Keith McMillen Instruments BopPad User manual

Bo p pa d Us e r Ma n U a l

Bop-Pad
Created by Keith McMillen, Evan Adams, Brent Allen, Noah Ambrose, Evan Bogunia, Dave Criss, Tom Ferguson,
Andrej Hronco, Conner Lacy, Kyle Lobedan, Dan McAnulty, Chloe Stamper, Maxime Stinnett, Alex Vittum, Greg
Wille, Brian Wright, and Stephen Wright
This reference manual was written by Evan Bogunia and designed by Carson Whitley and Evan Bogunia.
Version 1.0, May 1, 2017.
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 specic 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.
No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, edited, or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any
purpose, without prior written permission by Keith McMillen Instruments.
Product and brand names contained in this document are used for identication purposes only. Use of them does not imply any afliation
with or endorsement by them. Keith McMillen Instruments, the Keith McMillen Instruments logo, the BopPad and BopPad logo are trade-
marks of Kesumo LLC. Apple, Finder, iPad, Mac, Macintosh, and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the U.S. and other coun-
tries. 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. 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.
© 2007–2017 Keith McMillen Instruments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kesumo LLC. All rights reserved.

TaBle ofConTenTs
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0. WELCOME......................................................................................................................................................1
1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN .....................................................................................................................................2
1.1 What’s In The BopPad Box? ................................................................................................................3
1.2 What’s In The MIDI Expander Package?.............................................................................................3
1.3 – System Requirements .......................................................................................................................4
1.3.1 – Hardware................................................................................................................................4
1.3.2 – Software .................................................................................................................................4
2. GETTING STARTED........................................................................................................................................5
2 - Getting Started ..................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 The BopPad Hardware ................................................................................................................6
2.2 The BopPad Software..................................................................................................................6
3. FEATURES OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................................7
3 - Features Overview................................................................................................................................ 8
3.1 Multi-Dimensional Control ......................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Connectivity.................................................................................................................................8
4. BOPPAD HARDWARE....................................................................................................................................9
4 - BopPad Hardware...............................................................................................................................10
5. BOPPAD EDITOR .........................................................................................................................................11
5 - BopPad Editor.....................................................................................................................................12
5.1 The Editor ..................................................................................................................................12
5.2 The Desktop Editor ...................................................................................................................16
5.3 The Web Editor .........................................................................................................................17
5.4 Factory Presets Overview .........................................................................................................18
6. TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................................................20
7. F.A.Q. ............................................................................................................................................................22
8. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...............................................................................................................................24
9. KICKSTARTER BACKERS .............................................................................................................................26

WelCoMe
1
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WelCoMe
Hello, and welcome to the world of BopPad! Taking the time to read this document is a huge step toward
mastering the BopPad.
The purpose of this document is to provide a resource containing helpful information regarding the use of
the BopPad hardware and software. While this document is written for people of all levels, it does not attempt
to explain basic, fundamental MIDI concepts or terminology, and it is assumed that you have at least basic
experience working with MIDI devices, MIDI software, and MIDI hardware
QUesTions? feedBaCk? ConTaCT Us!
Any questions or feedback that may come up regarding BopPad or its software can be directed to us here:
• Technical Support: http://www.keithmcmillen.com/support
• General Questions: http://www.keithmcmillen.com/contact-us
• User Forum: http://forum.keithmcmillen.com
Where TodoWnload everyThing
All BopPad software can be downloaded on the KMI website: https://www.keithmcmillen.com/downloads/
You can also access the BopPad Editor online: https://les.keithmcmillen.com/products/boppad/editor/

Before You Begin

Before yoU Begin
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1.1 WhaT’sinThe Boppad Box?
Boppad
For Bopping.
MiCro-UsB CaBle
For connecting BopPad to a computer, tablet, or MIDI Expander.
1.2 WhaT’sinThe Midi expander paCkage?
Midi expander
For expanding.
UsB poWer sUpply + ConverTer Blades
+5V DC, 500 mA
Includes power converter blades for non-United States AC sockets.
UsB CaBle
For connecting the Expander to the USB power supply.
Mini-UsB CaBle
For connecting a KMI device to the Expander (Although this cable is included with the MIDI Expander, use
a micro USB cable to connect BopPad to a MIDI Expander).
MIDI Expander
POWER MIDI In MIDI Out EXPAND
Keith McMillen
+5V DC
500mA

