Zoom Sampletrak ST-224 Operation Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Zoom Manuals
  4. Drums
  5. Sampletrak ST-224
  6. Operation manual

Zoom Sampletrak ST-224 Operation Manual

Zoom sampletrak operation manual st-224
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
OPERATION MANUAL

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Zoom Sampletrak ST-224

Summary of Contents for Zoom Sampletrak ST-224

  • Page 1 OPERATION MANUAL...

  • Page 2: Usage And Safety Precautions

    Also take care not to drop the unit, and do not subject it to shock or excessive pressure. •Alterations Never open the case of the SampleTrak ST-224 or attempt to modify the product in any way since Caution this can result in damage to the unit.

  • Page 3: Usage Precautions

    •Cleaning Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the SampleTrak ST-224. If necessary, slightly moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleanser, wax, or solvents (such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since these may dull the finish or damage the surface.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    MIDI Application Example MIDI Connections Playing ST-224 Samples Under Control of External Equipment • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    CD. • Sophisticated resampling feature The ST-224 is the first unit in this price class to offer resampling. Phrases with effects played with the pads or by the internal sequencer can be sampled again in the digital domain.

  • Page 6: Names Of Parts

    Front Panel Effects section Display/sequencer section POWER DC IN MIDI IN EFFECT VOLUME/BASS TIME STRETCH SCRATCH EXCITER DELAY TREMOLO AUTO PAN REVERB FLANGER LO-FI EFFECT COMPRESSOR STEP CRY CHORUS EXTREME EQ PHASER RESONANCE PITCH SHIFTER LOW-PASS DIMENSION HIGH-PASS DISTORTION RING MODULATOR EDIT 2 EFFECT ON/OFF...

  • Page 7: Rear Panel

    [SOURCE] pad & LED Rear Panel [INPUT L/MONO] jack [INPUT R] jack [LINE/MIC] switch ZOOM CORPORATION MADE IN JAPAN LINE/MIC L/ MONO INPUT In this manual, names of front panel and rear panel controls and jacks are indicated by square brackets [ ].

  • Page 8: Getting Connected

    ST- 224 sound from external MIDI equipment, connect the MIDI OUT jack of the external equipment to the [MIDI IN] jack of the ST-224, using a MIDI cable. L/MONO MIC/LINE INPUT INPUT...

  • Page 9: Adjusting The Volume

    STEP Turn on power to the playback equipment. If the ST-224 is in the factory default condition, you can play preset sounds by tapping the pads. Hit pads 1 - 8 and adjust the [OUTPUT] knob on the ST-224 and the volume control on the playback...

  • Page 10: Quick Guide

    Quick Guide (1) Listening to the Demo The ST-224 comes with a demo song already built in. Listen to this to hear for yourself what the ST-224 can [Preparations ] • Connect the ST-224 to the playback equipment ( • Turn power on in the order ST- 224...

  • Page 11: Quick Guide (2) Playing The Preset Pads

    Quick Guide (2) Playing the Preset Pads The ST-224 allows assigning sampled sounds to pads and playing these manually (pad play). You can try out the preset sounds that are assigned to the pads at the factory. [Preparations ] • Connect the ST-224 to the playback equipment ( •...

  • Page 12: Quick Guide (3) Assign An Effect To A Pad

    Quick Guide (3) Assign an Effect to a Pad The ST-224 incorporates built-in effects with 22 effect types. Among these, you can select any desired effect and assign it to a pad. [Preparations ] •Connect the ST-224 to the playback equipment ( •Turn power on in the order ST-224...
  • Page 13 L/MONO PHONES L/MONO OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SAMPLING BPM/VALUE GRADE MEASURE BEAT SAMPLE/SONG – COPY DELETE BACKUP PAD ASSIGN CAPACITY EXIT LOAD SAVE INTERNAL/DATA CARD SPECIAL OFFSET SHIFT LOOP/MARK While holding down the [EFFECT ON/OFF] key, hit the pad that was selected in step While the [EFFECT ON/OFF] key is held down, the effect is active.

