E-Mu XK-6 User Manual

Owners Manual
© 2002 E-MU Systems
All Rights Reserved
FI12322 Rev. C
E-MU World Headquarters Europe, Africa, Middle East E-MU Systems E-MU Systems
1600 Green Hills Road Suite 6, Adam Ferguson House Scotts Valley, CA USA Eskmills Industrial Park 95066 Musselburgh, East Lothian Telephone: 831-438-1921 Scotland, EH21 7PQ Fax: 831-438-8612 Tel: +44 (0) 131-653-6556 Internet: www.emu.com Fax: +44 (0) 131-665-0473
Important Notice:
In order to obtain warranty service on your XK-6 unit, the serial number sticker must be intact and you must have a sales receipt or other proof of purchase. If there is no serial number sticker on the XK-6, please contact E-MU Systems at once.
This product is covered under one or more of the following U.S. patents: 4,404,529; 4,506,579; 4,699,038; 4,987,600; 5,013,105; 5,072,645; 5,111,727; 5,144,676; 5,170,367; 5,248,845; 5,303,309; 5,317,104; 5,342,990; 5,430,244 and foreign patents and/or pending patents. All other trademarks belong to their respective companies. Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
XK-6 Owners Manual
i
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................. 1
Product Description .......................................................................................1
Important Safety Instructions .................................................. 3
Safety Instructions - German ................................................... 6
Safety Instructions - French ..................................................... 8
Setup ...................................................................................... 13
Unpacking....................................................................................................13
Connection Instructions..............................................................................14
Basic Setup ..............................................................................................14
Performance Setup .................................................................................15
Studio Setup ............................................................................................16
Instant Gratification ............................................................... 19
Playing Demo Sequences ........................................................................19
Auditioning Presets .................................................................................20
Selecting and Quick Editing Presets .......................................................20
Exploring Beats Mode .............................................................................22
Exploring the Master Arpeggiator ...........................................................24
Multi-Channel Arpeggiator ....................................................................26
Time to Save? .......................................................................................28
Basic Operations .................................................................... 29
Power Switch ...........................................................................................29
Volume Control ......................................................................................29
Channel +/- Buttons ...............................................................................29
Data Entry Control .................................................................................29
Cursor Buttons ........................................................................................30
Pitch & Mod Wheels ...............................................................................30
ii
E-MU Systems
Edit Section..................................................................................................30
Global Button .........................................................................................30
Controllers Button .................................................................................. 30
Arp/Beats Button ....................................................................................31
MIDI Button ...........................................................................................31
MIDI Panic Button .................................................................................. 31
Audition Button ...................................................................................... 31
Compare Button .....................................................................................31
Save/Copy Button ................................................................................... 31
Preset Edit Button ................................................................................... 32
Home/Enter Button ................................................................................32
Real-time Controller Knobs .........................................................................32
Knob Functions ......................................................................................33
Quick Edit mode .................................................................................33
Screen View Buttons ....................................................................................34
Main ........................................................................................................ 34
Multi ....................................................................................................... 34
Mix Screen .............................................................................................. 34
Demo Mode ............................................................................................35
Command Functions................................................................................... 36
Preset Selection ....................................................................................... 36
Trigger Mode ........................................................................................... 36
Preset Menu Jump Keys ..........................................................................36
Main Screen .................................................................................................37
MIDI Channel Selection ......................................................................... 37
Preset Selection ....................................................................................... 37
Channel Volume ....................................................................................38
Channel Pan ...........................................................................................39
Channel Arpeggiator .............................................................................. 39
Sound Navigator ..........................................................................................40
Preset Category .......................................................................................40
Instrument Category ..............................................................................40
Multisetups ..................................................................................................41
Restoring Multisetups ............................................................................. 41
Multisetup Name ....................................................................................42
Saving Multisetups .................................................................................42
Arp/Beats Menu ......................................................................43
Beats.............................................................................................................44
Beats Mode .............................................................................................. 46
Status ................................................................................................... 46
Beats Channel ......................................................................................46
Trigger Channel ..................................................................................46
Beats Controllers ..................................................................................... 49
Beat Velocity Group 1-4....................................................................... 49
Beat Xpose Group 1-4 ......................................................................... 49
Beat Busy .............................................................................................49
Beat Variation....................................................................................... 50
XK-6 Owners Manual
iii
Beats Keys Layout ...................................................................................51
1-Bar Trigger Option ...........................................................................51
Beats Keys Offset .....................................................................................52
Beats Part Velocity ..................................................................................52
Beats Part Transpose ...............................................................................53
Beats Part Group .....................................................................................54
Master Riff ...............................................................................................54
Riff Tempo ..............................................................................................55
Riff Controllers .......................................................................................55
MIDI Song Start ......................................................................................56
Arp/Riff MIDI Out ...................................................................................56
Arpeggiators .................................................................................................57
Arp Controllers .......................................................................................58
Arpeggiator Resolution.........................................................................58
Arpeggiator Extension .........................................................................58
Arpeggiator Velocity.............................................................................58
Arpeggiator Gate ..................................................................................58
Arpeggiator Interval ............................................................................58
Master Arpeggiator Parameters ....................................................................58
Status .......................................................................................................59
Mode .......................................................................................................59
Note Value ..............................................................................................60
Arpeggiator Pattern Speed ......................................................................60
Pattern .....................................................................................................60
Velocity ...................................................................................................61
Gate Time ................................................................................................61
Extension Count .....................................................................................62
Extension Interval ...................................................................................62
Sync .........................................................................................................63
Pre-Delay .................................................................................................63
Duration ..................................................................................................64
Post-Delay ...............................................................................................64
Recycle ....................................................................................................65
Keyboard Thru ........................................................................................65
Latch .......................................................................................................65
Send MIDI System Exclusive Data ...............................................................66
Editing a User Arpeggiator Pattern .........................................................67
Pattern Step Number ...............................................................................67
Key ..........................................................................................................67
Key Offset ............................................................................................68
Tie ........................................................................................................68
Rest ......................................................................................................68
Skip ......................................................................................................68
End .......................................................................................................68
Velocity ...................................................................................................69
Duration ..................................................................................................69
Repeat ......................................................................................................69
User Pattern Name ..................................................................................70
Multichannel Arpeggiating..........................................................................70
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E-MU Systems
Controllers Menu ....................................................................71
Realtime Control Functions ........................................................................72
Keyboard Channel .................................................................................. 72
Keyboard Transpose ................................................................................ 72
Local Control On/Off .............................................................................72
Keyboard Velocity Curve ........................................................................ 73
Channel Aftertouch On/Off ................................................................... 74
Footswitch Function ............................................................................... 74
Foot Pedal Function ................................................................................ 75
Trigger Buttons Function ........................................................................ 75
Trigger Buttons ....................................................................................... 76
Trigger Button Select ........................................................................... 76
Latch on/off ........................................................................................76
MIDI Key ............................................................................................. 76
MIDI Channel .....................................................................................76
Velocity ............................................................................................... 76
Preset Select Buttons ............................................................................... 77
Trigger Button Select ........................................................................... 77
Preset Location .................................................................................... 77
Preset Number ..................................................................................... 77
Preset Name ......................................................................................... 77
Category .............................................................................................. 77
Preset Select Send Buttons ...................................................................... 78
Trigger Button Select ........................................................................... 78
Bank MSB ............................................................................................78
Program Change Number ...................................................................78
Bank LSB .............................................................................................. 78
Knob Preset Quick-Edit ........................................................................... 79
Real-time Controller Assignment ........................................................... 79
MIDI Footswitch Assign .........................................................................80
Calibrate Controllers .............................................................................. 80
Tempo Controller ................................................................................... 81
Base Tempo ............................................................................................. 82
Global Menu ...........................................................................83
Defining Global Parameters......................................................................... 84
Master Transpose/Tune ..........................................................................84
Master Bend Range .................................................................................84
Master Velocity Curve ............................................................................ 85
Mix Output ............................................................................................. 86
Master Effects............................................................................................... 88
Effects Mode ...........................................................................................88
Effects Multi Mode Control .................................................................... 88
Master FXA Algorithm ............................................................................ 89
A Effect Types ...................................................................................... 89
FXA Parameters: Decay/HF Damping FxB -> FxA ..................................90
FXA Send Amounts ................................................................................. 90
Master FXB Algorithm ............................................................................ 90
B Effect Types ......................................................................................91
XK-6 Owners Manual
v
FXB Parameters: Feedback/LFO Rate Delay Time ...................................91
FXB Send Amounts .................................................................................91
Miscellaneous Parameters ............................................................................92
Edit All Layers Enable .............................................................................92
User Key Tuning .....................................................................................92
Screen Viewing Angle .............................................................................92
MIDI Menu ............................................................................. 93
Keyboard Outputs MIDI .........................................................................94
Knobs Output MIDI ................................................................................94
Transmit MIDI Clock ..............................................................................94
MIDI Enable ............................................................................................94
Receive Program Change ........................................................................95
MIDI Program Change -> Preset .............................................................95
MIDI SysEx ID .........................................................................................96
MIDI SysEx Packet Delay ........................................................................97
Send MIDI System Exclusive Data ..........................................................97
MIDI Mode ..............................................................................................98
Programming Basics .............................................................. 99
Modulation ................................................................................................100
Modulation Sources ...................................................................................101
Random Sources ....................................................................................102
Modulation PatchCords.............................................................................102
Envelope Generators..................................................................................103
Tempo-based Envelopes ....................................................................104
Envelope Repeat ................................................................................104
Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) .............................................................105
Clock Modulation ......................................................................................106
Modulation Destinations...........................................................................108
Modulation Processors...............................................................................109
Preset Modulation Processors ....................................................................111
Using the Modulation Processors .........................................................113
More Examples ......................................................................................115
Dynamic Filters ..........................................................................................117
What is a Filter? ....................................................................................118
Parametric Filters ..................................................................................121
The Z-Plane Filter ..................................................................................122
Signal Flow .................................................................................................123
MIDI Channels & Real-time Controls .......................................................124
Bank Select Commands ........................................................................126
Stereo Mix Outputs ....................................................................................127
vi E-MU Systems
Preset Edit Menu ..................................................................129
Preset Name ..........................................................................................130
Four Layer Architecture ............................................................................. 130
Selecting Layers ....................................................................................131
Defining Layer Parameters......................................................................... 132
Selecting an Instrument .......................................................................132
Sound Navigator ...............................................................................132
Defining Key Range ..............................................................................133
Defining the Velocity Crossfade Range ................................................ 135
Defining the Real-time Crossfade Range .............................................. 137
Transposing the Instrument ................................................................. 140
Tuning .................................................................................................. 141
Background: Transpose vs. Coarse Tuning .......................................141
Amplifier ............................................................................................... 141
Volume Envelope .................................................................................142
Selecting the Mode ............................................................................ 142
Defining the Volume Envelope ........................................................143
Chorusing the Layer .............................................................................144
Sound Start Offset and Delay ............................................................... 144
Non-Transpose Mode ...........................................................................145
Solo Mode ............................................................................................. 145
Assign Group ........................................................................................ 146
Glide ..................................................................................................... 147
Z-Plane Filters .......................................................................................148
XK-6 Filter Types ..................................................................................148
Filter Types ........................................................................................148
Filter Parameters ................................................................................ 150
Filter Envelope ...................................................................................... 151
Defining the Filter Envelope ............................................................. 152
Auxiliary Envelope ...............................................................................152
Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) ........................................................ 153
Shape ................................................................................................. 153
Sync ................................................................................................... 154
Rate .................................................................................................... 154
Delay ................................................................................................. 156
Variation ........................................................................................... 156
PatchCords ............................................................................................ 157
Modulator Polarity ............................................................................ 158
Pitch Bend Range .................................................................................. 160
Mix Output ........................................................................................... 160
Common Preset Parameters....................................................................... 161
Preset Effects .........................................................................................161
FXA Algorithm ...................................................................................... 163
A Effect Types .................................................................................... 163
FXA Parameters ..................................................................................... 164
FXA Send Amounts ............................................................................... 164
FXB Algorithm ...................................................................................... 164
B Effect Types ....................................................................................164
FXB Parameters ..................................................................................... 165
XK-6 Owners Manual vii
FXB Send Amounts ...............................................................................165
Preset Patchcords ..................................................................................165
Initial Controller Amount ....................................................................167
Keyboard Tuning ..................................................................................168
Preset Links ...........................................................................................170
Preset Tempo Offset ..............................................................................171
Audition Riff Selection ..........................................................................171
Play Solo Layers ....................................................................................171
Effects ................................................................................... 173
Effects Overview.........................................................................................173
The Effects Sends ..................................................................................173
Effect Types ................................................................................................175
Effect Parameters ...................................................................................175
Decay .................................................................................................176
High Frequency Damping .................................................................176
Feedback ............................................................................................176
LFO Rate ............................................................................................176
Delay ..................................................................................................176
Effects Programmed in the Preset ..............................................................177
Master Effects .............................................................................................178
Effects Mode ..........................................................................................180
Flexible Effects Control .........................................................................180
Using the Effects Channel Settings in Multi Mode ..........................182
Effect B Into Effect A .............................................................................182
General Effect Descriptions........................................................................184
Reverb ...................................................................................................184
Chorus ...................................................................................................185
Doubling ...............................................................................................185
Slapback ................................................................................................185
Stereo Flanger ........................................................................................185
Delay .....................................................................................................186
Stereo Delay ..........................................................................................186
Panning Delay .......................................................................................186
Dual Tap ................................................................................................186
Vibrato ..................................................................................................186
Distortion ..............................................................................................186
viii E-MU Systems
Save/Copy Menu .................................................................. 187
Saving a Preset ......................................................................................187
Copying Information.................................................................................188
Copy Preset ...........................................................................................188
Copy Layer ............................................................................................188
Copy PatchCords ..................................................................................189
Copy Preset PatchCords ........................................................................190
Copy Arpeggiator Settings ....................................................................190
Copy Arpeggiator Pattern .....................................................................191
Copy Preset Bank ..................................................................................191
Sound Authoring ....................................................................................... 192
Rename Flash SIMM .............................................................................193
Duplicate Flash ..................................................................................... 194
Create Random Preset .......................................................................... 195
Preset Programming .............................................................197
Editing Presets............................................................................................ 197
Changing the Instrument .................................................................... 197
Changing the Tuning of an Instrument ..............................................198
Chorus .................................................................................................. 199
Volume Envelope .................................................................................199
Working with Filters ............................................................................. 202
Adding the Filter Envelope ............................................................... 203
Changing Filter Types ....................................................................... 205
Envelope Repeat ................................................................................ 206
Practice Modulating .............................................................................. 206
Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 207
Linking Presets........................................................................................... 208
Appendix ...............................................................................209
Front Panel Knob Functions...................................................................... 209
Knob Controller Descriptions ..............................................................210
Jam Presets ............................................................................................ 210
Preset Listing.............................................................................................. 211
Instrument Listing .....................................................................................216
Riff Listing.................................................................................................. 226
Keyboard Velocity Curves.......................................................................... 229
Master Velocity Curves.............................................................................. 232
PatchCord Amount Chart .........................................................................234
E-MU Expansion Sound Sets...................................................................... 235
Installing Sound SIMMs............................................................................. 237
MIDI........................................................................................................... 239
Received Channel Commands .............................................................246
Technical Specifications............................................................................. 247
Warranty .................................................................................................... 248
Index .....................................................................................251
XK-6 Owners Manual ix
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E-MU Systems

Introduction

Product Description

Upgradable Sounds
XK-6 contains a thorough collection of Electronica/Dance presets.These sounds are rich in harmonic texture and a perfect complement to the Z­plane filters. XK-6 contains three additional, user-upgradable sound SIMM sockets, allowing you to mix and match sound sets according to your needs. New sounds can be added as easily as plugging in a new 16MB or 32MB SIMM module. Each E-MU sound set has been meticulously crafted to be the finest of its kind. Samples are expertly matched across the keyboard and perfectly looped to create realistic instruments which form the exceptionally playable presets.
1024 Presets & more
XK-6 contains 512 user presets and 512 factory ROM presets, but it can be expanded with literally thousands of ROM presets. (ROM presets are
automatically added when sound SIMMs are installed. As an example, a 32 MB SIMM may contain up to 1024 ROM presets.) XK-6’s Sound Navigator makes it
easy to find the exact sound you want. It’s powerful, yet simple to use.
Velocity & Pressure Sensitive Keyboard
The five-octave, velocity sensitive keyboard with aftertouch allows you to perform live or record via MIDI into an external computer/sequencer. The keyboard action is extremely responsive, capturing all the subtle nuances of your performance.
Multi-Function Controllers
Multi-function buttons allow you to trigger arpeggiators and notes inter­nally or on any of your other MIDI devices. They can act as preset select buttons or Beats Mute or MIDI Trigger buttons (latched or unlatched).
Four real-time controller knobs are also multi-function controls. These knobs make it a snap to edit and modify internal preset parameters. The controllers are fully programmable and can control internal preset or other MIDI equipment. They can also be programmed to adjust multiple internal parameters at once, allowing complex levels of control. For example, a single knob can simultaneously turn up filter cutoff, while detuning one sample, and adjusting the release time of the volume envelope. Virtually
XK-6 Owners Manual 1
Introduction Product Description
2
every synth parameter in the XK-6 is controllable using the real-time knobs or by any internal or external control source.
SuperBeats
Beats Mode is a whole new way to create dynamic, original music. With Beats, you trigger, latch and unlatch synced loops and grooves from the sixteen trigger keys. Simply select a bts: preset and go. Then use XK-6’s perfomance controls to alter and mutate the rhythm or the sound itself.
Multi-Channel Arpeggiators
XK-6’s Rhythmic Pattern Generator/Arpeggiator can play up to 16 synchro­nized arpeggiator patterns at once using a different sound for each! Patterns can be edited using pattern flow commands such as: delay for 2 bars, play for 4 bars, hold for 2 beats and repeat. You can program or download 100 user patterns in addition to the 200 factory patterns.
Ultra Powerful Synthesizer
The extremely flexible yet easy to use synthesizer makes it easy to build sounds of any kind. Up to 4 four layers can be switched or crossfaded using key position, velocity, real-time controllers or any modulation source. 64 voice polyphony ensures that you can play and sequence the most complex material. XK-6 also contains 50 different 2nd to 12th order resonant & modeling filters which are used to shape and modify over 1200 waveforms contained in 32 megabytes (MB) of ROM.
Sixty-four modulation sources include three multistage envelopes and two LFOs per layer, as well as full MIDI control over virtually every parameter. The digital patch bay, with 24 cords per layer, (and 12 more cords per preset) lets you connect modulation sources to 64 destinations in any imaginable way. The patch bay also contains a set of arithmetic modifiers, allowing you to create complex synthesis models. Synth parameters as well as arpeggiator and BEAT tempos can be controlled from XK-6’s internal clock (or an external MIDI clock). Up to 8 LFOs and 12 envelopes can be perfectly synchronized at different rates.
24-bit Effects
Once you have created your preset, you can add richness to your sound using XK-6’s 24-bit stereo effects. You can choose a different effects setup for each preset from over 60 algorithms. XK-6’s effects section is actually two separate effects processors with control over each wet/dry mix level on four effects sends. Effects Processor “A” contains primarily ambiance algorithms like reverb and delays, while effects processor “B” contains primarily spectral algorithms such as chorus, flange, phase, distortion, and delay. Effects can be linked to each preset or used globally for increased flexibility.
E-MU Systems
Other features include multiple solo, voice assignment and performance modes for expressive control, 12 user-definable alternate tunings, and, of course, an extensive MIDI implementation.

