Novation TR808 User manual

Owners
Manual
ENABLEPROTECT AUDITION H'CLP C'BLLR'SHT CLOSED OPEN CRASH RIDE M'CAS CL'VESC'NGAS
MIDI RX CH
MIDI TX CH
PROGRAM
EDIT WRITE
UTILITY
SAVE
BASS DRUM SNARE DRUM TOM TOMS HI HAT CYMBALSR'SHOT H'CLAP C'BELL C'NGAS M'CAS CLAVES
ATTACK / TONEDATA ENTRY MODEAUTO TRIGGERWRITEHEADPHONES DECAY SNAPPYTONE DECAY DECAY DECAYSELECT SELECT CONGA SELECT SELECTSELECTSELECT
DRUM KITVOLUME LEVELTUNE LEVELTUNE LEVELTUNE LEVELTUNE LEVELTUNE / TONE LEVELTUNELEVELTUNE
HIGHMIDLOW
123
MID HIGHLOW
123
TRIGGER
START STOP SAVESAVE TYPE
CONT / VELOCITY
DRUM SELECT
OUTPUT SET
DISTORTION
FRONT CUT
ASSIGN BANK
NOTE-OFF REC GEN MIDI SET
DEMO
WRITE
COMPARE
55
010
55
010
55
010
55
010
5010 55
010
55
010
0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10
010 5
808
909
SELECT
3
6
9
2
45
78
0
1

Introduction Section 1
Front Panel Controls 2
Rear Panel Connections 3
Connections & Setting up 4
Applications - Basic 5
Applications - Advanced 6
Master Volume Section 7
Data Entry / Program Section 8
Keypad 8
Audition -Auto Trigger Button 9
Mode Button - Program Change 10
Midi TX & RX Channels 11
Selecting Utility Mode 11
Saving System Exclusive Data Dumps 11
Loading System Exclusive Data Dumps 12
Editing & Writing Programs 13
Compare Function 14
Voice Architecture / ASM 15
TR808 & TR909 Notes 16
Bass Drum Section 18
Snare Drum Section 20
Tom Toms Section 22
Rimshot / Handclap / Cowbell Section 24
Hi Hat Section 25
Cymbals Section 26
Congas / Maracas / Claves Section 28
Utility Mode 30
Operation 30
Drum Select 31
Front Cut 32
Controller / Velocity 33
Note Off Recognition 35
General MIDI Setup 36
Output Set 37
Assign Bank 39
Distortion 40
Factory Demo 40
Din Sync Output 41
Controller Map 42
Factory Program List 44
Factory Demo Guide 45
MIDI Implementation 46
MIDI Precussion Map 47
Troubleshooting Guide 48
Specification 49
Table of
Contents
* TR808 & TR909 are trademarks of Roland Corporation, Japan

Thank you for buying the Novation DrumStation Rack drum synthesizer. The module you
have purchased is ideal for producing the kind of classic synthesized drum sounds which
have returned to popularity in recent years in various styles of dance music.
The two most popular drum machines which originally produced these sounds - Roland’s TR808 &TR909* - are no longer
manufactured and as a result, second-hand units are now changing hands for far more than their original selling prices (and
indeed the selling price of the DrumStation). The DrumStation will allow you to produce these sounds with stunning realism
and ‘tweak’ their parameters using the original analogue synthesis techniques, unlike sampling or PCM playback which
‘freezes’ the sound and makes it extremely difficult to edit.Additionally the DrumStation is programmable so once you have
adjusted the sounds to your taste you can store them in complete ‘kits’. You have the recall of digital memories but with the
life and warmth that only original analogue sounds have. To get you started 25 Factory kits have been provided and there
are 15 User Programs which you can use to store your own kits, once you become familiar with the editing parameters. The
DrumStation features stereo left/right and 6 individual assignable audio outputs so you can process your drum sounds indi-
vidually through your mixer EQ and external effects.
The DrumStation is triggered via MIDI, allowing you to program your drums on your favourite MIDI sequencer (hardware or
software). The TR808 and TR909 kits can be accessed simultaneously allowing any combination of drum sounds to be
played as a ‘Kit’. MIDI Controllers are transmitted when any drumsound editing knob is adjusted in real-time and these too
can be recorded on a MIDI sequencer and reproduced from sequencer playback. For those who have vintage equipment
supporting Roland DIN Sync the DrumStation uses the incoming MIDI Clock to generate the original Roland DIN Sync 5v
output trigger for external devices. Welcome to a percussive “Analogue for the 90s”.
* TR808 & TR909 are trademarks of Roland Corporation, Japan
Introduction
Section
1

