DOEPFER MAQ16/3 User manual

DOEPFER
MIDI Analog Sequencer
MAQ16/3
User's Guide

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Table of contents
Table of contents................................................................................................................... 1
Operating and Security Instructions ...................................................................................... 3
Preface.................................................................................................................................. 5
Connections.......................................................................................................................... 6
Power supply..................................................................................................................... 6
MIDI-Connectors................................................................................................................ 6
CV/Gate-Connectors ......................................................................................................... 7
Operating Manual.................................................................................................................. 8
Controls at the front panel ................................................................................................. 8
Operation........................................................................................................................... 8
Switching the Sequencer On.......................................................................................... 8
Menu Structure............................................................................................................... 9
Menu 1: EVENT.......................................................................................................... 9
Menu 2: CHANNEL..................................................................................................... 9
Menu 3: FIRST/LAST STEP....................................................................................... 9
Menu 4: PRESCALE................................................................................................... 9
Menu 5: MODE..........................................................................................................10
Menu 6: SINGLE STEP.............................................................................................10
Menu 7: PRESET ......................................................................................................10
Menu 8: START/STOP..............................................................................................10
Detailed Description of the Menus.................................................................................11
EVENT ......................................................................................................................12
CHANNEL .................................................................................................................17
FIRST/LAST STEP....................................................................................................17
PRESCALE ...............................................................................................................17
MODE........................................................................................................................18
SINGLE STEP...........................................................................................................19
PRESET....................................................................................................................20
START/STOP............................................................................................................22
APPENDIX A: Remote-Control of MAQ-Parameters via MIDI-Events..................................24
Adjusting the MIDI channels XX and YY...........................................................................24
Program-Change Remote-Control....................................................................................25
Noten-Event-Fernsteuerfunktionen...................................................................................26
Control-Change Remote-Control ......................................................................................26
APPENDIX B: Display of MIDI-Errors...................................................................................27
APPENDIX C: MIDI Dump Request .....................................................................................28
APPENDIX D: Updating MAQs V1.0/V2.0 to V3.0................................................................29
APPENDIX E:Adjusting the CV outputs................................................................................31

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Operating and Security 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 the 6 month 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 may only be operated with the voltage written on the power input on the rear
panel. Before opening the case disconnect the power plug.
All eventual modifications must only be carried out by a qualified person who will follow the
valid safety instructions. Every modification should becarried 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 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 øC or below -10 øC. Before
operation the instrument should have a temperature of at least 10 øC. 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, power supplies, 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.
The instrument should only be shipped in the original packaging. Any instruments shipped to
us for return, exchange, warranty repair, update or examination must be in their original

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packaging! Any other deliveries will be rejected. Therefore, you should keep the original
packaging and the technical documentation.
Attention:
In each electronic device there is some chance of data corruption (e.g. because of an EMC
disturbance). . In most cases a data corruption happens only once and it is not possible to
our find the reason. As mentioned above mostly nonrecurring EMC disturbances (e.g.
transients in the mains power supply) cause such data corruption and there is no way no
chance to protect oneself from them - except the data copy via SysEx.
This is why you should make a copy of all data now and then for the safety of your data.
Same is valid for the MAQ data too. For this purpose the MAQ has the dump feature that
enables to store your preset data via MIDI SysEx messages e.g. to a computer or MIDI
recording device. (APPENDIX A).
Also an backup could be very useful, if you delete or overwrite a preset by mistake.
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.
Technical specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Preface
While studying this manual one may occasionally get the impression of slightly awkward
and/or complicated operating procedures. The reason for this is the fact that the MAQ was
initially designed about 3 years ago as a simple analog sequencer in the version 1.00.
However, due to user’s suggestions we found in the course of software development that
MIDI allows many more functional possibilities than would be the case with conventional
analog sequencers. In particular, we also incorporated a number of features which had been
requested by the well-known German band KRAFTWERK and which had not been planned
for originally. Consequently our original concept of a simple analog sequencer turned into a
rather sophisticated device which will hopefully satisfy even the most demanding users.
Unfortunately the increased sophistication of the MAQ had to be purchased at the expense
of user-friendliness. We nevertheless hope that the broad range of functions and features
will compensate our customers for this.
At this point we would also like to express our gratitude to the band KRAFTWERK
( www.kraftwerk.com ) for their cooperation and input during the development of the
MAQ16/3.
The software and hardware presently included with the MAQ16/3 is version 3.0x. It was
thoroughly tested by our firm as well as several beta-testers and found to be free of bugs.
Nevertheless, it has been our experience that the new version of a software package will
eventually reveal some hidden bugs after all. We would therefore appreciate it if our
customers would notify us in the event of their encountering a bug. We will then immediately
attempt to correct the problem as soon as possible and to release a software update to our
customers.
Please contact your local dealer if you need a software update.
If you want to order the update directly from Doepfer a processing fee of 20.- DM (or 20.-
SFr, 10.- Euro, 10.- US$, 150.- ÖS) has to be payed in advance (banknotes or stamps). As
soon as we receive the processing fee a new EPROM will be sent. Please tell us your
current software version and the serial no. of your unit. Otherwise the software update
cannot be performed.
Pay attention that the software update requires the exchange of the EPROM on the basic
board. For this the unit has to be opened, the present EPROM has to be removed and the
new one inserted. If your unit is still under warranty we recommend that the software update
should be performed only by authorized service personal ! If you damage the unit while
replacing the EPROM the warranty is lost !
Please note that the comment above is not valid for software upgrades which introduce new
features not initially included with version 3.X. For such upgrades not only a processing fee
is payable.

