padKONTROL EasyStart
Getting Started
Setting up the padKONTROL with a Computer
1.Install the included software: Place the included
•On a Mac, open the Editor/Librarian folder, and then open the .DMG file inside.
•On a PC, select the options you want to install from the box that pops up.
2.Plug the padKONTROL into a free USB port, and set the power switch on the back to “USB.”
3.Start up your favorite software instrument/sampler, or load up the included Toontracks DFH Superior Korg Edition drum kit as a plugin in your sequencer!
4.Make sure you select the correct MIDI input in your software… The “PadKONTROL Port A” and PadKONTROL Port B” are for
5.If you aren’t using a computer, use an A/C adapter and connect the MIDI Out port of the padKONTROL to the MIDI In port of your synth/drum machine/sound
Making Noise
Obviously, you want to hit pads and hear sounds (or control something). Chances are at this point, you can do just that. Try hitting a pad and see what happens. If you don’t hear anything, there are a couple of things you should check.
•The pads are set to send on MIDI channel 10 by default. Is your software (or sound module) set up to receive on channel 10?
•Is the MIDI routing set correctly? In most software sequencers, you need to set a MIDI input for each track, as well as an output. The output should be set to whichever software you’re using, or the output on the MIDI interface connected to your hardware.
•Are your speakers turned up? If not, please smack yourself upside the head before proceeding.
So, let’s assume you hear something now. Notice the number you see when you hit a pad? That’s the velocity level, or how hard you just struck the pad! It’s good to watch this number, and learn your habits as you’re playing. Each pad has seven selectable velocity curves, so you can set the pads differently for your individual style of play. You can be a hard hitter, a
Using the padKONTROL
The Pads
In case you haven’t noticed, the pads on your padKONTROL are really sensitive!
•Notice how you can hit the far corners of each pad, and still have the same response. This is one of the subtle details that make the padKONTROL such a pleasure to use. You can still nail a velocity of 127, just by hitting the very TIP of a corner.
•The red lights aren’t just there to look pretty. They’re there to let you know when you’ve triggered a pad. If you pay attention to them, they can actually help you decide on a velocity setting that’s right for you (or right for one note)! Like any musical instrument, the more familiar you feel while playing it, the better you will perform.
2