Front Panel
Controls
2
12 3456789
1 Master Volume Section
This section contains the Master Volume control, Drum Kit select buttons,
Headphone output socket and the Program write switch.
2 Data Entry/Program Section
This section contains the 12 Data Entry buttons, Display and Menu LED’s,
Audition/AutoTrigger and Mode select buttons.
3 Bass Drum Section
This section contains the Bass Drum Level, Tune, Attack/Tone, and Decay
controls.
4 Snare Drum Section
This section contains the Snare Drum Level, Tune, Tone, and Snappy controls.
5 Tom Toms Section
This section contains the Tom Toms Drum Level, Tune, Decay and Select
controls.
6 Rim Shot /HandClap Section
ENABLEPROTECT AUDITION H'CLP C'BLLR'SHT CLOSED OPEN CRASH RIDE M'CAS CL'VESC'NGAS
MIDI RX CH
MIDI TX CH
PROGRAM
EDIT WRITE
UTILITY
SAVE
BASS DRUM SNARE DRUM TOM TOMS HI HAT CYMBALSR'SHOT H'CLAP C'BELL C'NGAS M'CAS CLAVES
ATTACK / TONEDATA ENTRY MODEAUTO TRIGGERWRITEHEADPHONES DECAY SNAPPYTONE DECAY DECAY DECAYSELECT SELECT CONGA SELECT SELECTSELECTSELECT
DRUM KITVOLUME LEVELTUNE LEVELTUNE LEVELTUNE LEVELTUNE LEVELTUNE / TONE LEVELTUNELEVELTUNE
HIGHMIDLOW
123
MID HIGHLOW
123
TRIGGER
START STOP SAVESAVE TYPE
CONT / VELOCITY
DRUM SELECT
OUTPUT SET
DISTORTION
FRONT CUT
ASSIGN BANK
NOTE-OFF REC GEN MIDI SET
DEMO
WRITE
COMPARE
55
010
55
010
55
010
55
010
5010 55
010
55
010
0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10
010 5
808
909
SELECT
3
6
9
2
45
78
0
1
This section contains the Rim Shot and HandClap Level, Tune and Select
controls.
7 Hi Hat Section
This section contains the Hi Hat Level, Tune, Decay and Select controls.
8 Cymbals Section
This section contains the Cymbals Level, Tune/Tone, Decay and Select
controls.
9 Congas/Maracas/Claves Section
This section contains the TR808’s Congas/Maracas/Claves Level,Tune, Select
and Conga Select controls.

Rear Panel
Connections
3
1 DIN Sync. Out
This connector is used to control the Tempo/Start-Stop of classic analogue
drum machines or synthesisers from the MIDI Clock.
2 Individual Outputs
The six connectors in this section are used to separate a drum sound(s) from
the main stereo left/Right outputs. The sounds(s) can then be equalised or
processed individually.
3 Master Output
The two connectors deliver a stereo line level output signal for connection to a
mixing desk or amplifier.
4 MIDI
IN - This connector is used to receive MIDI Data from an external device.
OUT - This connector is used to Transmit MIDI Data to an external device.
THRU - This connector re-transmits MIDI Data received by the MIDI IN socket
to an external device.
5 9V DC INPUT
Connect the output plug of theAC Adapter supplied ( PSU-4 ) with the
DrumStation to this socket.
DRUM SYNTHESISER MODULE
-+
CAUTION: DO NOT OPEN CASE. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: 1.This device may not cause harmful interference. 2.This device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
MADE IN ENGLAND
POWER IN
9V DC
LEFT645
IN OUT THRU
RIGHT312
OUT
DIN SYNC MASTER OUTPUT MIDIINDIVIDUAL OUTPUTS
1 2 3 4 5

