JoMoX XBASE 888 analog drum synthesizer Operating Manual
Below you will find brief information for analog drum synthesizer XBASE 888. The XBASE 888 is a drum machine with 9 instruments, four of which are analog synthesizers. It has a classic step sequencer with step LEDs, supports midi clock sync and shuffle mode options, 4 additional programmable MIDI tracks can trigger external instruments, and can be controlled remotely by other MIDI-capable devices. In Pattern Mode, the XBASE 888 can control all the sound settings for each step to obtain melodies and really freaky grooves. On the sample-based instruments, each step can trigger a different sample.
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J M X
XBASE 888
ANALOG DRUM SYNTHESIZER
Operating Manual
OS 1.0
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................8
A
BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE
XBASE 888 .......................................8
M
ANUAL CONVENTIONS
.................................................................9
C
ONNECTION
.............................................................................9
P
OWER
S
UPPLY
..........................................................................9
A
UDIO CONNECTIONS
...................................................................9
MIDI C
ONNECTIONS
.................................................................. 10
MIDI OUT ............................................................................. 10
MIDI T
HRU
............................................................................ 10
Q
UICK
S
TART
.......................................................................... 11
THE USER INTERFACE .............................................................. 14
I
NPUT
G
AIN
............................................................................ 15
P
HONES
................................................................................. 15
M
ASTER
................................................................................. 15
D
ATA
/T
EMPO
.......................................................................... 15
L
EFT
/R
IGHT
............................................................................ 16
M
ASTER
................................................................................. 16
E
DIT
..................................................................................... 16
M
IDI
.................................................................................... 16
B
ANK
.................................................................................... 16
A/B ..................................................................................... 16
S
CALE
................................................................................... 16
P
ERF
.................................................................................... 17
P
ATT
.................................................................................... 17
S
ONG
................................................................................... 17
W
RITE
.................................................................................. 17
D
OWN
/U
P
.............................................................................. 17
S
TART
................................................................................... 17
S
TOP
.................................................................................... 17
E
NTER
................................................................................... 18
S
HIFT
/C
ANCEL
......................................................................... 18
S
CALE
B
ARS
........................................................................... 18
S
TEP
1...16
BUTTONS AND
LED
S
.................................................. 18
I
NSTRUMENT
K
EYS
.................................................................... 18
MASTER MODE ........................................................................ 19
2 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
K
IT
S
ELECTION
........................................................................ 19
N
AMING OF A KIT
...................................................................... 20
D
ISPLAY
C
ONTRAST
................................................................... 20
M
EMORY
P
ROTECT
..................................................................... 21
I
NITIALISATION OF THE CURRENT KIT
............................................... 21
EDIT MODE ............................................................................. 22
S
ELECTION OF A DRUM KIT
........................................................... 22
S
ELECTION OF AN INSTRUMENT
...................................................... 22
ANALOGUE SOUND ENGINE ...................................................... 23
B
ASS
D
RUM
............................................................................ 23
Tune................................................................................. 23
Pitch ................................................................................. 23
Attack............................................................................... 23
Decay ............................................................................... 24
Gate ................................................................................. 24
Harmonics ......................................................................... 24
Pulse ................................................................................ 24
Pitch Envelope ................................................................... 25
Noise ................................................................................ 25
EQ.................................................................................... 25
Compress.......................................................................... 26
Level ................................................................................ 26
Velocity............................................................................. 26
Scale ................................................................................ 27
Initialize............................................................................ 27
S
NARE
D
RUM
.......................................................................... 28
Tune................................................................................. 28
Snappy ............................................................................. 28
Decay ............................................................................... 28
Detune ............................................................................. 28
Metal Noise A..................................................................... 29
Metal Noise B..................................................................... 29
Noise Tune ........................................................................ 30
Level ................................................................................ 30
Velocity............................................................................. 30
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 3
L
OW
T
OM
............................................................................... 31
Tune................................................................................. 31
Decay ............................................................................... 31
Pitch Envelope ................................................................... 31
Level ................................................................................ 32
Velocity............................................................................. 32
Inititialize.......................................................................... 32
H
IGH
T
OM
.............................................................................. 33
Tune................................................................................. 33
Decay ............................................................................... 33
Pitch Envelope ................................................................... 33
Level ................................................................................ 34
Velocity............................................................................. 34
Inititialize.......................................................................... 34
SAMPLE BASED INSTRUMENTS .................................................. 35
T
HE
VCA
ENVELOPE
................................................................... 35
H
I
H
AT
.................................................................................. 36
Tune................................................................................. 36
Closed Hi Hat Attack ........................................................... 36
Closed Hi Hat Decay ........................................................... 37
Closed Hi Hat Peak Time ..................................................... 37
Open Hi Hat Attack............................................................. 37
Open Hi Hat Decay ............................................................. 37
Open Hi Hat Peak Time ....................................................... 38
Hi Hat Sample Select .......................................................... 38
Reverse Play...................................................................... 38
Source .............................................................................. 39
Low Pass Filter Cutoff ......................................................... 39
High Pass Filter Cutoff......................................................... 40
Filter Resonance ................................................................ 40
Level ................................................................................ 40
Velocity............................................................................. 41
Initialization ...................................................................... 41
C
LAP
, R
IM
, C
RASH AND
R
IDE
....................................................... 41
Tune................................................................................. 41
Attack............................................................................... 42
4 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Decay ............................................................................... 42
Peaktime........................................................................... 42
Reverse Play...................................................................... 43
Sample Selection ............................................................... 43
Level ................................................................................ 43
Velocity............................................................................. 44
Initialize............................................................................ 44
T
HE
LFO
S
.............................................................................. 45
LFO1 Waveform ................................................................. 45
LFO1 Destination................................................................ 45
LFO1 Intensity ................................................................... 46
LFO1 Rate ......................................................................... 46
LFO2 Waveform ................................................................. 46
LFO2 Destination................................................................ 47
LFO2 Intensity ................................................................... 47
LFO2 Rate ......................................................................... 47
Syncronization of LFO1 ....................................................... 48
Syncronization of LFO2 ....................................................... 48
MIDI MODE ............................................................................. 49
R
ECEIVE
C
HANNEL
.................................................................... 49
T
RANSMIT
C
HANNEL
.................................................................. 49
B
ULK
D
UMP
............................................................................ 49
B
ULK
L
OAD
............................................................................. 50
T
RANSMIT
P
ROGRAM
C
HANGE
....................................................... 50
T
RANSMIT
MIDI C
ONTROLLERS
..................................................... 51
T
RANSMIT
MIDI N
OTE
T
RIGGERS
.................................................. 51
T
RANSMIT
MIDI C
LOCK
.............................................................. 52
THE SEQUENCER ..................................................................... 53
P
ERFORM
M
ODE
....................................................................... 53
Selection of Drum Kits ........................................................ 53
Perform Play Mode ............................................................. 53
A/B Pattern ....................................................................... 54
Perform Write Mode............................................................ 55
Programming of Patterns in Perform Write Mode .................... 55
Scale ................................................................................ 55
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 5
Selecting Instruments......................................................... 56
Setting or Clearing Steps – Programming Beats ..................... 57
Editing of Instrument Parameters......................................... 57
Usage of Drum Kits ............................................................ 58
Muting Instruments ............................................................ 59
P
ATTERN
M
ODE
........................................................................ 60
Pattern Play Mode .............................................................. 60
Pattern Write Mode............................................................. 60
Individual Step Edit ............................................................ 61
Track Record Mode ............................................................. 62
S
ONG
M
ODE
........................................................................... 63
Song Mode Manual Programming ......................................... 65
Song Mode Realtime Programming ....................................... 67
Defining Loops ................................................................... 69
2ND FUNCTIONS .................................................................... 70
S
TORE
K
IT
(1) ........................................................................ 70
C
LEAR
P
ATTERN
(2) .................................................................. 71
S
TORE
P
ATTERN
(3) .................................................................. 71
A/B P
LAYMODE
(4) ................................................................... 72
L
AST
S
TEP
(5) ........................................................................ 72
S
HUFFLE
(6) ........................................................................... 73
R
EALTIME
W
RITE
(7)................................................................. 74
S
TEREO
P
ANNING
(9) ................................................................ 75
S
PLIT
M
ODE
(10)..................................................................... 75
C
LOCK
S
ELECT
(11) .................................................................. 76
M
ETRONOME
(12) .................................................................... 76
LFO P
AGE
(15) ....................................................................... 77
M
IDI
T
RACKS
(16) ................................................................... 78
APPENDIX ............................................................................... 81
MIDI I
MPLEMENTATION
XBASE 888 .............................................. 81
1. Sound Parameter (Continuous Controllers) ........................ 81
2. Note Commands............................................................. 86
3. Sysex Commands ........................................................... 86
Preset bulk dump ............................................................... 86
OS bulk dump.................................................................... 86
6 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Flash bank bulk dump......................................................... 87
Flash bank erase command ................................................. 87
Dump request command ..................................................... 87
S
PECIFICATIONS
....................................................................... 88
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 7
Introduction
Thank you for using the JoMoX XBASE 888!
We are pretty confident that that you’ll have lots of joy and entertainment with this incredible sounding analog drum synthesizer!
A brief introduction to the XBASE 888
The XBASE 888 is a drum machine with 9 instruments. Four of them are completely made up of advanced analogue discrete circuitries and combine true analog sound with the advantage of full digital control of all parameters. The other 5 instruments are based on short
8 bit samples which are processed by an analog VCA envelope. They are of course also controllable in the digital domain. Thus they can be stored in memory and be remotely controlled by Midi.
In order to affect the analog sound production as little as possible, all
D/A converters are specially adapted to the parameters and being integrated into the circuitry. By doing so, the parameter control is provided for each trigger almost without any delay – which makes the neccessary technical efforts in the XBASE 888 quite big.
By using encoders instead of potentiometers annoying jumps of parameters belong to the past. Basically the editing of all instrument parameters is possible by the 16 encoders or by using the left / right cursor buttons and the data wheel.
The heart of a drum machine is of course the sequencer. The XBASE
888 has a classic step sequencer with step LEDs which also lets you edit various quantizes for each track and step with midi clock sync and shuffle mode options. Furthermore, 4 additional programmable midi tracks can trigger external instruments.
In Pattern Mode, the XBASE 888 can control all the sound settings for each step to obtain melodies and really freaky grooves. So, for instance, you can “abuse” the kick drum with long decay for creating a bass line due to it’s extremely flexible sound programming.
On the sample based instruments each step can trigger a different sample if you want to.
8 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Each sample based instrument contains 31 different samples. With
XBASE 888 it is possible now to reload them into the internal flash memory by midi sample dump. A PC/MAC tool for a convenient download can be downloaded at www.jomox.com
.
Manual conventions
In order to make this manual better understandabe, in the following text passage all user interface descriptions of the XBASE 888 are set into round brackets and printed bold. i.E.
Press the (Master) button.
