Faderfox Micromodul SC4 User manual

micromodul SC4
User manual

Provision of guarantee and product liability
The seller warrants for faultless material and proper manufacture for a period of 24 months from the date of
sale to the end user.
Excluded from the stated guarantee are defects on parts as the result of normal wear-and-tear. These parts are
mostly faders (sliding guides), potentiometers, encoders, buttons, switches and touchpads.
Also excluded from the guarantee are damages that are the result of :
incorrect or inappropriate handling, excessive force, mechanical or chemical influences, incorrectly
connecting the instrument with other instruments, incorrect or inappropriate use.
The warranty is void if the instrument is opened or changed. In addition, there is no warranty for individual
parts and components (in particular, semiconductors) and disposables/ consumables. The seller is not liable
for consequential damages which are not the result of criminal intent or negligence on his part. The following
conditions must be met in order to claim the warranty services:
- Instrument is either in its original packaging or similar packaging.
- Copy of the invoice with the serial number clearly visible.
- Meaningful error report or description of the error is attached.
The buyer assumes all costs and dangers of return shipments to the manufacturer. Since the user’s manual
which is included with each instrument also affects the warranty conditions (especially regarding safety
issues), it is absolutely essential that you read through and follow all instructions.
Safety precautions and servicing
- Instrument's intended use is based on the functions and procedures contained in this manual
- Read all instructions for use as well as all enclosed literature before using the instrument
- Use only in closed rooms (not for outdoor use)
- Never use in a moist or humid environment (laundry rooms, swimming pools, etc, …)
- Not for use in the vicinity of heat sources (radiators, ovens, etc, …)
- Operational temperature is in the range of 0° - + 40° C
- Not for use in the vicinity of flammable material
- The instrument should not be in direct or prolonged contact with sunlight
- Dusty environmental conditions should be avoided
- Connect only to USB ports of computers or hubs
- No foreign objects are permitted inside the instrument casing
- No liquids should get inside the instrument casing
- Never let the instrument fall to the ground (casing and/or control elements may be damaged)
If the instrument must be opened (for example, to remove foreign objects from the casing or for other repairs),
this may only be done by qualified personnel. The USB-cable must be disconnected before opening the
instrument. Guarantee is void for defects that occur if the instrument was opened by an unauthorised or
unqualified person.
Use a soft towel or brush to clean the instrument. Please do not use any cleaning liquids or water, so you avoid
any damages to the instrument.

Package contents
- Device
- USB cable (with angle plug)
- Midi adapter cable (with angled 3.5mm jack plug)
- Manual / Quick start guide

Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Faderfox controller. These probably world’s smallest controllers are designed for
live use on stage. All Faderfox controllers are professionally hand crafted in Germany ensuring high
quality. The 4th generation brings a lot of new features like additional MIDI connections, black faceplates
with laser engraving and updatable firmware.
First part of the SC4 is a universal controller for all kinds of midi controllable hard- and software.
The all-rounder has 8 push-encoders with detents, all switchable to 8 controller groups that allow to control
a total amount of 128 control parameters. Amazing LED crowns show the current values of all encoders
and push buttons in a very ergonomic way. Various kinds of midi commands like program change,
pitchbend and control change in relative and absolute mode with different acceleration amounts are
possible. All these properties are fully programmable on the devices very fast and easy for each control
separately. A small display informs about programmings and control values.
The encoders can work as high resolution 14bit controllers too (control change or pitchbend) which makes
them suitable for sensitive parameters like resonating filter cutoffs or similar things.
Use the internal 30 setups to save your individual settings. Backup and restore of all settings by sysex
dumps is possible too.
The factory settings are perfect to control music and video software products out of the box if they
are freely assignable. So any additional device programming isn’t necessary for many applications.
The little box is also a great extension for your Ableton Live setup. There you can control all the
continues parameters like track volumes, rack macros, send amounts, track pannings etc. A special control
surface script for Ableton Live 8/9 with all necessary mappings is enclosed in the package. With that script
you can also use two SC4 devices to control up to 16 tracks simultaneously.
The integrated monophonic sequencer with 8 tracks and 8 patterns is another highlight of the SC4.
The sequence unit is a bit similar to the M185 seuencer from RYK with a lot of extensions.
First you can switch each of the 8 controller groups to any of 7 different track types like note, octave,
repeat, CC, accent/link, length/skip and probability. Each of the 8 available sequencer stages of a pattern
can have its own length about 1 to 8 clocks which was also one of the unique features of the M185
sequencer. Two special groups controls various pattern and sequencer functions. 8 patterns with 8 stages
are linkable to a maximum amount of 64 stages. You can write, reload and copy patterns on the fly.
Because of many different sequencer functions like tempo, gate length, transpose, swing, scale and
direction the SC4 becomes very flexible. Of course there are also midi clock sync, tempo tap, clock reset,
reset counter and a nudge functions to get the perfect sync with your other gear. Remote the sequencer
transpose, direction, clock reset and pattern select by a connected midi keyboard to have a much greater
performance. Special random and probability functions give your tracks more variations and liveness.
Combinations of controller and sequencer groups are possible as well and all of these you can program
independently for each of the 30 setups. Simultaneous control of external gear and software instruments is
no problem for the SC4 due to the available USB and MIDI ports.
Check out this amazing power box and you will get a reliable mate...

