Carry-on Folding Controller 49 User manual

Owner’s Manual
DESIGNED IN PARTNERSHIP
WITH BLACKSTAR AMPLIFICATION UK

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WARNING!
In order to avoid electric shock, short circuit, accidents, fire, or other
hazards, please pay attention to the following important information:
Please do not open the Carry-on Folding Controller, disassemble its parts
or make any changes to the internal components. This product has no
parts that can be repaired or altered by users themselves (the Carry-on
Folding Controller has its own tuning stability system, which never needs
tuning).
If you notice abnormal behaviour in your Carry-on Folding Controller’s
functions, please contact an official service centre.
Please keep your Carry-on Folding Controller away from rain, water, or
any other wet environment.
Do not place containers of liquids on top of your Carry-on Folding
Controller as accidental spillage may cause damage.
If the charging cable or plug is worn or damaged, if there is a sudden
power failure during use, or if there is an abnormal smell or smoke from
your Carry-on Folding Controller, you should turn off the power and unplug
the charging cable immediately.
Before cleaning your Carry-on Folding Controller, turn off the power and
unplug it. Do not clean your Carry-on Folding Controller with a corrosive
solvent.
Ensure that the internal battery pack is not exposed to excessive heat.Keep
away from fire, hot surfaces, direct sunlight or other ignition sources.
The internal battery is not a user serviceable part. Risk of explosion if the
battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
If your FC49 freezes, please turn the power off and on again as per the
instructions.
Precautions
The following, but not limited to, precautions should always be observed
at all times to avoid possible injury to the user or others, as well as possible
damage to the Carry-on Folding Controller or other external equipment:
1. Do not over bend the charging cable, do not place heavy objects on the
charging cable, do not place the charging cable in a place where people
can pass, and do not wrap the charging cable around other objects to
avoid damaging the charging cable.
2. When unplugging the charging cable, hold the plug itself instead of
pulling the wire.
3. The charging cable should be removed when the Carry-on Folding
Controller 49 is not in use for a long time, or during thunder storms.
4. Do not place the Carry-on Folding Controller in dusty, vibrating, cold
or hot conditions (such as direct sunlight or transportation in the sun)
to avoid damage to the appearance and internal components of the
Carry-on Folding Controller.
5. Before moving the Carry-on Folding Controller, unplug the charging
cable and all cables from it to other equipment.
6. When cleaning the Carry-on Folding Controller, wipe it with a soft and
dry fabric. Do not use a cloth soaked in paint thinners, organic solvents,
cleaning agents, or other corrosive chemicals to wipe the Carry-on
Folding Controller, to avoid fading the panel or keyboard.
7. Do not place the Carry-on Folding Controller near other electrical
appliances, such as a TV, radio, etc. Placing the Folding Controller near
other electrical appliances may cause mutual interference
between them.
8. Do not put the Carry-on Folding Controller on an unstable surface, so
as not to cause damage.
9. Do not place heavy objects on the Carry-on Folding Controller or use
excessive force to press keys or toggle control switches.
10. Avoid strong collisions and shaking of the Carry-on Folding Controller,
as they may cause damage to the Carry-on Folding Controller and
cause personal injury.
11. Avoid use in areas where the Folding Controller is uneven, to
avoid damage.
12. Before using a charger to power this product, check the charger
carefully for breakage, tearing, stripped wires, and any other damage.
13. Children under 3 years old should not use this product.

