Song memory locations
The MFB-503 offers 90 song memory locations, each holding up to 128 patterns. Here,
you set a sequence play back your programmed patterns automatically. Use Song and the
step buttons (1...99) to select a song. Press Play will play the stored patterns in the
programmed sequence.
Recording a song
Press Rec (LED on). Now, you can enter a pattern sequence, pattern by pattern. First,
select if A or B parts are to be saved. Next, select the first pattern, using the step buttons
and confirm your entry by pressing the leftmost encoder. Now, continue in the same matter
for further patterns. Complete and save the song by pressing Rec.
Shuffle
The MFB-503 offers 15 different shuffle styles. These can be called up by turning the
SHUF encoder while programming a pattern. The shuffle setting will be saved within the
pattern. The default is Shuffle setting is Shuffle=01. Erasing a pattern will also reset the
shuffle setting back to default.
Setting the MIDI-Channel
A pattern’s MIDI channel is set by pressing and holding Pattern selecting the channel with
the third encoder knob. Besides the 16 channels, an additional value “0” is available. This
is meant to be used as pure sync source, in case the controlling sequencer already uses all
MIDI channels.
MIDI Sync
With the MFB-503 set to internal sync, incoming MIDI start, stop and clock information is
ignored. The commands are only received when the MFB-503 is set to external sync. To
do so, set the leftmost encoder knob (TEMP) to “000”.
MIDI Control
All Instruments can be triggered by MIDI. Kits is set to respond to note numbers 036 -
047. Starting from note 048 each instrument can be played dynamically over an octave-
range with 12 different tunings. Hihat and und Cymbal vary the mix parameter instead of
tuning. All parameters can be accessed by controllers. Calling up the pattern again (or a
new pattern) will reset to the stored parameter settings.
Mute
Instruments can be switched on and off in Instr.-mode by pressing the leftmost encoder
knob. This function is unavailable for the bass drum, since this function calls up the second
display page here. Only the instruments played by the sequencer are muted, while manual
and MIDI-triggering are still active.
Presets
Memory locations 1...9 include factory set patterns that are repeated in memory locations
11...19 to 71...79. Memory locations 81...89 and 91...99 hold the patterns found in MFB-
501 and MFB-KULT in two variations. These are:
Disco, Heavy, Rock, Hard Rock, Slow Rock, Country, Slow Blues, Latin and Funk Rock.
Operating Manual
Drum-Computer
MFB-503
