User guide

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About MIDI and eKeys
M
IDI stands for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface.” This system enables musical
instruments equipped with this standardized interface to communicate with each other.
Since most computers are not factory-equipped with standard MIDI ports, we have designed
eKeys to transmit its MIDI information to your computer through its USB connection. This
eliminates the need to buy any additional MIDI hardware to use eKeys.
Note that eKeys produces no actual sound of its own—it simply sends out commands (such
as “play a note”) to your computer. A host computer running appropriate MIDI-aware software
is required to give voice to any instrument or effects commands issued by eKeys. Your eKeys
keyboard is compatible with any computer with a USB port that can run GarageBand or
Session. Many computers will work with eKeys right out of the box, including Apple computers
running GarageBand on Mac OS X 10.2.8 or higher or PC computers running Windows XP
(SP2) and the M-Audio Session software.
Setup
T
o get started using your eKeys USB MIDI controller keyboard:
< Remove the eKeys from its packaging and set it at a comfortable location on your
desk.
< If desired, connect the two clear riser legs to the base of the eKeys. This allows
the eKeys to be placed over the computer keyboard when space is limited.
< Use the supplied USB cable to connect the USB port of your eKeys to the USB
port of your computer. Since eKeys is a class-compliant device, your operating
system will automatically detect and install the keyboard once it is connected to
your computer.