Faderfox micromodul LX1 User manual

micromodul LX1
User manual

micromodul LX1 User manual
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Content
Provision of guarantee and product liability ........................................................................................... 2
Safety precautions and servicing............................................................................................................. 2
Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 3
Product description.................................................................................................................................. 4
System requirements ............................................................................................................................... 4
Power supply........................................................................................................................................... 5
Connecting to a computer........................................................................................................................ 5
Which software can be controlled........................................................................................................... 6
Settings in the system mode .................................................................................................................... 6
Mix mode............................................................................................................................................. 6
Setup .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Preparations in Live................................................................................................................................. 7
Controlling your Live-Sets .................................................................................................................. 7
Assigning the controller in LIVE......................................................................................................... 8
Working with LIVE................................................................................................................................. 8
Group................................................................................................................................................... 8
Mode.................................................................................................................................................... 8
Encoder................................................................................................................................................ 9
Expanded sets........................................................................................................................................ 10
Working with two micromodul LX1’s .............................................................................................. 10
Combining the LX1 and the micromodul LV1.................................................................................. 10
Creating a custom DJ set with the micromodul LV1, LX1 und DJ1................................................. 11
LV1, LX1 and DJ1 as a trio............................................................................................................... 11
Controller numbers................................................................................................................................ 12

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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 joysticks.
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
- The instrument's intended use is based on the functions and procedures contained in this manual
- Read all instructions for use as well as all accompanying 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
- Only for use with mains adapters which comply with the specifications in the chapter, ”Power
Supply”
- Only for use batteries which comply with the specifications in the chapter, ”Power Supply”.
- Pay attention that batteries do not leak while in the instrument (especially during extended storage)
- When connecting to other instruments, pay attention to the instructions in the chapter, "Connecting to
the computer”
- 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 batteries must be removed and the mains
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.

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Introduction
It is 2004. Music is being made with electronic instruments that were originally intended to replace the
typewriter. PC’s and Mac’s are replacing more and more synthesisers, pianos, CD players and LP
turntables in the inventory of today’s musician.
Musical arrangements are the largest creative aspect in many areas of modern music. Also, the
creation of new sounds and loops using the processing power of computers allows a large amount of
fun from the very start. We all know that really promotes creativity. You only need three tools in order
to use the new possibilities in loop-based ”computer music”:
- A computer (a laptop/notebook would be best)
- Intuitive software such as Live from Ableton
- One or more optimised, hardware controllers, like the micromodul series
Since computer music should also thrive from improvisation, we chose this combination – or even
more correctly, we designed a controller – to support the playful use of loops. Without a doubt, Live
from Ableton is a tool which, in itself, offers a huge potential when working with this sort of music.
But, let’s face it, who wants to drive a car with a computer keyboard or a mouse? Fact is, slide
controls, knobs, joysticks, buttons, and LED’s are as much a part of electronic music as steering wheel
is to a car.
micromdul LX1 is a pocket-size, custom-made controller for Ableton Live, one of the most creative
music programs in recent history. It was designed as a supplement to our micromdul LV1.
While the LV1 offers all faders, pots, and a joystick, the LX1 offers a total of 256 key functions for
controlling tracks and clips. All this is achieved with 64 buttons. These buttons have the same colour
scheme as the LV1.
The LX1 is very compact and easy to transport, and you do not even need the mains adapter, it works
with standard and rechargeable batteries
As of Live version 2.0, you can use the LV1 immediately by using the settings file which is shipped
with the controller - without the lengthy process of programming each separate control element.
Start the fun with modern sequencing.
The LX1 can also be used with other programs. It is suited well for software sequencers due to its
architecture/layout.
Basically, this controller can be used anywhere where you need a compact instrument with a lot of
midi-controlled switching functions.
Read this user’s manual thoroughly. Even if the design is largely intuitive and the instrument is self-
explanatory, this manual should be able to answer a question or two. If you should have any sort of
other problem with your micromodul, just contact us via email using the email address on our
homepage:
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Product description
Keyboard controller for all midi-driven applications (optimised for Ableton Live)
Setup files for Ableton Live as of version 2.0 are shipped with the controller
Independent of operating system and computer type (PC or Mac) independent due to the midi
interface
64 coloured keys with a total of 256 key functions
Multifunctional encoder to select tracks and clips as well as a button-function.
Group switching for tracks 1-8 and 9-16
Mode switching for track control and clip start as well as mixed usage
Standard or rechargeable batteries (4 x micro cell (AAA) batteries are shipped with the LX1)
LED battery control
Socket for an external mains adapter (9-12V DC – min. 50 mA)
Midi-merge function
Very compact design in a black, plastic casing (desktop format 180x105x70 mm, 410 g)
Black aluminium front plate with an anodised coating (abrasion resistant) and inscriptions
8 LED’s to display various information
Expandable system by other micromodul controllers or another LX1
System requirements
- PC or Mac with a Midi-Interface (Midi-Input)
- Ableton Live or software which allows self-assignments of key commands for switching
parameters.
(Optimal with Ableton Live as of version 2.0 with the enclosed setup file)

