MFB-Tanzbär User Manual

Overview

Thank you for purchasing the MFB-Tanzbär. This document provides a comprehensive guide to its features and operation.

What is Tanzbär ("Dancing Bear")?

The Tanzbär is an analog drum computer featuring a sophisticated, pattern-based step sequencer. It incorporates advanced circuitry from MFB drum units MFB-522 and MFB-503, along with new features.

Tanzbär Functions:

• Sound Generation: 17 drum instruments with up to 8 tweakable and storable parameters. Individual level pots for each drum instrument and a master volume. Individual outs are available in pairs (except for claps). It also includes a simple synthesizer with one parameter each for lead and bass sounds.
• Sequencer: 144 patterns across 3 sets and 9 banks. 14 tracks for triggering drum instruments and 2 tracks for programming note events (MIDI and CV/gate output). It supports various time signatures through step number and scaling combinations. Features include A/B pattern toggle, Roll/Flam function, Chain function (pattern chaining), and Track mute function.

Programmable Functions (Per Track/Step):

• Track Functions: Track length (1-32 steps), Shuffle intensity, Track shift (micro delay).
• Step Functions (Drum Instrument): Step on/off, Accent level, Sound setting of the current instrument.
• Step Functions (CV Tracks): Step on/off (MIDI note-on/gate), Pitch (3 octave range via MIDI/CV), Accent level (bass track only), 2nd CV (bass track only).

Operation Modes:

• Manual Trigger Mode: Trigger instruments via step buttons or MIDI notes (with velocity). Access sound parameters via knobs or MIDI controller.
• Play Mode: Pattern selection, access to sound parameters via knobs, and access to play functions (A/B toggle, roll, fill, mute).
• Record Mode: Programming patterns in Manual, Step, or Jam modes.

Synchronization:

• MIDI clock transmission and reception.
• Sync signal (clock) and start/stop input/output; output clock divider.

The manual advises reading carefully to fully explore the instrument's capabilities.

The User Interface

The Tanzbär features numerous buttons, many with multiple functions depending on the selected mode. The following describes the general layout and button functions.

Diagram Description: The front panel diagram shows controls organized into sections: Tempo/Sound Parameter controls, Function Buttons (with specific functions listed for Play and Record modes), Step Buttons (with functions for Play and Record modes), and a central area for Pattern and Data controls.

• Function Buttons: Include Tempo, Sound-Parameter, Rec/ManTrg, Acc/Bnd, Start/Stop, Play, Roll/Flam, Chain, A/B, Shuffle, Select. Functions vary between Play and Record modes (e.g., Accent for Rolls in Play Mode, Accent/Bend/Flam in Record Mode).
• Step Buttons: Used for pattern selection, instrument selection, track selection, step selection, and parameter values depending on the mode.

Connections and Initial Operation

Rear Panel Connectors

• Power: Connect the included 12V DC wall adapter. Use the ON/OFF switch. Unplug when not in use. Use only the provided adapter or one with identical specifications.
• MIDI In1/MIDI In 2/MIDI Out: MIDI keyboards and controllers connect to MIDI In 1. MIDI In 2 is for MIDI clock synchronization. MIDI Out transmits note data.
• Audio Outs: One main stereo audio out and six additional instrument outs. Most instrument outs are stereo jacks carrying two signals each (except Clap, which is stereo). Using an instrument out cancels that sound from the main out. Connect the main out to a mixer or audio interface.

Audio Output Details:

• BD Out left: Bassdrum 1, right: Bassdrum 2
• SD/RS Out left: Snaredrum, right: Rimshot
• HH/CY Out: left: Open/Closed Hihat, right: Cymbal
• CP/Clap Out: The attack transients are spread across the stereo field.
• TO/CO Out: Three Toms / Congas spread over the stereo field.
• CB/CL Out: left: Clave, right: Cowbell

Top Panel Connectors

The top panel features a CV/gate interface for synchronization with vintage synthesizers, drum computers, and sequencers. It outputs control voltage (CV) and gate signals for note tracks, plus start/stop and clock signals.

