Wireless USB MIDI System English User Guide Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What's in the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 MidAir Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 About MidAir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Installation for Advanced Windows XP Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Minimum System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Controls and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Hardware Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Appendices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Appendix A: Useful MIDI Data Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Appendix B: General MIDI Controller Numbers (MIDI CC's) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Warranty Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Warranty Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Technical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 MidAir User Guide | 3 Introduction hank you for choosing the MidAir wireless MIDI system. The MidAir transmitter and receiver modules allow you to convert any regular MIDI keyboard* into a wireless controller. This allows you to control your MIDI hardware or software without cumbersome cables and gives you the freedom to place your keyboard anywhere that best suits your needs--you no longer have to worry about cable lengths, wiring clutter, or accidents caused by cables on your stage or studio floor. MidAir's compact transmitter plugs directly into the MIDI output of any keyboard you wish to turn into a wireless controller. The transmitter is battery powered and can operate at distances of up to 10 meters (30 feet) from the receiver. It is compliant with the MIDI specification and will send virtually any command that your keyboard can generate. Setting up wireless operation is simple. Just connect the MidAir transmitter to your existing keyboard, connect the receiver to a MIDI module or your computer's USB port and turn on your equipment. There are no complicated setup procedures or software applications--your audio software treats your new wireless keyboard just like any other wired controller you may have in your studio. Whether you're looking for unfettered live performance, or the flexibility to set up and record MIDI tracks anywhere in the studio, MidAir is your wireless MIDI solution. * MidAir is compatible with virtually all MIDI keyboards as well as other devices that have a MIDI output (such as drum machines and control surfaces). To simplify this User Guide, we refer to all of these wired MIDI devices collectively as "keyboards" but please keep in mind that this applies to other devices as well. T 1 What's in the Box 2 < < < < < < < < MidAir transmitter MidAir receiver MidAir Series CD-ROM containing drivers and documentation CD-ROM containing Ableton Live Lite M-Audio Enhanced Edition Printed quick start guide Power adapter Two AA batteries USB cable MidAir User Guide | 4 MidAir Features 3 < < < < < < < < < One-way, 2.4GHz wireless MIDI transmission Wireless range up to 10 meters (30 feet) Battery- or AC-powered transmitter AC or USB bus-powered receiver Compatible with virtually all existing MIDI devices Supports virtually all MIDI messages and channels MIDI and USB 1.1 connectivity Receiver doubles as a 2-in/1-out USB MIDI interface Standalone operation--no computer required About MidAir ireless devices have become increasingly commonplace over the last few years. For example, many people now use wireless keyboards and mice with their computers. Lots of college campuses and coffee shops offer wireless Internet access and some concert venues have switched to wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems. All of these developments have improved the lives of end-users by reducing cabling clutter, allowing people to move about freely and work more comfortably. MidAir technology extends this level of convenience to musicians working in the studio as well as performing on stage. MidAir establishes a one-way 2.4GHz wireless link and delivers a dependable MIDI connection at distances of up to 10 meters (30 feet). This proprietary linking technology constantly monitors the wireless signal and automatically changes frequencies when interference is detected, thereby ensuring a robust connection between the transmitter (keyboard) and the receiver. In cases where extreme interference or battery failure cause the transmitter and receiver units to lose contact, a full MIDI reset (including an all-notes-off "panic" message) is issued to prevent stuck MIDI notes. In short, MidAir frees you from your MIDI cabling, allowing you to work from anywhere in your studio or on stage. MidAir is class-compliant--no drivers are required. Simply connect the receiver to your Windows XP or Mac computer, attach the MIDI breakout cable to the transmitter, connect the transmitter to your keyboard and you're ready to go. Its simple USB connectivity eliminates the need to open your computer to install hardware. W 4 MidAir User Guide | 5 Installation for Advanced Windows XP Users he MidAir receiver is class compliant. This means that on Windows XP and Mac OS X computers, you can simply connect the receiver to the computer with a USB cable. The operating system already has the drivers required to communicate with the receiver. However, advanced Windows XP users who intend to use MidAir with more than one application at the same time or simultaneously use other class-compliant USB devices with audio capabilities should install the special M-Audio drivers for optimum performance. Installation instructions can be found in the printed Quick Start Guide. T 5 Minimum System Requirements 6 When used with a host computer, a USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port is required. Windows* Pentium 3 600 MHz 256 MB RAM DirectX 9.0c or higher Windows XP (SP2) or higher (Windows 98, Me, NT or 2000 not supported) Mac OS* Macintosh G3** 600/G4** 667 MHz OS X 10.3.9 with 256 MB RAM OS X 10.4.5 or greater with 512 MB RAM (Mac OS 9 or earlier not supported) * Please check the minimum system requirements of your DAW software as they may be higher. ** Native USB port required; G3/G4 accelerator cards are not supported. MidAir User Guide | 6 Controls and Connectors 7 Transmitter 1. 