Manikin Memotron Rack User Manual

MEMOTRON

Rack

OS v1.1

User Manual

Preface

Many thanks for purchasing the Memotron Rack. The Memotron Rack enables you to reproduce the famous
sound of the original instrument with highest authenticity. Thanks to latest digital technology, the Memotron
Rack is easy to use and most reliable in every stage and studio situation.
To become familiar with the Memotron Rack’s capabilities, we recommend you to take a break and study
(and internalize...) this manual first. Enjoy your Memotron Rack!

Your Manikin team

The Memotron Rack development team:

Thorsten Feuerherdt : Hardware, Design

Markus Horn : Software, Design

Mario Schönwälder : Beta testing

Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock : Sounds, Beta testing, user manual, sound collection user manuals

Version : June 2010

Special thanks to

Till Kopper, Stephen Parsick, Christian Peters, Shawn Cleary, Thomas Fanger, Andreas Schneider, Evi
Kruckenhauser, Nicole Lehmann, Kathja, Marit and Niels and all others we might have forgotten to mention
here.

Note

Manikin Electronic will not assume any responsibility for errors which may occur in this manual. The content
of these instructions is subject to change without prior notice. When this manual was created, good care was
taken to exclude any mistakes and contradictions. Manikin Electronic will not accept any guarantees for this
manual except those provided by commercial law.

No part of this user manual is allowed to be reproduced without the expressly written consent of the
manufacturer.

Manikin Electronic, Lipaer Straße 5, D-12203 Berlin, Germany

Table of contents

Introduction..........................................................................................................................1

About this manual.............................................................................................................................1

Symbols used..............................................................................................................................1

Marking of parameters................................................................................................................. 1

General safety instructions............................................................................................................... 2

Suitable location.......................................................................................................................... 2

Mains connection......................................................................................................................... 2

Operation..................................................................................................................................... 2

Maintenance................................................................................................................................2

Proper use...................................................................................................................................2

Controls & Connectors........................................................................................................3

Front................................................................................................................................................. 3

Rear................................................................................................................................................. 3

Setting Up.............................................................................................................................4

Unpacking........................................................................................................................................ 4

Installation........................................................................................................................................ 4

Connections..................................................................................................................................... 4

Basic Operation....................................................................................................................5

Power On.........................................................................................................................................5

Power Off......................................................................................................................................... 5

Realtime Sound-manipulation Functions..........................................................................................5

Menu-driven Functions..................................................................................................................... 6

Track-Menu ..........................................................................................................................8

Load Tracks..................................................................................................................................... 8

Save Tracks.....................................................................................................................................9

Delete Tracks................................................................................................................................... 9

Initialise Tracks............................................................................................................................... 10

Multi Functions...................................................................................................................11

Loading Multis................................................................................................................................ 11

Saving Multis.................................................................................................................................. 12

Deleting Multis................................................................................................................................ 12

Initialise Multis................................................................................................................................ 13

Storage Device Functions.................................................................................................14

Changing the Memory Card...........................................................................................................14

Sound-Settings...................................................................................................................15

Blending Tracks (Mix).....................................................................................................................16

Effect-Setup........................................................................................................................17

MIDI Setup...........................................................................................................................18

Tracks Positioning.......................................................................................................................... 19

Operation-System Update / Info-Page.............................................................................20

Appendix.............................................................................................................................21

Product-Support............................................................................................................................. 21

Technical data................................................................................................................................ 22

Disposal......................................................................................................................................... 22

MIDI Implementation Chart.............................................................................................................24

Glossary......................................................................................................................................... 25

Introduction

Even if you are perfectly used to electronic instruments and studio equipment, it will be useful to read
this manual entirely. It will help you to get the best out of your Memotron Rack in shortest time.

About the Memotron Rack

The Memotron Rack is an advanced sample playback based musical instrument to reproduce a
famous, specific and genuine sound in highest audio quality. Thanks to its digital technology, it is most
reliable and easy to use. Features are:

• Access to up to six sounds simultaneously

• Fully polyphony

• Internal effect processor

• Complete MIDI-implementation

• Data storage on Compact-Flash-Card

• Compatible with G-Media M-Tron® sound library

The special characteristics of the original have been carefully emulated. This includes a maximum
duration of a played note of about 8 seconds (about 16 seconds at HALF SPEED).

The Memotron Rack supports standard data structures of memory cards. This compatibility enables
you to create and organise your own Memotron Rack sound library with your PC. The data structure of
the Memotron Rack with its directories, folders and files fits to your PC and is easy to understand.

