x0xb0x

Bass line Synthesizer

User Manual (in progress) April 30, 2005

For more information about x0xb0x please visit: http://www.ladyada.net/make/x0xb0x

Copyright 2005, Limor Fried. Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by-nc-sa/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA.

Introduction
At this point, you should have successfully built your x0xb0x and performed
basic tests to verify its functionality. This manual is intended to teach you the various functions of the synthesizer. The manual is divided up into 3 sections. The rst section describes all of the buttons, switches and ports individually. You should at least skim this section rst so you know what we mean when we refer to the bank knob. The second section is divided up by function and describes each function in detail and also provides examples for how to peform common tasks. The third section describes how to use the optional control software. Since the x0xb0x is a living project, there may be new versions of this document describing new functions. Be sure to check that this manual corresponds to the hardware, rmware and software version you have. The hardware version is written on the mainboard PCB. The rmware and software version can be veried through the computer control software. This manual is written for: x0xb0x 1.0 Hardware x0xb0x 1.0 Firmware x0xb0x 1.0 Software No manual is perfect, but we can strive for completeness. If you feel like theres something amiss (whether it be poor spelling, obfuscated language, or confusing pictures) send your suggestions and corrections to: x0xb0x@gmail.com. Chances are, youre not the only one. We hope you enjoy using your x0xb0x to make hardcore acid tracks.

Quick Overview
x0xb0x Capabilities
Sequencer capabilites: Up to 128 patterns of up to 16 notes each Up to 64 tracks of up to 16 patterns each Input sync via DINSYNC or MIDI Clock sync Output sync via DINSYNC and MIDI Clock sync Can act as a MIDI-controlled synthesizer Can act as a MIDI-out keyboard Easy-to-use sequencer allows for quick pattern & track entry and editing Intuitive track and pattern play with 2 octaves of pitch shift, rest, accent and slide override, as well dynamic chaining of up to 16 patterns or tracks Built in random pattern generator Precision tempo (20BPM to 200BPM) can be set via computer or with tap-tempo Synthesizer capabilites: Monophonic, 4 octave VCO

Section I
Switches, Knobs, and I/O

DINSYNC SAW

MIX IN

MIDI IN

MIDI THRU

MIDI OUT

MIX OUT

USB

CV

GATE

PHONE

9VAC

SQR

TUNE
16 1

CUTOFF

RESONANCE
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)

ENV MOD

DECAY

ACCENT

15 14 13 12

2 3 4 5 6 7

MIDI PLAY RANDOM KEYBOARD USER A USER B USER C BOOTLOAD

PATTERN (DINSYNC) PATTERN (MIDISYNC) PATTERN EDIT TRACK (SYNC OUT) TRACK (DINSYNC) TRACK (MIDISYNC) TRACK EDIT

TEMPO

1 1 10 9 8

VOLUME

COMPUTER CONTROL

4 C#

5 D#

8 F#

9 G#

10 A#

11

12

13

14

15

16

PREV

NEXT

DONE D U

R/S

CHAIN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 R A S

MIDI THRU

MIDI OUT

MIX OUT

USB

CV

GATE

PHONE

9VAC

CUTOFF

3 4 5 6

DINSYNC 5 6 D# SAW

The function knob sets the mode of the synthesizer. Its functionality is the same in every mode: the MIDI PLAY PATTERN (DINSYNC) x0xb0x is in the mode indicated by the knob. If the RANDOM PATTERN (MIDISYNC) KEYBOARD PATTERN EDIT knob is changed, the current mode will be exited and USER A TRACK (SYNC OUT) USER B TRACK (DINSYNC) all modications (such as unsaved patterns or tracks, USER C TRACK (MIDISYNC) chains, pitch shifts, etc.) will be discarded. The only VOLUME BOOTLOAD TRACK EDIT COMPUTER CONTROL exception to this rule is Bootload Mode which is only active if the x0xb0x is powered on with the function knob MIX this15 USB CV GATE PHONE 9VAC in OUT position. MIX IN 8 MIDI IN 10 MIDI THRU MIDI OUT 7 9 1 1 12 13 14 16 Each mode is described in detail in section II.
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)