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Introduction
Congratulations on buying this Carry-on Folding Controller 49.
Measuring only 39cm long when folded, the Carry-on Folding Controller is
a unique 49-key MIDI Controller in a foldable, easy to store and portable
format. Thanks to its unique design and velocity sensitive full width keys,
the Carry-on Folding Controller is the perfect solution for entry-level
students to seasoned professionals. With a built in Arpeggiator, X/Y pad,
2 customisable control knobs and pre-mapped transport controls, this is
the ultimate MIDI anywhere controller.
In order to utilise its many functions, please read this manual carefully
before use and keep it safe for future reference.
Unfolding and folding instructions
How to unfold your Carry-on Folding Controller 49:
Important: Lay the Folding Controller on a flat surface before unfolding.
To prevent damage, Do not unfold the Piano on an uneven surface.
STEP 1:
Place the Folding Controller to the left of your flat playing surface, with
the keys facing towards you and the wiring connector on the right side.
STEP 2:
Lift up part B and move it towards the right and lay it flat as shown below.
Your Folding Controller is now ready for use.
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How to fold your Carry-on Folding Controller 49:
STEP 1:
Lift part B and fold on top of part A as shown.
Your piano is now safely folded for transport or storage.
Factory Reset
If required, the default factory configuration can be recalled by performing
a factory reset of your Folding Controller.
To perform a factory reset on your Folding Controller 49:
Ensure your Folding Controller is powered off
Hold the “OCT+” and “OCT-” buttons
Power on your Folding Controller
When the screen displays release the “OCT+” and
“OCT-” buttons
Volume increase button
Volume decrease button
Metronome select button
Next select button
Previous select button
Tempo button
Demo select button
Accompaniment select button
Voice select button
Octave / Transpose setting button
A
B
TRANSP.
OC TAVE
TRANSP.
OC TAVE
1 2
3
4
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2
3
4
Sustain pedal socket: Used for connecting
the supplied sustain pedal.
Power switch: Turn the Piano On/Off.
USB-C port: Connect the supplied USB
charging cable to power and charge the device.
Connect to a USB port on your computer to use
as a MIDI controller.
Headphone: Connect headphones or a speaker
with a quality screened cable (not supplied).
wiring
Front panel
1. Display
The screen displays information appropriate to the current mode.
By default, it will show the current octave and in ARP mode it will
show the current tempo. Changes to settings and parameters are also
displayed here.
2. OCT.+/ARP. Button
Pressing the OCT.+/ARP. button will shift the octave range of the keyboard
up in pitch. The octave range is -3 to +4.
While holding the SHIFT button, pressing the OCT.+/ARP. button will
toggle Arpeggiator mode on and off. When the Arpeggiator mode is turned
on, and then will be shown on the display. When the Arpeggiator
mode is turned off, and then will be shown on the display.
3. SHIFT Button
The SHIFT button toggles the secondary functions of certain buttons, keys
and knobs while it is being held.
4. TAP/OCT.- Button
Pressing the TAP/OCT.- button will shift the octave range of the keyboard
down in pitch. The octave range is -3 to +4.
While holding the SHIFT button, the TAP/OCT.- button will act as a tap
tempo input for the Arpeggiator. Tap this button at a regular tempo to
set the Arpeggiator BPM. The tapped BPM will be shown on the display.
NOTE: Tap tempo can be set regardless of whether the Arpeggiator
mode is on or off.
5. A/DIV. Knob
Turning the A/DIV. knob will send MIDI CC messages to all MIDI outputs.
By default, the A/DIV. knob is set to MIDI CC number 12. The MIDI CC
number of the A/DIV. knob can be changed using the Carry-on Control app
(see section on Carry-on Control app). Map the appropriate CC number
to a parameter in your DAW or MIDI device to control that parameter with
the A/DIV. knob.
Holding SHIFT and turning the A/DIV. knob will adjust the note division
of the Arpeggiator. Starting from full anti-clockwise, the available note
divisions are:

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 = ¼ note
 = ¼ note triplets
 = ⅛ note
 = ⅛ note triplets
 = 1/16 note
 = 1/16 note triplets
 = 1/32 note
 = 1/32 note triplets
6. B/SWING Knob
Turning the B/SWING knob will send MIDI CC messages to all MIDI
outputs. By default, the B/SWING knob is set to MIDI CC number 13.
The MIDI CC number of the B/SWING knob can be changed using the
Carry-on Control app (see section on Carry-on Control app). Map the
appropriate CC number to a parameter in your DAW or MIDI device to
control that parameter with the B/SWING knob.
Holding SHIFT and turning the B/SWING knob will adjust the amount of
swing of the Arpeggiator. From full anti-clockwise to clockwise the range
of the swing control is Off (50%) to 75%.
7. Touch Pad
The touch pad has two modes: PITCH/MOD. And X/Y. The touch pad
mode can be changed by holding down the SHIFT button and pressing
the key labelled “TOUCH PAD”. The touch pad mode can also be set
using the Carry-on Control app.
In PITCH/MOD. mode, the left half of the touch pad will control pitch and
the right half will control modulation. The PITCH control will “snap” back to
halfway when released, just like a traditional pitch wheel. The MOD. control
will remain wherever it is set until it is adjusted again.
NOTE: Pitch and Modulation are standard MIDI parameters, so when
connected to a MIDI device or DAW these controls will be pre-mapped
(where possible) to the appropriate parameters.
In X/Y mode, a CC number can be assigned to each axis of the touch pad.
Sliding along the X axis will adjust the value of the CC number assigned
to the X axis and sliding along the Y axis will adjust the value of the CC
number assigned to the Y axis. Sliding diagonally from the bottom left
corner of the touch pad to the top right corner will adjust the value of both
CC numbers at the same time.
TIP: In X/Y mode, map the CC numbers to parameters on your MIDI
device or in your DAW, slide all around the touch pad and see what
happens!
NOTE: By default, in X/Y mode the X axis is assigned to MIDI number 71
and the Y axis is assigned to MIDI number 74. The CC numbers assigned
to each axis can be changed in the Carry-on Control app.
8. Keyboard
Your Folding Controller 49 has 49 velocity sensitive keys. Playing the keys
with different amounts of pressure will cause the velocity of the MIDI notes
to vary. When using the default velocity curve, playing the keys harder will
output MIDI notes with higher velocities and playing the keys softer will
result in lower velocities.
Certain keys have secondary functions that can be accessed by holding
the SHIFT button. The secondary functions of the keys are:
ARPEGGIATOR: The keys in the ARPEGGIATOR section adjust the
relevant parameter of the Arpeggiator. Please see the Arpeggiator section
for more information on the Arpeggiator functions and parameters.
TRANSP.- and TRANSP.+: Pressing one of these keys will transpose
the keyboard down a semitone (TRANSP.-) or up a semitone (TRANSP.+).
The current transposition will be displayed on screen and the range of
transposition is -11 to +11 semitones.
TIP: Pressing both transpose buttons and shift simultaneously will reset
the transposition to 0.
TOUCH PAD: Pressing this key will toggle the mode of the touch pad.
Please see (7) for more information on the touch pad modes
VEL. CURVE: The velocity curve can be altered by pressing this key.
The velocity curve options are:

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= Default
= Soft
= Hard
= Custom
= Off
The velocity curve options change the emphasis of the velocity curve.
The hard velocity curve will emphasise higher velocities and the soft curve
will emphasise lower velocities. Setting the velocity curve to off will result
in all key presses outputting the same fixed velocity. The custom curve
can be altered using the Carry-on Control app and saved to your Folding
Controller.
NOTE: The default velocity when the velocity curve is off is 80. This can
also be adjusted in the Carry-on Control app.
MIDI CHANNELS: These keys can be used to select the MIDI channel
for all MIDI messages. For example, pressing the 2 key will set the MIDI
channel of all MIDI messages to channel 2.
NOTE: For information on how to select individual MIDI channels for
specific controls, please see the section on the Carry-on Control app.
PROGRAM CHANGE, NUMERIC KEYPAD, CANCEL and ENTER: Program
change messages can be sent using these keys. To send a PC message:
- Press the PROGRAM CHANGE key - will be displayed on screen
- Use the NUMERIC KEYPAD to enter the desired PC message number
- Press the ENTER key to confirm and send the message
The display will show and the message number to confirm the
message has been sent. To cancel sending a message after pressing the
PROGRAM CHANGE key, press the CANCEL key.
NOTE: The display will show if the number is outside of the MIDI
range. The range of MIDI PC message numbers is 0 to 127.
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9. Transport Buttons
The default transport control configuration will be pre-mapped to most
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and MIDI devices. In this configuration,
the transport controls will send the MIDI Machine Control messages (MMC
messages) associated with their icons:
 = Record
 = Stop
 = Play
The transport controls can be configured instead to send CC messages.
To do this hold the SHIFT button and press the transport button you
would like to change. The display will show the current configuration of
that control:
= MMC (MIDI Machine Control)
= CC (Control Change)
NOTE: The default CC numbers for the transport controls are 14, 15
and 16 for the Record, Stop and Play buttons respectively. The button
behaviour and CC numbers assigned to the transport controls can be
adjusted using the Carry-on Control app.
Please see the section on DAW Integration for more information about
using the transport controls with specific DAWs.
Rear Panel Features
10. MIDI OUT
Output MIDI to external MIDI devices using the MIDI OUT socket. The
default MIDI channel for the MIDI OUT is channel 1.
NOTE: To connect a 5 pin MIDI cable use a TRS MIDI to 5 pin MIDI
adaptor.
11. Power Button
The power button toggles your Folding Controller on and off. Hold the
power button for 3 seconds to power up and power down your Folding
Controller. The display will illuminate when the Folding Controller is on.

