18
SEQUENCER CONTROL (STUDIO
AUTOMATION)
The Switchblade can be controlled directly using System Exclusive information sent out either by your favorite sequencer that
supports Sys-Ex dumps or by a MIDI pedal that can be programmed to send out Sys-Ex bursts. A Sys-Ex data list can be
created in your sequencer using the sequencer System Exclusive editing screen and inserted into your event list at the
appropriate time to create an instant patch on the fly. The Switchblade only responds to a Sys-Ex data stream when it is in the
PLAY mode or REMOTE mode. When a valid Sys-Ex file is received, the Switchblade will automatically enter a "remote"
mode where the display will read "REMOTE:DATABYTES xxx" and stay there until a Exit Remote command is received as
described below. "xxx" is the number of data bytes received from the most recent valid Sys-Ex file and is shown for
convenience. If there is an invalid value in the Sys-Ex file being transmitted, the display will show "REMOTE: ERROR AT
xxx" where xxx indicates the byte number in the file where the invalid value occurs. The lower row of the display will show
the current state of the Anti-zippering feature. When first entering remote for play mode, the Anti-zippering is in the active
state. This feature may be turned off or on with a command for special purposes.
The format for the Sys-Ex data is as follows (all values in hex)
Byte# Value
Description
1
F0
MIDI System Exclusive Command (required)
2
00 01 18
3 byte ID number (required)
3
2x
Unit identification number. (see below)
4 (function) Function number (determines type of action as described below)
. (data)
Additional data as required by the function used
. (function) Another Function number
. (data)
Additional data
.
F7
MIDI End of System Exclusive Command (required)
The value of the unit identification number is determined by the Switchblade MIDI channel number as set in the Input/Output
Definition (I/O DEF) menu in the Setup Menu group. Set the lower nybble of the number to the MIDI channel indicated minus
1. The upper nybble is always set to 2 . In other words this value is set at 20 for MIDI channel 1 or 2F for MIDI channel 16.
If you have more than one Switchblade connected to the computer, then each Switchblade must be set to a unique MIDI
channel and only the Switchblade whose channel number matches this identification number will respond.
The functions available are as follows. Note that some require additional data to complete the function and some functions are
used alone. Several functions can be listed in a single Sys-Ex data stream.
01 CLEAR MATRIX: No additional byte are required. Clears all input to output patches to allow for new patches to be
created from scratch. Actual clearing occurs in memory only and is not transferred to the audio section until an End Of
Exclusive is received. If the CLEAR MATRIX command is used alone in a Sys-Ex file then all input to output connections are
cleared and the outputs will be muted. If the CLEAR MATRIX command is used in the same file and ahead of any ENTER
PATCH commands, the audio section changes directly from the current patches to the new patches upon receipt of EOX (End
of System Exclusive) without interruption of the audio signals. Generally, it is a good idea to always place this command at the
start of any Sys-Ex file that is used to create new patches. This way you may transmit files at random without the problem of
trying to remember if you forgot to delete a connection before adding the new one.
02 ENTER PATCH: 3 additional bytes are required. Allows a single input to output patch to be created and assigns a
control change number to that patch for real time gain control with a graphic or hardware MIDI fader. Up to 16 connection
can be created, each responding to a different fader. Connections may also be assigned to the same fader for "group" control.
As many of these commands as are necessary may be placed in the same Sys-Ex file up to the maximum of 16. If a controller
number from 0-15 is assigned to the patch, the Switchblade translates the incoming 7 bit MIDI controller value to an 8 bit
logarithmic (audio taper) curve for smooth control over volume. If a number from 32-47 is assigned then a modified linear
curve is used instead which lends itself to panning (see command 05). Both a log and linear number can be assigned to the
same connection, giving you control over panning and levels simultaneously. The 3 bytes that are required are the input
number (1-8) the output number (1-8) and the controller number (0-15, 32-47). Each patch that is created must be preceded by
the Enter Patch function number and the 3 additional bytes. Note that only controllers 0-15 and 32-47 are allowed
in this command out of the possible 128 numbers available. If you wish to assign both a log and linear controller to the same
connection, the command must be listed twice. For example, to assign controller 00 to an input 1-output 1 connection and also
assign controller 32 to the same connection, the data would be as follows: 02 00 00 00 (for controller 0) and 02 00 00 20 (to
assign controller 32 to the same connection). Refer to the charts below to determine the hex values that need to be input in the
file for the input, output and controller numbers.
