future.retro Trax! User manual

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Written by Jered Flickinger
Copyright 2019
Future Retro
www.future-retro.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 4 - Overview
Page 5 – Controls
Page 6 – Inputs and Outputs
Page 7 – MIDI
Page 8 – Jumper Settings
Page 9 – Standalone
Page 10 – Sync Slaves to TRAX
Page 11 – Sync to Analog Clock
Page 12 – Send Analog Clock
Page 13 – Send MIDI
Page 14 – Send MIDI and
Sync Slaves to TRAX
Page 15 – Sync to MIDI and
Send MIDI
Page 16 – Sync Slaves to MIDI
Page 17 – MIDI Information
Page 18 – GLOBAL PARAMETERS
Playback
Sync
Tempo
Swing
Time Signatures
Mute
Page 19 – Fill Type
Rec Steps
CV Links
Page 20 – CV1 and CV2 Range
CV1 and CV2 Scales
Master Loop
MIDI Channel
MIDI to CV
Page 21 – MIDI Offset
Display Screensaver
Page 22 – PART PARAMETERS
Rhythm A/B
CV1 A/B
CV2 A/B
Page 23 – Play Mode
Copy/Paste
Evolution
Page 24 – Random/Phi
Page 25 – Remix
Direction
Offset
Loop 1 Steps
Page 26 – Loop 2 Bars
Regen
Page 27 – Calibration
Page 28 – Troubleshooting
Warranty
Specifications

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OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing the TRAX!
The TRAX is a performance sequencer module designed to control the Transient line of products.
This sequencer can also control various other modules in your modular system, as well as other analog and
MIDI sound modules.
What appears to be a rather simple looking module on the outside, is actually a bangin' powerhouse of
features and functions just waiting to be discovered. This module manages to combine the best elements of
classic sequencers mixed with some amazing new features, offering a wide range of possibilites from
traditional to the more experimental algorithmic type sequencing.
While most sequencers allow you to store patterns and then simply select the order they play back, the TRAX
will not store any sequences in memory. Instead the TRAX provides quick ways to enter new music data and
alter that data on the fly. We want to encourage you to discover new results with each and every performance.
Parameter editing is designed in an intuitive fashion, often allowing you to perform parameter changes in very
musical ways.
TRAX provides all the functions you would expect to find larger sequencers such as Tap Tempo, Time
Signatures, Swing, Mute, Fills, Scales and much more. Playback can be controlled using the internal clock,
external analog clock, or even MIDI clock.
TRAX provides independent Rhythm, CV1, and CV2 parts. Each part provides A/B patterns (up to 16 steps
each), that can be played in various directions, and manipulated in unique ways using the built in Remix,
Evolve, and Phi features. Each part also provides three independent loop points for total control.
For those wanting a more traditional sequencing solution the Links feature allows CV1 and CV2 part
parameters to be linked to the Rhythm part. In fact you can link any combination of CV parameters to the
Rhythm for complete flexability, and new ways of jumping between different parameter values.
With unique new features like Evolve, once you enter a pattern or two, the TRAX is able to compare the
patterns and generate numerous related patterns instantly for you to access. In addition, the Remix feature will
provide 256 variations of each pattern entered. Need more inspiration? A part can also be filled with
Randomized data.
While patterns are playing you can edit, overwrite, copy and paste, or add various fills all in real-time.
TRAX can be used by itself, or with the expanded MIDI capabilities that the MIDI BUS provides.
Want more? It’s easy to expand your system to include multiple TRAX using our Flying Bus power cable.
Quite simply, the TRAX is capable of generating a very large amount of new output control with very little
input from the user. It’s a performers dream, and sure to introduce some excitement into your tracks.
Obviously your anxious to dive in and experience this module for yourself. However please take the time to
read through this manual before use. It is important that you set up your TRAX with the correct jumper
settings and cabling for your situation before ever providing power to the module.

