Korg BX-3 User Manual

2E

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

7) Clean only with dry cloth.

8) Do not block any ventilation openings, install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

9) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

10) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or groundingtype plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. (for U.S.A. and Canada)

11) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

12) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15) Do not install this equipment on the far position from wall outlet and/or convenience receptacle.

16) Do not install this equipment in a confined space such as a box for the conveyance or similar unit.

17) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with this apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

THE FCC REGULATION WARNING (for U.S.A.)

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.

Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

CE mark for European Harmonized Standards

CE mark which is attached to our company’s products of AC mains operated apparatus until December 31, 1996 means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC).

And, CE mark which is attached after January 1, 1997 means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC), CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC) and Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC).

Also, CE mark which is attached to our company’s products of Battery operated apparatus means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC).

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, 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 electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

II

Thank you for purchasing the Korg BX-3 combo organ. To ensure trouble-free enjoyment, please read this manual carefully and use the instrument as directed.

About this owner’s manual

How this manual is organized, and how to use it

Please read this manual carefully to learn important points and basic operation.

“Introduction” explains the features of the BX-3 and their function, and how to make connections.

“Quick Start” explains how to play the demo songs, and perform basic operations. “Basic functions” explains basic operations for playing the BX-3.

“Parameters” explains the operation and settings for each parameter, organized by mode. Refer to this section when an unfamiliar parameter is displayed, or when you want to learn more about a function.

“Appendix” explains how to connect a MIDI sequencer or computer, or perform a data dump. A list of the built-in sounds of the BX-3, and specifications etc. are also provided.

Printing conventions in this manual

Keys and knobs ... [ ]

Keys and knobs etc. on the front panel of the BX-3 are enclosed in square brackets [ ].

Parameters

Parameters that appear in the display are enclosed in quotation marks “ ”.

p. ■

This indicates a page for reference.

symbol

This symbol indicates a cautionary note.

symbol

This symbol indicates a useful hint or application.

Display screen

The parameter values and program names etc. appearing in the screens printed in this manual are only examples; they will not necessarily match the values or names that appear in the screen of your BX-3.

MIDI-related conventions

CC# is an abbreviation for Control Change Number. In the context of a MIDI message, all numbers in square brackets [ ] are in hexadecimal notation.

III

By operating the two sets of drawbars you can modify the sound in realtime while you play. The sound is created using one set of drawbars in Normal mode, or by using both sets in EX mode. In EX mode, you can introduce additional tonal and percussion harmonics, letting you produce new sounds unavailable until now.

A conventional keyboard does not sound until a key is pressed down all the way, but the BX-3 will sound even when a key is pressed lightly. The notes will “speak” very rapidly, as will the glissandi and trills you play.

The BX-3 accurately reproduces the distinctive percussive attack associated with certain classic tone wheel organs. You can also adjust the settings to obtain the “contact arcing” or key click effect when you press or release a key, providing the sense of attack unique to a tone wheel organ.

There are 128 internal programs (Normal mode: 64, EX mode: 64) that let you enjoy a variety of organ sounds.

The BX-3 has two keyboards, UPPER and LOWER. A separate MIDI channel can be assigned to each keyboard.

To create the sound, the BX-3 uses the two sets of drawbars (Drawbar 1 and Drawbar 2) on the front panel, as well as the drawbar settings specified by the program. Drawbar settings can also be made via MIDI.

The keys in the DRAWBAR SELECT section let you choose which set of drawbars is active (see the diagram).

What is ?

System) is KORG’s proprietary sound modeling technology which precisely reproduces the complex character and nature of both acoustic and electric instruments as well as electronic circuits in real world environments. REMS emulates a wide variety of sound generation characteristics including instrument bodies, speakers & cabinets, acoustic fields, microphones, vacuum tubes, transistors, etc.

technology is used to create spatial effects

(Resonant structure and Electronic circuit Modeling

Main features

Intr oduction

The modes of the BX-3

Normal mode and EX mode

In these modes you can select and play programs. The main differences between Normal mode and EX mode are given below.

Normal mode

• The sound is created by one set of drawbars

EX mode

• The sound is created by two sets of drawbars

Normal Edit mode and EX Edit mode

In this mode you can edit the program parameters of Normal mode or EX mode.

Global mode

In this mode you can make settings that affect the entire BX-3, such as master tune, transpose, and global MIDI channel.

