Kilpatrick Audio K1600 User Manual

// K1600 // MIDI Converter

User Manual

Hardware Version C/D Firmware Version 1.2x August 10, 2012 Kilpatrick Audio

// K1600 // MIDI Converter

Introduction

The K1600 MIDI Converter is a versatile bridge between MIDI equipment and analog modules. Its outputs are designed to interface with many types of modules, and the method of control can be adapted to suit your needs. By using a MIDI learning approach to programming, MIDI messages can be used to assign the outputs quickly. The CV and gate outputs specifically allow different modes of operation for pitch and gate control, even supporting polyphony.

By using multiple K1600 modules, the MIDI signal can be daisy-chained between modules. This not only expands the total number of outputs, but also allows polyphonic control of more than two voices. In this mode the modules work together to assign voices to up to 16 CV/gate output pairs.

Features

• Eurorack (3U) form factor - 12HP width

• MIDI to CV, gate, trigger and clock converter

• Provides MIDI expansion for other Kilpatrick Audio modules

• MIDI soft-thru for daisy-chaining multiple units

• Quick programming with MIDI learn function

• Multi-channel and split-keyboard support for independent control of different outputs

• Dedicated duophonic mode with automatic unison / dual note assignment

• Polyphonic CV/gate output - duophonic support with a single K1600

• Polyphonic mode with 4, 6, 8, etc. voices using multiple K1600s

• Arp Odyssey-style duo-phonic mode

• CV pitch bend support

• Four drum trigger outputs

• Continuous controllers (CC) assignable to any CV/gate or trigger output

• MIDI clock to analog (5V) clock and reset outputs for driving analog sequencers

• Trigger, gate, clock, reset outputs: 0V / 5V (positive edge triggered)

• CV outputs: -5V to +5V, 1V/octave, trimmable - high precision power supply and 12 bit DACs

ensure tuning stability

• Program-change control over various modes

• Requires +/-12V (30mA) - 16 pin Doepfer-style power cable used

• Designed and made in Canada using high quality parts.

• Warranty: 1 year

User Manual

// K1600 // MIDI Converter

Installation and Setup

When installing the K1600 in your modular system, pay close attention to the pinout and direction of the 16-pin power input cable. The K1600 contains protection against reverse connection, but please double-check the cable before switching on the unit. The warranty does not cover damage caused by

wrong installation.

If you are using the module with another MIDI device using the internal MIDI cable, connect a 10 pin ribbon cable between the two units. In this case also observe the correct cable direction.

Warning: DO NOT plug the MIDI cable into the power port, or vice versa.

Output Voltage Trim

The voltage trim on the outputs is factory calibrated into a 100K ohm load. But depending on your setup you might need to adjust it if the scale tuning is wrong with your oscillators. The multi-turn trim pot supplied on each output can adjust the tuning over a significant range.

To trim the outputs it is required to enter setup mode on both CV outputs. To do this, click the SELECT switch until all 4 CV/gate LEDs are flashing in unison. Then place the switch into SETUP mode. In this mode the gate outputs will pulse and the CV outputs will generate +1.000V.

Output Voltage Trim:

Adjust the output voltage trim with a small flat screwdriver to achieve the correct scale span with your VCO.

R28 = CV1 trim R27 = CV2 trim

Fig. 1 - Output Voltage Trim

Adjust the pot for each output as shown in fig. 1 until you read exactly +1.000V on each output. (you need a high quality voltmeter to do this) Notes should play perfectly in tune across the entire range. If this is not so, adjust the voltage to be higher (larger scale span) or lower (smaller scale span) until you arrive at the correct setting for your oscillator.

User Manual

// K1600 // MIDI Converter

Physical Installation

You should install the unit in your modular system using all four screw holes. The unit is designed to be mounted properly to avoid damage to the internal parts when plugging or unplugging cables, or adjusting the controls.

Connection Warnings

The CV outputs are buffered, low impedance (100 ohm) outputs designed to drive oscillator 1V/octave inputs with minimal error. You should not attempt to sum the CV outputs with passive multiples. Doing so will not harm the unit, but will likely not result in the behaviour you expect.

The gate, trigger and clock outputs are 1000 ohm outputs and should not have voltages fed into them from other units. They are designed to tolerate the input of between -12V and +12V but are meant for output only. You should be able to sum the signals using passive multiples, but buffered mixers are a better choice for achieving proper mixing of signals.

User Manual

// K1600 // MIDI Converter

Usage

To use the K1600 MIDI Converter requires a source of MIDI. This can be a MIDI controller such as a keyboard, or it may be a MIDI interface connected to a computer and sequencing software. The routing of MIDI signals from your various instruments is up to you, but the K1600 is equipped to respond on multiple MIDI channels simultaneously, making it an ideal interface for use with MIDI sequencers and mergers.

Channel 16 Reserved

One important point is that channel 16 is reserved and cannot be used for normal MIDI assignment. Reserved functions available on channel 16 can be used to directly control any of the outputs. This means that the K1600 can be used as a low-level MIDI to voltage converter which includes direct control over every output, including setting the CV output DACs to any value, producing pulses of different lengths (timed output pulses) and so on. This is very useful for show automation or special projects that can benefit from voltage control via MIDI.

Channel 16 is also used to control the clock divider setting, since this is a global function.

Non-volatile Memory

Every output assignment as well as the clock configuration is stored in non-volatile EEPROM inside the K1600 CPU. This means that the settings will survive power off. To save the EEPROM lifespan, settings will only be written if they are changed. Thus you are free to update the configuration as often as you like. The settings are stored immediately after being changed so no special save procedure is needed.

Resetting the Non-volatile Memory

To reset the internal EEPROM to the factory settings, hold down the SELECT switch when powering on the unit. The EEPROM will be erased and the factory configuration will be restored.

Software Update

Should changes to the K1600 firmware be released, such as feature enhancements or bug fixes, new firmware can be loaded via the MIDI ports using special PC or Mac software supplied by Kilpatrick Audio. Please contact Kilpatrick Audio if you have any questions about software updates or wish to file a bug report.

User Manual

// K1600 // MIDI Converter

Output Learn Mode

To assign a MIDI message to an output, select the output or pair of outputs using the SELECT switch. Clicking the SELECT switch will cycle through the available outputs and flash the LEDs to show which outputs will be assigned. After an output is selected, send the appropriate MIDI message to assign the output. The SELECT mode will time out after a few seconds if a MIDI message is not received. The types of messages and the respective behaviour on each output depends on the output type.

After selecting an output mode, setting the SETUP switch will hold the output in learn mode and also send voltages and pulses out of the selected outputs for testing. This can be used to aid in oscillator tuning, setting up envelope generator and drum voice trigger sensitivity settings, and so on.

Any MIDI channel (except channel 16) can be used to assign an output. After being assigned, the output will respond to this channel and type of message only, making it possible to control each output on a different channel if desired.

Learn Mode Details

• MIDI Channel 16 – You cannot assign outputs using MIDI channel 16. This channel is reserved for direct control mode and adjusting the clock divider setting.

• Note Assignment – CV outputs only support playing notes from note numbers 12-115. Notes received outside this range will be ignored.

• Continuous Controllers – You cannot assign outputs using controller numbers 122-127. These are reserved by the MIDI spec and cannot be used.

• High-resolution Controllers – Only 7 bit controllers are supported. High-resolution (MSB / LSB) CC pairs are not supported in learning mode. For precision control of the CV DACs, the direct control mode on channel 16 can be used.

User Manual

+ 12 hidden pages

Kilpatrick Audio K1600 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual