XSONIC AIRSTEP User manual

1. What is AIRSTEP?
AIRSTEP is an unprecedented foot controller, which can control almost all music-related devices and
software around you.
AIRSTEP can control all devices with the MIDI interface. It can also control devices with a footswitch(TRS)
interface, like some pedals and amps without the MIDI interface.
AIRSTEP can wirelessly control software on mobile phones, tablets, and computers via Bluetooth MIDI
and HID. Like effect software, Plugin, DAW, etc. It can even control the play/pause, backward and forward
of YouTube guitar lessons, page-turning of the music score, completely freeing your hands!
AIRSTEP has 5 footswitches, and can wirelessly expand 5 more footswitches by AIRSTEP Lite. It is capable
of sending up to 8 different messages per switch.
All functions can be easily set by the AIRSTEP APP. Programming and editing isn't your thing? Just load
any of the massive online presets with just one click, truly plug and play!
AIRSTEP is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery, no external power supply is required. Its compact
footprint and sturdy metal casing are built to meet the most stringent environments faced by musicians.
2. Types of messages sent by AIRSTEP

MIDI message
AIRSTEP can send MIDI messages via 5-Pin MIDI interface, USB, Bluetooth.
The types of MIDI messages that AIRSTEP supports include Program Change, Control Change, Note
On/Off, System Real Time, System Exclusive, System Common, Channel Pressure, Polyphonic Pressure.
ALL of them can be edited through APP, and also can be specified to different output interfaces.
HID message
The HID message is the message sent by a computer keyboard, and AIRSTEP’s footswitches can be used
as any key value or combination keys on the computer keyboard.
AIRSTEP connects to mobile phones or computers via Bluetooth to send HID messages, which can be
used to turn pages of music scores, control the pause/play of music or YouTube shortcuts on the
computer, and so on. You can edit the specific HID message value (keyboard key value) you want to send
in the APP.
Footswitch message
Footswitch messages are messages sent by traditional foot switches. As long as your device (usually
stompboxes or amps) can be connected to a traditional foot switch, then AIRSTEP can control it.

AIRSTEP can send two types of footswitch messages, Momentary and Latching, which are set in the APP.
Use the TRS line or TS line to connect to the controlled device. Please refer to the manual of you device
for types of line.
3. AIRSTEP’s Interfaces
5-Pin MIDI output interface
Use a standard 5-Pin MIDI cable to connect to the controlled device. Each output interface can be
specified to output different MIDI messages.
Footswitch output interface
A total of 4 footswitch output interfaces are included. Footswitch output can be used as a traditional
footswitch with amps and stompboxes with FS jack. As long as your devices can be connected to a
traditional foot switch, they can all be connected here.
Footswitch output can be set to momentary or latching, which can be adapted to most devices.
For connecting your controlled device through the TRS line or TS line, please refer to the manual of the

controlled device for the specific line used. If you are unsure, you can also confirm the message type by
stepping on 5 footsteps by the factory default preset 5 “External footswitch”.
Footswitch’s Polarity
Tip 1, ring 1 are corresponding to the tip and ring of f/s output 1. Tip 2, ring 2 are corresponding to the
tip and ring of f/s output 2.
USB interface

The USB interface can send and receive MIDI messages. It can work in device mode (USB Device) or host
mode (USB Host). The default is the device mode, if you connect the OTG cable attached to the AIRSTEP,
it will work in the host mode.
When connecting to computer, please use USB cable in the accessories to connect. When connecting
with MIDI keyboard or ZOOM MS series, please use the attached OTG cable to connect. At this time, the
USB works in host mode (USB Host). In host mode, USB supplies power to external devices, and the
power supply current cannot exceed 100mA.
When the USB is successfully connected to an external device, the USB Indicator lights up.
5-Pin MIDI input interface

To receive MIDI messages sent by external devices, use standard 5-Pin MIDI cable connect to external
devices.
All MIDI messages received by this interface can be forwarded to any MIDI output interface, including
Bluetooth, USB, and traditional MIDI output interfaces. You can also use the unique trigger function to
translate specific MIDI messages received to any messages that AIRSTEP supports.
Expression pedal interface
Support all types of expression pedals (TRS type or RTS type), select the expression pedal type in the APP,
TRS cable should be used to connect.
External Antenna
The external antenna is used for wireless Bluetooth communication with mobile computers or AIRSTEP
Lite. AIRSTEP sends or receives MIDI messages and also sends HID messages via Bluetooth.
The antenna can be rotated to adjust the direction. When it is perpendicular to the ground, it means the
best performance and the longest communication distance.
Charging interface

