Swissonic MiniKey 25 MIDI Keyboard User Manual

Swissonic MiniKey 25 MIDI Keyboard

Specifications

• Product: MiniKey 25 MIDI Keyboard
• Date: 01.02.2024
• ID: 565449 (V2)
• Features: Over 5 GB of sounds and loops (Download)

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Instructions

• Intended Use: The MiniKey 25 MIDI Keyboard is designed for electronic sound generation using a piano keyboard. Only use the device as described in the user manual to avoid personal injury or property damage.
• Safety: Be cautious of potential risks, especially for children. To prevent staining due to plasticizer in rubber feet, consider using a suitable mat or felt slide to avoid direct contact with the floor.

Installation and Starting Up

• Unpacking: Carefully unpack and inspect for any transportation damage before using the unit. Retain the original packaging to protect the product during transportation or storage.
• Connections: Ensure all connections are made with the device turned off. Use high-quality cables and route them carefully to prevent tripping hazards.
• Operation with a Computer
  You can connect the MiniKey 25 MIDI Keyboard to a PC using the USB interface and the provided USB cable. This interface allows data transmission, provides power to the device, and charges the built-in battery.

FAQ

1. Q: Can I use the MiniKey 25 MIDI Keyboard for live performances?
   A: Yes, the MiniKey 25 MIDI Keyboard can be used for live performances as well as studio recording due to its compact size and versatile features.

2. Q: How do I access the downloadable sounds and loops?
   A: To access the over 5 GB of sounds and loops, visit the manufacturer’s website and follow the instructions for downloading and installing the additional content

3. .Q: Is the MiniKey 25 MIDI Keyboard compatible with all music production software?
   A: The MiniKey 25 MIDI Keyboard is compatible with most music production software that supports MIDI input devices. Ensure your software recognizes MIDI controllers for optimal performance.

MIDI Keyboard

• Germany
• Telephone: +49 (0) 9546 9223-0
• Internet: www.thomann.de
• 01.02.2024, ID: 565449 (V2)

General information

• This document contains important instructions for the safe operation of the product. Read and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the document for future refer‐ence. Make sure that it is available to all those using the product. If you sell the product to another user, be sure that they also receive this document.
• Our products and documentation are subject to a process of continuous development. They are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the latest version of the documentation, which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

Symbols and signal words
In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this document.

immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
WARNING!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
|
Warning signs| Type of danger
| Warning – dangers due to batteries.
| Warning – danger zone.

Safety instructions

Intended use

• This device is intended to be used for electronic sound generation using a piano keyboard. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
• This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

Safety

• DANGER!
  • Risk of injury and choking hazard for children!
  • Children can suffocate on packaging material and small parts. Children can injure themselves when handling the device. Never allow children to play with the packaging material and the device. Always store packaging material out of the reach of babies and small children. Always dispose of packaging material properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without supervision. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the device does not shed any small parts (such knobs) that children could play with.
• WARNING!
  • Incorrect handling of lithium batteries can result in injury!
  • In the event of a short circuit, overheating or mechanical damage, lithium batteries can cause severe injuries. Handle lithium batteries in a correct and professional manner. Store lithium batteries in a cool and dry place in their original packaging. Keep lithium batteries away from sources of heat. Never open lithium batteries. Only charge rechargeable lithium batteries with a suitable charger. Remove the lithium batteries before disposing of the device.
  • Cover the poles of used lithium batteries with adhesive tape to prevent short circuits. Electrolyte can escape from damaged lithium batteries. Put the damaged lithium battery in air-tight pack‐aging. Collect the electrolyte with absorbent paper. Wear rubber gloves while doing so.
• NOTICE!
  • Damage to the device if operated in unsuitable ambient conditions!
  • The device can be damaged if it is operated in unsuitable ambient conditions. Only operate the device indoors within the ambient conditions specified in the “Technical specifications” chapter of this user manual. Avoid operating it in environments with direct sun‐light, heavy dirt and strong vibrations. Avoid operating it in environments with strong temperature fluctuations. If temperature fluctuations cannot be avoided (for example after transport in low outside temperatures), do not switch on the device immediately. Never subject the device to liquids or moisture. Never move the device to another location while it is in operation. In environments with increased dirt levels (for example due to dust, smoke, nicotine or mist): Have the device cleaned by qualified specialists at regular intervals to prevent damage due to overheating and other malfunctions.
• NOTICE!
  • Possible damage to lithium-ion batteries through incorrect storage!
  • Deep discharge can permanently damage lithium-ion batteries or cause them to lose some of their capacity. Charge the lithium-ion batteries before longer breaks in use and before storage. Ensure that the device is switched off for storage. Store the device at room temperature or cooler in an environment as dry as possible. Recharge the lithium-ion batteries about every three months if they are stored for a longer period of time to avoid permanent damage due to too deep self-discharge. Fully charge the lithium-ion batteries only shortly before use at room temperature.
• NOTICE!
  • Possible staining due to plasticiser in rubber feet!
  • The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may react with the coating of the floor and cause permanent dark stains after some time. If necessary, use a suitable mat or felt slide to prevent direct contact between the device’s rubber feet and the floor.

