Millenium MPS-850 E-Drum Module Manual

General information

This document contains important instructions for the safe operation of the product. Read and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the document for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all those using the product. If you sell the product to another user, be sure that they also receive this document.
Our products and documentation are subject to a process of continuous development. They are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the latest version of the documentation, which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

Symbols and signal words

In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this document.

Signal word	Meaning
	This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
	This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!	This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in mate‐ rial and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs	Type of danger
	danger zone.

Features

• 550 voices
• 30 pre-programmed drum kits n 20 user kits
• 100 pre-programmed songs n 2 user songs
• Quick record
• Metronome
• Equalizer per kit n Pitch, reverb, compressor n Flexible assignment of pad voices
• 6 fader for the volume control of individual pads n Reverb effect, voice tuning
• Individual adjustment of accompaniment and drum track n Connections for headphones, AUX, USB and MIDI
• Operating system: Windows® 8 and later, Mac OS X® 10.8 and later

Installation

Setup, connecting pads and pedals	Setup and assembly of the pads and pedals are described in detail in the enclosed assembly instructions. Finally check that all cables between the pads and the e-drum module have been properly connected.
Connecting the power supply	Use the Y cable to connect the supplied power supply to the [9 V] 9-V port of the edrum module and to the hi-hat controller. Then plug the mains plug into the socket.
Connecting headphones	Connect your stereo headphones to the [PHONES] output of the drum module.
Connecting audio devices	Connect the inputs of your amplifier or active monitor to the [OUTPUT] sockets of the drum module. If you are using a mono amplifier, connect its input to the [L/MONO] output socket of the module.
Connecting a CD or MP3 player	Connect a CD or MP3 player to the [AUX IN] input socket of the drum module.
Connecting MIDI devices	Connect external MIDI devices to the [MIDI OUT] or [MIDI IN] socket of the drum module.
Connecting USB devices	Connect external MIDI devices or your computer to the [USB MIDI] USB port of the drum module. Use a current operating system still supported by the provider to avoid tech‐ nical difficulties.

Connections and controls

Front panel

1. Display
2. [POWER] | main switch. Turns the device on and off
3. [MENU] | button to open the selection menu
4. [SAVE] | button to store settings
5. [VOLUME – MASTER] | overall volume control
6. [VOLUME – AUX IN] | volume control for the AUX input signal
7. [VOLUME – PHONES] | volume control for the headphone output of the device
8. [EXIT] | button to close and exit an open menu
9. | arrow buttons to select an option
10. [ENTER] | button to confirm a selection or setting
11. [TEMPO] | button to adjust metronome and playback tempo
12. [CLICK] | button to turn the metronome on and off
13. button to start and stop song playback
14. button to activate the recording function
15. Jog wheel to select a drum kit and quickly set values
16. Fader with switchable assignment for adjusting the volume of individual pads
17. [FADER] | button for switching the fader assignment
18. [SONG] | button to open the 'SONG' menu
19. [KIT] | button to open the 'KIT' menu
20. [<] / [>] | arrow buttons to select a drum kit and quickly set values

Rear panel

21. [PHONES] | connection socket for headphones
22. [USB MIDI] | connection socket for an external MIDI device with USB port
23. [MIDI OUT | IN] | connection sockets for an external MIDI device
24. [OUTPUT R | L / MONO] | output for external audio devices
25. [TRIGGER IN – TOM 4]/[TRIGGER IN – CRASH2] | connection sockets for Tom 4 or Crash 2
26. [AUX IN] | input for external audio devices like MP3 or CD players
27. [9 V] | connection socket for the power adapter for power supply
28. [USB MEMORY] | connection for a USB memory device
29. Multi-pin socket (sub D) for connecting the pads (on the bottom of the device)

Operating

Functions

Turning on / off	Check all cable connections for correct fit before turning on Before switching on, turn the [VOLUME – MASTER] volume control to min‐ imum. Use the [POWER] main switch to turn the drum module on or off.
Automatic shutoff	If the device is not in use, it shuts off automatically after a settable time. Use the utility menu ( Chapter "Utility menu") to disable automatic shutoff.
Adjusting the volume	Turn the [VOLUME – MASTER] volume control to set the desired overall volume for the drum set.
Resetting to factory defaults	To reset the entire drum module to factory settings, turn it off first. Then hold down the [<] and [>] simultaneously and additionally press [POWER] until the display shows 'Factory Resetting...'.

