Ensoniq Corporation ASR-X Pro Reference Manual

Reference Manual

EADING THE WORLD IN SOUND INNOV A TION

READ THIS FIRST!

WARNING!!WARNING!!

Grounding Instructions

This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or break down, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce 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 that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

DANGER: Improper connection of the equipment-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 electrician.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE DANGER OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electronic shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

SEE IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ON BACK COVER!

"INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE,

ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS"

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING—When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read all the instructions before using the product.

2. Do not use this product near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink , in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, or the like.

3. This product should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.

4. This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or 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, you should consult an audiologist.

5 . The product should be located so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper

ventilation.

6 . The product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, or other

products that produce heat.

7 . The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating

instructions or as marked on the product.

8. This product may be equipped with a polarized line plug (one blade wider than the other). This is a safety featu r e . If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug.

9. The power supply cord of the product should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

10. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.

11. The product should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: a. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or

b. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the product; or c. The product has been exposed to rain; or d. The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance;

e. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

12 . Do not attempt to service the product beyond that described in the user-maintenance instructions.

All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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Written, designed, and illustrated by: Robby Berman Thanks to: Jim Bryan

Please record the following information:

Your Authorized ENSONIQ Dealer:___________________________ Phone:_______________

Your Dealer Sales Representative:_________________________________________________

Serial Number of Unit:___________________________ Date of Purchase:_________________

Your Authorized ENSONIQ Dealer is your primary source for service and support. The above information will be helpful in communicating with your Authorized ENSONIQ Dealer, and provide necessary information should you need to contact ENSONIQ Customer Service. If you have any questions concerning the use of this unit, please contact your Authorized ENSONIQ Dealer first. For additional technical support, or to find the name of the nearest Authorized ENSONIQ Repair Station, call ENSONIQ Customer Service at (610) 647-3930 Monday through Friday 9:30 AM to 12:15 PM and 1:15 PM to 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Between 1:15 PM and 5:00 PM we experience our heaviest call load. During these times, there may be delays in answering your call.

This manual is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by ENSONIQ Corp. This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior written consent from ENSONIQ Corp. The ASR-X Pro software/firmware is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by ENSONIQ Corp.

Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the text and illustrations in this manual, no guarantee is made or implied in this regard.

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Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: * Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. * Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. * Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. * Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications to the product not expressly approved by ENSONIQ could void the user's FCC authority to operate the equipment.

In order to fulfill warranty requirements, your ASR-X Pro should be serviced only by an Authorized ENSONIQ Repair Station. The ENSONIQ serial number label must appear on the outside of the unit, or the ENSONIQ warranty is void.

ENSONIQ, ASR-X Pro, Scratch Pad, Patch Selects and SoundFinder are trademarks of ENSONIQ Corp.

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The ASR-X Pro contains a substantial amount of computerized and electronic circuitry that can be susceptible to damage when exposed to extreme temperature changes. When the ASR-X Pro is brought inside after sitting in a cold climate (i.e., the back seat of your car), condensation builds up on the internal circuitry in much the same way a pair of glasses fogs up when you come inside on a cold day. If the unit is powered up as this condensation occurs, components can short out or be damaged. Excessively high temperatures also pose a threat to the unit, stressing both the internal circuits as well as the case. With this in mind, it is highly advisable to follow these precautions when storing and setting up your ASR-X Pro:

¥ Avoid leaving the ASR-X Pro in temperatures of less than 50 degrees

Fahrenheit or more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

¥ When bringing the ASR-X Pro indoors after travel, allow the unit at

least 20 minutes to reach room temperature before powering up. In the case of excessive outdoor temperatures (below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit), allow an hour or more before power up.

¥ Avoid leaving the ASR-X Pro inside a vehicle exposed to direct

sunlight.

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The ASR-X ProÕs disk drive is used to store sounds, rhythms, and sequencer data. This quad-density disk drive will store your data on a high-density (HD) 3.5Ó micro floppy disk. You can also store data on a DOS-formatted double-density (DD) 3.5Ó micro floppy disk.

Disks have a sliding write-protection tab so that you can protect your data against accidental erasure. When the write-protection tab covers the protect window, you can store information on the disk. Sliding the tab so that the window is open will protect the disk against being accidentally reformatted or having files deleted. High density disks can be easily identified because they have an additional disk window located on the lower right corner of the disk.

Floppy disks are a magnetic storage medium, and should be treated with the same care youÕd give important audio tapes. Just as you would use high quality audio tapes for your important recording needs, we recommend using high quality floppy disks for your ASR-X Pro. Here are a few DoÕs and DonÕtÕs concerning disks and the disk drive.

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¥ Use either high-density (HD) or double-density (DD) 3.5Ó disks. Both

types are available from most computer stores.

¥ Keep your disks and the disk drive clean and free of dust, dirt, liquids,

etc.

¥ Label your disks and keep a record of what is saved on each.

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¥ DonÕt use single-sided (SD) disks. These disks have not passed testing

on both sides. While a single-sided disk might work with the ASR-X Pro, it is possible that you will eventually lose important data to a disk error if you try using single-sided disks.

¥ DonÕt put anything other than a disk into the disk drive. ¥ DonÕt transport the unit with a disk in the drive.

¥ DonÕt expose disks to temperature extremes. Temperatures below 50û

F and above 140û F can damage the plastic outer shell. ¥ DonÕt expose your disks to moisture. ¥ DonÕt dry your disks in a microwave oven. ¥ DonÕt subject disks to strong magnetic fields. Exposure to magnetic

energy can permanently damage the information on the disk. Keep

disks away from speaker cabinets, tape decks, power cables, airline x-

ray equipment, power amplifiers, TV sets, and any other sources of

magnetic energy. ¥ DonÕt eject the disk while the drive is operating (i.e., when the disk

drive light is on).

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Clean the exterior of your ASR-X Pro with a soft, lint-free, dry (or slightly damp) cloth. You can use a slightly dampened cloth (with a mild neutral detergent) to remove stubborn dirt, but make sure that the ASR-X Pro is thoroughly dry before turning on the power. Never use alcohol, benzene, volatile cleaners, solvents, abrasives, polish or rubbing compounds.

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Like many modern electrical devices, your ENSONIQ product has a threeprong power cord with earth ground to ensure safe operation. Some products have power cords with only two prongs and no earth ground. To ensure safe operation, modern products with two-prong power cords have polarized plugs which can only be inserted into an outlet the proper way.

Three-prong

PolarizedNon-polarized

Some products, such as older guitar amplifiers, do not have polarized plugs and can be connected to an outlet incorrectly. This may result in dangerous high voltages on the audio connections, which could cause you physical harm or damage any properly grounded equipment to which they are connected, such as your ENSONIQ product.

To avoid shock hazards or equipment damage, we recommend the following precautions:

¥ If you own equipment with two-pronged power cords, check to see if

they are polarized or non-polarized. You might consider having an

authorized repair station change any non-polarized plugs on your

equipment to polarized plugs to avoid future problems. ¥ Exercise caution when using extension cords or plug adapters. Proper

polarization should always be maintained from the outlet to the plug.

The use of polarized extension cords and adapters is the easiest way

to maintain proper polarity. ¥ Whenever possible, connect all products with grounded power cords

to the same outlet ground. This will ensure a common ground level to

prevent equipment damage and minimize hum in the audio output. AC outlet testers are available from many electronic supply and hardware

stores. These can be used to check for proper polarity of outlets and cords.

