behringer SYN0007357-000 Cat Monophonic Analog Synthesizer User Guide
- June 6, 2024
- Behringer
Table of Contents
behringer SYN0007357-000 Cat Monophonic Analog Synthesizer User Guide
Important Safety Instructions
Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with ¼” TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover (or the rear section). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Caution
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Caution
These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs have to be performed by qualified service personnel.
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Read these instructions.
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Keep these instructions.
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Heed all warnings.
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Follow all instructions.
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Do not use this apparatus near water.
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Clean only with dry cloth.
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Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
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Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
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Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
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Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. -
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
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Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
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The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective ear thing connection.
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Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
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Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be taken to a collection center licensed for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
The mishandling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the efficient use of natural resources. For more information about where you can take your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, or your household waste collection service. -
Do not install in a confined space, such as a book case or similar unit.
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Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.
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Please keep the environmental aspects of battery disposal in mind. Batteries must be disposed-of at a battery collection point.
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This apparatus may be used in tropical and moderate climates up to 45°C.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Music Tribe accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Technical specifications, appearances and other information are subject to change without notice.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Behringer, Bugera, Oberheim, Auratoneand Coolaudioare trademarks or registered trademarks of Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. © Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. 2021 All rights reserved.
CAT Controls
Step 1: Controls
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KEYBOARD Section
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(1) PITCH BEND slider shifts the pitch up or down by an octave.
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(2) OCTAVE SHIFT switch shifts the pitch up or down by 2 octaves.
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(3) GLIDE controls the rate of change from one note to the other. When this slider is placed in the MIN position there is no gliding between notes played on the keyboard. As the slider is moved upward toward the MAX position, the glide time between notes increases.
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(4) LFO FREQ slider controls the repetition rate for the Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO), as well as the ADSR REPEAT tempo and the S+H (sample-and-hold) rate.
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(5) LFO LED lights to indicate the repetition rate for the Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO).
VCO1 Oscillator Section
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(6) FREQUENCY (FINE/COARSE) knobs are used to tune VCO1.
The COARSE knob sets the approximate tuning, and then the FINE knob allows exact tuning adjustment. -
(7) KEYBOARD CONTROL switch control show the keyboard controller interacts with VCO1. When the switch is set to the MONO position, VCO1 generates the lowest note that is depressed on the keyboard. When set to POLY, VCO1 generates the highest note depressed on the keyboard, while VCO2 handles the lowest note in order to allow two notes to be played simultaneously. (VCO2 is always controlled by the lowest note played on the keyboard.) When set to the OFF position, VCO1 is not affected by the keyboard.
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(8) WAVEFORM SWITCHES patch different waveforms into VCO1.
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(9) MODULATION DEPTH knobs control the degree to which a particular waveform affects the tone generated by VCO1. Increasing the modulation depth produces a more intense effect.
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(10) PULSE WIDTH knob controls the pulse width modulation depth of VCO1. The modulation source is controlled by the waveform switch directly above the PULSE WIDTH knob.
VCO1 AUDIO LEVEL Sliders
For the VCO1 oscillator section, several different wave outputs are available at the same time, and each wave output has its own slider so that the volume for each wave output can be adjusted independently.
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(11) SUB OCTAVE slider controls a square wave one octave below the set oscillator frequency.
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(12) SAWTOOTH slider controls the amount of sawtooth waveform in the sound. A sawtooth waveform usually provides a brassy timbre.
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(13) TRIANGLE slider controls the amount of triangle waveform, which provides a mellow, flute-like timbre.
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(14) PULSE slider controls the amount of waveform added to the sound from the PULSE WIDTH knob.
VCO2 Oscillator Section
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(15) FINE TUNE knob adjusts the VCO2 pitch.
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(16) SYNC switch can be used to lock VCO1 with VCO2 so that both oscillators act as a single large oscillator. When synced, VCO1 follow the frequency of VCO2 to produce complex sounds.
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(17) WAVEFORM SWITCHES patch different waveforms into VCO2.
