AKAI MINIAK Reference Manual
REFERENCE MANUAL
ENGLISH ( 1 – 55 )
WWW.AKAIPRO.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOX CONTENTS....................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER 1: CONNECTIONS ............................................................... 2
CHAPTER 2: FIRST SESSION............................................................... 3
A TOUR OF THE MINIAK ..................................................................... 3
THE MINIAK'S TOP PANEL ................................................................. 3
KEY CONCEPTS ................................................................................... 4
PLAY THE PROGRAMS ....................................................................... 4
SWITCH OCTAVES............................................................................... 5
EXPLORE THE BUILT-IN SEQUENCES.............................................. 5
EXPLORE THE RHYTHMS ................................................................... 6
EXPLORE THE MULTIS ....................................................................... 6
RECORD SOME PHRASES.................................................................. 7
CONNECT EXTERNAL INSTRUMENTS .............................................. 7
CHAPTER 3: SEQUENCES .................................................................... 8
PLAYING SEQUENCES........................................................................ 8
SEQUENCE TYPES: ARPEGGIOS & SEQUENCES........................... 8
EDITING SEQUENCES ......................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 4: RHYTHMS ......................................................................... 14
PLAYING RHYTHMS............................................................................. 14
EDITING RHYTHMS .............................................................................. 14
CHAPTER 5: MULTIS.............................................................................. 19
PLAYING MULTIS ................................................................................. 19
MULTI COMPONENTS.......................................................................... 19
EDITING MULTIS .................................................................................. 19
CHAPTER 6: PROGRAMS...................................................................... 26
WHAT IS A PROGRAM? ...................................................................... 26
HOW THE MINIAK MAKES SOUND .................................................... 26
MODULATION ....................................................................................... 27
PLAYING PROGRAMS ......................................................................... 28
EDITING PROGRAMS........................................................................... 28
CHAPTER 7: CONFIGURATION ........................................................... 47
[CONFIG] ............................................................................................... 47
CONFIGURATION PARAMETERS....................................................... 47
CHAPTER 8: MIDI.................................................................................... 49
WHAT IS MIDI? ..................................................................................... 49
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .................................................... 51
TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................. 53
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................ 55
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BOX CONTENTS
• MINIAK
• Gooseneck microphone
• Power adapter
• Quickstart Guide
• Reference Manual
• Safety Instructions & Warranty Information Booklet
CHAPTER 1: CONNECTIONS
Stereo Amp
Headphones
For more effective service and product update
notices, please register your MINIAK online at
http://www.akaipro.com
External Instrument
Gooseneck
Microphone
Power
CONNECTING AC POWER
Before making any power connections, make sure the
MINIAK's power switch is turned off. Then, plug the
power adapter into the MINIAK's power input and into
a power outlet.
MAKING AUDIO CONNECTIONS
STEREO: Connect two cables from the MINIAK's left
and right outputs to two inputs of an amp or mixer.
HEADPHONES: Plug a set of headphones into the
headphone jack on the rear panel.
CONNECTING THE FOOT PEDALS
Connect a keyboard sustain pedal (not included) to the
(SUSTAIN) input. When you turn the MINIAK on, the
MINIAK will automatically sense and calibrate itself to the pedal.
You can plug an optional continuous controller expression pedal into the (EXPRESSION) input.
Expression
Pedal
Footswitch
External Sound
Module
WARNING: When connecting audio cables or
turning power on and off, make sure that the
amplifiers in your system are turned off or the
volume controls are turned down. If you don't do
this, you can create loud bursts of sound that
mi
ht damage your speakers.
NOTE: If your sustain pedal response is
backward (i.e., notes sustain when your foot is
off the pedal), turn off your MINIAK and make
sure the footswitch plug is fully inserted into the
(SUSTAIN) jack. Then, turn the MINIAK back on
while kee
External MIDI Device
our foot off the footswitch.
2
CHAPTER 2: FIRST SESSION
A TOUR OF THE MINIAK
In this session, we'll:
• Explore the MINIAK's top panel
• Define some key concepts
• Play some of the MINIAK's basic sounds (called Programs)
• Learn different ways to navigate the MINIAK's Programs
• Explore the built-in Sequences
• Capture and play back some phrases
• Explore the MINIAK's drum sounds and play some Rhythms
• Explore the MINIAK's Multi setting (where Programs, Sequences, Rhythms, and more all come
together in powerful, flexible combinations)
THE MINIAK'S TOP PANEL
VOLUME
The (VOLUME) knob on the far right-hand side of the MINIAK raises and lowers the volume. If you don't
hear anything as you play the MINIAK, check the (VOLUME) knob's setting.
REAL-TIME CONTROLLERS
The (MOD1) and (MOD2) wheels, (PITCH) wheel, and (X/Y/Z knobs), located on the left half of the MINIAK,
provide real-time control of the MINIAK's sounds.
PERFORMANCE BUTTONS
The [OCTAVE], [TAP TEMPO], [PHRASE ARP], [LATCH ARP], and [PATTERN PLAY] buttons switch
octaves, set the tempo, and execute other performance-related functions.
DISPLAY
Information relevant to the current operation is shown on the LCD.
PROGRAM & DATA CONTROLS
These are the MINIAK's most important controls – the DATA DIAL and the [PROGRAMS], [MULTI],
[SEQUENCES], [RHYTHMS] and [CONFIG] buttons. They control the MINIAK's primary modes of
operation. Turning the DATA DIAL cycles through options, and pushing it allows you to edit these options.
