CME VX5, VX6, VX7, VX8 User Manual

Intelligent MIDI Master Keyboard

Users’ manual

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Model: VX5/6/7/8

(Firmware 2.0)

Read “Precautions” on page 4 before use

Please read this manual carefully before use.

Please keep this manual for reference.

Thank you for choosing CME VX Intelligent MIDI Master

Keyboard Controller

Please keep all the important information here

Attach your invoice or receipt here

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

For reference

Purchase date

Serial(on the back of the keyboard) Dealer’s name and addr. Dealer’s tel.

Warning:

z Improper connection may cause damage to the device.

z Copyright of the manual belongs to Central Music Co. Anyone

must get a written permission from Central Music Co. before

copying any part of the manual to any kind of media.

Package list

Please check all the items in your VX keyboard package:

z USB MIDI Master keyboard 1 pcs z USB cable 1 pcs z User’s manual 1 pcs z AC adaptor 1 pcs

Special Message Section

This product utilizes batteries or an external power supply (adapter). Do NOT connect this product to any power supply or adapter other than one described in the manual, on the product, or specifically recommended by CME.

WARNING: Do not place this product in a

position where anyone could walk on, trip over, or roll anything over power or connecting cords of any kind. The use of an extension cord is not recommended! If you must use an extension cord, make sure that the cord has the ability to handle maximum current needed by this product. Please consult a local electrician when possible.

This product should be used only with the components supplied or recommended by CME. When used with any components, please observe all safety markings and instructions that accompany the accessory product.

NOTICE:

Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or effect works (when the unit is operating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owners responsibility. Please study this manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:

CME strives to produce products that are both user safe and environmentally friendly. We sincerely believe that our products and the production methods used to produce them, meet these goals. In keeping with both the letter and the spirit of the law, we want you to be aware of the following:

Battery Notice:

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, CME reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update existing units.

This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speaker(s), may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do NOT operate for long periods of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

IMPORTANT: The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before damage occurs.

Some CME products may have stands and/or accessory mounting fixtures that are either supplied with the product or as optional accessories. Some of these items are designed to be dealer assembled or installed. Please make sure that stands are stable and any optional fixtures (where applicable) are well secured BEFORE using.

This product MAY contain a small non-rechargeable battery which (if applicable) is soldered in place. The average life span of this type of battery is approximately five years. When replacement becomes necessary, contact a qualified service representative to perform the replacement.

This product may also use “household” type batteries. Some of these may be rechargeable. Make sure that the battery being charged is a rechargeable type and that the charger is intended for the battery being charged.

When installing batteries, do not mix batteries with new, or with batteries of different type. Batteries MUST be installed correctly. Mismatches of incorrect installation may result in overheating and battery case rupture.

Warning:

Do not attempt to disassemble, or incinerate any battery. Keep all batteries away from children. Dispose of used batteries promptly and as regulated by the laws in your area. Note: Check with any retailer of household type batteries in your area for battery disposal information.

Stands supplied by CME are designed for the respect products only. No other uses are recommended.

Disposal Notice:

Should this product become damaged beyond repair, or for some reason its useful life is considered to be at an end, please observe all local, state, and federal regulations that relate to the disposal of products that contain lead, batteries, plastics, etc. If your dealer is unable to assist you, please contact CME directly.

FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A)

1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT!

This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual,

meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by CME may void

your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product.

2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product

use only high quality shielded cables. Cable(s) supplied with this product MUST be

used. Follow all installation instructions. Failure to follow instructions could void your

FCC authorization to use this product in the USA.

3. NOTE: This product 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

environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency

energy and, if not installed and used according to the instructions found in the users

manual, may cause interference harmful to the operation of other electronic devices.

Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee that interference will not occur

in all installations. If this product is found to be the source of interference, which can

be determined by turning the unit “OFF” and “ON”, please try to eliminate the

problems by using one of the following measures:

Relocate either this product or the device that is being affected by the interference.

Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker or fuse) circuits or

install AC line filter(s).

In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the antenna. If the antenna

lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change the lead-in to co-axial type cable.

If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory results, please contact the

local retailer authorized to distribute this type of product. If you cannot locate the

appropriate retailer, please contact CME.

The above statements apply ONLY to those products distributed in the USA.

PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT

Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or even death from electrical shock, damages, fire or other hazards. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the follows:

1. Read and understand all the instructions.

2. Always follow the instructions on the instrument.

3. Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the electric plug from the outlet as

well as the USB cable. When cleaning, use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone, turps or any other organic solutions; do not use liquid cleaner, spray cleaner or too wet cloth.

