FOOTSWITCH CONTROL. Akai XR20

FOOTSWITCH CONTROL

Now that we have the basics down, let's investigate some live performance options using footswitch control. This is particularly useful if you're playing along with Patterns and Songs on the pads and can't use your hands to punch buttons.

There are two jacks for footswitches (Start/Stop and Count/A/B/Fill). Always plug these footswitches in before turning on power. Either normally open or normally closed types (the two most common footswitch types) can be used; the XR20 determines which kind is in use during power-up.

Here's how to use the footswitches:

SET TEMPO

The XR20 must be stopped. Before playing a Song or Pattern, tap the Count/A/B/Fill jack footswitch several times at the desired tempo. The XR20 will average the time between taps and derive a tempo, the display will update the tempo with each tap. Tapping the TAP TEMPO button accomplishes the same result as tapping the Count/A/B/Fill footswitch.

START A SONG OR PATTERN

When the XR20 is stopped, pressing the Start/Stop footswitch is equivalent to pressing PLAY. When the XR20 is running, pressing the Start/Stop footswitch is equivalent to pressing STOP.

INITIATE A FILL WHEN PLAYING PATTERNS

When playing patterns, the Count/A/B/Fill footswitch duplicates the FILL button function.

CANCEL A TRANSITION FROM A TO B, OR B TO A, PATTERNS

When you initiate a Fill, an A Pattern will transition to a B pattern (or vice-versa) when the Fill has finished playing. However, you can cancel this transition if desired. We've already explained how to do this with the front panel FILL button. However, you can also use the Count/A/B/Fill footswitch. If you press the footswitch before the fill has finished playing and hold it down until after the fill has played (i.e, past the downbeat of the next Pattern), the XR20 will return to the original Main A or B Pattern.

EXTEND A SONG STEP WHEN PLAYING BACK A SONG

During Song playback, pressing and holding the Count/A/B/Fill footswitch until past the end of a Song

Step will cause that step to repeat. This is great if the soloist wants to take a few more bars.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information, please see the XR20 Reference Manual. Additional information may also be found on www.akaipro.com.

For technical support:

EMAIL: [email protected]

PHONE: 1-401-658-4032 (U.S.)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Main and Aux outputs:

Samples:

Pads:

MIDI:

THD+N ~0.004% @ 1.38KHz

32MB 16 bit, max 44.1kHz sample rate uncompressed PCM

12 velocity-sensitive pads

In, Out/Thru

Power:

Weight:

Input 12VDC 500mA, center pin is ground

6 AA batteries, 1.5V nominal each

0.94 kg

Dimensions: 250mm (W) x 195mm (D) x 50mm (H)

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