ENSONIQ ZR-76 User manual

Musician's Manual
64 Voice Expandable Stage and Studio Keyboard

Grounding Instructions
This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or break down, grounding provides a path of
least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a
cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an
appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordi-
nances.
DANGER: Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in the risk of electric
shock. Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if you are in doubt as to whether the
product is properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with this product — if it will not fit the
outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE DANGER OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
READ THIS FIRST!
WARNING!!WARNING!!
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of elec-
tronic shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and mainte-
nance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
SEE IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ON BACK COVER!

"INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE,
ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS"
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING—When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including
the following:
1. Read all the instructions before using the product.
2. Do not use this product near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool, or the like.
3. This product should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
4. This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be
capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a
long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any
hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.
5. The product should be located so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper
ventilation.
6. The product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, or other
products that produce heat.
7. The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the product.
8. This product may be equipped with a polarized line plug (one blade wider than the other). This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace
your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug.
9. The power supply cord of the product should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a
long period of time.
10. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through
openings.
11. The product should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
a. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
b. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the product; or
c. The product has been exposed to rain; or
d. The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance;
or
e. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
12. Do not attempt to service the product beyond that described in the user-maintenance instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Table of Contents
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual i
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Getting Ready...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Explore the ZR-76 Sounds.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
Jam with the ZR-76 Drum Machine.............................................................................................................................................................................................................5
The Inspiration Catcher.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Listening to The ZR-61 and ZR-76 Demos .............................................................................................................................................................................................9
Playing Standard MIDI Files .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
The ZR-61 and ZR-76 Onscreen Help.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Conceptual Overview of the ZR-61 and ZR-76.................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
ZR-61 and ZR-76 Controls ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................16
ZR-61 and ZR-76 Accessories .................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Available Options for Your ZR-61 or ZR-76........................................................................................................................................................................................18
If You Experience Odd Behavior................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Need More Help?........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
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Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Getting Ready................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
What Connections Need to be Made? .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Making MIDI Connections............................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
Using the ZR-76 as a Stand-Alone Studio ....................................................................................................................................................................................22
Using the ZR-76 as the Center of a MIDI Studio.........................................................................................................................................................................22
Using the ZR-76 with a Computer.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Using the ZR-76 with an Audio Recorder ....................................................................................................................................................................................23
Using the ZR-76 with an Alternate Controller.............................................................................................................................................................................24
Using the ZR-76 with a MIDI Patchbay.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Making Audio Connections.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Making the Power Connection................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Setting Volume Levels................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
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How the ZR-76 Remembers System Settings ............................................................................................................................................................................29
General System Editing Techniques.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
The System Groupings....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Setting Your System Preferences............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Adjusting the KeyboardÕs Response to Velocity.......................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Adjusting the KeyboardÕs Response to Pressure.........................................................................................................................................................................32
Using the ZRÕs Four Outputs.............................................................................................................................................................................................................33
Routing Sounds to Specific Outputs ................................................................................................................................................................................................33
Determining the Behavior of the Aux Outs...................................................................................................................................................................................35
Enabling or Disabling Automatic Effect Routing ...........................................................................................................................................................................36
Protecting Track Settings in the 16 Track Recorder.................................................................................................................................................................. 38
Protecting the ZR-76Õs Memory.....................................................................................................................................................................................................39
The 16 Track Recorder Rewind Sound.........................................................................................................................................................................................40
Editing Global Pitch Settings .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
Using the Global Pitch Bend Settings .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Global Pitch Bend Up and Down...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Setting the Global Pitch Bend Mode ...............................................................................................................................................................................................43
Fine Tuning the ZR-76 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Using Pitch Tables.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................45
Setting Up Foot Switches............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Using Foot Switches.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Using a CV Pedal as a Modulator.....................................................................................................................................................................................................49
Editing MIDI-Related Settings....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
SoundFinderÕs MIDI Channel.............................................................................................................................................................................................................51