4. Do not use the instrument near water or moisture, such as bathtub, washbasin,

kitchen sink, or similar places.

5. Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall

over.

6. Do not jam sinks or holes of the instrument; those sinks of holes are used for air

circulation to prevent the instrument from overheating. Do not place the instrument near heat sink or any places with poor air circulation.

7. Do not place anything on the power cord. Make sure the power cord is set on a safe

place so nobody will step on it and/or trip over it.

8. Do not overload the outlet and the AC cable to avoid fire or electrical shock.

9. Do not insert anything in the instrument, which may cause fire or electrical shock. Do

not splash any kind of liquid on the instrument.

10. Do not disassemble the instrument. Doing so risks possible accidental electrical

shock.

11. If repair is necessary always take the instrument to a qualified service center. You will

place yourself in danger if you open or remove the cover. Improper assembly may cause electrical shock in future use.

12. Unplug all the connectors and take the instrument to a qualified service center if

anything in the below listed happens:

A. The power cord or connector is damaged or worn out. B. Any liquid gets into the instrument. C. The instrument gets rain or water splashed on it. D. The instrument does not work properly after following all the instructions

regarding troubleshooting. E. The instrument falls down or breaks. F. The instrument functions poorly.

13. Do not use the instrument during a thunderstorm. Lightening may cause long-distance electrical shock.

14. Do not use the instrument when there is a gas leak nearby.

★ Keep this manual in safe place.

CAUTION:

z Do not connect the instrument during a thunderstorm. z Do not connect the power cord to an outlet located in a moist environment unless the

outlet is properly designed for such situations.

z When the power cord is connected to an AC outlet, do not touch the naked part of

the cord or the connector.

z Always follow the instructions carefully when setting up the instrument.

WARNING:

z Do not expose the instrument to rain or moisture, to avoid fire or electrical shock.

Other precautions:

z Keep the instrument away from electrical interface sources, such as fluorescent

lights and electrical motors.

z Keep the instrument away from dust, heat and vibration. z Do not expose the instrument to sunlight. z Do not place heavy objects on the instrument; do not place containers with liquid on

the instrument.

z Do not touch the connectors with wet hands z Central Music Co. is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by

improper operation to the instrument.

z All the pictures and the LED display in the manual are used for demonstration; they

may be different from the real instrument.

Features

z World’s first MIDI keyboard with motorized faders.

z World’s first MDI keyboard with multifunction expansion slot (for the firewire

expansion board, the sound module expansion board, etc…).

z World’s first MIDI keyboard with a lot of song data inside in padstyle format, and

song data can be updated via USB.

z VX5/6/7 are equipped with professional half weighted velocity sensitive keyboard

with aftertouch.

z VX8 is equipped with professional Graded Hammer Action velocity sensitive

keyboard with aftertouch.

z 9 motorized faders.

z 12 pads.

z 17 knobs.

z Ribbon control.

z 32-bit high-speed CPU.

z MIDI and digital Audio function.

z Scale and temperament function.

z U-CTRL mode by CME, to use with your music software for total control.

z USB plug&play.

Content

1 Notes For VX Firmware 2.0 Update............................................................................. 8

2 Important Hints For VX ................................................................................................ 8

3 General Introduction Of VX.......................................................................................... 9

3.1 The VX Theme “Hardware Fusion” ................................................................................9

3.2 The Touch Response Of VX .........................................................................................10

3.3 The VX Control Parts .....................................................................................................10

3.4 The USB Audio Interface In VX....................................................................................11

4 Introduction To VX Parts .............................................................................................11

4.1 The Two Modes Of VX...................................................................................................11

4.2 Front Panel ......................................................................................................................12

4.3 VX Parts Function Comparison In The Two Modes ..................................................15

4.4 Parts Sections In The U-CTRL Mode..........................................................................16

4.5 Rear Panel.......................................................................................................................16

5 Installation Guide ....................................................................................................... 17

5.1 Power Supply ..................................................................................................................17

5.2 Power On In Proper Order ............................................................................................17

5.3 Connections ....................................................................................................................17

6 Turning On And Port Settings .................................................................................... 19

6.1 Normally Turning On ......................................................................................................19

6.2 Driver Installation ............................................................................................................19

6.3 USB MIDI Port Function ................................................................................................19

