| Frequently Asked Questions: |
Q: Do 4ms modules come with a warranty?
A: Yes they do! Each module comes with a warranty card that reads: "4ms warrants this product, to the original owner, to be free of defects in materials or construction for one year from the date of purchase. Proof of purchase is required when claim is made. Malfunction resulting from wrong power supply voltages, backwards or faulty cable connection, abuse of the product or any other causes determined by 4ms to be the fault of the user are not covered by this warranty, and normal service rates will apply. All defective products will be replaced or repaired, at the discretion of 4ms. Products must be returned directly to 4ms with the customer paying the transit cost. 4ms implies and accepts no responsibility for harm to person or apparatus through operation of this product. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Please contact 4ms@4mscompany.com for Return To Manufacturer Authorization, or any other technical questions/concerns. Thanks, and have fun!" Q: I have questions about MetaModule!
A: Please view the documentation at https://metamodule.info/ including our forum! Q: What power brick do I need for my Pod?
A: We sell a 45W power brick that can power anywhere from 1 to 10 Pods. If you already have a 90W power brick you can also use that! It's totally fine to use the same power brick for Row Powers and Pods at the same time. Q: How do I update my module with the latest firmware?
A: If there is an update for your module you can find the latest firmware on our firmware page. Click on the link under "Firmware Updates" to and follow the instructions. Most of our modules can be updated by playing an audio .WAV file into the module. Follow the instructions in the user manual to see how to play this file.
A: It's possible the PEG's operation has been changed in System Mode. System Mode is an advanced feature of the PEG that can be used to re-assign the functionality of jacks and change operation in general. Each channel (red/blue) has independent system mode settings, that is, changes made on one channel will have no effect on the other channel. Please consult the PEG user manual for details. Q: Why is my DLD making a “click” when I change time?
A: Cross Fade Time: (since version 5)
Any time the DLD's read and write “heads” jump from one address to another, there is a short cross fade created in order to smooth out the splice. This occurs whenever the Time setting is changed and whenever Reverse or Infinite Hold is toggled. Also, in Infinite Hold mode, when the audio reaches the end of the loop it cross-fades back to the start. In most cases, the default timing (8ms) of the cross fade is sufficient and will make the DLD operate seamlessly. However, advanced users may wish to experiment with other settings.
Disabling Cross Fade Time allows for instant movement between points, at the expense of creating clicks and pops. This can be ameliorated by enabling Quantized Change Mode (see section above) because QCM forces the clicks to only occur on the beat. On the other hand, using a longer Cross Fade Time makes all transitions very smooth and natural sounding, while limiting how quickly the parameters can change. The down side to a slow CFT is that short loops will have cross-fading disabled thus they will be harsher. In any setting of CFT and when Infinite Hold is on, if the loop size is shorter than the Cross Fade Time, then cross-fading will be disabled in order to preserve the loop size. Q: Can I sell the 4ms Kits that I build?
A: Sorry, our kits are for non-commercial purposes only. You may build kits for yourself or to give away, but if you use the module for commercial purposes (sell it, or include portions or all of the circuit in something else you sell), then you must have written permission from 4ms Company. Q: RCD/SCM time is not equal to the faceplates numbers.
A: Check the jumper settings on the back of the module. Setting the jumpers can change the default division or multiplication amount for the jacks. See the RCD or SCM User Manual for details. Q: What is +5v Power and why is it on some cases and not others?
A: The +5V rail is a voltage that some modules need to operate. Some 4ms modules can also use the +5V rail to take some of the load off of the +12V rail. Please check you mA ratings to be safe and within the power supply's recommended current draw, and be sure to read the documentation with each module to explain what power it requires. Q: Can I power my Pods with a portable power bank so I can play outside, on the train, etc?
A: Yes it's possible! You need a power bank that can supply 15V to 20V. If you're powering just a few modules, then you probably also will need a power bank that has no automatic shutoff. Automatic shutoff is a common feature on many power banks where it automatically shuts off if the current draw is below some threshold. Unfortunately, this doesn't play well with modular systems since a small system often will draw less current than the auto-shutoff threshold, and the power bank will periodically power down your system.
A: Let us know! We can always send you the stock files that came with your STS. Q: On my QCD the Div/Mult knob seems to be off by one or two clicks.
A: Your QCD probably needs to be calibrated. Contact us if the Div/Mult amounts seem off. Q: How do I tune my Sampler?
A: On the Stereo Triggered Sampler (STS) hold REC, Bank, Play A and Play B while powering on. Center the two pitch knobs. Press play buttons. Now hold down REC and Bank to save tuning settings. Q: Can the QCD, QCD Exp, QPLFO, and SISM be linked?
A: QCD, QCD Expander, QPLFO, and SISM can all be linked together on the back of the module with 8pin ribbon cables. Refer to the modules' manuals for more information. Q: Why is there no sound coming out of my VCAM?
A: On the back of the module check the jumpers on the output-enabled section. There should be four jumpers, one on each set of two pins across the entire header. Q: Can the flying bus boards be daisy chained?
A: Yes. Flying Bus boards can be chained together at any place on the flying bus board.
A: Yes they do! Each module comes with a warranty card that reads: "4ms warrants this product, to the original owner, to be free of defects in materials or construction for one year from the date of purchase. Proof of purchase is required when claim is made. Malfunction resulting from wrong power supply voltages, backwards or faulty cable connection, abuse of the product or any other causes determined by 4ms to be the fault of the user are not covered by this warranty, and normal service rates will apply. All defective products will be replaced or repaired, at the discretion of 4ms. Products must be returned directly to 4ms with the customer paying the transit cost. 4ms implies and accepts no responsibility for harm to person or apparatus through operation of this product. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Please contact 4ms@4mscompany.com for Return To Manufacturer Authorization, or any other technical questions/concerns. Thanks, and have fun!" Q: I have questions about MetaModule!