The Memotron Rack is compatible with G-Media’s M-Tron® plug-in and can play its sounds
(recognizable at the ending .cpt). The Memotron Rack is not compatible with the newer M-Tron Pro®
plug-in.

About this manual

This manual is intended to make the first steps of using the Memotron Rack easier for you. Moreover it
also provides support and hints to the experienced user for his/her daily work.

Symbols used

To ensure a better overview, this manual uses standardized spelling and symbols which are explained
below. Important notes are highlighted in bold print.

! Attention – Pay special attention to this note to avoid malfunctions

i Gives some short additional information

 Instructions – Observe these instructions to execute the requested function

Marking of parameters

All designations of buttons, controllers and parameters of the Memotron Rack in the text are

highlighted in bold print.
Example: Press the ESC-button

The value range permitted for a parameter setting is highlighted by indicating the maximum and
minimum values in italics, separated by three dots. Settings, which cannot be represented by a value
range, are separated by a comma.

Example: Rx Channel 01 ... 16, omni

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 1

General safety instructions

Please read the safety instructions below very carefully. They comprise some basic rules for the use of
electronic devices. Please read all the notes before you start using the device.

Suitable location

• Only operate the device in closed rooms.

• Never operate the device in humid environments such as bathrooms, washing rooms or swimming

pools.

• Do not operate the device in extremely dusty or dirty environments.

• Ensure unhindered air supply to all sides of the device. Do not place the device in close proximity

of heat sources such as radiators.

• Do not expose the device to direct sunlight.

• Do not expose the unit to heavy vibration.

Mains connection

• Only use the supplied connection cable or the supplied power supply.

• If the supplied mains connector does not fit into your socket you should consult a qualified

electrician.

• Disconnect the mains connector from the socket if you do not use the device for a longer period of

time.

• Never touch the mains connector with wet hands.

• When disconnecting, always pull the connector and never the cable.

Operation

• Never place any vessels containing liquids on top of the device.

• Ensure that the device cannot move during operation. We recommend to install it into a 19“rack or

to put it on a sturdy pad.

• Ensure that no objects can get inside the device. Should this happen against all odds, switch the

device off and disconnect it from the mains. Then contact a qualified technician.

Maintenance

• Do not open the device. Any repair or maintenance should be done by qualified tech-personnel

only. There are no parts inside the device that could be maintained by the user. You will also lose
your right to claim warranty if you open the device.

• Only use a dry, smooth cloth or brush for cleaning the device. Do not use any alcohol, solvents or

similar chemicals. They will damage the surfaces.

Proper use

This device is exclusively intended for creating audio signals and creating and processing control
signals according to the MIDI standard. Any other use is not permitted and will exclude any warranty
claims towards Manikin Electronic.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual2

Controls & Connectors

Front

POWER: Power switch
OUTPUT Phones: Headphones-out
VOLUME: Master-volume
DATA: Encoder with click-function to edit menu-driven functions
ESC: Exits the current menu-page, cancels a function
MEMORY CARD: Card slot for insertion of a Compact-Flash-memory-card

Rear

OUTPUT Left / Right: Stereo audio-out, Line-level, unbalanced.
MIDI In: MIDI-Data input
MIDI Thru: Data coming in on MIDI-In jack is transmitted to the MIDI-thru jack.
AC In: Power supply socket

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 3

Setting Up

Unpacking

When unpacking, please check if all parts are included. If something should be incomplete, please
contact your local Manikin Dealer immediately.

The Memotron Rack box contains:

• the Memotron Rack

• power cable

• this manual

• one memory card (compact flash)

• one CD-ROM packed with sounds

We recommend to keep the original box for further transportation – or better – purchase a suitable
rack-case.

Installation

We recommend installing it into a 19“rack as it only uses one height unit. If there is no suitable option
put the device on a clean and even pad.

Connections

You require a mains outlet and a suitable audio system or at least a headphone.

i The Memotron Rack automatically adapts to your local power system (110V – 240V AC)

 How to hook up the Memotron Rack:

1. Make sure, that both the Memotron Rack and your audio system are powered OFF.

2. Connect the included power cable to the Memotron Rack’s AC socket and to a suitable power
outlet.

3. Connect the audio-output of the Memotron Rack to the line-level inputs of your audio system.
Use shielded high quality ¼ inch mono jack cables. By connecting only the „LEFT“ socket of
the Memotron Rack, it can be hooked up to a mono audio system.

4. Connect the MIDI input of the Memotron Rack with the MIDI output of a master keyboard, a
computer or a sequencer (like the Manikin Schrittmacher) using only fitting MIDI cables.

