... Parameter 2 values between 101 and 126 are not defined
... (Reserved for future expansion)
1267Efree
1277FNo Event
Parameter 3:
Range 00 ~ 7FThe meaning of parameter 3 depends on what parameter 2 is set to.
FORWARD
How long have you wanted to:
Control your (software) synthesizer without having to use virtual faders,
and having to look at a computer screen and use a mouse?
Use the full capability of your computer’s built-in soundcard?
Have realtime control for synths that have limited or no realtime controls
Could the control possibilities of your master keyboard be improved? N ow it’s time to discover
new uses for real time control by using the Doepfer Pocket Control.
The Pocket Control
The Pocket Control (r eferr ed to as the pocketC) is a device, that everyone could
use, such as for the computer in the studio or for live use in professional and semi-professional
situations.
What can the pocketC do?
The pocketC can assign each of the 16 control knobs to individual Midi events.
This Midi event controlled can be selected from a list of preset options (giving over 16,000
different event combinations), such as controllers, mono & poly aftertouch, pitch bend, RPN/
NRPN, XG-SysEx, GS/XG controller, program change and even note on/off events. These
events can be from any of the 16 Midi channels, or the master channel (which allows easy
selection of the controlling MIDI channel). The permutation of possibilities is therefore up to
17 (channel options) * 16,000 (event combinations), which is over 250,000 possible
combinations! The system is also ready to take even further SysEx messages and data formats in
future updates.
Page 22
The low cost of the pocketC allows for applications where multiple pocketC’s can be used
chained together.
The pocketC does not have a built in power supply (not enough r oom left inside!),
but uses an external adaptor which can be from 7v to 12v and at least 100mA. The
connection polarity is positive inner. Although the pocketC has a built in protection
diode for protection against incorrect polarity, the pocketC can still be damaged by
using an incorrect adaptor, so only use an approved adaptor and avoid using multipolarity type adaptors with voltage level and polarity switching, as inadvertant settings
can cause problems.
Connect the MIDI out of the controlling keyboard to the MIDI IN of the
pocketC. The MIDI input also allows control of the pocketC, such as with program
changes to select presets, and to receive it’s own Sys-Ex messages for setting up the
128 preset memories (held in non-volatile memory).
Connect the MIDI OUT of the pocketC to the sequencer (computer) or sound
generator MIDI in. The pocketC merges the incoming data with it’s own data, so the
MIDI OUT is a data merge of MIDI in and data generated by the pocketC. There is
no use for a separate MIDI thru with this type of device. Note that if extremely large
Sys-Ex dumps are passed through the pocketC then it is advisable not to move any
pocketC knobs whilst this transmission is taking place, as the merge abilities of the
pocketC were not intended to work whilst this kind of intense transmission is taking
place.
If multiple pocketC’ s ar e being used then the MIDI connections can be chained
together so that all the pocketC’s produce one composite data from the last MIDI out in the
chain.
Functions of the LED
The LED indicates the status of the pocketC in various modes. For example,
under normal operation the LED indicates MIDI input activity, and also MIDI out
activity when moving the control knobs on the pocketC. The LED also indicates:-
Parameter 2: Event Definition
DecimalHexDefinition
000Controller
101Pitch Bend
202Mono Aftertouch
303Program Change
404Poly Aftertouch
505Note On
606Note Off
707 free
808RPN0 MSB
F0Sys-Ex byte
00European Sub ID
20Doepfer Sub ID 1
20Doepfer Sub ID 2
14Device “pocketC”
00reserved
20Command Byte “Single Dump”
00 ~ 7FPreset Number
00reserved
00 ~ 10Parameter 1. There are 16 data bytes setting the MIDI channel of each
knob, a setting of 0 sets the knob to the Master Channel.
00 ~ 7FParameter 2. There ar e 16 data bytes setting the event type for each knob,
a setting of 7F defines “No Event” to the knob.
00 ~ 7FParameter 3. There are 16 data bytes setting the additioanl event data for
each knob. The definition of parameter 3 depends on what parameter 2 is
set to.
F7EOX (End of System Exclusive)
The data that must follow is the Single Store message which is:
F0 00 20 20 14 00 30 F7
F0Sys-Ex byte
00European Sub ID
20Doepfer Sub ID 1
20Doepfer Sub ID 2
14Device “pocketC”
00reserved
30Command Byte “Single Store”
00 ~ 7FPreset Number (Must be the same as in the first message above)
00reserved
F7EOX (End of System Exclusive)
Any error at the MIDI input
Data and status when setting the Master channel
The status of the Snapshot function
Indication that a preset has been changed
Functions of the “Snapshot” front panel switch
The front panel switch labelled “Snapshot” has various functions:
a)to send a Snapshot of all the panel control knob settings
b)for setting the master MIDI channel
c)to reset the pocketC after a MIDI overflow at the MIDI in
To Send a snapshot
The snapshot function is not achieved by just pressing the snapshot switch, as
this could be accidentally pressed too easily. So to activate the Snapshot function, first briefly
press the Snapshot switch once, this causes the LED to flash, the Snapshot switch needs to be
pressed again within at least one second (whilst the LED is still flashing). This then invokes the
snapshot function, and the data from all 16 control knobs is transmitted from the pocketC.