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Connections
All connectors are located at the rear panel.
Power supply
The MAQ16/3 does not have a built-in power supply. Instead it uses a plug-in type external
power supply (DC adapter). The connector is labeled „9V DC“ and is located next to the two
MIDI sockets. The primary reason for this feature is the fact that line voltages and plug types
vary considerably from country to country. Using a plug-in external supply the MAQ16/3 can
be used anywhere with a locally purchased power supply, thus keeping the retail price
down.The MAQ16/3 is switched ON by plugging the AC adapter into a wall outlet and
connecting it to the appropriate jack on the back of the case. There is no separate ON/OFF
switch.
MAQ16/3 sequencers sold in Germany do include an AC adapter for 230V mains supply.
In other countries the power supply is NOT included with the MAQ16/3 and must be
purchased locally by the user. The power supply must be able to deliver a voltage of 9-12
VDC (unstabilized), as well as a minimum current of 500mA. The polarity of the connector
must be the following: ring = GND, tip = +9V DC. If the polarity of the power supply is
incorrect, the MAQ16/3 will not function. However, there is no danger of damage to the
circuitry since it is protected by a diode.
MIDI-Connectors
Next to the power supply connector you will find the two MIDI connectors „MIDI-In“ and
„MIDI-Out“.
Connect the MIDI-OUT jack of the MAQ16/3 with MIDI-IN of the device to be controlled
(Expander, Synthesizer, etc.) via a suitable MIDI-cable.
The MIDI-IN jack of the MAQ is needed only if the device is to be synchronized via MIDI-IN,
if sequences of notes are to be transposed or if the MIDI remote control features are used.
Otherwise the MIDI-IN jack remains unused. It should be emphasized that the MIDI-IN jack
has no merge-function, i.e. incoming data is not passed on to the MIDI-output.
If the MIDI data controlling the MAQ are required for other MIDI equipment too a MIDI Thru
box has to be used.
If the MIDI data coming from the MAQ should be merged with other MIDI data a MIDI merge
boxed has to be used (e.g. the Doepfer MMR4/4 with 4 MIDI-Ins and 4 MIDI-Outs).

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CV/Gate-Connectors
In the middle of the rear panel you will find 6 miniature jack sockets (3.5 mm) labeled „CV1“,
„CV2“, „CV3“, „Gate 1“, „Gate 2“ und „Gate 3“. For each of the 3 potentiometer rows one CV
output and one Gate output are available. The CV/Gate outputs are compatible with the
DOEPFER A-100 modular system and many other analog synthesizers.
The CV voltage range is 5V with an offset voltage of about 0.25V (i.e. effectiv
+0.25...+5.25V). The offset voltage may be compensated with the tune knob and/or or the
keyboard of the synthesizer or module to be controlled as all control voltages are additive in
standard 1V/octave analog systems.
If „note“ is assigned to the corresponding row the CV output follows the 1V/octave
characteristics used by most of the vintage synthesizers (1 semitone = 1/12V = 0.083V). In
all other cases (e.g. controller) the voltage range is about 0.25V (knob full ccw) .... 5.25V
(knob full cw).
For each CV output there is a trimming potentiometer inside the unit to adjust the CV scale if
necessary. The scale is trimmed in the factory to 1.00V/octave. If you want to change or
correct the setting of the scale see appendix E „Adjusting the CV-Outputs“.
The factory setting of the Gate outputs are is voltage trigger 0/+8V. If desired the outputs
can be modified for S-trigger (switched trigger, used e.g. by Moog synthesizers) in the
factory or by an authorised service company.
Every modification must only be made by authorized service. Otherwise the warranty will
become invalid.
Note: Not correctly adjusted CV scale is no reason for warranty. If the only „defect“ in a MAQ
unit sent for repair is the incorrect scale this is no matter of warranty.

