Optimus MD-1200 User Manual

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Electronic Keyboard

Cat. No. 42-4041

OWNER’S MANUAL

Please read before using this equipment.

MD-1200

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WARNING:

shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.

CAUTION:

ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

To reduce the risk of fire or

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF

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 accompanying this product.

THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW

This keyboard complies with the limits for a Class B dig ital device as spec ified in Part 15 of 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 di fferent ele ctr i ca l c ircuits for the keybo ard and the radi o or TV

Consult your local RadioShack store if the problem still exists.

FCC Rules

. These limits

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

Serial Number _________________

1999 Tandy Corporation.

Optimus and RadioShack are registered trademarks used by Tandy Corporation.

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FEATURES

Your Optimus MD-120 0 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 include s a MIDI feature (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), which lets you conn ect it to other MIDI-equipped musical instruments or devices — even your personal computer! This versatile keyboard can provide hours of fun and is i dea l for anyone who wants to make music, from the begi nner to the experienced musician.

The MD-1200 conforms to most,

Note:

but not all, General MIDI spe cifications. Therefore, you might experience some incompatibility when using the MD-12 00 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

ies in response to the force of your touch, just like an acoustic pi ano or organ, so you can add emotion to your music.

Backlit Liquid Crystal Display

shows the notes and ch ords 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.

— the keyboard’s volume var-

—

24-Note Polyphonic Sound

play and hear up to 24 notes at the same time, so yo u c an pl ay or c r eat e a lmost any type of music.

Memory

record up to 2 songs, 6 tracks, and 5,200 notes. The recording remains stored even while the keyboard is off.

Pitch Bender Wheel

note by altering i ts pit ch to creat e rea listic effects for reed instrument or guitar tones.

200 Tones

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

beat for many styles of music, from rhumba to rock.

Headphones/Output Jack

connect headphones so you can play without disturbing oth ers, or an external amplifier so you can play for a crowd (neither supplied).

Assignable Jack

sustain pedal (not suppli ed) to the MD1200 so you can sustain or soften your keyboard’s sound, or start/stop an au torhythm.

100 Free Sessions

MD-1200 to automatically play an accompaniment consi sting of a prerecorded chord progression with a matching rhythm.

— lets you set the MD-1200 to

— lets you bend a

— let you set your MD-1200

— provide a ste ady

— lets you connect a

— let you set the

— lets you

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Synthesizer Function

— lets you cre-

ate 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 spe ed up o r 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 pr eset harmo nic patter n 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 differe nt 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.

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 selecte d auto-rhythm.

Drum Pads

— play drum sounds re-

gardless 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 batter ies (no t supplied) or standard AC power (with an optional adapter) , so you c an make m usic 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.

Mixer Function

— lets you make the MD-1200 sound mu ltiple tones for auto accompaniment, memory playback, or to play MIDI data received fr om another MIDI device.

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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 T one 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

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PREPARATION

To connect a MIDI device, see

Note:

“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 (s ee “Usin g AC Power” on Page 8)

Notes:

• Connecting an AC adapt er auto mat ically disconnects internal batteries.

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

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

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 usin g only A C 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.

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

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

3. Replace the cover.

Using Batteries

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

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

Warning:

promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury them.

Caution:

batteries; batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.

Dispose of old batteries

Always remove old or weak

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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 su pplies

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's adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the MD-1200 or the adapter.

• Always press keyboard before you c onnect or disconnect the adapter.

• Always plug the AC a dapter i nto the MD-1200 before you pl ug it into the AC outlet. Always unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet before you unplug it from the MD-1200.

DC 9V

POWER

jack. Using an

to turn off the

CONNECTING HEADPHONES

To listen to your MD-1200 without disturbing others, you can connect a pair of

/4-inch (6.35-mm) plug stereo headphones (not supplied). Your local RadioShack store sell s a wide selection of headphones.

To connect a p air of head phones, i nsert the headphones’ into the back of the keyboard.

Note:

nects the MD-1200’s built-in speakers.

PHONES/OUTPUT

Connecting headphones discon-

Listening Safely

/4-inch (6.35-mm) plug

jack on the

Follow these steps to power your MD1200 from AC power.

1. Insert the adapter’s barrel plug into

DC 9V

the MD-1200.