3
KEY CONCEPTS
Here are the MINIAK's most important concepts:
PROGRAMS
Programs are the MINIAK's sounds, built from its oscillators, envelopes, filters, modulation matrix, and other
analog-style components.
SEQUENCES
Sequences are repeating melodic and/or rhythmic motifs. There are two types of Sequences — arpeggios
and sequences. (See Chapter 3 for more information.)
RHYTHMS
Rhythms are combinations of sequenced drum programs. Think of a drum machine with its interchangeable
sounds and sequences.
MULTI
The Multi setting combines multiple Programs, Rhythms, Sequences, and more. This is the MINIAK's most
powerful and most sonically sophisticated element.
NAVIGATING WITH THE DATA DIAL AND ITS BUTTONS
Use the DATA DIAL to the right of the display the performance controls to navigate through the MINIAK's
options. Most MINIAK functions involve pressing the buttons and then turning or pushing this knob.
"YELLOW LIGHT / RED LIGHT"
The [PROGRAMS], [SEQUENCES], [RHYTHMS], and [MULTI] buttons glow yellow when first pressed
indicating that you're in "Play Mode," and the DATA DIAL can be used for selecting. When the DATA DIAL
is pushed, the buttons glow red, indicating that you are in "Edit Mode" and that the DATA DIAL can be used
for editing.
At any one time, only one of the buttons will glow, indicating that the MINIAK is operating within that mode.
"TURN"
Turn the DATA DIAL to cycle through various options.
"PUSH"
Push the DATA DIAL to edit the option displayed. Push again to stop editing. See the following visual
illustration:
PLAY THE PROGRAMS
The MINIAK's basic sounds are called "Programs." Try playing some of these Programs now.
Find the [PROGRAMS] button on the right side of the top panel. Press it; then spin the DATA DIAL. Notice
how the Programs are organized by category – basses, then leads, then pads, etc.
Turn the volume up and listen to some of these Programs. Experiment with the (PITCH), (MOD1), and
(MOD2) wheels and the (X/Y/Z knobs). Here are a few points to note:
• The (X/Y/Z knobs) do different things depending on the Program. Sometimes, they increase or
decrease the quickness of the attack. Sometimes, they change the tone by adjusting the filter
resonance.
• The (MOD1) wheel typically – but not always – adds vibrato.
• The (MOD2) wheel typically – but not always – sweeps the filter frequency, radically changing the
tone.
4
Play some notes before, during, and after moving the (MOD2) wheel. You'll most likely hear the classic
analog synthesizer "filter sweep" sound.
USE THE VOCODER
Connect the gooseneck microphone (included) to the (MIC INPUT) on the MINIAK. Hold down
[PROGRAMS] then press the VOCODER / SFX key on the keyboard. Use the DATA DIAL to scroll through
the Programs
different combinations of keys on the keyboard, and talk into the mic!
NAVIGATE THROUGH THE PROGRAMS
If you rotate the DATA DIAL enough, you'll pass through 13 categories
of Programs. At the end of the list, all of the Programs are presented
alphabetically, regardless of category.
Notice the text just above the keyboard. This text corresponds to the 13
categories and also includes the all, uncategorized listing. To jump to a
category instantly, hold down [PROGRAMS] and then press the associated white key.
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
All: As we've already seen, the all category is an alphabetical listing of all the Programs.
Recent: The ten most recently played Programs are stored for you automatically under the recent category.
They are still listed under their primary categories. This is a duplicate listing to allow for fast access. Note
that you cannot directly edit this listing. You need to select and then play the Programs you want to be listed
here.
Faves:
Adding Programs to Faves:
("Favorites") category. In [PROGRAMS] mode, press the DATA DIAL to enter edit mode. You will be
asked to Add to faves? Press the DATA DIAL once again to add the Program to the Faves category.
There is no limit to the number of faves you can have. Press the [PROGRAMS] button again if you
want to cancel this action and exit the editing screens.
Removing Programs from Faves:
press the DATA DIAL. You will be asked, "Remove fave?" Press the DATA DIAL to perform the
action.
shown in the LCD. Vocoder Programs are denoted by a "#" symbol. Select one, hold down
To jump to a category
instantly, hold down
[PROGRAMS] and then press
the associated white key.
When you find a Program you particularly like, add it to the Faves
To remove a Program from the Favorites list, call up the Program and
SWITCH OCTAVES
While the MINIAK is a compact unit, all of its sounds span the full 128-note MIDI range. Use the [OCTAVE]
buttons to the left of the display to transpose the keyboard up and down to cover that range.
Notice how one or the other [OCTAVE] lights glows progressively brighter as you push it. This provides a
visual indication of the current octave setting.
Press both [OCTAVE] buttons simultaneously to return to the default octave setting.
EXPLORE THE BUILT-IN SEQUENCES
The MINIAK features a powerful pattern sequencer with lots of editing capabilities. To play some
Sequences, press the [SEQUENCES] button to the left of the display. Turn the DATA DIAL to cycle through
various preset Sequences. Play the keyboard to hear them.
[TAP TEMPO]
Tap the [TAP TEMPO] button to the left of the display. Watch and hear how [TAP TEMPO] controls the
tempo. Note that the Sequence's tempo immediately locks to the speed at which you tap.
To adjust the tempo with finer control (one-tenth of a beat per minute), hold down the [TAP TEMPO] button
and turn the DATA DIAL left or right to slow down or speed up. The display will indicate the current tempo.
