Creative Xboard25, Xboard69 Owner's Manual

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Owner’s Manual

PN: 02EM770006000

Revision: A

E-MU World Headquarters E-MU Systems

1500 Green Hills Road Scotts Valley, CA 95067-0015 USA

Europe, Africa, Middle East Creative Labs

Ballycoolin Business Park Blanchardstown Dublin 15 IRELAND

E-MU Japan

Creative Media K K Kanda Eight Bldg., 3F 4-6-7 Soto-Kanda Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 JAPAN www.japan.creative.com

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Important!

The complete X Board manual is available in .pdf format on the included CD-ROM.

Important

Le manual français de l’ X Board est disponible au format .pdf, sur la CD-ROM inclus.

Wichtig

Das deutsche Handbuch ist als .pdf Dokument vom enthaltenen CD-ROM vorhanden.

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Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................7

Requirements .......................................................................................................8

On a PC: ................................................................................................................... 8

On a Mac: ................................................................................................................. 8

Package Contents ................................................................................................. 8

Optional ................................................................................................................... 8

Hardware Installation ..........................................................................................8

Connecting the X Board to your Computer ........................................................ 9

USB Connection ...................................................................................................... 9

MIDI Connection ....................................................................................................9

MIDI Interface ........................................................................................................ 10

Software Installation .........................................................................................10

Macintosh OS X .....................................................................................................10

Windows 2000 ....................................................................................................... 10

Windows XP ........................................................................................................... 11

Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications ................................................11

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................12

Main Panel Controls ....................................................16

Back Panel Description ...............................................19

Powering the X Board .................................................20

Inserting Batteries into the X-Board ......................................................................20

Basic Operations .........................................................21

Entering Data .....................................................................................................21

Selecting Patches ................................................................................................21

Storing Patches ..................................................................................................22

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Changing the MIDI Channel .............................................................................22

Transposing the Keyboard .................................................................................22

Editing Patches ..................................................................................................23

Scrolling Text Display ............................................................................................23

16 Channel Control Mode .................................................................................24

Note Latch Mode ................................................................................................25

Snap Shot ...........................................................................................................26

Bypass Mode ......................................................................................................26

Edit Parameters ..................................................................................................27

Semitone Transpose ...............................................................................................27

Velocity Curve Select ..............................................................................................27

16 Channel CC Number .......................................................................................27

Latch High/Low Note ............................................................................................28

Save CC Value in Patch ..........................................................................................28

CC Send On Recall ................................................................................................28

PGM Send on Recall ..............................................................................................28

Bank Send MSB ......................................................................................................28

Bank Send LSB .......................................................................................................28

Send Prog Change ..................................................................................................29

Aftertouch On/Off .................................................................................................29

Program Change (PGM) Browse Mode ................................................................29

X1 Functions ..........................................................................................................30

Index ......................................................................... 31

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Introduction

INTR

ODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the E-MU X Board 25 or X Board 49 USB/ MIDI controller. The X Board professional USB/MIDI controllers offer unmatched playability, real-time control and programmability in portable 25 key or 49 key packages. Both models feature full-size velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, pitch and modulation wheels and 16 controller knobs. These keyboards are ideal for either studio or stage use since they can be used as stand-alone MIDI controllers or with a USB equipped PC or Macintosh computer. The X board MIDI output can even be used as a MIDI interface for your computer when connected via USB. The X Boards are ultra-portable and can be powered via USB, battery, or using the optional 6 VDC power supply.

Each of the 16 controller knobs can be programmed to any controller number on any MIDI channel. The keyboard can be transposed up or down ±4 octaves in order to play in any key and any pitch.

Both X Boards contain a host of extra features. The “Snap Shot” feature lets you send multiple program changes and controller values with a single button press. The “XBoard Latch Mode” lets you deﬁne a section of the keyboard as On/Off triggers—perfect for drum loops. Each of the 16 internal patches has a programmable footpedal/footswitch setting, can select one of eight velocity curves, and can send program changes for up to 16 MIDI channels.

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Introduction

Requirements

The included X Board Control software provides an intuitive desktop interface that makes it easy to create custom templates for all your favorite hardware and software instruments.

