Flame FIRE User manual

8 VOICE PERCUSSION SYNTHESIZER
EURO RACK MODULE
FLAME FIRE
MANUAL
Version 1.00

3.......... 1. SHORT DESCRIPTION
4.......... 2. MODULE OVERVIEW
5.......... 3. CONNECTIONS
6........ VERSION 1.00
Master menu
Menu structure
Page
Fire
Select (select drum channel)
7........ EDIT Menus A,B,CV
Instrument select
Display
Set level A,B
Menu CV (Velocity, CV)
8........ SETUP Menu
LCD contrast, Parameter setting
MIDI note numbers
MIDI dump KITs
MIDI dump INSTRUMENTs
MIDI program change
KIT AUTO LOAD
8........ USER CV ASSIGN
OUTPUT ASSIGN
LOAD/SAVE KIT
LOAD/SAVE INSTRUMENT
9........ INSTRUMENT ALGORITHM
SNAREDRUM
HIHAT
10........ FM-DRUM
BASSDRUM
11........ T-BRIDGE
RIMSHOT
12........ CLAP
TOM
13........ UNIVERSAL
14........ FIRMWARE UPDATE
15........ TROUBLESHOOTING
16........ APPENDIX & TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS
Technical details
Warrenty
Terms of production
Disposal
Support
Acknowledgment
CONTENTS
2

3
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Thank you for purchasing the FLAME FIRE eurorack module!
The module is a full 8-way polyphonic drum and percussion synthesizer. It offers different
digital synthesis algorithms, which can be distributed over 8 channels. The sound engine
delivers digitally generated sounds that are created with virtual analog synthesis.
Individual algorithms also make it possible to create simple monophonic bass or synthe-
sizer voices.
During development, particular attention was paid to direct and simple usability with
regard to live operation. The hardware essentially consists of two parts (which are deli-
vered together). On the one hand there is the basic module with all controls, the display,
connections for MIDI, 2x CV inputs and 5 audio outputs. There is also a separate XFIRE
I/O extension with sockets for the 16 analog trigger/gate/CV inputs and 3 additional audio
outputs. Both modules are connected via a 60cm long ribbon cable. In this way, the
XFIRE module can be installed anywhere else in the rack. The base module is therefore
only 22TE wide and can also work alone without the extension as a MIDI expander.
Amaximum of 8 audio outputs are available. Astereo pair (outputs 7+8), plus 6 additio-
nal individual direct outputs. All outputs are freely configurable. Two pages with settings
for panorama and volume are available for the stereo main out.
There is a gate/trigger input and a configurable CV input for each channel. Two additio-
nal programmable CV inputs can be used for further controls. Regardless of the analog
connection, the module offers full MIDI functionality. Two MIDI inputs and a MIDI output
allow integration into an external MIDI setup.
The firmware can be updated via MIDI Sysex. The created KIT and INSTRUMENT data
can also be saved or exchanged.

4
MODUL OVERVIEW
I/O-JACKS:
2x MIDI-In, 1x MIDI-out (type: TRS-B)
2x CV-In, 5x AUDIO-out
KEY: LOAD/SAVE
KEYS: PAGE, SELECT, FIRE
KEYS MENU / INSTRUMENT
DISPLAY/ PUSH ENCODER
8 POTENTIOMETER
8x GATE / TRIGGER inputs
8x CV inputs
3x AUDIO-outputs
BASISMODULE I/O XPANDER
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5
CONNECTION TO THE MODULAR SYSTEM
The base module FIRE is delivered with a
connected ribbon cable for the Doepfer bus.
The wire marked red or blue is -12 volts.
It is important to pay attention to the correct
polarity when connecting. If the module has
accidentally been polarized incorrectly, pro-
tective diodes prevent the module from being
destroyed immediately (however, it cannot be
ruled out that damage will still occur).
Therefore caution: Check the connection
several times before switching on for the first
time!
The current consumption of the module is
+210mA / - 70mA on average, but can reach
peaks of up to +230mA / -70mA!
The XFIRE add-on module is connected to the basic module using the
approx. 60cm long ribbon cable supplied. This additional module does
not require an extra power supply.
Stereo AUDIO OUT (Modular level 10Vpp)
-12V
Ground Ground Ground
+12V

