Waldorf Blofeld Desktop User Manual
Foreword
Blofeld User´s Manual 2
Foreword
Thank you for purchasing the Waldorf Blofeld. You now own
a synthesizer featuring a wide range of unique sounds with
the approved Waldorf quality.
What to read?
The biggest problem with any manual is to find a way to
cover both the needs of an absolute expert and a beginner
alike. There are people who read a manual cover to cover
while others don’t even touch it. The latter is the worst
choice, especially when the manual describes a Waldorf
instrument.
If you decide to read the following manual we promise you a
lot of fun while reading about and working with the Waldorf
Blofeld.
Your Waldorf Team
Hint
Waldorf Music is not liable for any erroneous information
contained in this manual. The contents of this manual may
be updated at any time without prior notice. We made every
effort to ensure the information herein is accurate and that
the manual contains no contradictory information. Waldorf
Music extends no liabilities in regard to this manual other
than those required by local law.
This manual or any portion of it may not be reproduced in
any form without the manufacturer's written consent.
Waldorf Music GmbH, Neustrasse 12, D-53498 Waldorf,
Germany
Foreword
3 Blofeld User´s Manual
Blofeld Development Team
Software: Stefan Stenzel, Wolfram Franke
Hardware/ Housing: Frank Schneider
Design: Axel Hartmann
Manual/ Layout: Holger Steinbrink
Betatest/ Sounddesign: Wolfram Franke, Boele Gerkes,
Achim Gratz, Till Kopper,
Jahnspierr Leyton, Dr. Georg
Müller, Don Petersen, Howard
Scarr, Holger Steinbrink, Sascha
Timm, Dr. Stefan Trippler
Revision: 1.1, January 2009
w Please visit our website www.waldorfmusic.de
Maybe you can download a newer operating system for
your Blofeld.
We would like to thank
Willie Eckl, Joachim Flor, Michael von Garnier, Florian
Gypser, Frank Lauterbach, Achim Lenzgen, Kurt “Lu”
Wangard,吴海彬 and anyone we have forgotten.
Content
Blofeld User´s Manual 4
Content
Fo rew ord ............................................................................................ 2
What to read?.................................................................. 2
Hint ................................................................................ 2
Blofeld Development Team............................................. 3
We would like to thank ................................................... 3
Con tent ................................................................................................ 4
Con trol F eatures an d Con nections ................................................ 7
Front Panel Blofeld Desktop............................................ 7
Connections Blofeld Desktop .......................................... 8
Front Panel Blofeld Keyboard.......................................... 9
Connections Blofeld Keyboard ...................................... 10
Introduction ...................................................................................... 11
About this Manual......................................................... 11
Symbols ........................................................................ 11
Highlighted Control Features and Parameters................ 11
General Safety Guidelines............................................. 12
Suitable Operating Conditions ...................................... 12
Power Supply................................................................ 12
Operation ..................................................................... 12
Maintenance..................................................................13
Proper Use.....................................................................13
Setup and Conn ection ....................................................................14
Inventory .......................................................................14
Setup .............................................................................14
Connections ..................................................................14
The USB connection......................................................15
The Blofeld Keyboard Controls ......................................16
Basic Operation ................................................................................18
Switching on/ off............................................................18
System Volume..............................................................18
Selecting Programs ........................................................18
Fast Selection of Sound Banks........................................18
Category Search.............................................................19
Editing Parameters .........................................................19
Editing Parameter Controls.............................................20
Viewing Parameter Values without Change ...................21
Comparing Edited Programs...........................................21
Recalling Edited Programs ............................................. 22
Storing Programs............................................................22
Multi Mod e .........................................................................................24
Multimode Parameter ....................................................24
Content
5 Blofeld User´s Manual
Multi Part Parameter...................................................... 24
Menu Pag es Overview .....................................................................29
Soun d Param eters ...........................................................................35
Overview of Functions .................................................. 35
Oscillator Section.......................................................... 35
Oscillator Parameter Controls........................................ 36
Oscillator Edit Menu ..................................................... 38
Oscillator 1, 2 and 3 ..................................................... 38
Oscillator Common....................................................... 43
Ringmodulation............................................................. 45
Noise ............................................................................ 46
The Filter Section .......................................................... 47
