thomann swissonic MiniKey 25 User manual

MiniKey 25
MIDI Keyboard
User Manual

Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Internet: www.thomann.de
01.02.2024, ID: 565449 (V2)

Table of contents
1 General information................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Symbols and signal words............................................................................................................... 5
2 Safety instructions..................................................................................................................................... 7
3 Features....................................................................................................................................................... 10
4 Installation and starting up................................................................................................................ 11
5 Connections and operating elements........................................................................................... 13
6 Functions..................................................................................................................................................... 15
6.1 Arpeggiator........................................................................................................................................ 15
6.2 Smart scale mode............................................................................................................................. 17
6.3 Smart chord mode........................................................................................................................... 18
6.4 Transposing........................................................................................................................................ 19
7 Technical specications....................................................................................................................... 20
8 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 22
Table of contents
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MIDI Keyboard

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1 General information
This document contains important instructions for the safe operation of the product. Read and
follow the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the document for future refer‐
ence. Make sure that it is available to all those using the product. If you sell the product to
another user, be sure that they also receive this document.
Our products and documentation are subject to a process of continuous development. They
are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the latest version of the documentation, which
is ready for download under www.thomann.de.
1.1 Symbols and signal words
In this section you will nd an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are
used in this document.
General information
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Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an
immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or
serious injury if it is not avoided.
WARNING! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐
sible dangerous situation that can result in death or serious
injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐
sible dangerous situation that can result in material and
environmental damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – dangers due to batteries.
Warning – danger zone.
General information
6MiniKey 25
MIDI Keyboard

2 Safety instructions
This device is intended to be used for electronic sound generation using a piano keyboard. Use
the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating
conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage.
No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sucient physical, sensorial, and intellectual
abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
Safety
DANGER!
Risk of injury and choking hazard for children!
Children can suocate on packaging material and small parts. Children can injure themselves when handling the device. Never allow
children to play with the packaging material and the device. Always store packaging material out of the reach of babies and small
children. Always dispose of packaging material properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without supervi‐
sion. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the device does not shed any small parts (such knobs) that children
could play with.
Intended use
Safety instructions
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WARNING!
Incorrect handling of lithium batteries can result in injury!
In the event of a short circuit, overheating or mechanical damage, lithium batteries can cause severe injuries. Handle lithium bat‐
teries in a correct and professional manner. Store lithium batteries in a cool and dry place in their original packaging. Keep lithium
batteries away from sources of heat. Never open lithium batteries. Only charge rechargeable lithium batteries with a suitable
charger. Remove the lithium batteries before disposing of the device. Cover the poles of used lithium batteries with adhesive tape to
prevent short circuits. Electrolyte can escape from damaged lithium batteries. Put the damaged lithium battery in air-tight pack‐
aging. Collect the electrolyte with absorbent paper. Wear rubber gloves while doing so.
NOTICE!
Damage to the device if operated in unsuitable ambient conditions!
The device can be damaged if it is operated in unsuitable ambient conditions. Only operate the device indoors within the ambient
conditions specied in the “Technical specications” chapter of this user manual. Avoid operating it in environments with direct sun‐
light, heavy dirt and strong vibrations. Avoid operating it in environments with strong temperature uctuations. If temperature uc‐
tuations cannot be avoided (for example after transport in low outside temperatures), do not switch on the device immediately.
Never subject the device to liquids or moisture. Never move the device to another location while it is in operation. In environments
with increased dirt levels (for example due to dust, smoke, nicotine or mist): Have the device cleaned by qualied specialists at reg‐
ular intervals to prevent damage due to overheating and other malfunctions.
NOTICE!
Possible damage to lithium-ion batteries through incorrect storage!
Deep discharge can permanently damage lithium-ion batteries or cause them to lose some of their capacity. Charge the lithium-ion
batteries before longer breaks in use and before storage. Ensure that the device is switched o for storage. Store the device at room
temperature or cooler in an environment as dry as possible. Recharge the lithium-ion batteries about every three months if they are
stored for a longer period of time to avoid permanent damage due to too deep self-discharge. Fully charge the lithium-ion batteries
only shortly before use at room temperature.
Safety instructions
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MIDI Keyboard

NOTICE!
Possible staining due to plasticiser in rubber feet!
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may react with the coating of the oor and cause permanent dark stains
after some time. If necessary, use a suitable mat or felt slide to prevent direct contact between the device’s rubber feet and the oor.
Safety instructions
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3 Features
nBluetooth® MIDI keyboard with 25 touch-sensitive mini keys and a battery
nSimple Bluetooth® connection to iOS devices via host apps such as GarageBand
nSustain pedal connection (adapter to 6.3 mm jack included in the scope of delivery)
nIntegrated arpeggiator
nSmart scale mode
nSmart chord mode
nOctave button
nUSB connection
nBluetooth® 5.0
nBus-powered or operation via built-in rechargeable battery (780 mA)
nClass compliant with USB connection under Mac® and Windows®
nBluetooth-compatible with Mac OS X® 10.15 and higher as well as iOS
nIncludes Cubase LE with 23 VST audio eects, HALion Sonic SE 3, Groove Agent SE 5 and
over 5 GB of sounds and loops (Download)
Features
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MIDI Keyboard

