Ada MP-2 Owner's Manual
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Ada MP-2 Owner's Manual

Midi tube guitar pre-amp
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Midi TUBE GUITAR PRE-AMP
OWNER'S MANUAL MP-2
(version 1)
Originally written by ADA SIGNAL PROCESSORS, INC. Scanned and edited by Jur at 14 june 2002. Original
ADA logo edited and rendered by Barend Onneweer of Raamw3rk.) The version of this manual is copyrighted and
may not be sold or placed on a website without permission of the editor.
Release No.1 for
http://www.ada-mp1.com

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  • Page 1 Originally written by ADA SIGNAL PROCESSORS, INC. Scanned and edited by Jur at 14 june 2002. Original ADA logo edited and rendered by Barend Onneweer of Raamw3rk.) The version of this manual is copyrighted and may not be sold or placed on a website without permission of the editor.
  • Page 2 Chapter 2 Quick Start. Chapter 3 Getting Started Unpacking and Installation Controls and Connectors Connecting the MP-2 Audio MIDI Chapter 4 Tutorial. Basics of the MP-2 Programs MP-2Modes MP-2Display Powering Up Play Mode Recalling Programs Program Edit mode Editing Basics...
  • Page 3 Copy Presets to User Copy Single Programs Swap Programs Panel Mode Restore System Defaults Memory Protect Appendix A Specifications MP-2 MIDI Implementation Chart Appendix B MIDI and the MP-2 Appendix C Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Tips Audio Problems MIDI Problems Page: 3...
  • Page 4 Page: 4...
  • Page 5 Introduction This chapter describes this manual and lists the MP-2's features. Thank you for purchasing the ADA MP-2 MIDI Programmable Tube Preamp. The MP-2 is the latest generation of ADA's programmable tube preamp technology, and contains more gain, processing options, MIDI functions, and professional features than any previous product.
  • Page 6 Noise reduction circuitry to reduce unwanted hum and noise at high gain settings. Stereo effects loop with programmable mix control. Side-chain design keeps dry signal within MP-2, preserving dynamics and signal-to-noise ratio. Speaker emulation circuit and room compensation equalization. Cabinet-emulated, balanced XLR outputs with ground lift, as well as unbalanced 1/4"...
  • Page 7 Turn on the MP-2, then turn on the amplifier. When the MP-2 is first turned on, it will take a few moments for the tubes to warm up. After warming up, the MP-2 will enter Play mode running User program 1.

  • Page 8: Getting Started

    MP-2 in a country with a different AC line voltage. Rack-mounting the MP-2 The MP-2 is designed to mount in a single rack-unit of (lu) of space in any standard 19" equipment rack. Be sure that it is securely mounted using four standard (10-32) rackmount screws.
  • Page 9 Controls and connectors Page: 9...
  • Page 10 2-rows by 16-characters LCD. Shows status and error messages. Play mode: shows bank and number of current program. In Controller panel mode, shows mapping of MIDI program change number to MP-2 User program number. Program and System Edit modes: shows parameter editing information.
  • Page 11 [14] Edit functions When in Program Edit mode, the Bank Select, Number, and Preset/User buttons select the parameter sections indicated in the gray field above them. Rear Panel (R to L) [1] Input Accepts unbalanced 1/4" phone instrument inputs. Maximum level: +12.2 dBV (3.4 volts RMS). Plugging into the front panel input overrides this input.
  • Page 12 [10] Phantom Power Input which accepts AC power adapters for ADA MIDI footswitches and connects to pins 6 and 7 of the MP-2's MIDI In jack. When used in conjunction with the proper 7-pin DIN phantom power cable, allows ADA MIDI footswitches to be remotely powered.
  • Page 13 Page: 13...
  • Page 14 MP-2's input. NOTE: The MP-2 's front panel input jack overrides the rear panel input. Signals going to the rear panel input will be disconnected if an input is connected to the front input jack.
  • Page 15 Sending and Receiving Libraries and Programs The MP-2 can send or receive one or all of its User programs to another MP-2 or a personal computer running an appropriate librarian or sequencing program.This information is sent over MIDI as System Exclusive Data.
  • Page 16 MP-2. This chapter will introduce you to the basics of using the MP-2 and lead you step by step through the most important functions. Once you have completed the Tutorial, you will be able to create and store your own programs, as well as use the factory Preset programs, and use MIDI to control the MP-2.
  • Page 17 In Program Edit mode, all of the settings (also called parameters) contained in a program can be adjusted. The MP-2 is in Program Edit mode when the LED in the PRGM EDIT button is lit. (See page 42 for Reference information on Program Edit mode.) In System Edit, settings that affect the entire MP-2 and are not stored as part of a program are adjusted.
  • Page 18 MP-2 and showing the software version installed: The MP-2 is a tube preamp, and tubes take a few moments to warm up when they are first switched on. During this period, the MP-2's display will show this message: •...
  • Page 19 After the tubes have warmed up, the display will say something like this: Notice that the LEDs in the PRGM EDIT and SYSTEM EDIT buttons are both unlit. The MP-2 is now in Play mode. The top line indicates that the MP-2 is currently running User program 1, while the bottom line is the program's name.

