X-15 USER MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1
CONNECTIONS 2
Power Input 2
MIDI OUT 2
MIDI IN 2
MIDI THRU 2
BYPASS/DC Footswitch 2
TELL-TALES/CONTROLS 2
Numeric Display 2
Power Up 2
LED lndicators 2
Activator Pads 2
Expression Pedals 2
OPERATION 3
MODES 3
PRESET MODE 3
EFFECT MODE 4
BYPASS MDDE 4
SETUP MODE 4
SAVING EDlTED PARAMETERS 7
MISCELLANEOUS 7
APPENDIX A
Programmlng Examples 7
Edit Controlled Device's MIDI Program Table (MPT)
wlth the X-15 8
Setup an ART Multiverb, DR-X, or SGE for
MIDI Control of the Pitch Parameter of
the Pitch Transposer 8
Using the X-15 to Turn On or Off Effects in
a Preset Uslng Effect Mode and Activator 8
APPENDIX B
Connectlon Illustrations 9, 10
APPENDIX C
System Exclusive Messages 11
Unit Handshake Group 12
Parameter Exchange Group 12
Unit Status Group 12
Parameter Exchange Data Format 12
APPENDIX D
MIDI: Controllers & Numbers 13
SCALING: Suggestion Settings 13
TROUBLESHOOTING 14
WARRANTY & SERVICE INFORMATION 14
 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the new ART X-15 ULTRAFOOT
Digital Real Time Effects Control System.

The ART X-15 ULTRAFOOT puts the power of real time control at your feet in
a format that is super-easy to use. The power of the X-l5 is awesome. The
ART X-15 ULTRAFOT is a real time MIDI foot controller capable of sending
MIDI Program Message Changes to any MIDI controlled device, AND, control
MIDI assignable parameters via the TWO real time expression pedals on board,
AND, access individual effects of ART SGX and ALPHA effects processors.

FEATURES:
- Instant access of individual effects
- TWO real time assignable expression pedals
- Simple, “plug in and go” operation
- DC bypass out jack for use with older units
- Rugged steel assembly
- MIDI IN, OUT, &, THRU
- Send MIDI data on three separate channels at once
- Durable composite activator pads
- Mode select allows multifunction use
- Non-Volatile memory, stores and remembers your
changes
- Bright visible program display
- Switchable LED indicator lights
- Extra heavy-duty scuff resistant paint
- Dump parameters to MIDI storage device

The X-15 ULTRAFOOT is a simple device to use extending the flexibility of any
MIDI controlled device. For instructions on how to implement and use the X-15 in
your system, please read and refer to the rest of this manual.
 CONNECTIONS TELL-TALES/CONTROLS
Only two connections made to the rear of the X-15 are needed NUMERIC DISPLAY
for operation. The only accessories you will need to use
The Seven Segment Numeric Display keeps you constantly
your X-15 ULTRAFOOT is a power source and MIDI cable(s).
informed of your Preset Number, Expression Pedal values,
Power Input MIDI Channel, Programming Characters, and Error Messages.
Plug the power adapter into a proper power outlet then con- AlI information is displayed using decimal based numbers in
nect to the X-15. most cases.

MIDI OUT Power up

When power is first applied to the X-15, it runs through an
The MIDI output jack is used to transmit all MIDI control in- autotest sequence turning on everything that lights up for
formation from the X-15 to whichever MIDI device you wish about a second, then it displays “Art” indicating everything
to control. Connect the MIDI cable to the 5 pin MIDI OUT is fine. This allows the user to be sure that all display
jack on the X-15 and then to the MIDI IN jack of the device elements are working and that displayed information will be
you are going to control. accurate.

MIDI IN During power-up the X-15 performs a checksum of the ROM

contents, if there is an error, an error message will appear in
This jack receives the MIDI signal containing the MIDI the display. If the ROM checksum is incorrect, “E-C” will
messages. It enables you to “talk” to the X-15 from an display for ten seconds, press any pad to operate normally.
external source such as a computer equipped with MIDI
ports and associated software or a sequencer. Actually, you In the event power is interrupted for a brief period of time
may use any MIDI device to send messages to the X-15. and the X-15 does not reset itself properly, just unplug and
Any MIDI information sent to the MIDI In jack is echoed to plug back in the power plug at the power in jack.
the MIDI Thru jack.
LED Indicators
MIDI THRU LEDs located in the upper left hand corner of the activator
pads 1 through 10 indicate which pad is active. The MODE
A MIDI Thru jack is provided on the X-15 allowing you to and BYPASS activator pads have their indicator LEDs
continue a chain of MIDI devices and let MIDI information located towards their upper right corner. These LEDs are
pass “thru” the unit to the next one. Information leaving the also used to indicate the different programming modes you
Thru jack is a direct copy of the MIDI messages received at may be in.
the MIDI In jack. The information is buffered so the integrity
of the signal is not degraded when passing thru. ActivatorPads
Pads on the pedal are labeled from left to right: Select
All MIDI Jacks are standard 5 pin DIN connectors utiliz- Arrow UP and Arrow DOWN, MODE, BYPASS, l/EXCITER,
ing standard MIDI connections. No phantom power is 2/COMPRESSOR, 3/DlSTORTlON, 4/EQUALlZER,
present on the unused terminals. ART recommends 5/EXPANDER/NOlSE GATE, 6/REVERB, 7/DELAY, 8/PlTCH
these unused terminals remain unused. TRANSPOSER, 9/FLANGE/CHORUS and 10/SPECIAL
EFFECTS. The black activator pads are what you use to
See Appendix B for MIDI hook-up illustrations.
activate or program the X-15's many functions.
BYPASS/DC FOOTSWITCH Expression Pedals
A standard 1/4" jack is the output port for a variety of foot- Here are the two pedals that make the X-15 the ultimate
switch configurations. This jack may be programmed to MIDI foot controller. The two expression pedals may be pro-
operate in conjunction with the BYPASS pad as a momen- grammed individually to control any MIDI controllable para-
tary open or closed switch or an on/off switch. Some amp meter in ANY MIDI device. These pedals produce a control
channel switching or other switch applications could be voltage using an optical encoding device which is converted
done using this jack. Use a standard two conductor guitar into MIDI information. Try to avoid shining extremely bright
cord to connect this jack to its intended termination. A lights into the pedals. No harm will come to the device, but,
standard two conductor speaker cable may also be used you. may affect the operation of the encoders by creating
since no audio is being passed along the conductors. unwanted information.
When the pedal is in the full up position, a minimum value
is present and as the pedal is gradually pushed down, the
value increases to its maximum value when all the way down.
 OPERATION banks of ten presets. A preset is selected (a MIDI program
change message is sent) when a numbered activator pad is
MODES pressed.

