1010 Music Bluebox - User Manual

Copyright 2023 by 1010music LLC Page 1
The bluebox Eurorack Edition Quick Start Guide 1.0
1. Insert the micro SD card, notched edge away from the
screen.
2. Attach the two ribbon cables to the module as shown on the
right. Position the red edge of each ribbon cable on the side
marked by the arrows.
3. Turn off your Eurorack and attach the two cables to the
Eurorack power supply, with the red edge of the cable
aligned with pin 1 or the -12V pins on the power supply bus.
This module requires the +5V rail which may not be present
on some older racks. It uses 500-850mA at +5V (depending
on screen brightness), 320 mA at +12V, and 82mA at -12V.
4. Mount bluebox in the rack and then power it up. The bluebox will load a demo project from
the microSD card.
5. Connect audio ins and outs along the left side of the front panel and to the USB C EXT port.
6. Choose a meter bridge layout. Push MIXER, then push B. Touch to select the number of
tracks, and Single Row or Double Row display mode.
7. Map inputs to tracks. Push TRACK and then push B. Touch a track at the top of the screen,
then, in the bottom grid, touch 1 or 2 of the inputs.
8. Name your tracks. Push TRACK and then push B. Touch a track to select it. Touch the
number or name in the middle of the screen to enter a new name.
9. Use MIXER mode or TRACK mode to adjust the gain and volume level of each track.
10. Save your changes as a new project. Push Proj, then touch File, SaveAs Template, and enter a
new name.
GET SET UP
CONTROL MODE
BUTTONS
Push once or twice to
access screens for a
control mode.
B BUTTON
Access conguration
options for the
current control mode.
On Edit Screen,
access the list of
recordings.
TRANSPORT BUTTONS
Control recording and
playback of audio les.
KNOBS
Adjust levels, select and
set parameters, choose
options.
A BUTTON
Change knob focus, as
shown by pink
highlights.
METER BRIDGE
VU meters show the audio level.
Indicator arrows show setting values.
TOUCH SCREEN
Select tracks, set track levels
and settings, and select options.
FIND YOUR WAY AROUND

Summary

Get Set Up

Initial Setup Steps

Insert SD card, connect cables to module and power supply, mount and power up device.

Audio and USB Connections

Connect audio inputs/outputs and the USB C EXT port to the device.

Project Saving and Management

Save your configuration and recordings as a project using the Proj menu.

Mixer Mode Operation

Control Settings Across Multiple Tracks

Adjust one setting across multiple tracks using knob focus and track settings.

Track Mode Operation

Control Settings for One Track

Adjust Output Levels and Options

Configure Output Levels

Control signal levels sent to PHONES, OUT 1&2, OUT 3&4, and OUT 4.

Set Output Options

Manage Projects

Save Current Project

Record and Playback Tracks

Arm Tracks for Recording

Arm tracks for recording by touching Rec and selecting tracks or the Main meter.

Start and Stop Recording

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The 1010music bluebox Eurorack Edition is a compact digital mixer and recorder designed for Eurorack modular synthesizers. It allows users to mix, record, and playback audio, offering a comprehensive set of features for both live performance and studio use within a modular setup.

Function Description:

The bluebox serves as a central hub for audio within a Eurorack system. It provides multiple stereo inputs and outputs, allowing users to connect various modules and external audio sources. Key functions include:

• Mixing: It offers a multi-track mixing environment with individual control over gain, volume, pan, and effects sends for each track. Users can adjust these parameters via a touch screen interface and dedicated hardware knobs.
• Recording: The device can record up to 12 tracks simultaneously to a microSD card as 24-bit, 48kHz WAV files. This includes individual track recordings and a main mix recording. Recordings can be initiated and stopped with dedicated transport buttons.
• Playback: It supports playback of recorded WAV files from the microSD card. Users can assign specific WAV files to tracks, toggle their active state, and control playback.
• Effects: The bluebox includes built-in effects, though specific details on the types of effects are not extensively covered in this guide. It mentions FX1 and FX2 sends, suggesting a flexible effects routing system.
• USB Audio Interface: The device can function as a USB audio interface, allowing it to send and receive audio streams to and from a computer. This expands its utility for integration with DAWs and other software.
• Output Management: Comprehensive control over output levels for headphones, main stereo outputs (1&2), and auxiliary outputs (3&4, 4) is provided. Output options include stereo/mono modes for auxiliary outputs, pre/post-fader sends, and a compressor on the main bus.
• Project Management: All settings, track configurations, and WAV recordings are saved as "projects" on the microSD card. This allows users to save and recall different setups, making it easy to switch between various musical ideas or live performances.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Power Requirements: The module requires a +5V rail, which may not be present on older Eurorack racks. It consumes 500-850mA at +5V (depending on screen brightness), 320mA at +12V, and 82mA at -12V. This is a crucial specification for ensuring compatibility with a user's Eurorack power supply.
• Recording Format: Records audio as 24-bit, 48kHz WAV files. This high-resolution format ensures professional audio quality.
• Storage: Uses a microSD card for storing projects and WAV files. The guide emphasizes checking available space.
• Inputs/Outputs: Features audio inputs and outputs along the left side of the front panel, as well as a USB C EXT port for connectivity. Specific numbers of inputs/outputs are implied by the 12-track mixing capability and the output controls (PHONES, 1&2, 3&4, 4).
• User Interface: Equipped with a touch screen for intuitive control, dedicated hardware knobs for parameter adjustment, and control mode buttons for navigating different operational screens (MIXER, TRACK, MAIN, EQ, PROJ, TOOLS). Indicator arrows and pink highlights provide visual feedback.

Usage Features:

• Intuitive Interface: The touch screen, combined with physical knobs and buttons, aims for a user-friendly experience. The guide details how to navigate different modes (MIXER, TRACK, MAIN) and adjust settings.
• Multi-track Mixing (MIXER Mode): Allows users to control a single setting (e.g., volume, gain) across multiple tracks simultaneously, or adjust individual tracks.
• Single-track Control (TRACK Mode): Provides detailed control over all settings for a specific track, including gain, pan, effects sends, and mute/solo states.
• Input Mapping: Inputs can be easily mapped to tracks, offering flexibility in routing audio sources.
• Track Naming: Users can name their tracks for better organization, especially in complex setups.
• Recording Workflow: A clear step-by-step process for arming tracks, starting, and stopping recordings is provided. Recordings are saved automatically to the microSD card.
• Playback Management: Users can select and activate specific WAV files for playback on each track, allowing for complex arrangements and backing tracks.
• Sleep Mode: An energy-saving sleep mode darkens the screen and stops sending signals to outputs, reducing power consumption when the device is not actively in use.
• File Management: Basic file management features like renaming and deleting recordings are accessible. Users can also transfer WAV files to a computer for further editing.
• WAV File Import: The device supports adding external 24-bit, 48kHz WAV files to tracks for playback, expanding its capabilities beyond just recording.

Maintenance Features:

• MicroSD Card: The primary storage medium is a microSD card, which can be easily removed for transferring files to a computer or for backup. The guide advises checking available space.
• Firmware Updates: The manufacturer provides firmware updates, accessible via their website, to improve functionality and address potential issues. This ensures the device can evolve and remain current.
• User Manual and How-To Videos: Comprehensive support resources, including a full user manual and video tutorials, are available online to assist users with setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

In summary, the 1010music bluebox Eurorack Edition is a powerful and versatile audio tool for Eurorack users, offering robust mixing, recording, and playback capabilities with a user-friendly interface and essential connectivity options. Its design focuses on seamless integration into modular workflows while providing professional-grade audio quality and flexible project management.

1010 Music Bluebox Specifications

General

Brand	1010 Music
Model	Bluebox
Category	Music Mixer
Language	English