Filter Section Parameter Controls................................... 47
Filter Edit Menu............................................................. 50
Filter 1 and 2 ................................................................. 50
Filter Common ..............................................................52
Modulation Section ....................................................... 53
Parameter Controls of the Filter and Amp Envelope ....... 53
Envelopes Edit Menu ..................................................... 54
LFO Parameter Controls ................................................ 57
LFO Edit Menu .............................................................. 58
LFO 1, 2 and 3 .............................................................. 58
Modulation Matrix Parameter Controls ..........................60
Modulation Matrix Edit Menu ........................................61
Modifier.........................................................................61
Amplifier Edit Menu.......................................................63
Effects Parameter Controls..............................................64
Effects Edit Menu ...........................................................64
Effect Bypass ..................................................................64
Chorus ...........................................................................65
Flanger ..........................................................................65
Phaser............................................................................66
Overdrive ......................................................................66
Triple FX ........................................................................67
Delay.............................................................................68
Clk. (Clocked) Delay......................................................69
Reverb ...........................................................................70
Arpeggiator ....................................................................72
Arpeggiator Parameter Controls .....................................72
Arpeggiator Step Data Pages ..........................................77
Glo bal Parameters............................................................................81
Global Menu .................................................................81
Utility Menu ..................................................................86
Store Sound Functions ...................................................86
Help Functions ..............................................................86
MIDI Dump Functions ...................................................86
Content
Blofeld User´s Manual 6
Receiving System Exclusive Data .................................. 87
Soun d Syn thesis Basics................................................................. 89
Oscillators Introduction................................................. 89
Filter Introduction ......................................................... 96
The Comb Filter Types .................................................. 98
Envelope Types ........................................................... 103
App end ix......................................................................................... 106
FM Sources ................................................................. 106
Modulation Sources .................................................... 106
Modulation Destinations ............................................. 107
Updating the System Software .....................................109
Tips & Tricks................................................................111
Technical Data ............................................................112
Controller Numbers .....................................................113
Glossary ......................................................................118
Declaration of Conformity ...........................................124
FCC Information ..........................................................126
Product Warranty ........................................................127
Product Support...........................................................127
Control Features and Connections
7 Blofeld User´s Manual
Control Features and Connections
Front Panel Blofeld Desktop
a Display
b Parameter Matrix
c Selection Dial with Play button
d System Volume Dial
e Display Parameter Dials
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Control Features and Connections
Blofeld User´s Manual 8
Connections Blofeld Desktop
A Power supply socket
B MIDI In jack
C USB port for connection to a suited computer
D Stereo audio output left/right (only left: mono, only rights: stereo)
E Stereo Headphone jack
6 Power switch
!"#$%&
Control Features and Connections
9 Blofeld User´s Manual
Front Panel Blofeld Keyboard
a Display
b Parameter Matrix
c Selection Dial with Play button
d System Volume Dial
e Display Parameter Dials
f Pitch Bend Wheel and Modulation Wheel
g Octave Up and Down Button
h Free Button
Control Features and Connections
Blofeld User´s Manual 10
Connections Blofeld Keyboard
A Power supply socket
B MIDI In jack
C USB port for connection to a suited computer
D Stereo audio output left/right (only left: mono, only
rights: stereo)
E Stereo Headphone jack
6 Power switch
7 MIDI Out jack
8 Pedal input
Introduction
11 Blofeld User´s Manual
Introduction
About this Manual
This manual was written to help you to become familiar
with the Blofeld synthesizer. It will also aid experienced
users with routine tasks.
To avoid confusion, the terminology in this manual is
based on the Blofeld parameter names. You will find a
glossary at the end of this manual; it explains the various
terms used.
We also used a uniform set of symbols to show you topics
of particular interest or significance. Important terms are
highlighted in bold letters.
Symbols
m Caution – The comments that follow this symbol
will help you avoid errors and malfunctions.
w Info – Additional information on a given topic.
☞ Instruction – Follow these guidelines to execute a
desired function.
✻ Example – Real-world examples to try out.
Highlighted Control Features and Parameters
All of the Blofeld´s buttons, controls and parameters are
highlighted in bold letters throughout the manual.
