Rane MPE series User manual

1
Rane MPE Users Guide
Foreword
WelcometotheMPEUsersGuide.Withinthese
pages lurk the details you’ll need to twiddle every
knobonyourRaneMIDIProgrammableEqualizer
with full confidence and expertise. If a quick start is
all that you desire, please refer to your MPEOper-
ating/ServiceManual.
The MPE family consists of two models. The
MPE28isa one channel, 1/3-octave,28band
equalizer. The MPE 14 is a two channel, 2/3-octave,
14bandsperchannelequalizer.TheMPE14and
MPE 28 both feature Rane’s exclusive interpolating
constant-Q filters.Eachmodelis digitally program-
mable, with equalizer bands adjustable +12dB to
-15dB in 1dB steps, and overall level adjustable
±12dBin2dBsteps.Bothmodelsfeature128
permanentmemories, comprehensive MIDIimple-
mentation, and loads of powerful user functions.
Thisguidecoverstheoperation,maintenance,and
applications of the entire MPE family.

2Rane MPE Users Guide
About This Users Guide
Conventions
Afewwordsaboutthevariousconventionsused
in this document:
Front panel LED and key names will be printed
in capital letters and bold typeface.
When pressing the FUNCTION key and an-
otherkey (OMNI, PRGCHG, KEY,etc.)
simultaneously, we will write this as “ F-KEY
NAME” (for example, F-OMNI).Whenper-
forming one of these dual key presses, it is
recommendedthatyoupressthe FUNCTION
key first and hold it in (as if it were a “SHIFT”
key on a typewriter) while you tap the second
key.
Most of the MPE keys and LED’s are given
more than one label. When a key or LED is
specified,onlythelabelrelevanttoitscurrent
functionis used.
Terminology
The term MPE refers to both models of the MPE
familycollectively. Since both models are operated
almostidentically,this guide will distinguishbe-
tween individual models only when necessary.
Expression is a feature of the MPE which causes
the current equalizer curve to “bend” with MIDI
continuouscontrollerorchannelpressureaftertouch
data.Fornon-MIDIusers,thisfeature,andall
references to it, may be ignored.
The term equalizer parameters refers to the
individual band levels and the overall level of the
equalizer.
Expression parameters arethe individual expres-
sion vectors assigned to each equalizer band, and the
expressioncontroller . These will make more sense
when we discuss them in detail later.
System parameters include the MIDIsettings,
and user interface options , such as the MIDI Chan-
nel,bypassstatus, SYSTEM displaynumerical
base, and so on.
A Stored Memory refers to one of the 128 per-
manent Stored Memories on board the MPE (you
mayhaveseenother manufacturers use words like
Program, Patch, or Preset in place of our term,
StoredMemory).
Working Memory contains the currentequalizer
and expression parameters .WorkingMemoryis
whatyouhear.Anyadjustmentstotheequalizerare
madedirectly to Working Memory. Stored Memo-
ries receive data from Working Memory. Any time a
Stored Memory or Factory Preset is recalled, it is
placedinWorkingMemory.
FactoryPresets are memorieswhichare supplied
by the factory, and kept in Read Only Memory
(ROM).
Acurve isthe graphical representation of the
equalizerparameters.
The little square grey and black things on the MPE
front panel are keys.Thismayseemtrivial,butina
world of keys, buttons, knobs, switches, push-
buttons,actuators, controls, levers, pedals, and so
on, this definition might avoid future embarrass-
ment.
The keys, 100 and 0-9, will often be referred to as
the “number keys” .
Many new terms will crop up as we proceed, but
these should be enough to get us started.

3
Rane MPE Users Guide
User Modes and Functions
The MPE user interface is organized into three
main user modes. These are:
Normal Operating mode
EQ Edit mode
Expression Edit mode
Each user mode can be thought of as a drawer
containing a particular set of MPE parameters. To
adjustanMPE parameter, youenterthecorrespond-
ingmode(i.e.,openthedrawer), change the param-
eter, and then exit (close the drawer) when you’re
done.
Asimpliedbyitsname,theNormalOperating
mode is the mode in which you normally operate the
MPE.NormalOperating mode isenteredbythe
MPE on power up, and is the mode from which you
enterthe EQ Edit and Expression Edit modes. When
you exit either of these latter two modes, you are
returnedto Normal Operating mode. Normal Operat-
ingmodecouldalsobethoughtofas“Memory”
mode, since it is the mode in which you recall Stored
Memories,savethem,recallFactoryPresets,etc.We
will continue to call it Normal Operating mode.
Within the Normal Operating mode, there are 6
equalizeruserfunctions :
Recall a Stored Memory
Store Working Memory
Recall Factory Preset
Set Ramp Step Size
Curve Weighting
Set Lockout Status
and 8 MIDIuserfunctions:
Set MIDI Channel
Program MIDI Map
Enable OMNI Mode
Enable Program Change Output
Enable Key Scan Echo
Enable Parameter Echo
Set Device ID
Dump Memory
The EQ Edit and Expression Edit modes provide
theenvironments for you to edit the equalizer and
expressionparameters, respectively.
The EQ Edit mode provides two user functions in
additiontotheequalizereditinginterface:
Compare
Clear (set to 0dB) Bands
Expression Edit mode provides a simple interface
totheexpressionparameters.
User functions must be accessed from the correct
mode. This is the most important concept for intui-
tive operation of the MPE. For example, if you want
to flatten the equalizer bands, you must be in the EQ
Edit mode to access this function. Similarly, you
must be in the Normal Operating mode to recall a
Stored Memory, set a MIDI parameter, and so on. If
you attempt to access a user function from the wrong
mode, the MPE hurls error messages into in the
SYSTEM display.
Enteringuser modes and functions is accom-
plishedbypressingthekeyassignedtothem.Each
key is identified on the front panel. You never have
tosearch through a hierarchy of hidden menus to
findthem.(You’rewelcome.)
You can usually enter the Normal Operating mode
simplyby pressing the MEMORY key. The word
usually isstressedbecausetherearetwo exceptions.
In EQ Edit mode you must press the EQ keyuntil
the EQ LEDs are off to reach Normal Operating
mode (since the MEMORY key is used for the
comparefunction). In the Program MIDI Map
function you might have to press the MEMORY
keytwice.
Entering EQ Edit mode is no big deal. Just hit the
EQ key. That’s it. Entering the Expression Edit
mode is just as easy, press the EXPRESS key.
Sohow can you tell which user mode you’re
currently in? If you’re in the Normal Operating
mode, the SYSTEM display area on the right side of
theMPEfrontpanelwilllooksomethinglike:

4Rane MPE Users Guide
Detailed Operation
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get your hands
dirty. If you haven’t already done so, plug in your
MPE, grab a fresh can of your favorite sudsy bever-
age, and feed some tunes through the equalizer.
We are about to discuss each user function in full
detail, one by one. The order in which we proceed
followsa normal session of recalling a curve from
StoredMemory,editingtheparameters,comparing
these parameters to what we started with (Stored
Memory),andwritingthisnewcurvetoStored
Memory.
Oncewemaster these elementary operations,
we’ll adjust the ramp step size, recall a few Factory
Presets, edit the expression parameters, do some
curveweightingandcopying, and place theMPEin
lockout.
The final discussion brings us into the world of
MIDI. First, we’ll set the MIDI Channel, OMNI
mode, and Program Change Output options, pro-
gram the MIDI map, and then set the Device ID,
discuss Key Scan Echo and Parameter Echo, and
dump memory to a remote device.
Recalling Curves From Stored Memory
The most basic function of the MPE is to transfer
StoredMemoriesto Working Memory.Torecalla
Stored Memory, you must tell the MPE which one
you want. That’s it. Here are the play-by-play
details:
1. Make sure you’re in Normal Operating mode.
Normal Operating mode is active if only the
MEMORY LED is lit, and the SYSTEM display
has a non-flashing number in it. If you’re not in
Normal Operating mode, then jump out of which-
ever mode or function you are in (since Normal
Operating mode is home base, you will always
returnherefromallothermodes).
2. Enter the number of the Stored Memory you wish
to recall. Use the keys labeled with numbers 100,
0-9 belowthem.Numbersareenteredtensdigit
first, ones digit second. If the number is less then
10, you must type in a leading 0. If the number is
100 or greater, press the 100 key before the tens
and ones digits keys.
Notice that the MEMORY LED is lit, and the
SYSTEM display has some sort of number in it.
The EQ Edit mode can be recognized by the LEDs
above the EQ button. If either of these LEDs is lit,
(and not flashing) then you are in EQ Edit mode.
The following figure shows what the MPE 14 looks
like after a band is selected, the MPE 28 has a
similar appearance:
In the above example the MPE 14 is in Channel 1
EQ Edit mode, as shown by the CHANNEL 1 LED
and number in the EQUALIZER display.
ExpressionEditmodeisrecognizedifthe EX-
PRESS LED is lit, and any of the LEDs above the
EQ key are flashing. On the MPE 14 it looks some-
thing like:
When you are in a user function within one of
these modes, the displays may look different. As we
describe each user function in detail, we will explain
what the displays show.
Bypass is the one user feature that transcends all
three user modes. You can place the equalizer in
bypass in any function in any mode at any time by
pressing the BYPASS key(s).Pressingthiskey
again removes the equalizer from bypass.
With the distinction between user modes and
functionsinmind,we now proceed with detailed
operationoftheMPE.

5
Rane MPE Users Guide
Selecting The SYSTEM Display Base
Remember when your sadistic high school math
teachermade you perform impossible arithmetic in
differentnumericalbases?Well, Freddy Krueger
returns… Actually, this option is provided to clear
up the confusion that arises when your MIDI devices
hurl decimal and octal numbers at each other, and
expect you to sort out the mess.
Ifyou are leery about the differences between the
decimaland octal numerical bases, please visit the
side bar on the following page.
To toggle the numerical base of the SYSTEM
display, press and hold the MEMORY key and then
tapthe MAP key. Voila! You’re now looking at the
samenumber as before, but in the opposite base.
Tip: Be careful to press the MAP key after the
MEMORY key, and release it before the
MEMORY key.Ifyoudon’t,theMPEpopsyou
intothe Program MIDI Map function. If this hap-
pens, hit the MEMORY key twice to re-enter
Normal Operating mode.
Number entry for octal is similar to decimal, with
twobasic differences. First, only the numerals 1-8
are used. If you press the 0or 9keys in octal mode,
you will be scolded by the MPE. The second differ-
ence is the 100 key now assumes the role of OC-
TAL A/B (see the side-bar on the next page if you
don’t know A from B ). Pressing OCTALA/B
toggles the third digit of the octal number between
groups A and B. Experiment with the two bases for
awhile, you’ll see how it works.
Scrolling Through Stored Memories
With The UP and DOWN Keys
If you wish to recall the next or previous Stored
Memory, press the UP or DOWN keyto increment
ordecrementthecurrentStoredMemory number in
the SYSTEM display. Holding either key down for
a prolonged period causes the MPE to scroll through
Stored Memories. If the bank is held, only the ones
digit scrolls (i.e., in our earlier bank hold example,
youscrollthroughnumbers 100-101-102…
109-100andsoon).
So, we’ve now recalled a Stored Memory, in
either the decimal or octal format, with the bank held
orreleased.ThecontentsoftherecalledStored
Memoryoccupy Working Memory. Let’s change the
equalizerparameters…
That’sall.The Stored Memory correspondingto
the number you just typed in is immediately trans-
ferredtoWorkingMemory.Therateatwhichthe
equalizer changes to these new parameters is deter-
mined by the ramp step size (more on this later).
Therearethreevariationstotheprocessdescribed
above. These involve the bank hold/release option,
the octal/decimal numerical base option, and scroll-
ing with the UP and DOWN keys. Let’s take a look
at each in detail.
Bank Hold/Release
Theaboveprocessofenteringanumberrequires
two key presses for numbers between 01-99, and
three key presses for numbers 100 and above. The
bank hold option allows you to freeze the hundreds
and tens digits of the current number, and enter new
numbers by selecting only the ones digit. This
enables recall of any of ten different Stored Memo-
ries with one key press.
Whenthe BANK key is pressed, the decimal
point to the immediate right of the tens digit in the
SYSTEM displayilluminates.Thedigits to the left
ofthe decimal point(hundredsand tens)determine
the current bank. The digit to the right (the ones
digit), is the position pointer (see the figure below).
Within the held bank, you choose new positions by
pressing one key ( 0-9). Therearetenpossible posi-
tions within any bank (except for bank 12, which has
9positions: 12.0-12.8).
Pressing the BANK key a second time releases the
currentbank,returning you tonormalnumberentry.
Note: Anytimeyouchangeto a different user
mode or function, the bank releases automatically.
Asanexample,sayyoujustrecalledStoredMemory
108. If you press the BANK key, you will get the
display shown above. Now, if you press any of the
numberkeys(0-9),youwillinstantlyaccessStored
Memories 100-109. Pressing the BANK key
again releases the bank, turning off the decimal point
and returning you to normal number entry.

6Rane MPE Users Guide
The Secrets of Decimal and Octal Numbers
The concepts behind decimal and octal numbers may be intimidating at first, but are really very
simple. People count in base ten (decimal) because they have ten fingers and toes. A chicken has three
toes on each foot, and would therefore naturally count in base six (if it used both feet). Snakes don't have
toes, that's why they can't count. Anyway, ten is a very special number to us humans. When we count,
we organize our numbers into groups of ten so we can tally them up with our fingers.
The decimal numbering system starts with 0, goes to 9, and then recycles to 0 again—with the ten's
digit incremented by one. We continue this until the ten's digit hits 9, recycles to 0 and the hundred's
digit increments by one. This goes on forever, in groups of ten.
Octal numbers have one major difference from decimal numbers. Each digit is recycled with every
count of eight, instead of ten. Octal numbers therefore look something like: 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06,
07, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21…
There's an added twist. MIDI octal numbers usually use the symbols 1-8, instead of 0-7, to represent
the eight numerals. So MIDI octal numbers are sequenced: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22-28, 31-
38, 41-48, and so on. That's all there is to it. If a decimal MIDI device sends number 10 to an octal MIDI
device, the octal device will proudly display the number 22. These are really the same number (i.e.,
they're the tenth number in their respective sequences), they are just written differently.
One final detail. A two digit MIDI octal number has a decimal equivalent maximum value of 64 (i.e.,
MIDI octal 88 = decimal 64). If we want to represent numbers up to decimal 128, then we need a third
octal digit (the 64's digit). Rather than using a 1or 2for this purpose, MIDI octal typically uses an Aor
Bto signify the group. Group A is the lower 64 numbers, group B is the upper 64 numbers.
parameter’s current value appears in the
EQUALIZER display.
3. Press the UP or DOWN key to boost or cut the
selectedparameter.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until all changes are complete.
5. Press STORE to enter the Store function and
save your changes, or EQ toreturn to Normal
Operating mode. If you chose to store your new
parameters, skip down to the Storing Working
Memory sectionfor further instructions.
Note: Implementing step 2 while editing both
ChannelssimultaneouslycausestheMPE14tocopy
the original Channel 1 parameter to Channel 2.
Subsequentchangestothis parameter are madeto
both Channels. To copy all of Channel 1’s equalizer
parameterstoChannel2,enterEditBothmodeand
run your finger along all the EQ buttons ( LEVEL,
40-16k).
MPE 28 Editing:
1.Makesureyou’reintheNormalOperatingmode
and then enter the EQ Edit mode by pressing the
EQ key. Pressing the EQ key once selects the
Editing The Equalizer Parameters
Changingtheparameters in Working Memory
couldn’tbe easier (yeah, right). You simply enter the
EQ Edit mode, select a band or overall level, and
adjust this parameter up or down (boost or cut). The
keypresses necessary to carry this out vary slightly
betweeneachMPE model. We examineeachsepa-
rately.
MPE 14 Editing:
1.Makesureyou’reintheNormalOperatingmode
and then enter the EQ Edit mode by pressing the
EQ key.Pressing the EQ key once selects Chan-
nel 1 of the equalizer, twice selects Channel 2,
thrice accesses both channels in stereo (allowing
youtoeditboth channels simultaneously), and a
final press brings you full circle back to Normal
Operating mode. The CHANNEL1 and/or
CHANNEL 2 LEDscorrespondingtothese-
lected equalizer Channel(s) illuminates, and a
cursor flashes in the EQUALIZER display.
2.Selectaband (40Hz-16kHz) or overalllevelby
pressing its key ( 40-16k, or LEVEL).TheLED
associatedwiththis parameter lights. The

