CONDUCTIVE LABS NDLR MIDI Sequencers

Specifications:

• Power Requirement: USB 2.0 Powered (5V DC, 125mA)
• Operating System Compatibility: Most operating systems supporting MIDI class compliant devices
• Firmware Updates : Requires connection to a computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux

Product Usage Instructions

Initial Setup

Upon unboxing, ensure the following items are present:

• The NDLR (v2)
• USB type A to B Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Power and Connectivity

The NDLR is USB 2.0 powered. Connect it to a power source meeting the specifications provided.

Firmware Updates

To update firmware, connect The NDLR to a computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Operating Instructions

a. Utilize the 8 knobs labeled 1 through 8 as buttons to change parameters from the home screen.

b. Press the Menu button followed by the corresponding encoder to access different menus.

c. Use Shift and Menu simultaneously to navigate to specific screens like CHORD SEQ or PATTERN EDITOR.

MIDI Configuration

a. Label MIDI channels on your synthesizers for easier configuration on The NDLR.

b. Access SETTINGS 1 by pressing the Menu button and then turning the encoder knob 6.

c. Configure MIDI ports and channels for each part (Pad, Drone, Motif-1, Motif-2) based on your setup.

FAQ

• Q: Where can I find the complete user manual for The NDLR?
  • A: The full user manual is available for download on the Conductive Labs website at https://conductivelabs.com/download.
• Q: How can I update the firmware of The NDLR?
  • A: To update the firmware, connect The NDLR to a computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Thank you for choosing The NDLR! We really appreciate it! If you would be so kind, please share your work on our forums in the “Show me what you got!” section. Tag your social media posts with #NDLR so we can find them. We love to see what you can do with The NDLR!

All the best,

Steve and Darryl

What’s in the box

1. The NDLR (v2)
2. USB type A to B Cable
3. This Quick Start Guide

Requirements

USB 2.0 Powered (5V DC, 125mA). Power supply not included.
Works with most operating systems that support MIDI class compliant devices.
Firmware updates require a connection to a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux

EU Declaration of Conformity available at https://conductivelabs.com/download

EU REACH Compliance Report available upon request from authorized entities.

WEEE Statement

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of  with your other household waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing itover to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Conductive Labs products are WEEE registered via authorized resellers in their respective regions.
FCC Compliance Statement

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This Quick Start Guide is a supplement to The NDLR User Manual, available on the Conductive Labs website at: https://conductivelabs.com/download. For complete information on using The NDLR, please refer to the User Manual.

Support for The NDLR is provided by Conductive Labs and our experienced users on the Conductive Labs forums. Please register on the forums for questions not answered in this guide or the User Manual. As part of forum registration, you will receive a verification email. Check your spam folder if you do not receive it. If you experience any problem with registering on the forums, let us know using the contact page on our website and we’ll get you set up. You can register on the forums here: https://conductivelabs.com/forum

Precautions, not limited to:

1. Read and follow all instructions.
2. Unplug before cleaning and only use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use any cleaners.
3. Do not use the instrument near water or moisture, such as a bathtub, sink, swimming pool or similar place.
4. Do not expose the instrument to hot sunlight.
5. Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the instrument.
6. Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall. Do not place heavy objects on the instrument.
7. Do not open or insert anything into the instrument that may cause a fire or electrical shock.
8. Always contact Conductive Labs LLC if you have an issue. You will invalidate your warranty if you open and remove the cover.
9. Do not use the instrument when there is a gas leak nearby.
10. Conductive Labs LLC is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by improper operation of the instrument.
    • Not following the above Precautions will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Getting Started

1. Plug in your MIDI synthesizer modules to The NDLR MIDI outputs, or use virtual synths on your PC using The NDLR’s USB Virtual MIDI ports.
   a. There are two 5 pin DIN MIDI ports on The NDLR, Out A and Out B. If you need more outputs, you can use a common MIDI thru (splitter) or a MIDI router if you have a more elaborate studio setup.
   b. You can “daisy-chain” MIDI connections if your synthesizers have a MIDI thru port. This typically works okay for a couple of hops, but can introduce latency or stuck notes with some synths.
   c. For a computer DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), each one is different. Check your DAW’s documentation for setting up MIDI tracks for virtual instruments, such as VSTs. It’s the same as setting up a MIDI keyboard, but there are four of them! More in section 4 and 5 below.
   d. For stand-alone software synths running outside of a DAW, which you can execute individually on your computer, you can use The NDLR’s four USB Virtual MIDI ports, one for each synth.

2. Power The NDLR using a quality USB phone charger, your PC’s USB port, or a portable USB battery.
   a. The NDLR V2 includes a power button located next to the CLK IN jack. Press it briefly to power The NDLR On/Off.

