M-AUDIO Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller User Guide

M-AUDIO Keystation 61 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller User Guide

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Keystation 61 MK3. At M-Audio, we know how serious music is to you. That’s why we design our equipment with only one thing in mind—to make your performance the best it can be.

Box Contents

Keystation 61 MK3
USB Cable
Software Download Cards
User Guide
Safety & Warranty Manual

Support

Visit m-audio.com to view and download the latest documentation, system requirements, and other information about your product.

For additional product support, visit m-audio.com/support.

Quick Start

Connecting Your Keyboard

You can power the keyboard either via a powered USB port or a third-party power supply. The Keystations are low-power devices, and an external power supply is not necessary unless using the Keystation without being connected to a computer (e.g., controlling external synthesizers). It is recommended that you connect the Keystation to an onboard USB port or to a powered USB hub. Use a USB cable to power Keystation when connecting to a computer to trigger software synths.

You can also use Keystation 61 MK3 with your iPad to control supported music creation apps.

Connecting your Keystation 61 MK3 to an iPad requires the iPad Camera Connection Kit, which is available from the Apple Store.

Setup

Items not listed under Introduction > Box Contents are sold separately.

Recommended Installation

MPC Beats: We’ve included MPC Beats with your Keystation 61 MK3 so you can get started making music with professional software right out of the box. Register your Keystation 61 MK3 on m-audio.com , and follow the MPC Beats install instructions in your User Account.

Ableton Live Lite: We’ve included Ableton Live Lite with your Keystation 61 MK3 so you can get started making music with professional software right out of the box. Follow the instructions on the included software download card for installing Ableton Live Lite.

Virtual Instruments: Follow the instructions on the software download card for installing the included virtual instrument plugins. After installation, most DAWs will not load virtual instrument plugins automatically. In order to access the virtual instrument plugins with MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite, you will need to choose the plugin folder for the software to scan:

Windows (32-bit):
C:\Program Files (x86)\VSTplugins

Windows (64-bit):
C:\Program Files\VSTplugins

MacOS:
Macintosh HD\Library\Audio\Plugins\VST

To set your plugin folder in Ableton Live Lite:

1. Go to the Preferences menu.
2. Select the File Folder tab. Under Plug-In Sources click Browse and select the appropriate plugin folder.
3. After making your selection, the Use VST Custom Plug-In Folder button should be ON. If it is not, click the button to turn it on.

Exit the Preferences menu.

Ableton Live Lite Setup

1. First, connect Keystation 61 MK3 to an available USB port on your computer using the supplied USB cable, and launch Ableton Live Lite.

2. Next, open the Ableton Live Lite Preferences window. Choose your Audio Device in the Audio tab. This will be dependent upon the audio interface that you are using.
   MAC: Select Live > Preferences
   PC: Select Options > Preferences

3. Select the MIDI/Sync tab. Within the MIDI Ports section, adjust the settings as listed below:
   Next to Input: Keystation 61 , toggle the On button in the Track and Remote columns.
   Next to Output: Keystation 61 , toggle the On button in the Track and Remote columns.

4. Next, at the top of the window under Control Surface, choose MackieControl from the drop-down list in row 1. Under the Input column in Row 1, choose Keystation 61 MK3 (Port 2). Ensure the third drop-down menu in Row 1 under Output is set to None. The Transport control (Play, Stop, and Record) on the Keystation 61 MK3 controller will now control and correspond with the Transport functions in Ableton Live Lite. In addition, the Directional buttons on the Keystation series controller will now control selecting tracks and triggering clips.

5. Close the Preferences window.

6. To add an instrument or plugin to Ableton Live Lite in order to generate sound, in the Categories column, choose Instruments or Plug-ins.

7. In the Name column just to the right of the Categories column, locate the Instrument or Plug-in of your choice. Click-and-drag the instrument to a MIDI track in Ableton Live Lite to load the instrument.
   The Instrument can now be triggered with Keystation 61 MK3.

MPC Beats Setup

1. Connect Keystation 61 MK3 to your computer using a standard USB cable. (If you are connecting Keystation 61 MK3 to a USB hub, make sure it is a powered hub.)
2. Open MPC Beats. Go to Preferences > MIDI/Sync in MPC Beats and select “Keystation 61 MK3” as the MIDI input device (the controller may appear as USB Device or USB PnP Audio Device ) by enabling the Track button next to its name.
3. Choose from the list of instruments in MPC Beats and play the keys on Keystation 61 MK3 to hear the instrument being played through your headphones or speakers connected to your computer.

