8-STEP PROGRAM

Analog Expression/CV Sequencer

Congratulations on your purchase of the Electro-Harmonix 8-STEP PROGRAM. The 8-STEP is
an analog sequencer that connects to the expression pedal input of many different types of
effects pedals, keyboards and other devices. Think of the 8-STEP as replacing your
expression pedal, controlling parameters in a sequential fashion rather than continuously as
you normally do with an expression pedal. Additionally, the 8-STEP can be connected to
devices that have Control Voltage (CV) inputs.

Special Features of the 8-STEP PROGRAM:

• Sequence length is selectable between 1 and 8 steps

• Four available Direction Modes: Forward, Reverse, Bounce and Random
• Depth and Glide of the sequence output is encoder adjustable
• Tap Tempo Footswitch allows you to set the tempo with your foot and can be
divided down for faster tempos from the same tap tempo
• Three available Play Modes: Loop, 1-Shot and Step-Thru (Manual)
• Reset Footswitch instantly resets the sequence back to its beginning
• Expression In allows external control over Rate, Depth, Glide or Sequence Length
• Expression In doubles as an External CV Clock input allowing the 8-STEP to be
synced to an external clock
• MIDI IN jack allows the 8-STEP tempo to be synced to MIDI Clock
• Full MIDI control over every parameter on the 8-STEP
• Comes supplied with a TRS cable for expression control. Use a standard ¼” TS
instrument cable for CV control (0-5V)
• Save and load up to 10 presets. Add the optional 8-STEP FOOT CONTROLLER to
save and load up to 100 presets

WARNING: Your 8-STEP PROGRAM comes equipped with an Electro-Harmonix

9.6DC-200BI power supply (same as used by Boss® & Ibanez®:
9.6 Volts DC 200mA). The 8-STEP requires 100mA at 9VDC with a center
negative plug. The 8-STEP does not take batteries. Using the wrong adapter
may damage your unit and void the warranty.

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 - QUICK START GUIDE -

Basic Sequence Using Forward and Loop Mode

1. Plug the TRS cable into the EXP/CV OUT on the left side of the 8-Step. Use a TS
cable for CV control.
2. Connect the other end of the TRS (or TS) cable into the expression (or CV) input
on an external device.
3. Connect the output plug from the supplied AC Adapter to the 9V jack at the top of
the 8-STEP. Plug the AC Adapter into a wall outlet.
4. Push the RATE slider on the 8-STEP to the 50% setting.
5. Move the step sliders, labeled 1 through 8, to wherever you like. Tip: To start out,
try every other slider at their minimum and maximum positions.
6. Make sure no other plugs are inserted to the other 3 inputs on the 8-STEP.
7. Press the PLAY FSW. You should see the step LEDs above the sliders moving to
the right in sequential order. After Step 8, the sequence starts over with Step 1.
8. If you see no movement at all in the step LEDs, the sequence length could be set
to 1: press and release the MODE knob until only the SL LED is lit. Turn the MODE
knob clockwise until the digit display, directly below the three mode LEDs, shows
8.
9. If the sequence plays all the steps just once and then stops, then you are in 1-
Shot mode. If the sequence advances one step with each press of the PLAY FSW
you are in Step-Thru mode. To get back to Loop mode press and hold the PLAY
FSW for 3 seconds. After 3 seconds the digit display momentarily displays its new
mode (either L: loop, 1: 1-Shot or t: Step Thru). Release the PLAY FSW and repeat
this procedure until it flashes an L.
10. If the sequence is moving but not in sequential order from step 1 to step 8, change
the Direction setting to Forward: press and release the MODE knob until only the
DIR LED is lit. Turn the MODE knob counter-clockwise until the digit display shows
F.

TAP in a Tempo and Divide your Tapped Tempo

1. Make sure no Tap Divide LEDs are lit; this is quarter note mode, which yields a
sequence tempo equal to the tempo you tap. If one or more of the TAP DIVIDE
LEDs is lit, press and release the TAP DIVIDE button until all of its associated LEDs
are off.
2. Press and release the TAP FSW at least twice. After the second tap, the sequence
will change to the new tempo. Tip: We recommend three or more taps on the TAP
FSW for improved accuracy.
3. Press the TAP DIVIDE button to increase the sequencer’s tempo. The 8-STEP
always assumes you tap in quarter notes. The note graphics next to the LEDs
indicate the timing of each sequencer step with relation to the quarter note you
tapped in. Tip: When all TAP DIVIDE LEDs are lit, it is a 32nd note.

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Reverse, Bounce and Random Direction Sequences
1. With the sequence running, press and release the MODE knob until only the DIR
LED is lit. The mode LEDs are located directly under the MODE knob.
2. All of the displayed parameters in the Direction mode are displayed with letters: F
= Forward, r = Reverse, b = Bounce, R = Random on the digit display located
directly below the three mode LEDs.
3. Turn the MODE knob until you see the lower case r, for Reverse mode. Now you
should see the sequence counting backwards from Step 8 to Step 1 and then
jumping back to Step 8 again to repeat the sequence.
4. Now turn the MODE knob clockwise one click, you should see a lower case b, for
Bounce mode. In Bounce mode, the sequence counts up sequentially from Step 1
and then down sequentially from Step 8.
5. Again turn the MODE knob clockwise one click, you should see the upper case R,
for Random mode. In Random mode, each sequence step is chosen at random
between Step 1 and the setting for Sequence Length. Sometimes the 8-Step will
randomly choose the same step two or three times in a row, this is normal.

Changing Sequence Length

The Sequence Length parameter sets the maximum step for the sequence. Forward and
Bounce Sequences always start with Step 1 and run up to the step specified by Sequence
Length. Reverse sequences start with the maximum step and countdown to Step 1. Sequence
Length can be set to any integer between 1 and 8.

1. With the sequence running, press and release the MODE knob until only the SL
LED is lit. You will see a number between 1 and 8 on the digit display.
2. Try turning the MODE knob until the number 4 is displayed. You will see the
sequence travelling between Step 1 and Step 4.
3. Go ahead and try any other number you like for the maximum step setting.

Adjusting the Glide Parameter

Glide determines the time it takes to change from one step’s slider position to the next step’s
slider position. A Glide setting of 0 yields the fastest change between steps. A setting of 9 is
the slowest Glide setting.

1. Ensure that you hear the 8-Step sequencing an external device. You will only notice
the change in the Glide parameter if you hear the sequencer acting on another
device.
2. Press and release the MODE knob until only the GL LED is lit.
3. You should see a number between 0 and 9 displayed on the digit. Turn the MODE
knob clockwise to increase this number, counter-clockwise decreases the number.
4. As you change the GL setting you should hear the speed of the sequence change
from one step to the next.

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Please Note: When the 8-Step is set to fast tempos, a high setting for the GLIDE parameter
may yield a sequence that does not change very much from one step to the next. How GLIDE
reacts can depend on the tempo of the sequence.