The ART X-15 has four major Modes of operation. These When you enter preset mode, the X-15 checks to see if a
Modes are called PRESET, EFFECT SETUP, and BYPASS program change message has been sent since power-on. If
Mode. Operation of the X-15 is defined and executed by one has, the preset number is displayed and the associated
these Modes. To change between Preset and Effect Mode, LED for that preset will light. If a program change message
you need only to press the MODE activator pad. Each time hasn’t been sent yet, the current bank is displayed.
you press the pad the X-15 toggles between the two modes. Each time the X-15 is powered up, it will default to bank one
Access to Setup Mode is accomplished by pressing the with no preset active. At this point, you must select a preset
MODE pad and one additional activator pad as described in using the UP/DOWN buttons and an activator pad.
the Setup section. Bypass Mode is actually one of the pro-
grammable sub-modes in Setup Mode. We have covered Program Message Change
Bypass Mode separately for your programming convenience. Pressing any of the numbered pads does two things, (1) send
a program change message out the MIDI port, and (2) displays
the preset number. The program sent is the current bank
CHANGING BETWEEN MODES
number (one through 121, in increments of ten) plus one, less
Pressing and releasing the MODE button alone toggles the value of the button pressed (preset = bank + button 1,
between preset and effect mode. Pressing the MODE button program = bank + button 1,-1) This means, preset 77 is
along with the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 buttons enters Setup Mode. program 76.
The preset last selected remains active until another preset
FIRST TIME USE button is pressed. You may change your bank anytime
When you hook up your X-15 ULTRAFOOT for the first time, without changing the current preset.
we suggest you perform a Factory Reset to ensure all param- The current bank is changed with the UP and DOWN but-
eters and functions are at their initial values. This will alleviate tons. Pressing either one will increment or decrement
some minor aggravation on your part if the X-15 does not (respectively) the bank (in tens). Holding either button down
operate as we describe them in the manual! To perform a will increment or decrement four times a second, after an in-
factory reset, press simultaneously the UP, 2, and 5 buttons itial half-second pause. When the current bank is changed,
with the power on. You may find it much easier to perform the new bank is displayed, unless a preset has been
this function with your hands! selected, and that preset is in the current bank. When this
happens, the preset is displayed. UP and DOWN “wrap” at
PRESET MODE the minimum and maximum values, pressing DOWN while
at the lowest bank yields the maximum bank, and
Example ofRecalling a Preset Vice-versa.
As an example, if you want to select preset 77 while you
are in Preset Mode, press and hold the UP pad until 71 The X-15 has two impossible presets, these are numbers
is displayed by the seven segment display, then press 129 and 130 which cannot be recalled. MIDI specifications
pad 7. VIOLA!, preset 77 is active. don’t allow either to exist. When the user attempts to select
these presets, the display shows the error message “E-P”
NOTE: In preset mode, whenever the display is showing a and the numbered LED last pressed (either nine or ten)
preset, the numbered LED associated with that preset is lit. flashes. No MIDI message is sent. This error will stay until a
Whenever the display is showing a bank, none of the valid preset is sent, the bank is changed, or another mode
numbered LEDs are lit. is selected (either effect or setup).
When power is applied to the X-15, it automatically comes up Returningto PresetMode From EffectMode
in Preset Mode ready to recall a preset. Preset Mode allows If you return to Preset Mode from Effect Mode, your last
you to use the activator, UP, and DOWN pads to select MIDI preset recalled remains active. When you switch back to
presets 1 thru 128 (MIDI program numbers 0 thru 127) in the Preset Mode, the preset number is displayed and the cor-
device you’re hooked up to. Presets are arranged in twelve responding LED is lit automatically.
EFFECT MODE bypass LED is turned on and off as in mode three, but
the bypass LED can also be remotely controlled via the
SelectingaPreset MIDI port. For detailed information see the section for
To select a preset in Effect Mode, use the UP/DOWN pads. Set-up Mode 3.
Each time either pad is pressed, you increment up or
down one preset. The preset is recalled automatically Mode six sends a bypass message two different ways. Both
and is displayed by the seven segment display only. No the MIDI Out port and the 1/4” jack are used to send a “Bypass”
pad LED indicator will light. message. The 1/4” jack acts like it would in mode 1 and the
MIDI port would act as it would in mode 5.
Upon entry to Effect Mode, a check is made to see if a pro-
gram change message has been sent since power-on. if one
has, the X-15 shows the preset number and unlike in preset SETUP MODE
mode, the associated LED is not lit. You may never need to use Setup Mode due to its complete
Pressing a numbered button causes a controller change mes- preprogramming. Read this section for all information neces-
sage to be sent out the MIDI port. The controller number is sary to change settings and how Setup Mode works.
defined either by the X-15’s initial values or by you from As mentioned earlier, when the MODE button is pressed
editing Setup Mode. together with the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 buttons, Setup Mode is
The X-15 remembers the state (on or off) of each of the ten entered. You may change between the six different setup
controllers. Pressing a numbered button toggles the current sub-modes at any time while you are in setup mode.
state, which in turn does two things, (1) send a controller ExampleofEntering Setup Mode and Changing a Parameter
change message out the MIDI port, and (2) change the state in this example we will enter Setup Mode and select sub-
of the LED. The LEDs show the current state of each con- mode 5 parameter 3, setting the BYPASS function for a
troller, lit is on and unlit is off. normal on/off switch. First, enter Setup Mode by pressing
Pressing the UP and DOWN buttons increments and decre- and holding down the MODE pad and then pressing the
ments the current preset by one, and sends a program change #5 pad. The display will show a flashing an “S” 1 and
message out the MIDI port. UP and DOWN “wrap” at the the MODE LED will be flashing. To select parameter 3,
minimum and maximum values, pressing DOWN while at press the BYPASS pad [3] times. The display now shows
the lowest bank yields the maximum bank, and vice-versa. a flashing “b” 6. Press the UP button [3] times, the num-
ber now changes to 3. The BYPASS function is now pro-
To edit the assigned controllers, use sub-mode 4 in grammed to operate like a normal on/off switch. When
Setup Mode. the LED associated with the Bypass pad is lit, it in-
dicates the switch is on. To exit Setup Mode press the
Bypass works as described under preset mode.
MODE pad. This will store your change into memory and
exit you to either Preset or Effect Mode, whatever mode
BYPASS MODE you were in previous to editing. Read this section for
detailed Setup Mode information.
The BYPASS button and LED operate identically in either
preset or effect mode. There are six possible settings for Exampleof Changing to a Different Sub-Mode While in Setup Mode
bypass: If you wanted to assign the left expression controller but
mistakenly entered Setup Mode to assign the right ex-
Value Jack MIDI Momentary Toggle LED Polarity pression controller, here’s what to do. First, what you
1 X X normal did was press and hold in the MODE and #1 pad, DON’T
2 X X reverse press the #2 button, nothing will happen if you do. To
3 X X normal choose the correct sub-mode, press and hold the MODE
4 X X reverse and #2 pad. To change between sub-modes you must
5 X X remote use the MODE button. For more information about Setup
6 X X X remote Mode, keep reading this section.
In each of the sub-modes, pressing the UP and DOWN pads
In modes one through four, the bypass jack is used to com-
increment and decrement the current value of the parameter
municate bypass mode to the outside world. In mode five,
being edited. These “wrap” when the minimum and max-
the bypass jack is not used at all, bypass mode is sent as a
imum values are reached. Pressing DOWN while at the
controller message out the MIDI port.
minimum value for a parameter yields the maximum value,
Within the six bypass modes, there are two principal sub- and vice-versa.
modes; momentary and toggle. In momentary mode, the
Sub-modes 1, 2, and 3 are indicated by the MODE LED flashing,
state of the bypass output changes for as long as the
along with the 1, 2, or 3 LEDs flashing. Sub-mode 4 is indicated
BYPASS button is held down mimicking directly a momen-
by only pad indicator number 1 flashing. Sub-mode 5 is in-
tary switch. Toggle mode allows for the state of the bypass
dicated by just the MODE LED and the first character in the
jack to change every time the BYPASS button is initially
display flashing. Submode 6 is not indicated by anything.
pressed, just like an on/off switch.
Each sub mode parameter has a factory default setting. These
in modes one and three, the state of the bypass LED is the
settings are present so the X-15 may be used immediately
state of the bypass jack when the bypass jack is “on” (closed),
out of the box to your setup. The defaults are selected for
the bypass LED is lit. Modes two and four reverse this when
average use. Of course, the parameters may be changed to
the bypass jack is “off” (open), the bypass LED is lit.
meet your requirements. This section covers the program-
Mode five acts like mode three, except instead of the by- ming of your X-15.
pass jack, the MIDI port is used as the bypass output. The

