TC Electronic M300 User manual

M300
DUAL ENGINE PROCESSOR
UUSSEERR’’SSMMAANNUUAALL

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
8 Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/accessories
specified by the manufacturer.
12 Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
13 Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
• This equipment should be installed near the
socket outlet and disconnection of the
device should be easily accessible.
• Do not install in a confined space.
• Do not open the unit - risk of electric shock
inside.
Caution:
You are cautioned that any change or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Service
• There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• All service must be performed by qualified
personnel.
Warning!
• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock,
do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture.
• This apparatus must be earthed.
• Use a three wire grounding type line cord
like the one supplied with the product.
• Be advised that different operating voltages
require the use of different types of line
cord and attachment plugs.
• Check the voltage in your area and use the
correct type. See table below:
Voltage Line plug according to standard
110-125V UL817 and CSA C22.2 no 42.
220-230V CEE 7 page VII, SR section
107-2-D1/IEC 83 page C4.
240V BS 1363 of 1984.
Specification for 13A fused
plugs and switched and
unswitched socket outlets.
The lightning flash with an arrowhead
symbol within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the
product.
a

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Certificate Of Conformity
TC Electronic A/S, Sindalsvej 34, 8240
Risskov, Denmark, hereby declares on own
responsibility that following products:
M300 - Dual Engine Processor
- that is covered by this certificate and
marked with CE-label conforms with
following standards:
EN 60065 Safety requirements for mains
(IEC 60065) operated electronic and
related apparatus for household
and similar general use
EN 55103-1 Product family standard for
audio,video, audio-visual and
entertainment lighting control
apparatus for professional
use. Part 1: Emission.
EN 55103-2 Product family standard for
audio, video, audio-visual and
entertainment lighting control
apparatus for professional
use. Part 2: Immunity.
With reference to regulations in following
directives:
73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC
Issued in Risskov, March 2002
Anders Fauerskov
Chief Executive Officer
EMC / EMI.
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B Digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in residential installations. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on. The user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
For the customers in Canada:
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est
conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
b

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Front Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Rear Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Signal Flow Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Typical M300 Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
BASIC OPERATION
How To Operate the M300
Input/Output Section . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
The Multi-effects Engine . . . . . . . . . .18
The Reverb Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
The Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Miscellaneous
Factory Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
MIDI channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Sysex ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
M300 software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Routings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
EFFECTS
Multi-effects
Dynamic Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Tape Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Studio Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
PingPong Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
SlapBack Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Phaser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Tremolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Chorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Compressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
De-Esser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Reverbs
Reverb types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
TC Electronic, Sindalsvej 34, DK-8240 Risskov – [email protected] Rev 3.2 – SW – V 1.00English Version
Prod. No: E60501601
APPENDIX
MIDI Implementation Chart . . . . . . . .30
MIDI Continuous Controllers . . . . . . .31
Reset Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
MIDI Bulk Dump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . .32

QUICK START - IF YOU JUST CAN’T WAIT
If you just can’t wait to hear the great
effects waiting for you in your new M300
Dual Effects processor, follow the few steps
in this quick setup guide:
• Unpack the M300 and check for possible
damages that could have been caused by
transport.
• Read the safety instructions.
• Take a few minutes to register online via:
www.tcelectronic.com or send in the
registration card. Customers registered
online will be notified directly via E-Mail
about new tips&tricks and manual updates.
Consider the M300 as two effects processors in
one box. We call these two processors
“Engines”. The Multi-Effect Engine creates one
of the following effects: Delay, Chorus, Flanger,
Phaser, Tremolo, De-Ess or Compression.
The Reverb Engine creates Reverb.
These two Engines can be used separately or
in conjunction.
Connections & Routing:
The M300 has two routing options that require
two different ways of connecting.
The Routing mode is set on the M300 rear
panel and should correspond to your current
setup.
Serial Routing (switch in OUT position)
- utilizing both effect Engines in serial.
Dual Send/Return (switch in IN position)
- ideal if you need to send signal from two
different AUX sends on your mixer and return
on a stereo Aux or two other channels.
For detailed explanations on Routings and
connections please read page 22.
• When all audio connections are made
connect power.
• Set the M300 in Preset Off mode using the
PRESET ON/OFF key:
The M300 is in Preset Off mode when the
display reads as illustrated above.
• Set all controls in 12 o’clock position to
hear factory settings.
(For Dual Send/Return mode set MIX to 100%)
• Select an Effect from the Multi-effects section
• Select a Reverb type from the Reverb
Section.
• Start playing music through the M300.
• Adjust Input level to a level just below the
point where the two INPUT PPMs turn red.
• Set the desired Mix between the Dry and
Wet signal of the entire M300 using the MIX
control.
• Set the desired balance between the Multi-
Effects section and the Reverb section using
the EFFECT BALANCE knob.
• Now tweak the controls for the two sections
until you have the effects intended.
(When using the Dual Send/Return mode
always set MIX to 100%)
For any questions left unanswered by this
manual feel free to visit our online support
center; TC Support Interactive, which can be
accessed via: www.tcelectronic.com
Latest manual revision can always be
downloaded from www.tcelectronic.com
Serial mode
Dual Send/Return
mode
4