Before yoU Begin
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1.3 – sysTeM reQUireMenTs
1.3.1 – hardWare
MaC os
• Mac OS 10.6 (or greater)
• Intel Core 2 Duo (or greater)
• USB 2.0 (or greater) port
WindoWs
• Windows 7, 8, & 10
• USB 2.0 (or greater) port
1.3.2 – sofTWare
MaC os
• Mac OS 10.7 or later
• Intel Core 2 Duo (or greater)
• USB 2.0 (or greater) port
• 100 MB free hard disk space
WindoWs
• Windows 7, 8, & 10
• 64 bit
• 2.5 GHz processor (or greater)
• 4 GB RAM (or greater)
• USB 2.0 (or greater) port
• 100 MB free hard disk space
WeB ediTor
• Chrome, Opera or other Web MIDI capable web browser. To check compatibility with WebMIDI, go
here: http://caniuse.com/#feat=midi

Getting Started

geTTing sTarTed
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2 - geTTing sTarTed
This section covers information that will help you get started with the BopPad. We will introduce the BopPad
hardware, discuss how to connect your BopPad to the world, and go over basic operation of the device and
the editor. More in-depth information is available in the BopPad Hardware and BopPad Editor sections.
2.1 The Boppad hardWare
The BopPad hardware is pretty straight forward. The playing surface is divided into four separate quadrants,
where you strike the instrument to produce amazing sounds.
There is a micro USB port on the back of the device that you can use to connect to a computer, tablet, or
MIDI Expander. Once connected, you can open the DAW/music software of your choice, make sure that
the application is listening to the BopPad, and start triggering drums, playing synths, or sending dynamic
control data to go into more unexplored territory. More information can be found in the BopPad Hardware
section.
You may need to give the browser permission to control your MIDI device.
This is simply a security precaution when sending SysEx to a MIDI device.
To connect to an iOS device, we recommend using an Apple branded
Camera Conection Kit (USB to Lightning adapter). To connect to an
Android device, you should use a USB OTG cable.
2.2 The Boppad sofTWare
The BopPad Editor runs on the desktop, and in WebMIDI capable browsers. The Web Editor for BopPad is
compatible with any device that can run a WebMIDI capable browser. The Standalone Editor is compatible
with any device running macOS or Windows. The Editor allows you to customize nearly all aspects of how
the BopPad responds to user input. More information can be found on the BopPad Software section.

Features Overview

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3 - feaTUres overvieW
The BopPad is a versatile percussion instrument capable of sending accurate, and highly nuanced MIDI data
to your computer. We should all know how to interact with the device - you hit it! You can use drumsticks, your
hands, or pretty much any other object to play the BopPad.
3.1 MUlTi-diMensional ConTrol
The BopPad can send a variety of different MIDI Data.
noTes
You can send up to 6 MIDI notes from each of the four quadrants.
ConTrol daTa
Each quadrant can send a variety of control data from each quadrant. You can send up to 5 additional
MIDI messages from each quadrant along with Notes, which can be controlled by multiple types of
sensor data. Continuous control, poly aftertouch, channel pressure, and pitch bend are all available.
More information on conguring the MIDI output can be found in the BopPad Editor section.
3.2 ConneCTiviTy
The BopPad is a class compliant MIDI device, which means you can connect it to just about anything that
speaks MIDI.
Using the included micro USB cable you can connect to a computer running any modern OS (Mac,
Windows, and Linux) that supports the Class Compliant MIDI standard.
You can also connect to the optional MIDI Expander to communicate with MIDI hardware using traditional 5
pin MIDI connections.
Due to there being only one USB port, communication is limited to Computer OR
Expander, not both simultaneously.

BopPad Hardware

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4 - Boppad hardWare
The BopPad hardware consists of the playing surface, the USB port and the USB Guard.
The playing sUrfaCe
The playing surface consists of four distinct quadrants. Striking the quadrants with your preferred object
(hands, sticks, mallets, spoons, whatever!) will send out MIDI data corresponding to the preset currently in
use, as dened in the Editor.
The UsB porT
The micro USB port is the only port on the device. It will allow you to connect to your favorite devices, from
computers, to MIDI capable tablets, to any hardware that has a 5 pin MIDI connection (using the optional
MIDI Expander).
The UsB gUard
The red USB guard is there to protect the micro USB cable and the micro USB port. These connections
are small and do not respond well to direct impact or other stresses. We recommend not transporting the
device with the USB cable plugged in.
The led
The LED is used to show different states of the BopPad.
While connected via USB, the LED is green when powered on, and orange when the BopPad is being
interacted with.
When connected to a MIDI Expander, the LED is red when powered on and orange when the BopPad is
being interacted with.
A breathing green/red combination indicates the device is in bootloader mode, ready to receive a rmware
update.
The playing surface responds best if the BopPad is placed on a at surface,
or is being used in the BopPad basket.