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(18) MODULATION DEPTH knobs control the degree to which a particular waveform affects the tone generated by VCO2. Increasing the modulation depth produces a more intense effect.
VCO2 AUDIO LEVEL Sliders
For the VCO2 oscillator section, several different wave outputs are available at the same time, and each wave output has its own slider so that the volume for each wave output can be adjusted independently
- (19) SUB OCTAVE slider controls a square wave one octave below the set oscillator frequency.
- (20) SQUARE WAVE slider controls the amount of square waveform, which produces a hollow or reedy quality to the sound.
- (21) SAWTOOTH slider controls the amount of sawtooth waveform in the sound. A sawtooth waveform usually provides a brassy timbre.
VCF Filter Section
- (22) VCO1 AUDIO switch, when in the OFF position, takes VCO1 completely out of the final audio mix.
- (23) KEYBOARD CONTROL knob determines how closely the keyboard controls the low-pass filter cutoff frequency (FC).
- (24) VCF FC MODULATION SOURCE switches select waveforms to modulate the VCF cutoff frequency.
- (25) MODULATION DEPTH knobs control the amount of waveform applied to the VCF cutoff frequency.
- (26) FC (FILTER CUTOFF) slider controls the low-pass filter’s cutoff frequency. The filter will cut off more and more treble frequencies as the slider is moved downward. At the full upper setting, no treble frequencies are being cut off.
- (27) Q (RESONANCE) slider affects the low-pass filter’s timbre by emphasizing harmonics around the cutoff frequency. At the full upper setting, the VCF will oscillate and no other sounds will come through the filter.
TRANSIENT GENERATORS Section
The ADSR (Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release) transient generator creates a detailed
voltage transient every time a key is depressed.
The voltage transient is shaped by the ATTACK, DECAY, SUSTAIN and RELEASE
sliders, and the ADSR voltage transient is available at all switches marked .
- (28) ATTACK slider controls the shape of the note attack up to an initial fixed peak when a key is depressed.
- (29) DECAY slider controls how quickly the envelope drops from the initial fixed peak.
- (30) SUSTAIN slider controls the level at which the envelope holds after the initial decay following the fixed peak.
- (31) RELEASE slider controls the envelope shape following the key release.
The AR (Attack-Release) transient generator works similarly to the ADSR generator, but with less detailed control over the transient envelope. The AR voltage transient is available at all switches marked .
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(32) ATTACK-RELEASE sliders control the transient slope for when a key is depressed (ATTACK) and when that key is released (RELEASE).
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(33) ADSR REPEAT switch causes any ADSR setting to repeat at a speed determined by the LFO. In the GATED position, the transient will only repeat while the key is held down. In the AUTO position, the transient repeats even if the key is released.
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(34) SAMPLE + HOLD switch selects the source that will be sampled by the automatic Sample-and-Hold function. In the VCO1 setting, the VCO1 mix setting will be sampled. In the NOISE position, the noise generator output is sampled to produce a random output pattern.
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(35) LFO DELAY slider controls the amount of time it takes for the LFO SINE wave output to reach its maximum after a key is depressed.
Additional Controls and Connections
- (36) POWER LED lights up to show the unit has been powered on.
- (37) KB CV jack routes keyboard control signals to external devices.
- (38) GATE jack sends out an internal control voltage signal.
- (39) ADSR jack sends out an internal control voltage signal.
- (40) AR jack sends out an internal control voltage signal base don the current settings of the ATTACK-RELEASE sliders.
- (41) GATE routes in external control voltage signals for the GATED setting of the ADSR REPEAT switch.
- (42) VCO1 CV routes in external control voltage signals for the VCO1 and VCO2 frequency setting.
- (43) VCO2 CV routes in external control voltage signals for theVCO2 frequency setting.
- (44) VCF Fc routes in external control voltage signals for the VCF Fc setting.
- (45) VCF Q jack routes in external control voltage signals for the VCF Q setting.
