Operating Instructions

SHADOW GTM 6
BTM 6

CONTENTS
Precautions
Introduction to the system
Building up and connecting the system
Operating elements and functions
Operating with the converter
Selection of MIDI channels
Use of the transpose functions
Use of the tune functions
Formation of program chains
Foot pedal
Recording and reproducing a sequence
Use of the hold functions
Use of the chain key
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
Please read and adhere to the recommendations given below to ensure that your system operates reliably for a long time.

OPERATING LOCATIONS
To avoid malfunctions the system should not be operated for long periods of time in the following locations:
In direct sunlight
In dirty, dusty places
Under extreme temperatures and high humidity.

HANDLING
Do not use too much force when operating switches and controls.

CLEANING

In order to clean the system use only a soft, dry cloth. Never use fluids such as spirit or solvent.

MEMORY PROTECTION

The system is provided with a built-in battery for protecting the memory content when the system is switched off. Under normal conditions the
battery need not be replaced.
Introduction to the SHADOW Guitar to MIDI converter system
For the first time the Guitar to MIDI converter system from SHADOW provides a complete converter system for
connecting any guitars (acoustic, classic and E-guitar) to complex MIDI synthesizer systems. The SHADOW system
operates fully polyphonically, which means that all the strings of the guitar can be placed simultaneously in any sequence,
and the connected MIDI synthesizers can therefore be actuated. However, the synthesizers must have at least 6 voices. The
control signals are picked up on the guitar by a special piezo pick-up and a multiplexer (this is an electronic coding
component of minimal dimensions), so that the instrument can be connected to the converter by means of the stereo jack
cable supplied without any problem. In the converter the pitch of each string is determined without any audible delay, and
converted to a MIDI control signal. This signal then opens up the whole world of MIDI systems to the guitarist.
Moreover, the SHADOW converter is provided with a number of additional playing and setting facilities that enable
guitarists to achieve the effect of a complete one-man orchestra, with every conceivable sound variant. Features such as
programmable hold function, sequencer play and complex chain programming, with up to 7000 settings for all the connected
equipment, represent only some of the multitude of possibilities. An extremely accurate tuning unit, with a coarse and fine
indication by LED's and a digital display, provides precise, rapid tuning of the instrument with any reference tone. This can
even be determined with the instrument by recording. The SHADOW converter transmits, if necessary, on up to 8 MIDI
channels so that live play, hold function and sequencer can also be transmitted to different synthesizers. Three types of
triggers and transpose functions for every string, at semitone intervals or-whole octaves, infinite pitch bend facilities and
looping of the original sound are natural functions of the SHADOW converter. Practical features, such as the stored melody
sequence for cutting out the synthesizers, or the stable triple foot pedal, complete the picture of the converter on a positi ve
note.
With the SHADOW guitar to MIDI converter the guitarist is finally given the musical freedom which matches his
technical skills on the instrument.

Building up and connecting the converter system

Before the converter is connected and switched on you should check the mains voltage on the back. In Germany the setting
must be 220 W50 Hz. You then connect the modified guitar with any stereo jack cable to the converter using only the input
socket on the front of the converter. You then connect the converter to the amplifier or mixer, for which purpose two output
sockets are provided on the back (Electric and Acoustic). When an E (electric) guitar is being used the electric socket emit s
the pure signal from the guitar, i.e. the signal from the pick-up. A second signal is transmitted to the "acoustic" socket,
namely the signal from the piezo pick-up also installed. Thus both on the E-guitar and the acoustic guitar the player receives
not only the MIDI control signals but also an additional audio signal, making it possible to broaden the acoustic spectrum of
all instruments considerably. Ordinary guitar jack cables are used for connection to the amplifier or the mixer.
The triple foot pedal is connected by means of the "foot pedal" socket on the front, and as a final connection the MIDI ca bles
are plugged in between the converter MIDI OUT sockets and the MIDI IN sockets of the synthesizers or the drum computer.
The converter sequencer can also synchronize drum computers by means of MIDI, in which case the converter controls the
drum computer within certain limits; i.e. tempo and timing are determined by the recorded sequence. The "sequencer" key is
used as an ON/OFF switch.
After all the units have been switched on and the volume control set to the center position, the system is ready to b e used.
However, a number of simple programming operations must now be carried out, such as MIDI channels, etc. so that the
system will operate according to your requirements. This procedure, however, will be described in more detail later on in th e
operating instructions.
Operating elements and functions
 1 - Stereo input socket for instruments
This is used to connect the modified instruments. Transmits audio and control signals.

