Studio Logic SL-880 User manual

SECTION 1.
Introduction: ,
Whyand how do we useMIDI Controllers?What areZones? Uses and Applications.
Congratulationson yournewpurchaseoftheSL-880 StudioLogicMasterControllerby FATAR.
Inthismanualwe willexplaintheconceptsandtechniquesofusingMasterMIDIControllers
to greatlyexpandyourflexibility,creativity, controlandproductivityinyourlive orstudio
keyboardsetup.Whetheryouareusingone multi-timbralsoundmoduleor a rackfullofthem,
this MasterControllerKeyboardandall the otherStudioLogicControllersby FATAR will grea-
tly expandyourprofessional andcreative abilities.
The conceptofa controlleris to centralizeyouraccessibility to yourMIDImodules.Itgives
youa centralpointofcontrolover yourslave modulesina givensetup.
Have youever tried to line uppatches inyoursoundmodules sothatwhenyouselecteda
patchon yourkeyboardyourothersoundmodulescalled uptherightpatch?Evertried to
locate a patchpositionto writeover a soundthatyouhopefullywon'tneed later?Tired of
bendingdownto squintandsee thedisplayandprograma moduleat thebottom ofyourrack?
All ofthese scenarios are greatly reducedwhenusinga MasterController.
TheconceptofZONES,SPLITS andLAYERS is as follows:
AZONE consists ofa specifiedrangeofkeys onyourkeyboard.Thatrangeof notes is assigned
parametermessages thatarecommunicatedto yourslave module(s),thisreducestheneed to
write andstore patchesonyourmodule.Theseparametersmayconsistofthefollowinginfor-
mation:patchnumber,volumesetting,velocity curve, transpositionvalue,pedalenable,
wheelsenable, etc.... When a patch is selected onyourMasterControllerallof this informa-
tion is sent to yourmodulesinstantly.TheStudio Logic SL-880 MasterControllerby FATAR has
four(4) completelyindependentzones,meaningeachzonecantransmitallofits owninfor-
mationonanygivenMIDIchannel.Therangeofnotes ineachzonecanbe setupto be adja-
cent to another ZONES rangeof notes ( one ZONE ends,goingup the keyboard, as another
ZONE starts) or assigned to overlapeach other or any part ofeach other's ranges. Thuswe
introduce the concept of LAYERS andSPLITS.
A SPLIT is when one ZONE'S rangeof notes ends andanother ZONE'S begins. A simple exam-
ple would be Bass in the left handandPianoin the righthand. A ZONE'S rangeof notes can
be anyamountofconsecutive notes regardlessofwhereanother ZONE'S notes begin. When
two ormore ZONE'S rangeof notes overlapwe call this a LAYER.
LAYERS are the way we canbuild fat lush patches using the full potential of what your synths
andmoduleshaveto offer.Let's say we havea bigpopballadthatneedsyourspecialtouch?
We want to create a "Pad Piano" sound to cover the song.Assigneach ZONE to cover the enti-
rekeyboard'srangeof notes. Using the three ZONES, assigneachofthem to playa different
patch:(1)darkrichElectricPiano,(2)brightringyElectric Piano,(3) slow attackStringPad
withtherelease rateupslightly.If oneor morepatchesarenotinthesameoctave as the
others it's easy to fix. Go to that ZONE'S transposefeatureandmove it upordown12 steps
to lineitupproperlywiththeothers.Somethingsoundsa little mushywhenplayingPiano
parts using the SUSTAINPEDAL? Try going to the ZONE for the "nonPiano"soundand expe-
rimentwithdisabling the SUSTAINPEDAL for that zone. Within momentsyoushouldhave a
deep,rich,ratherlarge andmusicallyusefulsoundingpatchto use onyourballad.
Are youbeginningto see thepossibilitieshere?Please step insidethemanualandwe'lltake
youthroughthesimpleyet versatile featuresoftheStudio Logic880 MasterControllerby
FATAR.

