DOEPFER R2M Ribbon To Midi Controller User Guide
- June 17, 2024
- DOEPFER
Table of Contents
R2M Ribbon To Midi Controller
Product Information
Specifications
- Product Name: DOEPFER Ribbon To Midi Controller (R2M)
- Manufacturer: Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH
- Address: Geigerstr. 13, 82166 Graefelfing, Germany
- Phone: #49 89 89809510
- Fax: #49 89 89809511
- Website: www.doepfer.de
- Email: sales@doepfer.de
Introduction
The DOEPFER R2M is a ribbon controller that generates control
signals by moving the finger on the ribbon manual. It produces both
Midi and CV/Gate control voltages simultaneously, allowing control
over Midi and CV/Gate based equipment such as analog synthesizers
or analog modular systems. R2M stands for Ribbon to Midi.
The R2M consists of two parts: the manual and the control box.
The manual is connected to the control box via a four-pin cable,
which is similar to USB but does not transmit USB data. The control
box contains analog-to-digital converters and a microcontroller to
convert the finger position and pressure data from the manual into
corresponding Midi data and CV/Gate voltages. It also features a
Midi input for transposing notes generated by the R2M and
controlling the R2M arpeggiator functions. The control box can be
used separately without the manual, taking advantage of its
additional features compared to the A-198 modular version.
Connections
The R2M requires a 9V DC 250mA power supply. To turn on the R2M,
plug the AC adapter into a wall outlet and connect it to the
appropriate jack on the R2M. There is no separate ON/OFF switch.
Ensure that the polarity of the power supply is correct; otherwise,
the R2M will not function. However, there is no danger of damage to
the circuitry as it is protected by a diode.
The manual is connected to the control box using the provided
4-pin cable.
Appendix
For additional information and details, please refer to the full
user manual available at https://manual-hub.com/.
FAQ
Q: How do I connect the R2M to my analog synthesizer?
A: The R2M can be connected to your analog synthesizer using the
Gate CV1 and CV2 outputs. Consult your analog synthesizer’s user
manual for specific connection instructions.
Q: Can I use the R2M without the manual?
A: Yes, the control box of the R2M can be used separately
without the manual. It offers additional features compared to the
A-198 modular version.
Q: What is the power supply requirement for the R2M?
A: The R2M requires a 9V DC 250mA power supply.
DOEPFER
Ribbon To Midi Controller
R2M
User’s Guide
© 2005 by
Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH
Geigerstr. 13
82166 Graefelfing
Germany
Phone: #49 89 89809510
Fax:
49 89 89809511
Web Site: www.doepfer.de
Email: sales@doepfer.de
OPERATING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please follow the given instructions for use of the instrument because this
will guarantee correct instrument operation. Due to the fact that these
instructions touch on Product Liability, it is absolutely imperative that they
be read carefully. Any claim for defect will be rejected if one or more of the
items was observed. Disregard of the instructions can endanger warranty.
· The instrument may only be used for the purpose described in this operating
manual. Due to safety reasons, the instrument must never be used for other
purposes not described in this manual. If you are not sure about the intended
purpose of the instrument please contact an expert.
· The instrument has to be shipped only in the original packaging. Any
instruments shipped to us for return, exchange, warranty repair, update or
examination must be in their original packaging! Any other deliveries will be
rejected. Therefore, you should keep the original packaging and the technical
documentation.
· The instrument may only be operated with the voltage written on the power
input on the rear panel. Before opening the case disconnect the power plug.
· Every modification has to be carried out only at the manufacturer or an
authorized service company. Any modification not released by the manufacturer
leads to the extinction of the operation permission.
· With the introduction of a third person the warranty will be lost. In case
of a destroyed warranty seal, any warranty claim will be rejected.
· The instrument must never be operated outdoors but only in dry, closed
rooms. Never use the instrument in a humid or wet environment nor near
inflammables.
· No liquids or conducting materials must get into the instrument. If this
should happen the instrument must be disconnected from power immediately and
be examined, cleaned and eventually be repaired by a qualified person.
· Never subject the instrument to temperatures above +50°C or below -10°C.
Before operation the instrument should have a temperature of at least 10°C. Do
not place the instrument into direct sun light. Do not install the instrument
near heat sources.
· Keep the top side of the instrument free in order to guarantee proper
ventilation, otherwise the instrument could be overheated. Never place heavy
objects on the instrument.
· All cables connected with the instrument must be checked periodically. If
there is any damage the cables must be repaired or replaced by an authorized
person.
· Transport the instrument carefully, never let it fall or overturn. Make sure
that during transport and in use the instrument has a proper stand and does
not fall, slip or turn over because persons could be injured.
· Never use the instrument in the immediate proximity of interfering
electronic devices (e.g. monitors, computers) since this could create
disturbances within the instrument and corrupt memory data.
· The exchange of electronic parts (e.g. EPROMs for software update) is
allowed only if the instrument is disconnected from power supply.
· When using the instrument in Germany, the appropriate VDE standards must be
followed. The following standards are of special importance: DIN VDE 0100
(Teil 300/11.85, Teil 410/11.83, Teil 481/10.87), DIN VDE 0532 (Teil 1/03.82),
DIN VDE 0550 (Teil 1/12.69), DIN VDE 0551 (05.72), DIN VDE 0551e (06.75), DIN
VDE 0700 (Teil 1/02.81, Teil 207/10.82), DIN VDE 0711 (Teil 500/10.89), DIN
VDE 0860 (05.89), DIN VDE 0869 (01.85). VDE papers can be obtained from the
VDE-Verlag GmbH, Berlin.
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R2M User’s Guide V1.11
Contents
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Connections
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
n Power Supply (9V DC 250 mA) …………………………………………………………………5 o Manual connector
(Ribbon Contr.) …………………………………………………………….5 r CV1
Out…………………………………………………………………………………………………6 q CV2
Out…………………………………………………………………………………………………6 p GATE OUT
…………………………………………………………………………………………….6 s MIDI Out
………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 t MIDI IN
………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Operation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Controls……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Fundamental operation notes
………………………………………………………………………..8 Menu / parameter overview
…………………………………………………………………………..9 Description of menus and parameters
…………………………………………………………..10 Menu 1: CV parameter
…………………………………………………………………………….10 1-1 Trigger polarity [1]
…………………………………………………………………………..10 1-2 Direction [1]
……………………………………………………………………………………10 1-3 Direction [2]
……………………………………………………………………………………10 Menu 2: Midi event
………………………………………………………………………………….11 2-1 Midi event
[1]………………………………………………………………………………….11 2-2 Midi event
[2]………………………………………………………………………………….13 Menu 3: Midi
parameter……………………………………………………………………………14 3-1 Midi channel [1]
………………………………………………………………………………14 3-2 Note / controller number
[1]………………………………………………………………14 3-3 Controller number [2]
………………………………………………………………………14 3-4 Pitch scale
[2]…………………………………………………………………………………14 Menu 4:
Mode…………………………………………………………………………………………15 4-1 Quantization
…………………………………………………………………………………..15 4-2 Number
octave……………………………………………………………………………….16 4-3 Retrigger
time…………………………………………………………………………………16 4-4 Transpose offset
…………………………………………………………………………….16 Menu 5: Arpeggio
……………………………………………………………………………………17 5-1 Mode
…………………………………………………………………………………………….17 5-2
Octave…………………………………………………………………………………………..18 5-3 Sync
……………………………………………………………………………………………..18 5-4 Gate
length…………………………………………………………………………………….18 5-5 Norm CV
……………………………………………………………………………………….19 Menu 6: Start/Stop (arpeggio)
…………………………………………………………………..19 Preset /
Store………………………………………………………………………………………….20 Typical applications
……………………………………………………………………………………21 Generating a quantized pitch control via
Midi and CV/Gate…………………………..21 Generating note messages only (no pitch
bend)………………………………………….23 Generating single note messages with pitch bend
(Trautonium mode) …………..23 Generating succeeding note messages with pitch bend
……………………………….24 Generation of the control voltages CV1/CV2 and
Gate…………………………………26
Appendix ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..28
R2M User’s Guide V1.11
Page 3
Introduction
R2M is a so-called ribbon controller that generates control signals by moving
the finger on the ribbon manual. The output signals are generated as Midi and
CV/Gate control voltages simultaneously. Consequently R2M allows to control
both Midi and CV/Gate based equipment (e.g. analog synthesizers or analog
modular systems). R2M is the abbreviation of Ribbon to Midi.