6.4 Turning On With Initializing ...........................................................................................20

6.5 Playing A Demo Song....................................................................................................20

7 Basic Operation ......................................................................................................... 21

8 The MASTER Mode................................................................................................... 22

8.1 General Description .......................................................................................................22

8.1.1 User Bank Of VX........................................................................................... 22

8.1.2 Voice Navigation Using The Favorite Folders................................................ 23

8.1.3 Common Control Change#............................................................................ 24

8.1.4 Non-Common Control Change#.................................................................... 24

8.1.5 Pads, Faders, Encoders and SEQ Transportation In the MASTER Mode..... 25

8.2 The Favorite Folders In F1-F8......................................................................................25

8.2.1 The F1-F8 Display......................................................................................... 25

8.2.2 Tips For the F1-F8 Favorite Folders .............................................................. 26

8.3 Auto-display.....................................................................................................................26

8.3.1 About Auto-display ........................................................................................ 26

8.3.2 Auto-display When the F1-F8 Button Is On................................................... 27

8.4 MENU Buttons In The MASTER Mode .......................................................................29

8.4.1 The MASTER Button..................................................................................... 29

8.4.2 The ASSIGN Button ...................................................................................... 30

8.4.3 The ZONE Button.......................................................................................... 37

8.4.4 The AUTOMATION Button ............................................................................ 39

8.4.5 The STYLE SEQ Button................................................................................ 40

8.4.6 The PERFORMANCE Button ........................................................................ 44

8.4.7 The UTILITY Button ...................................................................................... 46

8.4.8 The EXPANSION Button............................................................................... 48

9 U-CTRL ..................................................................................................................... 49

10 Update ....................................................................................................................... 51

11 Appendix.................................................................................................................... 52

11.1 Assignable Controller List .............................................................................................52

11.2 GM Voice List ..................................................................................................................55

11.3 Scale List .........................................................................................................................56

11.4 Note List...........................................................................................................................61

11.5 Temperament List ...........................................................................................................62

11.6 Velocity Curve List..........................................................................................................63

11.7 Aftertouch Curve List .....................................................................................................64

11.8 MIDI Route ......................................................................................................................65

12 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................... 69

13 Specifications............................................................................................................. 70

14 MIDI Implementation Chart........................................................................................ 71

1 Notes For VX Firmware 2.0 Update

The major changes of the VX firmware 2.0 compared with the produced units are:

z GENERAL：

 F1-F8 knobs can be used to store 8 different preset parameters. This makes live

shows easier and slicker.

 User can rename the F1- F8 functions, making it easier to recall them  Adds User Bank automatic memory function.  Adjusts the MIDI Route, making it easier to control external devices.  Octave and transpose buttons can be used for automatic confirmation mode.  Holding down the Dec/Inc button will continue the data change.  Adds turn off function for program change（Msb/Lsb/Program Change）

 Adds manually save User bank function. （Shift＋Enter）  Adds manually switch User bank function. （Shift＋Page）  16 control knob lights can be selected individually

z Assign：

 Removes Keyboard Channel Select when assigning channels.  Removes Z1-Z4 Select when assigning ports.  Removes assignability of F1-F8 buttons.  Puts all Detail Assign functions into Assign Mode.  Removes assignability of Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels

z Adds mode selection for Drum Pads.

z Zone：

 Adds program change information for Zone mode.  Improves the velocity layer parameter.

z Automation：

 Removes the original note and time display  Adds loop play mode  Adds auto-stop function  Adds fades to Select Recording Channels function.

z StyleSEQ：

 Adds Auto or Manual modes for motorized faders  Optimises the demo songs information.  Optimises the demo songs MIDI route.

z Performance：

 Fixes the incorrect pitch and order in Scale and Temperament list

z Utility：

 Optimises the keyboard’s velocity curves.  Fixes some parameter errors which cannot be memorised automatically.

z U-CTRL：

 Improves U-CTRL function

z Fixes known bugs and errors

2 Important Hints For VX

You must update the VX firmware to Version 2.0 or higher before you can use VX with this manual. To know more about the firmware update, refer to the chapter “Updating VX firmware”.

You have to use VX with an external power supply. If you use USB power only,

VX will not work properly, you will experience such malfunction as the motorized faders do not move, or the expansion board does not work.

There are two basic modes for VX: The MASTER mode and the U-CTRL mode. It is in the MASTER mode in the case that the U-CTRL button LED is off, or in the U-CTRL mode when the U-CTRL button is on.