Selecting and adjusting drum kits

A drum kit is a compilation in which a certain sound (voice) and several sound parameters are assigned to each pad. Selecting different drum kits lets you customise the sound of your drum kit in seconds to the desired music genre. Besides the 30 preprogrammed drum kits you can also create, customise and save 20 user drum kits.
The drum kit list is available for download on the product page at www.thomann.de.

Selecting a drum kit
To select a certain drum kit, proceed as follows:

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to select the desired kit.
   The setting is automatically stored.

Assigning a voice
The voice list is available for download on the product page at www.thomann.de.
To programme a certain voice for a pad, proceed as follows:

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [MENU]. Use the arrow buttons () to select the option 'VOICE' and press [ENTER].
   The display shows the voice list.
3. Hit the respective pad to activate it.
   The display shows the name of the currently assigned voice.
4. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to select the desired voice. The setting is automatically stored.

Playing the drum kit

The lifespan of the bass drum pad's mesh head skin is significantly extended by using the black plastic side of the bass drum beater. When using the felt side however, the abrasion and a possible tearing of the mesh head skin is significantly accelerated.
The bass drum beater can be turned 180 degrees by loosening the locking screw.
Like on an acoustic drum kit, the pads respond to different playing techniques and dynamics. All pads are velocity sensitive. Some voices change their timbre depending on the punch used.

• Drums
  With the snare drum we distinguish between head and rimshot.
  • Head
    Strike the head only.
  • Rimshot
    Simultaneously strike the head and the rim or only the rim of the pad.
• Cymbals
  • Bow
    Play in the area between the edge and the bell of the cymbal.
  • Bell
    Play the bell area of the cymbal.
  • Edge
    Play at the edge of the cymbal.
  • Choke
    Choke play is possible with crash and ride cymbals but not with the hi-hat. To do so, stop the sound of the crash and ride cymbals with the hand at the edge of the cymbal immediately after hitting it.
• Hi-hat
  • Hi-hat pedal change
    When the pedal is pressed in different positions, the voice changes when the hi-hat pad is hit (similar to an acoustic drum kit).
  • Open hi-hat
    Strike the hi-hat pad without pressing the pedal.
  • Closed hi-hat
    Strike the hi-hat pad with fully pressed pedal.
  • Hi-hat pedal
    Press the hi-hat controller pedal to generate a closed sound without striking the hi-hat pad.
  • Splash
    Play the hi-hat with fully pressed pedal and then open it suddenly.
    With the hi-hat we distinguish between hi-hat pedal change, open hi-hat, closed hi-hat, hi-hat pedal and splash.
    We distinguish the following cymbal zones:

Modifying drum kits

Selecting a drum kit

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [KIT] again to go to the user kits section.

Customising a drum kit
You can assign a special sound to each individual trigger of the drum kit and set multiple sound parameters.

1. Select the desired drum kit with the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]). The selected drum kit is immediately active.
2. Use the arrow buttons () to select the parameter you want to change.
3. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to change the parameter value.

Customising voice parameters
Voice parameters always refer only to a single pad. For example, if you change the volume of the snare drum, the other pads are not affected.

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [MENU]. Use the arrow buttons () to select the option 'VOICE' and press [ENTER].
   The display shows the voice list.
3. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to select the pad or play the pad whose parameters you want to adjust.
4. Use the arrow buttons () to select the parameter you want to change.
5. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to change the parameter value.

Customising and saving user kits
The existing preset kits can be used as a basis for user kits. The user kits can then be stored in the device memory.

