Optimus MD-1200 User Manual

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Cat. No. 42-4041

OWNER’S MANUAL

Please read before using this equipment.

Electronic Keyboard

MD-1200

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WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.

CAUTION

!

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICE- ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

This symbol is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that might be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. Do not open the product’s case.

This symbol is intended to inform you that important operating and ! maintenance instructions are included in the literature accom-

panying this product.

We recommend you write your MD1200’s serial number here. The number is on the bottom of the MD-1200.

Serial Number _________________

THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW

This keyboard complies with the limits for a Class B digital device as specified in Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits provide reasonable protection against radio and TV interference in a residential area. However, your keyboard might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating properly. To eliminate interference, you can try one or both of these corrective measures:

increase the distance between the keyboard and the radio or TV

use outlets on different electrical circuits for the keyboard and the radio or TV

Consult your local RadioShack store if the problem still exists.

© 1999 Tandy Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.

Optimus and RadioShack are registered trademarks used by Tandy Corporation.

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FEATURES

Your Optimus MD-1200 Electronic Keyboard is a state-of-the-art musical instrument that offers you a vast array of sounds. You can choose from 200 different musical instruments or sound effects and 100 rhythms, as well as automatic accompaniments and percussion sounds.

The MD-1200 also includes a MIDI feature (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), which lets you connect it to other MIDI-equipped musical instruments or devices — even your personal computer! This versatile keyboard can provide hours of fun and is ideal for anyone who wants to make music, from the beginner to the experienced musician.

Note: The MD-1200 conforms to most, but not all, General MIDI specifications. Therefore, you might experience some incompatibility when using the MD-1200 with another General MIDI device. For more information, see “Using MIDI” on Page 41.

Your MD-1200’s features include:

61 Full-Size Keys with Touch Response — the keyboard’s volume varies in response to the force of your touch, just like an acoustic piano or organ, so you can add emotion to your music.

Backlit Liquid Crystal Display — shows the notes and chords as you play them, along with the current tone, rhythm, and tempo. The built-in backlight makes it easy to read the display even in darkness.

24-Note Polyphonic Sound — lets you play and hear up to 24 notes at the same time, so you can play or create almost any type of music.

Memory — lets you set the MD-1200 to record up to 2 songs, 6 tracks, and 5,200 notes. The recording remains stored even while the keyboard is off.

Pitch Bender Wheel — lets you bend a note by altering its pitch to create realistic effects for reed instrument or guitar tones.

200 Tones — let you set your MD-1200 to sound like anything from a harpsichord to a honky-tonk piano. You can even create your own tones with the custom tone synthesizer feature.

100 Auto-Rhythms — provide a steady beat for many styles of music, from rhumba to rock.

Headphones/Output Jack — lets you connect headphones so you can play without disturbing others, or an external amplifier so you can play for a crowd (neither supplied).

Assignable Jack — lets you connect a sustain pedal (not supplied) to the MD1200 so you can sustain or soften your keyboard’s sound, or start/stop an autorhythm.

100 Free Sessions — let you set the MD-1200 to automatically play an accompaniment consisting of a prerecorded chord progression with a matching rhythm.

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Synthesizer Function — lets you create up to 32 of your own original tones.

Tune Function — lets you adjust the pitch of your keyboard so you can play in tune with other instruments.

Transpose Function — lets you instantly change the key of music, even when you are playing.

Tempo Control — lets you speed up or slow down the tempo of any selected music pattern.

Fill-In Rhythm — lets you insert a short variation into any auto-rhythm.

Auto Accompaniment — lets you automatically play a preset harmonic pattern to match the selected auto-rhythm.

Reverb — lets you add depth and space to the sound.

Layer Function — lets you set the keyboard to play two different tones at the same time, giving your music a “layered” effect.

Split Function — lets you use different sounds for the low-end and high-end keys.

Mixer Function — lets you make the MD-1200 sound multiple tones for auto accompaniment, memory playback, or to play MIDI data received from another MIDI device.

