The B4D is a drawbar controller designed for use with the B4 software and other compatible soft- and hardware. It serves as a dedicated interface for controlling various parameters of an organ simulation, providing a tactile and intuitive experience for musicians.
Function Description:
The primary function of the B4D is to transmit MIDI data corresponding to the physical movements of its drawbars and the states of its buttons and rotary knobs. This MIDI data is then routed to a computer or other MIDI-compatible device running the B4 software or similar applications. The B4D's MIDI output is connected to the MIDI input of the computer. For the B4D's LEDs to display the current parameter states from the B4 software, the MIDI output of the computer must also be connected to the MIDI input of the B4D controller, establishing a feedback loop.
The B4D supports various configurations, allowing it to be integrated into different MIDI setups. It features MIDI-IN and MIDI-OUT sockets for standard MIDI connections. Additionally, LINK IN and LINK OUT sockets are provided to facilitate the integration of multiple B4Ds into a single system, enabling control over multiple manuals (e.g., upper, lower, and pedal) without requiring manual switching. In such multi-device setups, a Link cable can also provide power to connected B4Ds, reducing the need for multiple power supply units.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Supply: 9V AC wall wart type supply. It is crucial to use only the provided power supply to prevent malfunctions or damage. The power plug should be removed from the electricity outlet if the B4D is not in use for extended periods.
- MIDI Connectivity: MIDI-IN, MIDI-OUT, LINK IN, and LINK OUT sockets. These allow for flexible routing and integration into complex MIDI environments.
- Compatibility: Designed for the B4 software and other compatible soft- and hardware.
- Accessories: Supports external foot pedals and a foot sweller. It is recommended to use exclusively original accessories from Böhm international AG (www.boehm-ag.de) to avoid potential damage to the device. This includes LINK cables, foot switches, and swell pedals, as well as waterfall keyboards.
Usage Features:
The B4D offers a comprehensive set of controls for manipulating organ sounds:
- Drawbars: After powering on, the drawbars initially control the upper manual. The LOWER/PEDAL buttons allow switching control to the lower manual or pedal section, respectively.
- Rotary Knobs: Two rotary knobs are dedicated to controlling the overdrive (OVERDRIVE) and overall volume (VOLUME) of the B4 software. When the PEDAL area is selected, the VIBRATO button toggles the overdrive on/off.
- Percussion and Rotator: Dedicated buttons for percussion and rotator effects, whose labeling and function correspond to a traditional organ. These buttons' functions are independent of the selected manual area (Pedal, Upper, Lower).
- Vibrato and Chorus: The VIBRATO button activates or deactivates the vibrato/chorus effect for the UPPER and LOWER manuals, depending on the currently selected area. The choice of Vibrato/Chorus type (V1 to C3) applies universally to both areas. As noted, when PEDAL is selected, the VIBRATO button controls overdrive on/off.
- Presets: The B4D allows for direct selection of presets stored within the B4 software. Presets are organized into 10 banks of 12.
- Direct Preset Recall: Presets 1 to 6 and 7 to 12 can be called up directly using the corresponding PRESET buttons. Presets 7-12 are accessed by a second push on buttons 1-6, indicated by lower-left LEDs.
- Bank Selection: The BANK button is used to select preset banks. A single push on BANK illuminates the upper LEDs of the PRESET buttons, allowing selection from banks 1-6. A second push illuminates the lower LEDs, enabling selection from banks 7-10. A third push exits bank select mode.
- Numerical Preset Recall: Presets can be selected numerically by holding the PRESET 0-9 button (second function of UPPER, labeled in blue) and entering the desired preset number using the numerical buttons 0-9. The change is executed upon releasing the PRESET 0-9 button after a valid number has been entered.
- Next/Previous Preset: The -1 and +1 buttons allow sequential navigation through presets. If preset 120 is reached, +1 cycles back to preset 1. These buttons also control bank selection during bank mode.
- Display Feedback: For the B4D's LED display to update with preset changes from the B4 software, the MIDI output of the B4 must be connected to the B4D's MIDI input. The "Presets/B4D Controller Dump on Program Change" option must be enabled in the B4 software's "File/Preferences/Audio Setup/MIDI" menu, and the corresponding MIDI out-port must be active.
- Tonewheel Set: The B4D can also switch between different Tonewheel Sets available in the B4 software. This is done by pushing and holding the TW button (second function of LOWER) and entering the desired Tonewheel Set number using the numerical buttons 0-9. The change takes effect upon releasing the TW button after a valid number has been entered.
Maintenance Features (Troubleshooting and Testing):
The manual provides specific tests to diagnose potential issues with the B4D:
These features ensure that users can effectively troubleshoot and maintain their B4D controller, ensuring optimal performance and integration within their music production setup.
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