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CONTROLS
PARAMETER KNOB
Rotate the Parameter knob to select different parameters, and adjust the parameter values. This control also
has a switch built into it. By pressing the top of the Parameter knob, you can jump between selecting a
parameter, to adjusting that parameter's value.
Be aware when you press the parameter knob, to press down without rotating your finger to prevent values
from changing unintentionally.
The top line of the display will show the current parameter's name. When the parameter name is underlined,
moving the parameter knob will select a different parameter. Otherwise, the parameter knob can be used to
adjust the parameter value shown underlined.
If the Parameter knob is moved too quickly, you may find parameter values may adjust slightly different than
you expected. There are some limitations to how quickly this encoder can be read properly. After a little time
with the unit, you will have a better idea of how quick is too quick for proper readings.
SWITCH A, B, TAP
The function of these switches will change depending on what parameter is currently active. Please refer to
each parameter function to understand what these switches do.
LED
The LED on the front panel will blink like a metronome at quarter note intervals when the Rhythm pattern is
blank. Once data has been entered into Rhythm pattern, this LED will then blink each time the sequencer
plays a new note, and a Trigger out is generated.
QUICK NAVIGATION
When the top line parameter name is underlined, you will be selecting the parameter page. In addition to using
the Parameter knob to adjust the parameter selection, you can also use Switch A(-), and Switch B(+) to
quickly jump through the menu.
The menu is laid out with the Global parameters first, followed by the Rhythm, CV1, and CV2 part
parameters. Since the Rhythm, CV1, and CV2 parts all have similar functions, pressing Switch B(+) will jump
to the same parameter for the next higher part. If any of the Global parameter pages are the current selection,
pressing Switch B(+) will select the Rhythm part’s pattern A.
Pressing Switch A(-) will jump to the same parameter for the next lower part.
If any of the Rhythm parameter pages are currently selected and you press Switch A(-), you will then enter
one of the Global parameters.
If any of the the Global parameter pages are currently selected and you press the Switch A(-), you will then
jump to the Playback (or first) parameter page.
When used in conjuntion with the Parameter knob, you should be able to navigate to any parameter page
desired with minimal steps.

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INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
TRIGGER OUT
The TRIG jack will provide a positive polarity 5ms trigger signal whenever a note is programmed to play in
the Rhythm part, a Fill is activated, or when playback is stopped and you manually trigger a note. This trigger
signal will range from 0 to +5v.
This output should be connected to the TRIG IN of the Transient modules, or the Trigger, Gate, or even Clock
input of most other modules, using a 3.5mm cable.
This output will tell the Transient when to play a sound. It could also be used to trigger other percussion
sound modules, trigger envelopes, S/H modules, or provide a rhythmic clock to analog sequencers.
CV 1 AND 2 OUT
The TRAX provides two CV outputs, both having a range from 0 to +5.333 volts when scaled to the 1v/Oct
standard. Each CV output has dedicated Offset and Scale trimmers accessed from the back of the unit for
calibrating these control voltage signals.
These outputs will update their value each time a new Trigger is generated, and should connect respectively to
the CV1 and CV2 inputs on the Transient using a 3.5mm cable. When used with other modules, these CV
outputs can be used to control the pitch of an oscillator, filter, amplifier or whatever you like.
CLOCK
The CLOCK jack on the TRAX is a stereo TRS jack. The Tip of the jack is for the Clock, while the Ring of
the jack is for the Reset signal. This jack can be defined as either an output or an input by setting the
appropriate jumpers on the back of the module. Turn your systems power off, before making any changes to
jumper settings.
The signal range of these inputs or outputs will be 0 to +5 volts.
When set to be outputs, the Clock will generate the fastest clock necessary for the selected Time Signature. A
Reset pulse will be generated to syncronize other devices to reset playback to the beginning of their sequence.
When set to be inputs, you must make sure to also set jumpers on the back of the module to use EXT clock.
Turn your systems power off, before making any changes to jumper settings.
This module can then be clocked with external analog clock signals. Each time a new clock signal is received
the TRAX will advance playback to the next step to play. When an external Reset signal is received, the
sequencer will start playback from the beginning.

