ELZ_1 Hardware Connection Troubleshooter

''Welcome to the ELZ_1 Connectivity Troublshooter'' --- This guide designed to get your exteral gear all hooked up and playing nice with the ELZ_1 If you find an error, email me at evan@sonicware.jp [[Lets get started!->MIDI Conncetions]]

''Setting Up the ELZ_1 to Receive MIDI Data'' --- As of Firmware Version Ver.4.0.117 (2021-05-30) The ELZ_1 can send and recieve the following MIDI data: Note On/Off Program Change Clock Start/Stop What kind of cable are you using to connect the ELZ_1 to your external device? [[5 Pin MIDI Cable]] [[USB->USB Powered Device]] [[1/8" inch Audio Cable (Audio Sync Pulses)->Audio Sync Pulses]] [[I'm not sure what cable I need]]

''5 Pin MIDI Cable Connctions'' --- You need two items to connect the ELZ_1 to other 5-pin Midi devices: 1.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/mio--iconnectivity-mio-usb-midi-interface">Mio 1x1 USB to 5-pin Midi Adapter cable</a> 2.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.amazon.com/SaiTech-Pack-Cable-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00VWUTJ22">SaiTech USB Mini">USB OTG Adapter</a> //You must use a ''USB OTG'' adapter, it is wired differenlly than other usb cables.// With the ELZ_1 turned off, plug the Mio into the OTG adapter, then plug the OTG adapter into the ELZ_1 Mini USB port. Turn on the ELZ_1, then activate the connection by navigating to MENU>MIDI>USB MIDI>MIDI HOST MODE. Press OKAY to activate You will need to activate this connection each time you turn on the ELZ_1, as it is turn off automatically when you power down the device. In this setup the ELZ_1 is considered the USB MIDI Host, but remeber the //ELZ_1 ''cannot'' send MIDI Clock, Note, CC Messages, so you will have to send it MIDI clock from some other device.//

The ELZ_1 can act as a [[USB MIDI Host]] or as a [[USB MIDI Device]]. Depending on the role it is in, it requires slightly different cables. If your not sure if it needs to be a host or a device, [[click here->USB MIDI Host or Device?]].

''Audio Sync Pulses'' --- Clock pulses output from cetain devices can be input through the ELZ_1 AUX IN jack to synchronize the tempo of its step sequencer and arpeggiator. //''Important'' Proper connection with all SYNC devices is not guaranteed. Never input voltage higher than 5V through the ELZ_1 AUX IN jack. Doing so could cause damage.// The following devices are known to be compatable with clock pulse sync: [[Korg Volcas->Korg Volcas (Audio Sync)]] [[Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators]] [[Other ELZ_1 Units]] [[The device I want to use is not listed]] --- [[I want to connect a different way.->MIDI Conncetions]]

''Identifying the Correct Conncetion Cable'' There are three ways that the ELZ_1 can connect with other equipment to share note and tempo data. --- ''USB'' <img src="https://erl.neocities.org/usbtypes.png"> If the gear you are trying to connect has the ports in the picture above, [[click here->USB MIDI Host or Device?]]. --- ''5 Pin Midi Dinn'' <img src="https://erl.neocities.org/5pindinmidi.png"> If the gear you are trying to connect has the ports in the picture above, [[click here->5 Pin MIDI Cable]]. --- ''Audio Sync Pulses'' <img src="https://erl.neocities.org/audiosyncpulse.png"> If the gear you are trying to connect has the ports in the picture above, [[click here->Audio Sync Pulses]].

''Connecting the ELZ_1 as a USB MIDI //Device//'' --- When the ELZ_1 is acting as the USB MIDI Host, you can attach the other device using a standard USB A to USB ''Mini''^^1^^ or ''Micro''^^2^^ cable. With all devices turned off connect, the two devices using the mini USB cable. Turn on the ELZ_1, then activate the connection by navigating to MENU>MIDI>USB MIDI>MIDI DEVICE MODE. Press OKAY to activate You will need to activate device mode each time you turn on the ELZ_1, as it is turn off automatically when you power down the device. Now turn on the connected device, and make sure it is set to act as a MIDI host. Now you should be good to go! In this setup the ELZ_1 is considered the USB MIDI device, but remeber the //ELZ_1 ''cannot'' send MIDI Clock, Note, CC Messages, so you will have to send it MIDI clock from the connected device.// The [[OP-1]] and [[OP-Z]] have a slightly different procedure for connecting them to the ELZ_1. --- 1 Startech 1ft Mini USB Cable - A to Mini B https://www.startech.com/Cables/USB-2.0/Mini/1-ft-Mini-USB-20-Cable-A-to-Mini-B~USB2HABM1 2 Startech 1ft Micro USB Cable - A to Micro B https://www.startech.com/Cables/USB-2.0/Micro/1ft-Micro-USB-Cable-A-to-Micro-B~UUSBHAUB1