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As with any computer device, the ASR-X Pro is sensitive to sharp peaks and drops in the AC line voltage. Lightning strikes, power drops, or sudden and erratic surges in the AC line voltage can scramble the internal memory, and in some cases, damage the unitÕs hardware. Here are a few suggestions to help guard against such occurrences:

¥ A surge/spike suppressor. A surge/spike suppresser absorbs surges

and protects your gear from all but the most severe over-voltage

conditions. You can get multi-outlet power strips with built-in

surge/spike suppressers for little more than the cost of unprotected

power strips, so using one is a good investment for all your electronic

equipment. ¥ A line conditioner. This is the best, but by far the more expensive way

to protect your gear. In addition to protecting against surges and

spikes, a line conditioner guards the equipment against excessively

high or low line voltages. If you use the ASR-X Pro in lots of different

locations with varying or unknown AC line conditions, you might

consider investing in a line conditioner.

with earth ground

Table of Contents

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The ASR-X Pro Experience Begins........................................................................................................................................1

What Else is in the Box?..................................................................................................................................................1

Setting Up the ASR-X Pro........................................................................................................................................................1

Using the Audio Outputs................................................................................................................................................1

Setting the Output Volume............................................................................................................................................2

The Audio Inputs .............................................................................................................................................................2

Making MIDI Connections..............................................................................................................................................2

Using a Foot Switch with the ASR-X Pro .....................................................................................................................2

Powering the ASR-X Pro ................................................................................................................................................2

The ASR-X Pro Controls..........................................................................................................................................................3

The ASR-X Pro Display...................................................................................................................................................3

The Knobs.........................................................................................................................................................................3

The Exit/No and Enter/Yes Buttons and Their LEDs................................................................................................3

Playing the Demo.....................................................................................................................................................................4

Important ASR-X Pro Concepts.............................................................................................................................................4

Architecture Overview...................................................................................................................................................4

About Note, Tips and Warnings in the ASR-X Pro Documentation................................................................................6

Optional Accessories for the ASR-X Pro ..............................................................................................................................6

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Introduction to Tracks..............................................................................................................................................................7

To Select One of the Tracks in the Currently Selected Sequence..................................................................................7

Selecting a Sound for a Track................................................................................................................................................7

Selecting a TrackÕs Sound Using the Sound Type and Sound Name Knobs.......................................................8

Selecting a TrackÕs Sound Using the Essentials Buttons..........................................................................................9

Selecting and Playing a TrackÕs Sound Via MIDI........................................................................................................10

Selecting and Programming a MIDI-OUT Sound......................................................................................................10

Quickly Erasing a Track Sound.....................................................................................................................................11

Editing Track Parameters........................................................................................................................................................11

What Each Track Parameter Does...............................................................................................................................12

Muting and Soloing a Track ....................................................................................................................................................19

Muting and Soloing from the Front Panel...................................................................................................................19

Muting Tracks via MIDI ...................................................................................................................................................19

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The Pads:Overview..................................................................................................................................................................21

What are the Pads?.........................................................................................................................................................21

What the Pads Play..........................................................................................................................................................22

Octave Transpose Buttons............................................................................................................................................23

Patch Select Buttons .......................................................................................................................................................23

You Are Here...........................................................................................................................................................5

WhatÕs Where .........................................................................................................................................................5

The All Notes Off Button........................................................................................................................................6

Banks and Sounds..................................................................................................................................................8

SoundFinder............................................................................................................................................................8

Programming the Essentials Buttons..................................................................................................................9

Overrides and Offsets............................................................................................................................................11

Editing Track Parameters Via MIDI......................................................................................................................12

Standard Sounds ....................................................................................................................................................22

Kit Sounds ................................................................................................................................................................22

The Kit Mapper .......................................................................................................................................................23

Patch Selects and MIDI..........................................................................................................................................24

ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual i

Table of Contents

Programming the Pads...........................................................................................................................................................24

Choosing a PadÕs Sound.........................................................................................................................................................25

Overview of the Pad Edit Parameters..................................................................................................................................25

Determining a PadÕs Behavior ..............................................................................................................................................26

Editing a PadÕs Sound..............................................................................................................................................................27

Processing a SoundÕs Wave...................................................................................................................................................36

Stomp!........................................................................................................................................................................................39

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Overview of the ASR-X Pro Effects.......................................................................................................................................41

Selecting and Editing a Sequence's Effects........................................................................................................................43

Setting a Sequence's Insert Control Track..........................................................................................................................46

Bypassing a Sequence's Effects............................................................................................................................................46

LFO Wave Shapes....................................................................................................................................................................47

Distortion Curves .....................................................................................................................................................................47

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Overview...................................................................................................................................................................................49

Overview..........................................................................................................................................................................24

To Prepare the Selected TrackÕs Sound for Pad Editing................................................................................24

Selecting a Pad for Editing....................................................................................................................................25

PAD Parameters..............................................................................................................................................................26

The ASR-X Pro Modulators ...........................................................................................................................................27

WAVE Parameters ..........................................................................................................................................................29

PTCH Parameters...........................................................................................................................................................30

ENV1 Parameters ...........................................................................................................................................................31

FILT Parameters..............................................................................................................................................................32

FLT1 and FILT2 Parameters .........................................................................................................................................33

ENV2 Parameters ...........................................................................................................................................................33

AMP Parameters .............................................................................................................................................................33

ENV3 Parameters ...........................................................................................................................................................34

MOD Parameters............................................................................................................................................................34

MISC Parameters ............................................................................................................................................................35

The Pad Process Display............................................................................................................................................... 36

The Pad Processes .........................................................................................................................................................36

Normalize gain? .....................................................................................................................................................36

Scale loudness?......................................................................................................................................................36

Reduce sample bits?............................................................................................................................................. 37

Invert sample data?...............................................................................................................................................37

Truncate length?.................................................................................................................................................... 38

Copy sound?...........................................................................................................................................................38

Scale time?..............................................................................................................................................................38

Sound Type...................................................................................................................................................................... 39

Oscillator #......................................................................................................................................................................39

Mode..................................................................................................................................................................................39

Oscillator Mode Stomper Parameters........................................................................................................................40

Filter Mode Stomper Parameters ................................................................................................................................40

Insert Effects.....................................................................................................................................................................41

The Insert Control Track....................................................................................................................................... 41

Global Reverb.................................................................................................................................................................. 42

FX Busses: How Sounds are Sent to the Effects........................................................................................................42

To Select an Effect...........................................................................................................................................................43

To Edit an Effect...............................................................................................................................................................43

Insert Effect and Global Reverb Context Parameters .....................................................................................44

Insert Effect Real-Time Modulation Parameters..............................................................................................44

What is Sampling? ..........................................................................................................................................................49

What is Resampling?............................................................................................................................................. 49

What Happens When You Create a Wave.................................................................................................................49

What can be Sampled in the ASR-X Pro.....................................................................................................................49

Using the ASR-X Pro Audio Inputs...............................................................................................................................50

ii ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual

Resampling Setup ....................................................................................................................................................................50

Source................................................................................................................................................................................50

In Bus.........................................................................................................................................................................51

Recording Mode ..............................................................................................................................................................51

Auto-Normalize...............................................................................................................................................................51

Record Time.....................................................................................................................................................................51

Pre-Trigger Time.............................................................................................................................................................52

Trig Mode..........................................................................................................................................................................52

Setting the Trigger Threshold........................................................................................................................................52

Sampling/Resampling a Wave..............................................................................................................................................53

How to Start and Stop Sampling a Wave ....................................................................................................................53

Sending a Wave to Pads..........................................................................................................................................................53

What Happens When You Send a Wave to a Pad or Pads?....................................................................................54

Automatically Spreading a Wave Across all of a KitÕs Pads............................................................................55

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Overview....................................................................................................................................................................................57

How the ASR-X Pro Sequencer Works .......................................................................................................................57

What is a Sequence? ......................................................................................................................................................57

Operating the Sequencer.......................................................................................................................................................58

The Sequence Select Button..................................................................................................................................................59

Creating a New Sequence.............................................................................................................................................60

Selecting Sequences ......................................................................................................................................................60

The Sequence Edit Button......................................................................................................................................................60

Tempo...............................................................................................................................................................................60

RecordMode.....................................................................................................................................................................61

Step Recording........................................................................................................................................................61

Recording Track Parameter Changes................................................................................................................63

Recording Sequence Volume and Tempo Changes......................................................................................63

Loop Playback..................................................................................................................................................................64

Time Signature.................................................................................................................................................................64

Using Regions...................................................................................................................................................................64

RecordQuantize...............................................................................................................................................................65

Edit Click/Countoff?........................................................................................................................................................65

The Sequence Process Button..............................................................................................................................................67

Undo track ?......................................................................................................................................................................67

Quantize track?................................................................................................................................................................67

Copy track?.......................................................................................................................................................................72

Erase track? ......................................................................................................................................................................74

Erase trk to end?..............................................................................................................................................................74

Rename sequence?........................................................................................................................................................75

Append sequence? ........................................................................................................................................................75

Copy this sequence?......................................................................................................................................................75

Erase this sequence?......................................................................................................................................................76

Erase all sequences?......................................................................................................................................................76

Enter pattern mode?.......................................................................................................................................................76

Create a new song? ........................................................................................................................................................77

Playing a Song.........................................................................................................................................................77

Exiting and Re-Entering Song Mode...................................................................................................................77

Editing a Song..........................................................................................................................................................77

Adding a Step to the End of a Song .....................................................................................................................78

Inserting and Erasing Song Steps ........................................................................................................................78

The ASR-X Pro Sequencer and MIDI....................................................................................................................................79

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The Disk/Global Controls.......................................................................................................................................................81

Storage Options...............................................................................................................................................................81

Introduction to Floppy Disk Storage .....................................................................................................................................81

The Floppy Disk Drive....................................................................................................................................................81

Introduction to SCSI Storage...................................................................................................................................................82

What is SCSI?....................................................................................................................................................................82

