Lexicon MRC V4.0 Installation and operating instructions

MRC V4.0
MIDI
Remote
Controller
Owner's Manual
Addendum

Copyright ©1992
All Rights Reserved.
Lexicon Part #070-09430
Lexicon Inc.
3 Oak Park
Bedford, MA USA
Telephone781-280-0300
Fax 781-280-0490

Table of Contents
1. Introducing Version 4.0
V. 4.0 Features ......................1-1
V. 4.0 Changes ......................1-1
2. Controlling the LXP series of
multi-effects processors
Advantages of MRC control...2-1
One-way and Two-way
Communications.................2-2
Overview of One-way
Features ..........................2-5
Overview of Two-way
Features ..........................2-6
Advanced Two-way
Configurations .................2-7
3. Controlling the LXP-15
One-way Connections ...........3-1
Merging and One-way
Communication ...............3-2
Establishing One-way
Communication ...............3-3
One-way Control of
Multiple LXP-15s .............3-5
Two-way Connections ...........3-6
Merging and Two-way
Communication ...............3-6
Establishing Two-way
Communication ...............3-8
Two-way Control of
Multiple LXP-15s ...........3-10
Control Flow.........................3-11
LXP-15 Setups.....................3-12
Selecting an LXP-15
Setup.............................3-12
Communication Problems 3-13
Viewing and Editing LXP-15
Setup Parameters .......3-13
Using the ✳and ENTER
Keys ..............................3-14
LXP-15 Display Pages .....3-14
MRC/LXP-15 Presets .......3-18
Storing Setups from
Machine Run Mode .......3-20
Editing LXP-15 Setups .....3-20
4. Controlling the LXP-5 with
Two-Way Communication
Two-way Connections ...........4-1
Merging and Two-way
Communication ...............4-1
Establishing Two-way
Communication ...............4-3
Two-way Control of
Multiple LXP-5s ...............4-5
Control Flow...........................4-6
LXP-5 Setups.........................4-7
Selecting an LXP-5
Setup...............................4-7
Communication Problems ..4-8
Viewing and Editing LXP-5
Setup Parameters .........4-8

Using the ✳and ENTER
Keys ................................4-9
Storing Setups from
Machine Run Mode .........4-9
MRC/LXP-5 Presets .........4-10
5. Controlling the LXP-1 with
Two-Way Communication
Two-way Connections ...........5-1
Merging and Two-way
Communication ...............5-1
Establishing Two-way
Communication ...............5-3
Two-way Control of
Multiple LXP-1s ...............5-5
Control Flow...........................5-6
LXP-1 Setups.........................5-7
Selecting an LXP-1
Setup...............................5-7
Communication Problems ..5-8
Viewing and Editing LXP-1
Setup Parameters .........5-9
Using the ✳and ENTER
Keys ................................5-9
Storing Setups from
Machine Run Mode .........5-9
MRC/LXP-1 Presets .........5-10
Changing LXP-1 MIDI
THRU to MIDI OUT .......5-11

1-1
Introducing Version 4.0Owner's Manual Addendum
1. Introducing Version 4.0
CongratulationsonyourpurchaseoftheMRCV4.0MIDIRemoteController.
Version4.0addssomesignificantnewfeaturesandchangestoVersion3.0
of the MRC. These changes and features are based on feedback from
presentMRC users.This addendum is nota replacement of the Version3.0
MRC Owner’s Manual. It describes only the new features and changes
added by Version 4.0. If you are new to the MRC and MIDI control, be sure
to refer to the V3.0 manual for general descriptions of, and operational
guidelinesfortheMRC.Wealsosuggest thatyouread
ControllingtheLXP-
15
inthisaddendumforthebestunderstandingofMRCcontrolwithanyLXP
effects processor.
V4.0 Features
The following features have been added to the MRC by Version 4.0:
•The MRC can now control the Lexicon LXP-15 Multi-Effects Processor.
A new machine type for the LXP-15 has been added to the MRC’s
machine definitions.
•
Two-way communication
has been added to allow the MRC to upload
user registers directly from Lexicon LXP-1, LXP-5, and LXP-15 multi-
effects processors for parameter display and control.
V4.0 Changes
The following changes have been made by Version 4.0:
•The PCM-70 machine type has been replaced by the LXP-15 machine
type. Although Version 4.0 cannot be used as a dedicated controller for
the PCM-70, you can still control the PCM-70 from a GMIDI machine
type.
•The two-way communication features of Version 4.0 eliminate the need
to hold large banks of LXP-1, LXP-5, and LXP-15 setups in internal
memory. (Each LXP-type machine can access sixteen internal MRC
presets
and
128 external LXP registers.)

