Oz inventions Xpression fX Black Magic Motion User manual

Modulator - Receiver
User guide

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© Oz inventions
Version 1.8
Contents
Declaration of compliance ......................................................................................................................... 5
Please read these two very important messages........................................................................................ 6
Provided items........................................................................................................................................... 7
Safety and care .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Warranty ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Power ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 9
Controls and sockets overview..................................................................................................................10
Connecting................................................................................................................................................11
Connecting the expression jack .............................................................................................................11
Connecting the DC power adapter ........................................................................................................12
Antenna................................................................................................................................................12
Connecting multiple receivers...............................................................................................................13
Main indicator lights .................................................................................................................................14
ON ........................................................................................................................................................14
Ch .........................................................................................................................................................14
Minor indicator lights................................................................................................................................14
Indicator lights in normal use mode ......................................................................................................14
Indicator lights in menu mode...............................................................................................................14
Controls....................................................................................................................................................15
Modulation mode switch ......................................................................................................................15
Bidirectional switch...............................................................................................................................17
Sensitivity control (0 –99).....................................................................................................................17
Min depth (0 –127) ..............................................................................................................................18
Max depth ............................................................................................................................................18
Display......................................................................................................................................................20
Display in normal use mode ..................................................................................................................20
Indicator lights in normal use mode ......................................................................................................20
Display in menu mode...........................................................................................................................20
Indicator lights in menu mode...............................................................................................................20
Menu........................................................................................................................................................21
Menu access and control.......................................................................................................................21
System menu items...............................................................................................................................23
ADSR items ...........................................................................................................................................29

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System reset .........................................................................................................................................31
Step size menu items ............................................................................................................................32
Preset selection.....................................................................................................................................33
Calibration ................................................................................................................................................34
General calibration process...................................................................................................................34
Tilt and Quad tilt, calibration process ....................................................................................................35
Rotation and Guitar-hand mode calibration process..............................................................................35
Understanding recording and playback modes..........................................................................................37
Trimming the recording.........................................................................................................................37
Recording process.................................................................................................................................38
Modulation modes....................................................................................................................................39
Understanding tilt mode .......................................................................................................................39
Understanding Quad tilt mode..............................................................................................................41
Understanding rotation mode and Guitar-hand mode...........................................................................43
Understanding Velocity mode...............................................................................................................44
Understanding Flick mode.....................................................................................................................45
Understanding ADSR, Automatic ADSR mode and ADSR trigger mode...................................................46
Useful settings ..........................................................................................................................................50
Tilt ........................................................................................................................................................50
Quad tilt................................................................................................................................................50
Rotation................................................................................................................................................51
Velocity.................................................................................................................................................51
Flick ......................................................................................................................................................52
Guitar-hand ..........................................................................................................................................53
Automatic.............................................................................................................................................53
Playback / Record .................................................................................................................................53
Using the modulator as a foot switch ........................................................................................................54
Default settings.........................................................................................................................................55
Menu item order ......................................................................................................................................56
Step size settings for various devices.........................................................................................................57
A final note ...............................................................................................................................................58
Trouble shooting.......................................................................................................................................59
Modulator-Receiver specifications............................................................................................................60
Index.........................................................................................................................................................61

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© Oz inventions
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© Oz inventions
Version 1.8
Declaration of compliance
Manufacturers Name: Oz Inventions
Manufacturer’s address: PO Box 86, Warrnambool, Victoria. 3280
Declares that the product
Product name: Xpression fX Black Magic Motion (Modulator)
is compliant with the following standards regarding radiated and conductive emissions relevant to
this product and Electro Magnetic compatibility.
AS/NZS 4268
AS/NZS CISPR 32
Should the equipment cause radio frequency interference (disturber) or be the victim of radio
frequency interference, the following measures can be taken:
Relocate the disturber and/or the victim by increasing separation and/or reorientating the
device/s.
Connect the disturber and victim on different power circuits
Contact the manufacturer or other expert party

