Novation ZeRO SL MkII User manual

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Rev-01
ZeRO SL MkII
USER GUIDE – FIRMWARE VERSION 1.0

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ContEntS
IntRoDUCtIon .................................................................................. 5
HARDWARE oVERWIEW ...................................................................... 6
ASSIGNABLE CONTROLS .................................................................6
NON-ASSIGNABLE CONTROLS .........................................................7
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS ............................................................8
POWER-UP CALIBRATION .................................................................8
ZERo SL MkII SEtUP EXAMPLES ........................................................ 9
SOFT WARE CONTROL......................................................................9
HARDWARE CONTROL .....................................................................9
ZERO SL MKII AS MIDI INTERFACE .................................................. 9
AUtoMAP MoDE VS ADVAnCED MoDE ............................................ 10
AUtoMAP MoDE .............................................................................. 11
SELECTING AUTOMAP MODE ......................................................... 11
AUTOMAP MODE - SYSTEM BUTTONS ........................................... 11
AUTOMAP TEMPL ATE OVERVIEW ................................................... 12
SPEED DIAL .................................................................................. 12
PORTS.......................................................................................... 13
SOFT WARE SET-UP EX AMPLES ...................................................... 14
AUTOMAP FOR HARDWARE CONTROL ........................................... 15
ADVAnCED MoDE ............................................................................ 16
SELECTING TEMPL ATES................................................................. 16
ADVANCED MODE TEMPLATE OVERVIEW ........................................ 17
SPEED DIAL .................................................................................. 17
HARDWARE CONTROL ................................................................... 18
SOFT WARE & HARDWARE CONTROL .............................................. 18
SPECIAL TEMPL ATES FOR ABLETON LIVE & REASON ...................... 19
MEnU oVERVIEW ............................................................................. 20
NAVIGATING THE MENUS ...............................................................20
SAVING/ WRITING CHANGES ...........................................................20
SELECTING ...................................................................................20
HIERARCHY OF SETTINGS..............................................................20
QUICk MEnU .................................................................................... 21
BANK & PROGRAM CHANGE OUTPUT ............................................21
PROGRAM CHANNEL .....................................................................21
DRUM PADS TRANSPOSE ..............................................................21
TEMPO SETTINGS ......................................................................... 21
EDIt MEnU BUtton ......................................................................... 22
tEMPLAtE EDIt MEnU...................................................................... 22
POT PICK-UP .................................................................................22
TEMPL ATE ROUTING SUB MENU ....................................................22
PROGRAM CHANNEL & PORT ....................................................22
COMMON CHANNEL & PORT ....................................................22

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TEMPL ATE GROUPING SUB MENU ..................................................23
CONTROL EDIT OVERVIEW .............................................................23
GLoBAL MEnU BUtton ................................................................... 24
oPtIonS SUB MEnU ........................................................................ 24
MEMORY PROTECT .......................................................................24
POT PICK-UP .................................................................................24
DISPLAY TIME ...............................................................................24
KEEP VALUES................................................................................24
TOUCH SELECT .............................................................................24
TRANSPORT .................................................................................24
CONTROL PEDAL...........................................................................24
StARt-UP SUB MEnU ....................................................................... 25
START UP MODE ...........................................................................25
AUTOMATIC DEMONSTRATION .......................................................25
RoUtInG SUB MEnU ........................................................................ 25
USB1 TO.......................................................................................25
MIDI IN TO .....................................................................................25
MIDI CLOCK SET TINGS...................................................................25
PROGRAM CHANGE INPUT CHANNEL & PORT.................................26
SEnD & RECEIVE SUB MEnU ............................................................ 26
TEMPL ATE DUMP ..........................................................................26
SEND GLOBALS ............................................................................26
OS RECEIVE & SEND......................................................................26
DRUMPADS CALIBRATION..............................................................26
WRItInG GLoBAL SEttInGS ............................................................. 27
tRAnSPoRt..................................................................................... 27
CREAtInG & EDItInG ADVAnCED MoDE tEMPLAtES ........................ 28
MIDI MESSAGE ASSIGNMENT TABLE ..............................................28
ContRoL CHAnGE (CC) ................................................................... 28
DISPLAY T YPE ...............................................................................28
ADDItIonAL oPtIonS foR EnCoDERS onLy .............................. 29
REL 1 & 2 .....................................................................................29
14-BIT 0-16K .................................................................................29
APOT............................................................................................29
CONTROL LABEL ...........................................................................29
VALUE RANGE ...............................................................................29
ADDItIonAL oPtIonS foR BUttonS onLy................................ 30
DISPLAY T YPE ...............................................................................30
BUTTON T YPE:..............................................................................30
NORMAL .......................................................................................30
M O M E N TA R Y ................................................................................30
TOGGLE ........................................................................................30
STEP ............................................................................................30

