Kenton Pro-4 User Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR

PRO-4

MULTI-CHANNEL

MIDI TO CV CONVERTER

1

CONTENTS

Introduction
The PRO-4s channels 3
Front/back panels 5
Setting up your PRO-4

MIDI connections 6
Analogue connections 6
Clock connections 7
Trimmer adjustments, tuning 8

Editing the PRO-4
Recalling and storing set-ups 9

Parameters

CV output parameters 10
Digital output parameters 12
Using the KADI port with your TR606/808 13
Auxiliary output parameters 14

LFO`s 15

Sync settings 16
System settings 17

MIDI Analyser Mode 17
Polyphonic Mode 18
MIDI System Exclusive information 19
Pin Outs for DCB/Wasp 22
Connecting a modified TB303 or SH101 (socket retro`ed) 23
Specifications 24

3

2

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Kenton Electronics PRO-4 multi channel MIDI to CV converter,

which has been designed to give you maximum flexibility, whilst maintaining ease of use.

The converter has eight completely independent sections - called channels A, B, C, D, E, F, G, & H. Each

channel can be assigned its own MIDI channel, and controlled independently from each other.

The PRO-4 has four independent, MIDI programmable LFO`s that can modulate any of the CV outputs,

and four of the auxiliaries. Each of the CV channels has a portamento function.

There are also many other features designed to make the PRO-4 as flexible as possible to allow as much

control as possible over your analogue synthesizers.

The PRO-4 has a thorough MIDI system exclusive specification for those who wish to do data dumps or

editing from their computer sequencer or generic patch editor.

Please take some time out to read through all of this manual which should hopefully explain all you will

need to know.

THE PRO-4 CHANNELS

CHANNELS A, B, C, & D

These are for controlling analogue synths such as the SCI PRO-1, Roland SH-101, or indeed most other
synths with CV and Gate inputs.

Note, the CV output for controlling the pitch uses the Volts per octave (V/oct) pitch scaling system. This is
the most common system used in analogue synths, as used in Roland, SCI, Oberheim and Moog synths.
Synths such as Korg & Yamaha, (MS20, MS10, CS5), work on a different pitch scaling system. This is called
Hertz per volt (Hz/V). To control the pitch of these synths correctly, the optional four channel Hz/V board
will need to be fitted. This is available as a plug in card. Contact us for details.

Some synths do not have CV, Gate or Filter inputs, such as the TB303. We can fit or supply socket kits for
most monosynths that do not have inputs. Contact us for details.

CHANNEL E, the EDP Wasp port

This channel is a digital output for controlling the EDP Wasp or Gnat synth.
Note, the Wasp responds to three octaves of notes only - on a DX7 or other 61 note keyboard, this

corresponds to bottom C#, to C, three octaves above. The Wasp does not respond to pitchbend - or
indeed any other controls except sustain pedal, which will hold the current note, this is a design limitation
of the Wasp itself.

3

CHANNEL F, MIDI channel filter

This is used to rechannelize or filter MIDI data.
Connect the synth to the PRO-4 MIDI out socket, and set the MIDI filter receive channel to the MIDI

channel music data you want your old synth to respond to. Only data received on that channel will be
sent out of the PRO-4 MIDI out, and any other channels will be filtered out. This data can be sent out on a
different channel if required (see rechannellizing above). An example of rechannelizing might be to
change the transmit channel of early DX7s, for instance, that can only transmit on MIDI channel 1, to
another MIDI channel, say 2. An example of filtering might be on an early MIDI synth that can only
receive in Omni mode (receive on all MIDI channels at the same time), the Jupiter 6, for example.

CHANNEL G, the DCB port

DCB (digital communications bus) is an old digital port Roland designed for linking up their poly synths,
such as the Juno 60 or some Jupiter 8s. This is a polyphonic interface. It only sends note information, but
on Jupiter 8s with DCB, it will also do program changes.

CHANNEL H, the KADI port

The KADI (Kenton Auxiliary Digital Interface) is a digital port. This can be used to play the TR606 or TR808
drum sounds over MIDI, although a small modification will have to be made to the drum machine.
It is also there for any possible future expansion. Note, special cables are needed to use the Wasp, DCB &
KADI ports. These are available direct from Kenton.

SYNC 24 & Clock Pulse

The PRO-4 has a Roland SYNC 24 clock output. Instruments having a SYNC 24 input, such as the TB303,
TR808, TR606, MC202, can be connected to the PRO-4. If the PRO-4 is receiving MIDI clock, these
instruments will play their internal patterns in time to MIDI clock.

The PRO-4 also has a clock pulse (arpeggio output). This can be used to synchronize drum machines,
analogue sequencers, and arpeggio`s to MIDI clock.

4

FRONT PANEL

Access to channels A to D`s tuning trimmers are gained from the front panel.
Each channel, A to D, has LED indicators to indicate when that channel`s Gate is on.
There are two more LED status indicators;

One is marked DATA. This indicates whether the PRO-4 is receiving MIDI data.
The other is marked SYNC. This indicates whether the PRO-4 is receiving MIDI clock messages.

Four buttons; PARAMETER, VALUE, LOAD and STORE, and also a Data Entry Dial.
These are for editing the PRO-4 & are explained later in the manual.

2x20 backlit LCD, and power switch.

BACK PANEL

From left to right, there is the;
IEC power socket (power lead supplied).
MIDI In, Out, and Thru DIN type sockets.
Sync24 DIN socket.
Clock pulse minijack output.
The Wasp/DCB and KADI ports, D-type sockets.
The eight auxiliary minijack outputs.
And the four analogue channels` Trig, Gate, CV & Hz/V (if fitted) minijack outputs.

5

SETTING UP YOUR PRO-4

MIDI CONNECTIONS

MIDI IN

- connect this to the MIDI Out of your MIDI synth or MIDI sequencer using standard MIDI cables.

MIDI OU T

- connect this to the MIDI In of your MIDI sequencer or old synthesizer. This is only needed if you will be
editing the PRO-4 using SYSEX or doing MIDI data dumps, or if you are using the MIDI channel filter.