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MIDI
The TRAX uses the power bus cable to transmit MIDI to/from the MIDI BUS product, or to sync multiple
TRAX sequencers together in your system using the +3.3 volt MIDI standard. In order to do this, the TRAX
repurposes what the eurorack standard defines as the INT GATE line of the power bus for MIDI IN signals,
and the INT CV line of the power bus for MIDI OUT signals. Since those two lines are common to all other
module power ports in your system, caution must be taken that MIDI BUS settings on the TRAX do not route
MIDI signals to/from the power buss using a standard ribbon power cable if other modules in the system use
the INT GATE or INT CV lines for their intended or other purposes.
To prevent conflicts with other signals that may be using these lines of the power bus, we recommend using
our specific Flying Bus power cables when using the TRAX with the MIDI BUS product, or when simply
wanting to sync multiple TRAX sequencers together in the same system. This Flying Bus power cable allows
all modules connected to it to receive the proper power from the system, without connection MIDI signals to
the rest of your system.
MIDI will provide the best option for syncing multiple TRAX modules in your system. MIDI provides
Start/Stop and Tempo control, with higher resolution clocks than an external analog clock can provide.
Using MIDI also allows all slave modules to access all of the different Time Signatures, where external clocks
can reliably only be divided down, meaning only slower Time Signatures are possible.
Not to mention, using analog clocks to sync multiple units would require a handful of 3.5mm TRS cables,
balanced multiples, and you end up with a mess of cable routing.
Instead, we are introducing Flying Bus MIDI, where the ribbon cable powering the modules also provides
MIDI to each module. If you simply want to sync multiple TRAX modules to one another, you can purchase
the Flying Bus MIDI cable through our website.
To sync one or more TRAX to other MIDI devices will require our MIDI BUS module. The MIDI BUS
provides MIDI IN/OUT/THRU on 3.5mm TRS cables.
Although the TRAX was designed to be a sequencer for controlling percussion units, you may find it useful as
a melodic sequencer for synthesizers too. You should note that the Trig output signal is just a short 10ms
pulse. Therefore it is not ideal for controlling note duration. This is fine for percussion sounds as they only
need the start of their sound to be defined. Instead you may want to trigger decay-only type envelopes with
the short Trig pulse to control the duration of a sound generated by other modules in your system.
The TRAX can also play sound modules using MIDI. The Rhythm part will determine the MIDI note-on/off,
CV1 will determine the MIDI note pitch, and CV2 will determine the MIDI velocity value.
NOTE: The MIDI velocity value transmitted will be 2x the value programmed into the CV2 part providing a
0-126 range.
Since a MIDI note duration of only 10ms is not be very useful, the TRAX will not send a MIDI note-off
message until a new MIDI note is required to play. TRAX will then send a MIDI note-off just before creating
the new MIDI note-on message. This allows MIDI modules to sustain the playing of a sound until a new note
needs to be played. This can creates some interesting results, since erasing rhythm steps will cause a previous
note to sustain for a longer duration. Also, when the TRAX playback is stopped, and you are manually
triggering the TRAX to play notes, a note will sustain infinitely until a new note is played, or until the
sequencer playback starts.

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JUMPER SETTINGS
Before installing the TRAX in your eurorack system, it is important to understand what all the jumper settings
on the back of the unit are for, and decide how you would like to use the TRAX in your setup.
IMPORTANT: Make sure power is turned off, or the module is removed from your system’s power before
making any changes to these jumper settings.
CLOCK TYPE
Clock Type header defines if the front panel CLOCK jack will be used as an input or output for Clock and
Reset signals.
CLOCK IN – Sets the Tip portion of the CLOCK jack to be an analog clock input.
CLOCK OUT – Sets the Tip portion of the CLOCK jack to be an analog clock output.
RESET IN – Sets the Ring portion of the CLOCK jack to be a reset input.
RESET OUT – Sets the Ring portion of the CLOCK jack to be a reset output.
NOTE: Make sure both Clock and Reset jumpers are set to the same direction, either IN or OUT only.
Do not try setting one to IN and the other to OUT or possible damage may occur.
SYNC TYPE
Sync Type header defines the clock source of the TRAX. Only one jumper location should be set at any time.
INT - In this location the TRAX will use its internal clock.
EXT - In this location the TRAX will use external analog clocks connected to the front panel jack.
NOTE: When using EXT, you will also need to make the proper jumper settings to define the CLOCK
jack for Clock In, and Reset In.
MIDI – In this location the TRAX will sync to external MIDI clocks. NOTE: This function requires
the use of the Future Retro MIDI Bus product to gain access of MIDI In/Out signals from the TRAX.
MIDI BUS
MIDI BUS header defines how MIDI signals will be connected to the power bus cable! Unless you are using
the TRAX with the Future Retro MIDI BUS, you should leave a single jumper on the NO MIDI IN position.
NO MIDI IN – A jumper should be placed in this location if you do not have the MIDI BUS product.
MIDI IN – Place a jumer in this location to direct MIDI IN from the MIDI BUS to the TRAX.
MIDI OUT – Place a jumper in this location to direct MIDI OUT from the TRAX to the MIDI BUS.
MASTER CLOCK – Place a jumper in this location to allow this TRAX to act as a master MIDI
CLOCK. This will allow other TRAX sequencers to sync their playback to this unit via MIDI Sync
when using the optional Flying Bus power cable (available through our website).
The diagrams on the following pages illustrate the jumper settings required for different operations. It is very
important to make sure jumper settings on your unit are identical to those shown, and that the type of power
cable shown be used for that type of operation as well.