DRUM SYNTHESISER MODULE
-
+
CAUTION: DO NOT OPEN CASE. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: 1.This device may not cause harmful interference. 2.This device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
MADE IN ENGLAND
POWER IN
9V DC
LEFT645
IN OUT THRU
RIGHT312
OUT
DIN SYNC MASTER OUTPUT MIDIINDIVIDUAL OUTPUTS
Novation
PSU-4
Power Supply
Connect the ‘Master output’ sockets of the DrumStation Rack to a suitable amplifier or mixing desk’s stereo inputs and set
the ‘Volume’ control on the front panel to a reasonably high output level (9-10). This will maintain a good signal to noise ratio.
Make sure that the input volume setting on your amplifier or mixer is initially set to zero. Connect the MIDI Out from your
master keyboard or sequencer to the MIDI In on the DrumStation Rack and check that the ‘Write’switch is in the ‘Protect’
position. Now, connect the power supply ( Novation PSU-4 ) to the socket marked ‘Power In 9VDC’ and plug into a suitable
AC power outlet. Switch on the power to the DrumStation and the display should now illuminate showing the last selected
program number. Now switch on your amplifier and adjust the volume accordingly. You can now use your master keyboard or
sequencer to play the drum sounds of the currently selected program ( the DrumStation Rack is initially set at the factory to
receive on MIDI channel 10). To listen to all 25 factory presets, first make sure the ‘Program’ LED is on ( if not, use the
‘Mode’ button to re-select ) and then use the ‘Data Entry’ keypad to call up sounds ‘00’ to ‘24’. See page 44 for factory pro-
gram information. You can also use the ‘Audition’ button on the front panel to trigger the sounds.
Connections
& Setting up
4
Mixer/AmplifierAudio Inputs MIDI OUT MIDI IN MIDI OUT MIDI IN
BASIC SETUP
Mixer/Amplifier Computer/Sequencer Master Keyboard/Module

On page 4 is a diagram of the basic way to set up the DrumStation Rack. Normally the
setup should be as follows: If the Master Keyboard is a “Workstation” i.e. it has a
Synthesiser built in, turn “Local Off” or the equivalent in its MIDI setup. ( Refer to the manu-
facturers Owners Manual for details on how to do this. ) Turn the Computer
Software/Sequencer’s “Soft Thru” (or sometimes called “Echo Back”) to the “ON” or “Enabled” position. Now when selecting
a “Track” in the Computer Software/Sequencer that is assigned to the MIDI RX channel of the Drumstation, (Refer: Page
11) playing the keyboard should play the Drumstation through the Headphones/Monitors. Similarly “Tracks” in the Computer
Software/Sequencer that are assigned to the MIDI channel(s) of the “Workstation” should make it produce sound. If not
please refer to the Keyboard & Computer Software/Sequencer manufacturers Owners Manuals for details on how to do
this.
Note:This setup does not allow the recording of knob movements on the Computer Software/Sequencer. This is because
the MIDI output of the DrumStation is not connected to the input of the Sequencer/Computer. To record Knob movements in
realtime referAdvanced Setup on page 6.
Note: If there are additional Keyboards/Modules connected via MIDI as shown, this diagram does not include audio for the
Keyboard/Module. The audio outputs of these devices must also be connected to the mixer.
5
Applications
Basic