4
The six sub-modes, what they do, how to change them and #5 pad. The display will show a flashing an “S” 1 and
default settings are as listed below. the MODE LED will be flashing. To select parameter 5,
press the BYPASS pad [3] times. The display now shows
SUB MODE # ACCESS FUNCTION
a flashing “b” 1(*). Press the UP button [4] tlmes, the
1 MODE + 1 Set left pedal controller. number now changes to 5. The BYPASS function is now
2 MODE + 2 Set right pedal controller. programmed to send MIDI commands.
3 MODE + 3 Set bypass controller.
4 MODE + 4 Set effect controller. (*)NOTE: If you programmed the BYPASS function in a previous
5 MODE + 5 Set miscellaneous parameters. example the numbers in the display will flash “b” 3, and you
6 MODE + 6 Dump parameters need only press the UP button [2] times.

SUB-MODE 1: Setting the Left Pedal Controller SUB-MODE 4: Setting the Effects Controllers
In sub-mode 1, you determine what controller the left pedal Sub-Mode 4 allows you to assign the ten effect (number)
activator pads to turn on and off MIDI controllable effects.
becomes. See the list of MIDI controllers in Appendix D for
the number corresponding with the MIDI controller. To set The following chart shows the pad number, effect controlled
the pedal function, enter sub-mode 1 and select the proper and assigned controller #‘s of the X-15’s initial settings.
controller number using the UP/DOWN buttons. The seven PAD # EFFECT MIDI CONTROLLER #
segment display shows the parameter value which is the EXCITER 70
MIDI controller number. 2 COMPRESSOR 71
DEFAULT VALUE = 4 (FOOT CONTROLLER) 3 DISTORTION 72
4 EQUALIZER 73
SUB-MODE 2: Setting the Right Pedal Controller 5 EXPANDER/NOISE GATE 74
In sub-mode 2, you determine what controller the right pedal 6 REVERB 75
becomes. See the list of MIDI controllers in Appendix D for 7 DELAY 76
the number corresponding with the MIDI controller. To set 8 PITCH TRANSPOSER 77
the pedal function, enter sub-mode 2 and select the proper 9 FLANGE/CHORUS 78
controller number using the UP/DOWN buttons. The seven 10 SPECIAL EFFECTS 79
segment display shows the parameter value which is the
MIDI controller number. The above assigned effects controlled directly relate to
DEFAULT VALUE = 11 (EXPRESSION CONTROLLER) ART’s SGX product line but can be assigned to control any
MIDI devices effects if they are MIDI controllable.
SUB-MODE 3: Setting the Bypass Controller The effects controllers only operate in EFFECT Mode. You
Sub-Mode 3 allows you to program how the BYPASS switch may edit the MIDI controller numbers while in Sub-mode 4.
operates when set for MIDI operation. See the list of MIDI DEFAULT VALUES = MIDI CONTROL NUMBERS SHOWN
controllers in Appendix D for the number corresponding with IN ABOVE CHART
the MIDI controller. Enter sub-mode 3 and select the proper
controller number using the UP/DOWN buttons. The seven EXAMPLE:
segment display shows the parameter value which is the
MIDI controller number. Editing the Activator Pad MIDI Controller Number
DEFAULT VALUE = 84 (UNDEFINED) In this example we will enter Setup Mode and select sub-
mode 4 and edit the controller number for pad number 1.
First, enter Setup Mode by pressing and holding down
EXAMPLES: the MODE pad and then pressing the #4 pad. The display
Setting theMIDI Bypass Function To Respond to Controller #7 will show the number 70, and the #1 pad LED will be flashing.
Sub-mode three is an excellent way to induce extreme To edit the value for pad #1, press the UP/DOWN pads until
value settings via MIDI. For example, you want to affect the desired # appears. The display will show the MIDI
the main volume of your keyboard remotely using your controller number. To exit Setup Mode press the MODE
foot. Using the X-15 you may do this. Enter sub-mode 3. pad. This will store your change into memory and exit
The MODE and #3 LED indicator will start to flash, and you to either Preset or Effect Mode, whatever mode you
the display will show 1. Use the UP (or DOWN) pad to were in previous to editing. Read this section for detailed
change the display to 7. Doing this sets the BYPASS but- Setup Mode information.
ton to send either a 0 or 7F (127) out the MIDI port when
the BYPASS switch is pressed, if it is programmed to
send a MIDI message. When the switch is pressed, the
main volume of the keyboard is toggled either to
minimum or maximum.
ProgrammingtheBYPASS Function to Bend a
MIDI Bypass Command
In this example we will enter Setup Mode and select sub-
mode 5 parameter 5, setting the BYPASS function for
MIDI commands. Flrst, enter Setup Mode by pressing
and holding down the MODE pad and then pressing the

