From: "Roderick W. MacQuarrie" Subject: Info on Peavey PC 1600(TM) MIDI Controller (for those interested)... Date: Fri, 29 Dec 1995 14:54:47 -0500 Encoding: 316 TEXT Since I never heard of this unit before until now (while looking for an editor for my MKS-80) and relatively little info is in the archives regarding this unit I thought I'd share what I found with the rest of you... PC 1600(TM) MIDI Controller The PC 1600(TM) is a MIDI controller and universal editor for stage and studio, featuring sixteen sliders, sixteen switches, two control voltage inputs, and a data wheel:each of which can be set up to transmit just about any MIDI message or SysEx string to MIDI devices. All of these definitions can be stored into any of the 50 internal Presets. In addition, a "snapshot" can be taken of all of the current slider positions in any preset; this can then be saved as a SCENE. The PC 1600 will store 100 scenes in internal memory in addition to the fifty presets. The PC 1600 comes with a wide variety of presets already programmed in its internal memory. These factory presets range from editors for many different synthesizers and effects processors to automated MIDI mixing presets for sequencers and lighting systems. The entire internal memory of the PC 1600 can also be stored and recalled using any MIDI storage device or computer. Several Peavey MIDI products such as the Spectrum(TM) Organ and Spectrum Synth also contain PC1600 presets that can be transferred to the unit. It is also possible to program your own presets on the PC 1600 and store them in the internal memory locations. Each preset allows a sixteen character name to reference the function for that particular preset. In addition to programming MIDI controller functions to each slider, button, pedal, and data wheel within each preset, it is possible to program System Exclusive (SysEx) strings to any of the PC 1600 controls. SysEx strings allow control over "device exclusive" parameters such as reverb time, filter cutoff, pan position, etc. An individual Sys-Ex string can control a specific function or an entire group of functions from any slider, etc. Groups of sliders can also be mastered by another slider on the PC 1600, allowing individual functions or groups to be controlled when needed. The intuitive user interface allows the user to easily modify existing presets or create completely new presets in the internal memory of the PC 1600. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ .16 programmable 60mm sliders (faders) .16 progammable switches (faders) .Two CV inputs (2nd input can also be used for a dual footswitch) .Programmable MIDI Setup String Sent Upon Preset Recall .Group of sliders allows one slider to be master of others .50 presets .100 Scenes (snapshot of slider position) .Sliders and Switches can be named .MIDI IN and OUT .Three MIDI thru options (Merge, Replace, Update) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Although the PC 1600(TM) is an extremely powerful MIDI tool, many musicians do not realize specifically what it can do for their MIDI set-up! Primarily, the PC 1600 is used for two purposes: 1.As a versatile, easy-to-use MIDI controller message center. 2.As a universal editor for practically any MIDI device including MIDI keyboards, sound modules, effects processors, etc. The bottom line? The PC 1600 will help YOU make MUSIC! Music that is more creative, unique, and YOU! Keep in mind that the PC 1600 is a MIDI controller that will edit and control all of the MIDI devices in your setup. 50 Presets are provided that give a good representation of its power! MIDI data is transmitted using the following controllers: 1.16 slider/faders-each of these programmable faders can be assigned to transmit continuous controller data (Volume, Pan, etc.) or any MIDI String (i.e.Channel, System messages). Also, any fader can be the master over other faders. To simplify operation, each fader can be named. 2.16 switch/buttons-each of these programmable buttons can be assigned as: fader mute, fader solo, program change, note on/off, MIDI string, MIDI string on button press & release (2 messages), MIDI string toggle (2 messages). Like the faders, each button can be named. 3.Data wheel-the data wheel can be linked to a fader or Control Voltage input 4.Two Control Voltage Pedal Inputs -the 1600 allows you to plug in and assign CV pedals. These are assigned like the faders. The CV2 jack can also sub as a dual footswitch input. USING THE FADERS The faders are commonly used for transmitting MIDI continuous controller data. For example, Preset 00 (Volume with Mute) allows each fader to transmit volume (controller #7) data on a specific MIDI channel.You could use this preset, for example, to mix sequencer tracks since tracks with volume changes are much more musical than the alternative. With factory preset 03, the first eight faders are programmed to transmit volume (on eight channels), and the second eight transmit pan (controller 10 messages). When MIDI connections place the PC 1600 between the source of data (a.k. a sequencer) and the tone modules, it can merge with controller data coming into it in a variety of ways. Three modes are available: 1.Merge-Incoming controller data that matches a fader is passed through. Fader movements are merged with this data. 2.Replace-Same as above except that when the fader is moved, incoming data is filtered and replaced by data generated by the fader. Fader position determines the value transmitted. 