RESONANCE

ENV MOD

Function Knob DECAY ACCENT

F#

G#

A#

SQR

TUNE
E F
15 14 13 12

CUTOFF
A
2 3 4 5 6

G
16 1

2TEMPO3

11 10

7 8

4 C#

5 D#

DECAY has many uses.ACCENT Its primary use is to select U between banks of memory when writB C PATTERN (SYNC OUT) D MIDI PLAY PATTERN (DINSYNC) ing or reading patterns and tracks. When addressRANDOM PATTERN (MIDISYNC) ing patterns, EDIT KEYBOARD PATTERN there are 16 banks and so all positions USER A address TRACK (SYNC OUT) bank. When addressing tracks, a seperate USER B TRACK (DINSYNC) USER C TRACK (MIDISYNC) however, there are 8 banks. Therefore, bank position 7 8 R A S VOLUME BOOTLOAD 9-16 areTRACK EDIT COMPUTER CONTROL equivalent to positions 1-8 (respectively). Another use of the bank knob is to change the MIDI address of the device in MIDI Play or Keyboard 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 mode. DONE
F# G# A#

RESONANCE ENV MOD The bank knob is

Bank Knob

DINSYNC

MIX IN

MIDI IN

EV

NEXT

SAW C SQR D E F

TUNE

CHAIN 1 2 3
13 12 15 14

16 1

TEMPO

1 1 10 9 8

4 C#

PREV

NEXT

The tempo knob is a rotary encoder, not a potentiometer. This means that tempo is adjusted by turnDONE B C D U ingGit leftA(down) or right (up) but that the particular location of the knob is irrelevant. (That is, turning RESONANCE ENV MOD the CUTOFF while the x0xb0x is powered DECAY not ACCENT knob off will affect the tempo.) (SYNC OUT) PATTERN MIDI PLAY PATTERN (DINSYNC) The tempo is stored in internal memory on the mi5 6 7 8 PATTERN (MIDISYNC) R A S 3 RANDOM 4 KEYBOARD and can be precisely set using the PATTERN EDIT crocontroller USER A TRACK (SYNC OUT) 5 x0xb0x control software. (DINSYNC) USER B TRACK 6 USER C TRACK (MIDISYNC) 7 The tempo is incremented or decremented one BPM VOLUME BOOTLOAD TRACK EDIT COMPUTER CONTROL per detent. The minimum tempo is 20BPM, the maximum is 300BPM. The current tempo is indicated by the tempo LED which sits above the tempo knob. 16 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 12 13 14 15 The tempo knob is not functional when syncing with D# F# G# A# external signals such as DINSYNC or MIDI Sync. However, the tempo LED will always indicate the current tempo, even when syncd to an external signal. DONE
E F G A B C

Tempo Knob & OUT USB LED MIDI THRU MIDI OUT MIX

CV

GATE

PHONE

9VAC

R/S

CHAIN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 R A S

15 14 13 12

16 1

2 3 4 5 6 7

MIDI PLAY RANDOM KEYBOARD USER A USER B USER C BOOTLOAD

USB CV GATE PHONE 9VAC

PATTERN (DINSYNC) PATTERN (MIDISYNC) PATTERN EDIT TRACK (SYNC OUT) TRACK (DINSYNC) TRACK (MIDISYNC) TRACK EDIT

TEMPO
MIX IN MIDI IN MIDI THRU

1 1 10
MIDI OUT

VOLUME

COMPUTER CONTROL

NC

MIX OUT

1
TUNE
16 1

2
CUTOFF

5 D# ENV MOD

7
DECAY

8 F#

9 G# ACCENT

10 A#

1 1

12

13

14

15

16

15 14 13 12 1 1

10

The strip of 16 numbered LEDs is used as visual feedback in many of the different x0xb0x modes. In general, it is used to indicate the currently selected PREV NEXT DONE bank or the current D position in a pattern or track. B C E F G A C D U VOLUME In MIDI Play and Keyboard mode, it indicates the current MIDI address.
2 3