7
Rane MPE Users Guide
lower frequency bands (31.5-630 Hz) of the
equalizer. Pressing EQ againselects the upper
frequency bands (800-16 kHz). Pressing EQ a
third time returns you to Normal Operating mode.
The LED corresponding to the group of bands
you choose illuminates, and a cursor flashes in
the EQUALIZER display.
2. Select a band or overall level by pressing its key
(31.5-16k, or LEVEL). The LED associated with
this parameter lights. The parameters current
value appears in the EQUALIZER display.
3. Press the UP or DOWN key to boost or cut the
selectedparameter.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until all changes are complete.
5. Press STORE to enter the Store function and
save your changes, or EQ toreturn to Normal
Operating mode. If you chose to store your new
parameters, skip down to the Storing Working
Memory sectionfor further instructions.
Once a curve has been altered, the MEMORY
LEDflashesindicatingthat Working Memory no
longermatchestheStored Memory shown in the
SYSTEM display. This is your cue to store these
changesbeforerecallinganewStoredMemory(in
which case the Working Memory parameters are
overwritten and lost if not stored somewhere).
Therearetwoadditional user functions that you
can invoke while editing the equalizer parameters.
These are compare and clear.
Comparing Working Memory To Stored
Memory
Youcanalways compare two StoredMemories
whenyou’reinthe Normal Operating modesimply
by recalling them to Working Memory and listening
to the difference. If they are two consecutive memo-
ries, then the UP and DOWN keys are all that is
required.Otherwiseyouhavetotypeintheirnumbers.
While you are in the EQ Edit mode, you can
audibly compare the contents of Working Memory
to the Stored Memory shown in the SYSTEM
display.This allows you to perform A-B compari-
sonsbetween the original and altered curves.
Toactivatethecompare function, press and hold
the MEMORY key while in the EQ Edit mode. You
nowhearthecontentsoftheStoredMemory.A
letter “CC”occupies the EQUALIZER display
verifyingthecompare function.
When you release the MEMORY key,Working
Memory returns to the equalizer. You can compare
anytime during the edit process.
Operating The Clear Command
Simultaneously pressing the UP and DOWN keys
while in the EQ Edit mode clears the parameter
under edit to 0dB. If you haven’t chosen a band or
overalllevel (i.e., you haven’t implemented step 2 of
the above editing instructions) the entire Channel is
cleared.
Once the clear command is activated, a 00appears
in the EQUALIZER display and the LED(s) corre-
spondingto theaffectedparameter(s) turnsonfor
onesecondto verify theoperation.
Storing Working Memory
Now that you’ve recalled a curve and changed it,
you will want to save it. This is accomplished with
the Store function.
The Store function transfers the parameters in
Working Memory to a specified Stored Memory.
Once the transfer is complete, you are returned to
Normal Operating mode.
Here is the play-by-play action:
1. Press STORE toenterthe Store function. (You
mayhave already done this, as instructed in the
editinginstructionsabove.) Once youareinthe
Store function, the SYSTEM display flashes with
the default (current) Stored Memory location.
2. Enter a different Stored Memory number, if
desired,usingthenumberkeys.The SYSTEM
display will continue to flash. You can also use
UP or DOWN to scroll through Stored Memory
numbers.
3. Once you’ve selected the proper Stored Memory
number, press STORE again to complete the
transfer and return to Normal Operating mode. If
you change your mind, press MEMORY to
returnto Normal Operating mode without storing.
The SYSTEM displaystops flashing.
Hey—guess what? You now know everything
thereistoknowaboutrecallingacurve,changingit,
and sending it to a Stored Memory. Congratulations.
Take some time out to practice this for awhile, and
then we will resume our discussion with some more
advanceduser operations…

8Rane MPE Users Guide
Adjusting The Ramp Step Size
One of the unfortunate laws of physics tells us that
abruptchangestoaudio signals cause “pops”. The
biggerthechange,the worse the pop.Tocombatthis
nemesis, the MPE ramps between curves, with a
programmable step size. The slope of this ramp
determines how much of a pop is output by the
equalizer.Thesteeperthe slope, the faster the
change,andtherefore—thelouderthepop.
The ramp step size is programmed in dB values. A
ramp step size of 1dB forces the MPE to change
eachbandandoveralllevelin1dBincrements,asit
recalls a new equalizer curve. This corresponds to
the most gradual change. A value of 27dB causes the
MPEto change with 27dB steps (the most rapid
change). If the ramp step size is larger than the
required change, the change is executed in one step.
If the ramp is set for 1dB steps, and a lot of bands
are changed, it takes longer to recall the new curve
than if the ramp is set for larger steps. This is the
result of having to make many small steps to ramp
up to the new values. You may wish to take advan-
tageofthisfeaturetocreate“crossfades”between
curves. (For details concerning ramp timing see
AppendixB.)
Setting the ramp step size is easy:
1.StartingfromtheNormalOperatingmode,enter
the Set Ramp function by pressing F-RAMP.The
FUNCTION LED illuminates, and the RAMP
LED flashes to verify your safe arrival in the Set
Rampfunction(seethefigurebelow).The SYS-
TEM display shows the current ramp value.
Recalling Factory Presets
Deep inside the MPE, nestled in ROM, are power-
fulFactoryPresets.Many of these presetshavebeen
preparedby notable professionals, giving you the
opportunitytoexperimentwithcurvesusedbythe
pros.TheparticularFactoryPresetsinyourmodel
arelistedinAppendixD .
FactoryPresets must be recalled to Working
Memory,theycannotbecopieddirectlytoStored
Memory. You may recall one Factory Preset at a
time, and then optionally transfer it to a Stored
Memory.
TorecallaFactory Preset to Working Memory,
performthefollowingsteps:
1.Makesureyou’reinNormalOperatingmode,and
then enter the Recall Factory Preset function by
pressing F-PRESET. The FUNCTION LED
illuminates, and the PRESET LED flashes to
verifyentrance to the Recall Factory Preset
function (see the figure below). The SYSTEM
display shows the default Factory Preset.
2.Enterthe number correspondingtotheFactory
Presetyou wish to copy to Working Memory (if
it is different from the default) using the number
keys.
3. Press F-PRESET to complete the transfer, or
press MEMORY toaborttherecallandreturnto
NormalOperating mode. The FUNCTION and
PRESET LED’sextinguish.
The Factory Preset has been transferred to Work-
ing Memory. You are free to edit its parameters as
usual, and send it to Stored Memory.
2. Enter the ramp step size ( 01-27) using the number
keys, or by pressing UP or DOWN.
3. Press F-RAMP to return to Normal Operating
mode. The FUNCTION and RAMP LEDs turn
off.