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GEnERAL ContRoL EDIt SEttInGS ................................................. 30
CONTROL EDIT PORT & CHANNEL SETTINGS ..................................30
CC NUM........................................................................................31
CONTROL EDIT POT PICK-UP MODE ................................................31
non-REGIStERED PARAMEtER nUMBER (nRPn) .............................. 31
REGIStERED PARAMEtER nUMBER (RPn) ........................................ 31
SyStEM EXCLUSIVE (SySEX) ........................................................... 32
MIDI MACHInE ContRoL (MMC) ....................................................... 32
notE on / off ................................................................................. 33
BAnk CHAnGE................................................................................. 33
PRoGRAM CHAnGE .......................................................................... 33
DRUM PAD notE ............................................................................. 34
SyStEM REAL tIME ......................................................................... 34
tEMPLAtE CHAnGE MESSAGE ......................................................... 34

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IntRoDUCtIon
Welcome to the ZeRO SL MkII Guide.
This guide will introduce you to the ZeRO SL MkII hardware and give you information on choosing how best to use the ZeRO
SL MkII for your software and / or hardware studio set-up, take you through the ZeRO SL MkIIs Menu system and give
detailed information on creating your own templates.
There is a separate User Guide for the Automap Software which is included on installation CD or can be downloaded from
our website: www.novationmusic.com/support
Automap software is a new and exciting way to control your favourite music software applications. It operates the same
way for all Novation Automap hardware (Products) so if you are using the ZeRO SL MkII for Automap control of software
then you should only need to read the first few chapters of this guide to familiarise yourself with the hardware.
Detailed information on installing, setting up, and operating Automap software can be found in the Automap User Guide.
Instructions on setting up your DAW software for use with Automap is found in the Automap software itself by clicking the
DAW set-up guide button for detailed instructions.
For additional information, up to date support articles and a form to contact our Technical Support Team please visit the
Novation Answerbase at: www.novationmusic.com/answerbase

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HARDWARE oVERVIEW
ASSIGnABLE ContRoLS
These are controls that can be assigned to parameters of the software or hardware you are controlling:
1) 8 touch sensitive endless rotary encoders with LED rings: These controls have no end points, so offer full 360˚
of movement. These controls offer speed dependent variable resolution, so moving the encoder slowly gives finer
resolution than moving the encoder quickly.
2) 8 touch sensitive pots: These controls have fixed end points and offer 300˚ of movement.
3) 8 touch sensitive 60mm sliders.
4) 1 touch sensitive 45mm Horizontal / Cross Fader
All touch sensitive controls are responsive to contact with skin, so simply touching any of the above controls will highlight
the parameter name and value on the LCD screen.
5) 32 buttons: All buttons are back-lit with LEDs.
6) 6 Transport buttons: 6 of the 32 assignable buttons can be switched to function as dedicated transport buttons.
7) 8 velocity-sensitive drum trigger pads.
1
2
5
7
5
3
46

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non-ASSIGnABLE SyStEM ContRoLS
They have fixed functions, as follows:
9) 144 character LCD display: Displays the names and values of each row of assignable controls from both the left
and right side of the ZeRO SL MkII
10) Automap Buttons: These 6 buttons are used for Automap Software navigation and control.
11) Preview Button: Press and hold this button and touch any control on the Zero SL MkII to preview the whole row’s
parameter information on the LCD.
12) Page Up / Down Buttons: Use these to scroll through pages of options when in a menu or through pages of additional
control information when in an Advanced template. These buttons have different specific functions when in certain
Advanced templates and when using Automap.
13) Mode and System Buttons (Automap, Quick, Edit, Global, Write, Transport): Use these to access the different modes
and menus of the ZeRO SL MkII.
14) Speed Dial /Template/Preset knob: The Speed Dial function acts as a way of controlling the computers mouse using
the ZeRO SL MkII hardware. When this button is pressed down it acts as a template selector (when in Advanced
mode) and as a preset selector (Automap mode).
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1113121311 1413