MIDI THR U

- this provides a copy of the information coming into the MIDI In socket so that you can "daisy-chain"
several MIDI devices. It should be connected only to a MIDI In socket if needed.

ANALOGUE CONNECTIONS

CV A, B, C, & D (-1 volt to 5 volts)

- the control voltage output to control the pitch of most synths, such as Roland, SCI, and Moog.
Connect this output to the input marked CV, oscillator, KBD IN, VCO CV in, VCO, KEY Volt in, etc., of your
synth.

Hz/V A, B, C, & D (optional)

- these optional outputs are to control the pitch on synths such as some of the KORG and YAMAHA synths.
This output works in conjunction with the CV output.
Connect this output to the input marked CV, oscillator, KBD IN, VCO CV in, VCO, KEY Volt in, etc., of your
synth.

GATE A, B, C, & D (off=0 volts on=+15 volts)

- the gate voltage output that provides the note on/off information for synths. This is used for most synths,
such as Roland, ARP, or Oberheim.
Connect this output to the input marked Gate in, TRIG in, etc., of your synth.

S-TRIG A, B, C, & D

- this output has 7 triggering options selectable in the software.
S-Trig - this is used to control Moogs, Korgs.
The tip of the jack is the trigger signal - if your synth has the CINCH/JONES connector with two flat pins,
the narrower pin is the trigger signal and the wider one is ground.
Trigger - Can be used to trigger ARP envelopes or analogue sequencers.
Connect this output to the input marked S-Trig in, TRIG in, etc., of your synth.

AUXILIARIES 1 to 8 (-13 to +13 volts)

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- a voltage output for connecting to an auxiliary input on a synth such as filter control or VCA volume.
Connect this output to the input marked VCF in, VCF fcM, Filter, etc, on your synth to control the filter cut-

off, or the input marked VCA, Volume, loudness, etc., to control volume. You could also connect this to
inputs such as portamento, pulse width, high pass filter cut-off, etc.

Cable Connections

All minijack outputs on the PRO-4 need standard 3.5mm mono minijack plug. The connection at the synth
end of course depends on what synth you are using.

THE ARP CLOCK & SYNC 24 OUTPUTS

CLOCK PULSE - (arpeggio clock)

- this output provides a 5 volt clock pulse related to the incoming MIDI clock. The ratio of MIDI clocks to
arpeggio pulses can be adjusted - (see CLOCK PULSE DIVIDE).

A 5 volt voltage will be outputed on the first MIDI clock after a MIDI start (or continue if selected) is
received, and thereafter dependent upon the CLOCK PULSE DIVIDE ratio.

You may wish to connect this to an input marked Ext. Clock In on an analogue drum machine or
sequencer. It could also be used to gate/trigger envelopes or Sample and Hold circuits in time to MIDI
clock.

SYNC 24 - (DIN 24 sync, used on SOME ROLAND equipment)

- this output provides clock and stop/start signals.
Pin 1 - Stop = 0 volts Start = 5 volts (or continue if selected)

Pin 3 - 5 volt pulses; 24 clocks per quarter note, the same as MIDI
Pin 2 - Ground
Pins 4 & 5 are not used.

Cable Connections

MIDI leads are not suitable for connecting to the SYNC 24 socket as they have different pins connected.
Use a 5 pin DIN to 5 pin DIN audio lead available from a HI-FI shop.

Connect this output to the SYNC 24 input on a TR606/808, MC202, or TB303 to synchronize these
instruments` sequencers to MIDI clock.

7

TRIMMER ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANNELS A, B, C, & D

Tuning in your PRO-4 and your analogue synths.

INITIAL

- tunes the PRO-4 to the synth.

SCALE

- adjusts the octave scaling of the PRO-4 to match the synth. When the PRO-4 leaves the factory, this is
set to the standard 1 volt per octave, but some synths may require some adjustment of this control if the
octaves are out of tune with each other.

It may be that your synth is slightly out of tune, so it will be necessary to tune the PRO-4 to your synth;
1, Tune your synth (when playing from its own keyboard) correctly with your digital synths first. Do this by

adjusting the tuning or pitch knob on your analogue synth whilst playing middle C on both synths. (To do
this, you may need to disconnect the analogue synth from the PRO-4).

2, Now, with the PRO-4 connected to the analogue synth, play middle C on your digital synth. Both synths
should sound. With a small flat blade screw driver, tune in the PRO-4 with your analogue synth by
adjusting the INIT trimmer on the front panel.

3, When your digital and analogue synths are once again in tune, play a key two octaves up on your
digital synth. Now adjust the SCALE trimmer till both synths are in tune. The analogue synth should now
play correctly across its range from your master keyboard.

Use a small, thin and narrow, flat blade screwdriver to do this.

(range approx 2 octaves)

(range approx 20%)

8

EDITING THE PRO-4

The PRO-4 is very easy to use. It uses a standard system of editing. It has a clear and informative 2x20 LCD
with backlight, PARAMETER and VALUE buttons, and a Data Entry Dial (referred to as the DED).

To select the parameter you wish to edit, the parameter LED (the red light emitting diode), must be lit. If it
is not, press the PARAMETER button. You can now scroll through the parameters using the DED.

To edit a value, press the VALUE button. The value LED will light up. Now by turning the DED the parameter
value can be edited. Note that with many of the larger values (such as controller numbers and
portamento rate) the values will loop from max to min, i.e from +127 directly to -127.

STORING AND RECALLING SET-UPS

To load a set-up, press LOAD.

Now with the DED, you can select which set-up, 1 to 8, you wish to load, or you can load back the
default settings.

After selecting which set-up you want, press & hold LOAD till the display says LOADED.
The PRO-4 can be set to receive a SYSEX data dump. See SYSEX manual for full details on PRO-4 MIDI

System Exclusive.

To store a set-up, press STORE.

Now with the DED, you can select which memory, 1 to 8, you wish to store your set-up in.
After selecting which memory you wish to store your set-up in, press and hold STORE till the display says

STORED.
The PRO-4, the current set-up, or all 8 set-ups can be dumped by SYSEX.
Lastly, the system data can also be stored. This comprises of the di splay contrast, MIDI device number

and The Auto-Load setting.