In the U-CTRL mode, most of the control parts (such as fader, knobs, buttons) will be used for the U-CTRL functions, which is different than in the MASTER mode. You will find more details in the related chapter about the two modes.

The HEADPHONE jack and LINE OUT jack are the output ports for the computer audio signal, not for the VX expansion board. If VX has no connection to a computer, the HEADPHONE jacks, LINE OUT jacks and MIC/LINE ports do not work.

To use VX properly with a computer or a sound module, you need to make the

right setup. If you cannot get the system running well, please see the related setup or troublesome shooting section.

When the motorized faders are moving, please do NOT press of hinder it, which may cause damage to the product even electric shock or fire. (However, in the U-CTRL mode, you can touch the fader softly for the manual mode).

3 General Introduction Of VX

3.1 The VX Theme “Hardware Fusion”

The VX may look like its only a MIDI keyboard, but actually it has functions that far

surpass those of a MIDI keyboard. It’s definitely NOT a simple MIDI keyboard. There are plenty of low-priced, simple plastic frame MIDI keyboards, but the VX is something completely different. The theme of the VX is “Hardware Fusion”. The VX keyboard has a great touch, but that’s only one of its three selling points – it’s got even more going for it.

So what does “Hardware Fusion” mean? It means that, VX integrates a lot of functions that you cannot find in other keyboards before, of which you can see immediately are the Favorite folder, U-CTRL function and the general multi-function expansion interface.

The Favorite folder is a new concept for the MIDI keyboard. The F1-F8 buttons are used to save the 8 favorite folders. When you connect a lot of sound modules to the VX, and find one of the favorite voices, you can save the settings related to this voice to one of the favorite folder buttons. After that, as soon as you press the button, you will have the voice and all the related settings ready right away. It is the first time that the “one-button-for-all” concept was integrated to the MIDI keyboard. By this means, you can locate the need voice immediately in the vase collection of the voices with the related settings. With this function, we can minimize the time used to locate the right voice for live performance, music making or whatever application, just as convenient as the way we use the favorite folder to browse our favorite web sites. There are 50 User Banks in VX, and each bank contains 8 favorite folders, which means there are total 400 folders available! (You will find more details about favorite folders and User Banks in later chapters).

VX is alto the worlds’ first MIDI keyboard with motorized faders, which make the U-CTRL function of VX almost the same to MCU, which means you have a MCU control panel inside your MIDI keyboard, and you can control all the functions in your DAW software when play the keyboard!

The expansion board is another important function of VX, and it will expand the VX function greatly. Not only has it the wave sampler expansion board, but also the ANALOG SYNTH PLUG-IN board by DSP calculation, and more in the future. There are two basic modes in VX: the MASTER mode and the U-CTRL mode. You can access the above three functions in the two modes. Below is the general usage of VX:

MASTER Mode

 MIDI keyboard with good touch response  F1-F8 buttons for the 8 favorite folders  MIDI Controller function provided by pads, faders and encoders  AUTOMATION button for the function similar to MIDI Motion Sampler  STYLE SEQ button for the sequencer function  ZONE button for keyboard split  PERFORMANCE button for different scales and temperaments  Multi-function expansion. (The expansion boards includes audio board, voice board

and more)

U-CTRL Mode

 Keyboard with good touch response  MCU

New concept MIDI keyboard + MCU + Expansion, that is the VX, the 3-IN-1 Hardware Fusion keyboard.

3.2 The Touch Response Of VX

The popular CME-UF series MIDI keyboards feature fantastic keyboard touch, and are favorite instruments among many top-notch keyboardists. The VX uses the same highly-advanced keyboard. This VX-80 has Graded hammer action weighted keyboard touch, and has a really great, comfortable piano feel to it. The VX50 60 70 has standard synth touch, and is also really comfortable, and easy on the hands. The VX keyboard is specially designed with long performance times in mind. With ordinary MIDI keyboards, a half hour of playing leaves your hand worn out, on the verge of carpal tunnel syndrome. But with the VX, we can go on playing all night with almost no hand fatigue.

Lots of people learned to play on a weighted action keyboard, so they enjoy playing a synth keyboard that puts up a bit of a fight. Synth players will appreciate the tight, consistent feel of the VX50 60 70's action, and there's enough resistance to satisfy piano players, as well.