5
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of your TC Electronic M300 Dual Engine processor.
The M300 is a Dual Engine effects processor that is extremely easy to use. Making no
compromises when it comes to quality we proudly present the M300 in the affordable price range.
With top quality effects and the intuitive user-interface we are convinced that you will enjoy the
M300 now and in the future. The M300 is so easy to use that this manual may seem nearly
redundant to the front panel itself.
However, read on for explanations of basic setups and routing-options to achieve maximum
performance from your new M300.
The Dual Engine Structure lets you combine various effects with high quality Reverbs.
Engine 1
• Dynamic Delay
• Studio Delay
• Tape Delay
• Delay
• PingPong Delay
• SlapBack Delay
• Vintage Phaser
• Phaser
• Hard Tremolo
• Soft Tremolo
• Flanger 1 & 2
• Chorus
• Compressor
• De-Esser
• Off
Engine 2
• Concert Hall • TC Classic Hall
• Living Room • Vocal Studio
• Club • Vocal Room
• Plate I • Vocal Hall
• Plate II • Drum Box
• Spring • Drum Room
• “Live” Reverb • Large Cathedral
• Ambience • Off

6
FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW
INPUT knob
Adjusts the Input level.
1/L and 2/R LEDS
3 color LEDs indicating Input
level on Left and Right Inputs.
Green : -40dB
Yellow : -6dB
Red : -1dB
MIX knob
Adjusts the mix between the
wet and the dry signal. 100%
“Wet” is achieved at fully
clockwise position.
EFFECTS BALANCE knob
Adjusts the balance between
the Effects Engine and the
Reverb Engine. Maximum
effect from both Engines is
achieved at 12 o’clock
position.
DIGI IN button and LED
LED Off
Digital Input is set to Off. The
M300 processes only the
signal present on the Analog
Inputs.
LED Green
The M300 is locked correctly
to the Digital Input signal.
LED Flashing
Digital In is selected but no
digital signal is received or the
signal is corrupt. The M300
automatically returns to
internal clock and Analog
operation.
BYPASS knob and LED
Bypass function varies
depending on the selected
Routing (set on the rear
panel):
Dual Send Return routing:
Bypass operates as “mute”.
Serial routing:
Bypass routes the Input signal
to Output.
MULTI-EFFECT selector
Selects between the 15 effects
& Off in the Multi-effects
Engine.
TIMING knob & TAP key
Tap the global tempo using the
TAP key by tapping quarter
notes. Now use the timing
knob to multiply the tapped
tempo.
The range varies from 0.5 to 2.
Example:
• Tap quarter notes at Tempo
120 BPM. This equals 500
milliseconds.
• The range of the TIMING
knob is 0.5 to 2 giving you a
Delay time varying from:
250ms to 1000ms.
Note that the Slapback
Delay type has a shorter
range as the Slapback
Delay type by nature is a
short Delay.
TIMING knob as
AMOUNT/DRIVE control
For the Compressor and De-
Ess algorithms (marked with
an “*”) this knob has different
functions:
De-Ess : Amount
Compressor : Drive
FEEDBACK/DEPTH knob
Controls the Feedback or
Depth parameter depending of
the selected effect.
Delay : Feedback
Phaser : Depth
Tremolo : Depth
Flange : Depth
Chorus : Depth
FEEDBACK/DEPTH knob as
FREQ/RATIO control
For the Compressor and De-
Ess algorithms (marked with
an “*”) this knob has different
functions:
De-Ess : Frequency
Compressor : Ratio
-3, -6, -12 LEDs
These LEDs indicate the
applied gain-reduction when
Compressor or De-Ess
algorithms are selected.
It is worth noticing that the
Compressor uses Automatic
Make-up Gain to naturally
compensate for the decreased
gain.