2 - Detachable remote control

The central switching and indicating panel of the converter can be removed, and the remote control system located to suit practical
requirements by means of a special extension cable (micro stand etc.). The extension cable and remote fixing device may be purchased as
accessories.

3 - Setting potentiometers for string sensitivity

The response of the individual strings and indirectly also the volume balance are set with these potentiometers. The setting must be carried
out very carefully as follows: switch to the program mode, turn the dynamic control slightly to the left or right, and activate the digital
display. The string setting is correct when both crossbars are located in the central position with central (normal) striking. The DOWN
crossbar = amplify setting, UP crossbar -attenuate setting.

4 - Connection socket for triple foot pedal

This is used for connecting the triple foot pedal for the RECORD/ PLAY-ON/OFF, hold and chain functions.

5 - Control for setting the striking dynamics

The guitar to MIDI converter operates with striking dynamics, a function that can be transmitted to a strike dynamic synthesizer. Since the
striking sensitivity of the individual units is not always the same, the ideal value can be set here.
Left stop = No striking dynamics
Right stop = Maximum striking dynamics.

6 - Mains switch
This is used to switch on the converter, and during operation the switch lights up.

7 - Digital display
The digital display is the central indicating area of the converter. It consists of two 7-segment indicating diodes that can form both letters
and numbers. In addition the various decimal points are available for further information. The display indicates MIDI channels, strings,
mistuning, synthesizer programs, selected modes and chain positions, and when combined with the other LED's all operating conditions can
be reliably read off.

8 - Play Mode/Program Mode changeover switch

This switches the converter from normal play mode to program mode by pressing once. All the inputs, programming and tuning of the
instrument are carried out in the program mode. The Midi signal is switched off and the selected mode is indicated when the mode LED
comes on.

9 - Trigger mode/MIDI channel switch

If the converter is in the play mode, a new trigger signal is generated for each new tone when this key is pressed (i.e. the envelope curve
generator is restarted). In the program mode (program LED lights up) the required MIDI channel can be assigned a specific function by
pressing this key.

10/15 - LED's with double indicating functions

These LED's indicate different operating conditions of the converter. If both LED's light up this means that the converter is transmitting
MIDI signals to the synthesizer. If both LED's flash, the converter is in the programming or pick-up mode, and is waiting for further
inputs. If both LED's are off, the signal cable on the MIDI path is interrupted, and only the audio signals of the instrument are transmitted.
In the tune mode the LED's indicate whether the instrument is tuned too low (Flat LED) or too high (Sharp LED).

11 - Sequencer switch
If the converter is in the program mode the system can be prepared for pick-up by pressing the sequencer key. Flashing indicating LED’s
indicates this condition. The pick-up is started and ended by briefly pressing the RECORD/PLAY foot switch and a sequence in progress
can be ended by pressing this key twice.

12/16 - Numerical input keys

Information such as MIDI channel, strings, synthesizer programs for chain programming etc. is entered with these keys. Keys 7 and 8 also
have additional functions. For instance, in the transpose mode the pitch can be varied accordingly with these keys, or the type of
transposing can be selected, but the entire instrument can be assigned to a MIDI channel.

13 - Send mode/Tune mode changeover switch

In both the previous cases the pitch is varied chromatically. By pressing this key in the play mode (play LED lights up) the converter can
follow the pitch continuously, thus the synthesizer system can also effect the pulling of the strings. In the program mode the converter
becomes the perfect tuner. Variations in pitch are indicated by the LED's in the case of serious mistuning, and mistuning of less than 1
semitone (1 00 cents) is indicated by the digital display with accurate cent indication (00 is equivalent to 440 Hz). There are two tune
facilities to choose from.
 14 - Quantize mode/transpose mode changeover switch
In the play mode this key switches the converter system to the Quantize mode. The trigger mode is cancelled, i.e. with each new tone
(Glissando) only the pitch is changed, but no new trigger signal is generated. In the program mode three different transpose functions are
available. Individual strings can be transposed in semitones, but the entire instrument can also be transposed either in semitone steps or
by whole octaves.

17 - Output socket for electric guitar

The uninfluenced audio signal of the E (electric) guitar is transmitted to this socket, and from here the connection is made to the input of
the amplifier or the mixer.

18 - Output socket for MIDI pick-up

The SHADOW MIDI pick-up is a full top quality pick-up on a piezo ceramic base. Thus not only are the control signals for the
synthesizers picked up, but also the normal acoustic signals. This means that each instrument is provided with an additional pick-up that
also considerably improves the acoustic qualities of the guitar. The additional audio signal of the MIDI pick-up can be diverted at this
socket and transmitted to the amplifier.

