BLACKBOX USER MANUAL v 1.5
5/6/2020 8:54:00 PM
Copyright 1010music LLC 2020
Page 8 of 70
Set Up Blackbox
To get started with blackbox, simply insert the microSD card in the front slot,
plug it in, and connect it to speakers or headphones. The microSD card slot is
along the short front panel. The power jack and audio outputs are on the
back panel. To start, we recommend connecting external speakers or
headphones to the PHONES jack, since all outputs are routed to the PHONES
jack.
When connecting to power, be sure to use a well rated USB cable like the
one provided with blackbox. The cable should be at least 24 gauge or
better. The smaller the gauge number, the bigger and better the cable. One
example to look for is a USB 28/24 AWG cable. A standard printer cable that
you can find at an office store is probably not going to reliably power the
blackbox.
All of the audio jacks are stereo 3.5mm connectors. This makes for a total of 6
audio outputs (3 Audio Out jacks x2), stereo headphones, and a stereo input.
The audio output will be at Eurorack levels which is +/- 5 volts. This is louder
than a consumer electronics line level, so you may need a mixer to connect
with consumer electronics gear.
A microSD card must be inserted into blackbox before you can get started.
All presets are stored on the microSD card and all wav files are streamed from the card. Preset changes are only
saved when you choose to save them.
Control the Volume
If you are using the phones jack, you will want to control the volume of the output:
1.
Press the
TOOLS
button.
2.
Turn the knob next to the
Headphone
parameter in the top right.
Test Your Setup
Let’s make sure you are getting some sound out of your blackbox before we go any deeper.
1.
Press the
PADS
button. You will see a grid of samples that have been assigned to the current preset.
2.
Touch one of the pads on the touchscreen to trigger playback of the pad. You should hear the sample
playing out through the connected audio output.
If you don’t hear anything, try a different pad. Some pads
may be assigned to different outputs. But all pads will
play out through the
PHONES
output.
Connect an Audio Input for Sampling
Blackbox assumes Eurorack level audio is coming in to the
AUDIO IN
jack at +/-5V. If you are using a line level signal
of +/- 1V you may need to adjust the input gain on the recording screen. You could also use a mixer or pre-amp
with your microphone or other input to adjust the level of the incoming signal.
Working with a Battery
You can plug blackbox into a USB power bank when you are away from a power outlet. However, these power
banks do not send information to blackbox about how much power is remaining. There may be a low power
indicator light on the power bank itself. Blackbox will not give you a warning when power is low. So be sure to save
your presets before the power bank runs out.
Summary of Contents for BLACKBOX 1.5
Page 1: ...BLACKBOX 1 5 USER MANUAL ...