  • Page 14: Quick Guide (4) Try Out Sampling

    [Preparations ] • Connect the ST-224 to the playback equipment ( • Connect the CD player output jacks to the [INPUT R] and [INPUT L/MONO] jacks on the ST-224. Set the [INPUT] knob of the ST-224 to a suitable position ( •...
  • Page 15 Headphones PHONES ZOOM CORPORATION MADE IN JAPAN LINE/MIC L/ MONO INPUT INPUT R CD player L/MONO PHONES L/MONO OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SAMPLING BPM/VALUE GRADE MEASURE BEAT SAMPLE/SONG – COPY DELETE BACKUP PAD ASSIGN CAPACITY EXIT SPECIAL LOAD SAVE INTERNAL/DATA CARD...

  • Page 16: Introducing The St-224

    This section explains the basic configuration of the ST- 224 as well as some important terms used in this manual. ST-224 Configuration The illustration below shows the basic configuration of the ST-224. As can be seen from the chart, the ST-224 is made up of three main sections. • Sampler Samples the audio signal and performs playback using the pads and sequencer.

  • Page 17: Pads And Banks

    A combination of all settings for pads 1 - 8 is called a "bank". The ST-224 has three banks which are selected with the [BANK 1] - [BANK 3] keys. In effect, the ST-224 therefore gives the user access to a total of 24 pads.

  • Page 18: St-224 Memory Configuration

    When sampling or song recording is performed with the ST- 224, the waveform data and song data are temporarily stored in the main memory. During pad play and song playback, the ST-224 will read data directly from the main memory.

  • Page 19: Bpm

    • Pad BPM Indicates the playback time of a pad. The ST-224 considers the playback time of a sample assigned to a pad to be four beats (quarter note x 4) and automatically calculates the BPM for the pad. This serves mainly for synchronizing the tempo of several pads (Auto Sync feature).

  • Page 20: Let's Try Out Sampling

    (including but not limited to CDs, records, tapes, video clips, broadcast material) is prohibited. • In the factory default condition, the ST-224 will read the preset sample sources from backup memory into the main memory. Also in this condition, it is possible to sample a new...
  • Page 21 If you press the [CAPACITY] key, the approximate remaining HINT HINT sampling time in seconds (calculated for HiFi and Mono) will appear on the display. STEP To switch between mono and stereo, use the [MONO/STEREO] key. The indication "Mn" (Mono) or "St" (Stereo) will appear on the display. To change the setting, hold down the [MONO/STEREO] key and use the [-] or [+] key.
  • Page 22 STEP Press the [PAD ASSIGN] key. The number of the most recent sample is shown. STEP Press the [PAD ASSIGN] key once more. Use the [BANK 1] - [BANK 3] keys and the pads 1 - 8 to select the pad to which you want STEP to assign the sample.

  • Page 23: Auto Sampling

    (2) Auto Sampling Besides the manual sampling procedure using the [RECORD] key as described above, the ST-224 also allows auto sampling where the start and stop of sampling is controlled automatically. There are two auto sampling modes: the auto recording mode where sampling starts automatically when the signal level exceeds a certain threshold, and the auto stop mode where sampling stops automatically after a preset interval.
  • Page 24 While holding down the [PLAY/STOP] key, use the [-] and [+] keys to change the auto stop STEP sampling time The value can be set in 1 second steps. The auto sampling time can also be specified in BPM units. To do HINT HINT this, hold down the [BPM] key and use the [-] and [+] keys to...

  • Page 25: Pad Play Mode Operation

    This section explains operation of the unit in pad play mode. In this mode, pads are played to produce their assigned samples. This is the basic operation mode of the ST-224. The playback position and playback mode of each sample are also adjusted in this mode.

  • Page 26: Using The [Source] Pad To Play An External Sound Source

    Using the [SOURCE] Pad to Play an External Sound Source The [SOURCE] pad is a special pad that allows using an externally connected component as sound source for pad play. For example, when a CD player or other source component is connected to the [INPUT L/MONO] jack and [INPUT R] jack, the sound from that source will be heard while the [SOURCE] pad is pressed.