To Set the Master Channel
The Master channel is used to select which channel the pocketC will transmit on
when using relevant presets. Some presets (such as the MIDI volume - preset 0) has each knob
on a different channel, whilst other presets have all knobs on the same channel, it is on these
presets that the Master channel is used. The Master channel is also the channel which the pocketC
will receive program change data on.
To set the Master channel, hold the snapshot switch down for at least one second
and keep it held down, the LED then stays on to indicate Master channel setting mode (do not
let go of the button until the required value has been selected). In this mode the control knobs
become channel selectors, and do not transmit the normal control data. To select a channel,
simply move one of the control knobs that relates to the channel required (to set channel 5,
move control knob 5). If you accidentally move the wrong knob , just mov e the correct one, as it
is the last knob moved that determines the actual Master channel set.
To clear any MIDI input error such as a MIDI overflow (too much data in one
go), press the snapshot switch briefly once (do not press it again until at least one second has
passed, or this would enter the snapshot mode).
Functions of the DIP switches (rear panel)
The eight rear panel DIP switches select settings of the pocketC, the settings can
be looked upon as a binary number where each switch can be either on or off, this
allows up to 256 functions to be selected from the eight DIP switches. The switch
is referred to ON or 1, when set towards the top panel, and referred to OFF or 0
when set towards the bottom panel.
Only seven of the switches are used to select one of the 128 presets. The eighth
switch is not used at present and has no functions, but it is good practice to leave it in the OFF
position, as a future update may make use of this switch position. The switches are numbered
one to eight on the switch block itself, when relating the switch positions to a binary number,
then the least significant bit is towards the middle of the pocketC and numbered 1 on the
switch. It is switch number 8 that is not used.
The factory shipped default setting is Preset number 0, which is all switches off
(towards bottom) which is defined as MIDI Volume across all MIDI channels.
The following listing, lists all the 64 presets that are shipped in the pocketC, note
that the switch settings are shown with the least significant bit to the right (as would normally be
shown with a binary number), so note the switch numbering which is eight to the left and one
to the right, this relates to the switch position when looking at the rear panel of the pocketC. If
holding the pocketC, you tip the unit up at the back to look into the DIP switches that way , you
will be looking at the DIP switches the other way with one to the left and eight to the right,
when doing this remember that the switch order will be the reverse. The following list of presets
shows the switch position split into two groups of four, as this should help reading the switch
code.
New presets can be created or present ones can be altered, though it is recommended to dump
all new presets into locations 65 ~ 127.
Every knob of the pocketC can be assigned with three 7-bit parameters (between 0 and 127),
these parameters define the MIDI event transmitted by the knobs. Each preset can be dumped
into the pocketC by a System Exclusive message. This is a two stage process, first the data is sent
to the pocketC (Single Dump) and then a second message stores the data into non-volatile
memory (Single Store). The data is only stored if the preset number is the same in both the
Single Dump and Single Store messages are the same.
Parameter 1:
This first parameter defines the MIDI channel that the event will be transmitted on (values 1 ~
16), or if the event will use the Master Channel (value set to 0).
Parameter 2:
The second parameter describes the type of event. The pocketC does not allow you to pr ogram
any MIDI string, but uses one of it’ s 128 pr eset events (which is the number set with parameter
2). This list of events include controllers, pitch bend, mono & poly aftertouch, note on, note
off, RPN’s and many NRPN’s along with some more complex Sys-Ex strings for controlling
Roland GS and Yamaha XG instruments.
Parameter 3:
The third parameter is an extension of parameter 2, many events need two values to determine
the event, for example, if a value of 00 is set in parameter 2 (which is controller) then parameter
3 sets the controller number (perhaps a value of 7 to define Volume events).
The Sys-Ex message can be generated within a sequencer program (it is best to use Hex if
possible), or the default file Pc_xxx.mid on the enclosed disk can be used as a basis for editing.
This default file contains the following message (Hex):
F0 00 20 20 14 00 30 00 00 F7
The first message is the Single Dump and the second message is the Single Store. Please note,
that this default is about to overwrite preset number 00, shown in bold above as the eighth data
byte. It is an idea to experiment with preset 127 (set the data to Hex 7F), but don’t forget to
change the value in both strings. The function of this default dump is to set the knobs to MIDI
volume on their own channels - this is actually the preset data in preset 00 anyway.