6
VERSION since V1.00
MASTER Menu
After switching on, the MASTER menu is active (MASTER button lights up) and the
Autoload-KIT has been loaded automatically. The number of this KIT can be set in the
SETUP menu on the “KIT AUTO LOAD” page. The value is automatically saved when exi-
ting the SETUP menu.
There are currently only two values in the MASTER menu: "Level" for the overall volume
of the L-R MAIN output and "Morph" for morphing the entire KIT between the Aand B set-
tings of the instruments. The values are part of the drum KIT data and are stored toget-
her in the KIT.
MENU structure
Above the bottom row of buttons are the names of the 8 main menus. Select the menu
directly with the buttons (FIRE must be switched off).
Menu 1 for global settings/functions (eg. MIDI)
Menus 2-4 for editing the instruments of the drum KIT
Menus 5-8 for live jamming and audio settings.
In the first four menus, the basic settings of the device (setup) and the KIT data (editing
of the 8 instruments) are programmed (A,B,CV). The 4 right-hand menus 5-8 contain the
panorama and level settings for the stereo output, the instrument morph page and the
master menu. You can also switch between all menus while playing.
PAGE (select submenu)
The main menus can have further sub-menus (pages), which you can step through with
the PAGE key. For example, in the VOLUME menu on the second page there is a sub-
menu “OUTP ASSIGN” for assigning the instrument's audio output. With the PAGE but-
ton you switch between two or more pages of the menu.
FIRE (Manually trigger instruments)
In menus 1 and 5-8 the 8 keys can be used to play the instruments of the 8 channels
directly with the keys. Press the FIRE button once (button flashes), now use the 8
lower buttons to trigger the instruments of the loaded KIT. To exit, press the FIRE but-
ton again (the button goes out).
In the edit menus A, B and CV you can manually trigger the currently selected instru-
ment directly with the FIRE button to hear changes in the sound (or if there is no exter-
nal sequencer for triggering).
SELECT (select instrument channel)
The instrument of the track is programmed in the edit menus A,B and CV. To change
the track, proceed as follows: Briefly press the SELECT button (button flashes). Then
press the channel button (bottom row 1-8) that you want to edit. The SELECT button
then goes out again and is in the same position of the previous menu, but in the newly
selected channel.
You can also switch on the SELECT function permanently, for example to check the
values of all channels more easily in the CV menu: Press the SELECT button until it
lights up continuously. Now you can go through the channels one after the other with
the keys 1-8. Only pressing the SELECT button again terminates the function.

7
The module has 8 channels, each with an instrument (algorithm). The settings for the
respectively selected channel are made in the menus A, B and CV. The sound of the
selected channel can be triggered directly with the FIRE button. For each channel, there
are memory locations Aand B for two different (or identical) variants of the same instru-
ment, between which you can then control fluently in the MASTER or MORPH menu
(Morph function). So only one common algorithm can be chosen for memory locations A
and B, but with different values in memory locations Aand B.
First program a variation in memory location A. Then copy it to memory location B and
then change the variation in memory location B.
How to copy:
Copy Ato B: while holding down the A-button, press and release the B-button
Copy B to A: while holding down the B button, press and release the Abutton
Advice: After copying, the target remains selected!
INSTRUMENT (select algorithm of the channel)
Turn the DATA knob to select the channel's algorithm (select channel with SELECT and
then buttons 1-8). There are currently the following 9 algorithms:
SNAREDRUM
HIHAT
FM-DRUM
BASSDRUM
T-BRIDGE
RIMSHOT
CLAP
TOM
UNIVERSAL
There are 3 pages for each algorithm (with up to a maximum of 17 parameters).
DISPLAY- VALUES - POTS
The EDIT menus are structured in such a way that the names and values of the 8 con-
trollers are shown in the display accordingly. The first line with a black background
shows the channel number and the selected algorithm. In line 2 the parameters for Poti
1-4 and in line 3 the parameters for Poti 5-8. The value is indicated by a slider under
the parameter name.
LEVEL (set individual level of Aand of B)
You can set separate volume levels for both sound variants Aand B in order to com-
pensate for excessive volume differences, or to fade the instrument in or out with the
morph control. LEVEL is the first parameter for Pot 1 in each Instrument Page. In con-
trast, the overall volume is set in the main menu LEVEL. The volume ratio between A
and B is retained there.
MENU CV (set velocity/CV function of analog CV inputs)
In this menu, the velocity or CV sensitivity of each parameter can be adjusted. The
Velocity/CV input of the channel is set to either Velocity (unipolar 0..+5v) or CV (bipo-
lar -5v..+5v) with the DATA control. With Velocity, the input voltage is only effective
when the instrument is triggered (Sample&Hold). With CV, the input voltage acts con-
tinuously (in the KHz range). When the slider is in the middle position, the parameter
is not affected. Higher values amplify, lower values decrease the parameter by the
input voltage. In Page 3 you can adjust the CV/Velocity control for MORPH between A
and B.
Parameter 1-4
Slider values
Instrument channel number
Parameter 5-8
Instrument algorithm
EDIT MENUS A,B,CV