9
Rane MPE Users Guide
Editing The Expression Parameters
Expressionisafeatureofimportancetomusicians
who use MIDI continuous controllers or channel
pressure aftertouch. Expression assigns a vector
(direction) to each band of the MPE, and specifies a
MIDIcontinuous controlleror channelpressure
aftertouch to act as the expressioncontroller.
Whenthe assigned expressioncontrollersends
MIDI data to the MPE, the current equalizer param-
etersboost,cut,or remain unchanged depending on
the direction of each band’s vector. The amount of
boost or cut is relative to the magnitude of the
expressioncontroller.Iftheexpressioncontroller is
at full scale, the equalizer band(s) will be boost or
cut15dB.
Expression offers the musician a new tool. By
programmingtheexpressionvectors,anypossible
bend or twist to the equalizer curve can be achieved.
Try setting the low end to boost and high end to cut
to get a thundering effect, or add some presence to
vocalsby boosting the midrange. The possibilities
areunlimited.
Toadjustthe expression parametersforthe MPE
14,performthefollowing procedure:
1.Makesureyou’reinNormalOperatingmode,and
then enter Expression Edit mode by pressing the
EXPRESS key. Pressing EXPRESS once selects
Channel 1, twice selects Channel 2, three times
selects both simultaneously, and a fourth time
returnsyou to Normal Operating mode. The
EXPRESS LED illuminates, and the CHAN-
NEL 1 and/or CHANNEL 2 LED(s) flashes to
verifyyour entry to the Expression Edit mode. A
cursor flashes in the EQUALIZER display and
the current expression controller is displayed in
the SYSTEM display.
2. Press the UP or DOWN keys to scroll to the
desiredexpressioncontroller.AnysingleMIDI
continuous controller number (0-120) may be
selected. Scrolling past number 120selects
ChannelPressureAftertouch(displayed as
aftaft), or all controllers and aftertouch (dis-
played as allall).
A third option is the auto-detect feature (dis-
played as detdet). You may scroll to this option,
or access it directly by pressing the UP and
DOWN keys simultaneously. Auto-detect forces
theMPEtoassignthenextreceivedMIDIcon-
tinuouscontrollerasthe expression controller.
This is useful if you aren’t sure what number a
particularcontrollerisassignedto.Once you
havethe detdetoption in the SYSTEM display,
send a message from the unknown MIDI continu-
ous controller and the MPE automatically assigns
that controller number to the expression control-
ler.
A final option is offoffwhich disables the expres-
sion function. Scrolling past offoffbrings youfull
circle to continuous controller number 00.
3. Select a frequency band by pressing its key. The
currentvector direction is displayed in the
EQUALIZER display. The display shows +1+1
foran upward (boost) vector, -1-1 for a downward
(cut) vector, and 00 fora flat vector. Remember,
bandswithupwardvectors boost relative to the
magnitudeofthereceivedexpressioncontroller,
bands with downward vectors cut. Bands with flat
vectors will not change.
4. Press the same band key to toggle the vector
between +1+1, -1-1, and 00.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 until all desired vectors are
programmed.
6. Press STORE to enter the Store function, or
EXPRESS (1-3 times) to return to Normal
Operatingmode.
Ifyou chose to store your new parameters, refer
backto the Storing Working Memory section for
further instructions. Remember, if you don’t store
your changes, you will lose them next time you
recallanewStored Memory or Factory Preset.
Adjusting MPE 28 ExpressionModeparameters :
1.Makesureyou’reinNormalOperatingmode,and
then enter Expression Edit mode by pressing the
EXPRESS key. Pressing EXPRESS once selects
thelowerfrequencybands(31.4Hz-630 Hz),
twiceselectsthe upper frequencybands(800Hz-
16 kHz), and a third time returns you to Normal
Operating mode. The EXPRESS LEDillumi-
nates, the upper or lower row LED flashes, and a
cursor flashes in the EQUALIZER display
indicating you are now in Expression Edit mode.
The current expression controller is displayed in
the SYSTEM display.

10 Rane MPE Users Guide
2. Press the UP or DOWN keys to scroll to the
desiredexpressioncontroller.AnysingleMIDI
continuous controller number ( 0-120)maybe
selected. Scrolling past number 120120selects
channelpressureaftertouch(displayedas aftaft),
orallcontrollers and aftertouch (displayedas
allall).
A third option is the auto-detect feature (dis-
played as detdet). You may scroll to this option,
or access it directly by pressing the UP and
DOWN keys simultaneously. Auto-detect forces
theMPEtoassignthenextreceivedMIDIcon-
tinuouscontrollerasthe expression controller.
This is useful if you aren’t sure what number a
particularcontrollerisassignedto.Once you
havethe detdetoption in the SYSTEM display,
send a message from the unknown MIDI continu-
ous controller and the MPE automatically assigns
that controller number to the expression control-
ler.
A final option is offoffwhich disables the expres-
sion function. Scrolling past offoffbrings youfull
circle to continuous controller number 00.
3. Select a frequency band by pressing its key. The
currentvector direction is displayed in the
EQUALIZER display. The display shows +1+1
foran upward (boost) vector, -1-1for a downward
(cut) vector, and 00for a flat vector. Remember,
bandswithupwardvectors boost relative to the
magnitudeofthereceivedexpressioncontroller,
bands with downward vectors cut. Bands with flat
vectors will not change.
4. Press the same band key to toggle the vector
between +1+1,-1-1,and 00.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 until all desired vectors are
programmed.
6. Press STORE to enter the Store function, or
EXPRESS to return to Normal Operating mode.
Ifyou chose to store your new parameters, refer
backto the Storing Working Memory section for
further instructions. Remember, if you don’t store
your changes, you will lose them next time you
recallanewStored Memory or Factory Preset.
Curve Weighting
Sometimes the need to combine two or more
equalizationcurvesarises.Intheolddaysofanalog
graphic equalizers, you were forced to either cascade
severalunits, each adjusted with one of the curves,
ortweak the sliders on one equalizer to manually
derive the sum of the curves. The MPE 14 and MPE
28provideacurve weighting function that puts
thesecumbersome methods to rest.
Withthe MPE curve weighting operation, you
may add two curves in the MPE together. One curve
is always in Working Memory, the other is a speci-
fied Stored Memory.
Oneproblemcanarise when adding two curves.
For example, if each of two curves has 1kHz boosted
+10dB,theirsumat1kHzequals+20dB.TheMPE
allowsamaximumof12dBboost.Oops.Fortu-
nately, the MPE is smart. If the resultant curve is out
of range, the entire curve shifts up or down to
accommodatethe curve.
Anexampleisinorder.Sayweaddtwocurves
with the following parameters:
Level 50 125 315 800 2k 5k 12.5k
Curve 1: 0 6 7 4 -3 0 8 2
Curve 2: 06666888
Sum: 0 12 13 10 3 8 16 10
As you can see in the above table, the sum of the
two curves goes out of range at 125Hz and 5kHz. At
this point we have two options. First, we can simply
truncate the out of range bands to +12dB. This
worksfine,butpenalizesusunnecessarily.Themore
elegant option shifts the entire curve down so the out
ofrangebandscomebackin range. In the above
example, the sum is shifted down 4dB so the 5kHz
band becomes +12dB. This results in the curve:
Level 50 125 315 800 2k 5k 12.5k
Sum: 0 8 9 6 -1 4 12 6
Thecurve is now entirely within range. Since we
shifted the curve down by 4 dB, the overall gain of
the unit has been reduced by 4 dB. We can take
advantageoftheoverallleveladjustmenttocompen-
sate for this, resulting in the curve below:
Level 50 125 315 800 2k 5k 12.5k
Sum: 4 8 9 6 -1 4 12 6