  • Page 20: Editing Basics

    The LED in the button will go on and the display will say: Editing Basics When an instrument is plugged into the MP-2, its signal passes through a number of different sections, each of which has a different function. The sections are indicated in the gray field above the Bank Select, Number, and Preset/User buttons.
  • Page 21 These buttons are also used to answer Yes/No questions the MP-2 sometimes displays. •...
  • Page 22 Selecting and Editing Parameters • Press the Tube Voicing button to select the Tube Voicing section. The button's LED will light up and the display will show: There are no arrows in the upper left or lower right corner; the Tube Voicing section has only one screen of parameters.
  • Page 23 Press the COMPARE button to engage the Compare function. The display will tell you that you are now listening to the stored version: • Press the COMPARE button again and the MP-2 toggles back to the edited version: Each press of the button causes the MP-2 to toggle.
  • Page 24 Press the PRGM EDIT button to exit Program Edit mode. The display will briefly show: then change to: The User program value shown is the last User program used by the MP-2. Note that only User programs are available for storing. To store a program in the User program shown: ∧...
  • Page 25 Memory Protection The MP-2 has a memory protection feature in the System Edit mode (discussed later) which prevents any User program from being written to. The factory default setting for this feature is "Off," however, should memory protection be turned on, it adds an additional confirmation message to the store process.
  • Page 26 Overdrive parameter in this section for even more gain. The Master parameter in the Drive and Master Level section controls the amount of signal fed from the tube preamp to the rest of the MP-2. It is useful for balancing relative volume between your User programs.
  • Page 27 Using the Stereo Effects Loop The MP-2's Stereo Effects Loop provides a way to use the MP-2 with additional effects without requiring an external mixer. The side-chain design keeps the original ("dry") signal within the MP-2, and each channel has the capability of mixing the Effects Return ("wet") signal with the original.
  • Page 28 System Edit mode contains the MP-2's MIDI functions (except Real-Time MIDI, which will be discussed shortly), and system utilities such as the Copy and Swap Program features, Memory Protect and Panel Mode.It is organized as a main menu which is navigated in the same way as the parameter screens in Program Edit mode.
  • Page 29 MIDI Parameters Setting the MIDI Channel The most basic MIDI parameter is setting the channel over which the MP-2 will send and receive MIDI data. • Press the "<" button twice so that the display shows: ∧ • Press the "...
  • Page 30 One of the most powerful programming features of the MP-2 is its ability to be remotely programmed through MIDI. With the Pedal Edit feature, it is not necessary to be within reach of the MP-2 to adjust a parameter value in Program Edit mode; the pedal is used in place of ∧...
  • Page 31 • Connect a MIDI continuous controller, such as the ADA CCP/ MXC combination, to the MP-2's MIDI In. Be sure that the controller is set to the same MIDI channel as the MP-2. NOTE: If the MIDI Mismatch Warning feature in System Edit is set to "ON," the MP-2 will display the previously shown error message if it receives MIDI data on a channel other than its own.
  • Page 32 NOTE: If the MIDI Mismatch Warning feature in System Edit is set to "ON," the MP-2 will display the previously shown error message if it receives MIDI data on a channel other than its own. • Press the PRGM EDIT button to enter Program Edit mode.
  • Page 33 Chapter 5 Reference This chapter contains detailed explanations of every MP-2 function. Use it when you are trying to get information on a specific feature. Play Mode In Play mode Preset and User programs can be recalled, and real-time MIDI control is active.
  • Page 34 LED will go out and the MP-2 will be in Play mode. Storing, Abandoning, and Resuming Edits The MP-2 asks if you wish to store whenever you attempt to exit Program Edit mode after having altered any of a program's parameters.
  • Page 35 The User program value shown is the last User program used by the MP-2. Note that only User programs are available for storing. • Use the BANK UP, BANK DOWN, and number buttons in the same fashion as recalling a program in Play mode to select a User program other than the one shown.
  • Page 36 Tube Voicing Selects basic character of tube sound by configuring the four tube stages and biasing them for the proper gain and interstage EQ. There are ten Voicings available: Table 1: Tube Voicings Crystal Clean Spanky Clean Fat Clean Vintage Brown Warm Vintage Dynamic Vintage Warm Hi Gain...
  • Page 37 Tone Controls The Tone controls give fast access to tonal shaping. Use the Tone controls to get a basic tonal sound and the Graphic EQ for more specific shaping needs. The actual frequencies affected by the Tone controls sometimes change with different tube Voicings to give the best sound.
  • Page 38 Sensitivity (0/100): Found on screen 2, available only when Triggered Mode is selected. Sets the sensitivity of the trigger mechanism. Delay (0/100): Found on screen 2. available only when Triggered Mode is selected. Slows down the triggered sweep action. Start Point (0/100): Found on screen 3 when Triggered Mode is selected.
  • Page 39 the signal off instantly and completely. In general, Fader mode is recommended for lower gain programs, and Gate mode for high gain programs. Status (In/Out): Switches Noise Reduction in and out of the signal path. Mode (Fader/Gate): Selects the Noise Reduction operating mode. Threshold (0-100): Found on screen 2.
  • Page 40 The name is kept as long as the MP-2 is in Program Edit mode, but is not permanent until the program is stored. Real-Time MIDI (RTM) In this section, MIDI continuous controller messages received by the MP-2 can be assigned to control parameters in real time.
  • Page 41 RTM section or Program Edit mode. NOTE: Be sure a MIDI controller is properly connected to and set up to communicate with the MP-2 before attempting to work with RTM. RTM Edit Mode (Quick/Expert):Sets edit level for programming RTM.
  • Page 42 Move the cursor to the Parameter setting. The display will briefly show the message, "THIS SLOT IS PART OF A MACRO" if it is a component of the macro. After the message disappears, the MP-2 will allow editing of the setting as usual.
  • Page 43 • Move the MIDI controller slightly. The MP-2 will detect the MIDI controller number and whether it is a switch-type or continuous controller, then assign it to the slot. The display will then show the parameter, if any, currently assigned to that controller.
  • Page 44 NOTE: If the controller is operated and its number does not appear in the Controller #parameter value check MIDI connections and verify that the controller and the MP-2 are set to the same channel. The MIDI Monitor function found on of the Reference chapter is very helpful for this type of troubleshooting.
  • Page 45 (Modified) version of a program and the stored version (Original). Each time the Compare button is pressed, the MP-2 switches between the versions, allowing each to be heard. The display indicates whether it is switching to the edited version ("MODIFIED SETTINGS") or the stored version ("INITIAL SETTINGS").
  • Page 46 MIDI Function Menu The MP-2's basic MIDI functions, as well as some of its most advanced ones, are accessed through the MIDI function menu. Unlike the other selections in the System Edit mode, the MIDI Function menu is not a single function, but a submenu of a number of functions.
  • Page 47 Set MIDI Channel This parameter sets the MIDI channel over which the MP-2 will transmit and receive. It can be set to any of the 16 MIDI channels, ALL for Omni mode (responds to MIDI information arriving on any channel), or OFF to disable MIDI reception.
  • Page 48 "slave" device (in this case, the MP-2) not set to the same channel. When MIDI Mismatch Warning is set to "On," the MP-2 will warn you if it receives MIDI messages on a channel other than the one to which it is set.
  • Page 49 The Tuner Mute, when activated by a selected MIDI controller, shuts off audio to all of the MP-2's outputs, allowing a tuner connected between the instrument and the MP-2 to be used silently. It is a Global parameter which remains in effect regardless of the program running.
  • Page 50 NOTE: If the controller is operated and its number does not appear in the Controller #parameter value check MIDI connections and verify that the controller and the MP-2 are set to the same channel. The MIDI Monitor function is very helpful for this type of troubleshooting.
  • Page 51 Panel Mode Panel Mode offers the ability to make the MP-2's front panel act like a MIDI controller when recalling programs. This is useful if you are accustomed to using a MIDI controller and are more familiar with the MIDI program change numbers associated with a program than with the MP-2 User program number or if your MIDI program change footswitch fails onstage.
  • Page 52 Restore System Defaults The default values for the System parameters listed here can be restored at any time: Restoring the System defaults also resets (unmutes) the Tuner Mute, and resets the Stereo Volume to full on (100%). To restore factory System default values: •...