Configuration

Once you have finished installation you will need to configure your MIDI software to use the Keystation. Please note that when you press a key on the keyboard, you will not hear any sound. This is because pressing a key causes the keyboard to send out MIDI data. MIDI data gives instructions on how a sound should play, but in order to actually hear that sound you need to configure your music software to read the MIDI data being sent from the Keystation and play the sound back accordingly. This setup will more than likely entail going into an Options or Device Set-Up menu in your music software application and selecting the appropriate device. The Keystation should appear under the name “USB Audio Device” for Windows 7, Windows 8, or as “Keystation 61 MK3” for other operating systems in the MIDI devices section of your music software application. Please consult the manual that came with your software for the proper setup procedure.

Features

Top Panel

1. Keyboard: Most of the white keys and black keys on the Keystation are labeled with names. When in the Advanced mode, pressing any of the labeled keys will allow for special operations such as adjusting the MIDI channel, transposing, and sending program change messages.

2. Octave Buttons: Press the octave “+” button to shift the keyboard’s octave up and press the octave “-” button to shift the keyboard’s octave down. The LEDs above these buttons will indicate the current octave shift. When only the + LED is lit, the octave is shifted up, and when only the – LED is lit, the octave is shifted down.
   It is possible to shift the keyboard up or down 4 octaves from 0 octave shift. The LEDs will change color when moving up or down by more than one octave.
   To return the octave shift to 0, press both the octave “+” and “-” keys together. Both LEDs will light, indicating that the octave shift has returned to 0.
   The Octave “+” and “-” buttons may be assigned to control one of seven possible MIDI functions. (See Advanced Functions for more information.)

3. Volume Slider: The Volume Slider sends a MIDI message that controls the volume of the notes you are playing. The Volume Slider can also be assigned to different effects such as pan (balance), attack, reverb, chorus and many more. (See Advanced Functions for more information.)

4. Pitch Bend Wheel: As the name indicates, the pitch bend wheel is primarily used to bend the notes played on the keyboard up or down. This allows you to play phrases not normally associated with keyboard playing, such as guitar-style riffs. Your sound source determines how far you can bend the note. The usual setting is two semitones, but it can be up to two octaves up or down.

5. Modulation Wheel: The modulation wheel is 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 options such as adding vibrato, just like players of acoustic instruments do. The modulation wheel is fully MIDI-assignable.

6. Advanced Button: The Advanced button is used to access all the advanced functions of the keyboard.
   When the Advanced button is pressed, the keyboard goes into “Edit Mode.” In Edit Mode, the keys on the keyboard are used for selecting functions and entering data.
   The LED above the Advanced button indicates whether or not Edit Mode is engaged. In Edit Mode, the black keys on the keyboard are used for selecting functions, while the white keys are used for data entry, channel selection, and DAW selection.
   Your keyboard will exit out of Edit Mode as soon as a function is selected, or the Advanced button, CANCEL or ENTER key is pressed (the LED above the Advanced button will turn off). The keyboard can then be used to play notes again.
   Note: Refer to the Advanced Functions section for more information.

7. Directional Buttons: These buttons can use the MIDI, Mackie Control® or HUI® protocols to control certain functions in software that support them. Please see the Directional Buttons and Transport Buttons section of the Advanced Functions chapter for more information.

8. Transport Buttons: These buttons can use the MIDI, Mackie Control or HUI® protocols to control certain functions in software that support them. Please see the Directional Buttons and Transport Buttons section of the Advanced Functions chapter for more information.

Rear Panel

1. Kensington® Lock: Use this port to attach a security cable to the unit.

2. DC Power Adapter Input: If you do not wish to power Keystation through the USB connection and are using the MIDI connector to trigger an external sound module, connect a DC 9 V, 500 mA power adapter (sold separately) here.

3. USB Port: The USB port delivers power to the keyboard and transmits MIDI data when connected to a computer to trigger a software synth or MIDI sequencer.

4. MIDI Out: Use a five-pin MIDI cable (sold separately) to connect this jack to the MIDI IN of an external sound module or to the MIDI In of a synthesizer.

