooting Specifications Reference Kit List ··························· 50 51 52 52 53 54 56 60 61 ······························ 22 23 24 25 ························ ·········· ···································· ······································ ················ ··············· MIDI Note Number Chart Instrument List Pattern List ···························· Creating Your Own Kit (Kit Mode) · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 26 Editing a User Kit Kit Items Copying a Kit ························· ································· ····················· ·············· 26 28 30 MIDI Implementation ···································· ······························ MIDI Implementation Chart Index ··········································· 62 4 ZOOM MRT-3 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the ZOOM Micro RhythmTrak MRT-3 (subsequently referred to as "the MRT-3"). Introduction The MRT-3 offers the following attractive features. Sophisticated rhythm machine incorporates 199 super-realistic drum and percussion sounds in an amazingly compact body. A full 396 preset patterns contain a wide variety of preprogrammed rhythms. 99 additional patterns can be programmed and stored by the user. Create a backing sequence (song) with up to 99 patterns. As many as 99 such songs can be stored for immediate use at any time. Internally lit pads let you follow the rhythm pattern visually during song playback or when using a pattern. Choose up to 14 sounds from the built-in drum and percussion sources, and then adjust level, tuning, and panning individually to create your very own drum kit. This gives you the flexibility to realize your creative vision. Perfectly intuitive and simple design lets you master the unit right away, even if you have never used a drum machine before. Optional foot switch FS01 allows pattern start/stop control or tempo switching. You can also operate an assigned sound such as bass drum or open/closed hihat. MIDI IN connector allows use with an external MIDI sequencer or other device. The Multitrak Recording Studio ZOOM MRS-4 is an ideal match, letting you synchronize the audio tracks from the recorder with the rhythm track from the MRT-3. Playing the sounds of the MRT-3 with an external MIDI component is also possible. Please take the time to read this manual carefully so as to get the most out of your MRT-3 and to ensure optimum performance and reliability. ZOOM MRT-3 5 Names of Parts Top Panel Display [VALUE +/-] keys [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob Names of Parts 8888 [INSERT/COPY] key [DELETE/ERASE] key [SONG] key (LED) [PATTERN] key (LED) [KIT] key (LED) [TEMPO] key (LED) [REC] key (LED) [PLAY] key (LED) [STOP] key (LED) [PAD BANK] key (LED) Pads 1 ­ 7 (LEDs) [FUNCTION] key (LED) NOTE Keys marked (LED) have an integrated LED that causes the key itself to light up. HINT Names of top panel controls and rear panel connectors are indicated with angle brackets [ ] in this manual. Rear Panel [POWER] switch [FOOT SW] jack [DC IN] connector [MIDI IN] connector [OUTPUT MONO] jack [OUTPUT STEREO/PHONES] jack 6 ZOOM MRT-3 Getting Connected Connection Example 1 For mono playback, connect a mono cable to the [OUTPUT MONO] jack. To monitor the sound with headphones, plug the phones into the [OUTPUT STEREO/PHONES] jack. If you connect the optional foot switch FS01 to the [FOOT SW] jack, you can control start/stop and switch the sound of the MRT-3 with your foot. Headphones FS01 Getting Connected AC adapter For stereo playback, connect a Y cable to the [OUTPUT STEREO/PHONES] jack and plug the other end of the cable into the L/R channel inputs of an audio system or two channels of a mixer assigned to left and right positions. Monitor system Connection Example 2 To synchronize the unit with a MIDI sequencer/recorder that has a MIDI clock output, connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT connector of the device to the [MIDI IN] connector of the MRT-3. AUX IN MIDI OUT MRS-4 ZOOM MRT-3 7 Preparations When connections are complete, set the volume as follows. 1. While the playback system is still turned off and the volume is fully turned down, double-check whether all connections have been made correctly. If cables are connected or disconnected while power is on, or if power is turned on with the volume turned up, damage to the speakers may occur. Turn power to the MRT-3 on. Set the [POWER] switch to ON. Turn power to the playback system on and set the volume to about midway. While tapping a pad to produce sound, adjust the [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob of the MRT-3 to obtain a suitable volume. 2. 3. 4. Preparations Using Batteries The MRT-3 can be powered from batteries (not supplied). Follow the steps below to insert the batteries. 1. Turn the unit over and open the battery compartment cover. MRT-3 underside 2. Insert four fresh IEC R6 (size AA ...