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REAR PAnEL ConnECtIonS
1) Power in socket: Use to connect a 9volt DC 600-1000mAmp Centre Pin positive PSU. The power supply is available
from the online store: http://www.focusrite-estore.com/
2) Power switch: Use to switch the ZeRO SL MkII to external power, USB power, or off.
3) USB in socket: Use to connect the ZeRO SL MkII to your computer with the included USB cable.
4) Control pedal socket: Use to connect a control pedal. Any polarity pedal can be used.
5) Expression pedal Socket: Use to connect an expression pedal. Note that a 3 pin jack connector must be used.
6) MIDI port 2 out socket: Use to connect the ZeRO SL MkII to the MIDI input of an external device using a 5pin DIN MIDI
cable.
7) MIDI port 1 Through socket: Use to connect the ZeRO SL MkII to the MIDI input of an external device using a 5pin DIN
MIDI cable. MIDI Through is a copy of MIDI received from the MIDI In socket. Note: No MIDI from the ZeRO SL MkII or
computer can ever be sent to the MIDI Through socket. It is simply a way to forward MIDI from another device through the
ZeRO SL MkII to elsewhere.
8) MIDI port 1 Out socket: Use to connect the ZeRO SL MkII to the MIDI input of an external device using a 5pin DIN MIDI
cable.
9) MIDI port 1 In socket: Use to connect the ZeRO SL MkII to the MIDI output of an external device using a 5pin DIN MIDI
cable.
PoWER UP CALIBRAtIon
The ZeRO SL MkII self calibrates all touch sensitive controls when it powers up. Therefore you should not touch any control
during the boot up process.
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ZERo SL MkII SEtUP EXAMPLES
The ZeRO SL MkII can be used for controlling both computer music software and external hardware:
SoftWARE ContRoL
To use the ZeRO SL MkII to control your music software, connect the ZeRO SL MkII to your computer with the supplied
USB cable.
HARDWARE ContRoL
To use the ZeRO SL MkII with your MIDI hardware, you will need to power the ZeRO SL MkII with a 9 volt 1000mAmp DC
PSU - center pin positive (not supplied).
Connect a MIDI Cable (5pin DIN) from the ZeRO SL MkII MIDI Out 1 port to the MIDI In port on your hardware.
ZERo SL MkII AS A MIDI IntERfACE WItH SoftWARE AnD HARDWARE
ContRoL
Using the ZeRO SL MkII with External Hardware AND a Host Computer
You can also combine the two above set-ups so that the ZeRO SL MkII is used as a software controller and hardware
controller - transmitting MIDI data to and from computer and MIDI hardware. This will allow you to record MIDI data
to your software DAW or Sequencer, and the ZeRO SL MkII will then transmit this data to your hardware. For detailed
information on using the ZeRO SL MkII as a MIDI interface please see the routing section in the global menu.
Control information
Power
Feedback - LCD Screen/LED Rings
USB
MIDI
PSU (optional)
Control information
USB
MIDI
Power
Feedback - LCD Screen/LED Rings
MIDI