Knob 1Stereo In LevelController 16
Knob 2Stereo Out LevelController 21
Knob 3Stereo Out BalanceController 67
Knob 4Stereo Out 2 CueController 82
Knob 5Stereo In to CueController 75
Knob 6Send 4 LevelController 20
Knob 7Send 3 LevelController 19
Knob 8Internal FX 1 TypeController 20 (?)
Knob 9Send 3 to CueController 80
Knob 10Send 4 to CueController 81
Knob 11Send 3/4 BalanceController 66
Knob 12FX Return 1 LevelController 17
Knob 13FX Return 2 LevelController 18
Knob 14FX Return 1 to CueController 78
Knob 15FX Return 2 to CueController 79
Knob 16Internal FX 2 TypeController 21 (?)
Presets 65 ~ 128 are undefined, though as new presets are created, they can be loaded into the pocketC by a Sys-Ex
MIDI file. The enclosed disk includes new presets, with details in the README.TXT file .
Troubleshooting
There will be times when the pocketC does not seem to be working as expected, before suspecting
a faulty pocketC, the checklist below should help resolve the problem.
•Is the pocketC powered up corr ectly? There is no actual power indicator on the pocketC,
but the LED is always active. Moving a knob will flash the LED (the LED does not flash if the
knob has not been assigned a function), or briefly pressing the Snapshot switch will cause the
LED to flash for around a second as the pocketC resets.
•Is the pocketC set to the correct preset? Maybe one of the dip switches has moved
accidentally or a MIDI program change has set a new preset up. Check the dip switch settings.
•Is the pocketC set to the correct MIDI channel? Many presets make use of the Master
Channel, there is no way of checking what the Master Channel is set to (other than monitoring
the transmitted data), so the best procedure here is to set the Master Channel again to double
check it is correct. Hold the Snapshot switch down for at least a second, and whilst keeping it
down move the relevant knob that corresponds to the required MIDI channel. Make sure you
do not move another knob after this before releasing the Snapshot switch, as it is the last knob
moved that sets the Master Channel.
•Problems with Sys-Ex transfers? Remember that the pocketC always merges it’ s own data
with MIDI input data, this can cause a MIDI loop when receiving Sys-Ex, therefore you may
find it best to disconnect the MIDI out of the pocketC when sending it Sys-Ex messages, or at
least make sure the transmitting device is not MIDI thru enabled.
•You cannot get the pocketC to make the Coffee. Er ... no, the pocketC actually cannot
do this unless you have a MIDI controlled kettle...
Presets 00 to 64 are available on the supplied disk for dumping into the pocketC
by system exclusive (in SMF format), this allows the presets to be returned to their factory
shipped state should they get accidentally altered. Presets 65 to 127 are left blank for your own
custom requirements, though the supplied disk may contain additional presets. The
“README.TXT” file gives further information and descriptions of these presets. New presets
will be developed, and these will become available free on the Doepfer web site at:-
Presets 62 ~ 63 provide the MAQ16/3 with advanced realtime control with features that may not have been apparent
that the MAQ16/3 could do. Converts an MAQ16/3 into a Super MAQ 16/3 !
Preset 63 emulates every function of the Kawai MCB10 Macro Control Box designed for the K5000 range.
pocketControlOwners ManualpocketControlOwners ManualPage 8
Presets 0 ~ 3 use a single controller type, with each knob relating to it’s corresponding MIDI channel, this allows full
control of 16 parts within a multitimbral sound generator, or realtime mixing in sequencer automation.
Presets 4 ~ 7 use two controllers, one across the top row of knobs and the other acr oss the bottom row . With P reset 4, the
top row is MIDI controller 7 (Volume) with the MIDI channel corresponding to the knob number, whilst the lower
row is MIDI controller 10 (Pan) on the same channel as the knob above it, hence knob 9 is channel 1, knob 10 is
channel 2 etc. Preset 5 follows the same idea except the MIDI channel is channels 9 to 16, so the actual MIDI channel
relates to the lower knob numbers. Preset 6, again follows the same idea as Preset 4 except the top row is MIDI
controller 74 (Filter Cut off) and the lower row is controller 71 (Filter Resonance), and finally Preset 7 is the same as
Preset 6 except the channels are 9-16.
Presets 8 ~ 15 are general controller sets, which transmit on the Master Channel. Where the r eceiving MIDI device can
be programmed to any controller it can receive, these presets maybe the only presets needed, although preset 8 is
perhaps best avoided for general use as it includes controller 0 (could trigger MIDI program bank changes) and controller
1 which is the mod wheel, although of course there may be instances when MIDI controller 1 is required, such as adding
a modulation wheel function to a keyboard (such as a digital piano). Preset 12 also needs to be used with caution, as
controller 64 is defined as the sustain/damper pedal function, and most devices will always receive this controller as
Damper or Hold.
