Kilpatrick Audio K1600 User manual

// K1600 // MIDI Converter
User Manual
Hardware Version C/D
Firmware Version 1.2x
August 10 2012
Kilpatrick Audio

// K1600 // MIDI Converter 2p
Introduction
The K1600 MIDI Converter is a versatile bridge between MIDI equipment and analog modules. Its
outputs are designed to interface with many types of modules and the method of control can be
adapted to suit your needs. By using a MIDI learning approach to programming MIDI messages can
be used to assign the outputs quickly. The CV and gate outputs specifically allow different modes of
operation for pitch and gate control even supporting polyphony.
By using multiple K1600 modules the MIDI signal can be daisy-chained between modules. This not
only expands the total number of outputs but also allows polyphonic control of more than two voices.
In this mode the modules work together to assign voices to up to 16 CV/gate output pairs.
Features
•Eurorack (3U) form factor - 12HP width
•MIDI to CV gate trigger and clock converter
•Provides MIDI expansion for other Kilpatrick Audio modules
•MIDI soft-thru for daisy-chaining multiple units
•Quick programming with MIDI learn function
•Multi-channel and split-keyboard support for independent control of different outputs
•Dedicated duophonic mode with automatic unison / dual note assignment
•Polyphonic CV/gate output - duophonic support with a single K1600
•Polyphonic mode with 4 6 8 etc. voices using multiple K1600s
•Arp Odyssey-style duo-phonic mode
•CV pitch bend support
•Four drum trigger outputs
•Continuous controllers (CC) assignable to any CV/gate or trigger output
•MIDI clock to analog (5V) clock and reset outputs for driving analog sequencers
•Trigger gate clock reset outputs: 0V / 5V (positive edge triggered)
•CV outputs: -5V to +5V 1V/octave trimmable - high precision power supply and 12 bit DACs
ensure tuning stability
•Program-change control over various modes
•Requires +/-12V (30mA) - 16 pin Doepfer-style power cable used
•Designed and made in Canada using high quality parts.
•Warranty: 1 year
User Manual
Hardware Version C/D
Firmware Version 1.2x
August 10 2012
© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio

// K1600 // MIDI Converter 3p
Installation and Setup
When installing the K1600 in your modular system pay close attention to the pinout and direction of
the 16-pin power input cable. The K1600 contains protection against reverse connection but please
double-check the cable before switching on the unit. The warranty does not cover damage caused by
wrong installation.
If you are using the module with another MIDI device using the internal MIDI cable connect a 10 pin
ribbon cable between the two units. In this case also observe the correct cable direction.
Warning DO NOT plug the MIDI cable into the power port, or vice versa.
Output Voltage Trim
The voltage trim on the outputs is factory calibrated into a 100K ohm load. But depending on your
setup you might need to adjust it if the scale tuning is wrong with your oscillators. The multi-turn trim
pot supplied on each output can adjust the tuning over a significant range.
To trim the outputs it is required to enter setup mode on both CV outputs. To do this click the SELECT
switch until all 4 CV/gate LEDs are flashing in unison. Then place the switch into SETUP mode. In this
mode the gate outputs will pulse and the CV outputs will generate +1.000V.
Fig. 1 - Output Voltage Trim
Output Voltage Trim
Adjust the output voltage trim with a small
flat screwdriver to achieve the correct scale
span with your VCO.
R28 = CV1 trim
R27 = CV2 trim
Adjust the pot for each output as shown in fig. 1 until you read exactly +1.000V on each output. (you
need a high quality voltmeter to do this) Notes should play perfectly in tune across the entire range. If
this is not so adjust the voltage to be higher (larger scale span) or lower (smaller scale span) until
you arrive at the correct setting for your oscillator.
User Manual
Hardware Version C/D
Firmware Version 1.2x
August 10 2012
© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio

// K1600 // MIDI Converter 4p
Physical Installation
You should install the unit in your modular system using all four screw holes. The unit is designed to
be mounted properly to avoid damage to the internal parts when plugging or unplugging cables or
adjusting the controls.
Connection Warnings
The CV outputs are buffered low impedance (100 ohm) outputs designed to drive oscillator 1V/octave
inputs with minimal error. You should not attempt to sum the CV outputs with passive multiples. Doing
so will not harm the unit but will likely not result in the behaviour you expect.
The gate trigger and clock outputs are 1000 ohm outputs and should not have voltages fed into them
from other units. They are designed to tolerate the input of between -12V and +12V but are meant for
output only. You should be able to sum the signals using passive multiples but buffered mixers are a
better choice for achieving proper mixing of signals.
User Manual
Hardware Version C/D
Firmware Version 1.2x
August 10 2012
© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio

// K1600 // MIDI Converter 5p
Usage
To use the K1600 MIDI Converter requires a source of MIDI. This can be a MIDI controller such as a
keyboard or it may be a MIDI interface connected to a computer and sequencing software. The
routing of MIDI signals from your various instruments is up to you but the K1600 is equipped to
respond on multiple MIDI channels simultaneously making it an ideal interface for use with MIDI
sequencers and mergers.
Channel 16 Reserved
One important point is that channel 16 is reserved and cannot be used for normal MIDI assignment.
Reserved functions available on channel 16 can be used to directly control any of the outputs. This
means that the K1600 can be used as a low-level MIDI to voltage converter which includes direct control
over every output including setting the CV output DACs to any value producing pulses of different
lengths (timed output pulses) and so on. This is very useful for show automation or special projects that
can benefit from voltage control via MIDI.
Channel 16 is also used to control the clock divider setting since this is a global function.
Non-volatile Memory
Every output assignment as well as the clock configuration is stored in non-volatile EEPROM inside the
K1600 CPU. This means that the settings will survive power off. To save the EEPROM lifespan settings
will only be written if they are changed. Thus you are free to update the configuration as often as you
like. The settings are stored immediately after being changed so no special save procedure is needed.
Resetting the Non-volatile Memory
To reset the internal EEPROM to the factory settings hold down the SELECT switch when powering on
the unit. The EEPROM will be erased and the factory configuration will be restored.
Software Update
Should changes to the K1600 firmware be released such as feature enhancements or bug fixes new
firmware can be loaded via the MIDI ports using special PC or Mac software supplied by Kilpatrick
Audio. Please contact Kilpatrick Audio if you have any questions about software updates or wish to file a
bug report.
User Manual
Hardware Version C/D
Firmware Version 1.2x
August 10 2012
© 2010 Kilpatrick Audio