Table of Contents
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manualii
Synchronizing the ZR-76 to MIDI ...................................................................................................................................................................................................52
Synchronizing Other MIDI Devices to Your ZR-76.................................................................................................................................................................. 53
Setting the Global Reception of MIDI Bank Selects and Program Changes........................................................................................................................54
Responding to MIDI.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 54
Receiving Reset All Controllers MIDI Messages.......................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Setting the Response to All Notes Off MIDI Messages.............................................................................................................................................................. 55
Using SysEx Device IDs....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Setting Up New Real-Time Controllers.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Entering GM Mode ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................58
Using the ZR-76 with General MIDI ...............................................................................................................................................................................................58
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Sound Central................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
Choosing Sounds ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................62
The SoundFinder Favorites Buttons ................................................................................................................................................................................................62
How to Find Sounds.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 64
How SoundFinder Works................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 65
Transposing the ZRÕs Keyboard In SoundFinder.................................................................................................................................................................................. 67
Understanding ZR-76 Sounds................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
General Sound-Editing Techniques........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
Working with the SoundFinder Parameters............................................................................................................................................................................................71
Using Special Pitch Tables.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 76
Editing ZR-76 Drum and Percussion Kits................................................................................................................................................................................................88
Working with Special Drum/Percussion Kit Parameters.....................................................................................................................................................................91
Changing a Drum KeyÕs Sound ........................................................................................................................................................................................................92
Saving ZR-76 SoundFinder Sounds .........................................................................................................................................................................................................95
Splitting the ZR-76 Keyboard .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................98
Layering ZR-76 Sounds........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 100
Presets .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 101
To Save a Split and/or Layer as a Preset.......................................................................................................................................................................... 103
To Select a Preset ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 104
To Edit a Preset ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 105
To Save a Split and/or Layer as a Split/Layer Single Sound ...................................................................................................................................... 106
Moving a Sound to the 16 Track Recorder........................................................................................................................................................................................ 108
SoundFinder MIDI....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 109
Transmitting MIDI from the ZR-76............................................................................................................................................................................................. 109
Using the ZR as a Master Controller for External Sequencing ................................................................................................................................. 111
Receiving MIDI on the ZR-76....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 112
Using RPNs and NRPNs to Edit Parameters ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 113
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Playing the Drum Machine....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 116
Selecting Rhythms....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 116
The ZR-76 Rhythms....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 116
Choosing Variations ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 119
Choosing Fills ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 119
Setting the Rhythm Tempo...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 120
General Drum Machine Editing Techniques ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 121
Selecting a New Drum Kit for a Rhythm ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 123
Changing a RhythmÕs Loudness............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 124
Learning a RhythmÕs Time Signature and Length ............................................................................................................................................................................. 124
Editing the Sounds Within a RhythmÕs Kit............................................................................................................................................................................................. 125
Drum Kits and Zones....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 125
Editing Drum Kit Zones................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 126
The RthmEditKit....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 126
Arranging Your Own Variations and Fills............................................................................................................................................................................................. 134
Saving Your Rhythms ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 138
Sending a Rhythm to the 16 Track Recorder..................................................................................................................................................................................... 140
Using MIDI to Play the Drum Machine ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 143

Table of Contents
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual iii
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The Inspiration Catcher.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 145
How the Idea Pad Works .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 146
Customizing the Idea Pad ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 148
Using the Idea Pad with the 16 Track Recorder................................................................................................................................................................................ 151
Erasing Ideas from the Idea Pad .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 155
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ZR-76 Recording Concepts.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 158
How the ZR-76 Records Your Music ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 158
Tracks................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 158
Sequences........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 159
Song Playlists and Songs ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 160
Understanding the Recording LEDs............................................................................................................................................................................................161
Introducing the 16 Track Recorder....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 162
Recording Tracks ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 163
Selecting Tracks ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 164
Selecting Sounds for Tracks........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 164
Recording Your First Track............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 165
Track Undo......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 167
Overdubbing on a Track ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 168
Track Tools and Techniques................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 169
Changing the Sound on a Track and Assigning a Sound to a New Track.......................................................................................................................169
Scooping Notes From a Track...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 170
Editing Track Sounds....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 171
The Fast Forward Button ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 172
The Fast Forward Button ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 173
The Fast Forward Button ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 173
The Rewind Button........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 175
Jumping to Any Location in a Sequence ....................................................................................................................................................................................176
Punching In on a Track .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 177
Step Recording in the 16 Track Recorder ................................................................................................................................................................................ 178
Erasing a Track................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 186
Quantizing Tracks Conceptual Overview................................................................................................................................................................................. 192
Using a Quantization Template..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 197
Using Normal Quantization ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 200
Using Delta Quantization ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 205
Making Your Own Quantization Template.............................................................................................................................................................................. 206
Working with the Rhythm Track ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 207
Rhythm Track: Two Tracks in One............................................................................................................................................................................................. 208
Putting a Rhythm on the Rhythm Track..................................................................................................................................................................................... 208
Editing Rhythm Track Settings...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 209
Playing a Drum Machine Rhythm in the 16 Track Recorder.............................................................................................................................................. 209
Recording Variation and Fill Selections ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 210
Recording Your Own Drum or Percussion Notes.................................................................................................................................................................. 211
Transmitting the Rhythm Track Into an External Sequencer...............................................................................................................................................214
Sequence Tools and Techniques........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 216
Selecting a Sequence....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 216
Recording Modes.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 216
Sequence Parameters and Values ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 217
Using Regions .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 225
Looping Sequences.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 229
Copying a Sequence........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 229
Erasing a Sequence........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 232
Renaming a Sequence..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 234
Recording Automated Sequence Tempo Changes............................................................................................................................................................... 235
Song Tools and Techniques .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 237
Creating a New Song....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 237
Creating a Song Playlist ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 237