Important Safety Instructions

Grounding Instructions
Important Safety Instructions
Use in countries other than the U.S.A. may require the use of a different line cord or attachment plug, or both. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. There are no user serviceable parts or adjustments inside the unit. There are no user serviceable parts inside the power supply enclosure.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
product to rain or moisture.
Grounding Instructions
Danger!
User Maintenance Instructions
This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or break down, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current, reducing the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
Improper connection of the equipment’s grounding conductor can result in the risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if you are in doubt as to whether the product is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with this product. If it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified technician.
The XK-6 should be kept clean and dust free. Periodically wipe the unit
1.
with a clean, dry, lint free cloth. Do not use solvents or cleaners. There are no user lubrication or adjustment requirements.
2.
Caution -
the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in these operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS
XK-6 Owners Manual 3
Important Safety Instructions User Maintenance Instructions
This symbol is intended to
alert you to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the unit.
This symbol is intended to
alert you to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous
voltage within the product’s
enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to
alert you to use caution when
moving a cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury.
4
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS: When using electric products, basic precau-
tions should always be adhered to, including the following:
Read all instructions before using XK-6.
1.
Keep these instructions.
2.
Heed all warnings.
3.
Follow these instructions.
4.
Do not use near water.
5.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
6.
Install in accordance with E-MU’s instructions. Do not block any
7.
openings. This apparatus should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with proper ventilation. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
8.
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) which produce heat. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
9.
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the grounding prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at
10.
plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Use only attachments/accessories specified by E-MU Systems.
11.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by
12.
E-MU or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Unplug the XK-6 from the power outlet during lightning storms or
13.
when left unused for a long period of time. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
14.
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, the does not operate normally or has been dropped.
No open flame sources, such as lit candles, should be placed on the
15.
apparatus. The apparatus is designed for use in moderate climates.
16.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects
17.
filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is necessary when using
18.
the apparatus near children. The apparatus should be connected only to a power supply of the type
19.
described in the operating instructions and marked on the product.
E-MU Systems
Important Safety Instructions
Radio and Television Interference
This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones and
20.
speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, consult an audiologist.
Radio and Television Interference
The equipment described in this manual generates and uses radio­frequency energy. If it is not installed and used properly —that is, in strict accordance with our instructions— it may cause interference with radio and television reception.
This equipment has been tested and complies with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of the FCC rules. These rules are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation, especially if a “rabbit ear” TV antenna is used.
If XK-6 does cause interference to radio or television reception, you can try to correct the interference by using one or more of the following measures:
Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference stops. Move XK-6 to one side or the other of the television or radio. Move XK-6 farther away from the television or radio. Plug XK-6 into an outlet on a different circuit than the television or
radio.
Consider installing a rooftop antenna with a coaxial lead-in between the
antenna and television set.
Copyright Information
It is the policy of E-MU Systems to allow all users free, complete and unrestricted use to all of the presets, beats, riffs, patterns, and audition files contained in our products. However, we are unable to grant you a license to re-use, modify, create derivative works from, sell or redistribute the demon­stration files (demos). In most cases, these compositions are copyright protected by their respective authors and are licensed to E-MU Systems for product demonstration purposes only. Please contact E-MU Systems with additional questions.
XK-6 Owners Manual 5
Safety Instructions - German Wichtige Sicherheitsvorschriften
6

Safety Instructions - German

Wichtige Sicherheits­vorschriften
Erdungsin­struktionen
Gefahr
In Ländern ausserhalb den U.S.A. können andere Kabel oder Stecker notwendig werden. Zur Verminderung des Risikos von Feuer oder eines elektrischen Schlages übergebe man den Service an qualifizierte Fachleute. Das Gerät niemals Regen oder Nässe aussetzen.
Das Gerät muss geerdet sein. Bei einem Defekt oder Ausfall bietet Erdung dem elektrischen Strom den Weg des geringsten Widerstandes und reduziert das Risiko eines Schlages. Dieses Gerät ist mit einem geerdeten Kabel und Stecker ausgerüstet. Der Stecker muss in eine passende, einwandfrei montierte und geerdete Steckdose in Übereinstimmung mit den örtlichen Vorschriften eingeführt werden.
Unvorschriftsgemässer Anschluss des Gerätes kann zum Risiko eines elektrischen Schlages führen. Im Zweifelsfalle über die ordnungsgemässe Erdung soll ein qualifizierter Elektriker oder eine Serviecestelle beigezogen werden. Ändern Sie den mitgelieferten Stecker nicht. Sollte er nicht in die Steckdose passen, soll die einwandfreie Installation durch einen qualifi­zierten Techniker erfolgen.
Unterhaltsin­struktionen für anwender
Vorsicht
E-MU Systems
XK-6 (Modell Nummer 9726) soll sauber und staubfrei gehalten
1.
werden. Das Gerät mit einem sauberen und säurefreien Tuch periodisch abreiben. Keine Lösungs- oder Reinigungsmittel anwenden.
Schmieren und Justieren sind nicht notwendig.
2.
Bei weiteren Servicefragen wende man sich an eine qualifizierte Service-
3.
stelle.
Diese Gebrauchsanweisungen sind nur für qualifizierte Techniker beabsichtigt. Um die Gefahr eines elektrischen Schlages zu vermeiden, sollen Sie keine Arbeit unternehmen, die nicht in diesen Instruktionen vorgeschrieben ist. Wenden Sie Sich bei weiteren Servicefragen an eine qualifizierte Servicestelle.
Dieses Symbol weist den
Anwender auf wichtige
Gebrauchs- und Service-
Vorschriften in den beilieg-
enden Drucksachen.
Dieses Symbol verweist auf
nicht-isolierte Stromspan-
nungen im Geräte-Innern,
welche zu einem elektrischen
Schlag führen könnten.
INSTRUKTIONEN BETR. FEUERRISIKO, ELEKTROSCHOCK ODER VERLETZUNG VON PERSONEN
WARNUNG; Beim Einsatz elektrischer Geräte sollten folgende Vorsichtsmassregeln stets beachtet werden:
Lesen Sie vor dem Einschalten des XK-6 alle Instruktionen.
1.
Zur Vermeidung von Verletzungsrisiken müssen Kinder bei einge-
2.
schaltetem XK-6 sorgfältig überwacht werden. XK-6 nicht in der Nähe von Wasser in Betrieb nehmen -- z.B. in der
3.
Nähe von Badewannen, Waschschüsseln, auf nassen Gestellen oder am Swimmingpool.
XK-6 stets so aufstellen, dass seine Belüftung nicht beeinträchtigt wird.
4.
XK-6 nicht in der Nähe von Hitze aufstellen, wie Heizkörper, offenem
5.
Feuer, Öfen oder von Backöfen. XK-6 ausschliesslich mit einem Netzgerät gemäss Bedienungsanleitung
6.
und Gerätemarkierung verwenden. Dieses Gerät kann bei Verwendung von Kopfhörern und Verstärkern
7.
hohe Lautpegel erzeugen, welche zu bleibenden Gehörschäden führen. Arbeiten Sie nicht während längerer Zeit mit voller Lautstärke oder hohem Lautpegel. Stellen Sie Gehörverlust oder Ohrenläuten fest, wenden Sie sich an einen Ohrenartz.
XK-6 kann mit einem polarisierten Kabelstecker (mit ungleichen
8.
Stiften) ausgerüstet sein. Das geschieht für Ihre Sicherheit. Können Sie den Stecker nicht in die Steckdose einführen, ändern Sie nicht den Stecker ab, sondern wenden Sie sich an einen Elektriker.
Das Netzkabel des XK-6 bei längerem Nichtgebrauch aus der Steckdose
9.
ziehen. Vermeiden Sie sorgfältig das Eindringen von Gegenständen oder
10.
Flüssigkeiten durch die Gehäuseöffnungen. Das Gerät soll durch qualifizierte Serviceleute gewartet werden, falls:
11.
A. das Netzkabel beschädigt wurde, oder B. Gegenstände oder Flüssigkeit in das Gerät gelangten, C. das Gerät Regen ausgesetzt war, oder D. das Gerät nicht normal oder einwandfrei arbeitet, oder E. das Gerät stürzte oder sein Gehäuse beschädigt wurde.
Vorsicht
Servicearbeiten sollten nur qualifizierten Fachleuten anvertraut werden.
12.
XK-6 Owners Manual 7
Safety Instructions - French Instructions de Sécurité Importantes

Safety Instructions - French

8
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes
Instructions de Mise à la Te r r e
Danger
Une utilisation dans des pays autres que les U.S.A. peut nécessiter l’usage d’un cordon d’alimentation différent. Afin de réduire les risques d’incendie ou d’électrocution, référez-vous à un personnel de service qualifié, et n’exposez pas cet appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité.
Cet appareil doit être relié à la terre. Dans le cas d’une malfonction éventuelle, la terre fournit un passage de moindre résistance pour le courant électrique, réduisant ainsi les risques d’électrocution. Le est équipé d’un cordon muni d’un conducteur et d’une fiche devant être branchée dans une prise appropriée et reliée à la terre en conformité avec les normes locales.
Une connexion incorrecte peut résulter en des risques d’électrocution. Vérifiez avec un technicien qualifié si vous avez des doutes quant à la connexion. Ne modifiez pas vous-même le cordon d’alimentation livré avec cet appareil; s’il ne rentre pas dans la prise, faites-en installer un autre par un technicien qualifié.
Instructions de Maintenance
E-MU Systems
Le XK-6 (Model 9726) doit être maintenu propre et sans poussière.
1.
Nettoyez-le périodiquement à l’aide d’un chiffon propre et non­pelucheux. N’utilisez pas de solvants, ou d’autres produits de nettoyage.
Aucune lubrification et aucun réglage ne sont nécessaires de votre part.
2.
Pour tout autre service, référez-vous à un personnel qualifié.
3.
Instructions Concernant les Risques d’Incendie, d’Electrocution, ou de Blessures Corporelles.
ATTENTION: Lorsque vous utilisez des appareils électriques, certaines précautions élémentaires doivent toujours être prises, incluant les suivantes:
Ce symbole vous alerte de la
présence d’instructions
importantes d’opération et
de maintenance dans la
notice accompagnant
l’appareil.
Ce symbole vous alerte de
la présence d’un voltage
non-isolé dangereux à
l’intérieur de l’appareil,
pouvant être d’une
magnitude suffisante pour
constituer un risque
d’électrocution.
Safety Instructions - French
Instructions de Maintenance
Ces instructions de dépanage sont destinées uniquement aux personnes qualifiées. Afin d’éviter les risques d’électrocution, n’effectuez que les opéra­tions décrites dans ce manuel, à moins que vous ne soyez qualifiê pour cela. Faites effectuer toute r’eparation par une personne qualifié.
Lisez bien toutes les instructions avant d’utiliser le XK-6.
1.
Afin de réduire les risques de blessures, une attention particulière est
2.
nécessaire en la présence d’enfants en bas âge. N’utilisez pas le XK-6 dans ou près d’endroits humides - par exemple
3.
près d’une baignoire, d’un lavabo, dans les toilettes, dans une cave humide, sur un bar fréquenté, en présence d’un bull-dog en rut, ou dans une piscine pleine. Protégez cet appareil de tout liquide, éclaboussure ou fuite.
Le XK-6 doit être placé de façon à ce que sa position n’interfére pas avec
4.
sa propre ventilation. Le XK-6 doit être placé loin de sources de chaleur telles que des radia-
5.
teurs, cheminées, fours, ou groupies en chaleur. Le XK-6 doit uniquement être connecté à une alimentation du type
6.
décrit dans les instructions d’opération et tel qu’indiqué sur l’appareil. Une attention particulière doit être observée quant aux objets pouvant
7.
tomber et aux liquides pouvant être versés sur et à l’intérieur de le XK-6. Le XK-6 peut être équipé d’une fiche secteur polarisée (avec une broche
8.
plus large que l’autre). C’est une mesure de sécurité. Si vous ne pouvez pas brancher cette fiche dans une prise, ne neutralisez pas cette sécurité. Contactez plutôt un électricien pour remplacer la prise obsolète.
Evitez de marcher sur le cordon d’alimentation ou de le coincer,
9.
particuliêrement prês des prises de courant, des boitiers ‘electriques dt du point de sortie de l’appareil.
Le cordon d’alimentation de le XK-6 doit être débranché lorsque ce
10.
dernier n’est pas utilisé pendant une longue période. Cet appareil, combiné avec un amplificateur, des haut-parleurs, et/ou
11.
un casque, est capable de générer des niveaux sonores pouvant occasionner une perte de l’ouïe permanente. Ne travaillez pas trop longtemps à un volume trop élevé ou même inconfortable. Si vous observez une perte de l’audition ou un bourdonnement dans les oreilles, consultez un O.R.L.
N’utilisez que les accessoires sp’ecifi’es par E-MU Systems.
12.
XK-6 Owners Manual
9
Safety Instructions - French Interférences Radio et Télévision
13. Cet appareil doit être examiné par un personnel qualifié lorsque:
A. Le cordon d’alimentation a été endommagé, ou B. Des objets sont tombés, ou du liquide a été versé sur/à l’intérieur
de l’appareil, ou C. Le XK-6 a été exposé à la pluie, ou D. Le XK-6 est tombé, ou E. Le XK-6 ne fonctionne pas normalement, ou affiche un
changement radical de performance.
14. Tout service doit être effectué par un personnel qualifié.
SAUVEGARDEZ CES INSTRUCTIONS
Interférences Radio et Télévision
L’appareil décrit dans cette notice génére et utilise une énergie de fréquence-radio. S’il n’est pas installé et utilisé correctement - c’est à dire en suivant strictement nos instructions - il peut occasionner des interférences avec la réception d’une radio ou d’une télévision.
Cet appareil a été testé et est conforme aux normes de Classe A en accord avec les spécifications du paragraphe J de la section 15 des lois FCC. Ces lois sont désignées pour fournir une protection raisonnable contre de telles interférences dans une installation résidentielle. Toutefois, il n’est pas garanti qu’aucune interférence n’apparaisse dans des installations particulières, et plus spécialement lorsqu’une antenne de télévision en «oreilles de lapin» est utilisée.
Si le XK-6 occasionne des interférences , vous pouvez essayer de les corriger en utilisant une ou plusieurs des mesures suivantes:
Tournez l’antenne de la télé ou de la radio jusqu’à ce que les inter­férences disparaissent.
Déplacez le XK-6 d’un côté ou de l’autre de la télé ou de la radio.
Eloignez le XK-6 de la télé ou de la radio.
Branchez le XK-6 sur une prise différente que la télé ou la radio.
Installez une antenne sur le toit munie d’une connexion coaxiale entre
elle et le poste de télévision.
10
E-MU Systems
Declaration of Conformity
Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer:
E-MU Systems 1600 Green Hills Road Scotts Valley, CA 95067-0015 USA
We hereby declare that the equipment listed herin conforms to the harmonized standards of the following European Commission Directives: 89/336/EEC and 72/23/EEC.
Trade Name: XK-6
Model Number: 9726
Under 89/336/EEC as amended by 92/31/EEC, and 93/68/EEC
In accordance with EN 55103-1:1996, Emission Environments E4
In accordance with EN 55103-2:1996, Immunity Environments E4
Test information is contained in a report by Atlas Compliance and Engineering, Inc.
Dated July 5, 2001
Report No.: 0126EMUx17_103
Under 73/23/EEC as amended by 93/68/EEC
In accordance with EN 60950 with amendments A1, A2, A3, A4, A11
This Declaration is made July 5, 2001
XK-6 Owners Manual 11
Safety Instructions - French
12 E-MU Systems

Setup

This section thoroughly describes how to set up your new XK-6 for use. Setup includes unpacking instructions, how to hook up the unit to your sound system and, most importantly, how to turn the thing on and off.

Unpacking Carefully remove XK-6 from the packaging material. Take care to save the

packing materials in case you need to transport the unit. Check to make sure all components are included and in good condition. If there are missing or damaged components, contact E-MU Systems immediately for replacement or repair.
The XK-6 box should include the following components:
XK-6 unit
Power cable
This owners manual
XK-6 Owners Manual 13

Connection Instructions

Basic Setup

Setup
Basic Setup
The Right Main output jack carries a mono mix of the left and right channels when the Left Main plug is not plugged in.
The Left Main output jack is a stereo jack carrying both channels when the right output jack is empty.
14 E-MU Systems
Power Switch & AC Receptacle
The AC power switch is located on the rear panel. There is no 110/220 Volt power selector switch since XK-6 utilizes an auto-switching power supply which accepts from 100V-250V, 50-60Hz.
MIDI Output
The XK-6 can control other MIDI instruments by connecting a MIDI cable between the MIDI out of XK-6 and the MIDI Input of the other instrument.
Outputs
In order to reproduce XK-6’s wide dynamic range and frequency response, use a high quality amplification and speaker system and a stereo setup is highly desirable The headphone output is the same as the Main output signal. The headphone jack is located on the left side of the front panel.
Footswitch & Footpedal
Connect a momentary footswitch and a Control Pedal for additional control. XK-6 auto-senses either normally-open or normally-closed switches See page 15 for information about how the footpedal should be wired.

