M-Audio manual Getting Started With Music Creation Software, KeyRIg 49 User Guide

KeyRIg 49 User Guide 6

Getting Started With Music Creation Software

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If you are new to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), you may find it challenging to understand why sounds have not simply been included in the keyboard. You will find that using a software-based sound source and recording system allows for access to an extremely large array of high quality sounds, a large graphic user interface, and freedom to work with many music creation applications. A basic understanding of MIDI will enable you to take advantage of its wealth of creative possibilities.

Pressing one of KeyRig’s keys causes the keyboard to send out MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data. MIDI data just gives instructions on how a sound should play. These instructions dictate parameters such as what note to play, when to play it, how loud to play it, and which sound to use.

When using a virtual instrument within your recording software, data from the KeyRig 49 keyboard can be sent to the sequencer, routed to a virtual instrument, and sent to an audio output, turning MIDI data into audible sounds. For this, you must configure your music software to read MIDI data being sent from the KeyRig 49 and play the sound back accordingly. In many music applications, this entails going into the Options or Device Set-Up menu in your music software application and selecting the appropriate MIDI input device. KeyRig 49 should appear under the name “KeyRig 49 In” or “USB Audio Device” in the MIDI devices section of most Windows XP music software applications.

In Windows XP, KeyRig 49 will appear as “USB Audio Device” if the optional drivers have not been installed. After installing these drivers, KeyRig 49 will appear as “KeyRig 49 In.” Please consult your software’s documentation for instructions on how to configure the software for use with MIDI input devices.

Figure A: Sample MIDI device dialog window without optional KeyRig 49 drivers installed.

NOTE:

Figure B: Sample MIDI device dialog window with optional KeyRig 49 drivers installed.

When running the Key Rig virtual instrument software in standalone mode, Key Rig automatically receives MIDI messages from your KeyRig 49 USB keyboard or from any other installed MIDI interface. No MIDI input configuration in necessary.

When running Key Rig as a plug-in, your host application’s MIDI input settings determine the MIDI information received by Key Rig. Please consult your host application’s documentation for more information on MIDI routing.

When using the Key Rig software in standalone mode, be sure to select your ASIO-compatible sound card and output channels from the pull down menu at the top of Key Rig’s screen as shown.