Mayer MD900 User manual
MD900
Instruction manual
1
Instruction manual V1A 29.5.2022 © Mayer EMI
2
Table of contents
ON THE SUBJECT OF READING MANUALS .............................................7
NOTE ........................................................................................7
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.............................................8
................................................................................................8
POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION...........................................................8
OPERATION.................................................................................8
CARE.........................................................................................8
INTENDED USE .............................................................................9
DISPOSAL ...................................................................................9
FRONTPANEL OVERVIEW.......................................................10
GENERAL PANEL FUNCTIONS.................................................11
FOCUS-KEYS...........................................................................11
ASSISTANCE-DISPLAY...................................................................11
REAR CONNECTIONS..............................................................12
COMMISSIONING.................................................................. 13
CONNECTIONS DETAILS......................................................... 14
USB 2.0 HOST-INTERFACES.......................................................... 14
USB-MASS STORAGE ................................................................. 14
PEDAL SUSTAIN/HOLD ................................................................ 14
EXPRESSION PEDAL..................................................................... 14
MIDI IN.................................................................................. 15
MIDI THRU ............................................................................ 16
MIDI OUT .............................................................................. 16
AUDIO IN-L/R ........................................................................ 16
AUDIO OUT-(L)R &OUT-L....................................................... 16
TOUCH-DISPLAY OVERVIEW .................................................. 17
PARAMETER-LABEL..................................................................... 18
MIDI-LEARN ............................................................................ 18
SYNTHESIZER STRUCTURE ..................................................... 19
ARRANGER............................................................................ 21
SAVE ..................................................................................... 22
SAVE AS................................................................................. 22
3
SAVE ALL................................................................................22
DRUMS..................................................................................22
MUTE DRUM .........................................................................22
TRACKING..............................................................................22
M-TUNE.................................................................................22
DRUM (SAMPLE-PLAYER).......................................................23
KIT.........................................................................................23
..............................................................................................23
INSTRUMENTS.......................................................................24
SELECTION FILTER .....................................................................24
SIDECHAIN ................................................................................25
FADEOUT..................................................................................25
START....................................................................................25
END .......................................................................................25
PITCH.....................................................................................25
KEY........................................................................................25
PARTS....................................................................................26
SYNTH A (B, C, D)...................................................................27
PRESET-SELECTION......................................................................27
SAVE PRESET .............................................................................27
VOICE-MODE............................................................................ 28
MASTER ................................................................................ 29
LEVEL..................................................................................... 29
PART ..................................................................................... 29
EXPEDAL ................................................................................. 29
MUTE .................................................................................... 29
CLIP-LAUNCHER..................................................................... 30
TRACK ................................................................................... 30
CLIP....................................................................................... 30
OPEN..................................................................................... 31
TAKE-OVER............................................................................ 31
TEMPO.................................................................................. 31
OPERATION........................................................................... 31
NAME.................................................................................... 31
MIDI-SEQUENCER.................................................................. 32
TRANSPOSE........................................................................... 32
IMPORT................................................................................. 32
LOOP..................................................................................... 32
MIDI GRID............................................................................... 33
4
ARPEGGIATOR.......................................................................33
SETTINGS...............................................................................34
ASSIGN ..................................................................................35
MODE....................................................................................35
SEMITONE .............................................................................36
OCTAVE.................................................................................36
VELOCITY...............................................................................37
CVA (B, C)...............................................................................37
DRUM-PATTERN....................................................................38
PATTERN-DUPLICATION ...............................................................39
MIDI SETTINGS ......................................................................40
MIDI DEVICES...........................................................................40
MIDI INPUTS ............................................................................40
VOICE STRUCTURE.................................................................42
SPECIAL FEATURE........................................................................43
VOICE-SHUTDOWN.....................................................................43
UNISONO DETUNE:................................................................43
GLIDE...................................................................................... 44
KBD-MODE ............................................................................. 44
VOICE A (B, C, D).................................................................... 45
OSCILLATOR WAVETABLE MODE ........................................... 46
WAVETABLE SELECTION ............................................................... 47
PARAMETER.............................................................................. 47
FINE....................................................................................... 48
COARSE................................................................................. 48
FM-RANGE ............................................................................ 48
DETUNE................................................................................. 48
UNISONO .............................................................................. 48
SPREAD ................................................................................. 48
PAN....................................................................................... 48
OSCILLATOR ALGORITHM MODE........................................... 49
COMMON PARAMETERS: ...................................................... 49
SHAPE &P2............................................................................ 49
MODULATIONS.......................................................................... 49
ALGORITHM .......................................................................... 49
PANEL ................................................................................... 50
5
NOISE ....................................................................................51
MODE....................................................................................51
PAN.......................................................................................51
PS..........................................................................................51
PANEL....................................................................................52
SHAPER .................................................................................52
MIXER....................................................................................53
SEL.........................................................................................53
FLT-BLEND...............................................................................53
OSC1, OSC2, NOISE ................................................................53
PANEL....................................................................................53
FILTER A(B) ............................................................................54
INPUT....................................................................................54
CUTOFF..................................................................................54
RESO......................................................................................54
KBD-TRACK............................................................................54
ENV-AMT...............................................................................54
LINK.......................................................................................54
TYPE ......................................................................................55
PANEL ................................................................................... 55
LFO 1(2,3).............................................................................. 56
DELAY.................................................................................... 56
DEPTH ................................................................................... 56
SYNC ..................................................................................... 56
RATE...................................................................................... 56
DIV........................................................................................ 57
NOTE..................................................................................... 57
PANEL ................................................................................... 57
ENVELOPE GENERATORS ....................................................... 58
ATTACK ................................................................................. 58
DECAY ................................................................................... 58
SUSTAIN................................................................................ 58
RELEASE ................................................................................ 58
RATIO A................................................................................. 59
RATIO DR............................................................................... 59
VELOCITY ................................................................................. 59
MODE.................................................................................... 59
PEDAL.................................................................................... 59
SUSTAIN:.................................................................................. 59
HOLD:....................................................................................... 59
6
PANEL....................................................................................60
MODULATIONS –MATRIX .....................................................61
DEFAULT................................................................................61
CLEAR....................................................................................61
SRC........................................................................................61
AMOUNT...............................................................................61
DST........................................................................................61
SIGNAL-SUMMING ................................................................61
SIGNAL-ANIMATION..............................................................62
PANEL....................................................................................62
MD900
7
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 stereo sound, its analog charm
and an intuitive operating concept.
I would like to thank you very much for purchasing the MD900.
For all those who only read through this manual I hope to have
awakened the curiosity for this extraordinary synthesizer.
On the subject of reading manuals
We have tried to develop a synthesizer which is intuitive to use.
Many of the terms are classic and familiar to most, but we still
recommend reading this manual. Especially for the operation on
the panel with maybe not so obvious functions.
For a better overview you will find a schematic representation
of the respective section in the chapters. All names like knobs,
sliders and buttons are printed in BOLD in the manual and
correspond to those on the MD900 panel. Furthermore, the
menu items of the touch display are shown in BOLD CURSIVE in
the manual.
Note
A lot of care has been taken in the preparation of this manual to
exclude errors and inconsistencies. We apologize in advance for
any errors. Mayer-EMI makes no warranties of any kind with
respect to this manual, except those required by trade laws.
The content of this manual is subject to change without notice.
This manual may not be reproduced, in whole or in part,
without the permission of the manufacturer.
Mayer Electronic Music Instruments, Franz Prendingerstrasse 74,
2540 Bad Voeslau, Austria
MD900
8
General safety instructions
Suitable installation site
•Operate the MD900 only in closed rooms and 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
Operation
•Do not place any liquids on the MD900 (such as drinks or
similar)
•Make sure that the device is stable during operation.
•The MD900 must not be exposed to direct sunlight.
•No heat sources in the immediate vicinity.
Care
Do not open the MD900. Repair and maintenance may only be
performed by qualified personnel. In addition, opening the
device will void your warranty.
Only use a dry, soft cloth or brush to clean the device housing.
Do not use solvents or similar chemicals, they may damage the
surface.
.
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
9
Intended use
The MD900 is exclusively intended for generating and
processing audio signals and control signals according to the
MIDI standard or 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 is hazardous waste and must not be
disposed of in household waste.
For disposal, please contact your dealer or Mayer-EMI
(www.mayer-emi.at).
MD900
10
Frontpanel Overview
1. Oscillators (Wavetable & Algorithm)
2. NOISE Oscillator (Sample based)
3. Mixer (OSC1 + OSC2 + Noise)
4. Wave-shaper
5. Filter A/B section
6. LFO section
7. Envelope Generators
8. PART Selection
9. Quick navigation keys & Selection wheel
10.Touch display
11.Keyboard Mode, Volume Main,
Volume Headphone
Figure 1. [Front panel]
MD900
11
General panel functions
Focus-keys
Most sections have a focus button 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 switches to assignment mode and
marks this section as source in the modulation matrix, this is
indicated by the LED flashing. Pressing the focus button again
terminates the assignment mode. More about this in the
[MODULATIONS MATRIX]
Assistance-Display
Some of the sections have their own assistance display, which
shows detailed information. Furthermore, parameter details are
displayed during the setting. This is very helpful for the value
retrieval function [see TRACKING].
If a parameter is changed via the controller, the corresponding
parameter is displayed. The actual value and the controller
value are displayed, see Figure 3. [Assistance-Display].
Figure 2. [Example LFO Section]
Figure 3. [Assistance-Display]
MD900
12
Rear connections
1Power supply connector, power switch & indicator light
2USB 2.0 Host connectors
3Pedal connectors
•Sustain/Hold Pedal (optional functions see
ENVELOPE GENERATORS)
•Expression Pedal
4DIN-MIDI Ports (IN, OUT, THRU)
5Audio connectors
•Stereo Audio Input (OPTIONAL)
•Mono Right channel / stereo audio output
•Mono Left channel
Figure 4. [Connections]
MD900
13
Commissioning
The MD900 is powered by an external power supply. Connect
the power supply to the rear socket (12VDC-2.5A). Connect the
synth to a mixer/audio interface or amplifier via the Audio OUT
using 2 mono or 1 stereo cable. Alternatively, you can use
headphones. The MD900 can be controlled or played by a
keyboard or an external sequencer via MIDI (DIN / USB). Default
setup after shipping, the MD900 uses MIDI Channel 1, 2, 3, 4 for
Part A, B, C, D from the DIN MIDI IN jack.
MIDI settings [see MIDI Settings]
After powering 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 power on, it takes about 40 seconds,
until the MD900 is ready to play.
The volume can be adjusted at the MAIN-LEVEL
and this also changes the volume of the
headphones, which can be adjusted independently
via MAIN-HEADP.
The audio outputs are designed with a relatively
high level, which 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
14
Connections details
USB 2.0 Host-Interfaces
The MD900 has 3 x USB 2.0 host ports. These USB ports allow
the connection of MIDI "class-compliant" keyboards or
controllers. The connected devices are managed in the MIDI
menu [see MIDI settings].
USB- Mass storage
The connection of USB standard mass storage devices like USB
sticks and SSD is possible. This is used to export/import
arrangements/presets/wave/wavetable/MIDI clips.
Pedal Sustain/Hold
A pedal (normally open or normally closed) can be connected to
this mono jack socket. During the switch-on process, the
polarity is queried so that pressing the pedal triggers the
Sustain/Hold function regardless of the switching function.
The Sustain/Hold function can be selected preset specific (sound
program) and per envelope generator. (see ENVELOPE
GENERATORS)
•Sustain: Selects between two different release
times.
•Hold: Holds the sustain phase regardless of the
release of the keyboard keys.
Expression Pedal
This is a stereo jack socket to which an expression pedal
(volume pedal) can be connected.
In the master [see MASTER] section, the expression pedal can
be activated per PART (A; B; C; D).
With the corresponding setting the volumes of the selected
PARTs can be changed accordingly.
Info: Only the FAT/FAT32 file system is supported
on the mass storage devices.
.
Info: The pedal should not be pressed when
switching on the MD900, otherwise the
corresponding polarity will not be recognized
correctly.
MD900
16
DRUM (Sample-Player)] is possible via channel 10.
The assignment of MIDI channels to parts is doable via the
menu MIDI [see MIDI Settings].
MIDI THRU
This DIN MIDI output jack, 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.
AUDIO IN-L/R
This stereo jack is an audio input for future expansions (effects
etc.) Input level < 2Vpp.
AUDIO OUT-(L)R & OUT-L
The OUT-(L)R stereo jack socket can optionally be connected to
a mixer/audio interface/active speakers using a TS stereo cable,
or is the Right output. The OUT-L mono jack socket is the Left
output.
Info: Further explanations about the functionality
of the MIDI interfaces is given with the
corresponding synthesizer functions
Info: If the AUDIO OUT-(L)R is used as stereo
output, nothing must be plugged into the jack
socket OUT-L.
MD900
17
TOUCH-display overview
The following Figure 5. [Touch-Display] shows the general controls. Continuous controller groups 1-4 allow setting parameters of a
corresponding section (e.g. Oscillator 1). Each continuous controller group can have up to 5 levels. I.e. the corresponding parameter of
the group can be selected on the touch display and then be changed by means of the endless controller. The pressing function of the
endless controller depends on the active parameter and is explained in the corresponding sections.
Figure 5. [Touch-Display]
MD900
18
The main menu tab is located in the upper display area. This
allows the menu selection to be made via the touch. The quick
selection keys allow an alternative, hierarchy-free quick
selection into a section or a menu.
The black labeled ones (e.g. VOICE) are triggered by a short
press. Longer presses (> 800ms) will select the blue-labeled
menu items (such as DRUM).
The selection wheel is used for scrolling or selection. Pressing it
activates a selection.
The exact function of the selection wheel depends on the menu
and is explained in the corresponding sections.
Pressing the ESC + ENTER key at the same time starts/stops all
active sequencers/arpeggiators/drums.
(see Clip-Launcher)
Parameter-Label
In the Figure 6. [Parameter Label] the parameter Label is shown
in detail here NAME, VALUE and UNIT are displayed.
MIDI-Learn
If the LABEL has a blue marking in the upper right corner of the
frame, the "MIDI Learn Mode" can be activated by pressing and
holding (> 3 sec). This is indicated by "L". If now a control signal
is received from one of the connected MIDI ports, the
assignment to this parameter is done and an automatic scaling
is performed. Now the CC number is displayed. Pressing and
holding again (> 3 sec) deletes the assignment or ends the "MIDI
Learn Mode".
Figure 6. [Parameter Label]
MD900
19
Synthesizer structure
Figure 7. [Synthesizer Structure]
Table of contents