Example:
Example:
• Press the Play button.
The Blofeld’s different modes and parameter pages are
illustrated in a depiction of the display.
The value range of a continuous parameter is indicated
from low to high with both values shown in italic letters,
separated by three dots.
Example:
Cutoff 0…127
Introduction
Blofeld User´s Manual 12
General Safety Guidelines
m Please read the following safety tips carefully! They
include several precautions you should always
observe when dealing with electronic equipment.
Read all of the instructions before operating your
device.
Suitable Operating Conditions
• Use the device in enclosed rooms only.
• Never use the device under damp conditions such
as in bathrooms, washrooms or around indoor
swimming pools.
• Do not use the device in extremely dusty or dirty
environments.
• Make sure that adequate ventilation is available at
all sides of the device.
• Do not place the device near heat sources such as
radiators.
• Do not expose the device to direct sunlight.
• Do not expose the device to extreme vibrations.
Power Supply
• Never use a different power cable than the one that
came with the Blofeld.
• Unplug the device when you are not using it for
longer periods.
• Never touch the plug with wet hands.
• Always pull the plug when unplugging the device,
never the cable.
Operation
• Never place objects containing liquids on or near
the device.
• Place the device on a stable base only. Use a
suitable platform.
• Make sure no foreign objects find their way into the
chassis. If for some reason this should occur, switch
the power off, unplug the device and consult a
qualified repair center.
• This device, used on its own or with amplifiers,
speakers or headphones, can generate volume levels
that may do irreparable damage to your hearing. For
Introduction
13 Blofeld User´s Manual
this reason you should keep the volume at tolerable
levels.
Maintenance
• Do not open the device or remove the cover. Refer
all service and repair tasks to qualified personnel.
The interior of the chassis contains no components
that require user maintenance.
• Use only a dry, soft cloth or brush to clean the
device. Never use alcohol, cleaning solutions or
similar chemicals. They will damage the surface of
the chassis.
Proper Use
This device is designed exclusively to produce lowfrequency audio signals for the purpose of generating
sound. Any other use is prohibited and voids the warranty
extended by Waldorf Music. Waldorf Music is not liable
for damages due to incorrect use.
m Don´t let your Blofeld beside children, mothers-in-
law or pets. This could lead to critical interactions.
Setup and Connection
Blofeld User´s Manual 14
Setup and Connection
Inventory
The Waldorf Blofeld comes complete with:
• the Waldorf Blofeld (Keyboard) Synthesizer
• an external power supply or a power cable
(Keyboard version)
• a CD-ROM with the complete PDF manual and
other tools
• a printed Quick Start manual
Please ensure all the items above were included. If
something is missing, contact your local dealer.
We recommend that you save the original packing
material for future transport.
Setup
Place the Blofeld on a clean, even surface.
Connections
In order to get started with your Blofeld you will need an
AC power outlet, a mixing console, an amp or/ and an
audio monitor such as a speaker cabinet and last but not
least a MIDI master keyboard for the Blofeld Desktop.
You can also use a computer or sequencer to make use of
the Blofeld’s MIDI features.
☞ To connect the devices:
1. Turn all units off.
2. Connect the Blofeld´s main audio outputs 4 to
your mixing console or your computer audio
interface. Optionally connect the stereo
headphone outputs 5 to a headphone.
3. To play the Blofeld you need a MIDI master
keyboard. Connect its MIDI Out jack to the
Blofeld´s MIDI input 2 (unless you connected a
computer MIDI interface).
4. If you want to use a computer, connect your
computer´s MIDI Out jack to the Blofeld´s MIDI
In jack 2.
5. Optionally you can connect the Blofeld´s USB
port 3 with a USB cable to your computer
Setup and Connection
15 Blofeld User´s Manual
(Windows PC or Apple Mac). After that the
Blofeld is automatically available as a MIDI unit.
6. Connect the power supply cable or the power
cable that came with the Blofeld with the Power
supply 1 jack.
7. Plug the other side of the power supply cable
into a suitable AC power outlet.
