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Take-5 Keyboard Troubleshooting Guide

  • Updated

If the unit is not booting:

CHECK BOOTLOADER OPERATION AND RELOAD OS

1. Hold the F and A keys in the lowest octave and apply power to the instrument.

2. You will see the 7-segment LED display shows "btl" if it successfully enters bootloader mode.

3. Contact Sequential support with the result of the bootloader operation for further instructions.

 

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, then press write. 

  3. Connect a set of headphones to the headphone output.

  4. Initialize a Basic Patch by holding Transpose Down, then press -2 OCT.

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 Cal Voices, then press write.

  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 AMP ENVELOPE AMOUNT.  

  2. If no distortion is present on headphone output, verify correct cables are 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 set of cables and audio interface/mixer inputs. 

D. Output Level Mismatch

  1. Differences in output level between the left and right main outputs of 1-2dB are within expected tolerances. This is due to the analog nature of the amplifier circuitry in our instruments.

 

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 Cal Wheels, then press write.
  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 Cal Voices, then press write.

  3. The synth will run through auto-calibration and will return to normal when complete.

D. Clear Oscillator/Filter Calibration

  1. Enter the Debug menu by holding Transpose UP + DOWN and pressing global.

  2. Clear Calibration is the first option and should be selected.
  3. Press write to clear calibration data.

*Note that no on-screen confirmation of the clearing will be displayed. After clearing calibration data, you will need to run the VCO & Filter Calibration routine again.

 

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 Select and verify it is set to the port being used to transmit MIDI data.

  2. If it is not set to the correct port, use the value knob to set the MIDI OUT to USB or MIDI.

  3. Press the global 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 OFF. 
  4. Press global 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

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. Key Contact Cleaning

  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.

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