Toolbox User Manual
11/23/17 10:32 AM
Copyright 1010music LLC 2017
Digital Heart – Analog Soul
P. 6
Setup Toolbox
In this section we will discuss how to install toolbox in your Eurorack, insert the microSD card, and configure the basic
input and output signals.
Rack Installation
First let’s make sure you have a compatible Eurorack. Toolbox requires a +12V
connection and uses the standard 16-pin ribbon cable to connect to the rack. You
should always power down the Eurorack when connecting new modules. Remove
toolbox from the packing material and attach the ribbon cable to the back of the
module. The cable is bi-directional so it does not matter which end is inserted into
the module. However, the connector must be in the correct orientation. The
connector on the module is keyed so the ribbon cable won’t fit in the wrong
orientation. The correct orientation places the edge of the ribbon cable with the
red line on the left side of the module as shown in Figure 3 to the right. Next,
connect the other end of the ribbon cable to the power supply for your Eurorack.
When connecting to the Eurorack power supply, extra care is needed because not
all power supplies are keyed to ensure correct orientation. The ribbon cable should
be connected to the power supply so that the edge of the ribbon cable with the
red line is aligned with the
−
12
V pins on the power supply bus. When you power
up, watch closely to make sure that the module powers up. If the touch screen
doesn’t respond right away, turn off the rack and confirm the cable orientation. 1010music modules do contain some
buffering to prevent burning out the module but that only buffers for so long. Don’t power up yet.
Next make sure the microSD card that came with the module is inserted into the Memory Card Slot. Most modules
come with the microSD card already inserted. The card should be inserted with the notched edge down. Now you
can power up the rack. The module should start up in less than 10 seconds and you will see the Main screen as
shown in Figure 2: Main Screen Overview above.
Note:
•
A microSD card must be inserted into toolbox before you can get started. All presets are stored on
the microSD card. Preset changes are only saved when you choose to save them.
Connect a Gate Output to a Sound Generating Module
Toolbox itself does not generate sound. It generates MIDI and Control Voltage signals that drive other sound
generating modules, such as bitbox, synthbox and third party drum and synthesizer modules. In order to hear an
example of the output of toolbox, connect a patch cord between Gate Sequencer output jacks 1, 2, 3 or 4, and an
external module. For example, you could connect it to a control voltage trigger on synthbox or bitbox. Configure the
receiving module to play a sound when the gate signal is triggered.
Connect a MIDI Controller Input
Toolbox allows you to record Note Sequences from a MIDI input. If your MIDI controller has a mini TRS audio jack
connector, then you can try to plug it directly into the MIDI Input Jack using a standard patch cable. However, there
are competing standards for implementing mini TRS audio jacks for MIDI, so you may need to use a MIDI adapter. If
it has a 5 Pin DIN connector, use an appropriate MIDI Adapter. Read the blog post Mini TRS Audio Jacks for
MIDI Connections Compatibility Guide on our website at
https://1010music.com/stereo-minijacks-
midi-connections-compatibility-guide
for more details about the MIDI adapter.
Toolbox accepts input from all MIDI channels.
Play Settings
There are several global settings that apply to all of the sequencers and function generators. Follow these steps to
configure these settings:
Figure 3: Ribbon Cable
Orientation on Module