  • Page 27: Assigning A Sample To A Pad

    Assigning a Sample to a Pad Samples stored in the main memory can be assigned to any desired pad also after sampling is completed. This section explains how to select a sample from the main memory and assign it to a pad. TIME STRETCH VOLUME/BASS SCRATCH...

  • Page 28: Assigning A Sample To A Major Scale

    Sometimes it may be useful to assign the same sample to several pads and play the pads with changed pitch (such as when a single bass note was sampled). The ST-224 can automatically assign one sample to pads 1 - 8 and change the pad tuning using a Major scale.

  • Page 29: Setting The Sample Playback Position

    Setting the Sample Playback Position After assigning a sample to a pad, the following three parameters can be changed to specify the playback position. • Start point Normal playback start point. When the pad is pressed, playback starts from this point. •...
  • Page 30 The display indication can be switched from number of samples to HINT HINT milliseconds. To do this, press the [SPECIAL] key after step 3. While listening to the loop playback of the sample, hit the [LOOP/MARK] pad at the point STEP you want to designate as start point.

  • Page 31: Setting The Playback Parameters For Each Pad

    Setting the Playback Parameters for Each Pad The playback parameters such as level, tuning, playback position, etc. can be set individually for each pad. TIME STRETCH VOLUME/BASS SCRATCH EXCITER DELAY TREMOLO REVERB AUTO PAN FLANGER LO-FI EFFECT STEP CRY COMPRESSOR CHORUS EXTREME EQ PHASER...

  • Page 32: Pad Parameters

    Pad Parameters The types and values of parameters that can be set for pads 1 - 8 and the [SOURCE] pad are as follows. • [SOURCE] pad (SOURCE MIX) When this parameter is set to "on", the signal supplied at the input jacks is always sent to the output jacks. When the parameter is "oFF", the signal is sent only while the [SOURCE] pad is being pressed.
  • Page 33 • Pad 7 (REVERSE) Switches between reverse playback (on) and normal playback (oFF). When "on" is selected, playback proceeds from the end point to the start point. Use the [- ] [+] keys or the [EDIT 1] wheel or the [LOOP/MARK] pad to make the setting.

  • Page 34: Copying Pad Settings

    Copying Pad Settings The settings for a given pad (sample number, playback position, playback method, etc.) can be copied to another pad. This is useful for example when wishing to play the same sample with two pads, while changing only the tuning and panning settings. TIME STRETCH VOLUME/BASS SCRATCH...

  • Page 35: Clearing Pad Settings

    Clearing Pad Settings The settings for a given pad can be erased when no longer needed. When the settings for a pad are erased, the sample reverts to the original (unassigned) condition. VOLUME/BASS TIME STRETCH SCRATCH EXCITER DELAY TREMOLO SONG REVERB AUTO PAN FLANGER...

  • Page 36: Erasing A Sample

    You can delete a specific sample or all samples from the main memory. This is useful for example to remove all preprogrammed samples or to remove unwanted samples in order to free up memory. Also when all samples are erased, the preprogrammed samples of the ST-224 can be NOTE restored by initializing the unit.

  • Page 37: Optimizing Samples

    Optimizing Samples Samples that are not assigned to pads or any unused portion can be erased to free up memory in the main memory. This is called optimizing. The process can be applied to a specific sample or to all samples. TIME STRETCH VOLUME/BASS EXCITER...

  • Page 38: Matching Bpm Of Pads (Auto Sync)

    Matching BPM of Pads (Auto Sync) The ST-224 incorporates an auto sync function that matches the tempo (BPM) of a pad to that of a reference pad. This is useful for example to align the tempo of a drum pattern and bass pattern sampled separately.
  • Page 39 STEP Press the [AUTO SYNC] key. The [AUTO SYNC] LED flashes, and the indication "MAStEr" (master) appears on the display. This guides the user to specify the pad to be used as reference (master). Use the [BANK 1] - [BANK 3] keys and the pads 1 - 8 to select the master pad for auto STEP sync.
  • Page 40 When "rESMPL" is selected as auto sync type, resampling is NOTE carried out with the pitch shift effect applied. This may result in a slight alteration of the sound. When auto sync is completed, the indication "A-SYnC" appears on the display. STEP Hit the master and slave pad together, to check whether the tempo is properly matched.

