Doepfer MAQ16-3 User Manual
DOEPFER
MIDI Analog Sequencer
MAQ16/3
User's Guide
Table of contents
Table of contents................................................................................................................... 1
Operating and Security Instructions ...................................................................................... 3
Preface.................................................................................................................................. 5
Connections.......................................................................................................................... 6
Power supply..................................................................................................................... 6
MIDI-Connectors................................................................................................................ 6
CV/Gate-Connectors ......................................................................................................... 7
Operating Manual.................................................................................................................. 8
Controls at the front panel ................................................................................................. 8
Operation........................................................................................................................... 8
Switching the Sequencer On.......................................................................................... 8
Menu Structure............................................................................................................... 9
Menu 1: EVENT.......................................................................................................... 9
Menu 2: CHANNEL..................................................................................................... 9
Menu 3: FIRST/LAST STEP....................................................................................... 9
Menu 4: PRESCALE................................................................................................... 9
Menu 5: MODE..........................................................................................................10
Menu 6: SINGLE STEP.............................................................................................10
Menu 7: PRESET ......................................................................................................10
Menu 8: START/STOP..............................................................................................10
Detailed Description of the Menus.................................................................................11
EVENT ......................................................................................................................12
CHANNEL.................................................................................................................17
FIRST/LAST STEP....................................................................................................17
PRESCALE ...............................................................................................................17
MODE........................................................................................................................18
SINGLE STEP...........................................................................................................19
PRESET....................................................................................................................20
START/STOP............................................................................................................22
APPENDIX A: Remote-Control of MAQ-Parameters via MIDI-Events..................................24
Adjusting the MIDI channels XX and YY...........................................................................24
Program-Change Remote-Control....................................................................................25
Noten-Event-Fernsteuerfunktionen...................................................................................26
Control-Change Remote-Control......................................................................................26
APPENDIX B: Display of MIDI-Errors...................................................................................27
APPENDIX C: MIDI Dump Request .....................................................................................28
APPENDIX D: Updating MAQs V1.0/V2.0 to V3.0................................................................29
APPENDIX E:Adjusting the CV outputs................................................................................31
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Operating and Security Instructions
Please follow the given instructions for use of the instrument because this will guarantee
correct instrument operation. Due to the fact that these instructions touch on Product
Liability, it is absolutely imperative that they be read carefully. Any claim for defect will be
rejected if one or more of the items was observed. Disregard of the instructions can
endanger the 6 month warranty.
The instrument may only be used for the purpose described in this operating manual. Due to
safety reasons, the instrument must never be used for other purposes not described in this
manual. If you are not sure about the int ended purpose of the instrument please cont act an
expert.
The instrument may only be operated with the voltage written on the power input on the rear
panel. Before opening the case disconnect t he power plug.
All eventual modifications must only be carried out by a qualified person who will follow the
valid safety instructions. Every modification should becarried out only at the manufact urer or
an authorized service company. Any modification not released by the manufacturer leads to
the extinction of the operation permission.
With the introduction of a third person the warranty will be lost. In case of a destroyed
warranty seal, any warranty claim will be rejected.
The instrument must never be operated outdoors but in dry, closed rooms. Never use the
instrument in a humid or wet environment nor near inflammables.
No liquids or conducting materials must get into the instrument. If this should happen the
instrument must be disconnected from power immediately and be examined, cleaned and
eventually be repaired by a qualified person.
Never subject the instrument to temperatures above +50 øC or below -10 øC. Before
operation the instrument should have a temperature of at least 10 øC. Do not place the
instrument into direct sun light . Do not install the instrument near heat sources.
Keep the top side of the instrument free in order t o guarantee proper ventilation, otherwise
the instrument could be overheated.
Never place heavy objects on the instrument.
All cables connected with the instrument must be checked periodically. If there is any
damage the cables must be repaired or replaced by an author ized person.
Transport the instrument carefully, never let it fall or overturn. Make sure that during
transport and in use the instrument has a pr oper stand and does not fall, slip or turn over
because persons could be injured.
Never use the instrument in the immediate proximity of interfering electronic devices (e.g.
monitors, power supplies, computers) since this could create disturbances within the
instrument and corrupt memory data.
The exchange of electronic parts ( e.g. EPROMs for software update) is allowed only if the
instrument is disconnected from power supply.