8
PAGE 1 (SETUP FIRE FIRMWARE VERSION)
LCDCt: 01..32 LCD contrast
Param: pick/jump Parameter change pick or jump
PAGE 2 (MIDI NOTE NUMBERS)
Note numbers can be set for all 8 instrument channels: 000..126, all
000..126 = one instrument note number on MIDI channel 10
all = all note numbers, instrument channel = MIDI channel (1-8)
PAGE 3 (MIDI DUMP KITS)
Load or save KITs via SYSEX file.
Poti 5 = set Send/Load
Poti 6 = set KIT number: all, 1-128
PAGE 4 (MIDI DUMP INSTRUMENTS)
Load or save INSTRUMENTSs via SYSEX file.
Poti 5 = set Send/Load
Poti 6 = set Instrument number: all, 1-9 Instrument name
PAGE 5 (MIDI PROG. CHANGE)
Load a KIT via MIDI program change command.
Poti 6 = set Receive MIDI channel for program change commands: 1-16,off
PAGE 6 (KIT AUTO LOAD)
Poti 5 = set KIT number 001..128
OUTPUT ASSIGN - Menu VOLUME - Page 2
Determination on which audio output the drum instrument is routed:
1-6: Direct outputs AUDIO 1-6
M: Stereo Main-Output
USER CV ASSIGN MORPH - Menu MORPH - Page 2
Defining the parameter control with the USER1/2 CV inputs.
Poti 2 = USER1 Morph 1-8, Main
Poti 6 = USER2 Morph 1-8, Main
KIT LOAD/SAVE
Load KIT:
Briefly pressing the LOAD/SAVE button calls up the LOAD menu. Use the DATA knob
to select the KIT number (001-128), press the DATA knob to load.
Save KIT:
Along press on the LOAD/SAVE button calls up the SAVE menu. Use the DATA knob
to select the memory location (001-128), press the DATA knob to save.
ADVICE: The menu cannot be called up in EDIT menus Aand B. Leave the menu pre-
maturely (cancel function) by pressing the LOAD button again.
INSTRUMENT LOAD/SAVE
Load INSTRUMENT:
Briefly pressing the LOAD/SAVE button calls up the LOAD menu. Use the DATA knob
to select the instrument (1-32), press the DATA knob to load. Hear beforehand by pres-
sing the FIRE button.
Save INSTRUMENT:
Along press on the LOAD/SAVE button calls up the SAVE menu. Use the DATA knob
to select the memory location (1-32), press the DATA knob to save.
ADVICE: The menu can only be called up in EDIT menus Aand B. Leave the menu
prematurely (cancel function) by pressing the LOAD button again.
SETUP MENU

