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x0xb0x
Bass line Synthesizer
User Manual (in progress)
April 30, 2005
For more information about x0xb0x please visit:
http://www.ladyada.net/make/x0xb0x
Copyright 2005, Limor Fried. Some rights reserved.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/
by-nc-sa/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford,
California 94305, USA.
Introduction
At this point, you should have successfully built your x0xb0x and performed
basic tests to verify its functionality. This manual is intended to teach you
the various functions of the synthesizer.
The manual is divided up into 3 sections. The first section describes all of the
buttons, switches and ports individually. You should at least skim this section first so you know what we mean when we refer to the ‘bank knob.’ The
second section is divided up by function and describes each function in detail
and also provides examples for how to peform common tasks. The third section describes how to use the optional control software.
Since the x0xb0x is a ‘living project,’ there may be new versions of this
document describing new functions. Be sure to check that this manual corresponds to the hardware, firmware and software version you have. The hardware version is written on the mainboard PCB. The firmware and software
version can be verified through the computer control software.
This manual is written for:
x0xb0x 1.0 Hardware
x0xb0x 1.0 Firmware
x0xb0x 1.0 Software
No manual is perfect, but we can strive for completeness. If you feel like
there’s something amiss (whether it be poor spelling, obfuscated language, or confusing pictures) send your suggestions and corrections to:
[email protected]. Chances are, you’re not the only one.
We hope you enjoy using your x0xb0x to make hardcore acid tracks.
Quick Overview
x0xb0x Capabilities
Sequencer capabilites:
• Up to 128 patterns of up to 16 notes each
• Up to 64 tracks of up to 16 patterns each
• Input sync via DINSYNC or MIDI Clock sync
• Output sync via DINSYNC and MIDI Clock sync
• Can act as a MIDI-controlled synthesizer
• Can act as a MIDI-out keyboard
• Easy-to-use sequencer allows for quick pattern & track entry and editing
• Intuitive track and pattern play with 2 octaves of pitch
shift, rest, accent and slide override, as well dynamic chaining of up to 16 patterns or tracks
• Built in “random pattern” generator
• Precision tempo (20BPM to 200BPM) can be set via computer or with tap-tempo
Synthesizer capabilites:
• Monophonic, 4 octave VCO
Section I
Switches, Knobs, and I/O
DINSYNC
MIX IN
MIDI IN
MIDI THRU
MIDI OUT
MIX OUT
USB
CV
GATE
PHONE
9VAC
SAW
SQR
TUNE
15
16 1
CUTOFF
3
4
6
12
1
7
11
2
3
9
R/S
NEXT
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
RANDOM
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
DECAY
ACCENT
PATTERN EDIT
USER A
TRACK (SYNC OUT)
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
USER C
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
BOOTLOAD
8
VOLUME
TRACK EDIT
COMPUTER CONTROL
4
5
C#
PREV
MIDI PLAY
KEYBOARD
5
13
10
ENV MOD
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)
2
14
TEMPO
RESONANCE
6
7
8
D#
9
F#
10
G#
11
12
13
14
15
16
A#
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C´
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
DONE
D
U
CHAIN
R
A
S
N
MIDI THRU
MIDI OUT
CUTOFF
MIX OUT
RESONANCE
USB
CV
GATE
PHONE
9VAC
Function
Knob
DECAY
ACCENT
ENV MOD
The function knob sets the mode of the synthesizer. It’s functionality is the same in every mode: the
MIDI PLAY
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
x0xb0x is in the mode indicated by the knob. If the
RANDOM
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
KEYBOARD
PATTERN EDIT
knob
is changed, the current mode will be exited and
USER A
TRACK (SYNC OUT)
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
all modifications (such as unsaved patterns or tracks,
USER C
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
chains, pitch shifts,
etc.) will be discarded. The only
VOLUME
BOOTLOAD
TRACK EDIT
COMPUTER CONTROL
exception to this rule is Bootload Mode which is only
active if the x0xb0x is powered on with the function
knob
in14this
position.
MIX
MIDI THRU
MIDI
OUT 15
USB
CV
GATE
PHONE
9VAC
7 IN 8 MIDI
9 IN 10
11
12 OUT
13 MIX
16
Each mode is described in detail in section II.