[LATCH ARP]
Press the [LATCH ARP] button, also to the left of the display. Remove your hands from the keyboard. The
Sequence keeps playing.
Press [LATCH ARP] again to stop the Sequence from playing.
5
EXPLORE THE RHYTHMS
Rhythms combine drum/percussion programs with specifically designed rhythm patterns. Press
[RHYTHMS]. Turn the DATA DIAL to cycle through different Rhythms.
TO PLAY A RHYTHM
Press and hold any key from the bottom of the keyboard up to the middle G#. (These are the keys labeled
from recent through all.)
TO PLAY A RHYTHM'S INDIVIDUAL DRUM SOUND
Press one of the white keys from middle A (labeled voice) upward. The keyboard's middle A corresponds to
the rhythm's Drum A. The next higher note, B (labeled osc), corresponds to Drum B. Proceeding higher,
drums C, D, E, etc. are triggered. Any keys higher than the rhythm's highest note will do nothing.
TO PLAY A RHYTHM HANDS FREE
Press any key from middle G# down on the keyboard. While holding down that key, press [LATCH ARP] to
keep the rhythm going. Press [LATCH ARP] a second time to stop the rhythm.
TO CHANGE THE TEMPO
Tap the [TAP TEMPO] button a few times, or hold down [TAP TEMPO] and turn the DATA DIAL.
Each Rhythm's drum sounds, relative sound levels, left/right panning, rhythmic patterns, time signature,
duration, quantization, and name can be edited.
EXPLORE THE MULTIS
Press [MULTI] to explore this mode. Multi combines the following elements:
• Multiple Programs
• Multiple Sequences
• Multiple Rhythms
• Splits (like placing a rhythm on the left side of the keyboard, a bass program in the middle, and a
lead program on the right)
• Latch on/off settings
• Semitone transpositions
• Level and left/right panning
• Effects settings
• Controller assignments
First, simply press the [MULTI] button, twirl the DATA DIAL a few times, and listen to the various presets.
Be sure to play throughout the keyboard range to experience the various splits, layers, and rhythm triggers.
These presets will give you a good sense for some of the different possibilities you can create on your own.
The MINIAK was designed to make it easy to compose and modify your own Multis. Try creating your own
Multi with these steps:
1. Go into Programs and find a bass sound you like.
2. Push the DATA DIAL and select "start new Multi"
3. Now go back to Programs and find a lead instrument you like.
4. Push the DATA DIAL and choose "add to Multi?" Then select "Split A high?"
5. Now go into the "Rhythms" section and find a rhythm you like.
6. Now hold down the [RHYTHMS] button and push the [MULTI] button. This adds the beat to your
Multi.
7. Start jamming.
6
RECORD SOME PHRASES
You don't have to be in Sequences Mode to create a Sequence. At any time, the MINIAK can capture your
playing and use it as a Sequence. The Sequences that you capture in real time are called "phrases."
PHRASES WITHIN PROGRAMS MODE
Press [PROGRAMS] to enter Programs Mode. Hold down the
[PHRASE ARP] button and start playing a riff. As soon as you hit the
first note, the [PHRASE ARP] button will start flashing, indicating that
it is recording what you play. You can release the [PHRASE ARP]
button any time after you've played that first note.
When you are done playing the phrase, press the [PHRASE ARP] button again. The button will light,
indicating that the MINIAK is ready to play your phrase back. Press any key, and you'll hear your phrase
loop to the tempo.
The last phrase you have recorded is stored as a Sequence named "* Phrase", which appears near the
beginning of the Sequences list. If you record a phrase that you really like and want to keep, simply find the
"* Phrase" Sequence and give it a new name.
PHRASES WITHIN MULTI MODE
Phrases are most useful in Multi Mode because you can
use a Rhythm or Sequence to keep time as you play.
Phrases get a little more complicated in Multi Mode, since
each part can have its own phrase. But the basic idea is
the same – hold down the [PHRASE ARP] button and start
playing. Whatever parts you play on will get their own
phrases.
To record a phrase and clear all of the other phrases, hold
down [PHRASE ARP] and start recording when the button
is unlit. To add the phrase to the existing phrases, start
recording when the button is already lit.
The latest phrases you have recorded in Multi Mode are
stored as Sequences "* Phrase PartA", "* Phrase PartB",
etc. Again, rename the phrase Sequences that you want to
keep.
Try recording a phrase for yourself. Go to the
"Bass/LeadSplit" preset under the Multi menu and record
bass and lead phrases. The lower half of the keyboard
plays the bass and upper keys play the lead. Then play
back your phrases by hitting any note on the keyboard.
If you cannot store because
storage protection is on, see
Chapter 7 ("Store Protect") for
more information.
How Phrases are associated to Parts
The first note you play in a phrase
determines the part with which the phrase
will be associated.
For example, consider a bass/lead split
Multi with the bass (Part A) on the lower
half of the keyboard and the lead (Part B)
on the upper half.
If you begin your phrase low on the
keyboard – even if you eventually play
some high keys – the phrase created will be
associated with Part A.
If you begin your phrase high on the
keyboard – even if you eventually play
some low keys – the phrase created will be
associated with Part B.
What if your Multi plays more than one
Program when you press the first note in
your phrase? In that case, the phrase will
be associated to the lowest-lettered
program that uses that first note.
CONNECT EXTERNAL INSTRUMENTS
You can connect external audio sources – other synthesizers, mixers,
guitars, etc. – using the 1/4-inch (AUDIO IN) jacks on the back of the
MINIAK. The jacks accept either balanced or unbalanced cables.
