Waldorf rocket User manual

Foreword
Rocket User´s Manual 2
Foreword
Thank you for purchasing the Waldorf Rocket synthesizer.
You now own a very compact analog synthesizer with an
extraordinary look and astonishing sound. We know that
already and you will know soon too. You have our word!
What to read?
The biggest problem with any manual is to find a way to
cover both the needs of an absolute expert and a beginner
alike. There are people who read a manual cover to cover
while others don’t even touch it. The latter is the worst
choice, especially when the manual describes a Waldorf
instrument.
If you do decide to read the following manual we can prom-
ise you a lot of fun while reading it and especially afterwards
working with the Waldorf Rocket.
Your Waldorf-team
Hint
Waldorf Music 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 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, Landskroner Straße 52, D-53474 Bad
Neuenahr, Germany

Foreword
3 Rocket User´s Manual
The Rocket Development Team
Hardware: Oliver Rockstedt, Frank Schneider
Software: Oliver Rockstedt, Stefan Stenzel,
Wolfram Franke
Design: Axel Hartmann
Manual/ Layout: Holger Steinbrink
Revision: 1.0, February 2013
wPlease visit our website
http://rocket.waldorfmusic.de. It is possible a newer
operating system is available as a download for your
Rocket.
We would like to thank
Karsten Dubsch, Willie Eckl, Joachim Flor, Michael von
Garnier, Erik Heirman, Frédéric Meslin, Kurt "Lu" Wangard,
吴海彬, and anyone we have forgotten.

Content
Rocket User´s Manual 4
Content
Foreword ................................................................................2
What to read?.................................................................. 2
Hint ................................................................................ 2
The Rocket Development Team ...................................... 3
We would like to thank................................................... 3
Content ...................................................................................4
Control Features and Connections......................................6
Front Panel...................................................................... 6
Connections.................................................................... 7
Introduction............................................................................8
About this Manual........................................................... 8
Symbols .......................................................................... 8
Highlighted Control Features and Parameters.................. 8
General Safety Guidelines............................................... 9
Suitable Operating Conditions ........................................ 9
Power Supply.................................................................. 9
Operation ....................................................................... 9
Maintenance ................................................................. 10
Proper Use .................................................................... 10
Setup and Connection ........................................................ 11
Package Contents ..........................................................11
Connections ..................................................................11
The USB Connection .....................................................13
Basic Operation................................................................... 14
Switching on/ off............................................................14
System Volume..............................................................14
Where are the Presets?...................................................14
Editing Parameters .........................................................14
The Launch Button ........................................................14
Sound Parameters............................................................... 15
Overview of Functions...................................................15
Oscillator Section ..........................................................15
VCF Filter Section ..........................................................18
Envelope Section (ENV) .................................................19
LFO/ ARP Section ..........................................................21
Additional Functions........................................................... 24
MIDI Channel Settings ...................................................24
Sending and Receiving Sound Data ...............................24

Content
5 Rocket User´s Manual
Sound Synthesis Basics.....................................................25
Oscillators Introduction................................................. 25
Filter Introduction.......................................................... 29
Appendix ..............................................................................31
Updating the Firmware.................................................. 31
Issues during Firmware Upgrade Process....................... 32
Filter Calibration............................................................ 32
Technical Data.............................................................. 33
MIDI Controller Numbers.............................................. 34
Glossary.........................................................................36
Declaration of Conformity .............................................41
FCC Information (U.S.A.) ...............................................43
Canada ..........................................................................43
Other Standards (Rest of World).....................................43
Product Warranty...........................................................44
Product Support.............................................................44

Control Features and Connections
Rocket User´s Manual 6
Control Features and Connections
Front Panel
aHeadphone Volume Dial
bOscillator Controls
cFilter Controls
dLaunch Button/ MIDI Input Indicator
eLFO/ Arpeggiator Controls
fEnvelope Controls

Control Features and Connections
7 Rocket User´s Manual
Connections
AMIDI Out Jack
BMIDI Channel Selection Button
CMIDI In Jack
DUSB Port for power supply and connection to a
suited computer
EAudio Line Output (Mono Jack)
6VCF Audio Line Input (Mono Jack)
7Stereo Headphone Jack

Introduction
Rocket User´s Manual 8
Introduction
About this Manual
This manual was written to help you become familiar
with the Rocket synthesizer. It will also aid experienced
users with routine tasks.
To avoid confusion, the terminology in this manual is
based on the Rocket parameter names. You will find a
glossary at the end of this manual; it explains the various
terms used.
Important terms are highlighted in bold letters.
Symbols
mCaution – The comments that follow this symbol
will help you avoid errors and malfunctions.
wInfo – Additional information on a given topic.
☞Instruction – Follow these guidelines to execute a
desired function.
✻Example – Real-world examples to try out.
Highlighted Control Features and Parameters
All of the Rocket´s buttons, controls and parameters are
highlighted in bold letters throughout the manual.
Example:
•Press the Launch button.
•Move the Cutoff knob.
The Rocket’s different modes and parameter pages are
illustrated in a depiction of the display.

Introduction
9 Rocket User´s Manual
General Safety Guidelines
mPlease read the following safety tips carefully!
They include several precautions you should al-
ways observe when dealing with electronic
equipment. Read all of the instructions before ope-
rating your device
Suitable Operating Conditions
•Use the device indoors only. Outside it could be
rainy or humid as well as too hot or too cold.
•Never use the device under damp conditions such
as in bathrooms, washrooms or around indoor
swimming pools.
•Do not use the device in extremely dusty or dirty
environments in order maintain the surface fi-
nishing of the Rocket.
•Make sure that adequate ventilation is available on
all sides of the device. Do not place the device near
heat sources such as radiators.
•Do not expose the device to direct sunlight, even if
you have a suitable sunscreen.
•Do not expose the device to extreme vibrations.
Power Supply
•If not connected to a computer via USB, please use
only the supplied USB power supply.
•Unplug the device when you are not using it for
longer periods.
•Always pull the plug when unplugging the device,
never the cable.
Operation
•Never place objects containing liquids on or near the
device.
•Always place the device on a stable base only.
•Make sure no foreign objects find their way into the
chassis. If for some reason this should occur, switch
the power off, unplug the device and consult a quali-
fied repair center.
•This device, used on its own or with amplifiers, spea-
kers or headphones, can generate volume levels that
may result in irreparable damage to your hearing
and/or speakers and amplifiers. For this reason you
should keep the volume at appropriate levels at all
times.

Introduction
Rocket User´s Manual 10
Maintenance
•Do not open the device or remove the cover. Refer
all service and repair tasks to qualified personnel.
There are no user serviceable parts inside the chassis.
•Use only a dry, soft cloth or brush to clean the de-
vice. Never use alcohol, cleaning solutions or similar
chemicals. They will damage the surface of the chas-
sis.
Proper Use
This device is designed exclusively to produce low-
frequency audio signals for the purpose of generating
sound. Any other use is prohibited and voids the warran-
ty extended by Waldorf Music. Waldorf Music is not
liable for damages due to incorrect use.
mDo not leave your Rocket near children, mothers-
in-law or pets. This could lead to critical interac-
tions.