ICON I-stage User manual

N16549
Velocity-sensitive USB MIDI Matrix
& drum pads controller

Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacture’s
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

Introduction
What's in the package
Features
Front Panel Layout
Side Panel Layout
Getting Started
Connecting your iStage controller
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Installing iMap Software for Mac OSX
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Installing iMap Software for Windows
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Assigning MIDI functions with iMap
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iMap iStage software panel
Services
Restore the factory default settings
Daisy chain your iStage to other i-series controllers
Specifications
Contents
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3-4
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4
5-6
7
8-9
13
10-11
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Introduction
Please write your serial number here for future reference:
Purchased at:
Date of purchase:
Thank you for purchasing the ICON iStage USB MIDI controller. We sincerely trust this
product will provide years of satisfactory service, but if anything is not to your complete
satisfaction, we will endeavor to make things right.
In these pages, you'll find a detailed description of the features of the iStage, as well as a
guided tour through its front and side panels, step-by-step instructions for its setup and
use, and full specifications.
You'll also find a warranty card enclosed---please don't forget to fill it out and mail it so
that you can receive online technical support at: www.icon-global.com. And so we can
send you updated information about these and other ICON products in the future. As
with most electronic devices, we strongly recommend you retain the original packaging.
In the unlikely event the product must be returned for servicing, the original packaging
(or reasonable equivalent) is required.
With proper care and adequate air circulation, your iStage will operate without any trouble
for many years. We recommend that you record your serial number in the space
provided below for future reference.
What's in the package?
iStage USB MIDI controller x 1
Software CD x 1
Quick Start Guide
USB2.0 Cable
1
Quick Start Guide USB2.0 Cable
Software CD
iStage

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Features
3 sets of “4x4” matrix control buttons with dual color LED backlight
3 sets of “4x4” velocity-sensitive drum pads
17 buttons with red LED
Buttons assignable for “Pan”, “Volume”, “Solo” and “Mute” functions in DAW
mode
4 different modes including DJ / Effector / DAW and Drummer for different
applications
DJ mode: 12x4 matrix control buttons with “Stop” and “Play” buttons
Effector mode: 12x4 assignable buttons for controlling different effect
parameters
DAW mode: 8 channel buttons for controlling pan, volume, solo and mute
functions; 16 buttons for MMC and function buttons
(DAW mode with built-in Mackie Control protocol)
Drummer mode: 3 sets of 4x4 velocity-sensitive drum pads
2-segment LED display
1 encoder for jog wheel for fast scrolling and other controls
1 assignable fader
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iMap midi mapping software included for reassigning midi mapping
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Extremely compact and perfect match with MacBook
Class-compliant with Windows XP, Vista (32-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit)
and Mac OS X
USB bus-powered
Available in black and white
iCover - Different color aluminum cover available (optional)
Customized laser-engraving service for iCover is available with online
purchase (optional)
Main features include:

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Front Panel Layout
3 set of “4x4” dual color backlit velocity-sensitive buttons
These dual color backlit velocity-sensitive buttons can be used for
different purposes, depended on “Mode” selection, as follows:
a) DJ mode – 12x4 matrix control buttons for controlling clips;
b) Effector mode – 12x4 buttons for user-defined control effect plug-
in/software;
c) DAW mode – 8 channels of assignable buttons for controlling pan,
volume, solo and mute functions. 16 buttons for MMC and function
buttons. In DAW mode, “Mackie Control” protocol is built-in;
d) Drummer mode – 3 sets of “4x4” velocity-sensitive drum pads
with dual color backlight.
Stop buttons
These thirteen buttons activate the “Stop function” of the software
for each corresponding channel from CH1 to CH12 with a “Master”
channel at the last in DJ mode.
Play buttons
These four “Play” buttons activate the “Play” function of the
software in DJ mode.
Mode buttons
There are 4 diffrent modes available for selection. Select your
desired mode for different applications.
Display
Display your iStage control message.
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5
1
2
35 4
7 8 6

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Front Panel Layout
Jog wheel
This jog wheel is used for making selections, fast search, scrolling
and co-control with buttons.
Tip: The jog wheel is very useful for fine/fast adjustments. Depending on the
selected mode the jog wheel can be used for different purposes.
DJ mode: Scrolling up/down the clips simultaneously with your
software.
Effector mode: Changing an effect parameter after you have selected
a corresponding effect button.
DAW mode: Adjust the volume or pan for different channel by pressing
the corresponding channel's “volume” or “pan” button.
Setting/Shift buttons
Press this button to set the number of rows of clips that you have
created with your software. Press the button and rotate the jog wheel
until the display shows the same number as your created clips row
amount.
(Note: For this setting, make sure you are in “DJ” mode. To activate the
DJ mode, press the “DJ” button among the mode selection buttons.)
Fader
This slider controls the cross fader in your software. Slide to control the
transition between A & B.
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Side Panel Layout
1
USB port (B-Type)
Functions as a MIDI port to your notebook (or computer) and compatible
software. Also provides power to your iStage.
USB port
Use to daisy chain with the second unit of iStage or any i-series controllers
such as iControls.
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2
2
6

5
Getting Started
Connecting your iStage controller
Select a USB port on your Mac/PC and insert the wide (flat) end of the USB
cable. Connect the cable's small jack end to the iStage. Your Mac/PC will
automatically detect the new hardware and notify you that it is ready to use.
Connect the iStage to your Mac/PC via the USB port
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Diagram 1 Diagram 2
b
a
Esc F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12
Prtsc
sysrq
pause
Break Lns Del
Home
Pgup
PgDN
End
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Tab
CapsLook
Shift
Ctrl Alt AltGr Ctrl
Backspace
[
]
|
Enter
Shift
intel
Setup your software
Activate the ICON iStage controller in your DAW or MIDI software using
“MIDI setup” or “MIDI devices”.
(
the settings.)
Select the desired mode
Select the correct mode according to your application. You may use all 4
modes to control different functions in the same software application.
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For example: Using iStage at Abelton Live
DJ mode: Control the clips
Effector mode: Control the different effect parameters (pre-assign each
button with your desired effect parameter.)
DAW mode: Control and adjust the pan, volume, solo and mute functions
for each track for up to 8 tracks in total.
Drummer mode: Control the drum rack of the software
Note: Every application does this a little different, so refer to your software user manual for
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3

Getting Started
4Assign the buttons accordingly
Assign the buttons according to your project for each mode.
DJ mode: (1) Set the number of rows of clips. Press the “Setting” button
and rotate the jog wheel to set the row number.
(2) Using the “MIDI learn” function, assign each button to
match each clip for your whole matrix view.
Effector mode: Assign each button with your desired effect parameter.
DAW mode: Activate “Mackie Control” in the MIDI device setup (i.e.
preferences). Select “USB Audio Device (2)” for input and output. Activate
the MIDI ports for the USB audio device's input and output as below image
shown.
Drum Mode: Create “Drum Rack” in audio effect. Use the provided iMap
software to map your drum note.
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Installing iMap Software for MAC OSX
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Please follow the procedures below step-by-step to install your iMap
software to Mac OS X
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2
3
Insert the Utility CD in your
CD-Rom and double click
“iSeries iMap” icon.
Turn on your MAC.
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
iMap “Device select” window
pop-up, click the device button
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accordingly to launch the iMap
software.
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