Introduction

5

Introduction

2.Parts of the BX-3 and what they do

Front panel

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PHONES jack

1. [EXPRESSION/OVERDRIVE] knob

This simultaneously adjusts the volume and distortion. At low volumes, the low frequency and high frequency regions will be emphasized slightly.

2. VIBRA T O/CHORUS section [UPPER] key, [LOWER] key

These keys select the keyboard to which vibrato or chorus will be applied. When you press a key to turn it on, its LED will light.

[VIBRATO/CHORUS] knob

V1–V3: Vibrato will be applied, and V3 produces the

maximum effect.

C1–C3: Chorus will be applied, and C3 produces the

maximum effect.

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3. DRAWBAR section Drawbar 1, Drawbar 2

Drawbar 1 is at the left, and Drawbar 2 at the right. Each bar is assigned a pitch (footage), and you can adjust the volume of that pitch by pulling the bar toward yourself. The overall character of the sound is determined by how far each bar is pulled out.

In EX mode, Drawbar 2 is used to control EX Drawbar and EX Percussion. For details, refer to “Playing the BX-3” (p.13).

Drawbar 2

EX PercussionEX Drawbar

6

Introduction

4. [DISPLAY] key

The contents of the display will change each time you press this key.

The display will differ between Normal mode and EX mode. For details, refer to “1. About the display” (p.14).

5. [EDIT] key

Press this key to enter Normal Edit mode or EX Edit mode In Normal mode, pressing this key will enter Normal Edit mode. In EX mode, pressing this key will enter EX Edit mode.

[GLOBAL] key

Press this key to enter Global mode.

[EXIT] key

Press this key to exit from Normal Edit mode, EX Edit mode, or Global mode, or to cancel an operation such as program write, copy, swap, or data dump.

[WRITE/ENTER] key

Press this key to execute an operation such as program write, copy, swap, or data dump.

[√ ]/[®] keys

In Normal Edit mode, EX Edit mode, and Global mode, use these keys to move to the previous or next page, or to move the cursor to the left or right in the display.

[–]/[+] keys

In Normal mode and EX mode, use these keys to select banks of preset programs.

In Normal Edit mode, EX Edit mode, and Global mode, use these keys to edit the value of a parameter.

Pressing and releasing a key will change the value in steps of 1, and holding down a key will change the value continuously.

7. PERCUSSION section

Here you can add an attack to the beginning of the notes, making the sound more crisp. For details, refer to “4. Percussion” (p.17).

[ON] key

This switches percussion on/off. When this is off, the [3rd] key, [SOFT] key, and [FAST] key will have no effect. LED lit: Percussion will be on.

[SOFT] key

This switches the percussion volume (soft or normal). LED lit: The percussion volume will be lowered.

[FAST] key

This switches the percussion decay speed (fast or slow).

LED lit: The decay will be faster.

[3rd] key

This switches the pitch of the percussion sound between the 3rd and 2nd harmonics.

When you are using the EX mode drawbars, this setting is assigned to the 2-2/3' drawbar of the EX Percussion (the five right-most bars of Drawbar 2).

LED lit (3rd): A pitch one octave and a fifth higher (corresponding to 2-2/3') will be assigned to the percussion effect. LED dark (2nd): A pitch one octave higher (corresponding to 4') will be assigned to the percussion effect.

6. [EX MODE] key

Press this key to enter EX mode.

8. PROGRAM [1]–[8] keys

In Normal mode and EX mode, these keys are used to directly select a preset program from within a bank.

In Normal Edit mode, EX Edit mode, and Global mode, these keys are used as shortcuts to select parameters (p.15).

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Introduction

9. DRAWBAR SELECT section

The upper three drawbar select keys are for the upper keyboard, and the lower three are for the lower keyboard. When you press a key to turn it on, its LED will light.

Use these keys to select the drawbar settings that will be played by the upper or lower keyboards. If you select the [DRAWBAR 1] key, the keyboard will play the settings of the front panel Drawbar 1 section. The Drawbar 2 settings will be used if you select the [DRAWBAR 2] key, and the drawbar parameters specified by the program will be used if you select the [PRESET DRAWBAR] key.

If you press the [PRESET DRAWBAR] key when its LED is blinking or dark, the drawbar parameter settings will be shown in the display for approximately 1 second.