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PARAMETERS

THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS ARE T HE SAME FOR EACH OF THE FOUR

CHANNELS, A, B, C & D (where x is the channel)

CV > x MIDI Receive Channel

- sets the MIDI receive channel for PRO-4 analogue channel.

CV > x NOTE PRIORITY

- sets the note priority.
If set to "Lowest" then the new note played takes precedence if it is lower than the preceding note.
If set to "Highest" then the new note played takes precedence if it is higher than the preceding note.
If set to "Newest" then the newest played note played takes precedence regardless.

CV > x TRIGGER MODE

- sets the whether the envelope on your synth will retrigger when a new, overlapping note is played.
If set to "Single," then the Gate (or S-Trig) output will stay on, or the Trigger (if selected) will not re-trigger
when a new note is played, if you are playing in a legato fashion, with notes over lapping.
If set to "Multiple," then the Gate (or S-Trig) output will re-Gate each time a new note is played, re­triggering your synth`s envelope generators, regardless of your playing style.

CV > x TRANSPOSE

- allows you to Transpose the incoming MIDI notes in semitone steps. You can adjust this in real-time,
allowing you to hear the changes you make to Transpose, without having to replay a key.

CV > x PITCHBEND

- sets the maximum range the pitchbend will bend the CV (or Hz/V) output.

(low/high/newest, default: newest)

(Single/Multiple, default: Multiple)

(-24 to +24 semitones, default: 0)

(0 to +/-24 semitones, default: 12)

CV > x PORTAMENTO CONTROLLER

- assigns which MIDI controller turns the portamento on and off. Note that the portamento can also be
forced on or off manually.

CV > x PORTAMENTO

- sets whether the portamento function will have a fixed time or fixed rate.
Fixed rate: the time taken to glide between notes depends on the amount of notes in the glide range.
The glide time between semitones is constant.

Fixed time: the time taken to glide between notes is the same no matter how far apart the notes are.

(Fixed rate/time, default: Fixed rate)

(1 to 16, default: A=1 B=2 C=3 D=4)

(off,on, vel, aft, controllers 1-120, default: #65)

10

CV > x PORTAMENTO Rate

- sets the portamento time/rate taken to glide between notes.
This value can also be varied using MIDI controller number 5 (protamento time). If this parameter is on the
display, its new value will not be displayed when varied from controller 5. (If varied via SYSEX, the new
value will be displayed).

CV > x LFO DEPTH CONTROL

- assigns which MIDI controller will control the LFO depth to modulate the CV (Hz/V) output.

CV > x LFO DEPTH For cntrl Min

- set the minimum LFO depth that will modulate the CV (Hz/V) output when the MIDI controller is at a
minimum.

CV > x LFO DEPTH For cntrl Max

- set the maximum LFO depth that will modulate the CV (Hz/V) output when the MIDI controller is at a
maximum.

CV > x LFO ASSIGN Use LFO number

- lets you assign which of the four inbuilt LFOs will modulate the CV (Hz/V) outputs.

CV > x TRIGGER JACK SOCKET

- you can select the following type outputs for the TRIG output;
S-trig no pull-up

This would probably be used for Moogs & Korgs instead of the Gate output.
S-trig 5v pull-up

S-trig 15v pull-up
This would probably be used on the Yamaha CS range of synths instead of the Gate output.

Gate V-Trig 5v
Gate V-Trig 15v
The 15v Gate is the same as the Gate output . The 5v gate may be needed for synths that require a lower
gate voltage.

Trigger pulse 5v
Trigger pulse 15v
These should be used to trigger envelope generators on the ARP 2600 or Odyssey, or they could be used
to trigger analogue drum machines or sequencers.

(1 to 256, default: 201)

(pb, vel, aft, controllers 1-120, default: #1 mod wheel)

(0 to 127, default: 0)

(0 to 127, default: 64)

(1 to 4, default: A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4)

(default: S-Trig no pull-up)

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DIGITAL OUTPUT PARAMETERS

WASP>E MIDI Receive Channel

- sets the MIDI receive channel for the WASP port.

WASP>E NOTE PRIORITY

- sets the note priority.
If set to "Lowest" then the new note played takes precedence if it is lower than the preceding note.
If set to "Highest" then the new note played takes precedence if it is higher than the preceding note.
If set to "Newest" then the newest played note played takes precedence regardless.

(low/high/newest, default: newest)

FILTER>F MIDI Receive Channel

- sets the MIDI receive channel for the MIDI channel filter.
Only MIDI data on this channel will be retransmitted to the PRO-4
MIDI out. It can be retransmitted on a different channel if necessary; see below.

FILTER>F MIDI Transmit Channel

- sets the channel that the MIDI data from the MIDI channel filter is retransmitted on.
This might be used to change the transmit channel of early DX7s, for instance, that can only transmit on
MIDI channel 1.

DCB >G MIDI Receive Channel

- sets the MIDI receive channel for the DCB port.

KADI>H MIDI Receive Channel

- sets the MIDI receive channel for the KADI port.

(1 to 16, default: 5)

(1 to 16, default: 6)

(1 to 16, default: 1)

(1 to 16, default: 7)

(1 to 16, default: 8)

12

Using the KADI port with your modified TR606/808

Connect the special multi-way cable supplied to the TR606 or TR808 and to the PRO-4 KADI port. The
TR606/808 can now be played from your master keyboard/sequencer.

The sounds will play with or without Accent. A velocity level of over 70 will cause the sound to be
accented, subject to the level of Accent selected on the TR606/808.