Adjusting the Depth Parameter

The Depth parameter adjusts the total output level of the sequence from 0 (no output) to 9
(maximum output). An output setting of 8 is equivalent to 100% Depth. A setting of 9 is
110% but it will not increase the output from sliders set to the maximum level any further,
it will only increase the output of sliders set below maximum.

1. Ensure that you hear the 8-Step sequencing an external device. Adjusting the
DEPTH parameter is only apparent when you hear the sequencer acting on another
device.
2. Press and release the MODE knob until all three mode LEDs are lit. When all three
mode LEDs are lit, the 8-STEP is set to DEPTH mode.
3. Turn the MODE knob to change the DEPTH setting. Turning MODE Counter-
clockwise will decrease the DEPTH setting, turning clockwise increases the DEPTH
setting.

Changing Play Modes: Loop, 1-Shot and Step-Thru

There are three available Play modes: Loop mode continuously loops the sequence from
beginning to end and back to the beginning again. 1-Shot mode goes through the entire
sequence one time with each press of the PLAY FSW. Step-Thru mode removes the 8-
STEP’s internal tempo and goes through the sequence, one step at a time, each time you
press the PLAY FSW. In Step-Thru mode, the sequence loops back to the beginning when
you come to the end of the sequence.

1. Play mode is changed by pressing and holding the PLAY FSW for three seconds.
2. After three seconds of holding the PLAY FSW, the display will temporarily display
the mode that it just changed to. It displays L for Loop, 1 for 1-Shot and t for
Step-Thru. It will show the new Play Mode for 1.5 seconds, and then go back to
whatever it was previously displaying.
3. After the PLAY mode has changed, release the PLAY FSW. To change the PLAY
mode again, press and hold the PLAY FSW for another 3 seconds.
4. You must release the PLAY FSW between PLAY mode changes before you can
change the PLAY mode again.

Using the RESET Footswitch

1. Each time you press the RESET FSW, the sequence starts over with its first step.
2. If Direction is set to Forward or Bounce, pressing the RESET FSW will cause the
sequence to jump to Step 1.
3. If Direction is set to Reverse, pressing the RESET FSW will cause the sequence to
jump to the maximum step set by the Sequence Length parameter. For example,

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 when Direction equals Reverse and Sequence Length is set to 8, pressing the
RESET FSW forces the sequence to jump to Step 8.
4. Pressing the RESET FSW while the sequence is currently playing back does not
pause the sequence, it forces the sequence to start over and then keeps going.
5. Pressing the RESET FSW while the sequence is paused, forces the current step to
jump back to the start of the sequence but it does not begin playing the sequence
back.
6. If the 8-STEP is playing its sequence and is synced to either MIDI Clock or External
CV Clock, when you press the RESET FSW it will not immediately restart the
sequence, instead it waits for its current step to finish and then restarts the
sequence on the next step, doing this helps the 8-STEP remain in sync with the
external tempo control.

Using an Expression Pedal with the 8-STEP

1. Connect the plug from your Expression pedal into the jack labeled EXP IN on the
right side of the 8-STEP. A list of acceptable expression pedals include: Electro-
Harmonix Expression Pedal, Boss® FV-500L, M-Audio® EX-P, Moog® EP-2, Roland®
EV-5 or another 8-STEP PROGRAM. You may also connect Control Voltage to the
EXP IN jack with a TS cable, the acceptable control voltage range is 0V to 5V.
2. The EXP. MODE button, located between the RESET and PLAY FSWs, selects the
function for the expression pedal to modulate. The functions include: RATE,
DEPTH, GLIDE, SEQuence LENGTH and off (no LEDs lit). External CV Clock may
also be selected with the EXP. MODE button but we will talk more about this in a
later section.
3. For this example, choose RATE, which is the tempo of the expression pedal. Each
time you press and release the EXP. MODE button, the 8-Step will select the next
mode, then cycle back to RATE.
4. Moving the expression pedal from the heel to toe position will increase the rate of
the tempo. The heel position is a slow rate, the toe position is equal to the setting
of the RATE slider.
5. If you have tapped in a tempo, your tap tempo will be at the heel of the expression
pedal. As you move the pedal forward the tempo increases.
6. Now press the EXP. MODE button to modulate DEPTH. As you move the expression
pedal, the overall amplitude of the sequence changes. Toe yields the largest
amplitude.

Using the 8-STEP as an Expression Pedal Thru

1. Connect the plug from your Expression pedal into the jack labeled EXP IN on the
right side of the 8-STEP.
2. Stop the sequence by pressing the PLAY FSW.
3. Reset the sequence by pressing the RESET FSW.
4. Press and release the EXP. MODE button until the DEPTH setting is selected.

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 5. Move the currently active slider to the position where you would like your toe
setting to be.
6. Begin using the expression pedal.

Using External CV Clock

1. Connect the external clock source to the EXP IN jack on the right side of the 8-
STEP using a TS (mono) ¼” instrument cable.
2. The clock signal must be between 0V and 5V. If the clock signal goes below 0V,
the 8-STEP may not be able to properly read the external clock signal.
3. The maximum frequency for the external clock is 50Hz. There is no minimum
frequency.
4. Enter External Clock mode by pressing and holding the EXP. MODE button. After
approximately three seconds, all four EXP. MODE LEDs will light up. Once you see
the LEDs light, release the button, you are now in External Clock mode. When all
four EXP. MODE LEDs are lit, you are in External Clock mode.
5. Press the PLAY FSW and begin the external clock, the sequence will advance in
sync with the external clock.
6. To exit External Clock mode, press and release the EXP. MODE button once.

Entering/Exiting Preset Mode on the 8-STEP

1. Press and hold the MODE knob until you see a P on the digit display, the hold is
approximately 2 seconds. Once you see the P, release the MODE knob.
2. After displaying the P for 1.5 seconds, the digit will then show the current preset
number. If you happen to have the 8-STEP FOOT CONTROLLER attached to the
FC jack, the display will not show the preset number but instead displays an F for
Foot Controller.
3. While in preset mode, all three MODE LEDs are off.
4. To exit Preset mode, turn the MODE knob clockwise until the digit displays an E,
standing for exit. Now press and release the MODE knob. The 8-STEP exits Preset
mode and displays the last MODE you were in.

Loading Presets on the 8-STEP

1. You can save and load 10 presets on the 8-STEP main unit when no optional Foot
Controller is attached.
2. Make sure you are in Preset mode, using the steps outlined above.
3. To load a preset:
a. Turn the MODE knob until you see the desired preset number displayed.
The available presets are 0 through 9.
b. Press and release the MODE knob. The decimal point next to the number
will light, indicating that a preset is loaded. If the sequence is running
at the time you load the preset, it cues the new preset to load after the
current sequence plays out to its end and then loads the new preset.