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Automatic Intro/Ending Rhythm — lets you set the MD-1200 to automatically add a 3- to 8-measure introduction or 3- to 8-measure ending to the selected auto-rhythm.

Drum Pads — play drum sounds regardless of the keyboard’s tone setting.

Two Built-In Speakers — let you hear the sound you create.

Two Power Options — let you power the keyboard from internal batteries (not supplied) or standard AC power (with an optional adapter), so you can make music almost anywhere.

Notes:

If the keyboard is left in one place for a very long time, its feet could mar your furniture’s finish. We recommend you place the feet on felt cloth pads to protect your furniture or use a keyboard stand, available at your local RadioShack store.

This Owner’s Manual explains how to use this electronic keyboard. It does not teach music.

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CONTENTS

 

Preparation ..............................................................................................................

7

Connecting Power ..............................................................................................

7

Using Batteries ............................................................................................

7

Using AC Power ..........................................................................................

8

Connecting Headphones ....................................................................................

8

Listening Safely ...........................................................................................

8

Connecting an External Amplifier .......................................................................

9

Using the Music Stand .......................................................................................

9

Operation ...............................................................................................................

10

Basic Operation ................................................................................................

10

Playing the Demonstration Tunes ....................................................................

10

Using the Preset Tones ....................................................................................

11

Using the Drum Pads .......................................................................................

13

Using Reverb ....................................................................................................

13

Using Split ........................................................................................................

13

Using Layer ......................................................................................................

14

Using Split and Layer Together ........................................................................

14

Using the Preset Auto-Rhythms .......................................................................

15

Selecting/Playing an Auto-Rhythm ............................................................

15

Using SYNCHRO .......................................................................................

16

Using INTRO .............................................................................................

17

Using FILL-IN .............................................................................................

17

Using VARIATION ......................................................................................

17

Using ENDING ...........................................................................................

17

Using Auto-Accompaniment .............................................................................

17

Adjusting the Accompaniment Volume ......................................................

18

Concert Chord ...........................................................................................

19

Standard Fingering ....................................................................................

20

Full-Range Chords .....................................................................................

21

Using FREE SESSION ..............................................................................

21

Using the Mixer ................................................................................................

22

Editing the Status of a Channel .................................................................

23

Editing the Parameter ................................................................................

24

Using the Custom Tone Synthesizer ................................................................

24

Understanding 1DCO and 2DCO Tones ....................................................

25

Creating and Storing a User Tone .............................................................

25

Hints on Creating a User Tone ...................................................................

28

Deleting a User Tone .................................................................................

28

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Special Features ...................................................................................................

29

 

 

 

Changing Keys .................................................................................................

29

 

 

 

Tuning the Keyboard ........................................................................................

29

 

 

 

Using Touch Response .....................................................................................

30

 

 

 

Changing Auto Power Off .................................................................................

30

 

 

 

Using Pitch Bend ..............................................................................................

30

 

 

 

Setting the Pitch Bend Range ....................................................................

31

 

 

 

Using a Sustain Pedal ......................................................................................

31

 

 

Using the Memory .................................................................................................

32

 

 

 

Real-Time Recording ........................................................................................

32

 

 

 

Playing Back from Memory ...............................................................................

34

 

 

 

Step Recording .................................................................................................

35

 

 

 

Specifying Chords in the Normal Mode .....................................................

36

 

 

 

Specifying the Length of a Note .................................................................

36

 

 

 

Correcting Mistakes ...................................................................................

37

 

 

 

Recording Multiple Tracks ................................................................................

37

 

 

 

Real-Time Recording .................................................................................

37

 

 

 

Step Recording ..........................................................................................

38

 

 

 

Changing the Navigation Track ..................................................................

39

 

 

 

Editing Memory Contents .................................................................................

39

 

 

 

Editing Techniques and Display Contents ..................................................

40

 

 

 

Deleting Individual Data .............................................................................

