Alesis PHOTON25 User Manual

USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

Quick Start Owner’s Manual

BOX CONTENTS

• PHOTON 25 USB MIDI CONTROLLER

• USB CABLE

• QUICK START OWNER'S MANUAL

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Manual de inicio rápido para el usuario

CONTENIDO DE LA CAJA

• CONTROLADOR MIDI USB PHOTON 25

• CABLE USB

• MANUAL DE INICIO RÁPIDO DEL USUARIO

• INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD IMPORTANTES

Manuel d’utilisation du propriétaire

CONTENU DE LA BOÎTE

• CONTRÔLEUR MIDI USB PHOTON 25

• CABLE USB

• GUIDE D’UTILISATION SIMPLIFIÉ

• CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES

Kurzbedienungsanleitung

INHALT DER VERPACKUNG

• PHOTON 25 USB MIDI-KEYBOARD

• USB-KABEL

• KURZBEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

• WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE

Manuale rapido di utilizzazione

CONTENUTO DELLA CONFEZIONE

• PHOTON 25 MIDI CONTROLLER USB

• CAVO USB

• MANUALE RAPIDO DI UTILIZZAZIONE

• IMPORTANTI ISTRUZIONI DI SICUREZZA

This page intentionally left blank.

PHOTON 25 QUICK START OWNER’S

MANUAL

(ENGLISH)

Connection Diagram

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Alesis Photon 25 MIDI controller!

The Photon 25 combines portability with a host of cutting-edge features:

• 25 full-size keys and easily accessible octave shift buttons provide maximum playability with a minimal footprint.

• 270º assignable knobs. Three layers of twelve knobs each provide the equivalent of 36 knobs per preset.

• Simultaneously active USB and 5-pin MIDI connections allow the Photon to interface easily with both computers and standalone audio hardware.

• Pre-programmed setups and templates work with popular software right out of the box. You can easily design your own custom setups and templates, too. Up to 20 complete setups can be stored.

Product Registration

Please go to http://www.alesis.com to register your new Photon 25. Registration helps you by ensuring that we can keep you up to date on any last-minute product issues. If you want, Alesis can also send you information on other products that might interest you.

Registration helps us, too. When you let us know the types of music products you use and dream about, you help us bring you cutting-edge products like the Photon

25.

Minimum Computer Requirements

The Photon 25 requires either Windows XP or Mac OS X and a USB 1.1 or higher connection. Earlier operating systems are not supported.

Any MIDI application which allows you to select your MIDI device should be compatible with the Photon 25. Very basic MIDI programs will not allow you to take advantage of the Photon 25's joystick and knobs.

Rear-Panel Connections

External Adapter Jack

the Photon 25 through either the USB connection or four "C"-size batteries. (Use a 6VDC, negative tip, 1000mA device.)

Power Source Selector

either four "C"-size batteries or an optional external power adapter. If both an AC adapter and batteries are present, the AC adapter will be used rather than the batteries.

Leave this switch OUT to power the Photon 25 from a computer's USB connection or to turn off the unit when USB power is not present.

Notes: When using a laptop computer, consider using batteries to prolong the laptop's operating time between charges.

Load batteries on the bottom of the Photon 25.

USB Connector

1.1 or higher connector on your computer.

MIDI IN Connector

of an external MIDI controller to the MIDI IN of the Photon 25.

If you use an external MIDI IN device, your computer will recognize it as a second MIDI IN controller.

– Plug in the AC adapter if you don't want to power

– Press this switch IN to power the Photon 25 from

– Plug a standard USB cable into this outlet and into a USB

– Use a five-pin MIDI cable to connect the OUTPUT

MIDI OUT Connector

OUT of the Photon 25 to the INPUT of an external MIDI device.

The operation of the MIDI OUT port changes depending on whether or not a USB cable is connected to the Photon.

● USB cable connected: MIDI data from your computer is passed to the MIDI OUT port.

Note: When a USB cable is connected, you should activate "MIDI echo" in your sequencer if you want the Photon to control another MIDI device.

● USB cable not connected: Whatever you play on the Photon is sent to the MIDI OUT port.

Note: If you have another device connected to the Photon's MIDI IN port, that device's MIDI information will be ignored.

Sustain Pedal Input

any manufacturer's sustain pedal: when you turn on the Photon 25, it will automatically calibrate itself to the pedal.