SECTION 2.
Features:
Aguided tour through the StudioLogic 880's Controls and Features, j
THEKEYBOARD ^P
The Studio Logic 880 has a 88 key FATAR semi-weighted piano action. It is a new, improved '
version of the classic FATAR action. It is an extremely musical feeling piano style action that
has a very dynamic yet quick response to it.The velocity sensitive action can bemodified with
several VELOCITY CURVE response settings that will bediscussed later in this manual. The 88
key action of the SL-880 will transmit channel AFTERTOUCH on all ZONES.
THE WHEELS ^
The PITCHand MODULATION WHEELS are the standard style,however, they are made with a
new rubberized texture. They have been designed to give the player a more solid tactile sen- J
sation during performing and programming for a more musical response. \
THE ZONES ^
The SL-880 has (3) three independent ZONES with each of them capable of being assigned
to any range of keys across the SL-880's keyboard. As discussed inthe introduction to this
manual, the ZONES are the heart of creating musically useful Layers and Splits. Each of the (3)
ZONES consists of:
1.ZONE ENABLE/DISABLE BUTTON: Located on the front panelabove the keyboard itself.
These are used to turn the ZONES on and off in PERFORMANCE mode. Each switch functions
independently of each other. Inother words, you can have any combination ofZONES onor
off at any point byaccessing these ZONE switches.
While in EDITmode, the ZONE BUTTONS are used to select the desired ZONE to be edited. While
editing, only one ZONE at a time can beselected and the buttons now toggle on and off as
you select each ZONE SWITCH for editing.
2. MIDI CHANNEL SELECT: While in EDITmode each ZONE can be set to transmit on any of
the 16 MIDI channels available. Onlyone MIDI channel can be transmitted at a time per ZONE.
3. BANK SELECT: After selecting a MIDI channel to transmit on, and while in EDIT mode, you
can initiate or select BANK Changes. The commands are different depending on the external
sound module you are accessing. Moreon BANK SELECT later in this manual.
4.PROGRAM CHANGE: Patch selection can bemade for each ZONE whileinthe EDITmode.
Each ZONE can besetto select(send)patch changes 1 to 128(some manufacturers usea numbe-
ringscheme 0 to 127, so you may needto add(1) to each patchtt to achieve thedesiredresults).
5. SPLITor KEY NOTE RANGE: This edit function allows you to select the range of active notes
(keys) for each ZONE. The ZONES are completely independent of each other and their split
points can overlap thus creating LAYERS.
6.TRANSPOSE: Each ZONE can beset to transpose itskeyrange upor down 24 semitones.In
other words, upordown 2 octaves from the synth module's originalsetting.
7.SUSTAINPEDAL ENABLE / DISABLE SELECT:You can set each ZONE to respond ornot
respond to sustain pedal information. This is done in the EDITmode for each ZONE.
8.WHEELS ENABLE / DISABLE SELECT: You can set each ZONE to respond or not respond to
PITCHand MODULATION WHEEL information. This isdone inthe EDITmode for each ZONE.
9.AFTERTOUCH ENABLE / DISABLESELECT:You can seteach ZONE to respond ornotrespond
CHANNELAFTERTOUCH information. This isdone inthe EDITmode for each ZONE.
10. SHAPE: Velocity curve settings specific to each ZONE. These setting will alter the way
velocity information from the keyboard will be transmitted to the receiving MIDI channel.
There are 8 preset velocity curves to choose from that vary the dynamic response of the key-
board. Again, these settings are specific to each ZONE and are accessed while inthe EDIT
mode.

GLOBAL VELOCITY CURVE: This VELOCITY CURVE setting is a global one,meaning it affects
the dynamic response ofthe entirekeyboard across all(4) zones. There are 8 global settings
to choose from. Again, these settingare accessed while inthe EDITmode.
SUSTAIN PEDAL: The StudioLogicSL-880 has a connection jack on therearpanel for a
SUSTAIN PEDAL input. The VP-26 byFatar is recommended.
VOLUME PEDAL: The StudioLogicSL-880 has a connection jack on the rearpanel for a stan-
dard VOLUME PEDAL input.
POWER INPUT: The Studio Logic SL-880hasa connection jack on the rear panel for the sup-
plied POWER SUPPLY input.
MEMORY STORAGE: The Studio LogicSL-880 will remember all of your preset information when
powered down. All programmed settings are transmitted when the unitispowered up. There
isnoneed to store editedinformation, simplyexitingthe editmode causes the information
to bestored.
SECTIONS.
Rear Panel Connections and Features:
Powering up.Connecting Pedalsand hooking upwith your other gear.
POWER INPUT
The StudioLogicSL-880 has a connection jack on the rear panel for the AC POWER SUPPLY
INPUT. The AC adapter POWER SUPPLY supplied with this unit is a positive tip &V DC with a
minimumcurrent of200 mA.
POWER SWITCH
The StudioLogicSL-880 has itsPOWER SWITCHlocated on the back panel next to the POWER
SUPPLY INPUT. There is also a red LED to indicate the unit ison. Upon powering up the key-
board allpresetdata istransmitted out throughtheMIDIOUT connections.
SUSTAIN PEDAL
The StudioLogicSL-880 has a connection jack on the rear panel for a SUSTAIN PEDAL input.
This jack will function properly with either type of "normally closed" or "normally open"
SUSTAIN PEDALS. Upon powering up the StudioLogic SL-880 will recognize whichever type of
pedal ispresently connected to the keyboard, regardless ofpolarity(e.g.PS100 orVFP1).Note:
SUSTAIN PEDAL must be plugged in prior to powering up to properly sense polarity.
VOLUME PEDAL
The StudioLogicSL-880 has a connectionjackon the rear panel for a standard VOLUME PEDAL
input that uses a stereo or balanced jack (e.g. VP-26 byFatar). This volume control will chan-
ge the volume equally across all three ZONES simultaneously.