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Power supply
The LX1 does not contain an internal mains unit. It was primarily designed for use with standard or
rechargeable batteries (4 x micro cell AAA 1.2-1.5 V alkaline, NiCd, NiMH) which are inserted into a
compartment on the bottom of the instrument. Please pay attention to the battery poles when changing
batteries. This compartment has a safety screw which must be removed before batteries can be
exchanged. Batteries usually last between 50 and 100 hours based on quality and brand. In order to
increase the battery life-span, the instrument switches into its energy-saving-mode 10 minutes after the
last movement was made on any controller. An LED running light displays the energy-save-mode. The
instrument is still fully functional, only the LED’s are switched off to save power. The instrument
leaves the energy-saving-mode as soon as a control is moved (primarily shift). The battery control
LED (LowBat) blinks when the batteries need to be replaced. Don’t panic when this LED starts to
blink. There is certainly enough reserve energy to finish your gig.
The LX1 can also be used with an external mains adapter. The adapter (regulated or not) must have a
DC voltage of 9-12 V and at least 50 mA. The adapter must also have a CE symbol.
The adapter plug (hollow plug: 2.1 mm inner / 5.5 mm outer) must be polarised according to the
information on the connection plate: outer ring = minus, inner pin = plus.
Power supplied by an external mains adapter always has priority over batteries as long as the mains
adapter delivers at least 9 V. This guarantees that the batteries are not unnecessarily used when the
mains adapter is supplying the current. If an unexpected power shortage occurs (adapter plug is pulled
out), the controller can then continue without any interruption. If the polarity for the mains adapter or
batteries are switched, the instrument will not work. This would, however, cause no damage since the
system uses protective diodes.
The LX1 is turned on via the power switch at the rear of the instrument (LED’s illuminate).
When the instrument is being powered by batteries, always try to remember to turn it off when it is not
being used, as this will increase the life expectancy of the batteries.
Connecting to a computer
A midi cable is used to connect the LX1 to a computer – and the software. This cable is the connected
to the midi-out slot on the controller and the midi-in slot on the computer (sound card or midi
interface). The midi-in slot on the LX1 is used to connect additional controllers and keyboards to the
same midi-port on the computer. The data is then merged in the LX1 (merge function).
Of course, many users will now wonder why this controller does not have a USB interface. The
micromodul system is a system of multiple controllers that is able to be cascaded via midi. If USB
was used, special software would be required. In addition, many computers with sound cards and USB
audio interfaces have a midi interface. This means you would not have to use one of your USB ports to
use the whole micromodul system.
If your computer does not have a midi interface, or your sound card does not have one either, there is a
small and inexpensive solution in the form of a USB midi interface that has both midi-in and midi-out.