4 Installation and starting up
Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the
equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during
transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable
for transport or storage, respectively.
Create all connections while the device is o. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for
all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.
You can use the USB interface to connect the device to a PC via the supplied USB cable. As well
as data transmission, this interface provides the power supply to the device and charges the
built-in battery.
You can connect a sustain pedal (not included in the scope of delivery) to the device if you like.
Turn on the device using the main switch on the rear panel.
Start the supplied software editor and DAW software on your PC and adjust the software
defaults and MIDI settings.
System requirements
nClass compliant with USB connection under Mac® and Windows®
nBluetooth-compatible with Mac OS X® 10.15 and higher as well as iOS
Operation with a computer
Installation and starting up
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Press and hold [BT] to activate the Bluetooth® function and connect the device wirelessly to
your PC. If the Bluetooth® function is active, the LED in the button ashes; once pairing is suc‐
cessful, the LED lights up continuously.
If your PC does not have a Bluetooth® function, we recommend that you use a wireless
adapter.
Bluetooth® connection
Installation and starting up
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5 Connections and operating elements
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Overview
Connections and operating elements
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MIDI Keyboard

1[OC-] / [OC+] | Buttons to octave the keys
2[BT] | Button to activate the Bluetooth® function
Press and hold the button to activate the Bluetooth® function and connect the device to your PC. If the Bluetooth® function
is active, the LED in the button ashes; once pairing is successful, the LED lights up continuously.
3[ARP] | Button to call up the arpeggiator
4[SC/CH] | Button to call up the smart scale / smart chord mode
5[MODE] | Press and hold button to control modulation. This causes continuous sending of MIDI CC events.
6[SUS] | Button to turn the sustain on and o
7[PITCH -] / [PITCH +] | Press and hold button to pitch the note down or up.
8 Display
9 3.5-mm connection socket for the sustain pedal and the main switch
10 Rotary encoder
11 Piano keys with special functions for arpeggiator, smart scale mode and smart chord mode
12 [USB] | USB interface to connect a computer As well as data transmission, this interface provides the power supply to the
device and charges the built-in battery. The LED displays the charge state:
Red: Battery is charging.
Green: Battery is fully charged.
Connections and operating elements
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MIDI Keyboard

6 Functions
6.1 Arpeggiator
In Arpeggio mode, the notes played do not sound simultaneously, but one after the other at
short intervals. This is called a broken chord.
Press and hold [ARP] and use the piano keys for the arpeggiator to set the required arpeggio
type.
[UP] All currently played notes are played from low to high.
[DOWN] All currently played notes are played from high to low.
[INCL] All currently played notes are played from low to high and then from high to low.
The highest note and the lowest note are repeated in the process.
[ECXL] All currently played notes are played from low to high and then from high to low.
The highest note and the lowest note are not repeated.
[RAND] The arpeggiator generates random notes.
[ORDER] All currently played notes are played in the order they were played.
[REPEAT] All currently played notes and trigger pads are played repeatedly.
Arpeggio types
Functions
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Press and hold [ARP] and use the rotary control and the piano keys for the arpeggiator to set
the required parameter.
[OCT+] Use this piano key to shift the octave range of the arpeggiator. Pressing the
button four times returns you to the original octave range.
[LATCH] If the piano key is activated, the current arpeggio continues to play when the
keyboard keys are released. If the piano key is deactivated, the current
arpeggio stops when the keyboard keys are released.
[GATE+] /
[GATE-]
Use these piano keys to adjust the length of every note in the arpeggio. Each
note in the arpeggio is played continuously. As the gate value decreases, the
notes become shorter.
[TAP] Use this piano key to activate setting mode for the tempo of the arpeggiator.
[SWING+] /
[SWING-]
Use these piano key to adjust the syncopation (“swing feeling”) of the arpeg‐
giator. The higher the value, the more intensive the swing feeling.
Editing arpeggios
Functions
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[TEMPO+] /
[TEMPO-]
Use these piano keys to adjust the tempo of the arpeggiator.
You can then use piano keys [1/4], [1/4T], [1/8], [1/8T], [1/16], [16/T], [1/32] and
[1/32T] to adjust the time signature.
[SYNC] Use this piano key to synchronise the set tempo of the arpeggiator with the
DAW.
The tempo can only be synchronised if the sync function of the external MIDI
controller in the DAW is activated. If the sync function is activated, the
[TEMPO+], [TEMPO-] and [TAP] keys have no function.
6.2 Smart scale mode
Press and hold [SC/CH] and use the [C]…[B] piano keys to select the required scale.
Then press one of the two piano keys [MAJOR] or [MINOR] to select the scale in major or minor.
Press the [OFF] piano key to exit smart scale mode.
When smart chord mode is activated, smart scale mode is terminated automatically.
Functions
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6.3 Smart chord mode
Press and hold [SC/CH] and use the [TRIAD], [7TH], [9TH] or [RANDOM] piano keys to select the
required chord.
Then press one of the two piano keys [MAJOR] or [MINOR] to select the chord in major or
minor.
Press the [OFF] piano key to exit smart chord mode.
When smart scale mode is activated, smart chord mode is terminated automatically.
Functions
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6.4 Transposing
To transpose the entire keyboard up or down in half-tone increments, press and hold [OCT-] or
[OCT+] and use the rotary control to adjust the pitch.
The higher you set the octave range of the keyboard, the faster the LED in the [OCT+] key
ashes.
The lower you set the octave range of the keyboard, the slower the LED in the [OCT+] key
ashes.
Press [OCT-] and [OCT+] simultaneously to restore the default value of the keyboard.
Functions
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7 Technical specications
Connections USB port 1 × USB-C
Sustain pedal 1 × 3.5 mm jack socket
Keyboard 25 × touch-sensitive mini keys
Pitch adjustment Transposing –12 … +12
Octaving –3 … +3
Functions Pedal support Sustain
Pitch bend buttons Built-in
Modes Arpeggiator, smart scale, smart chord
Bluetooth® Frequency range 2.400 GHz … 2.4835 GHz
Max. transmission
power
+6 dBm
Standard Version 5.0
Operating voltage via USB port
Battery Battery type Lithium-ion
Voltage 3.7 V
Technical specications
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