User Manual MODEL D Legendary Analog Synthesizer with 3 VCOs, Classic Ladder Filter, LFO, 16-Voice Poly Chain and Eurorack Format
MODEL D User Manual Table of Contents Thank you........................................................................ 2 Important Safety Instructions....................................... 3 Legal Disclaimer.............................................................. 3 Limited warranty............................................................. 3 About the MODEL D........................................................ 4 1. Introduction...............................................................
MODEL D User Manual Important Safety Instructions Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with ¼" TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.
MODEL D User Manual About the MODEL D • Legendary analog synthesizer with triple VCO design allows for insanely fat music creation • Authentic reproduction of original “D Type” circuitry with matched transistors and JFETs • Ultra-high precision 0.
MODEL D User Manual 1. Introduction An ultra-affordable homage to an iconic synthesizer, with all the features of the original and then some, the BEHRINGER MODEL D lets you conjure up virtually any monophonic sound imaginable with incredible finesse and ease. The pure analog signal path is based on authentic VCO, VCF, VCA and ladder filter designs in conjunction with a dedicated and fully analog triangle/ square wave LFO.
MODEL D User Manual 16-Note Poly Chain Ready While it is a monophonic instrument (one note at a time), MODEL D’s 16-note Poly Chain function lets you combine multiple synthesizers for up to 16-voice polyphony – plus it provides vastly improved reliability and stability over its 1970s and '80s predecessors. Semi-Modular Design Designed around an intuitively-linear workflow, MODEL D benefits greatly from its semi-modular design, which requires no patching for immediate performance.
MODEL D User Manual 3. Controls 3.
(1) (2) (3) 3.1.1 MIDI Section 3.1.2 Controllers Section (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (17) (18) (6) USB PORT - this USB type B jack allows connection to a computer. The MODEL D will show up as a class-compliant USB MIDI device, capable of supporting MIDI in and out. (6) (7) USB MIDI IN - accepts incoming MIDI data from an application. (8) (5) USB MIDI OUT - sends MIDI data to an application. MIDI IN - this 5-pin DIN jack receives MIDI data from an external source.
MODEL D User Manual 3.1.3 Oscillator Bank Section (18)(17) (19)(18) 3.1.4 Mixer Section (2) (3) (17) (27)(29) (28) (29) (19) (26) (27) (26)(28) (7) (7) (25) (24) (25) (24) (8) (9) (8) (9) (23) (23) (11) (12) (13) (14) (13)(15)(14) (16)(15) (16) (20) (21) (20)(22) (21) (22) (41)3 (39) (41) (20) VOLUME (38)the(39) (40)of(38) (37) (49)the(48) (49) 1, 2, or 3. (48) - adjust (13) OSC 3 CONTROL -(37) when ON, frequency OSC will vary(40) with the volume of Oscillator (14) keyboard.
(12) 10 MODEL D User Manual 3.1.5 Modifiers Section (35) FILTER ENVELOPE CONTROLS - these 3 knobs adjust the overall shape (20) (21) the filter (22)section. The controls affect the change in cutoff enveloping frequency with time. ATTACK the time for the cutoff frequency to increase from its (48)- adjust(49) set value and reach the frequency set by the AMOUNT OF CONTOUR (13) (14) (15) (16) (37) (38) (39) (40) (41) control.
6) (41) 11 MODEL D User Manual (20) (21) (22) (48) (49) 3.2 Rear Panel 3.1.6 Output Section (36) (44) (43) (35) (42) (47) (34) (45) (46) (50) (51) (52) (53) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (42) A-440 - use this to turn on an output tuning signal of 440 Hz concert pitch. This switch can also be used to enter various modes during turn-on (see the Overview section of this manual for more details). 9 10 11 12 (43) POWER LED - this LED shows when power is applied and the synthesizer is turned on.
MODEL D User Manual 4. Overview 4.5 Oscillator Section This overview will help you set up the MODEL D analog synthesizer and briefly introduce its capabilities. In the Oscillator section, adjust the Range knob and you will hear the sound of the various octaves. Adjust the wavetype and listen to the differences. 4.1 Connection To connect the MODEL D to your system, please consult the hookup examples in this document. Caution: Do not overload the 3.5 mm inputs.
MODEL D User Manual 4.8 Controllers Section 4.9.1 Multi-Triggering First set the 2 switches to choose from internal LFO or internal Noise, OSC 3 or the filter envelope, and then use the MOD MIX knob to vary the mix between them. Multi-triggering - On: playing a new note will change the pitch and also trigger the filter and loudness contour envelopes. You can experiment by first setting the left switch to OSC 3, and turning the MOD MIX knob to OSC 3.
MODEL D User Manual 5. Calibration The MODEL D synthesizer can be calibrated and checked occasionally to ensure that it is operating at peak perfomance. Analog circuitry can drift off with time and temperature, and as components age. The main printed circuit board (PCB) of the MODEL D has various test points and miniature potentiometers (trimpots) that allow the various calibration and adjustment procedures to be carried out.