7
FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW
REVERB Type selector
Selects between 15 different
Reverb types or sets the
Reverb Engine to “Off”.
PRE DELAY knob
Controls the relative Pre Delay
of the selected Reverb.
DECAY knob
Controls the relative Decay of
the selected Reverb.
COLOR knob
Controls the relative Color of
the selected Reverb.
LOAD/HOLD TO STORE key
This key has two functions.
• Press once to load the
preset selected via the
CURSOR UP/DOWN keys.
• Press and hold to store the
current preset.
PRESET ON/OFF key
The M300 has two preset
modes.
Preset “Off” mode:
The display reads as illustrated
above - no numbers.
In this mode the M300 will play
effects according to the front
panel controls.
When going from Preset “On”
to Preset “Off” mode the
effects will always be updated
according to the positions of
the front controls.
Preset “On” mode:
The display reads a specific
preset number.
In this mode you can recall
various user presets by using
the UP/DOWN arrows followed
by LOAD.
(Note that the M300 holds no
stored factory presets apart
from the default settings in the
various effects).
Toggling between the Preset
On/ Preset Off modes
generates two situations:
From “On” to “Off”:
Preset is updated according to
the positions of the front
controls.
From “Off” to “On”:
The display starts to blink the
previously recalled preset
number while still processing
according to the front controls.
To actually load the preset
press LOAD.
Set MIDI channel
Press and hold the PRESET
ON/OFF key approx. 2.5 sec.
Now set the desired MIDI
channel 1 to 16 or “o” for
OMNI (receives on all
channels) or OF for Off, using
the ARROW UP/DOWN keys.
Via this menu a Bulk Dump
can also be performed. (see
page 31).
Press PRESET ON/OFF key
once to exit the MIDI channels
set mode.
EDITED KNOBS LEDs
The LEDs are relevant in
Preset “On” mode only. They
indicate when the front
controls do not match the
settings in the actually recalled
preset.
ARROW UP/DOWN keys
Scroll between presets when
in Preset “On” mode.

8
REAR PANEL
Balanced
Jack
Analog
Inputs
Pedal
Input
MIDI
In/Out
Routing Switch Balanced
Jack
Analog
Outputs
Digital
S/PDIF
Input/
Output
Power
Input
100 - 240V
ROUTING switch
Switches between Dual Send/Return and Serial
Input modes.
Dual Send/Return mode:
Switch is In, and Green LED on front is On.
Serial mode:
Switch is Out and Green LED on front is Off.
Read much more about these Routing options
on pages 22/23. See also the suggested
setups at pages 10-15.
Analog Input
Analog Input on 1/4 inch connectors.
Use Left Input for connecting a mono signal.
If you connect to Left Input only and use
Dual Send Return mode the Input signal
is fed to both the Multi-effects Engine
and the Reverb Engine, and you can then use
the M300 as two independent effect units with a
common Output.
Analog Output
Analog Output is a Stereo Output on two 1/4”
Jack connectors.
Pedal Input
The Pedal Input gives you the possibility to
Bypass and “tap” the Global Tempo via
momentary switches. The Global tempo can be
used to set Delay time.
The connection is a 1/4” Stereo Jack with
Bypass on tip and Tap Tempo on ring.

9
SIGNAL FLOW
Jack Cable
Mono to Mono
MIDI Cable
DIN CONNECTOR
5POLE - MALE
180 degrees
DIN CONNECTOR
5POLE - MALE
180 degrees
max. 10m
SHIELDED CABLE (3 or 5 wires + screen)
GND
TIP
TIP
GND
TIP
RING
GND
GND
RING
TIP
Jack Cable
Stereo

