Creative X Board.book E-MU User Manual

Xboard 1

Owner’s Manual

E-MU World Headquarters

E-MU Systems

1500 Green Hills Road

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

USA

Asia Pacific Africa, Middle East

Creative Technology Ltd

31 International Business Park

Creative Resource, Singapore 609921

SINGAPORE

2E-MU Systems

Europe

Creative Labs (Ireland) Ltd

Ballycoolin Business Park

Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

IRELAND

Japan

Creative Media K. K.

Kanda Eight Bldg., 3F

4-6-7 Soto-Kanda

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

JAPAN

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Connecting the Xboard to your Computer ....................................................... 9

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

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

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

Software Installation ........................................................................................ 11

Macintosh OS X .................... ................................................................................ 11

Windows 2000 ......................................................................................................11

Windows XP ..........................................................................................................12

Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications ..............................................12

Note About Windows Logo Testing ....................................................................12

Troubleshooting ................... .............................................. .............................. 13

Lost Communication ..... ............................................ .......................................... 13

Wrong Driver in Windows XP or Windows 2000 ............................................. 13

Main Panel Controls .................................................... 17

Controller Knobs ........................................................20

Normal mode ....................................... ....................................... ..........................20

16 Channel Controller mode ................................. ............................................ . 20

3D MIDI and NRPN mode ................................. .. .......................................... .....20

Xboard 3

Xboard 61 Panel Controls ........................................... 21

Using the Numeric Keypad ..................................................................................22

Back Panel Description ............................................... 23

Powering the Xboard ................................................. 24

Inserting Batteries into the Xboard .....................................................................24

Basic Operations ........................................................ 25

Entering Data ......................................................... ........................................ .. . 25

Selecting and Storing Patches .................................................... ......................25

Changing the MIDI Channel ............................................................................26

Transposing the Keyboard ...............................................................................27

Changing Controller CC Channel Numbers ...................................................27

16 Channel Control Mode ...............................................................................27

Working With Zones ........................................... .......................................... ...28

Note Latch Mode ...... .........................................................................................29

Latch Mode, Zones Disabled ........... ....................................................................29

Latch Mode, Zones Enabled ............................. ............................................ .......30

Snap Shot ..................................................... .....................................................30

Bypass Mode .....................................................................................................31

Editing Patch and Device Settings ...................................................................31

Scrolling Text Display ....... ............................................................................... .....32

Edit Parameters ................................................................................ .................33

PGM Send on Recall .......................................... .. .......................................... .......33

Send Program Change ..................................... .......................................... .. .........34

Bank Sel MSB .........................................................................................................34

Bank Sel LSB ..........................................................................................................35

Program Change (PGM) Browse Mode ............................................... ...............35

CC Send On Recall ...............................................................................................36

Save CC Value in Patch ......................................... .......................................... .....36

Aftertouch On/Off ................................................................................................37

Semitone Transpose ..............................................................................................37

Velocity Curve Select ...................... ......................................................................38

16 Channel CC Number ......................................................................................38

Latch High/Low Note ...........................................................................................38

X1 and X2 Functions ............................................................................................39

4E-MU Systems

E-MU Xboard Control ..................................................44

Definitions ............... ........................................ ........................................ .........44

Xboard Control Window .................................................................................. 45

Bank View .......................... ....................................... .............................................46

Device .................................................................................................................... 47

Basic Operation ................................................................................................ 47

Patch Editor Tab ........................................................... .................................... 4 9

MIDI Controller Knob Settings .................. .........................................................49

Keyboard Settings .................................................................................................51

Program Change per MIDI Channel ...................................................... .. ...........54

Zones Tab ........................................ .................................................................. 55

Zones Graphical Display ......................................................................................55

Zones Settings .......................................................................................................56

Menu Items .................................................... ................................................... 60

Preferences ............................................................................................................60

Loading and Saving ..............................................................................................61

Edit Menu ..............................................................................................................63

View Menu .............................................................................................................63

Device Menu ...... ................................................................................ ...................63

Help Menu .............................................................................................................63

Appendix ...................................................................64

MIDI Background .............................................................................................64

MIDI Channels & Continuous Controllers ........................................................64

MIDI Program Change Commands ............................................ ........................65

MIDI Bank Select Commands .............................. .......................................... .. ...65

Footpedal Wiring .............................. ................................................................ 65

MIDI Implementation Chart ............................................................................ 66

Index ..........................................................................71

Xboard 5

6E-MU Systems

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the E-MU Xboard 25, Xboard 49, or Xboard 61 USB/MIDI controller. Xboard professional USB/MIDI controllers offer unmatched playability, real-time control and programmability in portable 25 key, 49 key, and 61 key packages. All models feature full-size velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, pitch and modulation wheels, and 16 controller knobs. The Xboard 61 additionally features 16 Patch Select/Program Change buttons, and four Zone enable/disable buttons.

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 Xboard MIDI output can even be used as a MIDI interface for your computer when connected via USB. The Xboard is 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.

You can also assign four different Keyboard Zones to four different MIDI channels, each using a different key range and velocity range. Also, each Zone can have different settings for Pitch Wheel, Mod Wheel, Latch, Aftertouch, Pedal, and Transpose.

