Keith McMillen Instruments QuNexus User manual

QuNexus Reference Manual
QuNexus Version 1.1.1
July, 2013
Keith McMillen, Conner Lacy, Nick Wang, Evan Adams, Jimmy Allison, Jasmin Blasco, Diane
Douglas, Tom Ferguson, Steven Fruhwirth, Paul Gaeta, Ingmar Gorman, Christian Heilman,
Matthew Hettich, Sarah Howe, William Leach, Daniel McAnulty, Jon Short, Carson Whitley, and
Steve Wright
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Copyright 2007-2013 Keith McMillen Instruments a wholly owned subsidiary of Kesumo LLC. All rights
reserved. Made in USA.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any purpose without the
express written permission of the copyright holders.
The content of this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice,
and should not be construed as a commitment by Keith McMillen Instruments. Every effort has been
made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. No warranties, express or implied, are
made with regard to the quality, suitability or accuracy of this document. Keith McMillen Instruments
reserves the right to change the contents of this document and/or the associated products at any time
without the provision of prior notice to specific persons or organizations. Keith McMillen Instruments
shall not be held liable for damages of any kind arising from the use, or the inability to use this product
or its documentation, even if the possibility of such damage is known.
Product and brand names contained in this document are used for identification purposes only. Keith
McMillen Instruments, the Keith McMillen Instruments Logo, the QuNexus and QuNexus logo are
trademarks of Kesumo LLC. Apple, Finder, GarageBand, Logic, Mac, MacBook, Macintosh, Mac OS and
QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Intel is a
registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
SONiVOX is the brand name trademark of Sonic Network, Inc. VST and ASIO are trademarks and
software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. Reason, ReWire, Recycle and REX2 are trademarks of
Propellerhead Software AB. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders. All other names and designations of companies, products,
trademarks, or brands used in this document are the registered property of their respective holders.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Welcome
1.1 Questions or Feedback? Contact us!
1.2 What’s in the QuNexus Package?
Chapter 2 QuNexus Hardware / Getting Started
2.1 Connecting QuNexus
2.2 Input/Output Routing
2.2.1 USB
2.2.2 MIDI
2.2.2.1 The KMI MIDI Expander
2.2.3 CV
2.2.3.1 Cable Connections
2.2.3.2 CV Cable Kit
2.2.3.3 CV Data
2.2.3.4 Converting CV Input from +/- 10V to 0V/5V
2.2.3.5 Dual Expression and Sustainer Inputs
2.2.4 Converting Data Types
2.3 Left Side Buttons
2.3.1 The Oct Buttons
2.3.2 The Bend Pad
2.3.3 The Shift / Preset Button
2.3.3.1 Selecting Presets
2.3.4 Togl A, Velo B, Pres C, & Tilt D
2.4 Data Sources and Sensor Output
2.4.1 Factory Presets
2.4.2 CoMA Mode
2.4.2.1 CoMA Mode Mapping Guide
2.5 Live Edit Mode
2.6 Controlling LEDs
Chapter 3 QuNexus Editor
3.1 System Requirements
3.2 Installing the Software
3.3 Updating the Firmware
3.4 Main Window Overview
3.5 Saving Presets
3.5.1 Importing and Exporting Presets
3.6 Menu Bar
3.7 Sensitivity
3.7.1 Per Key Sensitivities
3.8 Keyboard Layer
3.8.1 Types
3.8.2 Sources
3.8.3 Gain, Offset, Curve, Min, and Max
3.8.3.1 View/Edit Tables
3.8.4 Out
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3.8.5 MIDI Channel
3.8.6 Channel Rotation
3.8.7 Toggle
3.8.8 Transpose
3.8.9 LEDs Local/Remote
3.8.10 Program Change
3.8.11 Bend Range
3.8.12 Key Priority
3.9 Controller Layer
3.9.1 Sensor Settings
3.9.1.1 Participate
3.9.1.2 Controller Layer Sources
3.9.1.3 Controller Layer Toggle
3.10 CV Layer
3.10.1 CV Output (MIDI to CV)
3.10.2 CV Input (CV to MIDI)
