KESEM DESIGN airpiano User manual

User Manual

User Manual
Thank you very much for buying an airpiano!
Please read this manual carefully before you start using the device.
For any additional information and support, feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Omer Yosha
KESEM DESIGN
Ebersstr. 34, 10827 Berlin
Germany
[email protected]
www.airpiano.de
The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not
be copied to other media. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, for
any purpose, without prior written permission by KESEM DESIGN.
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User Manual
WARNING - IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
* Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
* Do not disassemble the unit.
* Do not expose to high temperature above 50°C (120°F).
* If the shape of the power plug does not t the power outlet, use an attachment plug
adaptor of the proper conguration for the power outlet.
Declaration of Conformity:
Trade Name: KESEM DESIGN
Model No.: 1.0
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Warning:
Changes or modications to this equipment not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance (KESEM DESIGN) could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures: 1) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. 2) Increase the separation between
the equipment and receiver. 3) Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent
from that to which the receiver is connected. 4)Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/
TV technician for help.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
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User Manual
Table Of Content
1. Getting Started ..............................................................................................................................
1.1 In the Box .................................................................................................................................
1.2 Installing Drivers ....................................................................................................................
1.2.1 FTDI Driver ....................................................................................................................
1.2.2 Virtual MIDI Cable .......................................................................................................
1.3 Installing the airpiano Software ......................................................................................
1.4 Connecting Hardware .........................................................................................................
1.5 First Test ....................................................................................................................................
2. Software Features .........................................................................................................................
2.1 Virtual Keys & Faders ............................................................................................................
2.1.1 Assigning MIDI Messages ........................................................................................
2.1.2 Transposing Notes .....................................................................................................
2.1.3 Assigning a„Load Set“ Message ...........................................................................
2.1.4 Loading & Saving Sets ..............................................................................................
2.2 Advanced Settings ...............................................................................................................
2.2.1 Device .............................................................................................................................
2.2.2 MIDI Port ........................................................................................................................
2.2.3 OSC ..................................................................................................................................
2.2.4 Button Load ..................................................................................................................
2.2.5 AUX ..................................................................................................................................
3. Hardware Features .......................................................................................................................
3.1 Side Panel .................................................................................................................................
3.2 Sensors & LEDs .......................................................................................................................
4. Playing the airpiano ....................................................................................................................
5. Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................................
6. Specications .................................................................................................................................
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User Manual
1. Getting Started
1.1 In the Box
Your airpiano should arrive with the following components:
* airpiano Hardware
* airpiano Installation and User Manual CD
* Power Supply
* USB Cable
* Warranty Documents
1.2 Installing Drivers
1.2.1 FDTI Driver
The airpiano uses an FTDI chip in order to communicate with the computer via USB.
Therefore an FTDI chip VCP (Virtual COM Port) driver must be installed on both
Mac OS X and Windows Operating Systems. You should install the driver from the
installation Folder or download and install the latest driver version directly from the
FTDI chip homepage: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
1.2.2 Virtual MIDI Cable
The airpiano software can send MIDI messages to virtual MIDI ports on the computer,
in order to control other software, such as Ableton Live, Logic Studio, Garage Band etc.
Mac users can easily set a virtual MIDI port by following these steps:
1. Open the Audio MIDI Setup Utility (Applications > Utilities)
2. Select Window > Show MIDI Window
3. Double click the IAC Driver icon to open the IAC Driver properties
4. Check the„Device is online“ checkbox
Windows users that do not have any virtual MIDI cable installed on their system,
will need to install„LoopBe1“ - a virtual MIDI cable driver supplied with the airpiano
and located in the PC installation Folder.
After installing both drivers, please restart your computer.
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1.3 Installing the airpiano Software
Mac user: please copy the application„airpiano“ from the Mac Installation folder to
your computer‘s Applications folder.
Windows user: please double click„airpiano-setup“ to begin installation.
You will also nd a presets folder in the installation folder. You can copy it to any directory
on your hard disk .