On a PC:

You must be running Windows 2000 or XP, and your computer must support USB to communicate with the X Board. The X Board can operate in MIDI Output mode without a computer if 6VDC power is supplied via a DC adapter or batteries.

On a Mac:

You must be running Mac OS X to connect the X Board. The X Board can operate in MIDI Output mode without a computer if 6VDC power is supplied via a DC adapter or batteries.

Package Contents

•X Board Keyboard

• USB Cable

• CD-ROM containing the following software bundle + X Board USB Drivers + X Board Control software + Proteus X LE Desktop Sound Module + Ableton Live Lite 4 for E-MU + Adobe PDF Reader + PDF manual for X Board and X Board Control software

• This Owner’s Manual

Optional

• DC Power Adapter (contact E-MU Systems)

Hardware Installation

The connection diagrams on the following pages show how to connect the X Board to your computer or to another MIDI device.

The supplied USB cable provides power and a two-way data link between the X Board and your computer. The USB port on your computer is a small (1/8” x 3/8”) rectangular opening. The connector is keyed so you cannot plug it in wrong. The other end of the USB cable is square and plugs into the back of the X Board. This end is also keyed to prevent incorrect insertion.

If the X Board is not connected to the computer via USB it requires a source of power in the form of a 6VDC adapter (tip positive) or (3) AA batteries.

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Introduction

Connecting the X Board to your Computer

USB Connection

USB provides a two-way data link between the X Board and your computer and also supplies power to the X Board. Always connect to the USB port on the computer itself—the USB port on your computer keyboard will not supply sufﬁcient power.

MIDI Connection

MIDI Sound Module

CO1 A V 12 7 P PA:01RNIVTG

022

trn:Mellotron tr S

MIDI

Cable

6 VDC

Adapter

Out

X Board 9

The X Board sends MIDI performance data to another MIDI device, such as a MIDI sound module. The X Board always transmits MIDI data except when “Thru” mode is enabled.

(See page 30.)

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Introduction

Out

MIDI Sound Module

MIDI

Cable

MIDI Interface

CO1A V12 7 P PA:01RNIVTG

trn:Mellotron tr S

022

The X Board can function as a MIDI interface when connected to your computer via USB. Set the X Board MIDI port to “Thru”

(page 30)

to transmit MIDI from your

sequencing application to an external MIDI device.

Software Installation

Macintosh OS X

Follow these instructions to install the X Board USB drivers and editor/librarian software on a Macintosh computer.

1. Double-click on the installer package.

2. Click on the lock icon and enter the administrator password you chose when you installed OS X.

3. Follow the prompts to install the software.

Windows 2000

Follow these instructions to install the X Board USB drivers and editor/librarian software on a Windows 2000 computer.

1. Make sure the X-Board is NOT CONNECTED to your computer.

2. Insert the E-MU software Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. If Windows AutoPlay mode is enabled for your CD-ROM drive, the CD starts running automatically. If not, from your Windows desktop, click

d:\setup.exe

also simply open the CD and double-click

(replace

d:\

with the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive). You can

Setup.exe

Start->Run

and type

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Introduction

3. The installation splash screen appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. You will have the option to install:

•

E-MU X Board

•

Proteus X LE

•

Ableton Live Lite for E-MU

- USB Drivers and X Board Control Application

- A virtual sampling musical instrument (VSTi)

- A loop-based composition/improvisation tool.

•Adobe Acrobat Reader

4. Choose “Continue Anyway” when you encounter the “Windows Logo Testing” warning screen. See the note on the following page.

5. When prompted, restart your computer.

6. Connect the X Board to your computer using the supplied USB cable.

Windows XP

Follow these instructions to install the X Board USB drivers and editor/librarian software on a Windows XP computer.

1. First connect the X Board to your computer using the supplied USB cable. This will allow Windows to install a USB Audio Device driver for the product. Wait for this installation to complete.

d:\setup.exe

also simply open the CD and double-click

(replace

d:\

with the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive). You can

Setup.exe

Start->Run

and type

3. The installation splash screen appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. You will have the option to install:

•

E-MU X Board

•

Proteus X LE

•

Ableton Live Lite for E-MU

tool

(Windows only version at this time)

- USB Drivers and X Board Control Application

- A virtual sampling musical instrument (VSTi)

- A loop-based composition and improvisation

•Adobe Acrobat Reader

4. Choose “Continue Anyway” when you encounter the “Windows Logo Testing” warning screen. See the note on the following page.

