MIDI TUBE GUITAR PRE-AMP OWNER’S MANUAL MP-2 (version 1) Originally written by ADA SIGNAL PROCESSORS, INC. Scanned and edited by Jur at 14 june 2002. Original ADA logo edited and rendered by Barend Onneweer of Raamw3rk.) The version of this manual is copyrighted and may not be sold or placed on a website without permission of the editor. Release No.1 for http://www.ada-mp1.
Contents Chapter 1 Introduction About This Manual MP-2Features Chapter 2 Quick Start. Chapter 3 Getting Started Unpacking and Installation Controls and Connectors Connecting the MP-2 Audio MIDI Chapter 4 Tutorial.
MIDI Function Menu Copy Presets to User Copy Single Programs Swap Programs Panel Mode Restore System Defaults Memory Protect Appendix A Specifications MP-2 MIDI Implementation Chart Appendix B MIDI and the MP-2 Appendix C Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Tips Audio Problems MIDI Problems Page: 3
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Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter describes this manual and lists the MP-2's features. Thank you for purchasing the ADA MP-2 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp. The MP-2 is the latest generation of ADA's programmable tube preamp technology, and contains more gain, processing options, MIDI functions, and professional features than any previous product. IMPORTANT: Please take the time to fill out and return the enclosed warranty card so that we may provide you with information on future software updates.
MP-2 Features Complete digital control of an all-analog signal path. 128 User programs plus 39 factory Preset programs. Two low-noise 12AX7A tubes with 10 tube voicing settings and overdrive. Onboard compressor for maximum sustain and funk squeeze. Four-band tone controls for basic tone shaping. Nine-band graphic equalizer for detailed tone adjustments. Powerful effects, including wah-wah, tremolo, and stereo chorus. Noise reduction circuitry to reduce unwanted hum and noise at high gain settings.
Chapter 2 Quick Start This chapter gives a brief procedure for immediate use of the MP-2. So you can't wait to plug in your new MP-2 and get some sounds. That's perfectly understandable, so here is the way to jump right in and get started. Once you get that far, you'll probably want to explore further. The Tutorial in chapter 4 takes you on a guided tour through the MP-2, showing the most important features and giving you an idea how to work with the unit.
Chapter 3 Getting Started This chapter explains all of the MP-2's controls and connections. Unpacking and Installation IMPORTANT: The MP-2 is designed to operate only at the voltage printed on the back panel. It is not possible to change over or adapt the MP-2 to operate at any other voltage. Please use an appropriate external voltage converter when attempting to operate the MP-2 in a country with a different AC line voltage.
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Front Panel (L to R) [1] Input Accepts unbalanced 1/4" phone instrument inputs. Maximum level: +12.2 dBV (3.4 volts RMS). This input overrides the rear panel input. [2] Output Level control Final adjustment of output level. Follows all software level controls. [3] Output Clip LED Indicates overload of output stage. [4] Room EQ control Applies tone shaping to compensate for the acoustic effects of different performing venues. Normal setting is straight up (12 o'clock).
[14] Edit functions When in Program Edit mode, the Bank Select, Number, and Preset/User buttons select the parameter sections indicated in the gray field above them. Rear Panel (R to L) [1] Input Accepts unbalanced 1/4" phone instrument inputs. Maximum level: +12.2 dBV (3.4 volts RMS). Plugging into the front panel input overrides this input. [2] Effects Loop A Send Level Switch Return (Insert) Carries channel A of signal following Stereo Chorus. Must be switched on in software to be active.
position, pin 1 of the balanced outputs is connected to circuit ground. In the LIFT position, pin 1 of the balanced outputs is disconnected from circuit ground. MIDI Connectors [10] Phantom Power Input which accepts AC power adapters for ADA MIDI footswitches and connects to pins 6 and 7 of the MP-2's MIDI In jack. When used in conjunction with the proper 7-pin DIN phantom power cable, allows ADA MIDI footswitches to be remotely powered.