5
 SUB-MODE 5 Value 5 acts like value 3, except instead of the bypass jack,
the MIDI port is used as the bypass output. The bypass
In sub-mode five, there are six parameters that can be edited.
LED is turned on and off as in mode three, but the bypass
Submode five flashes the first character of the display, and
LED can also be remotely controlled via the MIDI port,
uses the other two digits to show the value. To edit the param-
eter, enter sub-mode 5, press the BYPASS button to cycle Mode six sends a bypass message two different ways. Both
through the parameters, and use the UP and DOWN buttons the MIDI Out port and the 1/4" jack are used to send a “Bypass”
to select the appropriate value. This table shows the display, message. The 1/4" jack acts like it would in mode 1 and the
parameter, description, and the available settings for the MIDI port would act as it would in mode 5. Since both a
parameter. MIDI message and the Bypass DC footswitch jack are active
PARAM- DEFAULT the LED remains lit. If you wish momentary function only,
DISPLAY ETER DESCRIPTION RANGE VALUE
change the value to 1.
S 1 System MIDI channel 1-16 1
L 2 Left pedal MIDI channel 1-16 1 DEFAULT VALUE = 6 (MIDI 84 and NORMALLY OPEN
r 3 Right pedal MIDI channel 1-16 1 MOMENTARY SWITCH)
b 4 Bypass mode 1-6 6 Parameter5 Setting the Merger On or Off
y 5 Merger mode 0-1 0 To set the function of the Merger, first make sure there is a
d 6 Pedal inter-message delay 0-15 5
lower case “y” flashing in the display. Select a value of 0 or
Parameter 1 Setting the System MIDI Channel 1 Merger mode is either on (1) or off (0). When on, the MIDI
To set the MIDI channel for all your “system” data in- OUT acts as a software MIDI thru. When off, only messages
formation both for sending and receiving, first, make sure generated by the X-15 are sent. DEFAULT VALUE =0
there is a capital “S” flashing in the display and then use (MERGER OFF)
the UP/DOWN pads to select MIDI channel 1 through 16. Parameter 6 Setting the MIDI Inter-Message Delay
DEFAULT VALUE =1 (CHANNEL 1) To set the inter-message delay, first make sure there is a
Parameter 2 Setting the Left Pedal MIDI Channel lower case "d" flashing in the display. Refer to the chart
To set the MIDI channel for sending information with the Left below and select a value from 0 to 15. Delay times are in
expression pedal, first, make sure there is a capital “L” flashing milliseconds.
in the display and then use the UP/DOWN pads to select The inter-message delay is provided so you may limit the
MIDI channel 1 through 16. DEFAULT VALUE =1 (CHANNEL 1) amount of MIDI data sent. Limiting the amount of MIDI data
Parameter 3 Setting the Right Pedal MIDI Channel avoids the possibility of overloading the MIDI buffers. This
To set the MIDI channel for sending information with the parameter only effects MIDI data sent by the expression
Right expression pedal, first, make sure there is a lower pedals. If the receiving device informs you there is an
case “r” flashing in the display and then use the UP/ overflow of data, increase the delay, otherwise, leave the
DOWN pads to select MIDI channel 1 through 16. DEFAULT value set at the default setting.
VALUE =1 (CHANNEL 1) VALUE DELAY
Parameter 4 Setting the Bypass Function 0 0
To set the function of the BYPASS pad, first make sure there 40
is a lower case “b” flashing in the display. Select a value 2 80
from 1 to 6 referring to the following chart and descriptions. 3 120
4 160
Value Jack MIDI Momentary Toggle LED Polarity 5 200
1 X X normal 6 240
2 X X reverse 7 280
3 X X normal 8 320
4 X X reverse 9 360
5 X X remote 10 400
6 x x X remote 11 440
12 480
There are two principal types of switch functions you can 13 520
choose, momentary and toggle. In momentary mode, the 14 560
state of the bypass output changes for as long as the 15
BYPASS button is held down mimicking directly a momen-
DEFAULT VALUE = 2 (80ms DELAY)
tary switch. Toggle mode allows for the state of the bypass
jack to change every time the BYPASS button is initially
pressed, just like an on/off switch. SUB-MODE 6: Dumping Parameters
Sub-mode 6 allows you to dump all your MIDI parameters from
When you set the value for 1 or 3, the state of the bypass the X-15 to a MIDI storage device. Make sure your MIDI out
LED is the state of the bypass jack when the bypass jack is cable is connected to the storage device then press the MODE
“on” (closed), the bypass LED is lit. Values 2 or 4 reverse and #6 pad. Data will be dumped in less than five seconds.
this, when the bypass jack is “off” (open), the bypass LED
is lit.

6
 SAVING EDITED PARAMETERS either an "L" or “r” indicating which pedal has most recently
moved, and its value. Exit by pressing the MODE button,
When you are viewing the pedal value no MIDI information
STORE/SAVE PARAMETERS is being sent out the MIDI Out port.
To SAVE any parameter value you changed, press and While you are in this mode, press any activator pad except