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)
3
4
5
6
7
DINSYNC
5
6
D#
SAW
F#
A#
Bank Knob
SQR
TUNE
E
F
EV
G
15
16 1
A
3
4
5
6
12
1
11
2
10
3
5
9
7
6
8
4
5
C#
6
D#
DINSYNC
NEXT
DECAY uses.ACCENT
has many
Its primary use
is
to
select
between
banks
of
memory
when writB
C´ (SYNCD
PATTERN
OUT)
U
MIDI PLAY
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
ing or reading
patterns and tracks. When addressRANDOM
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
ing
patterns,
there
are 16 banks and so all positions
KEYBOARD
PATTERN EDIT
USER A
TRACK (SYNC OUT)
address TRACK
a seperate
bank. When addressing tracks,
USER B
(DINSYNC)
USER C
TRACK
(MIDISYNC)
however, there are 8 banks. Therefore, bank position
7
8
R
S
VOLUME
BOOTLOAD
EDIT A
9-16
areTRACK
equivalent
to positions 1-8 (respectively).
COMPUTER CONTROL
Another use of the bank knob is to change the
MIDI address of the device in MIDI Play or Keyboard
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
mode.
DONE
2
13
4
RESONANCE
ENV MOD
The bank knob
is
CUTOFF
14
2TEMPO3
S
G#
F#
D
MIDI IN
E
F
SQR
TUNE
CHAIN
1
2
3
15
16 1
2
10
8
4
14
13
12
11
TEMPO
1
2
3
9
4
C#
PREV
R/S
NEXT
A#
Tempo
Knob &
LEDUSB
MIDI THRU MIDI OUT
MIX OUT
MIX IN
SAW
C
G#
CV
GATE
D
PHONE
9VAC
The tempo knob is a rotary encoder, not a potentiometer. This means that tempo is adjusted
by turnDONE
G
A
B
C´
D
U
ing it left (down) or right (up) but that the particular
location of the knob is irrelevant. (That is, turning
RESONANCE
MOD
DECAY
the CUTOFF
knob while
the x0xb0xENV
is powered
off will not ACCENT
affect the tempo.)
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)
MIDI PLAY
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
The
is
stored
in
on
5 tempo
6
7
8 internal
R memory
A
S the mi3
RANDOM
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
4
KEYBOARD
PATTERN
EDIT
crocontroller and can be precisely set using the
USER A
TRACK (SYNC OUT)
5
x0xb0x
control
software.
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
6
USER C
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
7
The tempo
is
incremented
or decremented one BPMVOLUME
BOOTLOAD
TRACK EDIT
COMPUTER
CONTROL
per detent. The minimum tempo is 20BPM, the maximum is 300BPM. The current tempo is indicated by
the
tempo
LED8 which
sits
above
the
tempo
knob.
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
The tempo knob is not functional when syncing with
D#
F#
A#
external
signals
suchG#as DINSYNC
or MIDI Sync.
However, the tempo LED will always indicate the
current tempo, even when sync’d to an external signal.
DONE
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C´
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
U
CHAIN
R
A
S
16 1
15
2
3
14
4
MIX IN
MIDI IN
10
1
2
3
15
6
7
10
2
4
3
9
CV
6
ENVD#
MOD
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
RANDOM
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
TRACK (SYNC OUT)
TRACK (DINSYNC)
USER C
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
5
6
7
8
D#CHAIN
9
F#
10
G#
11
12
13
2
3
4
D
E
F
G
A
B
C´
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
MIDI IN
TUNE
16 1
RESONANCE
USB
CV
ENV MOD
6
12
7
11
MIDI PLAY
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
RANDOM
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
KEYBOARD
5
13
9
MIX OUT
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)
2
4
10
MIDI OUT
CUTOFF
14
PATTERN EDIT
USER A
TRACK (SYNC OUT)
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
USER C
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
BOOTLOAD
8
9
G#
ACCENT
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
A#
4
5
6
7
D#
9
F#
10
G#
16
5
6
7Keys
8
A
Numbered
andR LEDs
Note Keys and LEDs
VOLUME
TRACK EDIT
8
15
The 8 white keys as a group are sometimes
DONE
referred
to
as the numbered keys. (These
D
U
keys are also used and referred to as as
note keys when used as a one-octave keyboard.)