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Audio Input • Connect instrument's unbalanced 1/4" phone output to the MP-2's front or rear panel input jack. If you are using a tuner for your instrument, plug the instrument into the tuner and connect the tuner's output to the MP-2's input. NOTE: The MP-2 's front panel input jack overrides the rear panel input. Signals going to the rear panel input will be disconnected if an input is connected to the front input jack.
MIDI The MP-2 is capable of responding to MIDI program change and continuous controller messages. It is recommended that a MIDI controller capable of accepting at least one footpedal (to be assigned in System Edit mode to Stereo Volume Controller) and one footswitch (to be assigned in System Edit mode to control the Tuner Mute function) be used, such as the ADA MXC.
Chapter 4 Tutorial This chapter gives a guided tour of the MP-2's basic functions in a series of lessons. Read this chapter to familiarize yourself with operating the MP-2. This chapter will introduce you to the basics of using the MP-2 and lead you step by step through the most important functions. Once you have completed the Tutorial, you will be able to create and store your own programs, as well as use the factory Preset programs, and use MIDI to control the MP-2.
MP-2 Modes The MP-2 has three operating modes: Play, Program Edit and System Edit. In Play mode, programs may be recalled for performance from the front panel or through MIDI. The MP-2 is in Play mode whenever it is in neither Program Edit nor System Edit mode. When neither the LEDs in the PRGM EDIT nor SYSTEM EDIT buttons are lit, the MP2 is in Play mode. In Program Edit mode, all of the settings (also called parameters) contained in a program can be adjusted.
System Edit Mode The System Edit mode display is essentially the same as the Program Edit mode display, but in many cases the parameters take the form of a question, asking if you wish to execute the named System function. These questions are answered by pressing the "A" ("Yes") or "v" ("No") button, indicated by an arrow pointing up.These up-facing arrows also sometimes indicate submenus or steps in a procedure.
Play Mode After the tubes have warmed up, the display will say something like this: Notice that the LEDs in the PRGM EDIT and SYSTEM EDIT buttons are both unlit. The MP-2 is now in Play mode. The top line indicates that the MP-2 is currently running User program 1, while the bottom line is the program's name.
Right now, the first 39 User programs contain the same settings as the 39 Preset programs. Of course, these User programs can be replaced at any time with modified versions, or other programs that have been copied to them or swapped with them. The Preset programs can be altered while they are running, but the Preset program locations cannot be stored into, so they always remain unchanged. To switch between User and Preset Programs • Press the PRESET/USER button on the right side of the front panel.
To move between parameter screens: • Press the ">" button repeatedly to reach a following screen; after stepping through all the parameters on the current screen, the next button press will step to the next screen. Similarly, the left arrow button is pressed repeatedly to reach preceding screens. To adjust the value of the selected parameter: Use the "∧" and "∨" buttons (up and down arrow) to modify the value of the selected parameter.
Selecting and Editing Parameters • Press the Tube Voicing button to select the Tube Voicing section. The button's LED will light up and the display will show: There are no arrows in the upper left or lower right corner; the Tube Voicing section has only one screen of parameters. • Press the "v" button twice to change the Tube Voicing value. The display shows: • Press the Drive & Master Level button to select the Drive & Master Level section.
Editing the Graphic EQ The Graphic EQ display is a little different from most of the other sections. Instead of using letters or numbers to show the value of a parameter, the Graphic EQ gives a simple visual plot that clearly indicates the whole equalization curve. • Press the Graphic EQ button to select the Graphic EQ section.
Naming User Programs At this point, it would be good to give this program a different name to distinguish it from the Preset it started out as. • Press the "PROGRAM TITLE" button to select the Program Title section. Editing in this section can be thought of in the same way as in other sections if you consider each character in the name as a parameter, the underline at the bottom as the cursor, and the choice of letters, numbers, and symbols as the available values.
• Press the "∧" button to answer "Yes." After answering "Yes," the MP-2 will ask for confirmation: • Press the "∧" button again to answer "Yes" and complete the store. To abort the store process and return to editing: • Press the PRGM EDIT button to reenter Program Edit mode. Select a section and continue editing. All parameters will be as they were when you first attempted to exit Program Edit mode.
then offer the chance to turn off memory protection: Press the "∧" button to answer '' Yes'' and turn off memory protection. The display will return to the confirmation message, only now it will allow the store to be completed. • NOTE: Once Memory Protect has been disabled in this fashion, it is no longer active unless reenabled in the System Edit mode. • Pressing the "v" button to answer "No" to the disable message returns you to the abandon message.