The instrument should only be shipped in the original packaging. Any instruments shipped to
us for return, exchange, warranty repair, update or examination must be in their original
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packaging! Any other deliveries will be rejected. Therefore, you should keep the original
packaging and the technical documentat ion.
Attention:
In each electronic device there is some chance of data corr upt ion (e.g. because of an EMC
disturbance). . In most cases a data cor r uption happens only once and it is not possible to
our find the reason. As mentioned above mostly nonrecurr ing EMC disturbances (e.g.
transients in the mains power supply) cause such data corruption and there is no way no
chance to protect oneself fr om them - except the data copy via SysEx.
This is why you should make a copy of all data now and then for the safet y of your data.
Same is valid for the MAQ data too. For this purpose t he MAQ has the dump feature that
enables to store your preset data via MIDI SysEx messages e.g. to a comput er or MIDI
recording device. (APPENDIX A).
Also an backup could be very useful, if you delete or overwrite a preset by mistake.
When using t he instrument in Germany, the appropriate VDE standards must be followed.
The following standards are of special importance: DIN VDE 0100 (Teil 300/11.85, Teil
410/11.83, Teil 481/10.87), DIN VDE 0532 (Teil 1/ 03.82), DIN VDE 0550 (T eil 1/12.69), DIN
VDE 0551 (05.72), DIN VDE 0551e (06.75), DIN VDE 0700 (Teil 1/02.81, Teil 207/10.82),
DIN VDE 0711 (Teil 500/10.89), DI N VDE 0860 (05. 89), DIN VDE 0869 ( 01.85). VDE paper s
can be obtained from the VDE-Verlag GmbH, Berlin.
Technical specifications are subject t o change without notice.
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Preface
While studying this manual one may occasionally get the impression of slightly awkward
and/or complicated operating procedures. The reason for this is t he fact that the MAQ was
initially designed about 3 years ago as a simple analog sequencer in the version 1.00.
However, due to user’s suggestions we found in the course of software development that
MIDI allows many more functional possibilities than would be the case with conventional
analog sequencers. In particular, we also incorporated a number of featur es which had been
requested by the well-known German band KRAFTWERK and which had not been planned
for originally. Consequently our original concept of a sim ple analog sequencer turned into a
rather sophisticated device which will hopefully satisfy even the most demanding users.
Unfortunately the increased sophistication of the MAQ had to be purchased at the expense
of user-friendliness. W e nevertheless hope that the broad range of functions and features
will compensate our customers for this.
At this point we would also like to express our gratitude to the band KRAFT WERK
( www.kraftwerk.com ) for their cooperation and input during the development of the
MAQ16/3.
The software and hardware presently included with the MAQ16/3 is version 3.0x. It was
thoroughly tested by our firm as well as several beta-tester s and found to be free of bugs.
Nevertheless, it has been our experience that the new version of a software package will
eventually reveal some hidden bugs after all. We would therefore appreciate it if our
customers would notify us in the event of their encount ering a bug . We will then immediately
attempt to correct the pr oblem as soon as possible and to release a software update to our
customers.
Please contact your local dealer if you need a software update.
If you want to order the update directly from Doepfer a processing fee of 20.- DM (or 20.-
SFr, 10.- Euro, 10.- US$, 150. - ÖS) has to be payed in advance (banknotes or stam ps). As
soon as we receive the processing fee a new EPROM will be sent. Please tell us your
current software version and the serial no. of your unit. Otherwise the software update
cannot be performed.
Pay attention that the software update requires the exchange of the EPROM on the basic
board. For this the unit has to be opened, the pr esent EPROM has to be removed and the
new one inserted. If your unit is still under warranty we recommend that the software update
should be performed only by authorized service personal ! If you damage the unit while
replacing the EPROM the warranty is lost !
Please note that the comment above is not valid for software upg rades which introduce new
features not initially included with version 3.X. For such upgrades not only a processing fee
is payable.
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Connections
All connectors are located at the rear panel.
Power supply
The MAQ16/3 does not have a built-in power supply. Instead it uses a plug-in type external
power supply (DC adapter). The connector is labeled „9V DC“ and is located next to t he two
MIDI sockets. The primary reason f or t his f eatur e is the f act that line voltages and plug t ypes
vary considerably from country to country. Using a plug-in external supply the MAQ16/3 can
be used anywhere with a locally purchased power supply, thus keeping the retail price
down.The MAQ16/3 is switched ON by plugging the AC adapter into a wall outlet and
connecting it to the appropriate jack on the back of the case. There is no separate ON/OFF
switch.