3.10.3 CV Trims
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting
4.1 Connectivity Trouble
4.1.1 Touchy USB Connection
4.2 CV Trouble
4.2.1 Steps to Convert MIDI to CV
4.2.2 Audible High Pitched Noise in Computer Audio when using CV
4.2.3 QuNexus LEDs Light Up Erratically When Receiving CV
4.3 Firmware Trouble
4.3.1 QuNexus Doesn’t Do Anything After a Firmware Update
4.3.2 Firmware Update Freezes or Doesn’t Work
4.3.3 General Firmware Information and Suggestions
4.3.3.1 Unplug Other USB Devices
4.3.3.2 Try a New Micro-USB Cable
4.3.3.3 “Hotplugging” on Windows
4.3.3.4 Don’t Send MIDI to QuNexus During an Update
4.3.3.5 If Things are Working Fine, DON’T Update Right Before your Show
4.3.3.6 Manually Updating Firmware
Safety Precautions
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Chapter 1 Welcome
QuNexus is a vividly illuminated keyboard controller that is fun for beginners and a must for
professionals. 25 touch-sensitive keys detect finger pressure, velocity, and tilt, giving you an
unprecedented degree of musical control. Blue and white LEDs with 16 levels of brightness give
you valuable feedback. Use the toggle feature to build chords and create your own step
sequencer or arpeggiator with LED feedback.
QuNexus is your hub for new and vintage technology. Plug into your computer, iPad (Apple
Camera Connector required), or Android tablet via USB. Control hardware via 5-PIN MIDI (MIDI
Expander required) or control your modular synthesizers with the included CV inputs and
outputs.
In this manual you will find detailed information to help answer all of your questions about
QuNexus hardware and software.
1.1 Questions or Feedback? Contact us!
If at any time you have any questions, please contact us:
Web: www.keithmcmillen.com
Forum: forum.keithmcmillen.com
Support: www.keithmcmillen.com/support
1.2 What’s in the QuNexus Package?
When you open up the box you should find:
•(1) QuNexus
•(1) USB A-to-Micro cable (1 meter)
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Chapter 2 QuNexus Hardware / Getting Started
QuNexus is a class compliant USB device that does not require a driver or software to function.
Out of the box QuNexus has everything needed to get started. We also provide a QuNexus
Editor application (for Mac and Windows), which allows further customization (discussed in
Chapter 3). This chapter is a guide to getting started using QuNexus out of the box and will
provide detailed information about how to use the hardware features of QuNexus.
Dimensions: 12.8” x 3.3” x 0.43” (inches).
325mm x 84mm x 11mm
Weight: 0.76lb/345g
There are no user serviceable parts inside QuNexus. Attempts to open the enclosure will void
the warranty.
2.1 Connecting QuNexus
Connect QuNexus to a computer:
This image shows QuNexus set up to send
MIDI data to a computer. Use a USB A-to-Micro
cable to connect the QuNexus micro port to a
USB port on a computer. QuNexus will receive
power from the computer.
These images are not to scale.
Connect QuNexus to an iPad:
The image shows QuNexus connected to an
iPad via USB. You will need the iPad Camera
Connection Kit (sold by Apple: http://
store.apple.com/us/product/MC531ZM/A).
Attach the camera connector to the iPad and
then use a USB A-to-Micro cable to connect the
QuNexus micro port to the camera connector.
See the USB chapter for more information.
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Connect QuNexus to MIDI hardware:
The image shows QuNexus connected to a
hardware MIDI device via our MIDI Expander
(sold separately):
1. Use a USB A-to-Mini cable to connect
the QuNexus Mini port (on the right side
of the QuNexus) to the USB “Expand”
port on the MIDI Expander.
2. Connect the power supply to the MIDI
Expander USB “Power” port.
3. Connect the MIDI Out on the Expander
to the MIDI In on a synth or other MIDI
device.