19 - Socket for mains cable

The mains cable supplied is plugged in here, and in doing so it must be ensured that the voltage is correct (200 V/50 Hz).

20 - MIDI OUT sockets

The same MIDI signal (parallel) is connected to both MIDI sockets, from which the synthesizers are controlled. 5-pole MIDI cables
make the connection. If more than 2 synthesizers are to be connected in total the MIDI THRU socket must be used on one of the
synthesizers to transmit the signal (MIDI THRU to MIDI IN).

Working with the converter

When the converter is being put into operation for the first time all the test settings entered should necessarily be deleted by a
"cold start". For this purpose the "Trigger" and "Sequencer" keys are pressed together and the converter switched on at the
same time. The converter has switched all the MIDI channels to CH. 1. If the connected synthesizers are also switched to
MIDI CH. 1 (OMNI mode OFF), the system is ready for use. It is now recommended that the permanently programmed test
sequence be started by pressing the "Sequencer" key twice, which enables all the synthesizers and amplifier or mixer to be
set perfectly (volume turned up approx. half full). Pressing the “Sequencer” key again terminates the test sequ ence.

Setting the system

1. Press the "Trigger" and "Sequencer" keys together.

2. Switch on the converter by means of the mains switch with the
keys pressed.

3. Press "Sequencer" key.

The test sequence plays (Dwarf dance by Grieg).
4. Set the volume of the synthesizer and amplifier/mixer correctly.
5. Press the "Sequencer" key. The test sequence stops.
6. Set "String Sensitivity" for each string and overall dynamics (bar in center position).

To adjust the string sensitivity proceed as follows:

1. Press the Program Mode key
2. Turn the Dynamic control slightly to the left or right.

3. With the sensitivity control at the normal stop position, move the cross bars to the center position. The bar down
means that the sensitivity must be increased with the appropriate sensitivity control (turn to the right). If both the top bars
light up, the sensitivity must be reduced (turn to the left).
After the string sensitivity has been adjusted for all the strings the converter can be used.

Display for trigger, quantize and bend mode

The numerical indication in the display also has 2 decimal points which can be used to establish the appropriate converter
bend mode.
1. System is in the "play" mode.
2. Press "Trigger" key.

3. Press "Quantize" key.

4. Press "Bend" key.

N.B. The pitch bend range must be set for different synthesizers. The connected synthesizer must always be switched to "8"
and the pitch bend step to 0.
N.B. In some synthesizers the pitch bend range is set to 7 semitones or 4 semitones. In these cases the converter can be
switched over manually.

1. Press the "Bend" key.

2. At the same time switch from "Play" mode to "Program" mode.

If the process is repeated (1. Bend, 2. Play, 3. Program) the converter switches back to "8".
N.B. If a keyboard synthesizer is used the tones played are influenced by the pitch bend hand wheel. This is often not the
case with guitar playing. If several strings are gripped at the same time, and only one of them is pulled, the connected
synthesizer is overloaded (exception, of a separate synthesizer is provided for each string). In this case the converter
automatically switches back to the "Trigger" mode until playing is in monophonic only.

Selection of MIDI channels

Any number of MIDI synthesizers may be connected to the GTM 6, making it possible to connect a separate synthesizer for
each string (or a 6-voice synthesizer in mono mode). There are additional control facilities for the sequencer channel and
hold functions. The MIDI channels for the strings can be allocated in two different ways, but in all cases programming must
be carried out with the guitar connected.
After pressing the Play/Program button the Program LED lights up and the LED's under the digital display go out. If the
"Channel" button is now pressed both LED's flash. This flashing indicates that the converter is awaiting a further input,
which can be effected by plucking any string, by pressing the appropriate string number, or by pressing buttons "7" or "8" an d
the button for the MIDI channel for the entire instrument, which takes place with an indication in the digital display as
follows:
E =.6=6
A=.5=5
D=.4=4
G=.3=3
H=.2=2
E=.1 =1

AL = whole instrument
The next step is to assign the string to a MIDI channel, which is done by pressing the appropriate digital button (1 -8). The
display confirms the input, and now either the programming is interrupted (press Play/Program button), or a further input is
(possibly) effected for the other strings) by pressing the "Channel" button. Obviously it is possible to allocate all the strings
to one MIDI channel, thereby actuating only one synthesizer (at least 6-voice). The MIDI channels for the hold functions and
the sequencer are also input in the same way. As the first input after pressing the "Channel" button I press (instead of the
string, or the digital input for the string) the "sequencer" or hold button. The display acknowledges this by means of an SE
(Sequencer) or hd (Hold) indication. The MIDI channels for each function are then allocated, and pressing the
“Play/Program” button terminates the programming process.