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Operating Manual
Controls at the front panel
The MAQ16/3 features the following controls and displays:
•3 rows of 16 potentiometers (dials) and LEDs each
•3-digit LED-display
•8 MENU-buttons in 2 rows of 4 buttons each
•8 LEDs (serving as indicators for the MENU-buttons)
•1 Data-entry dial
The three rows of dials serve to adjust the sequences. The LEDs above the dials indicate
the active step in each row.
The 8 MENU-buttons and their indicator LEDs are used to activate the various operating
modes. The data-entry dial allows rapid editing of the desired parameters.
Operation
Switching the Sequencer On
After the power supply is plugged-in the display should show the software version (e.g. 350
for version 3.50) and the 8 LEDs light for a short moment.
After that the display shows the tempo in BPM (Beats per minute), which can be altered via
the data entry dial. The 8 LEDs above the MENU-buttons will be off (i.e. no menu is
selected).
If this is not the case either the MAQ16/3 or the power supply is defective. Please first check
the power supply before you return the MAQ. Maybe the polarity of the power supply used is
wrong (ring must be GND, pin must be +9...12V, a minimum current of 500mA is required).
After turning the MAQ on preset 1 is called up and you are in the Edit Mode. The positions of
the 48 knobs do not correspond to the Midi/CV data sent via MIDI out/CV out if you start the
sequencer with the Start/Stop button as the 48 step values are taken from preset 1 (for
details see Preset).
H If you have updated from 2.0 to 3.0:
The automatic storage of all parameters into preset 1 is no longer available. If you want to
store the last configuration you have to store it explicitely into one of the presets before
turning the MAQ off. Use preset 1 if the configuration should be available after turning the
MAQ.

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Menu Structure
There are 8 different menus which can be selected via the 8 MENU-buttons by pressing the
appropriate one. The LEDs above the buttons will indicate which one is active at any given
time. One can exit a menu at any time simply by pressing another MENU-button. If no menu
is selected all LEDs are off and the display shows the tempo in BPM.
The following menus are assigned to the 8 MENU-buttons:
Upper row:
1: EVENT
2: CHANNEL
3: FIRST/LAST STEP
4: PRESCALE
Lower row:
5: MODE
6: SINGLE STEP
7: PRESET
8: START/STOP
Menus 1-6 always refer to one of the three rows of dials. Menus 7-8 are global, i.e. they refer
to the whole sequencer rather than a specific row.
In the next few paragraphs we shall briefly explain the functions of the 8 menus, prior to
discussing them in detail.
Menu 1: EVENT
In this menu a certain type of MIDI-instruction (Event) is assigned to each row. The most
important event types are Note ON/OFF, Velocity, Controller, Pitch-bend and Aftertouch. In
addition a row can be assigned time function (i.e. duration of the step), dynamic switching of
the MIDI-channel or additional transposition of another row.
Menu 2: CHANNEL
This menu is used to assign a row to a MIDI-channel. The row will transmit the MIDI-
instructions entered in MENU 1 on the channel selected in this menu, unless dynamic MIDI-
channel switching has been activated.
Menu 3: FIRST/LAST STEP
The length of each of the three rows of dials can be limited. In this menu the user
determines the first step in which the sequence begins, as well as the last step after which
the unit jumps back to the first column. Since first and last step can be adjusted separately
for each row, it is possible to generate rather complex sequences.

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Menu 4: PRESCALE
For each row the time difference (in units of MIDI-Clock events) between events (MIDI-
instructions) can be predetermined. The time difference is a tempo-divisor (always a whole
number) which refers to the MIDI-Clock or the internally generated tempo, respectively.
In case of NOTE-events one can also adjust the time between NOTE ON and NOTE OFF
(i.e. Note duration).
Among other things one can use this menu to cause different rows to run at different speeds,
although always synchronous with the MIDI-Clock.
Menu 5: MODE
For each row one of eight modes can be chosen: Forward, Reverse, Pendulum 1, Pendulum
2, One-Shot 1, One-Shot 2, One-Note or Random.
Menu 6: SINGLE STEP
This menu is used to select single step-mode. It is used primarily to adjust each individual
step, for example in cases where the desired sequence is not to be determined
experimentally but a prepared sequence is to be entered.
The function can also be used for interesting effects during live performances ("Scanning" of
a sequence or single step-improvisation, for example) since single-step mode also runs
synchronous with the MIDI-Clock.
This menu allows to mute/demute single steps as well.
Menu 7: PRESET
In this menu the presets are managed. 30 presets can be stored for subsequent retrieval.
The manual DUMP-function via System-Exclusive-instructions can be initiated in this menu.
Menu 8: START/STOP
This is not a menu as such, but rather a START/STOP/CONTINUE button.
By pressing the button one alternately starts and stops the sequence. The tempo in beats
per minute (BPM) appears on the display in this mode and can be adjusted via the data-
entry dial.
If the data-entry dial is turned above the maximum tempo value of 254 (Display shows „ETC“
or „ETS“) the synchronization of the MAQ takes place externally via MIDI-IN (i.e. external
trigger).