40

 

 

 

Deleting All Data in a Specific Track ..........................................................

40

 

 

Using MIDI .............................................................................................................

41

 

 

 

About MIDI ........................................................................................................

41

 

 

 

Making the MIDI Connections ..........................................................................

41

 

 

 

MIDI Data .........................................................................................................

42

 

 

 

Changing MIDI Settings ....................................................................................

44

 

 

 

Dumping/Importing Data ...................................................................................

45

 

 

 

Dumping Data ............................................................................................

45

 

 

 

Importing Data ...........................................................................................

46

 

 

 

Notes About the MIDI Implementation Chart ....................................................

46

 

 

Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................

48

 

 

Care and Maintenance ..........................................................................................

49

 

 

Specifications ........................................................................................................

50

 

 

Appendix ................................................................................................................

52

 

 

 

Note Table ........................................................................................................

52

 

 

 

Free Session Chord Progression Chart ............................................................

54

 

 

 

Drum Assignment List ......................................................................................

56

 

 

 

Fingered Chord Chart .......................................................................................

57

 

 

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

58

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PREPARATION

Note: To connect a MIDI device, see “Making the MIDI Connections” on Page 41. To connect a sustain pedal, see “Using a Sustain Pedal” on Page 31.

CONNECTING POWER

You can power your MD-1200 from either:

internal batteries (see “Using Batteries”)

standard AC power using an optional AC adapter (see “Using AC Power” on Page 8)

Cautions:

Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.

If you do not plan to use the MD1200 with batteries for a week or more, or if you will be using only AC power, remove the batteries.

Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.

Notes:

Connecting an AC adapter automatically disconnects internal batteries.

Always disconnect the adapter when you finish using the MD-1200.

Disconnecting the keyboard’s power clears the control settings, memory contents, and user tones (see “Using the Custom Tone Synthesizer” on Page 24 and “Using the Memory” on Page 32).

Using Batteries

Your MD-1200 can use six D batteries (not supplied) for power. For the best performance and longest life, we recommend RadioShack alkaline batteries.

1.Press the tabs on the battery compartment cover, then pull up to remove the cover.

2.Put the batteries in the compartment as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked beside the compartment.

3.Replace the cover.

If the MD-1200 sounds weak or does not work properly, replace all six batteries.

Warning: Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury them.

Caution: Always remove old or weak batteries; batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.

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Using AC Power

You can power your MD-1200 from standard AC power using a 9-volt AC adapter (not supplied) and a Size M Adaptaplug.

Cautions:

You must use a Class 2

!power source that supplies

9 volts DC and delivers at least 800 mA. Its center tip must be set to negative and its plug must fit the MD-1200'sDC 9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the MD-1200 or the adapter.

Always press POWER to turn off the keyboard before you connect or disconnect the adapter.

Always plug the AC adapter into the MD-1200 before you plug it into the AC outlet. Always unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet before you unplug it from the MD-1200.

Follow these steps to power your MD1200 from AC power.

1.Insert the adapter’s barrel plug into the DC 9V jack on the back of the MD-1200.

2.Plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.

CONNECTING

HEADPHONES

To listen to your MD-1200 without disturbing others, you can connect a pair of 1/4-inch (6.35-mm) plug stereo headphones (not supplied). Your local RadioShack store sells a wide selection of headphones.

To connect a pair of headphones, insert the headphones’ 1/4-inch (6.35-mm) plug into the PHONES/OUTPUT jack on the back of the keyboard.

Note: Connecting headphones disconnects the MD-1200’s built-in speakers.

Listening Safely

To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use headphones.

Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.

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Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.

CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL AMPLIFIER

To amplify your MD-1200’s sound, you can connect it to an external amplifier (not supplied) using an audio cable (not supplied) with a 1/4-inch (6.35-mm) plug.

To connect an external amplifier to your keyboard, insert the cable’s 1/4-inch (6.35-mm) plug into the PHONES/OUTPUT jack on the back of the keyboard, and connect the cable’s other end to the amplifier’s input jack(s) (such as AUX IN or TAPE IN).