Features

• Bluetooth® MIDI keyboard with 25 touch-sensitive mini keys and a battery
• Simple Bluetooth® connection to iOS devices via host apps such as GarageBand
• Sustain pedal connection (adapter to 6.3 mm jack included in the scope of delivery)
• Integrated arpeggiator
• Smart scale mode
• Smart chord mode
• Octave button
• USB connection
• Bluetooth® 5.0
• Bus-powered or operation via built-in rechargeable battery (780 mA)
• Class compliant with USB connection under Mac® and Windows®
• Bluetooth-compatible with Mac OS X® 10.15 and higher as well as iOS
• Includes Cubase LE with 23 VST audio effects, HALion Sonic SE 3, Groove Agent SE 5 and over 5 GB of sounds and loops (Download)

Installation and starting up

• Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
• Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.
• You can use the USB interface to connect the device to a PC via the supplied USB cable. As well as data transmission, this interface provides the power supply to the device and charges the built-in battery.
• You can connect a sustain pedal (not included in the scope of delivery) to the device if you like. Turn on the device using the main switch on the rear panel.
• Start the supplied software editor and DAW software on your PC and adjust the software defaults and MIDI settings.
• System requirements
  • Class compliant with USB connection under Mac® and Windows®
  • Bluetooth-compatible with Mac OS X® 10.15 and higher as well as iOS

Operation with a computer

Bluetooth® connection

• Press and hold [BT] to activate the Bluetooth® function and connect the device wirelessly to your PC. If the Bluetooth® function is active, the LED in the button flashes; once pairing is suc‐cessful, the LED lights up continuously.
• If your PC does not have a Bluetooth® function, we recommend that you use a wireless adapter.

Connections and operating elements

Overview

Connections and operating elements

1| [ OC-] / [OC+] | Buttons to octave the keys
---|---
2| [BT] | Button to activate the Bluetooth® function Press and hold the button to activate the Bluetooth® function and connect the device to your PC. If the Bluetooth® function is active, the LED in the button flashes; once pairing is successful, the LED lights up continuously.
3| [ARP] | Button to call up the arpeggiator
4| [SC/CH] | Button to call up the smart scale / smart chord mode
5| [MODE] | Press and hold button to control modulation. This causes continuous sending of MIDI CC events.
6| [SUS] | Button to turn the sustain on and off
7| [PITCH -] / [PITCH +] | Press and hold button to pitch the note down or up.
8| Display
9| 3.5-mm connection socket for the sustain pedal and the main switch
10| Rotary encoder
11| Piano keys with special functions for arpeggiator, smart scale mode and smart chord mode
12|

• [USB] | USB interface to connect a computer As well as data transmission, this interface provides the power supply to the device and charges the built-in battery.
• The LED displays the charge state:
  • Red: Battery is charging.
  • Green: Battery is fully charged.

Functions

Arpeggiator
Arpeggio types

• In Arpeggio mode, the notes played do not sound simultaneously, but one after the other at short intervals. This is called a broken chord.
• Press and hold [ARP] and use the piano keys for the arpeggiator to set the required arpeggio type.

• [UP]
• [DOWN]
• [INCL]

|

• All currently played notes are played from low to high. All currently played notes are played from high to low.
• All currently played notes are played from low to high and then from high to low.
• The highest note and the lowest note are repeated in the process.