A: Please view the documentation at https://metamodule.info/ including our forum! Q: What power brick do I need for my Pod?
A: We sell a 45W power brick that can power anywhere from 1 to 10 Pods. If you already have a 90W power brick you can also use that! It's totally fine to use the same power brick for Row Powers and Pods at the same time. Q: How do I update my module with the latest firmware?
A: If there is an update for your module you can find the latest firmware on our firmware page. Click on the link under "Firmware Updates" to and follow the instructions. Most of our modules can be updated by playing an audio .WAV file into the module. Follow the instructions in the user manual to see how to play this file.
Some of our kits such as the PEG, RCD, and SCM can be updated by replacing the chip. We also provide the .hex file for advanced users who have an ISP programmer.
Q: PEG is acting strange outputs are not DIV/MULTIPLING!A: It's possible the PEG's operation has been changed in System Mode. System Mode is an advanced feature of the PEG that can be used to re-assign the functionality of jacks and change operation in general. Each channel (red/blue) has independent system mode settings, that is, changes made on one channel will have no effect on the other channel. Please consult the PEG user manual for details. Q: Why is my DLD making a “click” when I change time?
A: Cross Fade Time: (since version 5)
Any time the DLD's read and write “heads” jump from one address to another, there is a short cross fade created in order to smooth out the splice. This occurs whenever the Time setting is changed and whenever Reverse or Infinite Hold is toggled. Also, in Infinite Hold mode, when the audio reaches the end of the loop it cross-fades back to the start. In most cases, the default timing (8ms) of the cross fade is sufficient and will make the DLD operate seamlessly. However, advanced users may wish to experiment with other settings.
Disabling Cross Fade Time allows for instant movement between points, at the expense of creating clicks and pops. This can be ameliorated by enabling Quantized Change Mode (see section above) because QCM forces the clicks to only occur on the beat. On the other hand, using a longer Cross Fade Time makes all transitions very smooth and natural sounding, while limiting how quickly the parameters can change. The down side to a slow CFT is that short loops will have cross-fading disabled thus they will be harsher. In any setting of CFT and when Infinite Hold is on, if the loop size is shorter than the Cross Fade Time, then cross-fading will be disabled in order to preserve the loop size. Q: Can I sell the 4ms Kits that I build?
A: Sorry, our kits are for non-commercial purposes only. You may build kits for yourself or to give away, but if you use the module for commercial purposes (sell it, or include portions or all of the circuit in something else you sell), then you must have written permission from 4ms Company. Q: RCD/SCM time is not equal to the faceplates numbers.
A: Check the jumper settings on the back of the module. Setting the jumpers can change the default division or multiplication amount for the jacks. See the RCD or SCM User Manual for details. Q: What is +5v Power and why is it on some cases and not others?
A: The +5V rail is a voltage that some modules need to operate. Some 4ms modules can also use the +5V rail to take some of the load off of the +12V rail. Please check you mA ratings to be safe and within the power supply's recommended current draw, and be sure to read the documentation with each module to explain what power it requires. Q: Can I power my Pods with a portable power bank so I can play outside, on the train, etc?
A: Yes it's possible! You need a power bank that can supply 15V to 20V. If you're powering just a few modules, then you probably also will need a power bank that has no automatic shutoff. Automatic shutoff is a common feature on many power banks where it automatically shuts off if the current draw is below some threshold. Unfortunately, this doesn't play well with modular systems since a small system often will draw less current than the auto-shutoff threshold, and the power bank will periodically power down your system.
However, there are some power banks on the market that have auto-shutoff disabled. An example is below:
https://www.amazon.com/XTPower-XT-20000QC3-AO-PA2-Power-Bank-Automatic/dp/B07PKSBS7J/
If you don't want to search for a power bank with auto-shutoff disabled, you can do a little math and find a power bank with an automatic shutoff threshold higher than the power draw of your system. To calculate the power draw of your modules, use the rough formula:
PowerDraw in mW = [(mA draw of +12V rail)*12 + (mA draw of +5V)*5 + (mA draw of -12V)*12] / Efficiency, where Efficiency = 0.85 (Note: typically efficiency will be 90-95%, but 85% is a safe value). MaximumCurrentShutoffThreshold = PowerDraw / PowerBankVoltage.For example, if your modules consume 250mA of +12V, and 100mA of -12V, and 100mA of +5V, then the Power Draw will be 4700mW. If your power bank outputs 18.5V, then the Maximum Current Shutoff Threshold will be 254mA. You'll need to find a power bank with a shutoff threshold of less than 254mA. Q: What do I do if I lost all the samples on my STS?
A: Let us know! We can always send you the stock files that came with your STS. Q: On my QCD the Div/Mult knob seems to be off by one or two clicks.
A: Your QCD probably needs to be calibrated. Contact us if the Div/Mult amounts seem off. Q: How do I tune my Sampler?
A: On the Stereo Triggered Sampler (STS) hold REC, Bank, Play A and Play B while powering on. Center the two pitch knobs. Press play buttons. Now hold down REC and Bank to save tuning settings. Q: Can the QCD, QCD Exp, QPLFO, and SISM be linked?
A: QCD, QCD Expander, QPLFO, and SISM can all be linked together on the back of the module with 8pin ribbon cables. Refer to the modules' manuals for more information. Q: Why is there no sound coming out of my VCAM?
A: On the back of the module check the jumpers on the output-enabled section. There should be four jumpers, one on each set of two pins across the entire header. Q: Can the flying bus boards be daisy chained?
A: Yes. Flying Bus boards can be chained together at any place on the flying bus board.