8. Press the power switch 6 of your Blofeld.
9. Then switch on the computer (if connected), the
mixing console and finally the amplifier or active
monitor speakers.
w To check the correct reception of MIDI Data send
any MIDI Events to the Blofeld; the MIDI LED lights
up on any incoming MIDI Message. If this is not the
case please check the MIDI connection to the
Blofeld.
w The Main volume of the Blofeld can be changed with
the System Volume Dial d.
w If you do not choose to connect a mixing console,
you can patch the Blofeld’s output signals directly to
an amp or an audio interface. Use an input usually
called Line, Aux or Tape input.
m Before connecting and disconnecting the Blofeld to
a power supply source, turn your amp’s volume
control all the way down to avoid damage due to
on/off switching noise. The Blofeld produces a high
level output signal. Please take care that the
connected playback device is suitable for the high
level of an electronic instrument. Never use the mic
or phono input of the connected amp!
The USB connection
You can connect the Blofeld with a USB cable to your
computer with the following system requirements:
• Windows PC: Windows ME, Windows XP or newer
is recommended, a USB 2 port
• Apple Mac: PowerPC or Intel Mac with Mac OS X
10.3.9 or newer, a USB 2 port
The USB 2 connection of the Blofeld allows
• transmitting and receiving of MIDI data
• dumping of operating system updates for the Blofeld
• data exchange with suitable computer software
Setup and Connection
Blofeld User´s Manual 16
w Keep in mind that you use a USB 2 port of your
computer and a USB 2 suited cable to avoid
problems with data transmission.
w Keep in mind that we offer new operation system
updates from time to time. Please read also the
chapter „Updating the System Software“. You can
install a new operating system as well as MIDI or an
USB connection.
The Blofeld Keyboard Controls
Keyboard
You might have used a similar one before, but as it is
rarely described elsewhere, this is how you use it:
Hit any black or white key to hear a sound. Usually the
sound is louder when you play harder and less loud if you
play softer. Also the pitch of the sounds are usually higher
the more you play on the right side and lower on the left
side. The white keys consist of notes from the C major
scale, if you use another scale you will very likely have to
use some of the black keys as well.
Pitch Bend Wheel
Use this wheel to alter the pitch of the played notes. It will
jump to the center position when you release it.
Modulation Wheel
Use this wheel to alter the sound of the played notes. In
contrast to the pitch bend wheel it does not go back to its
default position on release. Don't worry if sometimes the
sound id not changing, in this case a sloppy sound
programmer forgot to assign it.
MIDI Out Jack
Although we can hardly believe it, the Blofeld is not
enough for some people, so we added an elegant way to
control external sound modules with the Blofeld
keyboard: Just connect MIDI out 7 to you external gear
and play. For use with a computer we recommend the
USB port.
Pedal Input
An electrical sustain pedal switch connected to this input
8 enables you to sustain played notes as long as you
press the pedal. As some pedals open contacts when
pressed and others close, you can adopt Blofeld's
Setup and Connection
17 Blofeld User´s Manual
behaviour to this in the Global Menu. Please refer to the
corresponding chapter.
Octave Down/Up Buttons
Although the MIDI standard requires 128 keys, Blofeld
offers only 49 of those. To compensate this limitation, we
added these buttons g to enable you to reach more keys
that physically accessible. Press Octave down to go one
octave lower, and Octave up to go one octave higher.
Transposition is maximum three octaves up and three
octaves down
Free Button
Just for fun we added an additional button h with
assignable function. The functions are accessible from
Global Menu. Please refer to the corresponding chapter.
Basic Operation
Blofeld User´s Manual 18
Basic Operation
Switching on/ off
The Blofeld ist equipped with a power switch.
☞ To switch the Blofeld on
• Flick the Power switch 6 to switch on the
Blofeld. The display is lit.
☞ To switch the Blofeld off:
• Flick the Power switch 6 to switch off the
Blofeld.
System Volume
The System Volume d controls the Blofeld’s master
volume. The volume setting is global and affects the level
of the audio output 4 and the headphone output 5.
Selecting Programs
Use the Selection dial c to select the sound programs
of the Blofeld.
☞ To select a Program with the Selection dial c:
• Make sure that the Play Sound mode is shown in
the display a. If not, press the Play button c
shortly.