1.4 Connecting Hardware
To avoid any malfunctions or damage to hardware, connect the airpiano in the
following order:
1. Plug the powers supply in the airpiano‘s power connector, then in the wall socket.
2. Connect the USB cable rst to the airpiano, then to your computer‘s USB2.0 port.
3. Turn the airpiano on. After about 2 seconds, all LED lights should turn on.
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Power Switch
Power Connector
Momentary SwitchUSB 2.0 AUX

User Manual
1.5 First Test
Now that everything is connected and installed, it‘s time for the rst test!
1. Start the airpiano application (Mac users: before opening, please right click the
application le, select„Get Info“ and make sure the application opens in 32-bit mode).
2. After the application loads, go to Options > Advance Settings
3. Next to„Device“ click on „No Connection“ to open a pop-up menu and choose your
device (on Macs you will see the serial number of your device, on windows you will need
to choose the right COM port). When the device is selected, the airpiano should restart
and the lights will go o and then on again. In case this doesn‘t happen, or if you cannot
see your device in the pop-up menu, please close the application, make sure that your
airpiano is connected to power as well as to the USB connector, then go back to step 1.
4. In the same way, choose the MIDI port (on Macs the IAC Bus and on Windows the
LoopBe1).
5. Close the Advanced Settings window
6. Move your hands above the airpiano. You should see keys triggered in the airpiano‘s
main application window. If not, please reer to the troubleshooting section.
7. Succes! your airpiano is working properly with your system. To load a preset, choose
File > Open... from the menu bar and navigate to the preset folder.
8. Once you loaded a set, open your prefered music creation software (Ableton Live,
Garage Band, etc.), adjust its MIDI settings, choose a software instrument and play it with
the airpiano. Of course this is only a test, and there is more to learn in order to really play
well, but if all this worked, then you‘re ready to start learning your new instrument!
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User Manual
2. Software Features
2.1 Virtual Keys & Faders
The airpiano has 8 infrared sensors. Each of these sensors can be used to create one
virtual fader or alternatively 3 virtual keys. This matrix of keys and faders is displayed in
the airpiano software and can be controlled by the user. By pressing the buttons at the
bottom of each column of the matrix, a„keys“ mode or„fader“ mode can be selected for
each of the sensors.
When the user plays the airpiano, the airpiano software can send MIDI and OSC (Open
Sound Control) messages out according to the current open set. A set is a saved
arrangement of keys and faders with their assigned messages and properties.
2.1.1 Assigning MIDI Messages
To assign a MIDI message to a key or a fader, select it and set its properties in the
properties box:
1. First, choose a type of MIDI message in the„Send“ pop-up menu. Choose between
MIDI Note, MIDI CC and MIDI Program Change.
2. Then select other parameters such as MIDI channel, Note Velocity etc.
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2.1.2 Transposing Notes
When assigning keys with MIDI Notes, you might nd it handy to use the global
transpose options (Options > Transpose). You can transpose all notes in semitone or
octave steps.
2.1.3 Assigning a„Load Set“ Message
Keys can also be assigned with other functionalities other than MIDI messages.
The airpiano software version 1.0 introduces a„Load Set“ message, which allows the
user to load a set directly from the device by triggering a virtual key. This is especially
useful when used in combination with the airpiano‘s momentary button or a foot
switch. The user can have instant access to banks of sets while playing.
To assign a key with a “Load Set“ message, change the„Send“ parameter in the properties
box accordingly, and click the„Browse“ button to select the set that should load when the
key is triggered.
2.1.4 Loading and Saving Sets
To load an empty set, select File > New
To load a saved set, select File > Open...
To save your arrangement as a new set, select File > Save As...
2.2 Advanced Settings
For proper operation, the airpiano‘s Advanced Settings must be correctly set.
Select Options > Advanced Settings and set the following parameters:
2.2.1 Device
Choose the device (Mac) or the serial port (Windows) to communicate with.
When communication between the airpiano and the software begins, the airpiano will
restart and the LED lights will turn o and then on again. You can connect a number of
airpianos to one computer and set each individually.
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2.2.2 MIDI Port
Choose your desired virtual MIDI port to work with. On Macs, this will likely be the IAC
Bus and on Windows the LoopBe1 virtual MIDI cable.