Display contents and values are printed like this: <Perf000>
Connection
Please use the XBASE 888 only in dry rooms not warmer than 35° C
(95° F).
On the back panel of the enclosure you will find following connections:
Power Supply
Please connect the provided wall wart adapter to the line and hook it up to the supply jack 10.5V~ AC IN on the XBASE 888. If, for any reason, you are not able to use the orginal power supply, please use an alternate current AC/AC adapter with at least 10.5 Volts and 2 amps. Some common halogen transformers like 12V~ AC 2 amps with the appropriate plug connected could work.
Please never use an AC/DC adapter as the XBASE 888 might get damadged!
Audio connections
Please turn off the XBASE 888 and the mixer.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 9
The XBASE 888 has a stereo main output that mixes all instruments and the filter. If you plug a cable into an individual output, this instrument is spared out from the stereo mix. All audio outputs are unbalanced.
In the stereo main output the pure filter signal is lead out on the ring of the stereo ¼” jack. So if you use an insert cable, you have access to the mix signal and the pure filter signal without final VCA.
Please connect the audio outputs by ¼ ” audio cables with the audio inputs of your mixer.
MIDI Connections
The MIDI in jack of the XBASE 888 is used for remote playing, controlling and syncronization by other MIDI capable devices like master keyboards and computers.
» Note : please only send as much Midi data as neccessary. The more Midi data has to pass the MIDI cable the worse the timing gets. Use different Midi ports for different machines as the Midi protocol is serial and consumes time and performance.
Please look into the Midi Implementation in the appendix which Midi data is received and processed by the XBASE 888.
Connect the MIDI In jack of the XBASE 888 with the MIDI Out jack of the master by use of a midi cable.
MIDI OUT
By MIDI out the XBASE 888 transmits midi data to other devices as computers, synthesizers and others. Connect the MIDI Out jack of the XBASE 888 to the Midi In jack of the other device.
MIDI Thru
Midi data that is received on the MIDI In jack is being forwarded to the MIDI Thru jack without being changed. More MIDI capable devices can be connected to this port.
10 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Quick Start
Connect the XBASE 888 to an appropriate amplifier or to a mixer.
Before you turn on, please turn the master level at your mixer or amplifier down.
On intial boot up sequence, you are welcomed by the following display:
WELCOME TO THE
BEATS OF JOMOX
Press the (Start) button to start the sequencer. Now you can adjust the Master or the Phones knob to a convenient volume.
» Note : the Master volume knob is only working in the digital domain by multiplying controls to the internal instrument level control voltages and may reduce the internal dynamics if it’s turned low. For best performance and sound, leave it to maximum value 127 and use the external mixer to control the volume.
By pressing one of the 16 (Step) buttons you can select another pattern in the current bank. Alternatively you can use the the (Up) and (Down) buttons to achieve the same result. Press the (Bank) button to switch to another bank. You can cycle through the available
4 banks. If you want to change the tempo, press (Master) button and then (Right) button. Adjust the Tempo with the (Data/Tempo) encoder.
Now that you know how to select patterns, let’s take a look at the different modes of the XBASE 888. After powering up, you are always in Perform Mode. That means, all steps of an instrument track address the same sound buffer and play the same sound throughout the whole track. By editing the encoders you can change the sound of any instrument whilst the sequencer is running.
Next to each encoder there is a multi-color LED which lights up green when the corresponding parameter is existing in the selected
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 11
instrument. If you want to edit a different instrument, press the
(Write) button – now you are in Perform Write Mode. Now select the desired instrument with the light grey instrument keys, and immediatly the LEDs show up the editable parameters of the selected instrument. The red LED next to the instrument key also lights up indicating the currently selected instrument.
If you don’t want to edit an instrument with running sequencer, press again (Write) button to leave the Perform Write Mode and trigger the instrument with the instrument key.
Now let’s go to the Master Mode. Press the (Master) button. In this mode the encoders are adressed to the individual instrument volumes and being displayed as bars in the LCD display. By pressing on one of the 9 first encoders you can mute or unmute the corresponding instrument. In case it is muted, the LED lights up red.
This function is also available in the other modes regardless if it is
Perform, Pattern or Edit or Master mode and regardless of any submenu. I.E. pressing encoder 1 always mutes or unmutes the kick drum.
Let’s program the first own created drum pattern. Switch to bank 2 by pressing the (Bank) button. By pressing (Step 1) button choose the first empty pattern. Now go to Perform Write Mode by pressing
(Write) and select an instrument track by pressing the corresponding instrument key i.e. the bass drum track.
Start the sequencer and press a desired (Step) button. The step is played when the running LED comes across. Pressing again erases the step again. Complete your instrument rhythm and switch to another instrument and select steps to be played there as well and complete your own drum pattern by layering several instruments in a rhythmic pattern.
If you want to set an accent, press the instrument key a second time so that the instrument LED starts to flash. Now you can set steps where playing steps were already set. They are lit orange to indicate that an accent is played on this step.
12 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Now we’d like to introduce the Pattern Mode. Go back to Bank 1 as described above. Press the (Pattern) button to enter the Pattern
Mode and listen to some of the factory patterns in bank 1 by selecting the patterns to get familiar with the possibilities of the
XBASE 888.
Actually the programming in Pattern Mode works very similar to the
Perform Mode, only that each step has an own sound buffer so that you can store completely different sounds for one instrument on every step.
First select an empty pattern. Now press (Write) to enter the
Pattern Write Mode.
Set steps as described above and listen to the instrument.
Now hold the instrument key and press a desired step at the same time – the step LED will start to flash indicating that you are in
Individual Step Edit Mode for this selected step.
Listen to the instrument and hear that the sound only for this step is different. You can scroll with the (Data/Tempo) knob through some kits and the stored sounds are copied automatically into that step sound buffer. Or you edit the instrument buffer by tweaking the instrument knobs. All sound settings are recorded into that one step buffer (or more when you select several at the same time).
When you press (Write) again and leave the Write Mode, these steps get locked.
You can go on and program a different bass drum for every step, create bass lines with long decayed Bass Drums or make melodies on the Clap sound. Even the sample select of the sample based instruments can be programmed for each step separately.
If you like the pattern you should store it to memory. Unless you don’t store it - all editings are only made in the edit buffer – it will be gone when you select another pattern.
This is made by pressing (Shift/Cancel), then (Step 3) = Store
Pattern.
Enjoy and check it out!
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 13
The User Interface
Tune Pitch
BD Mute/ Vol
Attack
1
HH Mute /Vol
5
Harmonics
SD Mute/V ol
Decay
2
Snappy
LT M ut e/V ol
Peakti me
3
LP Cutoff
HT Mute/Vol
HP Cutoff
4
CLP Mute/Vol
6
Pulse
RIM Mu te/V ol
7
Detune/Sample
CR H Mut e/Vol
8
Resonance
R ID Mute/Vo l
Noise
9
M ID I 1 Mute
EQ
10
MIDI 2 Mu te
Compression
11
MIDI 3 Mute
Volume/Acc
12
13 14 15
16
MIDI 4 M ute
1...16 Encoders and LEDs
Depending on the selected mode, the 16 encoders are assigned to different functions.
The encoders provide a click (press) function which is firmly assigned to the mute function on knob 1..9. When an instrument is muted, the
LED next to the encoder flashes red.
In Master Mode, the black printing is active and the encoders are used to adjust the volume of the instruments.
14 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
In Edit Mode, the orange indicated printing is active. The LEDs indicate which parameter for the selected instrument is editable by the knobs – they light up green in this case.
PHONES MASTER
Input Gain
With this knob the input gain of the external filter input can be adjusted.
Phones
This knob controls the phones volume of the front headphone jack.
Master
Note that the master volume is only a “soft control” and works only on the internal CVs and instrument levels and therefore reduces the internal dynamics. For best results, leave this value on maximum level (127).
DATA / TEMPO
XBASE 888
ANAL OG DRUM SYNTHESIZER
LEFT RIGHT
Data/Tempo
This knob is used for editing of parameters that are chosen by the
(Left) and (Right) cursor buttons. Furthermore, it changes the tempo of the sequencer.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 15
Left/Right
These cursor buttons are used for navigation within the display menus.
MASTER
EDIT
MIDI
Master
This button switches to Master Mode and in the display right down this symbol appears:<Ma>
Edit
This button switches to Edit Mode and in the display right down this symbol appears:<Ed>
Midi
This button switches to Midi Mode and in the display the midi menu appears.
BANK
1 2 3 4
A/B
A B
SCALE
16 32 8Tr.16 Tr.
A B C
Bank
The bank button cycles between 4 pattern banks.
D
A/B
This button switches between both alternative patterns A and B.
Scale
With this button you cyclicly select different bar scalings. They are
16 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
specificly: 1/16 , 1/32 , 1/8 triplets and 1/16 triplets.
The printed long bars above the step LEDs show the quarter downbeats for the corresponding scales.
PERF PATT SONG WRITE
DOWN UP
Perf
This button activates the Performance Mode of the sequencer.
Patt
This button activates the Pattern Mode of the sequencer.
Song
This button activates the Song Mode.
Write
This button activates - corresponding to the prior selected mode - the Performance Write, the Pattern Write or the Song Write Mode.
Down/Up
These buttons are used for pattern change.
START
STOP
Start
This button starts the sequencer.
Stop
This button stops the sequencer.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 17
ENTER
SHI FT/CANCEL
Enter
With this button various settings have to be entered.
Shift/Cancel
By pressing this button you can reach the 2nd functions of step buttons 1..16. Also used for cancelling functions.
D
C
B
Scale Bars
The orange or black bars marked with D, C, B and A indicate the quarter downbeats of the selected scale.
A
Step 1...16 buttons and LEDs
By the 16 step buttons patterns are programmed and selected.
Furthermore, in junction with the (Shift/Cancel) button they provide
2 nd
functions as the red indicated printing shows.
1
Store
Kit
2
Cle ar
Pattern
3
Store
Pattern
4
A/B
Play Mode
5
Last
Step
6
Shuffle
7
Real Time
Wri te
8 9
St ere o
Panning
10
S plit
Mode
11
C lock
Select
12
Metr on.
13 14 1 5
LFO
Page
16
Midi
Tracks
C# D
HIGH TO M
D# E F
C LOSED HI HAT OPEN HI HAT
F#
RIM SHOT
G G#
L OW TOM CLAP CRASH
Instrument Keys
These keys are used for triggering and selection of instruments.
18 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Master Mode
The Master Mode is used for selection and naming of drum kits and some other global functions. The Master Mode is indicated by a “Ma” down right in the display.
In Master Mode you can change the individual play back volumes of the instruments by the (Edit Encoders) (see the printing). The volumes are displayed as bars left down in the display.
Init Kit 123 Kick PerfOO1
Vol127 Ma B12O
Additionally, you can mute or unmute the instruments by pressing the (Edit Encoders). When an instrument is muted, the corresponding LED flashes red.