• Use the Selection dial c to select an
appropriate Program. Turning the dial clockwise
increases the Program number, turning the dial
counterclockwise decreases it. When you are at
the end of one Bank and turn the Selection dial
further, you will jump to the beginning of the
next Bank and vice versa. The only exceptions
are the first Program in the first Bank (A001) and
the last Program in the last Bank.
• The display shows the bank number first (A, B,
C,...), after that program number (001 to 128)
and then the name of the selected Program.
Fast Selection of Sound Banks
In Play mode the Banks can be changed quickly by using
the left Display parameter dial e. Turning the knob
clockwise raises the bank number, turning counterwise
lowers it.
Basic Operation
19 Blofeld User´s Manual
Category Search
The Blofeld offers a special function to enable easy
searches for sounds of similar categories. If you’re
searching for pad sounds, only these sounds will be
displayed as you scan the storage banks with the Selection
dial. To accomplish this each sound contains 4 extra
digits in the sound name to define its sound category.
Further details about how to change a sound’s category
are described in the chapter „Storing Programs“ on page
19.
☞ Searching for a special sound categroy:
1. Make sure that the Play Sound mode is shown in
the display a. If not, press the Play button c
shortly.
2. Use the right Display parameter dial e to
select the desired category (e.g. Bass).
3. Use the Selection dial c to scroll through the
patches of the selected category.
☞ Switching off Category Search:
1. Use the right Display parameter dial e to
select off.
w Category Search doesn’t change any program
numbers. It only filters out all patches not belonging
to the selected category. Scrolling through patches
with this function is much faster because only
patches belonging to the selected category are
visible.
Editing Parameters
In order to change or edit a program in the Blofeld, you
must access the appropriate parameters. In spite of the
Blofeld’s compactness it uses a sophisticated user
interface allowing fast editing of any parameter. The
change of any value is done with the so-called endless
rotaries in the Parameter matrix b.
The rotary knobs control parameters with continuous
values. All rotary controls consist of dials. Turning a dial
clockwise increases the corresponding value; turning it
counterclockwise decreases it. The dials have a built-in
dynamic response feature. If you turn the control slowly,
the value changes very smoothly, too. If you turn it faster,
it accelerates as well. This gives you the chance of
adjusting the whole value range in just one turn without
losing accurate control when necessary. Bipolar
parameters (parameters with positiv and negative values)
use special gradation when changing their values. As soon
Basic Operation
Blofeld User´s Manual 20
as the value 0 is reached, the sweep is stopped for a short
period to make it easier to edit the Blofeld.
Editing Parameter Controls
w We recommend to switch on the Auto Edit function
in the Global menu. Read more on this on page 72.
The basic programming of the Blofeld is done via the socalled Parameter matrix f which has its most important
parameters silkscreened on the machine´s front panel.
Changing the parameters is done with the four endless
rotaries on the bottom of the matrix. Changing the edit
level is done with the four navigation buttons left to the
parameter matrix and the two Display parameter dials
e. This sounds more complex than it is. With a simple
example you will understand the structure of the Blofeld
handling easily.
Would you like to change the Cutoff of Filter 2? Please
proceed as follows:
☞ To access a specific panel parameter:
1. Locate the section that contains the desired
parameter on the front panel. For example, if you
want to change Cutoff of Filter 2, refer to the
Filter section. To do this please press the filter
section button until the LED for Filter 2 lights up
in the Filter section.
2. With the first endless rotary you can now change
the Cutoff parameter of Filter 2.
3. Whenever you change a parameter by moving a
knob, the display shows the edited parameter
and its current value in the upper right corner for
a few seconds.
For each parameter level you can also access an edit
menu, since only the most important parameters can be
directly accessed through the parameter matrix.
To demonstrate this, change the Octave parameter of
oscillator 1. This parameter is not accessable directly
through the parameter matrix.
☞ To access a specific display menu parameter:
1. Choose the parameter section you wish to reach
(here Oscillators). Press the corresponding
button until the LED for Oscillator 1 lights up.
2. Use the Selection dial c to navigate through
the menu pages until you have found your
desired parameter. The name of the menu pages
is shown in the upper area of the display.
Basic Operation
21 Blofeld User´s Manual
3. Use the left display parameter dial to edit the
Octave parameter of Oscillator 1.