Your external audio can be blended in with the MINIAK's internal
sound-producing oscillators. The resulting combination is then sent
through the MINIAK's filters and effects. This doesn't happen
automatically, though. You need to adjust some program parameters
to send external audio into the mix. See Chapter 6 for more about
these filters and effects.
Use both jacks for stereo input. Use the left (AUDIO IN) jack for mono-only sources (in which case the input
will be sent to both the left and right channels).
A special group of programs – including vocoder programs – exists just for use with the external inputs.
These programs begin with "#" and are accessible at the beginning of the vocoder/sfx Program category.
See Chapter 6 to learn about the
MINIAK's filter parameters.
Note: The microphone will be
bypassed when the left audio
input is being used.
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CHAPTER 3: SEQUENCES
PLAYING SEQUENCES
Sequences are repeated melodic figures that you trigger from the keyboard.
Press [SEQUENCES] near the DATA DIAL. To cycle through different
Sequences, turn the DATA DIAL. The Sequence will change, with the
current Sequence name shown in the display.
Press a key to play a Sequence. The Sequence continues playing as long
as you hold down the key.
Using [LATCH ARP]
Press [LATCH ARP] to let the Sequence continue playing after you release
the key.
Press [LATCH ARP] again to stop the Sequence from playing.
Using [TAP TEMPO]
Tap the [TAP TEMPO] button to increase or decrease the speed of the
Sequence. To adjust the tempo with finer control, hold down [TAP TEMPO]
and turn the DATA DIAL. The display will indicate the precise tempo.
SEQUENCE TYPES: ARPEGGIOS & SEQUENCES
A Sequence can be set to one of two types: "arpeggio" or "sequence".
Arpeggios and sequences both respond to a key press by playing a series
of notes over a programmed rhythmic pattern. The difference lies in which
notes they play.
An arpeggio loops over whatever notes you are holding down on the
keyboard. If you hold down a chord, the MINIAK will generate a melody by
playing each note of your chord individually.
A sequence, on the other hand, already has a melody line built in. So, all
you have to do is hold down a single key, and the MINIAK will play back that
melody relative to that key. Pressing another key will transpose the
sequence.
A Sequence can easily be switched from an arpeggio to a sequence, and
vice-versa. The underlying rhythmic pattern is kept the same–all that
changes is whether the Sequence plays the notes you hold down or the
notes it was recorded with.
If the distinction is unclear, choose your favorite Sequence, toggle its "type"
parameter between "arpeggio" and "sequence" (see page 24), and try
playing it both ways.
Phrases versus Sequenc
In Programs and Multi modes, the [PHRASE ARP] button lets you quickly
record and repeat a riff or melody line. Phrases are designed to be used
"live", when inspiration strikes as you're playing.
A phrase is nothing more than a Sequence that was recorded using the
[PHRASE ARP] button. In fact, the most recently recorded phrase is
stored as a Sequence named "* Phrase". If you happen to record a
phrase that you really like and want to hang on to, simply find the "*
Phrase" Sequence and give it a new name.
SEQUENCE OPTIONS
8
EDITING SEQUENCES
Choose an existing Sequence to edit by pressing the [SEQUENCES]
button and turning the DATA DIAL. Hold down any key to play the
Sequence. (Use the [TAP TEMPO] button to change the tempo.)
Once you've found a Sequence you want to edit, press the DATA
DIAL to enter edit mode. Turn the DATA DIAL to cycle through the
different options. Press the DATA DIAL to toggle in and out of editing
the current parameter.
Here are the Sequence editing options:
1. Revert-to-stored? / Unrevert-to-edited?
If you have edited a Sequence, you may revert back to the original version. Press the DATA DIAL to revert.
Go back to your edited state by press the DATA DIAL a second time to unrevert.
You can revert and unrevert to compare your changes with the original Sequence. When you're satisfied
with your work, press [STORE] to save your changes.
2. Send to Multi?
Pressing the DATA DIAL at this option sends you to Multi Mode and
allows you to make this Sequence a part of the last-selected Multi.
If the Multi does not have any parts, this Sequence is automatically
assigned to the Multi's part A.
If the Multi already has one or more parts, you will be able to add the
Sequence in one of the following ways:
1. send to part. The Multi's part will use this Sequence. Remember
that a part uses both a Program and a Sequence. If the part's
Program is set to "(Sequence's pgm)", then the Sequence will sound
just as it does in Sequences mode. Otherwise, the Multi will play the
Sequence using the part's own Program.
2. layer. The Multi's existing part is duplicated, resulting in a new part.
The Sequence is then sent to the new part.
3. split low. The Multi's existing part is split in two at a particular key.
The MINIAK prompts for a note on the keyboard at which to execute
the split. The Sequence is then sent to the lower part of the split.
Every note below the one you select will use this new Sequence.
Every note including and higher than the note you select will use the
Multi's existing part.
The new part is assigned the next letter after the split part. For
example, if the Multi contains parts A, B, C, and D, and part B is the
part that gets split, then part C will be the newly-added part. All later parts' letters are incremented by one.
To select the split point, turn the DATA DIAL or play a key. You can use the [OCTAVE] buttons if your
desired split point is outside of the current key range.
4. split high. The Multi's existing part is split in two at a particular key. As with the split low option, the
MINIAK prompts for a note on the keyboard at which to execute the split. The Sequence is then sent to the
upper part of the split. Every note above the one you select will use this new Sequence. Every note
including and lower than the note you select will use the Multi's existing part.
