Waldorf KB 37 User manual

WALDORF KB37 USER MANUAL
Waldorf Music GmbH
2016-09-21
1

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the KB37 controller keyboard.
Like any Waldorf product, this KB37 has been developed and produced
using advanced materials from outer space. We hope you enjoy it as much as
we do.
Reading this user manual, you will discover all the device’s features, learn its
basic operation, and benefit from tips & tricks we discovered during product
development.
Your Waldorf Team
Disclaimer
Waldorf Music GmbH is not liable for any erroneous information contained in
this manual. The contents of this manual may be updated at any time without
prior notice. We made every effort to ensure the information herein is accurate
and that the manual contains no contradictory information. Waldorf Music
GmbH extends no liabilities in regard to this manual other than those required
by local law. This manual or any portion of it may not be reproduced in any form
without the manufacturer’s written consent.
Waldorf Music GmbH, Lilienthal Strasse 7, D-53424 Remagen,
Germany
For additional information / sound demos / software downloads, please visit our
website:
http://www.waldorf-music.info
Development Team
Development: Oliver Rockstedt, Fr´ ed´ eric Meslin, Frank Schneider
Design & Konzept: Stephan Gries, Axel Hartmann, Karsten Dubsch
Betatest: Dirk Krause, Juergen Driessen, Andreas Tofahrn,
Rolf W¨ ohrmann, Falko Brocksieper
Manual: Oliver Rockstedt, Fr´ ed´ eric Meslin, Jonathan Miller
Revision: 1.0, 2016-09-21
We would like to thank :
Joachim Flor, Willie Eckl, Michael von Garnier, Stefan Stenzel, Christian
Bacaj, Daniel Krawietz, Kurt ”Lu” Wangard, Echo Wu, Miroslaw ”Mirek” Pindus,
Thomas Brenner, Isabelle Kernhof, Roger Keller, Markus Erdmann, Holger
Steinbrink, Christian Gritzner, Mic Irmer, Victor H¨ oller
2

CONTENTS CONTENTS
Contents
1 General Safety Guidelines 4
2 Device Maintenance 5
3 Package Contents 5
4 Device Overview 5
4.1 Module Frame with Bus Backplane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2 CVPanel ............................... 6
4.3 AudioPanel.............................. 7
4.4 ControlsPanel ............................ 7
4.5 BackPanel .............................. 8
5 Connections 8
5.1 Power ................................. 8
5.2 Audio ................................. 8
5.3 MIDI.................................. 9
5.4 USB.................................. 9
6 Attaching Modules 9
6.1 Connecting Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6.2 MountingModules .......................... 9
7 CV/Gate Interface 10
7.1 Gate.................................. 10
7.2 Pitch.................................. 10
7.3 Clock ................................. 10
7.4 Reset ................................. 11
7.5 Velocity ................................ 11
7.6 Aftertouch............................... 11
7.7 Ctrl-X/Pitch2 ............................ 11
7.8 Ctrl-Y ................................. 11
7.9 Ctrl-Z ................................. 11
7.10Bend.................................. 12
7.11Wheel ................................. 12
7.12Glide.................................. 12
8 Arpeggiator 12
8.1 Switchingon/off............................ 12
8.2 PlayParameters ........................... 12
8.2.1 Clock ............................. 13
8.2.2 Direction ........................... 13
8.2.3 OctaveRange ........................ 13
8.3 SettingtheTempo .......................... 13
8.4 Hold.................................. 13
8.4.1 HoldMode .......................... 14
8.4.2 Hold via Sustain Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8.5 Sending Generated Notes over MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8.6 Parameter Control via MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
9 Setup Functions 15
9.1 Clock ................................. 15
9.1.1 Division ............................ 15
9.1.2 Source ............................ 15
9.1.3 TapTempo .......................... 15
9.2 MIDI.................................. 15
9.2.1 Send and Receive Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
9.2.2 LocalControl......................... 16
9.3 PitchBendRange .......................... 16
9.4 ReferenceNote............................ 16
9.5 Wheels Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
9.6 Panic ................................. 17
10 Sensors 17
10.1LearnFunction ............................ 17
10.2InternalWiring ............................ 17
10.3ExampleCircuits........................... 18
10.3.1 Light Sensor with Photo Transistor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10.3.2TouchSensor......................... 18
10.3.3Microphone.......................... 18
10.3.4 Distance Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
11 Firmware Update 19
12 Factory Reset 20
3