Table of Contents
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manualiv
Playing a Song .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 239
Renaming a Song .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 240
Editing an Existing Song Playlist..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 242
Selecting Another Song................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 242
Erasing a Song Playlist or an Entire Song.................................................................................................................................................................................... 246
Working with Standard MIDI Files (SMFs)........................................................................................................................................................................................... 248
The Two-Step Process of Converting an SMF into a ZR Sequence................................................................................................................................. 249
16 Track Recorder MIDI .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 252
Transmitting MIDI from 16 Track Recorder ............................................................................................................................................................................ 252
Receiving MIDI on the ZR-76....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 254
Recording Into the 16 Track Recorder From MIDI.......................................................................................................................................................................... 256
Using the ZR-76 with a Computer Sequencer.................................................................................................................................................................................. 260
ZR to Computer to ZR .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 260
The Transportability of ZR-76 Sequences ............................................................................................................................................................................... 261
Using the ZR as a Master Controller for External Sequencing............................................................................................................................................ 261
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Mixing Your ZR-76 Music ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 263
Two Mixers In One .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 264
Mixing with the SoundFinder FX/Mixdown Strip ............................................................................................................................................................................. 264
SoundFinder FX/Mixdown ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 264
Mixing with the 16 Track Recorder FX/Mixdown Strip................................................................................................................................................................. 268
16 Track Recorder FX/Mixdown ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 268
Recording Real-Time Mix and Pan Changes in a Sequence ............................................................................................................................................... 269
Recording Volume Changes for Multiple Tracks ................................................................................................................................................................... 270
Working with the Mix Knob..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 271
Working with the Pan Knob...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 273
Understanding How the ZR-76 Effects Work ................................................................................................................................................................................... 275
The ZR-76 Effects ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 275
Understanding Effects Busses ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 276
Understanding the Special Alt. FX Bus ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 277
Effects, Sounds, Sequences and Songs ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 277
A Diagram of the ZR-76 Effects ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 278
Applying an Effect to a Sound or Track ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 278
Assigning a SoundFinder Sound to an Effect............................................................................................................................................................................. 278
Assigning a Split or Layer Sound to an Effect............................................................................................................................................................................279
Assigning a 16 Track Recorder Track to an Effect................................................................................................................................................................. 280
Working with the Insert Effect.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 281
Selecting an Insert Effect.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 285
General Technique for Editing an Insert Effect ......................................................................................................................................................................... 286
Working with the Global Chorus............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 295
General Technique for Editing the Global Chorus.................................................................................................................................................................. 295
Working with the Global Reverb ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 301
General Technique for Editing the Global Reverb.................................................................................................................................................................. 301
Working with Dry Sounds and Tracks.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 309
Bypassing the ZR-76 Effects ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 310
Muting and Soloing Tracks in the 16 Track Recorder..................................................................................................................................................................... 312
Mute/Solo ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 312
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Understanding ZR-76 Memory ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 313
ZR Memory Management....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 314
Introducing The Librarian ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 314
Working with Floppy Disks ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 323
About the ZR-76 Disk Drive......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 323
Saving Files to Floppy Disk ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 324
Loading Files from Floppy Disk..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 335
Loading and Using Samples In the ZR-76........................................................................................................................................................................................... 346
Disk File Management ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 351

Table of Contents
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual v
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Using EXP and MR-FLASH Expansion Boards.................................................................................................................................................................................. 357
Installing And Removing Expansion Boards In The ZR-76............................................................................................................................................................ 358
Updating the ZR-76 Operating System .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 360
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List of ZR-76 Insert Effects ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 366
List of Insert Effect Modulators ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 366
LFO Wave Shapes...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 367
Distortion Curves ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 367
Insert Effect Descriptions........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 368
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Sound Editor Parameters .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 411
Perform Editor Parameters....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 427
Drumkit Editor Parameters....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 427
InsertFX Parameters................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 429
System Editor Parameters ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................429
CC
CChh hhaa aapp ppttttee eerr rr 11 1133 33ÑÑ ÑÑSS SSuu uupp pppp ppllll ee eemm mmee eenn nnttttaa aallll IIII nn nnffffoo oorr rrmm mmaa aattttiiii oo oonn nn .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 44 4433 3311 11
RhythmFinder Types.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 431
List of Wave Names and Classes............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 433
List of Rhythm Pattern Files....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 439
EXP-4: The Perfect Piano™by William Coakley.............................................................................................................................................................................. 440
The Perfect Piano™Waves .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 440
The Perfect Piano™Sounds.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 440
ENSONIQ Drum Map............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 441
ENSONIQ Percussion Map...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 441
Built-In ROM Presets.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 442
Velocity Response Curves in the ZR-76............................................................................................................................................................................................. 442
What Is MIDI?............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 443
What Is General MIDI?............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 445
General MIDI Sound Map ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 447
GM and GS Percussion Key Maps (Channel 10)............................................................................................................................................................................. 448
ZR-76 MIDI Implementation................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 450
Registered and Non-Registered Parameters (RPN/NRPN) .......................................................................................................................................................... 455
List of ROM System Pitch Tables ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 457
Using the ZR-76 Outputs ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 459
A Note about Stereo Foot Switches....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 460
A Note about Mono Foot Switches........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 460
16 Track Recorder Messages ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 464
Disk/Global/Storage Messages.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 466
SoundFinder Message............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 468
Global Error Message ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 468
Glossary.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 469
IIII nn
nndd ddee eexx xx .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 44 4477 7755 55