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Please read these two very important messages
1. The position of the sensitivity, minimum depth and maximum depth controls are of the utmost
importance in obtaining the correct amount of modulation. Having these controls in the incorrect
position may mean no modulation, little modulation or erratic modulation.
The sensitivity control has multiple functions depending on which modulation mode is being used, and
so it is often moved and so needs to be re-positioned for the desired effect when the modulation mode
is changed or the menus are exited.
The minimum and maximum depth controls have multiple functions, operating on modulation and also
changing items and parameters within the menus, and so these controls are often moved and need to be
re-positioned for the desired effect whenever the menus are exited or the modulation mode is changed.
Failsafe starting positions outside of the menus are
Sensitivity –
otilt mode –centre (50)
oQuad tilt mode –fully anti-clockwise (0)
oRotation mode –Not applicable
oVelocity mode –centre (50)
oFlick mode –centre (50)
oGuitar-hand mode –Not applicable
oAutomatic ADSR –Not applicable
oPlayback mode –fully anti-clockwise (0)
Minimum depth –fully anti-clockwise (0)
Maximum depth –fully clockwise (127)
If at any time things are not working as expected, check those controls.
2. The polarity and resistance settings will also have a significant effect. Refer to the user manual for
your effects unit / keyboard/ MIDI controller to determine the correct polarity and resistance.
TRS polarity & 12Kohm resistance are common but not universal. The following settings have been
found to work with the following products, though operation is not limited to these products.
Manufacturer
Polarity
Resistance (Kohm)
Arturia®
CV
50
Boss®
TRS
12
Digitech®
RTS
12
Eleven rack®
TRS
12
Line 6®
TS
12
M-Audio®
TRS
12
Mooger Fooger®
TRS
50
Pigtronix®
TRS
12
Strymon®
TRS
25
TC Electronic®
TRS
25
TC Helicon®
TRS
50
Yamaha®
RTS
50
Zoom®
RTS
50
Figure 1 –Common polarity and resistance settings

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Provided items
Receiver-Modulator
Antenna (optional)
DC 12 volt 150mA power supply (optional)
one meter TRS cable (optional)
Quick start manual (optional)
Safety and care
Remove power from all devices to be connected before connecting or disconnecting
Dismantling the device may damage the device. There are no user serviceable parts inside the
device.
Only use the provided AC to DC power adapter or other certified adapter. Only use the correct
polarity of the provided reversible DC power adapter. Negative centre (tip) is the correct polarity.
The power adapter is supplied in the correct configuration. Do not reverse the connection.
Electromagnetic radiation is minimised by the aluminium enclosure and relevant internal
components. However, should interference be experienced, position the device further away from
the device that is interfering or being interfered with. Interference can also be limited by operating
the device on different radio frequency channels.
Due to the nature of modulation, some modulated parameters, particularly at the ends of
modulation, can cause a loud and/or irritating audio signal. The default setting is to reduce the
modulating output to zero if radio contact is lost with the transmitter. However, this setting can be
defeated, and does not apply to all modes of operation, which could result in a permanent loud
and/or irritating audio signal until the modulation on/off control can be actuated. Permanent high
volume audio signals can damage hearing and equipment.
Should the device malfunction, a reboot or restore to default settings, may resolve the problem.
Otherwise the manufacturer should be contacted. There are no user serviceable parts inside the
device.
Avoid contact with, and environments, known to cause adverse effects with electronics and small
moving parts, such as liquids, dust, sand, high humidity, high temperature and vibrations.
Avoid excessive force when operating controls and connecting cables
Disconnect the device during lightning storms and /or times of power outages
This modulating device is designed to be connected to another device that outputs a DC voltage no
greater than 5 volts. Damage can be caused to this modulating device if greater than 5 volts is
applied to the expression socket. Consideration must be taken when connecting and using it.
If in doubt contact Oz inventions at [e-mail]

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Warranty
The device is warranted for use in Australia.
If the product is defective as a result of faulty workmanship or materials, Oz Inventions will at their
discretion repair or replace the product for a period of 12 months from purchase.
Proof of purchase is required and Oz Inventions at their discretion are required to inspect the product and
reserve the right to update or improve the product including hardware and software during the period of
inspection and /or repair.
The warranty is void if the product is opened or dismantled in any way
Warranty claims should be directed to [e-mail]
Power
The device requires a 9 –12 volt DC power supply with a current capability of 150mA. The DC polarity is
negative in the centre (tip). The supplied DC adapter is a reversible model. It is supplied with the correct
polarity configuration. Do not reverse the connection.
See Connecting the DC power adapter