1-2
Lexicon MRC V4.0/ MIDI Remote Controller
ThefollowingtableshowsthenewinternalmemoryconfigurationofVersion
4.0 .
MRC Setup Type Internal Memories
LXP-1 setups 16
LXP-5 setups 16
LXP-15 setups 16
GMIDI setups 20
Global setups 40

2-1
Owner's Manual Addendum Controlling the LXP Series of Multi-Effects Processors
One of the most powerful features of the MRC is its ability to be used as a
dedicated controller for Lexicon’s LXP-1, LXP-5 and LXP-15 multi-effects
processors. For maximum flexibility with your setup, the MRC can control
LXP devices using either one-way or two-way MIDI communication. This
section presents the general issues of MRC/LXP control and communica-
tion. The following sections provide specific information for MRC control of
each type of LXP processor.
Advantages of MRC control
As a dedicated LXP controller, the MRC offers functions similar to those
providedbyacomputerequippedwitheditor/librarianprogramsforthethree
LXP effects units, as well as a MIDI merger/mapper. The MRC is much
easier to move around than a computer — so it’s a great way to take MIDI
control on the road.
With its 2€×24 character display and its ability to control up to sixteen LXP
processors simultaneously, the MRC becomes the “front end” to your LXP
devices — just put them in your rack and let the MRC take over.
Ifyou’reusingacomputerwithyourMIDIsystem,youcanrunyourfavorite
computer-based sequencer and simultaneously use the MRC to edit and
control your LXPs. (The MRC’s GMIDI functions can also be controlling
other MIDI instruments while the sequencer is running)
2. Controlling the LXP Series of
Multi-Effects Processors

2-2
Lexicon MRC V4.0/ MIDI Remote Controller
The MRC has several advantages as a dedicated remote controller for
Lexicon’s LXP-1, LXP-5, and LXP-15 multi-effects processors. Here are
some of the possibilities:
• Simultaneous editing and display of as many as four parameters
• Access as many as sixteen LXPs from a single MRC
• Route two analog controllers (foot pedals) to multiple LXPs
• Enhances programmability of the LXP-1 (The MRC lets you control
parameters that aren’t accessible from the LXP-1 front panel. Internal
Dynamic MIDI patches are expanded from two to four
• Finer control resolution of LXP-1 and LXP-5 parameters
• Fine and coarse control of LXP-15 delay time parameters speeds up
delay programming
• As many as four
additional
Dynamic MIDI patches per LXP
•Internal storage of sixteen setups each for LXP-1, LXP-5 and LXP-15
machine types
•Recordthe movements ofMRC sliders andexternal controllers with any
MIDI sequencer, allowing the MRC to function as an
automated
effects
controller
One-way and Two-way Communications
Dependingontheapplication,MIDIsystemscanbeconfigured forone-way
or two-way communication. For example, when a MIDI keyboard is used to
controla MIDI sound module, one-way communication is usually sufficient.
AsinglecableisrunfromMIDIOUTonthekeyboardtoMIDIINonthesound
module. This is generally thought of as a master/slave system. Additional
slaves can be controlled by the master via MIDI THRU.
Keyboard Sound
Module

2-3
Owner's Manual Addendum Controlling the LXP Series of Multi-Effects Processors
Two-way communication is used for more sophisticated applications. For
instance, in order for a sequencer to record
and
playback MIDI data from a
single synthesizer, they must be set up for two-way communication. Two
cables are required. One is run from the synthesizer’s MIDI OUT to the
sequencer’s MIDI IN. This sends the MIDI data from the synthesizer to the
sequencer where it is recorded. Another cable is run from the sequencer’s
MIDIOUT to the MIDI IN of synthesizer. This sendstherecorded MIDI data
back to the synthesizer, where it is played.
Editor/librarian programs for MIDI effects units are other examples of
applications that require two-way communication to upload parameter
settingsfromtheeffectsdevice intothecomputer,and downloadthemfrom
the computer back into the effects unit.
Synthesizer
Sequencer
Computer Effects
Device