In EX mode, the [PRESET DRAWBAR] key will automatically be selected for the lower keyboard (neither of the other Drawbar settings can be selected).

10. Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel

These wheels let you control tone, pitch, and volume etc. in realtime while you play. The bender wheel is at the left, and the modulation wheel at the right.

Pitch Bend wheel

Move this wheel away from yourself to raise the pitch. Move it toward yourself to lower the pitch.

11. ROTARY section

Here you can control the rotary effect. For details, refer to “5. Rotary” (p.18).

[ON] key

This key turns the rotary speaker effect on or off. When this is off, pressing the [FAST] or [STOP] keys will have no effect. LED lit: The rotary speaker effect is on.

[STOP] key, [FAST] key

These keys control the rotary speaker. When the [STOP] key LED is dark: The [FAST] key will switch the rotary speaker between fast and slow. The rotary speaker will turn rapidly when you make the [FAST] key LED light. The rotary speaker will turn slowly when you make the [FAST] key LED go dark. When the [STOP] key LED is lit: The [FAST] key will switch the rotary speaker between fast and stopped. The rotary speaker will turn rapidly when you make the [FAST] key LED light. The rotary speaker will stop turning when you make the [FAST] key LED go dark. When the [FAST] key LED is dark: The [STOP] key will switch the rotary speaker between slow and stopped. The rotary speaker will stop turning when you make the [STOP] key LED light. The rotary speaker will turn slowly when you make the [STOP] key go dark.

Modulation wheel

Move this wheel away from or toward yourself to apply the effect that is assigned to the modulation wheel.

12. AMP section [MASTER LEVEL] knob

Use this knob to adjust the volume as appropriate for the equipment to which the BX-3 is connected. Use the [EXPRESSION/OVERDRIVE] knob and a connected expression pedal to adjust the volume and distortion of the sound, and then use this knob to set the final output level.

[TREBLE] knob

Adjusts the high-frequency level.

[BASS] knob

Adjusts the low-frequency level.

[REVERB OFFSET] knob

Adjust the reverb depth. When this knob is at the center position, the reverb will be the depth specified by the program. When this knob is turned to the far left there will be no reverb, and when turned to the far right the reverb will be deeper.

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Rear panel

654321

Introduction

1. MIDI IN connector

Musical data and sound settings etc. can be received at this connector. Use this connector when you wish to play the BX-3’s tone generator from a connected MIDI device.

MIDI OUT connector

Music data and sound settings etc. can be transmitted from this connector. Use this connector when you wish to control a connected MIDI device.

MIDI THRU connector

Music data and sound settings etc. received at the MIDI IN connector are re-transmitted without change from this connector. Use this connector when you wish to connect multiple MIDI devices.

2. EXPRESSION PEDAL jack

Connect the included expression pedal to this jack. For details on the function of the expression pedal, refer to “5. Operation of included Expression pedal” (p.42).

3. ASSIGNABLE PEDAL/SW 1, 2 jacks

On/off-type pedal switches (separately sold Korg PS1 pedal switches), or separately sold Korg EXP-2 foot controllers or XVP-10 expression/volume pedals can be connected to these jacks.

5. Power switch

This turns the power on/off.

6. AC power inlet

Connect the included power cable here. After connecting the power cable to the BX-3, plug it into an AC outlet.

4. OUTPUT L, R jacks

Connect these jacks to the INPUT jacks of your amp or mixer. These are unbalanced phone jacks. When connecting in stereo, use the L and R jacks. When connecting in monaural, use the L jack.

9

Introduction

Connections

Power switch

to an AC outlet

Power cable (included)

PS-1, etc

EXP-2, XVP-10

INPUT

Be sure that the power is off before you make any connections. Improper use can damage your speaker system etc., or may cause a malfunction.

1. Power cable connections

Connect the included power cable to the AC power inlet of the BX-3, and then plug the other end of the cable into an AC outlet.

2. OUTPUT jack connections

Connect powered monitors, keyboard amps, or your audio system to output the sound of the BX-3.

If you connect the BX-3 to a stereo audio amp, highvolume playing may damage your speaker system. Be careful not to raise the volume excessively.

Connect the OUTPUT L, R jacks to the INPUT jacks of your powered monitors etc.

When connecting in stereo, use the L and R jacks. When connecting in mono, use the L jack. We recommend that you use stereo connections whenever possible.