  • Page 53: Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications Inputs (Front and Rear) Connectors: Unbalanced (TS) 1/4" phone. Front panel jack overrides rear panel jack. Maximum Input Level: +12.2 dBV (3.4V RMS) Input Impedance: 390 kilohms Stage Outputs Connectors: Unbalanced (TS) 1/4" phone Maximum Output Level: +11.1 dBV (3.6V RMS) into 600 ohms + 17.1 dBV (7.2V RMS) into 50 kilohms Output Impedance: 500 ohms...
  • Page 54 MP-2 MIDI Implementation Chart Page: 54...
  • Page 55 User program you desire. The MP-2's Panel Mode is a special feature that allows the MP-2's front panel to act as if it were a MIDI controller plugged into MIDI In. In this case, you press the MIDI program number on the front panel, and the MP-2 recalls the current User program currently mapped to that MIDI number.lt will also show that...
  • Page 56 MIDI spec that are defined as types of System Exclusive messages, but it is the original use that the MP-2 employs. It is the MP-2's System Exclusive implementation that lets libraries or programs be sent and received by the MP-2.Computer software programs called librarians store and retrieve this kind of information.

  • Page 57: Troubleshooting

    Use any indicators or meters in the signal chain to help isolate where the signal exists and where it does not. If you are getting no sound from the MP-2, for example, try setting all Status parameters to "Out" and disabling the Stereo Volume Control. If there is still no sound, the problem is either elsewhere or a truly serious one that cannot be dealt with on the spot (which does happen on occasion).
  • Page 58 MIDI Mismatch Warning function, also found in System Edit mode, when enabled, displays a warning when the MP-2 receives MIDI messages on a different channel than that to which it is currently set. This, too, can be useful in troubleshooting.

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