3. Using The NDLR’s Knobs and Buttons

a. The 8 knobs labeled 1 through 8 are also buttons. From the home screen, press the knobs to change the parameter the knob controls, as labeled on the inside of the knobs. The Triangle in the window will rotate to indicate the current parameter. Some knobs have 2 choices, some have 3.

b. Press the Menu button once, then press the encoder corresponding to the Menu you want to see, labeled on the outside of the knobs, such as SETTINGS 1, 2 or 3, or MOD MATRIX screens.
c. Press Shift and Menu together to access the screens labelled in the call outs, such as CHORD SEQ, or PATTERN EDITOR. The last screen used will open. Press an encoder to select a different screen.

Configure the MIDI Ports and Channels on The NDLR

a. The best advice we can give you is to label the MIDI channels on your synthesizers. You will need this information for configuring The NDLR, and it comes in handy any time you make a change to the MIDI configuration. Post-it Notes make good label stickers.
b. On The NDLR, press the Menu button once, then press the encoder knob 6 labeled SETTINGS 1.

c. Select the MIDI port and channel for each of the parts you are using (Pad, Drone, Motif-1 and Motif2). They can all be on the same port using different channels, or each can be on any port of The NDLR that your synths are connected to. Select USB(1-4) to send MIDI to your computer.
d. Press the corresponding Play/Pause button for each of the parts. The NDLR outputs MIDI notes just like a MIDI keyboard. You can use port setting “ALL” to test that a synth is receiving the message from The NDLR. Change to the to the specific port you are using before saving.

Selecting USB MIDI Virtual Ports in a DAW or Software Synth

a. The NDLR ports will be named differently depending on the operating system and application used when selecting the MIDI port. Here is an example of The NDLR’s ports as seen in Windows with the venerable MIDI-OX:

In this case, 1) NDLR = USB1, 2) MIDIIN2 (NDLR) = USB2, etc. Select the Port as it was configured on the SETTINGS 1 screen and the application will receive that MIDI data from The NDLR. It works the same as selecting a USB MIDI keyboard, which the software application may include specific instructions for.

Using The NDLR’s MIDI Inputs

a. You can use a MIDI keyboard or sequencer to control chord selection on The NDLR. See the User Guide section labeled: “MIDI Controllers and MIDI Messages”. The NDLR also supports MIDI CC (Control Change) for many parameters. See the User Guide Appendix A. “MIDI CC (Control Change) Implementation”.
b. By default, The NDLR uses an internal clock for timing. Use encoder 4 labeled “TEMPO” to change The NDLR BPM. This clock signal can also be sent on The NDLR MIDI Outputs and CV clock output. Enable sending Clock Out by holding the blue Shift button + MENU button while The NDLR is booting up, which will bring you to the Boot Menu. Here you can enable “ClkOut” with the Motif-1 button, as well as choose whether to send clock on one USB virtual MIDI port or all of them using the Motif2 button. Press the Panic button to exit the Boot menu.

c. For The NDLR to use an external clock, press the Menu button once, then press the SETTINGS 3 encoder 8. Change the Clock In parameter to The NDLR port the clock source is connected to. For details, see the User Guide section labeled: “External MIDI Clock & Stop/Start/Continue Messages”.
d. The NDLR passes most MIDI messages through from input to output, with the exception of SysEx messages, messages on The NDLR Cntl channel, and note messages on the KB Transpose channel, which are transposed and forwarded to the corresponding output. See the chart below for MIDI Note & Messages Thru Port Mapping.

MIDI messages: Stop, Start, & Continue are passed thru only on these input ports.

Saving your settings

a. Press the Menu button once. Press the SETTINGS 3 encoder 8. Turn encoder 5 to select a Global Save slot. Press Shift and Encoder 5 to save. You will see a box appear showing that it is saved.
b. When you restart The NDLR, it will load the last saved Global Save.

Firmware Updates

a. Conductive Labs provides periodic firmware updates to enhance features or fix reported issues. You can find the latest released firmware update on the Download section of the Conductive Labs website. Before updating your firmware, check the version you are currently using by pressing the Menu button, then press SETTINGS 3 (encoder 8). Rotate encoder 8 to view the serial number and firmware version in the bottom right corner of the screen. There’s no need to update if you already have the latest version.

b. Typically, firmware updates will not overwrite your saved settings, patterns, etc.
c. Registered users of the Forum can download pre-release (beta) versions of firmware when available. We appreciate our users’ help in testing changes and enhancements. Please report your success or issues with pre-release firmware on the forums.
d. Instructions for updating firmware are on the Download page of the website.

Conductive Labs LLC, a corporation registered in the State of Oregon USA.

Owners: Darryl McGee and Steve Barile
Address: Conductive Labs LLC 10700 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy Ste 605 Beaverton, OR 97005 USA
Email: Support@conductivelabs.com
Office Phone : +1 503 616 3116

COPYRIGHT @ CONDUCTIVE LABS LLC 2020-2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

All documentation, images, software, firmware, user interface, industrial design and hardware design is protected by copyright law and international treaties. The firmware is licensed (not sold), and its use is subject to a License Agreement. Unauthorized use, copying or distribution of any of the above material or any of its components may result in severe criminal or civil penalties, and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent under the law.

All trademarks and registered trademarks used in this documentation are the property of their owners.

Version 2.1 May 2024

References

• Conductive Labs Support Forum

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