Performance Setup

Rear Panel
Computer
MIDI
Interface
Out In
Out
Additional
MIDI
Devices
Setup
Performance Setup
MIDI In
FootPedal Wiring
Ground Tip
Ring
R
Mixer
SUB 1 MAIN
L
OUTPUTS
Amp
R
L
IN
OUT
THRU
MIDI
SWITCH PEDAL
Footswitch
FOOT
Foot Pedal
MIDI In/MIDI Out
XK-6 can be connected to a computer/sequencer via the MIDI In and MIDI Out ports. XK-6 to playback complex multitimbral sequences.
Audio Outputs
Two pairs of programmable stereo outputs (Main and Sub 1) are provided. The internal effects are available only on the Main outputs. Specific presets (or MIDI channels) can be routed to one of these stereo pairs in order to be processed further or mixed separately.
Tip
Ground
Ring
Footswitch & Footpedal
The footswitch input accepts either a normally-open or normally-closed momentary footswitch. The footpedal input can sense either 0-5 volts on the ring of a stereo jack or a pedal with the potentiometer wired as shown at left. The footswitch and Pedal inputs are programmable in the Controllers, Footswitch menu and the Preset Edit, PatchCord menu.
XK-6 Owners Manual 15

Studio Setup

MIDI Controller
(MIDI Keyboard or Sequencer)
REAL TIME CONTROLLERS
ASSIGNABLE KEYS
PRESET
SAMPLE
SEQUENCER
EMULATOR
Rear Panel
Setup
Studio Setup
LEVEL
EXIT
ENTER
PAGE
PRESET SELECT
RETURN
0.987654321
MIDI Out
Computer
Additional
MIDI
Devices
MIDI In
SUB 1 MAIN
L
R
OUTPUTS
Send/Return
Effect Device
L
R
Main Outs to Mixer In
IN
OUT
THRU
MIDI
Sub Output Return
(To Main Output)
Tip Ring
To Effect From Effect
FOOT
PEDAL
FOOT
SWITCH
SEND/RETURN CABLE
Signal is sent out on tip of plug and
returned to main outputs via ring of plug.
MIDI In
In this setup, XK-6 is additionally controlled by another MIDI keyboard.
MIDI Thru
MIDI Thru transmits an exact copy of the messages received at the MIDI In jack. It does NOT send keyboard or controller information generated from XK-6. (Use the MIDI Out port to send XK-6 data to another instrument.)
16 E-MU Systems
Audio Outputs
The Sub 1 output jacks are stereo jacks. The tip of each jack (accessed when a standard phone plug is inserted) connects to the left or right output of that group.
If you insert a stereo plug into one of the Sub Outputs, the ring of the plug serves as a signal Return which sums into the Main outputs.
Setup
Studio Setup
Therefore, the Sub 1 jacks can serve as effect sends and returns in order to further process selected instruments and then return them to the main mix.
You can use the Sub 1 jacks as send/returns in order to further process selected XK-6 presets without using the effects bus on the mixing board. In a pinch, the effect returns can be used to sum additional instruments into the main outputs. It’s like having an extra line mixer when you need more inputs!
Output Section
Effects
Processors
L Bus
R Bus
Tip
You can use the Sub 1 jacks as effect returns to the Main Outputs.
Note that the Effects Processors are only routed to the Main Outputs.
Tip
Ring
Ring
RL
SUB 1
RL
MAINS
XK-6 Owners Manual 17
Setup
Studio Setup
18 E-MU Systems
Instant Gratification
This section presents step-by-step instructions for the most fundamental operations to get you up and running as quickly as possible.

Playing Demo Sequences

XK-6 has several factory demonstration sequences that let you hear what this incredible machine can do. The actual number of demo sequences depends on which ROM sounds sets are installed. You can play these demo sequences by accessing the Demo Sequence page.
DEMO SEQUENCES XROM1
Arctic Drift
To Play a Demo Sequence:
1. Press and hold the Main and Mix buttons at the same time to enter the
Demo Sequence page. The screen shown above appears.
2. Select a sequence using the data entry control. The Enter LED will be
flashing.
3. Press the Enter button to begin playing the selected sequence. The
following screen appears.
PLAYING: Arctic Drift
Press ENTER to stop
4. Press the Enter button again to stop playing the sequence.
5. When a demo sequence plays to the end, the next demo will automati-
cally begin playing. The screen will display the new demo name.
6. With the sequence stopped, press any other button to Exit demo
sequence mode.
XK-6 Owners Manual 19
Instant Gratication

Auditioning Presets

Auditioning Presets The front panel audition button allows you to hear any preset in XK-6
without even playing a note! When the Audition button is pressed, the button’s LED will illuminate and a short “Riff” (programmed as part of the preset) will play. The Riff is latched on and plays continuously until the button is pressed again. Presets can be changed while Audition is latched.
OO
OO
To audition presets with their programmed effects, switch to Omni or Poly mode (located in the MIDI menu).
The top line of the Main screen changes to show the MIDI Bank Select controller values needed to select the preset being auditioned. This is an extremely handy feature when sequencing.
Bank MSB:007 LSB:2 XROM1
1
252 gtr: Jazzy Comp
To Audition a Preset:
1. Select a preset by turning the data entry control while the cursor is
anywhere on the lower line of the main screen (shown below).
2. Select a preset by turning the data entry control while the cursor is
anywhere on the lower line. The preset number field (shown above) is the normal position of the cursor and pressing the Enter button will return the cursor to this position.
3. Press the Audition button on the front panel. The Audition LED will
illuminate and a short riff will play the selected preset.
4. Continue to select and audition presets.
5. Press the Audition button again to turn Audition mode off. The LED
will extinguish.
6. Play the keyboard.
7. Be sure to check out the Pitch Wheel, controller knobs and Mod Wheel.

Selecting and Quick Editing Presets

20 E-MU Systems
The first thing you’ll do with the XK-6 is select and play the factory provided presets. XK-6 comes standard with 8 banks containing 128 presets each. See “Main Screen” on page 37.
Channel
Number
Initial Volume Setting
Initial
Pan
Setting
Arpeggiator
Setting
Preset
Location
C01 V127 P01R A:off User
252 key: SynhissOrgan
1
Blinking
Cursor
Preset
Number
Bank
Number
Preset Category
Preset Name
Instant Gratication
Selecting and Quick Editing Presets
The first four banks are USER locations that can be overwritten and used to store your own presets. The presets that come stored in the USER presets are duplicated in banks 0-3 of the “XROM1” ROM bank, so feel free to overwrite them with your own presets. You won’t be losing anything.
The ROM Card identifier is shown in the top right of the display. The preset is identified in the bottom line of the main screen (the screen that appears when you press the Mode/View Preset button).
Each bank of 128 presets is identified by a superscripted Bank Number to the right of the preset number. The bank numbers reset to 0 at the start of each ROM card you have installed. So with the “XROM1” ROM installed, the USER banks will go from 0-3, then start over from 0-3 for the XK-6 ROM banks.
Bank Organization
OO
OO
You can select presets from the Preset Number, Bank Number, Preset Category or Preset Name fields.
USER USER USER USER
XROM1 XROM1 XROM1
The User Banks
are duplicated
in the XK-6 ROM bank.
The four User Banks can hold 512 custom presets. Feel free to overwrite these since the
factory user presets are duplicated in nonvolatile ROM.
To the right of the preset number and bank is the preset Category name followed by the Preset Name.
To Change the Preset:
1. Select the main Preset Selection screen by turning off all the menu
buttons below the LCD.
2. The cursor will be located under the first character in the Preset Number
field. This is the “Home” position which is selected instantly when you press the Home/Enter button. Pressing either of the two cursor buttons repeatedly also gets you there.
3. Turn the data entry control knob on the front panel to select a new
preset number. If you turn the knob slowly, the presets advance one number for each “click” of the knob. If you spin the knob quickly, the numbers advance much faster (more than one number per click).
}
XROM1
Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3
Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3
128 Presets 128 Presets 128 Presets 128 Presets
128 Presets 128 Presets 128 Presets 128 Presets
XK-6 Owners Manual 21
Instant Gratication

Exploring Beats Mode

4. Play the keyboard (or press the Audition button) and listen to the
sounds made by your XK-6!
5. TRY OUT ANY OF THE CONTROLLER KNOBS on the front panel and
note how they change the sound of each preset! Don’t worry about ruining the sound, the values are automatically reset as soon as you select a new preset. The four buttons labeled A-D, E-H, I-L, M-P allow the four controller knobs to control sixteen functions.
Exploring Beats Mode
__
__
If you don’t select a “bts:” preset, only the first trigger key will work.
Riffs marked “bts:” have 16 parts. Riffs without “bts:” have only 1 part.
XK-6 contains a 16-track play-only sequencer that is optimized for live performance and groove creation. XK-6 contains dozens of special 16-part Beats Riffs. Beats Riffs are normally used in conjunction with a “bts:” preset containing the appropriate percussion mapping. Before you start exploring beats, make sure the XK-6 is properly set up.
Beats Setup:
Set the Trigger Buttons to Beats Mode
1. Press the Controllers button on the front panel.
2. Turn the data entry control clockwise until you fin the “TRIGGER
BUTTONS FUNCTION” screen.
3. Set the lower line of the display to read, “Play Beats Parts”.
4. Press the Controllers button on the front panel again to exit the menu.
Set the Trigger Buttons to be Triggers
5. Press the Triggers button in the Command Functions section of the
front panel. OK, now you’re ready to start playing Beats.
Playing Beats:
Selecting Beats Presets
1. Press the right cursor button twice so that the cursor is located
beneath the Category field.
2. Turn the data entry control until bts: is shown in the Category field.
3. Press the right cursor button so that the cursor is underneath the
Preset Name field.
4. Now turning the data entry control selects ONLY bts: presets!
22 E-MU Systems
Play Beats
5. Press any of the sixteen front panel Trigger Buttons. Notice that each
button brings in a specific part. The chart below shows which buttons control which part in bts: presets.
Instant Gratication
Exploring Beats Mode
The Arp/Beats LED flashes in time with the Base Tempo.
• Change the Base Tempo from the last screen in the Controllers menu.
Main Groove
1. Kick1
2. Snare1
3. Hihat1
4. Perc1
6. Also notice that the Audition LED comes on when Beats begin playing.
Beats are simply multitrack Audition Riffs. Use the Audition button to turn Beats on and off.
7. Try out a few different bts: presets.
Get Busy!
Two of the Controller knobs are programmed to control Beats. Check it out!
8. Press the M-P button in the Controllers section. Its LED will light.
9. Now turn the Mod 1 knob with a Beats Riff playing. Mod 1 is controls
the Beats Busy parameter which adds or subtracts parts from the Beat.
10. Turn the Mod 2 knob with a Beats Riff playing. Mod 2 is controls the
Beats Variation parameter. Beats Variation changes which parts are playing without changing the number of parts. This makes it easy to try out different combinations of Beat Parts.
Alt. Groove
5. Kick2
6. Snare2
7. Hihat2
8. Perc2
Perc / Fills
9. Perc3/Fill1
10. Perc4/Fill2
11. Perc5/Fill3
12. Perc6/Inst.
Instr/Wild
13. Inst1/Wild1
14. Inst2/Wild2
15. Inst3/Wild3
16. Bass
OO
OO
Wrong FX? In Omni mode, the FX assigned to channel 2 will be used. In Multi mode, the Master FX settings will be used. See pages 88 & 98.
To Play Beats on a different MIDI channel:
Beats can be assigned to a certain MIDI channel while you play the keyboard on another channel. (Make sure you have Beats mode set up correctly
as described in “Beats Setup” on page 22.)
1. Press the Arp/Beats button. The screen shown below appears.
BEATS MODE Status: P
BtsCh: Basic TrigCh:Basic
2. Set the Beats Channel (BtsCh) to 01.
3. Select any bts: preset on channel 1 (main screen).
4. Press any of the sixteen Beats buttons to start your Beat playing. (Do
NOT start Beats by pressing the Audition button.)
5. Press the + Channel button to the left of the LCD to select channel 2.
6. Select a preset to jam along with the Beat.
7. The Trigger Keys now play Beats and the other keys play the preset on
channel 2.
8. The Audition button can be used to turn the Beat off. (If you try to use it
to turn Beats on while on channel 2, the Riff on channel 2 will play.)
XK-6 Owners Manual 23
Instant Gratication

Exploring the Master Arpeggiator

Exploring the Master Arpeggiator
XK-6’s multi-channel Pattern Generator/Arpeggiator is one of the greatest features ever put in a synth. Let’s explore the Master Arpeggiator.
To Arpeggiate a Single Preset:
1. Select a preset. Note that the factory presets all have prefixes which
describe the type of sound. For this investigation it might be best to choose a preset with the prefix “arp,” for arpeggiator. These presets are optimized for use with the arpeggiator.
2. Set the Arp parameter in the main preset selection screen to “M” for
Master Arpeggiator.
C01 V127 P01R A:M XROM1
3
123
3. Press the Arp/Beats button in the Edit section of the front panel to
access the master Arpeggiator menu, then use the data entry control to scroll to the screen shown below.
arp: OrbisTabula1
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
S
tatus on
4. Make sure the arpeggiator Status is “on.” Play the keyboard to start
arpeggiating.
5. Press either cursor key repeatedly to move the cursor below the Status
field.
6. Turn the data entry control clockwise one click. The Mode screen
appears.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Mode u
7. Use the cursor keys to move the cursor to the Mode field (up, down, up/
down, forw asgn, backw asgn, forw/backw, random, pattern). Try out the different modes as you play the keyboard.
8. Move the cursor back to the lower left position and explore the other
parameters. The Note Value parameter changes the rate of the arpeggios. By the way, note value is a divisor based on the Master Tempo. Try changing the tempo, but come right back.
p
24 E-MU Systems
Instant Gratication
Exploring the Master Arpeggiator
9. Let’s check out the pattern generator. Go back to the Mode screen and
set the mode to “Pattern”.
10. Now advance to the Pattern screen (shown below) and move the cursor
to the Pattern Number field (the second field from the left).
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
OO
OO
See the Arpeggiator Chapter for detailed information on creating Patterns.
Pattern 3
11. Try the various patterns. There are 200 permanent factory patterns and
100 user locations to store the patterns you create. Each pattern can have up to 32 notes.
80 Inversions
XK-6 Owners Manual 25
Instant Gratication

Multi-Channel Arpeggiator

Multi-Channel Arpeggiator
XK-6 is totally amazing in its ability to run up to 16 arpeggiators at once! Even two or three patterns at once can create very complex sequences and dynamic landscapes of sound.
Here’s one way to access this ultra-powerful feature. There is one arpeg­giator for each MIDI channel. First you’ll assign three of the Trigger Keys to MIDI channels 01-03. Next, you’ll assign arpeggiator presets to these channels. Then you’ll become addicted to this new way of making music.
Program the Trigger Keys
1. Press the Controllers button, then turn the data entry control until the
screen shown below appears.
TRIGGER BUTTONS FUNCTION
Play Beats Parts
2. Move the cursor to the lower line and turn the data entry control to
select “Play Note Events”. This sets the Trigger Buttons to play note events instead of selecting Beats parts.
3. Move the cursor back to the top line and scroll to the screen shown
below.
T1 TRIGGERS Latch: on
Key:C3 Ch: Basic Vel: 064
4. Move the cursor until it is underneath the Latch field and turn Latch
mode On.
5. Move the cursor until it is underneath the Channel field (Ch) and set
the Channel to 01.
6. Move the cursor until it is underneath the Trigger field (T1) and
change the Trigger to T2 (trigger button 2).
7. Turn Latch On for trigger button 2 and set the channel to 02.
8. Change the Trigger to T3 (trigger button 3).
9. Turn Latch On for trigger button 3 and set the channel to 03.
Set up the Presets
10. Press the Main button (located beneath the Data Entry Control). The
preset select screen appears.
26 E-MU Systems
Instant Gratication
Multi-Channel Arpeggiator
C01 V127 P00 A:P XROM1
026
11. Move the cursor underneath the Category field (as shown above) and
select the “arp” category.
12. Move the cursor underneath the preset name and select any “arp”
preset for channel 1.
13. Press the “+” Channel select button (located to the left of the LCD), so
that C02 is displayed.
14. Select any other “arp” preset for channel 2.
15. Select channel 03 and choose another arp preset.
Select Trigger Mode
16. Press the Selector Button in the upper left corner of the Command
Functions section. Pressing this button will switch between Track Enable/Mute and Triggers mode. Select Triggers mode.
3
arp:Hollographik
OO
OO
Sometimes a simple volume change will bring out hidden voices and patterns.
Play it!
17. Now press Trigger Buttons 1, 2 and 3. You should be hearing three
arpeggiators playing at once.
18. Change the arp preset on the current MIDI channel. Since the cursor is
located on the preset name, all your selections will be in the arp category.
19. Press the Channel button and change the arp presets for channels 1, 2
& 3. Since each factory preset has differently programmed arpeggiator settings, changing the preset not only changes the sound, but the arpeggiator as well.
20. You can also play the keyboard. You’ll be playing the preset currently
showing in the display.
21. Adjusting the front panel Controller Knobs modifies the preset
showing in the LCD.
22. Press the M-P button in the Controllers section to select the Arp control
functions. Adjust the Arp Velocity and Arp Gate Time. Then change the MIDI channel and do it for another arp pattern.
23. Press the Mix button so that “VOLUMES” is selected. This screen lets
you blend the volume of every arpeggiator preset.
There’s lots more to the arpeggiators. To find out more, refer to the arpeggiator chapter beginning on page 43.
XK-6 Owners Manual 27
Multisetups save your entire XK-6 setup. Find out more on page 84.
Instant Gratication
Multi-Channel Arpeggiator
Time to Save?
If you want to SAVE everything exactly as it is, continue on.
1. Press the Multi button (located directly under the Data Entry Control).
2. Rotate the data entry control until you get to the menu shown below.
MULTISETUP NAME
User Setup
3. Press the right cursor button to move to the lower line.
4. Name your Multisetup so you can find it later, then press Enter.
5. Scroll to the next screen using the data entry control.
SAVE SETUP TO
002 User Setup
6. Move the cursor to the lower line, select a location and press Enter.
28 E-MU Systems

Basic Operations

Basic Operations
CO1 A Vo l 1 27 P an00RSUER 0322bas: In ter fe rence
The XK-6 front panel contains an LCD screen, 38 buttons, and 4 real-time controller knobs. Functions are grouped logically and the controls are arranged for ease of use.