''Is my Hardware a USB MIDI Host or Device?'' --- When Midi devices are connected via USB, one device must act as the USB MIDI Host. while the other connected units act as USB MIDI Devices. Hosts and Devices can transmit messages to each other, it is //bi-directional!// If a device does not explicitly say in it's manual that it can act as a USB MIDI Host, it will need to act as a device. --- ''Examples of USB Midi Hosts:'' The ELZ_1 The Organelle Kurzweil PC4 1010 Music Blackbox Outer Space Sounds MOSTRO https://www.mumidi.com/hubmidi https://www.bome.com/products/bomebox https://www.retrokits.com/shop/rk005/ Your Computer Synths or other gear with USB MIDI Hosting features //Note: We have not tested compatability with all of these devices.// If these are the devices you're connecting to, then the ELZ_1 relax, and just act as a MIDI Device. [[Follow these steps->USB MIDI Device]]. --- ''Examples of USB Midi Devices:'' USB MIDI Controllers The [[OP-Z]] The [[OP-1]] Synths with Micro or Mini USB outputs The ELZ_1 If these are the devices you are conncting to, the ELZ_1 must act as the USB MIDI Host and be connceted to the device via a USB OTG Adapter. [[Click here for instructions->USB MIDI Host]]. If you are trying to connect to a [[OP-1]] or [[OP-Z]] click those links for specific instructions.

''Connecting the ELZ_1 as a USB MIDI //Host//'' --- When the ELZ_1 is acting as the USB MIDI Host, you must attach the other device using a ''USB OTG'' adapter, it is wired differenlly than other usb cables. Here is one that is verfied to work: 2. SaiTech USB Mini ''USB OTG'' adaper https://www.amazon.com/SaiTech-Pack-Cable-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00VWUTJ22 With all devices turned off, plug your external gear into the OTG adapter, then plug the OTG adapter into the ELZ_1 Mini USB port. Turn on the ELZ_1, then activate the connection by navigating to MENU>MIDI>USB MIDI>MIDI HOST MODE. Press OKAY to activate You will need to activate host mode each time you turn on the ELZ_1, as it is turn off automatically when you power down the device. Now turn on the connected device, and make sure it is set to connect as a midi device. Now you should be good to go! In this setup the ELZ_1 is considered the USB MIDI Host, but remeber the //ELZ_1 ''cannot'' send MIDI Clock, Note, CC Messages, so you will have to send it MIDI clock from the connected device.//

''Connecting to Korg Volcas'' --- Use a mono 1/8" cable to connect the Volca series device SYNC OUT jack to the ELZ_1 AUX IN jack. If a stereo 1/8" cable is used for connection, the clock pulse will be heard as sound in the right channel. When connecting with a stereo 1/8" cable, set the AUX IN GAIN to 0 in the MENU, so that the pulse sound is muted. If you have connected these devices and are sending sync, but its still not working, you may need to [[adjust the sync signal input gain]].

''Connecting to Pocket Operators'' --- Use a stereo mini pin cable to connect the Pocket Operator headphone jack to the ELZ_1 AUX IN jack. Set the Pocket Operator sync mode to SY1, SY3 or SY5. The volume of the Pocket Operator can be adjusted on the device itself or using the ELZ_1 AUX IN GAIN MENU item. If you have connected these devices and are sending sync, but its still not working, you may need to [[adjust the sync signal input gain]].

''Connecting to Other ELZ_! Units via Audio Sync Pulse'' --- Use a stereo 1/8" cable to connect the headphone jack of the sending ELZ_1 to the AUX IN jack of the receiving ELZ_1. Set the clock source of the receiving ELZ_1 to Sync or Sync (Thru). If you have connected these devices and are sending sync, but its still not working, you may need to [[adjust the sync signal input gain]].