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 The digit display blinks rapidly while a preset is waiting in the Preset
Cue.
c. At this point if you turn the MODE knob to a different preset number,
the number blinks indicating that a different preset number is loaded.
d. Additionally, at this point if you move a slider or change a parameter,
the decimal point will blink indicating that a preset has been loaded but
edited from what was initially loaded.

Saving Presets on the 8-STEP

1. Ensure you are in preset mode
2. To save a preset:
a. Whether a preset is currently loaded or not, turn the MODE knob to the
number you want to save the preset into.
b. Press and hold the MODE knob for two seconds. After two seconds, the
three MODE LEDs and the digit display will blink rapidly indicating that
the preset has been saved. You can release the MODE knob once the
LEDs begin blinking.

Syncing to MIDI Clock

1. Connect the MIDI output of your master device to the MIDI IN connector on the
8-STEP.
2. Set the 8-STEP’s TAP DIVIDE setting to the dotted 1/8th note LED. When synced
to MIDI clock, the dotted 1/8th note is actually the quarter note divide, giving you
a 1:1 ratio with the MIDI tempo.
3. Press Play on the master device. The 8-STEP senses the presence of MIDI Clock
and the PLAY command and then automatically resets the sequence and begins
playback of the sequence from its first step.
4. Press Stop on the master device to stop the 8-STEP’s sequence.
5. Feel free to try the different TAP DIVIDE modes to change the speed of the 8-
STEP’s tempo in relation to the tempo of the MIDI master. Tip: For best results,
change the TAP DIVIDE setting on the 8-STEP while playback is stopped on the
MIDI master rather than while in the middle of playback. The 8-STEP’s position
in the sequence will line up better with the MIDI master.

Using MIDI Commands to Control the 8-STEP

Just about every parameter on the face of the 8-STEP can be controlled via MIDI Control
Change (CC) and Program Change (PC) messages. For this example we will adjust the 8-
STEP’s Rate and engage the Play FSW.

1. Connect the MIDI output of your master device to the MIDI IN connector on the
8-STEP.
2. From the factory, the 8-STEP’s default MIDI channel is Channel 1. Set your MIDI
master device to Channel 1.

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 3. Set up your MIDI master device to control MIDI CC #24. CC #24 controls the
RATE slider on the 8-STEP.
4. Send out a range of values on CC #24 from 0 to 127. As the values increase, the
RATE will increase on the 8-STEP.
5. Now set your MIDI device to output MIDI Program Change #100, this may be
#101 on some devices.
6. Send MIDI PC #100. When you do the 8-STEP will immediately begin playback,
as if you had pressed the PLAY FSW on the unit. Send PC #100 again to pause
playback.
7. Check the MIDI chart at the end of this manual for a complete list of all of the
MIDI command assignments and the parameters they control on the 8-STEP.

Changing the 8-STEP’s MIDI Channel

1. Press and hold the RESET FSW. After 3 seconds you will see the GL and SL LEDs
blink, while the DIR LED is off. At this point the current MIDI channel is
displayed on the digit display.
2. While continuing to hold down the RESET FSW, turn the MODE knob clockwise to
increment the MIDI channel and counter-clockwise to decrement the MIDI
channel.
3. The range of available channels is 1 through 16 plus a setting displayed as A
where all MIDI channels are recognized. Since there is only one digit available on
the display, the digit’s decimal LED lights up to indicate the tens placeholder. So
Channel 12 is shown by displaying the number 2 plus the decimal LED: (2.).
Channel 2 would be shown by displaying only the number 2 (2).
4. To enable all MIDI channels, turn MODE clockwise past Channel 16. An A will be
displayed on the digit, now all MIDI channels are recognized.
5. Once you have selected your chosen MIDI channel, release the RESET FSW. The
MIDI channel selection remains in memory even after power cycling.
6. The MIDI channel is a global parameter; it is not saved with presets.

- CONTROLS, INDICATORS & I/O-

The following descriptions detail all of the sliders, knob, switches, LEDs (lights) and I/O jacks
on the 8-STEP PROGRAM:

STEP 1-8 SLIDERS & LEDS

8-STEP’s sequences are composed of up to 8 Steps. Each step has its own independent slider
for setting the expression or CV level. As you push a step slider upward, its output level
increases. When used as an expression pedal replacement, the maximum and minimum
range of each step is equal to the toe (maximum) and heel (minimum) range of an expression
pedal. When the 8-STEP is used as a CV sequencer, the output range is 0V (minimum) to 5V
(maximum).

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Each step has its own LED that illuminates when the associated step is currently active. For
example, if the LED above Step 3 is lit, then Step 3 is the active step at the moment. Only
one step is active at a time, therefore only one Step LED will be lit at a time.

RATE SLIDER
The RATE slider is one of two ways of setting the internal tempo of the 8-STEP, the other
method being the TAP FSW. As you push the RATE slider upward, the tempo, or speed, of
the sequence increases. The total range of the RATE slider is 3.5 Seconds (17 BPM) at its
minimum setting to 50 Hz (3,000 BPM) at its maximum setting. The BPM values are assuming
that each step is a quarter note.

If you tap a tempo or load a preset, the location of the RATE slider will no longer reflect the
actual tempo of the sequencer. When the Tap FSW or Preset sets the tempo, moving the
RATE slider will cancel the TAP or Preset tempo and take over the sequencer tempo.

MODE KNOB, MODE LEDS & DIGIT DISPLAY

The MODE knob is a rotary encoder with push switch. The three MODE LEDs below the knob
and the digit display below the MODE LEDs all work together to allow musicians to edit and
display multiple parameters.

Push and release the MODE knob to cycle through four parameter modes:

DEPTH: all 3 MODE LEDs are lit solid. The DEPTH parameter controls the maximum
amplitude of the expression or CV output. The available range is 0 to 9. When set to 8, Depth
is at 100%. When set to 9, Depth is at 110% but it does not increase the maximum setting
of the sliders, only slider settings below maximum. At the setting of 0, there will be no
output. Turning the MODE knob clockwise increases the DEPTH value.

GL (Glide): Sets the time it takes to go from the current step’s slider setting to the following
step’s slider setting. The available range is 0 to 9. The Glide parameter slows as you increase
its value. Turning the MODE knob clockwise increases the Glide value. Please Note: high
values of GLIDE with fast tempos will reduce the sequencer’s output amplitude.

DIR (Direction): Selects between four settings for the sequencer’s playback direction.
Turning the MODE knob clockwise presents the choices in the following order:

F (Forward): The sequence counts up from Step 1 to the maximum step

set by the Sequence Length (SL) parameter, and then jumps back to Step
1 again.
r (Reverse): The sequence counts down from the maximum step set by
the SL parameter to Step 1, then jumps back to the maximum step.

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 b (Bounce): Combines the Forward and Reverse Direction modes. The
sequence starts at Step 1, counts up to the maximum step, and then
counts back down to the Step 1.
R (Random): The sequence randomly selects each step between Step 1
and the maximum step value set by SL. Since each step is random, it is
possible that the same step could be repeated two or more times in a row.