1. Press [SAVE].
   'Rename Kit' and the number and name of the first user kit appear on the display.
2. Change the name as desired. Change the letter on which the cursor is currently located with the jog wheel, and move the cursor with the arrow buttons ([<] /[>]).
3. To save, select the 'SAVE' option. To cancel, select the 'CANCEL' option.
4. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to select a user kit. Press [ENTER].
   The display briefly shows 'SAVE OK!' . The changes to the settings take immediately effect.

Any unsaved changes will be discarded when another kit is selected or the device is turned off.

Playing, customising and accompanying songs

Selecting a style
Your digital drum module features a total of 100 pre-programmed songs with different styles: 70 patterns, 6 hits, 24 taps and 2 user songs. You can play the songs and accompany them on the drum module. A song contains a drum part (containing the rhythm in which you play the pads) and an accompaniment part (percussion and melody). The volume of both parts can be adjusted separately.
The song list is available for download on the product page at www.thomann.de.

1. Press [SONG].
   The name and number of the current song appear in the display.
2. Use the arrow buttons () to select the parameter you want to change.
3. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) to change the parameter value.
4. Press to play and stop the songs.

Song playback from USB flash drive
The drum module first displays the music files recognized in the 'SONG' directory on the USB flash drive. But you can switch to any other directory on the medium. From each directory, the first 99 music files are displayed.
Requirements for the music files:

• MIDI: SMF 0, track number less than 16, PPQN 480 maximum, file size 128 kB maximum.
• WAV: Bit rate 1536 kbit/s maximum, sampling frequency 48 kHz maximum n MP3 Bit rate 320 kbit/s maximum, sampling frequency 48 kHz maximum

If you want to play music files that do not meet these requirements, an error message will appear in the display.

1. Press [SONG].
   The name and number of the current song appear in the display.
2. Press [SONG] again.
   The display shows the list of WAV, MP3 or MIDI files detected on the USB flash drive.
3. Use the arrow buttons (/[<] / [>]) to navigate in the list.
4. Press [MENU] to open the 'SONG' menu.
   Use the arrow buttons () to select the 'USB FOLDER' option in order to switch to another directory on the USB flash drive. Confirm with [ENTER].
5. Press to play and stop the songs.

Metronome function

Press [CLICK] to turn the click on and off again. When the click is running the indicator LED of the button is flashing.

Settings

1. Use the arrow buttons () to select the parameter you want to change.
2. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to change the parameter value.

All changes are immediately effective. Exit the settings menu by pressing the [CLICK] button again.

The click volume is also influenced by the [RIDE/CLICK] fader. The click is only audible if this fader is not set to zero.

Changing the tempo

1. Press [TEMPO].
2. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to change the click tempo.
3. Confirm with [ENTER] or wait three seconds to reactivate the originally set tempo.

Fader

The drum module offers six separate faders that can be used to directly adjust the volume of individual pads, the song, or the click. The faders have double assignment. To change from one assignment to another, press [FADER]. The two indicator LEDs next to the faders indicate which assignment is currently set.

Recording functions

This feature allows you to use the drum module for recording. You can record your own drum track with or without an accompanying song. The recording can be stored in one of the two user songs as a MIDI file directly in the drum module or stored in an MP3 file on a USB flash drive.

Recording preparation

1. Before recording, set the parameters as desired: Tempo, kit, emphasis on beats, beats per measure and song as accompaniment.
2. Press .
   The display shows 'REC' .
3. If no USB flash drive is connected, you can use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) to choose whether to save the recording as user song 1 or 2.

Starting and stopping recording

1. When the device is ready to record (the display shows 'REC' ), press or play a pad.
   From the 'SONG' and 'KIT' menus, you can switch directly to recording standby. To do so, just press .
   While recording is in progress, the indicator LED of the button lights up and the display shows 'RECORDING' .
2. To stop recording, press .

Trigger settings

Adjusting trigger settings
The touch responsiveness can be adjusted to your needs and preferences by the settings of this menu.