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If your Folding Controller does not power up, connect it to a suitable power
source to charge the battery using the USB-C socket (3). The typical
charging time from zero charge is 2 hours.
NOTE: Use your computer’s USB port or a suitable 5V DC power supply
at a maximum of 1A for safe charging of the internal battery.
12. USB-C Socket
Connect to your computer or MIDI device using the USB-C socket. Please
see the section on DAW Integration for more information about connecting
your Folding Controller to your DAW.
This socket is also used to charge your Folding Controller. When charging,
the display will show an advancing dot. When your Folding Controller is
fully charged, the display will show three static dots. The typical charging
time from zero charge is 2 hours.
NOTE: Use your computer’s USB port or a 5V DC power supply at a
maximum of 1A for safe charging of the internal battery.
13. SUSTAIN
Connect a TS sustain pedal to your folding controller using this socket.
Using the Arpeggiator
The ARPEGGIATOR mode activates a sequencer. When a note is held
down on the keyboard, the ARPEGGIATOR begins playing a sequence
of notes based on the held note or notes. The sequence played and
how the sequence is played can be adjusted using the ARPEGGIATOR
parameters.
There are 4 basic parameters that are the basis for the Arpeggiator
sequence:
Tempo/BPM
This sets the fundamental ¼ note speed or the Tempo/BPM (Beats
Per Minute) of the Arpeggiator sequence.
The tempo can be set using the TAP/OCT.- button (see Front Panel
4), when the Arpeggiator is set to internal clock. Internal clock is
the default setting for the Arpeggiator. The tempo can also be set by
an external clock source (a DAW for example) over USB.
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To select the clock source for the Arpeggiator hold the SHIFT button
and press the CLOCK key. Pressing this key will toggle between:
= Internal Clock
= External Clock
NOTE: When the clock source is set to external, the Arpeggiator will not
play a sequence if there is no clock input from the USB connection.
Note Division
The note division is the rhythm that the Arpeggiator sequence will
follow. The note division can be adjusted by holding the SHIFT
button and adjusting the A/DIV. knob. Please see Front Panel (5) for
more information on the A/DIV. knob and the note divisions.
The selected rhythm of the sequence can also be swung by holding
SHIFT and turning the B/SWING knob. The swing setting is off by
default, but can be increased from Off (50%) to 75% by turning the
B/SWING knob clockwise.
Order
The order is the order in which the sequence of notes will be played.
The order can be changed by holding the SHIFT button and pressing
one of the order keys:
- UP – The sequence will start at the lowest note and move up
through the notes in pitch order.
- DOWN – The sequence will start at the highest note and move
down through the notes in pitch order.
- EXCL. – The sequence will start at the lowest note and move up
through the notes in pitch order. When the highest note is reached,
the sequence will move back down through the notes in pitch order.
When the lowest note is reached, the entire pattern will be repeated.
Each note in the sequence will only be played once.
- INCL. - The sequence will start at the lowest note and move up
through the notes in pitch order. When the highest note is reached,
the sequence will move back down through the notes in pitch order.

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When the lowest note is reached, the entire pattern will be repeated.
The highest and lowest notes in the sequence will be repeated each
time there is a direction change.
- ORDER – The sequence will be played in the same order that the
notes were played into the Arpeggiator on the keyboard.
- RANDOM – The sequence will be played in a random order.
Range
The sequence can be extended into the octaves above the starting
notes by adjusting the range. Holding the SHIFT button and
pressing the RANGE- or RANGE+ keys will adjust the octave
range of the sequence. The default setting is 1, with settings above
1 extending/repeating the sequence notes up to the maximum
setting of 4.
Holding the SHIFT button and pressing the LATCH key will toggle latch
on and off. With latch on, notes played into the Arpeggiator will continue
to play even after they are released. These notes will be played in the
sequence until the next notes are played on the keyboard.
Carry-on Control App
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The Carry-on Control app offers full configuration of all the controls
available on your Folding Controller 49. Once you have configured the
perfect control scheme for your needs, the Carry-on Control app allows
easy saving and recalling of the full configuration.
To get the most out of your Carry-on Folding Controller 49, please read
the detailed guide of the Carry-on Control app below.
14. Reading and Sending Data
When your Folding Controller is connected to your PC via USB, the
Carry-on Control app will automatically connect and read the current
settings on your device when it is launched. A pop-up message will appear
to confirm that the settings on your Folding Controller have been read
successfully.
Settings adjusted within the Carry-on Control app will not be automatically
applied to your Folding Controller. To store the current configuration to
your Folding Controller, make sure to click the SEND button in the bottom
left corner of the app.
NOTE: If there is a connectivity issue between your Folding Controller and
your PC , a pop-up message will appear stating that the settings have not
been successfully read or sent. To ensure the best connection, please use
the USB-C cable supplied in the box and avoid using USB hubs.
15. Velocity Curve
As with the VEL. CURVE key (see Front Panel – 8. Keyboard), the velocity
curve applied to the keyboard can be selected within the Carry-on Control
app using the pop-out window, accessed by clicking on the name of the
currently selected velocity curve, for example “Fixed”.
The CUSTOM velocity curve can be customised and saved to your Folding
Controller using this pop-out window. Saving a new custom curve to your
Folding Controller will overwrite the existing custom curve on your device.
NOTE: Once a custom velocity curve is saved to your Folding Controller
it can be accessed using the VEL. CURVE key (see Front Panel – 8.
Keyboard) and cycling through the curves to . Your Folding Controller
does not need to be connected to the Carry-on Control app.