Table of Contents

ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual iii

Table of Contents

The Disk Buttons......................................................................................................................................................................86

The System/MIDI Button........................................................................................................................................................92

About SCSI Device IDs ...................................................................................................................................................83

About Termination .........................................................................................................................................................84

Folders/Directories ........................................................................................................................................................85

Invisible Folders......................................................................................................................................................85

Preparing for SCSI...........................................................................................................................................................85

Attaching SCSI Cables...........................................................................................................................................85

Powering Up SCSI Devices ...........................................................................................................................................85

Troubleshooting Your SCSI System ............................................................................................................................86

SMDI Transfers ................................................................................................................................................................86

SCSI Device Selection and Navigation........................................................................................................................86

Select Device?........................................................................................................................................................ 87

Scan SCSI Devices?...............................................................................................................................................87

Folder Navigation................................................................................................................................................... 87

Creating a New Folder Using the ASR-X Pro....................................................................................................88

Creating a New Folder Using a Computer........................................................................................................88

The Save Button.............................................................................................................................................................. 88

File Types that can be Saved...............................................................................................................................89

Saving the Contents of the Scratch Pad to Disk ...............................................................................................90

Naming Disk Files...................................................................................................................................................90

The Load Button..............................................................................................................................................................90

File Types that can be Loaded.............................................................................................................................90

A Note About Imported ASR-10 and ASR-88 Sounds ...................................................................................91

Selecting an Individual File to be Loaded..........................................................................................................92

Selecting a Location into which a Sound will be Loaded..............................................................................92

Set system prefs?............................................................................................................................................................ 93

Touch Curve...........................................................................................................................................................93

Patch Selects........................................................................................................................................................... 93

FtSw L and FtSw R (...............................................................................................................................................93

AutoSelect FXBus...................................................................................................................................................94

Track ParamReset..................................................................................................................................................95

Auto-Zero Cross.....................................................................................................................................................95

SCSI Device ID ........................................................................................................................................................95

SCSI Termination ...................................................................................................................................................95

Alter system pitch?.........................................................................................................................................................95

The System Pitch Bend Setup.............................................................................................................................95

Fine Tuning .............................................................................................................................................................96

PitchTbl....................................................................................................................................................................96

Edit MIDI settings?........................................................................................................................................................... 96

Local-Off Operation of the ASR-X Pro................................................................................................................96

ClockSource............................................................................................................................................................97

Xmit MIDI Clocks ....................................................................................................................................................97

Bank&ProgChgRecv..............................................................................................................................................97

ResetControlRecv..................................................................................................................................................97

AllNotesOff Recv ....................................................................................................................................................97

SysEx Device ID...................................................................................................................................................... 97

CTRL1, CTRL2, CTRL3 and CTRL4..................................................................................................................... 97

Access disks utils?...........................................................................................................................................................98

Format disk?............................................................................................................................................................98

Copy [disk name] disk?........................................................................................................................................98

Optimize [disk name] disk?Ó...............................................................................................................................99

A Note About the SCSI Copy and Optimize Utilities........................................................................................ 99

Reset SCSI bus?...................................................................................................................................................... 99

Write-Protect ..........................................................................................................................................................100

Erase disk files?.......................................................................................................................................................100

Rename disk files?.................................................................................................................................................100

Directory Sorted.....................................................................................................................................................101

Free........................................................................................................................................................................... 101

iv ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual

Enter MemoryManager?................................................................................................................................................101

Show free memory?..............................................................................................................................................101

Erase memory banks? ..........................................................................................................................................101

Erase sound?...........................................................................................................................................................101

Rename sound? .....................................................................................................................................................101

Change sound type?..............................................................................................................................................102

Exp Name.................................................................................................................................................................102

Save these settings?........................................................................................................................................................102

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Overview....................................................................................................................................................................................103

An Important Note About Electro Static Discharge............................................................................................................103

Opening the ASR-X Pro...........................................................................................................................................................103

Installing Additional Sampling/Resampling Memory........................................................................................................104

Installing an ENSONIQ EXP-Series Wave Expansion Board.............................................................................................106

Updating the ASR-X Pro Operating System ........................................................................................................................108

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List of ROM Waves....................................................................................................................................................................111

List of SoundFinder Categories..............................................................................................................................................112

Drum and Percussion Maps...................................................................................................................................................113

ENSONIQ Drum Map......................................................................................................................................................113

ENSONIQ Percussion Map ............................................................................................................................................113

GM Kit Map........................................................................................................................................................................114

List of Quantize Templates.....................................................................................................................................................115

What Is MIDI?.............................................................................................................................................................................115

Life In The MIDI World ....................................................................................................................................................115

Understanding MIDI........................................................................................................................................................116

MIDI Hardware........................................................................................................................................................116

How MIDI Channels Work .............................................................................................................................................116

How MIDI Messages Work.............................................................................................................................................117

The Art of MIDI..................................................................................................................................................................117

List of MIDI Controller Names.................................................................................................................................................118

ASR-X Pro MIDI Implementation...........................................................................................................................................119

MIDI Implementation Chart...........................................................................................................................................119

MIDI Controllers Reception Behavior..........................................................................................................................120

Reset All Controllers Reception Behavior...................................................................................................................120

Track ParamReset Behavior..........................................................................................................................................121

Using RPNs and NRPNs to Edit Parameters ...............................................................................................................122

Registered Parameters..........................................................................................................................................122

Non-Registered Parameters................................................................................................................................123

List of NRPNs............................................................................................................................................................123

Pitch Tables and the MIDI Tuning Standard Format.................................................................................................124

List of ROM Pitch Tables.................................................................................................................................................124

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Table of Contents

127

ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual v

1ÑWelcome

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Congratulations on your purchase of the ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Advanced Sampler/Resampler. This box is the ultimate groove machineÑideal for deejays and musicians who enjoy grabbing sounds out of the air and turning them into mind-boggling loops.

This bookÑthe ASR-X Pro Reference ManualÑcontains detailed information on all of the ASR-X ProÕs many features. If youÕd like to start getting to know your ASR-X Pro through a hands-on tour of its hot spots, take a look at the ASR-X Pro UserÕs Guide, which contains step-by-step quick-starts for the major features of the ASR-X Pro, a list of all of its built-in sounds and descriptions of its insert effect parameters.

For the latest information on the ASR-X Pro and other ENSONIQ products, visit ENSONIQÕs World Wide Web site at http://www.ensoniq.com.

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The following items are included with every ASR-X Pro shipped from the ENSONIQ factory:

¥ ENSONIQ X-Audio Sampling CD ¥ ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro UserÕs Guide

Volume 1ÑProducersÕ Mix ¥ ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual

¥ hex wrench ¥ AC power cable

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As shipped from ENSONIQ, the ASR-X Pro provides two ways to listen to the sounds it makes:

¥ You can listen to the ASR-X Pro using headphones by plugging your headphones into the 1/4Ó

Phones jack on the ASR-X Pro rear panel.

¥ Using 1/4Ó audio cables, you can connect the Left and Right Main Outs to a mixer or amplifier. The

ASR-X Pro outputs produce a great-sounding stereo image. If youÕd prefer to use the ASR-X Pro in mono, connect only the Left or Right Main Out jack to your mixer or amplifier, and make sure nothing is plugged into the other Main Out jack.

WWWWaaaarrrrnnnniiiinnnngggg:::: You can use 1/4Ó to RCA-type adapters to connect the ASR-X Pro outputs to a home

stereo, but do so with care, since the dynamic range of the ASR-X Pro is much greater than that of a CD or record, and could damage your speakers. See ÒSetting the Output volumeÓ below.

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These four pairs of stereo outputs become available for use with the purchase and installation of an ENSONIQ X-8 output expander board. You can connect them to a mixer, amplifier or stereo system.

Main Out

Right

Mono Mono

Left

Phones

ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual 1

1ÑWelcome

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The ASR-X Pro, like all digital equipment, produces its best fidelity when its front panel Volume knob is turned all the way upÑwhen using the ASR-X Pro with a mixer or amplifier, use the input level controls on the mixer or amplifier to find a usable volume setting for the ASR-X Pro. When the ASR-X Pro is connected to a home stereo, turn the ASR-X Pro Volume knob all the way down, power up (see below), and, while playing its pads with maximum force, slowly turn up the ASR-X Pro Volume knob to find a level that sounds good but doesnÕt cause the stereoÕs inputs to distort.

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The two Audio Input jacks on the rear panel of the ASR-X Pro allow you to sample audio from a microphone or line-level audio sourceÑsuch as a CD player or phonographÑconnected to your ASR-X Pro. The use of the Audio Inputs is described in Chapter 5.