  • Page 41: Changing Bpm For Every Pad (Auto Sync Advanced Steps)

    Changing BPM for Every Pad (Auto Sync Advanced Steps) As explained in the previous section, the ST-224 regards the length of a sample assigned to a pad as 4 beats, and automatically calculates the BPM value for that pad. However, sometimes it may be desirable to synchronize phrases or patterns with a different beat pattern (such as combining a 4-beat bass pattern with an 8-beat drum pattern or a 2-beat sequencer pattern).

  • Page 42: Using The Internal Effects

    Using the Internal Effects The ST-224 has 22 types of built-in effects. You can select any effect and apply it to the sound of any pad. The [EDIT 1] wheel and [EDIT 2] knob on the unit can be used to adjust effect parameters in real time. It is also possible to synchronize a specific effect parameter with a certain BPM value.
  • Page 43 To turn the effect on permanently, hold down the [LOOP/MARK] pad and press the STEP [EFFECT ON/OFF] key. To turn the effect off again, press the [EFFECT ON/OFF] key once more. When a MIDI message is used to turn an effect on, the effect will HINT HINT stay on until turned off by another MIDI message.

  • Page 44: Synchronizing Effect Parameter Bpm

    Synchronizing Effect Parameter BPM The ST-224 incorporates a special BPM function for effects (called "effect BPM") which allows synchronizing a selected effect parameter to this tempo. For example, this lets you easily match the delay time or modulation cycle to the tempo of a song.
  • Page 45 To set Effect BPM in metrical beats, hold down the [EFFECT SYNC] key and STEP press the [SPECIAL] key. The currently selected resolution appears on the display. STEP Use the [SPECIAL] key to select the next resolution setting sixteenth note eighth note quarter note four full notes...

  • Page 46: Effect Types

    Effect Types This section lists all effect types with their parameters which can be adjusted using the [EDIT 1] wheel and [EDIT 2] knob. The list also shows which parameters can be synchronized to effect BPM. EDIT 1 = parameter can be adjusted with [EDIT 1] wheel EDIT 2 = parameter can be adjusted with [EDIT 2] knob SYNC = parameter can be synchronized to effect BPM EFFECT TYPE BANK...
  • Page 47 EDIT 1 EDIT 2 SYNC EFFECT TYPE BANK DISTORTION gain tone RING frequency balance MODULATOR frequency resonance LOW-PASS frequency resonance HIGH-PASS filter type EXTREME EQ gain resonance RESONANCE sens LO-FI noise tone COMPRESSOR ratio threshold rate & depth TREMOLO clip AUTO PAN rate width...

  • Page 48: Creating Songs

    The ST-224 lets you record and play eight songs. A song is a series of pad actions. The maximum number of sounds is 5000, and the maximum length of all songs together is 300 bars. When a song which contains data has been selected, the song number and information about the current position (number of bars and beats) are shown on the display.
  • Page 49 To change the BPM setting, use the [-] [+] keys. It is also possible to perform tap input. To do this, tap the [BPM] key in the desired tempo. The interval of the last 4 taps is automatically detected by the ST-224 and converted to a BPM value.
  • Page 50 pad is changed after recording, the song will also be different NOTE during playback. • Effect operations are not recorded in a song. However, if effects are enabled for a pad, the effects will be active also during playback of the song. •...

  • Page 51: Playing A Song

    Playing a Song This section describes how to play a song that has been recorded. TIME STRETCH VOLUME/BASS SCRATCH EXCITER DELAY TREMOLO REVERB AUTO PAN FLANGER LO-FI EFFECT COMPRESSOR STEP CRY CHORUS EXTREME EQ PHASER RESONANCE PITCH SHIFTER LOW-PASS DIMENSION HIGH-PASS DISTORTION RING MODULATOR...

