Samson Graphite 49 User manual

USB MIDI CONTROLLER
OWNER’S MANUAL

Copyright 2012 - Samson Technologies
V2
Samson Technologies
45 Gilpin Avenue
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: [phone]
www.samsontech.com
Native Instruments, NI and Komplete Elements are trademarks or registered trademarks
of Native Instruments GmbH.

Important Safety Information
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This lightning ash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of non-insulated“dangerous volt-
age” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sucient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions
in the literature accompanying the appliance.
If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a
separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that
requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling.
Private household in the 25 member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may return their used
electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar
new one).
For Countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for a correct method of disposal.
By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and
recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.
ATTENTION
RISQUE D’ÉLECTROCUTION !
NE PAS OUVRIR !
WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT USE THIS PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RE-
CEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE
EXPOSURE. TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE. TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE PLUG TO WIDE SLOT AND
FULLY INSERT.

CAUTION
Any changes or modications to the construction of this device which are not express-
ly approved by the party responsible for compliance 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.
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for the following
standards:
EN55022-2006
EN55024:1998/+A1:2001/+A2:2003
EN55013:2001/+A1:2003/+A3:2006
EN61000-3-2:2006
EN61000-3-3:1995/+A1:2001/+A2:2003

Important Safety Information
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufac-
turer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
10. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specied by
the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
11. Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms, or when unused for long periods
of time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualied personnel. Service is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus has been exposed
to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
13. This appliance shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing water and that no
object lled with liquid such as vases shall be placed on the apparatus.
14. Caution-to prevent electrical shock, match wide blade plug wide slot fully insert.
15. Please keep a good ventilation environment around the entire unit.
16. Always unplug cables by gripping the plug rmly, not by pulling on the cable.

6
Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Graphite 49 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Minimum System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Front Panel Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Rear Panel Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Quick Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Graphite 49 Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Preset Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Performance Mode Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Performance Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
MIDI OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Operational Flow Chart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
MIDI Note Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

7
Graphite 49 · USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Samson Graphite 49, 49-key USB keyboard control-
ler! The Graphite 49 gives you all the performance and production control to easily
integrate with your Windows or Mac digital production workstation. To capture the
dynamics of your performance, the Graphite 49 comes equipped with a 49-note
velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch. In addition, the Graphite 49 has four
velocity-sensitive trigger pads with aftertouch, that can be used for recording drum
beats, triggering samples, or controlling midi parameters.
The Graphite 49 also functions as a full-featured control surface with nine sliders, eight
encoders, 16 function buttons, and transport controls. At the center of the keyboard,
a large backlit LCD screen displays functions and accessible parameters in real-time,
allowing you to make changes quickly without interrupting your performance or
session.
The Graphite 49 is the perfect addition to your DAW or controlling virtual instrument
software. To get you started making music immediately, we have included Native
Instruments Komplete Elements, which contains over 1000 sounds and effects.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Graphite 49
keyboard controller, as well as a guided tour of its control panel, and instructions for
setup and use. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed. Please don’t forget to fill it
out and mail it in so that you can receive online technical support, and so that we can
send you updated information about these and other Samson products in the future.
We recommend you record your serial number in the space provided below, for future
reference.
Serial number: ____________________________________________
Date of purchase: __________________________________________
With proper care and maintenance, your Graphite 49 will operate trouble-free for
many years. Should your keyboard ever require servicing, a Return Authorization (RA)
number must be obtained before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number,
the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-
6766) for an RA number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing
materials and, if possible, return the unit in its original carton. If your Graphite 49 was
purchased outside of the United States, contact your local distributor for warranty
details and service information.
Also, be sure to check out our website (www.samsontech.com) for Graphite desktop
editing software, rmware updates, and remote control setup documentation.

8
Graphite 49 Features
System Components
Minimum System Requirements
The Samson Graphite 49 utilizes state-of-the-art technology and is engineered to the
nest detail. Here are some of its main features:
• 49-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch
• Nine programmable faders, eight encoders and 16 buttons for hands-on control
over your DAW and virtual instruments
• Four velocity-sensitive trigger pads with aftertouch (two banks each) for drum
sounds and samples
• Large backlit LCD display provides real-time feedback
• MIDI Out, USB and sustain pedal connections
• Compact design, perfect for live performance and studio applications
• Dedicated Transpose and Octave buttons, Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels
• Four zones for creating splits and layering sounds
• Adjustable velocity curve for both keys and pads
• USB bus power
• Includes Native Instruments Komplete Elements software
• Samson Graphite 49 USB Keyboard
• One (1) USB Cable
• Native Instruments Komplete Elements installation DVD
• Graphite 49 Owner’s Manual
Windows (PC)
• Windows XP/Vista/Win7
• 800MHz or higher, 256MB RAM or larger, USB port
Mac OS
• Mac OS X 10.4.9 or higher
• 733MHz or higher, 512MB RAM or larger, USB port