Expression pedal (included)

Powered monitors, keyboard amps etc.

3. Pedal connections

Pedal switch connections

The rotary speaker effect, vibrato/chorus on/off, and program selection can be controlled by a foot switch.

The function to be controlled can be specified by the parameters of Normal Edit mode, EX Edit mode, and Global mode.

Connect a separately sold Korg PS-1 pedal switch to the ASSIGNABLE PEDAL/SW jack of the rear panel.

Expression pedal connections

A pedal can be used to control the volume, etc. The function to be controlled can be specified by the parameters of Normal Edit mode, EX Edit mode, and Global mode.

Connect the included expression pedal to the EXPRESSION PEDAL jack, and a separately sold Korg EXP-2 foot controller or XVP-10 expression/volume pedal to the ASSIGNABLE PEDAL/SW jack of the rear panel.

4. MIDI connections

MIDI connections allow you to use the keyboard and controllers (drawbars etc.) of the BX-3 to control an external MIDI tone generator, or use another MIDI keyboard or sequencer to play the tone generator of the BX-3.

Use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI connector of the BX-3 to the MIDI connector of the external MIDI device. For details refer to “2. MIDI applications” (p.36).

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Quick Start

1.

Listening to the demo songs

Here's how to listen to the demo songs.

The BX-3 contains nine demo songs. For the song titles, refer to “3. Voice name list” (p.40).

1. Turn on the power.

2. Press the [GLOBAL] key.

The [GLOBAL] key LED will light.

3. Press the PROGRAM [8] key, and then press the [WRITE/ENTER] key.

4. Press the [WRITE/ENTER] key once again.

The demo will begin playing. When the first song ends, the next song will begin.

5. To stop the performance, press the [EXIT] key.

After pressing the [WRITE/ENTER] key in step 3, you can press the [-] or [+] keys to select a specific demo song .

2.Normal mode

Selecting a program

Here’s how you can select and play program C-3 (program 3 of bank C).

1. Make sure that you are in Normal mode.

The program number will be shown at the left of the display.

If you are not in Normal mode (i.e., if the [EX MODE] key, [EDIT] key, or [GLOBAL] key LEDs are lit) press the lit key once. If the [EDIT] key or [GLOBAL] key LEDs are lit, you can also return to Normal mode by pressing the [EXIT] key.

When you turn on the power, you will automatically be in Normal mode.

2. [Press the [-] or [+] key to select bank C, and press the PROGRAM [3] key.

Program C-3 will be selected, and the display will show the program number and program name.

Playing

Playing using the Program’s drawbar settings

Here's how to use the drawbar settings stored as part of a program instead of using the front panel Drawbar 1 or 2 settings.

1. Select a program in Normal mode.

Use the [-] [+] keys to select the bank, and the PROGRAM [1]–[8] keys to select the number.

2. In both the upper and lower DRAWBAR SELECT sections, press the [DRAWBAR PRESET] key to make the key LED light.

3. Play the keyboard.

The upper keyboard will use the “UPPER” parameter settings of the program, and the lower keyboard will use the “LOWER” parameter settings of the program.

11

Quick Start

Using the Drawbar 1 and 2 settings

1. Make sure that you are in Normal mode.

2. In the DRAWBAR SELECT section located at the left of the upper keyboard, press the [DRAWBAR 2] key.

The key LED will light.

Now you can use the front panel Drawbar 2 section to adjust the tone of the upper keyboard.

3. While playing the upper keyboard, pull out the front panel Drawbar 2 bars to create the sound.

When you pull out each bar of Drawbar 2, the pitch (footage) printed on that bar will be added to the sound produced by the key. The volume of that pitch will depend on how far the bar is pulled out. In this way, the overall tone is determined by the combination of bars that are pulled out. For details on the pitches that are assigned to the bars, refer to “1. How the drawbars work” (p.36).

4. In the DRAWBAR SELECT section located at the left of the lower keyboard, press the [DRAWBAR 1] key.

The key LED will light.

Now you can use the front panel Drawbar 1 section to adjust the tone of the lower keyboard.