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The ASR-X Pro has powerful MIDI capabilities. The rear panel MIDI jacks are:

¥ MIDI ThruÑThis jack is used when the ASR-X Pro is part of a MIDI daisy-chain, with multiple MIDI

devices connected in a row. Any MIDI data that the ASR-X Pro receives will be passed along from this jack to the MIDI In of the next device in the series.

¥ MIDI OutÑThe ASR-X Pro sends MIDI data out of this jack. Since the ASR-X Pro can play external

MIDI sounds from its pads or sequencer tracks, or provide a timing reference for an external sequencer, connect this jack to the MIDI In of a MIDI sound module, sequencer, or MIDI patchbay.

¥ MIDI InÑThe ASR-X Pro responds to MIDI data sent through a MIDI cable connecting this

jack to the MIDI Out of an external MIDI controller, sequencer, storage device or MIDI patchbay. When the ASR-X Pro is receiving MIDI data, its front-panel MIDI LED flashes.

MIDI

InOutThru

MIDI

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Connecting a foot switch to the ASR-X ProÕs rear-panel Dual Foot Switch jack allows you to use a foot switch for conventional purposesÑas a sustain pedal, for exampleÑor for performing certain operations hands-free. Chapter 7 describes the many possible uses of a foot switch with the ASR-X Pro. The ASR-X Pro can accommodate a dual foot switchÑsuch as ENSONIQÕs SW-10Ñor a single foot switch, such as ENSONIQÕs SW-2 or SW-6.

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To learn how to connect SCSI devices to your ASR-X Pro, see Chapter 8.

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Connect one end of the supplied AC cable to the ASR-X ProÕs line jackÑlocated next to the On/Off switch on the rear panelÑand the other end to a grounded AC outlet. The ASR-X Pro works with all standard voltages.

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When powering up the ASR-X Pro, as with any audio gear, turn down your monitoring system to avoid any unwanted level spikes. To turn on the ASR-X Pro, press in the top of the rear-panel On switch.

2 ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual

Dual

Foot Switch

(Sustain)

1ÑWelcome

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Each section of the ASR-X Pro provides buttons for its related tasks. In addition, there are a set of common controls and indicators that youÕll find yourself using again and again.

Sound

Type

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The display located in the center of the ASR-X Pro front panel is your doorway to all of the ASR-X ProÕs workings. Information relating to everything you do is presented on this display. Each chapter in this manual describes what youÕll see while using your ASR-X ProÑand what it all means.

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In the center of the front panel, below the display, are two knobs central to most every ASR-X Pro activity. These knobs each have two names, since they operate in two wide-ranging contexts.

Parameter Value

116

567

Select Track

MIDI Channel

Essentials

Demo

Sound

Name

¥ When youÕre selecting sounds for tracks or for pads in the ASR-X Pro, the central knobs are referred

to as the Sound Type and Sound Name knobs. These names are printed underneath the knobs, as shown above. The Sound Type and Sound Name knobs are the key to unlocking the power of the ASR-X ProÕs SoundFinder feature. Each knob does just what its name suggests: the Sound Type knob selects a kind of sound, and the Sound Name selects an individual sound.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: To learn more about selecting sounds and SoundFinder, see Chapter 2.

¥ Virtually every other ASR-X Pro activity also uses the two central knobs. In these contexts, theyÕre

referred to as the Parameter knob and the Value knob. These names are printed above the knobs, as shown in the above illustration.

¥A parameter is a characteristic of the ASR-X Pro software that can be changed. ¥A value is the setting of a parameter.

The Parameter knob is used for the selection of a parameter for editing, and the Value knob changes its value. There are times that the knobs are used for selecting procedures to be performedÑin these cases as well, the knobs are referred to as the Parameter and Value knobs.

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Exit Enter

The two buttons marked ÒExit/NoÓ and ÒEnter/YesÓ are central to the performance of

many ASR-X Pro procedures, and are used for navigating the ASR-X Pro displays and

No Yes

parameters.

Most of the operations performed on the ASR-X Pro are posed as questions on its displayÑat such a time, think of these buttons as No and Yes buttons. When the ASR-X Pro asks you a question, the LEDs in the buttons flash as a reminder that the ASR-X Pro requires a response from you in order to proceed with the selected operation. To answer ÒNoÓ or ÒYes,Ó press the appropriate button.

ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual 3

1ÑWelcome

Some of the ASR-X ProÕs features offer sets of parameters and procedures. In such cases, youÕll begin by answering ÒYesÓ to a top-level question, which will have the effect of beginning the procedure. From there youÕll encounter parameters presented on sub-displays that relate to the top-level question. To exit back out to the top level of the ASR-X Pro, you can press the Exit/No button.

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The ASR-X Pro contains some short demonstration pieces to give you an idea of the kind of music it can produce. These demos are based on the wave data built into the ASR-X Pro. To play the main demo:

1. Locate the Essentials buttons on the ASR-X Pro's front-panel.

2. Hold down the Essentials Button 5.

567

3. While still holding the Button 5 down, press Essentials Button 9.

567

4. Release both buttons. The display will show...

Start demo playback? MAINDEMO: Internal

Essentials

Demo

5. Press the Enter/Yes button to hear the demo.

3. To stop the demo, press any button on the ASR-X Pro front panel.

4. To select the individual demos that make up the main demo, turn the Parameter knob to select other demo categories, and the Value knob to select individual demos in the selected categoryÑthen press Enter to hear the selected demo.

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AAAArrrrcccchhhhiiiitttteeeeccccttttuuuurrrreeee OOOOvvvveeeerrrrvvvviiiieeeeww

The ASR-X Pro is a groovestation containing a variety of elements, each represented by an area (or two, in the case of the pads) of the ASR-X Pro front panel:

¥ tracks ¥ sampling/resampling ¥ pads (and pad editing) ¥ sequencer ¥ effects ¥ disk functions and global settings

While each area has its own chapter in this manual describing it in detail, itÕs important that you always know where you are and what youÕre doing.

4 ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual

1ÑWelcome

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¥ In the ASR-X Pro, there is always a sequence selected, even if you havenÕt recorded anything. ¥ In the ASR-X Pro, there is always a track selected, even if you havenÕt recorded anything.

Therefore, the important thing to remember about the architecture of the ASR-X Pro is this simple rule:

This means that:

¥ When you press the Track Sound button and pick a new sound, youÕre choosing a new sound for the

currently selected track (described in Chapter 2). ¥ When you play the pads, youÕre playing the sound on the currently selected track (see Chapter 3). ¥ When you convert a standard sound into a RAM kit, the newly created RAM kit is assigned to the

currently selected track (described in Chapter 3). ¥ When you select new sounds or otherwise edit or process whatÕs on a pad, youÕre editing one of the

pads in the RAM kit on the currently selected track (described in Chapter 3). ¥ When you sample or resample and send your wave(s) to one or more pads, youÕre sending them to a

RAM kit on the currently selected track (described in Chapter 5). ¥ When you play the pads and record in the sequencer, youÕre recording on the currently selected

track (described in Chapter 6).

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The ASR-X Pro contains essentially three types of memory:

1. ROM (for ÒRead-Only MemoryÓ)ÑThis is a permanent and unchangeable area of memory that

contains the wave data used by the sounds shipped with your ASR-X Pro; it also contains the

sounds themselves.

2. RAM (for ÒRandom Access MemoryÓ)ÑThis area of memory holds:

¥ the contents of the Scratch Pad ¥ waves youÕve sampled and sent to pads

¥ the sounds that play your samples ¥ RAM kits youÕve created and edited

¥ sequences ¥ System/MIDI settings

NNNNooootttteeee:::: RAM memory is fast, efficient memory; itÕs also volatile, which means that everything you

do will be stored in RAM only until you turn off the ASR-X Pro, at which time RAM is cleared. While this offers you a clean slate each time you turn on the ASR-X Pro, it also means that itÕs important to remember to save your work to disk before powering down.

ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual 5

1ÑWelcome

3. FLASHÑFLASH memory is a writable form of permanent memory in which the ASR-X Pro stores its operating systemÑits contents are retained even when the ASR-X Pro is turned off. In addition, when the ASR-X Pro is shipped from the factory, FLASH holds the default system, click and resampling setup parameter values, as well as the default Essentials buttons sound assignments and USER quantization templates. You can write your own custom settings to FLASH; see Chapter 7. When you update your operating system version from floppy, the new version is written to FLASH.

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From time to time you may see ÒAllocating memoryÓ briefly appear on the ASR-X Pro display. This is completely normalÑit means that the ASR-X Pro is defragmenting its RAM memory to make most efficient use of available space. Defragmenting takes bits and pieces of free RAM joins them into uninterrupted, larger chunks of memory. This helps your data play back quickly and smoothly.

