thomann Startone MK-400 User manual

MK-400
keyboard
user manual

Musikhaus Thomann
Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.thomann.de
14.07.2021, ID: 515755

Table of contents
1 General information.............................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Further information........................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Notational conventions................................................................................................. 5
1.3 Symbols and signal words........................................................................................... 6
2 Safety instructions................................................................................................................. 7
3 Features....................................................................................................................................... 8
4 Assembly instructions.......................................................................................................... 9
5 Connections and operating elements........................................................................ 11
6 Connection options............................................................................................................. 19
7 Operating ................................................................................................................................ 21
7.1 Turning the keyboard on / o.................................................................................. 21
7.1.1 Automatic shuto..................................................................................................... 21
7.2 Adjusting the volume.................................................................................................. 21
7.3 Demo pieces................................................................................................................... 22
7.4 Using the Sustain pedal.............................................................................................. 22
7.5 Pitch bend wheel.......................................................................................................... 23
7.6 Sounds.............................................................................................................................. 23
7.7 Layer mode...................................................................................................................... 23
7.8 Split mode....................................................................................................................... 24
7.9 Piano mode..................................................................................................................... 24
7.10 TWINOVA....................................................................................................................... 25
7.11 DSP eects.................................................................................................................... 25
7.12 Sampler.......................................................................................................................... 26
7.12.1 Recording a sample................................................................................................ 26
7.12.2 Playing a sample...................................................................................................... 27
7.12.3 Deleting samples.................................................................................................... 27
7.13 Part Eects.................................................................................................................... 27
7.13.1 Harmony mode........................................................................................................ 27
7.13.2 Arpeggio mode........................................................................................................ 28
7.14 Styles and automatic accompaniment............................................................... 28
7.14.1 Starting Auto Accompaniment (rhythm track only).................................. 29
7.14.2 Starting Auto Accompaniment (all tracks)..................................................... 30
7.14.3 Chord structure........................................................................................................ 30
7.14.4 Chord name.............................................................................................................. 31
7.14.5 Chord inversions..................................................................................................... 31
7.14.6 Chord detection modes........................................................................................ 31
7.14.7 Fade............................................................................................................................. 33
7.14.8 Tempo......................................................................................................................... 33
7.14.9 Quick Setting............................................................................................................ 34
7.15 Metronome................................................................................................................... 34
7.15.1 Turning the metronome on and o................................................................. 34
Table of contents
MK-400
3

7.15.2 Changing the time signature.............................................................................. 35
7.16 Albums........................................................................................................................... 35
7.17 Songs.............................................................................................................................. 36
7.17.1 Selecting, playing and stopping songs........................................................... 36
7.17.2 Playback mode......................................................................................................... 36
7.17.3 Volume........................................................................................................................ 37
7.17.4 Learning mode......................................................................................................... 37
7.18 Mix pattern.................................................................................................................... 39
7.18.1 Mix sections............................................................................................................... 39
7.18.2 Mix tracks................................................................................................................... 40
7.19 Chord reference display........................................................................................... 40
7.20 Song recording............................................................................................................ 41
7.20.1 MIDI recording......................................................................................................... 41
7.20.2 Audio recording....................................................................................................... 42
7.21 Inserting an SD card.................................................................................................. 44
7.21.1 Basic functions......................................................................................................... 44
7.21.2 Playing les............................................................................................................... 44
7.21.3 Loading les.............................................................................................................. 45
7.21.4 Saving les................................................................................................................. 45
7.21.5 Formatting SD card................................................................................................ 46
7.22 Performance Memory............................................................................................... 46
7.22.1 Selecting a memory location.............................................................................. 46
7.22.2 Calling up information.......................................................................................... 46
7.22.3 Selecting a bank...................................................................................................... 47
7.22.4 Resetting the Performance Memory................................................................ 47
7.23 Mixer................................................................................................................................ 47
7.24 Function menu............................................................................................................ 49
7.25 MIDI functions............................................................................................................. 50
7.25.1 What is MIDI?............................................................................................................ 50
7.25.2 USB connection....................................................................................................... 51
7.26 Factory defaults........................................................................................................... 51
8 MIDI implementation chart............................................................................................. 52
9 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................... 54
10 Technical specications.................................................................................................... 55
11 Plug and pin assignments................................................................................................ 57
12 Protecting the environment........................................................................................... 58
Table of contents
keyboard
4