- (46) EXT. AUDIO input connects any external line-level audio source to this 3.5 mm input.
- (47) VCA CV jack routes in external control voltage signals for the VCA VOLUME control.
- (48) PHONES jack connects to headphones with a 1/8″ TRS stereo connector.
- (49) MAIN OUT uses a 3.5 mm TR connection to output the main audio output. Typically it can be patched to the audio input of another CAT or to the audio inputs of other modular synthesizer equipment. If you are using the CAT in a Eurorack, then this is the main output, as the rear panel output connectors are not used.
Other Controls
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(50) VCA switch determines whether the VCA uses an ADSR (Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release) transient envelope or an AR (Attack=Release) transient envelope. The BYPASS setting completely bypasses the VCA so that the sound level on the output is constant.
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(51) VCA VOLUME knob controls the final output volume.
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(52) NOISE LEVEL slider controls the amount of white noise mixed into the VCF.
MIDI Section
- (53) USB PORT allows connection to a computer over a USB type B connection. The CAT will show up as a class compliant USB MIDI device, capable of supporting MIDI in and out.
- (54) MIDI IN receives MIDI data from an external source over a 5-pin DIN connector. This will commonly be a MIDI keyboard, an external hardware sequencer, a computer equipped with a MIDI interface, etc.
- (55) MIDI THRU uses a 5-pin DIN jack is used to pass through MIDI data received at the MIDI INPUT. This data will commonly be sent to another synthesizer to run a Poly Chain or to a drum machine assigned to a different MIDI Channel.
Rear Panel
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(56) MAIN OUT uses ¼” TS outputs to connect to the inputs of your external equipment as follows (note that they are both Mono, and not left/right):
LOW – this instrument-level mono output can connect to the instrument- level inputs of guitar amplifiers or mixers for example.
HIGH – this line-level mono output can connect to the line-level inputs of mixers, keyboard amplifiers, or powered speakers for example. -
(57) MIDI CHANNEL has 4 switches that allow you to set the MIDI Channel number from 1 to 16 (see the table below). The MIDI channel can also be changed using MIDI SysEx commands, as shown in the MIDI SysEx tables later in this manual. (This method is used when the CAT is housed in a Eurorack, and these switches are no longer present.)
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2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
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Power Section
- (58) POWER switch turns the unit on and off.
- (59) DC INPUT connects to the supplied 12 V DC power adapter. The power adapter can be plugged into an AC outlet capable of supplying from 100 V to 240 V at 50 Hz/60 Hz. Use only the power adapter supplied.
CAT Getting started
Step 2: Getting started
OVERVIEW
This ‘getting started’ guide will help you set up the CAT analog synthesizer and briefly introduce its capabilities.
CONNECTION
To connect the CAT to your system, please consult the connection guide earlier in this document.
SOFTWARE SETUP
The CAT is a USB Class Compliant MIDI device, and so no driver installation is required. The CAT does not require any additional drivers to work with Windows and MacOS.
HARDWARE SETUP
Make all the connections in your system. Use the rear panel MIDI switches to
set the CAT to a unique MIDI channel in your system. Connect an external MIDI
keyboard directly to the CAT MIDI IN 5-pin
DIN type input. Apply power to the CAT using the supplied power adapter only.
Ensure your sound system is turned down. Turn on the CAT rear panel power
switch.
WARM UP TIME
We recommend leaving 15 minutes or more time for the CAT to warm up before
recording or live performance. (Longer if it has been brought in from the
cold.)
This will allow the precision analog circuits time to reach their normal
operating temperature and tuned performance. VCO1 and VCO2 SECTIONS The CAT
has two oscillators (VCO1 andVCO2), an internal Noise generator, and an
external source input. Each of these, and any combination, are used by the CAT
to generate sound.