release the MODE button. By doing this you write any changed the MODE pad and the software version will be displayed.
parameters to EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Read Only
Memory), and returns to the last mode prior to entering setup Factory Reset
mode. Pressing MODE and buttons 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 will switch To set all values of the X-15 back to factory settings you can
to another sub-mode of setup. Information is held in the perform a Factory Reset. Press simultaneously the UP, 2, and
EEPROM until you change it again. You must be in Setup 5 buttons with the power on. You may find it much easier to
Mode to store changed parameters. perform this function with your hands! Factory defaults will
be written to the EEPROM and the X-15 will respond as if it
has had power applied for the first time.
ERROR MESSAGES
All error messages take the form of a flashing “E-" followed
Preset Changes
The X-15 ULTRAFOOT is ready from the factory to be used
by a non-flashing letter. In some cases (such as the checksum
instantly with any MIDI device, The MIDI channel is set to
error), the display is timed. If you select an impossible preset
channel 1 which means the X-15 is sending information on
the display maintains the error message until something
only channel 1. You may change presets (programs, patches)
else is written to the display.
right out of the box by hooking up a MIDI cable from the
The following table lists all error messages the X-15 can MIDI OUT jack of the X-15 to the MIDI IN jack on the device
display, and what they mean. you wish to control. After the cable has been connected, press
any activator pad numbers 1 through 10 to recall presets. If
CODE ERROR MESSAGE DESCRIPTION
nothing happens, check the receiving devices MIDI channel
E-C Error in ROM checksum. and set it to channel 1 or turn OMNI Mode on.
E-P Impossible preset error.
E-E Error while writing to EEPROM. Parameter Changes
E-r MIDI receive buffer overflow. When the X-15 is used with ART SGX and ALPHA processors,
E-t MIDI transmit buffer overflow. you may use the left and right pedal controllers to change
parameter values already assigned in the preset right out of
the box. The SGX 2000, SGX NIGHTBASS, and ALPHA
have presets programmed for immediate use with the X-15’s
MISCELLANEOUS continuous controllers. The only connection needed is the
Power hook-up of a MIDI cable from the X-15’s MIDI OUT jack to
If you find you must replace the power adapter, make sure the MIDI IN jack of the controlled device.
the specifications meet or exceed the specifications of the Changing the MIDI Channel
original adapter. The ART X-15 was designed to work with You may send MIDI data on up to three channels. When the
just about any battery eliminator. X-15 is first powered up, all information is assigned to be
The Pedal will work with eliminators that produce a minimum sent on channel 1. You may change the channel for the left
100 milliamperes (ma) of Alternating Current (AC or VAC) at and right expression pedal and the system channel. Enter
6.3 to 15 volts or Direct Current (DC or VDC) at 9 volts to Setup Mode, sub-mode 5 to change the MIDI channel for
24 Volts. these parameters. To permanently store the new values,
make sure you press the MODE pad before powering down
Life of theEEPROM the unit.
You may change and store parameters over ten thousand
times before you wear out the EEPROM. So, to wear out the Miscellaneous MIDI Information
EEPROM, you would have to change and store parameter When dumping parameter information, wait five seconds
values six times every day for the next five years! before sending any MIDI information to the X-15. Inbound
MIDI information has priority over any X-15 MIDI data. When
sending MIDI SYS-X data to the X-15, you must be on a
Enclosed with your X-15 are six round cork feet. Pop out the designated channel.
feet from the surrounding cork and place one each at the
four outside corners of the X-15 next to the screws. Stick the Expression Pedals
remaining two feet along the outside edge of the chassis As with any mechanically mounted device there is the
near the center. possibility of the mounting loosening. If your X-15’s expres-
sion pedals loosen to the point where they will not stay in
Pedal TestMode place, you may tighten them.
You may set up the X-15 to display visually the “value” of
the expression pedals. Directly after power-up and before the ***WARNING***:: DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THESE BOLTS,
display shows Art, press simultaneously the BYPASS, 9 and YOU CAN EASILY STRIP THE THREADS AND CAUSE
10 pads. You are now in pedal test mode. Moving either YOUR X-15 TO NEED REPAIR! IF YOU DO NEED TO
pedal will show the pedal’s hexadecimal value in the numeric TIGHTEN THEM, BE CAREFUL. The bolt heads are 1/2" inch.
display (00 to 7F). The first digit of the display will show