''Connecting to Gear We Have Not Tested'' --- Not all devices are compatable with the ELZ_1's audio sync pulse system. Before connecting devices, please consult the manual for the device you are trying to connect and make sure is it not sending sync signals that are above 5 volts. //We do not recommend it, but if you must, be especally careful when attempting to connect to modular syle units, as their CV messages can be up to ''10 volts!''// Use a mono 1/8" cable to connect the device's SYNC OUT jack to the ELZ_1 AUX IN jack. If a stereo 1/8" cable is used for connection, the clock pulse will be heard as sound in the right channel. When connecting with a stereo 1/8" cable, set the AUX IN GAIN to 0 in the MENU, so that the pulse sound is muted. If you have connected these devices and are sending sync, but its still not working, you may need to [[adjust the sync signal input gain]].

''Adjusting the Sync Signal Input Gain'' --- If the ELZ_1 sequencer or arpeggiator does not synchronize properly with the sync signal, try adjusting the input gain for the sync signal. You can do so by following thses steps: ① Press the MENU button. ② Use the DOWN and UP buttons to select SEQUENCER, and press the OK button. ③ Use the DOWN and UP buttons to choose SYNC IN GAIN. ④ Press the OK button to open the SYNC IN GAIN menu. ⑤ Adjust the input gain, and press the OK button. Recommended SYNC IN GAIN: volca series -9dB PO series -9dB ELZ_1 -9dB

''Is the device you are connecting powered by USB?'' --- [[Yes, it powered by the USB port I am connceting to the ELZ_1]] [[No, it has an seperate power input->USB Host or Device?]]

The ELZ_1 can provide 500mA (.5 Amp) of operating power for devices connected via USB. If your device needs more power then that, please plug in a seperate wall power source so that the device can draw power from that, and not the ELZ_1. Consult the manual for your gear to determine it's power usage. The Arturia Beatstep Pro can operate from ELZ_1 power alone if you are looking for an external sequencer. [[Continue to the next step->USB Host or Device?]]

''Connecting to the OP-Z'' --- Turn all devices off Connect the OP-Z to the ELZ_1 using a USB MIDI OTG Adapter^^1^^ and a USB A to USB C Cable^^2^^. Turn on the ELZ_1 Go to MENU>MIDI>USB MIDI, and select "OFF". Turn on the OP-Z Go to MENU>MIDI>USB MIDI, and select "MIDI HOST MODE". Now the two should be connceted so that the OP-Z can send MIDI Clock, and act as a sequencer for the ELZ_1 For more information about how to configure the OP-Z MIDI settings, visit: https://teenage.engineering/guides/op-z/midi --- 1 SaiTech USB Mini ''USB OTG'' adaper https://www.amazon.com/SaiTech-Pack-Cable-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00VWUTJ22 2 Startech 3ft USB A to C cable https://www.startech.com/Cables/usb-c/usb-2-0-c-a-cable~USB2AC1M#ratings_inset

''Connecting to the OP-1'' --- Turn all devices off Connect the OP-1 to the ELZ_1 using a USB MIDI OTG Adapter^^1^^ and a USB A to USB ''Mini'' Cable^^2^^. Turn on the ELZ_1 Go to MENU>MIDI>USB MIDI, and select "OFF". Turn on the OP-1 Go to MENU>MIDI>USB MIDI, and select "MIDI HOST MODE". Now the two should be connceted so that the OP-Z can send MIDI Clock, and act as a sequencer for the ELZ_1 For more information about the OP-1's USB MIDI capabilities, visit: https://op-forums.com/t/the-definitive-guide-to-trying-to-connect-your-op-1-via-usb-midi/3374 Brian Westfield in the ELZ_1 Facebook Group has gotten this to work, so if you have question, make a post there and @ him. [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/sonicware.elz1]] --- 1 SaiTech USB Mini ''USB OTG'' adaper https://www.amazon.com/SaiTech-Pack-Cable-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00VWUTJ22 2 Startech 1ft Mini USB Cable - A to Mini B https://www.startech.com/Cables/USB-2.0/Mini/1-ft-Mini-USB-20-Cable-A-to-Mini-B~USB2HABM1