Now you should be able to choose the 5 edit levels with
the navigation buttons
Oscillators, Filters, Modulation, Effects and
Arpeggiator
w While editing display menu parameters, you can also
adjust panel parameters and vice versa.
w All menu pages of the Blofeld are arranged one after
another in order of the signal flow. Use the
Selection dial c to select these pages.
Viewing Parameter Values without Change
The Blofeld offers a special mode to check parameter
values without performing any changes.
☞ To check parameter values without changing them:
1. Press and hold the corresponding button in the
Parameter matrix. After a short while all four
parameter and the values are shown in the
display.
2. You can edit the parameters while holding the
buttons.
3. Release the button to end the parameter
viewing.
Comparing Edited Programs with Stored Programs
The Compare function allows you to compare the
currently edited program to its original stored version in
the internal memory.
☞ To use the Compare function:
1. Press Shift + Utility.
2. Use the Selection dial c to locate the menu
page Compare Sound.
3. Press Shift + Utility to change between the
edited and the unedited version of your
program when you play the Blofeld. The letter
„c“ is displayed behind the corresponding
program number.
4. Press Shift + Utility again to go back to your
edited sound.
Basic Operation
Blofeld User´s Manual 22
w You can only view the original settings. If you select
a new program while the Compare function is active,
the Compare status is automatically terminated. No
parameters can be edited with the Compare function
active.
Recalling Edited Programs
You can void edits at any time and return to the original
program.
☞ To recall an edited program:
1. Press Shift + Utility.
2. Use the Selection dial c to locate the menu
page Recall Sound.
3. Press Shift + Utility again to recall all edits.
Storing Programs
After you have finished editing a program, you must store
it if you intend to use it again. Any of the Blofeld´s
memory locations are available for this purpose.
☞ To store a program:
1. Press Shift + Utility to activate the Store page.
2. Use the Selection dial c to select the mneu
page Store Sound 1/3.
3. Edit the program name (if wished). First select
the character to be modified with the left
Display parameter dial. Then change its
setting with the right Display parameter dial.
The program name can use up to 16
characters.
4. Use the Selection dial c to select the next
menu page Store Sound 2/3.
5. Now you can select the category of your
sound. It is strongly recommended to select an
appropriate category for your sound or to
create a new category. This helps you finding
your sound later. Use the right display
parameter dial to change the category.
6. Use the Selection dial c to select the last
menu page Store Sound 3/3.
7. Use the left Display parameter dial to select
the destination bank (A, B, C...). Use the right
Display parameter dial to select the
destination program number. The default value
is the currently selected program but you may
want to store your edits in a different location.
Basic Operation
23 Blofeld User´s Manual
In this case the name of the chosen Sound
Program is temporarily shown and you can
choose to overwrite the old sound or not.
8. Finally press Shift + Store to store the
Program to the selected location.
9. By pressing any button before performing the
step 8, you can discard the Store process at any
time.
m Whenever you store a program, the selected
memory location is overwritten. Therefore, any
previously stored program at this location will be
erased and there is no way to get it back. So, you
should do backups of the sounds regularly. If you
want to restore the factory presets, you can
download them as a Standard MIDI File from our
website.
w Use the Store function also if you want to copy
programs. There is no need to edit a program before
storing it.
☞ To store a Multi program:
1. Activate the Multi mode.
2. Press Shift + Utility to activate the Multi Store
page.
3. The following procedure is identical to the
Sound storing procedure.
Multi Mode
Blofeld User´s Manual 24
Multi Mode
The Waldorf Blofeld offers a 16 part Multi mode. As soon
as you want to do multi track recordings in a studio, you
should start to use Multi parts. Each sound in a Multi
setup based on a socalled Part.
☞ Selection of the Multi Mode:
• Press Shift + Sound/Multi to toggle between
the Play Sound Mode and the Multi Mode. In
Multi Mode the upper display row shows you
the number of the current selected part.
In addition to 1024 sound programs, Blofeld now offers
128 Multi sets.
☞ Selection of the Multi programs:
• Use the Selection dial c to select the desired
Multi Program.