7
 APPENDIX A
PROGRAMMING EXAMPLES

For both programming examples, the X-15 MIDI OUT must be Using the X-15to Turn On or Off EffectsIn a PresetUsing
connected to the effect device MIDI IN. The MIDI channel Effect Mode and Activator Pads
on the MIDI device must be the same channel the X-15 will You can use the X-15 activator pads in Effect Mode to turn
be sending messages on, or the receiving device’s OMNI certain individual effects on and off in an effects device’s
mode must be ON. preset. With any programmable ART product this is easy,
simply add MIDI Control to the preset and assign it to the
Edit ControlledDevice's MIDI Program Table (MPT) with the X-15: effect “Type”, i.e., DST: TYPE = TURBO-DIST 2. Use the
When used with a keyboard or other device receiving MIDI
suggested scaling settings found in Appendix D.
PROGRAM CHANGE messages, MPT editing may be simplified.
Use this method of editing by selecting the desired patch on The key to turning the effect on and off is to toggle between
the X-15 and assigning the MIDI device’s MPT for the desired the effect “type” and the OFF setting for that effect.
preset.
This example will show you how to set up a preset in an
- Set up the MIDI device you wish to control for MPT editing. SGE MACH II turning Distortion and Chorus on and off. To
*If you are using this device with any ART product enter the make the example easier, copy preset # 91 “TURBO CHORUS”
MIDI Utility Mode and scroll to the screen showing the [MIDI to blank preset #120.
PROG = ] on the top, and [PRESET = - ] on the bottom of
- after you have copied the preset remain in EDIT MODE.
the LCD. Make sure the cursor (-) is on the PRESET line.
- add two MIDI Controls (press ADD EFFECT eight times,
- Select a patch on the X-15 so that 01 is displayed. (Select
don’t forget to press ENTER).
BANK 1 and press the 1/6 pad)
*With any ART product, use the encoder knob or value UP/ - Press the STORE button as a precaution.
DOWN keys to select the preset you want when selecting - Press the Select Left button eight times.
patch 1 on the X-15 - Use the Value Up button to select DISTORTION 2.
- Select another patch with the X-15. - Press the Select Right button once.
- Adjust the MIDI device accordingly. -Use the Value Down button to select MIDI Controller 72.
*Continue to program the X-15’s patches in this manner *We are choosing this controller number because it is the
assigning the MIDI devices preset #'s to the X-15’s patch default setting number for the #3 activator pad labeled
numbers. Distortion on the X-15.
Setup an ART Multiverb DR-X or SGE for MIDI Controlof the - Press the Select Right button twice.
Pitch Parameter ol the PitchTransposer - Use the Value Down button to select TYPE = OFF.
To control the pitch parameter via MIDI in any of the above
ART products you first must setup the effects device to be - Press the Store button.
controlled by MIDI messages. In the effects device: - Press the Select Left button once.

- Create or choose a preset with the Pitch Transposer. -Use the Value Down Button to set the SCALE to (+) 23.
*Now, each time you press the #3 pad the TYPE will toggle
- Add a MIDI Controller to the preset. between DISTORTION 2 and OFF turning the effect on and off.
- Set the controller to control PTr:PITCH - Press the Select Right button twice.
-Set the controller for MC 4: FOOT CTLR - Use the Value Up button to select TYPE = PRE.
*This corresponds to the default setting of the X-15 left
expression pedal. MIDI controller #4 FOOT CONTROLLER. - Press the Select Right button once.