By the (Left) and (Right) encoders you can edit the following parameters. If you have pressed the (Master Button) you are currently in the kit selection parameter:
Kit Selection
By the (Data/Tempo) encoder you can choose out of 256 drum kits.
Init Kit 223 Kick PerfOO1
Vol127 Ma B12O
Beats per Minute
<BPM> <MIDI/039-255>
With this parameter the speed of the sequencer can be edited in beats per minute. The lowest tempo below 39 BPM switches to Midi
Clock syncronisation.
Init Kit 223 Kick PerfOO1
BPM 123Name GO! Ma B123
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 19
Naming of a kit
Move the cursor to <Name GO!>. Now press the enter button and the cursor will jump to the kit name’s first letter.
Init Kit O12 Kick PerfOO1
BPM 123Name GO! Ma B123
Now you can select the desired letter with the (Data/Tempo)
Encoder. With the (Left) and (Right) buttons you can move the cursor to the other letters.
Mnit Kit O12 Kick PerfOO1
BPM 123Name OK? Ma B123
Finally press the enter button, and the display will show:
MyFavour O12 Kick PerfOO1
Drum kit stored Ma B123
Display Contrast
<Contr> <030-110>
Move the cursor to the contrast parameter. Here you can change the contrast of the LCD display.
Init Kit 223 Kick PerfOO1
ContrO37MemPrOFF Ma B123
20 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Memory Protect
<MemPr> <on/off>
Move the cursor to the Memory Protect parameter. If this is set to
<ON>, no drumkits or patterns can be stored.
Init Kit 123 Kick PerfOO1
ContrO37MemPrOFF Ma B123
Initialisation of the current kit
<Init> <GO!>
To initialize the whole parameter set of a kit, please choose this item and acknowledge with the (ENTER) button.
MyOldKit 123 Kick PerfOO1
Init GO! Ma B123
The display shows:
MyOldKit 123 Kick PerfOO1
Are you sure?NO Ma B123
Now change this entry to <YES> by scrolling the (DATA/Tempo) knob.
Init Kit 123 Kick PerfOO1
Are you sure?YES Ma B123
After another acknowledge with the (ENTER) button the current kit gets initialised.
» Note : Only the current edit buffer will be initialized! If you don’t store after this, the old kit might get reloaded if you eg. press the (edit) button again.
If Memory Protect was set to <ON> the function is disrupted. In this case please prior go to Memory Protect and unprotect the current preset.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 21
Edit Mode
In Edit Mode all of the instrument parameters are being processed.
After pressing the (Edit) button you are in Edit Mode and now you can navigate by the (Left) und (Right) buttons within the different parameter items.
In Edit Mode the (Edit Encoders) are assigned to instrument parameters. The LEDs next to the encoders light up green when the parameter is assigned to its knob and available for editing.
The first menu item which is automatically selected when the (Edit) button is pressed is:
Selection of a drum kit
With the (Data/Tempo) knob you can select 256 different drum kits.
One drum kit contains a set of all sound parameters of all instruments (including the filter).
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
Tune 113PitchO3O Ed B123
Selection of an instrument
Move the cursor to the instrument parameter. Now select the desired instrument by scrolling the (Data/Tempo) encoder.
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
Tune 113PitchO3O Ed B123
The second method to select an instrument is by the instrument keys in the Edit Write Mode. Please press the (Write) button whilst you are in Edit Mode. Automatically the Bass Drum is selected first, and now you can choose the desired instrument via the instrument keys which is shown in the display.
The following section describes the different instruments and its parameters.
22 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Analogue Sound Engine
Bass Drum
Tune
<Tune> <000-127>
This parameter determines the modulation intensity of the pitch envelope. High values lead to the typical ”kick in the gut” known from the 909, while lower values softer 808ish kick drums produce, reaching down to tuned basses.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
Tune 090PitchO18 Ed B123
Pitch
<Pitch> <000-127>
Changes the basic tone of the bass drum within a far range. This results in very deep basses and reaches up to fairly high tones that might appear not very similar to a bass drum any more.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
Tune 113PitchO56 Ed B123
» Note : Please do not mistake tune and pitch of the bass drum. Because in the historical predecessor TR-909 the actual pitch envelope was called tune, the XBASE 888 keeps this tradition only with the bass drum. With all other instruments the tune parameter is called ”tune”!
Attack
<Attac> <000-127>
In addition to the VCO, a mix from a short noise and pulse signal is generated which together form the attack signal. These part signals can individually be controlled (see lower). The attack parameter controls the intensity of this signal mix in the bass drum.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
Attac127DecayO78 Ed B123
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 23
Decay
<Decay> <000-127>
Controls the decay (release) of the bass drum.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
Attac127DecayO78 Ed B123
Gate
<Gate> <000-015>
Controls the gate time of the attack trigger. It is the time of the attack phase and reaches from 0.5ms to 4.5ms.
On low values the attack sounds clicky, and with higher values the sound is clappier and the tune envelope more intense.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
Gate OO1HarmoOO7 Ed B123
» Note : this parameter is assigned to the encoder with printing Peaktime/Q!
Harmonics
<Harmo> <000-127>
Harmonics controls the harmonic overtone spectrum of the bass drum VCO. The basically almost sine-shaped waveform of the VCO can continuously be distorted to a more parabolic waveform. The resulting sound is harder and timpani-like.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
Gate OO1HarmoO23 Ed B123
Pulse
<Pulse> <000-127>
Controls the part of the pulse signal in the attack phase signal.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
PulseO45PitEv1O2 Ed B123
24 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Pitch Envelope
<PitEv> <000-127>
This parameter determines the ”form“ or time constant of the pitch envelope curve. It’s the envelope that sets in after triggering and modulates the decaying pitch of the bass drum oscillator.
This is one of the most responsible parameters for the sound shape of the bass drum.
A low value lets the curve roll off quickly and produces kick drums with a short attack whereas high values let it roll off slowly, creating rounder and phatter kicks – the typical 808 style.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
PulseO45PitEv112 Ed B123
» Note : this parameter is adressed to the encoder with printing
Detune/Sample!
Noise
<Noise> <000-127>
Controls the part of the noise signal in the attack phase signal.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
Noise151 EQ OOOEd B123
» Note : Also parameters Metal Noise A and B (see Snare Drum) do affect the sound of the noise in this instrument!
EQ
<EQ> <000-007>
On the output there is a flat filter which can smooth the bass drum.
The sound is not changed if the parameter is turned to zero.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
Noise151 EQ OOOEd B123
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 25
Compress
<Compr> <000-127>
Controls the compression of the bass drum VCA envelope. This only affects the decaying part of the loudness envelope. So the effect is rather an expansion of dynamics. Very useful for short and clicky kick drums and for adaption to room size.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
ComprO44 Level127Ed B123
Level
<Level> <000-127>
Controls the volume of the bass drum.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
ComprO44 Level127Ed B123
» Note : This is the individual volume of the instrument stored along with the current kit, not the global instrument volume which is also controlled in
Master Mode (see page 19).
Velocity
<Veloc> <ON/OFF>
If Velocity is set to <ON>, the velocity of a received MIDI note on is processed.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
VelocON ScaleLINEd B123
26 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Scale
<Scale> <LIN/SEM>
Determines if the pitch parameter controls the bass drum pitch in linear fashion (no musical tuning) or in semitones.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
VelocON ScaleLINEd B123
» Note : the bass drum oscillator has little tolerances and is not a dedicated analog synthesizer and therefore the tuning may differ a bit from pure musical scalings.
Initialize
<Init> <ON/OFF>
If you set this parameter to <ON>, all sound parameters of the bass drum are immediatly initialized.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
InitOFF Ed B123
» Note : Only the edit buffer of the bass drum in initialized which means that nothing is stored to user memory! This yields the same for all other instruments.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 27
Snare Drum
Tune
<Tune> <000-127>
Controls the basic tone of the snare drum oscillators.
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
Tune O5OSnapp126 Ed B123
Snappy
<Snapp> <000-127>
Controls the noise part of the snare drum signal.
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
TuneO5OSnapp122 Ed B123
Decay
<Decay> <000-127>
Controls the length of noise decay.
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
Decay1O5DetunOOO Ed B123
Detune
<Detun> <000-127>
This parameter detunes both snare drum oscillators.
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
Decay1O5DetunOOO Ed B123
28 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Metal Noise A
<MtNzA> <000-127>
Metal Noise is a variation of pure white noise which applies to the analogue sound production.
There is one noise generator that feeds the instruments Bass Drum,
Snare Drum, Low Tom and High Tom and the noise variation of Hi
Hat with filter.
This implies that the change of this parameter also affects the other instruments! But the instruments Snare Drum and Hi Hat show this effect most intensely.
Two values generate a digital metallic noise pattern rich of overtones by 2-phase bit cancellation of 2 instable oscillators.
This has been done according to the old vintage drum machines (eg.
CR78, TR808) which used a mix of high frequent specially distorted oscillators as noise in order to create the typical metallic singing of cymbals and hi hat.
Because both values Metal Noise A and B strongly affect each other by comb filter effects, the verbal description of it becomes rather difficult. We encourage you to experiment a bit!
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
MtNzAO56MtNzBO98 Ed B123
» Note : If both parameters Metal Noise A and B are cranked down to zero, the XBASE 888 turns back to normal white noise.
Metal Noise B
<MtNzB> <000-127>
See Metal Noise A.
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
MtNzAO56MtNzBO98 Ed B123
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 29
Noise Tune
<NoiTu> <000-127>
With this parameter you can control the noise colour. If Noise Tune is turned to 0, the noise signal is shut off. Now you only listen to the oscillators which is suitable for creating analog percussion instruments sounding similar to a rim shot, cow bell or a tom tom.
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
NoiTu022Level127 Ed B123
Level
<Level> <000-127>
Controls the volume of the snare drum.
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
NoiTu022Level127 Ed B123
» Note
: This is the individual volume of the instrument stored along with the current kit, not the global instrument volume which is also controlled in
Master Mode (see page 19).
Velocity
<Veloc> <ON/OFF>
If this parameter is set to <ON>, the volume of the snare drum is controlled by the received note on velocity.
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
VelocON Init OFF Ed B123
Initialize
<Init> <ON/OFF>
If this item is set to <ON>, immediatly all snare drum parameters are initialized.
It’sX888 OOOSnar PerfOO1
VelocOFFInit ON Ed B123
» Note
: Only the edit buffer is initialized, means nothing is stored!
30 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Low Tom
Tune
<Tune> <000-127>
Basic tone of the Low Tom oscillator.
It’sX888 OOOLoTo PerfOO1
Tune O7ODecay044 Ed B123
Decay
<Decay> <000-127>
Controls the decay time.
It’sX888 OOOLoTo PerfOO1
Tune O7ODecay044 Ed B123
Pitch Envelope
<PitEv> <000-127>
This parameter determines the ”form“ or time constant of the pitch envelope curve. It’s the envelope that sets in after triggering and modulates the decaying pitch of the low tom oscillators.