1 General information
This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device.
Read and follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future refer‐
ence. Make sure that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the
device to another user, be sure that they also receive this manual.
Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development.
We therefore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the
latest version of the user manual which is ready for download under
www.thomann.de.
1.1 Further information
On our website (www.thomann.de) you will nd lots of further information and
details on the following points:
Download This manual is also available as PDF le for you to download.
Keyword search Use the search function in the electronic version to nd the
topics of interest for you quickly.
Online guides Our online guides provide detailed information on technical
basics and terms.
Personal
consultation
For personal consultation please contact our
technical hotline.
Service If you have any problems with the device the
customer service will gladly assist you.
1.2 Notational conventions
This manual uses the following notational conventions:
The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.
Texts and values displayed on the device are marked by quotation marks and italics.
Examples: ‘24ch’ , ‘OFF’ .
Letterings
Displays
General information
MK-400
5

The individual steps of an instruction are numbered consecutively. The result of a
step is indented and highlighted by an arrow.
Example:
1. Switch on the device.
2. Press [Auto].
ðAutomatic operation is started.
3. Switch o the device.
References to other locations in this manual are identied by an arrow and the speci‐
ed page number. In the electronic version of the manual, you can click the cross-
reference to jump to the specied location.
Example: See Ä ‘Cross-references’ on page 6.
1.3 Symbols and signal words
In this section you will nd an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words
that are used in this manual.
Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates
an immediate dangerous situation that will result in
death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates
a possible dangerous situation that can result in minor
injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates
a possible dangerous situation that can result in mate‐
rial and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – high-voltage.
Warning – danger zone.
Instructions
Cross-references
General information
keyboard
6

2 Safety instructions
This device is intended to be used for electronic sound generation using a piano key‐
board. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use
under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in per‐
sonal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting
from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sucient physical, sensorial, and intel‐
lectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons
may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is
responsible for their safety.
Safety
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not within reach of babies and young children. Choking
hazard! Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from the unit. They could swallow the pieces
and choke! Never let children unattended use electrical devices.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit
Always use proper ready-made insulated two-wire mains cabling (power cord). Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. Failure
to do so could result in electric shock/death or re. If in doubt, seek advice from a registered electrician.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never remove any covers. There are no user-serviceable
parts inside. Do not use the device if covers, protectors or optical components are missing or damaged.
CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
Using headphones for a prolonged period and at high volume can cause hearing damage. Avoid using the device at high volume,
especially when using headphones.
NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid
direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and strong vibrations. Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specied in the chapter
‘Technical specications’ of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature uctuations and do not switch the device on immediately
after it was exposed to temperature uctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures). Dust and dirt inside
can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be main‐
tained by qualied service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other malfunction.
NOTICE!
External power supply
The device is powered by an external power supply. Before connecting the external power supply, ensure that the input voltage
(AC outlet) matches the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual current circuit breaker.
Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and possibly the user. Unplug the external power supply before electrical
storms occur and when the device is unused for long periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or re.
NOTICE!
Risk of re due to incorrect polarity
Incorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries. Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting bat‐
teries.
Intended use
Safety instructions
MK-400
7

3 Features
The keyboard is characterized by the following features:
n61 keys with touch velocity
nLCD display
nPitch bend and touchpad
n64-voice polyphony
n580 sounds + 5 sampling
n180 styles
n180 songs
n3 demo songs
n310 albums
n30 mix patterns
n24 performance memory locations
nRecord and playback function
nLayer and Split mode
nHarmony mode
nMetronome
nReverb and Chorus eects
nDSP eects
nDJ eects
nMaster EQ
nMixer
nSequencer
nTranspose function
nBattery operation possible
nSpeaker: 2 × 15 W
nConnections: SD card, USB-to-device, sustain pedal, headphones, Aux in, micro‐
phone
nAutomatic shuto
Features
keyboard
8

4 Assembly instructions
Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit.
Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust
and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your
own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
Set up the device in the desired location.
The device can be powered by batteries or with the included AC adapter.
NOTICE!
Possible damage by leaking batteries
Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device.
Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer
period.
NOTICE!
Risk of re due to incorrect polarity
Incorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries.
Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.
Inserting batteries
1. Open the battery compartment cover on the underside of the device and
insert six AA size batteries. Pay attention to the correct polarity.
Always use batteries of the same type and do not use new and used batteries
at the same time.
2. Turn the volume control counterclockwise to the minimum before inserting
the batteries into the keyboard. This is to protect the speakers from damage.
3. Reattach the battery compartment cover and snap it into place.
Power adapter
1. Make sure that the device is turned o before you connect it to the power
supply or disconnect it.
2. Turn the volume knob counterclockwise to minimum before connecting the
keyboard to the power supply. This is to protect the speakers from damage.
3. Connect the cable from the power adapter outlet to the input socket [12V] on
the rear panel of the keyboard.
4. Plug the power adapter into a properly wired mains wall outlet.
Voltage supply
Assembly instructions
MK-400
9

The batteries do not have to be removed from the keyboard when using the
power adapter.
Assembly instructions
keyboard
10