Below is the MIDI drum map for the TR-606 sounds;

NOTE MIDI NOTE TR-606 SOUND
NUMBER

C

C#1 37 SNARE DRUM
D1 38 LOW TOM
D#1 39 HIGH TOM
E1 40 CYMBAL
F1 41 OPEN HIHAT
G1 42 CLOSED HIHAT

Below is the MIDI drum map for the TR-808 sounds;

NOTE MIDI NOTE TR-808 SOUND
NUMBER

C

C#1 37 SNARE DRUM
D1 38 LOW TOM/CONGA
D#1 39 MID TOM/CONGA
E1 40 HI TOM/CONGA
F1 41 RIMSHOT/CLAVES
F#1 42 CLAP/MARACAS
G1 43 COWBELL
G#1 44 CLOSED HIHAT
A1 45 OPEN HIHAT
A#1 46 CYMBAL

36 BASS DRUM

36 BASS DRUM

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AUXILIARY OUTPUTS

THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS ARE T HE SAME FOR EACH AUXILIARY 1 TO 8

(wher e x is the auxiliary number)

AUX > x CHANNEL LINK

respectively)

- assigns the auxialiary to which ever PRO-4 channel you wish to set it to, i.e. the auxiliary will respond to
MIDI controllers on the same MIDI channel as the PRO-4 channel it is assigned to.

AUX > x CONTROLLER

controller)

- sets the MIDI controller source to control the analogue auxiliary output level, to control filter cut-off, VCA
etc.

AUX > x OUTPUT LEVEL For cntrl Min

- sets the auxiliary output level for when the MIDI Controller Source is at its minimum.

AUX > x OUTPUT LEVEL For cntrl Max

- sets the auxiliary output level for when the MIDI Controller Source is at its maximum.

AUX > x OUTPUT LEVEL Reset Level

- sets the level that the auxiliary will reset to when a MIDI reset command is received.
The range of -127 to +127 corresponds to an output voltage of approximately -12.7 Volts to +12.7 Volts.

Most synths, such as Roland, for example, may only need a range of 0 to +10 Volts (0 to 100 on the PRO-

4). Some other synths may need a different range. Korg MS10s and MS20s, for example, use a range of -5
to +5 Volts to control their filter cut-offs, etc. (-50 to +50 on the PRO-4). By setting the Controller Minimum
to a higher number than Controller Maximum, the range can be reversed. Say you want a range of +5
Volts to -5 Volts (as opposed to -5 to +5), set the Max level to -50, and the Min level to +50. This way, when
your controller is at its minimum, the auxiliary output will be +5 Volts, and at -5 V when the controller is at
its maximum. Adjust these settings to what seems to work best with your synth.

AUX > x LFO DEPTH CONTROLLER

wheel)

- sets the MIDI controller source to control the LFO depth that will modulate the auxiliary output.

AUX > x LFO DEPTH For cntrl Min

- set the minimum LFO depth that will modulate the auxiliary output when the MIDI controller is at a
minimum.

AUX > x LFO DEPT H For cntrl Max

- set the maximum LFO depth that will modulate the auxiliary output when the MIDI controller is at a
maximum.

AUX > x LFO ASSIGN Use LFO number

can not m odulate auxiliaries 5 to 8)

- lets you assign which of the four inbuilt LFOs will modulate the auxiliary.

Connected to Chan > (A to H default: 1 to 8 set to A to H

(pb, vel, aft, controllers 1-120, default: #16 general purpose

(-128 to +127, default: 0)

(-128 to +127, default: 100)

(-128 to +127, default: 0)

(pb, vel, aft, controllers 1-120, default: #1 mod

(0 to 127, default: 0)

(0 to 127, default: 64)

(1 to 4, default: 1=1, 2=2, 3=3, 4=4. The LFOs

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LOW FREQUENCY OSCILLATORS

THERE ARE FOUR INDEPENDENT LFOs, 1 to 4 (where x is the LFO number)

LFO > x SPEED =

- sets the speed of the LFO

LFO > x WAVETABLE #

- sets the wave shape for the LFO
1, Triangle 2, Sawtooth up
3, Sawtooth down 4, Square
5, PulseWidth 10% 6, PulseWidth 20%
7,1 PulseWidth 30% 8, PulseWidth 40%
9, Sample + Hold

(random depth)

LFO > x MIDI SYNC

- allows the LFO waveform to be synchronised to MIDI clock, with a variable divide ratio. The LFO
waveform will automatically adjust its length so that it will start at the beginning of a bar, and last for what
ever musical time it is set for (see below for divide ratios).

If set to 1, there will be 1 cycle of the LFO for every 1 MIDI clock. (i.e. 24 cycles per quarter note)
If set to 24, there will be 1 cycle of the LFO for every 24 MIDI clocks. (i.e. 1 cycle of the LFO per quarter
note)

Below is a table of values you can set the divide ratio to to obtain LFO cycles of various musical lengths:
Note type; Divide ratio;
Semibreve 96

Minim 48
Crotchets 24
Crotchet triplets 16
Quavers 12
Quaver triplets 8
Semiquavers 6
Semiquaver triplets 4
Demisemiquavers 3
Demisemiquaver triplets 2

(1 to 100, default: 1=91 2=81 3=71 4=61)

(1 to 9, default: 1=1 2=2 3=3 4=4)

(off, 1 to 96, default: off)

Note; MIDI sends 24 clocks per quarter note.

SYNC SETTINGS

15

CLOCK PULSE OUTPUT (arpeggio clock)

SYNC > ARPEGGIO Clock Divide

- sets the ratio of MIDI clocks to output pulses from the clock pulse output.
If set t o 1, there will be 1 pulse from the clock pulse output for every 1 MIDI clock. (i .e. 24 pulses per

quarter note)
If set to 24, there will be 1 pulse from the clock pulse output for every 24 MIDI clocks. (i.e. 1 pulse
per quarter note)

Below is a table of values you can set the divide ratio to to obtain a clock pulse at various musical time
intervals:

Note type; Divide ratio;
Crotchets 24

Crotchet triplets 16
Quavers 12
Quaver triplets 8
Semiquavers 6
Semiquaver triplets 4
Demisemiquavers 3
Demisemiquaver triplets 2

SYNC > ARPEGGIO Normal/Inverted clock pulse

- sets the type of clock pulse sent from the clock pulse output.
Most synths, sequencers & drum machines require this to be set to Normal, but there may be a few that
require it to be set to Inverted.

SYNC > MIDI CLOCK Cont inue is ignored/= st art

- If set to ignored, MIDI continue messages are ignored. If set to Continue=start, MIDI continue messages
are treated as if they were MIDI start messages.