Features
-Universal controller and sequencer for all kinds of midi controllable hard-and software
-iPad compatible with camera connection kit
-Control surface script for Live 8/9 is shipped with the controller (no manual mapping necessary)
-USB interface with bus powering -class compliant / no driver necessary (consumption < 500mW)
-MIDI in and out ports with routing and merge functionality
- 8 push encoders with detents (resolution about 30 pulses)
- 8 LED crowns to show current values of all encoders and push buttons
- 4-digit-display to show control values and programming data
- 14 bit high resolution encoder mode for sensitive parameters
-Data feedback for encoders avoid value jumps
-All controls (incl. push buttons) fully programmable in the device by channel, type, number and mode
-Different command types like control change (CC), pitch bend, program change and notes
-Advanced programming functions like copy, paste and channel set
- 8 groups for all controls
-About 128 commands per setup (16 controls x 8 groups)
-Integrated sequencer with 8 configurable tracks (7 different track types like note, repeat, CC, length/skip,
accent/link etc.)
- 8 sequencer patterns with each 8 stages are linkable to max. 64 stages
-Remote function by a connected midi keyboard (transpose, direction, pattern select)
- 30 setups with backup/restore function contain controller and sequencer settings for groups and patterns
-Very compact design in a black casing with metal faceplate (laser engraving, 180x105x70 mm, 350 g)
System requirements
-PC or Mac with a free USB port (1.0 or higher) or any USB hub (connection by inclosed USB cable)
-iPad with iOS5 or higher (connection by apples camera connection kit)
-MIDI device with standard midi in port (5pin DIN socket connection by enclosed adapter cable)
-USB power adapter (5V min 200mA) if you want to control only midi gear

Controller mode
Controller mode is the basic mode of the SC4. Here the encoders are used to control any parameters in your
soft-or/and hardware by standard midi commands like CC and notes.
First choose the group by the green buttons. The display shows the group name: GrP1....GrP8
Turning and pushing of the encoders can send different commands which you can program in edit mode.
LED crowns and red LED’s in the center of the crowns show the current value and states of the
corresponding encoders. After turning or pushing any encoder you can see the numerical value in the
display too. A programmed acceleration gives a better feeling for the encoders so you can go from min to
max value easily. Hold any shift key while you turn the encoders to have a precise control without
acceleration. To get the encoder value shown on the display without changing, hold any shift key and press
the encoder.
The right point in lower right corner of the display shows incoming midi data. It flashes bright when the
device receives controller data. Low flashing indicates midi clock or other midi data.
Ableton Live mode
The setups 28 to 30 are preconfigured for using with Live 8/9. The display shows special group names (see
below).
Setup 28 is recommended to control parameters of selected track
(tracks below track 16 are available too):
GrP1....GrP4 For free use
trAC (group 5) controls various parameters of the selected track
-encoder 1: track send 1(A), push button 1: track view
-encoder 2: track send 2(B), push button 2: clip view
-encoder 3: track send 3(C), push button 3: stop clip (red led shows stopped clip)
-encoder 4: scene select, push button 4: launch clip (red led shows available clip)
-encoder 5: track select, push button 5: track arm (red led shows arm state)
-encoder 6: crossfader assign, push button 6: track monitor (red led shows state)
-encoder 7: track pan, push button 7: track solo (red led shows solo state)
-encoder 8: track volume, push button 8: track active (red led shows active state)
Vol (group 6) Volume and track active of track 1 to 8
RAC (group 7) Rack control of macros 1 to 8 and some rack functions
-encoder 1: macro 1, push button 1: track view
-encoder 2: macro 2, push button 2: rack on/off
-encoder 3: macro 3, push button 3: previous rack
-encoder 4: macro 4, push button 4: next rack
-encoder 5: macro 5, push button 5: show rack
-encoder 6: macro 6, push button 6: lock rack
-encoder 7: macro 7, push button 7: previous track
-encoder 8: macro 8, push button 8: next track
GLob (group 8) Global controls
-encoder 1: tempo coarse, push button 1: nudge down
-encoder 2: tempo fine, push button 2: nudge up
-encoder 3: quantization, push button 3: stop scene
-encoder 4: scene select, push button 4: launch scene
-encoder 5: track select, push button 5: start
-encoder 6: cue volume, push button 6: stop
-encoder 7: master pan, push button 7: record
-encoder 8: master volume, push button 8: view arrangement/session