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The ASR-X Pro supports 32-voice polyphony, which means that 32 sound layers can be playing at any given moment. Different sounds use different numbers of layersÑsounds based on the samples you create use one or two per note, while ROM sounds may use up to 16 per noteÑso the number of notes that can be played simultaneously depends very much on the sounds being used. To learn more about sound layers, see Chapter 3.

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ItÕs not uncommon for MIDI devices to get momentarily confused, given the amount of MIDI data that moves through the cables in a MIDI studio, and the ASR-X Pro is no exception. The Disk/Global Load button doubles as a handy All Notes Off button. If notes in the ASR-X Pro continue playing when you feel they should stop, double-click this button to turn off all of the currently sounding notes.

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Throughout the ASR-X Pro Reference Manual and UserÕs Guide, youÕll encounter notes, tips and warnings, offset from the rest of the text by borders, and always beginning with the word ÒNote,Ó ÒTipÓ or ÒWarningÓ in bold type. Each of these has its own meaning:

Disk / Global

Load Save System

Save AllAll Notes Off MIDI

¥ Note: information regarding the topic being discussed that should not be overlooked. ¥ Tip: a way of using the feature being discussed thatÕs worth being aware of. ¥ Warning: information thatÕs vital in preventing damage to the ASR-X Pro, other equipment, or you.

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¥ X-8 output expanderÑThe X-8 output expander provides additional outputs for your ASR-X Pro,

usable as four pairs of stereo outputs, or as eight mono outputs.

¥ SW-10 foot switchÑThe SW-10 provides two foot pedals mounted on a single base that let you take

full advantage of the ASR-X Pro many hands-free possibilities.

¥ SW-2 foot switchÑThe SW-2 synthesizer-style single foot switch can access the many possibilities

available to a foot switch on the ASR-X Pro.

¥ SW-6 foot switchÑThe SW-2 piano-style single foot switch can access the many possibilities

available to a foot switch on the ASR-X Pro.

¥ X-Audio audio CDsÑEach X-Audio series CD contains a huge assortment of materials that can be

sampled into the ASR-X Pro.

¥ EXP Series Wave Expansion BoardsÑThese exciting boards from ENSONIQ provide the ASR-X Pro

with new sounds and ROM wave data.

6 ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro Reference Manual

2ÑTracks

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Whatever you do in the ASR-X ProÑand whatever kind of sound you play from its pads or via MIDIÑyouÕre always on a track in a sequence, even when you havenÕt yet recorded any notes. When you choose and listen to the sounds built-in to your ASR-X Pro, or that youÕve sampled/resampled yourself, youÕre actually choosing sounds for the currently selected track. Tracks are absolutely central to life with an ASR-X Pro. The Track buttons allow you to control the properties of each track.

Each track has:

¥ a sound that can be played using the ASR-X Pro pads or from an

external controller via MIDI, or a sound that can play an external MIDI device.

¥ an editable set of parameters that determine how the sound will

behave while itÕs assigned to the track.

¥ a mute/solo capability that can silence the track or isolate by turning

all other tracks off.

¥ its own MIDI channel for receiving and transmitting MIDI data. Each

trackÕs MIDI channel is the same as its track numberÑthere are 16 tracks in each sequence.

These topics are discussed in detail in this chapter.

Sound Edit Mute

Track

Mix / FX Bus

Select Track

116

MIDI Channel

Solo

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The track display tells you which track is currently selected. To view it, press the Track Sound button.

The currently selected track

¦01 ROM08:000 PERCSOLO: Thump Kick

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1. Press the Select Track right arrow button to select a higher-numbered track, or the left arrow button to select a lower-numbered track.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: Hold down either button to scroll through the tracks.

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There are four ways to place a sound on the currently selected track, all of which begin with pressing the Track Sound button:

¥ You can select a trackÕs sound using the front-panel Sound Type

and Sound Name knobs, taking advantage of the ASR-X Pro powerful SoundFinder featureÑsee ÒSelecting a TrackÕs Sound Using the Sound Type and Sound Name KnobsÓ below.

¥ You can select a trackÕs sound by sending MIDI Bank Select and Program Change messages to the

ASR-X ProÑsee ÒSelecting a TrackÕs Sound Via MIDIÓ later in this section.

¥ You can transform any ROM sound on the track into a new, editable RAM drum kit by sampling or

resampling and sending your sample to a pad (see Chapter 5).

Select Track

116

MIDI Channel

Track

Sound Edit Mute

Mix / FX Bus

Solo

ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro MusicianÕs Manual 7

2ÑTracks

¥ You can transform any ROM sound on the track into a new, editable RAM drum kit by editing the

sound using the Pad editing controls (see Chapter 3).

When a new sound is selected for a track, the ASR-X Pro will automatically reset certain track parameters if the System/MIDI Track ParamReset parameter is set to ÒOnÓ (see Chapter 7). For a list of these parameters, see ÒTrack ParamReset BehaviorÓ in Chapter 9.

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Sounds are stored in the ASR-X Pro in groups called banks. A bank can contain up to 127 sounds. Each bank has a corresponding MIDI Bank Select number that allows it to be selected via MIDI, and within each bank , each sound has a program number corresponding to a MIDI Program Change value so that it, too, can be selected via MIDI (see ÒSelecting and Playing a TrackÕs Sound Via MIDIÓ later in this chapter).

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Sound selection using the ASR-X Pro front-panel knobs is simple. The ASR-X Pro utilizes ENSONIQÕs acclaimed SoundFinderª technology to make the location and selection of sounds logical and easy.

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SoundFinder is a database of all the sounds in your ASR-X Pro. The power of a database lies in its ability to let you to view information in a manner of your choosing. SoundFinder keeps a list of all the sounds available in your ASR-X Pro, and shows them to you in convenient categories called sound types.

SoundFinder sound types show you sounds by instrument familyÑvocals or bells, for exampleÑor by other useful criteria, including the location in the ASR-X ProÕs memory where they reside. The ALL-SND category is especially useful,: it shows all of the ASR-X Pro sounds arranged in alphabetical order.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: When you select a sound from a SoundFinder category, the ASR-X Pro remembers the sound

youÕve selected, and offers it to you as a first choice when you return to the category.

While most of SoundFinderÕs categories describe types of musical instruments, there are three additional categories that allow you to select sounds based on the location in memory in which they reside:

¥ EXP-SNDÑThis category contains sounds located on an EXP Series Wave Expansion Board. ¥ ROM-SNDÑThis category contains sounds stored in permanent ROM. ¥ RAM-SNDÑThis category contains sounds stored in temporary RAM. There are two banksÕ worth

of RAM sound memory (to learn about banks, see ÒBanks and SoundsÓ above).

You can also set a track to transmit MIDI dataÑsee ÒSelecting and Programming a MIDI-OUT Sound.Ó

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1. Press the Track Sound button.

Sound Edit Mute

The display shows you information thatÕs helpful when picking sounds:

The track being edited Where the sound it resides The soundÕs MIDI bank and program numbers

Track

Mix / FX Bus

Solo

l l n n

¦01 ROM08:000 PERCSOLO: Thump Kick

The currently selected SoundFinder category The currently selected sound

8 ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro MusicianÕs Manual

2. Turn the Sound Type knob to select a different SoundFinder category, if desired.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: To quickly locate all RAM kits, turn the Sound Type knob all the way to the left (to the USER-

SND category). To find the sounds that play your waves, turn it all the way right (*CUSTOM).

3. Turn the Sound Name knob to select a new sound.

2ÑTracks

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The ten Essentials buttons provide instant access

Essentials

to 15 0f your favorite sounds. To assign an Essential sound to the currently selected track:

1. Press the Track Sound button.

2. Press the desired Essentials button for Essential sounds 0-9, or hold down an

567

Demo

upper Essentials button and press the button beneath it for Essential sounds 10-14.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: You can also select Essentials using foot switchesÑsee Chapter 7.

The single Essentials buttons are pre-programmed by ENSONIQ with the following sounds:

Essentials button: selects: Essentials button: selects:

0 Gizmo Kit 5 Vintge Bs 1

1 Dance Kit 6 Sweep Bass

2 HeavyDrmKit 7 Snot-T-Bass

3 OlÕSkoolKit 8 Mono Boy

4 GM Kit 9 TiteÕTÕBass

The upper and lower Essentials pairs are programmed to select these sounds:

Essentials pair: selects: Essentials pair: selects:

0 and 5 R. Peggio 3 and 8 PaddedEPno

1 and 6 Classic Syn 4 and 9 Techno Sync

2 and 7 Squared Off

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You can assign one any of your own favorite sounds to an Essentials button in any of the following ways:

¥ Select the desired sound using the Sound Type and Name knobs, hold down the Track Sound button

and, while still hold it, press the Essentials button to which you want to assign the sound.