* NO PREFERENCE OSC3/FILTER EG NOISE/LFO SQR/TRNG SWITCHES TUNE GLIDE MOD MIX MOD DEPTH LFO RATE KNOBS * * * 0 0 * 0 0 OSCILLATOR MOD OSC3 CONTROL SWITCHES OSC1 RANGE OSC2 RANGE OSC3 RANGE OSC1 WAVEFORM OSC2 WAVEFORM OSC3 WAVEFORM OSC2 TUNE OSC3 TUNE KNOBS MODEL D Control Settings for Calibration OFF ON 8’ 8’ 8’ SAWTOOTH SAWTOOTH SAWTOOTH 0 0 * NO PREFERENCE WHITE/PINK SWITCHES OSC1 VOLUME OSC2 VOLUME OSC3 VOLUME EXT IN VOLUME NOISE VOLUME OSC1 SELECT OSC2 SELECT OSC3 SELECT EXT IN SELECT N
MODEL D User Manual 5.1.2 Lifting off the top panel 8. Turn off the MODEL D power. 9. Try and do the following steps quickly and carefully to keep any cooling down to a minimum. 10. Carefully undo the 8 screws on the top panel as shown. There is no need to undo any other screws. Take care not to pull on these cables 11. Carefully lift the top panel assembly and turn it over so the PCB is facing upwards. Be careful not to pull on the two cables from the lower side of the main PCB.
MODEL D User Manual The diagram below shows the Test Points TP1 and TP2 used in the PITCH/CV calibration. Take a look at the PCB and locate these two test points. DC Voltmeter 0.001 The diagram below shows the adjustment trimpots that are used in the Oscillator and Octave range calibration procedures. Take a look at your PCB and locate these various trimpots.
MODEL D User Manual 5.2 PITCH CV Calibration The PITCH CV calibration procedure uses a computer MIDI utility to send a SysEx command to the MODEL D to put it into calibration mode. 3. Select "Pass SysEx" at the bottom of the Options pull down menu. (It might already be ticked, which is fine.) Once in calibration mode, a digital DC Voltmeter is used to measure the voltage at a test point while test notes are played using the external keyboard.
MODEL D User Manual 5. In the Command Window, enter the SysEx command to be sent to the MODEL D. For PITCH Calibration, the command is: F0 00 20 32 00 7F 0E 00 00 00 F7 8. If you wanted, you can use the SAVE AS command in the Command Window drop down menu to save the SysEx message as a file on your computer for later use. 6. In the Command Window drop-down menu, select Send SysEx. 9.
MODEL D User Manual Pitch CV Calibration continued 5.2.2 Procedure 1. Follow the procedure on the previous page to put the MODEL D into PITCH Calibration mode using SysEx. 2. Make sure that the preliminary procedures shown in section 5.1 have been followed, and the MODEL D front panel controls and switches are set as directed. 3. Set the Digital Voltmeter to measure a range below 10 VDC. 4. Locate the Test Points PITCH CV TP1 and TP2 on the bottom surface of the main PCB, as shown below. 5.
MODEL D User Manual C#3 C3 D3 E3 F3 C#4 C4 D4 E4 E4 Start High Calibration. Target voltage is 6.500 Vdc D4 Start Zero Calibration. Target voltage is 0.000 Vdc C4 Start Low Calibration. Target voltage is -2.500 Vdc C#4 Exit Calibration Mode F3 Increment, Coarse E3 Increment, Fine D3 Decrement, Fine Press to increment or decrement or Press and hold to automatically increment or decrement C3 Decrement, Coarse C#3 Save Calibration Settings Low Calibration Adjustment 8.
MODEL D User Manual 5.3 Oscillator Calibration The oscillator calibration is done by following 3 main procedures: OSC1, OSC2, and OSC3. Each procedure is slightly different. OSC1 is calibrated by referring to the A-440 test tone, then OSC2 is calibrated against OSC1, and OSC3 is also calibrated against OSC1. This calibration does not require the computer or SysEx, or the Voltmeter. The external keyboard is used, and adjustments are made to the various trimpots.
MODEL D User Manual 5.3.1 Procedure 1. Make sure that the preliminary procedures shown in section 5.1 have been followed, and the MODEL D front panel controls and switches are set as directed. Osc1 Range and Scale Calibration 2. On the PCB, locate the OSC1 RANGE and OSC1 SCALE trimpots. (See PCB drawing on the previous page.) 3. As set up in the preliminary procedure, make sure the A-440 switch is ON. The A-440 test tone should be playing in your system. 4.
MODEL D User Manual 5.4 Octave Range Calibration The octave calibration ensures that the OSC1 and OSC2 Octave RANGE knobs are in tune with each other. This calibration is done after the oscillator calibration. 1. Make sure that the preliminary procedures shown in section 5.1 have been followed, and the MODEL D front panel controls and switches are set as directed. 5. Turn on the front panel OSC2 VOLUME switch in the MIXER section. (OSC1 is already on, OSC1 and 2 Volumes are up). OSC1 ON OSC1 Max 2.