5. Sustain Pedal Input: This socket accepts a momentary-contact foot pedal (sold separately). When pressed, this pedal will sustain the sound you are playing without having to keep your fingers pressed down on the keys.
   Note: For realistic pedal action, check out the SP-2. The SP-2 is M-Audio’s switchable sustain pedal with the ability to connect to the Sustain Pedal input on Keystation 61 MK3.
   Note: The polarity of the sustain pedal is determined by the keyboard upon startup. When Keystation 61 MK3 is powering up, the sustain pedal is assumed to be in the “up” (Off) position. It is important that the sustain pedal is not pressed during startup, otherwise the pedal will reverse its operation, and notes will sustain when the pedal is not pressed.
   Note: A foot pedal can be used for sustaining the sound that you are playing without having to keep your hands on the keyboard (just like the sustain pedal on a piano).
   You can plug a foot pedal of any polarity into the foot pedal input on your M-Audio keyboard. The keyboard will automatically detect the correct polarity when powering up. If you want to reverse the polarity, simply depress the pedal when you switch on your keyboard.

6. On/Off Switch: Use this switch to power the device on or off.

Advanced Functions

In addition to setting an octave shift, the two OCTAVE “+” and “-” buttons discussed earlier in the manual under the section “Octave Buttons” can also be used to control one of seven MIDI functions.

The first 7 black keys are used to select the function of the octave buttons. Some of the functions that these keys can be used for cannot send out a value less than 0. When used to control these functions, both LEDs above the buttons will remain on, regardless of the current setting of that function.

To select an alternate function:

1. Press the Advanced button, putting the keyboard into Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key that represents the function you want. With the exception of CC, Edit Mode will finish as soon as you have selected the function and you will be able to play notes again.

Octave Shift

Another method of shifting the Keystation octaves is with the use of the black keys labeled “Octave +” and “Octave -”. This can be useful when the octave buttons are assigned to control another MIDI function. This is accomplished as follows:

1. Press the Advanced button to put the keyboard in Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key representing “OCTAVE +”, increasing the octave by 1 (you may press it again to increase the octave by 2, and so on). Press the black key representing “OCTAVE -”, decreasing the octave by 1 (you may press it again to decrease the octave by 2, and so on). Press the black key representing “OCTAVE 0” to reset the octave shift to 0.
3. When you have chosen your octave shift, press “ENTER” to select your Octave and leave Edit Mode. Selecting Cancel or Advanced will cancel the selection and exit from Advanced mode.

The default octave shift designation is “0” and will be the octave setting each time you power up the keyboard. The lights above the octave buttons indicate that 0 octave shift is set when both are on.

To assign the “+” and “-” buttons back to controlling the Octave if an alternate function was selected:

1. Press the Advanced button to get the keyboard into Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key representing “OCTAVE”. Edit Mode will finish as soon as OCTAVE has been pressed.

Transposition

In some cases, it may be useful to reduce or increase the pitch by a number of semitones rather than an entire octave. For example, if you are playing a song with a singer that is having difficulty hitting the top notes, you may want to reduce the pitch by one or two semitones. This is achieved using a MIDI function called “Transpose.”

Transpose works in the same way as Octave Shift, except the shift can be up to +/- 12 semitones. As with Octave Shift, there are two ways of transposing the keyboard.

To assign the Octave “+” and “-” buttons to transpose:

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key labeled “TRANSPOSE” (Eb2). (Edit Mode will disengage as soon as “TRANSPOSE” has been pressed.)
3. Press the “+” key and you will hear the pitch of the note you play go up.
4. Press the “-” key to transpose the keyboard down a half-step.
5. Press both “+” and “-” together to return to no transposition change.

Another method of transposing the Keystation is with the use of the black keys labeled “TRANSPOSE -,” “TRANSPOSE 0” and “TRANSPOSE +,”. This is accomplished as follows:

1. Press the Advanced button to put the keyboard in Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key representing “TRANSPOSE +”, increasing the semitones by 1 (you may press it again to increase the semitones by 2, and so on). Press the black key representing “TRANSPOSE -”, decreasing the semitones by 1 (you may press it again to decrease the semitones by 2, and so on). Press the black key representing “TRANSPOSE 0” to return to no transposition change.
3. When you have chosen your transposition shift, press “ENTER” to select your Transposition and leave Edit Mode. Selecting Cancel or Advanced will cancel the selection and exit from Advanced mode.