This is one of the most responsible parameters for the sound shape of the low tom tom.
A low value lets the curve roll off quickly and produces low toms with a short attack whereas high values let it roll off slowly and create a
“piiooo” sound.
It’sX888 OOOLoTo PerfOO1
PitEv122Level127 Ed B123
» Note : this parameter is adressed to the encoder with printing
Detune/Sample!
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 31
Level
<Level> <000-127>
Controls the volume of the Low Tom.
It’sX888 OOOLoTo PerfOO1
PitEv122Level127 Ed B123
» Note : This is the individual volume of the instrument stored along with the current kit, not the global instrument volume which is also controlled in
Master Mode (see page 19).
Velocity
<Veloc> <ON/OFF>
If this parameter is set to <ON>, the volume of the Low Tom is controlled by the received note on velocity.
It’sX888 OOOLoTo PerfOO1
VelocON Init OFF Ed B123
Inititialize
<Init> <ON/OFF>
If you set this parameter to <ON>, all sound parameters of the low tom tom are immediatly initialized.
It’sX888 OOOLoTo PerfOO1
VelocON Init OFF Ed B123
» Note : Only the edit buffer of the low tom tom is initialized which means that nothing is stored to user memory!
32 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
High Tom
Tune
<Tune> <000-127>
Basic tune of the High Tom oscillator, which is higher than that of the
Low Tom.
It’sX888 OOOHiTo PerfOO1
Tune O7ODecay126 Ed B123
Decay
<Decay> <000-126>
Controls the decay time.
It’sX888 OOOHiTo PerfOO1
Tune O7ODecay126 Ed B123
Pitch Envelope
<PitEv> <000-127>
This parameter determines the ”form“ or time constant of the pitch envelope curve. It’s the envelope that sets in after triggering and modulates the decaying pitch of the high tom oscillators.
This is one of the most responsible parameters for the sound shape of the high tom tom.
A low value lets the curve roll off quickly and produces high toms with a short attack whereas high values let it roll off slowly and create a “piiooo” sound.
It’sX888 OOOHiTo PerfOO1
PitEvO35Level127 Ed B123
» Note : this parameter is adressed to the encoder with printing
Detune/Sample!
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 33
Level
<Level> <000-127>
Controls the volume of the High Tom.
It’sX888 OOOHiTo PerfOO1
PitEvO35Level127 Ed B123
» Note : This is the individual volume of the instrument stored along with the current kit, not the global instrument volume which is also controlled in
Master Mode (see page 19).
Velocity
<Veloc> <ON/OFF>
If this parameter is set to <ON>, the volume of the High Tom is controlled by the received note on velocity.
It’sX888 OOOHiTo PerfOO1
VelocON Init OFF Ed B123
Inititialize
<Init> <ON/OFF>
If you set this parameter to <ON>, all sound parameters of the high tom tom are immediatly initialized.
It’sX888 OOOHiTo PerfOO1
VelocON Init OFF Ed B123
» Note : Only the edit buffer of the high tom tom is initialized which means that nothing is stored to user memory!
34 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Sample Based Instruments
While Bass Drum, Snare Drum and Tom Toms are generated by pure analog circuitries, the instruments Hi Hat, Clap, Crash and Ride are based on 8 bit samples. Each sample voice runs through an analog
VCA with an own envelope.
These VCA envelopes are identical for each voice and can be edited by the parameters Attack, Peak Time and Decay.
The VCA envelope
The Attack level parameter determines the attack intensity of the envelope. The lower the attack level is the quicker the sound rises in level. Please note that you need to set Peak Time to a value greater than 0 when the Attack level is greater than 0. Otherwise the envelope will not rise before decaying, resulting in a weak signal.
The Peak Time determines the length of the attack phase.
The Decay parameter determines the lenght of the decay phase.
If the Peak Time parameter is turned to 0, the decay phase starts immediately after triggering of the instrument. You obtain the shortest envelope when you turn Peak Time to 0 and adjust a very short decay.
level
Attack
- Level
- - - - - Peak time - - - - - - Decay - -
XBASE 888 Operating Manual
time
35
Hi Hat
The Hi Hat instruments have some special circuits build in: after the envelopes there is placed an analog resonant HP/LP filter which can be inserted into the signal path.
Alternatively to the samples white noise can also be used as a sound source which turns this instrument into a true analogue instrument again.
Open and Closed Hi Hat are only playable once at a time, not together.
Tune
<Tune> <000-127>
Controls the speed of sample play back. This adjustment affects either the closed as the open Hi Hat!
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
Tune O5OCHAtt000 Ed B123
» Note : Inital value is 50 which plays the sample back in the same tune as recorded.
Closed Hi Hat Attack
<CHAtt> <000-127>
Controls the attack intensity of the closed Hi Hat. High values may be used for instance to slowly fade in a reversely played sample.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
Tune O5OCHAtt008 Ed B123
» Note : You have to make Peak Time also greater than 0 when Attack is greater than 0. Otherwise the envelope will not reach the highest peak before the decay sets in, resulting in a weak signal.
36 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Closed Hi Hat Decay
<CHDec> <000-127>
Controls the length of the decay phase.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
CHDecOO7CHPkt002 Ed B123
Closed Hi Hat Peak Time
<CHPkT> <000-127>
Controls how long the Closed Hi Hat envelope remains open before the decaying phase starts. When the Peak Time value is great, you can hear the changes in attack level very clearly. A change on decay time might then be only recognizeable very little because the sample may be played back already when decay phase sets in. This is also dependend on the playback speed (Tune).
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
CHDecOO7CHPkt009 Ed B123
Open Hi Hat Attack
<OHAtt> <000-127>
Controls the attack intensity of the Open Hi Hat. High values may be used for instance to slowly fade in a reversely played sample.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
CHAtt000OHDec016 Ed B123
Open Hi Hat Decay
<OHDec> <000-127>
Controls the length of the decay phase.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
CHAtt000OHDec1O6 Ed B123
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 37
Open Hi Hat Peak Time
<OHPkT> <000-127>
Controls how long the Open Hi Hat envelope remains open before starting the decaying phase.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
OHPkt001SmpleSO6 Ed B123
Hi Hat Sample Select
<Smple> <909/808/CR7/JMX/S05-S31>
You can choose from 31 samples total. The hi hat sample selection affects either the open as the closed hi hat.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
OHPkt000SmpleCR7 Ed B123
» Note : The first four samples are fixed and the rest of them can be reloaded by the user by MIDI download. For this purpose Jomox provides a sample editor tool that can be downloaded for free on the Jomox website www.jomox.com
Reverse Play
<Revrs> <ON/OFF>
ON - The samples of Closed and Open Hihat are played back reverse.
OFF - The samples ar played back normal.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
RevrsOFFSourcNOR Ed B123
38 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Source
<Sourc> <NOR/FIL/NOI>
The source parameter decides which signal is to be routed to the HH filter and VCA.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
RevrsOFFSourcNOR Ed B123
At your choice:
NOR (Normal) The Hi Hat samples go directly into the VCA and bypass the filter section.
FIL (Filtered) The Hi Hat samples go first into the HH filter and then into the VCA.
NOI (Noise) Instead of samples white noise is led into the filter and then goes into the VCA.
Low Pass Filter Cutoff
<CutLP> <000-127>
On a value of <127> the low pass filter is maximum opened. At lower values more high frequencies are filtered away (more dull).
Both filters form a band pass. Tweak both part filters to yield your desired result.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
CutLPO79CutHPO13 Ed B123
» Note : The hi hat filter only works when parameter Source has been set to either FIL (Sample -> Filter) or NOI (Noise -> Filter).
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 39
High Pass Filter Cutoff
<CutHP> <000-127>
<127> means that almost all low frequencies are filtered. If you lower this value, low frequencies become louder and the tone stronger. A high pass filter filters the low frequencies away.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
CutLPO79CutHPO13 Ed B123
» Note : Both filters form a bandpass. Tweak the part bands to get your desired result.
If Cut LP = <127> and Cut HP = <000>, the filter has its largest bandwidth.
This filter, however, is optimized for hi hat sounds and has therefore a limited bandwidth that cuts about above 1khz even with maximum adjustment.
Filter Resonance
<Reson> <000-127>
This parameter controls the resonance of the resulting band pass filter. <000> means that the filter doesn’t have resonance.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
ResonO23Level127 Ed B123
Level
<Level> <000-127>
Controls the volume of the hi hat.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
ResonO23Level127 Ed B123
» Note : This is the individual volume of the instrument stored along with the current kit, not the global instrument volume which is also controlled in
Master Mode (see page 19).
40 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Velocity
<Veloc> <ON/OFF>
If this parameter is set to <ON>, the volume of the hi hat is controlled by the received note on velocity.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
VelocON Init OFF Ed B123
Initialization
<Init> <ON/OFF>
If this item is set to <ON>, immediatly all parameters are initialized.
It’sX888 OOOHiHa PerfOO1
VelocOFF Init ON Ed B123
Clap, Rim, Crash and Ride
The parameter sets of Clap, Rim, Crash and Ride are equal. For this reason, the parameters are described only for the Clap section as an example.
Tune
<Tune> <000-127>
Controls the tune or better the speed of Clap/Rim/Crash/Ride sample play back.
It’sX888 OOOClap PerfOO1
Tune 050 Attac000 Ed B123
» Note : Inital value is 50 which plays the sample back in the same tune as recorded.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 41
Attack
<Attac> <000-127>
Controls the attack intensity of the Clap/Rim/Crash/Ride envelope.
High values may be used for instance to slowly fade in a reversely played sample.
It’sX888 OOOClap PerfOO1
Tune 050 Attac000 Ed B123
» Note : You have to make Peak Time also greater than 0 when Attack is greater than 0. Otherwise the envelope will not reach the highest peak before the decay sets in, resulting in a weak signal.
Decay
<Decay> <000-127>
Controls the length of the decay phase.
It’sX888 OOOClap PerfOO1
Decay050PeakT000 Ed B123
Peaktime
<PeakT> <000-127>
Controls how long the Clap/Rim/Crash/Ride envelope remains open before starting the decaying phase.
Hiermit bestimmen Sie, wie lang die Clap Hüllkurve offen bleibt, bevor die Decay Phase beginnt.
It’sX888 OOOClap PerfOO1
Decay050PeakT009 Ed B123
» Note : When the Peak Time value is high, you can hear the changes in attack level very clearly. A change of decay time is then only recognizeable very little because the sample may be played back already when decay phase sets in. This is also dependend on the playback speed (Tune).
42 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Reverse Play
<Revrs> <ON/OFF>
ON - The samples of Clap/Rim/Crash/Ride are played back reverse.
OFF - The samples are played back normal.
It’sX888 OOOClap PerfOO1
RevrsOFFSmpleS11 Ed B123
Sample Selection
<Smple> <909/808/CR7/JMX/S05-S31>
You can choose from 31 samples total.
