Zendrum ZAP V4 Owner's Manual

owner’s manual

Table of Contents

Page

WELCOME 1
WHAT’S NEW IN THE Z4 2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3
GETTING STARTED 4
SETTING UP THE ZENDRUM TO PLAY 6
DIGITAL DISPLAY, CONTROL PAD, AND SUSTAIN BUTTON 8
FUNCTIONS 11
FACTORY PRESET NOTE MAP LIST 19
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 20
APPENDIX 21

GENERAL MIDI 21
PERCUSSION NOTES 23
ZENDRUM MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART 24
SETUP 1: C PENTATONIC SCALE 25

WARRANTY 26

1

WELCOME

Thank you for purchasing your Zendrum Articulating Programmer (ZAP). The ZAP
is a hardware MIDI controller that was designed and built by drummers to allow all
musicians to find new avenues of expression and creativity. The ZAP is specifically well­suited for smaller spaces and studio environments, but can also be mounted on a snare
drum stand with an optional adapter available from Zendrum Corp. The purpose of the
ZAP is to allow the user to achieve maximum dynamics, speed, and touch control with
today’s latest multi-sampled Virtual Studio Technology (VSTi) libraries. Until now, that
super-detailed software has been muted by the actual playing surfaces. Neither keyboard
keys nor gum-rubber pads can make a sound truly speak with the impact of a drum. The
Zendrum ZAP brings a faster, more precise trigger response and the unique arrangement
of five offset rows of triggers promotes some fresh new possibilities for mastering any
VST instrument’s depth of playing nuances.

Please take time to read this manual. We have made every effort to design a user-friendly
instrument. Because it is a MIDI device, there are certain rules that will need to be
understood to avoid “user-error” and frustration. KNOW THIS – We, the inventors, are
drummers. We would rather play than program or read manuals. We’ll do our best to
make the instructions short and to the point, and get you up and running with the least
amount of “gear fear”. You can help by looking over this manual as you get started. If
you’re a first-time electronic musician, read ALL of the manual. It’s not long, and we’ll
try to give you tips while you’re learning so it will make logical sense.

We recommend reading the “Getting Started” section for anyone. It’s to your advantage
to understand the basics as you unpack your instrument and cable up for the first time.
The goal is to get you safely and surely playing as soon as possible without a lot of head­scratching or guessing. Any tech support questions can be directed to:

www.zendrum.com
[e-mail]

[phone]

Keep your sales receipt, shipping box, and manual.
For your future reference:

SERIAL NUMBER: ____________________
DATE OF PURCHASE: ____________________

2

WHAT’S NEW IN THE Z4

The Zendrum Z4 Series represents a huge step forward in precision, speed,
resolution, and dynamic articulation. The Zendrum was already the perfect MIDI
percussion controller for both hardware and software instruments. Now with the
new Z4 upgrade, the best has just gotten even better!

The new Dedicated Save Function makes it much easier to try out edits before
committing them. You can change several parameters of a preset then simply revert back
to the previously saved version with ease. Or you can easily commit the changes to be
there when you fire the Zendrum back up.

The new MIDI Channel-Per-Trigger Feature has vastly opened up the programming
options. Now you can control multiple Virtual Studio Technology (VSTi) instruments
with one preset. You can set up some triggers to play drums, some to control a soft synth,
and still others to fire off audio loops in your VSTi host...all simultaneously! New Hi-hat

Pedal Control Input, Volume Pedal Control Input and additional trigger pad
capability maximize today’s software and hardware.

Now, you can hear as well as see MIDI note number changes with the new Audible Note
Assignment Feature, which allows you to hear note changes as you scroll through the

MIDI note numbers.

The new Automatic Calibration Feature allows you to physically set the minimum and
maximum touch of each trigger and pedal.

Most importantly, the playing "feel" has been improved. It was already the best of
any MIDI controller out there, but the designers at Zendrum have managed to make it
even more "live" feeling with a state-of-the-art processor and advanced circuitry. The
Zendrum was already able to detect even the softest of hits, and now it picks up every
single stroke and nuance of even 32nd note and 64th note finger rolls. It's like you’re
touching the sounds themselves! There is no other controller on the market that can equal
the Zendrum’s touch sensitivity and quality construction.

3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read and understand all instructions.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

3. Unplug Zendrum from power source before cleaning.

4. Clean with a soft, dry cloth for fingerprints. DO NOT USE WET CLEANERS.

5. Do not place the Zendrum where it may fall.

6. Do not attempt to replace the 12V DC transformer without first contacting

Zendrum Technical Support.

7. Do not allow anything to rest on the power or MIDI cords.

8. Do not attempt to open backplate without qualified assistance from Zendrum
Technical Support.

9. Do not tamper with circuitry, wiring, or components. Doing so will void your

warranty.

PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE! The Zendrum is an electrical device.

Zendrum Technical Support

[e-mail]

404-352-1646

4

GETTING STARTED

A Brief Overview of the Zendrum

The Zendrum is a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) triggering controller
designed by drummers to allow musicians to express their creativity in rhythmic and
intuitive ways. However, the Zendrum can trigger ANY sound via MIDI, so it is much
more than drums yet as easy to play as tapping your desk with your fingers. Unlike a
keyboard, there are no moving parts to break or wear out. Anyone can enjoy it, but it is
not a toy. It is a real instrument carved and handcrafted from fine woods, assembled and
tested by the inventors. Each Zendrum is a work of art, manufactured with careful
attention to detail and high quality.

Remember, this is a Zendrum. You CAN hit it hard, but you don’t HAVE TO in order to
get the maximum dynamic MIDI volume. The louder you monitor yourself through
speakers or headphones, the lighter and more intricate your touch can become through
practice.

5

Basic Programming Functions

The Zendrum was designed by drummers to access the vast array of MIDI sounds. To
maximize the compatibility with other manufacturers’ MIDI devices, a certain number of
user-definable parameters were necessary.

One of the most basic programming functions is the MIDI Channel Select. CH
Matching the transmitting channel of the Zendrum to the receiving channel of the
hardware or computer interface is what makes it possible for them to communicate with
each other.

The other most basic programming function is the MIDI Note Select. NO Each trigger
can have a MIDI note number between 0 and 127 for each of the 16 Set-up/note maps.
This can be used to designate chord changes or change the playing position of drum
sounds. Most hardware drum sound modules have a range of 61 MIDI notes per drum kit,
any of which may be assigned to any Zendrum trigger you wish by changing that
trigger’s MIDI note to match. You can save any changes you make permanently using the
dedicated SAVE feature.

Dynamic Response Features

The Zendrum is the most dynamically expressive touch controller ever created. It has
several functions that combine to allow the user to tailor the touch response to his or her
preferences.

The Noise Floor Function
or her own personal hand strength and dexterity, while also setting a threshold so that
accidental vibrations or loud sound will not trigger false signals.

The MIDI Volume Function UL allows the user to set the maximum velocity sent by
the Zendrum. The combination of this parameter with the Noise Floor function sets the
Zendrum’s full dynamic range from soft to loud. The widest dynamics can occur when
the volume is maxed at 127 and the noise floor is at zero.

The Variable Velocity Response Curve Function
different logarithmic response curves to create the best feel for his or her hardware or
computer generated sounds.

FL allows the user to set the minimum touch required to his

rC lets the user choose between seven

6

SETTING UP THE ZENDRUM TO PLAY

PATCH PANEL

On the back of the ZAP, you will see a patch panel consisting of (from left to right) 2
Continuous Controller ¼ inch input jacks (1 and 2), a Foot Trigger ¼ inch input jack(3),
an On/Off Switch, a locking 12 volt power supply jack, a MIDI IN jack, a MIDI OUT
jack, and a Sustain Pedal ¼ inch input jack. (see below)

MIDI CABLES

You were supplied one 15’ All Pins Active MIDI Cable with your ZAP.

POWER SUPPLY

You received a 12 volt DC power supply rated at 800 mA with a positive center pin along
with your Zendrum. Please use ONLY THIS SUPPLY to power your Zendrum.
Please contact Zendrum Technical Support for replacement information.

OTHER REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

In order to trigger sounds with the Zendrum, you must also have a hardware sound
module, drum machine, keyboard, or a computer with a MIDI/USB or Firewire
connection and sound card. You will also need headphones or an amplifier and speakers
to hear yourself play.

POWERING UP THE ZAP

1. Connect the 15’ all-pins active MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT port of the
Zendrum to the MIDI IN port of your hardware sound module or computer
interface.

2. Connect the 12V power supply to the 12 VDC input jack in the back of the ZAP
and screw locking mechanism from power supply pin on to 12 VDC input jack to
lock in place.

3. Plug the 12V power supply into your electrical outlet and you are ready to begin.

7

Once the Zendrum is connected and powered up, its internal processor runs a series of
checks, flashes all the current settings on the digital display and comes to rest on the

Program Change Pr function. The Zendrum is now ready to play.

ADJUSTABLE FEET

The ZAP comes equipped with four adjustable feet on the bottom for angling the playing
surface to allow you the most relaxed playing position possible. You can raise and lower
the feet to make any height adjustment you want. Raise the back feet to tilt the ZAP
forward, or the front feet to tilt it back.

To adjust the feet, unscrew them by hand to the desired height and playing angle. Then,
using a ½ inch wrench, tighten the jam nuts against the bottom plate of the ZAP to lock in
place.