I'm not musical or technical. How easy is the HT-300 to use?

 

Ease of use is the very foundation of the HT-300. The LCD touch screen interface guides you through each task (selecting and playing a tune, changing the musical style, creating a play list etc), so you only see buttons directly related to the task in hand.

As human beings, we remember names far more easily than numbers. Hence the screen displays the first line and tune name/title of each tune as you select it (so you can easily check that you entered the correct hymn number), all the preset musical styles have names, and you can even give your play lists memorable names.

Can I change the number of verses to be played?

 

Yes. Each time you select a tune it will be recalled with its usual number of verses, but you can easily change this with simple + and - buttons. You can even change it while the tune is playing.

Can I change the speed (tempo) and pitch (key) of a tune?

 

Yes. When you select a tune it will be recalled at its usual pitch and at about the right speed (congregations vary, so there is no definitive speed for a tune!). Both of these settings can be changed easily using simple +and - buttons. Unlike ordinary analog/digital audio recordings, the speed and pitch settings are quite independent of each other.

Can I control the length of pause between verses?

 

Yes. Each tune you select will be recalled with the Break setting about right for that tune. You can alter the setting on the play screen using simple + and - buttons.

What about an Introduction?

 

There are three main perfromance additions you can select, all right there on the play screen:

• Introduction. Add an introduction before the start of the tune. With a short tune, many of our customers prefer to play through an entire extra verse as the introduction instead. It's so easy to change the number of verses, why not?
• Rit (ritardando). Sounds technical, but just makes the music slow down during the last line of the final verse.
• Amen. Adds a simple plagal amen after the end of the final verse.

Each of these features is simple to control. Press the relevant button to turn it on (the button shows a tick). Press it again to turn it off (the button shows a cross).

Is the HT-300 supplied with a memory card?

 

Yes. The memory card is required by the HT-300 in order for it to function.

Can I set up a service in advance?

 

Yes. This is done using the Play List feature. You can store as many tunes as you like in a Play List, personalising the settings for each tune (number of verses, style etc) as you go. When you have finished, give the Play List a name (maybe the date of the service). Then create more Play Lists for other services - you can store as many Play Lists as you want.

We have customers who retain all their Play Lists, effectively cataloguing their music use ever since purchase.

Can I accidentally erase or delete anything?

 

No. Even in situations where there is an on-screen Delete option available, even after you press it a message appears asking you to confirm or cancel that action.