1010music Blackbox User manual

Blackbox
User Manual 1.7
Mar 17, 2021

Page 2 of 106 Copyright 1010music LLC 2021
Blackbox User Manual 1.7
WELCOME 7
SET UP BLACKBOX 8
MicroSD Card for Storage..............................................................................................................................................8
Power ..........................................................................................................................................................................................8
Standard Power Outlet:...........................................................................................................................................8
USB Power Outlet:.......................................................................................................................................................8
Output Connections .........................................................................................................................................................9
Control the Volume .........................................................................................................................................................10
Test Your Setup...................................................................................................................................................................10
Connect an Audio Input for Sampling ...............................................................................................................10
OVERVIEW 11
Navigation Highlights..................................................................................................................................................... 11
Display Highlights ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
QUICK START 13
Explore PADS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Explore KEYS ........................................................................................................................................................................14
Explore Sequences...........................................................................................................................................................14
Explore Song Sections................................................................................................................................................... 15
Song Mode and REC | STOP | PLAY Buttons.................................................................................................. 16
To Save a Preset:...................................................................................................................................................17
CREATE A NEW PRESET 18
To Create and Name a Preset:....................................................................................................................18
SCREEN NAVIGATION MAP 19
WORK WITH PADS 20
Steps Common to All Pad Modes.........................................................................................................................20
To Load WAV Files and Assign Pad Modes:....................................................................................... 21
To View Wave with Start, End, Loop and Slice Points:.............................................................. 22
To Congure Pad Parameters and Choose a Pad Mode: ....................................................... 23
Set Up a Sample Pad..................................................................................................................................................... 27
Single Sample Pads.................................................................................................................................................28
Table of Contents

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Blackbox User Manual 1.7
Pad Parameters Specic to Sample Pads ...............................................................................................28
Loop Fading...........................................................................................................................................................30
Multi-Sample Pads.................................................................................................................................................... 31
To Load a Sample Bank into a Multi-Sample Pad: .......................................................................31
Work with a Clip Pad .....................................................................................................................................................34
Pad Parameters Specic to Clip Mode ...................................................................................................... 35
Clip Mode and Quantization .............................................................................................................................36
Tips for Synchronizing Clips:....................................................................................................................... 37
Work with Slicer Pads ................................................................................................................................................... 37
Pad Parameters Specic to Slicer Mode...................................................................................................38
To Manually Create or Remove Slices: .................................................................................................39
To Use Auto Scan to Create Slices:......................................................................................................... 40
To Use Slice to Grid:.......................................................................................................................................... 40
To Use Slices to Synchronize Playback of Clip Pads:................................................................. 40
Work with Granular Pads ............................................................................................................................................41
Pad Parameters Specic to Granular Mode............................................................................................41
Recording New WAV Files .........................................................................................................................................42
To record a single WAV le:.........................................................................................................................42
Working with WAV Files Recorded on Blackbox ................................................................................45
If you are recording WAVs for the current preset:.......................................................................45
If you are recording WAVs to build up a library of sounds:....................................................45
Advanced Recording Techniques..................................................................................................................46
To Use Resampling to Layer Recordings and Save Effects: ..................................................46
To Record a Multi-Sample Bank using MIDI or CV + Gate Automation: ..................... 48
To save the values you have congured for a pad back to the WAV le:.................... 52
Trim WAV Files................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Use Clipboard Functions with Pads....................................................................................................................54
Manage WAV Files .......................................................................................................................................................... 55
Working with WAV Files on the MicroSD Card..................................................................................... 55
To Delete, Save As or Rename a WAV File: .......................................................................................56
To Pack a Preset:.................................................................................................................................................57

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Blackbox User Manual 1.7
WORK WITH KEYS 58
To Play a Sample, Clip or Granular Mode Pad With the Traditional Keyboard:.......58
To Play a Sample, Clip or Granular Mode Pad With the Grid Keyboard:......................58
To Play Slicer Mode Pads With Keys: ....................................................................................................59
To Select a Scale on the Grid Keyboard:.............................................................................................60
WORK WITH SEQUENCES 61
Record and Play Sequences......................................................................................................................................61
To Toggle Song Mode On and Off: ..........................................................................................................61
To Record a Sequence: ...................................................................................................................................62
To Play Sequences:............................................................................................................................................62
To Edit and View the Notes and Pad Triggers in a Sequence:............................................63
You can use the INFO button with a selected sequence cell to view and edit the
sequence. ................................................................................................................................................................63
To Copy and Clear Sequences:..................................................................................................................65
To Edit Sequence Settings:..........................................................................................................................66
To Use Sequence Quick Action Buttons: ...........................................................................................67
To Adjust Probability and Velocity for Note Events: ...................................................................67
To Import a MID le into a Sequence: .................................................................................................68
WORK WITH SONG SECTIONS 70
To Toggle Song Mode:.....................................................................................................................................70
Record and Play Song Sections .............................................................................................................................70
To Record a Song Section: ...........................................................................................................................70
To Play Song Sections:.....................................................................................................................................71
To Reorder Song Sections:...........................................................................................................................72
To Edit Song Sections:.....................................................................................................................................72
To Change the Tempo of a Song:............................................................................................................ 73
To Add Swing to a Song:................................................................................................................................73
APPLY EFFECTS 74
To Route a Pad to an Effect:........................................................................................................................74
To Modify Effect Parameters:.....................................................................................................................74
ADJUST THE MIX 76