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Which software can be controlled
The LX1 was designed primarily for use with Live from Ableton as of version 2.0. We believe this
controller supports one of the leading sequencer programs on the market. A file with the matching
controller settings can be found on the CD. Live versions before 2.0 can not be completely controlled
(no clip selections).
The LX1 can also be used with other sequencer programs or software instruments. The large
assortment of buttons makes this controller an interesting solution for music and light-control software
which need a lot of switching functions. A total of 256 switching functions, distributed among the 64
buttons, create the defined note-on and note-off events.
The 64 coloured buttons can be switched to two groups, each in two modes, by using two additional
buttons. This makes it possible to combine a so-called mix mode function from two modes. You can
configure this yourself on the controller.
If you would like to use this controller with other programs, you should first make sure it is possible to
assign fixed midi note numbers. The LX1 sends fixed note-on (when being pressed) and note-off (on
release) for all buttons.
You can not program the LX1 or assign controller numbers or key numbers, but that is a function that
is rarely needed with current programs.
The corresponding assignments are noted in the last chapter, ”Control numbers”.
Settings in the system mode
You can activate the controller’s system mode if you press both the Group button and the Mode
button. The encoder LED blinks to signal this mode.
No midi signals are sent as long as the controller is in this mode. Only the incoming commands (via
midi-in) are sent directly to midi-out.
In order to exit the system mode, just press these two buttons again. The controller will restart in the
normal operational mode after about two seconds (during these two seconds, all LED’s turn off, and
the system is restarted).
During this restart procedure, all changes made in the system mode are stored. If you turn the
instrument off while it is in the system mode, all changes will be lost.
You can make the following settings while in the system mode:
Mix mode
The mix mode is designed to aid in controlling both track and slot functions at the same time. The
mix mode is programmed in rows. This means, you can choose which function each row of 8 buttons
should control. Simply press one of the 8 buttons in the row you wish to program, and look that the
Track and Slot LED’s to see which function this row currently has. You can switch functions by
holding down a button and changing to another mode by using the Mode button.

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Setup
The selection of one of the two setups is made in the system mode using the Group button.
The setups are only used to switch the midi channel that the LX1 is using.
- Setup 1 (LED 1-8 is on) = Midi channels 10-12
- Setup 2 (LED 9-16 is on) = Midi channels 13-15
The setup 2 is used for Live.
This is how it is possible to control two programs with all controller functions more or less at the same
time. You basically have two controllers in one. Controlling Live and Cubase or Live and Reason
together is no problem, and you do not even have to split up the controls.
Preparations in Live
First of all, you need to copy the .ALS files from the CD (in the micromodul\LV1 directory) to your
computer. We have prepared the following Live sets:
micromodul LV1 V01 T8 Live20.als with 8 tracks
micromodul LV1 V01 T12 Live20.als with 12 tracks
micromodul LV1 V01 T16 Live20.als with 16 tracks (send-returns are controlled via pots)
micromodul LV1-DJ1 V01 T8 Live20.als with 8 tracks and send-control via the DJ1 controller
micromodul LV1-DJ1 V01 T16 Live20.als with 16 Tracks and send-control via the DJ1 controller
These sets include up to 240 control and button assignments. That will surely guarantee a comfortable
start when using the LX1.
We do not have any configuration settings for Live versions before 2.0, since these versions are not
able to be completely controlled. You can, however, create your own sets for the earlier versions.
Refer to the next chapter to find out how.
After the midi connection between the LX1 and the computer has been established, start Live. Next,
select the midi port to which the LX1 is connected. Open one of the Live sets listed above. All of the
important control assignments to the individual control elements are then established.
Only assignments to the track-control functions (Start,Stop,Mute,Solo,etc.) have been prepared. You
will need to program or assign all of the slot-start functions. It would make little sense if we made the
pre-assignments for these functions.
Play around a bit with the buttons on the controller and check if you see the corresponding reaction on
your monitor.
Controlling your Live-Sets
There is, of course, also the possibility of making adjustments between the software and the controller
via LIVEs Learn function. You will need this function in order to control additional functions or make
changes.
If you would like to control your existing LIVE-set using the LX1, you either need to input all
adjustments with the Learn function in LIVE or copy all clips in one of our sets (copy all clips by
holding down the <SHIFT> key on your pc-keyboard and then clicking the upper-left clip and the
lower-right clip. Then copy the clips to the clip board by pressing <CTRL>+<C>. Open a new set and
paste the clips you just copied by pressing <CTRL>+<V>). It is, however, only possible to copy clips
from one set to another using this method. You will need to reinsert any of your effects, since effects
are not copied with the sets. Maybe ABLETON has a solution to load controller templates in order to
quickly adjust existing sets to various controllers.