R2M is made of two parts: the manual and the control box.
The manual is made of a 50 cm long linear position sensor and a pressure
sensor that is located below the position sensor. Touching the sensor with the
finger generates a voltage that is proportional to the position of the finger.
In principle the position sensor works like a 50 cm long fader (i.e. slide
potentiometer). The slider is represented by the finger. As soon as the finger
touches the position sensor the slider contact is closed and the finger
position represents the slider position. If the finger is removed the slider
is removed too (i.e. the slider contact open).
Additionally a pressure voltage is generated that increases with the pressure
applied to the position sensor. Both voltages are fed to the R2M control box
via a four-pin cable (same as USB but does not transmit USB data). For the
manual the same type as the for the modular version A-198 is used.
Fig. 1
The control box contains two analog-to-digital converters and a
microcontroller. It converts the data coming from the manual (finger position
and pressure) into the corresponding Midi data resp. CV/Gate voltages. The
Midi input is used to transpose the notes generated by the R2M or to control
the R2M arpeggiator functions. The programming of the device is carried out
with a LC display, 10 buttons and 6 LEDs.
The control box is available even without manual to make use of an already
existing A-198 manual and take advantage of the additional features of the R2M
control unit compared to the comparatively simple A-198.
Remark: To detect if the finger touches the position sensor the slider contact
is pulled high if the finger is removed. This corresponds to the rightmost
point of the position sensor. This has no influence on to the general
operation of R2M but the last few millimeters at the right rim of the manual
cannot be used i.e. moving the finger within a few millimeters in the
rightmost position has no effect.
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R2M User’s Guide V1.11
Connections
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT Gate CV2 CV1
OUT OUT OUT
Ribbon Contr.
9V DC 250mA
t
s rqp o n
Fig. 2
n Power Supply (9V DC 250 mA)
R2M does not have a built-in power supply. Instead it uses a plug-in type
external power supply (AC adapter). One reason for this feature is electrical
safety. Keeping danger voltages (mains) out of the R2M increases the
electrical safety. Another reason for the external power supply is the fact
that line voltages and plug types vary considerably from country to country.
Using a plug-in external supply the R2M can be used anywhere with a locally
purchased power supply, thus keeping the retail price down.
In Germany a VDE approved power supply is included with the R2M. In other
countries a power supply with suitable mains voltage and mains connector has
to be purchased separately by the user provided that the dealer resp.
representative does not enclose the power suppy. The power supply must be able
to deliver 7-12 VDC unstabilized voltage, as well as a minimum current of
250mA. The correct polarity of the DC voltage connector is: outside ring =
GND, inside lead = +7…12V. An external power supply of high quality and safety
should be used.
The R2M is switched ON by plugging the AC adapter into a wall outlet and
connecting it to the appropriate jack of the R2M. There is no separate ON/OFF
switch. If the polarity of the power supply is incorrect, the R2M will not
function. However, there is no danger of damage to the circuitry since it is
protected by a diode.
o Manual connector (Ribbon Contr.)
The manual is connected to the control box with the 4-pin cable that is
included.
1 Even though the same type of connector as for USB is used it is not allowed
to connect the control box or the manual to any USB device! Both the USB
device and the controller or manual will be damaged ! In this case the
warranty will be void ! We will not compensate any damage caused by ignoring
this direction for use.
R2M User’s Guide V1.11
Page 5
r CV1 Out
This socket outputs an analog control voltage in the range 0…+5V that depends
on the position of the finger. It is normally used to control the pitch of
analog equipment (e.g. pitch on an analog synthesizer or VCO). The CV1 output
follows the 1V/octave standard (relevant only in the quantized modes).
q CV2 Out
This socket outputs an analog control voltage in the range 0…+5V that depends
on the pressure applied to the manual. It can be used to control any other
voltage controlled parameter of an analog synthesizer (e.g. loudness, filter
frequency, modulation depth, LFO frequency, panning).
p GATE OUT
This socket outputs a gate signal with +5V level. Normally the gate output is
0V in the off state and +5V in the on state. The gate is determined by the
finger touch. As soon as the finger touches the position sensor the gate turns
on. If the finger is removed the gate output turns off. Positive or negative
polarity can be chosen, i.e. if the gate output turns to +5V or 0V if the
finger touches the position sensor. Normally the gate output is used to
trigger the envelope generator (ADSR) of the analog synthesizer controlled by
the R2M.
Even switched trigger or “S-trig” based equipment can be controlled (e.g. most
of the Moog and Arp devices) by removing a jumper inside the R2M control box.
The pin header for the jumper is labelled JP3 and is located just behind the
gate socket. Keep the jumper to be able to undo the S-trig modification.
Pay attention if you open and close the R2M case. Use a suitable screw driver
only and open/close the case very carefully. We cannot take back units with
damaged cases (e.g. scratches caused by the screw driver). Even the warranty
will be lost if any modification except the removal or installation of the
jumper is carried out. If you are not sure whether you are able to carry out
the jumper removal/installation please send the unit to your local
dealer/representative.
s MIDI Out
Connect the Midi Out socket of R2M with the Midi In socket of the device to be
controlled by the R2M (e.g. computer with Midi, Synthesizer, Expander,
Sequencer) via a suitable MIDI-cable. If only analog equipment is controlled
via CV/gate the Midi output is left unconnected.
t MIDI IN
If you want to transpose the note messages generated by the R2M or make use of
the R2M arpeggiator functions the Midi In socket of the R2M is connected to
the Midi Out socket of the Midi device that generates the note on/off and
clock messages required for these features (see below).
If the arpeggiator of the R2M is off the incoming Midi data with the same Midi
channel as the R2M are merged to the data generated by the R2M (so-called
channel voice messages, e.g. note on/off, control change, pitch bend, program
change). Refer to chapter 3-1 concerning the currently selected R2M Midi
channel.
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R2M User’s Guide V1.11
This function can be used to modify Midi data with the R2M (e.g. adding pitch
bend to note messages on the same Midi channel). If the arpeggiator is on the
Midi merging function is not working. Incoming data on other Midi channels
than the currently selected R2M Midi channel are not merged ! The Midi input
of R2M is not suitable for large amounts of Midi data (e.g. SysEx strings or
Midi messages coming from an computer sequencer) but only for small data
rates, e.g. the note on/off messages of a controlling keyboard. In case of
large amounts of incoming Midi messages data loss or delay may occur. Same
applies for Midi messages that do not match the R2M Midi channel. If the
transpose function, the arpeggiator or the merging of R2M Midi data to
incoming channel voice messages is not used the Midi Input of the R2M is left
open.