Selection of MIDI channels

1. Press "Play/Program" button.

2. Press "Channel" button.
3. Pluck string, or determine string with digital button (e.g. E 6)

4. Input of MIDI channel by means of digital buttons (e.g. 1).

5. On completing the MIDI channel input, press the "Play/Program" button, or start at 2. and continue accordingly.
Repeat input of the MIDI channels for the sequencer or hold functions, steps 1 and 2.

Use of the Transpose functions

Each string of the guitar can be transposed at will, which means that the connected synthesizers can be played completely
differently from the actual instrument. Such deviating pitches are ideal, for example, for bottleneck, or even for Sounds of
key instruments which are of course played differently from on the guitar. Furthermore, the register of the entire instrument
can be varied when both in steps of semitones and in whole octaves. This function is particularly useful when guitarists and
wind players want to play together but where no one wishes to abandon his or her particular key.
In order to execute the "Transpose" functions first switch the system back to the "Program" mode. Then press the
"Transpose" key. The flashing LED's indicate that the converter is waiting for a further input which can be effected as for
the MIDI channel allocation by playing the appropriate string as well as by entering the string number. The display
acknowledges the input and now waits for the transpose interval. By pressing keys 7 or 8 briefly a new indication appears on
the display, which can be used to indicate whether, and if so how many semitones this string has been transposed. Since the
transpose values remain stored even when the system is switched off, it is possible to check all the intervals quickly without
any problem. Transposing now takes place a semitone at a time by pressing the appropriate keys (7 or 8). This means that
when transposing one octave the display will indicate 12 (12 semitone steps). Transposing downwards is indicated by a
decimal point at the bottom right. You proceed thus with each string until the required interval or chord has been set. You
return to the normal modes by pressing the "Play/Program" key. Two further transposing facilities considerably facilitate
working with the GTM 6.
If the numerical key 7 or 8 is selected instead of the string to be transposed, the entire instrument is transposed one semit one
(7) or by one whole octave (8). This is confirmed on the display by the indications SI (semitone) or OC (octave).
Transposing Transposing the entire instrument in semitone steps
1. Press the "Play/Program" keys. Repeat steps 1 + 2
2. Press the "Transpose" key. 3. Press key "7".

3. Play string or enter with one of the numerical keys (e.g. E 6). 4. Now transpose the entire instrument in semitone steps by pressing the
keys "7" or "8".

4. Press key “7” or “8”. Transposing the entire instrument in whole octaves
Repeat steps 1 + 2
3. Press key "8".

5. Set the interval in semitone steps with keys "7" or "8".

4. Now transpose the entire instrument in whole octaves by

pressing the key “7” or “8”.

End the process by pressing the "Play/Program" key or by pressing

the "Transpose" key. Set intervals for the other strings repeating steps 1-5.
Using the Tune functions
Tuning device

Since it is possible to influence not only the control of the synthesizers but also the original guitar signal and - in the case of
electric guitars also the audio signal of the control pick-up, the instrument and synthesizer must be accurately tuned. For this
purpose the GTM 6 is provided with a built-up tuner which indicates the precise deviation in cents (1 00 cents = 1 semitone
step). This tuner operates as 440 Hz as the reference tone. Thus the instrument can be accurately tuned. But if the pitch
deviates from the 440 Hz reference tone the GTM 6 can be tuned by the guitar, in which case the tuner is provided with the
reference tone in the form of a recorded A. The indication is then in cents, so that in the normal Tune mode all the other
strings can be set exactly to this deviation. You may then switch to the normal Play mode by pressing the "Play/Program" key.

Tuning

1. Press the "Play/Program" key

2. Press the "Tune" key.

3. Play the A string.

An indication appears on the display with the deviation in cents of the 440
Hz reference tone. A dot in the bottom right-hand corner indicates that the
pitch is too low in this case.

Press the "Tune" key another two times. The converter is now in the normal
Tune mode. The tuner detects all the strings itself and indicates the mistuning

within one semitone upwards or downwards as a decimal number.

The two LED’s underneath the display and a double bar in the display indicate major mistuning.
A) Pitch over one semitone too high.
B) Pitch over one semitone too low.
You return to the normal Play mode by pressing the "Play/Program" key.
Formation of program chains
Input of program chains

1. Press "Play/Program" key

2. Press the "Chain" pedal key.

3. Enter program positions for different synthesizers by means of the numerical keys.
The program number (e.g. 23) appears briefly on the display, but this is followed by the position in the chain (e.g. 02 ).