5. When prompted, restart your computer.

Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications

At times you may need to uninstall or reinstall some or all of the X Board's applications and device drivers to correct problems, change conﬁgurations, or upgrade outdated drivers or applications. Before you begin, close all X Board applications. Applications running during the uninstallation will not be removed.

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Introduction

1. Click

2. Double-click the

3. Click the

4. Select the

5. In the

6. Click the

Start

Settings

Add/Remove Programs

Install/Uninstall

E-MU X Board

InstallShield Wizard

Yes

button.

Control Panel

icon.

tab (or

Change or Remove Programs

entry and then click the

dialog box, select the

button).

Change/Remove

Remove ALL

option.

button.

7. Restart your computer when prompted.

8. You may now re-install existing or updated E-MU device drivers or applications.

Note About Windows Logo Testing

When you install the X Board USB drivers, you will see a dialog box that informs you that the driver has not passed Windows Logo testing.

However, the X Board USB drivers have been rigorously tested using the same test procedures that a signed driver requires, and it passes in all important categories, including those that measure the relative stability of the driver. So, it is perfectly safe to install these drivers on your computer.

Troubleshooting

Lost Communication

Should you loose MIDI communication between your X Board and an audio application (Cubase, Sonar, etc) or the X Board Editor, the X Board drivers may need to be re-selected in your application.

1. Go to your application's MIDI I/O settings, de-select the X Board for both MIDI input and output (or select a different MIDI device).

2. Apply these changes and exit the dialog.

3. Re-enter the application's MIDI settings and re-select the X Board drivers. If this does not work, the application may need to be restarted.

Wrong Driver in Windows XP or Windows 2000

You may encounter a situation where the X Board Control Editor or Proteus X LE programs are not running properly, even though the MIDI device itself seems to be working ﬁne.

If this is the case, you may be in a situation where the Microsoft USB MIDI driver is running, rather than the E-MU USB MIDI Driver. This may happen if you add a USB Hub, or if you plug the X Board keyboard into a different USB port than the one it was plugged into when you installed the X Board software.

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Introduction



To conﬁrm the problem, do the following:

1. Temporarily disconnect any USB audio devices you may have connected (USB audio/USB MIDI interfaces, etc.).

2. Connect the Xboard to a USB port and switch the power to the on position.

3. Windows may prompt the user with an Add New Hardware Wizard--Cancel this wizard.

4. Start menu -> Settings -> Control Panel -> System -> Hardware -> Device Manager.

5. Under Sound, Video and Game Controllers, ﬁnd the device called either

Audio Device

6. Double-click on this device and then click on

E-MU XBoardxx

Driver.

7. • If the vendor shown here is E-MU Systems, you have run into a different problem, and you should contact Technical Support.

• If the vendor shown here is Microsoft, instead of E-MU Systems, you have indeed run into this situation. Continue on to the next section.



Windows XP -> You may recover by doing the following:

1. Click on

Update Driver

2. If you are running Windows Service Pack 2, you will receive this dialog box. Click on “

No, not this time

”, then

USB

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Introduction

3. In the next panel, click on (Advanced) and then Next.

4. In the next panel. click on Don't Search, and then Next.

5. In the next panel, select the E-MU USB-MIDI Device, then Next.

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Introduction

6. After a few moments, you will see the Microsoft Digital Signature warning. Click Continue Anyway.

7. At this point, you should now be using the correct driver. It may be necessary to reboot your computer at this point.

 Windows 2000 -> You may recover by doing the following:

1. Double-click the incorrect listing in the Device Manager and choose Update Driver... from the Driver tab.

2. Choose Next, then Display a list of known drivers for this device...

3. Choose Next.

4. Choose Have Disk...

5. Insert your Xboard install CD. If the disk autoruns, Exit the disk's installer.

6. Click Browse.

7. Browse to the following ﬁle, double-click the ﬁle, and press OK: ----> X:\Audio\Drivers\Driver\emuumidi.inf (where X = your CD drive letter).