10
TYPICAL SETUPS
Connecting and Setting up the M300
Setting up the M300 is very easy. It is, however, important to connect and setup the M300 correctly
according to your application. Setting up basically means: connecting, selecting one of the two
routing options via the switch on the rear panel and finally setting the MIX control on the front panel.
Find the setup you are about to create or similar on the following two pages - and follow the
instructions.
Dual Send/Return
This setup applies to a mixer with two (or
more) AUX sends. It utilizes the two effect
sections in the M300 as two separate effects
with a common Output.
• On the rear panel select DUAL S/R routing
by leaving the switch in the “IN “ position.
• Connect AUX 1 send to the M300 Left Input.
• Connect AUX 2 send to the M300 Right
Input.
• Connect the M300 Left and Right Outputs to
the Stereo AUX L/R returns of either AUX 1
or AUX 2.
• Set MIX to 100% wet, as you in this setup do
not want the direct signal to pass the M300.
• Set Input level to 12 o’clock position.
• Set BALANCE to 12 o’clock position.
• Select Reverb type and Multi-effect type
using the selectors on the front panel.
• Set the AUX Return level on the mixer to
approx. 50%.
• Now slowly turn up the AUX Sends 1 and 2
on the mixer for the channels you wish to
add effect to.
• Adjust/fine-tune the M300 Input level so the
Input LED on the front panel often is Orange
but only rarely peaks at Red color.
Setup
M300 Routing Schematic

11
TYPICAL SETUPS
Serial Setup
This setup utilizes the M300 as a Multi-
effects processor connected in serial to a
Reverb. It is ideal when you wish to add
Reverb to a signal already processed by
one of the Multi-effects. The illustrated
setup is a typical live instrument setup.
• On the rear panel select SERIAL routing by
leaving the switch in “OUT “ position.
• Connect Line signal directly from your
instrument or from a DI-box to the M300
Inputs. (use Left Input for mono signals).
• Connect the M300’s Left and Right Outputs
to mixer or amplification.
• Set Input level to 12 o’clock position.
• Set MIX level to 12 o’clock position.
• Set BALANCE to 12 o’clock position.
• Adjust/fine-tune the M300 Input level so the
Input LED on the front panel often is Orange
but only rarely peaks at Red color.
• Select Reverb type and Multi-effect type
using the selectors on the front panel.
• Now fine-tune:
- MIX between wet and dry signal
- BALANCE between the two effect Engines.
Setup
M300 Routing Schematic

12
TYPICAL SETUPS
Setup
Routing Schematic
“Parallel Setup” (analog Input only)
This setup utilizes the M300 as a Dual
processor on a mono signal with a common
stereo Output.
• On the rear panel select Dual S/R routing by
leaving the ROUTING switch in the “IN “
position.
• Connect AUX1 (or any) to Left Input.
NO connections to Right Input. The Left Input
signal is automatically fed to the Right Input
internally in the M300.
• Connect the M300 Left and Right Outputs to
the Stereo AUX L/R returns of either AUX 1
or AUX 2.
• Set MIX to 100% wet, as you in this setup do
not want the direct signal to pass through the
M300.
• Set Input level to 12 o’clock position.
• Set BALANCE to 12 o’clock position.
• Select Reverb type and Multi-effect type
using the selectors on the front panel.
• Set the AUX Return level on the mixer to
approx. 50%.
• Now slowly turn up the AUX Sends
• Adjust/fine-tune the M300 Input level so the
Input LED on the front panel often is Orange
but only rarely peaks at Red color.
Controlling M300 via MIDI
Various functions in the M300, such as
preset recall and Tap Tempo, can be
controlled via an external MIDI device.
This example shows how to control the
M300 with a TC Electronic G•Minor*
footcontroller. A complete list of CC values
can be found on page 31.
• Connect MIDI Out on the G•Minor to MIDI In
on the M300.
• Connect MIDI Out on the M300 to MIDI In on
the G•Minor.
You are now able to recall the stored presets in
the M300 using the UP/DOWN switches on the
G•Minor. You can also tap the Global Tempo
using the HOLD switch.
* Detailed information on the G•Minor can be
found in the G•Minor manual. Feel free to
download from www.tcelectronic.com