(2 to 24, default: 2)

(default: Normal)

(default: ignored)

PROBLEMS USING MIDI CLOCK

When using the MIDI clock in conjunction with the PRO-4 or our retrofits please note the following. The
Kenton add-on cannot sync the arpeggio if it is not actually receiving the MIDI clock this is not as silly as it
sounds, there are a few points to watch for:-

Some MIDI mergers & patch bays actually remove MIDI clock information from the MIDI data stream or
you may have to enable it for the port you are using.

Users of CUBASE note that the default for MIDI clock is for it NOT to be sent, you will have to go into MIDI
Synchronization page and select MIDI Clock to transmit.

Users of UNITOR/EXPORT on an Atari note that the MIDI clock will only come out of port A, (that is the
Atari's own MIDI port), unless you can re-assign it.

16

SYSTEM SETTINGS

SYSTEM > MIDI Device number = x

- sets the PRO-4 MIDI device number. If you have several PRO-4s, you would set each PRO-4s device
number differently, so you can identify which PRO-4 you may wish to send/receive MIDI SYSEX data
to/from. This is saved with system data.

SYSTEM > AUTO-LOAD LOAD from

- sets which memory, 1 to 8 or default settings, the PRO-4 will load when the power is switched on.

SYSTEM > DISPLAY Contrast x

- sets the display contrast. This is saved with system data.

(x=0 to 127, default: 100)

(x=1 to 16, default: 1)

(defaults or Memory #1 to 8, default: Defaults)

MIDI DIAGNOSTICS MODE

P

he

T

ro-FOUR

messages are being transmitted by your master keyboard/sequencer making the

useful diagnostic tool, which can aid you when you have a problem with your MIDI set-up.
To enter analyser mode, you must power on the

display will then show CHANNEL, NOTE# and VELOCITY, and will display the relevant data, below the
heading.

Using the
displayed;

STORE
PARAMETER
VALUE

Long press CONTROLLER IDENTITY - displays the name of the rec’d controller.

LOAD

Short press CLOCK, STATUS, SYSEX and ACTIVE SENSING for checking MIDI data.

Short press CHANNEL,CONTROLLER# and VALUE displays controller information.

Although pitchbend and after-touch are not controllers, when Controller number is selected, they will be
displayed when received. If Controller values is selected, and pitchbend or after-touch are received,
their values will be displayed.
During analyser mode some of the LED’s on the front panel also give information. The red LED next to the
parameter button flashes whenever a ‘note on’ is received, while the value LED flashes when a ‘note off’
message is received.

also has a MIDI analyser function. This feature allows you to see what types of MIDI

PRO FOUR

PARAMETER

button. The

LOAD, STORE, PARAMETER

and

VALUE

PRO FOUR

buttons, different types of MIDI messages received may be

whilst holding the

Short press CHANNEL,NOTE# and VELOCITY for checking note information.

Short press CHANnel,PROG# and BANK# - displays program change as rec’d.

a

17

POLYPHONIC MODE

This mode allows you to use the four CV channels polyphonically. This lets you play 4 separate analogue
monosynths as if they were one 4 voice poly synth. Some four 4 voice poly synths such as the Oberheim
OB-4 can be fitted wit h CV/Gate/Filter inputs allowing it to be played polyphonically from the PRO-4. The
poly mode parameters can be found after the System parameters.

POLY> CHAN ASSIGNMENT All Channels = Mono

(def ault)
A+B=Poly C+D=Mono
A+B+C=Poly D=Mono
A+B+C+D=Poly

- This setting lets you decide which PRO-4 channels are assigned for use in poly mode.

POLY > NOTE ASSIGNMENT Regular Cyclic Mode

(def ault)
Memory Cyclic
Reset Mode

- This setting decides how the PRO-4 assigns incoming MIDI notes to the PRO-4 poly channels being used
(as set by CHAN ASSIGNMNT above). This setting only has effect if the PRO-4 is in poly mode.

Regular Cyclic Mode;

Incoming MIDI notes are assigned the next free CV channel. (Even if it is the same note played
repeatedly).
If, for instance you have channels A+ B+C+D set to poly, each time you play a note it will step through
and assign channels A, B, C, D then back to A again to it as you play.
If you hold a note, new notes will be assign to the next channel in the line free.
If all channels are assigned to held notes, the next newest note will use the CV channel first held.

Memory Cyclic;

When you play four notes four channels are assign in a cyclic manner similar to the regular cyclic mode. If
you play any of those same 4 notes, t he same channels as previously assigned will be used for the same
four notes.
If a new note is played, the oldest channel assigned will be assigned to the new note.

Reset Mode;

As you play, the lowest free channel (A being the lowest) is assigned to the new note.
When in poly mode, certain parameters for channels B, and C and D if assigned to poly mode, w ill be
slaved to channel A.

If you scroll to `CV >A NOTE PRIORITY`, you will see `Poly mode Master Chn`. I n poly mode, Note priority is
not used.
If you scroll to the other channels assigned to poly mode, you will see `Slave to channel >A` for
parameters;

`CV >x MIDI` (where x is B, C, or D),
`CV >x NOTE PRIORITY`, and
`CV >x TRIGGER MODE`.
The values for these parameters will be taken from channel A`s settings.
The previous settings for these parameters are not overwritten by channels A`s settings, they are held in
memory and will be reset back when the poly mode is switched off back to mono mode.
If you have auxiliaries linked to any of the poly CV channels, and the auxiliary source is velocity, the
auxiliaries will take their velocity levels from the note they are assigned to, giving you polyphonic velocity.
One interesting feature is that you can set different Pitch Bend and Transpose ranges, LFO settings, etc.,
for each of the poly voices, allowing interesting effects to be produced.