It should be connected to 5-9V DC power supply for charging, positive outside and negative inside. You
can connect the supplied charging cable to a power supply with a USB port (such as a mobile phone
charger), or you can connect a normal 9V stomp box power supply.
While charging, the red indicator light next to it lights up. When fully charged, the indicator lights green.
The maximum charging current is 500mA.
Power Switch
Turn up to turn on the power, and turn down to turn off the power. Turn off the power when not in use to
save power.
Multi-function button
Short press to cycle through 5 local presets. Long press to bring up the on-screen keyboard (when the
on-screen keyboard of the iOS device is hidden).

Footswitch
5 footswitches A, B, C, D, E. Each footswitch can set 3 trigger modes: press, release, and long press. A
single trigger can send up to 8 different messages, including MIDI messages, HID messages, and Relay
messages.
Footswitch indicator
Each indicator can be set to 2 indication modes, normal mode and toggle mode. In normal mode, only
the indicator that is currently triggered will light up. In the toggle mode, the Footswitch indicator lights
up when triggered for the first time, and turns off when the Footswitch indicator is triggered for the
second time.
Five Footswitch indicators are also used to indicate the current local preset position. When switching
between local presets, the corresponding indicator will flash green to remind you of the local preset
position. From left to right, they represent local preset positions 1-5 respectively.
Connection indicator
The connection indicator is used to indicate the Bluetooth connection status. Steady light means
connected, flashing means not connected.
4. Connect to smart devices and APP

AIRSTEP can be connected to mobile phones, tablets, and computer via Bluetooth, and can send MIDI
and HID messages when connected. In addition, AIRSTEP can also be connected to a PC via USB, or
connected to an iOS device via USB+iOS dedicated OTG (purchased by yourself). It should be noted that
only MIDI messages can be sent using a USB connection. When using a mobile phone or tablet
(Android/iOS), you can also download APP to edit AIRSTEP presets.
USB connection
To connect your smart device via USB, you need to use the USB A-C cable to connect it, and you can use
it normally after the PC is connected. (Note: At present, the smart connection via USB is that AIRSTEP can
only send MIDI signals and cannot send HID signals, which means that functions such as controlling
video shortcut keys cannot be realized, so it is recommended to use a Bluetooth connection to connect
smart devices)
Bluetooth pairing
Turn on the AIRSTEP power so that the connection status indicator is blinking. Then enter the system
Bluetooth settings of the mobile phone, tablet or computer, search for Bluetooth devices, under normal
circumstances you can find AIRSTEP, click to complete the pairing. After the pairing is successful, the
connection status indicator is always on. At this time, HID messages can be sent, but MIDI messages
cannot be sent. A MIDI connection is required to send MIDI messages.
Connect Bluetooth MIDI
How to use AIRSTEP’s Bluetooth function on iOS / Mac:
1. Bluetooth pair AIRSTEP with your device
2. Bluetooth MIDI function: Download“Bluetooth MIDI Connect”in the App Store, go to the device
list, select AIRSTEP, and connect.

The use of AIRSTEP’s Bluetooth function on the Windows :
1. Bluetooth pair AIRSTEP with your device (if your PC does not have a Bluetooth module, please
purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or above). after successful pairing,
if there is a “Swift Pair”option, please enable.
2. Bluetooth MIDI function (Bluetooth MIDI function only supports WIN10)
A. Download LoopMIDI, link: http://www.tobias-erichsen.de/software/loopmidi.html
B. After installation, enter the LoopMIDI app and click the + sign to add a loopMIDI Port
C. Go to the Microsoft App Store and search “MIDIberry”and download it.

D. After installation, enter the MIDIberry application, Select AIRSTEP as INPUT (Bluetooth MIDI IN), select
loopMIDI PORT as OUTPUT
E. Select loopMIDI PORT for the MIDI input in the APP you want to control. Please keep MIDIberry on
during use.
Connect APP
If you want to edit the preset or check the working status of AIRSTEP, you need to connect the AIRSTEP
with AIRSTEP APP. First go to the APP Store or Google Play to search for “AIRSTEP”to download the
APP, and then ensure that AIRSTEP and the mobile phone Bluetooth have been paired and connected
successfully, and the indicator light is always on. Enter the APP and click “Touch To Connect AIRSTEP”
at the bottom of the screen to complete the connection.