8. Choose Next.

9. Choose Next again. The Windows logo testing dialog should appear.

10. Choose Yes.

11 . Click Finish. It may be necessary to reboot your computer at this point.

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Main Panel Controls

MAIN PANEL CONTROLS

8 91012

Panic

DATA ENTRY / MASTER VOLUME

11 13

Store

3456 7

1. Data Slider / Master Volume

This control is used to enter data values when editing. When not being used for editing, the Data Slider functions as a master volume control transmitting a “Universal Real Time System Exclusive” message for Master Volume.

2. Edit

Press this button to edit the current patch. To Edit: Press the Edit button, choose the parameter to be edited using the

keyboard keys, enter the value with the slider, then press Enter.

3. Home

The Home button takes you out of edit mode and back into play mode without saving your edit. You can also think of this button as an Escape button which returns you to the power-up state of the keyboard. The Home LED is lit whenever the X Board is in Play mode.

4. Store Patch

Use this button to store your keyboard setup in one of the 16 memory locations.

To Store a Patch: After pressing Store, select the desired patch number using the data slider or numeric keys, then press Enter to store the current setup.

5. Enter

Press Enter to conﬁrm your settings when editing. The Home LED illuminates after Enter is pressed.

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Main Panel Controls

6. Octave Down

This button transposes the keyboard down one octave each time it is pressed. The octave transpose value (-1, -2, -3, -4) momentarily appears in the display and the LED on the button remains lit.

7. Octave Up

This button transposes the keyboard up one octave each time it is pressed. The octave transpose value (+1, +2, +3, +4) momentarily appears in the display and the LED on the button remains lit.

MIDI Panic Button (6 + 7)

Pressing both of the Octave Transpose buttons simultaneously causes the following MIDI messages to be sent on all 16 channels: “All Notes Off”, “All Sounds Off”, “Sustain Pedal Off”. This will turn off any “stuck notes” which occur when a synthesizer receives a note-on message without receiving a corresponding note-off message.

8. Patch Select

This button is used to select one of the 16 user patches in memory. To Select a Patch: Press the Patch Select button, then choose a patch using the

data slider or numeric keys and press Enter.

9. MIDI Channel Select

This button selects the active MIDI channel for the keyboard and all controls. To Select a MIDI Channel: Press the MIDI Channel button, then select the

channel using the data slider or numeric keys, and press Enter.

10. 16 Channel Control Mode

In this mode, one MIDI Continuous Controller number is assigned to all 16 knobs and each numbered knob transmits on the same numbered MIDI channel. This gives you control of one parameter (such as volume or pan) for all 16 MIDI channels. See page 24 for detailed information.

11. Latch Mode

In this mode, pressed keys continue to play until they are pressed again to turn them off. This allows notes to be sustained for any length of time without having to hold down the keys. A range of latch keys can be deﬁned using the “Latch High Note” and “Latch Low Note” edit parameters. See page 25.

12. Knob Bypass

Knob Bypass disables the transmission of MIDI messages from the knobs or control pedal/footswitch to avoid abrupt parameter jumps in performance.

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Main Panel Controls

When Bypass is On, you can pre-set the knobs anywhere you like without sending MIDI controller messages. When you turn Bypass Off again, nothing is transmitted, but the knobs are now in the desired position for your performance. When you turn a knob, the value of the new knob position will be sent

This feature can also be used to set up any of the knobs the way you want, then send the values later using the Snapshot feature. See page 26 for more

information.

13. Snapshot

When this button is pressed, the stored current settings of all performance controls (knobs, wheels, footswitch/pedal) are transmitted. This feature can also be used in conjunction with the Knob Bypass control to set-up, and then send a group of MIDI continuous controllers messages at once.

Snapshot mode is always accessible, except while Edit mode is active.

14. Controller Knobs

The 16 Controller Knobs are designed to modify the sound during performance. MIDI Continuous Controller messages are transmitted whenever the knobs are turned (except when “Knob Bypass” is enabled).

