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Fourm Troubleshooting Guide

  • Updated

If the unit is not booting:

CHECK BOOTLOADER OPERATION AND RELOAD OS

1. Power on with ROUTE (top left corner) depressed.

2. You will see the OLED display "Bootloader" if it successfully enters bootloader mode.

3. Load the latest OS via USB or MIDI DIN while in Bootloader mode.

3. Contact Sequential support if you have any questions about this procedure.

 

If the unit boots but has an issue, perform initial settings first:

INITIAL SETTINGS

  1. Start by removing all connections (MIDI/USB, pedals, cv, audio) from the rear of the instrument except for power.
  2. Reset global parameters: Press the global button, then use the select knob to scroll to Reset Globals, press the Select Encoder down, and then press Inc.
  3. Connect a set of headphones to the headphone output.
  4. Initialize a Basic Patch by holding Transpose Down, then program.

Next, proceed to the appropriate section below according to the issue described:

 

I. Audio Issues

A. Perform Initial Settings

  1. Verify if the issue is still present. If so, proceed to step B.

B. Oscillator/Filter Calibration

  1. Press the global button.
  2. Use the select knob to scroll to Tune Voices, press the Select Encoder down, and then press Inc.
  3. The synth will run through auto-calibration and will return to normal when complete.
  4. Verify if the issue is still present. If so, proceed to sections C or D based on the problem description.

C. Distortion In Audio Outputs

  1. Is distortion present on headphone output? If so, try turning down the MAIN VOLUME.
  2. If no distortion is present on headphone output, verify correct cable is in use (TS unbalanced) and that the instrument is connected to the appropriate audio interface/mixer input (Line level input).
  3. If distortion is still present, check the instrument with another cable and audio interface/mixer inputs. 

 

II. Tuning Issues

A. Perform Initial Settings

  1. Verify if the issue is still present. If so, proceed to B and C. If the issue is still present after steps B and C, proceed to step D.

B. Wheel Calibration

  1. Press the global button.
  2. Use the select knob to scroll to Align Wheels, press the Select Encoder down, and then press Inc.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the calibration.

C. Oscillator/Filter Calibration

  1. Press the global button.
  2. Use the select knob to scroll to Tune Voices, press the Select Encoder down, and then press Inc.
  3. The synth will run through auto-calibration and will return to normal when complete.

D. Clear Oscillator/Filter Calibration

  1. If tuning issues persist after running calibration, try clearing the calibration and starting fresh.
  2. Enter the Debug menu by holding Transpose UP + DOWN and pressing global.
  3. Clear Calibration is the first option.
  4. Press the Select Encoder down, and then press Inc.
  5. Then run through the steps in C to run calibration again.

*Note that no on-screen confirmation of the clearing will be displayed. 

 

III. MIDI Issues

A. Perform Initial Settings

  1. Verify if the issue is still present. If so, depending on the description of the problem, proceed to step B, C.

B. Instrument Not Outputting MIDI

  1. Press the global button, then use the select knob to scroll to MIDI Out Port and verify it is set to the port being used to transmit MIDI data.
  2. If it is not set to the correct port, press down the Select encoder, and use the Select knob to set the MIDI OUT to USB or MIDI.
  3. Press the Program button to exit the Global menu.

C. Pots/Encoders Not Updating Correctly

  1. This is due to a MIDI feedback loop. When the synth is actively connected to a DAW via USB or MIDI, turn LOCAL CONTROL off with steps 2-4.
  2. Press the global button. Use the select knob to scroll to LOCAL CONTROL.
  3. Use the value knob to set LOCAL CONTROL to ALL OFF.
  4. Press the Program button once to exit globals.

 

IV. Button Issues

A. Perform Initial Settings

  1. Verify if the issue is still present. If so, proceed to step B.

B. Switch Cleaning Routine

  1. The switches on our instruments are self-cleaning. In most cases, switches that are intermittent/non-operative can be resolved by being firmly depressed 50-100 times.
  2. If the operation improves but is still intermittent, repeat step B1.

 

V. Pot/Encoder Issues

A. Perform Initial Settings

  1. Verify if the issue is still present. If so, depending on the description of the problem, proceed to step B, C, D.

B. Pot/parameter Value Changes On Its Own

  1. Turn the pot back and forth across its full range of travel 10-20 times.
  2. Set pot to minimum or maximum setting and check whether pot/parameter continues to change on its own.
  3. If it does not, set the pot to its midpoint and check whether the pot/parameter continues to change on its own.
  4. If the parameter continues to change on its own, the pot requires replacement.

**If many parameters seemingly update at random, please contact Sequential support.**

C. Encoder Value Does Not Update On Every Detent

  1. Due to the manner in which the encoders are scanned, it is possible for an encoder to not update a value for 1-2 detents. This is within expected tolerances and is not considered a fault.

D. Pot Feels Wobbly

  1. Excessive horizontal pressure applied to a pot may cause the pot shaft to loosen within the housing of the pot’s enclosure. It is advised to not apply excessive non-axial force when turning a pot.
  2. If the pot works correctly to set value (no jumps in value or value change without physical movement), then the pot is working correctly and no fault is present.

 

VI. Keybed Issues

A. Perform Initial Settings

  1. Verify if the issue is still present. If so, proceed to step B.

B. Check the KEY OS

  1. Press the global button.
  2. Use the select knob to scroll all the way to the end of the menu items, where the OS versions are listed.
  3. Check to make sure you are on the latest KEY OS. If not, download from our website and send the OS to the synth.

B. Key(s) not triggering consistently

  1. Fully depress the key in question.
  2. Press the key into the aftertouch circuit with medium to heavy force.
  3. Wiggle the key and release.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 until the key operates as expected.

 

 VII. Poly Aftertouch Issues

A. Poly aftertouch responds differently on the lowest 5 keys

  1. If you're experiencing this issue, you'll need to update your OS.
  2. We have detailed instructions for updating your OS on our website, and in the ReadMe file accompanying the OS download: Updating the Fourm OS

B. Inconsistent poly aftertouch response across the keybed

  1. If you are looking for a lighter or heavier feel across all the keys, try adjusting the Aftertouch Curve Global setting before running calibration. However, you can calibrate individual keys if certain keys feel off.

  2. To do so, enter the debug menu by holding Transpose Up + Down + Global.

  3. Use the Select encoder to scroll to item 7 'Key AT Cal', then push the encoder down and press Inc.

  4. Press and hold down an individual key to a comfortable maximum pressure, then hit inc to set the max value.

  5. Repeat steps 3-4 for any number of keys.

  6. Press Dec when complete. 

We have more detailed instructions for calibrating individual keys and reloading default calibration values in this article: Fourm Key Calibration & Initialization Guide

 

If there are any issues that you haven't been able to resolve with the above troubleshooting, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please reach out to support@sequential.com.

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