5 Connections and operating elements
1282956
499-560 COMBI
567-580 DRUMS
581-585 USER SOUND
SIDECHAIN
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567-580 DRUMS
581-585 USER SOUND
SIDECHAIN
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1
Main switch. Turns the device on and o.
2[MASTER VOLUME]
Rotary control to adjust the overall volume
Overview
Left control panel
Connections and operating elements
MK-400
11

3[MUTE]
Button to mute the output signal
4[TEMPO] /
Buttons for adjusting the tempo.
Press and simultaneously to reset the Tempo to the default setting.
5 Touchpad
After selecting the eect sets using [MODE], you can control the selected eects in real time using the touchpad.
6[MODE]
Press [MODE] repeatedly to select a group of eect sets. The corresponding LED lights.
7[CHORD MODE]
Style mode: Press the button repeatedly to choose between ‘FINGERED’ or ‘FULL RANGE’ .
MIX mode: Press the button to select section ‘A’ . Hold down the button to activate the slicer in section ‘A’ .
Song mode: Press the button to play the currently selected song in a loop.
8[FADE]
Style mode: Press the button to activate / deactivate the fade in / fade out.
MIX mode: Press the button to select section ‘B’ . Hold down the button to activate the slicer in section ‘B’ .
Song modus: Press the button to play all preprogrammed songs in a loop.
9[INTRO ENDING]
Style mode: Press the button to play an intro or ending.
MIX mode: Press the button to select section ‘C’ . Hold down the button to activate the slicer in section ‘C’ .
Song modus: Press the button to rewind the currently playing song during playback.
10 [FILL A]
Style mode: Press the button to play the Fill In Pattern ‘A’ (ll bars).
MIX mode: Press the button to select section ‘D’ . Hold down the button to activate the slicer in section ‘D’ .
Song modus: Press the button to fast-forward the currently playing song during playback.
11 [FILL B]
Style mode: Press the button to play the Fill In Pattern ‘B’ (ll bars).
MIX mode: Press the button to select section ‘E’ . Hold down the button to activate the slicer in section ‘E’ .
Song modus: Press the button to start or pause the currently playing song.
12 [SYNC START]
Button to activate / deactivate the sync-start function
13
Button for starting / ending a style, song, mix pattern or recording
14 [SOUND]
Button to call up the sound mode
Connections and operating elements
keyboard
12

15 [STYLE]
Button to call up the style mode
Press [STYLE] and [SONG] simultaneously to call up the pre-programmed albums.
16 [SONG]
Button to call up the song mode
Press [SONG] and [STYLE] simultaneously to call up the pre-programmed albums.
17 [LESSON]
While song playback is paused, press the button to enter or exit the practice mode.
Press [LESSON] and [SONG] simultaneously time to play the currently selected song.
18 [MIX]
Button to call up the mix mode
Press [MIX] and [RECORD] simultaneously to enable the sampler.
19 [RECORD]
Button to call up the Recording mode
20 [PIANO]
Button to call up the piano mode
21 [STORE]
Hold down the button and press one of the [M1]…[M4] buttons to select the memory location on which you want to save
your settings.
22 [BANK]
Button to call up the Performance Memory menu
23 [M1]…[M4]
Performance Memory menu: Press one of the buttons to call up the memory location with the settings saved on it.
Quick Settings menu: Press one of the buttons to call up the sound setting that corresponds to the current style.
24 [Q.S.]/[MIX CTRL]
Button to call up the Quick Settings menu
MIX mode: Press the button to toggle between the primary and secondary function of the tracks.
25 Display
26 [SAMPLER]
Status LED of the built-in microphone. For recording the user sound when the sampler is activated.
27 Pitch bend wheel
Connections and operating elements
MK-400
13

C D E F G H
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28 Rotary control for setting and selecting values and data sets
29 [SUSTAIN]
Button to activate / deactivate the Sustain function
Press [SUSTAIN] and [HARMONY] simultaneously to activate / deactivate Arpeggio eects.
30 [HARMONY]
Button to activate / deactivate the harmony mode
31 [SPLIT]
Button to activate / deactivate the split mode
Press [SPLIT] and [LAYER] simultaneously to activate / deactivate the TWINOVA function.
32 [LAYER]
Button to activate / deactivate the Layer mode.
33 [CHORD REF.]
Button to activate / deactivate the Chord reference function
MIX mode: Press the button to mute or unmute the ‘T1.KICK’ kick track during playback.
34 [SD CARD]
Button to call up the SD card menu
MIX mode: Press the button to mute or unmute the ‘T2.SNARE’ snare track during playback.
35 [MIXER]
Button to call up the mixer menu
MIX mode: Press the button to mute or unmute the ‘T3.DRUMS’ drum track during playback.
Right control panel.
Connections and operating elements
keyboard
14