Operation
R2M is switched on by plugging the AC adapter into a wall outlet and
connecting it to the appropriate power supply socket n. There is no separate
ON/OFF switch.
c
e
f
d
Fig. 3
After power on the six LEDs (2) will light up for a short time and the display
(1) shows the software version. Otherwise the AC adapter used is not suitable,
has the wrong polarity or does not work.
Controls
c LC display: 2 x 16 characters with backlight, displays the R2M parameters d
Menu buttons with corresponding LEDs, used to select/display a menu e Preset
Get / Store buttons, used to store/call up a preset f Up / down buttons, used
to increase/decrease values
The up/down buttons are accelerated, i.e. the increase/decrease speed becomes
higher as the button the held down.
R2M User’s Guide V1.11
Page 7
Fundamental operation notes
· R2M contains a lot of parameters that can be adjusted by the user and stored
in 16 presets. Similar parameters are collected in the same menu.
· A menu is activated by pressing the corresponding menu button. The active
menu is indicated by an illuminated LED.
· Repeated pressing of the same menu button leads to the next parameter that
can be displayed and adjusted in this menu. The process is circular, i.e.
after the last parameter the first parameter of this menu appears again.
· To exit a menu another menu button has to be pressed.
Fig. 4 shows the information that is displayed in the LCD.
a
b
c
4|Midi Param. [1] 4|Pitchscale: 63
d
e
f
Fig. 4
a number of parameters available in the currently selected menu b name of the
menu c the sensor resp. the CV output that refers to the currently selected
parameter (1
= position sensor, 2 = pressure sensor) d number of the currently selected
parameter e name of the parameter f current value of the parameter, that can
be changed with the up/down buttons
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R2M User’s Guide V1.11
Menu / parameter overview
Menu 1 CV Parameter
Index Parameter
Sensor Range
1
Trigger Pol.
1
0 to 1
2
Direction
1
0 to 1
3
Direction
2
0 to 1
Default 0 0 0
Explanation see chapter … 1-1 Trigger polarity [1] 1-2 Direction [1] 1-3 Direction [2]
Page 10 10 10
Menu 2 Midi Event
Index Parameter 1 2
Sensor Range
1
a) to h) 1)
2
a) to f) 2)
Default note off
Explanation see chapter … Page
2-1 Midi event [1]
11
2-2 Midi event [2]
13
- a) – h) : off, note, note&pitch relative, note&pitch absolute, pitch, control change, after touch, program Change 2) a) – f) : off, pitch+, pitch-, control change, after touch, program change
Menu 3 Midi Parameter
Index Parameter
Sensor Range
1
Midi channel 1&2 1 to 16
2
Note/ctrl no
1
0 to 127
Default 1 36
3
ctrl no
2
4
pitch scale
2
0 to 127 1 0 to 127 63
Explanation see chapter … 3-1 Midi channel [1] 3-2 Note / controller number [1] 3-3 Controller number [2] 3-4 Pitch scale [2]
Page 14 14
14 14
Menu 4 Mode
Index Parameter
1
Quantisierung
2
Number octave
3
Retrigger time
4
Transpose
offset
Sensor 1 1 1
1
Range 12 tone 1 to 5 0 to 100
0 to -96
- 12Tone , Major, ….. MinorChord7
Default 12 tone 3) 3 1
00
Explanation see chapter … 4-1 Quantization 4-2 Number octave 4-3 Retrigger time 4-4 Transpose offset
Page 15 16 16
16
Menu 5 Arpeggiator
Index Parameter
1
Mode
Sensor Range
1
a) to d) 4)
2
Octave
3
Sync
1
1 to 5
1
a) to c) 5)
4
Gate length
1
1 to 127
5
Norm CV
1
0 to -96
Default OFF 1 Int BPM 12 36
Explanation see chapter … 5-1 Mode 5-2 Octave 5-3 Sync 5-4 Gate length 5-5 Norm CV
Page 17 18 18 18 19
- off, note on/offf, note hold, note write 5) external, internal BPM , Mod&BPM
sensor 1 = position sensor; sensor 2 = pressure sensor
R2M User’s Guide V1.11
Page 9
Description of menus and parameters
Some parameters have an interdependence or cannot be explained without the
function of another parameters. Consequently it is sometimes unavoidable to
refer to a parameter that may be described in another menu that may follow
later. In the chapter Typical applications on page 21 some standard examples
of the R2M are described.
Please put the manual in front of you with the connector that leads to the
control box on the right side.
Menu 1: CV parameter
number of parameters: 3
This menu contains all parameters that refer to the analog control voltages
CV1 and CV2 generated by the R2M.
1-1 Trigger polarity [1] Range: 0 , 1 This parameter refers to the function of
the gate output. 0 / normal: 0 +5 V when the position sensor is touched
+5V 0 V when the position sensor is released
1 / inverted: +5V 0 V when the position sensor is touched 0V +5 V when the
position sensor is released
Remark 1: If the device connected to the gate output behaves reverse the
trigger polarity has to be changed.
Remark 2: If a device with switched trigger (S-Trig) is controlled by the R2M
the inverted gate mode has to be selected and the hardware modification for
switched trigger described in the attachment has to be carried out (removing a
jumper inside the R2M).
1-2 Direction [1] Range: 0 , 1 This parameter refers to the coherence between
the movement of the finger that touches the position sensor and the resulting
Midi message resp. control voltage CV1.
0 / normal: Moving the finger to the right causes an increasing control
voltage CV1 1 / inverted: Moving the finger to the right causes a decreasing
control voltage CV1
1-3 Direction [2] Range: 0 , 1 This parameter refers to the coherence between
the pressure applied to the manual and the resulting Midi message resp.
control voltage CV2.
0 / normal: Increasing pressure causes an increasing control voltage CV2 1 /
inverted: Increasing pressure causes a decreasing control voltage CV2
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R2M User’s Guide V1.11
Menu 2: Midi event
number of parameters: 2 This menu contains all parameters that refer to Midi
messages assigned to the position and pressure sensor.
2-1 Midi event [1] Range: a – h
This parameter refers to the Midi message assigned to the position sensor [1].
It has also an influence to the function of the CV1 and gate outputs.
a Off b Note c Note & pitch bend relative d Note & pitch bend absolute e Pitch
& FixNote f Control change g After touch h Program change
The Midi messages and the analog voltage CV1 are generated simultaneously.
a Off
In this case no Midi messages, no CV1 and no gate is generated.
Modes b, c and d are used to generate note on/off events and the corresponding
analog signals CV1 and gate. One of these three selections is normally used
for the position sensor. The generated Midi and CV/gate signals are influenced
by these parameters too:
3-2 Note number 3-3 Controller number 3-4 Pitch scale 4-1 Quantization 4-2
Number octave 4-3 Retrigger time
The combination of all parameters determines how the Midi and CV/gate data are
generated. In the chapter system functions (page 21) the interaction of all
parameters is explained in detail.
b Note
Touching the position sensor generates a Midi note on message and the
corresponding pitch control voltage CV1. The gate output turns on. The note
number and the value of CV1 depends upon the position of the finger. Releasing
the finger without moving the finger generates the corresponding Midi note off
message and the gate output turns off. If the finger moves over the position
sensor without releasing the finger the result depends upon the current
setting of the retrigger value 4-3. If this value is zero no new Midi note or
CV1/gate is generated as the finger glides over the manual. If the retrigger
value 4-3 is not zero the behaviour is different: As soon as the finger
reaches a position that corresponds to another note a Midi note off message
for the “old” note is generated and the gate output turns off. After the
retrigger time 4-3 that is measured in milliseconds the new note on message is
generated. Simultaneously the corresponding CV1 is generated and the gate
output turns on. If the analog synthesizer resp. the envelope generator (ADSR)
connected to the gate output of
R2M User’s Guide V1.11
Page 11
R2M does not recognize the gate on/off/on transition the retrigger time 4-3
has to be increased until the gate transition is recognized by the receiver.