MIDIOUT CONNECTIONS
MIDIOUTConnections:The MIDIOUTjacksare whereyouconnectyourStudio Logic SL-880
MasterController to yourvariousMIDIsoundsources.Usinga standard5 pinDINMIDIcable,
connecttheStudio LogicMIDIOUTto yourMIDIinputjackonyoursynthesizer,soundmodu-
leor otherMIDIequippedkeyboard.You mayuse theTHRU(daisychain)featureon yourMIDI
gearto connectto otherMIDImodulesif youlike. Avoiddaisy chainingmore than2 modu-
les,if possible, to reduce thepossibility ofMIDIlog jamor timingdelays. The Studio Logic
SL-880 convenientlyis suppliedwithtwo parallel(identical)MIDIOUTjacksontherearpanel
to helpreducethepossibility oftimingdelays whenconnectingto multipleMIDIsoundmodu-
les.Whenconnectingmultipledevices to yourSL-880 allocate themequallyacross thetwo
MIDIOUTconnectionsonthiskeyboard.
SECTION 4.
Description ofFront PanelControlsandFeatures:
Whatare they, whatdo theydo andhowdo I use them?
ZONESELECT
Located on the top panel there are the (3) ZONE buttons for the (1) enablinganddisablingof
the three keyboard ZONES whileinplaymodeand(2) selecting the ZONES whilein EDIT MODE.
TheLEDindicatorswillbe lit upwhenits correspondingzone is active or selected forediting.
InPLAY modeanycombinationofZONESmaybe on or off at anypointintime.However, in
EDIT mode the ZONE switchesmay only be used to select one ZONE at a time. Only one ZONE
at a time may be edited and therefore only one ZONE lightmay be lit at a time whilein EDIT
mode. You are able to jumpfrom ZONE to ZONE whilein edit modeby depressing the corre-
spondingZONEBUTTONS.
Please note thatyou mayonlypress a zonebuttonanddisable or^nablea zone while no notes
are depressed onthekeyboardor whilethesustainpedalis beingdepressed.

UP,DOWN,ENTER/EDIT
The UP and DOWN buttons are used to scroll through the FUNCTION selections while in edit
mode.
Depressing the ENTER/EDIT button enters and exits the EDIT mode. While in edit mode a LED
is lit next to the corresponding FUNCTION that ispresently selected for editing.
Using the UP/DOWN buttons will cause the LED to scroll through the FUNCTION selections.
10 KEY PAD;
(H) AND (-),
(ON) AND (OFF)
This isthe area where you enter desiredparameters for selected FUNCTIONS beingedited.The
numerical keypad, (H) and (-), (on) and (off) are assigned to correspond to the keys of the
central octave ofthe KEYBOARD.
While in EDIT MODE these keys now function as our data entry method and will not transmit
note information.
In other words, while in EDIT MODE the entire keyboard is disabled and will not transmit note
information until you exit the EDIT MODE.
MIDI CHANNEL
Used to select which MIDI channel each of the (4) zones will transmit its information on. To
access this, parameter enter EDIT mode byselecting ENTER/EDIT.
Selectdesired ZONE for editing bydepressing its corresponding ZONE switch. Use the
UP/DOWN buttons to select MIDI CHANNEL function. You now enter a one or two digit value
using the 10 keykeypad to set the ZONE'S MIDI transmit channel. Exit the EDIT mode by
depressing the EDIT/ENTER button.Inexitingthe EDITmode you store the new information
automatically inthe SL-880 Master Controller's memory and enable the keyboard ZONE to play
and transmit information on the new selected MIDIchannel. Inorder to playand transmit on
a desired ZONE, select the corresponding ZONE switch while in play mode so that its LED is
lit. The ZONE switch will toggle to turn ZONE on and off.
BANK SELECT
Used to transmit or initiate a BANK CHANGE message on a given zone. After selecting and
assigning the MIDI CHANNEL, press DOWN button to switch to BANK SELECT. This mode allows
you to change the sound bank of your synth module or external sound source.
The reception protocol for BANK SELECT depends on the type and make of the sound module
you are transmitting to and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Ifthe synth module
you are usingrequires only "Control 32" then you will have to only enter the bank number you
wish to select.Ifyour module requiresa more complete protocol (Control 32+ Control 0)then
you need to enter Control 32 and then press the keycorresponding to the "H"(represents
Higher part of Bank Change Byte) symbol (same as minus key). Then enterthe desirednum-
berfor Control 0.The keysequence would beas follows:enter32, then the (-) minus key
which alsohas the(H) symbol labeledabove it,then the bank number to change to.
PROGRAM CHANGE
Used to select a PATCH NUMBER or PROGRAM CHANGE for a specific ZONE. To access this para-
meteryou first turn on the desired ZONE byselecting and pressing its corresponding ZONE
switch, then enter EDITmode byselecting ENTER/EDIT.
Select desired ZONE for editing bydepressing its corresponding ZONE switch. Now use the
UP/DOWN buttons to selectthe PROGRAM CHANGE function. Enter the desired number ofyour
patch selection on the keypad (MIDIProgram change messages are from 1 to 128). Exitthe
EDITmode bydepressing the EDIT/ENTER button. Inexitingthe EDITmode you store the new
information inthe SL-880's Master Controllersmemory, transmit the selected patch number
and enable the keyboard to playthe new selected PROGRAM CHANGE.
SPLITUsedto selectthe range of keys to beactive for a specific ZONE. Toset the KeyRange or SPLIT
for a ZONE, enter the EDIT MODE bypressing ENTER/EDIT, toggle upor down till the light next
to SPLIT is lit. Press the ZONE button for the ZONE you wish to set, now press the desired
lowest key on the KEYBOARD and then the highest key on the KEYBOARDto definethe range
of keys to beactive in that ZONE. Exiting the EDIT MODE stores the information and all other
edit parameters that were changed. The ranges of keys can beany one note (by hitting the