Connect QuNexus to MIDI hardware
(Powered by Computer):
The image shows QuNexus connected to a
Computer and a hardware MIDI device via our
MIDI Expander (sold separately):
1. Use a USB A-to-Mini cable to connect
the QuNexus Mini port (on the right side
of the QuNexus) to the USB “Expand”
port on the MIDI Expander.
2. Use a USB A-to-Micro cable to connect
the QuNexus micro port to a USB port on
a computer. QuNexus will receive power
from the computer.
3. Connect the MIDI Out on the Expander
to the MIDI In on a synth or other MIDI
device.
See the MIDI chapter for more information.
Connect QuNexus to Synthesizers or other CV devices:
The images to the right below show QuNexus connected to a CV device. There are 3 different
ways to set this up:
Powered by a Computer (or iPad):
1. Use a USB A-to Micro cable to connect
the QuNexus Micro port to a USB port
on a computer or iPad. This connects
the QuNexus to power.
2. Use a cable that is compatible with your
CV device’s CV ports. Using adapters if
needed, make sure one end can plug
into one of the stereo 1/8in. CV out ports
on the QuNexus.
3. Plug your cable into the “Gate-CV1 Out”
port on the left side of the QuNexus.
Plug the other end into the desired
destination on your CV device.
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Powered by KMI MIDI Expander:
1. Use a USB A-to-Mini cable to connect
the QuNexus Mini port (on the right side
of the QuNexus) to the USB “Expand”
port on the MIDI Expander.
2. Connect the power supply to the MIDI
Expander USB “Power” port.
3. See steps 2 and 3 from the “Powered by
a Computer” steps.
Powered by USB Power Supply:
1. Use a USB A-to-Mini cable to connect
the QuNexus Mini port (on the right side
of the QuNexus) to a USB Power
Supply.
2. Connect the Power Supply to a power
outlet.
3. See steps 2 and 3 from the “Powered by
a Computer” steps.
See the CV chapter for more information.
2.2 Input/Output Routing
QuNexus can output USB, Control
Voltage, and MIDI (using a KMI MIDI
Expander - sold separately). Each of
these data types can be routed to one
or both of the other data types.
The image to the right shows the
QuNexus as the hub of three types of
devices. The black lines represent the
physical connections that are made
between each instrument. The blue
circle represents the possible
communication between each
instrument when using the QuNexus as
the central device in the setup.
The subchapters below will focus one at a time on each data type’s communication with
QuNexus and then provide detail about converting one data type to another.
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2.2.1 USB
QuNexus is connected and powered using the Micro USB port on the left side of the QuNexus.
It is a class compliant USB device and does not require a driver. This allows for maximum
compatibility with an extremely wide range of other devices.
QuNexus has 3 virtual MIDI ports that communicate with the computer. Port 1 is the main port
on which the QuNexus sends and receives MIDI data to and from the computer or iPad. Port 2
and 3 can be used for this purpose as well but are also used for communication with other
devices. Port 2 is used for the KMI MIDI Expander (sold separately) and Port 3 is used for CV.
A computer or iPad can control the QuNexus LEDs by sending MIDI data into the QuNexus on
Port 1 (see the Controlling LEDs chapter for more information).
2.2.2 MIDI
The KMI MIDI Expander is required to send and receive MIDI Data via 5-pin MIDI devices. The
MIDI Expander can be used with or without a computer or iPad connected. Power is supplied to
QuNexus from the MIDI Expander’s power port when the MIDI Expander is plugged into a
power outlet. If connected to a computer (or iPad) and a MIDI Expander, power is supplied to
the QuNexus from the Micro USB port instead of the Expander.
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2.2.2.1 The KMI MIDI Expander
Dimensions: 4” x 1.25” x 1.25” (inches).
Weight: 2.5 oz.
The KMI MIDI Expander is an optional
accessory, which enables use of QuNexus with
hardware MIDI devices. Plug the receiving MIDI
device into the MIDI Out port and QuNexus will
send MIDI data through a regular 5-pin MIDI
cable.
To use QuNexus with the KMI MIDI Expander follow these steps:
1. Connect a QuNexus to the KMI MIDI Expander (see Connecting QuNexus for
instructions).