2.2.3 OSC
Open Sound Control is a content format for messaging among computers, sound
synthesizers, and other multimedia devices that are optimized for modern networking
technology.
The airpiano can send OSC messages parallel to MIDI, allowing communication with
other software and hardware. This can be especially useful in a performance, when
dierent elements should be controlled in sync (Sound with light installation, VJ
content, etc.). In a wireless network, the airpiano can even control software on another
computer using OSC.
If you want to use the airpiano to control something other than music, we strongly
recommend using the airpiano software together with OSCulator. OSCulator is a great
software by Camille Troillard that uses the OSC protocol to connect between devices
and software.
When triggering the airpiano‘s keys and faders, the following OSC messages are sent
to the selected network port:
Keys: the OSC message looks like this: /airpiano/key/key_index
with the attribute: value = 1 or 0 (ON/OFF)
Faders: the OSC message looks like this: /airpiano/fader/fader_index
with the attribute: value = fader value
2.2.4 Button Load
The airpiano has a momentary switch at the side of the device. This switch can load a
set dened in the„Button Load“ section of the Advanced Settings.
To set the Button Load, click the„Browse“ button and choose the set you wish to load.
In order to take full advantage of this feature, follow these steps:
1. Create a new set
2. Assign many dierent„Load Set“ messages to the virtual keys of the matrix
3. Save the set and call it„mySets“
4. Set the„Button Load“ in Advanced Settings to call„mySets“
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User Manual
You will now be able to load„mySets“ by pushing the momentary switch on the side
of the airpiano (or by using a momentary foot switch). Then you can trigger keys to
load the sets you wish to use.
2.2.5 AUX
The airpiano can be used with a momentary foot switch or an expression pedal.
When selecting„Foot Switch“ in the AUX pop-up menu, the connected foot switch will
act exactly like the momentary switch and will load the set selected in the„Button Load“
section of the Advanced Settings.
When selecting„Expression Pedal“, the user can choose between using the pedal to
control the velocity of MIDI notes or using it to send MIDI CC messages (for example, to
control an eect). If nothing is connected to the AUX connector the AUX option should
be turned o.
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User Manual
3. Hardware Features
3.1 Side Panel
The side panel of the airpiano has 3 connectors and 2 switches as shown in the
photo above.
1. The Power Switch toggles between„Active“ mode and„Standby“ mode. When the
airpiano becomes active, it adjusts itself automatically to the current open set as well
as to the Advanced Settings‘ preferences.
2. The Momentary Switch can be used to load the„Button Load“ set (selected in the
Advanced Settings, more information in chapter 2.2 page 8).
3. The power supply must be connected to the Power Connector before operation
(Please use only the power supply that came with your device!).
4. The USB cable must be connected rst to the device and then to the computer
before starting the airpiano software, otherwise the device will not be recognized by
the software.
5. The AUX connector can be used with a momentary foot switch (like the Boss FS-5U)
or an expression pedal (like the M-Audio EXP). More information in chapter 2.2 page 9.
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Power Switch
Power Connector
Momentary SwitchUSB 2.0 AUX

User Manual
3.2 Sensors & LEDs
The airpiano is a pholyphonic instrument and allows triggering multiple keys and
faders (horizontal and vertical) simultaneously. This is made possible by a horizontal
array of 8 infrared sensors. When you lift your hand over a sensor, a key or a fader is
triggered.
On the left side of each sensor are 5 LEDs. This provides you with:
1. Horizontal Orientation - the LEDs give reference to the location of each sensor.
2. Visual Feedback - the LEDs light and show which key is triggered as well as the
approximate value of a fader. Please note that after practicing the airpiano for a while,
you will get a feeling for the instrument and hitting keys accurately will become much
easier, while the visual feedback will remain rather as an ambient feedback.
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Infrared Sensor
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User Manual
4. Playing the airpiano
Following are a few tips that will help you play the airpiano better:
1. Position the airpiano in a comfortable height, as you would when playing a keyboard.
2. Do not stand too close to the device, otherwise your body might accidentally trigger
the matrix keys and faders.