2. Plug the adapter into a s tandard AC outlet.

jack on the back of the

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

• Set the volume to the low est setting before you begin liste ning. A fter yo u begin listening, adjus t the volume to a comfortable level.

• Do not listen at extr emely 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 a udio cable (not supplied) with a

/4-inch (6.35-mm) plug.

To connect an external am plifier to you r keyboard, insert the cable’s (6.35-mm) plug into the

PUT

jack on the back of the keyboard,

PHONES/OUT-

/4-inch

and connect the cable ’s oth er end to the amplifier’s input jack(s) (such as AUX IN or TAPE IN).

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

USING THE MUSIC STAND

To easily view she et mu si c whi le pl ay ing your keyboard, insert the supplied music stand into the slot on the top back panel.

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OPERATION

(Partial Control View)

VOLUME

POWER

MODE

VOLUME

BASIC OPERATION

1. Slide

VOLUME

Important:

age, always set th e MD-1200’s volume to

MIN

2. To turn on the MD-1200, press

POWER

. The POWER indicator

lights and the display turns on.

To save power, the keyboard

Note:

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.

MIN

(minimum).

To prevent hearing dam-

before you turn it on.

DEMO

see “Using the Pres et Tones” on Page 11.

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

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

5. Slide

VOLUME

toward

increase the sound level or

MAX

MIN

decrease it.

6. To turn off the MD-1200, press

POWER

. The red POWER indicator

and the keyboard’s display turn off.

3. Slide

4. Slide

MODE

VOLUME

NORMAL

toward

MAX

and begin playing the keyboard.

Notes:

• The MD-1200 automatically selects the tone

GND PIANO

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,

slightly

(No.

PLAYING THE DEMONSTRATION TUNES

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

DEMO

. The MD-1200 plays

or – on the

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Tone Number/Name

Chord Symbol Tempo Keyboard

The

tone number and name

appear at the top of the display. The middle row shows the beats per minute, the

measure playing

each measure. The

clefs

to the right of the display show the

chord symbol

and the

treble and bass

, the

tempo

number of the

beat count

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 lo cation 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-dig it number of each preset tone is listed on the MD1200’s top panel.

Notes:

Treble Clef

Bass Clef

Measure/ Beat Count

tones, however, are capable of on ly 12-note polyphony.

• Most tones on this keyboard have been record ed and p roce ssed usin g a technique ca lled

digital sampling

To ensure a high level of tonal qua lity, samples are taken in the low, mid, and high ranges and the n co mbined. 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

and the current

tone’s number appear.

The MD-1200 automatically

Note:

selects the tone GRAND PIANO (No. 000) the first time you turn on power.

• 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

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 144 ECHO ORGAN 145 ROTARY ORGAN 146 CHORUSED EP 147 STRINGS GT 148 PAD ENS 1

STRINGS

→

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 o ne of the dru m sets (tone numbers 160–167), each key plays a di fferent p ercu ssion 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

Drum Pads

USING THE DRUM PADS

The MD-1200 has six drum pads that you can use to play percu ssion sounds independent of the key board 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 “Us ing the Mixer” on Page 22.

LAYER

SPLIT

TONE

To turn off REVER B, press

REVERB

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.

USING REVERB

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

HALL

— creates a concert hall effect.

ST AGE

— creates the acoustics of a

small club.

ROOM

— adds the acoustics of a studio.

REVERB

so the

1. Press

TONE

2. Enter the three-digit number for the tone you want the high-end ke ys 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 hi gh-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, appears.

You can change the split point

Note:

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, e nter the three-digit numb er for the new lowend tone while the SPLIT indicator is on the display.

To select a different high-end tone,

SPLIT

press enter the three-digit nu mber for the new high-end tone. The n press so the SPLIT indicator appears.

To cancel SPLIT play, press 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.

to turn off its indicator, th en

SPLIT

again

SPLIT

TONE

LAYER

. The

LAYER

indicator

again so the

LAYER

again

1. Press

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

3. Press 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 ind icator 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 indicator appear s.

To cancel LAYER, press 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.

USING LAYER

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

The first tone you select when us-

Note:

ing LAYER is called the the second tone is called the

base tone

layer tone

and

• 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 off.