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Introduction
Xpression fX Black Magic Motion from Oz Inventions, is a wireless motion controlled audio effects controller.
It is designed for use with effects units, keyboards and MIDI controllers that have an expression pedal
socket, sometimes called a control socket.
The device provides unique expression capability. Many of the features have not been available previous to
the release of Black Magic Motion and so it is advisable to read through this user guide.
The device can function as a -
Freehand motion expression device creating modulation from the movements of tilt, rotation,
velocity and force.
Motion triggered ADSR envelope
Motion triggered foot switch
Motion tracking recordable ADSR envelope
Standalone manual ADSR envelope shaper
Foot switch / sustain switch
Automatic motion triggered arpeggiator
The device is compatible with most effect units, keyboards and MIDI controllers with expression sockets or
with CV sockets. The modulator / receiver, provides the following features-
TRS, RTS, TS and RS polarity and CV output (0 –5 volt, 2mA Control Voltage).
12Kohm, 25Kohm and 50Kohm electrical resistance
Three RF receiving channels (2.4GHz)
Motion controlled expression via tilt, rotation, speed, flick, guitar-hand, automatic and recordable
waveforms
Scalable modulation output in step sizes from 1 –127
Linear, logarithmic and anti-logarithmic sweep
Reverse and forward unidirectional sweep
Bidirectional and continuous sweep
Quad directional sweep
Adjustable minimum and maximum depth modulation positions
Adjustable start and stop sweep positions
Stability / Response control (sensitivity)
50 millisecond to 99 second per stage, ADSR envelope shaper
Motion triggered ADSR envelope shaper
Automatic triggered ADSR envelope shaper
15 minute motion sensing recording ADSR envelope shaper

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Controls and sockets overview
Figure 2 Top panel controls
Expression jack –Tip, Ring, Sleeve type 6.35mm (¼” )socket
Antenna –2.4GHz vertical omni-directional 110mm antenna
Display –modulation mode; Sweep position; Menu text; mode indicators
Bidirectional switch –Positive modulation output, or Negative and positive modulation output
Mode switch –Tilt, rotation, Velocity, Force, Guitar-hand, Automatic, Playback
Minimum Depth –sets the minimum modulation position (heel down)
Maximum Depth - sets the maximum modulation position (toe down)
ON/OFF/calibration/record footswitch- Turns modulation on & off; Calibrates the the beginning and
ending modulation sweep points; Arms recording and stops recording.
Channel indicator –Three channels within the 2.4GHz spectrum; Identified as Red, Green and Blue
ON/OFF/calibration/record indicator –Yellow
Illuminated = Modulation ON; Extinguished = Modulation OFF; Fast flashing = calibrating; Brief slow
flashing = Record armed; Continuous slow flashing = Recording in progress.
Sensitivity –sets response time, stability, playback time and other parameters dependent on the
chosen modulation mode
DC power jack –2.1mm; 9 –12V; 150mA; Negative centre

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Connecting
The rear of the device provides access to the expression, antenna and DC power sockets.
Figure 3 Rear panel connections
Connecting the expression jack
Connect the expression socket of the receiver to the expression socket of an effects unit, keyboard or MIDI
controller, using a TRS cable. Regardless of whether TRS, RTS, TS, RS or CV polarity is chosen, a TRS cable is
required. The wiring configuration of the TRS cable is tip to tip; ring to ring; and shield to shield.
A TS (mono) cable can be used for switching only, if the effects unit/keyboard/MIDI controller provides that
functionality and is compatible See Using the modulator as a footswitch pg 50
Figure 4 –Connecting the expression jack
The plug/socket connection is firm and should click as it is made. The plug should be pushed in until all of the
silver plating is inside the socket.

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Connecting the DC power adapter
Push the DC power supply plug into the DC power inlet.
Figure 5 –Push the DC power plug into the DC power inlet
The DC power plug is reversible. It is provided with the correct configuration. Should the polarity need to be
changed the arrow should point toward the negative (-) symbol. This provides the correct polarity (negative
tip) for the receiver-modulator.
Figure 6 –Correct polarity –Negative tip
Antenna
The antenna is packed straight. It is hinged and can be bent. Leave it straight when attaching.
Screw the antenna gently in a clockwise direction onto the antenna socket
Figure 7 –Screw the antenna in a clockwise direction
Best reception is found when the antenna is bent at a 90 degree angle (vertical). However, slanting the
antenna back a few degrees may have an insignificant impact on reception and has the advantage of being
more tolerant to accidental damage.
Figure 8 –Angle the antenna back slightly

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Connecting multiple receivers
Using multiple receivers provides the ability to control multiple units using different modulation modes. For
example one receiver can be set to respond to tilt whilst another receiver can be set to respond to rotation.
The picture below shows two receivers being controlled by one sensor-transmitter. Both receivers are set to
the same channel and can be set to the same or different modulation modes. There is no limit to the number
of receivers that can be used with a single sensor-transmitter.
Figure 9 –Connecting multiple units
Setting multiple sensor-transmitters and receivers to different channels is also possible and offers many
combinations and possibilities. The picture below shows two sensor-transmitters on different channels.
Sensors can be attached to anything that moves. E.g. guitar, arm, leg, drummer, dancer etc
Figure 10 -= Many possibilities