After the connection is successful, the APP will display AIRSTEP’s current preset data, current battery
level, local preset number and other information.
A. Enter the AIRSTEP APP and click “Touch to Connect AIRSTEP”to connect with AIRSTEP/LITE.
B. Click”AIRSTEP”
C. If the interface at the bottom of the APP shows as the picture below, it means the connection is
successful.

5. What’s AIRSTEP Lite?
AIRSTEP Lite is a simplified version of AIRSTEP. All wired control interfaces are removed, including the
traditional MIDI interface, Relay output interface, USB interface, and expression pedal interface. The
Bluetooth communication interface is retained.

AIRSTEP Lite is mainly used for wireless control. It can work in 2 modes, standalone mode and wireless
external footswitch mode.
In standalone mode, Lite Bluetooth connects to mobile phones, tablets, and computers to send MIDI
messages and HID messages. At this time, the connection and usage of Lite are the same as AIRSTEP, so
please refer to AIRSTEP for these points.
In the wireless external footswitch mode, Lite connects to AIRSTEP as its wireless external footswitches.
At this time, all control messages are sent from AIRSTEP, and Lite is only used as a wireless extension.

6. Connect to AIRSTEP Lite

According to the description in the”5.What is AIRSTEP Lite?“section, AIRSTEP Lite has 2 working
modes,standalone mode and wireless external footswitch mode. Press and hold E and keep holding ,
then turn on the power switch to switch the working mode. When the connection indicator lights up in
blue, it is a standalone mode; when the connection indicator lights up in green, it is a wireless external
mode.
Standalone mode: the Bluetooth connection method is the same as AIRSTEP, please refer to the section”
4. Connect to Smart Devices and APP“
wireless extended footswitch mode: Lite should be paired with AIRSTEP and connected, and both must
be kept powered on at the same time.
If the green light of Lite becomes solid, it indicates that the connection with AIRSTEP is successful. If the
green light of Lite flashes, it means that AIRSTEP is not connected. In this case, re-pairing may be
required. Press and hold the AIRSTEP multi-function button (FUNC button). If the connection indicator of
Lite becomes green solid at this time, the pairing connection is successful.

7. AIRSTEP APP
AIRSTEP APP can be used to edit presets and display the current working status of AIRSTEP. After
AIRSTEP is paired with the phone’s Bluetooth, click on the bottom of the APP screen to connect. You can
also pre-edit and save the preset data through the APP, so that you can use AIRSTEP without the APP.
AIRSTEP APP supports iOS and Android, you can search “AIRSTEP”and download in APP Store or
Google Play.

8. What’s the preset of AIRSTEP?
When you start using AIRSTEP, you can load massive default presets from the AIRSTEP Preset library or
edit your custom presets and save. If you want to know about the custom editing of AIRSTEP’s presets,
please read the following carefully.
All control data of AIRSTEP are stored as presets. A complete set of presets consists of the following
parts:
Parameters such as the trigger mode, message type, specific definition of the message, the output
interface of the message, and the indicator mode corresponding to the footswitches.
Footswitch Parameters
PC 0:
Footswitch name. It is recommended to name the footswitch as the parameter corresponding to the
controlled device or the command value sent by this footswitch. The example in the figure is the second
way.
MIDI:

Types of messages,four types in total: MIDI, HID, Relay and Device. The first three are messages sent by
AIRSTEP. Device messages are local messages of AIRSTEP.
1 Msg:
Message definition, display number of messages or toggle mode.
MIDI IN parameters
Forward:
The name of MIDI IN, can be freely customized.
Thru to ALL:
The MIDI Forward interface will show which interface or interfaces the MIDI input is forwarded to.
0 Msg:
The number of MIDI trigger messages, 0 means there is no MID trigger message.
Expression pedal parameters

Contains parameters such as the type of expression pedal, MIDI messages , and the output interface.
Each expression pedal can send up to 8 MIDI messages.
Mod:
The expression pedal input’s name, can be freely customized.
RTS:
Expression pedal type, RTS or TRS. The default is RTS.
1 Msg:
Number of messages
9. Local Preset Storage Positions
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