It’sX888 OOOClap PerfOO1
RevrsOFFSmpleS11 Ed B123
» Note : The first four samples are fixed and the rest of them can be reloaded by the user. Jomox provides a sample editor tool that can be downloaded free of charge at www.jomox.com
Please find the fixed samples in the following table:
Smple\Instr. Clap
S01
Rimshot
808 Clap 1 808 Clav.
S02
S03
808 Clap 2 808 Rim
Crash
808 Cym.1
Ride
808 Cowb.
808 Cym.2 808 Cym.3.
CR78 Clav. CR78 Cowb. CR78 Cym. CR78 Guiro
Crash Ride S04
Level
Hand Clap Rimshot
<Level> <000-127>
Controls the volume of the sample.
It’sX888 OOOClap PerfOO1
Level127VelocON Ed B123
» Note : This is the individual volume of the instrument stored along with the current kit, not the global instrument volume which is also controlled in
Master Mode (see page 19).
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 43
Velocity
<Veloc> <ON/OFF>
If this parameter is set to <ON>, the volume of the
Clap/Rim/Crash/Ride is controlled by the received note on velocity.
It’sX888 OOOClap PerfOO1
Level127VelocON Ed B123
Initialize
<Init> <ON/OFF>
If this item is set to <ON>, immediatly all parameters are initialized.
It’sX888 OOOClap PerfOO1
Init Off Ed B123
44 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
The LFOs
Note: The LFOs can only to be reached over the menu, not by assigned knobs. Move the cursor to the instrument selection and turn the (data) knob until <LFOs> appears. Now you can navigate all parameters with the cursor and change them by (data) encoder.
The XBASE 888 contains 2 digital LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators).
With these you can modulate the pitch of all instruments.
Furthermore, you can modulate the filter cutoffs of the Hi Hat filter.
LFO1 Waveform
<L1Wav> <Sup/Sdo/TRI/RCT>
This parameter selects the waveform for LFO1.
It’sX888 OOOLFOs PerfOO1
L1WavTRIL1DesFCL Ed B123
Following waveforms are available:
Sup -
Sdo -
Rising sawtooth
Falling sawtooth
Tri -
RCT -
Triangle
Rectangle
LFO1 Destination
<L1Des> <BDt/SDt/LTt/HTt/HHt/FIL/CPt/RMt/CRt/RDt>
Selects the parameter which is modulated by LFO1. You can choose between:
It’sX888 OOOLFOs PerfOO1
L1WavTRIL1DesFCL Ed B123
BDt Bass Drum Tune
SDt Snare Drum Tune
LTt Lo Tom Tune
HTt Hi Tom Tune
HHt Hi Hat Tune
HHF Hi Hat Filter Cutoff
CPt Clap Tune
RMt Rimshot Tune
CRt Crash Tune
RDt Ride Tune
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 45
LFO1 Intensity
<L1Int> <000-127>
Controls the modulation intensity of LFO 1. If <L1Int> is set to
<000>, LFO 1 is shut off.
It’sX888 OOOLFOs PerfOO1
L1IntOOOL1RatO24 Ed B123
LFO1 Rate
<L1Rat> <000-127>
Controls the speed of LFO1. The absolute speed is also dependent from the BPM parameter in Master Mode because the LFO is driven by the main sequencer.
It’sX888 OOOLFOs PerfOO1
L1IntOOOL1RatO24 Ed B123
LFO2 Waveform
<L2Wav> <Sup/Sdo/TRI/RCT>
This parameter selects the waveform for LFO2.
It’sX888 OOOLFOs PerfOO1
L2WavTRIL2DesFCL Ed B123
Following waveforms are available:
Sup - Rising sawtooth
Sdo -
Tri -
RCT -
Falling sawtooth
Triangle
Rectangle
46 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
LFO2 Destination
<L2Des> <BDt/SDt/LTt/HTt>
Selects the parameter which is modulated by LFO2. You can choose between:
It’sX888 OOOLFOs PerfOO1
L2WavTRIL2DesFCL Ed B123
BDt Bassdrum Tune
SDt Snaredrum Tune
LFO2 Intensity
<L2Int> <000-127>
LTt Lo Tom Tune
HTt Hi Tom Tune
Controls the modulation intensity of LFO2. If <L2Int> is set to
<000>, LFO2 is shut off.
It’sX888 OOOLFOs PerfOO1
L2IntO1OL2RatO39 Ed B123
LFO2 Rate
<L2Rat> <000-127>
Controls the speed of LFO2. The absolute speed is also dependent from the BPM parameter in Master Mode because the LFO is driven by the main sequencer.
It’sX888 OOOLFOs PerfOO1
L2IntO1OL2RatO39 Ed B123
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 47
Syncronization of LFO1
<L1Syn> <ON/OFF>
If this parameter is set to <ON>, LFO1’s wave is restarted by the instrument‘s trigger assigned to as modulation destination. If set to
<OFF>, no syncronization occurs.
It’sX888 OOOLFOs PerfOO1
L1SynON L2SynOFF Ed B123
Syncronization of LFO2
<L2Syn> <ON/OFF>
If this parameter is set to <ON>, LFO2’s wave is restarted by the instrument’s trigger assigned to as modulation destination. If set to
<OFF>, no syncronization occurs.
It’sX888 OOOLFOs PerfOO1
L1SynOFFL2SynON Ed B123
48 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Midi Mode
Here you can find some important parameters for the Midi communication.
Receive Channel
<RcvCh> <001-016>
Selects the Midi receive channel 1..16.
RcvCh001TxmCh001
BdumpGO!BloadGO! _
Transmit Channel
<TxCh> <001-016>
Selects the Midi transmit channel 1..16.
RcvCh001TxmCh001
BdumpGO!BloadGO! _
Bulk Dump
<Bdump> <GO!>
With this function you can transmit all patterns and drumkits into an external midi device by a Sysex bulk dump.
RcvCh001TxmCh001
BdumpGO!BloadGO! _
»
Note : Samples are not sent!
This can be e.g. a sequencer or a computer. If you have activated the record function on your receiving device, please press (ENTER) to start the transmission.
During transmission of the bulk dump the display shows the following:
RcvCh001TxmCh001
BdumpBSYBloadGO! _
About a minute later the unit will inform you that the dump is finished:
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 49
Operation Complete
Midi Dump executed _
Bulk Load
<Bload> <GO!>
With this function you can receive patterns and drum kits from another midi device, e.g. a computer running the Jomox SysEx dumper tool.
RcvCh001TxmCh001
BdumpGO!BloadGO! _
Press (Enter) to enable the reception of an XBASE 888 compatible
Midi dump. The display shows <RDY> and the XBASE 888 waits until it receives the correct bulk dump.
RcvCh001TxmCh001
BdumpGO!BloadRDY _
» Note : Now you can start the Sysex dump on your external device, e.g. computer or other MIDI device.
The progress of dump receipt is displayed by step and knob LEDs which light up in a row after a certain number of received bytes.
Transmit Program Change
<TxPgch> <ON/OFF>
This parameter selects if the program change command is sent on a drum kit change or not.
RcvCh001TxmCh001
TxPrgOFFTxCtrOFF _
50 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Transmit MIDI Controllers
<TxCtr> <ON/OFF>
If this item is set to <ON> Midi Control Changes (CCs) are sent if you change instrument parameters.
RcvCh001TxmCh001
TxPrgOFFTxCtrOFF _
» Note : Please find the list of CCs in the midi implementation table in the appendix.
Transmit MIDI Note Triggers
<TxTrg> <ON/OFF>
If this parameter is set to <ON>, the firmly assigned Midi notes of the instruments are sent as 5ms long note triggers.
RcvCh001TxmCh001
TxTrgOFFTxClkOFF _
» Note : This adjustment has no effect to the programmable Midi Tracks as described in Chapter 2nd Function: (16) Midi Tracks.
Below here is the list of the fixed note numbers that can also be found in the appendix. Please note that the assignment of these fixed note triggers cannot be edited.
XBASE 888 Instr. Midi Instr. Note No. Note
Kick Drum
Snare Drum
Lo Tom
Hi Tom
Closed Hi Hat
Open Hi Hat
Clap
Rim Shot
Crash
Ride
Bass/Kick Drum 36
Electric Snare 40
Low Floor Tom 41
High Floor Tom 43
Closed Hi Hat 42
Open Hi Hat 46
Clap
RimShot
Crash
Ride
39
37
49
52
C1
E1
F1
G1
F#1
A#1
D#1
C#2
D2
E2
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 51
Transmit MIDI Clock
<TxClk> <ON/OFF>
If this parameter is set to <ON>, MIDI clock gets sent at the MIDI out to syncronize hooked up Midi devices in slave mode.
RcvCh001TxmCh001
TxTrgOFFTxClkON _
52 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
The Sequencer
Perform Mode
Press the (PERF) button to enter the Perform Mode. This mode is used for selection, playing back and programming of patterns.
Opposing to the Pattern Mode you can’t record or play back sound changes within a pattern. You can only hear one sound for each instrument. But you can edit the sound parameters in realtime during the sequencer is running.
Selection of Drum Kits
If you were not currently editing a parameter in Edit Mode, you can use the (Data/Tempo) encoder to select a drum kit. If you are currently in a parameter menu, press the (Edit) or (Master) button to let the cursor jump to the drum kit selection – or press and hold
(until autorepeat) the (Left) cursor button to move the cursor all to the left. There are 256 drum kits (000-255).
Perform Play Mode
A maximum of 64 patterns are storeable in memory which are organized in 4 banks 16 pattern each. You can switch between the banks by pressing the (Bank) button. The currently selected bank is shown by the respective (Bank LED). By the 16 (Step) buttons you can choose a pattern within the current bank. Alternatively, you can use the (Up)/(Down) buttons for a bank independent selection of patterns. The selected (Step LED) lights up and the display shows:
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfO12
Tune 102PitchO3O Ed B123
Pattern as bank changes can be performed whilst the sequencer is running. The changes are only taken on wrap-around to the new
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 53
pattern.
By pressing the (Start) button you start the sequencer. With the
(Stop) button you stop it.
» Note : Does the sequencer not run? Check the clock source settings!
( Should be set to <INT>)
A/B Pattern
Each pattern consists actually from 32 steps.
They are organized in 2 x 16 steps though, called A and B pattern.
A/B
A B
Therefore it is possible to create 2 variations of a pattern that can be easily toggled by pressing the (A/B) button which is shown by the
A/B LEDs. There is also an alternating play mode to let you create a two bar pattern (see A/B Playmode). In this mode, the currently played LED is lit up steadily while the LED selected for editing is blinking.
After clearing of the pattern (see 2 nd
functions (2) clear pattern), there is an automatic copy function from part A to B.
Every editing that is made in pattern A is automatically copied to pattern B unless the A/B switch has been pressed for the first time after clearing.
This is useful for creating a basic drum beat, and after completion just switch to part B and make little variations of part A.
This internal copy function is regardless of the A/B playmode.
54 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Perform Write Mode
This mode is used for programming of patterns and for editing of instrument parameters.