The Midi messages are sent on the Midi channel adjusted in menu 3-1. Only in
this mode b the quantization (see 4-1) is active.
c Note & pitch relative
In this mode pitch bend data are generated in addition to the note on message
of mode b as the finger glides over the position sensor without releasing the
finger. Touching the position sensor generates a Midi note on message and the
corresponding pitch control voltage CV1 (so far the same as mode a). If the
finger glides over the position sensor without releasing the finger only pitch
bend data are generated after the initial note on message. If the finger is
released a note off message is generated. To generate another note on message
the position sensor has to be touched again. The pitch bend data depend upon
the position difference between the starting point and the current position of
the finger, and the value of the pitch scale 3-4. Pay attention that the pitch
scale has to correspond to the setting of the pitch scale of the receiver (for
details refer to 3-4). The retrigger time 4-3 has no meaning in this mode. The
Midi messages are sent on the Midi channel adjusted in menu 3-1.
This is what we call the “Trautonium mode” as this is just the behaviour of
the Trautonium invented by Mr Trautwein early in the 19th century. For details
about the Trautonium please refer to our web site www.doepfer.com.
d Note & pitch absolute
This mode is a combination of the modes b and c. Touching the position sensor
generates a Midi note on message and the corresponding pitch control voltage
CV1 (so far the same as mode a and b). If the finger position does not
correspond exactly to a semitone resp. Midi note (normally this will be true)
a “pitch bend correction” is send immediately after the note message to shift
the tone to the exact value.
As the finger glides over the position sensor without releasing the finger for
the present pitch bend data are generated. As soon as the finger reaches a
position that corresponds to another semitone a Midi note off message for the
“old” note is generated and the gate output turns off. After the retrigger
time 4-3 the new note on message is generated and the pitch bend starts with
its neutral value. Simultaneously the corresponding CV1 is generated and the
gate output turns on. The main difference between mode b and mode c is that a
new note on message is generated as soon as the finger reaches a position that
corresponds to a new note. If mode b is selected no new note message is
generated in this situation but only pitch bend messages ! The Midi messages
are sent on the Midi channel adjusted in menu 3-1.
e
Pitch&FixNote
This mode is used to generate pitch bend data. In addition note on/off messages with a fixed note number can be generated. Provided that the parameter 3-2 Note/Ctrl. Nummer is in the range 1-126 a note on message is generated as soon as the sensor is touched. The corresponding note off message is generated as soon as the finger is removed from the sensor. The note number corresponds to the parameter 32 Note/Ctrl. Nummer. If this parameter is set to zero the note on/off messages are not generated but only pitch bend data. In this case a note on message has to be generated by another Midi transmitter (e.g. a keyboard connected to the Midi input of R2M). Otherwise no sound can be heard in the receiver as pitch bend messages only generate no audible tones.
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R2M User’s Guide V1.11
The modes f, g and h are more simple. In this case the corresponding Midi
messages control change, after touch or program change are generated. If
control change is selected the controller number is adjusted by the parameter
3-3 Ctrl number. The Midi messages are sent on the Midi channel adjusted in
menu 3-1.
In case of pitch bend (modes c, d, e) data are sent with the maximum
resolution (2 Midi data bytes). The Midi receiver has to support pitch bend
high resolution if you want to take advantage of this feature. Otherwise
audible pitch steps will occur.
2-2 Midi event [2] Range a – f
This parameter refers to the Midi message assigned to the pressure sensor [2]. It has also an influence to the function of the CV2 output.
a Off
b Pitch+
c Pitch-
d Control change
e After touch
f
Program change
The construction of the pressure sensor is much simpler compared to the high resolution position sensor. It is made with conductive rubber and works not as accurate as the position sensor. The resistance of the conductive rubber changes with varying pressure but the coherence between pressure and resistance is not very accurate. Even some difference of the pressure sensor behaviour over the length of the manual may be possible as the conductive rubber has tolerances over this length. Even a considerable pressure has to be applied to activate the pressure sensor. So the pressure sensor cannot be used for sensitive control applications.
As the pressure sensor generates no data before the position sensor is touched the pressure sensor can be used to modify the data generated by the position sensor (e.g. volume, modulation depth or speed, pitch, filter frequency).
a Off In this case no Midi messages and no CV2 is generated.
b Pitch+ In this mode only positive pitch bend data are generated. The pitch of an incoming or with the position sensor generated Midi note increases as the pressure is intensified.
c PitchIn this mode only negative pitch bend data are generated. The pitch of an incoming or with the position sensor generated Midi note decreases as the pressure is intensified.
d/e/f These modes are equivalent to the modes f/g/h of the position sensor in chapter 2-1.
Pay attention that CV2 and the data of the Midi message generated by the pressure sensor will return to zero (d,e,f) resp. neutral value (b,c) as soon as the manual is released. This may cause unexpected consequences. If e.g. volume (Midi control change #7) is assigned the loudness is set to zero in the Midi equipment connected to R2M. If the mode for the pressure sensor is changed after volume zero has been sent the Midi equipment seems not to respond as the loudness is still zero. In this
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case a reset has to be carried out at the Midi receiver or the volume has to be set to a normal value otherwise. Same applies e.g. for filter frequency too.
Menu 3: Midi parameter
number of parameters: 4
This menu contains all parameters that are required to complete the Midi
messages of chapter 2 (e.g. Midi channel, control change number, pitch scale).
3-1 Midi channel [1] Range: 1 16
This is the Midi channel for all Midi messages specified in chapter 2. The
Midi channel is the same for all messages generated by the R2M. This channel
is also used for incoming Midi messages (e.g. incoming note messages for
transpose, arpeggio, and the merging of channel voice messages).
3-2 Note / controller number [1] Range: 0 – 127
In case that a note message is assigned to the position sensor in menu 2-1
this is the lowest Midi note number that corresponds to the left-most position
of the manual (in case of a non-inverted position sensor). The default value
is 36, i.e. the lowest “C” of a standard five octave Midi keyboard. By
changing this value the R2M manual can be transposed to any desired value. In
case that a control change message is assigned to the position sensor in menu
2-1 this is the controller number of the Midi control change message. Typical
values are 01 (modulation) or 07 (volume).
This parameter has no influence to CV1 but only to the Midi messages. CV1
outputs 0V at the leftmost position of the manual in any case.
3-3 Controller number [2] Range: 0 – 127
In case that a control change message is assigned to the pressure sensor in
menu 22 this is the controller number of the Midi control change message.
Typical values are 01 (modulation) or 07 (volume).
This parameter has no influence to CV2 but only to the Midi messages.