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Assigning the controller in LIVE
Learning to use the controller in LIVE is actually quite simple. First, activate the learn mode in LIVE
by pressing the mini switch on the upper right. The actual learning process consists of selecting the
control element or slot/scenes and then by pressing the desired key or key combination (key +
<SHIFT>). LIVE displays the midi channel and note number in the bottom segment of your monitor if
the assignment was successful. The next chapter will explain how the various functions of the
individual controllers and keys can be accessed.
As soon as all the keys have been assigned, exit the learn mode by pressing the midi switch in the
program.
Working with LIVE
The LX1’s layout is optimised for working with Live.
The colour scheme of the buttons is the same as on the LV1 (blue for Start/Stop; green for
Mute/Solo; grey for Input/Rec; white for A-B/Free). The two upper, black buttons can also change
the function of these 64 coloured buttons.
Group
The Group button is used to select the desired track group. 8 tracks can be controlled at one time with
the LX1. Which 8 tracks are assigned to which group is displayed by the two LED’s (1-8, 9-16) about
the Group button.
Mode
The black button to the right (Mode) is used to select the operational mode for the button groups. The
next mode is selected each time this button is pressed.
The entire keyboard is switched to track control functions when the mode is set to track. The
following functions can be immediately accessed for eight tracks: start, stop, mute, solo, input, rec,
and A-B. The last row of buttons (white) does not currently have functions assigned. You could
possibly use these buttons to switch a track EQ on and off.
When the mode is set to slot, the entire keyboard is used primarily to start a total of 64 clips in the
corresponding slots. These start functions are not assigned by default. You would have to set the
control assignments, but then you can use your own "architecture" or layout. We would, however, like
to give you a little tip: it is normally best to use the same colour for the clips as used for the assigned
buttons. This makes the layout a lot clearer.
Of course, the slot mode also allows each button to be used for other switching functions within each
track. Why shouldn't you use these functions to turn insert effects on and off or control other effect
parameters? It is so easy. Simply assign the functions to the buttons, and you can control the entire
effects process.
The mix mode is a mixture of track and slot mode. You already learned about the programming for
this mode in the settings and system mode chapter.
The mix mode is designed to aid in controlling both track and slot functions at the same time. If you
only need the start, stop, mute and solo functions, you could assign the slot functions to the rest of
the buttons.
If you need to use a mixture of functions and use the mix mode to control these functions, all original
track functions are kept. This is an important feature when using the LX1 together with the LV1.
When using the mix mode, the same buttons always have the same function they had in track and slot
mode.

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Encoder
The encoder is located on the upper-right of the instrument. It is used to select tracks and slots and
scenes. The LED's to the upper-left on the encode display the current function. Press the encoder to
switch functions.
You can browse through the tracks, send-tracks, and master-tracks by turning the encoder back and
forth. You can carry out a total of 17 different selections.
The current selection is re-sent when the encoder is pressed. This makes sense when you have selected
a different track in the program and would like to go back to the "controller track" in order to view its
insert effect.
The encoder's second function is the vertical selection of slots and scenes (when you are in "session
view" in Live)
The button Group offer an alternative method to selecting tracks via the encoder. The corresponding
track or send-track is selected if you hold down the group button in addition to pressing one of the 64
buttons. This is, of course, also dependent on which group is selected (1-8 or 9-16). The master-track
can only be selected by using the encoder.