To enter the Perform Write Mode please press the (Perf) button (in case you were not in Perform Mode already) and press the (Write) button.
PERF PATT SONG WRITE
Programming of Patterns in Perform Write Mode
Basically, patterns can be programmed in 2 different ways. The first choice is to use the step sequencer where each 16 th
is assigned to a step button. When the sequencer is running, a green LED shows the currently played position. The second choice is to record it live (see
Realtime Write).
This section describes the first option. First you should define the scale and length of the pattern as this defines the resulting measure.
Scale
D
C
B
A
The (Scale) button switches between
A 16 th
(Last Step=16)
B
C
D
32 th
(Last Step=32) A/B pattern double time
8 th
Triplets (Last Step=12)
16 th
Triplets (Last Step=24) A/B pattern double time
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 55
The (Scale Bars) that are printed above the (Step LEDs) indicate where the quarter downbeats of the selected scale are.
The Scale function also changes automatically the functions A/B
Playmode and Last Step.
Please note that Scale C and D still form a 4/4 measure, only the beats between the downbeats are triplets.
The initialized pattern has following structure:
Scale:A(16 th
) Last Step:16 A/B Playmode:fix
That makes it a 4/4 measure with 16 th
notes.
» Tip : If you have selected scale B 32 th
, the A/B Playmode is automatically set to alternating (see P.) You have now 32 steps total in a playtime of a regular 16 th
pattern, and the higher and lower 16 steps of the 32 steps can be selected by the A/B button.
Selecting Instruments
C C# D D# E
BASS DRUM SNARE DRUM LOW TO M HIGH TO M C LOS ED HI HAT
With the (Instrument) keys you can select the instrument track to be edited. Each instrument has its own track and its own step programming. Of course you can switch between these whilst the sequencer is running. The 16 (Step) LEDs above the buttons indicate on which steps the selected instrument is played (the playing LEDs light up red).
56 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Setting or Clearing Steps – Programming Beats
Each (Step) button is assigned to a rhythm note. Set or clear the rhythmic notes in your selected instrument track by pressing the desired (Step) buttons.
A
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
The running green LED shows which note is currently played by the sequencer. The fixed red 16 LEDs show if the note is played at this pointer or not.
If you have selected for instance 16 th
scale (A), so every (Step) button will resemble a 16 th
note. 16 steps make it a 4/4 measure.
Other measures like e.g. ¾ are also possible, you have to change the number of steps to 12 in this case (see Last Step ).
Editing of Instrument Parameters
First make sure that you are in Edit Mode. This is displayed by an
<Ed> in the LCD.
In case not, press the (Edit) button and press the (Write) button.
It’sX888 OOOKick PerfOO1
Tune 102PitchO3O Ed B123
Now the (Edit Encoders) are assigned to sound parameters of the selected instrument. The LEDs next to the 16 (Edit Encoders) indicate by green light if the respective (Edit Encoder) has a parameter assigned to. When you select another instrument by pressing one of the (Instrument) keys, the assignment of the (Edit
Encoders) changes immediatly. If you edit a parameter, the display will show the changed value and jump to the parameter position in
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 57
the edit menu. To hear what you are doing, you can either work with a running sequencer or go back to Perform Play Mode by pressing the (Write) button again and trigger the (Instruments) keys of the last selection manually. The selected instrument edit region will stay in play mode unless you re-establish the Write Mode which automatically selects bass drum first.
So if you want to edit a desired instrument in Perform Play mode, you have to change quickly into Write mode, select the (Instrument) key and go back to play mode by pressing (Write) again.
Now you can play and tweak at the same time.
Usage of Drum Kits
When you are editing an instrument, you only change a temporary memory, the so-called ”edit buffer”. In this memory block all sound parameters are managed. In order not to to have to make your effortfull edited instruments from scratch again each time, you can store the edit buffer as a Drum Kit.
The XBASE 888 contains 256 memory locations for drum kits.
You can recall a drum kit by scrolling the (Data/Tempo) knob.
DATA / TEMPO
It’sX888 OO0Kick PerfOO1
Tune 102PitchO3O Ed B123
This copies the selected preset memory into the edit buffer. If you are not in the highest (leftmost) cursor position, press the left cursor button to reach the leftmost cursor position where preset selection takes place. Pressing the (Edit) button yields the same result.
» Note : If you select another drum kit, the old sound memories in the edit buffer are overwritten! Don’t forget to store your drum kit if you like to keep it! (See Kit Store P.)
58 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Muting Instruments
Tune Pitch
BD Mute/ Vol
Attack
1
HH Mute /Vol
5
Harmonics
SD Mute/V ol
Decay
2
CLP Mute/Vol
6
Snappy
LT M ut e/V ol
Peaktime
3
RIM Mute/V ol
7
LP Cutoff
HT Mute/Vol
HP Cutoff
4
CR H Mut e/Vol
8
9
R ID Mute/Vo l
At any time and in any mode, you can mute the instruments by clicking on one of the displayed encoders 1-9. When the instrument is muted, the corresponding LEDs blinks red.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 59
60
Pattern Mode
The Pattern Mode - like the Perform Mode – is used for programming and playing back of rhythmic patterns, only difference is that every sound parameter can be stored and played back for each step individually. You can think of the pattern mode like a chained row of
16 drum kits that are selected and played back in realtime.
Pattern Play Mode
Works the same like the Perform Play Mode (see Perform Play Mode)
Pattern Write Mode
You can reach the Pattern Write Mode by pressing (Write) whilst you are in pattern mode.
PERF PATT SONG WRITE
XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Individual Step Edit
With this function you are able to create a different sound programming for each step of an instrument track. You can either select one or more steps in this mode.
A
STOP
1
Store
Kit
2
Clear
Pattern
3
Store
Pattern
4
C C# D
BASS DRUM S NARE DRUM LOW TOM
To enter the Individual Step Edit Mode for steps, press and hold the desired (Instrument) key and press the desired (Step) button(s) at the same time. The selected step LEDs start to flash indicating the
Individual Step Edit Mode. The instrument tracks can be switched as used, and the Individual Step Edit steps remain until the Write Mode is left which automatically resets the Individual Step Edit steps.
Now you can edit or select drum kits in the selected steps by the
(Edit Encoders) until you are satisfied.
All steps that are in Individual Step Edit Mode access to the edit buffer (see p. Usage of Drum Kits). So if you change that edit buffer by selecting another drum kit, the edit buffer gets automatically copied into the selected steps when the running sequencer LED comes across this step.
If a bass drum track, for instance, has selected step 1 and 9 in the
Individual Step Edit Mode, only on these steps the sound will change to the scrolled drum kit and the other remain unchanged. Also tweakings by the (Edit Encoders) only affect the selected steps.
If you are ready with your editings, leave the Individual Step Edit
Mode by holding the (Instrument) key and pressing the (Step)
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 61
button again. The step LED stops to flash and the step is locked again. If you have selected a number of steps, it might be easier to leave the Individual Step Edit Mode by pressing (Write) which resets all steps together to the locked state.
Track Record Mode
With the Pattern Track Record function you can edit all steps of an instrument track in a running pattern at the same time. To activate this function, hold the (Instrument) key and press the (Write) button at the same time which is indicated by a flashing write LED.
WRITE
A#
BASS DRUM
C#
SNARE DRUM LOW T OM
D
HIGH TOM
D# E F
CLOSED HI HAT OP EN HI HAT CLAP
F#
RIM SHOT
G
CRASH
G#
RIDE
A
If you now turn the knobs of the selected instrument, all the programmed steps of this track are overwritten with the edits you make. If you want to record dynamic sound scapes, you have to leave the Write Mode by pressing (Write) quickly after a successfull pattern loop, because on the next loop all steps would be overwritten again.
62 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Song Mode
Song Mode is a function that is of higher order than the Perform or
Pattern mode and can be used with both of them.
You activate it by pressing the (Song) button – the Song LED lights up - and leave it by pressing this button again.
It’sX888 OOOKick SongOO1
Pa001 Te196 RpOOO StpOOO
PERF PATT SONG WRITE
In Song Mode single patterns are arranged to playlists. This is made by so-called Song Steps that are similar to a script which is calling high order functions. In a Song Step the following information can be stored:
•
"Name XXX " - The selection of the currently played Perform
Kit (only active in Perform Mode)
•
<PaXXX> - The selection of the currently played pattern.
•
<TeXXX> - The tempo of the currently played pattern.
•
<RpXXX> - The number of repetitions of the actual pattern.
•
<StpXXX> - The number of the current Song Step in the playlist.
The song always starts with step 0. If you press the start button, the song plays the list step by step in ascending order and executes the programmed instructions.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 63
On playback the repetitions (Repeats) are counted down and when the number jumps to 0, the next Song Step will be loaded.
The maximum number of repetitions in a Song Step is 254. One repeat always plays back a full pattern, that means 2 bars if it is A/B alternating programmed or one single bar if it is either on A or B programmed.
The maximum number of Song Steps is limited to 255.
You can program up to 20 different songs which you can select by the (Up) / (Down) buttons. The Song No. is displayed on the right side in the LCD display.
Init Kit O21Kick SongOO1
Pa001 Te120 RpOOO StpOOO
You can program Song Steps either manually or in real time.
64 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Song Mode Manual Programming
By means of the Cursor buttons you can select the different parameters of a Song Step and change them with the data encoder.
Although the editing is read out in realtime and can be made during playback, it may happen that the list jumps to the next Song Step if you i.e. lower the number of repeats whilst it counts down.
Thus, for manual editing the sequencer should be stopped. To store the value into the Song Step memory, the (Write) button has to be pressed beforehand.
In Song Mode the write LED is always flashing in order to indicate that you are in Song Mode.
The Pattern Write Mode is not affected by this and can even be used in parallel with some limitiations…for instance to edit single instruments by encoders during live performance while the song is playing.
An example: If you want to repeat say pattern “6“ 8 times, you set the cursor to Pa and press (Write) - the LED blinks.
Now turn (Data) encoder to 6. You could also use step button 6 to select the pattern – it has the same function in Song Mode.
It’sX888 OOOKick SongOO1
Pa006 Te120 RpOO8 StpOOO
Then you move the cursor to Rp and change the number of repetitions to 008.
You have to press (Write) again to leave the write mode in order not to change the programmed settings.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 65
Move the cursor to Stp and select the next Song Step. Now maybe you want to repeat pattern “2” 4 times and change the tempo to 128
BPM and use another kit. Go ahead like above described, and press
(Write) before you edit the desired parameter.
Init Kit OO2Kick SongOO1
Pa001 Te128 RpOO4 StpOO1
As next Song Step you program the end. Increase Stp to 2, and program Rp to 0. The number of 0 repetitions defines the song end which is displayed as <FIN>.
Init Kit OO2Kick SongOO1
Pa001 Te128 RpOOO StpFIN
After editing, please don’t forget to leave the Write Mode. Now press
(Start), and the song gets played back. On reaching of Song Step 2 the song is finished.