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AUtoMAP MoDE VS ADVAnCED MoDE
The SLMkII has two main Modes of operation: ‘Automap Mode’ and ‘Advanced Mode’. These are both accessed via the main
‘Automap’ button.
Advanced Mode (Led off)
If you are going to use your ZeRO SL MkII without a computer then you must use ‘Advanced mode’. In fact, if you will only
ever use your ZeRO SL MkII in this way you can go straight to the Advanced Mode chapter of this user guide.
Automap Mode (Led On)
If you are going to use your ZeRO SL MkII with a computer, then you will most likely be using ‘Automap Mode’. To use
Automap mode you will need to connect the ZeRO SL MkII to a computer via USB and install Automap from the CD
contained within the product Box or by downloading the installer from the website. The Automap Server Application must
also be running for Automap to work.
The Automap Server is a unique software program written by Novation that allows dynamic communication between the
ZeRO SL MkII and any computer running music software and plug-ins (AU, VST, RTAS and TDM).
Easy Switching between the two modes
It is very quick and easy to switch between Advance mode and Automap Mode. This way, both modes can actually be used
at the same time once you become more familiar with the product.
Advantages and Disadvantages to both modes
Both Advanced Mode and Automap Mode can be used for controlling hardware and software via standard MIDI messages.
Automap MIDI:
MIDI message types available are: MIDI CC, NOTE.
MIDI messages are limited to 1 MIDI channel per map.
MIDI message are limited to 1 port
Simpler Editing and assignment
Elegant Graphic display (HUD) and dynamic feedback
Advanced Mode:
MIDI message types available are: CC, 14bit CC, SYSEX, RPN, NRPN, MMC NOTE.
MIDI messages can be output to different MIDI channels from the same template.
MIDI messages can be output to different ports from the same template.
Does not require Automap Server to be running.
Does not require and connection to computer.
Limited to the number of template slots on the ZeRO SL MkII.
Does not include any ‘Learn’ functionality.
More complex editing must be done using the ZeRO SL MkII hardware.
Automap Mode Advanced Mode

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AUtoMAP MoDE
Full instructions on how to use Automap Software have been omitted from this user guide. The Automap software is
the same for all Automap Hardware, so please refer to the Automap User Guide, This guide can be found on this CD or
downloaded from the website.
Both the latest software and user guides can be downloaded at the following link: www.novationmusic.com/support
SELECtInG AUtoMAP MoDE
To use the SL Mk II in Automap Mode, press the automap button so that it is lit.
AUtoMAP MoDE - SyStEM BUttonS
The Automap system buttons are important when in Automap mode and are used for navigation, assigning and browsing
the Automap HUD (heads up display)
view• – opens or hides the Automap HUD window
learn• - used for assigning and mapping parameters to ZeRO SL MkII controls.
Group buttons -• user, fx, inst and mixer allow the user to browse and load up the corresponding mappings.

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AUtoMAP tEMPLAtE oVERVIEW
When in Automap Mode (Led On), a unique template is used. This template is separate from the built in 32 templates
in advanced mode. All highlighted hardware controls displayed in the image below are available for controlling software
parameters via Automap.
The following controls can be assigned to either the Automap Port or to the Control port.
Control pedal•
Expression pedal•
Drum pads•
When switched out, they are routed to USB Port 1 and send standard MIDI messages. When switched in, they are
routed to the Automap client and therefore are not sending standard MIDI messages.
Page Up / Down buttons - scroll through pages of an Automap mapping.
Hold Preview button and press Page Up / Down buttons - scroll through presets of an Automap plug-in. Preset
navigation will only work where a plug-in uses the host preset navigation system, rather than it’s own built-in one.
Hold Preview and touch or press any assignable control to display that row’s controls on the ZeRO SL MkII’s LCD screen.
For example, by holding the Preview button and touching the third vertical fader, the parameter names and values
assigned to all eight faders are displayed on the LCD.
SPEED DIAL
The speed dial knob has 2 functions in Automap Mode.
Speed Dial mode: The speed dial can be used to control any on-screen parameter that can be altered using the mouse.
Simply move the mouse cursor over the parameter you want to change then rotate the knob to control it.
This process can be used for e.g. altering parameters on a soft-synth, controlling mixer parameters in your sequencer,
selecting an option from a drop-down menu or resizing a window. The Automap Server software must be running for
this function to work.
Preset mode: Press and rotate the knob whilst held down to select different plug-in presets. Preset navigation will only
work where a plug-in uses the host preset navigation system, rather than it’s own built-in one.
Expression Control