13
TYPICAL SETUPS
Guitar Setups
This setup utilizes the M300 as a Multi-
effects processor connected in serial to a
Reverb. It is ideal when you wish to add
Reverb to a signal already processed by
one of the Multi-effects.
This is a typical guitar setup.
• On the rear panel select SERIAL routing by
leaving the switch in the “OUT “ position.
• Connect guitar to preamp Input.
• Connect preamp Output to M300 Left Input.
• Connect M300 Left Output to Input on your
amp. Use the regular Input or the Return on
an effect loop if you use Combos or Heads. If
you are using a regular Power-amp and
speakers simply use the Inputs.
• Set Input level to 12 o’clock position.
• Set MIX level to 12 o’clock position.
• Set BALANCE to 12 o’clock position.
• Adjust/fine-tune the M300 Input level so the
Input LED on the front panel often is Orange
but only rarely peaks at Red color.
• Select Reverb type and Multi-effect type
using the selectors on the front panel.
• Now fine-tune:
- MIX between wet and dry signal
- BALANCE between the two effect Engines.
M300 in an effects loop
• On the rear panel select SERIAL routing by
leaving the switch in “OUT “ position.
• Connect guitar to amp Input.
• Connect effect-loop send to M300 Left Input.
• Connect M300 Left Output to Effect-loop
Return.
• Set Input level to 12 o’clock position.
• If the effects loop is serial type (see owners
manual for the amp) set MIX level to 12
o’clock position.
If the effects-loop is parallel type set MIX to
100% (fully clockwise position).
• Set BALANCE to 12 o’clock position.
• Adjust/fine-tune the M300 Input level so the
Input LED on the front panel often is Orange
but only rarely peaks at Red color.
• Select Reverb type and Multi-effect type
using the selectors on the front panel.
• Now fine-tune:
- BALANCE between the two effect Engines.
Setup
Setup

14
TYPICAL SETUPS
Digital Setup
- M300 as Insert
This setup is ideal if you are using the M300
as a digital insert effect on your harddisk
recording system.
This setup requires that you are using an
I/O card with S/PDIF In/Out.
• Select Serial Routing by leaving the
ROUTING switch on the rear panel in Out
position.
• Connect the M300 S/PDIF digital Out to the
Digital Input on your soundcard.
• Connect the Digital Out on your soundcard to
the Digital In on the M300.
• Set your Soundcard to act as Master clock.
There can be different names for this setting
but “Internal Clock”, “Internal Sync” or
“Master“ are commonly used phrases.
(This is probably setup via you harddisk
recording program. Please refer to owners
manual)
• Press the DIGI IN button on the M300.
• If the DIGI IN LED is green, the M300 is
locked correctly on the Digital Input signal.
• If the LED is flashing Digital In is selected but
no digital signal is received within 5 seconds
or the signal is corrupt.
The M300 automatically returns to internal
clock and analog operation but will continue
to look for digital signal and the DIG IN LED
on the front panel will keep blinking.
Check cables and make sure that your
Soundcard is set as Master.
• Once setup you can use the M300 as a
plugin on your harddisk recording mixer.

15
TYPICAL SETUPS
Digital Setup
- M300 as A to D converter
The analog to digital converters in the M300
are superior to most converters used on
soundcards in the affordable price range.
You can therefore most likely benefit from
using the M300 as an A to D converter when
doing harddisk recordings.
Feed the M300 with an analog Input e.g.
from you mixer or Instrument line signal,
and you are feeding a high quality digital
signal to the harddisk.
If you wish you can of course add effects to
the tracks while recording but the essence
of this setup is to get best possible A to D
conversion by skipping the A to D
converters on your soundcard.
• Select Serial or Dual S/R Routing via the
ROUTING switch on the rear panel.
Note that if you do not add effects to the
tracks while recording and uses Bypass
mode you must use Serial routing.
• Feed any analog signal to the analog Input
on the M300.
• Connect the M300 S/PDIF digital Out to the
Digital Input on your soundcard.
• The M300 must act as Master clock in this
setup and you must therefore set your
Soundcard to act as Slave.
There can be different names for this setting
but “External Clock”, “External Sync” or
“Slave“ are commonly used phrases.
(This is probably setup via your harddisk
recording program. Please refer to owners
manual).
• For pure A to D conversion with no effects
added, both Effect Type Selectors should be
set to Off.
• Adjust Input level gain using the INPUT level
knob.