3-4 Pitch scale [2] Range: 0 – 255
In case that in menu 2-1 the Midi event c (note & pitch relative) or d (note &
pitch absolute) has been chosen it is necessary that the pitch bend scales for
both the R2M and the Midi receiver are matched. The Midi pitch bend message
does not transmit an absolute pitch information but only a relative
information. The pitch bend data reach from 0 (lowest pitch bend) via 64
(neutral) to 127 (maximum pitch bend). The full pitch bend data range 0…127
may cover ± one semitone, ± one quint, ± one octave or any other intervall
according to the setting of the Midi receiver. Consequently the pitch scales
of the R2M and the Midi receiver have to match for the Midi events c or d
mentioned above. Otherwise the pitch change caused by note messages (i.e.
absolute semitone intervals) will be not the same as for pitch changes caused
by pitch bend messages.
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Normally the pitch bend range or pitch bend scale can be adjusted in the Midi
receiver. For older Midi devices it may be fixed to a certain value too.
Please look at the user’s guide of your Midi receiver for details.
Remark: Unfortunately there exists no absolute pitch message with high
resolution in the Midi specification. This is why the relative pitch bend
messages have to be used alternatively. But this requires that the pitch bend
scales of transmitter (R2M) and receiver are matched.
The pitch scale parameter is used to adjust the conversion of the position
data from the position sensor into Midi pitch bend data so that they
correspond to the setting of the Midi receiver. It is recommended to set the
pitch bend range or scale in the Midi receiver to ± 5 octaves or to the
maximum value if this is not possible. Otherwise the Midi event c (note &
pitch relative) of the R2M cannot be used over the full range of 5 octaves.
Then the pitch scale parameter of the R2M is adjusted so that best result is
obtained.
R2M transmits the pitch bend data in high resolution mode (i.e. two Midi bytes
are used for the pitch bend information). If your Midi receiver does not
support high resolution of pitch bend data quantizing of pitch bend caused
pitch change may occur. The reason for this behaviour is not the R2M but the
Midi receiver. Please look at the user’s guide of your Midi receiver if high
resolution of pitch bend is supported by your device.
This parameter has no influence to CV1 but only to the Midi messages.
Menu 4: Mode
number of parameters: 4
This menu contains is used to choose some basic parameters of the R2M.
4-1 Quantization Range: 12Tone MinorChord7
The continous voltage coming from the position sensor can be quantized, i.e.
only certain values for CV1 are generated. The quantization takes effect only
if note mode b is selected (see chapter 2-1).
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Several quantization tables are available and can be chosen in this menu:
12 tone Major Minor Quart Quint MajorCh MinorCh Quart6 Quint6 MajCh6 MinCh6 Quart7 Quint7 MajCh7 MinCh7
all 12 semitones of an octave are generated only the tones of the major scale are generated only the tones of the minor scale are generated only fundamental and quart only fundamental and quint only the tones of the major chord are generated only the tones of the minor chord are generated only fundamental, quart and sixth only fundamental, quint and sixth only the tones of the major chord and the sixth are generated only the tones of the minor chord and the sixth are generated only fundamental, quart and seventh only fundamental, quint and seventh only the tones of the major chord and the seventh are generated only the tones of the minor chord and the seventh are generated
The function is very similar to the Quantizer module A-156 of the A-100 system. Please look at the manual of the A-156 if you want to know more about quantizers. The manual can be downloaded from our web site www.doepfer.com as pdf file.
4-2 Number octave Range: 1 – 5
This parameter determines the number of octaves (1 – 5) that correspond to the
full range (~ 50cm) of the position sensor.
4-3 Retrigger time Range: 0 100 milliseconds
This is the retrigger time measured in milliseconds that is used for the note
messages b and d described in menu 2-1. The retrigger time is the time
interval between gate off and gate on state resp. between note of and note on
messages for note events. Please refer to chapter 2-1 for details.
4-4 Transpose offset Range: 0 96
Incoming Midi note events (e.g. from a Midi keyboard) can be used to transpose
the R2M Midi note messages provided that the Midi channel corresponds to the
Midi channel of the R2M (see chapter 3-1). The transpose offset is the note
number value that is subtracted from the incoming note number before the
transposition is calculated.
Example: For incoming Midi note messages the note number 36 has to be the
reference, i.e. note number 36 corresponds to zero transpose, 37 to one
semitone transpose up, 38 to two semitones transpose up and so on. In this
case the transpose offset 36 has to be chosen.
A special case is transpose offset = 00. This deactivates the transpose
function and the incoming note events are simply merged in the messages
generated by the R2M provided that the Midi channel corresponds to the Midi
channel of the R2M.
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Menu 5: Arpeggio
number of parameters: 5
An arpeggiator takes apart the notes from a chord and outputs them as a
sequence of notes. Different methods can be used to generate the arpeggio
pattern. The main parameters of an arpeggiator are tempo, order (or sequence),
transpose and gate length. The tempo determines the time between two
succeeding arpeggio notes. The order of the arpeggio notes are defined by the
order of the storage of the notes in the arpeggio memory. The transposition is
controlled by the position sensor of the R2M. The gate length determines the
relation between Midi clock resp. internal clock and the arpeggio tempo.
5-1 Mode Range: a – d
This parameter defines the basic arpeggio function.
a Off b NoteOn/Off c NoteHold d NoteWrite
a Off The arpeggiator is turned off. All notes in the arpeggio memory are
deleted.
b Note on/off Any incoming Midi note on message is stored into the arpeggio
memory. The corresponding note off messages deletes the note in the arpeggio
memory. At the Midi keyboard that is used to generate the note messages the
desired keys have to be held down.
c Note hold Same as b but the note off messages have no effect. Instead of
this the same note on message is used to delete the note from the memory, i.e.
the keys of the keyboard have a toggle function relating to the arpeggio
memory.
d Note write Same as c but the notes in the memory are not deleted neither
with note on nor with note off messages. As soon as the capacity of the
arpeggio memory is exceeded the old notes are deleted and replaced by the new
ones. It is not possible to delete certain notes of the memory. To erase the
complete memory the off mode a has to be called up.
In all modes the arpeggio memory remains unchanged when the arpeggiator is
stopped. The arpeggio starts at the same position as soon as a succeeding
start is triggered. To erase the arpeggio memory the off mode a has to be
called up. If any arpeggio mode is selected the merging of incoming Midi data
is no longer working. Incoming Midi messages are used for the arpeggio
function only.
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5-2 Octave Range: 1 – 5
The arpeggio can be copied by up to 5 octaves. The octave parameter is used to
determine if the arpeggio memory is played without octave copy (octave = 1) or
with up to 4 octave copies (octave = 5). If an octave value above 1 is chosen
the arpeggio memory is played and then played again with one octave
transposition. This is repeated up to 4 times (value = 5).
Example: The arpeggio memory contains the notes A3-C4-F4-G4.
octave
sequence output
1 A3-C4-F4-G4 A3-C4-F4-G4 A3-C4-F4-G4 A3-C4-F4-G4 A3-C4-F4-G4
2 A3-C4-F4-G4 A4-C5-F5-G5 A3-C4-F4-G4 A4-C5-F5-G5 A3-C4-F4-G4
3 A3-C4-F4-G4 A4-C5-F5-G5 A5-C6-F6-G6 A3-C4-F4-G4 A4-C5-F5-G5
4 A3-C4-F4-G4 A4-C5-F5-G5 A5-C6-F6-G6 A6-C7-F7-G7 A3-C4-F4-G4
5 A3-C4-F4-G4 A4-C5-F5-G5 A5-C6-F6-G6 A6-C7-F7-G7 A7-C8-F8-G8
5-3 Sync
Range: a – c
a external b Internal_BPM c Mod&BPM
a External In this mode the incoming Midi realtime messages start, stop,
continue and clock are used to control the arpeggiator. The Midi transmitter
connected to the Midi input of the R2M has to send these messages (at least
start and clock). Otherwise the arpeggiator will not work.
b Int_BPM In this mode the R2M generates it’s own arpeggio timing. Start and
stop are triggered by the start/stop button of menu 6. The tempo is adjusted
with the up/down buttons in menu 6 and the BPM value is shown in the display.