5. Power ON the Memotron Rack and subsequently your audio system (!)

6. Proceed with chapter „Basic Operation“ on the next page.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual4

Basic Operation

Power On

Push the Power switch to switch on the Memotron Rack. The Memotron Rack will need some seconds

to initialise and will then be ready for use.

! Attention – First power ON the Memotron Rack and secondly power ON your audio system

in order to avoid a cracking noise.

Power Off

Push the Power switch to switch off Memotron Rack.

! Attention – First power OFF your audio system and secondly power OFF the Memotron

Rack in order to avoid a cracking noise.

Realtime Sound-manipulation Functions

Memotron Rack sounds are called tracks. Up to six tracks can be used simultaneously and sonically
processed via MIDI. As each track can be assigned to a separate MIDI channel, all tracks can be
separately processed in their sound.

• VOLUME (Control Change 7) defines the output volume of a track.

• Mix (Modulation / Control Change 1) allows you to blend tracks steplessly, simulating the

shifting of the Tron’s tape head block. The six tracks can be freely allocated to the three mix
positions (A – lower position, B – middle position and C – upper position). For this function you
must activate the parameter „x_Mix“ in the sound-settings for each track and assign each
blendable track to the same MIDI channel.

• PITCH (Pitchbend) shifts the pitch 3 halftones up and 3 halftones down. This will slightly affect

the maximum duration of a played note.

• TONE (Control Change 74) changes the sonic character with help of a passive 12 dB lowpass

filter.

• HALF SPEED (Control Change 12) emulates halving the tape speed. The playback-pitch will be

lowered by one octave and the duration of a played note is doubled. HALF SPEED also emulates
a slight reduction of the audio quality, especially in higher frequency ranges.

If you use a Memotron keyboard, all sound functions of the Memotron Rack can be controlled directly.

! Any real-time sound settings can only be used for your performance and can not be stored

permanently.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 5

Menu-driven Functions

All other functions of the Memotron Rack are controlled via the menu with the help of DISPLAY and
DATA-knob. These functions are:

• Loading, storing and deleting multis (sound data and effect settings) within the multi menu

• Loading, storing and deleting tracks (sound data) within the track menu

• Editing the track settings (sound settings)

• Editing the effect-section (effect setup)

• Editing the MIDI-functions (MIDI setup)

• Updating the operation software (info)

 Basic access to menu-driven functions:

1. Move the DATA-knob to place the CURSOR in the desired position.
Menus may cover several display-pages – simply turn the DATA-knob...

2. Click the DATA-knob to select a function or to enter a deeper menu-level.

3. Move and click the DATA-knob to select a parameter and to enable a parameter value
change.

4. Move the DATA-knob to alter the value of the selected parameter.

5. Press the ESC-button to cancel a function and / or return to a higher menu-level.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual6

The menu overview shows all menu-driven functions of the Memotron Rack.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 7

Track-Menu

As already mentioned, the Memotron Rack makes use of sample data to produce its sounds. To play
them, these sounds have to be loaded into the internal memory of the Memotron Rack. Tracks contain
all sound-data (samples) for a specific sound.

The track menu provides functions to load tracks from the Compact-Flash-Card. Next to this, tracks
can be saved to a memory card or, if desired, be deleted. Suitable Compact-Flash-Cards can be
purchased at Manikin Electronic.

i The Memotron Rack is compatible with G-Media’s M-Tron® plug-in and can play its sounds

(recognizable at the ending .cpt). The Memotron Rack is not compatible with the newer M­Tron Pro® plug-in.

i M-Tron® sound files (file-name .cpt) that are installed on your Windows PC cannot be used

in the Memotron Rack. But it is no problem to copy sound files from your G-Media M-Tron®
CD-ROMs on your PC, organize them and then use them in the Memotron Rack. Mac users
do not have to care about this. They may also copy installed M-Tron® sound files and use
them in their Memotron Rack.

Load Tracks

Up to six tracks simultaneously can be loaded into the Memotron Rack’s internal memory. Please
make sure, that the desired Flash-Card has been inserted into the card-slot. Please see chapter
“Change Memory Card” on page 14.

To select the desired track destination (A, B, C, .. F), click the DATA-knob. You are now prompted to
the track menu. Select "Load Track" to enter the file system. Quite similar to an ordinary PC, drives
(the Flash-Card) can be selected and directories and files can be accessed.