2-4
Lexicon MRC V4.0/ MIDI Remote Controller
It is important to note that two-way communication creates a closed-loop
between the two MIDI devices. Unlike a one-way configuration, it is not a
simplemattertoconnectadditionaldevicestoatwo-wayconfiguration.This
is because MIDI outputs cannot be combined on a single cable without a
MIDI
merger
.
The MRC can be be used in both one-way and two-way configurations.
Since the MRC already “knows”the parameters of the LXP-1, LXP-5 and
LXP-15, it can be used as an editor/librarian in a one-way system. Its dual
inandoutportsandbuilt-inmergerallowexpandedfunctionalitywhenused
in a two-way configuration. You can, for example, merge selected MIDI
controllermessagesfromMIDIIN2withMIDIOUT1.Thismakesitpossible
to control an LXP from a MIDI keyboard (or other MIDI controller) while the
MRC and LXP are set up for two-way communication.
Synthesizer
Merger
Computer Effects
Device
T
H
R
U
Synthesizer
MRC
LXP
EXT
21 OUT IN
2121

2-5
Owner's Manual Addendum Controlling the LXP Series of Multi-Effects Processors
Overview of One-way Features
•Simplified MIDI set up
•MRCeditingand display of parameter settings for multiple LXP devices
•Multiple LXPs can be controlled from a single MRC output via the MIDI
THRU ports on the LXPs
•MIDI clock can be routed to LXPs for Tempo patching
•Both MRC inputs can be used to route MIDI controllers to LXP internal
MIDI patches
•EachLXPbeingcontrolledcanhaveanyfourofitsparameterscontrolled
by the MRC’s internal MIDI patches
•MRC’s GMIDI machines can control other MIDI devices while MRC is
actively editing LXP parameters
MRC
LXP-15
(Tempo
Control)
LXP-5 MIDI
Clock
Sequencer,
Keyboards, etc.
Additional LXPs
or MIDI devices
Foot Pedal #1
Foot Pedal #2
THRU
EXT
21 OUT IN
2121

2-6
Lexicon MRC V4.0/ MIDI Remote Controller
•LXPs connected for one-way communication can be controlled simulta-
neouslybyMIDI messagesreceivedat eitherINport, aswell asfromthe
MRC’s sliders, switches and external controllers.
Overview of Two-way Features
•Access to all user registers on the target LXP
•Dual IN/OUT ports make it possible to simultaneously control
two
LXPs
with two-way communication
•Upload and display current settings directly from the target LXP
•An LXP connected for two-way communication can be controlled simul-
taneouslybyMIDImessagesreceivedattheotherINportaswellasfrom
the MRC’s sliders, switches and external controllers.
•Other MIDI devices can be controlled simultaneously by the MRC by
daisy-chaining them to the MIDI OUT used for MRC control. (See
illustration.)
MRC
Keyboard
to other MIDI devices
(controlled by MRC
and keyboard)
EXT
21 OUT IN
2121
LXP-15
128 Registers
IN THRU OUT
to other MIDI devices
(controlled by MRC)

2-7
Owner's Manual Addendum Controlling the LXP Series of Multi-Effects Processors
Two-way communication requires a separate pair of MIDI IN/OUT ports for
eachLXPbeingcontrolled.TheMRChastwosetsofMIDIIN/OUTports,so
youcancontroltwoLXPsintwo-wayatonceusingtwo-waycommunication.
ControlofmorethantwoLXPswithtwo-waycommunicationispossible,but
requires a MIDI merging device that can handle System Exclusive data. In
MIDI systems with additional hardware such as mergers, THRU boxes, or
patching devices, the MRC’s two-way functions can be expanded to allow
control of more than two LXPs and/or merging of MIDI clock for Tempo
patching while maintaining two-way communication.
Merge
Computer
THRU
MRC
EXT
21 OUT IN
2121
MIDI
Clock
LXP-15 LXP-5 LXP-1
Additional
MIDI devices
Merge
Keyboard
Patcher
Advanced Two-way Configurations