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

3. Press appears.

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

5. Press disappears.

6. Press tor appears.

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

8. Press appears.

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

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

11. Play the keyboard to hear the selected tones.

SPLIT

LAYER

SPLIT

so the

. The

so the

SPLIT

LAYER

SPLIT

LAYER

SPLIT

to turn it

indicator

indica-

indicator

and

number of each preset auto-rhythm is marked to the le ft 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 patte rn 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

To cancel the SPLIT/LAYER combination, press each button so both the

SPLIT and LAYER indicators disap-

pear.

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

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

Note:

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.

RHYTHM

The MD-1200 automatically

. RHYTHM and the

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TEMPO

INTRO

SYNCHRO/ENDING

NORMAL/FILL-IN

2. To sel ect a different rhythm, choos e 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

You can select the next high -

Note:

then 5.

est or lowest numbered auto-rhythm by simply pressing

or – on the key-

pad.

3. Set

MODE

START/STOP

NORMAL

. Then press

to start the selected

auto-rhythm.

4. Adjust the volume to the desired level.

5. To change the auto-rhythm speed,

TEMPO

press

. 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

VARIATION/FILL-IN

• You can also adjust the tempo by first pressing

TEMPO

. or .,

then entering t he desire d number o f beats per minute in th re e d igits ( 04 0 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

STOP

START/

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 begin playing the keybo ard. The rhythm automatically starts to play when you press any key within the first 1 of the lower end of the keyboard (the first 18 keys from the left).

SYNCHRO/ENDING

/2 octaves

, then

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Using INTRO

The MD-1200’s INTRO feature le ts 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 pres s

INTRO

. The introduction pla ys, then the selected auto-rhythm automatically starts.

Using FILL-IN

The FILL-IN feature lets you insert a short (1- to 2-measure) fi ll -in s eg men t of a selected auto-rhythm.

To insert the fill-in segment, press and release rhythm is playing. Th e MD-1200 inserts a 1- to 2-measure variation in the rhythm, then the original rhythm automatically resumes.

NORMAL/FILL-IN

while the auto-

Using VARIATION

Each of the MD-1200 ’s 100 p rese t autorhythms has a built-in variation (alternate) to its normal beat pattern. The variation differs slig htly from the normal rhythm, so it is almost like having two rhythms in one!

To play the alternate rhythm, press

VARIATION/FILL-IN

continuously at the selected tempo. To insert the fill-in s egment in the alter-

nate rhythm, press

. The variation plays

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

STOP

Using ENDING

To end the se lected rhythm with a special 3- to 8-measure flourish, press

CHRO/ENDING

playing, about 3–8 measures before you want the rhythm to end. The MD-1200 plays a special ending, then automatically stops the rhythm.

while the auto-rhythm is

USING AUTO-ACCOMPANIMENT

The 18 keys on the left side of t he 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

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

chords on the accompaniment key s using standard chord formations of three or four notes (see “Standard Fin gering” on Page 20).

— lets you play chords

— lets you play

START/

SYN-

42-4041.fm Page 18 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 6:56 AM

ACCOMP VOLUME

Free Session

— lets you play the melo dy using the entire keyboard while the MD-1200 plays accompaniment based on your auto-rhythm sel ection (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 ch or d unti l you press other accompanim ent keys to play a different chord or you press

ST ART/ ST OP

• You can use the MD-120 0’s rhythm controls (

VARIATION/FILL-IN ENDING

INTRO,NORMAL/FILL-IN

, and

SYNCHRO/

) with all thre e types of a uto

accompaniment.

Adjusting the Accompaniment Volume

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

1. Press

ACCOMP VOLUME

. The threedigit number of the last selected accompaniment vol ume appears on the display.

2. Within 5 seconds, enter a number from

0 0 0

(softest ) to

1 2 7

on the keypad. The numbers appear on the display as you press the keys.

To select the next highest or lo west accompaniment volume number, you can also press pressing down

ACCOMP VOLUME

or – to quickly increase or

or – after

decrease the accompaniment vol-

ume.

To reset the accomp animent volume to its default value of 87, press

VOLUME

then press + and – at the same

time.

The auto-accompaniment pat-

Note:

terns consist of four parts: chord 1, chord 2, bass, and rhythm. You c an delete any of the parts by using the mixer function. See “Using the Mixer” on Page 22.

(loudest)

. Hold

ACCOMP

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