1 GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
13 Troubleshooting 20
13.1 Modules power fail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13.2 Keyboard-to-CV not working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13.3 Arpeggiator not running . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13.4 Pitch CV not covering the full keyboard range . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13.5 Wheels not behaving properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13.6 Sensor output signal not working as expected . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13.7 Sustain pedal shows reversed behaviour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
14 Specifications 21
14.1PowerSupply............................. 21
14.2 Dimensions and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
1 General Safety Guidelines
Please read the following safety guidelines carefully!
They include precautions you should always observe when dealing with elec-
tronic equipment.
•Only use the device indoors in a dry atmosphere.
•Never use the device in damp conditions, such as in bathrooms or near
swimming pools.
•Do not use the device in extremely dusty or dirty environments in order to
preserve the device’s surface finish.
•Ensure that adequate ventilation is available for the device to cool down.
Do not place the device near heat sources, such as radiators.
•Do not expose the device to extreme vibrations.
•Unplug the device when not in use for longer periods.
•Never place objects containing liquids on top of or near the device.
•Ensure that no foreign objects find their way into the unit. If this occurs,
switch the power off, unplug the device and consult an authorised repair
centre.
When used with amplifiers, speakers or headphones, this device can generate
volume levels that may result in irreparable damage to human hearing, so
volume should be kept at moderate levels at all times.
This device is designed exclusively to generate low frequency audio signals
for sound generation. Any other use is prohibited and voids the warranty ex-
tended by Waldorf Music GmbH. Damages due to incorrect use are not the
responsability of Waldorf Music GmbH.
4

4 DEVICE OVERVIEW
2 Device Maintenance
•Refer all service and repair tasks to qualified personnel.
•Use only a soft cloth or brush to clean the device surface.
•Never use cleaning chemicals as they will damage the device surface.
3 Package Contents
The KB37 package contains the following parts:
•KB37 controller keyboard
•AC power plug
A Phillips-head screwdriver (#0) is needed to mount your modules into the mod-
ule frame. No additional tools are needed.
4 Device Overview
4.1 Module Frame with Bus Backplane
The module frame is the place where you mount your modules. Inside the frame
there is a backplane with pin headers to connect the modules to the A-100 bus.
The bus provides power as well as an interconnection for CV and Gate which
can then be shared between the KB37 and certain modules.
1 Pin headers for connecting the modules
2 LEDs for indicating +12V and -12V bus power
3 Ground link jumper for connection between internal ground
and chassis (factory pre-installed)
4 Jumpers for linking the bus CV/Gate signals to the KB37
CV interface (factory pre-installed)
5 Extension connectors for option boards which may eventu-
ally be released before the strike of the next millenium
5

4.2 CV Panel 4 DEVICE OVERVIEW
4.2 CV Panel
The CV panel on the left side of the unit provides jacks to access all control
voltages as well as some illuminated buttons to set some configurations.
1 Gate output triggered on each note
2 Pitch CV output 1V/octave (level 0..+7V)
3 Clock output for syncing (generates a pulse on each clock
signal)
4 Reset output (generates a pulse when a MIDI Stop mes-
sage is received )
5 Note velocity CV output (level 0..+5V)
6 Aftertouch CV output (level 0..+5V)
7 Ctrl-X button for configuring to Ctrl-X output
8 Ctrl-X CV output for user-assignable MIDI CC messages
(level 0..+5V)
9 Ctrl-Y button for configuring to Ctrl-Y output
10 Ctrl-Y CV output for user-assignable MIDI CC messages
(level 0..+5V)
11 Ctrl-Z button for configuring to Ctrl-Z output
12 Ctrl-Z CV output for user-assignable MIDI CC messages
(level 0..+5V)
13 Sensor button for configuring the sensor input scaling
14 Sensor CV output (level 0..+5V)
15 Pitchbend wheel CV output (level -5V..+5V)
16 Modulation wheel output (level 0..+5V)
6

4 DEVICE OVERVIEW 4.3 Audio Panel
4.3 Audio Panel
The audio panel on the right side of the unit is where you connect the output
signals of your modules and set the volume for the main outputs and the head-
phones.
1 Left/Mono audio input for signals from modules
2 Right audio input for signals from modules
3 Level control for audio output jacks on the back panel
4 Headphones level control, independent of main output
level setting
5 Headphones output
4.4 Controls Panel
The controls panel provides access to various functions of the KB37. You can
set the behaviour of the CV/Gate generation or enable/disable the arpeggiator.
It also includes the pitch and modulation wheels.
1 Note priority switch for selecting the note on pitch CV
2 Glide knob for setting portamento time on pitch CV
3 Gate trigger mode switch (determines when to generate a
gate pulse)
4 Octave switch with LEDs for selecting the keyboards oc-
tave range
5 Tempo knob for settings the speed of the clock generator
and/or arpeggiator (Clock master mode only)
6 Arpeggiator button for switching the arpeggiator on/off
7 Setup button for accessing alternate functions on the key-
board
8 Pitch wheel
9 Modulation wheel
7

4.5 Back Panel 5 CONNECTIONS
4.5 Back Panel
The back panel provides the connectivity needed to integrate the KB37 into
your setup.
1 Mains socket with power switch and fuse
2 Extension connector
3 Audio outputs (stereo)
4 Sensor input (level 0..+5V)
5 Sustain pedal input (polarity is detected automatically)
6 MIDI Thru
7 MIDI Out
8 MIDI In
9 USB jack for host connection
5 Connections
5.1 Power
An AC power outlet is needed to power up your KB37. Make sure that the
power switch on the back panel is turned off before you connect your unit. Use
the cable supplied with the unit to make the connection.
The KB37 uses an internal power supply unit that can be switched between
110V and 220V. To avoid any damage, ensure that the right voltage is selected
for your region.
5.2 Audio
Connect the audio outputs on the back panel to a mixing console, audio
interface or similar. The signal at these outputs is taken from the jacks at the
audio panel on the right side of the unit, attenuated by the level pot.
The KB37 features a stereo signal path that is also buffered by an output stage.
Even when you’re using a mono setup within your module patches it’s not a
bad idea to make a two-channel connection to your mixer. As long as you
use the Left / Mono In jack only on the front panel, the signal is sent to both
outputs. This way you can switch between mono and stereo output quickly by
just inserting a patch cable.
8