Using the Stereo Effects Loop The MP-2's Stereo Effects Loop provides a way to use the MP-2 with additional effects without requiring an external mixer. The side-chain design keeps the original ("dry") signal within the MP-2, and each channel has the capability of mixing the Effects Return ("wet") signal with the original. • Connect Effects Loop A Send to the left input of an external signal processor, and the output of the processor to Effects Loop A Return.
System Edit mode contains the MP-2's MIDI functions (except Real-Time MIDI, which will be discussed shortly), and system utilities such as the Copy and Swap Program features, Memory Protect and Panel Mode.It is organized as a main menu which is navigated in the same way as the parameter screens in Program Edit mode. Some menu selections have submenus or additional screens.
MIDI Parameters Setting the MIDI Channel The most basic MIDI parameter is setting the channel over which the MP-2 will send and receive MIDI data. • Press the "<" button twice so that the display shows: • Press the "∧" button to access the MIDI Function submenu. • Hold the "v" button down until the MIDI channel scrolls to "1". Making a MIDI Program Change Map The MP-2's MIDI Program Change Map lets any User program be recalled by any MIDI program change message.
With this mapping, sending MIDI program change number 10 to the MP-2 will cause User program 6 to be recalled. Using a MIDI Continuous Controller for Remote Editing One of the most powerful programming features of the MP-2 is its ability to be remotely programmed through MIDI. With the Pedal Edit feature, it is not necessary to be within reach of the MP-2 to adjust a parameter value in Program Edit mode; the pedal is used in place of the "v" and "∧" buttons.
• Connect a MIDI continuous controller, such as the ADA CCP/ MXC combination, to the MP-2's MIDI In. Be sure that the controller is set to the same MIDI channel as the MP-2. NOTE: If the MIDI Mismatch Warning feature in System Edit is set to "ON," the MP-2 will display the previously shown error message if it receives MIDI data on a channel other than its own. • Move the controller slightly.
NOTE: If the MIDI Mismatch Warning feature in System Edit is set to "ON," the MP-2 will display the previously shown error message if it receives MIDI data on a channel other than its own. • • Press the PRGM EDIT button to enter Program Edit mode. Press the "REAL-TIME MIDI" button to select the RTM section. The first screen sets the edit mode. Making RTM Assignments in Quick Mode • If RTM Edit Mode is not set to "Quick", press the "v" button once to toggle it from "Expert" to "Quick.
Chapter 5 Reference This chapter contains detailed explanations of every MP-2 function. Use it when you are trying to get information on a specific feature. Play Mode In Play mode Preset and User programs can be recalled, and real-time MIDI control is active. To select a Preset program: • Be sure the LEDs in all panel buttons are off. If the PRGM EDIT or SYSTEM EDIT button LEDs are lit, press the button to exit the edit mode and extinguish the LED.
this point "activates" the parameter. When there are multiple parameters assigned to a single controller, the controller will usually need to be "swept", or moved through its entire range, to activate all parameters. (This is also true when using RTM Preview in Program Edit mode.) Program Edit Mode In Program Edit mode, all sound parameters and MIDI parameters that are specific to each program are defined. To enter Program Edit mode: • Press the PRGM EDIT button. The LED will light.
then change to: The User program value shown is the last User program used by the MP-2. Note that only User programs are available for storing. • Use the BANK UP, BANK DOWN, and number buttons in the same fashion as recalling a program in Play mode to select a User program other than the one shown. • When the desired User program is selected, press the "∧" button to answer "Yes" to the query. The MP-2 will ask for confirmation: • Press the "∧" button again to answer "Yes" and complete the store.