Your local RadioShack store sells a full line of amplifiers, speakers, and connection cables.

USING THE MUSIC STAND

To easily view sheet music while playing your keyboard, insert the supplied music stand into the slot on the top back panel.

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OPERATION

(Partial Control View)

DEMO

VOLUME

 

VOLUME

 

POWER

 

MODE

 

BASIC OPERATION

1.Slide VOLUME to MIN (minimum).

Important: To prevent hearing damage, always set the MD-1200’s volume to MIN before you turn it on.

2.To turn on the MD-1200, press POWER. The POWER indicator lights and the display turns on.

Note: To save power, the keyboard automatically turns off after about 6 minutes if you do not press a key. To turn the keyboard on again, press POWER. To cancel the auto power off feature, see “Changing Auto Power Off” on Page 30.

3.Slide MODE to NORMAL.

4.Slide VOLUME toward MAX slightly and begin playing the keyboard.

Notes:

The MD-1200 automatically selects the tone GND PIANO (No. 000) when you first turn the power on. Each time you turn it on after that, it recalls the last selected tone. To select a different tone,

see “Using the Preset Tones” on Page 11.

To select an auto-rhythm, see “Using the Preset Auto-Rhythms” on Page 15.

To play auto accompaniment, see “Using Auto-Accompaniment” on Page 17.

5.Slide VOLUME toward MAX to increase the sound level or MIN to decrease it.

6.To turn off the MD-1200, press POWER. The red POWER indicator and the keyboard’s display turn off.

PLAYING THE DEMONSTRATION TUNES

To showcase its sounds, your MD-1200 can play two pre-programmed demonstration tunes. To start the demonstration, press DEMO. The MD-1200 plays the first demonstration tune (No. 0). To select the other tune, press + or on the keypad. The selected tune’s number appears, and the tune plays.

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Optimus MD-1200 User Manual

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Tone Number/Name

Chord Symbol

Tempo

Keyboard

Treble Clef

Bass Clef

Measure/

Beat Count

The tone number and name appear at the top of the display. The middle row shows the chord symbol, the tempo in beats per minute, the number of the measure playing and the beat count in each measure. The treble and bass clefs to the right of the display show the notes as they play. The bar graph shows the sound level on each of the 16 channels (see “Using the Mixer” on Page 22). The keyboard at the bottom of the display shows the location of the keys being pressed.

USING THE PRESET

TONES

Your MD-1200 can sound like 200 different musical instruments or sound effects. The name and three-digit number of each preset tone is listed on the MD1200’s top panel.

Notes:

The MD-1200 has 24-note (maximum) polyphonic sound. This means that you can play up to 24 different notes at the same time with most of the keyboard’s preset tones. Many of the keyboard’s preset

tones, however, are capable of only 12-note polyphony.

Most tones on this keyboard have been recorded and processed using a technique called digital sampling. To ensure a high level of tonal quality, samples are taken in the low, mid, and high ranges and then combined. You might notice very slight differences in volume or sound quality for some tones when you play them at different positions on the keyboard. This is an unavoidable result of multiple sampling and is normal.

Follow these steps to select and play a preset tone.

1.Press TONE. TONE and the current tone’s number appear.

Note: The MD-1200 automatically selects the tone GRAND PIANO (No. 000) the first time you turn on power.

2.To play a different tone, choose a preset tone from the 200 TONES list and enter its three-digit number on the keypad. For example, to select ELEC PIANO 1, press 0 0 4. As you press the keys, the selected digits appear.

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Notes:

You can select the next highest or lowest numbered tone by simply pressing + or on the keypad.

The names of tone numbers 000– 127 are marked to the right of the MD-1200’s display. The names for tone numbers 128–167 appear in the table below. Memory locations 168–199 are reserved for custom tones that you create (see “Using the Custom Tone Synthesizer” on Page 24).