The VX brain allows you to adjust the velocity curve of the keyboard. When you’re satisfied with the settings, you can save it to the keyboard. And of course, all four models have the aftertouch feature, and you can even select the aftertouch curve.

3.3 The VX Control Parts

The VX panel features a wide range of controllers; 9 autofaders, 9 encoders, 8 knobs, 8 function buttons, 12 drum pads, 1 ribbon control, 1 set of sequence transports, and 1 breath control input.

Further more, it has 1 USB port, 4 MIDI outputs, 1 MIDI input, and 2 pedals. All these controllers are readily assignable for controlling the computer or sound module. A blank template overlay is provided for you to write down the assigned parameters, to make them easier to remember. With the VX we can play… slide… twist… press… strike… rub… blow... Not bad for a MIDI keyboard, right?

3.4 The USB Audio Interface In VX

But wait, there’s more! The VX also has a built-in USB Audio Soundcard, featuring 2 mic/line inputs, 2 line outputs , 2 earphone outputs, and even a USB hub. You can plug in a mouse, a flashdisk, and so on.

Of course, your software can use this built-in soundcard. Just plug in the microphone and you’re ready to record, easy as 1, 2, 3. We recommend you use the ASIO driver. You can download the ASIO-4-All driver for free. We do NOT recommend you use any other drivers.

Please note that the VX earphone line-out outputs the audio signal from the COMPUTER, not the signal from the VX internal soundcard. When the VX is not connected to the computer, there is no output from either the line-out or the mic/line-in.

4 Introduction To VX Parts

4.1 The Two Modes Of VX

There are two basic modes in the VX: the MASTER mode and the U-CTRL mode, which are totally different.

In the MASTER mode, you can assign any control part a function, and all the settings will be saved to a USER BANK of the VX, including the 8 favorite folder settings in the F1-F8 buttons.

You can change the USER BANK in the MASTER mode. You should use the MASTER mode in the following condition:

 When the VX is used with a hardware sound module or sequencer and without a

computer, because in the MASTER mode, you can use the control parts in the VX to control the hardware sound module or sequencer.

 When the VX is used with a computer, but you would prefer not to use it like a

MCU to control the DAW software, because in the MASTER mode, you can use all the controllers in the VX to control the sound module in the DAW software.

In the U-CTRL mode, on the other hand, most of the control parts in the VX will be limited for a corresponded function control in the DAW software, and the function assignment in the MASTER mode will be substituted except for the 8 potentiometer knobs from the U-CTRL mode, the 8 knobs will remain the same function in the MASTER mode..

You cannot change the USER BANK in the U-CTRL mode.

Anyway, you can take advantage of the U-CTRL mode: you can control the DAW software by VX like you are using a MCU! For examples, AUTOMATION control, Seq transportation, opening a mixer window, ZOOMing in the DAW window, selecting tracks, SOLOing tracks, etc… Further more, you can assign a special function in the DAW software to a number button of VX. VX brings you the convenience that you have never experienced before, you can control nearly all the DAW functions in detail by the MIDI keyboard.

So, U-CTRL really makes you excited, because it makes a MCU in your VX! All the major DAW software can be controlled in this way, including Logic, ProTools, Nuendo, Cubase, Sonar, ACID Pro, Audition, Live, Reason, Tracktion, Samplitude, Soundtrack Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc…

There are three sub-modes in the U-CTRL mode, which are “U-CTRL MC”, “U-CTRL Pro Tools” and “U-CTRL Logic” for different DAW software, in which U-CTRL ProTools is for ProTools, U-CTRL logic for Logic, and U-CTRL MC for the other ones. You will find more information in the U-CTRL related chapters.

The U-CTRL button is used to switch between the two modes. When the U-CTRL

button is off, the VX is in the MASTER mode. Light the button on by pressing it once, the VX is in the U-CTRL mode and the LCD shows “U-CTRL MC”. Press the U-CTRL button again, the LCD shows “U-CTRL ProTools”; press the button the third time, the LCD shows “U-CTRL Logic”. Press the button the fourth time, it will go off, and the VX is back to the MASTER mode.

If you light on the U-CTRL button accidentally and want to quit from the U-CTRL mode, you should press the U-CTRL button three times to get if off and back to the MASTER mode.

4.2 Front Panel

1. The keyboard

 There are 4 models in the VX series: VX50-49keys, VX60-61keys,

VX70-76keys, VX80-88 keys.

 All the keyboards in the VX series are equipped with velocity response and

aftertouch.