6 ATTACHING MODULES 5.3 MIDI
Before connecting and disconnecting the KB37 from a power supply source,
turn your amp’s volume control all the way down to avoid damage due to on/off
switching noise. The KB37 produces a high-level output signal. Please take
care that the connected playback device is suitable for the high level of an elec-
tronic instrument. Never use the mic or phono input of the connected amp!
5.3 MIDI
The DIN jacks provide the classic MIDI connectivity that has been used for
lightyears. Any data received at the MIDI In jack is merged with USB MIDI
and the MIDI Out delivers the same data as sent over USB. It’s also noteworthy
that MIDI Thru is hardwired to MIDI In, so there is no additional latency when
chaining devices.
5.4 USB
Using a USB cable you can connect the KB37 to your computer when observing
the following system requirements:
•Windows PC: Windows 7 or later is recommended, a USB port
•Linux PC: a USB port
•Apple Macintosh: Intel Mac with Mac OS X 10.6 or newer, a USB port
The USB connection can be used for:
•Transmitting and receiving MIDI data
•Dumping firmware updates
6 Attaching Modules
Before connecting modules, make sure that the KB37 is turned off. Please also
disconnect the mains plug. You should follow this precaution to minimize the
risk of damage to the unit and your precious modules.
6.1 Connecting Modules
The bus plane of the KB37 features 14 connectors in two sections that are
regulated seperately to distribute the power dissipation more equally. Each
section can deliver up to 1A of current, where a total limit of 1.5A must not be
exceeded. Please consult the documentation of your modules’ manufacturers
for the power consumption of each device.
It is advisable that you also distribute the connectors of your modules over
the whole bus plane, especially if you use modules that draw a lot of current.
However, no damage can occur if you don’t follow this advice.
After connecting all modules, check if the power LEDs at the backplane still
light up when you switch on the unit. If not, there is either a short-circuit or
the total consumption is too high. In both cases, try to find out the cause by
disconnecting modules one a time.
6.2 Mounting Modules
To mount your modules use M3 x 6 screws. Is is advisable to use washers to
protect the surface of your modules’ front panels. The maximum depth of the
modules that can be mounted is 65mm, including the bus connector. Please
also note that modules that are mounted on the right side of the frame are
limited to 25mm depth because of the power supply located below them.
9

7 CV/GATE INTERFACE
7 CV/Gate Interface
The CV/Gate interface features various output jacks on the left side of the
KB37. It also allows the KB37 to be configured in various ways via setup
functions and the dedicated buttons next to the jacks.
The voltages and trigger signals generated on the jacks are based on MIDI
events either generated when playing the keyboard or received by the MIDI or
USB jacks at the back panel. The data from both DIN MIDI In and USB MIDI
are merged together and not handled separately.
•Use the MIDI RX parameter to set the receive channel
•Use the Local Control parameter to enable/disable the connection be-
tween the CV interface and the keyboard controls
7.1 Gate
The Gate output delivers a High signal while notes are being played. It is
usually used to trigger envelope modules. Depending on the position of the
Gate Trigger switch, the output behaves differently:
Setting Description
Single The output is set High when the first note is started and
goes Low again when the last note is released.
Note On The output is set High on each Note On event.
All The output is set High on each note event (on and off), as
long as at least one note is played.
Note: The settings Note On and All Notes are retrigger settings. To achieve the
desired functionality, the output signal has to go Low for a short amount of time
before it rises again. Otherwise it would be impossible for a module to detect a
trigger condition.
7.2 Pitch
The Pitch output delivers a signal according to the calculated note pitch and
has a 1V/octave scaling. The maximum output level is +7V. When calculating
the note pitch, the following is taken into account:
•The note number, which is also dependent on the Octave setting
•The current pitch bend value, dependent on the configured Pitch Bend
Range parameter
•Portamento via the Glide knob setting
•The Note Priority switch setting
The Note Priority switch determines which note is taken for the pitch calculation:
Setting Description
Lowest The lowest note played
Last The last note played
Highest The highest note played
7.3 Clock
The Clock output delivers short +5V trigger pulses according to MIDI Timing
Clock messages received either externally or generated by the internal clock
generator. The number of clock pulses generated is dependent on the setting
of the Clock Division parameter that can be configured via the setup functions.
With the default clock divider of 6, a pulse is generated on each 1/16th note.
Note: when the unit is powered on, the clock source is always set to master
(i.e. the internal clock generator). To use external MIDI Sync, switch the clock
source setting to slave via the corresponding setup function.
10