MODEL D User Manual 9. On your external keyboard, keep holding the C6 key. C6 Octave Calibration Oscillator Calibration A2 Low Value A5 High Value 10. Listen carefully, and adjust the OSC SW trimpot on the PCB, for zero beats between OSC1 (Range=2') and OSC2 (Range=8'). Highest C6 Octave Adjustment Highest A5 Lowest A2 OSC3 Scale Adjustment 11.
MODEL D User Manual 6. Hook-up examples 6.
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MODEL D User Manual 6.4 Poly Chain System MIDI Keyboard MIDI OUT To next MODEL D MIDI IN MIDI THRU MIDI IN MIDI THRU MIDI IN MIDI THRU From next MODEL D Poly Chain If you have multiple MODEL D units, you can connect them in a Poly Chain as shown, so that the first MODEL D plays the lowest note, the second MODEL D plays the second lowest note, and so on, to produce polyphonic sound. Mixing console Headphones 1.
MODEL D User Manual 7. System Exclusive Commands Some parameters in the MODEL D synthesizer can be changed using MIDI system exclusive (SysEx) commands. A MIDI utility such as the popular MIDI OX can be used to send the SysEx command data string to the MODEL D using the USB MIDI conection between a host computer and the MODEL D. 7.2 Command Table cc (Main) Section 5.2 shows a typical procedure for sending a SysEx message to the MODEL D, and it can be used to send any of the following SysEx messages.
MODEL D User Manual 7.3 Command Examples Note: All command parameters should be in hexadecimal format.
MODEL D User Manual 8. Eurorack Installation The MODEL D synthesizer can be removed from its factory chassis and installed into a standard Eurorack chassis (not supplied). We recommend that this procedure is undertaken only by an experienced service technician, to prevent personal injury, or damage to the unit. 5. Securely connect the 10-pin end P1 of the supplied adapter cable to connector X23 on the Main PCB of the MODEL D.
MODEL D User Manual 8.2 Setting the MIDI Channel Once installed in a Eurorack, the MIDI channel number is automatically set to channel 1 (as the MIDI switches are no longer present.) The MIDI channel can be changed using MIDI OX or a similar MIDI utility on your computer to send MIDI SysEx commands directly to the MODEL D via the USB MIDI connection. Here is a brief guide to the procedure (see the MIDI SysEx pages in this manual for the actual SysEx codes sent to the MODEL D): 1.
MODEL D User Manual 9. Specifications Filter Section Synthesizer Architecture Number of voices Monophonic Type Analog Oscillators 3 (0.1 Hz to 20 kHz in 6 overlapping ranges) LFO 1 (0.
36 MODEL D User Manual 10. Glossary This glossary provides an explanation of useful symbols, terms and abbreviations. 32'/16'/8'/4'/2': Used to describe the range of an oscillator, this term originates from pipe organs. The length of the pipe is inversely proportional to the pitch it produces, for example, a 4' pipe is one octave higher than an 8' pipe.
37 MODEL D User Manual Effect: One of a number of audio processes that can be applied to a signal to modify it, such as reverb, flanging, phasing, delay etc. Keyboard: A range of keys, arranged in order of ascending pitch, which enables the synthesizer to be played by hand. Effects Send: A copy of the channel signal which is sent to an effects processor in order for it to be returned. Keyboard Tracking: Allows the control signal from played keys to adjust another parameter.
38 MODEL D User Manual Monitors: Studio quality loudspeakers, providing an accurate representation of the audio signals. Polyphony: The number of notes a polyphonic synthesizer can play simultaneously. Mono: A single signal. Portamento: An adjustable performance effect that glides or bends the pitch from one note to the next. Monophonic: Only one note can be played at any given time, as there is only a single voice. Mute: Function that allows a signal to be silenced.
39 MODEL D User Manual Slew Rate: The rate of change of a voltage or control signal. Unison: Two or more voices that are playing together at roughly the same pitch. Spectrum: First used to describe the full range of colors in visible light, the term is also used to describe the full range of frequencies in the audio spectrum. Universal Serial Bus (USB): A "plug and play" interface that provides a fast connection between a computer and peripherals.
NOTES: DATE: AUTHOR: MODEL D Patch Sheet TITLE: Patch Number 40 MODEL D User Manual
NOTES: DATE: AUTHOR: MODEL D Patch Sheet TITLE: Patch Number 41 MODEL D User Manual
42 MODEL D User Manual FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION MODEL D Responsible Party Name: Music Group Services NV Inc. Address: 5270 Procyon Street Las Vegas, NV 89118 USA Phone Number: +1 702 800 8290 MODEL D complies with the FCC rules as mentioned in the following paragraph: 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.
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