Power Switch The power switch is located on the rear panel next to the AC power

receptacle.

Volume Control This control is the master volume control for all audio outputs. The Volume

Control does not affect any editing or user interface operations.
The front panel volume control is a digital attenuator. For maximum dynamic range, turn this knob all the way up and control the volume from your mixer or amplifier.

Channel +/- Buttons These very handy buttons, located to the left of the LCD, serve as a shortcut

to increment or decrement the MIDI Channel (in Preset mode), Layer (in Preset Edit mode) or Step Numbers (in Arpeggiator Edit mode).

Data Entry Control The data entry control is a stepped, variable control switch used to change

parameter values. The wheel increments or decrements the current value one unit with each click. This control incorporates acceleration, which advances the value faster if the data entry control is turned quickly.
XK-6 Owners Manual 29
Basic Operations

Edit Section

Cursor Buttons These buttons, located just above the Data Entry Control, move the cursor

to the next parameter on the display. (The cursor is a little flashing line underneath one of the parameters in the display.) Press either cursor button until the cursor is underneath the desired parameter. The cursor buttons have an auto-repeat feature which advances the cursor when the button is held continuously.
The cursor can be moved bidirectionally using the data entry control while either cursor select button is held down (for example, press and hold the right cursor button and turn the data entry control).

Pitch & Mod Wheels These two controls, located to the right of the keyboard, are performance

expression controls. The left “Pitch Wheel”, is spring-loaded and is normally used to bend the pitch up and down while playing. The center position is off. The pitch bend range is set using the “Pitch Bend Range” parameter in the Global menu (page 84).
The right “Mod Wheel” is programmed to add vibrato in most of the factory presets. Like all the controllers in XK-6, the Mod Wheel can be programmed to control any synthesizer parameter. See PatchCords on page 102 and page 157 for more information.
Edit Section

Global Button The Global menu contains parameters that affect the entire machine. An

illuminated LED in the button indicates that you are in the Global menu. For more information about the Global menu, see page 83

Controllers Button The Controllers menu contains parameters that are related to the front

panel controller knob and button triggers. An illuminated LED in the button indicates that you are in the Controllers menu. For more infor­mation about the Controllers menu, see page 71.
30 E-MU Systems
Basic Operations
Edit Section

Arp/Beats Button The Arpeggiator menu contains parameters that are related to Beats mode

and the Master Arpeggiator. Beats is a 16-track play-only sequencer that is optimized for live performance and groove creation. An illuminated LED in the button indicates that you are in the Arp/Beats menu. For more infor­mation about the Arp/Beats menu, see page 43.

MIDI Button The MIDI menu contains parameters that are MIDI related. An illuminated

LED in the button indicates that you are in the MIDI menu. For more infor­mation about the MIDI menu, see page 93.

MIDI Panic Button Pressing the MIDI and Home/Enter buttons simultaneously sends a MIDI

“All Notes Off” and “All Sound Off” for all 16 MIDI channels. This immedi­ately kills all sounding notes internally and over MIDI.

Audition Button When the Audition button is pressed, the LED next to the button will

illuminate and a short “Riff” (programmed as part of the preset) will play. The Riff is latched on and plays continuously until the button is pressed again. Presets can be changed while Audition is latched on. See “Bank Select
Commands” on page 126 for more information on selecting banks via MIDI.
The top line of the Preset display changes to show the MIDI Bank Select controller values needed to select the preset being auditioned. This handy feature lets you know the exact Bank and Preset number.
LSB
XROM1
Preset #
MSB
Bank MSB:007 LSB:3 0
723 sfx: Slicer

Compare Button The Compare button allows you to toggle between an edited version of a

preset and the original, unedited version. When a preset has been edited, the Save/Copy LED flashes. Press the Compare button, lighting its LED, to hear the unedited preset. Press the Compare button again to hear the edited preset. If edits are made to the preset while listening to the compared original version, compare mode is aborted and the compare LED goes off.

Save/Copy Button The Save/Copy button is used to save changes to a preset, copy data

between presets, randomize presets and to move other types of data. Selected groups of parameters, such as PatchCord settings, can be copied between Presets and/or between Layers using this menu. The menu is
XK-6 Owners Manual 31
Basic Operations

Real-time Controller Knobs

context-sensitive and will start at the appropriate save screen. See Save/ Copy on page 187 for more information.
The LED in the button illuminates to indicate that you are in the Save/ Copy menu. The LED also illuminates when any preset parameter has been changed in the Preset Edit menu (or if the front panel knobs have been moved with Quick-Edit mode enabled).

Preset Edit Button The Preset Edit menu allows you to create and edit presets. An illuminated

LED in the button indicates that you are in Preset Edit mode. For more information about the Preset Edit menu, see page 129.

Home/Enter Button The Home/Enter button is dual purpose. In general, this button acts as the

“Home” button. For example, when in an Edit menu, this button snaps the cursor to the page name field of the current screen. When viewing the Preset Select screen, this button snaps the cursor to the preset number field. The flashing green LED of the Home/Enter button indicates that pressing the button will initiate a particular operation.
Real-time Controller Knobs
The Real-time Controller Knobs serve dual purposes. Knobs Preset Quick Edit (page 79) can be enabled to use the knobs for editing in the Preset Edit menu.
1. Quick Edit - Real-time control of internal synthesizer parameters and
“Quick Editing” the initial settings of the real-time controllers
2. Programmable Knobs - Real-time control of MIDI continuous
controllers on external synthesizers
32 E-MU Systems

Knob Functions Quick Edit mode

The Real-time controller knobs provide direct control of the XK-6’s synthe­sizer parameters when the Controller Function Select is set to Quick Edit.
There is an LED next to each of the control knobs which illuminates to indicate that the knob setting has been changed from the value programmed in the preset (“Knobs Preset Quick Edit” mode must be enabled in the Controllers menu). If the knob position is returned to the original setting, the LED is extinguished.
OO
OO
Quick Edit knob movements can be recorded into an external sequencer.
Initial controller values can be stored in every preset. When you move a knob with Quick-Edit enabled, the Initial Controller Value is updated with the knob’s new value. The knob’s LED lights indicating that the preset value has been changed. The MIDI A-P values are stored in the corresponding Initial Controller Amount parameter in the Preset Edit menu (see “Initial Controller Amount” on page 167). The Save/Copy button LED flashes to remind you that the preset has been edited. “Quick-Edits” made to a preset are lost if you select another preset before saving them.
The four rows of knobs always control the preset on the basic MIDI channel (the channel showing on the preset select screen), when the control switch is set to Quick Edit.
Basic Operations
Real-time Controller Knobs
The labels (Filter Cutoff, Filter Q, Filter Attack, Filter Decay, etc.) printed on these rows show how the factory ROM presets are programmed to respond.
(The controls may not exactly conform to the front panel labels depending on the preset.) You can change the way a preset responds to MIDI A-P messages
from the Preset Edit menu (PatchCords). The knobs only generate a message when you move a knob to a new value. The current value jumps to the new value.
To Quick-Edit a Preset:
1. Select Quick Edit mode using the Controller Function Select button.
2. Use the Control Knobs to change the sound of the current preset as
desired.
3. Press the Save/Copy button. You may have to turn the data entry
control so that the display reads, “Save PRESET to.”
4. Press the right cursor button to select the bottom row.
5. Optional: Select a new preset location if you don’t want to overwrite
the current preset, or if the current preset is a ROM preset.
6. Press the Enter button to save the preset.
XK-6 Owners Manual 33
Basic Operations

Screen View Buttons

Screen View Buttons
The Screen View buttons switch between three display modes.

Main This button instantly switches the display to the Main Screen shown below.

This screen is used for changing presets, changing MIDI channels and setting the volume and pan positions for each MIDI channel. See page 37 for more information.
C01 V127 P01
A:off User
R
0793 kit: Hide & Seek

Multi This button switches the display to the Multisetup menu. A Multisetup is a

group of parameters that you might associate with a particular performance setup or song. See page 41 for detailed information about Multisetups.
RESTORE MULTISETUP
000 User Setup

Mix Screen This button switches the display to the Mix screens (volume & pan). The

mix screens allow you view and adjust the volume and pan settings for all 16 channels. This is particularly useful when playing back a MIDI sequence. The volume and pan settings for all 16 channels are saved with the Multi­setup (page 41).
34 E-MU Systems
VOLUMES Chan: 01 Vol: 127
Basic Operations
Screen View Buttons
PANS Chan: 01 Vol: 127
right
left

Demo Mode Pressing the Main and Mix buttons simultaneously calls up the Demo

Sequence page. XK-6 has several factory demonstration sequences that let you hear what this incredible machine can do. The actual number of demo sequences depends on which ROM sounds sets are installed.
DEMO SEQUENCES XROM1
Arctic Drift
To Play a Demo Sequence:
1. Press and hold the Main and Mix buttons at the same time to enter the
Demo Sequence page. The screen shown above appears.
2. Select a sequence using the data entry control. The Enter LED will be
flashing.
3. Press the Enter button to begin playing the selected sequence. The
following screen appears.
PLAYING: Arctic Drift
Press ENTER to stop
4. Press the Enter button again to stop playing the sequence.
5. When a demo sequence plays to the end, the next demo will automati-
cally begin playing. The screen will display the new demo name.
6. With the sequence stopped, press any other button to Exit demo
sequence mode.
XK-6 Owners Manual 35
Basic Operations

Command Functions

Command Functions
The Command Functions section serves multiple purposes which are listed below.
Beats Part enable/disable. See page 22.
Assignable & latchable note triggers. See page 76.
Preset select keys. See page 77.
External preset select keys. See page 78.
Preset Edit menu jump keys. See below.

Preset Selection When the preset selection LED is lit, the command buttons can be used to

quickly select sixteen of your favorite presets. In this mode, pressing one of the comand buttons selects the preset you have assigned to the button. See page 77 for more information.

Trigger Mode Select Triggers mode by pressing the mode select button so that the

“Triggers” LED is illuminated. Now the 16 buttons work like keyboard notes. Each of the 16 buttons can be assigned to any MIDI note, on any MIDI Channel (01-16), with any velocity (0-127), and can be set to be latched or momentarily on. Latched note will hold until the button is pressed again. Latched notes will be indicated by the LEDs. Trigger keys are assigned from the Controllers menu. See page 76 for more information.

Preset Menu Jump Keys

Whenever you are in the Preset Edit menu, the sixteen command buttons function as “jump” buttons to the various screens in the Preset Edit menu. The jump location is labelled directly below each button.
Pressing a jump button instantly takes you to the first screen in the selected category. Pressing the button again takes you to the second screen in the category and so on. Repeated pressing will rotate you back to the first screen in the category.
36 E-MU Systems
Basic Operations

Main Screen

Main Screen The Main Screen is accessed by pressing the Main button located directly
under the data entry control. From this screen you can examine or change the Preset, Volume, Pan Position and Preset Location for each of the 16 MIDI channels.
C01 V127 P01
0793 kit: Hide & Seek

MIDI Channel Selection

To Change the MIDI Channel:
1. Press the Main button to display the Main screen.
2. Press the Channel inc/dec buttons located to the left of the liquid
crystal display to select channels 01 through 16. The preset, volume and pan settings for each channel will be displayed as you scroll through the channels.
The channel number shown in the main screen is the “Basic MIDI Channel when in Omni or Poly modes.

Preset Selection To Change the Preset:

1. Press the Main button to display the Main screen.
2. Press either cursor key until the cursor is underneath the preset
number. (The cursor is a little flashing line underneath one of the parameters in the display.) As you rotate the data entry control, the preset number and name changes.
Bank Contents
0
128 RAM Presets
1
128 RAM Presets
2
128 RAM Presets
USERROM 1
3
128 RAM Presets
0
128 ROM Presets
1
128 ROM Presets
2
128 ROM Presets
3. The displayed preset is assigned to the displayed MIDI channel. Presets
are arranged into banks of 128, as shown in the diagram at left.
Bank Number
Preset Number
C01 V127 P01
0793 bts: Logic
A:off User
R
A:off User
R
??
Depending on
ROM sets installed
Using the screen above as an example, the superscripted number 2 in the second line of the display identifies the current bank number.
Select banks independently of the of the preset number by locating the cursor on the Bank field and turning the data entry control.
XK-6 Owners Manual 37
MIDI BANK SELECT
MSB LSB
cc00 cc32
Basic Operations
Main Screen
USER USER USER USER
XROM1 XROM1 XROM1 XROM1
This chart shows the MSB and LSB numbers needed to select preset banks over MIDI. Select a bank, then send the program change number. Without a bank select command, presets are selected from within the current bank.
00 00 00 00
07 07 07 07
00 01 02 03
00 01 02 03
Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3
Bank 0 Bank 1 Bank 2 Bank 3

Channel Volume Channel Volume sets the volume of the selected MIDI channel in relation

to the other channels. This is the same parameter as MIDI volume control #7, and changes made over MIDI are shown in the display.
Volume
38 E-MU Systems
C01 V127 P01
A:off User
R
0793 bts: Logic
To Change the Channel Volume:
1. Press the Main button to display the Preset Select screen.
2. Press either cursor key until the cursor is underneath the volume value.
3. Rotate the data entry control to select a volume level. The Channel
Volume range is 000-127.
Basic Operations
Main Screen

Channel Pan Channel Pan sets the stereo position of the selected MIDI channel. This

control operates like the balance control on your home stereo system. Channel Pan is the same parameter as MIDI pan controller #10, and changes made over MIDI are shown in the display.
Pan Position
C01 V127 P01R A:off User
0793 bts: Logic
Note: Pan settings in the preset ADD algebraically with the Channel Pan setting. Therefore, if the pan setting in the preset were set to “63 the Channel Pan setting full left would return the sound to the center position.
To Change the Channel Pan:
1. Press the Main button to display the Preset Select screen.
2. Press either cursor key until the cursor is underneath the pan field.
3. Rotate the data entry control to select a pan value. 64L indicates a hard
left pan, 63R indicates a hard right pan. With a setting of “00,” the sound is centered in the stereo field.
R,” moving

Channel Arpeggiator This function controls the arpeggiator for each MIDI channel. When the

channel arpeggiator mode is set to Off, then there is no arpeggiation on that channel, regardless of what is set up in the Master Arpeggiator or preset. If the channel arpeggiator is On, the preset’s arpeggiator is used, regardless of whether or not it is turned on in the Preset Edit menu. This lets you turn on arpeggiation from the main screen.
If the mode is set to “P” (for preset), the preset’s arpeggiator settings and on/off status is used. If the mode is set to “M” (for master), the master arpeggiator settings and on/off status (located in the Arp menu) are used.
See the “Arp/Beats Menu” on page 43 for more information.
To Play the Arpeggiator (Quick Start):
1. From the Main screen, press either cursor key repeatedly until the
cursor is underneath the arpeggiator field (A:).
2. Rotate the data entry control to select “P” for preset.
3. Press either cursor key repeatedly until the cursor is underneath the
Preset Category field and select “arp:” using the data entry control.
4. Press the right cursor button to move it to the Preset Name field.
5. Play notes or chords on the keyboard. Change presets as desired to
audition the various patterns and presets.
XK-6 Owners Manual 39
Basic Operations

Sound Navigator

Sound Navigator
Sound Navigator allows you to search through preset and instrument categories to find the type of sound you’re looking for. Each preset and instrument has a name and a three letter preset category. You can create your own categories in order to group favorite presets. The preset category is assigned in the Preset Edit menu (Preset Name). Instrument categories are fixed.
Preset Category When you want to find presets in a particular category, you simply change
the category field in the Main screen, then move the cursor to the preset name field to scroll through all the presets in the selected category.
When the cursor is on the Preset Category field, turning the data entry control selects different preset categories. The Name Field will change to show the first preset in each category.
C01 V127 P00
A:off User
0641 w al: Raverotic

Preset Category

To Change the Preset Category:
1. From the Main screen (shown above), press either cursor key repeatedly
until the cursor is underneath the preset category field.
2. Rotate the data entry control to select one of the preset categories.
Preset Categories are displayed in alphabetical order.
Preset Name
To Select a Preset within a Category:
1. After selecting a category, move the cursor to the Preset Name field.
2. Rotate the data entry control to scroll through the presets in the
selected category. Note that the preset numbers will no longer change sequentially.

Instrument Category When the cursor is on the Instrument Category field (Preset Edit menu),

turning the data entry control selects different instrument categories. The Name Field changes to show the first instrument in each category. Move the cursor back to the instrument name to choose other instruments in the selected category.
L1
INSTRUMENT ROM:XROM1
0641 wal: Raverotic
40 E-MU Systems
Basic Operations

Multisetups

Multisetups A Multisetup is a group of parameters that you might associate with a
particular performance setup or song. It is like a “snapshot” of the current configuration of the XK-6. There are 64 setups numbered 0-63. All the Multisetups are user programmable except 63, the factory setup.
A Multisetup includes ALL the following parameters:
Preset/Volume/Pan/Arp assignments for each of the 16 MIDI channels.
Multisetup Name
ALL Controllers menu parameters
ALL Global Menu parameters, except…
User Key Tuning Tables
ALL Arp Menu parameters, except… User Arp Patterns
ALL MIDI Menu parameters, except…
MIDI Program Change->Preset Map
When a Multisetup is selected, it overwrites the current Preset/Vol/Pan/Arp selections on all MIDI channels. It also overwrites the Controllers, Global, Arp, and MIDI menu parameters (with the exceptions noted above).