SL (Sequence Length): Sets the maximum step of the sequence. The available range is 1
Step to 8 Steps. Each sequence always includes Step 1, the number you set SL to indicates
the maximum step of the sequence. For example, if you want a 6 step sequence set SL to 6.
If you want the full sequence range, set SL to 8. As you turn the MODE knob clockwise SL’s
value increases.

PRESETS AND THE MODE KNOB

Push and hold the MODE knob for more than 2 seconds to enter PRESETS mode. Once in
PRESETS mode push and hold MODE for more than 1.5 seconds to save a preset.

ENTER PRESETS MODE: To enter PRESETS mode, push and hold the MODE knob for more
than 2 seconds. After 2 seconds, the digit display will flash a P for about 1.5 seconds; this
indicates that you are now in PRESETS mode. Additionally, when in PRESETS mode, all three
MODE LEDs are off.

CHOOSING & LOADING A PRESET: Once in PRESETS mode, turn the MODE knob to go
up or down through the presets. As you turn the MODE knob clockwise, the preset number
increases. When you arrive at the preset you want to load, push and release the MODE knob
to load the preset. Upon loading a preset, the decimal in the digit display lights solid. To
unload a preset go back to the preset number that is currently loaded then press and release
the MODE knob.

If you turn the MODE knob while a preset is loaded and you are in PRESETS mode, the digit
display will blink the preset number. A blinking number in the display indicates that it is
displaying a different preset number from the preset that is actually loaded. At this point you
can press and release the MODE knob to load the blinking preset number into the Preset
Cue.

PRESET CUE: If you load a preset while a sequence is running the 8-STEP does not
immediately load the preset but instead cues up the preset and then waits for the current
sequence to end. Once the current sequence comes to an end, the preset in the cue loads
immediately and the 8-STEP continues playback with the new preset without missing a beat.
While a preset is waiting in the cue, the digit display rapidly blinks the preset number,
indicating the preset will be loaded when the current sequence finishes its run. Please Note:
Presets will load immediately if the 8-STEP is paused or if you press the RESET FSW while a
preset is waiting the Preset Cue.

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PRESET LOADED INDICATION: When a preset is loaded in the 8-STEP, the decimal next
to the digit in the display lights up solid. If you load a preset and then change a parameter,
for example move one of the Step sliders, the decimal LED blinks to indicate that a preset is
loaded but one or more parameters have changed since loading the preset. If you move the
parameter back to the same setting as in the preset, the decimal LED stops blinking.

SAVING A PRESET: To save a preset on the 8-STEP, first make sure you are in PRESETS
mode. Then turn the MODE knob to the preset number you want to save in. Now press and
hold the MODE knob for approximately 1.5 seconds, until you see the three MODE LEDs and
the digit blink, indicating that the preset is saving. After you see the LEDs blink you can
release the MODE knob.

SAVING AN EDITED PRESET: Once you load a preset, if you decide to edit it you can then
save it to a new preset location. For example, load Preset 1. Now change the position of the
RATE slider, you should see the decimal LED blinking. Turn the MODE knob to a different
preset number, say Preset 2. Now you should see both the decimal and the digit blinking.
Press and hold the MODE knob for than 1.5 seconds, once you see the three MODE LEDs
blink, the preset is being saved in the new location and you can release the MODE knob.

EXITING PRESETS MODE: To exit PRESETS mode, turn the MODE knob clockwise until
you see an E displayed on the digit. The E appears after Preset 9. Once the E is displayed,
press and release the MODE knob to exit PRESETS mode; the 8-STEP will take you back to
the last mode you were in. If you loaded a preset before exiting, the preset remains loaded
after you exit.

PLAY FOOTSWITCH & LED

The main function of the PLAY FSW is to start and stop the sequencer. Press and release
PLAY to toggle between sequence playback and stop. If a sequence is stopped, when you
press PLAY, it will start the sequence immediately, from whatever step you were on. For
example if the sequence is paused on Step 4, when you press the PLAY FSW, the sequence
starts with Step 4. If the sequence is playing, when you press the PLAY FSW, the sequence
will stop on whatever step was active at the time of pressing PLAY. If you want to begin the
sequence with Step 1, press the RESET FSW before pressing PLAY.

The green PLAY LED, located above the PLAY FSW, lights up when the sequence is playing
back and turns off when the sequence is stopped.

CHANGING PLAY MODES: The secondary function of the PLAY FSW is to change the 8-
STEP’s Play mode. There are three available modes: LOOP, 1-SHOT and STEP-THRU. See
below for more information on each Play mode. To change the Play mode, press and hold
the PLAY FSW until you see the LED display blink the newly entered mode digit, you will
need to hold for approximately 3 seconds. For LOOP mode it blinks an L, for 1-SHOT it blinks

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a 1, for STEP-THRU it blinks a t. Once you see the new mode displayed, you can release the
PLAY FSW. Please Note: To continue changing the Play mode, you must release the PLAY
FSW and then press and hold again.

L (LOOP): In LOOP mode the sequence plays continually from the first
step to the last step and then jumps back to the first step to start the
sequence over again. When Direction is set to Forward or Bounce, the
sequence starts at Step 1 increments up to the maximum step indicated
in the Sequence Length parameter and then starts over again with Step
1. When set to Reverse, the sequence starts at the maximum step,
decrements down to Step 1 and then starts over again with the
maximum step. In Random mode, the 8-STEP continuously picks
random sliders between Step 1 and the maximum step setting.

1 (1-SHOT): In 1-SHOT mode the 8-STEP plays the entire sequence

just one time. It follows the Direction setting, the same as in Loop mode,
but stops the sequence after it completes the sequence.

t (STEP-THRU): STEP-THRU mode allows the musician to manually

advance the sequence. The 8-STEP ignores the tempo setting,
advancing the sequence when you press and release the PLAY FSW.
The Direction and Sequence Length settings work the same as in Loop
mode. When you come to the sequence end, it will loop back to the
beginning of the sequence with the next press of the PLAY FSW.

RESET FOOTSWITCH
The main function of the RESET FSW is to force the sequencer to jump back to its first step.
Press and release the RESET FSW to perform a sequence reset. The first step of the sequence
depends on the Direction setting: for Forward and Bounce, the first step is always Step 1;
for Reverse, the first step is equal to the Sequence Length setting; for Random, pressing the
RESET FSW jumps to a new random step.

When the 8-STEP is running off its internal tempo, whether set by the RATE Slider or TAP
FSW, pressing the RESET FSW immediately forces the sequencer to its first step. If the 8-
STEP is synced to either MIDI Clock or External CV Clock, the sequence will jump to its first
step when it advances past the current step rather than immediately jumping to the first
step. This enables the sequence to remain in time and on beat with the external clock.