Clicking the DATA-knob while a directory is selected will enter this directory. Clicking the DATA-knob
while an .mtk or .cpt file is selected will load the sample data into the previously selected track slot.
When clicking ”. .” in the file system view, you are prompted back to the next higher directory-level.
Pressing the ESC-button in the file system view cancels the loading process and the display returns to
the track menu.

Clicking the DATA-knob again will load the selected track into the internal memory (RAM) of the
Memotron Rack. When loading is done, the display jumps back to the track settings. Please note, that
a previously loaded track will be overwritten without warning.

Once a directory-path has been used, you will be automatically re-routed to it at the next loading,
saving or deleting process.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual8

Save Tracks

This function is useful to draw up your sound library independently from a computer. Tracks can be
saved onto an inserted memory card. Please note that only sample data, not sound parameter and
effect settings, are saved as a track. Sound parameters and effect settings have to be saved within a
“multi”. Please refer to section “Save multis” on page 12. Before a track can be saved, it has to be
loaded into the Memotron Rack's internal memory. Please refer to section “Load Tracks” on page 8.

The track to be saved has to be selected within the sound settings (A, B, C, .. F) and will be saved
onto the Flash-Card as soon as the Save-function is executed. When the Save-process is complete,
the display jumps back to the track settings.

Delete Tracks

The ”Delete”-function is used to erase tracks on the inserted Flash-Card. If you just want to delete a
track from the Memotron Rack's internal memory, please use the “Initialise Track” function, described
on page 10.

To delete a sound file from a memory card, please enter the track menu. By selection of “Delete
Track”, you are prompted into the current directory.

Now you can choose a track on the Flash-Card which will be erased. The Delete-function shows a
warning, before the process can be executed. To cancel the function, please select “ No” at the
warning or press the ESC-button.

When deleting is done, the display jumps back to the track settings.

! The finished delete-process can not be made undone – please pay attention!

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 9

Initialise Tracks

This function is used to initialise the selected track. Sample-data and the corresponding track settings
will be erased. Effect settings are not affected.

Please select the track to initialise from the sound settings (A, B, C, .. F). Enter the track menu and
select “Init Track” and the Init-menu opens up. Choose “No” or hit the ESC-button to cancel the
function and jump back into the track menu. Choose “Yes” to initialise the selected track. When
initialisation is done, the display jumps back to the track settings.

! The finished initialisation process can not be made undone – please pay attention!

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual10

Multi Functions

Multis can be used to access complete setups that are made up of up to six tracks and their
corresponding parameter settings. The functions of the multi menu are "load", "save", "delete", and
"initialise".

In a multi only the track names and their position on the memory card are stored, not the sound data.
This helps to store faster and saves the card’s space. Nevertheless the used tracks must be stored on
the inserted memory card while you load a multi.

! Please note that tracks in the Memotron Rack’s internal memory will be lost, as soon as the

Memotron Rack is powered down and therefore have to be saved on Compact-Flash-Card
previously!

Loading Multis

To load a multi, the desired memory card has to be inserted into the Memotron Rack first. If that has
not been performed yet, please change the corresponding storage medium. Refer to section "Change
Memory Card" on page 14.

Use the DATA-knob to browse through the menu levels until you reach the "Sound Settings" page.
Select "M:" and enter the multi menu. Click on "Load Multi" and open the file directory.

Choose “Card:” and select the desired multi. To cancel the loading process and leave the directory,
simply hit the ESC-button.

When pushing the DATA-knob, the selected multi will be loaded with all its settings. In case the
selected multi requires a track that is not to be found on the currently inserted memory card, an error
message will pop up and the loading process will be aborted.
When the loading process has been completed successfully, the display will return to the sound
settings page.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 11

Saving Multis

Use the DATA-knob to browse through the menu levels until you reach the "Sound Settings" page.
Select "M:" and enter the multi menu. Selecting "Save Multi" allows you to enter a name for the multi
in question.

Turn the DATA-knob to select characters and numbers and push the DATA-knob to add them to the
multi name. By using [BACKSPACE] you can delete the last character entered. When you are done,
use [SAVE] to store the multi.

If a multi of the same name already exists on the memory card, a warning message will pop up. You
will be asked whether the existing multi is to be replaced with the new one or not. If you hit " No" the
process will be aborted, "Yes" will complete it and take you back to the sound settings page.

Deleting Multis

This function deletes multis from an inserted memory card. If you wish to delete a multi from the
Memotron Rack's internal memory (RAM), please refer to the section "Initialising Multis" on page 13.

To delete a multi from a memory card, please enter the multi menu. Selecting "Delete Multi" will open
the file directory.