Restoring Multisetups

If you make changes to any of these menus, XK-6 will retain the changes, even if power is turned off. They are of course, overwritten when you restore a Multisetup.
XK-6 contains 64 Multisetup locations. These are all User locations except location 63, which is a factory defined Multisetup.
Multisetups can be restored using a MIDI Bank Select command. Select: cc00 = 80, cc32 = 00, (dec) then send a Program Change command corresponding to the Multisetup you wish to select.
RESTORE MULTISETUP
0
03 Jazzercide
To Restore (Select) a Multisetup:
1. Press the front panel Multisetup button (below the Data Entry Control).
2. Scroll to the Restore Multisetup screen using the data entry control. The
menu page most recently selected since powering up XK-6 will be displayed. The cursor appears below the first character of the screen heading on line one.
XK-6 Owners Manual 41
Basic Operations
Multisetups
3. Press either cursor button to move the cursor to the bottom line of the
screen.
4. Now, use the data entry control to select a Multisetup. The Enter LED
will be flashing.
5. Press the Enter button to load the selected Multisetup.

Multisetup Name

Saving Multisetups

Multisetups can be named to make it easier to remember their purpose.
1. Scroll to the “Setup Name” screen (shown below) using the data entry
control.
MULTISETUP NAME
020
User Setup 23
2. Press either cursor button to move the cursor to the bottom line of the
screen.
3. Change the characters using the data entry control. Change the cursor
position using the cursor buttons.
4. Press Enter or move the cursor to the top line when you’re finished
naming the multisetup.
To Save a Multisetup:
1. Set the Preset, Volume, Pan and Arp settings (in Main mode) for all
channels. Set the Global, MIDI, and Controllers menu parameters the way you want them.
2. Press the Multi button, then scroll to the “Save Setup” screen (shown
below) using the data entry control.
42 E-MU Systems
SAVE SETUP TO
Destination Multisetup
020
3. Press either cursor button to move the cursor to the bottom line of the
screen.
4. Now, use the data entry control to select the destination location. The
Enter LED will be flashing.
5. Press the Enter button to save the Multisetup.

Arp/Beats Menu

Arp/Beats Menu
XK-6’s Beats mode allows you to trigger, latch and unlatch synced loops and grooves from separate keys on your keyboard. Simply select a bts: preset and play the 16 trigger keys to bring specific Parts in and out. This is
Macro-Music!
XK-6 can also run up to 16 simultaneously synced arpeggiators, each with a different preset sound. The arpeggiators can either play one of 7 chord arpeggios or can be set to play a pattern, which is a stored sequence of notes. Combined with Beats, the sheer number of musical permutations is staggering!
To enable the Arpeggiator/Beats menu:
Press the Arp button, lighting the LED. The Arp screen displays the menu page most recently selected since powering up XK-6. The cursor appears below the first character of the screen heading on line one.
Arp parameters are automatically saved to the current multisetup when you exit the menu, but you may wish to save to another location.
If another Multisetup is “Restored” any unsaved changes will be lost if you haven’t saved the Multisetup.
To select a new screen:
Press the Home/Enter button or press the Cursor button repeatedly until the cursor is below the screen title heading on the top line of the display. Rotate the data entry control to select another screen.
To modify a parameter:
Press either Cursor button repeatedly (or hold down the right cursor button while turning the data entry control) until the cursor is below the desired parameter value. Rotate the data entry control to change the value.
To access a submenu:
The Master Arpeggiator screens have submenus which are accessed by pressing the cursor buttons to move the cursor to the lower left corner of the display. Select the submenu function using the data entry control.
To save Arpeggiator parameters:
Press the front panel Multi button and scroll to “Save Setup To”. Select a Setup number and press Enter. See “Saving Multisetups” on page 42.
To return to the previously selected Mode/View screen:
Press the Arp/Beats button, turning off the LED.
XK-6 Owners Manual 43
Arp/Beats Menu Beats

Beats XK-6 contains a 16-track play-only sequencer that is optimized for live

performance and groove creation. XK-6 contains dozens of special 16-part Beats Riffs created by some of the best producers in the business. Beats Riffs are normally used in conjunction with a “bts:” preset containing the appro­priate percussion mapping, but any preset can be selected and used.
The Beats channel is selected from the Beats enable screen in the Arp/Beats menu.
Here’s how it works. Each of the 16 parts is assigned to a trigger key on the selected Trigger MIDI channel. Each part is brought in or out by pressing that key. Keys can also be Latched (press the key once to turn the part on, press it again to turn the part off). Other control keys allow you to Mute All Parts, Clear All Parts, and Start & Stop the beat. The 16 parts are arranged in the following manner:
__
__
Beats (bts:) Riffs are special 16-part riffs made especially for use with Beats mode. A Riff without the bts: prefix only has Part 1 recorded.
OO
OO
By assigning Trigger Buttons (page 76) to the keyboard Beats Layout Keys, you can trigger Beats and MIDI notes using the Trigger buttons.
Main Groove
1. Kick1
2. Snare1
3. Hihat1
4. Perc1
For each Beats Riff, you have 2 Grooves, 4 Fills which correspond to the four parts of the Main and Alternate groove, and 4 Instrument parts. By adding and removing parts, you control the complexity of the groove.
Each part can also be scaled by Key Velocity, allowing you to fade parts in and out (if velocity is routed to volume) as you play, or can be Transposed over a six octave range.
Each part can be assigned to any one of four Groups, which allow multiple parts to be triggered from a single key. You can only access Groups using the keyboard trigger keys. See the Factory Setup diagram on the next page.
Trigger layouts are saved with the Multisetup.
Alt. Groove
5. Kick2
6. Snare2
7. Hihat2
8. Perc2
Perc / Fills
9. Perc3/Fill1
10. Perc4/Fill2
11. Perc5/Fill3
12. Perc6/Inst.
Instr/Wild
13. Inst1/Wild1
14. Inst2/Wild2
15. Inst3/Wild3
16. Bass
44 E-MU Systems
Clear Parts
Trig. Hold
C-2
Factory Setup
Multisetup 63
Perc 1
Snare 1
C-1 C0
HiHat 2
Perc 3/Fill 1
Perc 5/Fill 3
Inst 2/Wild 2
Inst 4/Wild 4
Group 3
Arp/Beats Menu
Beats
Main
Groove
Alternate
Groove
OO
OO
Starting Beats mode with the Start/Stop key allows you to start the sequencer rolling silently. Then you can bring Parts in and out using the “Busy” control.
OO
OO
If Mute is set to 1-bar, the Part mutes for 1 bar then un-mutes.
Mute
Start/Stop
The chart above shows the Factory Multisetup assignment of each Part, the 4 Groups and the Control Keys. These assignments can be modied to suit your personal preference, then saved in one of the Multisetup locations.
Start/Stop Trigger Starts the beat sequencer from the beginning of
Clear Parts Clears any enabled parts. This control provides a
Mute Mutes all Parts while held, but the Beats sequencer
Trig Hold When this key is held, all other Trigger Keys
Kick 2
Kick 1
HiHat 1
the sequence. When latched, pressing once starts and pressing again stops. When unlatched, the sequence runs as long as the key is held. Once the Beats sequencer is started, it continues to run even if no triggers are active.
Start/Stop doesn’t clear latched parts when it stops the sequencer. Any trigger played after stopping will not only start the sequencer and play that trig­ger's part, but also play all previously latched parts.
quick and easy way to shut off all latched Parts. Latch mode has no effect on this key.
continues running.
behave as if they were in Latch mode.
Perc 2
Snare 2
Perc 4/Fill 2
Group 1
Group 2
Perc 6/Fill 4
Inst 1/Wild 1
Inst 3/Wild 3
Group 4
XK-6 Owners Manual 45
Arp/Beats Menu Beats Mode
The Beats sequencer plays as long as any Beats triggers are active. Beats Riffs can also be Restarted using a MIDI Song Start command even if the Beats channel is not currently selected. The Audition LED illuminates whenever the Beats sequencer is running (even if no Parts are playing).
Pressing the Audition button or starting a Demo causes the Beats sequencer to stop. Pressing the Audition button plays selected Parts on “bts:” presets.
All Arp/Beats parameters are saved with the Multisetup. (See “Multi­setups” on page 41 for more information.)

Beats Mode This screen turns Beats mode on and has several other features which allow

flexible control over Beats mode. There are several status modes that determine when Beats will be turned on and which Riff will be used.
Beats and BEAT Triggers can be set to different MIDI channels. This allows you to perform on two MIDI channels at once with a keyboard that only transmits on a single MIDI channel.
The Basic Channel is the MIDI channel currently displayed in the Main Screen.
BEATS MODE Status: P
BtsCh: Basic TrigCh:Basic
Status
Off . . . . . . . Beats mode off.
On . . . . . . . . Beats mode on. The Riff assigned in the preset is used.
P . . . . . . . . . Beats mode is turned on ONLY if the Riff assigned in the
preset is a bts: riff. The Riff assigned in the preset is used.
(Default setting)
M. . . . . . . . . Beats mode on. The Master Riff is used (Arp/Beats menu).
BEATS MODE Status: P
BtsCh: Basic TrigCh:Basic
Beats Channel (BtsCh)
01-16 . . . . . Selects the MIDI channel on which Beats play.
Basic . . . . . . Beats play on the MIDI channel displayed in the Main Screen.
46 E-MU Systems
Trigger Channel (TrigCh)
01-16 . . . . . . . Selects the MIDI channel on which Trigger Keys will be active.
Basic . . . . . . . . Sets the Trigger Keys to the MIDI channel displayed on the
Main Screen.
__
__
If you don’t select a bts: preset, only the first trigger key will work.
Arp/Beats Menu
Beats Mode
Beats Setup:
Set the Trigger Buttons to Beats Mode
1. Press the Controllers button on the front panel.
2. Turn the data entry control clockwise until you fin the “TRIGGER
BUTTONS FUNCTION” screen.
3. Set the lower line of the display to read, “Play Beats Parts”.
4. Press the Controllers button on the front panel again to exit the menu.
Set the Trigger Buttons to be Triggers
5. Press the Triggers button in the Command Functions section of the
front panel. OK, now you’re ready to start playing Beats.
Playing Beats:
Selecting Beats Presets
1. Press the right cursor button twice so that the cursor is located
beneath the Category field.
Riffs marked “bts:” have 16 parts. Riffs without “bts:” have only 1 part.
2. Turn the data entry control until bts: is shown in the Category field.
3. Press the right cursor button so that the cursor is underneath the
Preset Name field.
4. Now turning the data entry control selects ONLY bts: presets!
Play Beats
5. Press any of the sixteen front panel Trigger Buttons. Notice that each
button brings in a specific part. The chart below shows which buttons control which part in bts: presets.
Main Groove
1. Kick1
2. Snare1
3. Hihat1
4. Perc1
6. Also notice that the Audition LED comes on when Beats begin playing.
Alt. Groove
5. Kick2
6. Snare2
7. Hihat2
8. Perc2
Perc / Fills
9. Perc3/Fill1
10. Perc4/Fill2
11. Perc5/Fill3
12. Perc6/Inst.
Instr/Wild
13. Inst1/Wild1
14. Inst2/Wild2
15. Inst3/Wild3
16. Bass
Beats are simply multitrack Audition Riffs. You can use the Audition button to turn Beats on and off.
7. Try out a few different bts: presets.
Get Busy!
Two of the Controller knobs are programmed to control Beats. Check it out!
8. Press the M-P button in the Controllers section. Its LED will light.
XK-6 Owners Manual 47
Arp/Beats Menu Beats Mode
9.
Now turn the Mod 1 knob with a Beats Riff playing. Mod 1 is controls the Beats Busy parameter which adds or subtracts parts from the Beat.
10. Turn the Mod 2 knob with a Beats Riff playing. Mod 2 is controls the
Beats Variation parameter. Beats Variation changes which parts are playing without changing the number of parts. This makes it easy to try out different combinations of Beat Parts.
To Play Beats on a different MIDI channel:
Beats can be assigned to a certain MIDI channel while you play the keyboard on another channel. (Make sure you have Beats mode set up correctly
as described in “Beats Setup” on page 47.)
1. Press the Arp/Beats button. The screen shown below appears.
BEATS MODE Status: P
BtsCh: Basic TrigCh:Basic
OO
OO
Wrong FX? In Omni
mode, the FX assigned to channel 2 will be used. In Multi mode, the Master FX settings will be used. See pages 88 & 98.
2. Set the Beats Channel (BtsCh) to 01.
3. Select any bts: preset on channel 1 (main screen).
4. Press any of the sixteen Beats buttons to start your Beat playing. (Do
NOT start Beats by pressing the Audition button.)
5. Press the + Channel button to the left of the LCD to select channel 2.
6. Select a preset to jam along with the Beat.
7. The Trigger Keys now play Beats and the other keys play the preset on
channel 2.
8. The Audition button can be used to turn the Beat off. (If you try to use it
to turn Beats on while on channel 2, the Riff on channel 2 will play.)
48 E-MU Systems
Arp/Beats Menu

Beats Controllers

Beats Controllers Beats can be controlled using the front panel real-time controllers or
external MIDI continuous controllers. Controllers are patched to Beats via the Preset PatchCords located in the Edit menu. The following Preset
PatchCord destinations control Beats.
Beat Velocity Group 1-4 (BtsVelG1 -> BtsVelG4)
Parts assigned to one of the four Beats groups can have their velocity scaled by the controller input. Since most “bts” presets have velocity controlling volume, this control can be used to mix the relative levels of the Groups.
Beats velocity works as a percent addition. An input value of 0 (or no Cord) means change the velocity by 0%. A full scale modulation setting of 100% in the PatchCord adds 100% to the velocity value 100% + 100% = 200%. A PatchCord setting of -100% subtracts 100% from the velocity (making it 0). Beat velocity scalings are reset with a preset change.
Beat Xpose Group 1-4 (BtsXpsG1 -> BtsXpsG4)
Parts assigned to one of the four Beats groups are transposed by the controller input. Transpose works by shifting the keyboard position and not by changing the tuning of individual notes. Therefore, on a Beats presets (bts), where different instruments are assigned to each key, Transpose has the effect of changing the instrument used by a particular part. This control ADDS to the Part Transpose set in the Beats Transpose screen (page 53). Beat transpose offsets are reset with a preset change.
The Mod 1 controller knob is assigned to Beats Busy.
Original
Part
Kick Crowd
Fun Scratch
Tick
909 Click
Machine Kick
Kick
Transposed
Snare
909 Tom
808 Snare
Simmons Tom
+12
909 Tom
909 Tom
Tom Wave
Waver Tom
Cymbal
Ride Cymbal
Splash Cymbal
Splashy Cymbal
Timbale 3
Bongo Tip
Low Conga
Bongo Tone
Ride Cymbal
Guiro
Guiro
Guiro
Cabasa
Wood Block
Agogo Hi-Tone
Wood Block
Triangle Mute
Triangle Open
Beat Busy (BtsBusy)
This destination determines which parts are enabled. Beat Busy will accept either positive or negative values.
Positive values Add parts to whatever parts are triggered
Negative values Remove parts that are triggered.
XK-6 Owners Manual 49
Arp/Beats Menu Beats Controllers
OO
OO
A PatchCord amount of 50% is enough to drive Beat Busy to the maximum setting.
OO
Hot Tip!
OO
The Bidirectional Mod Wheel:
Set Mod Wheel to BtsBusy with a Cord amount of +100, then add a DC bias to BtsBusy with a Cord amount of -50. Wheel now adds or subtracts “Busyness”.
Suppose the pitch wheel (which can output both positive and negative values) were connected to Beat Busy and four Key Triggers are down. As the pitch wheel is moved from center to fully up, the remaining parts will be enabled until the pitch wheel is fully up and all parts are playing. Moving the pitch wheel from center to fully down, the four triggered parts are sequentially removed until at the most negative position of the wheel, no parts are playing.
The Busy control acts on the Beats condition whenever the control is changed. Playing more triggers without changing the Busy control simply adds them until the Busy control is changed again, at which point it will possibly add or subtract parts as needed.
The interaction between the Busy control, Triggers, Part Velocity and Group Velocity can get complicated, but works according to this rule:
WHICHEVER CONTROL WAS LAST CHANGED TAKES OVER
When interacting with the Group Velocity scale control, the Busy control ignores group velocity even when it is set to zero, enabling and disabling parts as necessary. If the Group Velocity is changed after the Busy control, it takes control, scaling parts as it deems necessary.
OO
OO
Cool Tip! Connecting Key Pressure to Beat Busy at 50% increases BEAT complexity the harder you press.
The Mod 2 controller knob is assigned to Beats Variation.
The Busy control does take the Part velocity into account when adding and subtracting parts. If a part has a velocity of 0%, it is removed from the list of parts that the Busy control adds or subtracts. Therefore, you can use the Part Velocity control to remove parts you don’t want to hear.
Brings in Parts
Beat Busy
Removes Parts
Played
Positive controller values bring in new Parts and negative controller values remove Parts that are latched or held. In this example, the Pitch Wheel is connected to Beat Busy since it outputs negative as well as positive values.
Beat Variation (BtsVari)
Beat Variation varies which Parts are brought in and out using the Beat Busy control. Increasing this control mixes up the order in which Parts are brought in and out, thus providing even more permutations to the Beat.
50 E-MU Systems
Arp/Beats Menu

Beats Keys Layout

Beats Keys Layout This screen assigns the Beats triggers to keyboard notes on the Beats
channel. For each Part, Group and Control Key you can select the following options:
__
__
Save your Beats Keys Layouts and all other Arp/Beats parameters using “Save Setup” function in the Multisetup menu.
Key . . . . . . . . . Selects which keyboard key triggers the Part
Latch . . . . . . . . The rst key press turns the Part on, the next turns it off.
Unlatch . . . . . . The Part plays only while the key is held.
1-bar . . . . . . . . The Part plays for one bar then stops.
BEATS KEYS LAYOUT
Part 1 Key: C1 unlatch
1-Bar Trigger Option
The 1-bar option requires a bit of explanation. When a trigger key is pressed before the last beat of the measure, the part will continue playing until the end of the measure. If the Trigger Key is pressed after the last beat of the measure, the part waits until the next measure before playing. Then it plays for the entire measure and stops. The time signature and the measure bounds are determined by the particular Beats Riff you are playing.
Trig Key
pressed before
the last beat
12341234
Measure 1
Trig Key
pressed
here
12341234
Measure 1
Part continues to end of measure then stops.
Measure 2
Part begins at next measure and plays entire measure
Measure 2
XK-6 Owners Manual 51
Arp/Beats Menu Beats Keys Offset
Beats Keys Offset This function slides the Beats Trigger keys (assigned in the previous screen) up
and down the keyboard. This makes it easy to change the keyboard location of the trigger keys without having to re-assign each key. A positive offset moves the group of triggers up the keyboard by the designated number of keys. Negative offsets move the trigger group lower on the keyboard.