2. 3. 4. Battery Compartment (Next to Power Jack) ­ Accommodates two AA batteries. To avoid damage to the transmitter, observe proper polarity when inserting batteries. Power Jack (DC in 9V) ­ Connect the optional 9V DC, 500mA external power supply to this jack. It is not necessary to use this jack if you are using batteries to operate the transmitter. Battery Status LED (Low Bat.) ­ The LED indicator will begin flashing red when battery capacity is running low. Wireless Connection Status LED (Connect) ­ This green LED displays the current state of the wireless link: < On ­ Connected 5. < Off ­ Not connected < Blinking ­ Connection in progress Power Switch ­ This switch powers the unit on and off. If both AC and battery power are available, the transmitter will opt for AC power in order to preserve battery life. When not in use, be sure to turn off the transmitter to preserve battery life. MIDI Input Connector (MIDI) ­ Attach the included MIDI breakout cable to this jack and connect the 5pin MIDI plug to your keyboard's MIDI output. Wireless Connect Button (Connect) ­ The MidAir transmitter and receiver will usually establish a wireless connection automatically. Under some circumstances, excessive interference, distance, or other factors may cause the controller and receiver units to lose contact. If the wireless connection fails and the transmitter and receiver are within a range of 30 feet, press the wireless connect buttons on both units to re-establish connection. 1 2 3 4 5 6. 7. 6 7 If you're using more than one MidAir wireless setup, you might find yourself in a situation where you've inadvertently linked a transmitter to the wrong receiver unit. This will result in your MIDI data being routed to the wrong destination. If this happens, you can simply press the wireless connect buttons on both devices to "re-introduce" them to each other. This button is recessed to avoid accidental activation. Use a bent paperclip, pen, or other small object to press the button. MidAir User Guide Receiver 8. Power Jack ­ If you plan to use the MidAir receiver as a standalone device (without a computer), connect the optional 9V DC, 500mA power supply here. USB Connector ­ Connect a USB cable from this output to the host computer's USB port. When using the USB connection, the receiver unit is powered via the host computer and a power adapter is not required. | 7 8 9 13 12 9. 14 15 10 11 10. MIDI In (In) ­ You can connect a MIDI device (such as a keyboard or electronic drum kit) to this input. Note that this input varies in function depending on whether your MidAir setup is in standalone mode or connected to a computer: < Standalone mode ­ When used in standalone mode, either the wireless signal from the MidAir transmitter or from the MIDI input is routed to the MIDI output port of the receiver. The Standalone Mode switch (15) determines which source is routed. < Host mode ­ When the receiver is used with a computer, the computer sees this port as a separate USB MIDI device that is unrelated to the MidAir transmitter. Data received at this port is treated as an independent MIDI input, and is not merged with incoming MIDI data from the transmitter. 11. MIDI Out (Out) ­ Connect this output to other MIDI devices using a standard 5-pin MIDI cable. The function of this port varies depending on whether you are using the MidAir receiver in standalone mode or with a computer: < Standalone mode ­ When operating in Standalone mode, the Standalone Mode switch (15) determines the source of this output. < Host mode ­ When the MidAir receiver is connected to a computer, this port appears as an independent MIDI out, available for sending MIDI messages from your software to an external MIDI device. In Host mode, this MIDI output port has no relation to the MidAir transmitter. In this setup, the Standalone Mode switch is ignored and does not affect operation in any way. 12. Wireless Connect Button ­ This button operates in exactly the same way as the Wireless Connect button found on the MidAir transmitter. See the description in the previous section for more information about this button. 13. Wireless Connection Status LED ­ This green LED functions in the same way as the Wireless Connection Status LED found on the MidAir transmitter. Refer to the description in the previous section for more information about this LED. 14. Activity LEDs ­ The MidAir receiver's two activity LEDs indicate the operational status of the unit: < Yellow ­ The yellow LED illuminates whenever incoming wireless MIDI data is detected by the receiver unit. < Red ­ The red LED illuminates whenever data is received at the wired, 5-pin MIDI input port on the receiver. MidAir User Guide | 8 15. Standalone Mode Switch ­ This switch only affects the signal routing when using MidAir as a standalone (nonUSB) device. It selects the source of the receiver's MIDI output port. The Standalone Mode switch can be set in the following three ways: < MIDI In ­ Data from the receiver's 5-pin MIDI In port is s ...