PRO-4 MIDI SYSEX INFORMATION

18

The first five bytes of sysex for the PRO-4 are always the same for all data types;
[ 1 ] 0F0h - Sysex command
[ 2 ] 00h - Company ident first byte
[ 3 ] 20h - Company ident second byte
[ 4 ] 13h - Company ident third byte
[ 5 ] 04h - Product code
[ 6 ] 0dddnnnn - where nnnn = device number & ddd is data type
if ddd = 100 = memory dump 40
if ddd = 010 = information change 20
if ddd = 001 = information request 10

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------­ ddd = 001 = information request
[ 7 ] 0000bbbb - where bbbb = block requested - valid are 0 - 8
[ 8 ] 0F7h - end of exclusive

The PRO-4 responds with a memory dump of the block requested.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------­ddd = 010 = information change
[ 7 ] 0000llll - where llll = low 4 bits of parameter address
[ 8 ] 0000hhhh - where hhhh = high 4 bits of parameter address
[ 9 ] 0000llll - where llll = low 4 bits of data
[ 10 ] 0000hhhh - where hhhh = high 4 bits of data
[ 11 ] 0F7h - end of exclusive

The PRO-4 responds by changing the specified data and updating the display if necessary. - See below
for parameter addresses.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------­ddd = 100 = memory dump
[ 7 ] 0000bbbb - where bbbb = block requested - valid are 0 - 8
[ 8 ] 0000llll - where llll = low 4 bits of number of bytes in dump.
[ 9 ] 0000hhhh - where hhhh = high 4 bits of number of bytes in dump.
[ 10 ] 0000llll - where llll = low 4 bits of data
[ 11 ] 0000hhhh - where hhhh = high 4 bits of data
Bytes 10 & 11 are repeated the number of times specified in 8/9
[ 12 ] 0lllllll - where lllllll are the lowest 7 bits of crc
[ 13 ] 0mmmmmmm - where mmmmmmm are the middle 7 bits of crc
[ 14 ] 000000hh - where hh are the high 2 bits of crc
[ 15 ] 0F7h - end of exclusive

The PRO-4 will send the above data when requested either from the front panel or by the sysex
information request listed above.

When memory dump data is sent to the PRO-4 the following will happen:-

If the dump specifies block 0 (current setup) the data will be immediately utilised and the display will be
updated.
If the dump specifies any other block (a stored memory location) the dump will be ignored unless the
display is first set to show “WAITING TO RECEIVE SYSEX DATA”
When a block (or blocks) is received, the display changes to RECEIVED followed by the number(s) of the
block(s) received.To save this/these to memory, press and hold the LOAD butt on. Any other button will
abort the dump.

You may change the device number and block number of a memory dump without causing any
problem. The CRC is calculated only on the actual data itself. For example, data that came from
memory 6 could be returned to the current setup by merely changing the 06 in byte [ 7 ] to a 00.

Parameter data is stored in the following addresses:-

Parameter Valid range {Notes} Address Default

19

RECEIVE CHANNEL >A 0 - 15 { 1 } 00h 0
RECEIVE CHANNEL >B 0 - 15 { 1 } 01h 1
RECEIVE CHANNEL >C 0 - 15 { 1 } 02h 2
RECEIVE CHANNEL >D 0 - 15 { 1 } 03h 3
RECEIVE CHANNEL >E 0 - 15 { 1 } 04h 4
RECEIVE CHANNEL >F 0 - 15 { 1 } 05h 5
RECEIVE CHANNEL >G 0 - 15 { 1 } 06h 6
RECEIVE CHANNEL >H 0 - 15 { 1 } 07h 7
TRANSMIT CHANNEL >F 0 - 15 { 1 } 08h 1
TRANSPOSE >A 232 >0 > 24 { 2 } 09h 0
TRANSPOSE >B 232 >0 > 24 { 2 } 0Ah 0
TRANSPOSE >C 232 >0 > 24 { 2 } 0Bh 0
TRANSPOSE >D 232 >0 > 24 { 2 } 0Ch 0
PORTAMENTO TIME > A 0 - 255 0Dh 200
PORTAMENTO TIME > B 0 - 255 0Eh 200
PORTAMENTO TIME >C 0 - 255 0Fh 200
PORTAMENTO TIME > D 0 - 255 10h 200
PORTAMENTO TYPE >A 0 - 1 { 3 } 11h 0
PORTAMENTO TYPE >B 0 - 1 { 3 } 12h 0
PORTAMENTO TYPE >C 0 - 1 { 3 } 13h 0
PORTAMENTO TYPE >D 0 - 1 { 3 } 14h 0
TRIG/PRIORITY/POLY >A TMRC0PPP { 4 } 5h 10000100
TRIG/PRIORITY/POLY >B T000SPPP { 4 } 16h 10000100
TRIG/PRIORITY/POLY >C T000SPPP { 4 } 17h 10000100
TRIG/PRIORITY/POLY >D T000SPPP { 4 } 18h 10000100
TRIGGER/PRIORITY >E 00000PPP { 4 } 19h 00000100
TRIG JACK CONFIG >A 0 - 6 { 5 } 1Ah 0
TRIG JACK CONFIG >B 0 - 6 { 5 } 1Bh 0
TRIG JACK CONFIG >C 0 - 6 { 5 } 1Ch 0
TRIG JACK CONFIG >D 0 - 6 { 5 } 1Dh 0
PITCHBEND RANGE >A 0 - 96 { 6 } 1Eh 48
PITCHBEND RANGE >B 0 - 96 { 6 } 1Fh 48
PITCHBEND RANGE >C 0 - 96 { 6 } 20h 48
PITCHBEND RANGE >D 0 - 96 { 6 } 21h 48
CHANNEL LINK AUX >1 0 - 7 { 7 } 22h 0
CHANNEL LINK AUX >2 0 - 7 { 7 } 23h 1
CHANNEL LINK AUX >3 0 - 7 { 7 } 24h 2
CHANNEL LINK AUX >4 0 - 7 { 7 } 25h 3
CHANNEL LINK AUX >5 0 - 7 { 7 } 26h 4
CHANNEL LINK AUX >6 0 - 7 { 7 } 27h 5
CHANNEL LINK AUX >7 0 - 7 { 7 } 28h 6
CHANNEL LINK AUX >8 0 - 7 { 7 } 29h 7
CONTROLLER NUM AUX >1 252> 0 > 120 { 8 } 2Ah 16
CONTROLLER NUM AUX >2 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 2Bh 16
CONTROLLER NUM AUX >3 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 2Ch 16
CONTROLLER NUM AUX >4 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 2Dh 16
CONTROLLER NUM AUX >5 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 2Eh 16
CONTROLLER NUM AUX >6 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 2Fh 16
CONTROLLER NUM AUX >7 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 30h 16
CONTROLLER NUM AUX >8 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 31h 16
CONTROLLER MIN AUX >1 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 32h 128
CONTROLLER MIN AUX >2 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 33h 128
CONTROLLER MIN AUX >3 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 34h 128
CONTROLLER MIN AUX >4 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 35h 128
CONTROLLER MIN AUX >5 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 36h 128
CONTROLLER MIN AUX >6 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 37h 128
CONTROLLER MIN AUX >7 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 38h 128
CONTROLLER MIN AUX >8 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 39h 128
CONTROLLER MAX AUX >1 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 3Ah 255
CONTROLLER MAX AUX >2 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 3Bh 255
CONTROLLER MAX AUX >3 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 3Ch 255
CONTROLLER MAX AUX >4 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 3Dh 255
CONTROLLER MAX AUX >5 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 3Eh 255
CONTROLLER MAX AUX >6 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 3Fh 255
CONTROLLER MAX AUX >7 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 40h 255
CONTROLLER MAX AUX >8 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 41h 255
CONTROLLER RES AUX >1 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 42h 128
CONTROLLER RES AUX >2 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 43h 128
CONTROLLER RES AUX >3 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 44h 128
CONTROLLER RES AUX >4 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 45h 128
CONTROLLER RES AUX >5 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 46h 128
CONTROLLER RES AUX >6 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 47h 128