Load
Save
Utilities
System Librarian Help
MIDI
Disk/G l ob al
Save All
To Track
Edit Save Send
Split Layer Transpose
Select
Sound
Hold To Spe ll
SoundFinderª
To Track
Settings Send
Recall
Idea Start
Stop
IdeaPadª
To Rhythm Track
Tempo
Tap
Send
Select
Rhythm
Save
Variations / Fills
Hold To Spe ll
Variation Fill Start
Stop
Edit
Drum Machine
No
Parameter
Sound / Rhythm Type
Master Volume
Demo
Exit
5678
01 2
34 9AB CDE
All Notes Off
AA
AAuu uudd ddiiiioo oo JJ JJaa aacc cckk kkss ss
Phones, MainLeft (Mono), MainRight, AuxLeft (Mono),
AuxRight jacks allow you to listen to the
ZR-76. See Chapter 2.
FF
FFoo oooo oott tt PP PPee eedd ddaa aallll JJ JJaa aacc cckk kkss ss
CV¥Pedal (Volume), Footswitch1 (Sustain),
Footswitch2 jacks provide additional functionality
through the use of foot pedals. See Chapter 3.
EE
EE
xx
xx
iiii tt
tt
//
//
NN
NN
oo
oo
bb
bb
uu
uu
tt
tt
tt
tt
oo
oo
nn
nn
This button is used to cancel commands and
answer questions posed on the display.
See Chapter 1.
MM
MMaa aass sstt ttee eerr rr VV VVoo oolllluu uumm mmee ee SS SSlllliiiidd ddee eerr rr
This controls the volume of
the ZR-76. See Chapter 1.
PP
PPiiiitt ttcc cchh hh BB BBee eenn nndd dd WW WWhh hhee eeee eellll
This is typically used to raise
and lower the pitch.
See Chapter 3.
MM
MM
oo
oo
dd
dd
uu
uu
llll aa
aa
tt
tt
iiii oo
oo
nn
nn
WW
WW
hh
hh
ee
ee
ee
ee
llll
This is used to change or
modulate sounds and effects.
See Chapter 4.
DD
DDiiiiss sskk kk DD DDrr rriiiivv vvee ee
This is used to load and store
sounds, rhythms, and songs.
See Chapter 9.
DD
DDee eemm mmoo oo bb bbuu uutt tttt ttoo oonn nn
Plays special demonstration songs
to give you an idea of how terrific
the ZR-76 sounds. See Chapter 1.
DD
DD
iiii ss
ss
kk
kk
//
//
GG
GG
llll oo
oo
bb
bb
aa
aa
llll
This module offers the
following disk drive controls:
LoadÑSee Chapter 9
SaveÑSee Chapter 9
UtilitiesÑSee Chapter 9
It also offers System controls:
System/MIDIÑSee Chapter 3
LibrarianÑSee Chapter 1 and 9
HelpÑSee Chapter 1
SS
SS
oo
oo
uu
uu
nn
nn
dd
dd
FF
FF
iiii nn
nn
dd
dd
ee
ee
rr
rr
ªª
ªª
This module is used to
select and edit sounds.
See Chapter 4.
DD
DDrr rruu uumm mm MM MMaa aacc cchh hhiiiinn nnee ee
This module offers
various rhythms for
quickly creating and
editing your own rhythm
tracks. See Chapter 5.
II
IIdd ddee eeaa aa PP PPaa aadd ddªª ªª
A special recorder that
continuously captures
your ideas. See Chapter 6.
SS
SS
oo
oo
uu
uu
nn
nn
dd
dd
//
//
RR
RR
hh
hh
yy
yy
tt
tt
hh
hh
mm
mm
&&
&&
PP
PP
aa
aa
rr
rr
aa
aa
mm
mm
ee
ee
tt
tt
ee
ee
rr
rr
kk
kk
nn
nn
oo
oo
bb
bb
This knob selects sound
types, Drum Machine
rhythm types, and is used
to navigate among
parameters.
See Chapter 1.
aa
aallllpp pphh hhaa aa-- --nn nnuu uumm mmee eerr rriiiicc cc cc cchh hhaa aarr rraa aacc cctt ttee eerr rrss ss (( ((00 00-- --99 99,,,, AA AA-- --ZZ ZZ)) ))
The keys correlating to the alpha-numeric
characters can be used to name and select
sounds and sequences. See Chapters 4 and 9.