36 [METRO]
Button to activate / deactivate the metronome.
MIX mode: Press the button to mute or unmute the ‘T4.BASS’ bass track during playback.
37 [DEMO]
Button to activate / deactivate the demo mode.
MIX mode: Press the button to mute or unmute the ‘T5.SYNTH 1’ synth track during playback.
38 [FUNCTION]
Button to call up the functions menu
MIX mode: Press the button to mute or unmute the ‘T6.SYNTH 2’ synth track during playback.
39 [0]…[9]
Numeric buttons to select a value or a parameter setting.
/
Buttons for setting a value or parameter
Press and simultaneously to reset the current parameter to the default setting.
By default, the touchpad controls the vibrato depth and speed when no eect LED is
lit.
Press [MODE] repeatedly to select one of the ve groups of eect sets. The corre‐
sponding LED lights. After selecting the eect sets, you can control the selected
eects in real time using the touchpad.
X axis aects Y axis aects
1 Vibrato speed Vibrato depth
2 LFP Global Resonance (LPF) Global
3 HPF Global Resonance (HPF) Global
4 Reverb Global Delay Channel
5 Release Channel Sidechain Comp Channel
Touchpad
Connections and operating elements
MK-400
15

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40 LEDs [A]…[E]
Light up depending on the selected section ‘A’ …‘E’ in mix mode.
41 ‘SOUND / STYLE / DEMO / SONG / MIX’
Sound, Style, Demo, Song and Mix number display.
42 ‘AUDIO REC’
Recording display.
43 ‘DIR FILE’
Recording le display
44 Treble clef (right hand)
45 Bass clef (left hand)
46 ‘T1’ …‘T6’
Track display in mix mode
47
Lights up when the device is connected to a computer via USB port
48
Lights up when an SD card is inserted
49 ‘MEASURE’
Time signature display
50 ‘BEAT’
Beat display within the bar
51 Chord display
52 FINGERD / FULL RANGE / FADE / A/B
Display of ngering, fade and A / B
Display
Connections and operating elements
keyboard
16

53 Note display
54 ‘LESSON 123 / L/R’
Learning mode display for left and right hand
55 ‘TEMPO’
Tempo display
56 ‘MEMORY / LOCK Q.S.’
Memory location display 1 to 4 and Quick Settings
57 ‘LAYER / SPLIT / HARMONY / ARP / DSP’
Display of layer mode, split mode, harmony mode, arpeggio mode and DSP
58 LED [ALBUM]
Lights up when an album is selected
59 LED [TOUCH]
Lights up when the velocity sensitivity is being adjusted
60 LED [SUSTAIN]
Lights up when a Sustain pedal is connected
61 LED [MIX CTRL ]
Lights up when Mix mode is activated
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a b c d e f
62 [SD]
Slot for SD cards with up to 128 GB capacity
63
USB interface to connect a computer
64 [SUSTAIN]
Connection socket for the Sustain pedal
65 [PHONES]
Output socket for headphones, designed as a ¼" jack socket
Rear panel connections
Connections and operating elements
MK-400
17

66 [AUX IN]
Input sockets for connecting external audio devices such as MP3 player, designed as 3.5 mm jack sockets, unbalanced
67 [MIC IN]
Input socket for a microphone, designed as 1/4" jack socket, unbalanced.
The signal of the connected microphone is reproduced via the built-in loudspeakers of the keyboard.
68 [12V]
Connection socket for the 12 V plug-in power supply
Connections and operating elements
keyboard
18

6 Connection options
You can connect the keyboard to a PC for data exchange via the USB interface.
NOTICE!
To prevent damage to the speakers, turn the volume down to ‘Mini‐
mum’ before you connect other devices to the keyboard.
Use the connection socket [SUSTAIN] to connect a sustain pedal to the keyboard.
On the rear panel of the keyboard, you can connect headphones to the [PHONES]
output socket.
Connecting headphones (not supplied) to the output mutes the speakers.
Never operate the headphones at high volume as this can permanently damage your
hearing.
Use the [AUX IN] connection socket to connect a, for example, CD or MP3 player to
the keyboard. So you can playback music through the internal speakers of the key‐
board and simultaneously play along to it. Connect the cable to the [AUX IN] connec‐
tion socket on the rear panel of the keyboard, and the other end of the cable to the
output of the respective audio device.
Computer via USB-MIDI
Sustain pedal
Headphones
External audio devices via AUX IN
Connection options
MK-400
19

Use the connection socket [MIC IN] to connect a microphone to the keyboard.
Since the input does not provide phantom power for condenser micro‐
phones, the connection is only suitable for dynamic microphones.
NOTICE!
To prevent damage to the speakers, turn the volume down to ‘Mini‐
mum’ before you connect a microphone to the keyboard. Disconnect
the microphone from the keyboard when it is not in use.
Microphone
Connection options
keyboard
20