Velocity response means when you play the keyboard, it will respond to the initial force used to strike the keys. Aftertouch means after you press and hold a key, it will continue to respond to additional pressure applied to the keys.

2.  The pitch bend wheel: By default it can

 The modulation wheel: By default it will

 The ribbon control: You can press and

change the pitch up and down for a total two semi-notes, and you can change the default range.

make the sound vibrant, and you can change its function.

move on it to send out control change messages. The default cc is brightness and can be changed.

3.  The OCTAVE button: It is used to

change the pitch by octaves.

 The TRANSPOSE button: It is used to

change the pitch by semi-notes.

 Important: Keyboard, pitch wheel,

modulation wheel, ribbon control, octave buttons, transpose buttons will not change function in the U-CTRL mode. Even the U-CTRL button is on, their functions will remain as above.

4.  SEQ TRANSPORT: They are used for

sequence control and the function can be changed.

 Important: the MIDI data sent is

different from in the U-CTRL mode to the MASTER mode. Refer to the related chapter.

5.  The pads (PAD 1-12): They are velocity sensitive, you can define them to

trigger drum notes, or use them as control buttons, or use them to play songs.

 Important: In the U-CTRL mode, you cannot play the pads or use them to send

preset MIDI messages, because in this mode the pads are used to control the DAW software. Please refer to related chapter for more detail.

 Important: In the U-CTRL mode, the pads function is locked, so you cannot

assign any pad to control a function of your software. However, you can still assign shortcut buttons in this mode, like you can assign the DAW functions to “number button+ number button 1-8” for total 16 buttons. Please refer to the related chapter for more detail.

6.  The MENU buttons: in the MASTER mode, they are used to switch between the

VX function menus.

 The favorite folder buttons (F1-F8): In the MASTER mode, the F1-F8 buttons

are used to switch to the 8 favorite folders. Those buttons are exclusively used for favorite folder switch than other functions like sending MIDI control messages. To send MIDI control messages, MIDI note messages, you can use the 12 pads of VX.

 Important: In the U-CTRL mode, the above buttons work in total different ways,

that is, the MENU buttons are used as the track selectors of the current track bank of the software, and the F1-F8 buttons are used to SOLO the 8 tracks of the current track bank. Please refer to related chapters for more detail.

7.  The potentiometer knobs (KNOB 1-8): Those knobs have left-mid-right locators,

and can be used for real time control and sound changes, the functions can be re-defined.

 Important: Those 8 knobs do not join the U-CTRL mode, that is, in the U-CTRL

mode those 8 buttons remain the same function as in the MASTER mode.

8.  The DISPLAY: You will see all the VX

information here.

 The digit buttons (NUMBER 0-9): They are used

to input values.

 The SHIFT button: It is used with other control

parts for more functions.

 The CURSOR/PAGE buttons: Use those buttons

to locate a place you want.

 The DEC INC/ NO YES buttons: Use them to

change value or confirm an operation.

 Important: In the U-CTRL mode, the Number

buttons, CURSOR/PAGE buttons and DEC INC/NO YES buttons work in total different ways, that is, they are used to control the DAW software. Please refer to the related chapter for more detail.

9.  The DATA dial: Use it to change the value

quickly.

 The EXIT/ENTER buttons: Use them to confirm

or cancel an operation.

 Important: In the MASTER mode you will find

two useful shortcut buttons: SHIFT+EXIT is the shortcut to send the reset message SHIFT+ENTER is the shortcut to save all the settings of the current BANK. However, you cannot use the two shortcut buttons in the U-CTRL mode.

 Important: In the U-CTRL mode, the DATA dial

and the EXIT/ENTER button will have other functions that they do in the MASTER mode. In this mode, the buttons are used to control the DAW software, and the DATA dial is used to navigate to different song positions.

10.  The U-CTRL button: Press it for the software

remote control mode, compatible with the Mackie Control templates.

11.  The encoder knobs (ENCODER 1-9): Those knobs have no start or end points,

and the functions can be user-defined.

 Important: In the U-CTRL mode, the 9 knobs will have other functions than

they do in the MASTER mode. In this mode, they are used to control the Pan settings (or other settings) of the current track BANK. Please refer to the U-CTRL related chapter.

12.  The motorized faders: They can move according to the incoming MIDI data, and

the functions can be user-defined.

 Important: In the U-CTRL mode, the 9 faders will have other functions than

they do in the MASTER mode. In this mode, they are used to control the volume settings (or other settings) of the current track BANK. Please refer to the U-CTRL related chapter.

