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Kong minilogue - User Manual

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POLYPHONIC
ANALOGUE SYNTHEZIZER
minilogue
SERVICE MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Assembly (Exploded) view: 2
Block Diagram: 3
Schematic Diagram: 4
Harness: 13
Test Mode: 14
Parts List: 17
Issued: Jan. 8, 2016
Ver. 1.0
©2016 KORG INC.
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Summary

Harness Diagram

KLM-3465 Panel Board

Details for the Panel Board (KLM-3465) and its connections.

HNS-4579 Main Harness

Details for the main harness HNS-4579 and its connections.

HNS-4578 OLED Harness

Details for the OLED harness HNS-4578 and its connections.

HNS-4577 Display Harness

Details for the display harness HNS-4577 and its connections.

KLM-3464 Main Board

Details for the Main Board (KLM-3464) and its connections.

HNS-4576 Keyboard Harness

Details for the keyboard harness HNS-4576 and its connections.

Keyboard Unit Interface

Details for the keyboard unit interface and connections.

Minilogue Operation Checks

Power On and Logo Display Verification

Check logo display and disappearance for tuning operation status.

Sound Output and Voice Progression

Verify sound output via speaker/headphone and voice sequence.

Control Input Responsiveness

Verify all knobs and switches respond correctly in EDIT MODE.

Connectivity Feature Testing

Test SYNC IN/OUT, MIDI, and USB connectivity.

Factory Reset Procedure

Initialize all settings and presets by holding WRITE and EXIT.

Troubleshooting with Service Mode

Entering Service Mode

Turn on power while pressing specific switches to enter service mode.

Navigating Test Mode Functions

Skip checks and select the "-TUNE-" test mode for calibration.

Interpreting Error Messages

Press a switch to display error messages for circuit troubleshooting.

Tuning Error Code Reference Guide

VCO1 Pitch Calibration Fault

Indicates an issue with Voltage Controlled Oscillator 1 pitch calibration.

VCO2 Pitch Calibration Fault

Indicates an issue with Voltage Controlled Oscillator 2 pitch calibration.

Filter Resonance;Cutoff Fault

Indicates an issue with the filter's resonance or cutoff calibration.

Frequency Modulation (FM) Fault

Indicates an issue with the Frequency Modulation signal path.

Overview

The KORG minilogue is a polyphonic analog synthesizer designed for musicians and producers seeking a rich, authentic analog sound. This service manual provides comprehensive information for understanding, operating, and maintaining the instrument.

Function Description

The minilogue is a 4-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer, meaning it can play up to four notes simultaneously using genuine analog circuitry. Its core sound generation is based on two Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) per voice, offering a wide range of waveforms and modulation possibilities. These VCOs feed into a Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) that shapes the timbre, followed by a Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) that controls the volume envelope.

The synthesizer features a flexible modulation section, including an LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) for adding movement and evolving textures to the sound. An envelope generator (EG) for the amplifier allows for dynamic control over the attack, decay, sustain, and release of each note. The minilogue also incorporates a delay effect, adding depth and space to the sounds.

A key feature is its voice mode, which allows for various polyphonic and monophonic configurations, including unison, chord, and arpeggiator modes, expanding its expressive capabilities. The front panel is intuitively laid out with dedicated knobs and switches for nearly every parameter, providing immediate hands-on control over sound design.

The minilogue can be integrated into a larger studio setup via its SYNC IN/OUT ports for synchronization with other gear, MIDI IN/OUT for external control and sequencing, and a USB port for MIDI over USB connectivity. It also includes a headphone output for private practice and a mono audio output for connecting to mixers or amplifiers.

Usage Features

The minilogue is designed for ease of use and immediate sound creation. The front panel is logically organized, with distinct sections for VCOs, Mixer, Filter, Amp EG, LFO, and Delay, making it straightforward to navigate and sculpt sounds. Each parameter has a dedicated physical control, eliminating the need for menu diving and fostering a more tactile and intuitive sound design experience.

The display module provides visual feedback on parameter values and selected modes, enhancing the user experience. The 16-step sequencer allows users to record and play back melodic phrases, adding a rhythmic dimension to performances and compositions. Motion sequencing can also be used to record knob movements, bringing dynamic changes to the sound over time.

The voice mode knob is a central feature, enabling quick switching between different polyphonic and monophonic configurations. This allows for diverse playing styles, from thick unison leads to complex chords and arpeggiated patterns. The built-in delay effect can be easily adjusted to add ambiance and character to the sound.

For live performance, the minilogue's compact size and robust build make it a portable and reliable instrument. The ability to save and recall user programs allows musicians to store their custom sounds for instant access during performances or studio sessions.

Maintenance Features

The service manual outlines several procedures for checking the operation and identifying potential faults within the minilogue, particularly focusing on the KLM-3464 (Main Board) and KLM-3465 (Panel Board) PCBs.

Initial Power-On Check:

Upon powering on, the minilogue logo should appear on the display module and disappear after 13-14 seconds. If the display doesn't work, check the connections of harnesses HNS-4577 and HNS-4578, or consider that the OLED module might be faulty. If the logo remains for more than 15 seconds, it indicates an issue with the analog circuit on the KLM-3464 PCB, suggesting a tuning operation failure.

Sound Check:

Verify sound output through speakers or headphones. If no sound is heard, inspect the connection of the main volume harness (HNS-4579). Keyboard issues might also be a cause. For MIDI functionality, if MIDI messages from USB-MIDI or MIDI OUT Port are not confirmed, check the keyboard harness (HNS-4576). The minilogue produces sound sequentially from voice 1 to voice 4. If, for example, voice 3 has issues after power-on, it points to a problem with voice 3 on the KLM-3464 PCB.

Knob and Switch Reaction Check:

To test the responsiveness of all knobs and switches, navigate to "Global 5->Parameter Disp All" in EDIT MODE. This displays the reaction of each control on the display module. Non-reactive controls suggest a problem with the KLM-3465 PCB.

External Connectivity Check:

Confirm the operation of SYNC IN/OUT, MIDI, and USB ports, as these are common functions across synthesizers.

Factory Reset:

The device can be initialized to factory settings by pressing the WRITE and EXIT switches simultaneously while powering on. This can help resolve software-related issues or restore the device to its original state.

Test Mode for Fault Location (KLM-3464 PCB):

The minilogue features a dedicated test mode to assist in diagnosing issues within the synthesizer circuit on the KLM-3464 PCB.

  1. Entering Service Mode: Power on the minilogue while holding down the PLAY, REST, and STEP 4 (MONO) switches.
  2. Skipping Checks: Press STEP 1 (POLY) and then EXIT to skip the full check process. Press EXIT twice more to select "I-05: -TUNE-".
  3. Synthesizer Circuit Check: While "I-05: -TUNE-" is displayed, press the STEP 8 (SIDE CHAIN) switch. If there's a problem in the synthesizer circuit, an error message will be displayed. Refer to the attached error code reference for specific repair guidance related to the KLM-3464.

The service manual also includes detailed exploded views, block diagrams, and schematic diagrams to aid in component identification and troubleshooting. This comprehensive documentation ensures that technicians and advanced users can effectively diagnose and repair the minilogue, maintaining its optimal performance.

Kong minilogue Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeAnalog
Polyphony4 voices
LFO1 LFO with multiple waveforms
EffectsDelay, Reverb
Sequencer16-step polyphonic sequencer
ArpeggiatorYes
Oscillators2 VCOs per voice
WaveformsSawtooth, Square, Triangle
EnvelopesADSR
Keyboard37 mini keys
ConnectivityMIDI In/Out, USB, Audio In/Out
Power SupplyDC 9V