- Set the scale to (-)14. -Use the Value Down button to select MIDI Controller 78.
*We are choosing this controller number because it is the
- Set the PITCH = (-)6 default setting number for the #9 activator pad labeled
- Store the preset. FLANGER/CHORUS on the X-15.
By setting up a preset like this, you will be able to imitate a - Press the Select Right button twice.
whammy bar, detuning your signal from zero pitch deflection - Use the Value Down button to select TYPE = OFF.
when the pedal is up, to an octave down when the pedal is - Press the Store button.
down. To decrease the range of pitch shift, make the scale
smaller. - Press the Select Left button once.
-Use the Value Down Button to set the SCALE to (+) 10.
You may control any MIDI controlled parameter with the *Now, each time you press the #9 pad the TYPE will toggle
X-15. Use the above example as a reference substituting between PRE and OFF turning the effect on and off.
other parameters to be controlled. For more information,
refer to programming examples in the the effects devices - Press the Select Right button twice.
manuals. - Press the STORE button to save all parameters.
 APPENDIX B
CONNECTION ILLUSTRATIONS

GUITAR INTO EFFECTS DEVICE CONTROLLED BY ART X-15

ART X-15

IN OUT THRU

MIDI IN

GUITAR AUDIO IN AUDIO OUT

X-15 USED FOR MIDI CONTROL OF A SINGLE DEVICE

ART X-15

IN OUT THRU

MIDI IN
 APPENDIX B
CONNECTION ILLUSTRATIONS

X-15 USED TO CONTROL TWO EFFECTS DEVICES

ART X-15

IN OUT THRU

MIDI IN 1

THRU/OUT

MIDI IN 1

KEYBOARD CONTROLLING SEPARATE DEVICE AND AN X-15 WHICH CONTROLS ONE EFFECTS DEVICE

ART X-15

IN OUT THRU

ART X-15

IN OUT THRU

MIDI IN 1

MIDI IN 2
 APPENDIX C
SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MESSAGES

In addition to the MIDI program and controller change messages described earlier in this
manual, the X-15 also sends and responds to MIDI system exclusive (SysEx) messages.
This section requires an basic understanding of MIDI protocols and the hexadecimal
numbering system. How you actually send and receive SysEx messages is beyond the
scope of this manual.

The X-15 SysEx messages are used to set/get operating parameters, determine the
presence of the X-15 in a MIDI network, and to verify reads and writes to the X-15’s EEPROM.

The general form of an X-15 SysEx message is:

The <func> byte defines the SysEx message type. For the X-15, there are six possible <func> bytes,
as expressed in the following table.
 APPENDIX C
UNlT HANDSHAKE GROUP

The unit handshake group of messages can be used to see if an X-15 is present on a
channel of a MIDI network.
After receiving an inbound 41 message, the X-15 replies with an outbound 01 message.
There are no data bytes in either inbound or outbound messages.
PARAMETER EXCHANGE GROUP
The parameter exchange group of messages can be used to get or set the X-15’s
operating parameters.
After receiving an inbound 4B message (or by pressing MODE and SIX on the front
panel), the X-15 replies with a outbound OB message. The nineteen data bytes describe
the current operating parameters of the X-15
If the X-15 receives an inbound OB message, it is used to set the operating parameters.
The subsequent data bytes set the X-15’s operating parameters and store them to the
EEPROM.
UNIT STATUS GROUP
The unit status group of messages can be used to determine the EEPROM was accessed
without incident, This is most useful after sending a parameter exchange message to the
X-15 to ensure it was written to the EEPROM.
After receiving an inbound 4D message, the X-15 sends an outbound OD message. The
two data bytes that follow reflect the state of the X-l.% EEPROM. The first byte is always
zero, and the second byte can be one of four possible values.
00 No EEPROM error has occurred
01 EEPROM write error
02 EEPROM read error
03 EEPROM read and write error
Nothing resets these error codes except removing power from the X-15.
PARAMETER EXCHANGE DATA FORMAT
The nineteen bytes that are part of an inbound or outbound 06 message are listed below.

byte operational parameter range

1 system channel 00 .. 0F
2 left pedal channel 00 .. 0F
3 right pedal channel 00 .. 0F
4 left pedal controller 00 . 78
5 right pedal controller 00 . . 78
6 button 10 controller 00 . 78
7 button 1 controller 00 .. 78
8 button 2 controller 00 .. 78
9 button 3 controller 00 .. 78
10 button 4 controller 00 .. 78
11 button 5 controller 00 .. 78
12 button 6 controller 00 .. 78
13 button 7 controller 00 .. 78
14 button 8 controller 00 . . 78
15 button 9 controller 00 .. 78
16 bypass controller 00 .. 78
17 bypass mode 00 . . 05
18 merger mode 00 . . 01
19 pedal rate 00 .. 0F

The bypass mode is one less than the value displayed when in the X-15's setup mode.
12
 APPENDIX D
MIDI: CONTROLLERS 8 NUMBERS
SCALNG: SIHESTION SETTlNGS