5. While playing the lower keyboard, pull out the front panel Drawbar 1 bars to create the sound.

When you pull out each bar of Drawbar 1, the pitch (footage) printed on that bar will be added to the sound produced by the key. The volume of that pitch will depend on how far the bar is pulled out. In this way, the overall tone is determined by the combination of bars that are pulled out. For details on the pitches that are assigned to the bars, refer to “1. How the drawbars work” (p.36).

6. Let's try selecting a program .

Use the [-] [+] keys to select the bank, and PROGRAM [1]–[8] keys to select the number.

When you select a different program, the settings saved with the program (other than the drawbar parameters) will be recalled. In other words, the Drawbar 1 and 2 settings will remain in effect, and the other settings (for example, wheel type, percussion volume, reverb time, rotary speaker horn and rotor speed, etc.) of the selected program will be applied.

12

3.EX mode

Selecting a program

Here's how you can select and play program B-3 (number 3 of bank B).

1. From Normal mode, press the [EX MODE] key.

The [EX MODE] key LED will light, indicating you are in the EX mode. The display will show an “E” at the left, and the program number.

If an LED is lit for a mode other than EX mode (i.e., if the [EDIT] key or [GLOBAL] key LED is lit), press the lit key once, or press the [EXIT] key and then press the [EX MODE] key.

2. Use the [-] [+] keys to select bank B, and press the PROGRAM [3] key.

Program B-3 will be selected, and the display will show the program number and program name.

Playing

Playing Using the Program’s drawbar settings

Here's how to play the drawbar settings saved with the program, instead of using the Drawbar 1 and 2 settings of the front panel.

1. In EX mode, select a program.

Use the [-] [+] keys to select a bank, and PROGRAM [1]–[8] keys to select a number.

2. In the DRAWBAR SELECT section located at the left of the upper keyboard, press the [DRAWBAR PRESET] key to make the key LED light.

In the DRAWBAR SELECT section located at the left of the lower keyboard, the [DRAWBAR PRESET] key will be selected automatically. (The other two keys cannot be selected in the EX mode.)

3. Play the keyboard.

The upper keyboard will use the Drawbar 1 and EX Drawbar settings of the “EX DRAWBAR & PERCUSSION” parameters, and the lower keyboard will use the settings of the “EX LOWER” parameters.

Quick Start

EX PercussionEX Drawbar

Drawbar 2

16’ 5-1/3’

Depends on the setting of the Ex Drawbar Type parameter*

Depends on the setting of the Ex Drawbar Type

2-2/3’ or 4’

*Refer to EX Edit mode Ex Drawbar Type (p.25), and Global mode Group 6 (p.33).

Using the Drawbar 1 and 2 settings

The upper keyboard will use both sets of Drawbars (1 and 2) on the front panel. Drawbar 2 is assigned to footages and percussion settings for the EX mode, allowing you to create richer and more expressive sounds than in Normal mode.

The lower keyboard will use the drawbar parameter settings that are specified by the program.

1. In EX mode, press the [DRAWBAR 1] key or [DRAWBAR 2] key of the upper DRAWBAR SELECT section. Make sure that the LEDs of both keys are lit.

2. While playing the upper keyboard, pull out the drawbars of front panel Drawbar 1 and 2 to create the sound.

Drawbar 1 adjusts the volume of the footage printed on each bar.

In the Drawbar 2 section, EX Drawbar (the four left bars) adjust the volume of the footage, and EX Percus- sion (the five right bars) adjust the volume of percussion.

Each bar is assigned as follows.

EX Drawbars

16'–4': The footage that is assigned to each of these bars is specified by the “Ex Drawbar Type” parameters in EX Edit mode. The content of each type is specified by the Global mode parameters “Ex Drawbar Type 1-1” through “Ex Drawbar Type 4-4.” If you want to check the footage that is assigned to each bar, use EX Edit mode to check which type is used, and use Global mode to check the settings for each.

EX Percussion

2-2/3': 2-2/3' is assigned when the PERCUSSION section [3rd] key LED is lit, and 4' is assigned when the LED is dark.

2': 16' is assigned. 1-3/5': 5-1/3' is assigned. 1/1-3': The footage assigned to the 16' EX Drawbar is

assigned. However, EX Drawbar 16' is assigned a footage by the EX Edit mode “Ex Drawbar Type” parameter, as described above. If you want to check the footage that is actually assigned to this bar, use EX Edit mode to check which type is used, and use Global mode to check the settings for each. 1': The footage assigned to the 5-1/3' EX Drawbar is assigned. However, 5-1/3' of Drawbar 2 is assigned a footage by the EX Edit mode parameter “Ex Drawbar Type,” as described above. If you want to check the footage that is actually assigned to this bar, use EX Edit mode to check which type is used, and use Global mode to check the settings for each.