  • Page 52: Changing Song Settings

    Changing Song Settings The length of a song or the number of beats, the metronome sound volume, pre-count setting and other song settings (song function parameters) can be changed, as follows. CHORUS EXTREME EQ RESONANCE PHASER PITCH SHIFTER LOW-PASS HIGH-PASS DIMENSION DISTORTION RING MODULATOR...

  • Page 53: Song Function Parameters

    • Pad 4 (SHIFT) Shifts the playback timing of the ST-224 back and forth. This is useful for example to match the playback to the timing of external equipment. The setting is made in 1-tick units (1/24 of a quarter note), and the maximum setting is 2 bars.

  • Page 54: Copying A Song

    Copying a Song The data recorded for a song can be copied to another song, for example to create a different version. VOLUME/BASS TIME STRETCH SCRATCH EXCITER DELAY TREMOLO SONG REVERB AUTO PAN PLAY/STOP FLANGER LO-FI EFFECT STEP CRY COMPRESSOR CHORUS EXTREME EQ PHASER...

  • Page 55: Deleting A Song

    Deleting a Song The data recorded for a song can be deleted if no longer required. A deleted song is returned to the default (blank) condition. TIME STRECH VOLUME/BASS SCRATCH EXCITER DELAY TREMOLO REVERB AUTO PAN FLANGER LO-FI EFFECT STEP CRY COMPRESSOR CHORUS EXTREME EQ...

  • Page 56: Playing Songs With Pads (Play List Function)

    Playing Songs With Pads (Play List Function) The ST-224 incorporates a play list function which lets you assign songs 1 - 8 to pads 1 - 8 and play the songs by hitting the pads. This section explains how to use this function.

  • Page 57: Using The Resampling Function

    Using the Resampling Function "Resampling" refers to returning the output of the ST-224 to the sampler section for repeated sampling in the digital domain. This can be used to create a new sample based on multi-pad play or song playback by the internal sequencer.
  • Page 58 • To terminate resampling when one-shot playback of pad is completed Press the [PAD FUNCTION] key so that the [PAD FUNCTION] LED lights up. • To terminate resampling when playback of song is completed Press the [SONG FUNCTION] key so that the [SONG FUNCTION] LED lights up.

  • Page 59: Storing And Reading Data

    Press the [LOAD] key again. Bulk data are copied from the backup memory into the main memory. The ST-224 then returns to the regular play mode. When wishing to cancel the load process, press the [EXIT] key instead of the [LOAD] key.

  • Page 60: Formatting A Data Card

    STEP When formatting is completed, press the [EXIT] key. The ST-224 reverts to the play mode. NOTE Cards formatted in other devices may not be usable in the ST-224. MEASURE BEAT SAMPLE/SONG RECORD PLAY/STOP –...

  • Page 61: Storing Bulk Data (Data Card)

    Press the [SAVE] key again. Bulk data (all waveform data, pad parameter settings, song data for internal sequencer) are saved to the data card. The ST-224 then returns to the regular play mode. • If the indication "Cd FULL" appears after step 3, the NOTE data card does not have enough free capacity.
  • Page 62 To remove bulk data that are no longer needed, use the [-] [+] keys to choose the file STEP number (1 - 99) when "CArdXX" is displayed in step 2. STEP Press the [DELETE] key. The [DELETE] LED flashes. STEP Press the [DELETE] key again.

  • Page 63: Loading Bulk Data (Data Card)

    Press the [LOAD] key again. Bulk data (all waveform data, pad parameter settings, song data for internal sequencer) are copied from the data card into the main memory. The ST-224 then returns to the regular play mode. SAMPLING BPM/VALUE MONO...

  • Page 64: Loading Individual Pad Data/Waveform Data (Data Card/Backup Memory)

    Loading Individual Pad Data/Waveform Data (Data Card/Backup Memory) The ST-224 can individually extract pad data (waveform data and parameter setting information for a specific pad) from bulk data stored on a data card. It is also possible to load regular waveform files (WAV or AIFF files) stored on a data card. This lets you use WAV files or AIFF files created on a computer as samples in the ST-224.
  • Page 65 • To store WAV files or AIFF files on a data card for the ST-224, a NOTE computer capable of reading and writing MS- DOS format data cards is required. • If "--" is shown in place of XX, the data card does not contain any of the files described above.