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Main indicator lights
There are two main indicators and each provides multiple indications.
ON
The ON indicator shows when modulation is on or off. When illuminated, modulation is on.
The ON indicator also indicates when calibration is occurring in ‘Free’ mode, via flashing.
The ON indicator also indicates states of recording when in ‘Rec’ mode. The indicator flashes and then goes
steady when recording is armed. The indicator starts flashing again when recording has started and stops
flashing when recording is completed.
Ch
The Ch indicator shows which of the three RF channels is selected. Identified as Red, Green and Blue.
Figure 11 –Channel indicator lights
Three channels are provided to increase the systems capability by working with multiple sensor-transmitters
and multiple modulator-receivers, and also to avoid or limit electrical interference.
Minor indicator lights
There are two minor indicator lights and each provides unique indications in normal use mode and also
within the menus.
Indicator lights in normal use mode
In normal use mode the indicator lights signify ‘Record mode’or ‘ADSR trigger mode’. The absence of lights
signifies ‘Free’ mode.
Indicator lights in menu mode
An illuminated dot under the last character, signifies that the menu is currently being accessed. An
illuminated dot under the first character signifies that the current menu item is an ADSR item.
Yellow
Red
Yellow
Green
Yellow
Blue
Yellow
Red

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Controls
Modulation mode switch
The mode switch is a momentary toggle switch. It is toggled forward and then released. The mode switch
selects between modulation modes.
The modulation modes are tilt, quad tilt, rotation, velocity, Flick automatic and playback.
Tilt (t)
Default angle 0 –90 degrees; Range 0 –90 degrees;
Default orientation –Top; Range –Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Front & Rear
This mode is designed for tilting and rolling in a single direction or two directions if the bidirectional switch is
used. Calibration is usually required before use.
Quad tilt (q)
Default useable angle 0 –90 degrees in four directions; Range 0 –90 degrees in four directions; Default
orientation –Top; Range –Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Front Rear
This mode is designed for tilting and rolling in any direction. Calibration is usually required before use.
Rotation (r)
Default 0 –90 degrees; Range 0 –36000 degrees;
This mode is designed for rotational movement such as side to side swaying or swinging, as maybe done
when playing a guitar, dancing or other circular movement.
Calibration is usually required before use. See Rotation calibration process pg 30
The bidirectional switch allows a continuous circle

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Velocity (v)
Range 0 –127;
Default sensitivity to speed is dependent on the position of the sensitivity control. Higher (clockwise)
sensitivity requires less speed to reach the maximum depth.
This mode is designed for moving at different speeds. Faster speeds modulate more than slower speeds.
Flick (F)
Range 0 –127;
This mode is designed for forces. Stronger forces modulate more than weaker forces. It is designed as a
trigger for the ADSR envelope but may also be used with very rapid movements.
The sensitivity adjustment controls how much force is required to reach the maximum depth as set by the
maximum depth control.
Guitar-hand(G)
Default 0 –90 degrees; Range 0 –720 degrees;
This mode is designed for the specific rotation of a guitar or keyboarding hand.
Calibration is usually required before use. See Rotation and Guitar-hand mode calibration process pg 35
As with ‘Rotation’ mode, the bidirectional switch enables a continuous circle.
Automatic ADSR (A)
Plays the ADSR envelope as set within the ADSR menu
See Understanding ADSR, Automatic ADSR mode and ADSR trigger mode
Playback recorded ADSR (P)
Plays the recorded ADSR envelope as recorded in record mode. See Understanding recording pg 37

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Bidirectional switch
The bidirectional switch is a permanent toggle switch. It is actuated by pushing it backward. It enables
modulation output in two directions. Modulating output will normally decrease from 127 to 0 and there will
be no further change should the sensor continue below the 0 point. With bi-directional selected, the
modulating output will continue to be present in the negative direction. -127 - 0 –127 . In rotation and guit-
hand mode the bidirectional switch enables a continuous sweep.
Sensitivity control (0 –99)
The sensitivity control has different functions depending on which modulation mode is being used.
Tilt mode
The sensitivity control adjusts how quickly the modulator responds to received data from a sensor, and how
stable the modulated output is. The control is a compromise between response and stability. Great stability
comes with a slow response time. Quick response times are less stable. Either condition is not a hindrance,
but rather can be used to good effect. For example quick response and low stability enables quick
movements to produce warbling effects, whilst slow response and high stability enables robust player
movements so that modulation only occurs at specific points. A slow response can also be used to provide a
delay which gives a pad type string effect as modulation slowly increases and decreases.
Knowing the exact position of the sensitivity control is not always needed, however its level is briefly flashed
on the screen whenever it is moved. Fully anti-clockwise = 0. Fully clockwise = 99.
Quad tilt mode
The sensitivity control adjusts the point where the modulated output effectively
has a value of zero. With the control at ‘0’ (fully anti-clockwise) the zero point is
where it is expected to be, directly after or before ‘1’, depending on which
direction the 4-way mode is tilting.
As the sensitivity control is moved clockwise higher values also begin to have a
value of zero. This gives a point of rest for the user because without this space
there would always be some modulation as the user quickly crosses over the zero
point.
The sensitivity control in quad tilt mode also enables effective retriggering of the
ADSR envelope. The zero point is needed for retriggering and is difficult to locate
when there is only a small zero point window available.