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Detailed Description of the Menus
The following general remarks apply to all menus and will not be repeated in the description
of each individual menu:
1. A menu is selected by pressing the corresponding MENU-button. The menu selected is
visually indicated by an illuminated LED. Exception: In the Preset menu the LEDs 7 and 8
are illuminated.
2. One can exit from a menu by pressing a different MENU-button except the Start/Stop
button.
3. In menus 1-6 one can select the desired row by pressing the same MENU-button again,
since these menus refer to one of the three rows of dials. The corresponding row is indicated
by a glimmering display of all LEDs of the row. Only the step selected lights up with full
brightness.
The process is circular 1-2-3-1-2..., i.e. if the button is pressed again while row 3 is selected
the program jumps back to row 1.
4. The parameters within the menu selected are adjusted via the data-entry dial beneath the
control-panel.
H If you have updated from 2.0 to 3.0:
The display of the row selected by one of the three decimal points in combination with the
toggling of the display has been cancelled to the credit of the more comfortable glimming
display. The data potentiometer of V1.0/2.0 has been replaced by an endless rotary encoder
(alpha dial).
Realtime Operation
All parameters in menus 1-6 can be altered during operation, i.e. while the sequence is
running. However, please note that this may lead to undesired side-effects. So we suggest
to change settings in the menus 1-6 only while the sequencer has stopped until you are
familiar with the controls.
In particular a change in the type of MIDI-Event (menu 1) or the MIDI channel (menu 2) while
the sequence is running may trigger unexpected effects.
For example, if the operating is changed from Note to Controller during operation, notes can
get stuck since a NOTE ON-instruction may suddenly be missing its corresponding NOTE
OFF-instruction., Another example are undesired controller messages while turning the
data-entry dial in MIDI-event mode (Menu 1) while a sequence is running (e.g. Volume/Ctr.
# 7 with data = 0 may mute a midi channel / Modulation/Ctr. # 1 with data = 127 may cause
high modulation).
It is therefore not recommended to make such substantial changes during operation,
especially since they would not make a great deal of sense during live performances
anyway.
On the other hand, FIRST/LAST STEP (Menu 3), TIME (Menu 4) or MODE (Menu 5) lend
themselves very well to modification during operation, including live performances.

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EVENT
In this menu the selected row of dials is assigned the desired MIDI-Event. The assigned
MIDI-Event is shown on the display in abbreviated form.
The following MIDI-Events are available:
Display Type of event Remark
--- no function row
switched off
number between
0 - 127 free definable Controller (like (9) ) (9-1)
nA1 ... Note on/off absolute
nA5 1...5 octaves (1)
nr1 ... Note on/off relative
nr5 1...5 octaves (1)
d.Y.n. Dynamics/Velocity (2)
C0,C1,C2... Controller (9)
PIt Pitch Bend (3)
PIP Pitch Bend positive only (3)
PI- Pitch Bend negative only (3)
At After Touch (monophonic)
Prg Program Change (4)
Cn1 MIDI channel for row 1 (5)
Ad1 addition to row 1 (6)
A.P 1 Poly-AT/Polypressure
for row 1 (7)+(1)
A P .2 Poly-AT/Polypressure
for row 2 (7)+(1)
t.4. . Step-duration 1-4 (8)
t.8. . Step-duration 1-8 (8)
t.1.6. Step-duration 1-16 (8)
t.3.2. Step-duration 1-32 (8)
PA1 ... note on/off absolute
PA5 1...5 octaves mit pause (1)
Pr1 ... note on/off relative
Pr5 1...5 octaves mit pause (1)
Remarks to the individual types of event:

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(1): Note instructions
If Note ON/OFF is assigned to a row one can choose between the following options:
1. Symbol: Normal (n) or with pause (P)
2. Symbol: Absolute (A) or relative (r) operating mode
3. Symbol: Octave-range (between 1 and 5)
If "Normal" is selected, then the entire dialing range of each of the 48 dials generates Note-
events. If "Pause" is selected, turning a dial all the way to the right will generate a pause
rather than a Note-event (MUTE-function). The LED of a step muted will not light up while
the sequence is running.
If "Absolute" is selected, then the note is entered directly with the dial and will not be altered
by incoming note-instructions. In this case the note-values start at MIDI-Code 36 (= the low
C on a 5-octave keyboard). In "relative" NOTE ON-instructions entering via MIDI-IN are used
for transposition of the sequence, i.e. the note-values entered with the dials are added to
those coming from MIDI-IN. In order to be able to implement the TRANSPOSE-function, the
MIDI-channel of the incoming note-instructions must be the same as that of the row.
There are 5 different scales ranging from 1 to 5 octaves for both all operating modes. For
example, with nA1 the range of notes for a full turn of a dial is 1 octave, with nA5 it is 5
octaves. For the corresponding CV output this means a voltage difference of 1V (nA1) ... 5V
(nA5). The reference note for lowest CV (about 0.25V) is the note with MIDI code 36 (C).
If a row of notes is combined with a velocity-row (see remark 2), then the velocity values are
supplied by this second row. If no other row is defined as velocity-row, then the note-
instructions are sent with a velocity-value of 100.
If a "note"-row is combined with a poly-pressure row (see remark 7), then the note-row no
longer sends Note ON/OFF-instructions, but polyphonic aftertouch-events instead. The note-
value of the Poly-AT-instruction is generated by the note-row, the poly-pressure-value is
generated with the poly-pressure-row (A.P 1 or A P.2). This approach to combining a note-
row with a poly-pressure-row was chosen because "Note"- and "Poly-AT"-instructions are
very similar (i.e. 3 bytes in length). In both cases the status-byte is followed by the note-byte
and then the velocity-byte (for Note ON/OFF) or the pressure-byte (for Poly-AT),
respectively.
(2): Velocity/Poly-Pressure
Under MIDI the velocity-instruction is coupled to the note-instruction. Thus, if velocity has
been assigned to one row, it must be combined with a row which generates note-
instructions.
The three decimal points of the display are used to indicate which row(s) have been
assigned to the velocity-row. For example, if NOTES ON/OFF has been assigned to row 1
and if the velocity-values are to be provided by row 2, then the Event-type "d.y n" is to be
entered for row 2, i.e. only the left decimal point may be illuminated as an indication that row
2 and its velocity-instructions have been combined only with row 1. In principle, one can
combine the velocity-row with more than one row providing notes. For example, "d.y n."
would indicate that row 2 (velocity-row) has been combined with both, row 1 and row 3.
However, the user must make certain that the other two rows provide note-instructions.
Furthermore, one should remember that one velocity-row now simultaneously controls two
note-rows. It is left to the user to decide on the usefulness of such an arrangement.

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If a dial is turned all the way to the left (i.e. Velocity = 0) no note-instruction is generated,
instead a pause of the corresponding length will result.
(3): Pitch-Bend
Three seperate ranges were set aside for pitch bend: Full range (0...127), positive values
only (64...127) and negative values only (0...64). If the full pitch-range is selected there will
be a plateau around the center position of the dial in order to make it a little easier to find the
neutral pitch-position.
(4): Program-Change
With this instruction it is possible to dynamically switch sounds during a sequence, provided
the expander being used permits this feature. Many expanders have a certain delay time
before a new note-instruction actually starts generating a sound after a program-change-
instruction. With such expanders the program-change event cannot be properly utilized.
(5): Dynamic MIDI-Channel-Switching
With Cn1 the dynamic MIDI-channel-switching (1...16) for row 1 can be assigned to rows 2
or 3. The sequence running in row 1 will then be dynamically distributed onto the MIDI-
channels which have been selected with the dials in row 2 or 3. The MIDI-channel settings
for row 1 (see Menu 2) are then suspended. In order for this function to work properly, an
appropriatenumber of receivers (Expanders) must be available on several MIDI-channels.
MIDI-Multimode-Expanders which can receive on several different channels simultaneously
lend themselves particularly well to this application.
(6): Addition/Transposition
Ad1 permits values entered with the dials in rows 2 and 3 to be added to row 1. For example,
if row 1 provides note-instructions, then this feature would provide an additional transposition
capability. It would permit the alteration of the sequence of row 1, without modifying the
sequence itself. Since rows 2 and 3 and row 1 can run at different speeds it is for example
possible to let the transposition (Rows 2/3) take effect only after each half or fully completed
run of row 1.
(7): Polyphonic Aftertouch
In order to send polyphonic aftertouch (Poly-AT)-instructions, one of the four types of note-
events (nA, nr, PA, Pr) is assigned to row 1 or 2. A second row is then assigned "A.P 1"
(Poly-AT for row 1) or "A P.2" (Poly-AT for row 2). The note-row is then responsible for the
pitch, the AP-row for the poly-pressure values.
The PolyAT-event is very similar to the normal Note-event with velocity. In both cases the
first row is used to set the note-values. The difference lies in the fact that with Note-events
the second row is used to determine velocity, whereas with PolyAT-events the second row is
used to determine pressure-values.