Tube Voicing Selects basic character of tube sound by configuring the four tube stages and biasing them for the proper gain and interstage EQ. There are ten Voicings available: Table 1: Tube Voicings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Crystal Clean Spanky Clean Fat Clean Vintage Brown Warm Vintage Dynamic Vintage Warm Hi Gain Dynamic Hi Gain Ultimate Hi Gain Fat Hi Gain Drive & Master Level Controls amount of signal fed to tube preamp.Use Master Level to balance relative levels of different User programs.
Tone Controls The Tone controls give fast access to tonal shaping. Use the Tone controls to get a basic tonal sound and the Graphic EQ for more specific shaping needs. The actual frequencies affected by the Tone controls sometimes change with different tube Voicings to give the best sound. NOTE: Simultaneously pressing the "∧ " and "v " buttons resets the Tone Controls to flat response (all bands to 0 dB). Lo (+12/-12): Shapes the amount of low (bass) frequencies in the signal in 2 dB steps.
Sensitivity (0/100): Delay (0/100): Start Point (0/100): (Auto): Depth (0%-100%): Rate (0 Hz-10 Hz): End Point (0-100): Waveform (Sin/Tri): Found on screen 2, available only when Triggered Mode is selected. Sets the sensitivity of the trigger mechanism. Found on screen 2. available only when Triggered Mode is selected. Slows down the triggered sweep action. Found on screen 3 when Triggered Mode is selected. Sets the frequency in the filter at which the triggered sweep begins.
the signal off instantly and completely. In general, Fader mode is recommended for lower gain programs, and Gate mode for high gain programs. Status (In/Out): Mode (Fader/Gate): Threshold (0-100): Switches Noise Reduction in and out of the signal path. Selects the Noise Reduction operating mode. Found on screen 2. Signals exceeding the Threshold are heard unaltered, while signals below the Threshold are faded or gated to silence.
The name is kept as long as the MP-2 is in Program Edit mode, but is not permanent until the program is stored. Real-Time MIDI (RTM) In this section, MIDI continuous controller messages received by the MP-2 can be assigned to control parameters in real time. Up to sixteen assignments (also called "mappings") can be made; each assignment is called a "slot." A single controller can be mapped to control a number of different parameters, but each parameter can only be mapped to one controller.
The Real-Time MIDI Preview feature enables the effect of RTM assignments to be auditioned without leaving the RTM section or Program Edit mode. NOTE: Be sure a MIDI controller is properly connected to and set up to communicate with the MP-2 before attempting to work with RTM. RTM Edit Mode (Quick/Expert):Sets edit level for programming RTM. Macros In Quick mode, eight additional entries appear in the parameter picklist for continuous controllers.
To examine the components of a Macro: • Set RTM Edit Mode to "Expert". • Use the Slot parameter to view the parameter assigned to any slot. • Move the cursor to the Parameter setting. The display will briefly show the message, "THIS SLOT IS PART OF A MACRO" if it is a component of the macro. After the message disappears, the MP-2 will allow editing of the setting as usual. • Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each slot.
• Move the MIDI controller slightly. The MP-2 will detect the MIDI controller number and whether it is a switch-type or continuous controller, then assign it to the slot. The display will then show the parameter, if any, currently assigned to that controller. • Choose the parameter you wish to control from the picklist of available choices.
NOTE: If the controller is operated and its number does not appear in the Controller #parameter value check MIDI connections and verify that the controller and the MP-2 are set to the same channel. The MIDI Monitor function found on of the Reference chapter is very helpful for this type of troubleshooting. Sense(Forward/Reverse):Found on screen 3: active only when Parameter is not "Unassigned" and controller is continuous (not switch).
General procedure for making RTM assignments in Expert Mode: • Press the REAL-TIME MIDI button to enter the section if it is not already selected. • Set RTM Edit Mode to "Expert". • Select Slot to be programmed. • Select Parameter to be controlled. • Select MIDI Controller number. • Set the controller Sense. • Set the Minimum and Maximum allowable values for the parameter under control. • Check the operation of the mapping in Real-Time MIDI Preview.
MIDI Function Menu The MP-2's basic MIDI functions, as well as some of its most advanced ones, are accessed through the MIDI function menu. Unlike the other selections in the System Edit mode, the MIDI Function menu is not a single function, but a submenu of a number of functions.