MAQ16/3 sequencers sold in Germany do include an AC adapter for 230V mains supply.
In other countries the power supply is NOT included with the MAQ16/3 and must be
purchased locally by the user. The power supply must be able to deliver a voltage of 9-12
VDC (unstabilized), as well as a minimum current of 500mA. The polarity of the connector
must be the following: ring = GND, tip = +9V DC. If the polarity of the power supply is
incorrect, the MAQ16/3 will not function. However, there is no danger of damage to the
circuitry since it is protected by a diode.
MIDI-Connectors
Next to the power supply connector you will find the two MIDI connectors „MIDI-In“ and
„MIDI-Out“.
Connect the MIDI-OUT jack of the MAQ16/3 with MIDI-IN of the device to be controlled
(Expander, Synthesizer, etc.) via a suitable MIDI-cable.
The MIDI-IN jack of the MAQ is needed only if the device is to be synchronized via MIDI-IN,
if sequences of notes are to be transposed or if the MIDI remote control features are used.
Otherwise the MIDI-IN jack remains unused. I t should be emphasized that the MIDI-IN jack
has no merge-function, i. e. incoming data is not passed on to the MIDI-output.
If the MIDI data controlling the MAQ are required for other MIDI equipment too a MIDI Thru
box has to be used.
If the MIDI data coming from the MAQ should be merged with other MIDI data a MIDI merge
boxed has to be used (e.g. the Doepfer MMR4/4 with 4 MIDI-Ins and 4 MIDI-Outs).
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CV/Gate-Connectors
In the middle of the rear panel you will find 6 miniatur e jack sockets (3.5 mm) labeled „CV1“,
„CV2“, „CV3“, „Gate 1“, „ Gate 2“ und „Gate 3“. For each of the 3 pot entiometer rows one CV
output and one Gate output are available. The CV/ G ate outputs are compatible with the
DOEPFER A-100 modular system and many other analog synthesizers.
The CV voltage range is 5V with an offset voltage of about 0.25V (i.e. effectiv
+0.25...+5.25V). The offset voltage may be compensated with the tune knob and/or or the
keyboard of the synthesizer or module to be controlled as all control voltages are additive in
standard 1V/octave analog systems.
If „note“ is assigned t o t he cor responding row the CV output follows the 1V/octave
characteristics used by most of the vintage synthesizers (1 semitone = 1/12V = 0. 083V) . In
all other cases (e.g. controller) the voltage range is about 0.25V (knob full ccw) .... 5.25V
(knob full cw).
For each CV output there is a trimming potentiometer inside the unit to adjust t he CV scale if
necessary. The scale is trimmed in the f act or y to 1. 00V/octave. If you want to change or
correct the setting of t he scale see appendix E „Adj ust ing the CV-Outputs“.
The factory setting of the Gate outputs are is voltage trigger 0/+8V. If desired the outputs
can be modified for S-tr igger (switched trigger, used e.g. by Moog synthesizers) in the
factory or by an authorised service company.
Every modification must only be made by authorized service. Otherwise the warranty will
become invalid.
Note: Not correctly adjusted CV scale is no reason for warranty. If the only „defect“ in a MAQ
unit sent for repair is the incor r ect scale this is no matter of warranty.
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Operating Manual
Controls at the front panel
The MAQ16/3 features the f ollowing contr ols and displays:
• 3 rows of 16 potentiometers (dials) and LEDs each
• 3-digit LED-display
• 8 MENU-buttons in 2 rows of 4 buttons each
• 8 LEDs (serving as indicators for t he MENU-buttons)
• 1 Data-entry dial
The three rows of dials serve to adjust the sequences. The LEDs above the dials indicate
the active step in each row.
The 8 MENU-buttons and their indicator LEDs are used to activate t he various operating
modes. The data-entry dial allows rapid editing of the desired parameters.
Operation
Switching the Sequencer On
After the power supply is plugged-in the display should show the software version (e.g. 350
for version 3.50) and the 8 LEDs light for a short moment.
After that the display shows the tempo in BPM (Beats per minute), which can be altered via
the data entry dial. The 8 LEDs above the MENU-buttons will be off (i.e. no menu is
selected).