Bank LEDs
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)

C# RESONANCE

MIDI PLAY

PATTERN (DINSYNC) PATTERN EDIT

RANDOM

PATTERN (MIDISYNC) TRACK (SYNC OUT) TRACK (DINSYNC) TRACK EDIT TRACK (MIDISYNC)

KEYBOARD

USER A

USER B

USER C

BOOTLOAD

COMPUTER CONTROL

4 C# R/S

8 F#

9 G#

10 A#

1 1

12

13

14

15

16

D#CHAIN

NEXT

CHAIN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

NC

MIX IN

MIDI IN

MIDI THRU

MIDI OUT

MIX OUT

USB

CV

TUNE
16 1

CUTOFF

RESONANCE
PATTERN (SYNC OUT)

ENV MOD

15 14 13 12 11

2 3 4 5 6 7

MIDI PLAY RANDOM KEYBOARD USER A USER B USER C BOOTLOAD

PATTERN (DINSYNC) PATTERN (MIDISYNC) PATTERN EDIT TRACK (SYNC OUT) TRACK (DINSYNC) TRACK (MIDISYNC) TRACK EDIT

The 8 white keys as a group are sometimes DONE referred to as the numbered keys. (These D U keys are also used and referred to as as note keys when used as a one-octave keyboard.) R A S The numbered keys are used to address patterns and tracks in a bank while playing and editing. GATE PHONE 9VAC The LEDs indicate the current pattern or track selected. In pattern play and track play modes, a blinking LED indicates the DECAY ACCENT currently playing pattern or track and lit LEDs indicate patterns and tracks waiting to be played.

5 6 8 R A Numbered 7Keys and LEDs

10

COMPUTER CONTROL

4 C#

5 D#

8 F#

9 G#

10 A#

1 1

12

13

NEXT

CHAIN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

These 13 keys as a group are referred to as 14 15 16 the note keys. They are also sometimes individually referred to by their label (i.e. press the C key). The note keys are used to enter musical information. DONE In pattern edit mode, they are used to edit D U notes in a pattern. In track edit and track/pattern play mode, they are also used to enter in the desired R A S pitch shift. In keyboard mode, they are used as a one octave keyboard. In some case the octave can be changed with the Up and Down keys.

Note Keys and LEDs

VOLUME

14

15

16

V MOD

DECAY

ACCENT

DINSYNC)

MIDISYNC)

DIT

NC OUT)

SYNC) D

DISYNC)

T DINSYNC MIDI IN MIDI MIX IN THRU

SAW SQR 11 R 12

The done key is essentially used to save tracks and patterns in pattern edit and track edit mode. It is also used as the tap-tempo button in pattern play and track DONE play modes. The done LED often indicates the end of a pattern or track (in pattern edit and track edit mode) or that a VOLUME DINSYNCMIDI MIX MIDI MIDI 9VAC MIX OUT PHONE USB CV PHONE 9VAC THRU MIDI OUT MIX OUT PHONE CV GATE 9VAC GATE MIDIMIDI IN MIX OUT IN USB MIDI IN GATE THRU USB OUT OUT CV pattern or track is empty (in pattern play and track play modes) SAW
SQR 14 S

Done Key & LED

13 A

15

16

CUTOFF

CUTOFF RESONANCE TUNE CUTOFF MOD RESONANCE ACCENT DECAY RESONANCE ENV TUNE DECAY ENV MOD ACCENT DECAY ENV MOD
PATTERN (SYNC OUT) PATTERN (SYNC OUT) PATTERN (SYNC OUT) 1 2 1 2 MIDI PLAY PATTERN (DINSYNC) MIDI PLAY16 PATTERN (DINSYNC) PATTERN (DINSYNC) 15 3 3 RANDOM PATTERN (MIDISYNC) RANDOM PATTERN (MIDISYNC) PATTERN (MIDISYNC) 14 4 4 KEYBOARD PATTERN EDIT KEYBOARD PATTERN EDIT PATTERN EDIT

