User’s Guide Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Creative Technology Ltd. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the written permission of Creative Technology Ltd.
Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI User’s Guide
Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI User’s Guide 1 Introduction Minimum System Requirements ................................................................................................ More Help ......................................................................................................................................... Getting More Information ........................................................................................................... Document Conventions ..............................
Appendixes A General Specifications Hardware Features ................................................................................................................................. A-1 Software Features ................................................................................................................................... A-1 B Troubleshooting Problems installing Prodikeys PC-MIDI .............................................................................................
Introduction
Introduction Creative Prodikeys® PC-MIDI is a multi-functional keyboard that lets you do more with your computer. Prodikeys PC-MIDI boasts the standard favorite keyboard features such as programmable hot keys*, Enhanced F-Keys**, media playback and volume control. It also has 37 music keys neatly tucked away under the palm rest, which acts as a support for your wrists when you are typing.
Getting More Information Document Conventions Visit www.creative.com or www.prodikeys.com for the latest news and updates on your Prodikeys PC-MIDI. You can download additional content such as Mixes and Learnable Songs from the websites. Tip. This tells you about short cuts or hints relating to a feature. Note. This highlights additional or important information about a feature. Caution! This highlights proper usage of your product. Use this information to avoid risky situations.
About Your Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI
About Your Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI In this chapter, we will familiarize you with the different parts of your Prodikeys PC-MIDI, so that you can follow the instructions in the other chapters easily. Parts of your Prodikeys PCMIDI • To program Music HotKeys and Button HotKeys, use the HotKeys Manager software in the Prodikeys PC-MIDI program group. • When using MIDI applications, the Communications buttons act as Sustain and Octave Shift buttons.
Removing the Music Keyboard Cover The music keyboard on your Prodikeys PC-MIDI is protected by a cover that also acts as a palm rest when you type. To use the music keyboard, you need to remove the cover. To remove the palm rest: Press down the upper corners of the cover and slide it out, as shown below. Figure 2-2: Removing the palm rest. Maintaining Prodikeys PC-MIDI To clean your Prodikeys PC-MIDI, use a soft, damp cloth to clean the exterior.
Setting Up Your Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI
Setting Up Your Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI Installing Hardware If you have an existing Prodikeys series software installed on your computer, you must first uninstall this software, turn off your computer, and disconnect any Prodikeys series hardware from your computer. For more information, see "Problems installing Prodikeys PC-MIDI" on page B-1. 1. Before setting up your Prodikeys PC-MIDI, turn off your computer and disconnect your existing keyboard. 2.
Installing Software You have to install the included drivers for your Prodikeys PCMIDI to function as a music keyboard. Thirdparty MIDI software can also be used. 1. Insert the Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI software Installation CD into your CDROM drive. Your CD should start automatically. If it does not, follow the steps below: i. Double-click the My Computer icon. Alternatively, click Start →My Computer. ii. Right-click the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive icon, and then click AutoPlay. 2.
Getting Started
Getting Started Launching Prodikeys PC-MIDI applications Your Prodikeys PC-MIDI comes with applications that enable you to learn how to play music or create fun mixes. You can launch the included applications using Prodikeys Launcher. Music button Figure 4-1: Prodikeys PC-MIDI.
1. Press the Music button on your Prodikeys PC-MIDI keyboard, or go to Start →Programs →Creative →Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI. Prodikeys Launcher appears. Figure 4-2: Prodikeys Launcher 2. Product Tutorial Select a program to launch. Double-click an application icon. Refer to the following sections to find out what each application does. The Product Tutorial is an interactive demo to show you what you can do with your Prodikeys PC-MIDI keyboard and the included applications.
Mini Keyboard Creative Mini Keyboard gives you access to an extensive collection of instruments to experiment and play with. You can play anything from the accordion to the xylophone, and have hours of creative fun! For more help on individual applications, click the Help button in the application you would like help on.
FunMix Creative FunMix comes with a library of pre-arranged mixes, in various genres, assigned to music keys. You can experiment with the instrumental loops and effects and record your own music easily. To create your own mix, select a pre-arranged mix from the menu, then press and hold combinations of different keys.
EasyNotes Creative EasyNotes lets you learn to play any song at your own pace. To start a lesson, select a song and lesson from the menus, and then press the SPACEBAR.
HotKeys Manager HotKeys Manager lets you customize the different hot keys on your keyboard. Select a button and assign your favorite application, website or keystroke to it. You can also customize the music keys as hot keys when you are not using them to play music.
General Specifications
General Specifications Hardware Features ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Size ❑ 50.5 cm (19.88") x 24.5cm (9.64") x 3.5 cm (0.88") Weight ❑ approximately 1.5 kg (52.91 ounces) Construction ❑ Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI with an attached USB cable Port compatibility ❑ Universal Serial Bus (USB) 1.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Problems installing Prodikeys PC-MIDI Prodikeys PC-MIDI cannot be detected, even after the connections are checked and the software is installed. • There may be a conflict with a USB Legacy Device setting on your computer’s motherboard. Refer to your computer’s motherboard manual to disable the USB Legacy Device setting. • Operating multiple Prodikeys keyboards with your computer may introduce usability issues. If you have an existing Prodikeys keyboard, uninstall it first.