20

CONTROLLER RES AUX >7 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 48h 128
CONTROLLER RES AUX >8 0 > 128 > 255 { 9 } 49h 128
LFO CONTROL CHAN >A 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 4Ah 1
LFO CONTROL CHAN >B 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 4Bh 1
LFO CONTROL CHAN >C 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 4Ch 1
LFO CONTROL CHAN >D 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 4Dh 1
LFO CONTROL AUX >1 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 4Eh 1
LFO CONTROL AUX >2 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 4Fh 1
LFO CONTROL AUX >3 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 50h 1
LFO CONTROL AUX >4 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 51h 1
LFO MINI MUM CHAN >A 0 - 255 52h 0
LFO MINI MUM CHAN >B 0 - 255 53h 0
LFO MINI MUM CHAN >C 0 - 255 54h 0
LFO MINI MUM CHAN >D 0 - 255 55h 0
LFO MINI MUM AUX >1 0 - 255 56h 0
LFO MINI MUM AUX >2 0 - 255 57h 0
LFO MINI MUM AUX >3 0 - 255 58h 0
LFO MINI MUM AUX >4 0 - 255 59h 0
LFO MAXIMUM CHAN >A 0 - 255 5Ah 128
LFO MAXIMUM CHAN >B 0 - 255 5Bh 128
LFO MAXIMUM CHAN >C 0 - 255 5Ch 128
LFO MAXIMUM CHAN >D 0 - 255 5Dh 128
LFO MAXIMUM AUX >1 0 - 255 5Eh 128
LFO MAXIMUM AUX >2 0 - 255 5Fh 128
LFO MAXIMUM AUX >3 0 - 255 60h 128
LFO MAXIMUM AUX >4 0 - 255 61h 128
SPEED LFO >1 0 - 100 62h 90
SPEED LFO >2 0 - 100 63h 80
SPEED LFO >3 0 - 100 64h 70
SPEED LFO >4 0 - 100 65h 60
WAVESHAPE LFO >1 0 - 9 { 10 } 66h 0
WAVESHAPE LFO >2 0 - 9 { 10 } 67h 1
WAVESHAPE LFO >3 0 - 9 { 10 } 68h 2
WAVESHAPE LFO >4 0 - 9 { 10 } 69h 3
LFO ASSIGN CHAN >A 0-3 { 11 } 6Ah 0
LFO ASSIGN CHAN >B 0-3 { 11 } 6Bh 1
LFO ASSIGN CHAN >C 0-3 { 11 } 6Ch 2
LFO ASSIGN CHAN >D 0-3 { 11 } 6Dh 3
LFO ASSIGN AUX >1 0-3 { 11 } 6Eh 0
LFO ASSIGN AUX >2 0-3 { 11 } 6Fh 1
LFO ASSIGN AUX >3 0-3 { 11 } 70h 2
LFO ASSIGN AUX >4 0-3 { 11 } 71h 3
LFO SYNC DIV LFO >1 0 - 96 { 12 } 72h 0
LFO SYNC DIV LFO >2 0 - 96 { 12 } 73h 0
LFO SYNC DIV LFO >3 0 - 96 { 12 } 74h 0
LFO SYNC DIV LFO >4 0 - 96 { 12 } 75h 0
ARPEGGIO DIVIDE 0 - 23 { 13 } 76h 1
CONT=START 0 - 1 { 14 } 77h 0
ARP CLOCK NORM/INVERT 0 - 1 { 14 } 77h 0
PORTAMENTO CNTRL # >1 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 78h 65
PORTAMENTO CNTRL # >2 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 79h 65
PORTAMENTO CNTRL # >3 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 7Ah 65
PORTAMENTO CNTRL # >4 252 > 0 > 120 { 8 } 7Bh 65

{ NOTES }

1 } Data 0-15 corresponds to MIDI channels 1-16.

{

{ 2 } 232=-24 semitones 0=no transpose 24=+24 semitones 25 to 231 are invalid.
{ 3 } Type 0=fixed rate 1=fixed time
{ 4 } tmrcspp in binary where t=trigger; t=0 - single, t=1 - multiple ppp=priority; 100=newest 010=highest. For channel A; M=1 means poly mod e s e t
(A being the master), then RC=00=Ordinary cyclic mode, RC=01=memory cy clic mode, RC=10 or 11=reset mode. For channels B, C, & D, S=1=that
channel slaved to A in poly mode. Adjacent channels must be slaved, i.e. B, or B & C, or B, C & D, not B and D or just C, for example.
{ 5 } 0=strig [no pullup], 1=strig +5v, 2=strig +15v, 3=vtrig +5v, 4=vtrig +15v, 5=trigger pulse +5v, 6=trigger pulse +15v
{ 6 } where 1 semitone=4, thus 1 octave (12 semitones)=48
{ 7 } 0=channel A 7=channel H etc.
{ 8 } 253=pitchbend, 254=velocity, 255=aftertouch, 0-120=controllers 0-120. 121 to 252 are invalid (NB - For Portamento 252=off 253=on)
{ 9 } 0=-128 128=0 255=+127
{ 10 } 0=triangle 1=saw up 2=saw down 3=square etc. as display
{ 11 } 128=LFO>1 129=LFO>2 130=LFO>3 131=LFO>4 any other numbers are invalid and will crash the PRO-4.
{ 12 } 0-96 corresponds to sync divide 1 to 96 0=sync off
{ 13 } 1-23 corresponds to arpeggio divide 2 to 24
{ 14 } Byte 77H - 00A0000C - C=0=continue ignored C=1=continue equals start. A=0=Apr clock normal pulse A=1=Arp clock inverted pulse.