First, depress a key on the keyboard, and then tune VCO2 to the desired pitch. Then tune VCO1 to VCO2 by using the COARSE FREQUENCY knob, followed by adjustments with the FINE knob to get the tuning exactly how you want. In the VCO1 and VCO2 sections, adjust the WAVEFORM switches and MODULATION DEPTH knobs for either oscillator and listen to how the sound changes.
EURORACK
The CAT synthesizer can be taken out of its factory chassis and fitted into a standard Eurorack case (not supplied). Please seethe details shown later in this manual.
FIRMWARE UPDATE
Please check our website behringer.com regularly for any updates to the firmware of your CAT synthesizer. The firmware file can be downloaded and stored on your computer, and then used to update the CAT. The firmware file comes with detailed instructions on the update procedure.
CAT Poly Chain Function
System Mode
POWER LED | Mode |
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Amber | Normal Mode |
Red | Poly Chain Mode (not playing) |
Green | Poly Chain Mode (playing) |
Please use the “SynthTool.exe” to configure the Poly Chain mode.
The POWER LED will turn red during Poly Chain mode.
CAT MIDI information
MIDI message
| Status| Second| Third| Parameter| Description
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Channel Message| 8n| kk| vv| [0, 7F]| Note Off
9n| kk| vv| [0, 7F]| Note On
Bn| 7B| —| —| All Notes Of
En| bb| bb| [0, 3FFF]| Pitch Bend
Examples
Function | Command(1) |
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Note on | 90 3C 64 |
Note of | 80 3C 40 |
All notes of | B0 7B |
Note: 1, MIDI input channel 1.
CAT Eurorack Installation
Step 3: Eurorack Installation
The CAT synthesizer can be removed from its factory chassis and installed into a standard Eurorack chassis (not supplied). The module width is 70HP.
We recommend that this procedure is undertaken only by experienced service technicians, to prevent personal injury, or damage to the unit.
The Eurorack case will need its own suitable power supply unit to power the CAT synthesizer.
A 10-pin connector on the rear of the main PCB of the CAT allows the +12 VDC power supply connection to be made. A 10-pin to 16-pin adapter ribbon cable is supplied to connect to your power supply.
Before proceeding, make sure that your power supply is capable of supplying +12 VDC, 1 Amp
Make sure that the connections using the supplied adapter cable will supply the ground and power to the correct pins of X17.
Procedure
Follow all steps in the order in which they are presented.
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Disconnect the power cord and all other connections to the CAT.
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Undo the 8 screws on the top panel as shown. There is no need to undo any other screws.
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Disconnect the cable from the lower side of the main PCB of the CAT and remove the assembly from the chassis.
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Store the chassis assembly and the power supply adaptor in a dry safe place.
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Securely connect the 10-pin end P1 of the supplied adapter cable to connector X17 on the Main PCB of the CAT.
Supplied Eurorack Power Supply Cable, Part # A74-00001-79446 Connect End P1 to Connector X17 on main PCB -
Make sure your power supply is turned off and disconnected from the AC mains.
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Make sure that your power supply will supply the following to the pins of connector X17, as shown in the diagram above:
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Pins Connection 1 and 2 No Connection 3 to 8 Ground 9 and 10 +12 VDC -
Securely connect the 16-pin end P2 of the supplied adapter cable to your power supply, and double check all connections are correct.
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Securely install the CAT Synthesizer into your Eurorack, using 8 screws in the front panel.
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Perform a full test and safety test before using the CAT.
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The 3.5 mm MAIN OUT connector on the top panel is used instead of the ¼” rear outputs which are no longer present.
CAT Setting the MIDI Channel
Step 4: Setting the MIDI Channel
Setting the MIDI Channel
Please use the SynthTool.exe app to configure the MIDI Channel number.
The MIDI Channel number is saved based on the user configuration, and Channel
1 is not automatically selected.
All MIDI Channel number changes are handled by the user.
