Behringer UMX25 Electronic Keyboard User Manual


 
6
U-CONTROL UMX25
V Remotely controlling software mixers (volume, panorama,
mute functions, etc.)
V Remotely controlling transport functions (playback,
forward, stop, etc.) on sequencers, hard disk recorders,
drum computers, etc.
V Live control of volume and sound parameters on expanders
V Remotely controlling groove boxes, step sequencers, MIDI
generators and other “live” software
V Program changes and volume control on sound generators
(just like on a master keyboard)
V Can be used by band keyboardists, solo entertainers,
organists, electronic music performers, DJs, sound
engineers, home/project studio owners, theater
technicians, etc.
And how does it work?
Remote control is realized by assigning the individual control
elements of the UMX25 to individual MIDI parameters. Whenever
one of these control elements is operated, the UMX25 generates
the control data assigned to this control element, which are then
transferred to external devices over a data link. Thus, for
example, the VOLUME/DATA fader is factory-set to send data
controlling the volume level of a channel.
The data connection is usually a standard MIDI cable with a
5-pin DIN plug on each end. Such cables should not exceed a
length of 15 meters. With the UMX25 there is one more data
connection available: the USB cable to the host computer. Here,
the cable should not exceed a length of 5 meters.
The data transmission takes place over 16 channels.
The control data generated by the individual control elements
are also called MIDI messages, which can be divided into 3 major
groups:
V Channel Messages: Here, channel-specific control
information is transmitted. An example of a channel message
is the note-on instruction. As soon as a key is played on
the keyboard of the UMX25, the device generates an
instruction which contains the pitch, channel number and
velocity. The receiving sound generator “knows” which
tone has to be played.
V System Messages: These messages are not channel-
specific but relate to the entire system to which they are sent.
They are divided into 3 groups: System Exclusive Messages
(for operating system backup, updates, management of
memory contents); System Real-Time Messages (e.g. for
remote control of other devices); System Common Messages
(e.g. for the synchronization of several devices).
V Control Messages: Also known as Control Changes or
Controllers, abbreviated as “CC… (controller number)”.
There are 128 controllers in total, which are numbered from
0 to 127. Controllers are partly channel-specific.
Please refer to Table 6.1 to find out which type of
controller you are currently working with.
MIDI data are only control data and contain no audible
audio information! The data transmission takes place
over 16 channels.
1.1.3 Online registration
Please remember to register your new BEHRINGER equipment
right after your purchase by visiting www.behringer.com
(alternatively www.behringer.de) and read the terms and
conditions of our warranty carefully.
Should your BEHRINGER product malfunction, our goal is to
have it repaired as quickly as possible. To arrange for warranty
service, please contact the retailer from whom the equipment
was purchased. Should your BEHRINGER dealer not be located
in your vicinity, you may directly contact one of our subsidiaries.
Corresponding contact information is included in the original
equipment packaging (Global Contact Information/European
Contact Information). Should your country not be listed, please
contact the distributor nearest to you. A list of distributors can
be found in the support area of our website
(www.behringer.com).
Registering your purchase and equipment with us helps us
process your repair claims quicker and more efficiently.
Thank you for your cooperation!
1.2 System requirements
For USB operation, a current WINDOWS
®
PC or MAC
®
with a
USB connection is sufficient. Both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 are
supported.
The UMX25 supports the USB MIDI compatibility of
WINDOWS
®
XP and MAC OS
®
X operating systems.
The UMX25 can also be operated as a stand-alone
MIDI controller with no PC connected. Software
control via MIDI is also possible, provided your
computer has a MIDI interface.
2. INTRODUCTION TO MIDI
2.1 MIDI control for beginners
Application possibilities for the UMX models are truly wide-
ranging. We’ll start with a couple of general explanations and
examples that should quickly let you get a good understanding of
MIDI basics.
The definition of the MIDI standard began in 1982 with the
cooperation of various international companies (MIDI: Musical
Instrument Digital Interface). At that time, musicians were looking
for a possibility of managing the communication of electronic
musical instruments of different makes with one another.
What exactly does the UMX25 do?
Simply put, this a remote control for all kinds of MIDI equipment.
Using the faders, rotary knobs and buttons, the foot pedal and
the keyboard, an entire array of control instructions can be
generated, which in turn can control the most diverse functions
of external devices.
What kinds of equipment can I control with the UMX25?
You can basically control any device supporting the MIDI
format. Both hardware and software MIDI devices are controlled
in exactly the same way. The only difference is in the wiring.
Here are a couple of suggestions on how you can use your
UMX25:
V Editing sound parameters of (virtual) synthesizers, sound
samplers, GM/GS/XG sound generators
V Controlling parameters on effects equipment/software plug-
ins such as effects processors, reverbs, compressors,
equalizers
2. INTRODUCTION TO MIDI