3-1
Controlling the LXP-15
Owner's Manual Addendum
3. Controlling the LXP-15
The MRC can be used as a dedicated remote controller for the LXP-15. All
of the LXP-15 parameters are accessible via the MRC. In addition to being
afull-featurededitor,theMRCalsoextendstheprogrammabilityoftheLXP-
15 by allowing you to create as many as four additional Dynamic MIDI
patches for each LXP-15 sound via the MRC’s Machine Edit Mode. Each
patch allows you to assign one of a variety of MIDI sources or either of the
MRC’s two external inputs to control any LXP-15 parameter. This makes it
possible to control the LXP-15 from
eight
controllers at the same time, four
per LXP-15 setup, and four per LXP-15 machine.
BesuretoreadaboutMIDIpatchinginthe
DynamicMIDI
sectionoftheMRC
V3.0 manual.
The MRC and LXP-15 can be connected for either one-way or two-way
communication, depending on the application.
One-way Connections
Some examples of applications that call for one-way communications are:
•to connect more than one LXP-15 to the same MRC OUT port
•to route MIDI clock to the LXP-15 for Tempo patches
The MIDI connections are simple. Connect a single MIDI cable from MIDI
OUT 1 of the MRC to MIDI IN of the LXP-15 as shown. We use OUT 1 as
an example since it is the default. Of course, you can edit an LXP-15
“machine”to transmit on OUT 2 if you wish. (See
Machine Edit Mode
in the
MRC V3.0 manual).

3-2
Lexicon MRC V4.0/ MIDI Remote Controller
Merging and One-way Communication
MRC
EXT
21 OUT IN
2121
LXP-15
to merge MIDI
Clock and
controllers
to merge
controllers onl
y
When connected for one-way communication, you can use the merging
features of the MRC to route MIDI controllers from either MIDI input to the
LXP-15.ThisisusefulwhenyouareusinganLXP-15registerthatusesMIDI
sources for patching. Merging functions are selected on page 1 of the
SYSTEMS PARAMETERS menu. The different merging options are out-
lined in the following table:

3-3
Controlling the LXP-15
Owner's Manual Addendum
Merging Options for One-way Communication
IN1 -> OUT1 <ON/OFF> Whensetto“ON”,
all
incomingMIDIreceived
on IN1 is merged with MRC OUT1. Use this
to merge MIDI Clock with MRC output for
Tempo patching on the LXP-15.
IN1 -> OUT2 <ON/OFF> When set to “ON”, any combination of MIDI
controllers, Pitch Bend, Aftertouch, Note
numbers and Program Change messages
received on IN1 can be merged with MIDI
OUT2.
IN 2 -> OUT2 <ON/OFF> Whensetto“ON”,
all
incomingMIDIreceived
on IN2 is merged with MRC OUT2. Use this
to merge MIDI Clock with MRC output for
Tempo patching on the LXP-15.
IN2 -> OUT1 <ON/OFF> When set to “ON”, any combination of MIDI
controllers, Pitch Bend, Aftertouch, Note
numbers and Program Change messages
received on IN2 can be merged with MIDI
OUT1.
Establishing One-way Communication
When configured for one-way communication, the MRC is the master, and
the LXP-15 is the slave. In order to establish communication after the initial
connectionsaremadeandbothunitsareturnedon,itisnecessarytoputthe
LXP-15in thesame “state”as theMRC. Thefollowing procedure describes
how this is done:
1. On the MRC, enter Machine Select Mode by pressing MACH twice.
2. Usetheleftmostslider,theMACHbuttonorthekeypadtoselectanLXP-
15 type machine. (Machine #3 is an LXP-15 machine when the MRC is
shipped from the factory.)
3. Confirm that the MIDI cable is connected to the same output as the
displayed “OUT#”.

3-4
Lexicon MRC V4.0/ MIDI Remote Controller
4. Confirm that the LXP-15 is set to receive on the same MIDI channel as
the displayed “CH#”.
5. Press ENTER to put the MRC into Machine Run Mode. The MRC
displaywill change to show the first page of LXP-15 Setup parameters.
6. Press ✱to send the MRC Setup parameters to the LXP-15. The
parameter values displayed by the LXP-15 will change to match those
displayed by the MRC. (This step only needs to be done the first time
communication is established between the two units.)
7. Youcan confirmthat one-waycommunication has beenestablished by
movingaparameterslideronanyofthesixMRCparameterpages.The
LXP-15 display for that parameter should change to match the new
value.
In order to see parameters change on the LXP-15 when MRC sliders are
moved, set the LXP-15 “Update”parameter to “ON”, turn PAGE to the
appropriate parameter page, and press VIEW to display the parameter
values.
With one-way communication, the MRC has no way of “knowing”if the
current LXP-15 setup or parameters have been changed. (This could
happen for example, by sending a Program Change message to the LXP-
15orbychangingparametersorsetupsfromtheLXP-15frontpanel.)Ifyou
thinkthe LXP-15 has been changed bysome other action, simply press the
✱key on the MRC to transmit the current MRC values to the LXP-15.

