Mfb Tanzmaus Owners Manual

4.8 (4)

Tanzmaus

User Manual

MFB-Tanzmaus

User Manual

Content:

Function Overview	4
Connections and initial operation	6
The User Interface	8
Play-Mode	11
Playing with Patterns	12
Manual-Mode	14
Sound Generation	18
Record-Mode	21
The different Modes	21
Step-Record-Mode	22
Patterns with more
than 16 Steps	28
Realtime-Record-Mode	30
Manual-Trigger-Mode /
Manual-Trigger-Record	31

Memory-Functions	34
Setup- / MIDI-Functions	35
Setup-Menu	35
MIDI-Dump-Functions	37
Addendum	38
Sample Pool	38
MIDI-Implementation	38
Impressum	39

Overview

MFB Tanzmaus

OVERVIEW

Thank you from us at MFB.

First of all, we would like to thank you for having purchased Tanzmaus. We appreciate your choice very much and hope you will have lots of fun with your new instrument.

What is Tanzmaus (”Dancing Mouse”)?

Tanzmaus is a drum computer, featuring a combination of real analog and sample-based sound generation as well as a very sophisticated pattern-based step sequencer. The latter provides individual sound settings of any instrument for every step. This way, you can create very complex-sounding beats pretty easily.

Why Tanzmaus? Well, first of all, it is small and cute (would you have thought...?). And then, in 1950s Germany, this is what a blonde girl with pony-tail and petticoat skirts was called, dancing along to the exciting and infectious new rhythms of rock‘n‘roll music. History lesson over.

Infectious new rhythms...? Hang on a second...

What exactly is going on inside Tanzmaus? Here is a brief overview of its functions:

Sound generation:

•Seven drum instruments with up to seven tweakable and storable parameters. (five real analog instruments, two sample-based instruments with a total of 32 selectable samples).

•Level pots on all drum instruments plus master volume (not programmable in memory).

•Individual outputs (for bassdrum, snare, clap, tom, and one sample-based instrument).

Sequencer:

•64 patterns (four banks of sixteen patterns each).

•Nine tracks triggering the drum instruments.

•Five LFO tracks for programming pitch modulation (for bassdrum, clap, tom and sample instrument).

•Combination of step number (1 to 32) and scaling (five settings) allows for almost all kinds of time signatures.

•A/B pattern toggle

MFB Tanzmaus

Overview

•Roll/Flam function (multiple triggering)

•Chain function (chaining patterns - not programmable in memory).

•Track mute function

•Shuffle function (global setting – same for all tracks)

The following functions can be programmed for each track:

•Track length (up to sixteen steps resp. up to 32 steps when A/B function is active)

The following functions can be programmed for each step:

•Step on/off

•Accent level (four settings)

•Flam (multi trigger = flam, rolls etc.)

•Sound setting of current instrument

•LFO settings for BD, tom, sample 1/2 (modulation depth, wave, and speed)

Operation Modes:

Play Mode

•Pattern selection

•Access to sound parameters via front-panel knobs

•Access to play functions (A/B pattern toggle, chain and mute functions)

Manual Trigger Mode

•Triggering instruments via step buttons and/or MIDI notes (with velocity).

•Access to sound parameters via knobs or MIDI controller.

Record Mode

•Programming a pattern.

Synchronisation:

•MIDI clock

Not bad, huh? Of course, it was not possible to place a dedicated control or button for each function on the front panel. Sometimes, a second function level and pressing some button combinations is required to access all functions. To make sure you and your Tanzmaus will become close friends really soon, we advise you to read this manual carefully. This will be the best and easiest way to explore your Tanzmaus thoroughly - and there is pretty much to be explored. So we beg you: please bother to read (and understand) this f...antastic manual.

Setup

MFB Tanzmaus

Connections and initial Operation

Rear panel connectors

Power

Please connect the 12VDC / 500mA wall-wart here. Power up/down your Tanzmaus using the ON/OFF switch – do not simply pull the wall-wart from the socket if you only want to turn off Tanzmaus. Please unplug the power supply from the wall outlet if you do not use your Tanzmaus for an extended period of time as the wall-wart is still drawing current and will eventually run hot in course of time. Don‘t waste energy by not using it..

Please use only the power supply originally included wih your Tanzmaus or one with exactly the same specifications - please do not mess around with other external power supplies which do not (or only half-ways) match our specifications! We cannot be held liable for any damage caused by the use of improper power supplies – don‘t say we didn‘t warn you!