  • Page 66: Midi Application Example

    This section describes an example for using the MIDI capability of the ST-224. Samples assigned to the pads of the ST-224 can be played from external MIDI equipment, or songs stored in the ST- 224 can be synchronized by a MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine.
  • Page 67 While one of the [BANK 1] - [BANK 3] keys is held down, the current MIDI channel is shown on the display. In the default condition of the ST-224, the MIDI channel 1 is selected. STEP Use the [-] [+] keys to select the MIDI receive channel.

  • Page 68: Synchronizing Song Playback Of The

    Synchronizing Song Playback of the ST-224 With External Equipment Song playback of the ST-224 can be synchronized to an external MIDI sequencer or rhythm machine. EFFECT VOLUME/BASS TIME STRETCH SCRATCH EXCITER DELAY TREMOLO REVERB AUTO PAN FLANGER LO-FI EFFECT COMPRESSOR...

  • Page 69: Other Functions

    Initializing Without Loading Backup Memory Data (Quick Start) Normally, the ST-224 loads data from backup memory into the main memory every time the unit is turned on. This causes a certain delay until the unit can be used for playing or sampling. When wishing to skip this step and get the unit ready for use quickly, perform the following steps.

  • Page 70: Troubleshooting

    Set the LEVEL pad parameter to an appropriate value. Adjust [OUTPUT] knob on ST-224 to a suitable position. Adjust [INPUT] knob on ST-224 to a suitable position, and repeat the sampling process. Adjust [INPUT] knob on ST-224 to a suitable position, and repeat the sampling process.

  • Page 71: St-224 Specifications

    ST-224 Specifications • Signal processing • DSP • Sampling frequency • Total recording time (mono) • Maximum recording time per sample • Maximum number of simultaneous samples • Tempo • Songs • Number of recorded notes • Resolution • Number of built-in effects •...

  • Page 72: St-224 File Import Details

    Files must be named "??.WAV" (?? stands for a number from 01 - 99). Files are listed by number. 2. Apple AIFF Files The ST-224 can import AIFF standard PCM files as used on the Apple Macintosh. PCM parameters are the same as for WAV files, but loop point information in the files is not imported.

  • Page 73: Midi Implementation

    MIDI Implementation 1. TRANSMITTED DATA NONE. 2.RECOGNIZED DATA 1) CHANNEL VOICE MESSAGES STATUS SECOND THIRD 1000 nnnn 0kkk kkkk 0vvv vvvv 1001 nnnn 0kkk kkkk 0000 0000 1001 nnnn 0kkk kkkk 0vvv vvvv 1010 nnnn 0kkk kkkk 0vvv vvvv 1011 nnnn 0ccc cccc 0vvv vvvv 1100 nnnn...
  • Page 74 EFFECT BANK A : TIME STRETCH EFFECT BANK A : DELAY EFFECT BANK A : FLANGER EFFECT BANK A : CHORUS EFFECT BANK A : PITCH SHIFTER EFFECT BANK A : DISTORTION EFFECT BANK A : LOW-PASS EFFECT BANK A : EXTREME EQ EFFECT BANK A : LO-FI EFFECT EFFECT BANK A : TREMOLO EFFECT BANK A : VOLUME/BASS...

  • Page 75: Midi Implementation Chart

    MIDI Implementation Chart Sampling Machine Model SampleTrak ST-224 MIDI Implementation Chart Transmitted Function Basic Default Channel Changed Mode Messages Default *************** Altered Note *************** Number | True voice Velocity Note On Note Off After Key's Touch Ch's Pitch Bend Control...
  • Page 76 ZOOM CORPORATION NOAH Bldg., 2-10-2, Miyanishi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-0022, Japan PHONE: 042-369-7116 FAX: 042-369-7115 Printed in Japan 224-5000...

Table of Contents