MIDI CHANNEL DISPLAY & EDIT: The secondary function of the RESET FSW is to display
and edit the MIDI channel. To see the MIDI channel, press and hold the RESET FSW, after
approximately 3 seconds the GL and SL MODE LEDs will begin blinking with a pattern of two
quick blinks followed by a long blink. The display now shows the current MIDI channel.
Continue to hold down the RESET FSW. Turn the MODE knob to change the MIDI channel

12
while continuing to hold down the RESET FSW. Channels 1 through 9 are displayed as you
would expect on the digit display but channels 10 through 16 are not. Since the display has
only one digit, the ones digit is displayed while the tens digit is represented by the lit decimal
LED. So Channel 14 would be shown as a 4 on the display with the decimal LED lit: (4.).
Channel 4 is shown as a 4 on the display but no decimal LED: (4). The A setting enables
the 8-STEP to respond to all MIDI channels. Once you have set the MIDI channel to your
chosen setting, release the RESET FSW. Upon release of RESET, the new MIDI channel
setting is saved in internal memory and remains saved during power cycles. The MIDI
channel is a global setting; it is not saved with presets.

TAP FOOTSWITCH & BEAT LED

Use the TAP FSW to tap in the sequencer’s tempo, overriding the RATE control’s setting, a
previous TAP tempo or a preset’s tempo setting. To tap in a tempo, press and release the
TAP FSW at least twice, though we recommend three or more taps for better accuracy. The
longest acceptable tap time is approximately 4 seconds (15 BPM); the shortest tap time is
approximately 0.2 seconds (300 BPM).

The 8-STEP employs TAP tempo averaging. Tap three or more times and the taps will be
averaged together as long as they are within 12.5% of the first two taps. If the 8-STEP
receives two new taps (three new taps if the new tempo average is faster) that are
outside of the 12.5% tolerance, it considers this a new tap tempo and updates to the new
tap tempo. The tap averaging stops 4 seconds after the last tap. After the 4-second time
out, two new taps will immediately change the sequencer tempo to the new TAP tempo.

When TAP tempo sets the sequencer’s tempo, it is saved in presets and during a power cycle.
So if you tap in a tempo, then save the sequence into a preset, the tempo that is saved in
the preset is your tap tempo. Additionally, if you tap in a tempo then power cycle, when you
restart, your last tap tempo sets the sequencer’s tempo. Move the RATE slider to cancel
out of tap tempo.

The BEAT LED, located above the TAP FSW, always blinks at the current tempo whether
the tempo is set by your TAP tempo, the RATE slider, MIDI Clock or External CV Clock.

Please Note: The TAP FSW is ignored when the 8-STEP is synced to MIDI Clock or External
CV Clock.

TAP DIVIDE BUTTON & LEDS

Located between the TAP and RESET FSWs, the TAP DIVIDE button allows you to divide
down your Tap Tempo to create faster tempos in relation to what you tapped. There are 7
available TAP DIVIDE modes represented by five LEDs. In addition when synced to MIDI
Clock, the TAP DIVIDE settings multiply or divide the MIDI Clock tempo for new tempos in
sync with MIDI Clock. Lastly TAP DIVIDE multiplies the External CV Clock to obtain longer
tempos or clock periods related to the CV Clock. The chart below details the TAP DIVIDE

13
settings for each tempo source. For the given tempo and clock period results, each tempo
source is providing the tempo given in the greyed 1/1 ratio block:

TAP TAP TEMPO BEAT MIDI CLOCK EXTERNAL CV

DIVIDE DIVIDE RATIO BEAT DIVIDE CLOCK RATIO
LEDS (TEMPO RESULT) RATIO (PERIOD
(TEMPO RESULT) RESULT)
All LEDs 1/1 (100 mS)
= 1/1 (100 BPM) = 2/1 (50 BPM)
OFF
2/1 (200 mS)
ON = 3/4 (133 BPM) = 1/1 (100 BPM)
3/1 (300 mS)
ON = 2/3 (150 = 2/3 (150
BPM) BPM)
4/1 (400 mS)
ON = 1/2 (200 BPM) = 1/2 (200 BPM)
6/1 (600 mS)
ON = 1/3 (300 = 1/3 (300
BPM) BPM)
8/1 (800 mS)
ON = 1/4 (400 BPM) = 1/4 (400 BPM)
All LEDs 16/1 (1600 mS)
= 1/8 (800 BPM) = 1/8 (800 BPM)
ON

EXP. MODE BUTTON & LEDS

Located between the RESET and PLAY FSWs, the EXP. MODE button chooses the destination
parameter for an external expression pedal or control-voltage to modulate. The lit LED
indicates the selected mode. Each time you push and release the EXP. MODE button it cycles
through the four modes printed on the 8-STEP. To enter External CV Clock mode, press and
hold the EXP. MODE button until you see all four LEDs light up, this button hold is
approximately 3 seconds. Once all LEDs are lit, release the button, the 8-STEP remains in
External CV Clock mode. To exit External CV Clock mode, press and release the EXP. MODE
button once. Please Note: In the following table, the expression pedal’s heel position relates
to 0V from the CV source, the expression pedal’s toe position relates to 5V from the CV
source.

EXP. MODE EXP. MODE Description

RATE Allows external control over the 8-STEP’s internal tempo whether
the tempo master is the RATE slider, TAP Tempo or MIDI Clock.

TEMPO HEEL TOE POSITION

MASTER POSITION
RATE Slider RATE Slider’s RATE Slider’s
minimum position current position

14
 TAP Tempo Tapped In Tempo Very fast multiple
plus TAP DIVIDE of the TAP Tempo
setting
MIDI Clock* 1/8x the MIDI 24x the MIDI
master tempo master tempo

*When sweeping the expression pedal while MIDI Clock is the

tempo master, the tempo changes in 8 discrete multiples of the
MIDI Clock master tempo: 1/8x, 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 24x.

If the 8-STEP is in Step-Thru mode, the expression pedal can be

used to increment the sequence: each time you move the pedal
from heel to toe, the sequence increments.
DEPTH Allows smooth external control over the sequencer’s Depth. In this
mode, the heel position will yield a DEPTH of 0, the toe position
equals the current DEPTH setting. Stop the sequence to sweep
current step.
GLIDE Allows smooth external control over the sequencer’s Glide
parameter. In this mode, the heel position yields a fast Glide
setting while the toe position equals the current GLIDE setting.
SEQuence Allows external control of Sequence Length. The heel position gives
LENGTH a SEQ Length of 1, the toe position gives a SEQ Length of 8. The
range for external SEQ Length control does not change with the
current setting of SEQ Length, it is always 1 to 8 steps.