123
456
78910 11 1 2
Piano E .Piano Organ Keys Guitar Bass
Stri ngs B r a s s Sax Vocals Synth
Pad Synth Lead
SoundFinderFavorites
Copy Erase
From
Misc.
Loop To
Tempo Click RecordMode
Tap Count off
AB CD E FGH
Intro Verse
1
Chorus
1
Vers e 2 Chorus 2
Bridge Solo Ending
Bank (A-H)
Select
Song
NewSong
SongPlaylist
Hold To Spe ll
Region
1
2
3
Replace
Add
Step
TrackMix
Final Mix
Song Editor
Reverb Chorus
Insert FX Routing
Mute Solo
Mix
LR
Pan
FX / Mixdown
Bypass
Enter
Yes
Scoop Top
Rewind
Record Stop Play Fast
Forward
Rhythm
Edit Copy Erase Quantize
9
11 12
1
4
1
5
1 6
1
3
5
6
7
8
12
34
1 6 Track Recorder
Value
Sound / Rhythm Name
GH I J K L M N O P Q RS T U V W X Y Z
GG
GG
ee
ee
nn
nn
ee
ee
rr
rr
aa
aa
llll MM
MM
II
II
DD
DD
II
II
--
--
cc
cc
oo
oo
mm
mm
pp
pp
aa
aa
tt
tt
iiii bb
bb
llll ee
ee
The ZR-76 is General MIDI-
compatible. See Chapter 3.
SS
SSoo oonn nngg gg EE EEdd ddiiiitt ttoo oorr rr
This module provides control
over each sequence.
See Chapter 7.
FF
FF
XX
XX
//
//
MM
MM
iiii xx
xx
dd
dd
oo
oo
ww
ww
nn
nn
This module controls the
volume and pan settings,
and accesses the effects
settings. See Chapter 8.
11
1166 66 TT TTrr rraa aacc cckk kk RR RRee eecc ccoo oorr rrdd ddee eerr rr
This module is used to
turn your idea into a
fully-realized musical
arrangement.
See Chapter 7.
EE
EE
nn
nn
tt
tt
ee
ee
rr
rr
//
//
YY
YY
ee
ee
ss
ss
bb
bb
uu
uu
tt
tt
tt
tt
oo
oo
nn
nn
This button is used to answer
questions posed on the
display. See Chapter 1.
LL
LLCC CCDD DD DD DDiiiiss sspp ppllllaa aayy yy
The 40-character display shows
information and offers choices.
See Chapter 1.
SS
SS
oo
oo
uu
uu
nn
nn
dd
dd
//
//
RR
RR
hh
hh
yy
yy
tt
tt
hh
hh
mm
mm
NN
NN
aa
aa
mm
mm
ee
ee
&&
&& VV VVaa aalllluu uuee ee kk kknn nnoo oobb bb
This knob selects sounds
using ENSONIQ's exclusive
SoundFinderª and
RhythmFinderª. It is also
used to edit displayed
parameters.
See Chapter 1.
UU
UUpp pp// //DD DDoo ooww wwnn nn AA AArr rrrr rroo ooww ww
bb
bb
uu
uu
tt
tt
tt
tt
oo
oo
nn
nn
ss
ss
These buttons are used
to select ZR-76
parameters. See
Chapter 1.
MM
MMII IIDD DDII II JJ JJaa aacc cckk kkss ss
MIDI In, Out Thru jacks allow interfacing
with other MIDI devices.
See Chapter 2.
AA
AACC CC LL LLiiiinn nnee ee// //PP PPoo ooww wwee eerr rr
Jack and switch used for powering up the
ZR-76. See Chapter 1.
SS
SS
oo
oo
uu
uu
nn
nn
dd
dd
FF
FF
iiii nn
nn
dd
dd
ee
ee
rr
rr
FF
FF
aa
aa
vv
vv
oo
oo
rr
rr
iiii tt
tt
ee
ee
ss
ss
bb
bb
uu
uu
tt
tt
tt
tt
oo
oo
nn
nn
ss
ss
These provide instant
access to your favorite
sounds. See Chapter 4.
Undo
Locat e
Sequences