Program Change

Program Changes are used to change the instrument or voice you are using. For the sake of example, we will change the instrument to a bass sound. To do this we need to send a program change of 32. There are two ways to send a program change:

Incremental/Decremental Program Change:

1. Press the Advanced button.
2. Press the black key labeled “PROGRAM” (F#2).
3. Now the Octave “+” and “-” keys can be used to change the program.
4. Press “+” and continue to play notes until you find the instrument you want.

This method is useful if you want to cycle through different instruments to see which sounds best in your song.

Quick Select Program Change:

1. Press the Advanced button.
2. Press the black key labeled “PROGRAM #.”
3. Press keys “3,” “2,” “ENTER.” Now the keyboard will play a bass sound: Number 32. This method is useful if you want to select a specific number, as is the case here.

If the Octave “+” and “-” keys are selected to vary the Program number (Method 1), pressing both the “+” and “-” buttons together will recall Program 0, which selects a grand piano sound.

Bank LSB and Bank MSB

Program Changes are most commonly used to change instruments and voices. However, the number of instruments accessible via Program Changes is limited to 128. Some devices have more than 128 voices and require a different method to access these extra voices. Generally, these devices use Bank LSB and Bank MSB messages.

Incremental/Decremental Bank LSB and Bank MSB Changes:

1. Press the Advanced button.
2. Press the black key labeled “Bank LSB” (G#2) or “Bank MSB” (Bb2), respectively.
3. Now the Octave “+” and “-” keys can be used to change the Bank LSB or Bank MSB.
4. Press “+” and continue to play notes until you find the instrument you want.

Using the Quick Select Method:

1. Press the Advanced button.
2. Press the black key labeled “Bank LSB #” or “Bank MSB #,” respectively.
3. Press keys “3,” “2,” “ENTER.”

As with Program Change, if the Octave “+” and “-” keys are selected to vary the Bank LSB or MSB number (Method 1). Pressing both the “+” and “-” buttons together will recall Bank 0.

MIDI Channel

MIDI data from the keyboard can be sent on any of 16 MIDI Channels. However, certain MIDI devices and MIDI software applications require the keyboard to send data on a specified channel. If this is the case, you can change the channel the data is sent using the following method:

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.
2. Press one of the 16 Channel keys (D2 to E4), according to the Channel that you need.

For example, if a device specifies that you need to send data on Channel 10, press the Advanced button, and select Channel 10.

The Channel can also be assigned to the Octave “+” and “-” buttons by doing the following:

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key labeled “CHANNEL”.
3. Press the “+” or “-” button to increase or decrease the channel incrementally. When Channel 16 is reached and “+” is pressed, Channel 1 will be selected. Pressing both the “+” and “-” buttons together will reset to Channel 1.

Control Change

To assign the Octave/Data buttons to send Control Change messages that can be toggled on and off, follow these steps:

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key labeled “CC” (Eb3).
3. Use the Numerical Data Entry keys G4-B5 to enter the number of the Control Change to assign to the +/- buttons.
4. The unit will transmit the assigned MIDI Control Change messages that toggle on and off (Press once On, Press again Off).

The Octave +/- buttons can also send momentary MIDI Control Change messages. To assign the Octave/Data buttons to Control Change momentary messages, follow these steps:

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.

2. Press the black key labeled “CC” (Eb3) 2 times.
   Note: The Advanced LED will flash/blink when assigning a momentary CC message to the -/+ buttons.

3. Use the Numerical Data Entry keys G4-B5 to enter the number of the Control Change to assign to the +/- buttons.

4. The unit will transmit the assigned MIDI Control Change messages (Press On, Release Off).

Volume Slider Assignment

To assign the Volume Slider to an effect:

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key labeled “FADER.”
3. Use the Numerical Data Entry keys to enter the CC number you want to assign to the Volume Fader.
   If you have made an error while entering the numerical data value, you can press the “CANCEL” key to exit Edit Mode without changing the effect assigned to the Volume Slider.

Modulation Wheel Assignment

It is possible to assign different CC, and MIDI messages to the Modulation Wheel. Some useful messages are: MIDI CC 01 (Modulation), MIDI CC 07 (Volume), MIDI CC 10 (Pan), and MIDI CC 05 (Portamento).