2. Plug MIDI devices into the MIDI Expander using 5-pin MIDI cables. The QuNexus will
now send and receive MIDI messages through the MIDI Expander.
2.2.3 CV
QuNexus can communicate with synthesizers or other CV devices using Control Voltages.
Connect QuNexus to CV devices using a cable that is compatible with your CV device’s CV
ports. Using adapters if needed, make sure one end can plug into one of the stereo 1/8in CV out
ports on the left side of QuNexus. QuNexus’ CV input port (on the right side) requires one end to
be a 3.5 mm TRRS (like the ones used for Apple iPhone headsets).
Warning: QuNexus' CV In is uni-polar. If you send it a bi-polar signal, half of the signal will
be clipped and can cause malfunctions in extreme cases. Sending a signal above 5 Volts is
also unsupported. See the Converting CV Input from +/- 10V to 0V/5V chapter for information
on how to make a converter.
The following section provides more detail about the cable connectors needed for QuNexus CV.
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2.2.3.1 Cable Connections
There are 2 CV output ports on the left side of the QuNexus and 1 CV input port on the right
side.
Outputs - Since the two output ports use stereo 1/8in connectors (TRS - shown below), they
provide 4 outputs: a gate output and three 16-bit CV outputs. Output voltages range from 0 to
5V.
Inputs - The input port should be used with a TRRS connector (shown below) to access both
CV inputs and the 5V Power for an expression pedal. QuNexus' CV In is uni-polar. If you send it
a bi-polar signal, half of the signal will be clipped and can cause malfunctions in extreme cases.
Sending a signal above 5 Volts is also unsupported.
These are the 2 types of plugs that are required to plug QuNexus into a CV device. The TRS
type is for the CV output ports and the TRRS type is for the CV input port.
The image below gives a detailed view of the 2 QuNexus CV output ports and the CV input port:
●Output CV Port 1
○Tip - CV 1
○Ring - Gate
●Output CV Port 2
○Tip - CV 3
○Ring - CV 2
●Input CV Port 1
○Tip - CV 1
○1st Ring - 5 volts out for expression pedal
power
○2nd Ring - CV 2
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When using a y-cable or adapter to split the QuNexus CV outputs to get
mono outputs, the tip is black (or white) and the ring is red. This can vary
from cable to cable.
When using a cable or adapter to split the QuNexus CV input port to get
2 mono inputs and 5V power: tip is white (or black), 1st ring is red, and
the 2nd ring is yellow. This can vary from cable to cable.
Tip: After splitting the outputs to mono, make sure to use mono adapters and cables to get the
signal the rest of the way to your CV device(s).
Note about Expression Pedals: Not all Expression Pedals work well. Some are noisier than
others. Yamaha Pedals are known to misbehave because they don’t function as a voltage
divider. We recommend the Roland EV-5.
2.2.3.2 CV Cable Kit
The QuNexus CV Cable Kit is an optional add on, which makes it easy to gather the cables and
adapters needed to convert MIDI to CV and vice versa using QuNexus.
One of each of the following cables/adapters is included in the CV Cable Kit:
CV INPUT:
right angle 3.5mm (1/8in) stereo plug to 1/4in stereo jack
This is helpful when connecting an Expression Pedal to the CV 1-2 in port
3.5mm (1/8in) stereo plug to 1/4in mono jack
This is helpful when connecting a Sustain Pedal to the CV 1-2 in port
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3.5mm (1/8in) TRRS plug to dual 3.5mm (1/8in) stereo jacks
This is helpful for splitting the CV input port into CV1 (expression pedal) and CV2
Tip: make sure to use stereo 1/8in cables to plug into the jacks
CV OUTPUT:
3.5mm (1/8in) stereo plug to dual 3.5mm (1/8in) mono plugs
This is helpful for splitting the first CV output into Gate and CV1
3.5mm (1/8in) stereo plug to dual 3.5mm (1/8in) mono plugs
This is helpful for splitting the second CV output into CV2 and CV3
2.2.3.3 CV Data
Output: By default, QuNexus sends different data out
the 4 CV outputs:
Gate - Note ons and offs. Note ons are expressed as 5
volts.