 Important: The motorized faders work properly with an external power supply,

and they do not when powered only by the USB cable. If you find that the motorized faders do not move when powered only by USB, please get the external power connected.

Do NOT hold or stop the motorized motors while they are moving, which may cause great damage to the instrument and may cause electrical shock and fire!

4.3 VX Parts Function Comparison In The Two Modes

Part name MASTER mode U-CTRL mode

1: Keyboard Keyboard Keyboard 2: Pitch/modulation/ribbon Pitch/modulation/ribbon Pitch/modulation/ribbon 3: Octave/transpose Octave/transpose Octave/transpose 4: Seq transport Seq transport U-CTRL Seq transport 5: Drum pads Sending note/controller

messages, etc

6: MENU/F1-F8 buttons Switching to functions / favorite

folders 7: Potentiometer knobs Sending controller messages Sending controller messages 8: Number buttons Number buttons Sending U-CTRL commands 9: DATA dial, EXIT/ENTER DATA dial, EXIT/ENTER Sending U-CTRL commands 10: U-CTRL MASTER/U-CTRL modes

switching 11: Encoder knobs Sending controller messages Control track Pan settings 12: Motorized faders Sending controller messages Control track Vol settings

Sending U-CTRL commands

Track selector / SOLO

MASTER/U-CTRL modes switching

4.4 Parts Sections In The U-CTRL Mode

4.5 Rear Panel

1. MIDI IN port ×1.

2. MIDI OUT ports ×4.

3. Breath control (BC) jack: 1/8" TRS ×1, compatible with YAMAHA BC3.

4. Pedal jacks: 1/4" TRS ×2, each one can be used for volume or sustain pedal.

5. Input gain for Mic/Line in.

6. MIC/LINE IN jacks: 1/4" TS ×2.

7. LINE OUT jacks: 1/4" TS ×2.

8. HP VOLUME: Headphone volume.

9. HEADPHONE jacks: 1/4" TRS ×2.

10. USB HUB port: compliance with standard USB 1.1 for USB expansion.

11. USB port: to make computer connection for MIDI/Audio data transfer.

12. POWER IN port: connect the AC adaptor here.

13. POWER ON/OFF switch: press down the switch to turn the instrument on; press

again and release the switch to turn it off.

5 Installation Guide

5.1 Power Supply

1. Make sure the power switch is set to OFF.

2. Connect the AC adaptor to the POWER IN port in the rear panel.

3. Make sure the AC requirement of the AC adaptor is compliant with the local AC

supply, then connect the AC adaptor to the power supply outlet.

Make sure the AC requirement of the AC adaptor is compliant with the local AC supply, otherwise it will cause severe damage to the AC adaptor or the instrument, and it may cause electrical shock! Only the AC adaptor that goes with the VX should be used. If you cannot find

the VX AC adaptor or the adaptor does not work, please contact local CME

dealers. The VX AC adaptor varies from country to country. If you take your VX from one country to another, please make sure your AC adaptor compliant with the local power supply.

5.2 Power On In Proper Order

When you have your VX connected to a system, please set all the volume to minimum then follow the proper order to turn all the devices on: master MIDI device (which sends out MIDI data), slave MIDI device (which receives MIDI data), audio devices (mixer, amplifier, speakers). When you follow this order, all the signals (MIDI and audio) will go properly from the beginning to the end. If you will turn off the system, please follow the reverse order (turn off audio devices first, then MIDI devices).

5.3 Connections

Before you make these connections, please turn off all devices to avoid possible damage.

Please refer to the fig. below to make connections:

The headphone and LINE OUT of VX are used for the computer signal other

than for the expansion board. If VX is not connected to the computer, LINE OUT and MIC/LINE IN do not work.

6 Turning On And Port Settings

6.1 Normally T urning On

C M E V X M a s t e r K e y b o a r d

 When you turn on the instrument, all the motorized faders will move to run a

self-test and reset in turn. At the same time, all the pads will light on and off.

Do NOT hold or stop the motorized motors while they are moving. This may cause great damage to the instrument and may cause electrical shock and fire!

When turned on, the VX will remain at the same F1-F8 display as it is

previously turned off.

6.2 Driver Installation

 After you connect the VX to your computer via USB and turn the VX on, the

computer will find the VX device and install the driver automatically.