R
A
S
The numbered keys are used to address
patterns and tracks in a bank while playing
and editing.
GATE
PHONE
9VAC
The
LEDs
indicate the current pattern or
track selected. In pattern play and track
play modes, a blinking LED indicates the
DECAYcurrently
ACCENT playing pattern or track and lit
LEDs indicate patterns and tracks “waiting
to be played.”
COMPUTER CONTROL
C#
NEXT
MIDI THRU
3
3
F#
14
A#
C
MIX IN
2
8
TRACK EDIT
CHAIN
O
7
9VAC
PATTERN EDIT
USER A
USER B
1
15
PHONE
COMPUTER CONTROL
C#/ S
R
NC
VOLUME
TRACK EDIT
GATE
DECAY
MIDI PLAY
BOOTLOAD
8
4
NEXT
USB
5
KEYBOARD
5
11
O
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)
2
4
12
MIX OUT
Bank LEDs
3
13
TRACK (DINSYNC)
USER C
The strip of 16 numbered LEDs is used as visual feedback in many of the different x0xb0x modes. In general, it is used to indicate the currently selected
PREV
DONE
bankNEXT
or the current
in aF pattern
or track.
C
Dposition
E
G
A
B
C´
D
U
VOLUME
In MIDI Play and Keyboard mode, it indicates the current MIDI address.
16 1
14
TRACK (SYNC OUT)
USER B
COMPUTER CONTROL
C#
RESONANCE
CUTOFF
PATTERN EDIT
USER A
BOOTLOAD
8
9
MIDI OUT
R
TUNE
7
11
MIDI THRU
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
KEYBOARD
6
12
NC
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
RANDOM
5
13
TEMPO
MIDI PLAY
11
12
13
A#
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C´
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CHAIN
These 13 keys as a group are referred to as
14
15
16 keys. They are also sometimes
the
note
individually referred to by their label (i.e.
“press the C’ key”). The note keys are used
to enter musical information.
DONE
In pattern
edit mode, they are used to edit
D
U
notes in a pattern.
In track edit and track/pattern play mode,
they are also used to enter in the desired
R
A
S
pitch shift.
In keyboard mode, they are used as a one
octave keyboard.
In some case the octave can be changed
with the Up and Down keys.
S
14
15
V MOD
16
DECAY
MIDISYNC)
DIT
NC OUT)
U
DISYNC)
T
DINSYNC
IN
MIDI
IN
MIDI MIX
THRU
SAW
11SQRR 12
A13
CUTOFF
SQR
14
S
15
16
Down/Up Keys & LEDs
TUNE
CUTOFF
RESONANCE
TUNE
CUTOFF
RESONANCE
ENV MOD
DECAY ENV MOD
ACCENT DECAY
RESONANCE
ENV MOD
DECAY
ACCENT
The up key and down key are used to extend the
range of the single-octave keyboard. In pattern edit and
keyboard mode, pressing the down key will lower the
USER OUT)
A
(SYNC OUT)
5
USER
A
TRACK (SYNC
USER
TRACK (SYNC
5
13 OUT)
13 A
octave
(no
lower
than theTRACK
lowest
octave) and pressing
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
6
6
12
12
USER C
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
USER C
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
USER C
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
the
up
key
will
raise
the
octave
(no
higher than theVOLUME
3rd
7
11
7
11
VOLUME
VOLUME
TEMPO TRACK
BOOTLOAD
TRACK EDIT
BOOTLOAD
TRACK
EDIT
BOOTLOAD10
EDIT
10
DONE
9 8
9 8
COMPUTER
CONTROL
COMPUTER
CONTROL
COMPUTER CONTROL
octave). The LEDs will also indicate which octave is in
C´
D
U
use.