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PIN OUTS FOR DCB/WASP PRO-4 CABLES

Juno 60 (and some Jupiter 8s) connector

4 way IEEE plug (viewed from terminals).

1234567
8

91011121314

PIN 1 - Busy PIN 2 - Data
PIN 3 - Clock PIN 4 - Ground

No other pins connected. Insulate the screen at this end.

Other Jupiter 8s connectors

20 pin bump polarised socket (viewed from terminals).

4

6

20

123

5

78910111213141516171819

PIN 7 - Clock PIN 9 - Data
PIN 10 - Ground PIN 11 - Busy

As this header is an IDC you will need to put a 6 inch length of 16 way IDC ribbon cable

in the header, then join the cables.

Wasp connector

7 pin DIN plug (viewed from terminals).
1 Kybd Data (least significant bit) (0)
2 Kybd Data (Next significant bit) (1)
3 Kybd Data (Next significant bit) (2)
6 7 4 Kybd Data (Next significant bit) (3)
5 1 5 Kybd Data (Next significant bit) (4)
6 Kybd Data (Most significant bit) (5)
4 2 7 Note on trigger
3

PRO-4 DCB/Wasp Connector; (PRO-4 end of cable)

15 way high density D plug (viewed from terminals).

12345

678910

1112131415

Wasp wiring;

2 Kybd Data (Next significant bit) (1) 6 Kybd Data (Most significant bit) (5)
3 Kybd Data (Next significant bit) (2) 7 NC (No Connection)
4 Kybd Data (Next significant bit) (3) 8 Note on Trigger

DCB wiring;

13 data 15 ground

1 Kybd Data (least significant bit) (0) 5 Kybd Data (Next significant bit) (4)

screen all remaining wires, (insulate screen).

12 busy 14 clock

No other pins connected for DCB (only for Wasp)

22

CONNECTING YOUR MODIFIED TB303 (5 SOCKET RETRO) TO

THE PRO-4

CV CHANNEL A > CV IN
GATE CHANNEL A > GATE IN
AUX1 > FILTER
AUX2 > SLIDE
AUX3 > ACCENT

Set the AUX sources to which ever MIDI controller you wish to control the Filter, Accent or Slide, and link
them all to CV channel A (or which ever you are using).

Using Slide;

The AUX2 controller range should be set to 0 minimum, and 50 maximum. Reset value should be 0. To turn
the SLIDE on/off, the MIDI controller must be set to 65 for on, and 0 for off. When the slide is on, all
following notes will glide into each other. It is best to play legato style for good results.

Using Accent;

The AUX3 controller range should be set to 0 minimum, and 50 maximum. Reset value should be 0. To turn
the ACCENT on/off, the MIDI controller must be set to 65 for on, and 0 for off.

PRO-4 to TB303

CONNECTING YOUR MODIFIED SH101 (Filter & Modulation

SOCKET RETRO) TO THE PRO-4

CV CHANNEL A > CV IN
GATE CHANNEL A > GATE IN
AUX1 > FILTER
AUX2 > MOD

Set the AUX sources to which ever MIDI controller you wish to control the Filter and Modulation, and link
them all to CV channel A (or which ever you are using).

Using Mod;

The AUX2 controller range should be set to 0 minimum, and 50 maximum. Reset value should be 0. To turn
the MOD on/off, the MIDI controller must be set to 65 for on, and 0 for off. When the MOD is on, all
following notes will modulate subject to the level of modulation set by the `LFO MOD` slider (bender/mod
section on bottom left of SH101).

PRO-4 to SH101

23

SPECIFICATIONS

Power; 240v AC 50Hz (UK) See note below.
18W

Dimensions; Standard 1U 19" rack
Weight; 4.5Kg

CONNECTIONS

Inputs; Power socket (IEC)
MIDI In (5 pin DIN type)
8 trimmers
4 push buttons
Data Entry Dial

Outputs; MIDI Out, Thru (5 pin DIN type)
Sync24 (5 pin DIN)
Clock Pulse (minijack)
8 Auxiliaries (minijack)
4 Control Voltage outputs (minijack)
4 Hertz/volt outputs - optional (minijack)
4 Gate outputs (minijack)
4 Trigger outputs (minijack)
Wasp/DCB combined port (15 pin D-connector)
KADI port (15 pin D-connector)
LCD 2x20 backlit
8 LED indicators

Accessories; Operating Manual, Power cable
Optional Accessories; 1/2/4 channel plug in Hz/V board

DCB cable
Wasp cable
DCB/Wasp splitter cable
KADI cable

Note

The Kenton Ele ctronics PRO-4 MI DI-CV converter has a bu ilt i n mains transformer factory set to 240 volts AC 50Hz unless otherw ise
marked. The transformer has tappings for 240/220/120/100 vol ts AC. Contact us if this adjustment needs to be made.

Warranty

The PRO-4 comes wi th a 12 month (from purchase date) back to base w arranty, (i .e. customer must arrange and pay for carriage
to and from Kenton Electronics). The Warranty is only valid if the PRO-4 is returned in its original packaging.

Brookfarm House,Station Road, South Wimbledon, London,SW19 2LP, UK

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

e. & o. e.  19th June 1997

e-mail - [e-mail] www - http://www.kenton.co.uk

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