CV1 - Pitch
CV2 - Mod (CC#1)
CV3 - Pitch Bend
This data can come from the Keyboard, USB Port 3, or
the MIDI Expander. By default, MIDI must be received
from Channel 2 if sending from USB Port 3 or the MIDI
Expander.
Input: By default, QuNexus receives
data from the 2 CV inputs and
converts them to MIDI messages:
CV1 - CC#112
CV2 - CC#113
By default, this data is sent on
Channel 2 to USB Port 3 and the
MIDI Expander.
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2.2.3.4 Converting CV Input from +/- 10V to 0V/5V
QuNexus’ CV In is uni-polar. If you send it a bi-polar signal, half of the signal will be clipped and
can cause malfunctions in extreme cases. Sending a signal above 5 Volts is also unsupported.
You can convert a bi-polar 10V signal to a uni-polar 5V signal. Though we do not provide a
converter, you can make one using the schematic shown below:
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2.2.3.5 Dual Expression and Sustainer Inputs
It is possible to create a TRRS cable wired so that you can use two Expression or Sustainer
pedals with QuNexus. Though we do not provide these, you can make them using the
schematics shown below:
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2.2.4 Converting Data Types
It is possible to use QuNexus to convert data from MIDI to CV and vice versa. This can be
accomplished in multiple ways:
With a Computer:
The image on the right shows the QuNexus
connected to a computer, a CV device, and a
MIDI device via the KMI MIDI Expander. By
default, the QuNexus will automatically send
data to all three.
To get the computer to communicate with the
MIDI Device use QuNexus’ virtual MIDI Port 2.
For communication between the computer and
the CV device use QuNexus’ virtual MIDI Port
3.
Without a Computer:
Tip: Anything that can be done without a Computer can be done with a computer as well.
For communication from MIDI to CV (whether originating from the MIDI Device or USB), the CV
outputs by default are set up to convert data from specific MIDI messages coming from the
Keyboard, USB Port 3, and the MIDI Expander. Below is a list of what will output through each
of the 4 CV outputs. All 4 Factory Presets are set up to convert MIDI to CV the same way.
Presets A, B, and C listen to Channel 2. Preset D listens to Channel 9.
Gate - Note Ons and Offs.
CV1 - Pitch data from Notes.
CV2 - Anything from CC#1. Nothing will
output if the preset does not utilize CC#1 on
the corresponding Channel.
CV3 - Pitch Bend data. Nothing will output if
the preset does not utilize Pitch Bend on the
corresponding Channel.
Changing the MIDI messages that are translated to CV can be accomplished by using the
QuNexus Editor to adjust the settings in CV Layer.
For information about how to separate the CV outputs read the CV Chapter above.
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2.3 Left Side Buttons
The buttons on the left side of the QuNexus perform useful functions that
alter the behavior of the keyboard. This chapter will explore the use of
each button: Togl A, Velo B, Shift/Preset, Pres C, Tilt D, Bend, and the Oct
Buttons.
2.3.1 The Oct Buttons
There are 2 triangular Oct buttons that increment or decrement the keyboard octave (Keyboard
Layer only). When QuNexus is first plugged in the - and + Oct buttons are both lit up and the
keyboard starts at C2 (note 48) and goes up to C4 (note 72). QuNexus treats C3 as note 60.
Different MIDI devices and software use different note number to note name conversions. Below
is a chart that will help convert note numbers to note names and vice-versa:
The Octave buttons will increment or decrement the QuNexus keyboard by one octave / 12
steps / 1 line (using the chart above). They allow you to shift up 3 octaves or shift down 2
octaves for a total range of 7 octaves (C0 - C7).
The LEDs of the Octave buttons indicate which octave you are in. If the green Oct + button is
pressed, the LED will flash on that button, indicating that the octave for the keyboard is raised.
The same thing applies for pressing the - Oct button. The LED will flash faster if you raise or
lower the keys. When both LEDs are solid again you know you are back to the original octave
starting at C2.