2 3 4 5 6

TEMPO 8

B
1 5 D#

The up key and down key are used to extend the range of the single-octave keyboard. In pattern edit and keyboard mode, pressing the down key will lower the USER A 5 USER A TRACK (SYNC OUT) USER A TRACK (SYNC OUT) 5 13 13 octave (no lower than theTRACK (SYNC OUT) lowest octave) and pressing USER B TRACK (DINSYNC) USER B TRACK (DINSYNC) USER B TRACK (DINSYNC) 6 6 12 12 USER C TRACK USER C USER C TRACK (MIDISYNC) the up key (MIDISYNC)VOLUME octave (no higher than the 3rd will raise the TRACK (MIDISYNC) VOLUME 7 1 1 7 1 1 VOLUME TEMPO TRACK EDIT 10 9 8 BOOTLOAD TRACK EDIT BOOTLOAD DONE TRACK EDIT BOOTLOAD10 9 8 COMPUTER CONTROL COMPUTER CONTROL The LEDs will also indicate which octave is in COMPUTER CONTROL octave). C D U use. In track edit and track 9play 14 11 the up/down15 16 mode, 12 13 14 keys 15 26 37 48 59 6 14 7 15 8 16 10 2 3 4 10 11 12 13 15 16 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
MIDI PLAY 16 15 RANDOM 14 KEYBOARD

Down/Up Keys & LEDs

ACCENT

C# F#

D# G#

A#

C# F#

D# G#

A#

F#

G#

A#

DINSYNCMIDI MIX MIDI MIDI 9VAC MIX OUT PHONE USB DINSYNC THRU MIDI OUT MIX OUT PHONE CV GATE MIDI IN MIDI MIX IN MIDIMIDI IN MIX OUT IN USB MIDI IN GATE THRU USB OUT THRU OUT CV D SAW

CV 9VAC GATE C

PHONE

9VAC

EV

NEXT

C F

PREV

D G SAW

NEXT

E A

C F B

D G C

E DA

B UF

G C

DONE

A D

B U

DONE D U

DONE

SQR

SQR

lowest octave

second octave

third octave
ACCENT

E /S

2
2 3

CUTOFF CHAIN 3
4 5 6

TEMPO 8

are2 used PATTERN (DINSYNC) to MIDI PLAY transpose patterns(DINSYNC) tracks. Patterns PATTERN and 3 3 RANDOM PATTERN (MIDISYNC) PATTERN (MIDISYNC) 4 transposed either up (one octave) or down (one 4 can be PATTERN EDIT KEYBOARD PATTERN EDIT USER A TRACK 5 USER A TRACK (SYNC OUT) USER A TRACK (SYNC OUT) 5 13 13 octave). Pressing the relavent(SYNC OUT) button will display the USER B TRACK (DINSYNC) USER B TRACK (DINSYNC) USER B TRACK (DINSYNC) 6 6 12 12 USER C TRACK (MIDISYNC) USER C amount of transpose in that direction on the note keys. TRACK (MIDISYNC) USER C TRACK (MIDISYNC) 7 1 1 7 1 1 VOLUME VOLUME TEMPO TRACK EDIT 10 9 8 BOOTLOAD VOLUME TRACK EDIT BOOTLOAD TRACK EDIT BOOTLOAD10 9 8 COMPUTER CONTROL COMPUTER CONTROL will also indicate if the pattern/track is transCOMPUTER CONTROL the LEDs posed and in which direction.
MIDI PLAY 16 15 RANDOM 14 KEYBOARD
1 2 1 MIDI PLAY16 PATTERN (DINSYNC) 15 RANDOM PATTERN (MIDISYNC) 14 KEYBOARD PATTERN EDIT

CUTOFF RESONANCE TUNE CUTOFF MOD RESONANCE ACCENT DECAY RESONANCE ENV TUNE DECAY ENV MOD ACCENT DECAY ENV MOD R/S CHAIN 1 2 3 4 A 7 A 8 S R 1 2 3 4 7 PATTERN5 S OUT)6 R 8 4 PATTERN5 7 PATTERN5 8(SYNC OUT)6 R (SYNC (SYNC OUT)6