– Use a five-pin MIDI cable to connect the MIDI

USB data from the computer

MIDI data from the Photon (or an external controller connected to the Photon's MIDI IN port)

– Connect a keyboard sustain pedal (not included). Use

Top Panel Controls

Keyboard

Octave Up/Down Buttons

buttons. Press them both at the same time to reset the keyboard range.

X/Y Joystick

2-way joystick. The X axis and Y axis can be assigned independently.

270º Knobs

can be assigned to various MIDI parameters.

Layer Button

three independent knob layers. The lights above the LAYER button indicate which one of the three available layers is currently active.

Knob assignments can be made on each layer for a total of 36 knob assignments per preset.

Display

Configuration buttons

more using the configuration buttons. See below for additional detail.

Encoder

the encoder to toggle between parameter and value assignments and to accept your entries.

– A full-size, 25-note, velocity-sensitive keyboard.

– Transpose the keyboard in octaves using these

– Control pitch bend, modulation, and other functions with this

– 12 knobs each transmit MIDI values from 0 to 127. The knobs

– Press the LAYER button to cycle through the Photon 25's

– The display shows current status information.

– Call up and save presets, set global parameters and

– Twirl the encoder to select various parameters and values. Press

Plug-and-Play Connection to a Computer

Both Windows XP and Mac OS X see the Photon as a plug-and play MIDI controller. Simply plug the Photon into your computer using a USB cable and allow the operating system to install it automatically.

Depending on your operating system, the Photon 25 may be identified by your MIDI software applications as either a "Photon" controller or a "USB Audio Device." No need to worry: the Photon will work regardless of its designation.

The Photon is not compatible with earlier versions of Windows or Mac OS.

Operation:

1. Using the Keyboard with your MIDI software

Once you're plugged in and powered up, go to your sound module or software application and set the incoming MIDI channel.

If you're using software, you will probably need to configure it to use the Photon or "USB" device. Look for the MIDI device setup menu in your application and ensure that the Photon is designated as an active MIDI device before proceeding.

On the Photon, press MIDI CHANNEL and turn the clear encoder knob to select the MIDI channel you specified in your sound module or software.

Play the keyboard. Your sound module or software should respond to the Photon 25's MIDI data. If not, refer to the troubleshooting instructions later in this guide.

Experiment with the Photon 25's OCTAVE buttons and X/Y joystick. Since the joystick is mapped by default to MIDI's standard pitch and modulation commands, it should work as expected in most cases right off the bat.

2. Using the Knobs with the Supplied Controller Templates

If one of the supplied template sets matches your MIDI software, lift the plastic template covers with your fingernail, position the templates, and then replace the covers.

Press the PRESET button and turn the clear cursor knob to reach the program number indicated on the templates. Press the cursor knob to enter this program. You should now be able to control the software according to the templates.

Press the LAYER button as needed to cycle through the three knob layers. Each layer is independent (though a knob can be assigned to the same controller value on two or three of the layers).

The lights on the top and bottom rows are simply duplicates of one another. It's not possible to have, say, Layer 1 on the top row and Layer 2 on the bottom row.

3. Using the Configuration Controls

Press MIDI CHANNEL and MIDI PROGRAM at the same time to send the ALL NOTES OFF command to your computer and external devices.

4. Panic Command (All Notes Off)

Reference:

List of Common MIDI Controller Values

Use this table for reference as you configure the Photon 25.

Controller Description Range of Values

1 Modulation Wheel 0 through 127 2 Breath Controller 0 through 127 4 Foot Controller 0 through 127 5 Portamento Time 0 through 127 7 Master Volume 0 through 127

8 Balance 0 through 127 10 Pan 0 through 127 11 Channel Volume 0 through 127 64 Sustain Pedal 0-63 = off. 64-127 = on. 65 Portamento Pedal 0-63 = off. 64-127 = on. 66 Sostenuto Pedal 0-63 = off. 64-127 = on. 67 Soft Pedal 0-63 = off. 64-127 = on. 67 Hold 2 Pedal 0-63 = off. 64-127 = on. 91 External Effects 0 through 127 92 Tremolo Depth 0 through 127 93 Chorus Depth 0 through 127 94 Detune Depth 0 through 127 95 Phaser Depth 0 through 127

123 All Notes Off 0 126 Monophonic Mode On 1 = on 127 Polyphonic Mode On 0 = on

Troubleshooting:

Symptom Cause Solution

The display does not light up.

No power. If you are using USB power, check that the

USB power switch on the back of the Photon is OUT. If you are using batteries or an AC adpater, check to see that the batteries are not drained or that the adapter is plugged in to a live power outlet and that the power switch is IN.