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To Adjust the Sound Level and Pan of a Pad:.................................................................................76
To Mute and Unmute Pads: ........................................................................................................................76
MANAGE PRESETS 77
To Save Changes to a Preset: .....................................................................................................................78
To Load a Preset:.................................................................................................................................................79
To Pack a Preset:.................................................................................................................................................79
To Clean unused WAV les out of a Preset’s folder:.................................................................. 80
To Delete a Preset:............................................................................................................................................ 80
To Rename a Preset: .........................................................................................................................................81
To Save Current Changes as a New Preset:.......................................................................................81
Work with Preset Files on the MicroSD Card................................................................................................82
Legacy Presets ...................................................................................................................................................................82
What will happen to my legacy presets? How do I convert them to the new le
structure? ................................................................................................................................................................82
When will my legacy WAV les get cleaned out of the root folder?..............................83
TOOLS 84
Settings on the Tools Screen:........................................................................................................................... 84
USE MIDI DEVICES WITH BLACKBOX 86
Work with MIDI Inputs .................................................................................................................................................86
To Trigger Pad Hits and Sequences with a MIDI Device:........................................................87
To Play Notes and Use Common MIDI Modulation Signals with a Specic Pad or
Pads:............................................................................................................................................................................88
To Play Notes and Use MIDI Modulation Signals with the Currently Selected Pad:
88
To Congure MIDI Modulation for a Parameter Using Named MIDI Sources:........89
To Use MIDI Learn mode to Modulate a Parameter: .................................................................90
To Remove MIDI Modulation from a Parameter:..........................................................................91
To Use MIDI Notes to Play Slices:..............................................................................................................91
Sharing of MIDI Input Channels .....................................................................................................................93
Use MIDI Program Change to Open a Preset .......................................................................................94
To Enable or Disable MIDI Program Changes:...............................................................................94
Work with MIDI Outputs.............................................................................................................................................94

Page 6 of 106 Copyright 1010music LLC 2021
Blackbox User Manual 1.7
Page 6 of 106 Copyright 1010music LLC 2021
Blackbox User Manual 1.7
To Send MIDI Notes from a Sequence to an External MIDI Device:................................95
To Send MIDI Notes from a Pad to an External MIDI Device:..............................................95
SYNCHRONIZE PLAYBACK WITH A CLOCK 96
Congure Blackbox to Follow an External Clock................................................................................96
Send the Blackbox Clock Signal to External Devices.......................................................................97
Reset the Clock..................................................................................................................................................................97
POWERING MIDI DEVICES 98
CREATE PRESET TEMPLATES FOR RE-USE 99
To Congure a Pad without a WAV le: .............................................................................................99
To Add a WAV le to a Template Pad:..................................................................................................99
REDUCE ALIASING WHEN PLAYING PADS CHROMATICALLY 100
PROCESSOR MANAGEMENT TIPS 101
UPDATE FIRMWARE, AUDIO FILES AND PRESETS 102
Switch to a New MicroSD Card While Operating Blackbox ............................................................. 102
Backup Your Presets and WAV Files................................................................................................................. 102
To Install New Firmware:.............................................................................................................................102
Reset a Blackbox Preset to Factory Settings .............................................................................................. 103
TECHNICAL SPECS 104
On-Board Memory ........................................................................................................................................................104
Maximum Sample Length.......................................................................................................................................104
Samples Supported......................................................................................................................................................104
Maximum Number of Voices Supported ......................................................................................................104
Pin Mapping for Mini TRS Jack to MIDI 5 Pin DIN Connectors....................................................... 105
STAY UP TO DATE 106
Demonstration Videos and Latest Documentation ..............................................................................106
Connect with Other Blackbox Users ................................................................................................................106
Contact Us ..........................................................................................................................................................................106