If this is not the case either the MAQ16/3 or the power supply is defective. Please first check
the power supply before you return the MAQ. Maybe the polarity of the power supply used is
wrong (ring must be GND, pin must be +9...12V, a minimum current of 500mA is required).
After turning t he MAQ on preset 1 is called up and you are in t he Edit Mode. T he posit ions of
the 48 knobs do not correspond to the Midi/CV data sent via MIDI out/CV out if you start the
sequencer with the Start/Stop button as t he 48 st ep values are t aken from preset 1 (for
details see Preset).
H If you have updated from 2.0 to 3.0:
The automatic storage of all parameter s into preset 1 is no longer available. If you want to
store the last configuration you have to stor e it explicitely into one of the presets before
turning the MAQ off. Use preset 1 if the configuration should be available after turning the
MAQ.
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Menu Structure
There are 8 differ ent menus which can be selected via the 8 MENU-buttons by pressing the
appropriate one. The LEDs above the buttons will indicate which one is active at any given
time. One can exit a menu at any time simply by pr essing anot her MENU-button. If no menu
is selected all LEDs are off and the display shows the tempo in BPM.
The following menus are assigned to t he 8 MENU-buttons:
Upper row:
1: EVENT
2: CHANNEL
3: FIRST/LAST STEP
4: PRESCALE
Lower row:
5: MODE
6: SINGLE STEP
7: PRESET
8: START/STO P
Menus 1-6 always refer to one of the three rows of dials. Menus 7-8 are global, i.e. t hey r efer
to the whole sequencer rather than a specific row.
In the next few paragraphs we shall briefly explain the functions of the 8 menus, prior to
discussing them in detail.
Menu 1: EVENT
In this menu a certain type of MIDI-instruction (Event) is assigned to each row. The most
important event types are Note ON/OFF, Velocity, Controller, Pitch-bend and Af tertouch. In
addition a row can be assigned time function (i.e. duration of the step) , dynamic switching of
the MIDI-channel or additional transposition of another row.
Menu 2: CHANNEL
This menu is used to assign a row to a MIDI-channel. The row will transmit the MIDIinstructions entered in MENU 1 on the channel selected in this menu, unless dynamic MIDIchannel switching has been activated.
Menu 3: FIRST/LAST STEP
The length of each of the three rows of dials can be limited. In this menu the user
determines the first step in which the seq uence begins, as well as the last step after which
the unit jumps back to the f irst column. Since first and last st ep can be adjusted separat ely
for each row, it is possible to generate r a t her com plex seq uences.
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Menu 4: PRESCALE
For each row the time difference (in units of MIDI-Clock events) between events (MIDIinstructions) can be predetermined. T he time difference is a tempo-divisor (always a whole
number) which refers to the MIDI-Clock or the internally generated tempo, respect ively.
In case of NOTE-events one can also adjust the t ime between NOTE ON and NOTE OFF
(i.e. Note duration).
Among other things one can use this m enu t o cause different rows to run at different speeds,
although always synchronous with the MIDI-Clock.
Menu 5: MODE
For each row one of eight modes can be chosen: Forward, Reverse, Pendulum 1, Pendulum
2, One-Shot 1, One-Shot 2, One-Note or Random.
Menu
6: SINGLE STEP
This menu is used to select single step-m ode. It is used primarily to adjust each individual
step, for example in cases where the desired sequence is not to be determined
experimentally but a prepared sequence is to be entered.
The function can also be used for interesting eff ects during live perform ances ("Scanning" of
a sequence or single step-improvisation, for example) since single-step mode also runs
synchronous with the MIDI-Clock.
This menu allows to mute/demute single steps as well.
Menu 7: PRESET
In this menu the presets are managed. 30 presets can be stored for subseq uent retrieval.
The manual DUMP-function via System-Exclusive-instructions can be initiated in this m enu.
Menu 8: START/STOP
This is not a menu as such, but rather a START/STOP/CONTINUE butt on.
By pressing the button one alternately starts and stops the seq uence. The tempo in beats
per minute (BPM) appears on the display in this mode and can be adjusted via the dataentry dial.
If the data-entry dial is tur ned above the maximum tempo value of 254 (Display shows „ETC“
or „ETS“) the synchronization of the MAQ takes place externally via MIDI-IN (i.e. exter nal
trigger).
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