Behringer TD-3-MO-SR Analog Bass Line Synthesizer User Manual

1. Introduction

The Behringer TD-3-MO-SR is an analog bass line synthesizer and sequencer designed to produce classic electronic dance music sounds. This instrument features an all-analog signal path, a 16-step sequencer, transistor wave-shaping circuitry, a built-in arpeggiator, and a 4-pole resonant lowpass filter. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your TD-3-MO-SR to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

2. Setup

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection

Carefully remove the synthesizer from its packaging. Inspect the unit for any signs of damage during transit. Retain the packaging for future transport or storage.

2.2 Power Connection

• Connect the included power adapter to the DC input jack on the rear panel of the TD-3-MO-SR.
• Plug the power adapter into a suitable electrical outlet. Ensure the power switch on the unit is in the OFF position before connecting to power.

2.3 Audio Connections

• Connect the AUDIO OUT jack (1/4" TS) on the rear panel to the input of your mixer, audio interface, or amplifier using a standard instrument cable.
• For private monitoring, connect headphones to the PHONES jack (1/4" TRS) on the front panel.

2.4 MIDI and USB Connections

• For MIDI control, connect MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports to your MIDI interface or other MIDI devices using standard 5-pin DIN MIDI cables.
• Connect the USB port to your computer using a USB cable for MIDI over USB and for use with the Synthtribe application for pattern management and firmware updates.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Powering On and Initial Playback

• After all connections are made, switch the power button to the ON position.
• Adjust the VOLUME knob to a suitable level.
• Press the START/STOP button to begin playback of the currently selected pattern.

3.2 Mode Selection

The TD-3-MO-SR operates in different modes, selected via the MODE switch:

• PLAY: For playing existing patterns and tracks.
• WRITE - PATT: For creating and editing individual patterns.
• WRITE - TRK: For arranging patterns into full tracks.

3.3 Pattern Creation Basics

In WRITE - PATT mode, you can input notes, accents, and slides using the keyboard buttons and dedicated function buttons. Refer to the "Controls and Features" section for detailed descriptions of each control.

4. Controls and Features Overview

The Behringer TD-3-MO-SR features a comprehensive set of controls for sound shaping and sequencing. Below is an overview of the main control sections.

Figure 4.1: Front panel layout of the Behringer TD-3-MO-SR Analog Bass Line Synthesizer, showing all knobs, switches, and buttons.

4.1 Oscillator Section

• LEVEL (HIGH/MID/LOW): Adjusts the overall output level of the oscillator.
• SUB OSC: Engages or disengages the sub-oscillator for added low-end presence.
• WAVE (OFF/SQUARE/SAW): Selects the oscillator waveform: OFF, Square wave, or Sawtooth wave.

4.2 Filter Section

• TUNE: Fine-tunes the pitch of the oscillator.
• CUTOFF: Controls the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter. Lower values result in a darker sound.
• RESONANCE: Boosts frequencies around the cutoff point, creating a more pronounced and sometimes "squelchy" sound.
• ENVELOPE: Adjusts the amount of envelope modulation applied to the filter cutoff.
• DECAY: Sets the decay time of the filter envelope.
• ACCENT: Controls the intensity of the accent effect on notes.
• FILTER FM: Modulates the filter cutoff frequency.
• FILTER TRACKING: Determines how much the filter cutoff tracks the played note's pitch.
• OVERDRIVE: Adds distortion and saturation to the output signal.

4.3 Envelope and Gate Controls

• SOFT ATTACK: Controls the attack time of the amplifier envelope.
• NORMAL - DECAY - ACCENT: These controls likely relate to the decay characteristics of the envelope, possibly affecting how long notes sustain or how accents are shaped.
• GATE: A switch or knob related to the gate time of notes.

4.4 Sequencer and Performance Controls

• TEMPO (SLOW/FAST): Adjusts the playback speed of the sequencer.
• TRACK PATTERN GROUP (I-IV): Selects the group of patterns for track arrangement.
• MODE (WRITE TRK/PLAY/WRITE PATT): Selects the operational mode for sequencing (Track Write, Play, Pattern Write).
• SLIDE TIME: Controls the duration of the slide effect between notes.
• SWEEP ACCENT SPEED SWEEP (FAST/SLOW, HIRES): Controls the speed and resolution of the accent sweep.
• VOLUME (MIN/MAX): Master output volume control.
• MUFFLER (0-2): A unique control, likely affecting the tone or filter in a specific way.
• ACCENT (Red Button): Manually triggers an accent.
• D.C. BAR RESET / CLEAR: Resets the current bar or clears pattern data.
• RAND: Generates a random pattern.
• START/STOP: Initiates or halts sequencer playback.
• BAR: Selects the current bar in a pattern.
• FUNCTION (NORMAL MODE): Activates secondary functions of the keyboard buttons.
• PITCH MODE (INT/MIDI/USB/TRIG/1PPS/2PPQ/24PPQ/48PPQ): Selects the clock source or pitch input mode.
• Keyboard Buttons (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C): Used for note input and also serve as function buttons (DEL, INS, CH, COPY, PASTE).
• TIME MODE (TRANSPOSE DOWN/UP, ACCENT, SLIDE): Controls for transposing patterns, adding accents, and slides in time mode.
• STEP (1-0): Selects individual steps within a pattern.
• PATTERN SECTION (A/B, 100/200): Selects different sections or banks of patterns.
• SYNC (D.S.): Synchronization options, possibly for external clock.
• WRITE/NEXT: Saves the current pattern/track and moves to the next.
• TAP: Tap tempo input.

4.5 Rear Panel Connections

• FILTER IN / FILTER FM IN / FILTER CV IN: Inputs for external control of the filter.
• ACCENT IN / SLIDE IN / GATE IN / CV IN: Inputs for external control of accent, slide, gate, and control voltage.
• SYNC IN / ACCENT OUT / GATE OUT / CV OUT / FILTER OUT / PHONES: Synchronization input, and outputs for accent, gate, control voltage, filter, and headphones.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning

To clean the unit, use a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth with mild soap can be used, ensuring no liquid enters the unit. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.

5.2 Storage

Store the TD-3-MO-SR in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. If storing for extended periods, it is recommended to disconnect the power adapter.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 No Sound Output

• Check if the power adapter is securely connected and the unit is powered on.
• Ensure the VOLUME knob is turned up.
• Verify that audio cables are correctly connected to the AUDIO OUT jack and to your mixer/amplifier.
• Confirm that a pattern is playing (START/STOP button LED should be active).

6.2 Sequencer Not Playing

• Ensure the unit is in PLAY mode.
• Check the TEMPO knob setting.
• Verify that the selected pattern contains notes.
• If using external sync, ensure the SYNC source is correctly configured and sending a clock signal.

6.3 Connectivity Issues (MIDI/USB)

• Ensure all cables are securely connected.
• Check MIDI channel settings on both the TD-3-MO-SR and your external device/software.
• For USB, ensure the correct drivers are installed on your computer (if required by Behringer). Consider using the Behringer Synthtribe application for diagnostics and updates.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Behringer website. For technical support, product registration, or to download the latest firmware and software (such as Synthtribe), please visit the Behringer support page.

You can find more information and products from Behringer at their Amazon store: Behringer Amazon Store.