11
Rane MPE Users Guide
To perform curve weighting on the MPE14:
1.Makesureyou’reinNormalOperatingmode,and
then enter the curve weighting function by press-
ing F-WEIGHT. The FUNCTION LED illumi-
nates, and the WEIGHT LED flashes to verify
thatyou’reinthecurveweightingfunction(as
shown in the figure below). The SYSTEM
displayshows the default Stored Memory which
will be added to Working Memory.
The overall level adjustment has its own minimum
and maximum values. There is a limit then, to how
far this curve shifting can go before running out of
room.Ifyouknow the resultant curve requires
overalllevelcompensationaheadoftime,makesure
theoveralllevelis capableof supportingthis change.
The above curve is the final result of the curve
weighting algorithm.
Whathappensifwehavebothoverandunder
ranges?For example:
Level 50 125 315 800 2k 5k 12.5k
Sum: 0 4 13 -6 -26 4 0 6
Theabove curve has an over-range at 125Hz and
an under-range at 800Hz. The MPE performs an
optimized curve weighting algorithm on this curve.
Theoptimization shifts the curve up or down until
the sum of all over ranges is equal to the sum of all
underranges.Oncethisisaccomplished,theremain-
ing out of range bands are truncated to +12dB or -
15dB. For the above example, we obtain the follow-
ingcurve:
Level 50 125 315 800 2k 5k 12.5k
Pre-
truncation
Sum: -6 9 18 -1 -21 9 5 11
Post-
truncation
Sum -6 8 12 -1 -15 9 5 11
The curve is shifted up 5dB so that the over range
at 125Hz and the under range at 800Hz both equal
6dB. Notice that the overall level was compensated
with-6dB instead of -5dB. This is because overall
level can only be adjusted in 2dB increments. The
final weighted curve could be 1dB off in overall
gain, but who’s complaining? Also notice the final
truncationofout-of-rangebands once the curve is
shifted to its optimal position.
In most cases you don’t have to worry about how
theMPEisperformingthisoptimizationprocess.It
is perfectly happy to carry out all these tedious
computations on its own. All you need to do is feed
itWorkingMemoryand a Stored Memory.Ifyou
wanttoweighttwocurvesinStoredMemory,you
must first recall one of them to Working Memory.
Likewise,to weight a Factory Preset with a Stored
Memory you must first recall the Factory Preset to
Working Memory. The resultant curve always
occupies Working Memory.
2. Enter the number of the Stored Memory that you
wish to add to Working Memory (if this is differ-
entfromthedefault) using the number keys.
3. Press F-WEIGHT to activatethecurveweight-
ing algorithm, or MEMORY toabort this opera-
tion if you change your mind. You are returned to
NormalOperatingmode.The FUNCTION and
WEIGHT LEDsturnoff. WorkingMemory
now contains the weighted curve.
The MPE 28 is slightly different, since it has a
dedicated key for curve weighting. To perform curve
weighting on the MPE 28, carry out the steps below:
1.Makesureyou’reinNormalOperatingmode,and
then enter the curve weighting function by press-
ing CURVEWEIGHT . The CURVE WEIGHT
LED illuminates to verify that you’re in the curve
weighting function (as shown in the figure be-
low). The SYSTEM display shows the default
StoredMemorywhich will beaddedtoWorking
Memory.
2. Enter the number of the Stored Memory that you
wish to add to Working Memory (if this is differ-
entfromthedefault) using the number keys.
3. Press CURVE WEIGHT to activate the curve
weighting algorithm, or MEMORY to abort this
operationifyouchangeyourmind.The CURVE
WEIGHT LEDturnsoff.Youarereturnedto
Normal Operating mode. Working Memory now
containstheweightedcurve.

12 Rane MPE Users Guide
Placing The MPE In And Out Of
Lockout
LockoutdisablestheMPEfrontpanelforthose
whowishtomaketheirequalizertamper-proof.The
MPE provides two levels of lockout for maximum
flexibility. Lockout level 1 ( l.O.1) allows users to
recall Stored Memories, but that’s all. No alteration
of any MPE parameters is allowed. Lockout level 2
(l.O.2) disables the MPE front panel completely,
likeit wasn’t even there.
To change the lockout status, you must enter a
password.If you don’tknowthe password,you’re
out of luck. The password is a three digit security
code, which is programmable by the user. Rane
shipstheMPEwithsecuritycode, “ 123”. You are
advised to change this since anyone with access to
this MPE Users Guide now knows that code. If you
forgetyoursecurity code, youcanusethe universal
security code. We won’t print that here, since un-
friendly eyes may be gazing at this page. If you are
the owner of an MPE, then you have received a
separatepieceofpaperexplaininghowtousethe
universal security code.
To place the MPE in or out of lockout:
1. Make sure you’re in Normal Operating mode,
andthenentertheSetLockoutfunctionby
pressing F-LOCKOUT.The FUNCTION LED
illuminates and the LOCKOUT LEDflashes,
indicatingyouareintheSetLockoutfunction
(seediagram below). The SYSTEM display
contains a flashing cursor, in preparation of
acceptingthe security code.
4. Press F-LOCKOUT to accept this new lockout
level and return to Normal Operating mode. If
you change your mind, and don’t want to place
the MPE in this new lockout level, press the
MEMORY key to escape. The FUNCTION and
LOCKOUT LED’s turn off.
To change the lockout security code:
1. Make sure you’re in Normal Operating mode,
andthenentertheSetLockoutfunctionby
pressing F-LOCKOUT.The FUNCTION LED
illuminates and the LOCKOUT LED flashes
indicating that you are in the Set Lockout func-
tion (as shown above). The SYSTEM display
contains a flashing cursor, in preparation of
acceptingthe current securitycode.
2. Enter the current lockout security code using the
number keys (0-9). If the security code is correct,
you are advanced to step 3. If the security code is
wrong, you are scolded and returned to Normal
Operatingmode.
3. If you made it this far, the SYSTEM display
now shows the current lockout level. Press the 3
keyto enter the “edit lockout security code” state.
The current security code now shows in the
SYSTEM display.
4. Type in the new security code using the 0-9 keys.
The digit currently under change flashes.
5. Press F-LOCKOUT to accept this new security
code and return to Normal Operating mode. If
youchangeyourmind,anddon’twanttoreplace
the old security code, press the MEMORY key
to escape to Normal Operating mode. The
FUNCTION and LOCKOUT LED’s turn off.
Whenthe MPE is in lockout and someone presses
a key on the front panel that is not allowed, the
SYSTEM display flashes a momentary error mes-
sage.ErrormessagesaredescribedinAppendixA.
2. Enter the lockout security code (one digit at a
time, left to right) using the 0-9 keys. If the
securitycodeiscorrect,youareadvancedtostep
3. If the security code is wrong, you are scolded
and returned to Normal Operating mode.
3. If you made it this far, the SYSTEM displaynow
shows the current lockout level. A 00means
lockoutiscurrentlyinactive. A 11 means you’re
currently in lockout level 1. A 22 means you are
inlockoutlevel2. Enter the number correspond-
ing to the lockout level desired ( 0,1, or 2).

13
Rane MPE Users Guide
2.EnterthedesiredMIDIchannelnumberusingthe
0-9, or UP and DOWN keys.
3. Press the MIDICHANNEL key again to return
totheNormalOperatingmode.The MIDI
CHANNEL LED turns off.
If you scroll past channel 16 (using the UP or
DOWN keys)youencounteran option called offoff.
Selecting offoffsevers the MPE from theMIDI
system.
Setting The MIDI Channel
MIDIsupports 16separatechannelsofcommuni-
cation in one cable. This is accomplished by tagging
certain MIDI messages with a MIDI channel num-
ber, and requiring MIDI receivers to verify that this
channel number matches their own MIDI channel
assignmentforvalidreception.IfaMIDImessage’s
MIDI channel number does not match that of a
potentialreceiver, the receiver ignores it. Messages
generated and transmitted by the MPE are tagged
with the MIDI channel number you assign to the
MPE. Therefore, if you want two or more MPE’s to
talk to each other, or to other MIDI devices, they
must have the same MIDI channel assignment
(unless the receivers are in Omni mode, but more on
that later).
Toassign a MIDI channel number to your MPE:
1.Makesureyou’reintheNormalOperatingmode,
andthen enter the Set MIDI Channel function by
pressing the MIDI CHANNEL key. Do not get
this key confused with the CHANNEL 1 or
CHANNEL 2 keys on the MPE 14 . The MIDI
CHANNEL key is way over on the right side of
the front panel, next to the MEMORY key (see
the figure below). The MIDI CHANNEL LED
lights (and flashes if Omni mode is on, but that’s
getting ahead of ourselves…), and the current
MIDIchannelnumberappearsinthe SYSTEM
display.
MIDI Operation
The MPE has very powerful MIDI capabilities. If
you are not exactly bursting with MIDI knowledge,
you might find it beneficial to take a break from the
MPE at this time and read a few of the MIDI refer-
enceslisted in Appendix C.
The MPE uses MIDI system exclusive messages
(SYSEX)to transmit information—lots of it. To
harnessthispower,withoutnukingyour MIDI
system with loads of MIDI data, you should be
aware of which MPE SYSEX functions are neces-
saryforyourparticularneed.Thebigrulehereis
this: donotconfiguretheMPEtooutputSYSEX
data that is not needed . Repeat, donotconfigure
theMPEto output SYSEX data thatisnot
needed. If you break this rule, your MIDI sequencer
will get very mad at you and just clog up.
Before we go into SYSEX details, we need to
assign the MPE to a MIDI channel; decide whether
we want to operate in Omni mode; and whether we
wanttotransmitMIDIprogramchange commands.
Let’s take a look at each in detail.

14 Rane MPE Users Guide
Turning Omni Mode On And Off
Sometimes it is necessary to instruct the MPE to
listen to all MIDI channels, but to only transmit on
one particular channel. This is useful, for example, if
you want the MPE to listen to another MIDI device
butdon’tknowwhatchannelthedeviceistransmit-
ting on. It is also useful when more than one MIDI
device is speaking to the MPE, and each is assigned
toa different MIDI channel.
Omni mode forces the MPE to accept messages on
all MIDI channels. The MIDIchannelassignedto
the MPE is still attached to transmitted messages.
To place the MPE in Omni mode, or take it out of
Omni mode, perform the following steps:
1.Makesureyou’reintheNormalOperatingmode,
andthen enter the Set Omni mode function by
pressing F-OMNI. The FUNCTION LED
illuminates, and the OMNI LED flashes telling
youyou’reintheSetOmniModefunction(see
the diagram below). The SYSTEM display
shows the current status of Omni mode ( ON or
OFF).
2. Use the UP or DOWN key to toggle Omni mode
on or off.
3. Press F-OMNI to return to Normal Operating
modewhenyou’re finished. The FUNCTION
and OMNI LED’s turn off.
When Omni mode is on, and you are setting the
MIDIchannel(asdescribedintheprevioussection),
the MIDI CHANNEL LEDflashes to remind you
the MIDI channel number only applies to transmit-
ted messages.
Enabling MIDI Program Change Output
The MPE can be instructed to transmit MIDI
programchange commandswhenever aStored
Memory is recalled via the MPE front panel. To do
so,performthefollowing steps:
1.Makesureyou’reinNormal Operating mode, and
then enter the Set Program Change Output func-
tion by pressing F-PRGCHG. The FUNCTION
LED illuminates, and the PRGCHG LEDflashes
indicatingyouareinthisfunction(asshown
below). The current status of the MIDI Program
Change Output option appears in the SYSTEM
display (ononor offoff).
2. Use the UP or DOWN key to toggle MIDI
ProgramChange Output status on or off.
3. Press F-PRGCHG to return to Normal Operating
modewhenyou’re finished. The FUNCTION
and PRGCHG LED’s turn off.
Programming The MIDI Map
WhentheMPEreceives a MIDI program change
command, it recalls a Stored Memory. The particular
StoredMemorythatgets recalled is determined by
the MIDI map.
WithouttheMIDImap,areceivedMIDIprogram
change“X”wouldrecallStoredMemory “ X”.
Programchange25wouldrecallStored Memory
25. This is very rigid. For example, if you are
preparinganequalizationcurvefora particular
portion of a song, you have to ensure that the Stored
Memorynumbermatchesalltheotherdevicesinyour
MIDIsystem.Otherwise,whenyourMIDIsequencer
sendstheprogramchangecommandforthispassage,
theMPEwouldrecallthewrongStoredMemory.
TheMPE MIDI map redirects received MIDI
programchangecommandstoanyStored Memory.
It can be thought of as a simple table, as shown
below. When MIDI program change “X” is received,
StoredMemory “ Y” isrecalled.
Example Midi Map Table
Program Change # Recall Stored Memory #
110
210
33
468
5128
61
::
::

15
Rane MPE Users Guide
SYSEX
As mentioned earlier, there are two SYSEX
optionsthatcanbe enabled for remote programming,
monitoring of MPE parameters, and sharing of data.
Wiseuse of these options is very important since
largeamounts of MIDI data can be pumped into
yourMIDIsystemifyou’renot careful.
Thethree SYSEX options are Device ID, Key
ScanEcho, and Parameter Echo.
Setting The Device ID
EachMPEinasystemisassignedauniquedevice
ID.This ID allows two MPE’s to communicate on
the same MIDI bus as millions of other MPE’s. Any
two or more MPE’s with the same device ID recog-
nize each other. MPE’s with different device ID’s
ignoreeach other.
A special “ALL” (universal) device ID is also
available. DevicesassignedtotheuniversalIDwill
talktoeverybody.AnMPEassignedtotheuniversal
ID receives messages sent with any device ID. Any
MPE (regardless of it’s own device ID) receives
messages transmitted with the universal ID.
To assign a device ID to an MPE:
1.Makesureyou’reinNormalOperatingmode,and
thenenter the Set Device ID function by pressing
F-DEVICE. The FUNCTION LED illuminates,
and the DEVICE LEDflashes to verify that
you’re in the Set Device ID function (see the
figure below). The SYSTEM displayshowsthe
current device ID.
2. Enter the desired device ID ( 1-127)using the
number or UP/DOWN keys.Enteringnumber
128 (or scrolling to it) assigns the unit to device
ID allall(universal).
3. Press F-DEVICE to return to Normal Operating
modewhenyou’re finished. The FUNCTION
and DEVICE LED’s turn off.
Now that your MPE has an identity, it can talk to
theoutsideworld,viaMIDISYSEX.Twotypesof
SYSEX messages can be enabled for transmission,
KeyScanEchoandParameterEcho.
Inthe above table, a received program change 1
recalls Stored Memory 10.Programchange 2also
recalls Stored Memory 10.Program change3
recalls Stored Memory 3, and so on. In general, any
programchangecommandcanrecallany Stored
Memory.Multipleprogramchangecommandscan
recallthesameStored Memory, but asinglepro-
gramchangecommandcanonlyrecalloneStored
Memory.
Toprogram the MIDI map:
1.Makesureyou’reinNormalOperatingmode,and
then enter the Program MIDI Map function by
pressing the MAP key. The MAP LED illumi-
nates, and the SYSTEM display shows a MIDI
programchangenumber (see figure below).
2. Enter a different MIDI program change number
(if desired) using the number keys.
3. Press the MEMORY key. The MAP LED re-
mains lit, the MEMORY LEDflashes. The
SYSTEM displayshowstheStoredMemorythat
theMIDI program change entered in step 2 will
recall. (See figure below.)
4. Enter a different Stored Memory number, if
desired,using the numberkeys.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 until all desired map entries are
programmed.
6.Press MEMORY to return to Normal Operating
mode. The MAP LED turns off, the MEMORY
LED stops flashing.

16 Rane MPE Users Guide
To slave two or more MPE’s together, it is gener-
allyrecommended you program one MPE (the
master) with all the desired parameters. Once this
masterMPEiscompletelyprogrammed,dump these
settings to the slaves (as explained later). Enable
MIDIProgramChangeOutput on the master, and
turnoff Key Scan Echo and Parameter Echo. When
you recall Stored Memories from the master, MIDI
programchangecommandsinstructtheslaves to
recalltheir internal Stored Memories (which you
pre-programmedwiththedesiredcontentsabove).
If you need to send new parameters to the slaves,
turnMIDI Program Change Output off, Parameter
Echo on, and then enter the changes on the master.
They will echo to the slaves. Try to adopt the habit
ofdisablingtheMIDIoutputoptionsyoudon’tneed.
Further details on the MPE SYSEX implementa-
tionarecoveredinRanedocuments:
MPE14MIDISystemExclusiveImplementation
MPE28MIDISystemExclusiveImplementation
You may obtain these documents by contacting
thefactory.
Enabling Key Scan Echo and Parameter Echo is
straightforward. Details are covered below.
Enabling Key Scan Echo
1. Make sure you’re in Normal Operating mode,
thenenter the Set Key Scan Echo function by
pressing F-KEY. The FUNCTION LED illumi-
nates, and the KEY LED flashes to verify that
you are in this function (see the figure below).
The current Key Scan Echo status appears in the
SYSTEM display(ononor offoff).
Key Scan Messages
Key scan messages carry the status of the MPE
front panel. If the Key Scan Echo option is enabled,
any time you press or release a key on the MPE, it
sendsa number corresponding to that key out the
MIDI OUT port. Any MPE of the same model, as
long as the MIDI channel and device ID match
properly, accepts these messages and processes them
as if those keys are pressed its own front panel. In
this way, one MPE can be configured as the master
controlleroverany number ofslaves.Whenan MPE
isin lockout, received key scan messages are subject
to the same restrictions as keys pushed on its own
frontpanel.
To avoid the possibility that a key press is trans-
mitted to another MPE, and the release of that key is
not(ifyouunpluggedtheMIDIcablebeforethekey
was released, for example), MPE’s receiving key
scanmessagesassumethe key presses arevalidfor
ten seconds only, before automatically releasing
them. If you are holding the UP or DOWN keys to
scrollthroughStored Memories formorethanten
seconds, the receiving MPE(s) only recognize this
“phantomkeypress”fortensecondsbeforereleasing.
Parameter Echo messages
ParameterEchomessagesinformtheoutside
world of MPE parameter changes. If the Parameter
Echooption is enabled, any change to an equalizer,
expression or system parameter is transmitted to the
MIDI world and processed by other devices tuned to
the same MIDI channel and device ID.
Obviously,programchange commands, Key Scan
Echo, and Parameter Echo can carry redundant
information.For example, if you recall a new Stored
Memory with all three of these options turned on,
the MPE sends a MIDI program change command,
thekey presses to perform this operation, and the
parametersresultingfromthisprogramchange
command.Anyoneof these messages, alone, could
suffice.Usetheseoptionswithdiscretion.
If MIDI devices other than MPE’s are to change
programs, then you need to send them program
change commands. If you want remote MPE’s to
indicate the same key presses (i.e., you want a light
show), then you need to send them key scan mes-
sages. If you want to send the explicit parameters
thenyouneed to send parametermessages.
2. Use the UP or DOWN key to toggle the status of
KeyScanEchoonoroff.
3. Press F-KEY to return to Normal Operating
mode when you are finished. The FUNCTION
and KEY LEDsturnoff.

17
Rane MPE Users Guide
Enabling Parameter Echo
1. Make sure you’re in Normal Operating mode,
then enter the Set Parameter Echo function by
pressing F-PARAM. The FUNCTION LED
illuminates, and the PARAM LED flashes to
verify that you are in this function. The current
ParameterEchostatusoccupiesthe SYSTEM
display (ononor offoff).
2. Use the UP or DOWN key to toggle the status of
ParameterEchoonor off.
3.Press F-PARAM to return to Memory mode
when you are finished. The FUNCTION and
PARAM LED’s turn off.
Dumping The MPE Memory Via MIDI
SYSEX
The MPE dumps (transmits) the contents of its
WorkingMemory,StoredMemory,orMIDI map in
the form of a MIDI SYSEX message at your com-
mand.AdevicetunedtothesameMIDIchanneland
device ID will receive the dump. This is particularly
useful if you wish to save the contents of an MPE’s
memory, or to fill one MPE with the exact memory
contentsof another.
TodumpMPEmemory:
1.Makesureyou’reintheNormalOperatingmode,
and then enter the Dump Memory function by
pressing F-DUMP. The FUNCTION LED
illuminates and the DUMP LED flashes, indicat-
ing you are in this function (see the figure below).
The SYSTEM displayindicates the default
parameters the MPE will dump.
2. Use the UP or DOWN key to choose which of
the MPE parameters you wish to dump. They
will be displayed as cuRcuR(CURRENTWorking
Memory), allall(all of Stored Memory), or
mapmap(MIDI map).
3.Onceyouhaveselectedtheparametersforregur-
gitation, press F-DUMP to execute the dump and
returntoNormalOperatingmode,or the
MEMORY keyto abandon the dump and return
to Normal Operating mode. The FUNCTION
and DUMP LED’s turn off.
Since there is a lot of Stored Memory, the allall
dumptakesapproximatelytwosecondsto complete.
The allalldump is executed in four pieces, each
one about 1200 bytes long. If your receiving device
cannothandlea1200bytemessage,thenyoumust
sendStored Memory manually. This is accom-
plished by recalling each Stored Memory, one at a
time, and storing it back to the same spot with
ParameterEchoon.ParameterEchosendsthe new
StoredMemory via MIDI SYSEX. This may be
tedious, but it’s the receiving device’s fault. MPE’s
handle the entire data burst with no problem.
If you want to send all three sets of parameters
(WorkingMemory,Stored Memory, and MIDImap)
executeeachdump individually.
An MPE receives a memory dump only if the
MIDI channel and device ID on each unit match, just
aswithanyotherMIDISYSEXmessage.The
dumper and dumpee must be the same model.
That about does it for operation of the MPE. If
youfollowedeverythingwe’vediscussedsofar,you
are well on your way to becoming a Zen master
ninjaMPE operator.

18 Rane MPE Users Guide
equipment rack. With the Rane FVL 22 Remote
VolumeLevelcontrollerandtheRPS4,continuous
volumeandEQpresetscanbecontrolledbya
couple of knobs on a wall plate or in a lectern!
The wiring diagram for a simple two program
selector is shown below. This will toggle between
programs 1 and 2.
The Rane RWS 4 is a four position wall mount
switch designed to fit a 75 ohm coax wall plate. It
willsupply four program changes to the MPEs using
any3 conductor cable. Here's an actual size drawing
alongwith the wiring diagram.
RPS 4 Remote Program Selector
In some applications, it may be desirable to switch
theMPEprograms from aremotelocation,without
the use of a computer or MIDI controller. A simple
switchtochangeprogramscanalsomakeoperation
a lot easier for the non-technical person who may be
responsibleforoperatingthesoundsystem. The RPS
4 comes to the rescue.
Simply, the RPS 4 converts contact closures to
MIDI program changes. Depending on your require-
ments, the RPS 4 can generate up to 16 program
changes(1-16).TheseMIDIprogramchange com-
mandscan simultaneously change your EQ curve(s)
on your MPE and/or any other MIDI controlled
devicein your system.Thesound equipmentcan
then be locked up in a rack somewhere else, possibly
minimizing cable runs and curious fingers. Presets
canbemadefordifferentprogrammaterial,occu-
pancy changes, different mics or placement, music
or speech. The switch can be located away from the

19
Rane MPE Users Guide
Hereis a wiring diagram to use with momentary
contactpushbuttonswithoptionalLEDindicators.
This idea can be used for 2, 3 or 4 program changes.
Use of the RPS 4 is pretty obvious and shouldn’t
present any problems. Here is a short check list:
1. Connect a MIDI cable (standard 5-pin DIN)
between the MIDI OUT jack on the RPS 4 and
the MIDI IN jack on the MPE. When controlling
more than one MIDI unit at a time, connect the
RPS 4 MIDI OUT jack to the MIDI IN jack on
thefirst MPE, then connect the MIDITHRU
jack from the first MPE to the MIDI IN jack on
the second MPE, and so on. (Do not use the MPE
MIDI OUT jacks. MPE MIDI OUTs won't carry
the program change.)
2.IfcontrollinganMPE,disconnectthepower
supplycablefromthered POWER jackonthe
MPE and reconnect it to the POWER jack on the
RPS4.Next,usingthecablesupplied,connect
the POWER OUT jack on the RPS 4 to the
MPE’s red POWER jack. All other applications
requireusingtheoptionalRaneRS1remote
powersupply (NOT SUPPLIED).Connectthe RS
1 to either red POWER jack.
3. Use the MIDI CHANNEL SELECTOR toset
the desired channel. All units being controlled
must use the same MIDI channel. Refer to the
diagrams on the top of the RPS 4 for the correct
switch settings.
4. The final step is wiring up the switches. Refer to
thediagramsabove for severalchoices.TheRPS
4 works with all types of switches.
Notethereisaninternaljumperoptionlabelled
BINARY or PUSHBUTTON .All RPS 4s are
shippedwiththisjumperinstalledinthe PUSH-
BUTTON mode. As the name implies, this is the
correctpositionwhenusingmomentarypushbuttons
to change programs. Changing the jumper tothe
BINARY positionallowsusingtheminimum
number of interconnecting wires. Sometimes this
representsasignificantcostsavingsand conve-
nience.
Usingabinary encoded switch,16MIDIprogram
changes can be activated. A four pole, sixteen throw
switch can also be used. A switch with fewer posi-
tions (such as an eight throw switch) may be used by
omitting the extra connections.

20 Rane MPE Users Guide
MPE Computer Software
There are some advantages to programming the
MPE's from a computer. Programs can be saved on
disk and backed up for security, and the MPE front
panel controls locked out if necessary. Because of
the compact rack height of the MPE, it is difficult to
provide a readable graphic display of the total
responsecurveasfound on normal graphic equaliz-
ers. A computer allows you to see the actual re-
sponse of the entire graph you are working on. This
is even more accurate than literal slider position on a
graphicequalizer because the actual response from
the interloping filters is correctly drawn. The smooth
response of interloping filters is apparant when
“tweaking”anadjacentband to nudge the center
frequency of a lobe where you want it.
The graphic screen allows control by either adjust-
ing each slider just like a regular graphic EQ, or by
typing in specific values using the number pad on a
PC. The control screen allows changing of level,
memory #, device #, channel #, and ramp value,
along with all numeric filter values.
Your PC must have a midi interface installed to be
able to communicate with your MPE. If you have a
PC with card slots, an MPU-401 midi interface card
will need to be installed in your PC. After connect-
ing MIDI cables (the MIDI out of the MPE goes to
theMIDI in of the MPU-401, and vice-versa), load
MPE28.EXE or MPE14.EXE depending on the
MPE you are using.
If you are using a laptop or don't have room for a
card, you can use a little box called a Midiator™
attachedtoyourCOM1serialport.Afterconnecting
MIDI cables both directions, load MPE28SER.EXE
orMPE14SER.EXEdependingonyourMPE. The
Midiator is available from Key Electronics TEL
(800)533-MIDI).
When the program boots, it checks to see if you
haveanoperating MIDI interfaceinstalled.Itthen
attempts to turn Omni Mode off, Key Echo on,
Parameter Echo on, and Program Change on. If all is
well,thefollowingkey commands are activated:
Left&Right Arrow Keys:
Move the cursor across the screen.
Up&DownArrowKeys:
Changethecurrentactive parameter.
Home&EndKeys:
Skiptowardsbeginning and end ofbands.
Page-Up Key:
Set active parameter to its maximum level.
Page-DownKey:
Set active parameter to its minimum level.
Insert Key:
Set active parameter to 0 (dB).
+/- (number) <Enter>:
DirectEntry(mostparameters):
press + or -, 1 to 3 digits, and <Enter>.
<Control + F10>:
Flatten EQ curve for one channel.
<Enter> (cursor onmemoryno.):
Storingtheworkingmemory:
With the cursor on MEMORY, press <Enter>.
Press <Enter> again to store to the current
memory.Orchange the current memorynumber
andpress<Enter>againtostorethepatch.
F1:
SwitchbetweenControlandGraphscreens.
F2:
Saveall MPE Stored Memories to Disk.
F3:
Recall all MPE Stored Memories from Disk.
F5:
Stop MPE front panel display of computer cursor
position until program is restarted.
Escape:
Out to this screen & to exit the program.
The MPE 14 graph screen is shown at the top of
thefollowing page, and the control screen is shown
at the bottom. This DOS program is supplied at no
chargefrom the Ranefactory(by request).For
Macintosh™users,Opcode Systems has aGalaxy
librarianfor the MPE series.