No.

Tone

 

 

 

 

128

SYNTH PAD 1

 

 

129

SYNTH PAD 2

 

 

130

TOUCH STRINGS

 

 

131

DO AHH

 

 

132

STRINGS HIT

 

 

133

VIBES PIANO

 

 

134

SAW SYNTH

 

 

135

TOUCH BASS

 

 

136

STRINGS PIANO

 

 

137

E. PIANO STRINGS

 

 

138

STEREO PIANO

 

 

139

12 STR GUITAR

 

 

140

BRASS FALL

 

 

141

BASS SLIDE

 

 

142

FEEDBACK GT

 

 

143

PIANO → STRINGS

 

 

144

ECHO ORGAN

 

 

145

ROTARY ORGAN

 

 

146

CHORUSED EP

 

 

147

STRINGS GT

 

 

148

PAD ENS 1

 

 

12

No.

Tone

 

 

 

 

149

PAD ENS 2

 

 

150

SEQUENCE 1

 

 

151

SEQUENCE 2

 

 

152

SYNTH PAD 3

 

 

153

SYNTH PAD 4

 

 

154

SYNTH PAD 5

 

 

155

SYNTH PAD 6

 

 

156

SYNTH PAD 7

 

 

157

SYNTH PAD 8

 

 

158

REVERSE ECHO

 

 

159

FAST TREMOLO

 

 

160–167

DRUM SET 1–8

 

 

When you select one of the drum sets (tone numbers 160–167), each key plays a different percussion sound. See “Drum Assignment List” on Page 56.

The drum set sounds change when you change the rhythm number, play back data stored in memory, or receive MIDI program change data.

Tone numbers 168–199 are the user tone area. See “Using the Custom Tone Synthesizer” on Page 24.

3.Play the keyboard to hear the selected tone.

4.Adjust the volume to the desired level.

To select a different tone, while TONE appears, simply enter the desired tone number.

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REVERB

LAYER

 

 

SPLIT

 

TONE

Drum Pads

USING THE DRUM PADS

The MD-1200 has six drum pads that you can use to play percussion sounds independent of the keyboard keys. Simply tap on a drum pad to play the percussion sound currently assigned to it.

To change the drum pad sounds, use the mixer function to change the tone assigned to Channel 10. See “Using the Mixer” on Page 22.

USING REVERB

The REVERB feature creates ambiance effects by causing the sound to linger and reverberate. Press REVERB so the indicator appears next to the type of reverb you want.

HALL — creates a concert hall effect.

STAGE — creates the acoustics of a small club.

ROOM — adds the acoustics of a studio.

To turn off REVERB, press REVERB so no indicator appears on the display.

USING SPLIT

The MD-1200’s SPLIT feature lets you play two different tones on opposite ends of the keyboard, so the low-end keys play one tone, and the high-end keys play another.

Follow these steps to use SPLIT.

1.Press TONE.

2.Enter the three-digit number for the tone you want the high-end keys to play.

3.Press SPLIT. The SPLIT indicator appears.

4.Enter the three-digit number for the tone you want the low-end keys to play.

5.Hold down SPLIT, and press the key where you want the high-end tones to begin. The selected key’s name appears on the display.

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For example, if you set the split point to be F below middle C, F3 appears.

Note: You can change the split point at any time.

6.Play both the low and high-end keys to hear the selected split tones.

To select a different low-end tone, enter the three-digit number for the new lowend tone while the SPLIT indicator is on the display.

To select a different high-end tone, press SPLIT to turn off its indicator, then enter the three-digit number for the new high-end tone. Then press SPLIT again so the SPLIT indicator appears.

To cancel SPLIT play, press SPLIT again so its indicator turns off.

Notes:

If SPLIT is on when you turn off the keyboard, SPLIT will still be on the next time you turn on the keyboard.

When you turn on SPLIT, the last selected settings appear.

