Evolution Technologies MK-425C - Manual (Page 14)

Evolution MK-425C/MK-449C/MK461C Getting Started
8
What’s in the pa
Your Evolution MK-425C/449C/461C package should contain the following items:
If any of the above listed items are missing, please contact the retailer you purchased the
product from.
This is the Getting Started manual which covers the basic operation of the 3 Evolution
USB keyboard controllers MK-425C, MK-449C and MK-461C. You will find a graphic
illustration of your keyboard on pages 4, 5 and 6. We have numbered the important sec-
tions of this illustration and used the numbering throughout the manual.
In-depth programming and advanced features are covered in the MK-425C/449C/461C
Advanced User Guide, which is provided as electronic documentation on the Evolution
Installer CD-ROM. The format of the documentation is Adobe Acrobat so you will need to
install Acrobat Reader to either print or view the documentation. We have provided this
program on the CD-ROM as well, in case you don’t have it already. Throughout the
manual we will refer to the 3 models as MK-425C/449C/461C whenever a feature applies
to all 3 and point out any discrepancies.
You are probably eager to plug in your Evolution keyboard and get started, but it’s
sensible to check the installation documentation first.
You can power the keyboard either via USB or an optional external power supply.
Use
only one method at a time.
1. Check that the on/off button (15) on the back of the unit is set to “Off”.
2. Plug in the USB cable provided with the MK-425C/449C/461C to a free USB
port on your computer.
3. Plug in the other end of the USB cable to the USB socket on
the MK-425C/449C/461C.
The single USB cable not only powers the U-Control but also sends MIDI data to and from
your computer system.
If you are using Windows XP or Mac OS X you can now simply switch the power position
to “on”. Because the Evolution keyboard is class compliant it will work with out any further
installation.
x Evolution MK-425C/449C or 461C
USB keyboard controller
x Getting Started manual
x Evolution Installer CD-ROM
x USB cable
What’s In The Package?
About The Manual
Before You Connect Your Keyboard….
Power & Connection Via USB
Windows XP & Mac OS X
13
Evolution MK-425C/MK-449C/MK461C Getting Started
As the name indicates, the pitch bend wheel is usually used to bend the notes played on
the keyboard, up or down. This allows you to play phrases not normally associated with
keyboard playing, including guitar style riffs.
Your sound source determines how far you can bend the note. Its typically set to
2 semitones but can be up to 2 octaves +/-.
The pitch bend on your Evolution keyboard has even wider scope. It is fully MIDI
assignable, just like the other controllers on your MK-425C/449C/461C. To find out how,
read the section “Basic Programming Operations” on page 17.
The modulation wheel (2) is, as implied, typically used for modulation of the sound you are
playing. This type of real-time controller was originally introduced on electronic
keyboard instruments to give the performer the option of for instance adding vibrato just
like players of acoustic instruments do.
Just like the pitch bend wheel, the modulation wheel is fully MIDI assignable. To find out
how, read the section “Basic Programming Operations” on page 17.
You can plug any polarity foot switch (not included) in to the foot switch socket (13) on
your Evolution keyboard. The keyboard will automatically detect the correct polarity on
power up. If you want to reverse the polarity, just make sure the pedal is pressed when
you switch on your keyboard.
The foot switch is normally used for sustaining the sound you are playing without having
to keep your hands on the keyboard. This is also the default function on your Evolution
keyboard.
The MK-425C/449C/461C goes further though. You can program the footswitch to send
out MIDI notes so that you can trigger samples on different MIDI channels, without moving
your hands from the keyboard. You can also send program changes or indeed any other
MIDI messages that can be sent from the 10 assignable MIDI buttons on your Evolution
keyboard.
For more detail about how to program the foot switch, please read the section”
Programming and Editing the MK-425C/449C/461C” in the Advanced Guide.
Pitch Bend Wheel
Modulation Wheel
Foot Switch