ADA MP-1 Owners manual

MIDI PROGRAMMABLE TUBE PRE-AMP

OWNER’S MANUAL MP-1 (version 1)

Originally written by ADA SIGNAL PROCESSORS, INC. Scanned and edited by Jur at 3 april 2002. Original ADA
logo edited and rendered by Barend Onneweer of Raamw3rk
not be sold or placed on a website without permission of the editor.

Release No.1 for http://www.ada-mp1.com

.) The version of this manual is copyrighted and may

ADA MP-1 Owner’s manual

CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 QUICK SET-UP GUIDE

1.2 FEATURES

1.3 PRECAUTIONS

2.0 CONTROL FUNCTIONS

2.1 REAR PANEL

2.2 BATTERY

3.0 INITIAL SET-UP

3.1 ACCESSING PROGRAMS

-CHANGE MEMORY NUMBER WITHIN THE SAME BANK

-CHANGE TO NEW BANK AND MEMORY NUMBER

3.2 EDITING AND STORING PROGRAMS

-EXAMINE PROGRAM PARAMETERS

-EDIT AND STORE A PROGRAM

3.3 CREATING TONE

3.4 USING THE CLIP LEDS

3.5 USING THE EFFECTS LOOP

3.6 LOAD PRESET PROGRAMS

4.0 MIDI FUNCTIONS

-SELECT MIDI CHANNEL

-SELECT PROGRAM & MEMORY NUMBER

4. 1 ONE-TO-ONE MAPPING

4.2 REMOTE

5.0 SELF DIAGNOSTICS

6.0 MEMORY PRESET SETTINGS

7.0 SPECIFICATIONS

7.1 MIDI SPECIFICATIONS

7.2 SOFTWARE UPDATES

8.0 RETURNING UNITS FOR SERVICE

9.0 WARRANTY

9.1 OPTIONAL EXTENDED WARRANTY

9.2 TUBE REPLACEMENT

10.0 SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MESSAGES

10.1 SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MAP

10.2 SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE PARAMETER VALUES

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ADA MP-1 Owner’s manual

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the ADA MP-1 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp. You
now own the most tonally flexible and technologically advanced guitar amplification
device available. Your MP-1 will store 128 programs of exactly the right tone. (no
matter what kind of music you play.)

The MP-1 features a unique Tri-State Voicing selection that allows you to choose
between Distortion Tube, Clean Tube, or Solid State circuits for each program. The

EQ points were designed to replicate the sound of Fender and Marshall, but the
Presence control surpasses the range offered by either.

The stereo Chorus utilizes analog circuitry which complements the warmth of tubes
to give you the best possible sound.

The software in the MP-1 provides the fullest implementation of MIDI available. Since
the MP-1 is software-based, it will never grow obsolete. As the MIDI standard
evolves, your MP1 can be updated by simply changing the program ROM. In the
manual, you will find references to different levels of software. When you power up
your MP-1, the display indicates which level of software is installed. On power-up,
"ADA" is displayed first, followed by a 3 digit number. The first of these digits is the
level of software installed. To properly set-up and familiarize yourself with the MP-1,
read and follow these operating instructions completely. If you can't wait and want to
jump right into the MP-1, go to section 1.1 QUICK SET-UP. We hope that the
unlimited tonal possibilities and unmatched technological capabilities of your MP-1
will inspire you to great things.

IMPORTANT: Please take this time to fill-out and return the enclosed warranty card
so we may provide you information on future software updates.

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ADA MP-1 Owner’s manual

1.1 QUICK SET-UP GUIDE

Note: The MP-1 is a preamp and must be connected to a power amp in order to play through
loud speakers.

INITIAL PREPARATION:

1. Connect guitar to front panel input jack.

2. Connect studio (line) level signals to the rear panel input jack.

3. Connect amplifier to one of the two rear panel outputs. For stereo, run both outputs to
separate power amps.

4. If MP-1 outputs are connected to power amps (instead of guitar amps) or a
professional mixing console, flip the top panel slide switch towards the rear panel to
the Line position.

5. Turn power switch ON.

6. Adjust volume with Output Level control.

SELECT MEMORY NUMBER:

1. Use

2. Or select a bank by pressing the BANK button, select bank number 0 thru 12 using

CREATE THE RIGHT TONE:

STORE YOUR TONE:

1. To store the new values that you have set press STORE button.

2. Select the(location (memory numbers 1-128) for storing your program.

^ V buttons to scroll thru the memory numbers 1 thru 128.

V buttons, followed by pressing any button labeled 0 thru 9.

1. Press EDIT button.

2. Select VOICING button.

3. Use

4. or Solid State circuit.