USING LAYER

The MD-1200 lets you set the keyboard to play two different preset tones at the same time, creating a “layered effect” when you press one key.

Note: The first tone you select when using LAYER is called the base tone and the second tone is called the layer tone.

14

1.Press TONE.

2.Enter the three-digit number for the base tone.

3.Press LAYER. The LAYER indicator appears.

4.Enter the three-digit number for the layer tone.

5.Play the keyboard to hear the selected layered tones.

To select a different layer tone, enter the three-digit number for the new layer tone while the LAYER indicator is on the display.

To select a different base tone, press LAYER to turn off its indicator, then enter the three-digit number for the new base tone. Then press LAYER again so the LAYER indicator appears.

To cancel LAYER, press LAYER again so its indicator turns off.

Notes:

If LAYER is on when you turn off the keyboard, LAYER will still be on the next time you turn on the keyboard.

When you turn on LAYER, the previous tone settings appear.

USING SPLIT AND LAYER TOGETHER

You can combine the SPLIT and LAYER features, so you can play one layered combination of tones on the low-end keys and another on the high-end keys.

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1.If the SPLIT or LAYER indicator is on, press SPLIT or LAYER to turn it off.

2.Enter the number for the high-end base tone on the keypad.

3.Press SPLIT so the SPLIT indicator appears.

4.Enter the number for the low-end base tone.

5.Press SPLIT so the SPLIT indicator disappears.

6.Press LAYER so the LAYER indicator appears.

7.Enter the number of the layered tone for the high-end keys.

8.Press SPLIT. The SPLIT indicator appears.

9.Enter the number of the layered tone for the low-end keys.

10.If desired, hold down SPLIT and press the key where you want the high-end tones to begin.

11.Play the keyboard to hear the selected tones.

To cancel the SPLIT/LAYER combination, press each button so both the SPLIT and LAYER indicators disappear.

USING THE PRESET AUTO-RHYTHMS

Your MD-1200 has 100 preset autorhythms that provide a steady beat for your music. The name and two-digit

number of each preset auto-rhythm is marked to the left of the MD-1200’s display.

You can play a preset auto-rhythm on the MD-1200 in any of these ways:

Select and play a rhythm. See “Selecting/Playing an AutoRhythm.”

Synchronize the start of a rhythm with your music. See “Using SYNCHRO” on Page 16.

Start a rhythm with a special introduction. See “Using INTRO” on Page 17.

Stop a rhythm with a special ending. See “Using ENDING” on Page 17.

Briefly vary the pattern of a rhythm. See “Using FILL-IN” on Page 17.

Play an alternate version (variation) of a rhythm. See “Using VARIATION” on Page 17.

Selecting/Playing an

Auto-Rhythm

1.Press RHYTHM. RHYTHM and the name and number of the current auto-rhythm appear on the display.

Note: The MD-1200 automatically selects the rhythm CLUB POP (No. 00) the first time you turn it on. Each time you turn it on after that, it recalls the last selected rhythm.

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TEMPO

INTRO

NORMAL/FILL-IN

SYNCHRO/ENDING

VARIATION/FILL-IN

2.To select a different rhythm, choose an auto-rhythm from the 100 RHYTHMS list and enter its twodigit number on the keypad. For example, to select 8 BEAT BALLAD 2 (No. 05), press 0 then 5.

Note: You can select the next highest or lowest numbered auto-rhythm by simply pressing + or on the keypad.

3.Set MODE to NORMAL. Then press START/STOP to start the selected auto-rhythm.

4.Adjust the volume to the desired level.

5.To change the auto-rhythm speed,

press TEMPO or . The current tempo setting appears on the display.

Notes:

You can adjust the tempo to play an auto-rhythm from 40 to 255 beats per minute.

To quickly slow down or speed up

the tempo, hold down TEMPO or

.

You can also adjust the tempo by

first pressing TEMPO or , then entering the desired number of beats per minute in three digits (040 to 255), or by holding down + or on the keypad.