• CV1: Output of pitch-CV track 1 (lead synthesizer).
• CV2: Output of pitch CV track 2 (bass synthesizer).
• CV3: Output of filter-control CV track 3 (bass synthesizer).
• Gate1: Output of gate signal track 1 (lead synthesizer).
• Gate2: Output of gate signal track 2 (bass synthesizer).
• Start: Sends or receives start/stop signal.
• Sync: Sends or receives clock signal.

Diagram Description: A block diagram shows connections: 12V DC power supply to the unit, MIDI keyboard/sequencer/soundmodule to MIDI In, Audio Mixer to Main Out, Analog Synthesizer to CV/Gate outputs, and MIDI-Notes/CV/Gate/Sync signals being transmitted.

Play / Manual Trigger Mode

This section covers playing back patterns and performing live on the Tanzbär.

Audition of Sounds

Upon powering up, the Tanzbär is in MANUAL TRIGGER MODE (Rec/ManTrg LED green). Sounds can be triggered via Step/Instrument buttons and tweaked using parameter controls.

Play Mode

To play patterns, the Tanzbär must be in PLAY MODE (Rec/ManTrg LED OFF). Patterns are selected using the Pattern and Step buttons.

Pattern Memory

The Tanzbär has a pattern memory with three sets (A, B, C), each containing three banks. Each bank holds 16 patterns, totaling 144 patterns. Set A includes factory patterns. Sets B and C are for user creations.

Pattern Selection

In PLAY MODE (Rec/ManTrig LED OFF), select patterns by holding Shift + Set A, then holding Shift + Bank to cycle through banks 1-3. Press a Step button to load pattern 1, 2, etc. Pattern changes occur on the next downbeat when the sequencer is running.

Pattern Playback

Press the Play button to start or stop the sequencer. This function also works when synced to MIDI clock.

Adjust Tempo

Hold Shift and move the Data knob to adjust tempo. Tempo changes are stored when the knob position matches the previous setting. The tempo range is approximately 60-180 BPM.

Play Mode Functions:

• Mute Function: Instruments can be muted using their corresponding Step/Instrument button. Muted instruments show a red LED.
• Accent Function: Sets accent levels (off, green, red) which affect the Roll function in Play Mode.
• Tweak Sounds / Knob Record Function: Sound parameters can be edited live. Knob movements can be recorded into the sequencer within one bar. This function is enabled via Shift + Step 11. To save recorded tweaks, the pattern must be stored.
• Roll Function: Enables a multi-trigger effect (note repeat) when a Step/Instrument button is pressed while the sequencer is running. Resolution can be set via Step buttons 1-4 while holding Roll/Flam.
• Roll Record: Records rolls into each pattern loop, even after releasing the Step/Instrument button. Enabled via Shift + Roll Rec (Step 10).
• Chain Function: Allows chaining up to 16 patterns live. Hold Chain + Step buttons to select patterns. Press Chain again to enable/disable.
• A/B Pattern Toggle: Press A/B to switch between pattern parts A and B. Automatic toggle is enabled via Shift + Step 3.
• Shuffle Function: Selects one of 16 shuffle intensities. In Play Mode, shuffle affects all instruments globally.
• Select Button: Recalls stored parameter values from the current pattern.

Soundengine

This chapter details the sound generation and its parameters for each instrument.

Instruments and Parameters:

All drum sounds can be edited directly. The Data knob accesses an additional parameter for most instruments when selected.

Hidden Parameter "Sound": In Record Mode, some instruments have an extra parameter accessible via the Sound button and Step buttons. The Sound-LED flashes if this parameter is available.

