Mayer EMI MD900 User manual
MD900
Quick-start & Quick-guide
Version 1.0B
MD900
2
Mayer EMI © copyright 2022
Quick-start & quick-guide Vers:1.0B
MD900
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FOREWORD 5
NOTE 5
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 6
6
POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION 6
DISPOSAL 6
PACKAGE CONTENT 7
MD900 XVAOS UPDATE 7
USB-STICK 7
QUICK START 10
PLAYING VIA MIDI KEYBOARD 10
ARRANGEMENT 11
CLIP-LAUNCHER 12
FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW 13
GENERAL PANEL FUNCTIONS 14
FOCUS BUTTON 14
ASSISTANCE DISPLAY 15
REAR CONNECTIONS 16
START-UP 17
CONNECTIONS DETAILS 18
USB-STORAGE DEVICES 18
PEDAL SUSTAIN/HOLD 18
EXPRESSION PEDAL 19
MIDI IN 19
MIDI THRU 19
MIDI OUT 19
AUDIO IN-L/R 20
MD900
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Foreword
After several years of preliminary work and the great passion for synthesizers, the basis
for the MD900 was created. It is characterized by its powerful sound its analog charm
and the stereo width.
I would like to thank you very much for buying the MD900. For all those who only read
through this manual I hope to have aroused curiosity about this extraordinary
synthesizer.
HORST MAYER
Note
Every care has been taken in the preparation of this Quick Start Guide in order to avoid
errors and inconsistencies. We apologize in advance for any errors. Mayer-EMI makes no
warranties of any kind with respect to this manual, other than those required by trade
laws.
The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
This manual may not be reproduced , even in part, without the permission of the
manufacturer.
Mayer Elektronische Musikinstrumente, Franz Prendigerstrasse 74, A-2540 Bad Vöslau
MD900
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General safety instructions
Suitable installation site
•Operate the MD900 only in closed rooms avoid humidity and dust.
•Ensure unobstructed air supply to all sides of the device. Do not place the device in
the immediate vicinity of heat sources.
•Do not expose the device to direct sunlight or strong vibrations.
Power supply connection
Only use the power supply unit included in the MD900 packages . Refer to the separate
instructions for the power supply (included in the power supply packaging). This power
supply is designed to power the MD900 and the devices connected to the USB 2.0 host
(maximum 1.5A in total).
The scope of delivery also includes country adapters for:
US / EU / UK / AU
Intended use
The MD900 is exclusively intended for generating and processing audio signals and
control signals according to the MIDI standard or connected USB 2.0 MIDI devices such as
controllers or keyboards. Any other use is not permitted and excludes any warranty
claims against MAYER-EMI.
Disposal
The MD900 is manufactured in compliance with the European Union RoHS.
Nevertheless, this device may be hazardous waste and must not be disposed of in
household waste.
For disposal, please contact your dealer or Mayer-EMI (mayer-emi.at).
Please read the following safety instructions
carefully! They contain some basic rules for
handling electrical devices. Please read all
instructions before you put the device into
operation.
MD900
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Package Content
•MD900 Desktop extended Virtual Analog Synthesizer
•Power Supply Input:100-240VAC 47-63Hz, Output: 12VDC / 2.5A
•USB Stick (Mayer-EMI)
MD900 XVAOS Update
We recommend that you keep the latest versions of the XVAOS (operating system) and
panel firmware up to date. Please visit our product website,
direct link: mayer-emi.at/support. There you will find, among other things, current
versions of quick reference guides/manuals as well as the latest factory presets and of
course the update packages and other useful packages.
USB-Stick
The supplied USB stick is used for data exchange (import/export) and for updating
(update) the MD900.
Attention. This USB stick contains various packages
from the factory that automatically start and stop
the XVAOS when it is plugged in.
Make sure that everything has been saved.
When the packages are stopped, the XVAOS
restarts automatically.
MD900
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Update of the MD900
To update the XVAOS, perform the following steps:
•Copy the current XVAOS version file into the root directory of the enclosed USB
stick. After that the USB stick should contain the following structure:
•Properly eject the USB Stick from the host computer and plug it into one of the
MD900 USB ports (see Rear connections).
•After a few seconds, the XVAOS is stopped, and a prompt appears to execute the
update
Found /media/MEMI/MD900-XVAOS-Update-V1.00.md900.pkg to process,
continue?