Multimode Parameter
Multi Volume 0…127
Multi Volume sets the overall volume for the selected
Multi program. It affects all Instruments of the Multi
program, so if you would set Multi Volume to 0, you
won´t hear anything.
w Multi Volume is used to set several Multi programs
to similar output levels, especially in live
situations. While recording in a studio, you should
set Multi Volume to 127 to get the highest possible
Signal-to-Noise ratio.
Tempo 40…300
Tempo sets the global tempo for all instruments in the
selected Multi program. It affects all arpeggiators, all LFO
and all Effects and overrides the corresponding sound
tempo settings.
Multi Part Parameter
Before you can adjust the sound parameters of a particular
Part, you have to select it. The Multi mode of the Blofeld
offers 16 Parts that can be played at a time via MIDI.
☞ To select a Part:
1. Press and hold the Play button, while you
choose the desired parts with the Selection
Multi Mode
25 Blofeld User´s Manual
dial c. The display shows you the actual part
in the left top corner.
To edit a Multi program, press Play and use the Selection
dial c to go through the many parameters of Multimode
Most of the parameters are displayed with graphics.
Bank A...H
Selects Bank A…H from which the Sound program is
taken.
Sound 1...128
Selects the desired sound program.
Cat. Filter miscellaneous
Restricts sound selection to a certain category.
Volume 000…127
Volume sets the output volume of the selected Part.
w This Volume parameter sets the maximum output
volume of the selected Instrument. If you use MIDI
Controller #7 (Channel Volume) to change the
volume of the Instruments that receive on this MIDI
channel, the real output level is scaled to the volume
set up in this parameter. This means that if you set
Instrument Volume to 10 and Controller #7 to 127,
the maximum output volume is 10.
Pan left 64...center...right 63
Determines the panning position of the selected
instrument. The setting left 64 stands for full left, right 63
for full right. In case you want to have the sound in the
mid position select center.
w If stereo effects are active, e.g. delay, the effect will
still sound in both outputs even if the basic sound
is set to full left or full right.
Channel global, omni, 1…16
Channel sets the MIDI Channel for the selected
Instrument. This MIDI channel is used to send MIDI
messages and to receive MIDI messages for this Part when
Status is set to play.
Multi Mode
Blofeld User´s Manual 26
• global means that the selected Instrument receives and
sends on the MIDI channel set up in the Global
menu. This setting is recommended for a Multi that is
intended for use in a live performance.
• omni means that the selected Instrument receives all
MIDI channels and sends on the MIDI channel set up
in the Global menu. This setting is not recommended.
Only use it for diagnostic purposes when you need to
know if the microQ receives any MIDI messages at all.
• 1…16 means that the selected Instrument receives and
sends on this MIDI channel. This setting is
recommended for a Multi that is intended for multi
track playback with a software sequencer.
Status mute, play
Status sets the send and receive status of the selected
part. This means whether the Instrument can be played by
MIDI or is disabled.
• mute means that the selected part is disabled.
• play means that the selected part can be played by
MIDI.
Transpose -48…+48
Transposes the Instrument in semitone steps. I.e., a value
of –12 means that the Instrument sounds one octave lower
than it was originally programmed.
Detune -64...+63
Detunes the Instrument in steps of 1/64th of a semitone.
✻ You can set up nice layered sounds with
Transpose and Detune. Activate two Parts and
set their parameters to identical values including
the sound number. Then simply transpose one
Instrument by one octave, and you have a fat layer
sound. Or set them both to the same octave and
set Detune of one Instrument to –05 and the other
to +05
Low Vel 1…127
Low Vel allows you to limit the velocity range in which
the instrument is played. Only notes with a velocity
higher or equal to the selected value are passed through.
Set this parameter to 1, if you want to turn velocity
switching off.
Multi Mode
27 Blofeld User´s Manual
High Vel 1…127
High Vel is the counterpart to the LowKey parameter.
Only notes with a key number lower or equal to the
selected value are passed through. Set this parameter to
G8 if you want to use the full keyboard range.
Low Key C-2…G8
Analogous to the velocity switching parameters, the key
range can be restricted for the part’s tone generation.
Only notes with a key number higher or equal to the
selected value are passed through. Set this parameter to C-
2 if you want to use the full keyboard range.