Setup 29 and 30 are recommended to control parameters of 8 tracks simultaneously
(setup 29 = tracks 1 to 8, setup 30 = tracks 9 to 16):
Snd1 (group 1) controls parameter send 1(A) for 8 tracks
Snd2 (group 2) controls parameter send 2(B) for 8 tracks
Snd3 (group 3) controls parameter send 3(C) for 8 tracks
Snd4 (group 4) controls parameter send 4(D) for 8 tracks
Pan (group 5) controls panorama for 8 tracks
Vol (group 6) Volume and track active for 8 tracks
RAC (group 7) Rack control of macros 1 to 8 and some rack functions
-encoder 1: macro 1, push button 1: track view
-encoder 2: macro 2, push button 2: rack on/off
-encoder 3: macro 3, push button 3: previous rack
-encoder 4: macro 4, push button 4: next rack
-encoder 5: macro 5, push button 5: show rack
-encoder 6: macro 6, push button 6: lock rack
-encoder 7: macro 7, push button 7: previous track
-encoder 8: macro 8, push button 8: next track
GLob (group 8) Global controls
-encoder 1: tempo coarse, push button 1: nudge down
-encoder 2: tempo fine, push button 2: nudge up
-encoder 3: quantization, push button 3: stop scene
-encoder 4: scene select, push button 4: launch scene
-encoder 5: track select, push button 5: start
-encoder 6: cue volume, push button 6: stop
-encoder 7: master pan, push button 7: record
-encoder 8: master volume, push button 8: view arrangement/session

Sequence mode
In sequence mode the encoders are used to control different stage parameters depending of the track type.
First choose the track by the green buttons. The display shows the track name/type (see below). Turning
and pushing the encoders changes track parameter in the 8 stages of a pattern. LED crowns and red LEDs
in the center of the crowns show the current value and stages’ states. After turning or pushing any encoder
you can see the numerical value in the display too. Hold left shift key while you turn the encoders to
change all 8 stages at once. If you hold right shift key and press any push encoder, all 8 stages will change
to same states. To get the encoder value shown on the display without changing, hold left shift key and
press the encoder.
Blinking crowns show played stages. The right dot in lower right corner of the display shows incoming
midi data. It flashs bright when the device receives controller data. Low flashing indicates midi clock or
other midi data.
Random function
A very special feature is the random function which works on all encoder values of a track by pressing left
shift key + the green track/group key. To get randomized states hold right shift key and press a green
track/group key.

Track description
There are 7 different track types available.
All types except the CC type can be work only once in the same setup.
Track types:
notE Note track contains the notes for each stage
encoders: notes F3 to H4 (two leds lit for black key notes), push buttons: note on/off
To send other note below or above use octave track.
Stage will be paused (mute) if stage is switched off.
The associated channel is selected in edit mode.
Oct Octave track contains the octave values for the note track
encoders: octave 1 to 7 (4 as standard), push buttons: octave on/off
AcLn Accent track contains the accent (velocity) values for the note track
Further you can switch on/off links between the stages by the push buttons..
encoders: accent 0 to 127, push buttons: link on/off
Link function is useful for portamento effects in legato playmode.
LEn Length track contains the duration values for each stage.
Further you can switch on/off a skip for each stage by the push buttons.
encoders: length 1 to 8 clocks, push buttons: skip on/off
Each clock has duration of 32’ note so you get a max stage length of 4’.
The stage will be not played (also without pause) if skip is activated.
rEP Repeat track contains the repeat values for the note track
encoders: repeat 1 to 8 clocks, push buttons: repeat on/off
Each step has a duration of 32’.
- 1 = triggers each 32’ note
- 2 = triggers each 2nd 32’ note
- 3 = triggers each 3rd 32’ note
- 4 = triggers each 4th 32’ note
- 5 = triggers each 5th 32’ note
- 6 = triggers each 6th 32’ note
- 7 = triggers each 7th 32’ note
Prb Probability track contains the probability values for each stage.
encoders: probability 0 to 7, push buttons: probability on/off
- 0 = stage will be not triggered
- 1 = stage will be triggered very rarely
- .
- .
- 7 = stage will be triggered mostly
CC CC track contains the controller values for each stage.
encoders: control change value 0 to 127, push buttons: CC on/off
The associated CC number and channel are selected in edit mode.

Pattern control
In pattern control mode the encoders are used to control the 8 available patterns of the selected setup.
Start pattern control by pressing the green buttons 6 and 7 shortly. Both LEDs 6 and 7 are lit and the
display shows PAt1....PAt8 . You can also hold both buttons (longer than 1 second) while you make any
modifications. In this case the unit switches back to the last active group after releasing the buttons.
You activate or deactivate the patterns by pushing the associated encoder. The red LEDs show the state of
every pattern. The patterns will run sequentially in a loop.
To select a pattern for editing you simply turn the encoders. The display shows the current selected pattern
PAt1....PAt8.
Blinking crowns show running patterns. A crown is lit if the pattern is stopped. All crowns are off when the
sequencer is reseted.
A blinking red LED indicates a modified pattern. Push encoder while you hold left shift key to reload the
pattern but pay attention that all track modifications will be lost. Hold right shift key and push encoder to
write the pattern to memory which must be done for each pattern separately. Note that each setup has its
own pattern(track) data but these will not be saved in edit mode.
To copy the current selected pattern just simply turn the encoder of the destination pattern while holding
any shift key. Each pattern holds 8 stage data sets of all available tracks.