BopPad Editor

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5 - Boppad ediTor
This section covers the BopPad Editor. It will cover the basic operation and features of the Editor, along with
any differences between the desktop and web editors.
5.1 The ediTor
The BopPad Editor is where you dene what data your BopPad will send, how it will send the data, and how
that data is controlled by the different sources.
5.1.1 The preseT seCTion
The Preset section allows you to save, recall, and send presets to the BopPad. The BopPad can hold
up to 4 presets. Presets can be selected by sending Program Change Messages to the BopPad from
Software or Hardware. Simply send a program change message 0-3 to select one of the 4 onboard
presets.
You select a preset with the menu at the top. There are buttons, for choosing a destination on the
BopPad, sending the preset to a slot on the BopPad, saving the preset, saving the preset as a copy,
reverting the preset, and deleting the preset.
The Editor can store an unlimited amount of presets, and you can import and export presets using the
File Menu. You can also import user presets by dragging and dropping .json les onto the Presets box.
As long as there are no naming conicts or duplicates, the preset will be imported.
5.1.2 The QUadranTs seCTion

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The Quadrant section allows you to select and edit the notes for a particular quadrant. Select a quadrant
by clicking the corresponding portion of the BopPad icon. You can also select quadrants by pressing
shift + z, x, c or v.
Each quadrant can send up to 6 notes at a time. You can type these into the boxes, or use the keyboard
to enter them graphically. You can hide or show the keyboard by clicking the show/hide text.
There are buttons for copying, pasting, and clearing the selected quadrants note data, along with a
button to clear all quadrants note data if you want to start over.
You can set the MIDI channel that the quadrant will send on with the MIDI Channel box. Use the Strike
Density to optimize the response for different play styles. Fast and light stick playing will benet from
higher settings. More expressive playing will benet from lower settings. You can choose to send
program change and bank messages whenever the preset is selected with the Program Change and
Bank Select Boxes. You can control the sensitivity of each quadrant individually, and the overall gain of
the quadrant with the Sensitivity and Gain boxes. Gain will be applied to all data related to pressure.
Sensitivity controls how hard you have to hit the BopPad surface to trigger the modlines. Gain controls
the output values of the velocity and pressure sources.
You can enable or disable Full Volume on preset change, and Velocity Override with the Full Volume
Change and Velocity Override buttons. Full Volume Change will send a 127 velocity when you change
presets to prevent software or hardware instruments getting stuck at a lower volume when changing
presets. Velocity override will force every note to output 127 velocity regardless of how hard you hit the
BopPad surface.
5.1.3 The Modlines
The modline section is where you dene and edit any control data you wish to send from the BopPad.
The Note modline is always active.
Message Type
The message type denes what type of data will be sent from the modline. The Note modline is
always present (though it can be turned off). The other possible MIDI data includes:
• Pitch Bend
• Channel Pressure
• Polyphonic Aftertouch
• Continuous Controller (CC)

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soUrCe
The source menu denes what data from the BopPad will be used to trigger this modline. Choices
include:
• Off - no data will be sent.
• Velocity - velocity data (based on how hard you hit the surface) will be used.
• Pressure - how hard you press on the surface after striking will be used.
• Initial Radius - where you initially strike the surface will be used.
• Radius - the position of where you are pressing onto the surface.
• Relative Radius - the difference between where you are currently pressing the surface and
where you initially struck the surface.
Radius values are measured with 1 at the center and 127 at the edge.
inverT soUrCe
Inverts the data from the source.
gain
Applies a gain coefcient to scale the data from the source up or down.
offseT
Offset the data by a xed amount.
CUrve
Apply one of seven predened curves, or a user dened curve to the data.
• Linear - no shaping of the data.
• Logarithmic - use a logarithmic curve to shape the data.
• Exponential - use an exponential curve to shape the data.
• Light - soft hits are unchanged, and it makes it harder to reach higher velocities
• Medium - makes softer hits softer, and then evens out as velocity goes higher.
• Hard - makes really soft hits 0 velocity, makes soft hits much softer and makes it easier to reach
higher velocities.
• Dynamic - soft hits are normalized and medium and hard hits have a logarithmic curve applied.
• User - use a user dened curve to shape the data.