To select the split point, turn the DATA DIAL or play a key. You can use the [OCTAVE] buttons if your
desired split point is outside of the current key range.
5. add part. The Sequence is added as a brand new part. All other part parameters are set to their default
values.
Store your Sequence
The [STORE] button will light
once you have edited a
Sequence.
Press [STORE] after you're
satisfied with your edits.
Otherwise, your changes will be
lost when you turn off your
MINIAK.
Send to Multi only allows the
option of sending the Sequence
to the current Multi. Therefore,
you may need to jump out of
Sequence editing to choose a
Multi before returning to
Sequence and following this
procedure.
How part letters change when
"layer," "split low," and "split
high" are used: When parts are
layered or split high, the new
part is assigned the next letter
after the targeted part. All
subsequent part letters are
incremented by one.
For example, consider a Multi
with four existent parts: A, B, C,
D
If we split part B, the result is as
follows: A, B (low split of B), C
(high split of B), D (formerly "C"),
E (formerly "D").
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3. Start new Multi?
Pressing the DATA DIAL at this option creates a new Multi named with the Sequence's name and a "+" in
front (e.g. "+Liner" and "+Bobbetty") and, if a Multi with this name already exists, a number at the end (e.g.
"+Liner2" and "+Bobbetty2").
4. Sequence program
Choose the Program that the Sequence will use to play its notes. In order to quickly jump between program
categories, you can hold down the [SEQUENCES] button and press the white keys labeled with category
names.
Another way of setting the Sequence's Program is to bring it over from Programs Mode. Press
[PROGRAMS] to enter Programs Mode, and find the Program that you want. Then, hold down
[PROGRAMS] and press [SEQUENCES], and the Sequence's Program will be set. This works in the other
direction as well–hold down [SEQUENCES] and press [PROGRAMS] to bring the Sequence's Program over
to Programs mode, perhaps for some quick editing.
5. Length
Select one of 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 or 4 bars.
The Sequence will always play from the first note of the first
bar. So, if you select a value shorter than the current one,
the latter parts of the Sequence will be truncated. If you
select a value longer than the current one and the latter part
of the Sequence does not contain any notes, the new notes
at the end of the Sequence will be empty.
6. Grid
Choose 8, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, or 32 steps per bar, or choose
unquantized. Shortening the scale decreases the quantizing
resolution. You're more likely to hear double notes and
simpler syncopations at low values.
"Straight-ahead" feels tend to result from using 8, 16, and 32
steps per bar. Swing and shuffle feels tend to result from
choosing 12 or 24 steps per bar. But you can also create
some different Sequences by using fractions of bars along
with less obvious grid values, like 14 and 20.
7. Type
Choose sequence or arpeggio. See "Sequence Types:
Arpeggios & Sequences" above for more information.
8. Span (arpeggios only)
Choose a span ranging from single note – in which the note
you press on the keyboard will be the only note that plays – to
one that plays up, down, or up-and-down through 1, 2, 3, or 4
octaves.
Length and Grid quantizing
The MINIAK records your playing at a
very high resolution. The length and grid
settings that you select for playing back
your Sequences are used to nondestructively quantize those recordings.
So, if you record a four-bar Sequence and
change its length later to 1/4 bar, the
MINIAK will only play a fraction of your
Sequence, but it will remember the whole
thing. If you want to change the length
back to four bars at any time, the
complete Sequence will still be available.
Similarly, Sequence rhythms are
quantized using the grid setting, but the
underlying information remains
untouched. So, as you cycle through
different grid settings, you're likely to hear
different syncopations and "feels"
emerge.
Four Beats per Ba
All MINIAK Sequences have four beats
per bar.
You can still create odd-meter rhythms. It
just takes a little calculation and a
willingness to ignore the tempo
indications given by the [TAP TEMPO]
button.
For instance, one way to create a 3/4 feel
is to combine a length of 1/2 bar with a
grid of 24 steps. That will give you a total
of 12 steps to work with.
Ignore the display's "6 + 6" grouping.
Think "4 + 4 +
"instead.
10
9. Order (arpeggios only)
When you hold down more than one note, you can specify the order
in which they will be arpeggiated:
• The order in which they were initially pressed (called as
played).
• Up. The arpeggiator plays the notes you are holding
from the bottom to the top. Once the top note is
reached, the arpeggio begins from the bottom again.
• Down. The arpeggiator plays the notes you are holding
from the top to the bottom. Once the bottom note is
reached, the arpeggio begins from the top again.
• Up+Down Incl. This mixes the up and down settings,
playing up the notes you are holding and repeating the
top note and the bottom note. The incl stands for
inclusive.
• Up+Down Excl. This mixes the up and down settings,
playing up the notes you are holding without repeating
the top note and the bottom note. The excl stands for
exclusive.
• Octave Jump. The arpeggiator plays the notes you are holding but plays the first note in two or
more octave registers before playing the second note, which it also plays in two or more octave
registers, etc.
• Random. The arpeggiator plays the notes you are holding down in a random order.
10. Real-time recording
Once you've reached the "record" parameter, you'll hear the
metronome start to click. Use this "lead-in" time to get yourself into
the groove. (As always, if the tempo isn't right, you can use the
[TAP TEMPO] button to adjust it.)
Once you're ready to play, just start playing. The MINIAK will begin
recording from the first note of the Sequence. Alternately, if you
don't want to play from the first note, you can push the DATA DIAL
to kick off the recording.