Above the rotary pushbutton 1 appears the option: Yes
Above the rotary pushbutton 2 appears the option: No
Info: The file name may contain a different version number (Vx.yy)
MD900
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•If the displayed file name matches the name of the previously copied file and the
update is to be performed, the update process can be started by pressing the
rotary pushbutton 1 (option Yes)
•The update file is loaded and checked
•The update menu is then displayed:
MD900 XVAOS updater
Above the rotary pushbutton 1 appears the option: Update XVAOS
Above the rotary pushbutton 4 appears the option: Exit
•To perform the update, press turnkey 1 (Update XVAOS option).
•The update is started and confirmed with the following message:
--> Copy XVAOS update … ok
•To exit, press the rotary knob 4 (Exit option). The update menu is closed and the
XVAOS is started.
MD900
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Quick start
Playing via MIDI keyboard
Let's start with the blue PART-A:
The MD900 is connected to the included power supply and ready for operation.
We have connected a MIDI keyboard (DIN-MIDI or USB-MIDI) and set MIDI ports
and channels.
The stereo output is connected to a mixer/audio interface/active speakers.
Or via headphones, the total volume MAIN-LEVEL & HEADP. are set.
In TAB: MASTER each synth part A,B,C,D can be mixed in volume.
Mute is not activated.
EXPedal is off
Preset of the corresponding part is loaded. (or [default] preset)
Now you should be able to hear the first sounds from the MD900.
In case no sound can be heard from the MD900, we proceed as follows:
1. in the tab: DIAG we can observe the incoming MIDI events. Let's check if the events
match our expectations and settings. Correct if necessary.
2. if there are no MIDI note ON/OFF events, please check the device assignment, see
MIDI DEVICES or the connected DIN - MIDI Keyboard.
3. in the tab: MIDI/IN-A please check the port and channel settings according to the
received or desired port/channel/ Start=0 End=192 settings, see MIDI INPUTS
4. volume [A] > 0 % MAIN->LEVEL slider on the panel > 0%
5. we see a signal at MASTER in Main[L] and Main[R].
6. check if the TS jack connection to your monitor system.
MD900
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Arrangement
Via the TAB: ARRANGER Demo arrangements can be loaded and started via the clip
launcher.
Select from the list and confirm (selection wheel, and press to confirm).
After loading the arrangement, the MIDI settings may need to be adjusted (the MIDI
settings are saved in the arrangements). If necessary, save the arrangement afterwards
with SAVE/SAVE_AS to save your MIDI settings
Attention: After starting the MD900 the [default]
arrangement is loaded. In this case the MIDI
settings are automatically saved as basic settings.
If you then save this [default] arrangement with
SAVE_AS under a new name, these MIDI settings
will be applied.
If you load an arrangement, the MIDI settings of
the arrangement are applied.
MD900
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CLIP-Launcher
If an arrangement is loaded which also contains CLIPs, these can be started in the
launcher.
The OPEN touch button can be used to distinguish between clip start and clip open. If the
OPEN button has a blue background, the "Piano Roll View" or the "Arpeggiator View" is
opened.
The Label: TAKE-OVER determines the number of bars until a selected clip is
started/changed.
The Label: TEMPO determines the beats per minute (BPM) and generates the MD900
wide internal beat.
More details in the "MD900 User Manual".
MD900
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Front panel overview
Oscillator (Wavetable & Algorithm)
1. NOISE Oscillator (Sample based)
2. Mixer (OSC1 + OSC2 + Noise)
3. Wave-shaper
4. Filter A/B Section
5. LFO Section
6. Envelope Generator
7. PART Selection
8. quick dial keys & dial wheel touch display
9. Keyboard Mode, Volume Main, Volume Headphone
FIGURE 1. [FRONT PANEL]
MD900
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General panel functions
Focus button
The sections have a focus key on the right side of the label bar. After pressing this focus
button, the corresponding section is displayed on the touch display. On the left side of
the label bar this selection is indicated by a red LED, see Figure 2. [Example LFO Section]
Holding the focus button changes to assignment mode and marks this section as source
in the modulation matrix, this is indicated by flashing of the LED. Pressing the focus
button again terminates the assignment mode. More about this in the MD900-operating
manual section [ MD900-operating manual->Modulation matrix ].