DRUM SYNTHESISER MODULE
-
+
CAUTION: DO NOT OPEN CASE. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: 1.This device may not cause harmful interference. 2.This device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
MADE IN ENGLAND
POWER IN
9V DC
LEFT645
IN OUT THRU
RIGHT312
OUT
DIN SYNC MASTER OUTPUT MIDIINDIVIDUAL OUTPUTS
This is the advanced way to setup the DrumStation and utilises all of the rear panel features. This setup allows realtime
recording of knob movements onto the Computer Software/Sequencer as both the MIDI output of the keyboard and the
MIDI output of the DrumStation are merged with an external (not supplied) MIDI Merge box. If the Master Keyboard is a
“Workstation” i.e. it has a Synthesiser built in, turn “Local Off” or the equivalent in its MIDI setup. (Refer to the manufactur-
ers Owners Manual for details on how to do this. ) Turn the Computer Software/Sequencer’s “Soft Thru” (or sometimes
called “Echo Back”) to the “ON” or “Enabled” position. Now when selecting a “Track” in the Computer Software/Sequencer
that is assigned to the MIDI RX channel of the Drumstation, (Refer: Page 11) playing the keyboard should play the
Drumstation through the Headphones/Monitors. Similarly “Tracks” in the Computer Software/Sequencer that are assigned to
the MIDI channel(s) of the “Workstation” should make it produce sound. If not please refer to the Keyboard & Computer
Software/Sequencer manufacturers Owners Manuals for details on how to do this. When using the DIN Sync feature ensure
that your sequencer is transmitting MIDI Clock. If is is not this function will not work.
Applications
Advanced
6
Vintage Equipment DIN Sync Input Mixer/AmplifierAudio Inputs MIDI OUT MIDI IN MIDI OUT MIDI IN
MERGE
Novation
PSU-4
Power Supply
ADVANCED SETUP
Mixer/Amplifier Computer/Sequencer Master Keyboard/Module

Volume - Rotary
This knob adjusts the overall output volume of the DrumStation on both the Main L/R and
Headphone outputs. The volume of a drum sound can be set individually using the ‘Level’
controls in each section.
NOTE: This control can be overidden by MIDI Volume data. If a MIDI Volume of ‘0’has
been received by the DrumStation, no output will be heard regardless of the position of this
knob. To reset the volume either transmit the relevant MIDI Volume level or move the
Volume knob - this automatically overides the MIDI setting.
Drum Kit - Buttons
Here you select which drum kit (TR808 or TR909) will be edited when using the front panel
controls or any of the Utility functions. Each ‘Progam’ has TR808 & TR909 sounds - see
‘Function 5 - General MIDI Setup’ on page 36.
Write - Switch
This switch protects your programs from accidental erasure. During normal operation it should be left in it’s ‘Protect’position
however, when you have edited or created a new program that you want to save, moving it to the ‘Enable’ position will allow
you to “write” over an existing program - see “Writing a Program Into Memory” on page 13.
Headphone - Socket
Use this 1/4 jack socket to monitor the output of your DrumStation Rack via headphones. This output will drive any type of
headphones.
Master Volume
Section
7
ENABLEPROTECT
WRITEHEADPHONES
DRUM KITVOLUME
010
808
909

This is where you select the programs on the DrumStation Rack, set the MIDI transmit
and receive channels, set the various utility functions and store newly edited pro-
grams.
NOTE: When editing a program, the current position of a knob or
switch will probably be totally different to that of the program selected,
so when you turn a rotary control more than a few degrees or move a
switch expect the sound parameter to “jump” to the new value.
Data Entry Keypad - Buttons
The 12 buttons of the calculator style ‘Data Entry’ keypad are used to
call up and set the various operating parameters of each ‘Mode’. You
can use two methods to enter a number :
1. DIGIT INPUT - using the buttons 0 to 9.
NOTE: this must always be a two digit entry, for example :
Selecting program sound 8 —— press the ‘0’ and ‘8’ buttons - display reads ‘08’.
Selecting program sound 17 —- press the ‘1’ and ‘7’ buttons - display reads ‘17’.
2. INCREMENT/DECREMENT - using the ‘-’ and ‘+’ buttons.
Press the ‘+’ button to move up to the next program or value.
Press the ‘-’ button to move down to the next program or value.
These buttons can also be used to ‘scroll’ through values by pressing and holding down until the desired value is reached.
Data Entry/Program
Keypad
8
AUDITION
MIDI RX CH
MIDI TX CH
PROGRAM
EDIT WRITE
UTILITY
SAVE
DATA ENTRY MODEAUTO TRIGGER
TRIGGER
START STOP SAVESAVE TYPE
CONT / VELOCITY
DRUM SELECT
OUTPUT SET
DISTORTION
FRONT CUT
ASSIGN BANK
NOTE-OFF REC GEN MIDI SET
DEMO
WRITE
COMPARE
SELECT
3
6
9
2
45
78
0
1