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The MIDI BUS product conforms to the MIDI 1.0 standard, and provides +3.3 volt MIDI signals
over the Power Bus Cable. Please note that standalone devices requiring their power via MIDI
using the older +5 volt standard will not be compatible. For instance our 1x4 MIDI THRU box is
not compatible with the MIDI BUS product. Older MIDI devices that simply require MIDI data
should still be compatible.
The MIDI BUS follows the TRS MIDI B Spec Class, currently supported by Arturia, Novation,
and 1010 Music devices. This Spec Class requires the use of MIDI cables with internal wiring as
shown in the table above.
The Flying Bus cable connector, shown to the left, illustrates the location of the MIDI IN and MIDI
OUT signals for the Power Bus. We provide this information here for any other manufactures who
would like to adopt this method, and make products that are compatible with this new standard.

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GLOBAL PARAMETERS
PLAYBACK
The SYNC parameter shows what will be controlling playback of this unit. The TRAX will default to the
Sync type as set by the SYNC TYPE header on the back of the unit. With playback stopped, you can change
the Sync value using the Parameter knob.
SYNC: INT – Playback will be controlled by the internal clock. Press the TAP switch to Start or Stop
playback.
SYNC: EXT – Playback will be controlled by the analog Clock and Reset signals connected to the
front panel CLOCK jack. Press the TAP switch to reset the sequencer to it’s first step.
SYNC: MIDI – Playback will be controlled by MIDI. This mode requires the MIDI BUS product or
the Flying Bus power cable. Press the TAP switch to reset the sequencer to it’s first step.
NOTE: While in the Playback mode, press Switch A(-) and Switch B(+) at the same time to reset values for
all Part parameters. These Part parameters will reset to values similar to when the unit is first turned on. Use
caution, as this will reset Rhythm, and CV patterns too. This type of reset will not change your Global
parameter settings.
TEMPO
This parameter adjust the Tempo of the internal clock only. If Sync is set to EXT or MIDI, you will not be
able to adjust the tempo using the TRAX, instead you will need to adjust the master device’s tempo
controlling the TRAX.
There are three ways to adjust the tempo. You can rotate the Parameter knob, press Switch A(-) to decrement
the tempo, press Switch B(+) to increment the tempo, or you use the TAP switch to enter the tempo by
tapping twice at quarter not intervals.
SWING
The Swing parameter adds a human feel or shuffle to the timing of notes. The Swing amount can range from
50% to 75%. The amount can be adjusted using the Parameter knob, or you can quickly make settings by
pressing TAP for 50%, Switch A(-) for 66%, or Switch B(+) for 75%.
TIME SIGNATURE
The TRAX provides the following time signatures: 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/4, 8/4. Time signatures may be
adjusted using the Parameter knob, or more quickly and precisely using the switches. There’s nothing more
annoying that selecting 3/4 time signature when you are playing 4/4 time signature. Often you simply want to
half or double-time the time signature to achieve a music effect. The switches allow you to do just that.
Press Switch A(-) to jump from 8/4 to 4/4, 4/4 to 2/4, 2/4 to 1/4, or 6/4 to 3/4.
Press Switch B(+) to jump from 1/4 to 2/4, 2/4 to 4/4, 4/4 to 8/4, or 3/4 to 6/4.
Press the TAP switch to change from 3/4 to 4/4, or 6/4 to 8/4 and vice versa.
MUTE
The Mute parameter allows you to control if Trigger and CV output signals will be updated during playback.
Press/hold Switch A(-) to temporarily mute or halt the Trigger and CV outputs.
Press Switch B(+) to toggle Mute ON or OFF.
Press or Press/hold TAP Switch to produce a Fill, as defined by the Fill Type parameter settings.
NOTE: You can generate a Fill even if Mute is ON.