Browse through the file system and select the desired multi. To quit the deleting process and leave the
directory, simply hit the ESC button.

When pushing the DATA knob, a warning message will pop up. If you hit " No", the process will be
aborted. Hitting "Yes" will complete it and take you back to the sound settings page.

! The finished initialisation process can not be made undone – please pay attention!

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual12

Initialise Multis

This function will initialise a loaded multi from the Memotron Rack’s internal memory (RAM), that
means all corresponding track parameters and effect settings will be erased or reset to their default
values.

After selecting "Init Multi", a warning message will pop up. Select "No" or push the ESC button to
cancel the initialisation of the multi and return to the multi menu. Selecting " Yes" will execute the
initialisation of the selected multi. As soon as the initialisation process has been completed, you will be
taken back to the sound settings page.

! The finished initialisation process can not be made undone – please pay attention!

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 13

Storage Device Functions

To change a memory card, the Memotron Rack’s necessary function can be accessed from the multi
menu and the track menu.

Changing the Memory Card

This function will disconnect an inserted Flash Card from the Memotron Rack’s internal processor and
mount a new one.

First, enter the sound settings and select the multi (M:) or one of the tracks (A, B, C, .. F). From the
multi or track menu respectively, please select "Change Card". You will be asked to insert a card.
Please push the DATA knob after having inserted a new memory card, and the new card will be
mounted.

! Always use this function if you want to change memory cards !!!

Changing these without using this function may cause severe tire damage and data loss !!!

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual14

Sound-Settings

The sound settings contain multi and track names as well as various parameters with which you can
tailor each track to your personal needs.

The following parameters can be adjusted on each of the six tracks:

Volume: 0 ... 127 volume of the track

Attack: 0 ... 127 fast or slow attack-phase of the sound

Release: 0 ... 127 fast or slow decaying sound after release of key

Panorama: L64 ... C00 ... R63 stereo panning (with Left, Center and Right)

All sound setting parameters can be accessed by turning the DATA knob. A selected parameter can
be edited by pushing the DATA knob. The cursor will turn into a pointer. Turning the DATA knob will
now alter the parameter values. Pushing the DATA knob again will confirm the value changes and
another parameter can be selected for tailoring by turning the DATA knob.

By pressing the ESC button you can leave the sound settings and return to the main menu.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 15

Blending Tracks (Mix)

Like with the Memotron Keyboard, the Memotron Rack offers the possibility to blend tracks. To control
the blending effect you can use the mod-wheel of a master keyboard or the ABC-controller of a
Memotron keyboard. While each track of a Memotron keyboard is assigned to a fixed mix position, you
can define in which mod-wheel position each track of the Memotron Rack can be heard. In the basic
setting the blending function of all tracks is initially deactivated and regardless of the mod-wheel, all
tracks can be heard.
In the sound settings the parameters „A_Mix“ to „F_Mix“ of the mix-modus define for each track the
following adjustments:

• off The blending of this track is deactivated. It can be heard constantly.

• A: The track can be heard at full volume in the lower position of the mod-wheel

respectively the A-position of the ABC-controller. Moving it towards the middle
position/ B-position constantly fades out the track.

• B: The track can be heard at full volume in the middle position of the mod-wheel

respectively the B-position of the ABC-controller. Moving it towards the lower or upper
position/ A- or B-position constantly fades out the track.

• C: The track can be heard at full volume in the upper position of the mod-wheel

respectively the C-position of the ABC-controller. Moving it towards the lower position/
B-position constantly fades out the track.

The following illustration shall explain the various blending options.

In this configuration the tracks A and B can be heard when the mod-wheel is in the upper position.
Track C can be heard in the middle position and the tracks D, E and F when the mod-wheel is in the
lower position. Between those settings a mix with corresponding volumes can be heard.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual16

Effect-Setup

The Memotron Rack features an easy to use Effect-Setup, which clearly increases its sonic
capabilities, especially in a live-situation.

The Effect-Setup offers 15 different effect-algorithms:

1. Hall 1

2. Hall 2

3. Room 1

4. Room 2

5. Room 3

6. Plate 1

7. Plate 2

8. Plate 3

9. Chorus

10. Flanger

11. Delay 1

12. Delay 2

13. Chorus / Room 1

14. Chorus / Room 2

15. Rotary Speaker

The following parameters can be edited:

Parameter Range Description

Effect Disabled / Enabled Deactivates / Activates the internal effects device

Prog Hall1 … Rotary Speaker Selects one of the 15 effect algorithms

Send 0% ... 100% Adjusts the amount of effect in the output signal

Enter the effect setup from the main menu. A selected effect parameter can be edited by pushing the
DATA knob. The cursor will turn into a pointer. Turning the DATA knob will now alter the parameter
values. Pushing the DATA knob again will confirm the value changes and another effect parameter
can be selected by turning the DATA knob.