3. Since the sensors are located on the right side of the LEDs, triggering keys and faders
is optimally achieved when lifting the hand above but slightly to the right of the LEDs,
in a way that the hand is exactly above the sensor.
4. The distance between the vertical keys is about 20 cm. After a bit of practice, you will
get a feeling for the device, and you will manage to intuitively move your hands to the
right location in the air.
5. The virtual faders act just like physical ones, meaning your hand can„pull“ the
fader‘s handle up or down from its last position. The fader‘s handle won't move unless your
hand reaches it rst. The LEDs show the approximate value of the fader. The trick is to start
moving a fader by positioning the hand either below or above the fader's handle,
depending on what you want to do. In case you want to increase the fader's value, place
your hand below the fader's position and move your hand up. To decrease the fader's value,
place your hand above the current fader position and move your hand down.
6. Last but not least, don‘t forget that the airpiano is a new kind of instrument, which means
it‘s up to you to explore and develop your own playing techniques!
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User Manual
5. Troubleshooting
The airpiano was developed with the aim to design a unique, versatile yet simple
musical interface, with a magical user experience. Please do understand that as with
any other electronic device problems may occur. Please go over the following
troubleshooting instructions before contacting us for further help. We will do our best
to solve hardware and software related issues, and we also welcome any suggestions
regarding improvements and ideas for new features.
When i try to open the airpiano application, nothing happens.
1. Please check that you have the latest Java version on your system.
2. Reinstall the software and restart your computer.
3. Retry to open the application. If the probelm is not solved, contact our support team.
When i try to open the airpiano application, i get this message:
1. Please right-click on the application le, and
select„Get Info“.
2. In the info box, make sure that„Open in 32-bit
mode“ is checked.
3. Retry to open the application. If the probelm
is not solved, contact our support team.
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User Manual
When i push the power button of the airpiano, nothing happens.
1. Please make sure that the power supplier is rmly plugged to the wall socket and to
the airpiano‘s power connector.
2. Retry to power the airpiano. If the probelm is not solved, contact our support team.
I cannot nd my airpiano listet in the„Device“ pop-up menu of the Advanced Settings
1. Please close the airpiano application.
2. Make sure that the airpiano is plugged properly to the wall socket as well as to the
USB port on your computer.
3. Open the application again and select Options > Advanced Settings .
4. Press on the„Device“ pop-up menu and check if the device is now listet.
5. If the problem is not solved, please make sure that the FTDI driver was properly
installed and (Windows only) that the airpiano has been recognized by the computer
as a USB-Device. Otherwise, contact our support team.
I do not get any triggers in the airpiano software‘s matrix when i move my hands above
the device.
1. Make sure your device is selected in the Advanced Settings window
(Options > Advanced Settings).
2. Restart the application and try again. If the probelm is not solved, contact our support
team.
I can see it in the software when keys are triggered but i cannot hear any sound.
1. Please make sure that you are using the correct MIDI port (in Advanced Settings) and
MIDI channels (in the Properties box of the loaded set).
2. Mac user: please check that the IAC driver is selected (in Advanced Settings), and is
online (Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup > Window > MIDI).
Windows user: please make sure that your Virtual MIDI Cable (LoopBE1 or any similar
driver) is installed properly.
The airpiano‘s keys get triggered although no hands are above it.
1. Please make sure that the space above the airpiano is free from objects and walls.
2. Test if this happens when the power supply is plugged directly to the wall socket.
3. Test the device in a dierent location. Some light sources and reective surfaces may
interfere with the sensors proper operation.
For any other troubleshooting issues please contact our support team.
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User Manual 16
6. Specications
Size & Weight
Length: 960 mm
Width: 160 mm
Height: 26 mm
Weight: 2.8 Kg
Power
The airpiano must be used only with the supplied power adapter!!!
The supplied power adapter has the following specications:
Limited Power Source (center positiv )
Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz
Output: 9Vdc, 1.5A
Connectors
Power - 2.1/5.5 female
USB - Type B female
Foot control - 1/4" Jack female
System Requirements
Mac OS X or Windows PC
Latest Java version
USB port