IK MULTIMEDIA iRig BlueBoard Wireless MIDI Controller Page Turner User Manual

: June 16, 2024
: IK Multimedia

IK MULTIMEDIA iRig BlueBoard Wireless MIDI Controller Page Turner User Manual

Safety Information

To reduce risk of internal damage or malfunction, never expose the unit to rain, moisture or excessive humidity. Never let any liquid spill on the unit.
Always remove the batteries if you plan not to use the unit for a long time.
Never expose the unit to a temperature higher than 60°C (140°F) .
Never step over the unit or step on it with your full weight, this might cause permanent damages to the iRig
BlueBoard structure and foot switches.
There are no user serviceable parts inside iRig BlueBoard, never open the unit.
All servicing should be referred to qualified personnel only.
rig Bluebeard communicates via Bluetooth. Never insert iRig Bluebeard into metallic cases or structures that could shield the Bluetooth signal.
CAUTION: risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. iRig Bluebeard can ONLY be used with consumer grade, non-rechargeable CARBON-ZINC or ALKALINE batteries.

iRig Bluebeard

Thank you for purchasing iRig Bluebeard, the first wireless MIDI-pedalboard controller for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Mac.

Your package contains:

iRig Bluebeard
4 x AAA batteries
Quick Start Guide
Registration Card

iRig Bluebeard is the first wireless MIDI pedalboard for iOS and Mac. It allows you to control parameters of your MIDI-compatible apps, like Amplitude, wirelessly from the floor. Switch between presets, change patches, turn effects on and off and control effects like volume and wash pedals, all from the stage floor, without worrying about tripping over wires. Setup is as simple as turning the iRig Bluebeard on and setting its control assignments in the free control app.
And now iRig Bluebeard can work as a standard BTLE MIDI device, it’s able to directly communicate with apps without the need of an in-between “bridge” app (Firmware update required).

iRig BlueBoard Firmware update

The FW update v1.2.0 allows for the new MIDI over Bluetooth modes operations. You need a unit with this version of FW installed to use the new features of iRig Bluebeard. A firmware updater utility will be available soon. If your unit does not have the last FW installed you can refer only to the “Bluebeard mode” section on this manual

Features

Features
iRig Bluebeard is equipped with four backlit soft-touch pads housed in a sturdy, stage worthy chassis, two TRS
jacks for connecting additional controllers like foot switches and expression pedals, and is powered by four standard AAA batteries.

iRig Bluebeard works by wirelessly connecting to a dedicated iOS and Mac app called “iRig Bluebeard,” which receives Bluetooth control messages from the iRig Bluebeard hardware, and translates them into standard MIDI commands for any hardware or software instrument or MIDI-compatible app like Amplitude.

The control messages sent from iRig Bluebeard to Amplitude or other Core MIDI music apps can include MIDI Program Change and Control Change messages, as well as parameter changes on apps such as IK’s Amplitude, Vocalized, Sample Tank and grand Piano, or any other Core MIDI compatible app like Apple GarageBand.

iRig Bluebeard communicates via Bluetooth technology so you can place it up to 10 meters (32.8 feet) away from your device and still maintain full control of your apps.

The four backlit footswitches on iRig Bluebeard will turn ON when the unit is activated (blue backlight). In addition to this iRig Bluebeard features a low- intensity blue light, which illuminates all four footswitches, making iRig Bluebeard visible on a dark stage. This low-intensity backlight can be turned ON or OFF (to save battery) from the control app.

Register your iRig BlueBoard

By registering, you can access technical support, activate your warranty and receive free JamPoints™ which will
be added to your account. JamPoints™ allow you to obtain discounts on future IK purchases! Registering also keeps you informed of all the latest software updates and IK products. Register at: www.ikmultimedia.com/registration

Installation and setup

Install the four AAA batteries into the battery compartment of iRig Bluebeard. It is very important to follow
the polarity indicators for the batteries that are indicated on the internal part of the battery compartment. iRig Bluebeard works with Bluetooth LE technology, allowing for extra-low current consumption and very long battery life.
Choose which mode you want to start up by pushing and holding either the A, B or C button and the ON switch on the Bluebeard (features available only with Firmware v.1.2.0).
BlueBoard mode

MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1 (requires Firmware v1.2.0)