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Blackbox User Manual 1.7
Copyright 1010music LLC 2021 Page 7 of 106
Blackbox User Manual 1.7
WELCOME
Welcome to the blackbox user manual. Thanks for taking the team to read this. If you
want to get a quick overview of the basic features of blackbox, please check out the Quick
Start Guide. You can nd it in the box with your blackbox, or on the blackbox support
page at:
https://1010music.com/blackboxdocs
If you are ready to get more detail about a specic feature or learn more of the
capabilities of this portable sampling studio, then this is the document for you. We will
get into more detail about setup options, explain the features in each of the screens, get
your MIDI connections working, move les around and cover some tips to get the most
out of your blackbox.
If you still have questions after reading this manual, join our forum at
forum.1010music.com. You can specically get blackbox support at:
https://forum.1010music.com/forum/products/blackbox/support-blackbox
Our support team and other users are out there to help you and to exchange ideas about
how to get the most out of blackbox. Registered forum users can also get the latest
rmware with new features and bug xes in the downloads section of the forum.
Registration is free, but you will need to provide an email address.
Before you get started, you may want to check for rmware updates for your blackbox.
Learn how to do that in Update Firmware, Audio Files and Presets section near the end of
this document. This document covers version 1.7 rmware.
Pads Keys Sequences
FX
Song Sections Mixer

Page 8 of 106 Copyright 1010music LLC 2021
Blackbox User Manual 1.7
SET UP BLACKBOX
You have probably already plugged in your blackbox and started to play with it. Let’s
make sure you have everything set up properly so you can follow along with the manual.
Blackbox stores all of the samples and presets on the microSD card. Before you can use
the blackbox, you will need to insert the microSD card, connect to power and connect to
one or more outputs. You can then also connect an audio input for recording.
MicroSD Card for Storage
Take the microSD card out of it’s plastic case, Ain the
gure to the right. Insert the microSD card, with the text
facing up and the notched edge to the right, into the
MICRO SD slot, S, on the front panel. The card reader is
spring loaded. Push the card in to remove it when
needed later. Leave it in for now.
Power
Blackbox needs to be connected to a 2 amp power
source. You can plug it into a standard power outlet or a
USB power supply. Either way, you will insert the square
end of the USB Power cord, B, into the POWER
connection on the back panel. The connection is snug to
ensure that the device stays plugged in during use.
Standard Power Outlet:
If you are plugging directly into a standard power outlet,
slide the appropriate two or three prong connector, E,
onto the USB power supply, D. Then connect the atter
end of the USB power cord, B, into the USB connection
on the power supply. Bluebox will turn on as soon as the
power is connected.
USB Power Outlet:
If you are using your own USB power supply, plug the
atter end of the USB power cord into a 2 amp USB
power supply, such as a USB outlet or a USB battery
AA B CD
What Comes in the Box
S
MicroSD Slot

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Blackbox User Manual 1.7
Output Connections
Connect speakers or headphones to the audio outputs
on the back panel. To start, we recommend connecting
external speakers or headphones to the PHONES jack,
since all outputs are routed to the PHONES jack and you
can control volume from blackbox. All of the audio jacks
are stereo 3.5mm connectors. This makes for a total of 6
audio outputs (3 Audio Out jacks x2), stereo headphones,
and a stereo input. The audio output will be at Eurorack
levels which is +/- 5 volts. This is louder than a consumer
electronics line level, so you may need a mixer to
connect with consumer electronics gear.
NOTE:
►Not all USB power supplies are created equal. Make sure your power
supply can provide 2 amps of power. The USB power supply included
with blackbox will do this.
►Not all USB Type B cables are the same. Some are made only for data,
while others are designed to carry power. Blackbox comes with a USB
Type B power cable. If you want to replace it with a longer cable, be
sure it is rated to carry power.
►You can take the microSD card out and reinsert while blackbox is
powered up.
►When you plug blackbox into a USB power bank, keep in mind that
these power banks do not send information to blackbox about how
much power is remaining. There may be a low power indicator light on
the power bank itself. Blackbox will not give you a warning when power
is low, so be sure to save your presets before the power bank runs out.
►Some batteries may not be sufcient to support a USB MIDI device in
addition to blackbox. See Powering MIDI Devices below for more
information.
Back Panel

Test Your Setup
Let’s make sure you are getting some sound out of your blackbox
before we continue.
1. Press the PADS button. You will see a grid of samples that
have been assigned to the current preset.
2. Touch one of the pads on the touchscreen to trigger
playback of the pad. You should hear the sample playing
out through the connected audio output.
If you don’t hear anything, try a different pad. Some pads may be
assigned to different outputs, but all pads will play out through the
PHONES output. If you get a white bar across the bottom of the pad,
push the PLAY button to start the clock and enable playback of the
Clip pad.
Connect an Audio Input for Sampling
Blackbox assumes Eurorack level audio is coming in to the AUDIO IN jack at +/-5V. If you
are using a line level signal of +/- 1V, you may need to adjust the input gain on the
recording screen. You could also use a mixer or preamp with your microphone or other
input to adjust the level of the incoming signal. See the section Record a New Wave File
for more information about working with inputs.
Your blackbox should be setup and working now. Next we will cover the basic controls
and workow of blackbox.
Pads Screen
Control the Volume
If you are using the PHONES jack, you can control the volume of the
output:
1. Press the TOOLS button.
2. Turn the knob next to the Headphone parameter at the top
right.
Tools Screen
Page 10 of 106 Copyright 1010music LLC 2021
Blackbox User Manual 1.7