BEATS KEYS OFFSET

+000 keys
Positive OffsetNegative Offset
Trigger
Keys
Beats Keys Offset slides the entire group of beats triggers up or down the keyboard.
Beats Part Velocity Each note of a Beats Riff can have its recorded velocity scaled by a value
(from 0 to 120%) of the recorded velocity or the actual played velocity of the trigger key can be used (trigger vel). For example, if a note’s velocity is 80, scaling by 110% will increase the note’s velocity to 88. This feature allows you to control the mix of the different parts in advance or “on-the­fly” as you play. If a part’s velocity is set to 0%, that part will be removed from the mix.
Select Part
P1

BEATS PART VELOCITY

Scaled by: trigger vel
To Set the Velocity for each Part:
1. Press the left cursor button to move the cursor under the Part field.
2. Select the Part number using the Data Entry Control. Parts 1-16 can be
selected. (All parts, shown as an “A”, can be edited at once if “Edit All Layers” is enabled in the Master menu.)
3. Move the cursor to the bottom line using the cursor keys and adjust the
Velocity Scaling percentage using the Data Entry Control.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for all the Parts you wish to adjust.
5. Press the Enter/Home button or use the cursor keys to move the cursor
back to the screen heading.
52 E-MU Systems
Arp/Beats Menu
Beats
Beats Part Transpose Each Part of a Beat Riff can be transposed up to 36 semitones up or down.
Transpose works by shifting the keyboard position and not by changing the tuning of individual notes. Therefore, on a Beats preset (bts:), where different instruments are assigned to each key, Transpose has the effect of changing the instrument used by a particular part. On a preset where a single sound covers the entire keyboard, Transpose will actually transpose the sound.
Select Part
P1

BEATS PART TRANSPOSE

+00 semitones
To set the Transposition for each Part:
1. Press the left cursor button to move the cursor under the Part field.
2. Select the Part number using the Data Entry Control. Parts 1-16 can be
selected. (All parts, shown as an “A”, can be edited at once if “Edit All Layers” is enabled in the Master menu.)
3. Move the cursor to the bottom line using the cursor keys and adjust the
Transposition in semitones using the Data Entry Control.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for all the Parts you wish to adjust.
5. Press the Enter/Home button or use the cursor keys to move the cursor
back to the screen heading.
Original
Part
Kick Crowd
Fun Scratch
Tick
909 Click
Machine Kick
Kick
Transposed
Snare
909 Tom
808 Snare
Simmons Tom
+12
909 Tom
909 Tom
Tom Wave
Waver Tom
Cymbal
Ride Cymbal
Splash Cymbal
Splashy Cymbal
Timbale 3
Bongo Tip
Low Conga
Bongo Tone
Ride Cymbal
Guiro
Guiro
Guiro
Cabasa
Wood Block
Wood Block
Triangle Mute
Agogo Hi-Tone
XK-6 Owners Manual 53
Triangle Open
Arp/Beats Menu Beats
Beats Part Group This screen is where you assign Parts to one of the four Groups. By
grouping, you can play multiple parts with a single key. A part can be in one and only one group, or in no groups.
Select Part
P1

BEATS PART GROUP

Group: 2
To Assign a Part to a Group:
__
__
All Parts assigned to a Group will stop playing when the Group key is triggered, then untriggered even if the individual Parts in the Group are latched.
1. Press the left cursor button to move the cursor under the Part field.
2. Select the Part number using the Data Entry Control. Parts 1-16 can be
selected. (All parts, shown as an “A”, can be edited at once if “Edit All Layers” is enabled in the Master menu.)
3. Move the cursor to the bottom line using the cursor keys and select the
Group (1-4 or none) using the Data Entry Control.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for all the Parts you wish to assign.
5. Press the Enter/Home button or use the cursor keys to move the cursor
back to the screen heading.

Master Riff The Master Riff is selected from this screen. The Master Riff is used when

Master (M) is selected for Beats in Beats mode enable screen.
To Assign the Master Riff:
1. Use the cursor buttons to move the cursor to the lower line of the
display.
2. Select the desired Riff using the Data Entry Control. (Beats Riffs are
identified by the bts: prefix.)
3. If there is more than one ROM in XK-6 you can select Riffs from either
ROM set. Move the cursor under the ROM ID and select using the Data Entry Control.
4. Press the Enter/Home button or use the cursor keys to move the cursor
back to the screen heading.
54 E-MU Systems
Arp/Beats Menu
Beats
Riff Tempo This setting determines whether Riff Tempo (the tempo stored with each
Riff) or the Current Tempo (the Base Tempo from the Master Clock) will be used for Beats.
To control the Riff Tempo from MIDI clock, set Riff Tempo to “use current tempo” and Base Tempo to “use MIDI”.

RIFF TEMPO

use riff tempo
To Set the Riff Tempo Mode:
1. Use the cursor buttons to move the cursor to the lower line of the
display.
2. Select “use riff tempo” or “use current tempo” using the Data Entry
Control.
3. Press the Enter/Home button or use the cursor keys to move the cursor
back to the screen heading.
Riff Controllers Riffs contain real-time control information. This function allows you to
turn these controllers On or Off for the Riffs. This control affects Audition Riffs as well as Beats Riffs.

RIFF CONTROLLERS

use riff controllers
To Turn Riff Controllers On or Off:
1. Use the cursor buttons to move the cursor to the lower line of the
display.
2. Select “use riff controllers” or “ignore riff controllers” using the Data
Entry Control.
3. Press the Enter/Home button or use the cursor keys to move the cursor
back to the screen heading.
XK-6 Owners Manual 55
Arp/Beats Menu MIDI Song Start
MIDI Song Start This function enables or disables MIDI Song Start for the Arpeggiator and
Riffs. The MIDI Song Start option restarts the arpeggiator and/or Riff (BEAT) to the beginning when a MIDI Song Start command is received. This is useful for synchronizing arpeggios and Beats when recording into, or playing along with a sequencer. You can choose to resync: Arp, Riff, both Arp and Riff, or disable MIDI Song Start.

MIDI SONG START

resyncs arps & riffs

Arp/Riff MIDI Out

This parameter selects whether or not the Arpeggiator and/or Riff (Beats) note data is sent to the MIDI out port. This feature lets you use XK-6 as an arpeggiator or sequencer for your other MIDI instruments. It also lets you record the arpeggios and Riffs into a MIDI sequencer. You can choose to transmit: Arpeggiator data, Riff data, both Arp and Riff data, or nothing.
ARP/RIFF MIDI OUT
don’t transmit
56 E-MU Systems
Arp/Beats Menu

Arpeggiators

Arpeggiators An arpeggiator moves a pattern of notes sequentially over a range of the
keyboard. XK-6 has the unique ability to play a different arpeggiator on each MIDI channel!
Arpeggiator settings can be defined as part of the preset (using the Arp parameters in the Preset Edit menu), or globally in the Arpeggiator menu. The preset and master arpeggiators have the same parameters which we define in this chapter.
The Arp field in the main screen defines which arpeggiator settings will be used. “M” uses the master Arpeggiator settings and on/off status (as defined in the Arpeggiator menu). “P” uses the preset’s arpeggiator settings and on/ off status (as defined in the Edit menu). Choosing “On” uses the preset’s arpeggiator settings regardless of whether or not it is turned on in the Edit menu and Off turns off the arpeggiator regardless of the settings and status specified in either menu.
__
__
SAVE your Arp setups and name them using the “Save Setup To function located in the Multi menu. SeeSaving Multisetups on page 42.
Arp Settings in the
Preset are Used
C01 V127 P00
3
047
arp: Sine Drum
A:P USER
All arpeggiators share XK-6’s master clock and its current setting. The master clock can be XK-6’s internal clock or an external MIDI clock (page 82). Although the arpeggiators use the master clock setting, the tempo divisor can be unique for each arpeggiator setup.
Arpeggiator modes include up, up/down, forward assign, backward assign, forward/backward assign and random as well as play Patterns. Patterns are pre-recorded sequences of notes and rests. All key-on notes play the pattern. For example, if you play a chord, all the notes in the chord play the pattern in harmony. XK-6 contains 200 factory patterns and 100 user definable patterns.
XK-6 Owners Manual 57
Arp/Beats Menu Master Arpeggiator Parameters

Arp Controllers The Arpeggiators can be controlled using the front panel real-time

controllers or external MIDI continuous controllers. Controllers are patched to Arps via the Preset PatchCords located in the Preset Edit menu. See “Preset Patchcords” on page 165. The following Preset PatchCord destina­tions control the Arpeggiators.
Arpeggiator Resolution (ArpRes)
This control changes the Arpeggiator Note Value, which defines the length of the notes when playing arpeggiated chords. It adds to the note value set in the Arpeggiator Note Value screen. See “Note Value” on page 60.
Arpeggiator Extension (ArpExt)
This control changes the Arpeggiator Extension Count. It adds to the extension count programmed in the Arpeggiator Note Value screen. See
“Extension Count” on page 62.
Arpeggiator Velocity (ArpVel)
This control changes the Arpeggiator Velocity Value. It scales the velocity value set in the Arpeggiator Note Value screen. See “Velocity” on page 61.

Master Arpeggiator Parameters

Arpeggiator Gate (ArpGate)
This control changes the Arpeggiator Gate Time. It adds to the gate time set in the Arpeggiator Gate Time screen. See “Gate Time” on page 61.
Arpeggiator Interval (ArpIntvl)
This control modulates the Arpeggiator Extension Interval. It adds to the extension programmed in the Arpeggiator Extension Interval screen. See
“Extension Interval” on page 62.
The Master Arpeggiator is defined in the Arp menu. The Arpeggiator mode selected on the Main Screen determines whether the Master arpeggiator or the Preset menu arpeggiator settings are used.
To Access the Master Arpeggiator Parameters:
1. Press the Arp menu button lighting the LED. The Arpeggiator menu
screen displays the menu page most recently selected since powering up XK-6. The cursor appears below the first character of the screen heading on line one.
2. Use the right cursor button to advance the cursor to the first field in the
bottom line of the screen.
3. Now, use the data entry control to access the various Master
Arpeggiator parameters.
4. Save your Arpeggiator settings using the “Save Setup” function on the
Multi menu.
58 E-MU Systems
Arp/Beats Menu
Master Arpeggiator Parameters

Status The Status parameter turns the Master Arpeggiator on and off. The Channel

Arpeggiator setting in the main screen overrides this setting. For example, if you set the Arpeggiator in the main screen to “off,” and turn it “on” here, it still will not play.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Status off

Mode The Mode parameter determines the direction or pattern mode of the

arpeggiated notes.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Mode up
The eight arpeggiator modes are:
Up Held notes arpeggiate continuously from lowest to highest pitch.
Down Held notes arpeggiate continuously from highest to lowest pitch.
Up/Down Held notes arpeggiate continuously from lowest to highest pitch, then from highest to lowest, then repeat this cycle.
Fwd Assign Held notes arpeggiate continuously in the order in which the keys were pressed.
Bkwd Assign Held notes arpeggiate continuously in the reverse order in which the keys were pressed.
Fwd/Bkwd Held notes arpeggiate continuously in the order in which the keys were pressed, then arpeggiate in the reverse order that they were pressed. The cycle is then repeated.
Random Held notes arpeggiate continuously in a random fashion.
Pattern Held notes play the selected pattern (see “Pattern” on page 60 for details).
XK-6 Owners Manual 59
Arp/Beats Menu Master Arpeggiator Parameters

Note Value The Note Value determines the duration of each note played. This

parameter is used in non-pattern mode only.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Note Value 1/8 dot
Following is a list of possible Note Values and the relative number of clocks used for each.
Note value has no effect when the mode is set to pattern.
Note Value MIDI Clock
Double Whole Note..................... 192
Dotted Whole Note........................ 144
Double Note Triplet........................128
Whole Note.................................... 96
Dotted Half Note.............................. 72
Whole Note Triplet...........................64
Half Note ....................................... 48
Dotted Quarter Note ........................36
Half Note Triplet...............................32
Quarter Note.................................. 24
Dotted Eighth Note.......................... 18
Quarter Note Triplet.........................16
8th Note......................................... 12
Dotted 16th Note ...............................9
8th Note Triplet.................................. 8
16th Note......................................... 6
Dotted 32nd Note ...........................4.5
16th Note Triplet................................ 4
32nd Note ........................................ 3

Arpeggiator Pattern Speed

The Arpeggiator Pattern Speed parameter lets you change the playback rate of Patterns by 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x (normal), 2x or 4x normal speed.

Pattern This field lets you choose the pattern used when the arpeggiator Mode is set

to “Pattern.” There are 200 factory programmed patterns and you can create an additional 100 user definable patterns (see “Editing a User Arpeg­giator Pattern” on page 67).
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Pattern 99
60 E-MU Systems
1
Pattern Name
Arp/Beats Menu
Master Arpeggiator Parameters

Velocity The Velocity parameter determines the velocity at which each note arpeg-

giates. Velocity can be defined by the velocity value specified (from 1 through 127), or by the actual velocity of the played note (played). Bear in mind that velocity values do not have an effect on the sound unless the preset is programmed to respond to velocity.
Controller Knob O is programmed to control Arp Velocity.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Velocity played
Gate Time The Gate Time parameter works together with the Note Value parameter.
Just as Note Value defines the length of a note, the Gate Time sets the percentage of the Note Value time played. This can have a dramatic effect on the sound depending on how the envelope generators are programmed.
Controller Knob P is programmed to control Arp Gate Time.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
The note-on time is used for the start-of-time when calculating note durations. See Duration on page 64.
Gate 100%
With a Gate Time setting of 100% the note is held on until the next note starts. The envelope generators never advance to the Release stages. With a Gate Time setting of 50%, the note is released halfway through the note cycle and the envelope generators proceed to their release stages until the next note occurs. Refer to the following illustration.
Selected Note Value (8th notes, 16th notes, etc.)

Gate Time

100%
75%
50%
key-on
time
key-on
time
key-on
time
25%
XK-6 Owners Manual 61
Arp/Beats Menu Master Arpeggiator Parameters

Extension Count The Extension Count parameter specifies how many times the Extension

Interval is carried out. With an Extension Count of 0, the arpeggio plays only the notes pressed. With an Extension Count of 1, the arpeggio plays the notes pressed, then plays the same notes (in the same order), trans­posed by the Extension Interval amount. The cycle is then repeated.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Extension Count 4
For example, with the Extension Interval set to 12 (an octave) and an Extension Count of 2, and with the Arpeggiator Mode set to Fwd Assign, if you played E2, then C2, then G2, the arpeggiated sequence would consist of: E2, C2, G2, then E3, C3, G3, and then E4, C4, G4. The Extension Count values range from 0 through 15. Refer to the following illustration.
Back
123 456 789
Extend 1
Played
Extend 2

Extension Interval The Extension Interval specifies the additional intervals played when you

press a key. For example, suppose you played C2 with an Interval of 7 (a Major 5th), Up mode, and an Extension Count of 2. The arpeggio alternates between C2 and G2.
The Extension Interval values range from 1 through 16.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Extension Interval 7
62 E-MU Systems
Arp/Beats Menu
Master Arpeggiator Parameters

Sync The Sync parameter defines when a note is played in relation to when the

key is pressed. When set to “Key Sync”, the note sounds the instant a key is pressed. When set to “Quantized”, the note does not sound until the next occurrence of the selected note value.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Sync key sync
The following diagram illustrates how Key Sync and Quantize work.
Key
Pressed
Note Sounds
Immediately
Key Sync
Quarter Notes
Note Doesn't Sound until
the Next Quarter Note
Quantize
Quarter Notes

Pre-Delay The Pre-Delay value determines how long the arpeggiator is delayed before

becoming active after the first “note-on.” During the pre-delay period, notes are played normally (as if the arpeggiator was off). After the pre-delay period has elapsed, the arpeggiator kicks in. Once you release all the keys on the controller, the pre-delay starts over with the next note-on. In combi­nation with the Duration parameter, Pre-Delay lets you create many more variations in the arpeggio patterns. Please refer to the diagram on page 65.
You can play the preset normally as long as you don’t hold the notes longer than the Pre-Delay. If you do, the arpeggiator starts in. When used in conjunction with multiple arpeggiators, Pre-Delay allows you to offset the time between the different patterns.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Pre-Delay off
XK-6 Owners Manual 63
Arp/Beats Menu Master Arpeggiator Parameters

Duration This parameter defines how long the arpeggiator plays before stopping. The

Duration is specified in note values. Therefore if an arpeggio were running at a 16th Note Value and the Duration were set to a whole note, the arpeg- giator would play 16 steps before stopping. After the duration has elapsed, the arpeggiator remains inactive until the key is released. If Duration is set to Off, the arpeggio repeats as long as the notes are held (Infinite Duration).
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Duration 1 / 1d
Duration can be used to modify the patterns and increase the possible pattern combinations and variations. Because this parameter limits the length of arpeggiator play time, it can change the arpeggio pattern when the Duration is less than the length of the arpeggio. You can set the arpeggio to repeat continuously using the Recycle function described below.