66 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Song Mode Realtime Programming
You can also record songs in realtime and edit the single steps later.
First set the desired pattern that you want to have as first and adjust the tempo and kit like you do with the manual programming.
Because the first Song Step is stored immediatly on starting, you should have taken these settings before you go to start.
Now press (Write) button.
In Song Mode this LED always flashes to indicate that you are in Song
Mode.
Only now you press the (Start) button.
Automatically the current settings are stored in Song Step 0 and the repetitions <Rp000> are reset to 0 internally.
If you now watch the value of repetitions RpXXX, you will find that it counts up (instead of down) after every played pattern. After the first play there is a 001 in that value, after the second a 002 and so forth.
Init Kit O92Kick SongOO1
Pa003 Te123 RpOO1 StpOOO
Let the pattern repeat as often as you want. Then choose another pattern by pressing a step button. If it is stored in another bank, first choose the bank and then the step number.
You can also move the cursor to Pa0XX and select the pattern by turning the (Data) encoder.
After the current pattern has played back, the display jumps automatically to the next Song Step:
Init Kit O92Kick SongOO1
Pa002 Te123 RpOOO StpOO1
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 67
Now you can let it count up as many bars as you wish and then decide to record another pattern.
Before the last pattern has completely played back the desired number of runs you have to select the new pattern.
This way you can easily create playlists of patterns simply by switching to another pattern after a certain number of played patterns.
Automatically a new Song Step is created in the list.
Moreover, every input of kit selection, pattern selection and tempo change creates a new Song Step while in Realtime Song Write Mode.
So you can use this function to easily create complex songs.
When you are finished with realtime song recording, press the (Stop) button and stop the sequencer. The current Song Step is internally set to 0 repetitions and hereby determined as the end of the song.
Only now leave the Song Write Mode by pressing (Write) button. The song gets stored, and if you move the cursor to <StpXXX> you can scroll every Song Step by the (Data) encoder from 0 to the <FIN> symbol.
You can manually edit the list at any time as described in the past section.
68 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Defining Loops
Instead of having a song with start and end you can also define a song with a start and an infinite loop with free loop points at your choice.
Edit the song in stopped mode as described in Song Mode Manual
Editing.
Choose the Song Step where the loop should start, which is mostly the song end.
Now press the (Write) button to enter the Song Write Mode.
Move the cursor to Repeats RpXXX and lower the value to 0
(<StpFIN> appears right of it) and then turn it once again left until
<LOP> appears. The display Stp shows again the current Song Step.
Init Kit O92Kick SongOO1
Pa002 Te123 RpLOP StpO19
Now you move the cursor right to the step selection and adjust the desired loop point to which the loop should jump to after reaching the endpoint. Because this has to be less or equal to the endpoint (right limit of time axis), you can only adjust values smaller than the current Song Step.
Init Kit O92Kick SongOO1
Pa002 Te123 RpLOP StpO19
Don’t forget to leave Write Mode again after editing.
If you now play back this song, it is not finished automatically, but endlessly jumps back to the programmed loop start after reaching the loop point. This is a very useful function for live perfomances.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 69
2nd Functions
SHIFT/CANCEL
1
Store
Kit
2
Cle ar
Pa ttern
3
Store
Pattern
4
A/B
Play Mode
5
Last
Step
6
Shuffle
7
Real Tim e
Write
8 9
Stere o
Panning
10
Spl it
Mode
11
Cloc k
Select
12
Metron.
13 14 15
LFO
Pag e
16
Midi
Tracks
Each of the 16 (Step) buttons corresponds to a second function.
When you press the (Shift/Cancel) button, all 16 red LEDs flash.
By pressing the desired (Step) button you can enter the desired menu. The orange indicated printing below the (Step) buttons informs you about the assigned function.
To cancel the shift function press (Shift/Cancel) again, and the display reads “Command aborted“. After about 2 seconds, the LEDs stop to flash and the menu returns to the leftmost cursor position.
Store Kit (1)
With this function you store the current drum kit to a memory location. In Performance Mode all instrument parameters are managed in a shared edit buffer. That means, if you have edited all the instruments to your satisfaction, all these sound parameters share the same volatile buffer. To keep this edit buffer, you have to store it to memory by the Store Kit function.
Press (Shift/Cancel) and then (Step 1). Now the display shows:
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
Store drum kit? Shif120
Choose the desired target kit (if not the old) by scrolling the
(Data/Tempo) encoder and confirm the task with (Enter). By this technique, you can easily copy kits to other memory locations without changing the old drum kit.
Init Kit OO2Kick PerfOO1
Drum kit stored Ed B120
70 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Clear Pattern (2)
With this function you can clear the pattern edit buffer. The whole pattern is managed in a temporary edit buffer as well. To clear it, first choose it.
Press (Shift/Cancel) and then (Step 2). Now the display shows:
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
Clear pattern? Ed B120
Just confirm with the (Enter) button, and the pattern in edit buffer gets erased. As long you don’t store it, the old pattern in memory remains unchanged.
Store Pattern (3)
This function is used for storing the pattern edit buffer to memory locations.
Press (Shift/Cancel) and then (Step 3). Now the display shows:
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
Store pattern? Ed B120
With the (UP) and (DOWN) buttons you have now the chance to choose different memory locations. If you are ready with your choice, hit (Enter) and the pattern gets stored.
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
Pattern stored Ed B120
Tip: this function may be also used to copy patterns. If you want eg. copy pattern 3 to pattern 4, just choose pattern 3, then the Store Pattern function and then select pattern 4 with the (UP) button and confirm with (Enter), done. Now patterns 3 and 4 are identical. (If pattern 4 wasn’t empty before, it is overwritten now, of course...)
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 71
A/B Playmode (4)
With this function you decide how both alternative patterns A and B are played back. You can choose between <FIX> and <ALT>. In
<FIX> position you can choose between pattern A and B by pressing
(A/B). The firmly lighting LEDs show which pattern is selected.
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
A/B Play M.= ALT Shif004
If <ALT> was chosen, both patterns are played back alternately forming them into an actual 32 step pattern. To be able to edit them while the sequencer is running, you can choose with the (A/B) button which part pattern is to be edited by (Step) buttons. The editable A/B LED flashes, while the played back A/B LED lights up firmly.
Last Step (5)
With function Last Step you can change the number of steps of a pattern. You can choose a number from 1 to 16 steps. Default value is 16.
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
Last Step = 016 Shif005
The Last Step information is only stored in the edit buffer and has to be stored to memory for further recall.
72 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Shuffle (6)
With (Shift) + (Step 6) you enter the shuffle programming function.
The display shows:
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
Shuffle Track? ShifOO6
Choose a track by hitting an (Instrument) key.
The display shows: x>x>x>x>x>x>x>x>
PerfOO1
O2O2O1O1O1O1O1O1 ShifOO6
The upper row shows if a step is played in time, is pulled forward or lagged in units of 1/192 th
. These symbols are used:
< X > the step is not shifted
< ← > the step is shifted to the left (played early)
< → > the step is shifted to the right (played lagged)
The number shows the intensity of deviation of normal time.
If you scroll the (Data/Tempo) knob, you can alter all even steps (2,
4, 6, a.s.o.) at once similar like a swing factor in order to create a typical shuffle. If you hit cursor left, you can choose the uneven steps.
But you can also change each step individually. For this, each of the
16 (Encoders) is assigned to a step.
An example: if you want to shift step 3 at 3/192 th
early, you only have to turn (Encoder 3) to the left until the display reads the wanted -3.
With this function you can individually shift single steps in different instrument tracks within the chosen grid (see scale) to program grooves of any kind. The default range is: –6 pulled forward to +5 lagged (+6 would be the earliest step of the neighboured beat).
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 73
Realtime Write (7)
This function is useful for live recording of instruments. You have to be either in Perform Write or in Pattern Write mode. Activate the
Realtime Write function with (Shift) + (Step 7). The display shows:
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
Real Time Write ShifOO7
Start the sequencer and record your drum pattern by playing the instrument keys. During the realtime recording a metronome is playing. It is an 808 Rimshot and the 1 is played louder than the other beats.
To stop recording press (Shift/Cancel).
» Note : As with manual step editing, only the edit buffer is recorded. You have to store it or the pattern is discarded on the next pattern selection.
74 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Stereo Panning (9)
The keys (Shift/Cancel) + (Step 9) activate the Stereo Panning function which controls the stereo pan position of the instruments in the main mix except for the bass drum.
The display shows the following:
c<c>cc>cStereo PerfOO1 x x xx x
Pan ShifOO9
Following symbols are used:
<←> left pan
<→> right pan
<c> center position
< > shows the intensity of L/R panning
The (Encoders) 1..9 assigned to the instruments control the pan position. When all editings are done, leave the function with (Enter).
Split Mode (10)
By pressing (Shift/Cancel) + (Step 10) you enter the Split Mode function. Two different modes are at your choice:
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
Split Mode = SM1 ShifO1O
<SM1> The bass drum is only played on standard note C1 and is played with the internal pitch.
<SM2> The bass drum pitch and other instruments are played over the whole keyboard, and the pitch is taken from the key note.
For the assignment see the Midi Implementation in the appendix.
Confirm your selection with (Enter) or quit with (Shift/Cancel).
» Note : To play the bass drum in musical semitones, the Scale parameter must be set to <SEM>! (See p. )
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 75
Clock Select (11)
With (Shift/Cancel) + (Step 11) you are entering the Clock Select menu. You can decide if the XBASE 888 uses its internal clock or if it is syncronized to an external midi clock master.
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
Clock Source INT ShifO11
<INT> Internal clock. The XBASE 888 generates its own clock and puts out midi clock on the midi out port (if enabled in TxClk). Connected midi slave devices can syncronize to the XBASE 888.
<MID> External midi clock. The XBASE999 syncronizes to an external midi clock signal.
Confirm your selection with (ENTER) or quit with (Shift/Cancel).
» Note : If clock select is set to <MID>, the sequencer of the XBASE 888 will not react to the start button, but only start if it receives a proper midi clock signal!
Metronome (12)
Here you can turn on or off the metronome for Real Time Write mode.
With the (Data/Tempo) encoder you can select <ON> or <OFF>.
Init Kit OOOKick PerfOO1
Metronome = OFF ShifO12
Here you can turn on or off the metronome for Real Time Write mode.
With the (Data/Tempo) encoder you can select <ON> or <OFF>.
Confirm your selection with (ENTER) or quit with (Shift/Cancel).
76 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
LFO Page (15)
With (Shift/Cancel) + (Step 15) you are entering the LFO menu .
Alternatively you can reach this menu in Edit Mode by using the
(Left) and (Right) cursor. (See Edit Mode p.22)
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 77
Midi Tracks (16)
By pressing (Shift/Cancel) + (Step 16) you are entering the Midi
Tracks. With these you can create up to 4 different midi tracks in a
16 th
grid in order to play external midi devices like synthesizers or samplers. You can either use them on 4 different channels to play up to 4 different monophonic sound devices or use them on one channel to play polyphonic chords on one external synthesizer.