Chapter 1ÑWelcome
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual 1
CC
CChh hhaa aapp ppttttee eerr rr 11 11
WW
WWee eellll cc ccoo oomm mmee ee
Congratulations on the purchase of your new ZR-76, and thank you for choosing ENSONIQ, the leader in
workstation design since the 1987 introduction of the first affordable workstation, the ESQ-1. The ZR-76 is
an exciting, third-generation product. Based on the popular MR-76, the ZR-76 takes the concept of a song
composition workstation to the next step.
The ZR-76 offers a comprehensive array of tools for the composer and performer: terrific CD-quality 44kHz
soundsÑincluding The Perfect Pianoª by William CoakleyÑcrystal-clear 18-bit effects, a full-featured 16
Track Recorder, a powerful FX/Mixdown facility, a built-in Drum Machine for jamming, and ENSONIQÕs
revolutionary Idea Padª, a brand-new way to capture inspiration as it strikes. The ZR-76 also features the
latest advances in ENSONIQÕs SoundFinderª technology, as well as onscreen Help. These features, and
more, will be discussed in the overview later in this chapter.
The first thing youÕd probably like to do is check out some of your ZRÕs exciting features.
GG
GGee eettttttttiiii nn nngg gg RR RRee eeaa aadd ddyy yy
The simplest way to listen to the ZR-76 is by using stereo headphones. Push the ZRÕs Master Volume slider
all the way down and plug your headphones into the rear-panel Phones jack. The Phones jack output
works with both low and high impedance headphones. Make sure you set the Master Volume slider
carefullyÑhigh-output volume levels could damage your hearing. Play some keys on the keyboard, and
carefully move the Master Volume slider up to a comfortable listening level.
You may also listen using the rear-panel Main Left and Main Right outputs (or the Main Left output only if
you want to listen in mono). If youÕre connecting your ZR-76 to a mixer, lower the mixerÕs input trims and
faders all the way. Move the ZRÕs Master Volume slider all the way up, and then adjust the input trims and
faders on your mixer to set the volume to an appropriate level.
If youÕd like to run the ZRÕs Main outputs through your home stereo, bear in mind that your ZR-76 is
capable of producing a far greater dynamic range than what your system may be used to, and so, a little
care is required. Set the ZRÕs Master Volume slider about halfway up, and operate your stereo at
conservative levels to be on the safe side.
ThereÕs a more detailed description of how to connect the ZR-76 and set appropriate volume levels in
Chapter 2 of the ZR-76 Musician's ManualÑThe ZR-76 Studio.
PP
PPoo ooww wwee eerr rriiii nn nngg gg UU UUpp pp
Once youÕve got a listening method established, you can power up your ZR-76.
TT
TToo oo TT TTuu uurr rrnn nn OO OOnn nn tt tthh hhee ee ZZ ZZRR RR-- --77 7766 66
1. Plug the ZRÕs line cord into the AC Line receptacle on its rear panel.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to a grounded AC outlet.
3. Press the Power button on the right side (viewed from the front) of the ZRÕs rear panel.
Once your ZR-76 completes its power-up sequence, the display will look something like this:
Sound EXP036:00
PIANO-A :PerfectPno
YouÕre ready to start enjoying your ZR-76 sounds.

Chapter 1ÑWelcome
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual2
EE
EExx xxpp ppllll oo oorr rree ee tttthh hhee ee ZZ ZZRR RR-- --77 7766 66 SS SSoo oouu uunn nndd ddss ss
FF
FFiiii nn nndd ddiiii nn nngg gg FF FFaa aavv vvoo oorr rriiii ttttee ee SS SSoo oouu uunn nndd ddss ss
In the center of the ZR-76Õs front panel, underneath its display, youÕll find the two rows of SoundFinder
Favorites buttons. These buttons provide instant access to the best of the ZR-76Õs sounds.
Under each Favorites button is a description of the sound that will be selected when you press the button.
TT
TToo oo SS SSee eellllee eecc cctt tt SS SSoo oouu uunn nndd ddss ss UU UUss ssiiiinn nngg gg tt tthh hhee ee FF FFaa aavv vvoo oorr rriiiitt ttee eess ss BB BBuu uutt tttt ttoo oonn nnss ss
1. Press any of the Favorites buttonsÑthe sound assigned to the button will be selected and shown in the
ZRÕs display. For example, if you press the Strings Favorites button, youÕll see:
Sound ROM005:040
STRGSECT:Dyn Marcato
i
The name of the sound youÕve just selected
2. Play the ZRÕs keyboard to enjoy this sound.
3. Press the other Favorites buttons and play the keyboard to hear to the sounds they select.
TT
TTiiiipp pp:: :: You can select six additional favorites by holding down an upper button and pressing
the button just beneath it, or vice versa.
You can actually assign any sound you like to any of Favorites button, or upper/lower pair of buttons. To
learn more about the Favorites buttons, see Chapter 4ÑSoundFinder.
IIII nn
nnttttrr rroo oodd dduu uucc cciiii nn nngg gg SS SSoo oouu uunn nndd ddFF FFiiii nn nndd ddee eerr rr™
SoundFinderª sorts the ZRÕs many onboard sounds into useful categories, so that finding them is a snap!
SoundFinder also allows you to locate sounds by typing their names on the keyboard.
SoundFinder will be described more fully in the conceptual overview later in this chapter, and in full detail
in Chapter 4ÑSoundFinder. You can find a complete list of the ZR-76 sounds in Chapter 13ÑSupplemental
Information.

Chapter 1ÑWelcome
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual 33
TT
TToo oo CC CChh hhoo oooo ooss ssee ee ZZ ZZRR RR-- --77 7766 66 SS SSoo oouu uunn nndd ddss ss bb bbyy yy CC CCaa aatt ttee eegg ggoo oorr rryy yy
1. Locate the SoundFinder section on the ZRÕs front panel.
2. Press the Select Sound buttonÑits LED lights and the main SoundFinder display appears:
Sound ROM004:000
PIANO-A :PerfectPno
i
The sound you see displayed may be different
3. Play the keyboard to hear the selected sound.
4. Turn the left-hand Sound/Rhythm Type knob clockwise and counter-clockwise on the ZRÕs front panel.
As you turn the knob, different sound categories appear in the lower left corner of the display.
Sound ROM005:077
SAX-SOLO:BreathySopr
i
The currently selected sound type
5. Find a sound type category that interests you.
6. Turn the Sound/Rhythm Name knob in either direction to choose a sound of the selected type.