High Key C-2…G8
High Key is the counterpart to the Low Key parameter.
Only notes with a key number lower or equal to the
selected value are passed through. Set this parameter to
G8 if you want to use the full keyboard range.
MIDI receive / ignore
Determines if incoming MIDI data is received or ignored.
USB receive / ignore
Determines if incoming USB messages are received or
ignored.
Local receive / ignore
Determines if incoming MIDI data from the keyboard is
received or ignored.
w Note that the keyboard will play all enabled parts,
regardless of selected channel.
Pitch Bend receive / ignore
Determines if incoming pitch bend is received or ignored.
Mod Wheel receive / ignore
Determines if incoming modulation wheel data is
received or ignored.
Pressure receive / ignore
Determines if incoming pressure data (Aftertouch) is
received or ignored.
Multi Mode
Blofeld User´s Manual 28
Sustain receive / ignore
Determines if incoming sustain pedal data is received or
ignored.
Edits receive / ignore
Determines if incoming parameter edits are received or
ignored.
Prg Change receive / ignore
Determines if incoming program changes are received or
ignored. If receive is enabled, program change messages
alters the selected sound
w To store Multi programs please refer to the chapter
Storing Programs.
Menu Pages Overview
29 Blofeld User´s Manual
Menu Pages Overview
Here you find an overview of all Blofeld parameter and
menu pages.
Oscillators
Parameter matrix:
Shape, Semitone, Detune, Level
Menu pages:
Oscillator 1
(1/6) Octave / Balance
(2/6) Pulsewidth / PWM Amount
(3/6) PWM Source / PWM Amount
(4/6) Limit WT / Brilliance
(5/6) FM Source / FM Amount
(6/6) Keytrack / Bend Range
Oscillator 2
(1/7) Octave / Balance
(2/7) Sync to O3
(3/7) Pulsewidth / PWM Amount
(4/7) PWM Source / PWM Amount
(5/7) Limit WT / Brilliance
(6/7) FM Source / FM Amount
(7/7) Keytrack / Bend Range
Oscillator 3
(1/6) Octave / Balance
(2/6) Pulsewidth / PWM Amount
(3/6) PWM Source / PWM Amount
(4/6) Brilliance
(5/6) FM Source / FM Amount
(6/6) Keytrack / Bend Range
Oscillator Common
(1/5) Allocation
(2/5) Unisono / Uni Detune
(3/5) Glide / Rate
(4/5) Mode
(5/5) Pitch Source / Pitch Amount
Ring Modulation
(1/1) Level / Balance
Noise
(1/2) Level / Balance
(2/2) Colour
Filters
Parameter matrix:
Cutoff, Resonance, Type, Env Amount
Menu pages:
Menu Pages Overview
Blofeld User´s Manual 30
Filter 1
(1/6) Keytrack / Env Velocity
(2/6) Mod Source / Mod Amount
(3/6) FM Source / FM Amount
(4/6) Drive / Drive Curve
(5/6) Pan
(6/6): Pan Source / Pan Amount
Filter Routing
(1/1) Routing
Filter 2
(1/6) Keytrack / Env Velocity
(2/6) Mod Source / Mod Amount
(3/6) FM Source / FM Amount
(4/6) Drive / Drive Curve
(5/6) Pan
(6/6) Pan Source / Pan Amount
Modulation
Parameter matrix (Env):
Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release
Menu pages:
Filter Envelope
(1/3) Trigger / Mode
(2/3) Attack Level
(3/3) Decay 2 / Sustain 2
Amp Envelope
(1/3) Trigger / Mode
(2/3) Allocation / Attack Level
(3/3) Decay 2 / Sustain 2
Envelope 3
(1/5) Trigger / Mode
(2/5) Attack / Attack Level
(3/5) Decay / Sustain
(4/5) Decay 2 / Sustain 2
(5/5) Release
Envelope 4
(1/5) Trigger / Mode
(2/5) Attack / Attack Level
(3/5) Decay / Sustain
(4/5) Decay 2 / Sustain 2
(5/5) Release
Parameter matrix (LFO):
Shape 1, Speed 1, Shape 2, Speed 2
Menu pages:
LFO 1
(1/4) Shape / Speed
(2/4) Sync / Clocked
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