same key twice) or the entire length of the KEYBOARD by hitting the lowest and then the
highest key.The range can beany contiguous combination of notes inbetween the highest
and lowest note on the keyboard and completely independent and different for each zone. You
can ovelap any amount of notes from ZONEto ZONE. '
TRANSPOSE
Used to TRANSPOSE the range of keys on a ZONE upor down a specific amount of halfsteps
from middle C. Normally the "3" ZONES have a TRANSPOSE value of "O". This means that the
middleC corresponds to the central middle"C" on the Grand Staff, (providing the stored patch
inyour synthesizer module is set to the same value).
Let's say you want to transpose and raise the tone of a ZONE by4 semitones. EnterEDIT
mode, select the desired ZONE to be edited, select the TRANSPOSE function usingthe
UP/DOWN keys. Now hit4 on the numerical keypad and exitthe EDITmode.Let'ssay you wan-
ted to lower the tone byan octave. Followthe same procedure as above butinstead ofhit-
ting (4) on the 10 key keypad, first hit the minus key then enter 12 and exit EDIT mode. You
can TRANSPOSE a maximum of +/"24 semitones (or two octaves) byentering a positive or
negative number upto 24 (+or -).Positivevalues are entered bydepressing the desired num-
ber keys and negative values are entered by first hitting the (-) key then the desirednumber
key(s).
SUSTAIN
This FUNCTION allows you to enable or disablethe SUSTAINPEDAL for each zone. Foran exam-
ple,ifyou want to disable the SUSTAIN PEDAL for ZONE 2: While inthe EDITMODE press
UP/DOWN again to select the SUSTAIN function. Now that SUSTAIN isselected (LED switched
on), press the ZONE #2 button to select ZONE 2 or editing and then OFF key which corresponds
to "E flat" on the numerical keypad. After that, all the other ZONES will beaffected by the
SUSTAIN PEDAL, while ZONE no. 2 will be excluded. To regain SUSTAIN PEDAL control on the
excludedZONE,select EDIT,SUSTAIN and then press ON.
An obvious application for this FUNCTION would be to disable the Sustain Pedal on a ZONE set
to the lower end of the KEYBOARD that isset to a Bass patch. In addition, now use the other
ZONES to play a Piano or Pad/String sound layerleaving the SUSTAIN PEDAL functional for
them.
Hopefullyyou are starting to see even more of the possibilitiesnow becoming availableto you
using a StudioLogic Master Controller.With just a bitof creative thought on your part you
should becoming upwith interesting and useful patches for your own musical needs.
WHEELS
This FUNCTION allowsthe userto disable or enable the two WHEELS for each of the three ZONES.
Again, as an example, ifyou wanted to disable the two WHEELS for ZONE1:enter the EDIT
mode, select ZONE 1 for editing (pressing ZONE 1 button), now use the UP/DOWN buttons to
scroll to the WHEELS parameter selection (making sure itscorresponding LED islit,)then
select the OFF key(corresponding to middleEbon the keyboard.) Now exitthe EDITmode by
depressing the ENTER/EDIT button. With this edit all the other ZONES will be affected bythe
WHEELS while ZONE 1 will be excluded. To reverse this edit follow the same instructions as
above butinstead selectthe ON buttonon the keyboard (corresponding to middleDbon the
keyboard.)
A possible application for this feature would be to have a ZONE or ZONES assigned to the lower
part of the keyboard set to sustaining or "Pad" sounds, with the top ends of these ZONES
ending somewhere inthe middleof the keyboard, leavingroom for a splitabove it.
Perhaps you can transpose the lower ZONES up an octave so that you would playchords on
the lower part ofthe keyboard but sounding inthe middlerange closer to middle"C".Leave
the SUSTAIN PEDAL enabled but disable the WHEELS for this ZONE or ZONES.
Now use remaining ZONES to create a layerusingthe upper unused remaining notes on the
keyboard. Assign this ZONE or ZONES to a leadpatch or patches, disable the SUSTAIN PEDAL
for these ZONES butleave the WHEELS enabled.
Now you can perform and holddown chords inthe lower part of the keyboard usingand hol-
ding down the SUSTAIN PEDAL to "latch" the sustained chords.
Now, using both hands to playleadover the top,using the righthand to playmelodyand the
left to use the PITCH and MODULATION WHEELS, Release the SUSTAIN pedal to change chords
then SUSTAIN and "latch" again on the next chord and continue playingtwo handed leadsover
the new chord.