The LED above the start/stop button turns on when the arpeggiator is running
and turns off when it is stopped. If this does not happen the arpeggio is off
(5-1 a) or external Midi sync control is selected (5-3 a).
c Mod&BPM This mode is identically to the previous one but the arpeggio tempo
can be controlled by incoming modulation wheel data (Midi control change #1).
This can be very useful for live performance as most of the Midi keyboards are
even equipped with a modulation wheel.
5-4 Gate length Range 1 – 127
The gate length determines the relation between Midi clock resp. internal
clock and the arpeggio tempo. The parameter is a dividing factor in relation
to the Midi clock resp. the internal clock. The Midi clock is defined as 96
clocks per measure. To obtain e.g. an arpeggio with 1/8 measure the gate
length has to be set to 12 (96/12 =
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8). The table below shows some typical relations between gate length and the resulting arpeggio time (in measures).
Gate length
3
6
12
16
24
32
arpeggio time 1/32
1/16
1/8
1/6
1/4
1/3
(measures)
5-5 Norm CV
Range 0 to – 96
This parameter is used to define an offset for the note messages in the
arpeggio memory to make sure that the control voltage generated at the CV1
output is in the range 0…+5V. The norm CV value is subtracted from the note
number before CV1 is generated. The default value is 36. This corresponds to
the lowest “C” of a standard five octave Midi keyboard. With this setting the
Midi note number 36 corresponds to CV1 = 0V. If the CV1 does not output
correct voltages while the arpeggio is working (e.g. CV1 is permanently +5V or
outputs only voltages in the range +3…+5V) the norm CV parameter has to be
changed so that the CV1 voltage is in the range 0…+5V. If the total arpeggio
width is more than 5 octaves CV1 will be able to output only a 5 octave share
of the arpeggio notes.
This parameter has no influence to the Midi messages sent by R2M but only to
CV1.
If the arpeggiator seems not to work please check the following:
· 5-1 Mode has to be set to NoteOn/Off, NoteHold or NoteWrite, but not Off · A
Midi keyboard has to be connected to Midi Input and corresponding Midi note
messages have to be sent to the R2M (depending upon the selected mode 5-1) ·
The Midi channel of the keyboard has to match with the Midi channel 3-1 of the
R2m · 5-3 Sync has to be set to INT_BPM or MOD&BPM or External · If 5-3 Sync
is External a Midi Start message and Midi Clock messages have to
be sent by the Midi keyboard too
Menu 6: Start/Stop (arpeggio)
This menu is a bit different from the others as the menu button works even as
start/stop control for the arpeggiator and the menu does not contain sub-
menus. It is a special function button to have fast access to the start and
stop function of the arpeggiator. Operating the menu button toggles between
Start and Stop of the arpeggiator provided that the arpeggiator is not turned
off (5-1) and the synchronisation is not external (5-3). If the arpeggiator is
turned off or set to external sync the menu button 6 does not work. The LED
above the button turns on when the arpeggiator is running and turns off when
it is stopped. Simultaneously the tempo can be adjusted with the up/down
buttons and the BPM value is shown in the display.
Remark: The display shows only the internal BPM value (not the BPM value of
the incoming Midi clock if the R2M is controlled by Midi start/stop/clock).
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Preset / Store
R2M has available 16 presets that are used to store and call up 16 different
settings of all parameters. The buttons Preset and Store are used to control
these functions.
Principle: Once a preset has been called up it is loaded into the so-called
work-buffer. This buffer contains the currently active set of parameters. Only
the parameters of the work-buffer can be modified. In order to modify a preset
it has to be called up (i.e. loaded into the work-buffer), modified while
residing in the work memory and then be stored again in its modified form.
The Preset button is used to call up one of the 16 user presets. Operating
this button initiates the call up of a preset. The display shows the number of
the preset that is about to be loaded into the work-buffer and the LEDs 1-5
light up to indicate the pending call up process. The desired preset number
can be chosen with the up/down buttons. As soon as the desired preset number
is selected the Preset button has to be operated once again to transfer all
parameters of the selected preset into the work buffer.
CAUTION! When a preset is called up the content of the work memory is
overwritten. If you want to keep the parameter set that is currently in the
work buffer it has to be stored to a free preset number before another preset
is called up!
If the Preset button was operated wrongly one simply has to operate any other
button (except the Preset and the up/dwon buttons) to leave the Preset menu.
The Store button is used to store the work-buffer into one of the 16 presets.
Operating this button initiates the storage of a preset. The display shows the
number of the preset that is about to be overwritten by the content of the
work-buffer and the LEDs 1-5 light up to indicate the pending storage process.
The desired preset number can be chosen with the up/down buttons. As soon as
the desired preset number is selected the Store button has to be operated once
again to transfer all parameters from the work-buffer into the selected
preset.
CAUTION! Any preset stored at that location will be overwritten, i.e. it will
be irretrievably lost! Store presets only in locations that do not contain
presets which are still needed.
If the Store button was operated wrongly one simply has to operate any other
button (except the Store and the up/dwon buttons) to leave the Store menu.
Factory settings
So far the 16 presets do not contain meaningful settings from the factory (as
of October 2004). This may be changed in the future. Please refer to current
user’s guide if your R2M does already contain preset data. The current user’s
guide is available for download on our web site www.doepfer.com.
After power on the R2M has the default settings listed in the Menu / parameter
overview on page 9. If own user presets are not yet available these default
settings can be used as a starting point to program own settings and store
them as a user preset into one of the 16 memory locations.
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Typical applications Generating a quantized pitch control via Midi and CV/Gate
For this example the continuos position control voltage coming from the manual
is quantized and only certain notes are generated via Midi and CV/Gate. The
Midi output generates only note on/off messages. Additional pitch bend data
are not generated as these are not required in the quantized mode. The first
step is to define the number of octaves (1…5) that corresponds to the complete
manual length. For this the parameter 4-2 Number Octave is used.
1 octave
2 octaves
3 octaves
4 octaves
5 octaves Fig. 6
Fig. 6 shows the results for the values 1…5 of the parameter Number Octave.
The next step is to define the type of quantization. For this the parameters
4-1 Quantization and 3-2 Note are used. The parameter 4-1 Quantization defines
the quantization table One can select between semitones, major or minor scale,
tones of major and minor chord and some more. The parameter 3-2 Note is used
to adjust the key for the quantization. This parameter is the Midi note number
that corresponds to the leftmost position of the manual.
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position sensor
24
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
C C# D D# E F F# G G# A b H
36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47
Fig. 7
Fig. 7 shows an example with 3 octaves (4-2 Octaves = 3), semitone quantization (41 Quantization = 12 tone) and the first Midi note 24 (3-2 Note =24). This is a “C” one octave below the lowest “C” of a standard 5 octave Midi keyboard. If another quantization is used (e.g. major chord) R2M would generate only tone from a major “C” chord in this example. The enlarged second octave shows the generated Midi notes in detail (C/36 … H/47).