Figure 2. [Example LFO Section]
MD900
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Assistance display
Some of the sections have their own assistance display which shows detailed
information. Furthermore, parameter details are displayed during setting. This is very
helpful for the value retrieval function [see MD900-operating manual->Tracking].
If a parameter is changed via the controller, the corresponding parameter is displayed.
The current value and the controller value are displayed, see Figure 3. [Assistance
display]
Figure 3. [Assistance display]
MD900
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Rear connections
11 Power supply connector, power switch & indicator light
2USB 2.0 host ports
3Pedal connectors
•Sustain/Hold Pedal (optional function see Envelope Generator)
•Expression Pedal
4DIN MIDI interfaces (IN,OUT,THRU)
5Audio connectors
•Stereo Audio Input (OPTIONAL)
•Mono - Right Channel / Stereo Audio Output
•Mono - Left Channel
•Stereo head phone
MD900
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Start-up
The MD900 is powered by an external power supply, connect the supplied power supply
to the rear panel jack (12VDC-2.5A) Connect to the Audio OUT with 2 mono or one stereo
cable to connect the synth to a mixer/audio interface or amplifier. Alternatively, you can
use headphones. The MD900 can be controlled or played by a keyboard or an external
sequencer via MIDI (DIN / USB). When shipped from the factory, the MD900 hears from
Part A,B,C,D MIDI Channel 1,2,3,4 from the DIN MIDI-IN jack.
After switching on the MD900, the Initial Preset (default) is loaded on all 4 Parts.
The MASTER appears in the touch display when the MD900 is ready to play.
Info: after switching on it takes about 20 seconds
then the MD900 is ready to play.
The volume can be adjusted at the MAIN-LEVEL
this also changes the volume of the headphones
which can be controlled independently at the
MAIN-HEADP.
The audio outputs are designed with relatively
high levels as it is usual for electronic instruments.
Set the volume on your monitor to minimum
before turning on the MD900 to reduce on/off
switching noise.
MD900
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Connections details
USB 2.0 host interfaces
The MD900 has 3 x USB 2.0 host interface sockets. At these USB sockets the connection
of MIDI "class-compliant" keyboards or controllers is possible. The management of the
connected devices is enabled in the MIDI menu (see MIDI settings).
Via MIDI-Learn function most of the controllers can be controlled by MIDI. (see MIDI-
learn)
USB- storage devices
The connection of USB - storage devices like memory sticks and hard drives is possible.
This is used for export/import of arrangements/presets/wave/wavetable/midi-clips.
Pedal Sustain/Hold
A pedal (normally open or normally closed) can be connected to this mono jack socket.
When switching on, the polarity is queried so that pressing the pedal triggers the
Sustain/Hold function independently of the switching function.
The function Sustain/Hold can be selected preset (sound program) specific, per Envelope
Generator (see Envelope Generator).
•Sustain: selects between two different release times.
•Hold: keeps the sustain phase independent from releasing the keys on the
keyboard
Info: only FAT/FAT32 file system on the mass
storage devices is supported
.
Info: During the switch-on process, the pedal
should not be pressed, otherwise the
corresponding polarity will not be detected
correctly
MD900
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Expression Pedal
This is a stereo jack socket to which an expression pedal (volume pedal) can be
connected. In the Master (see MD900-operating manual-> Master) the Expression Pedal
can be activated per PART (A;B;C;D). By the appropriate selection the volumes of the
selected PARTs can be changed with it.
MIDI IN
This is a stereo jack socket to which an expression pedal (volume pedal) can be
connected. In the Master (see MENU Master) the Expression Pedal can be activated per
PART (A;B;C;D).By the appropriate selection the volumes of the selected PARTs can be
changed with it.
MIDI THRU
This DIN MIDI Output socket according to MIDI 1.0 specification forwards the signals
received on MIDI Input without delay.
MIDI OUT
This DIN MIDI output jack according to MIDI 1.0 specification is used to connect external
sound generators.
Info: If the AUDIO OUT(L)R is to be used as a
stereo output, nothing must be plugged into the
OUT-L jack socket.
MD900
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AUDIO IN-L/R
This stereo jack is an audio input for future expansion (effects etc.) not used yet
Input level < 2Vpp
AUDIO OUT-(L)R & OUT -L
This stereo jack can optionally be connected to a mixer/audio interface/active speaker
using a TS stereo cable, or if mono cables are used, AUDIO OUT-(L)R jack is the Right
channel output and OUT-L is the Left channel output.
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