3. Play the lower keyboard.

The lower keyboard will automatically use the sound of the drawbar parameters that are preset by the program, and in the lower DRAWBAR SELECT section, the [PRESET PROGRAM] key LED will light (the other two keys cannot be selected).

If you want to change the preset drawbar settings, edit the parameters in EX Edit mode. For details, refer to “Editing the drawbar parameters” (p.21).

4. Selecting a different program.

Use the [-] [+] keys to select the bank, and the PROGRAM [1]–[8] keys to select the number.

When you select a different program, the program parameters other than the drawbar settings will be recalled and assigned to the sound.

The lower keyboard will automatically use the drawbar parameter settings that are specified by the program, so if you want to change the sound of the lower keyboard while you play, you can prepare several programs that differ only in the drawbar parameter settings, and switch between these programs while you play.

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Basic functions

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Basic functions

1.About the display

Switching the display

Each time you press the [DISPLAY] key, the contents of the display will change as follows.

Normal mode

When you are in the Normal mode, the display will show the program number and program name.

When you press the [DISPLAY] key, the display will show

the settings of the “UPPER” parameters (drawbar parameters for the upper keyboard) specified by the

program.

When you press the [DISPLAY] key again, the display will show the settings of the “LOWER” parameters (drawbar parameters for the lower keyboard).

When you press the [DISPLAY] key once again, the program number and program name display will reappear.

Front panel Drawbar 1 and 2 settings can be changed not only by moving the bars manually, but also by receiving MIDI control change messages. If MIDI control changes are received to modify the sound, the “LOWER” parameter display will show the values as follows.

Program number and program name

When you press the [DISPLAY] key again, the display will show the settings of the “EX Percussion” param- eters.

When you press the [DISPLAY] key again, the display will show the settings of the “EX LOWER” parameters.

When you press the [DISPLAY] key yet another time, the program number and program name display will reappear.

If MIDI control changes were received to change the sound, these values will be displayed following the “EX LOWER” parameter display, in the same way as for Normal mode.

Program number and program name

Drawbar 1 and EX Drawbar settings

EX DRAWBAR & PERCUSSION parameters

Drawbar 1 and EX Drawbar settings

EX Percussion settings

EX DRAWBAR & PERCUSSION parameters

EX LOWER settings

(Display when drawbar levels have been edited by MIDI CC#)

EX Percussion settings

UPPER parameter settings

DB Preset’s Perc settings

LOWER parameter settings

(Display when drawbar levels have been edited by MIDI CC#)

EX mode

When you are in the EX mode, the display will show the program number and program name.

When you press the [DISPLAY] key, the display will show

the settings of the “EX DRAWBAR & PERCUSSION” parameters Drawbar 1 and EX Drawbar that are specified

by the program.

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Drawbar levels and icons

: Drawbar levels

The above illustration shows the drawbar levels. At a level of 8 (maximum), the display will be as shown at the far left. At a level of 0 (minimum), nothing will be displayed, as in the far right of the illustration above.

: Enter icon

This will be displayed when writing or copying a program. When this icon is displayed, pressing the [WRITE/ ENTER] key will execute the operation.

: Speaker icon

This will be displayed when writing or copying a program. This icon means that you can play the keyboard to hear the sound of the program indicated by the icon.

Basic functions

: Percussion icon

This indicates that the “DB Preset's Perc” parameter is set to Ena (Enable). If this is set to Ena, you can use percussion in the upper keyboard if [DRAWBAR PRESET] is selected for the upper keyboard in Normal mode. For details, refer to “4. Percussion” (p.17).

Shortcuts

Normal Edit mode, EX Edit mode, and Global mode contain numerous parameters and detailed settings. In each mode, related parameters are organized into eight groups (Group 1–Group 8).

After entering a mode, you can access a parameter by pressing the [√ ] or [®] keys to step through the parameters one by one, but if you know the group that contains the desired parameter, it is convenient to use a shortcut key.