¥ Hold down the desired Essentials button and, while still holding it, select the desired sound using

the Sound Type and Name knobs.

¥ After setting up a foot switch for the selection of Essentials (Chapter 7), select the desired sound

using the Sound Type and Name buttons, hold down the Track Sound button and, while still holding it, select the intended Essentials button using your foot switch.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: You can save your current Essentials sound assignments to diskÑsee Chapter 7.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: To learn how to store Essentials assignments permanently into FLASH memory, see ÒSave

these settings?Ó in Chapter 7.

ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro MusicianÕs Manual 9

2ÑTracks

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You can select sounds for tracks by sending the ASR-X Pro MIDI Bank Select LSB and Program Change values on each trackÕs MIDI channel (the MIDI channel corresponding to its track number). Sounds can also be played from MIDI on each trackÕs MIDI channel.

NNNNooootttteeee:::: Each track always receives and responds to MIDI data received on its MIDI channel,

regardless of which track is currently selected.

NNNNooootttteeee:::: In order for the ASR-X Pro to respond to Bank Select and Program Change messages, its

System/MIDI Bank&ProgChgRecv parameter must be set to ÒOnÓ (see Chapter 7 for more information). In addition, the target trackÕs ProgramChngeRecv and Bank Select Recv parameters must also be set to ÒOnÓ (these two parameters are described later in this chapter).

The track sound selection display shows you the Bank Select LSB and Program Change values for the displayed sound. You can program these Bank Select and Program Change values into an external MIDI device in order to select the sounds via MIDI later on.

The soundÕs Bank Select LSB value The soundÕs Program Change value

¦01 ROM09:012 BASS-SYN:BarkinÕBass

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1. Set a MIDI device to transmit on the channel of the track whose sound you want to select or play.

2. Send the appropriate Bank Select and Program Change values to the ASR-X Pro.

3. Send note and controller data from your external device to play the trackÕs sound.

SSSSeeeelllleeeeccccttttiiiinnnngggg aaaannnndddd PPPPrrrrooooggggrrrraaaammmmmmmmiiiinnnngggg aaaa MMMMIIIIDDDDIIII----OOOOUUUUTTTT SSSSoooouuuunnnndd

You can set up a track to transmit Bank Select, Program Change, note and controller data to an external MIDI device by assigning a MIDI-OUT sound to the track. When a track uses a MIDI-OUT sound, the track will produce no sound on the ASR-X Pro itselfÑinstead, notes played on the pads, as well as data recorded on the track, will be transmitted from the ASR-X Pro on the track's MIDI channel.

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To assign a MIDI-OUT sound to a track, turn the Sound Type knob clockwise all the way to select the MIDI-OUT sound category. The MIDI-OUT category does not require you to select an individual sound as suchÑinstead, its display allows you to set Bank Select MSB and LSB and Program Change values for transmission from the selected track in order to select the desired sound in the external MIDI device.

The currently selected track and MIDI channel

¦01 Bank MSB:LSB:Prg MIDI-OUT:000:000:000

jjjp

The MIDI-OUT SoundFinder category MSB value LSB value Program Change value

To set a Bank Select or Program Change value to be transmitted, select the desired field by turning the Value knobÑthe selected field will flash to show that it can be edited. Turn the Value knob to set the desired Bank Select MSB, LSB and/or Program Change value. The values are transmitted as theyÕre set.

NNNNooootttteeee:::: Some MIDI devices select banks in response to received Bank Select MSB and/or LSB

messages. Consult your external device's documentation to learn which values to use.

10 ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro MusicianÕs Manual

TTTTiiiipppp:::: You can assign a MIDI-OUT sound to an Essentials buttonÑwhen the Essentials button is

pressed, the sound's Bank Select LSB and Program Change values will be transmitted.

2ÑTracks

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You can quickly erase a RAM sound from a track by holding down the Track Sound button and, while still holding it, pressing the No button. When the ASR-X Pro asks you if youÕre sure you want to delete the sound and any references to it, press the Yes button to erase the soundÑit will be removed from RAM and replaced by the ROM sound Silence.

NNNNooootttteeee:::: Since this feature removes the selected sound and its copies, make sure not to inadvertently

erase the original ÒSMPL XÓ version of the sound. If you erase this sound, the ASR-X Pro will also delete all copies of the sound, including the final version. Delete only the unwanted copiesÑif you havenÕt re-named your sounds using the Memory Manager, these will be the versions whose names end with an underscore and a number. Erase the original version of a sound only when you want to remove it and any sounds based upon it from memory.

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Editing a trackÕs parametersÑand therefore determining the behavior of its soundÑinvolves the same technique regardless of the parameter being edited.

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1. Press the Track Edit/Mix/FX Bus button in the Track section of the ASR-X Pro front panel.

Track

Sound Edit Mute

Mix / FX Bus

2. Turn the Parameter knob to select the track parameter youÕd like to edit. All of the track parameter displays show the track number and currently selected sound on the top

line, and the selected parameter and its value on the bottom line:

The track being edited The trackÕs sound

Solo

¦01 OhMyOhMy Track Volume= 100

The currently selected parameter The parameterÕs value

3. Turn the Value knob to change the setting of the selected parameter .

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ASR-X Pro sounds are made up of layers of waves. Track parameters allow you to easily change the settings in all of a soundÕs layers at once by altering them in one of two ways. Each track parameter is either:

¥ an override, which sets all of the layers in the currently selected sound to the absolute value you set. ¥ an offset, which raises or lower the programmed values by the amount you set.

Overrides set all of a soundÕs layers to the same absolute value for the selected parameter.

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When an override parameter is set to ÒProg,Ó the originally programmed setting for each layer is retained.

Offsets are typically used to affect all of a soundÕs layers at once, retaining their different settings for the selected parameter in relation to one other. Offset parameters offer values that have positive/negative aspects (shown with a Ò+Ó or Ò-Ó). When an offset is set to Ò0,Ó the originally programmed value for each layer is in effect.

NNNNooootttteeee:::: Offsets adjust layer parameters only within the parametersÕ legitimate rangesÑthey canÕt

force them beyond those limits. If a track offset parameter appears to be having no effect, itÕs likely that the setting for the parameter in the soundÕs layers has already reached its maximum or minimum setting.

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Track parameters can be edited via MIDI in two ways. Some of the parameters, such as Track Volume, Mix (Expression) and Pan correspond to standard MIDI sound controllers, and can be adjusted by sending the ASR-X Pro values for the relevant controllers. In addition, most of the track parameters can be edited using special registered and non-registered MIDI parameters (RPNs and NRPNs). To learn more about RPNs and NRPNs, see Chapter 9.

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TTTTrrrraaaacccckkkk VVVVoooolllluuuummmmee

The Track Volume parameter allows you to override the loudness ceiling programmed into the selected trackÕs sound. A Volume setting of 127 will leave the soundÕs level set as it was programmed. Lower values will reduce the soundÕs loudnessÑdown by 96dB at a value of 0.

Track Volume can also be edited via MIDI with controller #7 (Volume) messages.

MMMMiiiixxxx ((((EEEExxxxpppprrrreeeessssssssiiiioooonnnn))

The Mix (Expression) parameter can raise or lower the level of the sound on the selected track, but only as high as the maximum set by the Track Volume parameter.

You can set an acceptable loudness ceiling for a sound with the Track Volume parameter, and use the Mix (Expression) parameter to adjust its level without worrying that it will ever become too loud.

))

Mix (Expression) can also be edited via MIDI with controller #11 (Expression) messages.

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The Vol/MixPolarity parameter reverses the manner in which the selected trackÕs sound will respond to Volume and Mix (Expression) messages received via MIDI. When set to +Pos, the sound will respond normally: higher Volume and Mix (Expression) values will result in greater loudness. When set to -Neg, higher Volume and Mix (Expression) values will lower the level of the sound.

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ASR-X Pro sounds are programmed to be heard in specific places in the left/right stereo field. By adjusting the Track Pan setting, you can offset the stereo placement of the currently selected trackÕs sound. A value of Center 00 will leave the sound panned as it was programmed. Lower values will shift it to the left, and higher values will move it to the right. If components within the sound are panned differently, their relative positions will be maintained as the sound is shifted in either direction.

Track Pan can be edited via MIDI with controller #10 (Pan) messages.

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The FX Bus parameter allows you to assign the selected trackÑand its soundÑ to the current sequenceÕs insert or global reverb effects, or left un-effected, or Òdry.Ó This is accomplished by assigning the track to an FX (for ÒeffectÓ) bus. (Using the ASR-X Pro Effects is described in Chapter 4.) You can select:

¥ ProgÑto have the sound of each pad use its own FX Bus setting in a kit sound, or to have a standard

sound use its Alt Bus setting.