 You can plug and play the VX on WINDOWS XP or Mac OSX.  When the driver installation is finished, your VX will be recognized as the ”USB

Audio Device”.

 In the DAW software, VX offers 1 in and 1 out audio interface function. It is

recommended to use the Asio-4-All program as the VX audio driver.

 In the MIDI software, VX offers 2 USB IN ports and 3 USB OUT ports.  In the Windows system and VX is the only connected USB device, you will find

two VX ports in your MIDI software [MIDI-in] settings, which are “USB Audio Device” and “USB Audio Device [2]”. Similarly, you will find three VX ports in your MIDI software [MIDI-out] settings, which are “USB Audio Device”, “USB Audio Device [2]” and “USB Audio Device [3]”. Please notice: despite the port name like “USB Audio Device”, in fact they are “MIDI Device”.

 In Mac OS, the VX MIDI port will be displayed as “

During the first installation, you may need to turn off the product then turn it on again for the OS to recognize the product.

6.3 USB MIDI Port Function

Port name(Win/Mac) MASTER mode

U-CTRL mode

Port name (Win/Mac)

MASTER mode

CME VX”

VX USB MIDI OUT

USB Audio Device / CME VX USB Audio Device [2] / CME VX 1 Sending keyboard related message Sending keyboard related message

USB Audio Device / CME VX USB Audio Device [2] / CME VX 1 USB Audio Device [3] / CME VX

Route to VX MIDI OUT 4 N/A Route to VX expansion board

N/A

Sending U-CTRL related message

VX USB MIDI IN

U-CTRL mode

6.4 T urning On With Initializing

Route to VX MIDI OUT 4 Receive U-CTRL related

message

You must select “USB Audio Device / CME VX” as the MIDI in port in your

MIDI software before you can record MIDI messages properly. If you select other port or select “All”, it is possible that you cannot record MIDI messages properly.

The port “USB Audio Device [2] / CME VX 1” is used for U-CTRL message transfer only, do not use it in the MIDI software.

If the port “USB Audio Device / CME VX” is selected as the MIDI out port in the MIDI software, the output messages will be routed to VX MIDI OUT 4.

If the port “USB Audio Device [3] / CME VX 2” is selected as the MIDI out port

in the MIDI software, the output messages will be routed to the expansion board. In this case please set LOCAL to off to avoid duplicated sounds.

 If you want to initialize the instrument, please press and hold both 【OCTAVE-】

and【OCTAVE+】 buttons while turning on the instrument, then the instrument will enter the initialization mode and show the below message:

F a c t o r y S e t A r e y o u s u r e ?

 Press the【YES】or【ENTER】button to clear all the user settings and user data,

then return to the MASTER mode. (MIDI songs transferred to VX will not be cleared)

 Press the【NO】or【EXIT】button to cancel initialization and return to the MASTER

mode.

Route to VX expansion board

The initializing operation will clear all the user settings, please be careful!

6.5 Playing A Demo Song

1. Connect the VX MIDI OUT1 to the sound module MIDI IN, or connect VX to your computer via USB and select a GM compatible software sound module.

2. Press the 【STYLE SEQ】button for style sequence mode.

3. Press the【PLAY】button to play the song.

4. You will hear the song. When the song is being played, some faders may move according to the MIDI messages in the song.

7 Basic Operation

【<PAGE PAGE>】buttons

 For the editable contents on the LCD, you can use the 【<PAGE PAGE>】buttons

to move the cursor to the place you want and edit the content.

 When you see the arrow “← →” in the bottom right on the LCD, press and hold

【SHIFT】then press【<PAGE PAGE>】buttons for another page.

【DEC/NO INC/YES】and【EXIT/ENTER】buttons

 To edit the value, you can use the data dial, the 【DEC/NO INC/YES】buttons, or

the number buttons.

 To confirm or cancel an operation, you can use the 【DEC/NO INC/YES】and

【EXIT/ENTER】buttons.

 Press and hold 【DEC/NO INC/YES】for a while, and the values will keep

changing quickly.

z To rename a Bank or favorite folder:

 Use the 【<PAGE PAGE>】buttons to locate the name that you want to change.  Use the DATA dial or the【DEC】/【INC】buttons to change the current letter in the

name.

 Use【<PAGE PAGE>】buttons to locate the next letter and change it.  When all the letters in the name are selected, press【ENTER】to confirm and

save the name.  A maximum of 8 letters can be used in the name of the favorite folder

button.

 A maximum of 13 letters can be used in the BANK name.

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