Whenever a controller knob is turned, the current value of the knob is displayed on the LED. Next, the letters “CC” ﬂash on the display, followed by the ﬂashing MIDI Continuous Controller number of the knob.

Normal mode

Any MIDI Continuous Controller number can be assigned to any knob. See the pdf manual for details.

16 Channel Controller mode

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Back Panel Description

BACK PANEL DESCRIPTION

1 2 3 4 5

1. Footswitch / Footpedal Input

This jack accepts either a footswitch or continuously variable footpedal. The default setting is for a footswitch. To use a footpedal, see page 30.

Footswitch - Accepts either a normally-open or normally closed, momentary

footswitch. The X Board auto-senses the polarity on power-up.

Footpedal - Accepts most standard footpedals with a stereo plug. See the pdf

manual for the pedal wiring speciﬁcations.

2. MIDI Output

Outputs note and controller MIDI data from the X Board. This jack can also be used as a MIDI interface from a computer software application. See page 30. Use a standard MIDI cable to connect the X Board to the MIDI input jack of other MIDI devices.

3. USB

Connects X Board to your computer via the supplied USB cable. The USB connection provides two-way communication when connected to the computer and also supplies power to the X Board. Always connect to the USB jack on the computer itself and NOT an unpowered USB connection that may be present on your computer keyboard or other USB peripheral.

4. 6 Volt DC Power

This jack allows the X Board to be powered from a standard 6VDC Adapter (positive tip) when not connected to the computer via USB.

5. On/Off Switch

This switch turns the X Board on or off whether powered via USB, AC Adapter, or batteries.

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Back Panel Description

POWERING THE X BOARD

The X Board can be powered using any of the following power sources:

• USB from the host computer

•6 VDC Adapter (optional - contact E-MU Systems)

• (3) AA batteries

The priority of power sources is as follows:

1. 6VDC power - will be used over all other power sources if available.

2. USB power - will be used if connected and 6VDC is not available.

3. Battery power - will be used only if no other power source is available.

Inserting Batteries into the X-Board

Sometimes it’s nice not to have to hassle with power at all. Thankfully the X Board can be operated using (3) AA batteries. Battery life generally exceeds 5 hours using standard alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries typically last 16+ hours.

 To Insert Batteries

The battery compartment is located on the bottom of the unit.

1. Press the two tabs toward the middle of the battery door while lifting up. The compartment door lifts up and out.

2. Insert (3) AA batteries. Make sure you install them as indicated at the bottom of the battery compartment with + aligned with the + side of the battery.

Insert Batteries

here

This Side

Not Used

3. Insert the tabs of the battery compartment door into the hinge slots, then press down to snap the door closed.

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Basic Operations

BASIC OPERATIONS

Entering Data

There are two ways to enter data from the X Board front panel.

• Data Slider - Move the slider to select the data value.

• Keyboard Data Entry - The black and white keyboard keys marked with numbers can be used to directly enter data values (except when changing the MIDI channel number or storing and selecting patches).

Selecting Patches

The X Board can hold 16 patches in its internal memory. A patch contains the settings for all user programmable controls of the X Board.

In addition, depending on the patch settings, the X Board can send MIDI program changes message(s) and initial controller settings for the knobs, wheels and footswitch/pedal when a particular patch is selected.

 To Select a Patch

1. Press the Patch Select button, illuminating the LED.

2. Select the desired patch number using the data slider.

3. The Enter button will be ﬂashing. Press Enter to conﬁrm the operation. Press Home to cancel the operation.

To Select a Patch:

DATA ENTRY / MASTER VOLUME

1. Press Patch Select

2. Select Patch using

the Data Slider

3. Press Enter.

OCTAVE TRANSPOSE

Store

Panic

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Basic Operations

Storing Patches

 To Store a Patch:

1. Press the Store button. The Enter LED begins ﬂashing.

2. Select the desired patch number using the data slider.

3. The Enter button will be ﬂashing. Press Enter to store the patch. Press Home to cancel the operation.

DATA E NTRY

1. Press Store

2. Select Save Location

OCTAVE TRANSPOSEOCTAVE TRANSPOSE

StoreStore

using the Data Slider

3. Press Enter.

312

Changing the MIDI Channel

The MIDI speciﬁcation allows for up to 16 channels to be used. This control allows you to set the Basic MIDI channel for data transmitted by the X Board keyboard and controllers.

