futureretro It swings what it syncs… It’s Swynx!
WELCOME Thank you for choosing the Swynx. The Swynx is a sync box that converts MIDI clock messages to MIDI clock, DIN Sync, CR-78 clock, and Analog clocks. In addition, the Swynx provides the ability to swing the timing of all these clock outputs and select different time signatures (both with real-time adjustments), and also acts as a CR-78 pattern programmer. Wow! After you try it in your setup, you’ll realize just what you’ve been missing.
How about the necessity to sync analog sequencers and arpeggiators with MIDI gear? And now you can swing the timing of those devices as well. Support for the fabulous Roland CR-78 has been lacking in the past. Finding a WS-1 or TS-1 programmer for this drum machine is next to impossible. The Swynx can replace the need for either of these devices, allowing your CR-78 play in time with other MIDI devices, and swing its internal patterns.
PRECAUTIONS Never expose this device to rain or moisture. If liquids are spilled into the unit, unplug the power supply immediately and let the unit sit in a dry warm environment until all moisture has evaporated. Avoid exposing the unit to smoke, dusty, or extreme hot and cold environments, as these things may cause premature component failure. Clean the exterior with a soft dry cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners that may harm the surface and finish of the unit.
POWER A universal power supply is provided with your unit. This power supply can be used in any country simply by using the correct AC plug (included) for your country. This power supply is a 9V DC center-pin positive, outer-pin negative type supply and should only be replaced with the same type if ever lost. Never use AC output power supplies to power the Swynx! Insert the power supply into the wall outlet. Connect the DC output plug to the power jack located on the back panel of the Swynx.
MIDI IN The MIDI IN accepts MIDI clock and note information. When using the Swynx for clock synchronization, connect the MIDI OUT of the MIDI device acting as your master clock to the MIDI IN of the Swynx. When using the Swynx as a CR-78 programmer, connect the MIDI OUT of a MIDI keyboard to the MIDI IN of the Swynx. MIDI OUT The MIDI OUT sends MIDI clock for syncing external MIDI sequencers and drum machines. Connect this MIDI OUT to the MIDI IN of the external device you want to sync.
DIN SYNC OUT The DIN SYNC OUT sends DIN Sync clock/start/stop messages in 24ppq format. Connect this output to the DIN Sync IN of the device you want to sync. CR-78, ARP/SEQ SWITCH This switch determines if the phone jack will produce Clock and Write signals for the CR-78, or Analog Clock and Reset signal for analog sequencers and arpeggiators. To make changes to this setting, first stop playback of the master MIDI clock being sent to the Swynx. Slide the switch to the desired mode.
PHONE JACK The phone jack is a stereo output. The Tip connection will provide Analog Clock or CR-78 clock signals. The Ring connection will provide an Analog Reset signal, or the CR-78 Write signal. If only the clock signal is needed, a mono cable can be used with this output. If your situation requires Clock and the Analog Reset or CR-78 Write signals, use a “send-return” audio cable to break the stereo signal out into two separate mono signal connections.
TIME SIGNATURE CONTROL The Time Signature control provides twelve different time signature selections, as indicated by the numbers on the inner-ring. Time signatures can be changed while the unit is syncing, and new time new signature selections will take affect at the beginning of the next bar.
If the sequencer you are syncing has an adjustable loop point, set the number of steps to loop for that sequence to even divisions of the Clocks Per Measure. Use TABLE 1 to select the ideal number of steps to loop within your sequencer for each time signature. Using loop point values other than those listed will produce an evolving selection of steps. If you are the experimental type, this may be just the thing you are looking for.
DIN SYNC Many DIN Sync devices have pre-scales. Patterns in these DIN Sync devices should be programmed using the proper pre-scale for the time signatures in the Swynx. Time signatures 9/8 through 4/4 work with the 4/4 DIN Sync pre-scales. Time signature 8/4, works with the 8/4 DIN Sync pre-scale. Time signature 3/4, works with the 3/4 DIN Sync pre-scale. Time signature 6/4, works with the 6/4 DIN Sync pre-scale.
CR-78 CLOCK Time signatures used in the CR-78 will vary, but in general are mostly 4/4 with a few 3/4. Therefore you will need to experiment and see what time signature settings in the Swynx provide the best results for controlling the patterns selected and playing in the CR-78. For best results with the CR-78, use 4/4 and 3/4 time signature settings in the Swynx. Time signatures 2/4, 8/4, and 6/4 can also provide usable results.