Preset 16:GS / XG general controls[NRPN / controllers](Master channel)
Preset 16 has the top row of knobs transmitting relevant NRPN controller data for GS/XG instruments, and the lower
row is general controllers:-
Knob 1LFO 1 Delay Time Coarse
Knob 2LFO 1 Frequency Coarse
Knob 3Envelope 1 Delay Time Coarse
Knob 4Envelope 1 Attack Time Coarse
Knob 5Envelope 1 Hold Time Coarse
Knob 6Envelope 1 Decay Time Coarse
Knob 7Envelope 1 Sustain Level Coarse
Knob 8Envelope 1 Release Time Coarse
Knob 9LFO 1 Delay Time Fine
Knob 10LFO 1 Frequency Fine
Knob 11Envelope 1 Delay Time Fine
Knob 12Envelope 1 Attack Time Fine
Knob 13Envelope 1 Hold Time Fine
Knob 14Envelope 1 Decay Time Fine
Knob 15Envelope 1 Sustain Level Fine
Knob 16Envelope 1 Release Time Fine
Knob 1LFO 2 Delay Coarse
Knob 2LFO 2 Frequency Coarse
Knob 3Envelope 2 Delay Time Coarse
Knob 4Envelope 2 Attack Time Coarse
Knob 5Envelope 2 Hold Time Coarse
Knob 6Envelope 2 Decay Time Coarse
Knob 7Envelope 2 Sustain Level Coarse
Knob 8Envelope 2 Release Time Coarse
Knob 9LFO 2 Delay Fine
Knob 10LFO 2 Frequency Fine
Knob 11Envelope 2 Delay Time Fine
Knob 12Envelope 2 Attack Time Fine
Knob 13Envelope 2 Hold Time Fine
Knob 14Envelope 2 Decay Time Fine
Knob 15Envelope 2 Sustain Time Fine
Knob 16Envelope 2 Release Time Fine
Knob 1Master Tuning Coarse
Knob 2LFO 1 to Pitch Coarse
Knob 3LFO 2 to Pitch Coarse
Knob 4Envelope 1 to Pitch Coarse
Knob 5LFO 1 to Volume Coarse
Knob 6LFO 1 to Filter Cutoff Coarse
Knob 7Envelope 1 to Filter Cutoff Coarse
Knob 8undefined
Knob 9Master Tuning Fine
Knob 10LFO 1 to Pitch Fine
Knob 11LFO 2 to Pitch Fine
Knob 12Envelope 1 to Pitch Fine
Knob 13LFO 1 to Volume Fine
Knob 14LFO 1 to Filter Cutoff Fine
Knob 15Envelope 1 to Filter Cutoff Fine
Knob 16undefined
Presets 22 ~ 27 control the drum kit, which would normally require the master channel to be set to channel 10. The
knobs all relate to the same drums on these presets as shown below, with each preset controlling Pitch, Level, Pan,
Reverb Send, Chorus Send or Delay/Var. Send depending on the preset selected.
Presets 28 ~ 31 control the drum kit, which would normally require the master channel to be set to channel 10. The
knobs all relate to the same drums on these presets as shown above, with each preset controlling Filter Cut Off, Filter
Resonance, Envelope Attack or Envelope Decay depending on the preset selected.
Presets 32 ~ 41 control the XG parts, with each knob controlling the corr esponding MIDI channel. Each preset controls
either Part volume, pan, reverb send, chorus send, dry level, variation effect send, low eq gain, low eq frequency, high eq
gain or high eq frequency.
Presets 43 ~ 48 control the A/D inputs 1 and 2 as well as the 12 wave channels on relevant Yamaha sound cards. These
relevant controls are shown below. Note that knobs 15 and 16 have no defined function for these presets.
Knob 1 A/D Input 1Knob 8 W6
Knob 2 A/D Input 2Knob 9 W7
Knob 3 W1Knob 10W8
Knob 4 W2Knob 11W9
Knob 5 W3Knob 12W10
Knob 6 W4Knob 13W11
Knob 7 W5Knob 14W12
Preset 49:XG Effects - EQ[NRPN](Master Channel)
Knob 1EQ Gain 1
Knob 2EQ Frequency 1
Knob 3EQ Q1
Knob 4EQ Gain 2
Knob 5EQ Frequency 2
Knob 6EQ Q2
Knob 7EQ Gain 5
Knob 8EQ Frequency 5
Knob 9EQ Gain 3
Knob 10EQ Frequency 3
Knob 11EQ Q3
Knob 12EQ Gain 4
Knob 13EQ Frequency 4
Knob 14EQ Q4
Knob 15EQ Q5
Knob 16EQ Type