1 5 D#

2 6

3 7

4 8 C# F#

15 9 D# G#

26 10

37 11 A#

48 12 C# F#

59 13 D# G#

6 14 10 A#

7 15 11

8 16 12 F#

9 13 G#

10 14 A#

11 15

12 16

13

14

15

16

C#

REV

NEXT

C F

PREV

D G

NEXT

E A

C F B

D G C

E DA

B UF

G C

DONE

A D

B U

DONE D U

DONE

transposed down
2 CHAIN 3 R/S 1 4 2 5 CHAIN 3 6 1 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 R 4 7 A

no transpose
5 8 S 6 R 7 A 8

transposed up
S R A S

R/S

VOLUME

12

13

14

15

16

The rest key, accent key, and slide key (and leds) are used to apply and indicate mute, accenting and portamento. Since they are often used as a group, DINSYNC MIX IN they are sometimes referred to as the RAS USB and MIDI IN MIDI THRU MIDI OUT MIX OUT PH keys CV GATE DONE leds. While they have different effects in each mode, U SAW the overall meaning of their use is the same: In pattern edit mode, they are use to create rest notes, accented notes and slides between notes. In SQR track edit mode, they are used to mute patterns, ac- DECAY TUNE CUTOFF RESONANCE ENV MOD cent entire patterns, and portamento entire patterns. A S DINSYNC MIXIn pattern play and track play mode, MIX OUT IN MIDI IN MIDI THRU MIDI OUT USB CV GATE PATTERN (SYNC OUT) they provide 16 1 2 MIDI PLAY PATTERN (DINSYNC) 15 instantanous/temporary over-riding mute, accent 3 RANDOM PATTERN (MIDISYNC) SAW 14 4 and slide. KEYBOARD PATTERN EDIT USER A TRACK (SYNC OUT) 5 13 In keyboard mode, only accent is used (sliding beUSER B TRACK 6 12 tween notes occurs automatically when (DINSYNC) keys multiple SQR USER C TRACK (MIDISYNC) 7 1 are pressed). 1 TEMPO BOOTLOAD TRACK TUNE CUTOFF RESONANCE EDIT ENV MOD DECAY 10 9 8 Lit RAS LEDs indicate COMPUTER CONTROL is currently acthat the effect tive. PATTERN (SYNC OUT)
15 16 1 2 3 46 5 MIDI PLAY PATTERN (DINSYNC)

Rest/Accent/Slide Keys & LEDs

4 14
13 12

RANDOM

KEYBOARD USER A USER B

10

PATTERN (MIDISYNC) PATTERN EDIT

1 1

12

13

14

TEMPO

PREV

NEXT
1 2

The next key and prev key are used inTRACK (MIDISYNC) the track USER C 7 1 1 TRACK EDIT 8 10 9 pattern editBOOTLOAD to index through patedit and modes COMPUTER CONTROL terns and tracks. In addition, the next key is used to start step-write editing method in both pattern edit and track edit in C 3 D G8 A 4 5E 6 F 7 9 10B 1 1 C which case the next LED will be lit
C# D# F# G# A#

Prev/Next Keys & LEDs A# C# D# F# G#

6

TRACK (SYNC OUT) TRACK (DINSYNC)

12

D 13

R/S

CHAIN PREV NEXT

1 The

Run/Stop Key & LED

R/S

CHAIN

run/stop key is4 used to start and stop7the se2 3 5 6 8 quencer. In pattern edit and track edit modes, pressD E G B ing C run/stop will start or F stop either runAor runedit. In pattern play and track play with sync out, it will start or stop playing the selected patterns and tracks. The R/S LED indicates when the sequencer is running. In pattern play and track play modes with external 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 sync (such as MIDI clock or DINSYNC), the button doesnt do anything, but the R/S LED will still light up when the sequencer receives the proper external start command.

R
C

C#

D#

F#

G#

A#

PREV

NEXT

R/S

CHAIN

The chain key is primarily used to create pattern and track chains in pattern play and track play: the button is held down while the desired chain is entered. It is also used to create random patterns in pattern edit mode.2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8

D E F Chain Key & LED G