9
Graphite 49 · USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller
1. Display - The backlit LCD is the command center for the Graphite 49. It displays the current
setup information, performance data, adjustable parameters and controller information.
2. PAGE ◀/ ▶Buttons - Press the PAGE buttons to navigate through the adjustable param-
eters and functions in all modes.
3. DATA +/– Buttons - Press the DATA buttons to adjust MIDI, controller, and performance data
in all modes.
4. ENTER Button - When pressed, this button applies the selected parameter settings.
5. MAIN Button - Press this backlit button to enter Performance Mode. It will also cancel any
adjusted parameters that have not been saved.
6. PRESET Button - Press this backlit button to enter Preset Mode, where you can select from
30 dierent software and user presets.
7. SETUP Button - Press this backlit button to enter Setup Mode to adjust and assign perfor-
mance and controller parameters within a preset.
8. ZONE Button - Press this backlit button to edit the four zones from which the Graphite can
send independent note and controller information.
9. MUTE Button - Press this button to enable the Mute function. When activated, the word
MUTE will ash on the display and the keyboard will stop transmitting messages from the
encoders and sliders. Pressing the button again will exit the Mute function and transmit all
encoder and slider values together.
10. PAD BANK Button - The Trigger Pads are congured into two pad banks, with dierent set-
tings congured to each pad. Press the PAD BANK button to toggle between the two banks.
11. BANK ◀/ ▶Buttons - The eight encoders and rst eight sliders are congured into two
banks, so you can control up to 16 individual parameters. Press the BANK buttons to switch
between the two banks of eight controllers.
12. CHANNEL ◀/ ▶Buttons - Press the CHANNEL buttons to shift all eight encoders and the
rst eight sliders by one MIDI channel to expand the working range of the controllers.
13. Assignable Sliders - The nine sliders send continuous control data via the USB or MIDI OUT
jacks. The S1–S8 sliders are preset from the factory to send volume controls for channels
1–8, and S9 is set to master volume control. The sliders can be assigned to control dierent
parameters in Setup Mode.
Front Panel Controls and Functions
A
B

10
14. Assignable Encoders - The eight endless encoders send continuous control data via the USB
or MIDI OUT jacks. The encoders are preset from the factory to send MIDI pan message on
channels 1–8. The encoders can be assigned to control dierent parameters in Setup Mode.
15. Function Buttons - The 16 function buttons can be used to send MIDI note or control
information, and can be set as either toggle or momentary style buttons. The current state of
each button is shown on the display.
16. Trigger Pads - The four velocity-sensitive trigger pads can be assigned to send MIDI note or
control information, and can be set as either toggle or momentary style buttons. For added
control, these pads feature four velocity curves as well as aftertouch.
17. Transport Buttons - The ve transport buttons control universal Rewind, Fast Forward, Stop,
Play and Record functions (respectively) in the factory default setting. They can also be as-
signed to control dierent parameters in the Setup Mode, similar to the Function Buttons. If
you encounter a stuck (hanging) note, press the Rewind and Fast Forward buttons together
to send a Panic command to all ports and channels. The Panic command includes“all notes
o,”“reset all controllers,”“reset pitch bend”and “reset GM”system messages.
18. OCTAVE +/– Buttons - Press the OCTAVE buttons to shift the octave of the keyboard up or
down a maximum of four octaves, to extend the range of the keyboard. Each time you press
the OCTAVE button, the range of the keyboard shifts up or down 12 notes.
19. TRANSPOSE +/– Buttons - Press the TRANSPOSE buttons to shift the range of the keyboard
up or down a maximum of 12 semitones (half-steps).
20. PITCH BEND Wheel - Use this wheel to raise or lower the pitch of notes played on the
keyboard.
21. MODULATION Wheel - This wheel is usually used to add vibrato or other expressive eects
to a sound being played.
22. Function Keys - In Setup Mode, the rst 17 keys of the keyboard are assigned to functions,
and numerical digits 0–9.
Front Panel Controls and Functions