There are two possibilities to select another key:
· Static: Changing the value of the parameter 3-2 Note leads to another key · Dynamic: Using an incoming Midi note message
For the dynamic version of the key change the note number of an incoming Midi note message is added to internal parameter 3-2 Note. The incoming note numbers have to be standardized to a reference note (e.g. 36 = lowest “C” of a standard 5 octave Midi keyboard). For this the parameter 4-1 Transpose Offset is available. The value assigned to this parameter is subtracted from the incoming note number and the difference is used to control the key of the quantization dynamically. In addition the Midi channels of R2M and the controlling keyboard have to match. For the R2M this parameter is 3-1 Midi Channel.
Example:
· 4-1 Transpose Offset = 36 · 3-2 Note = 36 · 3-1 Channel same as for the external Midi keyboard
This is the recommended setting for these parameters. The leftmost note number of the R2M is 36 provided that no transpose from an external Midi keyboard is activated. This corresponds to a quantization with “C” key. As soon as a note is played on the keyboard R2M transposes the quantization table in accordance to the received note number. As the transpose offset is 36 an incoming Midi note number of 36 will have no effect. 37 will lead to the C# quantization table , 38 to D, 39 to D# and so on.
To turn the transpose feature off the parameter 4-1 Transpose Offset has to be set to 00. In this case no transposition with an external keyboard is possible even if the Midi channels match. Incoming note messages are added (i.e. merged) to the note messages generated by the R2M.
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Generating note messages only (no pitch bend)
In this mode only note messages that correspond to the position of the finger
are generated. The parameter 2-1 Midi event has to be set to Note.
If the finger moves over the position sensor without releasing the finger the
result depends upon the current setting of the parameter 4-3 Retrigger. If
this parameter is zero no new Midi note is generated as the finger glides over
the manual. If the parameter is not zero the behaviour is different: As soon
as the finger reaches a position that corresponds to another note a Midi note
off message for the “old” note is generated and the gate output turns off.
After the retrigger time 4-3 that is measured in milliseconds the new note on
message is generated. Simultaneously the corresponding CV1 is generated and
the gate output turns on.
Generating single note messages with pitch bend (Trautonium mode)
In this mode pitch bend data are generated in addition to the note on as the
finger glides over the position sensor without releasing the finger. The
parameter 2-1 Midi event has to be set to Note&pitch bend relative. Touching
the position sensor generates a Midi note on message and the corresponding
pitch control voltage CV1. If the finger glides over the position sensor
without releasing the finger only pitch bend data are generated after the
initial note on message. If the finger is released a note off message is
generated. To generate another note on message the position sensor has to be
touched again. The pitch bend data depend upon the position difference between
the starting point and the current position of the finger, and the value of
the 3-4 Pitch scale. Pay attention that the pitch scale has to correspond to
the setting of the pitch scale of the receiver. The parameter 4-3 Retrigger
time has no meaning in this mode.
A very important problem occurs from the Midi standard for the pitch bend
message. This message does not transmit absolute pitch information but only a
relative information. The pitch bend data reach from 0 (lowest pitch bend) via
64 (neutral) to 127 (maximum pitch bend). The full pitch bend data range 0…127
may cover ± one semitone, ± one quint, ± one octave or any other intervall
according to the setting of the Midi receiver. Consequently the pitch scale of
the R2M and the Midi receiver have to match for a meaningful cooperation
between both devices. Otherwise a pitch change caused by note messages (i.e.
absolute semitone intervals) will be not the same as for pitch changes caused
by pitch bend messages. Normally the pitch bend range or pitch bend scale can
be adjusted in the Midi receiver. For older Midi devices it may be fixed to a
certain value too. The pitch scale may be a global parameter or a parameter
that is stored separately for each preset resp. sound. Please look at the
user’s guide of your Midi receiver for details how this is handled.
Fig. 8 shows three examples for different pitch scale setting at the Midi
receiver. In all cases the same pitch bend data are sent to the receiver (e.g.
0 ….127). In case a only a small audible pitch change is caused. Case b
corresponds to a medium pitch change and setting c results in the highest
pitch change all three with the same incoming pitch bend data !
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Note event
a b
c
Pitch bend –
Pitch bend +
Fig. 8
In the R2M the parameter 3-4 PitchScale is used to adjust to conversion of the
position data from the position sensor into Midi pitch bend data so that they
correspond to the setting of the Midi receiver. It is recommended to set the
pitch bend range or scale in the Midi receiver to ± 5 octaves or to the
maximum value if this is not possible. Otherwise the R2M cannot be used over
the full range of 5 octaves. Then the pitch scale parameter of the R2M is
adjusted so that best result is obtained.
Generating succeeding note messages with pitch bend
This mode is similar the preceding Trautonium mode. The parameter 2-1 Midi
event has to be set to Note&pitch bend absolute. The difference is that a new
Midi note on message is sent out as soon as the finger reaches a position that
corresponds to the next semitone. In the Trautonium mode no new note event is
sent in this case, only pitch bend data are used to increase/decrease the
pitch.
This is how this mode works in detail: Touching the position sensor with the
finger generates a Midi note on message and the corresponding pitch control
voltage CV1. If the finger position does not correspond exactly to a semitone
resp. Midi note (normally this will be true) a “pitch bend correction” is send
immediately after the note message to shift the tone to the exact value. As
the finger glides over the position sensor without releasing the finger for
the present pitch bend data are generated (so far the same as the Trautonium
mode). As soon as the finger reaches a position that corresponds to another
semitone a Midi note off message for the “old” note is generated and the gate
output turns off. After the retrigger time 4-3 the new note on message is
generated and the pitch bend starts with its neutral value. Simultaneously the
corresponding CV1 is generated and the gate output turns on.
The difference to the Trautonium mode is that a new note on message is
generated as soon as the finger reaches a position that corresponds to a new
note and that the pitch bend starts with it’s neutral value. Another
difference is that the initial Midi note message is immediately corrected with
a succeeding pitch bend message to obtain the absolute tone with a much higher
resolution as for the note message only. This is why this event type is called
Note&pitch bend absolute. Only in the very improbable case that the finger
position corresponds exactly to a Midi note number no pitch bend correction
would be sent when the finger touches the position sensor the first time.
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center note # – 1 ?
center note #
center note # + 1
?
note # – 1
note #
note # + 1
a b c pitch bend –
- pitch bend +
Fig. 9
Fig. 9 shows the basic principles for this mode. The grey area is the position
sensor. The position sensor represents a virtual keyboard that is divided into
13, 25, 37, 49 or 61 note areas. The number of note areas depends upon the
setting of the parameter 4-2 Number Octave (1 = 13 areas, 2 = 25 areas, 3 = 37
areas and so on). Three of these note areas labelled “note # -1”, “note #” and
“note # +1” are shown in fig. 9 in detail and correspond to three succeeding
Midi note messages. The center of each area is marked with the top arrows. The
center is the position that corresponds to the exact note, i.e. without pitch
bend correction. The starting point is marked with the finger symbol at the
bottom of fig. 9. This is the position where the finger touches the manual in
the beginning. To simplify things it is assumed that the starting position
matches exactly with the center position of “note #”. Gliding with the finger
over the manual R2M generates transmits only pitch bend messages at first. As
soon as the finger reaches the area of the next lower or upper note the former
note is turned off i.e. a Midi note off is sent and the new Midi note on
message (i.e. “note # -1” or “note # +1”) followed by the pitch bend
correction is sent.