 To Change the MIDI Channel:

1. Press the MIDI Channel button. The MIDI Channel LED illuminates.

2. Select the desired MIDI channel using the data slider.

To Store a Patch:

3. The Enter button will be ﬂashing. Press Enter to conﬁrm the operation. Press Home to cancel the operation.

Transposing the Keyboard

E-MU Systems 22

The keyboard can be transposed up and down ±4 octaves by pressing the Transpose buttons. The octave number appears momentarily in the display. The LED on the transpose button remains lit to remind you that the keyboard is transposed. The transposition value is stored with the patch.

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Basic Operations

Editing Patches

The editable program functions are accessed using the labelled keyboard keys.

 To Edit a Patch:

1. Press the Edit button. The Edit LED illuminates.

2. Select the desired Function to be edited by pressing one of the marked keyboard keys. (The Velocity Curve is being edited in the example below.)

3. Adjust the value of the parameter using the data slider or using the numeric keyboard keys. The Enter button will be ﬂashing.

4. Press Enter to conﬁrm the operation. Press Home to cancel the operation.

5. Remember to Store the Patch or your changes will be lost when the X Board is turned off. See page 22.

1. Press Edit

2. Select Function

3. Adjust Value

4. Press Enter

PGM Send

Bank

Send

Recall

Sel

MSB

Sel

LSB

Prog

Change

AftertouchAftertouch

Save CC

Val in

Patch

Step:

CC Send

Recall

DATA ENTRY / MASTER VOLUME

Semitone

Tran spose

Vel

Curve

Select

16-Ch.

Number

Edit

Store

Latch

Low

Note

Latch

High

Note

Scrolling Text Display

In the Edit menu, the 3-digit LED serves double duty as a scrolling text display. When you ﬁrst press the Edit button, the word “SELECt” scrolls continuously across the display, prompting you to select an edit parameter by pressing one of the labelled keys. After an edit parameter is selected, the current value of the parameter is displayed. After a short delay, the edit parameter name begins scrolling. If you enter a value, the display stops scrolling.

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Basic Operations

You’ll notice that the scrolling messages mix upper and lower case characters. This is a necessary compromise to display alphabetical characters on a numeric display.

16 Channel Control Mode

16 Channel Control mode is a special performance mode in which all 16 knobs send one CC number on MIDI channels 1 through 16. This allows you to control a single parameter on all 16 MIDI channels. For example, if the controller number were set to #7 (Channel Volume), the knobs could be used to mix the volumes of all 16 MIDI channels.

In 16 Channel Control Mode, each knob transmits on its same-numbered MIDI Channel. All knobs transmit the same MIDI Controller Number.

 To Select 16 Channel Control Mode:

1. Press the 16 Channel button. The 16 Channel LED illuminates.

2. Press the button again to exit 16 Channel Control Mode. The LED goes off.

 To Set the 16 Channel Control Number:

1. Press the Edit button. The Edit LED illuminates.

2. Press the keyboard key marked 16-Ch. CC Number.

3. Select a CC number from 0-127 using the data slider or using the numeric keyboard keys. The Enter button will be ﬂashing.

4. Press Enter to conﬁrm the operation. Press Home to cancel the operation.

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Basic Operations

Note Latch Mode

This is a performance mode in which a selected range of keys can be set to Latch. A latched key remains on when pressed once. Pressing the key again turns the note off. Latched notes can be useful to trigger loops or repeating rhythmic patterns without having to hold the key.

Any range of keys (0-127) can be speciﬁed as latch notes. Therefore, you could set a range of latch keys that are only accessible with the keyboard transposed down, so as to be out the way in normal operation. Note that you cannot set a low key number higher that the high key, or a high key number lower than the low key.

Note latching is independent per MIDI channel. Notes can remain latched on a given channel while you switch to a different channel, either via direct channel setting change or via patch load. Additional notes can be latched on the new channel.