16
OPERATING - INPUT/OUTPUT SECTION
INPUT
This knob controls the Input level for both the
Analog and Digital Input options. For optimal
performance of the M300 a well-adjusted Input
level is essential.
Analog Input Range
Counter Clockwise : -10dB
Center : 0dB
Clockwise : +14dB
Digtal Input Range
Counter Clockwise : -18dB
Center : 0dB
Clockwise : +6dB
1/L - 2/R INPUT LEDs
These LEDs signal with three colors.
Green : Indicating that you are “well on the
safe side”
Yellow : Reaching optimal performance.
Red : Should only occasionally blink at
absolute peaks in the material you
feeding the M300 with.
The Input knob adjusts the level for both Left
and Right Input channels. If there is a
significant difference between the Input of the
Left and Right channels you should adjust the
Output of the device feeding the M300.
DIG. IN
The M300 has analog as well as digital Input
options. The digital Input is the S/PDIF type
connected via RCA phono cables.
To select/deselect the Digital Input press the
DIG IN button once.
The green LED next to the DIG IN button will
indicate various situations.
LED Off
Digital Input is set to Off. The M300 processes
only the signal present on the Analog Inputs.
This is done on an internal Sample Rate of
44.1kHz.
LED Green
The M300 is locked correctly on the Digital
Input signal. With the digital signal a clock is
supplied. The M300 can lock on either a 44.1
or a 48kHz Sample Rate frequency which are
the most commonly used Sample Rate
frequencies. E.g. a regular CD is 44.1kHz.
Flashing LED
If Digital In is selected but no digital signal is
received or the signal is corrupt the M300
automatically returns to internal clock and
Analog operation. However, the M300 will
continue to look for digital signal on the S/PDIF
Input and this is indicated by the flashing LED.
If you wish to stay in analog mode press DIG
IN once and the LED will stop flashing.
Dual S/R On - LED
When this LED is lit (green) it is indicated that
the Dual Send/Return Routing is selected via
the switch located on the rear panel.
Read more about the Dual Send/Return mode
on page 22-23.

17
OPERATING - INPUT/OUTPUT SECTION
MIX
Sets the mix between dry and wet signal. The
Mix parameter operates differently depending
on the selected routing:
In "Dual S/R" Routing, "Mix" controls the overall
wet/dry mix of both the Multi-effect and the
Reverb section.
In "Serial" Routing, "Mix" functionality in the
"Effects" section depends on the selected
effect.
BYPASS
The Bypass function operates differently
depending on the selected routing.
Dual Send/Return routing:
Bypass key operates as a Mute function.
Serial routing:
Here the Bypass function simply passes the
source signal unprocessed to Output.
EFFECTS BAL.
Sets the balance between the two Engines.
Both Engines have maximum Output in 12
o'clock position.
Fully clockwise or counter-clockwise settings
can be considered as 100% bypass of one of
the Engines.

18
THE MULTI-EFFECTS ENGINE
Multi-Effects Engine
Effect Selector
With the EFFECT selector you select between
one of the following effects and Off.
• Dynamic Delay • De-Esser
• Studio Delay • Compressor
• Tape Delay • Chorus
• Delay • Flanger 1
• Ping Pong • Flanger 2
• SlapBack • Soft Tremolo
• Vintage Phaser • Hard Tremolo
• Phaser • Off
-12dB, -6dB, -3dB Gain Reduction LEDs
These LEDs indicate the applied Gain reduction
in the Compressor and De-Esser algorithms.
TAP key and TIMING knob
Delay Effects:
The tempo of the Delay effects is set using both
the TAP key and the TIMING knob.
By tapping the TAP key you set a “global
tempo“ that you can increase/decrease using
the TIMING knob that operates as a multiplier
in the Delay algorithms.
The range of the TIMING knob is 0.5 to 2.
Example
Let us say that you tap quarter notes in tempo
120BPM using the TAP key. With the TIMING
knob in 12 o’clock position you now have a
Delay time off 500ms*.
If you turn the TIMING knob fully counter-
clockwise the actual Delay time will be
0.5 times 500ms= 250ms
If you turn the TIMING knob fully clockwise the
tempo will be:
2 times 500ms=1000ms (1 second)
When powering up the M300 the default Tempo
is 120BPM, but as explained above the position
of the TIMING knob defines the actual tempo.
*The nature of a Slapback Delay is very short
Delay times and the range of this Delay type is
therefore much shorter.