The Sequence will loop continuously, so you can add to it each time
it comes around. When recording in real-time, remember that
playing will never erase anything you've already recorded. To wipe
out a section so you can replay it, hold down the DATA DIAL as it
gets played back.
To stop recording, turn the DATA DIAL or press a mode button.
You will often want to clear the entire Sequence and start over. One
way of doing this is to hold down the DATA DIAL and wipe out the
Sequence as you record. But a quicker way is to hold down the
[SEQUENCES] button and hit the highest note on the keyboard.
This is a shortcut to the "Clear Sequence?" option.
The MINIAK records not only the keys you play, but all movements
of the (PITCH), (MOD1), and (MOD2) wheels. These controller
movements don't even need to be recorded at the same time as the
keys. A useful technique is to play the keys first, and then when the
recording loops around, play on the controllers to add some life to
your notes. If you do this, you will probably also be using the "Clear
controllers?" option as well, so you can revise your controller
movements until you're satisfied.
Arpeggios or Sequences?
Arpeggios contain Rhythm and
velocity (relative volume)
information.
Sequences contain not only
Rhythm and velocity information
but also pitch information.
Use arpeggios for computergenerated patterns.
Use sequences for melodies and
basslines.
Octave Jump: To hear Octave
Jump in action, Span should not
be set to "single note."
Time display: The MINIAK
displays time as "bar:beat:tick".
There are four beats in a bar, and
120 ticks in a beat.
Three-step beats land on 0, 40,
and 80.
Four-step beats land on 0, 30, 60,
and 90.
Five-step beats land on 0, 24, 48,
72, and 96.
Changing the metronome
The metronome you hear when
recording is, in fact, just another
Sequence. It is named "*
Metronome", and appears near
the beginning of the Sequence
list. You are free to edit this
Sequence all you like. For
example, you can choose a
different program, or put the clicks
on eighth notes or triplets instead
of quarter notes. A quick way of
disabling the metronome entirely
is to simply rename this
Sequence and store it. You can
always bring back the metronome
later with another rename.
11
11. Step editing
Turn the DATA DIAL to cycle through each step. You can quickly jump to the first step of the Sequence by
holding down the [SEQUENCES] button and pressing A above middle C (labeled "voice").
Every aspect of the Sequence is
editable:
a. Adding and replacing notes and
chords
Play one or more keys at any step to
add (or replace) that step's entry.
Pitch, velocity, and length will be
recorded, as will any wheel moves you make while the keys are held
down.
If the Sequence type is set to "arpeggio," the pitch will not actually be
used when the Sequence is played back, since the MINIAK will play
the Sequence over whatever notes you hold down. But if you later
set the type to "sequence," your recorded pitches will reappear.
The cursor will automatically move on to the next step.
b. Removing notes
To remove a note, place the cursor under any step and double-click
the DATA DIAL. The note, plus all controller movements between
this note and the next one, will be removed.
c. Moving notes
To move a note, place the cursor under it. Then press and hold
down the DATA DIAL and turn it to the left or right. Imagine that you
are "dragging" the note.
d. Editing velocity
Place the cursor under the note that you want to edit and press the
DATA DIAL. Turn the DATA DIAL to increase or decrease the
velocity. You can remove the note by turning the velocity down to
zero. While you're editing velocity, you can play any key to hear
what the note sounds like at that velocity. (Note: Though the
duration of the note is displayed in this screen, it cannot be edited
here.)
e. Editing duration
To edit the duration of a note, move the cursor to it and play the note
with the duration you desire. The duration value cannot be edited
directly, but a rough indication of the duration can be seen on the
upper right side of the display.
12. Clear controllers?
Press the DATA DIAL to erase all controller movements from the Sequence, but keep the notes. This is
handy if you recorded some controller movements that you're unhappy with, and want to try another take
without starting the Sequence from scratch.
13. Clear Sequence?
Press the DATA DIAL to erase all notes and controller movements from the Sequence, but keep the basic
Sequence parameters. To quickly jump to this option, hold down the [SEQUENCES] button and press the
highest note on the keyboard.
Controllers and step editing
Remember that controller
movements are recorded while a
note is held down. So, it is
perfectly possible to record a
pitch bend while step editing; just
play the note and turn the pitch
wheel.
Removing multiple notes
To remove multiple notes at once,
place the cursor at the right-most
note you want to remove. Then
hold down the DATA DIAL and
turn it all the way to the left before
releasing it.
Gauging note velocity and
duration on the display
As you place the cursor under
each note, the top right side of the
display will change.
Higher velocities are illustrated
with higher bars.
Longer note lengths are illustrated
with thicker bars. Notes can
overlap one another, but that
overlap is not visible on the
display.
12
14. Sequence name
Since Sequences are listed alphabetically, creative naming can help you move smoothly from one Sequence
to another.
Turn the DATA DIAL to select a position (1 – 14) to edit. Then press the DATA DIAL to edit that position.
Edit either by turning the DATA DIAL or pressing notes on the keyboard.
Press a key twice to toggle between upper and lower case.
Inserting and deleting characters: To insert a space in the name, navigate to the position at which you
want to add the space. Hold down the Band turn it clockwise. To delete a character, navigate past it, hold
down the DATA DIAL, and turn it counterclockwise. (In both cases, imagine that you are "dragging" the
name around.)
15. Send MIDI sysex?
Choose this option to send the Sequence to a computer or other MIDI storage device using the MINIAK's
(MIDI OUT) port.
This allows you to back up your Sequences to your computer, or share them with your friends or over the
internet. (See Chapter 8 for details on what Sysex is and how to use it.)
