intellijel µMIDI USB DIN MIDI Voice and Clock Interface Instruction Manual

: June 16, 2024
: intellijel

Table of Contents

intellijel µMIDI USB DIN MIDI Voice and Clock Interface
FAQ
Overview
Features
Installation
Front Panel
Connection
Technical Specifications
MIDI Implementation Chart
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

intellijel µMIDI USB DIN MIDI Voice and Clock Interface

Intellijel Eurorack modules are designed to be used with a Eurorack-compatible case and power supply.

Before You Start

Before installing a new module in your case, you must ensure your case’s power supply has sufficient available capacity to power the module:

Sum up the specified +12V current draw for all modules, including the new one. Do the same for the -12V and +5V current draw. The current draw will be specified in the manufacturer’s technical specifications for each module.
Compare each of the sums to the specifications for your case’s power supply. Only proceed with the installation if none of the values exceeds the power supply’s specifications. Otherwise, you must remove modules to free up capacity or upgrade your power supply.
You will also need to ensure you have enough free space (hp) as well as free power headers in your case to fit the new module. You can use a tool like ModularGrid to assist in your planning. Failure to adequately power your modules may result in damage to your modules or power supply. If you are unsure, please contact us before proceeding.

Installing Your Module

If you are using another manufacturer’s power supply, check their documentation for instructions. Once connected, the cabling between a module and the power supply should resemble the picture below:

FAQ

Q: How do I ensure my case’s power supply has sufficient capacity?
A: Sum up the specified +12V, –12V, and +5V current draw for all modules, including the new one. Compare the sums to the specifications for your case’s power supply. If none of the values exceeds the power supply’s specifications, you can proceed with installation. Otherwise, you must remove modules or upgrade your power supply.
Q: What should I do if I notice anomalies after turning on my modular system?
A: Turn off your system immediately and check your cabling for mistakes. Ensure all connections are secure and properly aligned.

Overview

The μMIDI provides all the essentials to control and sync your Eurorack modular from your computer, iPhone/iPad, or hardware MIDI device with a minimum of fuss. No menu diving or configuration scripts, just two buttons. The connectivity, feature set, and compact size make the μMIDI ideal for integrating your modular with the rest of your rig while not taking up too much space in your case.
The upper clock section features a dedicated 16th note clock output ideal for synchronizing a Eurorack sequencer like the Metropolis. A second clock output with selectable divisions can be used when different sync events are needed. The run and reset outputs can be used to reset your Eurorack sequencers in tandem with any external sequencer or DAW.
The lower half of the μMIDI gives you everything you need to control a single voice synth via MIDI. Just connect either a USB or DIN MIDI cable to the module, LEARN a channel, and start playing.
Future firmware updates over USB are made easy with the Firmware Updater software.

Features

High-speed ARM processor for low latency & jitter.
DIN or USB MIDI input.
Two clock outputs, one with selectable divisions.
Sequencer sync via run and reset outputs.
Precision 0 – 10 V note pitch output with pitch bend & portamento CC support.
Gate and trigger outputs for envelope triggering.
Mod wheel and continuous controller outputs for additional modulation.
Firmware updates over USB.

Installation

Intellijel Eurorack modules are designed to be used with a Eurorack-compatible case and power supply.

Before Your Start
Before installing a new module in your case you must ensure your case’s power supply has sufficient available capacity to power the module:

Sum up the specified +12V current draw for all modules, including the new one. Do the same for the -12 V and +5V current draw. The current draw will be specified in the manufacturer’s technical specifications for each module.
Compare each of the sums to the specifications for your case’s power supply.
Only proceed with the installation if none of the values exceeds the power supply’s specifications. Otherwise, you must remove modules to free up capacity or upgrade your power supply.

You will also need to ensure you have enough free space (hp) as well as free power headers in your case to fit the new module.
You can use a tool like ModularGrid to assist in your planning. Failure to adequately power your modules may result in damage to your modules or power supply. If you are unsure, please contact us before proceeding.

Installing Your Module
When installing or removing a module from your case always turn off the power to the case and disconnect the power cable. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or equipment damage.
Ensure the 10-pin connector on the power cable is connected correctly to the module before proceeding. The red stripe on the cable must line up with the -12V pins on the module’s power connector. The pins are indicated with the label -12V, a white stripe next to the connector, the words “red stripe”, or some combination of those indicators.

Most modules will come with the cable already connected but it is good to double check the orientation. Be aware that some modules may have headers that serve other purposes so ensure the cable is connected to the right one.
The other end of the cable, with a 16-pin connector, connects to the power bus board of your Eurorack case. Ensure the red stripe on the cable lines up with the -12V pins on the bus board.
On Intellijel power supplies the pins are labelled with the label “-12V” and a thick white stripe:

If you are using another manufacturer’s power supply, check their documentation for instructions.
Once connected, the cabling between a module and the power supply should resemble the picture below:

Before reconnecting power and turning on your modular system, double-check that the ribbon cable is fully seated on both ends and that all the pins are correctly aligned. If the pins are misaligned in any direction or the ribbon is backwards you can cause damage to your module, power supply, or other modules.
After you have confirmed all the connections, you can reconnect the power cable and turn on your modular system. You should immediately check that all your modules have powered on and are functioning correctly. If you notice any anomalies, turn your system off right away and check your cabling again for mistakes.