MIDI In / MIDI Out

Please connect MIDI devices here. Via MIDI In, Tanzmaus receives MIDI clock, MIDI notes, and controller data as well as program change data. When connecting a MIDI keyboard or MIDI drum pads here, sounds can be triggered live in realtime. Via MIDI Out, Tanzmaus transmits note data of all tracks, MIDI clock, and song position pointer data as well as program change data. Incoming MIDI information can be putted through to the

MIDI Out socket (Thru function).

Audio Outs

Tanzmaus features one main audio out using a 6.3mm (1/4“) stereo jack and five additional instrument outputs. The latter put out individual signals of bassdrum, snare, clap, tom, and sample instrument 1 (e. g. for external processing). These are 3.5mm (1/8“) mono jacks.

Rimshot and sample instrument 2 are only available from the master out.

When plugging a cable into an instrument output, this instrument will be disconnected from the main out.

Please connect Tanzmaus‘ main output to an audio mixer, soundcard, or amp before powering up Tanzmaus..

To avoid a cracking or thumping noise, please power up your Tanzmaus first, then your sound system.

Please avoid excessive volume levels – your eardrums and neighbors will be eternally thankful to you.

MFB Tanzmaus

Setup

	MIDI
sound source		MIDI sequencer	MIDI keyboard



MIDI notes		MIDI	MIDI notes,
		clock	controller data,
			program change data

Audio	12V DC

Wall

ward



Audio mixer	Power
Audio mixer		outlet

User Interface

MFB Tanzmaus

The User Interface

As mentioned already, most of Tanzmaus‘ buttons cover more than one single function.

Depending on the selected mode, the function of the buttons will change.

The main purpose of the function buttons (left-hand side) is selecting the operation mode (Play or Record), selecting patterns and banks as well as starting and stopping the sequencer and toggling between the A/B parts of a pattern. These are dual-function keys (except the Select key).

The Step keys (lower row) are also dualor even triple-function keys. Depending on the operation mode, they change their function. In Play mode, they mute tracks and control various playback functions (e.g. shuffle, pattern length, scale, and A/B toggle).

In Record mode, they are used to program the step sequencer. Apart from that, there is an additional sound parameter hidden behind them which cannot be accessed directly via the sound controls. The Step keys are also required when it comes to storing, clearing, and copying patterns.

The Shift key (bottom left) accesses the „shift function“ resp. second function of the other keys. On the front panel, the shift functions are always labelled in a darker font so make sure you put your glasses on (or turn on the flood lights).

Depending on the dedicated function, the shift function works in two different ways:

When a shift function only has two settings (e.g. on/off), or when all available values can directly be accessed in the next lower level, simply hit the shift key and keep it depressed. Now hit the desired step key to toggle between the two possible settings or enter the desired value. For example, the start/stop function and the selection of the four Accent levels works just this way.

press Shift + hold

press step key (e.g. „Accent 1“)

LED lights up

MFB Tanzmaus

User Interface

Next, there are shift functions that access another level of possible value settings. It takes an additional function level to access them. They include, for example, the shuffle intensity, the step number of the tracks resp. pattern length („Last Step“), and the scale function.

In this case, please select the desired function using both shift and step keys first. Then select the desired parameter value, again using a step key. The example below illustrates the adjustment procedure for the shuffle intensity (Step key 1).

1.Select shift function: Press and hold Shift and press Step key 1. Shift will be flashing and the step with the current shuffle intensity setting lights up.

2.Release Shift (flashes continuously) and select the desired value by hitting a step key. The step keys now correspond to the parameter values 1 - 16.

3.To exit the shift function, simply hit Shift again – done.

1. Select shift function

2. Select parameter value

	release
	Shift
press Shift +
hold
LED flashes	LED flashes

press step key	press step key
(e.g. „Shuffle“)	(e.g. „3“)
LED with current value lights up	LED with new value lights up
(e.g. „1“ = no shuffle)
3. Exit shift function

press Shift

LEDs off

To determine whether the parameter setting/value of a shift function is selected directly or requires an additional step to be selected, the shift LED will either be flashing intermittently or not. In the first case (direct access), the shift LED will stay dark, in the second case (hidden function) it will be flashing.

User Interface

MFB Tanzmaus

The following figure will show you which modes and functions are related to specific buttons.

Please note that this is just an overview. You may use it mainly as an orientation or quick programming guide. The complete set of functions and the operating steps necessary will be explained later in the text. Please feel free to read on.

Tempo

Sound parameters for: - bass (BD) - snare (SD)

- clap (CP)

- toms (TT)

- sample instruments

(SP1 + SP2)

(Data add. sound parameter per instrument)

Play mode)

Record mode)

Play mode / Record mode) Record mode)

(in

(in (in

Level controls (not storable)

Step keys 1-16 to:

- select Pattern

- mute track (in Play Mode) / select track

- select / set / erase steps

- select sub functions (+ Shift) - sequencer functions (shuffle etc.) - add. sound parameter, LFO parameter - memory functions - setup functions (MIDI etc.)