16. Send syx bundle?
Choose this option to send both the Sequence and its program to a computer or other MIDI storage device
using the MINIAK's (MIDI OUT) port.
17. Delete Sequence?
Delete the Sequence using this function, if desired. You will be prompted to confirm this action.
18. Store a copy?
Unlike many synths, the MINIAK does not have fixed "banks" of Programs, Sequences, etc., each with a
predetermined number of storage locations. Instead, you may freely create and delete Sequences at any
time, just as you would on a computer.
"Store a copy?" is how you create a new Sequence. This option creates a brand new copy of the current
Sequence, differing only in name. Now, when you make changes and hit the [STORE] button, you will be
storing to this new copy.
Whenever you want to start a new Sequence from scratch, you will have to find an existing Sequence to
base it off of, and then store a copy. Don't forget to store a copy, or you might accidentally overwrite the
original Sequence.
Store your changes!
Be sure to press the [STORE] button after you're satisfied with your changes. Otherwise, your changes will
be lost when the MINIAK is turned off.
However, keep in mind that you don't lose any changes when you switch to other modes, so feel free to
browse through Programs or Multis without storing your Sequence. Additionally, if you play a Multi that uses
the current Sequence, you'll hear your edited version, even without storing. This is a great way of checking
how your edits sound in the context of a Multi, without having to commit to them.
You can even play other Sequences without losing your edits. Just hit the [SEQUENCES] button and turn
the DATA DIAL. You can always come back to your edited Sequence, just as you left it. The MINIAK
doesn't discard your edits until you start editing a different Sequence. If you intentionally want to discard your
edits and revert to the version you last stored, you can use the "Revert -> Stored?" option.
Exiting Sequence editing
You can exit Sequence editing at any time. Simply press any of the buttons encircling the DATA DIAL,
including the [SEQUENCES] button a second time.
13
CHAPTER 4: RHYTHMS
PLAYING RHYTHMS
Press the [RHYTHMS] button next to the DATA DIAL.
RHYTHM OPTIONS
Press and hold any key on the left side of the keyboard to play a Rhythm.
Play the keys on the right side of the keyboard to play individual drum sounds. The
keyboard's A above middle C (labeled voice) corresponds to the rhythm's Drum A.
The next note, B (labeled osc), corresponds to Drum B, and so on.
Turn the DATA DIAL to play different Rhythms.
Using [TAP TEMPO]
Tap the [TAP TEMPO] button to increase or decrease the speed of the Sequence.
To adjust the tempo with finer control, hold down [TAP TEMPO] and turn the
DATA DIAL. The display will indicate the precise tempo.
EDITING RHYTHMS
First, choose an existing Rhythm to edit by pressing the [RHYTHMS] button and
turning the DATA DIAL. Press any key on the left half of the keyboard to play the
Rhythm. Use the [TAP TEMPO] button to change the tempo.
Once you've found a Rhythm you want to edit, press the DATA DIAL to enter edit
mode. Turn the DATA DIAL to cycle through the parameters. Press it to edit a
parameter; press again to exit parameter editing.
1. Revert-to-stored? / Unrevert-to-edited?
If you have edited a Rhythm, you may revert back to the original version. Press
the DATA DIAL to revert.
Go back to your edited state by press the DATA DIAL a second time to unrevert.
Use revert and unrevert often in order to compare your changes to the original
Rhythm. When you're satisfied with your work, press [STORE] to save your
changes.
Store your Rhythm
The [STORE] button will light once you have edited a Rhythm.
Press [STORE] after you're satisfied with your edits. Otherwise, your changes
will be lost when you turn off your MINIAK.
14
2. Send to Multi?
Pressing the DATA DIAL at this option sends you to Multi Mode and
allows you to make this Rhythm a beat of the last-selected Multi.
If the Multi does not have any beats, this Rhythm is automatically
assigned to the Multi's beat A.
If the Multi already has one or more beats, you will be able to add the
rhythm in one of the following ways:
1. send to beat. The Multi's beat is replaced by the current Rhythm.
The Multi beat's level, effects mix, key range, and latch status are
retained.
2. layer. The Multi's existing beat is duplicated, resulting in a new
beat. The Rhythm is then sent to the new beat.
3. split low. The Multi's existing beat is split in two at a particular key.
The MINIAK prompts for a note on the keyboard at which to execute
the split. The Rhythm is then sent to the lower beat of the split. Every
note below the one you select will use this new Rhythm. Every note
including and higher than the note you select will use the Multi's
existing beat.
The new beat is assigned the next letter after the split beat. For
example, if the Multi contains beats A, B, C, and D, and beat B is the
beat that gets split, then beat C will be the newly-added beat. All later
beats' letters are incremented by one.
To select the split point, turn the DATA DIAL or play a key. You can
use the [OCTAVE] buttons if your desired split point is outside of the
current key range.
4. split high. The Multi's existing beat is split in two at a particular
key.
As with the split low option, the MINIAK prompts for a note on the
keyboard at which to execute the split. The Rhythm is then sent to the
upper beat of the split. Every note above the one you select will use
this new Rhythm. Every note including and lower than the note you
select will use the Multi's existing beat.
3. Start new Multi?
Press the DATA DIAL to create a new Multi. The Multi will have one
beat, using this Rhythm, but will otherwise be empty. You can then
add parts and additional beats to the Multi, either by directly editing the
Multi or via the "Send to Multi?" option in other modes.