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [MENU]. Use the arrow keys () to select the 'TRIGGER' option and press [ENTER].
   The display shows the list of trigger parameters.
3. Use the arrow buttons () to select the parameter you want to change.
4. Strike the pad whose parameter you want to modify.
5. For non-changeable parameters, the display shows '–'
   Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to change the parameter value. Please note the information in the table below.
6. Press [EXIT] to save the changes and to exit the menu.

Utility menu

Adjusting device settings
In this menu, you can change various settings of the device.

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [MENU]. Use the arrow buttons () to select the option 'UTILITY' and press [ENTER].
   The display shows the list of utility parameters.
3. Use the arrow buttons () to select the parameter you want to change.
4. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to change the parameter value. Please note the information in the table below.
5. Press [EXIT] to save the changes and to exit the menu.

Compression

Adjusting compression settings
In this menu, you can adjust the compression setting of the device to your requirements.

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [MENU]. Use the arrow buttons () to select the option 'COMPRESS' and press [ENTER].
   The display shows the list of compression parameters.
3. Use the arrow buttons () to select the parameter you want to change.
4. Use the arrow buttons ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to change the parameter value. Please note the information in the table below.
5. Press [SAVE] to store the changes.

USB flash drive functions

A USB flash drive can be used to save or play sound files (as songs) or kit settings.
The USB flash drive must have a capacity of at least 4 GB and at most 64 GB and be formatted as a FAT file system.

Formatting the USB flash drive
Formatting erases all data on the USB flash drive irretrievably.

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [MENU]. Use the arrow buttons () to select the option 'USB' and press [ENTER].
   The display shows the 'USB MEMORY' menu.
3. Use the arrow buttons () to select the 'FORMAT' option.
   A confirmation prompt appears on the display.
4. Confirm with [ENTER] or press [EXIT] to exit the menu.

Loading a sample from the USB flash drive and saving it as a user voice
Samples stored on the USB flash drive can be loaded into the drum module and saved there as a user voice. The user voices can be used in the same way as the supplied voices. The maximum sample size is 15 MB. It must be stored as a WAV file (mono) with a resolution of 16 bits and a sampling frequency of a maximum of 48 kHz in the 'Voice' folder on the USB flash drive.

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [MENU]. Use the arrow buttons () to select the option 'USB' and press [ENTER].
   The display shows the 'USB MEMORY' menu.
3. Use the arrow buttons () to select the 'SAMPLE LOAD' option. Confirm with [ENTER].
   The display shows the list of WAV files detected on the USB flash drive.
4. Use the arrow buttons () to select a file. Confirm with [ENTER].
   The display shows 'Load to User Voice' .
5. Confirm with [ENTER].
   The sample is being loaded. This can take about a minute, depending on the file size.

Storing kit settings on the USB flash drive
The settings you have made for a kit can be saved on the USB flash drive and used again later.

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [MENU]. Use the arrow buttons () to select the option 'USB' and press [ENTER].
   The display shows the 'USB MEMORY' menu.
3. Use the arrow keys () to select the 'KIT SAVE' option. Confirm with [ENTER].
   The display shows the list of the kits (01...99). If there is no name next to a kit number, then no kit has yet been saved for this number.
4. Use the arrow buttons () to select a kit. Confirm with [ENTER] or press [EXIT] to exit the menu.
   The kit is being saved.

Loading kit settings from a USB flash drive
The settings for a kit stored on the USB flash drive can be loaded.

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [MENU]. Use the arrow buttons () to select the option 'USB' and press [ENTER].
   The display shows the 'USB MEMORY' menu.
3. Use the arrow keys () to select the 'KIT LOAD' option. Confirm with [ENTER].
   The display shows the list of the kits (01...99). If there is no name next to a kit number, then no kit has yet been saved for this number.
4. Use the arrow buttons () to select a kit. Confirm with [ENTER].
   The display shows 'Load to User __?' .
5. Use the arrow keys ([<] / [>]) or the jog wheel to select the number of the user kit under which the settings are to be stored in the drum module.
   Confirm with [ENTER] or press [EXIT] to exit the menu.
   The kit is being loaded. This can take about a minute, depending on the file size.