The three bold lines labelled a, b and c in fig. 9 represent the resulting
pitch bend situation in the Midi receiver for three different cases. In case b
the pitch bend scale of R2M and the Midi receiver are matched, i.e. the pitch
bend data fit exactly and the new note is generated without any pitch jump. In
case a the pitch bend data cause a pitch change that is too small. As soon as
the area of the new note is reached a small pitch jump can be heard. Case c is
the opposite. The pitch bend data cause a pitch change that is too high. As
soon as the area of the new note is reached a pitch jump can be heard. In
cases a and c the pitch bend scale of the Midi receiver or the R2M has to be
adjusted until no pitch jump is heard when a new note is reached.
In the R2M the parameter 3-4 Pitch scale is responsible for this. A smaller
value decreases the pitch bend data range transmitted by R2M. For case a this
value has to be increased until the desired jump-free pitch change is reached.
Alternatively the pitch scale of the receiver has to be adjusted or even both
together to obtain glitchfree transitions between the note areas. If the
maximum value (127) for 3-4 Pitch scale is reached and the result is not yet
satisfactory the pitch scale of the Midi receiver has to be adjusted. For case
c the 3-4 Pitch scale has to be decreased until the desired jump-free pitch
change is reached.
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Page 25
In any case it is the best solution is to adjust both the pitch scale of the
R2M and the Midi receiver until a satisfactory cooperation between both
devices is reached. As soon as the optimal setting is found it is recommended
to stored the settings as a new preset (see page 20).
Attention has to be payed to the transition range between two note areas
(labelled with question marks in fig. 9), i.e. if the finger remains in a
position that is exactly between two Midi notes. In the following this
position is called the retrigger point. At the retrigger point the R2M does
not “know” which of both Midi notes should be generated together with the
corresponding pitch bend correction and the R2M may toggle between the two
Midi notes. In this situation the parameter 4-3 Retrigger time takes effect
again. In this connection it determines the time required by the R2M to
recognize a note number change. If this time is too short it may happen that
several note on/off/on… messages appear at the trigger point (?) as the finger
glides slowly over the manual. This behaviour can be improved resp. eliminated
by increasing the retrigger time. On the other hand a too long retrigger time
worsens the response time of the manual and will be noticeable while fast
playing. Consequently one has to find a compromise between debouncing at the
retrigger point and the response time.
Generation of the control voltages CV1/CV2 and Gate
In most cases the control voltage output CV1 and the gate output correspond to
the Midi messages sent by the R2M. But this applies not in every case. For
example the Midi note messages can be transposed to each value in the complete
Midi note range 0…127 (i.e. more than 10 octaves). But the CV output range is
only 0…+5V, i.e. a 5 octave range only.
These parameters have an influence to the generation of CV1, CV2 and gate:
CV1 1-2 Direction 2-1 Midi Event 4-1 Quantization 4-2 Number Octave 4-3 Retrigger Time 5-x Arpeggio (all parameters)
CV2 1-3 Direction 2-2 Midi Event
Gate 2-1 Midi Event 4-1 Quantization 4-2 Number Octave 4-3 Retrigger Time 5-x Arpeggio (all parameters)
All other parameters have no influence especially the Midi specific parameters Midi channel, note number and control change number. Even the parameters mentioned in the table are not effective in every case to CV1 and gate. In the following the coherence between the parameters in the list and the influence to CV1/gate generation is explained.
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R2M User’s Guide V1.11
If the selected Midi event 2-1 (see page 11) generates continuous Midi data the corresponding CV output even generates a continuous control voltage. This applies to the following Midi events
2-1 e 2-1 f 2-1 g 2-1 h
Pitch bend Control change After touch Program change
In these four modes no gate signal is generated.
To obtain a continuous or quantized control voltage and a gate signal one of these Midi events has to be selected:
2-1 b 2-1 c 2-1 d
Note Note & pitch bend relative Note & pitch bend absolute
If 2-1 b Note is selected CV1 outputs a quantized control voltage with the quantization table that is selected with 4-1 Quantization (see page 15). The voltage that appears at CV1 corresponds to the Midi note messages generated by R2M. CV1 follows the 1V/octave standard, i.e. the voltage difference is 1/12 V (0.0833V) for each semitone. In this mode even the transpose function via incoming Midi note messages and arpeggio have effect on CV1.
If 2-1 c Note & Pitch bend relative or 2-1 d Note & Pitch bend absolute is chosen CV1 is not quantized (same as 2-1 e …h) but a gate signal is generated according to the selected mode. In these modes the transpose function via incoming Midi note messages and arpeggio have no effect on CV1.
For all three note event types (2-1 b/c/d) each Midi note on message corresponds to a lowhigh gate transition and each Midi note off message to a highlow gate transition.
In addition the pressure sensor of the manual can be used to control the second control voltage output CV2. As the pressure sensor is not as accurate as the position sensor (see page 13 for details) only very simple control tasks can be realised with the pressure sensor resp. CV2 (e.g. modulation depth or frequency, loudness, filter frequency, filter resonance, phasing, pitch of a synced VCO). Special features like quantization or a separate gate output are not available. The pressure voltage is simply output on the CV2 socket without any processing in the R2M.
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Page 27
Appendix
The following tables can be used to write down complete R2M settings
(presets). Simply copy this page and complete the column labelled value with
the corresponding values.
Menu 1 CV Parameter
Index Parameter
Sensor Range
1
Trigger Pol.
1
0 to 1
2
Direction
1
0 to 1
3
Direction
2
0 to 1
Value
Explanation see chapter … 1-1 Trigger polarity [1] 1-2 Direction [1] 1-3 Direction [2]
Page 10 10 10
Menu 2 Midi Event
Index Parameter 1 2
Sensor Range
1
a) to h) 1)
2
a) to f) 2)
Value
Explanation see chapter … Page
2-1 Midi event [1]
11
2-2 Midi event [2]
13
- a) – h) : off, note, note&pitch relative, note&pitch absolute, pitch, control change, after touch, program Change 2) a) – f) : off, pitch+, pitch-, control change, after touch, program change
Menu 3 Midi Parameter
Index Parameter
Sensor Range
1
Midi channel 1&2 1 to 16
2
Note/ctrl no
1
0 to 127
Value
3
ctrl no
2
4
pitch scale
2
0 to 127 0 to 127
Explanation see chapter … 3-1 Midi channel [1] 3-2 Note / controller number [1] 3-3 Controller number [2] 3-4 Pitch scale [2]
Page 14 14
14 14
Menu 4 Mode
Index Parameter
1
Quantisierung
2
Number octave
3
Retrigger time
4
Transpose
offset
Sensor 1 1 1
1
Range 12 tone 1 to 5 0 to 100
0 to -96
- 12Tone , Major, ….. MinorChord7
Value
Explanation see chapter … 4-1 Quantization 4-2 Number octave 4-3 Retrigger time 4-4 Transpose offset
Page 15 16 16
16
Menu 5 Arpeggiator
Index Parameter
1
Mode
Sensor Range
1
a) to d) 4)
2
Octave
3
Sync
1
1 to 5
1
a) to c) 5)
4
Gate length
1
1 to 127
5
Norm CV
1
0 to -96
Value
Explanation see chapter … 5-1 Mode 5-2 Octave 5-3 Sync 5-4 Gate length 5-5 Norm CV
Page 17 18 18 18 19
- off, note on/offf, note hold, note write 5) external, internal BPM , Mod&BPM
sensor 1 = position sensor; sensor 2 = pressure sensor
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R2M User’s Guide V1.11
References
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