By pressing the ESC button you can quit the effect settings section and return to the main menu.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 17

MIDI Setup

The MIDI-Setup controls all functions that are used to play the Memotron Rack from a suitable
external MIDI-device (e.g. master-keyboard or a MIDI-sequencer such as the Manikin Schrittmacher).

The following parameters can be edited:

Parameter Range Description

x_Channel 1 ... 16 MIDI channel on which the track receives MIDI data

x_Place C_0 … G_10 MIDI place on which the first note is played

x_First G_3 … F_6 First played note of a track

x_Last G_3 … F_6 Last played note of a track

Enter the MIDI-Setup via the main menu. A selected MIDI parameter can be edited by pushing the
DATA knob. The cursor will turn into a pointer. Turning the DATA knob will now alter the parameter
values. Pushing the DATA knob again will confirm the value changes and another MIDI parameter can
be selected by turning the DATA knob.

By pressing the ESC button you can quit the MIDI settings and return to the main menu.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual18

Tracks Positioning

Usually a track comprises 35 sounds that can be played in the range from ”G 3“ to “F 6“. In the Midi
settings each track can be positioned by means of the parameter ”Place“ while its tonal range can be
restricted by the parameters “First“ and “Last“. With “Place“ you can define the first key on the
keyboard where the first sound of a track can be heard, while “First“ defines the lowest and “Last“ the
highest audible sound of a track.
The following illustration shall explain the various options.

In this configuration the parameters of track A are unchanged and comply with the standard setting
where all 35 sounds of track A are playable in the range of “G 3“ to “F 6“. Due to limitations of space
this track’s range was cut at the right side of the illustration.

Track B was limited to 12 playable sounds in the range of “C 4“ to “H 4“. Cutting out 5 notes in the
lower range and 18 notes in the upper range, track B can be played on a keyboard between “C 3“ and
“H 3“.

Like Track B track C was restricted to 12 sounds in the range of ”C 4“ to “H 4“. However its sounds are
now an octave higher (in the range from „C 4“ to „H 4“) playable. Due to limitations of space this
track’s range was cut at the right side of the illustration, too.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 19

Operation-System Update / Info-Page

Manikin Electronic permanently improves its products and tries, where ever possible, to implement
features based on suggestions and ideas of musicians.

To keep the Memotron Rack on its latest technical level, Manikin Electronic will launch operation­system updates from time to time. These updates can easily be installed from the memory card. The
procedure is close to simply loading a track (see chapter ”Load Tracks”, page 8).

The update process can be accessed via the Info-row in the main menu. Pressing the DATA-knob
enters the Info-page. The currently installed operation-system version number is also displayed in this
Info-page.

To update the operation system, select "Update". Now the file directory will open up.

The following procedure is basically the same as loading a track: Select the directory which holds the
operation system file. Select the operation system file (named "Rack_OSXX.mos") and push the
DATA knob to initiate the update process. The update process will take about two minutes. When the
update process has been completed, the display will return to the main menu again.

! While the update process is running, do NOT power down the Memotron Rack !!!

The Memotron Rack is ready for performance, as soon as the update process has been successfully
performed.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual20

Appendix

Product-Support

If you would like to ask any questions concerning your Manikin Electronic-Product, there are four ways
to contact us:

1. Send us an email.

[e-mail]

2. Send us a telefax.

+49 (0) 30 – 63 49 49 51

3. Send us a letter.

Manikin Electronic
Lipaer Straße 5
D-12203 Berlin
Germany

4. In very urgent cases, please call us.

+49 (0) 30 – 63 49 49 50

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 21

Technical data

Power Supply

Nominal voltage : AC 100V - 240V / 50Hz - 60Hz
Maximum power consumption : 12W
Connector : Standard IEC-Type

Connections

MIDI : In and Thru
Line Out : Left, right (1/4” Plug, mono)
Headphones : Output (1/4“ Plug)

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions (width / height / depth) : 483 mm x 44 mm x 265 mm

19” x 1,75" x 10,5”

Overall weight : 2,5 kg

4,2 lbs

Disposal

This device has been manufactured RoHS-conforming in compliance with the requirements of the
European parliament and council and thus is free from lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium.

Nevertheless this product is special waste and shall not be disposed in ordinary household
waste !!!