9
SD: SNAREDRUM
This algorithm is mainly used for different snare drum sounds. But noisy, filtered sounds
or dry, dark to light drum sounds can also be produced.
PARAMETER
Env
Pitch
Env mix VCA
Osc1
Osc2
drive
Env
noise VCA VCF
BIT
tuneM
ptAtt
tnAtt tnDec
nsAtt nsDec
reso cutof
Out
tune2
ptDec
Level
+X
Bits
INSTRUMENT ALGORITHM
PAGE 1
level Volume
tuneM Tune Main Oszillator
tune2 Tune Oszillator2
mix Oszillator Mix
ptAtt Attack Pitch Envelope
ptDec Decay Pitch Envelope
tnAtt Attack Tone
tnDec Decay Tone
PAGE 2
noise Noise Level
reso Resonance
cutof Filter Cutof Frequency
nsAtt Attack Noise
nsDec Decay Noise
drive Overdrive
bits Audio Bit Reducer
HH: HIHAT
This algorithm is mainly used for different hi-hat or cymbal sounds. Noisy, filtered and
metallic sounds with different envelopes can be created. With HOLD=0 the sound can be
held with the gate length (pressing a button).
PARAMETER
PAGE 1
level Volume
tune Tune Metal/Samples
metal metal + 4 samples
nsMix Noise Level
attack Volume Attack
decay Volume Decay
hold 0= AR >0= AD Envelope
cutof Filter Cutof Frequency
PAGE 2
LP Filter Type (LP, BP, HP ,Notch)
reso Filter Resonance
noMtG Mute Group
Env
mix VCA
noise
Samples
Metal
Noise VCF
attack decay
hold
reso
nsMix
type
cutof
Out
Level
X
tune
tune
Sample
select

10
FM: FM-DRUM
This algorithm is mainly used for different FM drum or synth sounds. This instrument has
the ability to be played tonally over all notes via MIDI (like a monophonic synth voice).
PARAMETER
Env
Pitch
Env
VCA
Osc
Carrier
Osc
Modulator
BIT
cTune
cFmAm
mFmAm
ptAtt
cDec
Env
VCA
mDec
Out
mTune
ptDec
Level
X
X
Bits
INSTRUMENT ALGORITHM
PAGE 1
level Volume
cTune carrier-Osc Tune
cFmAm carrier-Osc FM Amount
cDec carrier-Osc Decay
mTune modulator-Osc Tune
mFmAm modulator-Osc FM Amount
mDec modulator-Osc Decay
ptAtt pitch Attack
PAGE 2
ptDec pitch Decay
ptAmt pitch Amount
bits Audio Bit Reducer
BD: BASSDRUM
This algorithm is mainly used for different kickdrum sounds. With HOLD=0 the sound can
be held with the gate length (pressing a button). This instrument has the ability to be play-
ed tonally over all notes via MIDI (like a monophonic synth voice).
PARAMETER
Env
Pitch
Env
mix
VCA
Osc BIT
Env
noise
Sample
VCA
drive
VCF
ptAmt
decay hold
nsDec
reso
ckLvl
tnLvl
type
cutof
Out
tune
ptDec
Level
Drive
X
XBits
PAGE 1
level Volume
tune Osz Tune
ptAmt Pitch Amount
ptDec Pitch Decay
drive Overdrive
decay Osz(Tone) Decay
hold 0=AR >0=AD Envelope
tnLvl Osz(Tone) Level
PAGE 2
ckLvl Click Level
ckTun Click Tune
smp01 16 Click samples/noise
cutof Filter Cutof Frequency
reso Filter Resonance
LP Filter Type (LP, BP, HP ,Notch)
bits Audio Bit Reducer
X
ckTun
Sample
select

11
TBR: T-BRIDGE
This algorithm is mainly used for different drum and percussion sounds.
PARAMETER
Pitch
Env BPF drive
Env
VCF
ptAtt
nsDec
reso cutof drive
Out
ptDec
Level
+X
X
INSTRUMENT ALGORITHM
PAGE 1
level Volume
tune Osc Tune
ptAmt Pitch Amout
decay Osc Decay
ptAtt Pitch Attack
ptDec Pitch Decay
drive Overdrive
cutof Filter Cutof Frequency
PAGE 2
reso Filter Resonance
ckLvl Click Level
smp01 16 Click samples/Noise
ckTun Click Tune
RIM: RIMSHOT
This algorithm is mainly used for different percussion sounds.
PARAMETER
BPF 1
HPF drive BIT Out
tune1
dec1
Level
+X
Bits
drive
hipas
PAGE 1
level Volume
tune1 Osc1 Tune
tune2 Osc2 Tune
tune3 Osc3 Tune
dec1 Osc1 Decay
dec2 Osc2 Decay
dec3 Osc3 Decay
hipas Cutof Hipass Filter
PAGE 2
drive Overdrive
bits Audio Bit Reducer
noise
Sample
VCA
ckTun
Sample
select
BPF 3
tune3
dec3
BPF 2
tune2
dec2