3.Update (my favorite)-When the fader is moved, its data matches the last value of the incoming data regardless of fader position. This allows seamless modification of the incoming data. Several faders can also be grouped together and controlled by one master fader. This allows extensive sub-mixing capabilities. Preset 02 (Volume in groups) is an example. .Faders 1-12 control volume on MIDI channels 1-12 .Fader 13 is the master of faders 1-4, .Fader 14 is the master of 5-8 .Fader 15 is the master of 9-12 .Fader 16 is the master of 13-15 (all faders). In addition to the above features, the PC 1600 faders can be assigned channel or system messages. By using these messages, the PC 1600 opens you up to a world of specific control over your sound modules and other MIDI devices. Presets 08-49 all use System Exclusive messages to communicate to their respective devices. For example, Preset 08 for the DPM V3, uses these messages to control V3 oscillator level, tuning (course & fine), modulation, etc. Preset 28 for the SDR 20/20 uses these messages to control pre-delay, EQ, reverb (type, size, damping, mix), and level. If you don't find your gear listed in our preset list, SysEx data found in owners manuals can give you the necessary messages to input your own. Since SysEx messages are usually listed in Hexadecimal, this format is used for inputing messages. If appropriate SysEx messages are not available, the PC 1600 has a "learn" feature that works like this: If a SysEx message is received while a fader string is being edited, the PC 1600 will automatically replace the existing string with the SysEx message received. When working with a device or software that transmits SysEx messages, hexadecimal input is a breeze! Just in case there comes a time when you would like to save your fader's physical position, (like when mixing), the PC 1600 offers 100 scenes that can be saved and recalled as needed. This feature is extremely useful for MIDI light controllers, MIDI mixing, MIDI controllers, etc. BUTTON Assignments Buttons are used exclusively for on/off type functions. They often interact with the faders to affect muting or soloing. When a Button is assigned a note on/off message, velocity can be output at a specific level or the fader can be set to vary the value. Each button can also be programmed to send a program change message on any MIDI channel. Like the faders, each button can be assigned a MIDI string; however, buttons allow for two variations using two strings: 1.One string can be activated by pressing the button, and another string can be activated when the button is released. 2.Pressing the button repeatedly toggles between the two strings DATA WHEEL, C.V. , AND FOOTSWITCH INPUTS The Data wheel is programmed by linking it to a fader or CV pedal. It can be set to work with a specific fader or it can link to the last fader moved. The CV inputs are programmed exactly like the faders. A dual footswitch can also be plugged into the CV2 jack and be programmed to do a variety of tasks: 1.By assigning the footswitches to "INC & DEC" (arrow up and down), presets can be selected. 2.By setting the footswitches to emulate the ENTER button, Scenes can be saved and sent quickly. 3.The footswitches can emulate the action of any button. Check out a few of these examples: 1.You could start & stop a sequencer by assigning a footswitch to a button that is set to toggle between system messages (Hex=FA "start", FC "stop"). 2.After assigning a button to a note on/off, the footswitch copying this could send the message to a drum machine. This would allow drum sounds to be played with the footswitch. 3.Controller messages like sustain (64), Sostenuto (66), and Soft Pedal (67) could all be activated via the footswitches. PROGRAMMABLE SETUP STRING Along with all of the fader, button, etc. settings, a MIDI Set-up string can be transmitted when a preset is selected. This string can send Bank select, Program change and Volume settings for ALL 16 channels. In addition, a MIDI string of up to 80 bytes can be sent. MIDI FILTERING The PC 1600 contains an extensive MIDI filtering section. The following messages can be filtered: All data, All notes, Mod Wheel, Footpedal, Volume, Sustain, Reset, All notes off, Program change, Polyphonic aftertouch, Channel aftertouch, Pitch Bend, System Exclusive, System Common, System real-time. PROGRAM MAPPING Three separate MIDI maps are available to route any incoming program change to any preset or scene. USER