AFTERTOUCH
This FUNCTION allows you to enableor disablethe AFTERTOUCH for each ZONE. .Foran exam-
ple,ifyou want to disablethe AFTERTOUCH for zone 3: While inthe EDITmode select ZONE 3
for editing then press UP/DOWN buttons to scroll to and select the AFTERTOUCH function..
Then press OFF keywhich corresponds to E flat on the numerical keypad. After that, all the
other ZONES will be affected by the AFTERTOUCH while ZONE no. 3 will beexcluded. To regain
AFTERTOUCH control on the excluded ZONE, select EDIT,AFTERTOUCH and then press ON.
An application for thismightbeas follows:Refer to the patch set upfrom the preceding exam-
ple in the WHEELS section above. In your leadpatch in the right hand you may be using
AFTERTOUCH for volume swells or vibrato modulation. While doing this you may find that unde-
sirable vibrato messages are being sent to your sustaining chords in the lower ZONES in this
patch. Use the AFTERTOUCH disablefeature in these lower ZONES to eliminate aftertouch mes-
sages from your leadperformance being sent to your sustaining chords.
SHAPE
This function allowsthe userto change thedynamiccutveswhich control the velocityrespon-
ses for each of the three ZONES. This FUNCTION allows you to adapt your Master Keyboard
Controllerto the dynamic response of your expander or external MIDIdevice.Italso allows
you to adjust the keyboard's reaction to your specific touch. The Studio Logic SL-880's SHAPE
FUNCTION offers you 8 different preset curves to selectfrom, 4 positive and 4 negative. Each
ZONE can have its own SHAPE setting.
Toselect a specific SHAPEfor a ZONE follow the normal EDIToperation. Enter EDITmode,
select a desired ZONE for editing by hitting its corresponding ZONE switch. Now select edit
function SHAPE using the UP/DOWN buttons and finally select 1,2,3 or 4 for SHAPE selection.
Selecting a (-) before hitting the number will select an inverted version or NEGATIVE SHAPE
of that curve.Bynegative shape we mean that the curve has an opposite affect with respect
to the touch. Therefore, a light touch brings about a high response and vice versa. This SHAPE
FUNCTION isusefulwhen you have two different curves (one + and one -) on two ZONES, as
this results in a velocity crossfade effect. As one sound getslower the other gets louder. SHAPE
(-)1 corresponds to the inverted SHAPE1,and so on.
SHAPE no. 1 has a linear response, which iscompatible with most of the MIDI devices pre-
sent on the market.This isthe defaultsettingfor each of the (4) zones..
SHAPE no. 2 has a less sensitive response, so it requires a stronger touch. This setting is use-
ful to gain a wider dynamic response. Try this SHAPE on a Piano or Electric Piano while playing
aballador softer piece of music for a more expressive feel to the keyboard. You may also like
thissettingwhileusingthe SL-880 to program HiHats or Drums into a sequencer, itmakes it
easier to "pump" a part or vary the accents. Itisalsouseful when the inputMIDIdevice is
too sensitiveand you want to lower the relativevelocitiesbeing transmitted.
SHAPE no. 3 has a more sensitive response than Shape no.1. You will beable to transmit
higher velocities with a lighter touch. This SHAPE may beuseful to you if you are playing a
Rock Pianoor Honky-tonk Blues styleand need to beheard over a loudband. This SHAPE sca-
lesthe relativevelocitiesup.
SHAPE no.4 has an even more sensitiveresponse than SHAPE no.3.Usefulfor removing some
orallof the dynamic response to the keyboard. Use itwhen you want to triggerSamples, Loops
orSound FXeasily so that they playattheirmaximum volume without having to hitthe key
as hard.
VELOCITY
The VELOCITY is similar in function and application to the SHAPE feature in that they are both
dynamic response settings for the keyboard and the MIDIvelocity information that istran-
smitted. Thedifference is that the VELOCITY parameter is a GLOBAL setting. While in EDIT
mode when you select VELOCITY, the LED's for all 4 zones light upsimultaneously indicating
you are changing a GLOBAL setting covering allthree ZONES. While inthe previous section you
could select a dynamic curve for each ZONE, now you have 8 different curves that affect the
response ofthe entirekeyboard. This VELOCITY parameter can helpadapt your Controller
Keyboard to your MIDImodules and to your specific touch and feel preferences so as to give
you the most expressive control available.
Toselect a VELOCITY curve enter the EDITmode,use the UP/DOWN buttons to select VELO-
CITY, then chose 1 through 8 on the 10 keykeypad to select your VELOCITY setting. Exit EDIT
mode to playand auditioneach of these curves.