Post-Delay This parameter is only relevant when both the “Duration” and “Recycle”

parameters are not in the “Off” state. The Post-Delay value determines how long the arpeggiator is delayed after the Duration period. Please refer to the diagram on page 65. During the post-delay period, notes are played normally (as if the arpeggiator was off). After the post-delay period has elapsed, the arpeggiator either jumps to the beginning of the Pre-Delay period or to the beginning of the Duration period depending on the Recycle setting.
If the arpeggiator is playing an extension when the Duration expires, the notes in the extension will continue to sound during the Post-Delay (and Pre-Delay if on). On the next pass through the Duration period, the extension continues where it left off.
Post-Delay increases the number of possible variations in the beat and allows the recycle loop to be set to an exact measure of time.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Post-Delay off
64 E-MU Systems
Arp/Beats Menu
Master Arpeggiator Parameters
Keys
Pressed
Arp PlaysNotes Sound Notes Sound
Pre-Delay Duration Post-Delay
R
R
e
c
y
c
l
e
o
e
c
y
c
l
e
o
-
o
N
/
n
n
y
l
D
e
r
P

Recycle Recycle enables the pattern or arpeggio to repeat. This parameter works

together with the Duration and Pre/Post Delay parameters to allow the loop to be set to an exact measure of time. The “on/No-PreDelay” option bypasses the predelay period. With Recycle turned Off, the pattern or arpeggio stops at the end of the Post-Delay period.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Recycle on/No-PreDly

Keyboard Thru When enabled, Keyboard Thru merges the notes not arpeggiated with the

notes being produced by the arpeggiator. This gives the effect of two parts playing at once.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Keyboard Thru off

Latch With Latch mode On, any notes you play remain on until you press them

again. Latched notes can also be halted by turning Latch off in this screen, or by turning off the Arpeggiator for the channel in the main screen.
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Latch on
XK-6 Owners Manual 65
Arp/Beats Menu Send MIDI System Exclusive Data
Use the Key Range parameter to set the keyboard range for the arpeggiator. Notes inside the range will arpeggiate while notes outside the specified range will not arpeggiate. Use the Extensions parameters to exceed the upper boundary of the Key Range (see the information about Extensions beginning on page 62).
MASTER ARPEGGIATOR
Key Range C-2->G8
Move the cursor under the first key and use the data entry control to define the lowest key to be arpeggiated. Move the cursor under the second key value and use the data entry control to define the highest key to be arpeg­giated.

Send MIDI System Exclusive Data

Send data as you would a regular sequence. Sending data in one huge chunk may clog the MIDI input buffer on XK-6.
Transmits the Arpeggiator Patterns via the MIDI out port as MIDI System Exclusive data to another XK-6 or to a computer/sequencer for backup. Using the cursor key and the data entry control, select the MIDI data you want to transmit. See Send MIDI System Exclusive Data in the Master chapter for additional details about recording SysEx.
User Patterns
Transmits all the User patterns.
000 to 99
Transmits only the individual pattern you have selected.
0
SEND MIDI SYSEX DATA
All User Arp Patterns
66 E-MU Systems
Arp/Beats Menu
Send MIDI System Exclusive Data

Editing a User Arpeggiator Pattern

Bank 0 = User Patterns Bank 1 = Factory Patterns Bank 2 = Factory Patterns
OO
OO
Before editing a Pattern, select Master Arpeggiator (M) in the main screen and set the Arpeggiator to the Pattern you are editing. This lets you hear the Pattern as you edit it.
XK-6 lets you create and edit your own arpeggiator patterns. Using the Edit User Pattern menu, you can create up to 100 user patterns and each pattern can be up to 32 steps in length.
When you edit a pattern, you are writing directly into memory—no Save command is required (however, you must exit the Arp module). This is different from the Edit menu where you must Save a preset before it will be overwritten. If you want to modify an existing pattern and keep the original, you must first COPY the pattern you want to edit to another location using the function in the Save/Copy menu (See page 191). Refer to the instructions below and the following parameter descriptions to create your own patterns.
EDIT USER PATTERN
1
01
DRUMnBASS 1
To Select the Pattern to Edit:
1. From the Edit User Pattern screen shown above, move the cursor to the
bottom line and select the pattern you want to edit. The Enter LED begins flashing. Press Enter to move back to the Home position.
2. Select the next screen in the list, “User Pattern Edit”. This is where you
edit the currently selected pattern.
PTRN KEY VEL DUR RPT
S01 +0 ply 1/8 2
Pattern Step
number
3. Move the cursor to the lower line of the display. For each step, you can
select: key, velocity, duration, and number of repeats.
Key offset Velocity Duration Repeat

Pattern Step Number You can set up to 32 steps for each arpeggiator pattern. This field selects

which step you will be editing from 1 to 32.
Key This parameter defines what happens during the current step. The Key
parameter can do one of five different operations. Following is a description of each of the key functions and how to use them.
XK-6 Owners Manual 67
Arp/Beats Menu Send MIDI System Exclusive Data
Key Offset
This parameter defines not the actual note of the arpeggiator playback, but instead specifies the amount of offset, in semitones, from the original note played. You can set a Key Offset from -48 to +48 for each step. For example, if you play a “C” on the keyboard with the Key Offset amount for the first step set to “+1,” the first step in the pattern will be “C#.”
+12-12 0 +24-24 +36-36-48 +48
__
__
IMPORTANT: The Gate function in the arpeggiator MUST be set to 100% when using the tie function, otherwise the tied note is retriggered instead of extended.
Played
Note
Tie
This function extends the duration of notes beyond the values given in the duration field by “tying” notes together. You can tie together any number of consecutive steps.
+2
Step 1
Rest
Instead of playing a note, you can define the step as a Rest. The Duration parameter specifies the length of the rest. Rests can be tied together to form longer rests.
tie
Step 2
+ OffsetOffset
-5
Step 3
68 E-MU Systems
Skip
This command simply removes the step from the pattern. The Skip feature makes it easy to remove an unwanted step without rearranging the entire pattern. You’ll be happy to know that the velocity, duration and repeat parameters are remembered if you decide to put the step back later.
End
This command signals the end of the pattern. Any steps programmed after the step containing the End command are ignored.
Arp/Beats Menu
Send MIDI System Exclusive Data

Velocity Each note in the pattern plays using either a preset velocity value (from

1 through 127), or using the actual velocity of the played note (ply).
Note: Velocity values will not have an effect on the sound unless velocity is programmed to do something in the preset.

Duration This parameter sets the length of time for the current step, defined as a note

value, based on the Master Tempo. The selectable note durations are described below.
1/32 32nd Note 1/16t 16th Note Triplet 1/32d Dotted 32nd Note 1/16 16th Note 1/8t 8th Note Triplet 1/16d Dotted 16th Note 1/8 8th Note 1/4t Quarter Note Triplet 1/8d Dotted Eighth Note 1/4 Quarter Note
1/2t Half Note Triplet 1/4d Dotted Quarter Note 1/2 Half Note 1/1d Dotted Whole Note 1/1t Whole Note Triplet 1/2d Dotted Half Note 1/1 Whole Note 2/1t Double Whole Note
Triplet
2/1 Double Whole Note

Repeat Each step can be played from 1 to 32 times. A repeat setting of “1” indicates

the step will be played one time (not repeated one time or played twice).
To Edit a User Pattern:
1. The first field in the Edit User Pattern field defines the pattern’s step
number. Start with the pattern Step 01.
2. Define the Key Offset, Velocity, Duration and Repeat values.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have setup the desired number of steps
in the pattern.
4. Set the Key Offset to “End” on the last step in the pattern.
XK-6 Owners Manual 69
Arp/Beats Menu Multichannel Arpeggiating
User Pattern Name The User Pattern Name page lets you enter a name for any User Arpeggiator
Pattern.
PTRN KEY VEL DUR RPT
S01 +0 ply 1/8 2
To Name a User Pattern:
1. From the Pattern Edit screen shown above, position the cursor under
the PTRN field.
2. Turn the data entry control clockwise. The following screen appears.

USER PATTERN NAME

0
00
Mod Cycle

Multichannel Arpeggiating

3. Move the cursor to the bottom line and edit the Pattern name using
the data entry control and Cursor keys.
4. Move the cursor to the “Home” position (shown above) by pressing the
Home/Enter button.
5. Turn the data entry control counter-clockwise one click to return to
the Pattern Edit screen.
6. Turn the data entry control counterclockwise multiple clicks to jump
back to the main Arpeggiator menu screen.
Presets with the arpeggiator assigned will play when they receive note-on data from the keyboard or external MIDI source.
Please refer to the instructions on page 26 to learn one way to perform using multiple arpeggiators.
70 E-MU Systems

Controllers Menu

The Controllers menu contains functions related to the keyboard, knobs or trigger buttons of XK-6. For example, the Command Function Trigger Keys are programmed in this menu. All Controllers menu data is saved with the Multisetup. See page 41 for more information about Multisetups.
To enable the Controllers menu:
Press the Controllers button, lighting the LED. The Controllers Menu screen displays the menu page most recently selected since powering up XK-6. The cursor appears below the first character of the screen heading on line one.
To select a new screen:
Press the Home/Enter button or press the Cursor button repeatedly until the cursor is below the screen title heading. Rotate the data entry control to select another screen.
To modify a parameter:
Press either Cursor button repeatedly (or hold down the right cursor button while turning the data entry control) until the cursor is below the desired parameter value. Rotate the data entry control to change the value.
To return to the previously selected Mode/View screen:
Press the Controllers button, turning off the LED.
XK-6 Owners Manual 71
Controllers Menu

Keyboard Channel

Realtime Control
This section describes how set up the Realtime Controllers on XK-6. Realtime Controllers are performance controls such as the controller knobs, velocity & pressure sensitive keyboard, and the trigger buttons.
Functions
Keyboard Channel This option allows you to select which channel is controlled by the
Keyboard, Knobs as well as the Pitch & Mod Wheels. You can select any of the 16 channels or “Basic”. If the “Basic” channel is selected, the keyboard and knobs always control the preset showing in the Main screen.
in Quick Edit mode the front panel knobs only control the Basic Channel.
Keyboard Transpose This option allows you to offset the transposition of the keyboard in
semitone intervals. This is allows you to easily play in different keys with the keyboard and lets you access different groups of instruments in a drum map. The transpose range is ±36 semitones.
KEYBOARD CHANNEL Channel: Basic

KEYBOARD TRANSPOSE

+00 semitones
Local Control On/Off Local Control is used to disconnect the keyboard and controllers (knobs,
wheels, footswitches) from the sound generating section. Even though disconnected from the internal synthesizer, the keyboard and controllers are still transmitted over MIDI. Local Control is normally turned Off when recording into an external MIDI sequencer (set sequencer to Echo Thru). Played data and recorded data are merged in the computer sequencer and then sent back to the module. This feature can also be used if you want to control another MIDI sound generator from the keyboard and knobs without playing internal sounds.

LOCAL CONTROL ON/OFF

on
72 E-MU Systems
Controllers Menu

Keyboard Velocity Curve

Keyboard Velocity Curve
MIDI
Out
CO1A V ol 127 Pan00RSUER
2
032
bas:Int er fer ence
MIDI
In
Turning Local Control Off allows you to use the Echo Thru feature on your sequencer while sequencing. In conjunction with Echo Thru, Local Control Off allows you to record into the external sequencer and hear the correct sounds whether you are recording or playing back the sequence.
The velocity response of the keyboard can be adjusted using any of 17 curves in order to customize the dynamic feel of the keyboard to your individual playing style. This curve adjusts the output of the XK-6 keyboard before it is sent to the MIDI output port and to the Master Velocity Curve described on page 85.
KEYBOARD VELOCITY CURVE
soft #2
The Keyboard Velocity Curve diagrams are located on page 232.
MIDI OUT MIDI IN
Instrument
Z-Plane
Filter
L
Amp
R
Internal
Keyboard
Velocity Curve
Master
Velocity Curve
The Keyboard Velocity Curve modies the velocity data from the keyboard keys. This data is sent to the MIDI output port and through the Master Velocity Curve before reaching the Synthesizer. Incoming MIDI data is ltered through the Master Velocity Curve only.
Synthesizer
XK-6 Owners Manual 73
Controllers Menu

Channel Aftertouch On/Off

Channel Aftertouch On/Off
The keyboard generates channel aftertouch messages. Aftertouch is generated when you continue to press the keys after the note has been played. Aftertouch can be a very useful controller for adding a bit of vibrato or creating a volume swell. Aftertouch is routed to the Pressure source in the PatchCord screen. This control allows you to turn aftertouch on or off without having to modify each preset.
CHANNEL AFTERTOUCH on

Footswitch Function The footswitch jack on XK-6’s rear panel can be programmed to perform a

variety of functions. The footswitch jack is designed to accept a momentary footswitches which shorts the tip and ground. XK-6 senses either normally­on or normally-off switches on power-up.
The following functions can be controlled via the footswitches.
FOOTSWITCH JACK FUNCTION MIDI FtSw
MIDI Footswitch In this mode the footswitch is routed to the “FootSw1” PatchCord source in the Preset Edit, Cords menu. (See pages 159 and 166.) It is also trans­mitted out on the Footswitch Controller number as programmed in the Controllers menu. (See page 80.)
Tap Tempo Pressing the footswitch allows you to tap in the current tempo with your foot.
Channel + Pressing the footswitch increments the MIDI channel number.
Channel - Pressing the footswitch decrements the MIDI channel number.
Preset + Pressing the footswitch increments the current preset number.
Preset - Pressing the footswitch decrements the current preset number.
74 E-MU Systems
Controllers Menu

Foot Pedal Function

Foot Pedal Function The foot pedal jack on XK-6’s rear panel can be programmed to perform a
variety of functions. The foot pedal input can sense either 0-5 volts on the ring of a stereo jack or a foot pedal with the potentiometer wired as shown at left.
The following functions can be controlled via the foot pedal jack.
Pedal Wiring
Ground Tip
Ring
Tip
Ring
Ground

Trigger Buttons Function

FOOT PEDAL FUNCTION FootCtrl
Foot Controller In this mode the Foot Pedal is routed to the “Pedal” PatchCord source in the Preset Edit, Cords menu. (See pages 159 and 166.) It is also transmitted out on MIDI Continuous Controller #4 on the basic MIDI channel.
Channel Volume The Foot Pedal controls the volume of the current channel. (The MIDI channel currently showing in the main screen.) Channel volume is pre-effect— reverb or echoes will continue to sound even when the pedal is off.
Master Volume The Foot Pedal controls the overall volume of the XK-6. This duplicates the function of the Master Volume knob on the front panel. Master volume is post-effect—effects will be cut off when the pedal is off.
This option selects the function of the front panel “Triggers” button. The “Triggers” button can be used either to Play Beats Parts or to Play Note Events.
Play Beats Parts In this mode and when the Triggers button is selected, the sixteen command buttons turn Beats parts on and off.
Play Note Events In this mode and when the Triggers button is selected, the sixteen command buttons work like keyboard notes. Each button can be assigned to any MIDI note, on any MIDI Channel (01-16), with any velocity (0-127), and can be set to be latched or momentarily on.
TRIGGER BUTTONS FUNCTION Play Note Events
XK-6 Owners Manual 75
Controllers Menu

Trigger Buttons

Trigger Buttons This screen allows you to program the 16 trigger buttons to play note
events. Note: This screen is not available when the “Trigger Buttons Function” (see previous page) is set to “Play Beats Parts”.
Set the previous screen to “Play Note Events”. Select Triggers mode by pressing the mode select button so that the “Triggers” LED is illuminated. Now the 16 buttons work like keyboard notes. Each of the 16 buttons can be assigned to any MIDI note, on any MIDI Channel (01-16), with any velocity (0-127), and can be set to be latched or momentarily on. Latched notes will hold until the button is pressed again. Latched notes will be indicated by the LEDs.
OO
By assigning Trigger
OO
Buttons to the keyboard Beats Layout Keys (page 51), you can trigger Beats and MIDI notes using the Trigger buttons.
Simply move the cursor from the “TRIGGERS” field and play a note to enter the MIDI key and velocity. Pressing a Trigger Button anytime while in this screen automatically selects that trigger button for programming!
Trigger Button Select Latch on/off
OO
OO
Latched buttons are especially useful for triggering arpeggiated presets.
T1 TRIGGERS Latch:off
Key: C3 Ch: 01 Vel: 127
MIDI Key MIDI Channel
To Setup the Trigger Buttons:
1. Press the Controllers button. Its LED will illuminate.
2. Turn the data entry control to select the “TRIGGERS” screen.
3. Use the left/right cursor controls to select the fields shown above.
4. Select the MIDI key, the MIDI channel, the Velocity and Latch on/off
for each of the 16 trigger buttons.
5. Save the Multisetup if you want to save these settings. See page 42.
To Play the Trigger Buttons:
1. Press the Controllers button. Its LED will illuminate.
2. Turn the data entry control to select the “TRIGGERS BUTTONS
FUNCTION” screen.
3. Move the cursor to the lower line and select “Play Note Events”.
4. Press the Command Functions “Triggers” button so that its LED
illuminates.
5. Play the Trigger buttons.
Velocity
76 E-MU Systems
Controllers Menu