In
play1014
mode,
keys
159
26
3711
48
59
610
711
812
913
11
12
13
14
15
16
26
37
48
15 the
16 up/down
10
12track
13 edit
14 and
15 track
16
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)
1 2
1 2
MIDI(DINSYNC)
PLAY
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
MIDI
PLAY16
PATTERN
PATTERN
(DINSYNC)
15
3
3
RANDOM
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
RANDOM
PATTERN
(MIDISYNC)
PATTERN
(MIDISYNC)
14
4
4
KEYBOARD
PATTERN EDIT
KEYBOARD
PATTERN
EDIT
PATTERN
EDIT
3
4
5
6
7
TEMPO
8
B
15
C#
F#
D#
7
D#
G#
8
C#
F#
A#
R
A
D#
G#
F#
A#
G#
A#
S
DINSYNC
MIX
IN USB
MIDI
THRU
MIDI OUT
MIX
OUT PHONE
USB
DINSYNC
IN MIDIMIDI
IN MIX
MIDI
THRU
MIDIMIDI
OUT
MIX
OUT
USB
CV
GATE
MIDI
IN
MIDI MIX
THRU
OUT
OUT
CVIN GATE
PHONE
9VAC
EV
NEXT
D
SAW
D
G
SAW
3
4
5
6
7
TEMPO
8
15
C#
REV
D
G
C
´
E
DA
F
UB
G´
C
lowest octave
2
PHONE
UB
C´
9VAC
DONE
DONE
second octave
26
MIDI PLAY 16
15
RANDOM
14
KEYBOARD
1
D
U
third octave
ACCENT
A
S
37
48
1
MIDI
PLAY16
PATTERN
(DINSYNC)
15
RANDOM
PATTERN
(MIDISYNC)
14
KEYBOARD
PATTERN
EDIT
2
159
C#
F#
NEXT
E
FC
26
10
D#
G#
PREV
D
G
3711
AE
59
13
C#
F#
A#
NEXT
48
12
C
BF
610
14
D#
G#
D
G
C
´
711
15
CHAIN
3
R/S
41
52
CHAIN
63
1
74
2
85
3 R
6
913
F#
A#
E
DA
812
16
F
UB
transposed down
R/S
DA
CV
GATE
9VAC
TUNE
CUTOFF
RESONANCE
TUNE
CUTOFF
RESONANCE
ENV MOD
DECAY ENV MOD
ACCENT DECAY
RESONANCE
ENV MOD
DECAY
ACCENT
R/S
CHAIN
1 PATTERN85
2
3 R
4 PATTERN
5(SYNC
7 A
8 S
R
3
7
8
41 PATTERN52
74
A
S OUT)6 R
(SYNC OUT)6
(SYNC OUT)6
D#
D
C
BF
AE
DONE
are2 used
to MIDI
transpose
patterns
and tracks. Patterns
PLAY
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
PATTERN
(DINSYNC)
3
3
RANDOM
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
PATTERN
(MIDISYNC)
4
4
can be transposed
either up
(one
KEYBOARD
PATTERN
EDIT octave) or down (one
PATTERN
EDIT
USER OUT)
A
TRACK (SYNC OUT)
5
USER
A
TRACK (SYNC
USER
TRACK (SYNC
5
13 OUT)
13 A
octave).
Pressing
the
relavent
button
will display the
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
6
6
12
12
USER
C
TRACK
(MIDISYNC)
USER C amount of
TRACK
(MIDISYNC)
USER C
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
transpose
in that
direction
on the note keys.
7
11
7
11
VOLUME
VOLUME
VOLUME
TEMPO TRACK
BOOTLOAD
TRACK EDIT
BOOTLOAD
TRACK
EDIT
BOOTLOAD10
EDIT
10 9 8
9 8
COMPUTER
CONTROL if the pattern/track is transCOMPUTER
CONTROL will also
COMPUTER CONTROL
the LEDs
indicate
posed and in which direction.
2
4
NEXT
SQR
CUTOFF
CHAIN
3
2
1
9
FC
E
PREV
SQR
E
/S
ACCENT
MIDI PLAY 16
15
RANDOM
14
KEYBOARD
2
#
Done Key & LED
The done key is essentially used to save tracks and
patterns in pattern edit and track edit mode. It is also
used as the tap-tempo button in pattern play and track
DONE
play modes.