10KEYPAD,
(H) AND (-),
(ON) AND (OFF): As you have most likelyfigured outbythis pointthe StudioLogic Master Controller SL-880
uses the keyboard itself in EDIT mode as the 10 KEY KEYPAD and data entry source. The keys
inthe central octave, starting at the middleC,are assigned to specific functions for data entry
inEDITmode and are clearlylabeledas indicated inthe diagram below.While you are inthe
EDIT mode and using the numerical keypad the keyboard itself does not transmit MIDI notes
and performance information.You mustexittheEDITmode to playnotesfrom the keyboard.
SECTION 5.
Programming theStudioLogicSL-880 Master Controller:
CreatingmusicallyusefulPatchesandhowto doit.
Before we get into some programming examples and tips, the following information is about
the design architecture and how the StudioLogicSL-880 Master Controlleroperates.
DEFAULT SETTINGS
When your Master Controller is switched on for the first time it will transmit the following
defaultsettings: ^
ZONE #1 ON, Zones #2,#3 OFF. The three zones are set to transmit on MIDI channels
1 through 3 respectively, their SPLIT isset to the full extension of all 88 keysand all
switchable commands are inthe ON position.
AllZONES set to SHAPE #1,VELOCITY = 4,TRANSPOSE = 0.
VOLUMESETTINGS OF 127ifno VOLUME PEDAL isconnected. Ifa VOLUME
PEDAL isconnected whatever position the pedal is in will be transmitted.
SUSTAIN OFF.(PEDAL isenabled butinthe off position,CC 64 - 0)
PITCHBEND value = 0,MODULATION WHEEL value =0
GENERAL RESET
Toresetthe unitto the above factory settings:
Power upthe keyboard while holding down allthree UP-DOWN-ENTER buttons, holdfor a few
seconds then release allthree buttons,c

GENERAL PROGRAMMING
INFORMATION
When the Master Controller ispowered upitalways transmits the contents of the program
memory.
(
,'
After programming any parameters, thecontentsofthe memory istransmitted when exiting
EDITmode.
Totransmitthe contents ofthe memory whileinplaymode press the ENTER/EDIT button twice.
Exitingthe EDITmode automatically stores the newly changed parameters, ifany,into the
memory.
When powering down the unit all information in memory is retained and then transmitted
again uponpower up.
You can not enter the EDIT MODE if you are holding down keys or pressing the sustain pedal.
You must release allpedalsand keys before entering intothe editmode.
When re-entering the EDIT MODE it will be on the parameter setting and ZONE selection as it
was left when previously in the EDIT MODE.
When EDITMODE isselected, the keyboard doesnotsound.Totesttheprogrammedvariations
and play the keyboard exit the EDIT MODE.
APPLICATIONS USES AND
USERTIPSThese suggestions are
designed as a starting point to help stimulate your own creative usage
ofthese features for your own musical applications and needs.
THE ZONES
The ZONES are the heart of the SL-880 Master Controller. Creative use of the ZONE'S parame-
ters and the ZONES themselves gives the player new found flexibility and control over their
sounds and modules. We've already discussed how to operate the ZONES.
Now we apply them to musical applications.You can use the three (4) zones ina number of
different ways: Here are some options and possibleapplicationsusingthe features ofthis key-
board.
THE BIGLAYER
Set all three ZONES to the same range of notes and assign each of them to three similar String
patches or three similarPiano patches.Try two piano patches and a string patch. Experiment
with disabling some of the features on some of the ZONES such as, AFTERTOUCH or SUSTAIN.
While playingone section of a song, leavesome of the layersturned off and then switch them
on during the "Chorus"bypressing their ZONE SWITCHES to build dynamics in the song. On
your module try settingand storing your PIANO patches tonotrespond toMIDIvolume (CC#7)
then using a Volume Pedal on your Master Controlleryou can bring upthe Strings behind the
Pianowhen needed.
THE SPLITSet
two ZONES in your left hand for an Electric Piano/Pad layer and set ZONE (3) in the right
hand for a string orhorn part. Use the TRANSPOSE feature to bring these ZONES into a useful
range.
ANOTHER SPLIT?
Trya Bass patch usingone ZONE inthe lowesttwo octaves ofthe keyboard, disablethe
SUSTAIN PEDAL and TRANSPOSE upan octave or two to place it in the range of a bass guitar.
Now create a SPLIT in the middle range with ZONE (2) set to a Breathy Synth or Comping
patch, and the last ZONE for the top octave or so on a Brass patch with the SUSTAIN PEDAL
disabled. You can play a bass line with your left hand, sustain chords you've played on the Pad
sound usingthe Sustain Pedaland now playHorn stabs or linesabove itwith your righthand.
*Note On Splits: Always remember to use the TRANSPOSE feature to place your parts in pro-
perperformance range nomatter where on the 88 keys you may place a ZONES upper and lower
limits. Think of the whole keyboard as 88 keys or triggers available rather than the traditio-
nalnote placement and tuning as on an Acoustic Piano.