CONTROLLER # CONTROLLER DESCRIPTION PAD DEFAULT VALUES

1 MOD WHEEL PAD # EFFECT MIDI CONTROLLER #
2 BREATH CONTROLLER 1 EXCITER 70
3 UNDEFINED 2 COMPRESSOR 71
4 FOOT CONTROLLER X-15 LEFT PEDAL* 3 DISTORTION 72
5 PORTAMENTO TIME 4 EQUALIZER 73
6 DATA ENTRY (msb) 5 EXPANDER/NOISE GATE 74
7 MAIN VOLUME 6 REVERB 75
8 BALANCE 7 DELAY 76
9 UNDEFINED 8 PITCH TRANSPOSER 77
10 PAN 9 FLANGE/CHORUS 78
11 EXPRESSION CONTROLLER 10 SPECIAL EFFECTS 79
X-15 RIGHT PEDAL*
12-15 UNDEFINED SUGGESTED SCALE SETTINGS
16-19 GENERAL PURPOSE #‘S 1-4
20-31 UNDEFINED EFFECT VALUE SCALE
32-63 LSB FOR VALUES 0-31 COMPRESSOR 2:1 5
64 DAMPER PEDAL (SUSTAIN) 4:1 10
65 PORTAMENTO LIMIT 15
66 SOSTENUTO
67 SOFT PEDAL DISTORTION OVER DRIVE 1 5
68 UNDEFINED OVER DRIVE 2 10
69 HOLD 2 OVER DRIVE 3 15
70-79 UNDEFINED (X-15 EFFECTS ON/OFF)* DISTORTION 1 20
80-83 GENERAL PURPOSE #‘S 5-8 DISTORTION 2 23
84-90 UNDEFINED (84, X-15 BYPASS DISTORTION 3 25
CONTROLLER)* TURBO-ODRV 1 30
91 EXTERNAL EFFECTS DEPTH TURBO-ODRV 2 34
92 TREMOLO DEPTH TURBO-ODRV 3 38
93 CHORUS DEPTH TURBO-DIST 1 42
94 CELESTE (DETUNE) DEPTH TURBO-DIST 2 46
95 PHASER DEPTH TURBO-DIST 3 50
96 DATA INCREMENT EXPANDER EXPANDER 5
97 DATA DECREMENT N-GATE 10
98 NON-REGISTERED EXP+GAT 15
PARAMETER # LSB ENVFILT 20
99 NON-REGISTERED
PARAMETER # MSB FLANGER POST 5
100 REGISTERED PARAMETER # LSB PRE 10
101 REGISTERED PARAMETER # MSB CHORUS POST 5
102-120 UNDEFINED PRE 10
121-127 NOT ASSIGNABLE TO X-15
PANNER MODULATION 50% 30
*X-15 DEFAULT SETTINGS OFF (SET MOD = 0 % ) MODULATION 100% 65
Scale Settings For Turning EffectsOn and Off in a Preset PITCH TRANSPOSER QUICK 5
The activator pads are assigned the MIDI controller numbers 10
NORMAL
as shown in the first chart. Use these controller numbers 15
SMOOTH
when assigning the pad to turn the effect on or off. For ease
of use, assign the activator pad which is labeled with the ef- DELAY 0 ms 0
fect you wish to control. The next chart lists the effects you 245 ms 25
may control and the Scale value that must be assigned to 500 ms 38
work properly. 1.02 sec 51
1.55 sec 59
1.80 sec 62
These scale values will change between the VALUE and
OFF. Make sure your original setting is programmed and
stored to OFF or 0.

13
 TROUBLESHOOTING WARRANTY & SERVICEEIN FORMATlON
If you have difficulty with your X-15, check the following: Warranty service for this unit will be provided by Applied
Research & Technology, Inc. in accordance with the follow-
1. Make sure that the battery eliminator is working correctly.
ing warrant statement. Applied Research & Technology, Inc.
2. Make sure that the connection between the eliminator warrants to the original purchaser that this product and the
and the pedal is snug. components thereof, will be free from defects in workman-
3. Make sure that the MIDI connections between the devices ship and materials for a period of one year from the date of
are correct. purchase. Applied Research & Technology, Inc. (ART) will,
4. If you see the error message “E-r” in the display, don’t without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective
become too alarmed, it means the MIDI receive buffer product or component parts upon prepaid delivery to the
overflowed. Try sending the data again at a slower rate. If factory service department or authorized service center, ac-
the problem keeps occurring contact the factory. companied by proof of purchase date in the form of a valid
sales receipt.
5. If the error message “E-t” appears in the display, phone
home! (we mean contact the factory). It’s unlikely this error
will occur, it could happen if a large MIDI dump is passed EXCLUSIONS:
thru the X-15 with the merger on and the sending device This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or
has a “fast” MIDI out. abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized altera-
6. If the error message “E-c” appears in the display, a tions or repairs. This warranty is void if the serial number is
checksum error has occurred, press any pad to continue altered, defaced, or removed. ART shall not be liable for any
operation. If the problem reoccurs at the next power up, consequential damages, including without limitation damages
contact the factory. resulting from loss of use. Some states do not allow limita-
7. If the pedal is not controlling the intended device, check tion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
to make sure the MIDI channel is set correctly or OMNI limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty
Mode is on. gives you specific rights and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
If none of these are the cause of your problem, you should
contact the factory. Review the warranty and service section Units purchased outside The United States: Service will be
at the end of the manual for more information. provided by an authorized distributor of Applied Research &
Technology, Inc.
The following information is provided for the unlikely event
your unit requires service.
1) Be sure the unit is the cause of the problem. Check to
make sure the unit has power supplied, all cables are con-
nected correctly and the cables themselves are in working
condition.
2) If you find the unit to be at fault, write down a description
of the problem including how and when the problem occurs.
3) Call the factory for a Return Authorization (RA) number.
4) Pack the unit in its original carton or a reasonable substi-
tute. The packing box is not recommended for a shipping
carton. Put the packaged unit in another box for shipping.
Print the RA number clearly under the address.
5) Include with your unit: a return shipping address (We cannot
Contact Information ship to a PO. Box), a copy of your purchase receipt, a day-
Applied Research & Technology, Inc. time phone number, and the description of the problem.
(ART) 6) Ship the unit to:
215 Tremont Street
Rochester, New York 14608 APPLIED RESEARCH 8 TECHNOLOGY, INC.
USA 215 TREMONT STREET
ROCHESTER, NY 14608
(716) 436-2720 Attn: REPAIR DEPARTMENT
(716) 436-3942 (FAX) RA #
Telex: 4949793 ARTROC
7) Contact our customer service department at (716) 436-2720
for your Return Authorization number or questions regarding
530-5004-101 repairs.

14