Front Panel

Controls

DIN MIDI Input – For connecting to 5-pin DIN MIDI outputs of controllers, synths, drum machines etc.
USB Connector – For connecting to computers, iPhones, iPads, and other USB MIDI hosts.
LEARN – This button can be used to learn the MIDI channel on which the μMIDI will accept notes and controller values. Pressing the button once will cause the lights on the module to blink in a cycle until the first note message is received. The listening channel will then be set to the channel of the note, and messages on other channels will be ignored. Another function of the button is to save settings. Press and hold the button for one second or longer to save the current clock division and learned channel to memory.
The settings will be recalled the next time your system is powered on.
+ – The division button sets the clock division of the MIDI clock that is sent from the CLK output. The default setting is 6, the same as the 1/16th output. Pressing the button repeatedly cycles through the different divisions: 6 (1/16 notes), 12 (1/8 notes), 24 (1/4 notes), 48 (1/2 notes), 96 (whole notes, eg: every measure), 1 (24 ppq), 3 (1/32 notes).

Outputs

A. 1/16th – Trigger output which outputs a divided MIDI clock with a fixed division of 6, equivalent to 1/16th notes. Suitable for connecting to sequencer clock inputs such as the Metropolis.
B. CLK – Trigger output which outputs a divided MIDI clock with a division set by the ÷ button.
C. RUN – Gate output that goes high when a MIDI start or continue message is received and low when a stop message is received.
D. RESET – Trigger output which sends a trigger when a MIDI reset message is received.
E. PITCH – 1 V/octave CV output with a range of 0 – 10 V. The voltage output is determined by the pitch of the last played note and the pitch bend control. MIDI note 0 (C-2) maps to 0 V and note 120 (C8) maps to 10 V.
F. MOD – CV output with a range of 0 – 5 V. The voltage is proportional to the position of the mod wheel control. Suitable for connecting to the CV input of a VCA controlling modulation depth.
G. VEL – CV output with a range of 0 – 5 V. The voltage is proportional to the velocity of the last played MIDI note. Suitable for connecting to the LEVEL input of an envelope generator such as the Atlantis envelope section or Dual ADSR.
H. CC – CV output with a range of 0 – 5 V. The voltage is proportional to the value sent by MIDI CC #2.
I. GATE – Gate output which is high when a note is being played. Suitable for connecting to the GATE input of an envelope such as the Atlantis envelope section or Dual ADSR.
J. TRIG – Trigger output which sends a trigger when a MIDI note on a message is received. Suitable for connecting to the TRIG input of an envelope generator such as the Atlantis envelope section or Dual ADSR.

Connection

DIN MIDI Devices
Connect a 5-pin MIDI DIN cable from the MIDI Out or MIDI Thru port of another MIDI device such as a controller, drum machine, or synthesizer, to the MIDI DIN port at the top of the μMIDI.
Computer
The μMIDI can be connected to a Mac or PC using a USB A to B cable. As it is a USB MIDI class-compliant device, no drivers are required.
iPhone or iPad
The μMIDI can be connected to an iPhone or iPad using the Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adaptor . Connect a USB A to B cable between the adaptor and the module’s USB port then connect the adaptor to your iDevice.
Operation
If you are only using MIDI clock then no further action is required. Upon receiving any MIDI clock or transport messages the clock trigger outputs of the μMIDI will function as described in the Front Panel section above.
If you are controlling a voice with MIDI messages you need to ensure the μMIDI is set to the channel on which the messages are being sent. The default channel is 1 but can be changed by pushing the LEARN button to put the module into learn mode. When in learn mode the next received note message will be used to set the listening channel. If you wish to save the learned channel simply press and hold the button until the lights on the module all blink. The next time the module powers on it will default to the newly saved channel.
Entering learn mode also resets the voice outputs in the event you get stuck notes or wish to reset the outputs for some other reason. You can push the LEARN button again to exit learn mode if you don’t need to change MIDI channels.
Portamento (Glide)
The μMIDI is capable of slewing the pitch output to achieve portamento effects. Portamento is enabled by using the standard MIDI portamento controls:

Send CC 65 (Portamento Control) with a value of 127 to enable portamento
Use CC 5 (Portamento Time MSB) for coarse control of the portamento time, or CC 37 (Portamento Time LSB) for fine control.
You can disable Portamento by sending CC 65 (Portamento Control) with a value of 0.

Customization
The operation of the μMIDI can be customized by visiting the μMIDI Configuration Utility web page. You must use a recent version of Google Chrome and connect the μMIDI module to your computer via the USB cable.
Firmware Updates
Firmware for the μMIDI can be updated using the Intellijel Firmware Updater. With your modular system powered off, connect a USB cable between the module and your PC or Mac. Power on your modular while holding down the LEARN button. Then follow the instructions on the firmware updater page.