5. Select Master Gain.

6. Use

7. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for Overdrive 1 and 2. In

8. Solid State mode, the level of Overdrive 2 controls the amount of

9. Follow the same procedure for shaping Ea.

10. Select Chorus Depth button.

11. Use

12. Select Chorus Rate button.

13. Use

14. 12. To abandon this edit session, press EDIT button. LED's turned off and

^ V buttons to select Clean Tube, Distortion Tube,

^ V buttons to change level of drive from 1 to 10.

compression.

^ V buttons to adjust depth from 0 to 100%.

^ V buttons to adjust rate of sweep from .1 Hz to 10 Hz, or to turn rate

off (0).

changes not saved. To store changes, see below.

^

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ADA MP-1 Owner’s manual

SELECT MIDI CHANNEL:

1. Press MIDI CHNL button.

2. Use

3. Press MIDI CHNL to save and exit.

DIRECTING MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE INFORMATION TO DIFFERENT INTERNAL
MEMORY NUMBERS:

1. Press PRGM button.

2. Select a MIDI program number by using the

3. Press MEM button.

4. Select an internal memory number by using the

5. Press MEM to save the change and to exit.

LOAD PRESET PROGRAMS (1 thru 29)

1. Press STORE button. Press BANK, and while holding, press 1. Display shows

1.2 FEATURES

^ V buttons to select MIDI channel from 1 thru 16, ALL (OMNI) or OFF (MIDI

reception off).

^ V buttons to scroll thru MIDI program

numbers1 thru 128 or select directly using BANK and 0 thru 12.

^ V buttons to scroll thru the 1-128

memory numbers or select directly using BANK and 0 thru 9.

"LP".

 Unique Tri-State Voicing option for choice of Clean Tube,
 Distortion Tube, or Solid State circuit for each program.
 Two low noise 12AX7 A/7025 tubes.
 128 programs.
 Three programmable gain controls for each program.
 Four band programmable EQ including 16dB boost/cut for bass and treble.
 Fully programmable stereo chorus and doubler.
 Programmable effects loop with adjustable send/receive level.
 Stereo headphone jack with level control.
 Stereo outputs switchable from line level (to mixing board) to instrument level

(to guitar amp).

 1/4" instrument level input jack on front panel for easy access.
 Active balanced input on rear panel for mixing boards.
 Output level knob for fast volume adjustment without affecting tone.
 Programmable compression level in Solid State mode.
 Received MIDI program numbers are re-assignable (mapable) to any MP-1

memory number.

 MIDI In, Out and Thru.
 Selectable MIDI channel including ALL channels (OMNI) and no channels

(OFF).

 Lexan membrane switch front panel replaces pots. No contamination from

dust or liquids.

 Optional MC-1 MIDI CONTROLLER footswitch provides instant access to any

program for on-stage control.

 Self-diagnostics check unit during power up.
 Instantaneous logic-controlled FET switching.
 EPROM updates will be available for future system expansion.
 State-of-the-art software implementation including SYSEX and MIDI Time

Code for computer controlled applications.

 Simple programming routine.
 One year parts and labor warranty. Extended 3 year warranty available.

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ADA MP-1 Owner’s manual

1.3 PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: To prevent fire or shock hazard. do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Locate the MP-1 out of the direct rays of the sun. Avoid locations subject to vibration and
excessive dust, heat, or cold.

CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing, including tube replacement, to qualified service personnel.

RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS: Keep this manual in a safe location for future reference.

CLEANING: Do not clean your MP-1with chemical solvents such as benzene or alcohol.
Wipe only with a clean dry cloth.

2.0 CONTROL FUNCTIONS

CLIP Monitors signal level at four points of the circuit to prevent unwanted

distortion. Set levels so LED's light only on the largest transients (see
section 3.0 for detailed description).

INPUT Accepts instrument level 1/4" phone jack.

OUTPUT LEVEL Sets volume without affecting tone or amount of distortion.

LED READOUT Displays MP-1's internal memory number when not in Edit mode (see

section 4.0 for description of program and memory numbers). Displays
MIDI Channel, external MIDI program number or internal memory
number in MIDI mode. In Edit mode, displays level of overdrive, master
gain, EO boost/cut, effects loop in/out, chorus depth and rate settings,
and voicing choice of clean tube, distortion tube, or solid state.
Scrolls thru programs. When in Edit or MIDI mode, increases or
decreases value of selected parameter.

DUAL FUNCTION SWITCHES: IN NON-EDIT MODE:

BANK

Enter a Bank number (0 thru 12) by using the
select the "ones" digit using the buttons labeled (0 thru 9) to exit Bank select mode.

0 THRU 9

Selects the "ones" digit of the memory number.