For disposal, please contact your local dealer or

Manikin Electronic
Lipaer Straße 5
D-12203 Berlin
Germany

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual22

CE

This product has been tested and found to comply with the following Harmonised European
Standards:

EN 55013: 2003, CENELEC EN 55020: 2003, EN61000-3-2: 2000 and
EN 61000-3-3: 1995 + corr. 1998

FCC Information (U.S.A.)

1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT! This product, when installed as indicated in

the instructions contained in this Manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly
approved by Manikin Electronic may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use this product.

2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product use only high
quality shielded cables. Cable/s supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation
instructions. Failure to follow instructions could void your FCC authorisation to use this product in the
USA.

3. NOTE: This product has been tested and found to comply with the requirements listed in FCC
Regulations, Part 15 for Class „B“ digital devices. Compliance with these requirements provides a
reasonable level of assurance that your use of this product in residential environment will not result in
harmful interference with other electronic devices. This equipment generates/uses radio frequencies
and, if not installed and used according to the instructions found in the users manual, may cause
interference harmful to the operation of other electronic devices. Compliance with FCC regulations
does not guarantee that interference will not occur in all installations. If this product is found to be the
source of interference, which can be determinated by turning the unit „OFF“ and „ON“, please try to
eliminate the problem by using one of the following measures: Relocate either this product or the
device that is being affected by the interference. Utilise power outlets that are on branch (Circuit
breaker or fuse) circuits or install AC line filter/s. In the case of radio or TV interference,
relocate/reorient the antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change the lead-in to co­axial type cable. If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory results, please contact the
local retailer authorised to distribute this type of product.
The statements above apply ONLY to products distributed in the USA.

Canada

The digital section of this apparatus does not exceed the „Class B“ limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the radio interference regulation of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de briut radioelectri-ques depassant les limites aplicables
aux appareils numeriques de la „Classe B“ prescrites dans la reglement sur le brouillage
radioelectrique edicte par le Ministre Des Communications du Canada.
Ceci ne s’applique qu’aux produits distribués dans Canada.

Other Standards (Rest of World)

This product complies with the radio frequency interference requirements of the Council Directive
89/336/EC.

Cet appareil est conforme aux prescriptions de la directive communautaire 89/336/EC.

Dette apparat overholder det gaeldenda EF-direktiv vedrørendareadiostøj.

Dieses Gerät entspricht der EG-Richtlinie 89/336/EC.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 23

MIDI Implementation Chart

Model: Memotron Rack Midi Implementation Chart

Date: 27.Mai.2010
Version: 1.0

Function ... Transmitted Recognized Remarks

Basic Default
Channel Changed

x
x

1
1 – 16

Default

Mode Messages

Altered

x
x
**********

3
x

x
Note
Number True Voice

x
**********

0 – 127

0 – 127

Transpose

Velocity Note ON

Note OFF

x
x

o v=1-127

o
After Key’s
Touch Ch’s

x
x

x

x
Pitch Bender x o 3 semi
Control 1
Change 7

10
12
74

x
x
x
x
o

o

o

o

o

o

Modulation Wheel (Mix)
Volume
Panorama
Effect Ctrl (Half Speed)

Tone
Prog
Change: True

x
**********

x

x
System Exclusive x x
System : Song Pos

: Song Sel

Common : Tune

x
x
x

x

x

x
System : Clock
Real Time : Commandsxx

x

x
Aux : Local ON/OFF
Mes- : All Notes OFF
sages : Active Sense

: Reset
: All Sound OFF

x
x
x
x
x

x

o (123-125)

x

x

o
Notes

Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO o: Yes
Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO x: No

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual24

Glossary

Aftertouch

Most modern MIDI keyboards can generate Aftertouch messages. If you press down on a key while it
is already playing on such a keyboard, this aftertouch generates MIDI messages. This can be used to
add an expressive volume swell to the sound character (e.g. vibrato).

CD-ROM

Removable ”Read Only Memory” data storage device.

Compact Flash Card

Removable, read- and writable data storage device. Keeps data permanently.

Control Change (Controllers)

Using these MIDI messages it becomes possible to change the sound response of the sound
generator.

This message basically consists of two parts:

• the controller number which determines what is influenced. It can range between 0 and 120,

• the controller value which determines the intensity of the modification.

Examples of the use of controllers are slowly starting vibrato, movement of the sound in panorama
position or influence on the filter frequency.