There are 132 messages in total. However, for these messages to have any affect on the sound, the receiving MIDI device must be able to read and respond to these MIDI messages. Most devices will at least respond to volume, modulation, and pan data.

To assign a message to the Modulation Wheel:

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key labeled “WHEEL.”
3. Use the Numerical Data Entry keys to enter the number of the message you want to assign to the Modulation Wheel.

If you have made an error while entering the numerical data value, you can press the CANCEL key to exit Edit Mode without changing the effect assigned to the Modulation Wheel.

For the sake of example, we will assign CC number 10 (pan, or balance) to the Modulation Wheel.

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key labeled “WHEEL.”
3. Press “1.”
4. Press “0” so you have entered “10.”
5. Press “ENTER.”

Directional Buttons and Transport Controls

The directional buttons and transport buttons use the MIDI, Mackie Control, or HUI protocols to control certain functions in software that support them.

To select which protocol these buttons use to communicate with your software:

1. Press the Advanced button to get the keyboard into Edit Mode.

2. Press the key labeled “DAW”.
   Note: “+” and “-” LEDs will be lit green when in Mackie Control mode, red when in HUI mode, and orange when in MIDI mode.

3. Press Enter.
   Note: Your software must also be set to receive commands from an external device (i.e., Keystation) using the MIDI, Mackie Control, or HUI protocol. MIDI, Mackie Control, and HUI controls are sent on Virtual Port 2.

Troubleshooting

General

Here are answers to common questions you may have, using your Keystation keyboard:

Problem 1: My M-Audio hardware suddenly stopped working after having performed fine since installation.

Solution 1: Switch off the unit and let it sit for 10 seconds. Then restart your computer and try again.

Problem 2: I have plugged a sustain pedal into my M-Audio keyboard, but it works the wrong way around.

Solution 2: The polarity of the sustain pedal is calculated by the keyboard when it is powered up. On power up, the sustain pedal is assumed to be in the OFF position. So if you want the sustain pedal to be off when it is not depressed, make sure the pedal is not depressed when you power up.

Problem 3: When I press a key, there is a delay before I hear any sound.

Solution 3: This delay is known as latency. Latency with MIDI signals is due to the software application you are using. MIDI data is simply control data. The MIDI data is read by your software. The software then completes a large number of complex calculations in order to produce the sound you hear—all this takes time.

We strongly recommend a proper audio interface. Refer to m-audio.com for a selection of options. If you already have an adequate audio interface, try reinstalling the latest drivers for the audio interface, or try reducing the buffer sizes of the audio drivers.

MIDI Functionality

The Keystation keyboards have been designed to make working with MIDI on your computer as simple as possible. Nonetheless, you may still experience some difficulties. In many cases, the keyboard is not at fault; the problem lies with the receiving device. To counter this, there is a useful MIDI function: Reset All Controllers.

Reset All Controllers

If you find there is an effect on a voice that you do not want, rather than having to isolate and identify that effect, you can send a “Reset All Controllers” MIDI message by performing the following:

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key representing “RESET.”
3. Edit Mode will disengage, eliminating all effects.

Factory Reset

1. Power off Keystation.
2. Hold down the buttons “+” and “-” simultaneously, until step 4.
3. Power on Keystation.
4. Release the buttons.

The Keyboard is now back to the factory default settings.

MIDI Out

The MIDI Out port is located on the back of the keyboard, and can be used to connect the keyboard to an external sound module or MIDI keyboard.

By default (when you switch the unit on), all controller data is sent out via the USB out. If you want the 5-pin MIDI output to send MIDI data, engage “MIDI Out” mode by carrying out the following:

1. Press the Advanced button to engage Edit Mode.
2. Press the black key representing “MIDI OUT.”
3. Edit Mode will disengage.
4. The keyboard is now able to send MIDI data from its MIDI OUT jack to whatever device is connected.

Appendix

+/- Button User Assignments

Technical Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Trademarks & Licenses

M-Audio is a trademark of inMusic Brands, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Kensington and the K & Lock logo are registered trademarks of ACCO Brands. iPad and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Ableton is a trademark of Ableton AG. VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. Mackie Control and HUI are trademarks or registered trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc. All other product names, company names, trademarks, or trade names are those of their respective owners.

m-audio.com

Manual Version 1.6

References

• M-Audio
• Support : M-Audio
• M-Audio
• Support : M-Audio

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