¥ InsertÑto send the selected trackÕs sound to the sequenceÕs insert effect. ¥ LightReverbÑto add a minimal amount of global reverb to the selected trackÕs sound. ¥ MediumReverbÑto add a greater amount of global reverb to the selected trackÕs sound. ¥ WetReverbÑto add the maximum amount of global reverb to the selected trackÕs sound. ¥ DryÑto leave the selected trackÕs sound un-effected, or Òdry.Ó

NNNNooootttteeee:::: When an X-8 output expansion board has been installed, an additional four busses become

available. These stereo FX busses, AuxOut1, AuxOut2, AuxOut3 and AuxOut4 allow you to send a trackÕs sound directly to the auxiliary outputs. To use the auxiliary busses as separate mono busses, pan the tracks routed to them hard left or hard right (see ÒTrack PanÓ above).

MIDI controller #91 can be used to select one of the reverb busses or the dry bus for any track other than the insert control track. This is accomplished by sending the ASR-X Pro a controller #91 value on the trackÕs MIDI channel. When the track receives a controller #91 value of:

¥ 0, it will be assigned to the Dry FX bus. ¥ 1-40, it will be assigned to the LightReverb FX bus. ¥ 41-80, it will be assigned to the MediumReverb FX bus. ¥ 81-127, it will be assigned to the WetReverb FX bus.

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When a track's TrackMIDIOut parameter is set to ÒEnable,Ó the track can transmit MIDI data on its corresponding MIDI channel when it uses a MIDI-OUT sound.Ó When the parameter is set to ÒDisable,Ó no MIDI data for the track will be transmitted from the pads or sequencer.

NNNNooootttteeee:::: The ASR-X Pro intelligently transmits a track's Bank Selects and Program Changes only

when theyÕre different from the last ones transmitted from the track.

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The Pitch Bend Up and Pitch Bend Down parameters allow you to separately set how you want the selected trackÕs sound to respond to up and down Pitch Bend messages received via MIDI.

Pitch Bend Up and Pitch Bend Down can be set to:

¥ 1-12dn or 1-12upÑto lower or raise the pitch of the selected trackÕs sound by 1 to 12 equal-temper

semitones when Pitch Bend up or down messages are received via MIDI.

¥ ProgÑto respond to received up or down Pitch Bend messages according to the programming in the

trackÕs sound. ¥ SysÑto use the global system Pitch Bend Up or Down values (see Chapter 7 for details). ¥ OffÑto ignore received up or down Pitch Bend messages.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: Each track provides a filterÑthe Pitch Bend Recv parameterÑthat you can use to disable or

enable its response to Pitch Bend messages received via MIDI. This parameter is described later in this chapter.

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The Octave Shift parameter allows you to shift, by octaves, the pitch at which the selected track will play its sound. A setting of 0oct means the sound will play at its programmed octave tuning value. You can tune the sound up or down by a maximum of four equal-temper octaves.

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The Semitone Shift parameter allows you to shift, in semitone steps, the pitch at which the selected track will play its sound. A setting of 0st means the sound will play at its programmed semitone tuning value. You can shift the sound upward by as much as 63 equal-temper semitones or downward by 64 semitones.

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The Fine Tuning parameter allows you to re-tune the sound on the selected track by cents. A setting of 0cents means the sound will use its programmed fine tuning value. You can lower or raise the soundÕs fine tuning by -50 to +49 cents. 100 cents equals one semitone.

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ASR-X Pro contains a variety of non-standard tunings, or pitch tables. The PitchTbl parameter allows the selected trackÕs sound to use one of these special tunings.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: Each track in the ASR-X Pro has its own PitchTbl parameter that determines the pitch table to

be used by the sound on the track. By setting each track to a different pitch table, you can program the ASR-X ProÕs tracks to produce 16 different tunings at once!

The PitchTbl parameter can be set to:

¥ ProgÑto use the pitch table the sound was originally programmed to use. ¥ SysÑto use the global system pitch table. (See Chapter 7 to learn about designating a system-wide

¥ One of the pitch tables built into the ASR-X Pro.

Chapter 9 provides a list of the built-in ASR-X Pro pitch tables.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: With the proper software, you can also design your own pitch table on a computer, and

transmit it to the ASR-X Pro via MIDI. ÒAbout RAM Pitch TablesÓ in Chapter 9 provides detailed information on creating your own pitch tables.

pitch table.)

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The Glide Mode parameter allows you to set the glide characteristics of the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set to:

¥ ProgÑso that gliding from note to note will occur according to the soundÕs programming. ¥ OffÑso that no gliding will occur. ¥ OnÑso that all of the layers in the sound will glide from note to note.

NNNNooootttteeee:::: When this parameter is set to ÒOnÓÑenabling gliding in the selected trackÕs soundÑadjust

the Glide Time parameter (described below) to set the speed at which the trackÕs sound will glide from note to note.

If the Glide Mode parameter is set to ÒProgÓ or ÒOff,Ó the parameter can also be toggled on or off via MIDI by sending MIDI controller #65 (Portamento) values to the ASR-X Pro on the selected trackÕs MIDI channel. Values of 64 or above will turn glide on; values of 63 or lower will turn it off (there is no way to select the Prog setting via MIDI). When controller #65 is used for this purpose, the ASR-X Pro display will not show that the parameter has been resetÑit will simply happen. In order to return control of the Glide Mode parameter to the ASR-X ProÕs front-panel, a controller #65 value of 63 or less must be sent to the ASR-X Pro on the selected trackÕs MIDI channel.

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When a trackÕs sound is programmed to glide from note to note, the Glide Time parameter allows you to adjust the speed at which its notes will glide from one to the next. The parameter can be set anywhere from -64 to +63. A value of 0 means that the sound will glide at its programmed speed. Higher values will slow the soundÕs glide, and lower values will cause it to speed up.

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The Delay Offset parameter can be used to increase the amount of time it will take for a trackÕs sound to be heard after it receives a key down message, either from a pad or via MIDI. If a sound has been programmed with a delay time, the delay offset will lengthen that delay time by up to 2500 milliseconds (ms). If a sound has no programmed delay time, the Delay Offset parameter can delay it up to 2500ms. If the parameter is set to 0ms, no delay time will be added to the sound.

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The SyncLFO&Noise parameter allows you to alter the behavior of any LFOs and noise generators in the selected trackÕs sound that are programmed to be synchronized to the ASR-X ProÕs sequencer or to incoming MIDI clocks. The parameter can be set to:

¥ ProgÑto allow the synchronized LFOs and noise in the trackÕs sound to behave as programmed. ¥ NormalÑto de-synchronize any synchronized LFOs and noise in the trackÕs sound. ¥ 1/1 to 1/32TÑto set the rhythmic relationship of any synchronized LFOs and noise in the trackÕs

sound to the ASR-X ProÕs system tempo, or to incoming MIDI clocks. A ÒTÓ following a number signifies a triplet value.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: The System/MIDI ClockSource parameter determines whether the ASR-X Pro sequencer or

MIDI clocks will control synchronized LFOs or noise. See Chapter 7.

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The Normal LFO Rates parameter allows you to raise or lower the programmed speed of any unsynchronized LFOÕs in the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set from -64 to +63. A value of 0 means the trackÕs sound will retain its programmed LFO rate. A value other than 0 will be added to or subtracted from the soundÕs originally programmed rate.

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The LFO Depth parameter allows you to increase or decrease the programmed depth of the LFOÕs in the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set from -64 to +63. A value of 0 means the trackÕs sound will retain its programmed LFO depth. A value higher than 0 will increase the depth of the soundÕs LFOs, while values below zero will reduce it.

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The LFO Delay Time parameter allows you to lengthen or shorten the delay programmed for any of the LFOs in the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set from -64 to +63. A value of 0 means the trackÕs sound will retain its programmed LFO delay setting. Any value above 0 will lengthen the soundÕs LFO delay times, while any values below 0 will shorten them.

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The Amp Env Attack parameter allows you to lengthen or shorten the attack times of amplitude envelopes within the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set anywhere from -64 to +63. A value of 0 will leave the attack times of amplitude envelopes within the trackÕs sound behaving as programmed. Values above 0 will lengthen the attack times, while values below 0 will shorten them.

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The Amp Env Decay parameter allows you to lengthen or shorten the decay times of amplitude envelopes within the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set anywhere from -64 to +63. A value of 0 will leave the decay times of amplitude envelopes within the trackÕs sound behaving as programmed. Values above 0 will lengthen the decay times, while values below 0 will shorten them.

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The Amp Env Release parameter allows you to lengthen or shorten the release times of amplitude envelopes within the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set anywhere from -64 to +63. A value of 0 will leave the release times of amplitude envelopes within the trackÕs sound behaving as programmed. Values above 0 will lengthen the release times, while values below 0 will shorten them.