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Velocity mode
The sensitivity control adjusts how much velocity is required to reach maximum modulating output (127).
Low values (anti-clockwise) require more velocity to reach maximum, whilst high values increase the
sensitivity, making lower speeds reach the maximum modulating output.
Playback mode
The sensitivity control is used as a trim control in playback mode to remove possible uneven timing toward
the end of the recording. See ‘Understanding recording’ pg 37
The sensitivity control has many functions and so it is important to have it in the correct position for each
mode. If it is in the wrong position, the result can be no modulating output. If at any time modulation is
not working as expected, check the sensitivity control, and also the min and max depth controls.
Min depth (0 –127)
The minimum depth control limits the modulating output by preventing modulation falling below a preset
level. For example, when minimum depth is set to 25, modulation cannot go lower than 25. For example, if
the chosen effect parameter to be modulated is ‘volume’ with a range from no volume at 0, to maximum
volume at 127, setting the minimum depth control to 25 will prevent the volume from reaching zero. In
relation to a traditional expression pedal, the minimum depth control can be likened to the heel down
position.
Knowing the exact position of the minimum depth control is not always needed, however its level is briefly
flashed on the screen whenever it is moved. Fully anti-clockwise = 0. Fully clockwise = 127.
The minimum depth control also functions as the menu item indexer. The control does not function as a
depth control when a menu is accessed. However, its value is retained by the system when inside a menu.
When a menu is exited the control should be returned to the position it was in before menu entry.
It is important to have the minimum depth control in the correct position for the result you are trying to
obtain. If it is in the wrong position, the result can be no modulating output. Whenever the menu is
exited, be sure to correctly place the minimum depth control. If at any time modulation is not working as
expected, check the minimum depth control, and also the maximum depth control and the sensitivity
control.
Max depth
The maximum depth control limits the modulating output by preventing modulation rising above a preset
level. For example, when maximum depth is set to 90, modulation cannot go higher than 90. For example, if
the chosen effect parameter to be modulated is ‘volume’ with a range from no volume at 0, to maximum

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volume at 127, setting the maximum depth control to 90 will prevent ‘maximum volume’ being reached. In
relation to a traditional expression pedal, the maximum depth control can be likened to the toe down
position.
Knowing the exact position of the maximum depth control is not always needed, however its level is briefly
flashed on the screen whenever it is moved. Fully anti-clockwise is 0, fully clockwise is 127.
The maximum depth control also functions as the menu item parameter indexer. The control does not
function as a depth control when a menu is accessed. However, its depth value is retained by the system
whilst in the menu. When the menu is exited the control should be returned to the position it was in before
menu entry.
It is important to have the maximum depth control in the correct position for the result you are trying to
obtain. If it is in the wrong position, the result can be no modulating output. Whenever a menu is exited,
be sure to correctly place the maximum depth control. If at any time modulation is not working as
expected, check the maximum depth control, and also the minimum depth control and the sensitivity
control.

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Display
In normal use mode, the display shows the modulation output and the modulation mode. The display also
shows menu information and has indicator lights to signify a menu is currently being accessed, and also
indicator lights outside of a menu to show when ADSR trigger, and Record mode are selected.
Display in normal use mode
In normal use mode, the display shows the currently chosen modulation mode and the modulation level of
that mode.
Indicator lights in normal use mode
In normal use mode the indicator lights signify record mode or ADSR trigger mode. The absence of lights
signifies ‘Free’ mode.
Display in menu mode
In Menu mode, the display shows the currently selected menu item and its current parameter level. An
illuminated dot under the last character distinguishes between menu access and normal use mode.
Indicator lights in menu mode
An illuminated dot under the last character, signifies that the menu is currently being accessed. An additional
illuminated dot under the first character signifies that the current menu item is an ADSR item.