Chapter 1ÑWelcome
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual4
Sound names appear on the lower right-hand portion of the display.
Sound ROM005:079
SAX-SOLO: Tenor Lead
i
The currently selected sound
7. Play some music on the keyboard to hear the sound youÕve selected.
8. To select other sounds, use the same method: turn the Sound/Rhythm Name knob to locate the type of
sound you want to hear, and the Sound/Rhythm Name knob to pick an individual sound.
Working with the ZR-76 sounds, and with SoundFinder, is described fully in Chapter 4ÑSoundFinder.
TT
TToo oo LL LLoo oocc ccaa aatt ttee ee aa aa ZZ ZZRR RR-- --77 7766 66 SS SSoo oouu uunn nndd dd BB BByy yy NN NNaa aamm mmee ee
1. Locate the SoundFinder section on the ZRÕs front panel.
2. Press the Select Sound button, and hold it down.
Each white key on the ZRÕs keyboard from the C two octaves below Middle C to the B nearly three
octaves above has been assigned a number or letter, printed on the ZR just above the key. The G# in
each octave types a blank space.
NN
NNoo oott ttee ee:: :: The keys outside of the range shown above are not used for the selection of sounds.
3. While continuing to hold the Select sound button down, use the keyboard to type the beginning of the
name of the sound youÕre looking for.
By watching the ZRÕs display, youÕll see SoundFinder continually narrowing the search as you type
each letter. Sometimes just the first few letters are enough to identify a sound if no other sound shares
those letters.
Sound RAM:004:013
ALL-SND :Real El.Pno
i
The name of each sound you find is shown here

Chapter 1ÑWelcome
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual 5
If you can only recall the beginning of a soundÕs name, and SoundFinder locates more than one sound
matching what youÕve typed, it will display the alphabetically first sound. To access the other matches,
turn the Sound Name knob clockwise.
JJ
JJaa aamm mm ww wwiiii tttthh hh tttthh hhee ee ZZ ZZRR RR-- --77 7766 66 DD DDrr rruu uumm mm MM MMaa aacc cchh hhiiii nn nnee ee
IIII nn
nnttttrr rroo oodd dduu uucc cciiii nn nngg gg tttthh hhee ee DD DDrr rruu uumm mm MM MMaa aacc cchh hhiiii nn nnee ee
The ZR-76 includes its own Drum Machine that you can play along with as you investigate musical ideas,
or when you just want to have some fun.
TT
TToo oo TT TTuu uurr rrnn nn tt tthh hhee ee DD DDrr rruu uumm mm MM MMaa aacc cchh hhiiiinn nnee ee OO OOnn nn
1. Locate the Drum Machine on the ZR's front panel.
2. Press the Select Rhythm buttonÑits LED lights up.
The main Drum Machine display appears:
Rhythm VAR1 ™:106
ALL-RTHM: Pop Soul 1
i
The rhythm you see displayed may be different
3. Press the Drum MachineÕs Start/Stop button to hear the selected rhythm. The Start/Stop LED lights,
and the Drum Machine begins to play.
Each rhythm has eight variationsÑlooped patterns that play over and overÑand eight drum fills.

Chapter 1ÑWelcome
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual6
4. Without stopping the Drum Machine, press the Variation Fill button until the LED under the word
ÒVariationÓ lights. When this LED is lit, each time you press a Variations/Fills button, youÕll be
selecting one of the rhythmÕs variations.
5. Try pressing each of the Variations/Fills buttons to hear how the rhythm changes.
6. Press the Variation Fill button until the LED under the word ÒFillÓ lights. When this LED is lit, each
time you press a Variations/Fills button, youÕll be selecting one of the rhythmÕs fills.
7. Press each of the Variations/Fills buttons to hear the rhythmÕs fills . After each fill plays, the Drum
Machine returns to the last-selected variation..
Play along with the rhythm by playing on the keyboardÑthe currently selected SoundFinder sound will
be heard. Feel free to use SoundFinder to select other sounds while the Drum Machine plays.
8. Press the Drum Machine Start/Stop button to stop the Drum Machine. The Start/Stop LED goes out,
and the Drum Machine stops playing.
TT
TToo oo SS SSee eellllee eecc cctt tt OO OOtt tthh hhee eerr rr RR RRhh hhyy yytt tthh hhmm mmss ss
1. Press the Select Rhythm button so that its LED lights.
2. Turn the left-hand Sound/Rhythm Type knob clockwise and counter-clockwise on the ZR's front panel.
As you turn the Sound/Rhythm Type knob, youÕll see different Rhythm categories appear in the lower
left part of the ZRÕs display.
Rhythm VAR1 ™: 86
ROCK :Swing 16th1
i
The selected rhythm type