Turning Latch Mode off manually, via the Latch button, will switch off all latched notes, regardless of their channel or the sequence in which they were latched.

Latched notes are NOT switched off upon loading a new patch in which Latch Mode is OFF. To turn these notes off, either return to the original MIDI channel and play the same notes again, or manually switch Latch Mode ON and then OFF.

Latching Notes

Latch

Low Note

 To Select Latch Mode:

Latch

High Note

These notes play normally

1. Press the Latch button. The Latch LED illuminates.

2. Press the button again to exit Latch Mode. The LED goes off.

 To Set the Keyboard Range of Latched Notes:

1. Low Key -> Press the Edit button, illuminating the LED.

2. Press the keyboard key marked Latch Low Note.

3. Press the keyboard key of the lowest note you want to be in Latch Mode.

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Basic Operations

4. Press Enter to conﬁrm the operation. Press Home to cancel the operation.

5. High Key -> Press the Edit button, illuminating the LED.

6. Press the keyboard key marked Latch High Note.

7. Press the keyboard key of the Highest note you want to be in Latch Mode.

8. Press Enter to conﬁrm the operation. Press Home to cancel the operation.

Snap Shot

The X Board can store the settings of the 16 knobs and footpedal/footswitch with the Patch. When the Snap Shot button is pressed, the currently stored settings of all performance controls (knobs, wheels, footpedal) are transmitted. The initial setting of the footswitch is not transmitted.

Here’s an example of how you might use this feature. The knob settings can be stored with the Patch, and can either be transmitted when the Patch is selected or not. For the purpose of this example, suppose the knob settings are NOT transmitted when the Patch is selected. At a certain point in your song, you could press Snap Shot and completely change the sound by sending the stored controller messages.

This feature can also be used in conjunction with the Knob Bypass control to set up, and then send a group of MIDI continuous controllers messages at once. See the description of “Bypass Mode” below.

Bypass Mode

When you move a controller knob on the X Board, the position value is immediately transmitted via MIDI. Knob Bypass disables the transmission of MIDI messages from the knobs or control pedal/footswitch.

Bypass mode allows you to pre-set the knobs to a known position in order to avoid abrupt parameter jumps in performance when you turn the knob.

When Bypass is On, you can set the knobs anywhere you like without sending MIDI controller messages. When you turn Bypass Off again, nothing is transmitted, but the knobs are now in the desired position for your performance. When you turn a knob, the value of the new position will be sent.

This feature can also be used in conjunction with the Snap Shot feature. In Bypass mode, moving the controller knobs temporarily changes the stored settings. Pressing Snap Shot in Bypass mode transmits the stored settings with any changes you made while in Bypass mode.

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Basic Operations

Edit Parameters

These parameters are accessed via the Edit button. See “Editing Patches” on page 23 for detailed instructions about how to access the Edit mode.

Semitone Transpose

The keyboard can be transposed up or down in one-semitone steps. Transpose works by shifting the keyboard position relative to middle C.

The transposition range is -64 to +63 semitones.

Velocity Curve Select

This function selects one of the eight velocity curves to customize the feel of the keyboard. When playing a velocity-sensitive sound (such as piano), select a curve that provides the most natural response to your playing style.

Select a curve from 1 to 8.

1234

Linear -

to velocity.

No change

Compressed -

For hard players.

Medium

medium velocity. Compressed dynamics

- Outputs

Compress/Limit -

Outputs medium values. Limits dynamics.

5678

Low Vel 1

compression. Outputs low velocity values.

16 Channel CC Number

for more information about how to use this function.

- Extreme

Low Vel 2

compression. Outputs low velocity values.

- Extreme

Expanded

velocity range. Soft -> Loud.

- Expands

Full Velocity

outputs full velocity.

- Only

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Basic Operations

Latch High/Low Note

These keys allow you to set the keyboard range for Latch mode. Please see page 25, for detailed information about Latch mode.

Save CC Value in Patch

When this parameter is set to On, the position of the 16 knobs, Mod Wheel and Footswitch/Footpedal settings will be stored with the Patch. If this parameter is Off, the existing continuous controller settings are retained.