Preset Select Buttons

Preset Select Buttons The 16 command buttons can also be used for preset selection. Each button
can be programmed to select any preset on the Basic MIDI channel. For your next song, selecting another Multisetup (page 41) selects another group of sixteen presets.
In Preset Select mode, whenever the current preset on the basic channel matches any of the 16 “favorites” assigned to the Preset Select buttons, its LED will illuminate.
The Basic MIDI channel is the channel currently showing in the main screen.
Select Preset Select mode from the Command Functions. Now the 16 buttons are programmable preset selection buttons.
Trigger Button Select Preset Location
T1 PRESET - SELECT User
0
006
bas: Fatty
Preset Number Preset Name
When a preset is selected using the Preset Select buttons, the cursor is automatically located underneath the Preset Name field. This feature makes it easy to select other presets of the same type.
Quick Method of Programming the Preset Select Buttons:
1. Select the preset you want from the Main screen.
2. Press and hold the Preset Select button, then press one of the sixteen
Trigger buttons.
3. The preset will be stored in the trigger button you selected.
To Program the Preset Select Buttons from the Menu:
1. Press the Controllers button. Its LED will illuminate.
2. Turn the data entry control to select the “PRESET - SELECT” screen.
3. Use the left/right cursor controls to select the fields shown above.
4. Select the desired preset for each of the 16 trigger buttons.
5. Save the Multisetup if you want to save these settings. See page 42.
To Use the Preset Select Buttons:
1. From the main preset selection screen, press the Preset Select button.
Its LED will illuminate.
2. Press any of the 16 buttons to select a new preset.
Category
XK-6 Owners Manual 77
Controllers Menu

Preset Select Send Buttons

Preset Select Send Buttons
Suppose you wanted to send another MIDI program change message to an external synthesizer. The 16 command buttons can also send external MIDI program changes on the Basic MIDI channel. Each button can be programmed to select any preset from 0-127, in any bank.
Select Preset Select mode from the Command Functions. Now the 16 buttons are programmable preset selection buttons.
Trigger Button Select
T1 PRESET - SELECT SEND
MSB:015 LSB:003 PROG: 127
Bank MSB Program Change
Bank LSB
Number
To Program the Program Change Send Buttons:
1. Press the Controllers button. Its LED will illuminate.
2. Turn the data entry control to select the “PRESET - SELECT SEND”
screen.
3. Use the left/right cursor controls to select the fields shown above.
4. Select the desired program change and bank for each of the 16 trigger
buttons. (If you don’t want to send an external program change, set the fields to “off”.)
5. Save the Multisetup if you want to save these settings. See page 42.
78 E-MU Systems
To Send an External Program Change:
1. From the main preset selection screen, press the Preset Select button.
Its LED will illuminate.
2. Press one of the 16 buttons to send the program change.
Controllers Menu

Knob Preset Quick-Edit

Knob Preset Quick-Edit

Real-time Controller Assignment

OO
OO
Tip: XK-6 factory presets have certain synth parameters assigned to each controller letter and so these are Global controller assignments.
“Quick-Edit” changes the initial controller setting in the preset whenever you move a Control Knob. This parameter selects whether or not the front panel Controller Knobs are used to Quick-Edit the currently selected preset. See “Preset Edit Button” on page 32 in the Operations chapter for more details.
KNOBS PRESET QUICK-EDIT
disabled
Use these three pages to assign sixteen real-time control sources. Each MIDI Controller is assigned a letter (A - P). The front panel Controller Knobs and sixteen MIDI controller numbers share the A-P controller routings. These
screens let you select which MIDI real-time controllers numbers will be received (from 1 to 31 and from 64 to 95) and which controller numbers will be transmitted over MIDI if the front panel controls are turned.
The PatchCord routing and amount in the Preset Edit menu determine what effect the controller has on each preset. Real-time controllers are shown in the PatchCord menu as MIDI A through MIDI P.
The Real-time Controller assignment also specifies which controller numbers are transmitted when the “Knobs Output MIDI” is enabled (see “Knobs Output MIDI” on page 94).
REALTIME CONTROLLER #
A: 74 B: 71 C: 25 D: 26
For example, assigning a MIDI controller to A in this screen would let you control lter Fc for all the factory presets. See Front Panel Knob Functions on page 209.
REALTIME CONTROLLER #
E: 73 F: 75 G: 85 H: 72
REALTIME CONTROLLER #
I: 78 J: 77 K: 27 L: 28
REALTIME CONTROLLER #
M: 01 N: 03 O: 82 P: 83
XK-6 Owners Manual 79
Controllers Menu
2
4
5
MIDI Footswitch Assign
Note: Controllers 7 and 10 are already assigned to Volume and Pan for each MIDI channel. Controllers 91 & 93 are the standard controller numbers for reverb and chorus send amounts, but are not assigned.
Following are a few of the standardized MIDI Controller numbers as defined by the MIDI manufacturers association. The controllers shown in Bold are automatically routed to the destination (volume & pan) or have their own PatchCord source. Others, such as Portamento Time, can be routed using a PatchCord to have the desired effect.

MIDI Footswitch Assign

1 - Modulation Wheel
- Breath Controller
- Foot Pedal
- Portamento Time
6 - Data Entry
Like the MIDI Controllers, you can assign three MIDI footswitches to MIDI footswitch numbers. Footswitches numbers are from 64-79. Destinations for the footswitch controllers are programmed in the PatchCord section of the Preset Edit menu. The rear panel footswitch 1 is connected to footswitch controller 1 in this screen. Pressing the footswitch transmits on the MIDI controller number programmed here. Footswitches 2 & 3 route incoming MIDI footswitch data to the PatchCord section of XK-6.
7 - Volume
8 - Balance 9 - Undefined
10 - Pan 11 - Expression
FOOTSWITCH CONTROLLER # 1: 64 2: 65 3: 66
Rear panel footswitch input
Calibrate Controllers This screen allows you to calibrate the Pitch Wheel, Modulation Wheel,
Aftertouch, and Foot Pedal controller. The controls should be recalibrated periodically in order to compensate for normal changes in the controls themselves. If a control doesn’t seem to be responding properly, it may simply need to be recalibrated.
The Controllers should ALWAYS be calibrated after you reinitialize user data. (And you should always reinitialize user data after updating the operating system.)
80 E-MU Systems

CALIBRATE CONTROLLERS

Start Mod Wheel
Controllers Menu Tempo Controller
To Calibrate the Controllers:
1. Press the Global button. Its LED will illuminate.
2. Turn the data entry control to select the “CALIBRATE CONTROLLERS”
screen shown below.
CALIBRATE CONTROLLERS
Start Mod Wheel
3. Move the cursor to the lower line of the display and rotate the Data
Entry Control to select the control to be calibrated. The choices are:
Mod Wheel Pitch Wheel Foot Pedal Aftertouch
4. Press Enter to select a control, then follow the instructions given in the
display. You will be asked to mover the control through its entire range (minimum through maximum), then press Enter.
5. In the case of the Pitch Wheel, you first move the wheel through its
min-max range and leave the wheel resting in its center position. Then press Enter.

Tempo Controller This function allows a MIDI controller to change the Base Tempo of the

Master Clock. The Master Clock is used by the arpeggiators, clock divisor PatchCords, tempo-based envelopes and synced LFOs. (See “Clock Modulation” on page 106.) You can assign any controller number from 0­31, mono key pressure, or the Pitch Wheel to change the Global Tempo.
A different controller can be used to change the tempo up or down. The Pitch Wheel can be assigned to both the up and down parameters to vary the tempo up and down from a single controller. If any other controller is assigned to both the up and down parameters, XK-6 redefines the center of the controller’s range as zero (so it acts like a pitch wheel).
MIDI Controller values are added to the Base Tempo with a range of ±64. When the controller is set to “off” the tempo returns to its original setting. Controllers are only recognized on the selected MIDI channel, unless XK-6 is in Omni mode, in which case all channels are accepted. This control has no effect when using an external clock.
TEMPO CONTROLLER# CHAN
Up: 03 Down: 09 16
XK-6 Owners Manual 81
Controllers Menu

Base Tempo

Base Tempo XK-6 contains an internal Master Clock which runs the arpeggiators,
synchronizes the LFOs when in tempo-based mode, controls the times of tempo-based envelopes, and can be used as a modulation source in the PatchCords section.
You’ll notice that there are two tempo values shown in the display.
Base Tempo - This is the base tempo setting before being modified by the Tempo Controller (if engaged). See “Tempo Controller” on page 81.
The Arp/Beats LED ashes in time with the Base Tempo.
(Current Tempo) - This is the actual tempo! The current tempo is equal to the base tempo modulated by the MIDI controller specified in the Tempo Controller screen. If no MIDI Tempo controller message has been received since the last Base Tempo change, the Current Tempo will be equal to the Base Tempo.
To Change the Base Tempo:
1. Move the cursor to the lower line of the display.
2. Adjust the Base Tempo using the data entry control.
OO
OO
You can also tap tempo
using a footswitch. See page 74.
BASE TEMPO TAP->enter
120 bpm (current: 182)
3. To Tap Tempo - Tap the Enter button at least three times. Keep tapping
to continuously update the tempo on each tap. The tap tempo range is 25-300 bpm. The Base Tempo values range from 1 through 300 beats per minute (BPM).
To Use an External MIDI Clock:
1. Move the cursor to the lower line of the display.
2. Turn the data entry control all the way counter-clockwise and select
“ext” to use an external MIDI clock source.
82 E-MU Systems

Global Menu

The Global menu contains functions that affect the overall operation of XK-6. For example, changing the Master Tune parameter changes the tuning of all the presets, not just the one currently displayed.
To enable the Global menu:
Press the Global button, lighting the LED. The Global Menu screen displays the menu page most recently selected since powering up XK-6. The cursor appears below the first character of the screen heading on line one.
__
__
Warning: Global Menu changes are automatically saved when you exit the menu. If the power is turned off before you exit the menu any changes you have made will be lost.
To select a new screen:
Press the Home/Enter button or press the Cursor button repeatedly until the cursor is below the screen title heading. Rotate the data entry control to select another screen.
To modify a parameter:
Press either Cursor button repeatedly (or hold down the right cursor button while turning the data entry control) until the cursor is below the desired parameter value. Rotate the data entry control to change the value.
To return to the previously selected screen:
Press the Global button, turning off the LED.
XK-6 Owners Manual 83
Global Menu
Defining Global Parameters
Dening Global
Global setup parameters affect overall performance, range, and global effects. This section describes the Global parameters and how to define them.
Parameters

Master Transpose/ Tune

Master Bend Range The Master Bend Range parameter sets the range of the pitch wheel. This
The Transpose parameter transposes the key of all presets, in semitone intervals. The transpose range is ± 24 semitones.
Master Tune adjusts the fine tuning of all presets so that you can tune XK-6 to other instruments. The master tuning range is ± 1 semitone in 1/64th semitone increments (1.56 cents). A master tune setting of “+00” indicates that XK-6 is perfectly tuned to concert pitch (A=440 Hz).
MASTER TRANSPOSE TUNE
+00 semitones +00
affects only presets that have their individual Pitch Bend range (defined in the Preset Edit menu) set to Master. See page 160. The maximum pitch bend range is ±12 semitones or one octave in each direction.
84 E-MU Systems

MASTER BEND RANGE

+/- 7 semitones
Global Menu
Defining Global Parameters

Master Velocity Curve

The Master Velocity curve is normally set to Linear and the Keyboard Velocity Curve is used to adjust the keyboard feel.
The two curves can also be combined if you wish.
Incoming velocity data or internal keyboard velocity can be altered by one of thirteen velocity curves. These curves are designed to adapt XK-6 to a external MIDI controller. You can select one of thirteen global velocity curves or to leave the data unaltered (linear). To adjust Keyboard velocity, see “Keyboard Velocity Curve” on page 73.
MASTER VELOCITY CURVE
13
Keyboard
Velocity Curve
MIDI OUT MIDI IN
Master
Velocity Curve
The Master Velocity Curve lters MIDI In as well as data from the Keyboard Velocity Curve.
Z-Plane
Instrument
Amp
Filter
Internal
Synthesizer
L
R
For a complete list of all available velocity curves, see Master Velocity Curves on page 233 of the Appendix.
120
100
Result Velocity
Linear
80
60
40
20
0
20
0
40
Played Velocity
120
100
Curve 9
80
60
40
20
Result Velocity
0
20
0
40
Played Velocity
120
100
Curve 2
80
60
40
20
Result Velocity
0
20
0
40
100
120
80
60
60
120
100
80
Played Velocity
120
100
80
60
40
20
Result Velocity
0
20
120
100
80
60
0
Curve 13
40
100
120
80
60
Played Velocity
XK-6 Owners Manual 85
Global Menu
Defining Global Parameters
Mix Output The Mix Output parameter allows you to override the routing assignments
made in each preset and instead assign the outputs according to MIDI channel. For each of the 16 MIDI channels, you can select Send 1-4, or Preset. When Preset is selected, the output assignment defined in the Preset Edit menu is used.

MIX OUTPUT

channel 16: Send 1->main
Indicates that the dry signal is
routed to the Main output jacks.
The Output Routing field (pointed to by the arrow) reflects the true routing of Send 2 or Send 3 to either:
1) the effects processor input or… 2) the rear panel submix jacks.
Since the Sub 1 output is NOT being used, the signal is routed through the effects processors, then on to the main outputs. If a plug were inserted into one of the Sub 1 jacks the destination field would read “Sub1” for Send 2 and the dry signal would be routed directly to the Sub 1 outputs on the back panel.
Send Routings
Send 1 - Main Outputs Send 2 - Subout 1 or Main Outs Send 3 - Main Outs Send 4 - Main Outputs
MIX OUTPUT
channel 15: use preset
The Sends function as effect processor inputs (effect sends). Send 2 is also used to route sounds to the Sub 1 outputs on the back panel. When a plug is inserted into the associated Submix jack on the back panel, the Dry portion of the Send is disconnected from the effects processor and the signal is routed directly to the output jack. The Arrow points to the actual output routing. If you don’t want the wet portion of the signal in the main mix, turn down the Send Level. The entire Send is disconnected from the Effects
Processors even if only one plug is inserted into the Submix jack.
The four Effect Sends allow you to get the most out of the two effect processors. For example, with Effect B set to an echo algorithm, you could route one MIDI channel to Send 3 and set the effect amount to 80%. Another MIDI channel could be routed to Send 4 with an effect amount of only 5%. This is almost like having two different effects!
The Mix Output function is also useful when sequencing since it lets you route specific MIDI channels to specific Sub outputs (on the back panel) where there they can be processed with EQ or other outboard effects.
86 E-MU Systems
Defining Global Parameters
OUTPUT SECTION
& EFFECTS PROCESSORS
Global Menu
MIDI CHANNEL
MIDI Channel 1
MIDI Channel 2
MIDI Channel 3
MIDI Channel 16
Preset
S E
N
D
1
S E
N
D
2
S E
N
D
3
FX Sends
Send 1 15%
Send 2 10%
Send 3 0%
Send 4 0%
FX Sends
Send 1 0%
Send 2 0%
Send 3 20%
Send 4 15%
Hall 1
Effect
A
BA
Chorus
Effect
B
Jack
Detect
M
A
I
N
S
U
B 1
S E
N
D
4
Send 2 can be routed to the effects processors or to rear panel submix jacks. When a plug is inserted into a Submix jack, the dry portion of the Send is disconnected from the effects processor and is routed directly to the Submix output jacks.
XK-6 Owners Manual 87
Global Menu

Master Effects

Master Effects The digital effect processors can be programmed as part of the preset (using
the Preset Edit menu) so that effects will change along with the preset. However, there are only two effect processors, and so you cannot have a different effect on each preset when in Multi mode.
The Master Effects settings assign the effect processors “globally” for all presets to provide a way to use the effects in Multi mode. Detailed infor­mation is presented in the Effects chapter (see Effects on page 173).

Effects Mode The FX Mode page enables or bypasses the effects. When the FX Mode is set

to “bypass,” the effects are turned off on a global scale. This includes Effects programmed in the preset.
FX MODE enabled

Effects Multi Mode Control

The routing scheme for the two stereo effects processors provides a lot of versatility. When in multi mode, you can “use master settings” which applies the Master effects settings to all 16 MIDI channels.
FX MULTIMODE CONTROL use master settings
If you want more control, you can use the “channel” setting which applies the effects settings of the preset on a specified channel to all the other channels. Changing the preset on the specified channel changes the effect.
FX MULTIMODE CONTROL preset on channel 1
If you are in Omni or Poly modes this parameter is disabled and the message in parentheses explains that XK-6 is currently in Omni mode.
88 E-MU Systems
FX MULTIMODE CONTROL
(using Omni mode)
Global Menu
Master Effects

Master FXA Algorithm

This function selects the type of effect used for the “A” effect. The following effect types are available.
MASTER FXA ALGORITHM Room 1
A Effect Types
1. Room 1
2. Room 2
3. Room 3
4. Hall 1
5. Hall 2
6. Plate
7. Delay
8. Panning Delay
9. Multitap 1
10. Multitap Pan
11. 3 Tap
12. 3 Tap Pan
13. Soft Room
14. Warm Room
15. Perfect Room
16. Tiled Room
17. Hard Plate
18. Warm Hall
19. Spacious Hall
20. Bright Hall
21. Bright Hall Pan
22. Bright Plate
23. BBall Court
24. Gymnasium
25. Cavern
26. Concert 9
27. Concert 10 Pan
28. Reverse Gate
29. Gate 2
30. Gate Pan
31. Concert 11
32. Medium Concert
33. Large Concert
34. Large Concert Pan
35. Canyon
36. DelayVerb 1
37. DelayVerb 2
38. DelayVerb 3
39. DelayVerb 4 Pan
40. DelayVerb 5 Pan
41. DelayVerb 6
42. DelayVerb 7
43. DelayVerb 8
44. DelayVerb 9
XK-6 Owners Manual 89
Global Menu
Master Effects

FXA Parameters: Decay/HF Damping FxB -> FxA

This page lets you define the parameters of the selected Effects algorithm. Use this page to setup the effect decay, high frequency damping amount and to route “B” effects through the “A” effects. See “Effect Parameters” on page 175 for more details.
FXA DECAY HFDAMP FxB>FxA
040 096 001

FXA Send Amounts These parameters set the effects amounts for each of the four stereo effects

busses. See “Master Effects” on page 178 for detailed information.
FXA SEND AMOUNTS 1:100% 2: 50% 3: 10% 4: 0%

Master FXB Algorithm

This parameter selects the type of effect used for the “B” effect. The following effect types are available.
MASTER FXB ALGORITHM Chorus 1
90 E-MU Systems
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