Chapter 1ÑWelcome
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual 7
3. Find a rhythm type category that interests you.
4. Turn the Sound/Rhythm Name knob clockwise or counter-clockwise to choose a rhythm of the
selected type.
Rhythm names appear on the lower right-hand portion of the display.
Rhythm VAR1 ™:133
ROCK : Cookin'
i
The currently selected rhythm
5. Press the Drum MachineÕs Start/Stop button to hear the rhythm youÕve chosen, and try out its
variations and fills.
6. Press the Start/Stop button to turn off the Drum Machine.
TT
TTiiiipp pp:: :: You can also select rhythms by holding down the Select Rhythm button and spelling
the desired rhythmÕs name on the keyboard. There is a list of the rhythms that shipped
with your ZR-76 in Chapter 13.
Working with the Drum Machine is described more fully in Chapter 5ÑThe Drum Machine.
TT
TThh hhee ee IIII nn nnss sspp ppiiii rr rraa aattttiiii oo oonn nn CC CCaa aattttcc cchh hhee eerr rr
IIII nn
nnttttrr rroo oodd dduu uucc cciiii nn nngg gg tttthh hhee ee IIII dd ddee eeaa aa PP PPaa aadd dd
Certainly one of the most truly exciting innovations in the ZR-76 is the Idea Pad, an ingenious recorder
thatÕs always recording, capturing everything you play. No more grasping at evaporating flashes of
brillianceÑthe Idea Pad catches every one.
TT
TToo oo LL LLiiiiss sstt ttee eenn nn TT TToo oo WW WWhh hhaa aatt tt YY YYoo oouu uu JJ JJuu uuss sstt tt PP PPllllaa aayy yyee eedd dd
1. Press the Recall Idea buttonÑthe Idea Pad will play the last idea it captured, and then stop.

Chapter 1ÑWelcome
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual8
2. To hear your latest music again, press the Start/Stop button.
TT
TToo oo LL LLiiiiss sstt ttee eenn nn tt ttoo oo OO OOtt tthh hhee eerr rr II IIdd ddee eeaa aass ss CC CCaa aapp pptt ttuu uurr rree eedd dd bb bbyy yy tt tthh hhee ee II IIdd ddee eeaa aa PP PPaa aadd dd
1. If youÕve just listened to an idea, the display will show:
Recall Your Ideas :
Idea= 3 of 9
ii
The currently selected idea The number of ideas in the Idea Pad
If you havenÕt been listening to the Idea Pad, press Recall Idea.
Each idea is assigned a number as itÕs recorded. The higher the number, the more recent the idea is.
You can use the up/down arrow buttons...
...or the Parameter knob to select the idea youÕd like to hear.
If the Idea PadÕs Auto-Play parameter is set to On, selecting an idea with the up or down button will
cause it to automatically begin playing (Chapter 6 describes all of the Idea Pad settings).
2. Use the up/down arrow buttons or the Parameter knob to select an idea.
3. If youÕve selected an idea with the Parameter knob, press the Idea Pad Start/Stop button to begin
playback of the idea.
4. Press the Idea Pad Start/Stop button to end playback of the selected idea.
The Idea Pad is described in detail in Chapter 6ÑThe Idea Pad.

Chapter 1ÑWelcome
ENSONIQ ZR-76 Musician's Manual 9
LL
LLiiii ss ssttttee eenn nniiii nn nngg gg ttttoo oo TT TThh hhee ee ZZ ZZRR RR-- --77 7766 66 DD DDee eemm mmoo ooss ss
TT
TThh hhee ee BB BBuu uuiiii llll tttt-- --IIII nn nn DD DDee eemm mmoo ooss ss
Your ZR-76 comes with a collection of built-in demonstration songs that will give you an idea of how great
it sounds. These demos are easily accessed by pressing the Demo button on the ZRÕs front panel.
TT
TToo oo PP PPllllaa aayy yy tt tthh hhee ee ZZ ZZRR RR-- --77 7766 66 DD DDee eemm mmoo ooss ss
1. Press the Demo button.
The display shows:
Start demo playback?
MAINDEMO: Internal
Your display may differ. Turn the Sound/Rhythm Name knob counter-clockwise until the display looks
as it does above.
2. Press the Enter/Yes button.
The demo will begin playing.
3. If youÕd like to stop the demo before itÕs finished, press the Exit/No button.
NN
NNoo oott ttee ee:: :: The Demo button also functions as a MIDI All Notes Off button. See below.
SS
SSee eellll ee eecc ccttttiiii nn nngg gg OO OOtttthh hhee eerr rr DD DDee eemm mmoo ooss ss
You can select any of the ZRÕs demos at any time. TheyÕre sorted by stylistic category so that you can easily
find a demo of interest.
TT
TToo oo SS SSee eellllee eecc cctt tt AA AAnn nnoo oott tthh hhee eerr rr DD DDee eemm mmoo oo tt ttoo oo LL LLiiiiss sstt ttee eenn nn TT TToo oo
1. If youÕve already pressed the Demo button and listened to the main demo, the display should look
something like this.
Start demo playback?
MAINDEMO: Internal
ii
Demo category Demo name