After selecting an empty track the display shows the following:
Sta ChO1 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
C 5 Trk1
On first selection of Midi Tracks, you are automatically in Write Mode on track 1.
Press the desired steps on which a midi note is to be played.
The step LED and the corresponding LED at the edit encoders 1..16 lights up.
Also in the LCD display the steps are displayed:
Sta ChO1
_xxx_xxx_xxx_xxx
C 5 Trk1
By the individual (encoders) 1..16 that correspond to the step buttons 1..16 you can control the note pitch of the selected step.
Right next to the 16 th
step row the display shows the current note pitch and octave in alphanumerical fashion, and the bar shows the note (the height resembles the 12 halftones) within an octave. The possible range goes from C1 to D#6, this is a bit more than 5 octaves.
Sta ChO1
_xxx xxx xxx_xxx
F#3 Trk1
If you move the cursor across the bars you can display the programmed note of a step at any time. The bar display is only a
78 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
rough display of the 12 halftones that doesn’t show the octave.
If you move the cursor to the extend of the 16 bars, you can edit the parameters stakkato/legato and the midi channel.
Leg ChO3
_xxx xxx xxx_xxx
C#1 Trk1
In play mode stakkato (Sta) all notes are played independently of the pitch as single 16 th notes.
In play mode legato (Leg) neighboured notes that have the same pitch (also the same octave) are bound and played as a long note. So you can also create different note lenghts as 8 th
(2 steps), pointed 8 th
(3 steps), quarters (4 steps) a.s.o. in your midi track.
All editings on the midi tracks can be made whilst the sequencer is running. So you can instantly hear how the melody or the effect track on your hooked up midi device sounds.
If you want to make another mono track, press the snare drum button. Now you can create another independent midi track as described above.
Sta ChO1 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
C 5 Trk1
If track 2 is on the same midi channel as track 1, both tracks are played polyphonical on the hooked up synthesizer if that is able to do this.
Thus, with maximum 4 tracks you can program maximum 4 times polyphonic chords.
But you can also control up to 4 different mono synthesizers on separate midi channels.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 79
The 4 tracks are to be chosen by the buttons Bass Drum, Snare Drum,
Low Tom and High Tom.
For creative usage of controlled midi synthesizers during live performance, you can mute the tracks by click on the encoders 10-13.
On muted midi tracks the corresponding LED blinks red. The mute function is independently of other menu levels available at any time.
Harmonics Pulse Detune/Sample Resonance
R ID Mute/Vo l
Noise
9
M ID I 1 Mute
10
MIDI 2 Mute
11
MIDI 3 Mute
12
13
MIDI 4 M ute
To leave the Midi Track edit page, press the Enter button.
» Note : Don’t forget to save the pattern, because all editings are only made in the edit buffer and get lost after a pattern change.
80 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Appendix
MIDI Implementation XBASE 888
1. Sound Parameter (Continuous Controllers)
BASS DRUM
Tune
Pitch
Decay
Harmonics
Pulse
Noise
Attack
EQ
Gate time
Compression
BD Level
CONTROLLER
NO.
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
99
98
117
SNARE DRUM CONTROLLER
NO.
Tune
Snappy
108
109
Decay
Detune
Noise Tune
SD Level
110
111
112
118
LOW TOM
Tune
Decay
LT Level
CONTROLLER
NO.
12
13
14
VALUE
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-7
0-127
0-127
0-127
VALUE
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
VALUE
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
INTERNAL
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-7
0-15
0-127
0-127
INTERNAL
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
INTERNAL
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 81
HIGH TOM
Tune
Decay
HT Level
CONTROLLER
NO.
15
16
17
HI HAT
Tune
CH Attack
CH Peaktime
CH Decay
OH Attack
OH Peaktime
OH Decay
HH Level
HHF Cutoff HP
24
25
59
HHF Cutoff LP 60
HHF Resonance 61
HH Source
Reverse
Sample select
62
62
63
CONTROLLER
NO.
18
19
20
21
22
23
VALUE
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
VALUE
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
32-34
20-21
0-30
CLAP
Tune
Attack
Peaktime
Decay
CLP Level
Reverse
30
62
Sample select 63
CONTROLLER
NO.
26
27
28
29
INTERNAL
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
VALUE RANGE INTERNAL
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
22-23
32-62
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
Off, On
S01-S31
INTERNAL
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
Nor, Fil, Noi
Off, On
S01-S31
82 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
RIM SHOT
Tune
Attack
Peaktime
Decay
RIM Level
Reverse
48
62
Sample select 63
CONTROLLER
NO.
44
45
46
47
CRASH
Tune
Attack
Peaktime
Decay
CRH Level
Reverse
53
62
Sample select 63
CONTROLLER
NO.
49
50
51
52
RIDE
Tune
Attack
Peaktime
Decay
RID Level
CONTROLLER
NO.
54
55
56
57
58
Reverse 62
Sample select 70
VALUE RANGE INTERNAL
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
24-25
64-94
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
Off, On
S01-S31
VALUE RANGE INTERNAL
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
26-27
96-126
0-127
Off, On
S01-S31
VALUE RANGE INTERNAL
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
28-29
0-30
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
Off, On
S01-S31
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 83
Snare
LoTom
HiTom
HH
Clap
Rim
Crash
Ride
MUTE GLOBAL
Bass
Snare
LoTom
HiTom
HH
Clap
Rim
Crash
Ride
STEREO PAN
CONTROLLER
NO.
93
93
93
93
93
93
93
93
93
VALUE
RANGE
31,32
33,34
35,36
37,38
39,40
41,42
43,44
45,46
47,48
CONTROLLER
NO.
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
VALUE
RANGE
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
0-127
84
INTERNAL RANGE
Off, On
Off, On
Off, On
Off, On
Off, On
Off, On
Off, On
Off, On
Off, On
INTERNAL RANGE
0-127 64=Center
0-127 64=Center
0-127 64=Center
0-127 64=Center
0-127 64=Center
0-127 64=Center
0-127 64=Center
0-127 64=Center
XBASE 888 Operating Manual
LFO 1
Wave Free
Wave Sync
Destination
CONTROLLER
NO.
75
75
76
VALUE RANGE
0-3
4-7
0-11
INTERNAL RANGE
Sup, Sdo, Tri, Rct
Sup, Sdo, Tri, Rct
BDt, SDt, LTt, HTt,
HHt, HHF, CPt,
RMt, CRt, RDt
0-127
0-127
Intensity
Speed
77
78
0-127
0-127
LFO 2
Wave Free
Wave Sync
Destination
CONTROLLER
NO.
79
79
80
VALUE RANGE
0-3
4-7
0-5
Intensity
Speed
81
82
0-127
0-127
# Store Instruments via Midi Controller #
INTERNAL RANGE
Sup, Sdo, Tri, Rct
Sup, Sdo, Tri, Rct
BDt, SDt, LTt, HTt
0-127
0-127
By sending value 64 of Midi Controller no. 62, instruments can be stored.
----------------------------------
Storing of instruments via
Controller 62 • Value: 64
# Bankselect Command #
To select a bank via midi bankselect command, you have to send a program change command after the bankselect command. Only then the bank will be changed.
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 85
2. Note Commands
XBASE 888
Instrument
Kick Drum
Snare Drum
Lo Tom
Hi Tom
Cl. Hi Hat
Cl. Hi Hat lang
Open Hi Hat
Clap
Rim Shot
Crash
Ride
Midi Instr.
Name
Note
Number
Bass/Kick Drum 36
Electric Snare 40
Low Floor Tom 41
High Floor Tom 43
Closed Hi Hat
Pedal Hi Hat
Open Hi Hat
Clap
Rim Shot
Crash
Ride
42
44
46
39
37
49+50
52+53
Note
C1
E1
F1
G1
F#1
G#1
A#1
D#1
C#2
D2+C#2
E2+F2
3. Sysex Commands
The unit channel equals to the midi channel.
Preset bulk dump
$F0(SysEx begin), $31(JoMoX-manufact. code), $7F(Command Sys Ex dump),
$59(Product code), $0X(Unit Channel),XX(Data0),XX(Data1),..., $F7(End of
SysEx)
OS bulk dump
$F0(SysEx begin), $31(JoMoX-manufact. code), $7F(Command Sys Ex dump),
$59(Product code), $1X(Unit Channel),XX(Data0),XX(Data1),..., $F7(End of
SysEx)
86 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
Flash bank bulk dump
$F0(SysEx begin), $31(JoMoX-manufact. code), B01xx xxxx(Flash bank 7..61),
$59(Product code), $2X(Unit Channel),XX(Data0),XX(Data1),..., $F7(End of
SysEx)
Flash bank erase command
(must come before a flash bulk dump)
$F0(SysEx begin), $31(JoMoX-manufact. code), $0D, $79, B00xx xxxx(Flash bank 7..61), $F7(End of SysEx)
Dump request command
$F0(SysEx begin), $31(JoMoX-manufact. code), $0E, $59, $F7(End of SysEx)
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 87
Specifications
- 9 instruments: Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Hi Tom, Low Tom, Hi
Hat, Clap, Rim Shot, Crash, Ride.
- Analog kick, toms, snare.
- 5 sample based instruments with analog VCA envelope.
- 31 samples per instrument (HH has 2 Samples) per instrument - 155 total.
- HH Filter: In the hihat section an extra analog filter may be inserted. Signal source can be either sample or noise. HP/LP cutoff are adjustable, resonant capable.
- LFOs: 2 of which are assignable to different parameters
- Own samples can be uploaded by the Jomox Editor
- Midi: Midi In, Midi Out, Midi Thru
- Inputs: Filter Stereo In
- Outputs: 10 individual outs, stereo mix, headphone
- Output Level: about +4dBu at max. volume on all outputs
- 18 encoders
- Phones Volume
- LCD Display 2x 24 Characters
- 10.5V 2A ~AC external power supply
- Metal steel enclosure
- Wooden end cheeks
- Weight 5kg
88 XBASE 888 Operating Manual
More information about our products are available at JoMoX GmbH
In the Internet www.jomox.com
By Mail :
JoMoX GmbH
Körtestr. 10
D-10967 Berlin
Germany
By Fax +49-(0)30-61702574
Or email [email protected]
We hope that you’d have lots of entertainment, joy and timeless awareness with our prodcuts.
Thanks for eventual feedback!
Cheers,
Jürgen Michaelis
Berlin, 2008
Editor: Jürgen Michaelis
XBASE 888 Operating Manual 89

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Key features
- 9 instruments, 4 analog synthesizers
- Classic step sequencer with step LEDs
- MIDI clock sync and shuffle mode options
- 4 programmable MIDI tracks to trigger external instruments
- Remote control via other MIDI-capable devices
- Pattern Mode to control sound settings for each step
- Sample-based instruments with different samples per step