BD 1 Bassdrum 1:

• Attack: Level of attack transients
• Decay: Volume decay time
• Pitch: Time and modulation intensity of pitch envelope
• Tune
• Noise: Noise level
• Filter
• Data: Sound of noise signal
• Sound: Distortion level

BD 2 Bassdrum 2:

• Decay: Time of volume decay (up to steady tone)
• Tune
• Tone: Blends signals of tone 1 and tone 2
• Pitch

SD Snaredrum:

• Tune: Pitch of tone 1 and tone 2
• D-Tune: Detune of tone 2
• Snappy: Noise level
• S-Decay: Decay time of noise signal
• Tone: Blends signals of tone 1 and tone 2
• Decay: Volume decay time of tone 1 and tone 2
• Data: Modulation intensity of pitch envelope

RS Rimshot:

• Pitch
• Data

CY Cymbal:

• Decay: Volume decay time
• Tone: Blends both signals
• Data: Pitch / sound colour

OH Open Hihat:

• Decay: Volume decay time
• Data: Pitch / sound colour of OH and HH

HH Closed Hihat:

• Decay: Volume decay time
• Data: Pitch / sound colour of OH and HH

CL Claves:

• Tune
• Decay: Volume decay time

CP Claps:

• Decay: Decay time of "reverb" tail
• Filter: Sound colour
• Attack: Level of attack-transients
• Data: Number of attack-transients
• Sound: 16 different attack-transients

LTC Low Tom / Conga:

• Tune: Pitch
• Decay: Time of volume decay (up to steady tone)
• Sound: Step button 12 toggles between tom and conga. Step button 13 enables a noise signal.
• Data: Noise level, simultaneously for all three toms/congas.

MTC Mid Tom / Conga:

• Tune: Pitch
• Decay: Time of volume decay (up to steady tone)
• Sound: Step button 12 toggles between tom and conga. Step button 13 enables a noise signal.
• Data: Noise level, simultaneously for all three toms/congas.

HTC High Tom / Conga:

• Tune: Pitch
• Decay: Time of volume decay (up to steady tone)
• Sound: Step button 12 toggles between tom and conga. Step button 13 enables a noise signal.
• Data: Noise level, simultaneously for all three toms/congas.

CB Cowbell:

• Data: 16 different tunings
• Sound: Time of volume decay

MA Maracas:

• Data: Time of volume decay

Bass Synthesizer/CV 3:

• Data: Filter cutoff or CV 3 value

Volume controls for each instrument and the master volume cannot be programmed.

Record Mode – Programming Patterns

This section covers creating your own patterns. The process can be complex, requiring attention and patience.

The Different Record Modes:

• Manual Mode: Does not record sound parameters; they must be tweaked manually.
• Step Mode: Allows programming of different sound parameter settings per step. This is the factory setting.
• Jam Mode: Similar to Step Mode, but allows altering parameter values on all steps of an instrument/track "live" and simultaneously without leaving Record Mode.

Record Mode Selection:

Hold Shift + press Step 15 (CB - Man/Step) to cycle through modes: Manual (green LED), Step (red LED), Jam (orange LED). Press the flashing Select button to confirm.

Programming a Pattern:

Select an empty pattern first. Then, select an instrument/track by holding Rec/ManTrg + Instrument button. Step buttons are used to set steps (red LEDs); pressing again disables them. Orange LEDs indicate the selected instrument. Other instruments/tracks are selected similarly.

Individual Sound Parameter Settings Per Step:

In Step or Jam Mode, individual sound settings can be programmed per step. Hold Select + press step(s) to flash them, then turn parameter knobs. Press Select to confirm changes.

Copy Steps:

Copy step settings by holding Select + pressing a step, then setting other steps.

Using the Hidden Sound Parameter:

For BD 1, Toms/Congas, and Cowbell, an extra parameter is available. When Record Mode is active and one of these instruments is selected, the Sound LED flashes. Press Sound to access the parameter, then press flashing Step buttons to select values.