MIDI over Bluetooth mode 2 (requires Firmware v1.2.0)

BlueBoard mode

Push and hold the “A” button and then switch ON the device. This way the Bluebeard will start up in Bluebeard proprietary mode. After having done this the Status LED will start flashing blue.
You need to download the free “iRig BlueBoard” app from the App Store on your iOS device or from IK Multimedia User Area for your Mac. The app translates the signals received from the iRig BlueBoard hardware to MIDI commands understood by your MIDI app. Or you can download Amplitube or Vocalive for iOS and pair directly the iRig BlueBoard with the app without the need of the BlueBoard app.
If you plan to use an external footswitch or continuous control pedal, connect it to one of the two external inputs. These two inputs are identical and can accept both switches and continuous expression pedals.

Connecting to the Control App

Launch the “iRig BlueBoard” app that you have downloaded. From the iRig BlueBoard app, follow the procedure to connect to iRig BlueBoard. Once the connection is successful, the iRig BlueBoard status led will light up steady blue.
Connecting to the Control App
In this mode iRig Bluebeard communicates with the control app (iRig Bluebeard) and the Control app converts the data to standard MIDI messages.

The four iRig Bluebeard foot switches can send MIDI Program Change or Control Change messages. You will be able to assign each foot switch to the Program Change or Control Change message you want, using the iRig Bluebeard control app. No setup is needed on iRig Bluebeard hardware.
Connecting to the Control App
Note: Please refer to the user manual of the control app for detailed information on this. From the app you’ll also be able to select which MIDI messages the external pedals will send.

Connecting to Amplitube or VocaLive app

Launch the “Amplitube” or “VocaLive” app. From the app, follow the procedure to connect to iRig BlueBoard. Once the connection is successful, the iRig BlueBoard status led will light up steady blue. Note: Please refer to the user manual of the app for detailed information on pairing procedure.
Connecting

MIDI over Bluetooth modes (requires Firmware v.1.2.0)

Now iRig Bluebeard can work as a standard BTLE MIDI device, making it able to directly communicate with apps (that support MIDI over Bluetooth) without the need of an in-between “bridge” app.

MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1

In MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1, iRig Bluebeard sends MIDI notes when the A, B, C, D foot switches are pressed.

MIDI over Bluetooth mode 2

In MIDI over Bluetooth mode 2, iRig Bluebeard sends MIDI Control Changes when the A, B, C and D foot switches are pressed.

MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1

Push and hold the “B” button and then switch ON the device. This way the Bluebeard will start up in MIDI
over Bluetooth mode 1. After this the Status LED will start flashing blue.
From the app, follow the procedure to connect to iRig Bluebeard. Once the connection is successful, the iRig Bluebeard status led will light up steady blue.

These are the specifications for the MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1:
Transmit Channel: 1 /
Receive Channel: 1

Transmitting:
Switch A: note C3, velocity 100, momentary action
Switch B: note D3, velocity 100, momentary action
Switch C: note E3, velocity 100, momentary action
Switch D: note F3, velocity 100, momentary action
A “Note ON” message is send when the button is pressed, and a “Note OFF” message is send when the footswitch is released.
Exp Pedal 1: CC#12.
Exp Pedal 2: CC#13.

Receiving :
Led A: note C3, momentary action
Led B: note D3, momentary action
Led C: note E3, momentary action
Led D: note F3, momentary action

MIDI over Bluetooth mode 2

Push and hold the “C” button and then switch ON the device. This way the Bluebeard will start up in MIDI over Bluetooth mode 2 mode. After having done this the Status LED will start flashing blue.
From the app, follow the procedure to connect to iRig Bluebeard. Once the connection is successful, the iRig BlueBoard status led will light up steady blue.

These are the specifications for the MIDI over Bluetooth mode 2:
Transmit Channel: 1 /
Receive Channel: 1

Transmitting:
Switch A: CC#20, momentary operation
Switch B: CC#21, momentary operation
Switch C: CC#22, momentary operation
Switch D: CC#23, momentary operation
Value 127 is sent when the foot switch is pressed, and value 0 is sent when foot switch is released.
Exp Pedal 1: CC#12, continuous.
Exp Pedal 2: CC#13, continuous.