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Expanded sets
micromodul is a system of controllers: single controllers which are easily combinable and expandable
to create a complete system. Just connect the instruments with their midi interfaces, and the system is
ready for use.
The instruments are normally connected from right to left. That means the midi-out slot for the
instrument to the right should go into the midi-in slot of the instrument on the left. Repeat this as often
as required to connect all your midi-controllable instruments.
An important point when combining the LV1 and LX1 is the order in which they are connected. If you
want to control these instruments in a useful manner, the LV1 should be after the LX1 in the midi
chain – so, connect the midi out on the LX1 to the midi in on the LV1.
Controllers that accept commands must always be after controllers which send commands through the
midi chain.
A midi loop is not needed. That means the midi in on the first instrument is not connected to the
computer. Other than this item, the connection order and placement order is totally up to you.
Working with two micromodul LX1’s
Multiple micromodul controllers are an
especially attractive solution when working with
the Live sequencer. LX1 was conceived to work
with other controllers. You can comfortably
control 16 tracks with two LX1’s – on one, an
encoder to select the tracks and on the other,
browse through the slots. All this, and you still
have quick access to all track and/or slot
functions for every track. In addition, the
keyboard mode is transmitted – meaning, the
keyboard mode is identical on both controllers,
if the switching takes place on the LX1 to the
right.
Combining the LX1 and the micromodul LV1
Of course, using both the LV1 and the LX1 is
the perfect configuration. The LV1 controls all
of the pot and fader parameters as well as
additional joystick and cross-fader functions.
The LX1 is then responsible for all of the
switching functions.
The encoder on the LX1 can control the track-
select on the LV1. This means separately
selecting the tracks and slots is possible without
first switching – exactly the same as if you had
two LX1’s. This is because you have two
encoders ready for use.

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Of course, the real fun starts when you combine 2 LV1’s and 2 LX1’s. 16 tracks, all with
corresponding switching functions and direct control – and this group of 4 instruments looks great as
well.
Creating a custom DJ set with the micromodul LV1, LX1 und DJ1
You can create your own custom DJ-set by combining 1 or 2 LV1’s with 1 or 2 LX1’s with the DJ1.
With the LV1, multiple tracks are mixed together to 2 send-paths. These 2 premixes are then
processed by the DJ1 which does the final mix and applies the effects. The LX1 and its 64 buttons
helps to control the individual tracks in the premix as well as start the individual clips in these tracks.
Of course, we supply you with two files for the configuration of the necessary presets:
- micromodul LV1-DJ1 V01 T8 Live20.als with 8 tracks and send controls with the DJ1 controller
- micromodul LV1-DJ1 V01 T16 Live20.als with 16 tracks and send controls with the DJ1 controller
In both of these expanded sets, the control elements for the DJ1 are assigned exactly the same as in the
standard DJ1 controller set.
Here are a possible combination:
LV1, LX1 and DJ1 as a trio

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Controller numbers
Note numbers for encoder
Function
Note-No
Track
1-16
Note-No
Master
Track
Note-No
fixed
Track-Select 16-31 32
Slot/Scene-Select up 33
Slot/Scene-Select down 34
Track button’s note numbers for tracks 1-16 (for track control as well as slot start):
Track
Key
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Start 0 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96 104
112
120
Stop 1 9 17 25 33 41 49 57 65 73 81 89 97 105
113
121
Mute 2 10 18 26 34 42 50 58 66 74 82 90 98 106
114
122
Solo 3 11 19 27 35 43 51 59 67 75 83 91 99 107
115
123
Input 4 12 20 28 36 44 52 60 68 76 84 92 100
108
116
124
Rec 5 13 21 29 37 45 53 61 69 77 85 93 101
109
117
125
A-B 6 14 22 30 38 46 54 62 70 78 86 94 102
110
118
126
Free 7 15 23 31 39 47 55 63 71 79 87 95 103
111
119
127
The following midi channels are used:
Function
Midi
Channel
(Setup 1)
Midi
Channel
(Setup 2
for Live)
Track-Select 12 15
Slot/Scene-Select 12 15
Track control 10 13
Slot start 11 14
All polyphonic-aftertouch-events on channel 16 are reserved for internal system communications. This
channel should not be used with midi-in, since this could cause problems (spontaneous switching of
track and key mode) with the micromodul system.
These ”events” are only used by a few very expensive keyboards.

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Version 01
Mathias Fuchß Software-Entwicklung
Op’n Idenkamp 13a
22397 Hamburg
Germany
Phone.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
eMail: [email protected]
Web: www.faderfox.de