If the 8-STEP is in Step-Thru mode, the expression pedal can be

used to manually step-thru the sequence: the heel position will be
Step 1, the toe position is the maximum step of the sequence. The
Direction setting will not change the sequence in this special case
except for Random mode where as you move the expression pedal,
the sequence jumps to random steps.
External CV Press and hold the EXP. MODE button until all EXP. MODE LEDs are
Clock lit. When all LEDs are lit you are in External CV Clock mode. The
optimal range for the External Clock signal is 0V to 5V. Each time
the external clock changes from 0V to 5V, the sequencer advances
a step (if set to the 1/1 Tap Divide).
EXP/CV OUT Jack
The 8-STEP’s sequence is output through this jack. When connecting to the Expression input
on an external pedal or other device, normally you will want to connect the TRS cable that
came supplied with the 8-STEP to the 8-STEP’s EXP/CV jack. If you are connecting the 8-
STEP to a CV input, use a standard ¼” mono/TS instrument cable instead, the same type of
cable you would plug into a guitar. When a TRS cable is plugged into the EXP/CV OUT jack,
the 8-STEP works as a replacement for a typical expression pedal with the following
15
connections: TIP = potentiometer wiper or output signal, RING = Toe position and SLEEVE
= Heel position. This is the standard polarity for the TRS plug of an expression pedal that
many in the industry follow including all EHX products as well as Boss®/Roland®, Moog®,
Nord® etc. Tip: To work properly with devices that accept 3.3V as their maximum, such as
Eventide® products, set DEPTH to 5.

EXP IN Jack
Connect an expression pedal with a TRS plug to this jack to control the following parameters
with your foot: RATE, DEPTH, GLIDE and SEQUENCE LENGTH. Additionally the EXP IN jack
can be connected to a CV source using a TS plug; the acceptable range for the control voltage
is 0V to 5V. Some suggested Expression Pedals: EHX Expression Pedal, M-Audio® EX-P,
Moog® EP-2, Roland® EV-5 or Boss® FV-500L. The polarity of the expression pedal’s plug
must have the Sleeve connected to the heel position (usually GND), Ring connected to the
toe position and the Tip connected to the wiper. The nominal expression pedal impedance is
10k though most other values also work fine.

FC Jack
Connect the FC jack to the 8-STEP’s optional 8-STEP FOOT CONTROLLER to expand the
number of available presets from 10 to 100. Use a standard ¼” mono/TS instrument cable
to attach the 8-STEP main unit to its FOOT CONTROLLER. The 8-STEP FOOT CONTROLLER
not only expands the number of available presets from 10 to 100 but also allows for easier
access for loading and saving all of the presets. Another advantage to using the Foot
Controller is that the 8-STEP main unit does not need to enter PRESET mode in order to load
or save presets thus making preset editing and creation faster. Please Note: All 100 presets
are saved inside the 8-STEP main unit, not inside the 8-STEP FOOT CONTROLLER. The FOOT
CONTROLLER acts like a remote.

MIDI IN Jack
Connect the MIDI output of your EHX® 45000, drum machine, MIDI controller, keyboard,
computer or other MIDI device to the MIDI IN jack on the 8-STEP. See the MIDI section
near the end of this manual for in-depth descriptions of the 8-STEP’s MIDI capabilities.

9V Power Jack
Plug the output of the 8-STEP PROGRAM’s supplied AC Adapter into the 9V power jack
located at the top of the 8-STEP. The 8-STEP requires 9 - 9.6VDC at 100mA with a center
negative plug. The 8-STEP accepts most BOSS® style AC Adapters.

- PRESETS & FACTORY RESTORE -

The 8-STEP PROGRAM holds up to 100 presets in its internal flash memory. The first 10
presets, numbered 0 through 9 are accessible on the 8-STEP’s top panel. The remaining
presets are only accessible when using either the optional 8-STEP PROGRAM FOOT
CONTROLLER or via MIDI.

16
All user parameters are saved in presets, including the position of the expression pedal at
the time you save. Two parameters that are not saved into the presets are the MIDI Clock
tempo and the MIDI Channel. It is not possible for the 8-STEP to save the MIDI Clock setting
though it will save the chosen TAP DIVIDE setting. If you load a preset that was saved while
syncing to MIDI Clock all parameters will be restored, simply connect the MIDI master to the
8-STEP and start the master clock. The 8-STEP will respond as it did when you saved the
preset.

LOADING PRESETS
When a preset is loaded, the decimal LED on the display lights up solid. If no preset is loaded,
the decimal LED will be off. If you change a parameter after loading a preset, the decimal
LED blinks to indicate a preset is loaded but has been modified since it was loaded. Return
the parameter to its setting in the preset and the decimal LED stops blinking.

PRESET CUE
If you load a preset while the 8-STEP’s sequencer is running, the presets do not load
immediately, instead the preset is cued up and waits until the current sequence comes to an
end at which point the new preset is loaded without missing a beat. During the time the
preset is cued, its digit will blink rapidly on the display.

If you would like to bypass the Preset Cue press the RESET FSW after loading the preset into
the Preset Cue. Presets load immediately if the sequence is paused.

LOADING PRESETS ON 8-STEP MAIN UNIT

1. Enter Preset mode by pressing and holding the MODE knob until you see a P flash
on the digit display. Now release the knob.
2. As long as the Foot Controller is not attached, you will see a number on the display.
This number represents the preset. If the Foot Controller is attached, an F is
displayed.
3. Turn the MODE knob to change the number.
4. Press and release the MODE knob to load the preset. If the sequencer is running,
the preset will be put in the Preset Cue and the number will blink rapidly on the
display. If the sequencer is stopped, the preset loads immediately.
5. If you turn the MODE knob while a preset is loaded, the number in the display
blinks to indicate that the preset number currently displayed is not the preset that
is actually loaded.
6. You can load a different preset by pressing and releasing the MODE knob again.
The new preset will be cued, awaiting the current sequence to finish.
7. To unload a preset, press and release the MODE encoder.
8. To exit Preset Mode, turn the MODE knob clockwise until an E is displayed. Press
and release the MODE knob to exit.

17
LOADING PRESETS WITH 8-STEP FOOT CONTROLLER
1. Press and release the UP or DOWN footswitch on the 8-STEP Foot Controller. Each
time you press these footswitches the preset number increments (UP Footswitch)
or decrements (DOWN Footswitch) while loading the new preset into the Preset
Cue at the same time. If you press and hold either of the footswitches on the 8-
STEP Foot Controller, it will increment or decrement by 10.
2. An alternate method for loading presets with the 8-STEP Foot Controller is to use
the SELECT knob. First turn the SELECT knob to the preset number that you want
to load, then press and release the SELECT knob to load the preset.
3. Upon loading a preset, the decimal LED on the 8-STEP will light up solid. The
rightmost decimal point on the 8-STEP Foot Controller will also light up indicating
that the preset is loaded.
4. To unload the preset, press and release the MODE knob on the 8-STEP Foot
Controller.

LOADING PRESET WITH MIDI

Using Program Change Messages
The 8-STEP accepts MIDI Program Change messages to load its stored presets as long as
the MIDI controller is set to the 8-STEP’s MIDI channel. As an example, if you want to load
preset 10, send Program Change message 10 to the 8-STEP.