The Multi's name will be the same as this Rhythm's, except preceeded
with a plus character. This ensures that the new Multi will appear near
the beginning of the alphabetized Multis list. You can change the
name later if you want to keep the Multi, or simply delete the Multi if
not.
4. Length
Select one of 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 or 4 bars.
The Rhythm will always play from the first note of the first bar. So, if you select a value shorter than the
current one, the latter parts of the Rhythm will be truncated. If you select a value longer than the current one
and the latter part of the Rhythm does not contain any notes, the new notes at the end of the Rhythm will be
empty.
Send to Multi only allows the
option of sending the Rhythm to
the current Multi. Therefore, you
may need to jump out of Rhythm
editing to choose a Multi before
returning to Rhythms and
following this procedure.
How beat letters change when
"layer," "split low," and "split
high" are used: When beats
are layered or split high, the new
beat is assigned the next letter
after the targeted beat. All
subsequent beat letters are
incremented by one.
For example, consider a Multi
with four existent beats: A, B, C,
D
If we split beat B, the result is as
follows: A, B (low split of B), C
(high split of B), D (formerly "C"),
E (formerly "D")
Length and Grid quantizing
The MINIAK records your
playing at a very high resolution.
The length and grid settings that
you select for playing back your
Rhythms are used to nondestructively quantize those
recordings.
So, if you record a four-bar
Rhythm and change its length
later to 1/4 bar, the MINIAK will
only play a fraction of your
Rhythm, but it will remember the
whole thing. If you want to
change the length back to four
bars at any time, the complete
Rhythm will still be available.
Similarly, Rhythms are
quantized using the grid setting,
but the underlying information
remains untouched. So, as you
cycle through different grid
settings, you're likely to hear
different syncopations and
"feels" emerge.
15
g
5. Grid
Choose 8, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, or 32 steps per bar. Shortening the
scale decreases the quantizing resolution. You're more likely to hear
double notes and simpler syncopations at low values.
Straight-ahead feels tend to result from using 8, 16, and 32 steps per
bar. Swing and shuffle feels tend to result from choosing 12 or 24
steps per bar. But you can also create different rhythms by using
fractions of bars along with less obvious grid values, like 14 and 20.
6. Record rhythm (real-time)
Once you've reached the "record" parameter, you'll hear the
metronome start to click. Use this "lead-in" time to get yourself into the
groove. (As always, if the tempo isn't right, you can use the [TAP
TEMPO] button to adjust it.)
Once you're ready to play, just start playing on the white keys above
middle A. The MINIAK will begin recording from the first note of the
rhythm. Alternately, if you don't want to play from the first note, you can
push the DATA DIAL to kick off the recording.
The Rhythm will loop continuously, so you can add to it each time it
comes around. You can play the entire Rhythm at once, or add to it
drum by drum.
When recording in real-time, remember that playing will never erase
anything you've already recorded. To wipe out a section so you can
replay it, you can hold down the DATA DIAL as it gets played back.
This will wipe the notes for all drums.
However, you frequently will want to wipe out the notes for just a single
drum, leaving the other drums intact. Holding down a black key will
make the MINIAK wipe the notes of the last drum played (the drum
shown on the display).
To stop recording, turn the DATA DIAL or press a mode button.
You will often want to clear the entire Rhythm and start over. One way
of doing this is to hold down the DATA DIAL and wipe out the Rhythm
as you record. But a quicker way is to hold down the [RHYTHMS]
button and hit the highest note on the keyboard. As long as you have
less than ten drums, this will jump you to the "Clear rhythm?" option.
7. Drum A through Drum H
Turn the DATA DIAL clockwise to access the Drum A settings. Each
drum holds lots of options:
• Change the drum Program
• Edit the level
• Edit the pan position
• Edit the drum's Sequence, including the placement and
velocity of each note
• Clear the Sequence information
• Remove the drum
a. Program: Press the DATA DIAL once to change the drum program. Twirl the DATA DIAL to cycle
through the programs.
In order to quickly jump between Program categories, you can hold down the [RHYTHMS] button and press
the white keys labeled with category names. Although you will almost always want to use Programs from the
"Drum" category in your Rhythms, you are free to choose any Program you like. However, if you choose a
non-drum, the Rhythm will only play it at middle C. If you want melodic variation, that's what Sequences are
for.
Four Beats per Bar
All MINIAK Sequences have four
beats per bar.
You can still create odd-meter
Rhythms. It just takes a little
calculation and a willingness to
ignore the tempo indications
given by the [TAP TEMPO]
button.
For instance, one way to create
a 3/4 feel is to combine a length
of 1/2 bar with a grid of 24 steps.
That will give you a total of 12
steps to work with.
Ignore the display's "6 + 6"
grouping. Think "4 + 4 + 4"
instead.
Changing the metronome
The metronome you hear when
recording is, in fact, just another
Sequence. It is named "*
Metronome", and appears near
the beginning of the Sequence
list. You are free to edit this
Sequence all you like. For
example, you can choose a
different program, or put the
clicks on eighth notes or triplets
instead of quarter notes. A
quick way of disabling the
metronome entirely is to simply
rename this Sequence and store
it. You can always bring back
the metronome later with
another rename.
Switching among drums
To quickly switch between the
drums in a rhythm, hold down
the [RHYTHMS] button and
press a white key on the right
side of the keyboard. For
example, if you are editing
"Drum A level", hold down
[RHYTHMS] and press the B
above middle C to jump to
"Drum B level." This is
especially useful while step
editin
.
16
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