All Xboard models contain a host of extra features. The “Snap Shot” feature lets you send multiple 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.

Xboard 7

Introduction

Requirements

The included Xboard 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, XP, or XP x64 Edition, and your computer must support USB to communicate with the Xboard. The Xboard can operate in MIDI Output mode without a computer if power is supplied via a 6VDC adapter or batteries.

On a Mac:

You must be running Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later to connect the Xboard. The Xboard can operate in MIDI Output mode without a computer if power is supplied via a 6VDC adapter or batteries.

Hardware Installation

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

The supplied USB cable provides power and a two-way data link between the Xboard 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 Xboard. This end is also keyed to prevent incorrect insertion.

Important: Windows 2000 users must install the software BEFORE the hardware is connected for the first time.

If the Xboard 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.

E-MU Systems 8

Introduction

Connecting the Xboard to your Computer

USB Connection

USB provides a two-way data link between the Xboard and your computer and also supplies power to the Xboard. 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 V1 27 P PA:01RNIVTG

022

trn:Mellotron tr S

MIDI

Cable

6 VDC

Adapter

(optional)

(not included)

Out

Xboard 9

The Xboard sends MIDI performance data to another MIDI device, such as a MIDI sound module. The Xboard always transmits MIDI data except when “Thru” mode is enabled. (See page 39

Introduction

MIDI Interface

MIDI Sound Module

CO1A V 127 P PA:01RNIVTG 0223trn:Mellotron tr S

MIDI

Cable

(

The Xboard can function as a MIDI interface when connected to your computer via USB. Set the Xboard MIDI port to “Thru” (page 39) to transmit MIDI from your sequencing application to an external MIDI device.

)

Out

E-MU Systems 10

Introduction

Software Installation

Macintosh OS X

Follow these instructions to install the Xboard Control software on a Macintosh computer.

1. Insert the Xboard installation CD.

2. Double-click the E-MU icon on your desktop.

3. In the E-MU folder that opens, double-click the E-MU Xboard Apps & Docs installer.

4. Follow the prompts to install the software.

Windows 2000

Follow these instructions to install the Xboard USB drivers and Xboard Contr o l 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 Start  Run and type d:\setup.exe (replace d:\ with the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive). You can also simply open the CD and double-click Setup.exe.

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 Xboard, and the other software included on the CD.

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 Xboard to your computer using the supplied USB cable.

Xboard 11

Introduction

Windows XP

Follow these instructions to install the Xboard USB drivers and Xboard Control software on a Windows XP computer.

1. Connect the Xboard to your computer using the supplied USB cable, and turn it on.

2. If Windows prompts you with an Add New Hardware Wizard, click Cancel.

3. Insert the E-MU software Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. If Windows AutoPlay is enabled for your CD-ROM drive, the CD starts running automatically. If not, click the Start menu, and select Run. Type d:\setup.exe (where d: is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive) and click OK. You can also explore the CD and double-click Setup.exe.

4. The inst allation splash screen appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. You will have the option to install E-Mu Xboard, and the other software included on the CD.

5. Click Continue Anyway when you encounter the “Windows Logo Testing” warning screen. See

6. When prompted, restart your computer.

“Note About Windows Logo Testing”.

Uninstalling all Audio Drivers and Applications

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

1. Click Start  Settings  Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Add/Remo ve Programs icon.

3. Click the Install/Uninstall tab (or Change or Remove Programs button).

4. Select the E-MU Xboard entry and then click the Change/Remove button.

5. In the InstallShield Wizard dialog box, select the Remove ALL option.

6. Click the Yes.

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 Xboard USB drivers, you see a dialog box that informs you that the driver has not passed Windows Logo testing.

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

E-MU Systems 12

Introduction

Troubleshooting

Lost Communication

Should you lose MIDI communication between your Xboard and an audio application (Cubase, Sonar, etc.) or the Xboard Control software, the Xboard drivers may need to be re-selected in your application.

1. Go to your application's MIDI I/O settings, de-s elect the Xboard 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 Xboard 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 Xboard Control or Proteus X software is 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 Audio Device driver is running, rather than the E-MU USB Xboard Driver. This may happen if you add a USB Hub, or if you plug the Xboard keyboard into a different USB port than the one it was plugged into when you installed the Xboard software.

 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 USB Audio Device or E-MU Xboardxx.

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

7. If the vendor shown here is E-MU Systems, you have run into a differentproblem, 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.

Xboard 13

Introduction

 Windows XP  You may recover by doing the following:

1. Click on Update Driver.

2. If you are running Windows Service Pack 2, following dialog box appears. Select No, not this time, and click Next.

3. Select Install from a specific location (Advanced), and click Next.

E-MU Systems 14

Introduction

4. Select Don't Search, I will choose the driver to install, and click Next.

5. Select E-MU USB-MIDI Device, and click Next.

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

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

Xboard 15

Introduction

 Windows 2000  You may recover by doing the following:

1. Double-click the incorrect listing in the Device Manage r and choos e Update Driver... from the Driver tab.

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

3. Click Next.

4. Click Have Disk...

5. Insert your Xboard install CD. If the disk autoruns, Exit the disk's ins tal le r.

6. Click Browse.

7. Browse to the following file, double-click the file, and click OK:

X:\Audio\Drivers\Driver\emuumidi.inf (where X is your CD drive letter).