Using CC Messages
The 8-STEP also loads presets upon receiving MIDI CC 118. The data value sent along with
MIDI CC 118 indicates the preset number that will be loaded. For example if you want to
load preset 51, send a data value of 51 along with MIDI CC 118. Sending a value above 99
will unload the currently selected preset.

SAVING PRESETS
SAVING PRESETS ON 8-STEP MAIN UNIT
1. Enter PRESET MODE by pressing and holding the MODE knob until you see a P
flash on the digit display. Now release the knob.
2. Turn the MODE knob to pick the preset number to save to.
3. Press and hold the MODE knob until you see the three MODE LEDs and digit display
blink. You can release the MODE knob once the LEDs begin blinking.
4. The preset is now saved.

SAVING PRESETS WITH THE 8-STEP FOOT CONTROLLER

1. Turn the SELECT knob on the 8-STEP Foot Controller to the preset number that
you want to save to. Empty preset numbers will cause the middle decimal on the
Foot Controller to light up indicating the preset is empty.
2. Press and hold down the SELECT knob on the 8-STEP Foot Controller. After two
seconds the digits on the 8-STEP Foot Controller will start blinking.

18
 3. The preset has been saved; you can release the SELECT knob.

SAVING PRESETS WITH MIDI

1. You can save the 8-STEP’s current setting by sending a MIDI message using CC
117.
2. The MIDI controller must be set to the 8-STEP’s current MIDI Channel.
3. The data value that is sent along with MIDI CC 117 will be the location that the
preset is saved in. The 8-STEP overwrites the old preset that was at this location.
For example, if you want to store your settings to preset number 3, send MIDI CC
117 with a data value equal to 3.
4. The 8-STEP can save up to 100 presets via MIDI (using values 0 through 99), any
data value above 99 will be ignored.
5. When saving presets with MIDI, be careful because the preset is saved
immediately upon receiving the proper MIDI message.

FACTORY RESTORE
The following procedure erases all presets and configuration settings on the 8-STEP and sets
them to their factory defaults.

1. Apply power to the 8-STEP PROGRAM.

2. While the 8-STEP is performing its start-up LED animation (which is approximately
4 seconds), press and hold both the TAP and PLAY FSWs. You must hold both
FSWs for at least 1 second and through the end of the animation.
3. If you held both the TAP and PLAY FSWs down properly, you will see an F on the
digit display, plus all LEDs will be off except for BEAT, PLAY and STEP 1.
4. Once you see the F on the digit display, release both FSWs.
5. The 8-STEP is now in a mode where it is waiting for its next instruction; you should
see the F digit and the BEAT and PLAY LEDs blink at a slow rate.
6. At this point, to start the Factory Restore function, press and release the PLAY
FSW. While the Factory Restore is working, the F digit will blink at a medium rate.
The Factory Restore takes approximately 2 seconds. Once you press the PLAY
FSW, there is no turning back on the Factory Restore.
7. If you want to exit instead of performing the Factory Restore, press and release
the TAP FSW while the F digit is blinking at a slow rate. The 8-STEP immediately
loads your last configuration settings.
- MIDI -
The 8-STEP PROGRAM can be controlled by MIDI Control Change (CC) and Program Change
(PC) messages as well as sync to MIDI Clock. Every parameter on the 8-STEP’s top panel
can be controlled via MIDI CC as well as saving and loading all 100 presets. All buttons and
footswitches can also be controlled by MIDI PC messages. MIDI PC messages can directly
load all 100 presets.

19
MIDI CLOCK SYNC & PLAY, STOP, CONTINUE, SONG-POSITION MESSAGES
The 8-STEP slaves its sequence to MIDI Clock from a master MIDI device. Simply connect
the MIDI cable and press PLAY on the master device, the 8-STEP automatically switches over
to MIDI Clock sync instead of its internal tempo. If you connect the 8-STEP to a device that
outputs its current MIDI Clock tempo at all times, such as the EHX 45000, as soon as you
connect the 8-STEP to this device it will begin following the MIDI Clock tempo.

The 8-STEP responds to MIDI PLAY, STOP and CONTINUE messages. No matter what the 8-
STEP is currently doing, upon receiving a MIDI PLAY command, it resets the sequence to the
beginning, starts the sequence and follows the tempo of the MIDI Clock it receives. Upon
receiving a MIDI STOP command, the sequence immediately pauses the sequence on
whatever step it happens to be on. If it receives a MIDI CONTINUE command after receiving
the MIDI STOP command, the 8-STEP begins play where it left off.

The 8-STEP responds to MIDI Song-Position Pointer messages (SPP) by jumping to the
sequence step that makes the most sense for the position within a bar the master MIDI
device points to. The 8-STEP also takes into account the TAP DIVIDE setting when it receives
a MIDI SPP message. Some computer programs send MIDI SPP on every bar, unfortunately
this can interfere with the 8-STEP’s sequence by forcing it to jump forward in the sequence.
If this occurs, disable SPP in the program.

MIDI CHANNEL
The 8-STEP can be set to any of the 16 MIDI channels and can even be set to respond to all
channels. Here’s how to display and change the 8-STEP’s MIDI channel:

1. Press and hold the RESET FSW until you see the GL and SL LEDs blinking with a
pattern of two quick blinks followed by a long blink. The DIR LED will be off.
2. Continue to hold the RESET FSW to view the MIDI channel and during the following
steps.
3. Turn the MODE knob clockwise to increment the MIDI channel, counter-clockwise
to decrement the MIDI channel.
4. To enable the 8-STEP to respond to all channels, keep turning the MODE knob
clockwise until you see an A displayed on the digit. The A stands for all channels.
5. When you find the channel you are looking for, release the RESET FSW. The
updated MIDI channel will be saved in memory.

MIDI channels 10 through 16 are displayed with the aid of the decimal LED in the digit
display. Since the 8-STEP has only one digit available, the ones column of the number is
displayed in the digit and the tens column is represented by the decimal. For example MIDI
channel 15 is displayed as a 5 on the digit display with the decimal LED lit (5.). MIDI
channel 5 is displayed as a 5 on the digit display but with no decimal LED lit (5).

20
The MIDI channel remains saved in flash memory during power cycles. The 8-STEP does not
save the MIDI channel into its presets; MIDI channel is a global parameter for all presets
and modes of operation. The factory default is Channel 1.

MIDI CC MESSAGES
The following table lists all of the MIDI CC messages that the 8-STEP acknowledges and the
function each CC controls. If you send a CC message to control a slider parameter, the slider’s
location will no longer represent the value that the 8-STEP is set to. If you move a slider that
has received a MIDI CC command, the new slider position will take over the parameter and
erase the last MIDI data that was received.