After you enter Normal Edit mode, EX Edit mode, or Global mode, press one of the PROGRAM [1]–[8] keys and the first parameter in that group will appear in the display. Press the [√ ] or [®] keys to view the preceding or following parameter.

When you press one of the PROGRAM [1]–[8] keys, the group name corresponding to that key will appear in the display.

a data dump, make settings for the DRAWBAR SELECT section, calibrate a connected pedal, and adjust the settings for the wheel break function.

•Group 8: Use this parameter to play the demo songs.

Normal Edit mode / EX Edit mode

The contents of the display will depend on which parameters of which group were displayed when you press the [DISPLAY] key. The following information is displayed when you press the [DISPLAY] key.

•Group 1: The program name will be displayed.

•Group 2 “UPPER,” “LOWER,” “EX DRAWBAR & PERCUSSION,” “EX LOWER” parameters: Drawbar levels will be shown numerically. “DB Preset's Perc” parameter: The program name will be displayed. “EX Drawbar Type” parameter: The EX Drawbar settings will be shown numerically.

•Group 3: The program name will be displayed.

•Group 4: The program name will be displayed.

•Group 5: The program name will be displayed.

•Group 6: The program name will be displayed.

•Group 7 “Mod Wheel” and “Mod Wheel Range” parameters: The program name will be displayed. Other parameters: The assigned controller will be displayed. If more than one controller is assigned, they will be displayed in succession each time you press the [DISPLAY] key.

•Group 8: The program name will be displayed.

The functions in each group are described below.

Normal Edit Mode / EX Edit Mode

•Group 1: Specifies the output level, tone wheel noise, click level etc.

•Group 2: Specifies the drawbar levels and EX drawbar type.

•Group 3: Specifies how the BX-3 will respond to the PERCUSSION section controls.

•Group 4: Specifies amp settings.

•Group 5: Adjusts reverb settings.

•Group 6: Specifies rotary speaker settings.

•Group 7: Specifies settings for the modulation wheel, and specify the functions of the ASSIGNABLE PEDAL/SW jacks.

•Group 8: Edits the program name.

Global Mode

•Group 1: Specifies the master tuning, the expression pedal function, the pedal switch function, the pitch bend range, and the keyboard triggering type etc.

•Group 2: Specifies the MIDI channels.

•Group 3: Set MIDI filtering and Local on/off.

•Group 4: Specifies the MIDI control change numbers that will be used to transmit and receive drawbar settings.

•Group 5: Specifies the MIDI control change numbers that will be assigned to the front panel keys and wheels, and to connected pedals.

•Group 6: Specifies the EX drawbar types.

•Group 7: Copy, swap, or initialize programs, execute

Global mode

The following information is displayed when you press the [DISPLAY] key.

•Groups 1–3, 6, 8: The display will not change when you press the [DISPLAY] key.

•Groups 4, 5: The selected CC# and controller name will be displayed. If the CC# had been blinking before you pressed the [DISPLAY] key, this means that another controller has already been assigned to that number. If you press the [DISPLAY] key while this is blinking, the assigned controller name will be displayed each time you press the key.

•Group 7 “Program Mapper” parameter: The program number and program name corresponding to the currently-shown MIDI program number will be displayed. If the MIDI program number had been blinking before you pressed the [DISPLAY] key, this means that a program has already been assigned to that number. If you press the [DISPLAY] key while this is blinking, the assigned program name will be displayed each time you press the key. “Copy, Swap, Init” parameters: If you press the [DISPLAY] key when the Speaker icon is displayed, the name of the program marked by the icon will be displayed. “MIDI Dump” parameter: If you press the [DISPLAY] key when dumping one program, the name of the program being dumped will be displayed. Other parameters: The display will not change.

15

Korg BX-3 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

1.About the BX-3

Main features

Intr oduction

The modes of the BX-3

2.Parts of the BX-3 and what they do

Front panel

Rear panel

Connections

1. Power cable connections

2. OUTPUT jack connections

3. Pedal connections

4. MIDI connections

Quick Start

Listening to the demo songs

2.Normal mode

Selecting a program

Playing

Using the Drawbar 1 and 2 settings

3.EX mode

Selecting a program

Playing

Using the Drawbar 1 and 2 settings

Basic functions

1.About the display

Switching the display

Normal mode

EX mode

Drawbar levels and icons

Shortcuts

Normal Edit mode / EX Edit mode

Global Mode