Specifications
Synthesizer Architecture|
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Number of voices| Duophonic
Type| Analog
Oscillators| 2 (1 Hz to 38.5 kHz in 6 overlapping ranges) (8 Hz to 900 Hz in 6
overlapping ranges)
LFO| 1 (0.03 Hz to 30 Hz)
VCF| 1 x 4-pole low pass (24 dB/oct. slope)
Envelopes| VCA, VCF
Connectivity|
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MIDI in /thru| 2 x 5-pin DIN / 16 channels
USB (MIDI)| Type B
Main out (high)| 1 x IA” TS, unbalanced, max. +10 dBu
Impedance| 1 XI)
Main out (low)| 1 x IA” TS, unbalanced, 30 dB below high output
Impedance| 7500
Phones| 1 x1/8″ TRS, stereo
Max. output level| -10.4 dBu
Output impedance| 80
Main out| 1 x IA” TS, unbalanced, max. +9.4 dBu
External control inputs|
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VC01 CV| 1 x1/8″ TS, unbalanced, Control voltage: -5 V to +5 V
VCO2 CV| 1 x ‘A” TS, unbalanced, Control voltage: -5 V to +5 V
GATE| 1 x ‘A” TS, unbalanced, Control voltage: more than +2.1V
VCF Fc| 1 x ‘A” TS, unbalanced, Control voltage: -5 V to +5 V
VCF Q| 1 x ‘A” TS, unbalanced, Control voltage: 0 V to +5 V
Ext audio| 1 x ‘A” TS, unbalanced, Input impedance: 100 K0
VCA CV| 1 x ‘A” TS, unbalanced, Control voltage: 0 V to +5 V
Internal control outputs
KB CV| 1 x ‘A” TS, unbalanced, 0 V to +8 V
Gate| 1 x ‘A” TS, unbalanced, 0 V / +12 V
ADSR| 1 x ‘A” TS, unbalanced, 0 V to +8.8 V
AR| 1 x ‘A” TS, unbalanced, 0 V to +6.5 V
USB|
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Type| Class compliant USB 2.0, type B
Supported operating systems| Windows XP or higher Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher
Power Requirements|
External power adapter| 12 V DC 1000 mA
Power consumption| 6.2 W maximum
Environmental|
Operating temperature range| 5°C — 40° C (41° F — 104° F)
Physical|
Dimensions (H x W x D)| 93 x 374 x 136 mm (3.66 x 14.72 x 5.35″)
Module width| 70 HP
Weight| 1.6 kg (3.5 Ibs)
Shipping weight| 2.5 kg (5.5 Ibs)
Other important information
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Register online.
Please register your new MusicTribe equipment right after you purchase it by visiting musictribe.com. Registering your purchase using our simple online form helps us to process your repair claims more quickly and efficiently. Also, read the terms and conditions of our warranty, if applicable. -
Malfunction. Should your
MusicTribe Authorized Reseller not be located in your vicinity, you may contact the MusicTribe Authorized Fulfiller foryour country listed under “Support” at musictribe.com. Should your country not be listed, please check if your problem can be dealt with by our “Online Support” which may also be found under “Support” at musictribe.com. Alternatively, please submit an online warranty claim at musictribe.com BEFORE returning the product. -
Power Connections.
Before plugging the unit into a power socket, please make sure you are using the correct mains voltage for your particular model. Faulty fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same type and rating without exception.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
Responsible Party Name: Music Tribe Commercial NV Inc.
Address: 5270 Procyon Street, Las Vegas NV 89118, United States
Phone Number: +1 702 800 8290
CAT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause harmful interference, and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Important information:
Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by Music Tribe can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.
Hereby, Music Tribe declares that this product is in compliance with Directive 2014/35/EU, Directive 2014/30/EU, Directive 2011/65/EU and Amendment 2015/863/EU, Directive 2012/19/EU, Regulation 519/2012 REACH SVHC and Directive 1907/2006/EC.
Full text of EU DoC is available at https://community.musictribe.com/
EU Representative: Music Tribe Brands DK A/S
Address: Ib Spang Olsens Gade 17, DK – 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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