+ Shift

Play/Stop

- / -

Realtime Rec mode

Bank selection

Pattern chaining

Function keys

Function

Hidden sound param.

Select fctn.

Play mode / Step Rec mode / Man Trig mode

Pattern selection

Pattern A/B-toggel

Shift Access to dual/sub functions

MFB Tanzmaus

Play Mode – Playing the Tanzmaus

PLAY MODE

First of all, let´s have a go at some demo patterns to give you an idea of what Tanzmaus can do. At the same time, we will learn how to ”perform“ on the Tanzmaus – that is, how to play back patterns, modify them, and how to tweak sounds.

To play back and tweak pre-programmed sounds and patterns, we need to go into PLAY

MODE.

The following figure shows an overview of the Play Mode and its functions.

Please bear in mind this is just an overview. You may use it mainly as an orientation – all the necessary operating steps are covered in detail in the following text – please read on carefully.

Tempo

+ Snd add. sound parameter

1 - 4 / 8 / 16

off !

parameter

Shift+Function

BankselectionPatternselection

PatterntoggelA/BPatternchaining

Shift functionsdual/subtoAccess

A/BToggle Selects pattern A/B-part

manual / auto

-/-

In Play mode the Rec/Real LEDs have to be (if necessary, press Rec/Real key)

keysFunction Sound

Access Sound

Reload from

16-1keysStep

muteTrack

ShiftShuffle:+ Last Step Scale intensityShuffleFunction:- Pattern lenght Scale (time signature)

16-1range:Value- 1 - 16 steps 32th. / 16th.-triplet / 16th. / 8th.-triplet / 8th.

5 - 1

pattern to setting

16 -

Play/Stop

current

Save sound

setting

Parameter-

pattern

current

Select step

hiddento

sound

keys:

with

Play Mode – Playing the Tanzmaus

MFB Tanzmaus

To enable Play mode, please hit the Rec/Real key. Both LEDs above should be idle now.

In Play mode, you can play back patterns. The following functions are available:

•select patterns

•start / stop the sequencer

•adjust tempo

•mute tracks

•tweak the sound settings using the associated controls

•set the shuffle intensity

•select pattern length („Last Step“)

•select scaling – only available when sequencer is stopped

•toggle between pattern parts A and B

Selecting patterns

Tanzmaus offers four pattern banks with 16 patterns each – 64 patterns in total.

Bank 1 contains great beats created by Berlin-based techno wizard Yapacc. If desired, the content of Bank 1 can be overwritten (for example when you believe your beats to be smarter). Banks 2, 3, and 4 are waiting for great creations of your own.

The following figure shows how to select banks and patterns:

Select bank:	Select preset:
hold Shift +	hold Patt/Bnk +
press Patt/Bnk	press Step 1-16
Patt/Bnk LEDs:	Pattern 1
	Pattern 1
Bank 1	to	(MFB-presets by Yapacc)
	Pattern 16
	Pattern 1
Bank 2	to
	Pattern 16
	Pattern 1
Bank 3	to
	Pattern 16
	Pattern 1
Bank 4	to
	Pattern 16

MFB Tanzmaus

Play Mode – Playing the Tanzmaus

Starting / stopping the sequencer

•Hold Shift + press Play. The sequencer will start.

•Hold Shift + press Play again. The sequencer will stop.

Adjusting tempo

•Turn Tempo control.

There is no tempo readout on Tanzmaus. The value range of the control covers approx. 30 BPM to 180 BPM.

Muting tracks

•Press Step keys.

When in Play mode, the tracks are directly muted using the corresponding step keys, meaning Step 1 = bassdrum, Step 5 = clap etc. LFO tracks can also be muted. In this case, the pitch of the corresponding instrument will not be modulated anymore. The LED of a muted track will glow at reduced brightness.

You can decide whether mutes will be stored in a pattern or not when using the Save Pattern function for permanent saving. Please use the Setup function #8, described on page 34 of this manual.

Tweaking sounds

•Turn sound parameter controls.

By moving the 19 sound parameter controls, you can tweak the sounds of the seven instruments in realtime just as you fancy (BD - bassdrum, SD - snare, CP - clap / rimshot, TT

-tom, SP1 / 2 - sample instruments 1 and 2).

•Press Select to reload the sound settings stored in the current pattern.

•Hold Shift + press Select to store all edits of a sound in the current pattern.

Attention: The sound settings previously stored in the patterns will be overwritten. There is no undo function so you better think twice!

We will have a closer look at the sound parameters in the next chapter – stay tuned (no pun intended).

+ 14 hidden pages