INTERFACE Although the PC 1600 doesn't take up a lot of room (fits perfectly on a DPM C8 keyboard controller), it is laid out in a perfectly logical manner. Its mass of features are not buried under a slow, confusing interface. On the contrary, its intuitive interface allows quick and easy modifications of presets. The 20 x 2 LCD (with adjustable view angle) provides visual feedback for presets, fader/button naming, editing, etc. Each time a fader or button is moved, the name and value appears on the display. What else? The data wheel allows quick and precise adjustment of any value. Four direction buttons are provided for cursor navigation and INC /DEC functions. A Copy button is available for copying presets and scenes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PC(TM) 1600 Frequently Asked Questions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. How do I tell what version I have? Currently, there have only been two versions-1.0 and 1.1. When the unit is powered up, the display will read, "Verifying Presets" if you have version 1.0. 2. What is the difference between 1.0 and 1.1? 1.1 added the following: ."All data" was added to the list of messages that can be filtered .Faders and Buttons can now be named .Added update mode (see 10. Below) .When editing a string, an incoming MIDI message can be "captured" and will appear on the screen. 3. How can I learn more about SysEx & Hexadecimal numbers? We recommend the "Next MIDI Book" by Katamar Entertainment. Their phone number is 805-375 7388. 4. How do I re-initialize the PC 1600? Will I lose my presets? With the power off, hold UTILITY and ENTER while turning the power on. This will restore the factory presets (Yes, you will lose your presets). 5. Are there any undocumented features? Yes! It's actually possible to move horizontally (fader to fader, etc.) when editing. For example, when editing several faders to transmit continuous controller data, after setting the min and max, press EDIT and hold the button down. Now select the next fader and release the EDIT button. This takes you directly to the min and max pages of the newly selected fader. 6. What are CHANNEL messages? Channel messages communicate the following: Note off, Note on, Poly Pressure, Control change, Program change, Channel pressure, Pitch Bend, etc. These messages are typically two or three bytes in length and are input using hexadecimal numbers. Examples include: .Note On=9n, x1, x2 (x1=note number, x2=velocity) .Control Change=Bn, x1,x2 (x1=controller number, x2=value) .Program Change=Cn,x1 (x1=program change) (n=MIDI channel) 7. What about System Real Time Messages? These one byte messages are used to transmit the following types of messages: .Start=FA .Continue=FB .Stop=FC .Clock=F8 8. What are System Exclusive messages? These are MIDI messages designed for specific products. That is why they are called "exclusive". SysEx messages start with F0 (SysEx status) and end with F7( End of Exclusive). SysEx messages can be of any length and consist of the Manufacturer's ID, Device #, followed by the command and data information. SysEx messages can be used to create patch editors on the PC 1600. For example, to change the filter cutoff on our Spectrum Bass module, the following message is required: F0, 00,00,1B, 02, 08, 00, 08, 00, 0F, pr, pr, F7. NOTE: the pr bytes are the values that are altered by fader position. 9. What about System Common Messages? Although System Common messages are not used very often on the PC 1600, they consist of the following messages: .MIDI Time Code Quarter Frame =F1 .Song Position Pointer=F2 .Song Select=F3 .Tune Request=F6 .End of SysEx=F7 10. What is update mode? Update mode is used when the PC 1600 is connected BETWEEN two devices where one device is transmitting continuous controller (CC) information to the other (data is going through the PC 1600). Typically, the PC 1600 is used in this manner to edit the INCOMING data before it is passed to the destination device. Update works like this: Incoming CC messages (that match a fader) pass through (from the PC 1600 MIDI In to its MIDI out) until the fader is moved. When you move the fader (to edit the data), the value that the fader transmits matches the last value coming in (regardless of fader position). This allows seamless editing of CC messages. A common application is when sequenced tracks are sent to a sound module for playback. If the tracks already have MIDI volume (CC 7) information recorded, the PC 1600 can be used to edit this data seamlessly. By connecting the unit between the sequencer and the sound module, updated CC 7 messages can be "punched in" without worrying about the fader position. Hope someone, somewhere, found this useful (I am not associated with Peavey in any way)... Roderick W. MacQuarrie ____ 2 _____ / \ |\ /| | | | \____ | \ / | | | |____ \ | \/ | | | | \____/ | | | |____ |_____ * * * * * "Winter cityside...crystal bits of snowflakes all around my head and in the wind..." <<>>