Effect-Algorithm

A software-based process to generate a certain kind of sound processing. The Memotron Rack offers
the following different effect-algorithms:

– Hall: Simulation of a big room / environment
– Room: Simulation of a small room / environment
– Plate: Simulation of a Plate Reverb
– Chorus: Type of signal processing. Several slightly detuned copies of a signal are

mixed together, to generate a type of ”choir”-like effect. Adds subtile animation
and density to a sound.

– Flange: Type of signal processing. A slightly time-delayed copy of a signal is mixed

with the original. Adds animation to a sound.
– Delay: Echo-effect
– Rotary Speaker: Type of signal processing, achieved from rotating speakers (Doppler-effect,

Leslie-cabinet). Famous especially for organ-sounds.

Effect-Section

The Memotron Rack’s internal selection of signal processing features.

Drive directory

List of available storage devices respectively memory-drives.

File-System

Hierarchic structure of an electronic storage device, e.g. drives, folders, files.

Frame

In the Memotron keyboard a combination of up to three tracks plus effect- and MIDI-settings.

Low pass filter

A filter that alters a sound by attenuating its high frequencies.

MIDI

MIDI is short for ”Musical Instrument Digital Interface“. It was developed in the early eighties to link
electronic musical instruments of different types and from different manufacturers. Up to that time

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 25

there was no standard for linking several sound generators and so MIDI was a considerable
improvement. From then on it became possible to link all devices using easy and always identical
connection cables.
The basic steps are: A transmitter is always connected with one or several receivers. If, for example, a
computer is to play a synthesizer the computer is the transmitter and the synthesizer the receiver. For
this purpose all MIDI devices (with only a few exceptions) have two or three connections: MIDI IN,
MIDI OUT and possibly MIDI THRU. The transmitting device provides the information to the outside
world via its MIDI OUT connection. The data are passed on to the MIDI IN connection of the receiver
by means of a cable.

The MIDI THRU connection has a special meaning. It makes it possible for a transmitter to reach
several receivers. It works in such a way that it provides the incoming signal without any changes.
Another receiving device is then simply plugged into the MIDI THRU connector. This process creates
a chain in which one transmitter and several receivers are connected. It is, of course, a requested
feature that the transmitter can control each individual device separately. Therefore it has to be
ensured that the individual devices keep to certain rules among each other.

MIDI Channel

An important part of most messages. A receiving device only reacts to incoming messages if its set
receiving channel is identical with the transmitting channel of the message. This makes clear
information transfer to a receiver possible. The MIDI channel can be selected within the range from 1
to 16. Beyond this range a device can be switched to Omni. Then it will receive on all 16 channels.

MIDI Clock

The time interval of the MIDI Clock message defines the tempo of a musical piece. It is used for
synchronizing time-dependent processes.

Multi

In the Memotron Rack a combination of up to six tracks plus effect- and MIDI-settings.

Note on / note off

This is the most important MIDI message. It determines the tone pitch and the velocity of the tone
generated. The time of its arrival is at the same time the starting point of the tone. The pitch is the
result of the transmitted note numbers. It is within the range from 0 to 127. The velocity is within the
range from 1 to 127. The value 0 for the velocity means ”NoteOff“, i.e. the note is switched off.

Panning

Designates the panorama position of a sound.

Pitch Bend

Pitch Bend is a MIDI message. Although the functions of the Pitch Bend message are similar to those
of the control change messages, it represents a message type of its own. The reason why is above all
that the Pitch Bend message is transmitted with a considerably finer resolution than the ”usual”
controller. This takes into account that the human ear is extremely sensitive to pitch changes.

Program Change

MIDI messages for selecting the sound program. It is possible to select between the program numbers
1 to 128.

RAM = ”Random Access Memory”

Memory-area of the Memotron Rack, into which tracks and multis to be played will be loaded. When
powering down the Memotron Rack, all data stored in the RAM will be lost, therefore permanent
saving on Compact-Flash-Card is needed.

Sample data

A digitally recorded representation of a sound.

Sampling

The process of encoding an analogue signal into digital form by reading (sampling) its level at short
and precisely spaced intervals of time.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual26

System Exclusive data

System Exclusive data represent the access to the innermost part of a MIDI device. They enable
access to data and functions which are not represented by any other MIDI messages. ”Exclusive“ also
means that the data indicated here only apply to one single type of device. Each device has its own
System Exclusive data. The most frequent applications for this data type are the transmission of
complete memory contents as well as the complete device control by means of a computer.

Track

In the Memotron Rack one of six independent memory areas into which sound-data can be loaded.

Track Settings

Parameter settings within a track.

Memotron Rack OS v1.1 User Manual 27