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The Filter Cutoff parameter allows you to raise or lower the filter cutoff settings programmed into the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set anywhere from -64 to +63. A value of 0 will leave the cutoff settings in the trackÕs sound unchanged. Values above 0 will raise the cutoff settings, while values below 0 will lower them.

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The Filter Resonance parameter allows you to raise or lower the resonance settings programmed into the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set anywhere from -64 to +63. A value of 0 will leave the resonance settings in the trackÕs sound unchanged. Values above 0 will increase the resonance settings, while values below 0 will lower them.

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The Filt Env Attack parameter allows you to lengthen or shorten the attack times of filter envelopes within the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set anywhere from -64 to +63. A value of 0 will leave the attack times of filter envelopes within the trackÕs sound behaving as programmed. Values above 0 will lengthen their attack times, while values below 0 will shorten them.

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The Filt Env Decay parameter allows you to lengthen or shorten the decay times of filter envelopes within the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set anywhere from -64 to +63. A value of 0 will

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leave the decay times of filter envelopes within the trackÕs sound behaving as programmed. Values above 0 will lengthen the decay times, while values below 0 will shorten them.

FFFFiiiilllltttt EEEEnnnnvvvv RRRReeeelllleeeeaaaassssee

The Filt Env Release parameter allows you to lengthen or shorten the release times of filter envelopes within the selected trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set anywhere from -64 to +63. A value of 0 will leave the release times of filter envelopes within the trackÕs sound behaving as programmed. Values above 0 will lengthen the release times, while values below 0 will shorten them.

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The Amp&Filt Env Vel parameter allows you to increase or decrease the velocity sensitivity of the amplitude and filter envelopes within the select trackÕs sound. The parameter can be set anywhere from 64 to +63. A value of 0 will not change the responsiveness of the amplitude and filter envelopes in the trackÕs sound. Values above 0 will increase the effect of velocity upon the soundÕs envelopes, while lower values will decrease its impact.

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The Key Range Lo and Key Range Hi parameters allow you to limit the pitches that the sound on the selected track will play. The Key Range Lo parameter sets the lowest note that will play, while the Key Range Hi parameter sets the highest. Either parameter can be set anywhere from A0 to C8. Middle C is C4. (Some MIDI controller manufacturers refer to Middle C as C3Ñif youÕre playing the ASR-X Pro from an external MIDI device, check the deviceÕs manual.)

NNNNooootttteeee:::: A soundÕs Key Range Lo value should not be set above its Key Range Hi setting, nor should

its Key Range Hi value be set below its Key Range Lo setting.

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The VelocityRange Lo and VelocityRange Hi parameters allow you to set an allowable velocity range for the selected track. When the track receives velocity values from the pads or via MIDI that fall outside of that range, the trackÕs sound wonÕt play. The VelocityRange Lo parameter sets the lowest allowable velocity; the VelocityRange Hi parameter sets the highest. Either parameter can be set from 0 to 127.

NNNNooootttteeee:::: A soundÕs VelocityRange Lo value should not be set above its VelocityRange Hi setting, nor

should its VelocityRange Hi value be set below its VelocityRange Lo setting.

VVVVeeeelllloooocccciiiittttyyyyMMMMooooddddee

ItÕs not uncommon for different components of ASR-X Pro sounds to be heard only when the pads are struck, or MIDI notes are received, with particular velocities. The Velocity Mode parameter provides a way to alter sounds so you can reliably produce these values and, therefore, the sounds those velocities produce. When the Velocity Mode parameter is set to any value other than Normal, velocities that fall within the soundÕs velocity window (see the VelocityRange Lo, VelocityRange Hi parameter description above) are automatically converted to the velocity set with the Velocity Mode parameter. The possible settings for the parameter are Normal, and Fix 001 through Fix 127.

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The ASR-X Pro responds to channel and polyphonic pressure messages that it receives via MIDI. The PressureMode parameter allows you to determine how the trackÕs sound will respond to MIDI pressure messages. You can set this parameter to:

¥ OffÑso that the trackÕs sound will not respond to keyboard pressure. If pressure has been assigned

as an insert effect modulation source, that response to pressure is also disabled.

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2ÑTracks

¥ AutoÑso that the trackÕs sound will respond to whichever type of pressure the ASR-X Pro receives

via MIDI. ¥ ChannelÑso that the trackÕs sound will only respond to channel pressure. ¥ KeyÑso that the trackÕs sound will only respond to key pressure.

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The ProgramChngeRecv parameter enables or disables the selected trackÕs response to received MIDI Program Change messages. The parameter can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

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The Bank Select Recv parameter enables or disables the selected trackÕs response to received MIDI Bank Select messages. The parameter can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

DDDDaaaattttaaaa EEEEnnnnttttrrrryyyy RRRReeeeccccvv

The Data Entry Recv parameter enables or disables the selected trackÕs response to received Data Entry (controller #6) messages. The parameter can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

PPPPiiiittttcccchhhh BBBBeeeennnndddd RRRReeeeccccvv

The Pitch Bend Recv parameter enables or disables the selected trackÕs response to received Pitch Bend messages. The parameter can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

MMMMoooodddd WWWWhhhheeeeeeeellll((((1111)))) RRRReeeeccccvv

The Mod Wheel(1) Recv parameter enables or disables the selected trackÕs response to received Mod Wheel (controller #1) messages. The parameter can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

FFFFoooooooottttPPPPeeeeddddaaaallll((((4444)))) RRRReeeeccccvv

The FootPedal(4) Recv parameter enables or disables the selected trackÕs response to received Foot Pedal (controller #4) messages. The parameter can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

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The Volume(7) Recv parameter enables or disables the selected trackÕs response to received Volume (controller #7) messages. The parameter can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

PPPPaaaannnn((((11110000)))) RRRReeeeccccvv

The Pan(10) Recv parameter enables or disables the selected trackÕs response to received Pan (controller #10) messages. The parameter can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

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The Expressn(11) Recv parameter enables or disables the selected trackÕs response to received Expression (controller #11) messages. The parameter can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

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The Sustain/SostRecv parameter enables or disables the selected trackÕs response to received Sustain or Sostenuto (controllers #64 and #66, respectively) messages. The parameter can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

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The SysCtrl1 Recv, SysCtrl2 Recv, SysCtrl3 Recv and SysCtrl4 Recv parameters enable or disable the selected trackÕs response to received MIDI messages for any of the special user-assignable SysCTRLs (see Chapter 7 to learn more about these definable controllers). The parameters can be set to ÒOnÓ or ÒOff.Ó

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2ÑTracks

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The Mute/Solo button provides an easy way to enable or disable the playback of the tracks in a sequence. You can silence, or mute, the selected trackÑor you can solo the track by silencing all of the tracks except the selected track.

TTTTiiiipppp:::: The sequencer will automatically record track mutings and un-mutings if theyÕre performed

while the track being muted or un-muted is being recorded.

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¥ To mute the currently selected track, press the Mute button onceÑthe Mute LED will light, and the

word ÒmuteÓ will appear in the display to show that the selected track has been silenced.

¦01 mute ROM08:000 PERCSOLO: Thump Kick

¥ To unmute the currently selected track, press the Mute button onceÑthe Mute LED will turn off and

the track will once again be audible.

¥ To solo the currently selected track, double-click the Mute buttonÑthe Mute LED will flash, and the

word ÒsoloÓ will flash in the display.

¦01 solo ROM08:000 PERCSOLO: Thump Kick

Sound Edit Mute

Track

Mix / FX Bus

Solo

¥ To un-solo the currently selected track, press the Mute buttonÑthe Mute LED will turn off and any

tracks that were audible prior to soloing the track will once again be audible.

¥ To solo groups of tracksÑthis is called a group-soloÑselect each of the tracks in turn and double-

click the Mute button for each track.

¥ To remove the currently selected track from a group-solo, double-click the Mute button.

The ASR-X Pro solo is intelligent in that it remembers if any tracks in the sequence were already muted prior to soloing, and restores them to that state when the solo is disengaged. When a track is soloed, and any track other than the soloed track is selected, the display will flash the word Òmute.Ó Tracks that were already silenced before the solo was engaged will show a non-flashing Òmute.Ó

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Tracks can be muted via MIDI by sending a controller #119 message on the channel whose number corresponds to the track you want to mute. The track will respond to a controller #119 value of:

¥ 127 by muting the track. ¥ 000 by un-muting the track. ¥ 064 causes a track thatÕs part of a group-solo to be removed from the solo group.

ENSONIQ ASR-X Pro MusicianÕs Manual 19

+ 107 hidden pages