Select on to save the continuous controller settings, or oFF if you don’t want the current CC settings stored with the patch.

CC Send On Recall

When this parameter is set to On, the stored settings of the 16 Controller Knobs, the Mod Wheel and the Footswitch/Footpedal will be transmitted when the Patch is selected. When set to Off the continuous controller settings will not be transmitted when the patch is selected.

Select on to transmit the initial CC settings, or oFF if you don’t want the stored CC settings transmitted.

PGM Send on Recall

This switch enables or disables transmission of stored MIDI Program Changes when a new patch is selected. (The stored program changes for each MIDI channel can only be programmed from the X Board Control application.)

Select on to transmit stored program changes when a patch is selected, or oFF if you don’t want the stored program changes transmitted on patch select.

Bank Send MSB

This parameter allows you to select the MIDI Bank MSB (most signiﬁcant byte) that will be used when selecting program changes with the Send PC or PC Browse Mode commands.

Select a Bank MSB from 0-127.

For more information on MIDI Bank Select commands, see the pdf manual.

Bank Send LSB

This parameter allows you to select the MIDI Bank LSB (least signiﬁcant byte) that will be used when selecting program changes with the Send PC or PC Browse Mode commands.

Select a Bank LSB from 0-127.

For more information on MIDI Bank Select commands, see the pdf manual.

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Basic Operations

Send Prog Change

This function sends MIDI program changes to your external gear on the currently selected MIDI channel.

 To Send an External Program Change

1. Press the Edit button.

2. Press the PC Send keyboard key.

3. Select the desired program change number from 0-127 using the Data Slider or numeric keyboard keys.

4. Press Enter to send the program change.

5. Press Home to exit without sending the program change.

Aftertouch On/Off

When Aftertouch is On, the keyboard will transmit channel aftertouch messages. Aftertouch is transmitted when additional pressure is applied to the keyboard after the keys have been pressed.

Select on to turn Aftertouch on, or oFF to turn it off.

Program Change (PGM) Browse Mode

This function allows you to browse through MIDI programs while playing the keyboard. Program change messages are sent on the basic MIDI channel.

 To Browse MIDI Program Changes

1. Press the Edit button.

2. Press the PGM Browse Mode keyboard key.

3. Select the desired program change number using the Data Slider. The program change numbers are shown on the LED. You can play the keyboard to listen to the selected program. (Program change messages are transmitted when the slider stops moving for one second.)

4. Press Enter or Home to exit Edit mode.

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Basic Operations

X1 Functions

This key accesses two miscellaneous functions. These are global functions which affect all patches. For example, if Pedal is set to Sus, it will remain so for all patches.

• Mid - Out or Thru - When Out is selected, the MIDI output transmits local data from the keyboard and knobs. When Thru is selected, the MIDI output transmits data from the host application.

• PEd - Selects between a footswitch (SuS) or a continuous footpedal (ctL)

 To Select one of the X1 Functions

1. Press the Edit button. The Edit LED illuminates.

2. Select X1.

3. Adjust the data slider to view the four functions: Mid, PEd, SyS.

4. Press Enter to select the desired function.

5. Select the desired value using the data slider.

6. Press Enter to conﬁrm your selection. Press Home to cancel the operation.

Mid

The X Board can function as a MIDI interface between your computer applications and external MIDI gear. When set to Thru, MIDI data from your computer appli- cation is transmitted on the X Board’s MIDI output jack. When Out is selected, the MIDI output transmits local data from the keyboard and knobs.

X Board keyboard and controller data is NOT transmitted from the MIDI output when this function is set to Thru. (Keyboard/Controller data is always sent via USB.)

Pedal

This function sets up the Footswitch / Footpedal input to accept a switch or a variable pedal control input.

• SuS = Sustain or footswitch input. In this mode, the X Board automatically

senses the footswitch polarity on power up (either normally-open, or normally-closed). Because of the automatic sensing feature, you should not hold down the footswitch during power up or the switch action will be reversed.

• ctL = Control Pedal. The X Board accepts control pedals wired as shown in the pdf

manual.

E-MU Systems 30

Creative Xboard25, Xboard69 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual