Misa Digital KITARA User manual

User Manual / EN

General information
Introduction
Specifications
What’s in the Box
Kitara Description
Setup
Configuration Screen
Basic Operation
Advanced Configuration Screen
Configuration Menu
Presets
Synth / MIDI
Effects Overview
Compression & Distortion
Modulation & Delay
Reverb
Mixer / EQ
Assigning Controls to Synth or MIDI Parameters
Advanced MIDI configuration
MIDI troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Warranty Statement
Support
Declaration of Conformity
Disclaimer
...........................................................................................
..........................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
................................................................................................
...............................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................
...................................................................................................
.....................................................................
..............................................................................................
.....................................................................................
.............................................................................
...........................................................
........................................................................
...............................................................................................
.........................................................................................
.................
..........................................................................
....................................................................
..................................................................................................
..........................................................................................
..................................................................................................................
................................................................................
.............................................................................................................
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
24
25
26
27
29
31
Table of Contents

WARNING
CAUTION
3
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or even death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, damages, fire or
other hazards. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Only use the voltage specified as correct for the instrument. The required
voltage is imprinted on the power adapter included.
• Use the specified power adapter only. Using the wrong power adapter can
result in overheating or damage to the instrument.
• Check the electric plug periodically and remove any dirt or dust which may
have accumulated on it.
• Do not place the AC adapter cord near heat sources such as heaters or
radiators, and do not excessively bend or otherwise damage the cord, place
heavy objects on it, or place it in a position where anyone could walk on, trip
over, or roll anything over it.
POWER SUPPLY / AC POWER ADAPTER
• Do not expose the instrument to rain, use it near water or in damp or wet
conditions, or place containers with liquids which might spill into any
openings. If any liquid such as water seeps into the instrument, turn off the
power immediately and unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.
• Never insert or remove an electric plug with wet hands.
WATER WARNING
• Do not put flammable items, such as candles, on the unit. A combustible item
may fall over and cause a fire.
FIRE WARNING
• Do not open the instrument or attempt to disassemble the internal parts or
modify them in any way. The instrument contains no user-serviceable parts. If
it should appear to be malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately.
DO NOT OPEN
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of physical injury to you or others, or damage to the instrument or other property. These
precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Misa Digital Instruments cannot be held responsible for damage caused by improper use or modifications to the instrument.
ALWAYS TURN THE POWER OFF WHEN THE INSTRUMENT IS NOT IN USE.
• When removing the electric plug from the instrument or an outlet, always
hold the plug itself and not the cord.
• Unplug the AC power adapter when not using the instrument, or during
electrical storms.
• Do not connect the instrument to an electrical outlet using a
multiple-connector. Doing so can result in lower sound quality, or possibly
cause overheating in the outlet.
POWER SUPPLY / AC POWER ADAPTER
• When cleaning the instrument, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use paint
thinners, solvents, cleaning fluids, or chemical-impregnated wiping cloths.
• Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might
accidentally fall over.
• Do not rest your weight on, or place heavy objects on the instrument, and do
not use excessive force on the buttons, switches or connectors.
• Do not use the instrument/device or headphones for a long period of time at
a high or uncomfortable volume level, since this can cause permanent hearing
loss. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, consult a
physician.
HANDLING AND MAINTENANCE
• Before connecting the instrument to other electronic components, turn off
the power for all components. Before turning the power on or off for all
components, set all volume levels to minimum. Also, be sure to set the
volumes of all components at their minimum levels and gradually raise the
volume controls while playing the instrument to set the desired listening level.
CONNECTIONS

4
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Kitara community!
Congratulations on the purchase of your very own KITARA.
Please take a few minutes to read the user manual and familiarize yourself with the functionality and use of Kitara. Note all
safety precautions, including directions for care and maintenance of the product to ensure longevity and optimum use of your
digital guitar.
We hope you enjoy your new Kitara and we're looking forward to seeing what you and other users will create with this instrument
we love very much!
The Misa team

SPECIFICATIONS
5
144 keys
Tuneable individual strings
Fret markers (3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th , 17th, 19th, 21st and 24th frets)
30 voices (5 per string)
40+
1GB (Flash)
Maximum Polyphony
Presets
User Memory available
Five points multi-touch capacitive
USB Drive with User Manual, AC Adapter, Strap, Audio Cable, MIDI Cable, Cleaning Cloth
Neck
Touch Panel
Accessories
Synthesizer
815 mm
345 mm
35 mm
2.9 kg
Height
Width
Depth
Weight
Size and Weight
Controls
Connectors
Power Supply
Effects
Effects
FX Blocks
Distortion, Compression, Modulation, Delay, Reverb, Filter, Equalizer
2 (synthesizer voices individually routable to FX1, FX2 or neither)
Audio
Data
Power
¼” Audio Output Jack, Headphone jack
MIDI-OUT Connector, USB
Barrel Connector
Current Rating DC 1.2 A - 9 V
Audio Output
Line-out Output Level
Headphone Output Power
RMS
0.6 V
32 Ohm - 10mW
Supports all tunings
Assignable to any synthesizer effect parameter or voice parameter
Touch and drag gestures assignable to any synthesizer effect or voice parameter
Normal Mode and Tap Mode
800x600 resolution LCD - 24 bit color
6 Strings Blocks
X/Y Controller
Touch Pad
Modes
Display

WHAT’S IN THE BOX
6
The Misa Digital Instruments Kitara package contains several items. Please make sure that all items are included in your box. If any are missing, contact the dealer that sold you the Kitara.
Kitara Digital Guitar
MIDI Cable
This cable connects between Kitara and a MIDI interface.
USB Cable
This cable connects between Kitara and your computer in order to transfer files
and perform firmware updates.
Audio Cable
This cable connects between Kitara and external speakers.
AC Adapter
Please make sure you only use the supplied AC adapter with Kitara.
Do not use any other AC adapter as it may cause damage to the unit.
Cleaning Cloth
Use this to clean Kitara’s screen and body.
Screen Protector
Use this to provide an extra protection to the screen
Strap
Attach this to the strap buttons
Allen Key
Use this to swap the strap buttons.
USB drive
Contains User Manual and PC/MAC software.

KITARA DESCRIPTION
7
Touchscreen – Indicates the current playing mode and various
configuration settings of Kitara.
Neck – Each of the 144 note buttons designates a musical tone.
The default tuning is the same as a regular guitar.
Strap hooks – To attach a guitar strap to the strap hooks.
(note: strap hooks can be swapped for left-handed users)
USB port – Connect USB cable (included) to your PC to allow file
transfer or firmware update.
Headphone jack – Connect to headphones.
AC Adapter connection – Connect the AC adapter provided, to this
port and your wall power supply.
Audio line out – Connect an audio cable to external speakers or any
audio interface.
MIDI-out – Connect to an external MIDI device.
Power button – Hold for 2 seconds to power on/off Kitara.

SETUP
8
Attach the Kitara strap to both strap buttons.
How to connect to Kitara
Left-Handed Mode
Kitara’s default orientation is for right-handed players. To switch Kitara
to a left-handed orientation:
-Unscrew the strap buttons from their current position.
-Screw the strap buttons into the holes on the opposite side of Kitara.
Access the configuration menu, then the system menu, and select
“Left-handed”. The screen should immediately flip to accomodate.

CONFIGURATION SCREEN
9
The configuration menu is divided into the following
sections:
Volume Slider – Controls the master output volume
Preset Window – Load Kitara presets. You can slide your
finger across this window to see more presets.
Ball button – Enables/disables Ball Mode.
String button – Enables/disables String Mode.
Tap – Enables/disables Tap Mode.
Advanced – Shows the Advanced Menu.
Close – Return to Play Screen.
For an explanation
on the modes, see
the section “Basic
Operation”
To start the configuration screen:
Press the two rear corners of the touch panel and select “Configuration”.
VOLUME LOAD CLOSE
ADVANCED
Preset #1
Preset #2
Preset #3
Preset #4
Preset #5
Preset #6
Preset #7
Preset #8
STRINGS
BALL
TAP
LOAD
Preset #1
Preset #2
Preset #3
Preset #4
Preset #5
Preset #6
Preset #7
Preset #8
LOAD
Preset #1
Preset #2
Preset #3
Preset #4
Preset #5
Preset #6
Preset #7
Preset #8
How to load a preset
LOAD
Preset #1
Preset #2
Preset #3
Preset #4
Preset #5
Preset #6
Preset #7
Preset #8

BASIC OPERATION
10
When first switching on Kitara, the instrument will default to Touchpad Mode.
The screen will be blue.
Pressing on the touchpad will play the highest note pressed on each of
the six strings.
Pressing on a string will play the corresponding note, similar to a guitar string
on a traditional guitar.Press a note key on the neck to increase the tone pitch of
of the string block.
In Tap Mode, the general operation is the same as in Standard Play Mode, except
that notes on Kitara’s neck immediately plays regardless of any fingers being
pressed on the touch panel. It is useful for the two-handed tapping technique.
The Touchpad, Strings and X/Y ball control are a different colour in Tap Mode.
Dragging the X/Y ball will modify various sound parameters. This is
determined by the settings in the configuration menu (unique for each preset).
See section “Assigning Controls to Synth or MIDI Parameters” for more
information.
TOUCHPAD MODE
STRINGS MODE
BALL MODE
TAP MODE

ADVANCED CONFIGURATION SCREEN
11
To start the advanced configuration screen:
Press the two rear corners of the touch panel and select Advanced.
The configuration menu is divided into the following sections:
Presets – Press this button to show a screen allowing you to load or save
Kitara presets.
Synth / MIDI – Press this button to show string assignments and modify
MIDI configuration.
Distortion – Modify the onboard distortion effect settings.
Compression – Modify the onboard compressor effect settings.
Delay – Modify the onboard delay effect settings.
Modulation – Modify the onboard modulation effect settings.
Reverb – Modify the onboard reverb effect settings.
Mixer / EQ – Modify the onboard mixer and EQ settings.
System – Modify various system settings, displays the software version
and update the wavetable.
Close – Return to the Play screen.
The configuration screen lets you set many parameters that affect how Kitara works.
SYSTEM
SYNTH / MIDI PRESETS DISTORTION COMPRESSION DELAY MODULATION REVERB MIXER / EQ
CLOSE
VOLUME LOAD CLOSE
ADVANCED
Preset #1
Preset #2
Preset #3
Preset #4
Preset #5
Preset #6
Preset #7
Preset #8
STRINGS
BALL
TAP

CONFIGURATION MENU - PRESETS SCREEN
12
All the control and synthesizer settings on Kitara are saved in Presets. This includes:
1. Synthesizer voices
2. Effects parameters
3. On-board synthesizer control assignments
4. MIDI string configuration
5. MIDI control assignments
6. String tuning
This means different presets can have different tunings recalled instantly, and you can build presets that are configured specifically for external MIDI devices.
Once you build and save the configuration, you won’t need to reconfigure again.
To l oad a pre set:
Select a preset name.
Press the Load button.
To s ave the curr ent setti ngs to a pres et:
Select a preset filename to overwrite and press Save, or
Press the Save as button to create a new preset.
Press OK to confirm overwrite.
CLOSESAVE
PRESETS
LOAD CLOSESAVE
PRESETS
LOAD
CLOSESAVE
PRESETS
LOAD CLOSESAVE
PRESETS
LOAD CLOSESAVE
PRESETS
CANCELOK
ARE YOU SURE?

CONFIGURATION MENU - SYNTH / MIDI SCREEN
13
To c hang e the str ing t unin g:
Press the forward and backward arrows to adjust the starting tone of the string. Each tone is assigned a note (from A to G#) and a number indicating the octave.
Each string can be assigned to either the onboard synthesizer or an external MIDI device. This allows you to control the onboard synthesizer and multiple external
MIDI devices simultaneously by assigning each string to a separate device.
To a ssig n a s trin g to the onboa rd s yn thes izer :
Press the “Synth” button . One or more voice assignment boxes should be visible .
Press an empty voice assignment box to create a new voice for the string (see “Voice screen” section below).
To a ssig n a s trin g to an e xtern al M IDI d evic e:
Press the MIDI button . The MIDI channel selector should be visible .
Select the desired MIDI channel corresponding to your external MIDI device using the arrows.
The Synth / MIDI screen provides the interface to designate synthesizer
voice assignments, string tunings and MIDI configuration.
Each of the six strings on Kitara is assigned a row. For example, the
settings of the low E string are the first row from the bottom:
CLOSE
SYNTH / MIDI
MIDI CONTROLS
E 2
A 3
D 2
G 3
B 4
E 4
MIDI
MIDI
MIDI
MIDI
MIDI
MIDI
SYNTH
MIDI Channel
SYNTH
SYNTH
SYNTH
SYNTH
SYNTH
CLOSE
SYNTH / MIDI
MIDI CONTROLS
A 3
D 2
G 3
B 4
E 4
MIDI
MIDI
MIDI
MIDI
SYNTH
MIDI
SYNTH
SYNTH
SYNTH
SYNTH
E 2 MIDISYNTH

CONFIGURATION MENU - SYNTH / MIDI SCREEN
14
1. Wave type – any wave defined in the soundbank
2. Amplitude envelope controls
3. Filter frequency cut-off
4. Filter resonance
5. Detune course
6. Detune fine
7. Fi lter e nv elope c ontr ol s
8. Vibrate rate
9. Vibrate depth
10. Vibrate delay
11. Channel volume
12. Portamento time
13. Pan
14. Pitch bend semitones
15. FX block (FX1, FX2 or off)
16. Reverb send (only if no FX block selected, otherwise use reverb send in MFX mixer)
You can press the arrows on the side of the screen to
display more parameters.
CLOSEON
VOICE
WAVEFORM
FX 1 FX 2
A voice is an individual waveform that makes a distinct sound. Each voice has a shape, and a set of parameters that can be used to modify the sound. Each string on
Kitara can play up to five voices simultaneously. As an option, you can also assign a voice to play through an FX block.
VOICE SCREEN

CONFIGURATION MENU - EFFECTS OVERVIEW
15
The Kitara onboard synthesizer contains two effects blocks (FX1 and FX2). Each effects block includes Compression, Distortion, Modulation, Delay, Reverb and EQ
effects. Each string on the Kitara can be routed through either FX block.
Let us use the compressor as an example:
Select the Compression button to load the
compression screen.
SYSTEM
SYNTH / MIDI PRESETS DISTORTION COMPRESSION DELAY MODULATION REVERB MIXER / EQ
CLOSE
Kitara has two compressors – one for
each FX block (FX 1 and 2). To modify
the settings of a particular compressor,
select the designated FX block as
follows. CLOSE
COMPRESSION
FX 1 FX 2
HARD SOFT
ON
Note: Global effects such as EQ do not
have an FX block designater.
To modify the various parameters of the
compressor, drag the sliders up or down. CLOSE
COMPRESSION
FX 1 FX 2
HARD SOFT
ON
To turn a compressor on, select the On
button.
CLOSE
COMPRESSION
FX 1 FX 2
HARD SOFT
ON
In some cases, effects may have more
parameters than it is possible to fit on
the screen. This is indicated by a small
arrow to the right of the screen. You
can press the arrows on the side of the
screen to display more parameters.
CLOSE
COMPRESSION
FX 1 FX 2
HARD SOFT
ON
To return to the main configuration
screen, press the Close button.
CLOSE
COMPRESSION
FX 1 FX 2
HARD SOFT
ON

CONFIGURATION MENU - COMPRESSION & DISTORTION
16
Compression Parameters:
1. Attack
2. Release
3. Threshold
4. Ratio
5. Boost
6. Knee (hard or soft)
The Kitara onboard synthesizer contains a compressor effect. A compressor
is used to reduce the volume of loud sounds and amplify quiet sounds.
The Kitara onboard synthesizer contains a distortion effect. Distortion makes
the audio signal “dirtier” or warmer.
CLOSE
COMPRESSION
FX 1 FX 2
HARD SOFT
ON CLOSEON
DISTORTION
TYPE
FX 1 FX 2
COMPRESSION DISTORTION
Distortion Parameters:
1. Algorithm type
2. Output level
3. Distortion drive
4. Distortion tone
5. Booster