The settings of the drum module can be reset to factory defaults, separated into kits, songs, pad trigger settings, and voices.

1. Press [KIT].
   The display shows the kit list.
2. Press [MENU]. Use the arrow buttons () to select the 'FACTORY SET' option and press [ENTER].
   The display shows the 'FACTORY SET' menu.
3. Use the arrow buttons () to select one of the following options: 'KIT' (reset the settings in the kits section), 'SONG' (reset user songs), 'VOICE' (reset user voices), 'PAD SETTING' (reset trigger pad settings) or 'ALL' (reset all settings). Confirm with [ENTER] or exit the menu with [EXIT].
   The display shows 'Reset OK!' .

MIDI implementation

Technical specifications

Further information

Plug and connection assignment

Introduction
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured. Please note these advices, because especially in 'Sound & Light' caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit or 'just' in poor transmission quality!

Balanced and unbalanced transmission
Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environment and in hifi use. Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is transmitted through the core.
Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.
In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is preferred, because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conductors 'Ground' and 'Signal', in a balanced transmission a second core is added. This also transfers the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.
Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise interference.

1/4" TS phone plug (mono, unbalanced)

1. Signal
2. Ground, shielding

Three-pole 1/8" mini phone jack (stereo, unbalanced)

1. Signal (left)
2. Signal (right)
3. Ground, shielding

Cleaning

Device parts
Clean the accessible parts of the device regularly. The frequency of cleaning depends on the operating environment: moist, smoky or particularly dirty environments may cause a higher accumulation of dirt on the components of the device.

• Use a dry soft cloth for cleaning.
• Remove stubborn stains with a slightly damp cloth.
• Never use cleaners containing alcohol or thinner.
• Never put any vinyl items on the device, as vinyl can stick to the surface or lead to its discolouration.

Safety instructions

Intended use
Drum modules are intended to be used for converting digital trigger signals from drum pads to various percussion sounds. Use the unit only as described in this manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

Safety

Risk of injury and choking hazard for children!
Children can suffocate on packaging material and small parts. Children can injure themselves when handling the device. Never allow children to play with the packaging material and the device. Always store packaging material out of the reach of babies and small children. Always dispose of packaging material properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without supervision. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the device does not shed any small parts (such knobs) that children could play with.

Possible hearing damage due to high volumes on speakers or headphones!
With speakers or headphones connected, the device can produce volume levels that may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Over an extended period of time, even levels that seem to be uncritical can cause hearing damage. Do not operate the device permanently at a high volume level. Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or hearing impairment.

NOTICE!
Damage to the device if operated in unsuitable ambient conditions!
The device can be damaged if it is operated in unsuitable ambient conditions. Only operate the device indoors within the ambient conditions specified in the "Technical specifications" chapter of this user manual. Avoid operating it in environments with direct sunlight, heavy dirt and strong vibrations. Avoid operating it in environments with strong temperature fluctuations. If temperature fluctuations cannot be avoided (for example after transport in low outside temperatures), do not switch on the device immediately. Never subject the device to liquids or moisture. Never move the device to another location while it is in operation. In environments with increased dirt levels (for example due to dust, smoke, nicotine or mist): Have the device cleaned by qualified specialists at regular intervals to prevent damage due to overheating and other malfunctions.

NOTICE!
Damage to the external power supply due to high voltages!
The device is powered by an external power supply. The external power supply can be damaged if it is operated with the incorrect voltage or if high voltage peaks occur. In the worst case, excess voltages can also cause a risk of injury and fires. Make sure that the voltage specification on the external power supply matches the local power grid before plugging in the power supply. Only operate the external power supply from professionally installed mains sockets that are protected by a residual current circuit breaker (FI). As a precaution, disconnect the power supply from the power grid when storms are approaching or it the device will not be used for a longer period.

NOTICE!
Possible staining due to plasticiser in rubber feet!
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may react with the coating of the floor and cause permanent dark stains after some time. If necessary, use a suitable mat or felt slide to prevent direct contact between the device's rubber feet and the floor.