The done LED often indicates the end of a pattern or
track (in pattern edit and track edit mode) or that a
VOLUME
DINSYNC
MIX
IN USB
MIDI
THRU
MIDI OUT
MIX
OUT PHONE
USB
CV
GATE
PHONE
9VAC
IN MIX
MIDI
THRU
MIDIMIDI
OUT
MIX
OUT
USB
CV
GATE
9VAC
MIDIMIDI
OUT
OUT
CVIN GATE
PHONE
9VAC
pattern or track is empty (in pattern play and track play
modes)
SAW
DINSYNC)
SYNC)
D
ACCENT
4 A
7
10
14
G#
DONE
G
C´
11
15
12
16
13
15
16
A#
DA
6
R
7
DONE
DONE
UB
C´
no transpose
5 S
8
14
A
D
U
transposed up
8
S
R
A
S
VOLUME
12
13
14
15
16
Rest/Accent/Slide Keys & LEDs
C´
8
D
R
The rest key, accent key, and slide key (and leds)
are used to apply and indicate mute, accenting and
portamento. Since they are often used as a group,
DINSYNC
MIX IN they
MIDI
IN sometimes
MIDI THRU referred
MIDI OUTto as
MIX
OUT
CV
GATE
PH
are
the
RAS USB
keys and
DONE
leds. While they have different effects in each mode,
U SAW
the overall meaning of their use is the same:
In pattern edit mode, they are use to create rest
notes, accented notes and slides between notes. In
SQR
track edit mode,
they are
used to muteENV
patterns,
TUNE
CUTOFF
RESONANCE
MOD ac- DECAY
cent entire patterns, and portamento entire patterns.
ADINSYNC
S
MIXIn
IN pattern
MIDIplay
IN and
MIDI track
THRU
MIDI
OUT
MIX
USB
CV
GATE
PATTERN
(SYNC
OUT)
play
mode,
theyOUT
provide
16 1 2
MIDI PLAY
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
over-riding mute, accent
15 ‘instantanous’/temporary
3
RANDOM
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
SAW
14
4
and slide.
KEYBOARD
PATTERN EDIT
USER
A
TRACK(sliding
(SYNC OUT) be5
13
In keyboard
mode,
only
accent is used
USER
B
TRACK
6
12
tween notes
occurs automatically when (DINSYNC)
multiple keys
SQR
USER C
TRACK (MIDISYNC)
7
11 are pressed).
TEMPO
BOOTLOAD
TRACK EDIT ENV MOD
TUNE
CUTOFF
RESONANCE
DECAY
8
10 9
CONTROL
Lit RAS LEDs indicate COMPUTER
that the
effect is currently active.
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)
15
1
2
3
4
14
16 1
2
MIDI PLAY
3
5
46
7
PATTERN (DINSYNC)
RANDOM
8
9
KEYBOARD
10
PATTERN (MIDISYNC)
11
12
PATTERN EDIT
13
14
Prev/Next
KeysF#& LEDs
C#
D#
G#
A#
5
13
6
TEMPO
PREV
NEXT
1
2
C#
R/S
CHAIN
PREV
R/S
NEXT
CHAIN
USER A
TRACK (SYNC OUT)
USER B
TRACK (DINSYNC)
The next key and prev
key
are used inTRACK
the (MIDISYNC)
track
USER
C
7
11
BOOTLOAD
TRACK
EDIT
8
10
edit and9 pattern edit modes to index through patCOMPUTER CONTROL
terns and tracks.
In addition, the next key is used to start step-write
editing
method
in both
pattern
track
edit inC´
C 3
D
G 8edit and
A
4
5E
6 F 7
9
10B
11
which case the next LED will be lit
12
D#
F#
G#
D 13
12
A#
Run/Stop Key & LED
1 The
run/stop
2
3 key is4used to5 start and
6 stop7the se-8
quencer. In pattern edit and track edit modes, pressD
E
G
ing Crun/stop
will start
or Fstop either
runAor run-B
edit. In pattern play and track play with sync out, it
will start or stop playing the selected patterns and
tracks. The R/S LED indicates when the sequencer
is running.
In pattern
play
and3 track play
modes
with
1
2
4
5
6 external
7
sync (such as MIDI clock or DINSYNC), the button
doesn’t do anything, but the R/S LED will still light
up when the sequencer receives the proper external
start command.
R
C´
8
D
C#
PREV
R/S
NEXT
CHAIN
C
D#
F#
D
E
F
G
Chain
Key
& LED
G#
A#
A
B
C´
The chain key is primarily used to create pattern and
track chains in pattern play and track play: the button is
held down while the desired chain is entered.
It is also used to create random patterns in pattern edit
mode.2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
D
U
R
A