Receiving:
Led A: CC#20.
Led B: CC#21.
Led B : CC#22.
Led C: CC#23.
Received values higher or equal than 64 will turn the footswitches LEDs ON, values lower than 64 will turn the
footswitches LEDs OFF

Startup notes

If the A, B or C buttons are held during startup, they will illuminate to give confirmation that the button has been successfully pressed.
The illumination will stay on for one second after the button has been released. Then it will go off and the iRig BlueBoard will start up.
Powering iRig BlueBoard without holding a switch will cause it to boot in the last mode used. The corresponding button will light up for one second.

Status LED

This LED indicates the working status of iRig BlueBoard:

OFF: iRig BlueBoard is OFF or the batteries are completely exhausted.
Continuous flashing: iRig BlueBoard is ON and it is waiting to be paired with the app. (Refer to the specific app’s user manual).
Continuous ON: iRig BlueBoard is ON and working.
Mostly OFF with fast ON flashes: iRig Bluebeard batteries are LOW and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Remember to turn OFF iRig BlueBoard every time you finish using it, to save battery life.

USB Port
This port (located into the battery compartment) is used exclusively for service and firmware updates. In the event a firmware update is needed in the future, the update will come with detailed installation instructions.

USB Power

On fixed installations this port can also be used to POWER iRig Bluebeards instead of batteries. For example if you plan to include iRig Bluebeard in a more complex pedalboard with integrated power-supply units, you can fix iRig Bluebeard to your pedalboard with Bi-adhesive Velcro, and you can connect a standard Micro-USB cable to this socket and to a regular 5V-USB power supply unit.

Troubleshooting

iRig Bluebeard is not turning ON.
Try replacing the batteries and check that their placement matches the polarity indicators.

iRig BlueBoard is not appearing on the control app.
Turn iRig BlueBoard off and on again by pushing the “A” button, and repeat search on the control app.

iRig BlueBoard is working, but my MIDI app is not receiving commands.
Go to the control app and setup each switch to transmit the message you need — make sure the proper MIDI channel is set.

I’ve started iRig BlueBoard in BlueBoard mode but I can’t connect it to the control app.
Make sure that you have installed the latest version of the iRig BlueBoard app.

I’m trying to start-up iRig BlueBoard in MIDI over Bluetooth modes but no LED lights up. Your iRig BlueBoard is not updated with the last firmware version.

Specifications

Communication: Bluetooth LE (4.0).
Compatible devices (Blueboard Mode): any iOS or Mac that supports Bluetooth LE (4.0) standard.
Compatible devices (MIDI over Bluetooth modes): devices with new Core MIDI implementation: iOS 8 (and above) and OSX Yosemite (and above) required.
2 x 1/4” TRS external inputs for switches or continuous control pedals.
Four backlit foot switches.
Low-intensity backlight on all four footswitches (optional) for easy visibility of the board on low light stages.
Long batteries duration: Alkaline batteries: approx 50 hours without backlight, 35 hours with backlight.
Lightweight sturdy and durable construction.

Warranty

Please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/warranty for the complete warranty policy.

Support and more info
www.ikmultimedia.com/support

Model: iRig BlueBoard
U.S.A.
Contains FCC ID: QOQBLE112

FCC statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC radiation exposure statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

CANADA
Contains/Contient IC: 5123A-BGTBLE112 CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)

IC statement/warning

This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause interference, and
This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

To comply with Industry Canada RF radiation exposure limits for general population, the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed such that a minimum separation distance of 20cm is maintained between the radiator (antenna) and all persons at all times and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

EUROPE

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND

JAPAN
Contains radio module tested with ARIB STD-T66

209-J00046

SOUTH KOREA
Contains BLE112-A: KCC-CRM-BGT-BLE112-A

Registration number for iRig Bluebeard:
MSIP – REM – IK0 – 041900001

Class B Equipment
(For Home Use Broadcasting & Communication Equipment) This equipment is home use (Class B) electromagnetic wave suitability equipment and to be used mainly at home and it can be used in all areas.

SINGAPORE
Complies with IDA Standards DA00006A

rig® Bluebeard, Amplitude®, Vocalized™, Sample Tank®, grand Piano™ are trademarks or registered trademarks property of IK Multimedia Srl. All other product names and images, trademarks and artists names are the property of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with IK Multimedia. iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, Mac logo and GarageBand are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Bluetooth is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.