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(8): Step-duration (time)
The step-duration is not directly linked with a MIDI-event. It merely provides the duration for
the step in question. If step-duration is assigned to a row it can refer to one row, two rows or
all three rows. The indication is provided by the three decimal points of the display.
If, for example, "t.4. ." is entered for the bottom row (Row 3) it means that the settings
entered on the dials of row 3 are valid for all three rows. "t 4. ." would indicate validity only for
the two bottom rows. In order for the user to be able to control the step-duration on the
bottom row, it must also refer to that row (i.e. the third decimal point on the display must be
illuminated in our example). Otherwise the time-row will run in constant steps and will pass
the step-duration values only to the other row(s) activated.
There are four possible scaling factors for the dials: Base time x 4, x 8, x 16, x 32. The base
time results from the (internal or external) MIDI-clock. The step-duration can only be
increased in whole multiples of the base time. The digits 4, 8, 16 and 32 refer to the
maximum scaling factor (with respect to the clock) which can be reached if a control dial is
turned all the way up.
If only small time differences between steps are desired "t4" should be selected, for larger
differences one should select "t 8", "t16" or "t32". If a dial in the step-duration-row is turned
all the way to the left, then the step in question will be omitted, i.e. this serves as SKIP-
function.
The timing of each row is also influenced by an adjustable prescale factor (Menu 4:
PRESCALE/TIME). If the step-duration function is assigned to a row the prescale factors
entered in Menu 4 are in effect as well. Very complex timing arrangements can thus be
programmed, although these will always within the framework of the MIDI-clock.
In principle the step-duration can be controlled with any one of the three rows of dials.
However, for technical reasons we recommend that only the bottom row is used for this
purpose, since the software has been optimized for this.
(9): Controller
32 different MIDI controllers are available. The currently selected controller no. is shown in
the display (e.g. C0, C9, C64, C70). A selection of 32 out of the 128 possible MIDI
controllers is available (0-19, 64-74, 84).
(9-1): free definable Controller
(New since version 3.5)
At the time the MAQ firmware was basically programmed the possibility to choose one of a
selection of 32 fixed controller numbers seems to be sufficient. (9)
By now ( after almost 10 years) however most of the 128 possible controller numbers are
assigned with useful functions, so that now often the request came up, that you could create
all of the 128 controllers with the MAQ.
To keep the compatibility to the previous software versions the fixed controller values (9) are
left as they are, though they are now strictly speaking unnecessary.
The new free definable Controller you will find now at the beginning of the EVENT's direct
after '---' and before 'nA1' at the up to now not occupied position 2.

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Because of space problems in the display only the controller number could be shown ( so no
'C' as used for the fixed conbtrollers (9) )
To select the number free between 0 - 127 you now have to press additional the 'Presets'-
button, which is indicated by lighting the LED of this switch.
Now you can change the controller number with the data entry dial. So the dial is used in
this situation not to select the type of the event, but also the number of the free controller
event. To fall back to the 'old' edit mode, where you can select the event type, you have to
press a different menu button except 'EVENT'. And then select once more the Event menu.
Though it's possible to switch between the rows in the new edit mode by pressing the
EVENT-button, you could only view the assigned event types, but not change them, because
the entry dial is locked for all 'normal' edit operation.
Remark:
For an update of an older MAQ version ( 3.4 and under) to a version 3.5 or higher.
Relating to receive an 'old' sysex dump (Appendix C) there's now change, because also in
the older version the complete memory was dumped. So also the memory which is now used
by the free controller numbers, which was only undefined up to now.
Therefore you now have of course to define these values, if you want to use them in a
preset.
Relating to a dump of a single preset the 3 new bytes are simply put at the end of the string.
So to receive an 'old' dump will work without problems, but will cause the display of an midi-
error. (Which is o.k. because realting to the new format, there are really 3 missing bytes.)
But you must not pay attention to this, but also simply define the free controllers, if you now
use them.
We would like to emphasize one more time at this point that not every arrangement possible
is also sensible. One could of course assign step-duration or velocity to all three rows, but
this would certainly make no sense ! Nonetheless, we deliberately decided not to outright
exclude certain configurations, in order to avoid limiting the potential of the MAQ from the
start. Since this allows for the possibility of nonsensical configurations, we urge all users to
make sure that the configurations programmed do make sense. Otherwise there is a
potential for uncontrolled reactions and side effects.
For example, if a velocity-row is combined with an monophonic aftertouch-row, then the
velocity-value entered via the dials will overwrite the aftertouch-values!
If on occasion the MAQ behaves in unexpected or undesired fashion, the user should
review the configuration entered to make sure it actually makes sense.