3-5
Controlling the LXP-15
Owner's Manual Addendum
One-way Control of Multiple LXP-15s
Usingone-waycommunication,youcancontrolasmanyassixteenLexicon
devices at once by defining a separate machine for each device. Multiple
LXP-15controlisveryeasy toset upsince theLXP-15 MIDITHRU portcan
be used to “daisy chain”additional units.When two or more LXP-15s are
controlled from the MRC, they (and the MRC machines that control them)
should be set to different MIDI channels, or be connected to different MRC
OUT ports. Different types of LXPs can share the same MIDI channel and/
or MRC OUT ports.
Ifyouwanttoprocessmultipleaudiosourceswith
identical
LXPeffects,you
can daisy chain multiple LXP-15s (or LXP-5s, or LXP-1s) from the same
MRC OUT port and set them all to the same MIDI channel. They can all be
controlled simultaneously from a single MRC machine.
If you want to use a foot pedal or other analog controller as a patch source
foryourLXP-15beawarethatyoucanconnectoneortwopedalstotheMRC
insteadofto theLXP-15 rearpanelFoot Controllerjacks. Thisallowsyou to
control
multiple
LXP-15s(orotherLXPprocessors)fromthesamepedal(s).
MRC
EXT
21 OUT IN
2121
LXP-15
MIDI
Sources
Additional LXPs
or MIDI devices
LXP-15 THRU
THRU
etc.

3-6
Lexicon MRC V4.0/ MIDI Remote Controller
Two-way Connections
Two way communication allows you to access and view parameters stored
intheLXP-15’s128internalregisters.You canconnectoneortwoLXP-15s
to the MRC for two-way communication. Two MIDI cables are required for
each LXP-15. The LXP-15 MIDI OUT and MIDI IN can be connected to the
MRC IN1 and OUT1 or MRC IN2 and OUT2.
Merging and Two-way Communication
MRC
EXT
21 OUT IN
2121
MIDI Sources
(can be merged
to OUT1)
can be
merged
to OUT1
LXP-15
THRU
Additional
MIDI devices
Additional
MIDI devices
When connected for two-way communication, the merging function for the
input port connected to the LXP-15 must be set to “OFF”(If it is set to “ON,”
communication will not be possible and the MRC will display “SYNCH
TIMEOUT”)
NOTE: The MRC can’t merge MIDI clock with an LXP device connected
for two way communication. If you want to use Tempo patches and an
LXP,youmustsetupone-waycommunicationoruseanexternalmerger.
(See
Advanced Two-way Communications.
)

3-7
Controlling the LXP-15
Owner's Manual Addendum
MIDI data from the input port which is
not connected
to the LXP-15 can be
merged with the data at the output port used for two-way communication.
ThisisusefulwhenyouareusinganLXP-15registerthatusesMIDIsources
for patching. Merging functions are selected on page 1 of the SYSTEMS
PARAMETERS menu. The different merging options are outlined in the
following table:
Merging Options for Two-way Communication
IN1 -> OUT1 <ON/OFF> Mustbesetto“OFF”ifIN1/OUT1arebeingusedfor
two-way communication with the LXP-15.
IN1 -> OUT2 <ON/OFF> If IN2/OUT2 are being used for two-way communi-
cation with the LXP-15, any combination of MIDI
controllers, Pitch Bend, Aftertouch, Note numbers
and Program Change messages received on IN1
can be merged with MIDI OUT2 by setting this to
“ON”.
IN 2 -> OUT2 <ON/OFF> Mustbesetto“OFF”ifIN2/OUT2arebeingusedfor
two-way communication with the LXP-15.
IN2 -> OUT1 <ON/OFF> If IN1/OUT1 are being used for two-way communi-
cation with the LXP-15, any combination of MIDI
controllers, Pitch Bend, Aftertouch, Note numbers
and Program Change messages received on IN2
can be merged with MIDI OUT1 by setting this to
“ON”.
Table of contents
Other Lexicon Remote Control manuals