CONFIGURATION MENU - MODULATION & DELAY
17
Modulation Parameters:
1. Type (11 x chorus algorithms, 4 x flanger; 4
x phaser, 4 x tremolo and 1 x rotary)
2. Level
3. Chorus delay time
4. Chorus feedback
5. Chorus hpf
6. Delay feedback filter
7. Mo dulat io n ra te
8. Modulation depth
9. Tremolo shape (0 = triangle… until 127 =
square)
The Kitara onboard synthesizer contains various filter modulation effects
including phaser, flanger, tremolo and chorus. It is better to listen to these
effects than try to describe them!
The Kitara onboard synthesizer contains a delay effect. Delay creates an echo
sound.
MODULATION DELAY
Delay Parameters:
1. Mode (mono or stereo)
2. Pre-low pass filter amount
3. Level
4. Time (0 – 1365ms)
5. Feedback
6. Feedback filter amount
CLOSEON
MODULATION
TYPE
FX 1 FX 2 CLOSEON
DELAY
FX 1 FX 2
MONO STEREO

CONFIGURATION MENU - REVERB
18
Reverb Parameters:
1. Type (room1, room2, room3, hall1, hall2, plate, delay, pan delay)
2. Pre-low pass filter amount
3. Level
4. Time
5. Delay feedback
6. Pr e-del ay tim e
The Kitara onboard synthesizer contains a reverb effect. Reverb gives the audio a sense of space, to simulate a room environment. Reverb is a global effect (not per
FX Block).
CLOSE
REVERB
TYPE

CONFIGURATION MENU - MIXER / EQ
19
Mixer Parameters:
1. Low cut filter frequency
2. High cut filter frequency
3. Input gain
4. Output level
5. Reverb send amount
The Kitara onboard synthesizer contains two mixers, one for each FX block.
The mixer is used to set various parameters of the signal after the signal has
been processed by your preselected effects.
This screen is divided into two sections: mixer and EQ.
The EQ (Equalizer) is used to increase or decrease the level of certain
frequencies in the audio signal. This is the final stage of the signal chain.
MIXER EQ
EQ Parameters:
There are 4 EQ bands, each with gain and
frequency, and Q controls.
CLOSEON
MIXER
FX 1 FX 2 CLOSE
EQ
MIXER ON

CONFIGURATION MENU - ASSIGNING CONTROLS TO SYNTH OR MIDI PARAMETERS
20
In Play Mode the user has access to several controls via the touch panel. These are:
Synth Parameter Assignment
All voice and effect parameters accessible in the configuration menu can be
controlled by any of the above controls.
For example, you may wish to control the Distortion effects Drive parameter to
increase or decrease as you touch on the touch pad from one side of the screen
to the other. In other words, you want to assign the Distortion Drive parameter to
the touch_x control. To do this:
1. Open the Configuration Menu.
2. Select Distortion.
3. Locate the Drive parameter. Press the text label Drive underneath the slider.
A new menu should appear.
4. Select touch_x once to select it.
5. You can optionally press the Inverse button to reverse the direction of the
control
6. Press touch_x once again to confirm. The menu should close and the “Drive”
text label should be red.
Now the location of your touch will affect the Distortion drive.
1. touch x
2. touch y x/y value set when you tap on the screen
x/y value set when you drag on the screen
x/y value set when you move the X/Y control ball around
value set at random independent of any touch panel press
you can limit the range to any value between 0 - 127
3. drag x
4. drag y
5. ball x
6. ball y
7. variation
CLOSEON
DISTORTION
TYPE
FX 1 FX 2
SET CONROL
MIDI Parameter Assignment
Kitara can control external MIDI devices. A MIDI device listens on a particular
channel from 1 to 16, and its controls are assigned “Control Change” (CC)
numbers. For example, your MIDI device may have a Distortion Drive knob
assigned to CC16. (Please see your MIDI device’s instruction manual for more
details on its particular configuration.) In this example, you can assign any of
Kitara’s controls to this knob as follows:
1. Open the Configuration Menu.
2. Select Synth/MIDI screen.
3. Press the MIDI Controls button.
4. Press the New button.
5. Press CC.
6. Select the MIDI channel your external MIDI device is listening on.
7. Se lect 16 from the Control Change number selection box.
8. Press OK.
CLOSE
MIDI CONTROL
OK
INV
CC
CONTROL
CONTROL NUM 0
CHANNEL 1
VELOCITYPITCH