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CHANNEL
In this menu a MIDI-channel is assigned to the designated row of dials. The channel is
selected via the data-entry dial. If a row has been assigned Velocity, Step-duration, Addition
(Ad1) or Dynamic MIDI-channel (Cn1) in menu 1, then the MIDI-channel selection of menu 2
is without meaning since in those cases the MIDI-channel is determined by the
corresponding row(s).
FIRST/LAST STEP
In this menu the first ("F . . ") and last ("L . . ") active step in each row are selected.
Repeated pressing of the MENU-button will allow the first steps ("F . .") of the three rows to
be entered first, followed by the last steps ("L . .") of the three rows. After the selected last
step of a row has been reached the program jumps back to the selected first step of the row
(in forward mode, see menu 5). Since these settings are made separately for each row it is
possible to generate very complex sequences which will repeat only after several runs.
Another way to create interesting effects is to combine a note-row with a velocity-row of
different length. This will result in the combination of notes and velocity-values constantly
being shifted, thus creating a lively accentuation. The same holds true for a step-duration
assigned to row 3. If this row is made shorter or longer than the note-row with which it is
combined, the step-durations will constantly vary with the notes. One may also change the
values while the sequence is running, i.e. lengthening or shortening the sequences during
operation. This will substantially enhance live performances and can also be used for
improvisations or experimental pieces.
PRESCALE
In this menu the period between two events (in MIDI-clock units) can be adjusted for each
row. For note-events the note-duration can be adjusted in addition. The abbreviations "g"
and "n" are being used. "g" stands for gate-time, this is the time between two events of the
same type. An example would be the time between two Note ON-instructions. "n" stands for
note-duration, i.e. the time between a Note ON-instruction and its associated Note OFF-
instruction.
The setting of note-duration is relevant only if the row in question has been assigned to note-
events (nA, nr, PA, Pr). There is no "switching off" in the fashion of NOTE OFF-instructions
with any of the other types of instructions, such as controllers, pitchbend and aftertouch.
Repeated pressing of the menu-button will initially take the user into the gate-time section of
the menu, where the gate-times are entered (g . .) for the three row. This section of the
menu is followed by that for adjustment of note-lengths (n . .). It should be remembered that
note-length must always be less than gate-duration. If note-length is set to "1", it will always
automatically be equal to gate-duration and need not be changed separately if gate-duration
is changed.
The two-digit numbers displayed behind "g" or "n" refer to the MIDI-clock. For example, a
setting of "g06" means that after 6 MIDI-clocks the row in question jumps to the next step. If
two rows are to run at equal speed, one must enter the same values for gate-duration in
each row.
If one row is to run half as fast as the other, one must enter a value for gate-duration which
is twice that of the other row (i.e. 12 for our example). Uneven ratios are also possible.

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In MIDI the duration of a quarter note is defined as 24 clocks. If you combine the MAQ with
another MIDI-clock controlled unit (drum machine, computer sequencer etc.) you have to
ensure that the MAQ is running at the same musical tempo as the other unit(s). In this case
we recommend you choose a value of 24, 12 or 6 for the gate time, i.e. to select a musical
period of a quarter, a eight or a sixteenth note between two sequence steps.
The separate adjustment of the prescale-factors for each row make extremely complex
timing arrangements possible, although these will always be referenced to the shared MIDI-
clock. If step-duration is assigned to row 3, the step-duration and the effects of the prescale-
factor from menu 4 will overlap. In combination with different "First/Last steps" in the three
rows one obtains very complex sequences which no longer appear to have any timing-based
relationship, but which always run synchronously via the MIDI-clock.
MODE
There are 13 possible operating modes for each row: forward, reverse, 2 pendulum types,
random, 2 one-shot types and single note. Additionally for the first 5 types can be selected
between Clock- and Note-Trigger, i.e. whether the advance to the next step is caused by
MIDI clock or note events.
Display Operating Mode
FOr vorwärts Clock-gesteuert (forward)
bAC rückwärts Clock-gesteuert (backward)
PE1 Pendelmodus 1 Clock-gesteuert
rnd zufällig Clock-gesteuert (random)
PE2 Pendelmodus 2 Clock-gesteuert
OnS Einfach-Durchlauf 1 Clock-gest. (One Shot)
Onr Einfach-Durchlauf 2 Clock-gest.
OnE Einzelnote Clock-gesteuert
nFr vorwärts Noten-gesteuert
nbC rückwärts Noten-gesteuert
nP1 Pendelmodus 1 Noten-gesteuert
nrd zufällig Noten-gesteuert
nP2 Pendelmodus 2 Noten-gesteuert
The difference between Clock controlled and Note controlled modes is the trigger for the
advance to the next step. The Clock controlled modes are triggered by the (internal or
external) MIDI Clock. This is the standard mode for sequencers. The Note controlled modes
are triggered by an incoming Note event at the MIDI In. The MIDI channel of the incoming
Note event must fit with the MIDI channel assigned to the corresponding row.
In Pendulum 1 the first and last step are played twice so that the row has the same timing as
another row with the same length in forward/backward. In Pendulum 2 the first and last step
are played only once. In this case the effective length of the row is only 15!
In One Shot mode 1 (OnS = One Shot Single) the running stops when last step is reached.
Restart is possible only by using the Start/Stop button. In One Shot mode 2 (Onr = One Shot
Retrigger) the next row in One Shot mode is started when the last step is reached.
With this feature you may create a 48 step sequencer if all 3 rows the mode „Onr“ is
assigned. Of course the MIDI event types, channels, tempo and so on should be the same.
But it may be possible that each row of the 48 step sequence is running with different tempo
or generating different MIDI event types on different channels.