Programming Additional Functions Per Step:

• Accent: Apply one of three accent levels (off, green, red) by pressing Acc/Bend. Apply to multiple steps by selecting them first.
• Bend: "Bends" pitch up or down. Enabled via Shift + Acc/Bnd. Adjust intensity with Data knob. Works on BD 1, BD 2, SD, LTC, MTC, and HTC.
• Flam: Creates flams or drum rolls on individual steps. Not available on "Clap", "CV 1", and "CV 2/3". Hold Roll/Flam + press Step button to select one of 16 flam patterns.

Programming Synth- resp. CV/Gate Tracks:

Tracks CV1 and CV2/3 can program note events for MIDI and CV/gate output, also driving simple internal synth voices. Program notes by holding Rec/ManTrg + CV1/CV2/3 button, then using Sound button and Step buttons (1-13 for notes C to c, 14-16 for octave range). A/B sets a mute step, Select connects steps for longer notes.

Accents and CV 3 on Bass Track:

The bass track (Rec/Man/Trg + CV2) supports accents like drum tracks. CV 3 controls filter cutoff frequency of external synths; values are entered using the Data knob.

Shuffle Function:

Each track can have individual shuffle intensity in Record Mode. Hold Rec/ManTrg + Instrument/track button, press Shuffle, then select intensity with Step 1-16. In Play Mode, shuffle is global.

Step Length (Track Length):

Determine track length (1-16 steps) in Record Mode. Hold Rec/ManTrg + Instrument/track button, then Shift + Step Length. Press Step 1-16 to select length, then Select to confirm.

Scaling and Pattern Length:

These global settings affect all tracks. They must be set in PLAY MODE (Rec/ManTrg LED OFF).

• Scale: Selects time signature and note values (32nd, 16th triplet, 16th, 8th triplet). Affects pattern length (e.g., 32, 24, 16, 12 steps). Patterns of 24/32 steps create a B-part.
• Measure: Determines the number of steps in a pattern. Use step numbers differently from scale for "odd" beats (e.g., 3/4 beat with scale 16 and measure 12).

Copy A-Part to B-Part:

Copy a 16-step pattern's A-part to the B-part by pressing the A/B button in Record Mode.

Store Patterns:

Store patterns within the current bank. Hold Shift + press St Patt. Used locations are indicated by LEDs. Press a Step button to select a location, then Select to confirm. Be careful, there is no undo function.

Clear Current Pattern:

Hold Shift + press Cl Patt to clear the active pattern. No undo function.

MIDI Functions

The Tanzbär has three MIDI ports for connecting keyboards, controllers, and sequencers. MIDI channels are fixed: CV 1 on channel 1, CV 2 on channel 2, and drum tracks on channel 3.

Synchronization with External Devices via MIDI Clock:

MIDI clock is always transmitted and received. The Play button can start/stop the sequencer when synced to external MIDI clock.

Output of Sequencer Steps as Note Commands:

Enable global note output via the setup menu (Hold Shift + press Setup (Step 16), then press Step 8). Pressing Step 8 again toggles between on (green) and off (red).

Receiving MIDI Notes and Velocity to Trigger Drum Instruments:

Set Tanzbär to MANUAL TRIGGER MODE (Rec/ManTrg LED green) to use it as a drum sound expander. MIDI note numbers and channels can be learned for each instrument. The Select LED flashes when all instruments are assigned. Press Select to store, or Shift to exit without saving.

When instruments are assigned to MIDI notes, Tanzbär can be played like a drum module via keyboard, sequencer, or drum pads. In Play Mode, live drums can be played alongside patterns.

Real Time Record:

When Roll Record is active, incoming MIDI notes are recorded into the sequencer in real time.

Send and Receive MIDI SysEx Dumps:

Transfer pattern content via MIDI dump. Hold Shift + press Dump (Step 9) to start the dump. Receiving SysEx data overwrites the current pattern bank. Recommended applications: MidiOx (Win) and SysEx Librarian (Mac).