---|---
[ECXL]|

• All currently played notes are played from low to high and then from high to low.
• The highest note and the lowest note are not repeated.

[RAND]| The arpeggiator generates random notes.
[ORDER]| All currently played notes are played in the order they were played.
[REPEAT]| All currently played notes and trigger pads are played repeatedly.

Editing arpeggios

Press and hold [ARP] and use the rotary control and the piano keys for the arpeggiator to set the required parameter.

[ OCT+] [LATCH]|

• Use this piano key to shift the octave range of the arpeggiator. Pressing the button four times returns you to the original octave range.
• If the piano key is activated, the current arpeggio continues to play when the keyboard keys are released. If the piano key is deactivated, the current arpeggio stops when the keyboard keys are released.

---|---
[GATE+] / [GATE-]| Use these piano keys to adjust the length of every note in the arpeggio. Each note in the arpeggio is played continuously. As the gate value decreases, the notes become shorter.
[TAP]| Use this piano key to activate setting mode for the tempo of the arpeggiator.
[SWING+] / [SWING-]| Use these piano key to adjust the syncopation (“swing feeling”) of the arpeggiator. The higher the value, the more intensive the swing feeling.
[TEMPO+] / [TEMPO-]|

• Use these piano keys to adjust the tempo of the arpeggiator.
• You can then use piano keys [1/4], [1/4T], [1/8], [1/8T], [1/16], [16/T], [1/32] and
• [1/32T] to adjust the time signature.

---|---
[SYNC]|

• Use this piano key to synchronize the set tempo of the arpeggiator with the DAW.
• The tempo can only be synchronised if the sync function of the external MIDI controller in the DAW is activated. If the sync function is activated, the [TEMPO+], [TEMPO-] and [TAP] keys have no function.

Smart scale mode

• Press and hold [SC/CH] and use the [C]…[B] piano keys to select the required scale.
• Then press one of the two piano keys [MAJOR] or [MINOR] to select the scale in major or minor.

• Press the [OFF] piano key to exit smart scale mode.
• When smart chord mode is activated, smart scale mode is terminated automatically.

Smart chord mode

• Press and hold [SC/CH] and use the [TRIAD], [7TH], [9TH] or [RANDOM] piano keys to select the required chord.
• Then press one of the two piano keys [MAJOR] or [MINOR] to select the chord in major or minor.
• Press the [OFF] piano key to exit smart chord mode.
• When smart scale mode is activated, smart chord mode is terminated automatically.

Transposing

• To transpose the entire keyboard up or down in half-tone increments, press and hold [OCT-] or [OCT+] and use the rotary control to adjust the pitch.
• The higher you set the octave range of the keyboard, the faster the LED in the [OCT+] key flashes.
• The lower you set the octave range of the keyboard, the slower the LED in the [OCT+] key flashes.
• Press [OCT-] and [OCT+] simultaneously to restore the default value of the keyboard.

Technical specifications

Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packing material

• Environmentally friendly materials have been chosen for the packaging. These materials can be sent for normal recycling. Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of in the proper manner.
• Do not dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the instructions and markings on the packaging.
• Observe the disposal note regarding documentation in France.

Disposal of batteries

• Batteries do contain some hazardous chemicals so they should not be thrown away with the normal household waste. They should be returned to the manufacturer for disposal or recycled elsewhere in accordance with your local regulations.
• Only dispose of lithium batteries when they are empty. Remove lithium batteries from the device before disposal if this is possible without destroying it. Protect used lithium batteries against short circuit, for example by taping  the poles. Dispose the built-in lithium batteries together with the device. Check for an appropriate collection facility.
• Dispose of the batteries and rechargeable batteries at relevant collection points or through your local waste facility.

Disposal of your old device

• This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) as amended.
• Do not dispose of your old device with your normal household waste; instead, deliver it for controlled disposal by an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. When disposing of the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste management facility. Proper disposal protects the environment as well as the health of your fellow human beings.
• Also note that waste avoidance is a valuable contribution to environmental protection. Repairing a device or passing it on to another user is an ecologically valuable alternative to disposal.
• You can return your old device to Thomann GmbH at no charge. Check the current conditions on www.thomann.de.
• If your old device contains personal data, delete those data before disposing of it.

References

• Buy musical instruments online from the market leader – Thomann United States

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