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In the One Event mode only one step is played (the same effect as first step=last step). This
mode makes sense only in combination with the remote control features of the MAQ. You
may scan through a sequence with remote functions (for details see Appendix A „Remote
Functions via MIDI In“).
SINGLE STEP
This menu selects the single step-mode. It may be used for programming a given sequence
step by step or for experimental purposes. Additionally single steps can be muted/demuted.
When entering the menu first time you are in the Global Single Step Mode. This means that
you have access to all three rows at a time. The data-entry dial is used to select one of the
steps 1-16. The step in question will be selected in all three rows and is indicated by three
illuminated LEDs one for each row. Each step is scanned in the previously selected tempo.
For example, if NOTE ON/OFF has been assigned to all three rows in menu 1 one can now
easily set the desired triad for each column. If only one or two rows are to be adjusted, then
the undesired row(s) can be temporarily disabled in menu 1 (Event-type "---") or by using the
mute feature (see below) for a single step.
H
If you have updated from 2.0 to 3.0:
The Global Single Step Mode is equivalent to the Single Step Mode of V2.0 with one
exception: the display shows the step/column number rather than the data value of a step. In
V3.0 the data value of a single setp is displayed only in the Single Step Mode for a Single
Row (see below).
If you press the menu button once again you enter the
Single-Step-Mode for a single Row
In this mode one of the 3 rows is glimmering. With the data knob one step within the
glimmering row can be selected. Using the menu button the next row is selected. The data
value of the step selected - i.e. the MIDI value transmitted - appears in the display. This
value corresponds not necessarily to the knob position. If a preset was called up and the
knob position was not yet changed the display shows the value from the preset memory (for
details see chapter 2.2.3.7. Preset). Consequently the single step mode can be used to
display the values of a preset sequence. Only if preset 0 was called up or if the knob was
turned the knob positions correspond to the data values displayed !
The data range is different for different event types (e.g. nA1 = 36...48, nA2 = 36...60,
nA3=36...72, nA4=36...84, nA5=36...96, Controller = 0...127 and so on).
Mute-Programming
The Start/Stop button is used to mute/demute the step selected. The function is toggling i.e.
repeatet pressing the Start/Stop button performs mute-demutes-mute..... and so on. In case
a step is muted the corresponding LED remains dark.
Attention: The Start/Stop button has a special function in this mode and cannot be used to
leave the menu or to start/stop the sequence!
Using the menu button to select a row and the data knob to select a step within the row each
single step of the MAQ can be adressed and muted/demuted with the Start/Stop button.

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The mutes remain effective after leaving the Single Step Menu. Thus you have a tool to
program the mutes within the MAQ without using the remote control functions via MIDI In
(see Appendix A).
To reenter the Global Single Step Mode when beeing in the Single Step Mode for one Row
first you have to leave the menu by pressing another menu button (except the Start/Stop
button) and enter the Single Step menu again.
The single step-mode can also be used for live performances and experimenting. For
example, once a sequence or chord-combination has been completed, then each of the 16
steps can be selected in realtime via the data-entry dial (i.e. each step can be dynamically
"scanned"). Output continues to occur in step with the internal or external MIDI-clock. It is
also possible to achieve spontaneous changes by turning the dials of the currently selected
step.
Use of the single step-mode should definitely not be limited to the input of a sequence, but
should also be used for experimentation during live performances.
PRESET
This global menu is used to manage the 30 available presets and to manually trigger the
DUMP-function. Up to 30 complete sequences can be stored and retrieved (i.e. all
parameters and the settings of the 48 dials). Preset 1 has a special status here. When the
MAQ is switched ON all parameters including the data values of the 48 potentiometers are
retrieved from Preset 1. Thus when turning on the MAQ the 48 knob positions do not
necessarily correspond to the MIDI data sent when starting the sequence.
H If you have updated from 2.0 to 3.0:
Starting with V3.0 the 48 data values of each preset can be edited as well. The automatic
storage of all parameters into preset 1 is no longer available. If you want to store the last
configuration you have to store it explicitely into one of the presets before turning the MAQ
off. Use preset 1 if the configuration should be available after turning the MAQ.
When the MENU-button is pressed the LEDs 7 (Preset) and 8 (Start/Stop) will go on to
indicate the exceptional position of the global Preset menu with 2 LEDs.