No sound from target device.

Problems caused by

Software application

Photon's MIDI

Sound source's notes

Photon USB not

properly connected.

use of a USB hub.

not set up to receive MIDI data from Photon controller.

not receiving MIDI data.

channel not the same as application's incoming MIDI channel.

out of range of Photon's keyboard.

Check your computer's USB connections to confirm that the Photon is recognized and installed. Turn you computer off and then on again if necessary. (Choose "shut down" rather than "restart" to ensure that the USB devices are properly reset.)

Try unplugging the Photon from any USB hubs and connecting directly to the computer.

Ensure that the Photon or "USB" MIDI device is listed as an active MIDI source in your application.

Many software applications have MIDI IN and OUT indicator lights. Play some keys and look for the MIDI IN light to indicate activity.

Be sure that the Photon is sending MIDI data on the channel that the target device expects.

Try using a piano sound as you're first getting connected. Drums and basses and some other instruments may have a limited MIDI note range or other idiosyncracies. Use "easier" instruments like pianos when you're setting up the Photon for the first time.

Symptom Cause Solution

Sound source not

active or volume set to 0.

Try using an instrument that has a virtual keyboard built in. Will the instrument sound when you use that virtual keyboard? If not, the problem may be with the software synthesizer, not the Photon connection.

MIDI Echo not

enabled in sequencer software.

An external MIDI

IN device is present.

Photon's 5-pin

MIDI OUT not connected to sound source's MIDI IN.

Notes sustain continuously.

Sustain pedal was

plugged in after power was turned on.

Stuck notes due to

incomplete MIDI data.

If the Photon is both (a) connected to a computer via USB and (b) connected to an external sound source via MIDI OUT, be sure that a computer sequencer program is active and that it is set to "MIDI Echo."

If you are using the 5-pin MIDI OUT port to connect to another MIDI device and another device is connected to the Photon's MIDI IN, the MIDI OUT port only sends information from the MIDI IN device, not the Photon.

Ensure that any 5-pin cables are connected to the proper inputs and outputs.

Turn the unit’s power off, wait a moment, and then turn it on again.

Try sending the Panic command by pressing MIDI CHANNEL and MIDI PROGRAM at the same time. If that does not solve the problem, turn the unit’s power off, wait a moment, and then turn it on again.

Sustain pedal works in reverse.

Sustain pedal was

plugged in after power was turned on.

Turn the unit’s power off, wait a moment, and then turn it on again.

Specifications

Keyboard: 25-note, full-size, velocity sensitive.

MIDI Controllers: X/Y joystick, Octave Up and Down buttons,

12 270º knobs (3 layers)

Master control section: MIDI Channel, MIDI Program, Control Assign,

Preset, and Global buttons.

360º turn-and-push encoder.

4-position, 7-segment display.

Power options: USB bus power, 4 "C"-size batteries, or

external adapter (6VDC, negative tip, 1000mA).

Dimensions: 18" x 9.75" x 3.75" / 45.5 cm x 24.75 cm x 9.5 cm

Weight (net): 4.5 lbs / 2.0 kg

This page intentionally left blank.

PHOTON – MANUAL DE INICIO RÁPIDO

DEL USUARIO

(ESPAÑOL)

Diagrama de conexión

Introducción

¡Felicitaciones por su compra del Controlador Midi Photon 25 de Alesis!

El Photon 25 combina la portabilidad con un sinnúmero de funciones de vanguardia:

• 25 teclas de tamaño normal y botones de cambio de octavas fácilmente accesibles dan máxima capacidad de reproducción con mínimo tamaño.

• Perillas asignables de 270º. Tres capas de doce perillas proporcionan cada una el equivalente de 36 perillas por predeterminado.

• Una conexión USB y conexiones MIDI de 5 pines activas simultáneamente le permiten al Photon comunicarse fácilmente tanto con la computadora como con el hardware autónomo de audio.

• Los ajustes y las plantillas preprogramadas funcionan con software popular ampliamente disponible en el comercio. También puede diseñar fácilmente sus propios ajustes y plantillas. Puede almacenar hasta 20 ajustes completos.

Registración del producto

Por favor visite http://www.alesis.com para registrar su nuevo Photon 25. Registrarse le permite asegurarse de que lo podamos mantener al tanto de cualquier asunto de último momento relacionado con el producto. Si desea, Alesis también le puede enviar información de otros productos que le puedan interesar.

