Application Note; Tap Tempo - Lexicon MPX 100 Product Introduction

APPLICATION NOTE

Tap Tempo

MPX 100 Dual Channel Processor
Stereo 44.1kHz S/PDIF Digital Output
The MPX 100 Tap Tempo feature allows you to set delay times to the beat of the music. To set the tempo
from the front panel, simply press the Tap button twice in time with the music. That's your tempo. No
more dialing up what "could be" the delay time in milliseconds — just tap twice — the MPX 100 will figure
out the time for you. When you want to change tempo, just tap twice again in the new rhythm.
You can also use audio input to set the tempo of the MPX 100 delay rate.
1. Press and hold the Tap button. (The optional dual footswitch lets you press and hold Tap without
taking your hands off your instrument. )
2. While holding down Tap, play 2 short notes in rhythm, then release the Tap button.
3. Rhe MPX 100 automatically calculates the tempo from the space between your two notes.
For live performances this is a must — an easy way to set delay rates to follow your rhythm.
Each factory preset is stored with its own tempo rate. You can tap in a new tempo (and store your version
with the preset in a User location) or set the MPX 100 to always recall the last tempo used and apply
it to every preset. To do this, set the Tempo parameter to Global in the MPX 100 System mode*.
1. Enter System mode by pressing and holding the Bypass button for 2 seconds.
2. Turn VARIATION to 8. (This selects the Tempo parameter.)
3. Press Store to toggle the Edit LED On (Program specific tempo) or Off (Global tempo).
When you select Global Tempo from the MPX 100 System mode, the last tempo tapped in will be applied
to all programs. You can freely load presets and, if they have tempo-controlled parameters, they willl
load with the current tempo. (You will know if a preset is tempo-controllable because the Tap button LED
will flash when the program is loaded.)
When used in conjunction with the MPX 100 Learn feature, Tap can be set remotely from any MIDI
device. MIDI controllers, such as Lexicon's MPX R1 Foot Controller, can be used to send Continuous
Controller messages or Program Changes to the MPX 100 or you can send Continuous Controller or
Program Change messages from the button and fader modes of many mixing consoles. The MPX 100
will Learn these messages and allow you to set tempo via MIDI.
The MPX 100 can also receive and utilize MIDI Clock. So, when used with a MIDI sequencer or drum
machine, the MPX 100 automatically adjusts its internal tempo to match.
*All System mode parameters are shown on a Quick Reference Card shipped with the MPX 100 and designed
to fit on top of the unit.
Lexicon Inc. • 3 Oak Park • Bedford MA 01730 USA • Telephone 781-280-0300 • Fax 781-280-0490