12
Clap
Env
BPF VCA
Env
BPF
noise
VCA
nTune
cpNum cpDec
rvDec
rvLvl
Out
time
cpLvl
rvCut
cpCut
Level
+X
X
X
INSTRUMENT ALGORITHM
PAGE 1
level Volume
time Clap Time
cpNum Clap Numbers
rvDec Reverb(noise) Decay
cpDec Clap Decay
cpCut Clap Cutof (Bandpass)
rvCut Reverb(noise) Cutof (Bandpass)
rvLvl Reverb(noise) Level
PAGE 2
cpLvl Clap Level
nTune Noise Tune
TOM: TOM
This algorithm is mainly used for different percussion sounds.
PARAMETER
Pitch
Env
VCA
Osc1
Osc2
drive
Env
noise VCA
BIT
tuneM
drive
ptAtt ptAmt
Env
VCA
tnDec
otDec
Out
tune2
Osc3
tune3
ptDec
Level
+
+
+
X
X
Bits
PAGE 1
level Volume
tuneM Tune Main Oscillator
tune2 Tune Oscillator2
tune3 Tune Oscillator3
ptAmt Pitch Amount
ptAtt Pitch Attack
ptDec Pitch Decay
tnDec Ton Decay
PAGE 2
otDec Overtone Decay
drive Overdrive
bits Audio Bit Reducer
CP1: CLAP
This algorithm is mainly used for CLAP sounds.
PARAMETER

UNI: UNIVERSAL
This algorithm is mainly used for different snare or kick drum sounds. But noisy, filtered
sounds or dry, dark to light drum sounds can also be produced. With HOLD=0 the sound
can be held with the gate length (pressing a button).This instrument has the ability to be
played tonally over all notes via MIDI (like a monophonic synth voice).
PARAMETER
13
INSTRUMENT ALGORITHM
PAGE 1
level Volume
tuneM Tune Main Oscillator
tune2 Tune Oscillator 2
fmAmt FM Amount Oscillatoren
ptAtt Pitch Attack
ptDec Pitch Decay
ptAmt Pitch Amount
tnCut Tone Cutof Frequency
PAGE 2
tnRes Ton Resonance
LP Ton Filtertype (LP/BP/HP/notch)
tnDec Ton Decay
hold 0=AR >0=AD Envelope
nsCut Noise Cutof Frequency
nsRes Noise Filter Resonance
LP Noise Filtertype (LP/BP/HP/notch)
nsDec Noise Decay
Env
Pitch
Env
VCA
Osc1
Osc2
Env
noise VCA
VCF
tuneM
ptAmt
ptAtt
tnDec
nsDec
type
nsRes nsCut
VCF
type
tnRes tnCut
Out
tune2
fmAmt
ptDec
Level
+X
X
X

14
FIRMWARE UPDATE
Acomputer with a MIDI interface and a SYSEX program is required for a firmware
update. For PC we recommend the freeware software MIDI-OX, for MAC the soft-
ware “SYSEX LIBRARIAN”.
Proceed as follows:
Load the firmware file (e.g. FlameFireV1_0a.syx) onto the computer.
Only connect the MIDI input 1 of the module directly to the MIDI out of your computer
using a MIDI-TRS-B adapter (avoid detours, e.g. via USB hubs).
Advice: AMIDI-TRS-B adapter is required for the MIDI connection!
Turn on the module while holding buttons 1 (SETUP) and 8 (MASTER). The module
now starts in the bootloader menu and waits for the Syseyx file.
Send the firmware file from the sysex program to the module. The receipt of the
data should now be shown on the display of the module (counter counts up). If
nothing is shown on the display when sending the file, the MIDI connection is not
correct (please check the cables, settings of the MIDI interface and SYX program
settings).
If the upload was successful, the module saves the data and then starts automatically
with the new firmware.
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Adapter Typ: MIDI-TRS-B