8. Click Next.

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

10. Click Yes.

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

E-MU Systems 16

Main Panel Controls

MAIN PANEL CONTROLS

2 3 12 14 11 13

1. Data Entry / Master Volume Slider

This control is used to enter data values when editing. When not bein g 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 and certain device settings. To Edit: Press the Edit button, choose the parameter to be edited using the

keyboard keys, enter the value with the slider, then press Ent er .

4567 8

910

Panic

3. MIDI Indicators

The decimal points in the LED flash to indicate USB and MIDI activity. a. USB In b. USB Out c. MIDI Out

The activity indicators can be enabled or disabled from the X1 menu.

See “X1 and X2 Functions” on page 39.

4. 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 Play mode, the normal operating mode of the keyboard. The Home LED is lit whenever the Xboard is in Play mode.

Xboard 17

Main Panel Controls

5. Store Patch

This button stores 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, the Octave Transpose + and - buttons, or the Direct Patch Select buttons (Xboard 61 only), then press Enter to store the current setup.

6. Enter

Press Enter to confirm your settings when editing. In most cases, the Home LED illuminates after Enter is pressed, indicating a return to Play mode.

7. Octave Down

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

8. Octave Up

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

MIDI Panic Button (7 + 8)

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.

Increment / Decrement Buttons

The Octave Transpose buttons can be used as increment/decrement buttons whenever the Data Slider is active for modifying an edit value (either numeric or non-numeric settings). The increment/decrement buttons allow you to increase or decrease the value one unit at a time.

9. 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, the Octave Transpose + and - buttons, or the Direct Patch Select buttons (Xboard 61 only), and press Enter.

E-MU Systems 18

Main Panel Controls

10. MIDI Channel Select

This button selects the Basic 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, the Octave Transpose + and - buttons, or the Direct Patch Select bu ttons (Xboard 61 only), and press Enter.

11. 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

12. 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 29.

13. Knob Bypass

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

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 perfor mance. 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 27 for detailed information.

page 31.

14. 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 setup, and then send a group of MIDI continuous controllers messages at once.

The Snapshot function is accessible only while in Play mode (i.e., whenever the Home LED is lit).

Xboard 19

Controller Knobs

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 MIDI Continuous Controller assigned to the knob, then the letters “CH”, and finally the MIDI channel on which the knob currently sends. To set the CC channel numbers of the knobs see page 27

Normal mode

Any MIDI Continuous Controller number can be assigned to any knob. For instructions on setting this from the Xboard, see page 27 using the Xboard Control Software, see page 49

. For help setting this

16 Channel Controller mode

3D MIDI and NRPN mode

Using the Xboard Control software, any of the 16 Controller Knobs can be configured to run in 3D MIDI mode, or NRPN mode. For more information, see

page 50.

E-MU Systems 20

Xboard 61 Panel Controls

XBOARD 61 PANEL CONTROLS

Zones

Enable

123

23 4

1. Patch Select / Numeric Keypad

These buttons serve a number of functions:

• With Program Change mode turned off, you can select a patch from 1 to 16 at any time. The LED for the current patch stays illuminated.

• When changing MIDI channel, or Storing and Loading Patches with the main panel controls, use buttons 1 through 16 to make a selection.

• For Program change mode, use buttons 1 through 10 to enter numerical values for Program Changes.

• Use the numerical keypad buttons when entering numerical values, such as Edit functions.

2. Zones Enable

Enables or disables Zones functions in the active patch. When Zones are enabled, the LED illuminates.

For the Xboard 25 or Xboard 49, you can enable or disable Zones using the X2 menu item “ZoE”(

page 43) or the Xboard Control software (page 56).

■ Program

Change Mode

3. Keyboard Zones Buttons

These buttons enable or disable individual Zones. When a Zone is enabled, the LED illuminates.

For the Xboard 25 or Xboard 49, you can enable or disable individual Zones using the Xboard Control software (

See page 58).

Xboard 21

Xboard 61 Panel Controls

4. Program Change Mode

When you press this button, you switch between Program Change mode and Patch Select mode. The LED illuminates when in Program Change mode.

• Program Change mode: allows you to send MIDI program changes to other equipment using the numerical buttons. (0-9)

• Patch Select mode: allows you to select from 16 internal patches (1-16).

The Program Change Mode button also doubles as the Enter button when it, along with the Enter button, fla shes.

Using the Numeric Keypad

The numeric keypad allows you to enter numeric values for Program Changes, and other settings.

Use 1-10 to Enter Numerical Values

To use the numeric keypad to enter data, use the buttons labeled 1 through 10 to enter a value. The current value is reflected in the display. The “10” button acts as the value of 0, so if you want to enter a value of 109, you would press:

If you enter a value you don’t like, you can clear the value by entering “0” three times.

E-MU Systems 22

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