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PoRtS
What is a Port and how does it work?
The ZeRO SL MkII connects to the computer via a single USB cable, however this USB connection actually consists of 3
sub-connections called ‘ports’.
Port 1
This port will be used when connecting external MIDI equipment to the ZeRO SL MkII MIDI inputs and for the ZeRO SL MkII
Control and Expression Pedals.
Port 2
Is generally reserved for special templates in advanced mode, but can be also used in more complex Advanced
mode set-ups.
Automap Port (Hidden)
This is a hidden port (i.e. your computer does not display this port anywhere) and is used for all Automap Server
messages. The Automap Server application then acts as a bridge between the ZeRO SL MkII Hardware and your DAW
software and plug-ins.
Control information
U1 (Port 1)
U2 (Port 2)
Automap Port (Hidden)
SL MkII (Port 1)
SL MkII (Port 2)
Automap Port (Hidden)
Power
Feedback - LCD Screen/LED Rings
USB

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SoftWARE SEt-UP EXAMPLES
Automap for Cubase, Nuendo, Sonar, Tracktion
MIDI notes are sent on Port 1 to a MIDI / Instrument track. Automap Server controls the DAW Mixer and hosted plug-ins
directly *Note other DAWs are being constantly added to this set-up configuration
Automap for Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, Reaper
MIDI notes are sent on Port 1 to a MIDI / Instrument track.
Automap Server controls the DAW Mixer using Automap HUI, and hosted plug-ins directly.
Automap for all other software
For software that responds to, or learns MIDI CC messages e.g. DJ software, stand-alone synthesiser software, certain
plug-ins (with no host automation parameters).
MIDI notes are sent on Port 1 to a MIDI / Instrument track (when applicable).
Automap Server sends MIDI CC data to software using Automap MIDI - a virtual MIDI port.
Port 1 MIDI/Instrument Trac
k
DAW Mixer
Plug-in
Port 2
Automap Port
Port 1 MIDI/Instrument Trac
k
DAW Mixer
Plug-in
Port 2 Automap HUI
Automap Port
Port 1
Port 2 Automap MIDI
Automap Port Software that responds
to MIDI CC
MIDI/Instrument Track

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AUtoMAP foR HARDWARE ContRoL
Before you move on to the Advanced Mode section of this guide, you should know that Automap MIDI can also be used to
hardware MIDI devices by routing MIDI CC data to the ZeRO SL MkII MIDI Ports (or any other MIDI interface connected to
your computer). Please refer to the Automap User guide for more info.
Ableton/Reason Special Templates
Please see advanced mode for more information on the Special Ableton/Reason templates.
Automap MIDI
Automap Port

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ADVAnCED MoDE
Advanced Mode is primarily used to control external MIDI hardware, however it can also be used to control software
when Automap is not supported or suitable for that software.
To switch to Advanced mode, press the Automap button so the LED is off.
Advanced mode includes 32 pre-built templates for controlling both hardware units and some software. All templates
have been laid out intuitively with all controls labelled, but for full information on advanced mode templates, please check
the Novation Answerbase: www.novationmusic.com/answerbase
SELECtInG tEMPLAtES
To switch between the 32 Advanced mode templates, press the speed dial knob.
Once pressed, the first 16 of the 32 templates will be displayed on the LCD.
The flashing name on the LCD indicates the currently loaded template.
Press the button or knob on the top row to select the corresponding template from the top row on the LCD.
Press the button or knob on the bottom row to select the corresponding template from the bottom row on the LCD.
Press the Page Up / Down buttons to list the other 16 templates.

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ADVAnCED MoDE tEMPLAtE oVERVIEW
A ‘Template’ in the ZeRO SL MkII is a layout of controls stored inside of the ZeRO SL MkII memory. They are remembered
even when you turn the unit on and off. All of the hardware controls are used to send out MIDI data of some kind with the
exception
of the following:
Automap System Buttons – These are reserved for the Automap Template only so are unavailable for the Advanced
mode templates.
Hold Preview and touch or press any assignable control to display that row’s controls on the ZeRO SL MkII’s LCD screen.
For example, by holding the Preview button and touching the third vertical fader, the parameter names and values
assigned to all eight faders are displayed on the LCD.
Page Up / Down buttons – press up once to display the type of MIDI message e.g CC or Sysex. Press up again to display
the output port settings e.g. M1 (MIDI out 1) or U1 (USB port 1)
SPEED DIAL
The speed dial / template knob has two functions.
Speed Dial mode: The speed dial can be used to control any on-screen parameter that can be altered using the mouse.
Simply move the mouse cursor over the parameter you want to change then rotate the knob to control it.
Note: The Automap Server software must be running for this function to work.
Template mode: Press down on the knob to display the list of templates.
Expression Control

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HARDWARE ContRoL
In Advanced mode, MIDI data can be sent to either one of the 2 MIDI output ports
You can set up the templates so that all controls in the template are sent to only one or both of the MIDI output ports.
SoftWARE AnD HARDWARE ContRoL
Advanced mode templates can be used in complex systems so that controls are sent to hardware via the MIDI ports
and to software via the USB ports 1 + 2. You can even set different controls from within the same template to be sent
to different output ports.
M1
M2
Port 1 DAW/Sequencer
Any software tha
t
response to MIDI
Port 2
M1
M2

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SPECIAL tEMPLAtES foR ContRoLLInG ABLEton LIVE AnD REASon
There are 2 special Advanced mode templates (templates 31 and 32).
These are templates for controlling DAW software that cannot be controlled using Automap, however the software
developers have worked with Novation to create a control experience that offers more than a standard template.
Whereas with most of the Advanced mode templates, are set up to just send out control information to control software
or hardware, these special templates include feedback, so if a parameter is changed from the software, then the ZeRO SL
MkII will update it’s LCDs and LED rings.
Additional level of control includes the Preview buttons and Page Up / Down buttons offering more functionality –
whereas these buttons have fixed functionality in all the other standard templates.
The 2 Special templates are for controlling Reason and Ableton.
Ableton Users Note: VST and AU plug-ins can be controlled using the Ableton template (as shown in the above diagram),
but can also be controlled using Automap. Press the Automap Button on the ZeRO SL MkII to switch between the
Automap and Ableton (advanced) Template.
Reason Users Note: The only port that is used in the Reason template is Port 2 (i.e. both notes and controls are sent on
Port 2). The template offers control of Reason Mixer(s) and all Instruments and FX. Using Reason in Rewire mode with
another DAW requires additional port set-up. Please refer to the DAW set-up guide in the Automap Server.
For more information please refer to the DAW set-up guide which is accessible from the Automap HUD, or visit the
Novation Answerbase at: www.novationmusic.com/answerbase
Port 1 MIDI/Instrument Trac
k
DAW Mixer
Plug-in
Port 2

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MEnU oVERVIEW
The ZeRO SL MkII system menus are accessed by pressing their corresponding button on the ZeRO SL MkII.
Once a menu is selected, all available options and sub-menus are displayed on the LCD screen.
The main Menus are: (quick) Menu, Global, Edit and Write
nAVIGAtInG MEnUS
Navigating menus and selecting menu items is done using a variety of controls on your ZeRO SL MkII. To enter a menu,
press the corresponding menu button. To exit a menu, press the same button again.
SAVInG/ WRItInG SEttInGS
To be able to save/write your settings, you need to ensure that Memory Protect is OFF. This option is available in the
Global > Options menu. If you have made changes to any of the Global menus options, press Write whilst in the Global
menu to save your changes.
If you have made edits to your current Template, press Write to save your changes to the ZeRO SL MkII memory.
SELECtInG
To select an option, simply touch or press a knob, encoder or button directly below the option’s position on the LCD.
If a button is lit, then this denotes that there are selectable parameters, if the button is not lit, then the option cannot
be changed.
To scroll through the options either rotate the encoder or the knob directly below the option. To step through the options
either hit the top row of buttons to step up, or the bottom row of buttons to step down.
Some of the menu options contain sub menus.
---> denotes enter sub menu.
<--- denotes return to previous menu.
Some menu options contain multiple pages. If the Page Up / Down buttons are lit, then this denotes additional pages.
Press the lit button to navigate up/down through the pages.
HIERARCHy of SEttInGS
There are three levels of settings that can be made on the ZeRO SL MkII.
Settings for individual controls within a template (Control• edit menu)
Settings for all controls within a single template (Template• edit menu / quick menu)
Settings for all controls within all templates (• Global menu)