15
TROUBLESHOOTING
I want to exit FIRE mode (the one where I can play all 8 instruments directly):
You can only exit FIRE mode by pressing FIRE again.
The FIRE button does not respond:
Very much likely the EDIT buttons A/B/CV are lit - in this menu the FIRE button does not
work. Exit via pressing the MASTER button.
I want to load or save a KIT, but the display always shows INSTRUMENT and vice
versa:
When EDIT A/B/CV is active (lit!) you're in EDIT mode and in this mode you always load
or save instruments. KITS are saved or loaded while you're in the MASTER menu
(A/B/CV is unlit!).
I can't hear my sound:
Make sure that level (top left) isn't set to zero. Also check the morph settings in the morph
menu and in the master menu (both set to 0!). If you still can't hear anything go to the
volume menu, go to the second page and check if M (the Master Out) is selected. In case
you still hear nothing, check the Decay settings.
If you're triggering the channel in the meantime you could also just press LOAD (while
in the EDIT menu) and scroll through the instruments with the main dial and listen to them
them directly. If you hear something now, it is probably due to your parameter settings.
Either load that instrument or go back and search again for the incorrectly set parameter.
Updating the firmware or midi dump doesn't work:
Make sure you're using midi input 1 and nothing else is connected.
Check your midi cables (use ours or a TYPE B adapter) and also make sure you're
going into TAKT directly and not via a USB-hub or such. Afurther source of error often
is the sysex application - make sure that the correct midi output is selected.
If you use the "SYSEX LIBRARIAN" program as a Mac user, you always receive the
SYSEX data via the "Record Many" button (top right).
If it still doesn't work try a different (older) interface: many new and especially cheaper
ones have different impedance and stuff and therefore limited functionality.

16
APPENDIX & TECHNICAL DETAILS
Technical details
Connections:
Ribbon cable adapter for Doepfer bus +/-12Volt
Inputs: 2x MIDI-TRS-B, 10x CV, 8x Trigger/Gate, 3,5mm mono/stereo jacks
Outputs: 1x MIDI-TRS-B, 8x audio, 3,5mm mono/stereo jacks
Controls:
12 buttons
8 Potentiometer, 1 encoder
1 LCD-graphic display
Resolution: DAC: 16Bit, Audio output: +/-5V
Current consumption: +210mA / -70mA
Size: Euro format 3U / 22HP 110x128,5x33mm, installation depth: 30mm
Expander: 3U / 6HP 110x30x20mm, installation depth: 25mm
Warrenty
Beginning from the date of purchase a 2-year warranty is guaranteed for this device in
case of any manufacturing errors or other functional deficiencies during runtime.
The warranty does not apply in case of:
- damage caused by misuse
- mechanical damage arising from careless treatment
(dropping, vigorous shaking, mishandling, etc)
- damage caused by liquids penetrating the device
- heat damage caused by overexposure to sunlight or heating
- electric damage caused by improper connecting
(wrong power supply/ jacks/ MIDI connections/ voltage problems).
If you have any complaints please contact your dealer or send an e-mail to:
[email protected]
Terms of production
conformity: CE, RoHS, UL
Disposal
The device is produced with RoHS-conformity (subject to the regulations of the
European Union) and is free of hazardous substances (like mercury, plumb, cadmium
and hexavalent chrome). But electronical scrap is hazardous waste. Please don't add
this to consumer waste. For an environment friendly disposal of waste please contact
your distributor or specialist dealer.
Support
Updated and additional informations, updates, downloads and more see:
http://flame.fortschritt-musik.de
Acknowledgment
For help and assistance big thanks to: Sebastian Preller, Thomas Wagner, Felix
Bergleiter, Anne-Kathrin Metzler, Alex4 and Schneiders Büro Berlin.