AFEW OTHER TIPS
INCLUDED FOR YOUR
CONSIDERATION:
Liveand StudioApplications.
Live application: Try usingthe different SHAPES in each ZONE to manipulate and balance the
elementsinyour layers.
Studioapplication:Connect yourMIDIoutfrom your MasterControllerto theMIDIinon your
Sequencer and theMIDIoutofyour sequencer to your Modules.Setyour sequencer inputfil-
ter to DirectEcho orthe appropriate settingto pass allinformation through (non channeli-
ze). Ifyou come upwith an interestinglayeredpatch set your sequencer to multi-record and
hiteditentertwice whileyour sequencer isrecording to record your patch changes to the
sequencer and then continue and playwhilerecording a performance for allyour layers.For
another section ofyour track you can dothe same with another patch and record and auto-
mate your patch changes alongwith your performance. Using the layerson the SL-880 you
may come upwithpatches and parts you mightnothave conceived programming the tradi-
tionalone track ata timeway.
Live application: Use the inverted or (-) SHAPES to experiment with velocity crossfades.
Live application: Set a ZONE to only one note. When editing SPLITparameter in setting up
ZONE hit the same note twice at either the lowestnoteor highest noteon the keyboard to
set a range of(1)one note for that ZONE. Assign that Zone to a MIDI channel that goes to
your sampler to trigger a Loop or trigger a Sound FX. Use the TRANSPOSE feature to bring the
sample upor down to a usefulrange for triggering.Ifthe (+)or (-) 24 steps oftransposition
isnotenough, assign the Sample triggernote to an appropriate one inthe sampler and save
itthatway.
LiveorStudio application: Using the BANK SELECT feature get to those often useful and
alternatepatches notstored inthe first127patchpositionson your synth.
Live application: Use the (4) zones to setupthree different patches, use the ZONE SWIT-
CHES to toggle and playone ZONE at a time for particular songs or sections ofsongs.
LiveorStudio application: Use the TRANSPOSE feature to create intervals from layered ZONES
inoctaves orharmonies.
Studioapplication:Again, use multi-recordon your sequencer butthis time with a splitpatch
set upon your SL-880 record two or more parts atonce. Bass and comp or chords and melody.
The pointis,getcreativeand innovative usingallyour new possibilities.
Studio,Scoring to Pictureapplication:Perhapsyour sequencer mightbelocked to videovia
SMPTE. Setup a split patch with all Orchestral elements on the SL-880, perform and play in a
more livesense while watching picture.Jump to another sound as the pictureinspires you
while recording allyour performances simultaneouslyto the sequencer inmulti-record.After
recording you'llhave each ofyour instruments parts recorded on it'sown track, now you can
go back and editor elaborate on your improvisation to picture.Ifyour sequencer doesn't
record separate MIDI channels to separate tracks simultaneouslyyou can always filter bychan-
nelparts after recording to separate your to individualtracks for editing.
SECTION 6.
Charts:
UsefulChartsand Graphics
Includedon the following two pages are 2 identicalcopies ofa template for you to write down
the settings for the patches you come upwith.These are includedso you can builda library
ofyour favorite patches and settings.Carefullytear or cutout one ofthe copies and feel free
to run itthrough a copy machine to make more blanks for yourself. Ifyou requiremore copies
call, in the USA, Music Industries Corp. at 1(800) 431-6699.

BLANK PATCHPARAMETER
CHART:
ModelSL-880 Studio
Logic Master Controller

BLANK PATCHPARAMETER
CHART:
Model SL-880Studio
Logic Master Controller

GLOBAL VELOCITY
COURVES
The following charts are graphic displaysofthe ZONE specific (SHAPE) velocity curves. They
are here to helpyou conceptualize and understand how these CURVES affect thedynamic
response ofyour ZONES. .