MIDI CHNL

Selects the MIDI channel mode. Use the
number from 1-16, ALL (OMNI) or OFF.

PRGM

Selects the external
on the MP-1. The normal relationship is 1-to-1 (i.e., external MIDI program #1 selects internal
memory #1, 2 to 2, etc.). When the LED is lit, use the
number from 0 to 9 to select the external MIDI program number. MEM Selects the internal
memory number on the MP-1 that is assigned to the external MIDI program number. When
the LED is lit, the display reads the internal memory number. Select the MEM number using

MIDI program number that is assigned to the internal memory number

^ V buttons. After Bank selection, you must

^ V switches to select the MIDI channel

^ V switches, the bank switch and/or a

^ V

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ADA MP-1 Owner’s manual

the ^ V switches, the bank switch and/or a number from 0 to 9. To record the change, press
the switch again or press the PRGM button to continue.

IN EDIT MODE:

VOICING

Allows choice for each program of Clean Tube, Distortion Tube, or Solid State circuits. Use

V switches to step through choices when Voicing switch is selected.

OVERDRIVE 1

Attenuates pre-tube input signal. Higher gain levels of Overdrive 1 result in higher frequency
harmonic saturation.

OVERDRIVE 2

Attenuates inter-tube signal. Higher levels of Overdrive 2 result in fuller harmonic saturation.
In the Solid State mode, Overdrive 2 sets the level of compression.

MASTER GAIN

Post-tube, pre-EO gain.

BASS

Narrow band low frequency EO control adjustable in 2 dB steps

MID

Wide band mid frequency EO control adjustable in 2 dB steps

TREBLE

Narrow band high frequency EO control adjustable in 2 dB steps

PRESENCE

Wide band high frequency EO control adjustable in 2 dB steps

CHORUS DEPTH

Adjusts the sweep depth from 0 to 100% for a maximum range of 7:1. When the Chorus Rate
is set to 0 (off), the Depth control will vary the delay time to create different filtering and
doubling effects.

CHORUS RATE

Adjusts the speed of the sweep from.1Hz (1 cycle per 10 seconds) to 10Hz (10 cycles per
second), or off (0).

EDIT

Places MP-1 into the Edit mode. The display reads “Edit” until a parameter is selected.
Display then shows the value of the selected parameter. Use the
decrease/increase the value of the selected parameter.

STORE

Places the MP-1 into the Store mode. Stores any current or edited program to any internal
memory location. Press the STORE button followed by a memory location. LED indicates
Store mode is engaged. LED turns off after storage is complete. If you decide not to store the
current program, but you've already pressed the STORE button, you can exit the Store mode
by pressing STORE again.

± 16 dB.

± 12 dB.

± 16 dB.

± 12 dB.

^ V buttons to

^

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ADA MP-1 Owner’s manual

2.1 REAR PANEL

FUSE

Externally accessible 0.5AMP fuse. Replace with equivalent type and rating only.

POWER SWITCH ON/OFF

rocker switch (located near power supply to prevent the leakage of AC line hum into the
audio circuitry).

PHANTOM POWER

A 9VAC/DC coaxial power input jack used to supply phantom power to the optional MC-1
MIDI CONTROLLER or any other Phantom MIDI Device. Use with a 7-pin MIDI cable In the
MIDI IN jack, and do not connect an AC adapter to the MC-1's rear panel power jack.

MIDI THRU

Passes all MIDI data received at the MIDI IN connector to subsequent MIDI instruments.

MIDI OUT

Transmits MIDI information originated by the MP-1 to subsequent MIDI instruments.
MIDI IN Receives MIDI. Permits MP-1 programs to be automatically selected via a MIDI
signal. The MP-1 recognizes program change, SYSEX and MIDI Time Code (MTC).

HEADPHONE

JACK 1/4" stereo phone jack. Drives headphones of 600

Ω or more.

LEVEL

Provides full mute to +17dB above internal signal level.

EFFECTS LOOP LEVEL

Provides 20dB boost or cut to the send/receive signal. Dual-gang pot insures
unity gain at all settings.

RECEIVE

Single-ended 1/4" phone jack. Maximum signal level is +30dBV.

SEND

Single-ended 1/4- phone jack. Variable from instrument to line level.

OUTPUT (a & b)

Two single-ended ¼”phone jacks. Synthesized complementary stereo outputs.

OUTPUT LEVEL

Switchable from instrument level (INST) to line level (LINE). Set output level with slide switch
on top panel. WARNING: Do not connect the MP-1 to a guitar amplifier in put with output
level in the LINE position.

LINE INPUT

¼” phone jack for line level input signals. Active balanced

(ring=negative, tip=positive, sleeve=ground)

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