To reset the tempo to its default

(original) speed, press TEMPO or at the same time.

To select a different rhythm, repeat Steps 1 and 2.

To stop the auto-rhythm, press START/ STOP.

Using SYNCHRO

The MD-1200’s SYNCHRO feature lets you synchronize the start of an autorhythm with the beginning of your music.

After you select and enter an autorhythm, press SYNCHRO/ENDING, then begin playing the keyboard. The rhythm automatically starts to play when you press any key within the first 11/2 octaves of the lower end of the keyboard (the first 18 keys from the left).

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Using INTRO

The MD-1200’s INTRO feature lets you start the selected auto-rhythm with a light, 3- to 8-measure introduction that blends easily into the selected rhythm.

To start a rhythm with an introduction, select and enter the rhythm, then press INTRO. The introduction plays, then the selected auto-rhythm automatically starts.

Using FILL-IN

The FILL-IN feature lets you insert a short (1- to 2-measure) fill-in segment of a selected auto-rhythm.

To insert the fill-in segment, press and release NORMAL/FILL-IN while the autorhythm is playing. The MD-1200 inserts a 1- to 2-measure variation in the rhythm, then the original rhythm automatically resumes.

Using VARIATION

Each of the MD-1200’s 100 preset autorhythms has a built-in variation (alternate) to its normal beat pattern. The variation differs slightly from the normal rhythm, so it is almost like having two rhythms in one!

To play the alternate rhythm, press VARIATION/FILL-IN. The variation plays continuously at the selected tempo.

To insert the fill-in segment in the alternate rhythm, press VARIATION/FILL-IN.

The keyboard adds a 1- to 2-measure variation in the rhythm.

To return to the normal rhythm, press

NORMAL/FILL-IN.

To stop the auto-rhythm, press START/ STOP.

Using ENDING

To end the selected rhythm with a special 3- to 8-measure flourish, press SYNCHRO/ENDING while the auto-rhythm is playing, about 3–8 measures before you want the rhythm to end. The MD-1200 plays a special ending, then automatically stops the rhythm.

USING AUTO-ACCOMPANIMENT

The 18 keys on the left side of the keyboard with note labels above them are called accompaniment keys.

You can set the MD-1200 to play three different types of auto accompaniment.

Concert Chord — lets you play chords on the accompaniment keys using chord formations of from one to four notes. The number of keys you press determines the type of chord that plays.

Standard Fingering — lets you play chords on the accompaniment keys using standard chord formations of three or four notes (see “Standard Fingering” on Page 20).

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ACCOMP

VOLUME

Free Session — lets you play the melody using the entire keyboard while the MD-1200 plays accompaniment based on your auto-rhythm selection (see “Using FREE SESSION” on Page 21).

Notes:

After you press the auto accompaniment keys when using concert chord or standard fingering, the MD1200 plays the same chord until you press other accompaniment keys to play a different chord or you press

START/ STOP.

You can use the MD-1200’s rhythm controls (INTRO, NORMAL/FILL-IN, VARIATION/FILL-IN, and SYNCHRO/ ENDING) with all three types of auto accompaniment.

Adjusting the Accompaniment

Volume

The MD-1200 lets you adjust the volume of your accompaniment separately from the overall volume of the keyboard.

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1.Press ACCOMP VOLUME. The threedigit number of the last selected accompaniment volume appears on the display.

2.Within 5 seconds, enter a number from 0 0 0 (softest) to 1 2 7 (loudest) on the keypad. The numbers appear on the display as you press the keys.

To select the next highest or lowest accompaniment volume number, you can also press + or after pressing ACCOMP VOLUME. Hold down + or to quickly increase or decrease the accompaniment volume.

To reset the accompaniment volume to its default value of 87, press ACCOMP VOLUME then press + and at the same time.

Note: The auto-accompaniment patterns consist of four parts: chord 1, chord 2, bass, and rhythm. You can delete any of the parts by using the mixer function. See “Using the Mixer” on Page 22.

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