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2.3.2 The Bend Pad
The Bend Pad is located in the bottom left corner of the QuNexus. It acts similarly to a pitch
wheel. When playing the keyboard, if you are holding down a note, pressing the Bend pad will
bend the pitch of the note. Shift pressure on the Bend Pad from side to side to bend up and
down.
When using a Preset that uses Channel Rotation the Bend Pad sends out on all active
Channels. If no keys are held down it will send out on the main starting Channel. See the
Channel Rotation Chapter for more information.
The bend range is in part determined by the software or hardware device used for output but is
also set according to the Presets. It is editable in the QuNexus Editor and in Live Edit Mode.
See the Factory Presets chapter for information about what the Bend Range is for each Preset.
See the Bend Range Chapter and the Live Edit Mode Chapter for more information about
adjusting the Bend Range.
2.3.3 The Shift / Preset Button
The Shift / Preset Button (shown to the right) is used for 2 different
purposes: to get into Live Edit Mode and to get into Preset Select Mode.
Hold down the Shift Button for approximately two and a half seconds to
enter Live Edit Mode. For more information about Live Edit Mode see
chapter 2.5. Tap the Preset Button to enter Preset Select Mode.
2.3.3.1 Selecting Presets
There are four Preset slots on QuNexus. To select different presets tap the Shift / Preset button
on the left side of the QuNexus. The LEDs on the keyboard will swipe to indicate that you are in
Preset Select Mode. Then one of the four lettered buttons will light up to indicate which Preset is
currently selected (A, B, C, or D). Next tap one of the four buttons to choose a different Preset.
Upon making a selection the LEDs on the keyboard will swipe again to indicate that you are
leaving Preset Select Mode and entering the chosen preset.
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Steps to select a Preset:
1. Tap the Shift / Preset button.
2. Choose a Preset (A, B, C, or D).
For information about the four Factory Presets see the Factory Preset chapter.
The Factory Presets can be customized and new presets can be created using the QuNexus
Editor.
2.3.4 Togl A, Velo B, Pres C, & Tilt D
These buttons turn different functions on and off. To switch them on and off hold down on the
button for approximately 1 seconds. The functions they control are listed below:
Togl A - This button turns Toggle Mode on and off for notes in Keyboard Layer*. Presets will
always start with the Toggle button off (as shown in the left image below). Depending on the
settings of your preset, Toggle Mode will either use Toggle or Legato. The QuNexus Factory
Presets all use Toggle. For information about how to set Toggle Mode to use Legato, see the
Toggle section in the QuNexus Editor Chapter.
Togl A is off by Default
Hold Togl A for 1 sec to turn Toggle On
Legato - Pressing a key sends a note on but releasing doesn’t send a note off. When a
different key is pressed, the previous key’s note is turned off along with the new note on.
Tap the Togl A button on the left side of the QuNexus to clear a note without having to hit
the next one.
Toggle - Pressing a key sends a note on, a second press sends a note off. Pressing a
different key sends a note on without turning off the previous key. Tap the Togl A button
on the left side of the QuNexus to clear all notes. The LEDs will display which keys are
on.
*The Togl A, Velo B, Pres C, and Tilt D switches only affect the notes and sources in Keyboard
Layer. For more information about Keyboard Layer see the Keyboard Layer chapter.
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Velo B - This button turns velocity response on and off for notes in Keyboard Layer*. If the blue
LED is lit velocity response is on. If the LED is off then the velocity of each note will be 127.
Velo B is on by Default
Hold Velo B for 1 sec to turn Velocity Off
Pres C - Turn on and off anything assigned to the pressure source in Keyboard Layer* with this
button.
Pres C is on by Default
Hold Pres C for 1 sec to turn Pressure Off
Tilt D - Turn on and off anything assigned to the tilt source in Keyboard Layer* with this button.
Tilt D is on by Default
Hold Tilt D for 1 sec to turn Tilt Off
*The Togl A, Velo B, Pres C, and Tilt D switches only affect the notes and sources in Keyboard
Layer. For more information about Keyboard Layer see the Keyboard Layer chapter.
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