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FILL TYPE
The Fill Type parameter defines how Fills will be generated. The Fill Type can be adjusted using the
Parameter knob, or Switch A(-) or Switch B(+). Press/hold the TAP Switch to activate a Fill as long as this
switch is held.
NO FILL – No notes will be generated when Fill is activated.
OFF STEPS – Fill only the steps that are OFF in the Rhythm pattern.
ON STEPS – Fill only the steps that are programmed into the Rhythm pattern.
ALL STEPS – Fill all steps will generate a fill at the highest clock rate defined by the Time Signature
selected.
NOTE: When the sequencer playback is stopped, selecting any parameter mode that allows you to produce a
Fill by pressing the TAP Switch, will instead allow you to use the TAP Switch to manually generate a Trigger
output with CV1 and CV2 outputs producing their respective value to write.
REC STEPS
The Record Steps parameter defines how notes will be entered into the Rhythm pattern. The REC STEPS can
be adjusted using the Parameter knob, or Switch A(-) or Switch B(+). Press/hold the TAP Switch to activate a
Fill as long as this switch is held.
RHYTHM – New notes will be entered into the Rhythm part only when recording the Rhythm itself.
CV1 – New notes will be written into the Rhythm part when notes are recorded into the Rhythm or
CV1 part.
CV2 – New notes will be written into the Rhythm part when notes are recorded into the Rhythm or
CV2 part.
CV1 + 2 – New notes will be written into the Rhythm part when notes are recorded into the Rhythm,
CV1 or CV2 part.
Since each part is separate, it is often useful to record a note-on into the Rhythm part while entering notes for
either of the CV parts. Use any of the CV selections to allow this for faster entering of Rhythm part
information.
If you wish to edit CV parts without recording new notes into the Rhythm part, set this parameter to
RHYTHM.
CV LINKS
The CV Links allows parameters for CV1 and CV2 to link (or use) the equivalent Rhythm parameter instead
of its own. CV Links can be selected using the Parameter knob, or Switch A(-) or Switch B(+). Press the TAP
Switch to toggle the current link selection On or Off. Parameters that are linked to the Rhythm will be
indicated as a solid white circle. Parameters that are not linked will be represented as an empty circle.
When no link is underlined, the display will show OFF or ON. Use the TAP Switch to toggle this value OFF
or ON. When OFF, any links set will be bypassed and each parameter will use its own parameter instead.
To clear all links, hold Switch A(-) and press the TAP Switch. To set all links, hold Switch B(+) and press the
TAP Switch.

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CV1 AND CV2 RANGES
The upper range of each CV part can be limited using the CV1 and CV2 Range settings. The Values
parameter defines the max number of values each CV part can produce. Values can range from 1-64. These
settings are useful when you want to confine CV values to a specific range, especially when using Evolve,
Phi, or Randomization. Values settings of 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 will be ideal when using a CV to control
Pitch.
Range selection can be adjusted using the Parameter knob, Switch A(-) or Switch B(+). Pressing the TAP
switch will reset the Range value to max setting of 64.
CV1 AND CV2 SCALES
Each CV output can be quantized to one of 29 musical scales. You can choose a different scale for CV1 and
CV2.
Scale selection can be adjusted using the Parameter knob, Switch A(-) or Switch B(+). Pressing the TAP
switch will default to the Chromatic scale.
In the Chromatic scale each value entered into a CV part selects a different semitone. For instance, if a CV
value of 0 is equal to C, 1 is equal to C#, and 2 is equal to D. If instead you select Major as the Scale type, a
value of 0 will produce a C, a value of 1 will also produce a C, and a value of 2 will produce a D. Therefore if
a CV value does not exist in that scale, it will play at a lower note value that does exist in the selected scale.
MASTERLOOP
Masterloop defines the number of bars the sequencer will play before forcing a restart of playback, and will
also generate a Reset pulse output at the Clock jack.
Masterloop range can be set to OFF, meaning playback for all parts and loops is free-running, and Reset
pulses will no longer occur at the Clock output jack. The Masterloop range can further be set to a value from
1-64 bars. The Masterloop parameter can be adjusted with the Parameter knob, Switch A(-) or Switch B(+).
When using Switch A(-) or Switch B(+), the loop value will change in multiples of two since these are the
most common musical choices.
Pressing the TAP Switch will manually force an internal restarting of parameters.
MIDI CHANNEL
The MIDI Channel parameter defines the MIDI channel the TRAX will send MIDI data OUT when using the
optional MIDI BUS product. In addition, when Sync Type is set to INT or MIDI and playback is stopped, you
can also use the MIDI Channel parameter to select MIDI TO CV along with channels 1-16. The MIDI
Channel can be adjusted using either the Parameter knob, Switch A(-), or Switch B(+).
Notice that this parameter can be adjusted from NO to 1-16. When NO is selected, no MIDI data will be sent
out. A selection of 1-16 will send MIDI data OUT on the selected MIDI channel. Make sure the device you
are sending MIDI to is set to receive data on the same MIDI channel. Once rotated past MIDI channel 16, the
parameter name will change to MIDI TO CV, and you can select channels 1-16 as the MIDI input channel to
convert.
Pressing the TAP switch will reset the MIDI Channel to NO, so that no MIDI will be transmitted.
NOTE: You can change the MIDI channel selection on the fly while the sequencer playing, to redirect note
data to different voices or sound modules. When the sequencer is stopped you can change the MIDI TO CV
channel on the fly to look at and convert MIDI to Trig and CV1 and CV2 outputs. A MIDI note-on will
generate a Trig out, the pitch of that note will be generated by CV1 output, and the velocity of that note will
be generated by CV2.