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Min
Set a minimum value for the data.
Max
Set a maximum value for the data.
solo
Only sends the data from the corresponding modline. Useful for MIDI mapping in DAWs and other
music software. This is set to off on power cycle, or a preset load.
live valUe
The real-time value of the source. Helpful for ne tuning the response of a sensor to a desired range
or destination.
The Device Settings section contains settings that inuence the overall behavior of your BopPad.
• Unison Mode - Makes BopPad function as one quadrant (all four quadrants use the settings for the
selected Unison Quadrant). Any quadrant can be the Unison quadrant by selecting that quadrant
and clicking on the Unison button.
• All Quadrant Mode - Allows you to edit the note values, modline values, and quadrant settings for
all four quadrants at the same time.
5.1.5 The deviCe seTTings
Even though you can monitor the updates in real time, you still need to
save and send the preset to the BopPad for the preset to be stored onto
the device.

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• Global Sensitivity - Controls the sensitivity of the BopPad. Use this to adjust the response of the
BopPad to t your playing style and environment. This is very important for eliminating false
triggers. You can reset the sensitivity (to the default 16) with the button below the slider.
• Send Full Volume on Preset Change - will send a full volume message (CC 7, value of 127),
this prevents you getting the volume stuck in a lower position when moving from a preset that
controls volume, to one that doesn’t.
• Multitouch Mode - Allows BopPad to send/respond to additional hits without releasing any
currently active quadrants. This is particularly useful for hand/nger drumming when retriggering
a quadrant while manipulating pressure or radius is desired.
• Crosstalk Cancellation - Reduces the chances of unintended hits being triggered on nearby
sensors/quadrants.
• MIDI Expander Mode - turn MIDI Expander communication on or off.
• Version numbers: The version of the Editor and the Firmware on the connected BopPad will be
displayed in the lower left. There will be an auto update feature for the Editor, as well as new
rmware notications.
5.2 The deskTop ediTor
The Desktop Editor will run on Mac OSX 10.6 - 10.12.
The Desktop Editor will run on Windows 7, 8, and 10.
5.2.1 The MenU Bar (sTandalone ediTor only)
The various menu items at the top give you access to le management features, the preferences, and
built in help options.
The BopPad menu - open the preferences or check the rmware/Editor version.
The View menu - allows you to customize the size of the Editor, enter/exit fullscreen, reload the editor,
and open up the console to view status/error messages which can be helpful when contacting support.
The Presets menu - allows for importing and exporting of BopPad presets and exposes User Tables.
The Hardware menu - update/reload the rmware onto the connected device.
The Help menu - open the documentation, and toggle tooltips on or off.
5.1.6 preferenCes
The Preferences pane contains some additional options for ne tuning your BopPad that are device
wide and apply to all presets. You can access the preferences pane by clicking the ‘Preferences’ button
in the Web Editor, or by selecting ‘Preferences from the BopPad Editor menu (or by hitting cmd + ,).

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5.2.2 User TaBles
User tables can be edited by navigating to the User Tables item from the Presets Menu, accessible in the
menu bar.
You may need to give the browser permission to control your MIDI device.
This is simply a security precaution when sending SysEx to a MIDI device.
You can store up to 4 user tables in the BopPad. You can start from any of the included tables then
shape them to suit your needs. You can use the user tables to shape data from any source and they can
be very useful in ne tuning the response of velocity and pressure. They can also be used to do more
specialized data shapes, such as stair stepped, or quantized data. If you try to load a preset with a user
table to a BopPad with no user tables on it,it will default to whatever is in that slot or a linear table.
To edit a table, select the destination then use your mouse to draw the desired table. Save the table,
and then you can use this table in any modline.
5.3 The WeB ediTor
Any WebMIDI capable browser will be able to successfully run the Web Editor. The Web Editor is
functionally identical to the desktop Editor, with a few minor cosmetic differences.
Find the web Editor here: https://les.keithmcmillen.com/products/boppad/editor/