SWING CONTROL The Swing control allows real-time control of the timing of specific clocks and how they are delayed to create a more human feel. The Swing control range is from 50% to 75%. A setting of 50% produces strictly quantized clock timing, while a setting of 75% produces the maximum amount of swing effect. Adjustments made to the Swing value will take affect on the next interval of notes. This interval varies with different time signatures, see TABLE 2.
TIME SIGNATURE 9/8 7/8 6/8 5/8 2/4 2/4 4/4 4/4 8/4 3/4 3/4 6/8 TABLE 2 SWING INTERVAL N/A N/A 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/4 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/6 1/3 1/12
SYNCING Connect the MIDI OUT of your master MIDI clock device to the MIDI IN of the Swynx. Connect the MIDI, DIN SYNC, and Analog/CR-78 clock outputs to the appropriate MIDI, DIN SYNC, and Analog/CR-78 clock inputs of each device to be synced. Make sure MIDI and DIN Sync devices to be synced are properly setup to receive external clocks. Since the Swynx does not provide a Start/Stop control for the CR-78, you need to press the CR-78’s Start/Stop switch to cue up the sync operation.
If you fail to press the Start/Stop switch before playback is stopped, the CR-78 will not play from the beginning of the bar when playback is started again. Stop playback of the master MIDI clock, and playback of all devices syncing to the Swynx will stop. A FEW NOTES ON SYNCING It is normal for the first clock generated (when playback starts) to be shorter in duration than typical for the selected Time Signature and tempo.
PREPARING THE CR-78 FOR PROGRAMMING • Connect the MIDI OUT of a MIDI keyboard to the MIDI IN of the Swynx. • Connect the Ring portion of the Swynx phone jack to the Write IN of the CR-78. • Set the analog output switch on the Swynx to the CR-78 position. • Select one of the CR-78’s four user memory locations to write to. • Set the CR-78 Programmer switch to the ALL position, and press the CLEAR key. This clears out the contents of this user memory location.
STEP WRITE: PROGRAMMING THE CR-78 • Use the Instrument Selector of the CR-78 to select an instrument track to write. • Set the note duration to be written into the CR-78 using the Swynx Time Signature control. Note durations are indicated by the outer ring of numbers displayed around the Time Signature control. • To write a note-on for the current step, play any white key on your MIDI keyboard. The CR-78 will then advance to the next step.
CHECKING YOUR PATTERNS • Press the Start/Stop switch of the CR-78 to stop programming. • Set the CR-78 Programmer switch to the PLAY position, remove the cable going to the CR-78’s clock IN jack, then press Start/Stop to play the CR-78 and hear the results. • If mistakes are made, clear individual instruments by setting the Programmer switch to MEMORY, select the appropriate instrument, and press the CLEAR key on the CR-78.
TAP WRITE: PROGRAMMING THE CR-78 An alternative method to Step writing is manually tapping the beat into memory. For this method, do not connect a cable to the CR-78’s clock IN jack. Connect a cable from the Swynx Write output, to the CR-78’s Write IN. • Select the 1/48 note duration with the Time Signature control of the Swynx. This allows notes to be written more rapidly. • Start playback on the CR-78, and tap the rhythm into memory by playing white keys on your MIDI keyboard.
TIPS • Using the Tap write method to enter notes into the CR-78 can take some practice to play notes on the correct beat. This is because the CR-78 has an internal quantization value of 48 steps per measure. If you make a mistake, simply erase the track and try again. • You can combine Step and Tap writing methods when programming the CR-78. For instance you may want to Step write a 1/4 note kick and snare track to lay the foundation. Then switch to the Tap write mode to lay down a bongo or conga track.
SPECIFICATIONS Construction: Steel Dimensions: (L) 5.0” x (W) 3.0” x (H) 2.25” Unit Weight: 0.7 lbs Universal Power Supply: 100-240V AC input, 9V DC Power In: 9V DC (center positive) Inputs: MIDI clock Outputs: MIDI clock, DIN Sync, Analog clock/reset, CR-78 clock/write Time Signatures: 9/8, 7/8, 6/8, 5/8, 2/4, 4/4, 8/4, 3/4, 6/4 Swing: 50% - 75%, (0.