MIDI Controller:

Tanzbär receives MIDI controller data for most functions. A MIDI controller list is in the appendix (page 30). MIDI channel 10 is used for this.

Track Shift:

Micro-shift or delay tracks using MIDI controllers (89-104) for rhythmic effects.

CV/Gate Interface / Sync

The CV/gate and sync interface allows compatibility with vintage synthesizers, drum computers, and sequencers. Sequences from CV 1 and CV 2/3 are transmitted via CV/gate sockets.

Inverting Gate Signals:

Gate 1 and Gate 2 output signals can be inverted independently. Hold Shift + Gate (Step 14), then press Step 1 or Step 2. Press Select to confirm.

Sync/Start Sockets:

These sockets send or receive analog clock/start signals for synchronization. The clock signal generated by Tanzbär is transmitted via shuffle intensity. Gate, clock, and start/stop signals are 3V and may not be compatible with all vintage machines.

Sync/Start In and Output:

Determines if Start/Stop and Clock sockets function as inputs or outputs. Hold Shift + Sync (Step 13), then press Step 13 to set as input (red LED) or output. Press Select to confirm. If set as input, Tanzbär is slaved to an external clock, and the Play button is inactive.

Start/Stop Impulse/Level Configuration:

Set the start/stop socket for short voltage pulses ("impulse", red LED) or constant voltage levels ("level", green LED) via the Setup menu (Hold Shift + Setup (Step 16), then Step 9).

Clock Divider:

Tanzbär's clock output has a divider. Access via Setup menu (Hold Shift + Setup (Step 16), then Step 5). Options: "divider off" (green LED, 24 ticks/1/4 note/DIN-sync) or "divider on" (red LED, uses scale value).

Setup Functions

The Setup menu, accessed via the Step 16 button, contains various functions for configuring the Tanzbär.

Accessing the Setup Menu:

Hold Shift + press Setup (Step 16). Flashing LEDs 1-10 indicate sub-functions. Press Step buttons 1-10 to select a function. Press the flashing Step button to enter values (toggles between off, red, or green LEDs). Press Select to confirm and close the menu.

Available Setup Functions:

• Step 1: Midi Trigger Learn: Refer to page 24.
• Step 2: Tuning the internal synthesizer: Enables a 440 Hz tone for tuning via the Data knob. Affects both lead and bass voices.
• Step 3: Lead Synth on/off: Disables the internal lead synthesizer (e.g., for external CV/Gate control).
• Step 4: Bass Synth on/off: Disables the internal bass synthesizer (e.g., for external CV/Gate control).
• Step 5: Sync Clock Divider: Disables divider (green LED) or enables it using the Scale setting (red LED).
• Step 6: Mute Group: Links bass drum mutes. BD 1 mutes BD 2 (red LED), or BD 2 mutes BD 1 (green LED). Function off (LED off).
• Step 7: Clear current Pattern Bank: Clears the active pattern bank. Requires pressing Step 7 twice. No undo function.
• Step 8: MIDI-note send on/off: Toggles MIDI note transmission for all tracks.
• Step 9: Start/Stop Impulse/Level: Sets start/stop signal type: "impulse" (red LED) or "level" (green LED).
• Step 10: Factory Reset: Resets Tanzbär to factory defaults. Step button flashes green; press Step 10 again to confirm. Select stores settings permanently. This affects global settings only; user patterns are preserved. Factory patterns can be downloaded from the MFB website.

Appendix

MIDI-Implementation

The following table details MIDI controller assignments for various parameters.

Imprint

MFB – Ingenieurbüro Manfred Fricke
Neue Str. 13
14163 Berlin, Germany
www.mfberlin.de

Copying, distribution, or any commercial use is prohibited without written permission. Specifications are subject to change without notice. MFB is not liable for errors or misleading information.