La registración nos ayuda a nosotros también. Cuando nos informa sobre los tipos de productos de música que usa y con los que sueña, nos ayuda a presentarle productos de vanguardia como Photon 25.

Requisitos mínimos de computadora

Photon 25 requiere Windows XP o Mac OS X y una conexión USB 1.1 o superior. No se soportan los sistemas operativos más antiguos.

Cualquier aplicación MIDI que le permita seleccionar su dispositivo MIDI debería ser compatible con Photon 25. Los programas MIDI muy básicos no le permitirán aprovechar la palanca de mando y las perillas de Photon 25.

Conexiones del panel trasero

Conector del adaptador extern

alimentar el Photon X 25 a través de la conexión USB o con cuatro pilas de tamaño “C”. (Use un aparato de 6 VCC, con punta negativa, de 1000 mA).

Selector de fuente de alimentación

el Photon 25 con cuatro pilas tamaño “C”, o un adaptador de alimentación externo opcional. Si cuenta tanto con un adaptador de corriente alterna como con pilas, se usará el adaptador en vez de las pilas.

Mantenga este interruptor sin presionar para alimentar el Photon 25 desde una conexión USB de la computadora o para apagar la unidad cuando no haya alimentación del USB.

Notas: Cuando use una computadora portátil, considere usar pilas para alargar el tiempo de funcionamiento de la computadora entre cargas.

Cargue las pilas en la parte inferior del Photon 25.

Conector USB

tomacorriente y en un conector USB 1.1 o superior de su computadora.

Conector MIDI IN

salida (OUTPUT) de un controlador MIDI externo a la entrada MIDI IN del Photon 25.

Si usa un dispositivo externo en MIDI IN, su computadora lo reconocerá como un segundo controlador MIDI IN.

– Para enchufar un cable de USB estándar en este

– Use un cable MIDI de cinco pines para conectar la

– Enchufe el adaptador de CA si no desea

– Presione este interruptor para alimentar

Conector MIDI OUT

salida MIDI OUT del Photon 25 a la entrada (INPUT) de un dispositivo MIDI externo.

El funcionamiento del puerto MIDI OUT cambia dependiendo de que haya o no un cable USB conectado al Photon.

● Cable USB conectado: Los datos MIDI de su computadora se envían al puerto MIDI OUT.

Nota: Cuando se conecta un cable USB, usted debe activar el “MIDI echo” en su secuenciador si desea que el Photon controle otro dispositivo MIDI.

● Cable USB sin conectar: Lo que toque en el Photon se envía al puerto MIDI OUT.

Nota: Si tiene otro dispositivo conectado al puerto de entrada del MIDI del Photon, se ignorará la información MIDI de ese dispositivo.

Entrada del pedal de sostenido

teclado (no incluido). Use un pedal de sostenido de cualquier fabricante: cuando enciende el Photon 25, se calibrará automáticamente con el pedal.

– Use un cable MIDI de cinco pines para conectar la

Datos del USB de la computadora

Los datos MIDI del Photon (o de un controlador externo conectado al puerto MIDI IN del Photon)

– Para conectar un pedal de sostenido de

Controles del panel superior

Teclado

Botones de subir/bajar octavas

estos botones. Presione ambos botones al mismo tiempo para reinicializar el rango del teclado.

Joystick X/Y

esta palanca de mandos de 2 vías. El eje X y el eje Y pueden ser asignados de manera independiente.

Perillas de 270º

perillas pueden asignarse a varios parámetros MIDI.

Botón de capas

las tres capas independientes de perillas del Photon 25. Las luces sobre el botón LAYER indican cuál de las tres capas disponibles está actualmente activa.

Se pueden asignar perillas para cada capa por un total de 36 asignaciones de perillas por función predeterminada.

Pantalla

Botones de configuración

predeterminadas, ajustar parámetros globales y más funciones usando los botones de configuración. Vea abajo para más detalles.

Codificador

valores. Presione el codificador para conmutar entre las asignaciones de parámetros y valores y para aceptar sus entradas.

– Un teclado de tamaño completo, 25 notas y sensible a la velocidad.

– Transponga el teclado en octavas usando

– Para controlar pitch bend, modulación y otras funciones con

– 12 perillas que transmiten valores MIDI de 0 a 127. Las

– Presione el botón de capas LAYER para ciclar a través de

– La pantalla muestra la información del estado actual.

– Para llamar y guardar funciones

– Gire el codificador para seleccionar diversos parámetros y

+ 42 hidden pages