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16. Control Knobs
The control knobs A/DIV. and B/SWING can be individually assigned to
independent CC numbers and MIDI channels using the “Control Knob”
section.
17. Touch Pad
The touch pad configuration can be managed using the TOUCH PAD
section within the Carry-on Control app.
Toggle between PITCH/MOD. mode and XY mode using the MODE toggle
switch. When XY mode is selected, the CC number and MIDI channel can
be set for each axis of the touch pad individually.
18. Transport Controls
The default for the transport controls is MMC mode. Within the
TRANSPORT CONTROLS section of the app, a specific transport type
can be assigned to each button from the 5 options:
 = Record
 = Stop
 = Play
 = Rewind
 = Fast Forward
Each transport control can be individually toggled from MMC mode to
CC mode. When in CC mode, a CC number and MIDI channel can be
assigned to each transport control. The behaviour of the transport controls
can also be configured in CC mode, by switching between:
Momentary
When the transport control button is pressed, ‘127’ will be sent.
When the button is released, ‘0’ will be sent.
Toggle
When the transport control button is pressed, ‘127’ will be sent. When the
button is released and pressed for a second time, ‘0’ will be sent.
19. Exporting and Importing Profiles
The full configuration of your Folding Controller can be saved by using the EXPORT
button in the bottom left of the Carry-on Control app. Multiple configurations can
be saved in this way and recalled by using the IMPORT button.
NOTE: When recalling configurations, the SEND button must be pressed
to apply the configuration to your Folding Controller.
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DAW Integration
USB
When connecting to a computer via USB, your Carry-on Folding Controller
49 should will appear as the MIDI device ‘Carry-on FC49’ within your
chosen DAW. The Folding Controller 49 can be configured as both a MIDI
input and a MIDI output device.
If your DAW supports MMC transport control, the transport controls on
your Folding Controller should already be pre-mapped to the appropriate
controls ie. record, stop and play.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Folding Controller 49 “MMC Device ID” is 116.
To control transport functions when using a DAW that requires an MMC
Device ID (Cubase, Pro Tools etc.), you will need to set this ID to 116.
Bluetooth
Mobile Devices
Your Carry-on Folding Controller 49 has MIDI over Bluetooth functionality.
When switched on it will automatically be in pairing mode.
To connect your mobile device to your instrument, please do not try to
connect through your standard Bluetooth settings, instead you will need
to connect via your chosen music app to pair with your device. Go to the
Settings menu in your chosen music app to pair with your smartphone.
Using Cubasis as an example, go to:
Setup – MIDI – MIDI over Bluetooth – Host
Find ‘Carry-on FC49’ in the devices list and tap to pair.
PC and Mac
Connecting to Windows PC
- Turn on your Carry-on FC49. It will automatically be in pairing mode.
- Go to settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add Device.
- Select Bluetooth from the list.
- Select “Carry-on FC49” in the list of devices, then click connect.
- Your Carry-on FC49 will now be visible in your DAW as a MIDI peripheral.

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Connecting to an Apple Mac
- Turn on your Carry-on FC49. It will automatically be in pairing mode.
- In the Audio MIDI Setup app on your Mac, choose Window > Show
MIDI Studio.
- In the MIDI Studio window, click the Configure Bluetooth button in
the toolbar.
- Select “Carry-on FC49” in the list of devices, then click connect.
Your Carry-on FC49 will now be visible in your DAW as a MIDI peripheral.
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Technical Specification
Dimensions: 390mm x 126mm x 48mm (Folded)
775mm x 126mm x 24mm (Expanded)
Net weight: 1.01kg

235401M-VA-A 11/22
Blackstar Amplication Ltd, Beckett House, 14 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5AW, UK
For the latest information go to: www.carryonplaying.com
Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication, due to our policy of constant improvement
and development, Blackstar Amplication Ltd reserves the right to alter specications without prior notice.