GENERAL MIDI PATCH
LIST
The following charts show the standard General MIDIpatch locations. Ifyou are usinga
General MIDI Moduleor Keyboard this will come in handy.When you are programming your
ZONE'S PATCH CHANGES you can refer to this chart for entering numbers of desired Patches.
1.Piano 1
2.Piano 2
3. Piano 3
4.Honky Tonk
5.ElectricPiano 1
6.ElectricPiano 2
7.Harpsichord
8.Clavinet
9.Celesta
10. Glockenspiel
11.MuicBox
12.Vibraphone
13.Marimba
14. Xylophone
15.TubularBell
16. Dulcimer
17. ElectricOrgan 1
18. ElectricOrgan 2
19.ElectricOrgan 3
20. Church Organ
21.Reed Organ
22. Accordion
23. Harmonica
24. Bandonion
25. NylonGuitar
26. SteelGuitar
27. Jazz Guitar
28. Clean Guitar
29. MQted Guitar
30.Drive Guitar
31.Lead Guitar
32. Harmonic Guitar
33. Acoustic Bass
34. FingerBass
35. PickBass
36. FretlessBass
37. SlapBass 1
38. SlapBass 2
39. Synth Bass 1
40.Synth Bass 2
41. Violin
42. Viola
43. Cello
44. Contra Bass
45. Tremolo Strings
46. Pizzicato Strings
47. Harp
48.Timpani
49.Strings
50. Slow Strings
51.Synth Strings 1
52. Synth Strings 2
53. Choir Aahs
54. Voice Oohs
55. Synth Voice
56. Orchestra Hit
57. Trumpet
58. Trombone
59. Tuba
60. Muted Trumpet
61.French Horn
62. Brass Section
63. Synth Brass 1
64. Synth Brass 2
65. Soprano Saxophone /
66. Alto Saxophone
67. Tenor Saxophone
68.Baritone Saxophone
69. Oboe
70.EnglishHorn
71.Bassoon
72. Clarinet
73. Piccolo
74. Flute
75. Recorder
76.PanFlute
77. BottleBlow
78.Shakuhachi
79. Whistle
80.Ocarina
81. Square
82. Sawtooth
83.Calliope
84.Chiffer
85. Charang
86. Solo Vox
87. Fifths
88.Bass Lead
89. Fantasia
90.Warm Pad
91.PolySynth
92. Space Vox
93. Bow Glass
94. MetalPad
95. HaloPad
96. Sweep Pad
97. IceRain
98. Sound Track
99. Crystal
100. Atmosphere
101.Brightness
102. Goblin
103. Echo Drop
104. Star Theme
105. Sitar
106. Banjo
107. Shamishen
108. Koto
109. Kalimba
110.Bagpipe
111.Fiddle
112.Shanai
113.TinkleBell
114.Agogo
115.Steel Drum
116.Wood Block
117.Taiko
118.MelodyTom
119.Synth Drum
120.Reversed Cymbal
121.GuitarNoise
122.KeyClick
123.Seashore
124. Birds
125.Telephone
126.Helicopter
127.Applause
128. Gunshot

SECTION 7.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
GUIDE
Appendix:
PROBLEM Keyboard does not power up?
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS • Make sure the powersupply is connected to the wall outlet
•Makesurethepowersupplyis properly connectedto thekeyboard
PROBLEM Keyboard does not seem to be sending MIDI notes to my modules?
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONSMakesureyouare not intheEDITMODE.
Make sure the ZONE switch of the ZONE you are trying to play is on.
MakesuretheMIDIchannelyouare playingon is enabledonyoursoundsource.
Makesureyoursoundmodulesaudiooutputsare connectedproperlyto yourmixeror amp.
Make sureyourmixerampor sound system is onand the volume settings are up.
PROBLEM I have made changes inEDITMODE butthechangesdonotseemtobepresentwhen I
returntoPLAY MODE?
POSSIBLESOLUTION • This can happen very easily. When you enter EDIT MODE make sure you are editing the ZONE
that you were playing before hitting EDIT. When entering edit mode you will be on the ZONE
you last edited not necessarily the ZONE you have on in PLAY MODE.
PROBLEM I know I am sending MIDI to my module because I see the MIDI indicator light up when
Iplay but I hear nothing?
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS• MakesuretheVOLUMEPEDALis up!
•Makesureyoursoundmodulesaudiooutputsare connectedproperlyto yourmixer or amp.
•Makesureyourmixerampor soundsystem is on andthevolumesettings are up.
PROBLEM The SUSTAIN PEDAL does not seem to work? c
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS• Makesureit is pluggedinproperlyto theSUSTAINPEDALINPUT
• Make sure the SUSTAIN PEDAL is enabledfor the ZONE you are playing
PROBLEM The SUSTAIN PEDAL seems to work inreverse?
POSSIBLESOLUTION • Power the keyboard down. With the SUSTAIN PEDAL pluggedinto the SUSTAINPEDAL INPUT
power the keyboard up. This will cause the SL-SL-880 to sense the proper polarity setting for
thetype ofpedalyou are usingand adjustproperly.
PROBLEM TheWHEELS orAFTERTOUCH do notseem to work?
POSSIBLESOLUTIONS • Make sure they are enabled on the ZONE you are playing
•Make sure they are enabled inthe Patch inyour moduleyou are sending to.
PROBLEM I am playing a ZONE that I know is on but nothing is happening?
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS • Make sureyou are playingwithin the SPLIT rangeof notes set upfor that ZONE
• Make sure that the MIDI channel is set correctly.
• Make sure the VOLUME PEDAL is depressed and all other volume setting are up.