MIDI 8-STEP EXPLANATION CC DATA

CC PARAMETER RANGE
4 EXPRESSION Works as expression pedal for 0…127
PEDAL parameter selected by the EXP.
MODE LEDs.
16 STEP 1 SLIDER Controls the setting or value for 0…127
Step 1’s slider.
17 STEP 2 SLIDER Controls the setting or value for 0…127
Step 2’s slider.
18 STEP 3 SLIDER Controls the setting or value for 0…127
Step 3’s slider.
19 STEP 4 SLIDER Controls the setting or value for 0…127
Step 4’s slider.
20 STEP 5 SLIDER Controls the setting or value for 0…127
Step 5’s slider.
21 STEP 6 SLIDER Controls the setting or value for 0…127
Step 6’s slider.
22 STEP 7 SLIDER Controls the setting or value for 0…127
Step 7’s slider.
23 STEP 8 SLIDER Controls the setting or value for 0…127
Step 8’s slider.
24 RATE SLIDER Controls the RATE slider thereby 0…127
controlling the tempo of the
sequencer. Sending RATE slider
MIDI data is equivalent to moving
the RATE slider.
25 GLide Smoothly controls the GLIDE 0…127
parameter over its entire range
26 DIRection Controls the DIRECTION setting 0=Forward
1=Reverse
2=Bounce
3=Random
27 SEQuencer Length Controls the SEQeuncer LENGTH 1…8 sets maximum
setting step

21
28 DEPTH Smoothly controls the DEPTH 0…100=0% to
parameter over its entire range 100%
101…127 amplify
step values that are
set below step slider
maximum
29 TAP DIVIDE Controls the TAP DIVIDE setting 0=off or 1/4 note
1=dotted 8th
2=1/4 note triplet
3=8th note
4=8th note triplet
5=16th note
6=32nd note
30 EXPression MODE Controls the EXPression MODE 0=off
setting 1=RATE
2=DEPTH
3=GLIDE
4=SEQ LENGTH
5=EXT. CLOCK
31 PLAY MODE Controls the PLAY MODE setting. 0=LOOP
Whenever this setting changes, the 1=1-SHOT
digit display flashes the new mode. 2=STEP-THRU
33 Encoder MODE Directly sets the Encoder MODE 0=GLide
1=DIRection
2=Seq Length
3=DEPTH
4=Preset
34 PLAY FSW Engages PLAY function. In Step- 0=stop
Thru mode both 0 and 127 127=start
advance the sequence.
35 RESET FSW RESET FSW press 127=RESET FSW
press

36 TAP FSW TAP FSW press 127=TAP FSW press

37 TAP DIVIDE TAP DIVIDE Button press 127=TAP DIVIDE

BUTTON press

39 EXP. MODE EXP. MODE Button press 127=EXP. MODE

BUTTON press

40 ENCODER MODE ENCODER MODE Button press 127=MODE press

BUTTON
41 Sequencer Step When the sequencer is stopped or 1…8 directly
if PLAY MODE is set to Step-Thru, chooses the
this CC forces the sequencer to sequencer step
jump to a step immediately. If the
sequencer is running, this CC is
ignored
117 Save Preset Save current 8-STEP settings to 0…99= immediately
preset number specified in data save to preset
field of this CC message. If the number equal to
data value is above 99, the CC value of CC
message is ignored.
118 Load Preset Load or cue preset. Preset number 0…99= load preset
is specified in the data field of this number equal to
CC message. If the data value is value of CC.
above 99, the 8-STEP unloads the 100…127= unload
current preset. preset

22
MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE MESSAGES
Presets saved within the 8-STEP can be loaded using an external MIDI device through MIDI
Program Change messages. The MIDI PC messages must be set to the same channel as the
8-STEP or set the 8-STEP to accept all channels. Please Note: This manual describes PC
messages as having a range of 0 to 127; some devices use the range 1 to 128. The total
range is the same; you may need to adjust the PC number by 1.

MIDI PC FUNCTION
NUMBER
0 - 99 Loads preset associated with the Program Change number. For
example, Program Change 6 will load preset number 6.
100 PLAY FSW press
101 RESET FSW press
102 TAP FSW press
103 TAP DIVIDE BUTTON press
104 EXPression MODE BUTTON press
105 Preset Down Load – If no preset is loaded, loads the current preset
number, otherwise decrements the preset number and loads the
preset.
106 Preset Up Load – If no preset is loaded, loads the current preset
number, otherwise increments the preset number and loads the preset.
107 MODE BUTTON press
108 Encoder Down - Equivalent to rotating the encoder counter-clockwise
by one click.
109 Encoder up - Equivalent to rotating the encoder clockwise by one click.
110 Preset Load – Loads the current preset number.
111 Preset Un-Load – Unloads the current preset.
112 External CV Clock enable toggle – each time this PC message is
received External CV Clock mode is enabled/disabled.

- CONFIGURATION SETTINGS -

The 8-STEP automatically saves your configuration settings to its internal flash memory
within 2 seconds of a change to the settings. The settings are recalled as they were before
power was removed from the 8-STEP. The configuration settings that are saved are:

Latest Tap Tempo Glide setting

Last Tempo Source (except MIDI Clock) Direction setting
Tap Divide Mode Sequence Length setting
Exp. Mode Depth setting
Play Mode Preset Number
MIDI Channel

The 8-STEP also loads the last preset automatically upon power up if the preset was loaded
at the time power was removed. If you want to restore the configuration settings to the
factory default, follow the Factory Restore procedure on Page 19. Please Note: the Factory
Restore also erases all presets and restores the 10 factory presets.
23
 - WARRANTY INFORMATION -

Please register online at http://www.ehx.com/product-registration or complete and return the enclosed warranty card
within 10 days of purchase. Electro-Harmonix will repair or replace, at its discretion, a product that fails to operate due to
defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase. This applies only to original
purchasers who have bought their product from an authorized Electro-Harmonix retailer. Repaired or replaced units will
then be warranted for the unexpired portion of the original warranty term.

If you should need to return your unit for service within the warranty period, please contact the appropriate office listed
below. Customers outside the regions listed below, please contact EHX Customer Service for information on warranty
repairs at [email protected] or +1-718-937-8300. USA and Canadian customers: please obtain a Return Authorization
Number (RA#) from EHX Customer Service before returning your product. Include with your returned unit: a written
description of the problem as well as your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and RA#; and a copy of
your receipt clearly showing the purchase date.

United States & Canada

EHX CUSTOMER SERVICE
ELECTRO-HARMONIX
c/o NEW SENSOR CORP.
55-01 2ND STREET
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101
Tel: 718-937-8300
Email: [email protected]

Europe
JOHN WILLIAMS
ELECTRO-HARMONIX UK
13 CWMDONKIN TERRACE
SWANSEA SA2 0RQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 179 247 3258
Email: [email protected]

This warranty gives a purchaser specific legal rights. A purchaser may have even greater rights depending upon the laws
of the jurisdiction within which the product was purchased.

To hear demos on all EHX pedals visit us on the web at www.ehx.com

Email us at [email protected]

- FCC COMPLIANCE -

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. If the device is not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause
harmful interference to radio communications and void the user's authority to guarantee the equipment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment under
FCC rules.

24
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. If the device is not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications and void
the user's authority to guarantee the equipment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.