Set MIDI Channel This parameter sets the MIDI channel over which the MP-2 will transmit and receive. It can be set to any of the 16 MIDI channels, ALL for Omni mode (responds to MIDI information arriving on any channel), or OFF to disable MIDI reception. NOTE: When the MP-2 's MIDI Channel is set to "All" or "Off", program changes are transmitted on channel 1. Edit MIDI Mapping The MP-2 can map (assign) each incoming MIDI program change number to recall any User program.
MIDI Mismatch Warning (On/Off) The most common cause of MIDI problems is having the MIDI controller and the MIDI "slave" device (in this case, the MP-2) not set to the same channel. When MIDI Mismatch Warning is set to "On," the MP-2 will warn you if it receives MIDI messages on a channel other than the one to which it is set. On: Off: The MP-2 will display the messages, "MIDI CHANNEL MISMATCH," "CHECK MIDI SETTINGS" if it receives MIDI messages on a different channel than its own.
NOTE: In order to receive a program or other System Exclusive messages, the MP-2 must be in Play mode Memory Protect "OFF." Pedal Edit Controller One of the MP-2's most powerful MIDI features is the ability to edit parameters remotely from a MIDI controller. The designated controller will vary the value of the currently selected parameter in Program Edit mode, making possible hands-free parameter editing.
mute control is enabled.lt is recommended that one of the MIDI switch controllers be used for this purpose, such as CC 64 (Sustain Pedal). NOTE: If the controller is operated and its number does not appear in the Controller #parameter value check MIDI connections and verify that the controller and the MP-2 are set to the same channel. The MIDI Monitor function is very helpful for this type of troubleshooting. Copy Presets to User The factory Preset programs can be reloaded into User programs at any time.
Swap Programs Programs may be swapped between any two User memories. To swap a program: • Press the up arrow to access the second screen. • Use the BANK UP, BANK DOWN, and number (0-9) buttons to select the source (SWAP:) location. • Use the right arrow to move the cursor to the destination (WITH:) parameter. • Use the BANK UP, BANK DOWN, and number (0-9) buttons to select the destination location. • Press the up arrow when the source and destination memories have been selected.
Restore System Defaults The default values for the System parameters listed here can be restored at any time: Restoring the System defaults also resets (unmutes) the Tuner Mute, and resets the Stereo Volume to full on (100%). To restore factory System default values: • Press the up arrow when the display shows the "RESTORE SYSTEM DEFAULTS?" message. The display will verify that the operation has been completed.
Appendix A Specifications Inputs (Front and Rear) Connectors: Maximum Input Level: Input Impedance: Unbalanced (TS) 1/4" phone. Front panel jack overrides rear panel jack. +12.2 dBV (3.4V RMS) 390 kilohms Stage Outputs Connectors: Unbalanced (TS) 1/4" phone Maximum Output Level: +11.1 dBV (3.6V RMS) into 600 ohms + 17.1 dBV (7.
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Appendix B MIDI and the MP-2 A brief discussion of the MIDI specification and the portions of it used by the MP-2. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is the means by which computer-based electronic musical instruments, such as synthesizers and samplers, and other related equipment can exchange information.
designed to work with those devices will recognize them.There have been several more structured additions to the MIDI spec that are defined as types of System Exclusive messages, but it is the original use that the MP-2 employs. It is the MP-2's System Exclusive implementation that lets libraries or programs be sent and received by the MP-2.Computer software programs called librarians store and retrieve this kind of information.
Appendix C Troubleshooting Some hints to aid in correcting problems. Problems happen, always at a critical moment when they can least be afforded. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of problems are simple in nature and usually involve no more than finding and correcting some oversight. Troubleshooting Tips The difference between quickly fixing a problem and becoming angry and frustrated lies mostly in the approach taken in troubleshooting.
Audio Problems Aside from the general suggestions given above, here are a few specific things to check for: Symptom Unit does not power up No sound, no signal LEDs No sound, LEDs OK Unwanted distortion Hum Possible Cause Not plugged in Not switched on Fuse is blown in unit Wall power is bad Problem with instrument Bad cable or connection going to MP-2 Some level parameter is set to zero.