4. Repeat step 3 until the chain has been set.

5. Then press the "Chain" pedal key.
6. Press the "Play/Program" key.

Chain formation with several synthesizers

When several synthesizers are used, operating on different MIDI
channels (e.g. Sequencer, Hold, Play), the chain is formed as follows:

1. Press "Play/Program" key.

2. Press "Channel" key.

3. Then press the "Chain" key.

4. Input of the MIDI channels by means of the numerical keys, in the required program sequence.
5. Now enter the program number of the synthesizer for this chain position. If several synthesizers are being used on
several channels, enter "all" the sound programs for the relevant step.
6. Press the "Play/Program" key.
Formation of program chains

As in the case of a normal memory synthesizer, the programs can also be changed from the GTM 6. In view of the fact that
several synthesizers have to be switched simultaneously, the GTM 6 provides the possibility of forming so-called chains.
Within these chains the programs are arranged in the required sequence without having to alter the banks of synthesizers. If
required GTM 6 switches automatically, e.g. synthesizer A from program 1 to 14, B from 18 to 64 and synthesizer C from 52
to 15. This transfer takes place by pressing the chain foot switch.
The chain programs are input directly by the converter by pressing the 8 numerical keys, but in doing so the varying nature of
the coding of the program positions in the different synthesizers must be borne in mind. You are therefore recommended to
make a list beforehand and strictly observe the correct switching of the programs. All the individual data such as Trigger,
Quantize and Bend are also automatically stored for each program step.

Foot pedal
The foot pedal is an essential constituent of the entire converter system. Besides the fact that it makes the converter much
comfortable to operate, the pedal also performs programming functions. The pedal comprises 3 function keys that switch
backwards and forwards between 2 functions when pressed. These functions may be completely different, according to the
mode set (Play/Program).
Thus the "RECORD/PLAY-ON/OFF" foot switch (left switch) acts in the "Play" mode as an ON/OFF switch for the
synthesizer section. In the "Play" mode and when the "Sequencer" key is pressed, switching takes place with this foot key
between "Record" (recording the sequence) and "Play" (playing back the sequence). If the sequencer key has not been pressed
this foot key operates as an ON/OFF switch.

In this case the system is switched off when the MIDI signal path is actuated. The center switch is the "Hold" switch that is
used to hold a chord for any length of time (in the appropriate synthesizer program). If only one MIDI channel is provided for
the Hold and Play operation, a chord played can be stored with the Hold key and the natural sound of the guitar can be
superimposed on it. The choice of MIDI channel for the Hold functions must also be made in some cases with the Hold key
(see section on selection of MIDI channel).
The right-hand key is the "Chain" pedal which is used to call off the stored "program chain" step by step. How chains are
formed is described in more detail in the section on "Input of program chains".

Recording and playing back a sequence

1. Select "Play" mode., 4. Press "Record/Play" ke y again.
2. Press "Sequencer" key. The sequence stored is immediately played back.

3. Press "Record/Play" foot key. N.B The recorded sequence remains stored until a
new one is recorded or a cold start is carried out.

5. Press the “Sequencer” key again to switch from the

Sequencer mode to the normal Play mode.
Using the Hold functions
A) Synthe guitar and Hold functions run on the same MIDI channel.
1 .Select "Play" mode.
2. Play chord or sound.
3. Press "Hold" key and keep pressed.
The last chord/sound played remains stored, and an original guitar sound can be superimposed on it with the guitar.
4. Release "Hold" key, play a new chord.
5. Press "Hold" key and keep pressed and so on.

B) Synthe guitar and Hold functions operate on separate MIDI channels with separate synthesizers.
1 .Select "Play" mode.
2. Press "Hold" key and at the same time record the chord.
3. Release "Hold" key.
The chord now remains stored until the "Hold" key is pressed again and a new chord is recorded.

N.B. In this case not only is the natural signal of the guitar audible, but also the sound of the "Play" synthesizer. It is also
possible to switch from the lead to the "Hold" synthesizer by keeping the "Hold" key pressed for short passages with a
different sound program.

Use of the chain key

1. Select "Play" mode.
2. Press "Chain" key.
The entered sound program appears on the display for the MIDI channel programmed first.
3. Press the "Chain" key again, then call the entire chain.
N.B. At the end of the chain the system will automatically switch back to Position 1. Then chain will then start again.