Blackstar Custom USB MIDI Control LIVE LOGIC Owner’s Manual

: June 6, 2024
: Blackstar

Blackstar Custom USB MIDI Control LIVE LOGIC

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

“TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS APPARATUS FROM THE AC MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER-SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE”.
“WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THE APPARATUS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND THAT OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL NOT BE PLACED ON APPARATUS”.

| This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operation and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
---|---
| This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Warning!
Important safety information!
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY. SAVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product!
Danger! High internal operating voltages.

Do not open the equipment case. There are no user serviceable parts in this equipment. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Condensation can form on the inside of an amplifier if it is moved from a cold environment to a warmer location. Before switching the unit on, it is recommended that the unit be allowed to reach room temperature.
Unauthorized modification of this equipment is expressly forbidden by Blackstar Amplification Ltd.
Never push objects of any kind into ventilation slots on the equipment casing.
Do not expose this apparatus to rain, liquids or moisture of any type.
Do not place this product on an unstable trolley, stand or table.
The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product or to persons!
Do not cover or block ventilation slots or openings.
This unit must only be used in a well ventilated area and never switched on when it is within a poorly ventilated space, such as a bookcase.
This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as a stove, radiator, or another heat producing amplifier.
Use only the supplied power cord which is compatible with the mains voltage supply in your area.
Power supply cords should always be handled carefully and should be replaced if damaged in any way. Never break off the earth (ground) pin on the power supply cord.
The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
An apparatus with Class I construction should be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
The mains plug of the power supply cord should remain readily accessible.
Before the unit is switched on, the loudspeaker should be connected as described in the handbook using the lead recommended by the manufacturer.
Always replace damaged fuses with the correct rating and type.
Never disconnect the protective mains earth connection.
High loudspeaker levels can cause permanent hearing damage. You should therefore avoid the direct vicinity of loudspeakers operating at high levels. Wear hearing protection if continuously exposed to high levels.

If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed, then refer the product to a qualified service engineer.

The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures:

Duration Per Day in Hours	Sound Level dBA, Slow Response
8	90
6	92
4	95
3	97
2	100
1½	102
1	105
½	110
¼ or less	115

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss.

Ear plug protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.

All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities appointed by the government or the local authorities.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar Live Logic USB MIDI Footcontroller.
Like all our products, the Live Logic Footcontroller is the result of countless hours of painstaking Research and Development by our world-class design team. Based in Northampton (UK), the Blackstar team are all experienced musicians themselves and the sole aim of this development process was to provide musicians and producers with products which are the ultimate tools for self-expression.

All Blackstar products are subjected to extensive laboratory and road testing to ensure that they are truly uncompromising in terms of reliability, quality and above all TONE.

Please read through this handbook carefully to ensure you get the maximum benefit from your new Blackstar product.

If you like what you hear and want to find out more about the Blackstar range of products please visit our website at www.blackstaramps.com.
Thanks!
The Blackstar Team

Features

Blackstar’s Live Logic USB MIDI foot-controller is the result of countless hours of technical research and benchmarking against market leading products. Designed from the ground up for musicians and producers, they are feature filled and compact.

The Live Logic USB MIDI foot-controller gives you quick and easy performance control of any MIDI hardware or software platforms and plugins. Seamlessly send program change messages and map parameter controls to any of the switches, or assign continuous control of any MIDI parameter to an expression pedal using the two expression pedal inputs (expression pedal not included). MIDI over USB is also included for use with DAWs, plugins and live sequencer/ sampling software like Ableton Live™.

This product comes with a free downloadable copy of Ableton’s powerful Live Lite 10 Lite software. Although an excellent software, you have total freedom to use and control an array of Midi products with your own preferred software.

Power your Live Logic USB Midi Footcontroller anywhere via USB, 9V battery or power supply.

Free Ableton Live Lite licence

Ableton Live Lite 10 Software

Blackstar have teamed up with Ableton Live to create a customised control surface script and your Live Logic MIDI Footcontroller includes a free copy of Ableton’s excellent Live Lite 10 Lite software. You can use all of Live 10 Lite’s essential workflows, instruments and effects to record songs, create hands-on with your controller, take music made in your apps further and much more.
Please read the `Ableton Mode’ section below for specific information on this feature.
Click here to download your free Ableton Live Lite software: https://www.blackstaramps.com/uk/ableton

Live Logic product buttons and features

Live-Logic-product-buttons-and-features

Front Panel (In Patch Mode)

6 individual footswitches with independent corresponding LEDs that tell you the current selected footswitch once pressed.
Footswitch 5′ controlsBank down’ and Footswitch 6′ selectsBank up’.
Stage-visible front facing LED display. Once the unit is powered on the LED display will illuminate.

Rear Panel

2 MIDI In/ Out sockets allow you to connect MIDI hardware using standard 5 pin DIN cables.
Two individual expression pedal inputs allow you to connect up to two pedals at a time. These can be programmed using the USB control software.
MODE select switches between PATCH’ andCUSTOM’ modes.
Switching the MODE switch to the Left/ `PATCH’ will allow you to send Program Change (PC) messages to any connected MIDI device(s) via MIDI cable or USB.
• Program range (0-127/1 – 128) can be selected via the USB control software
• Switches 1 – 4: Send corresponding Program Change message, in banks of 4
• Switch 5: Bank down
• Switch 6: Bank up

Switching to the Right/ `CUSTOM’ allows you to use the Blackstar Live Logic Midi control software via USB to customise the MIDI messages being sent via MID cable and USB. Map any of the following message types to the six footswitches:

Program Change
Control
Change
Note Clock Note

7 & 8. The Live Logic Footcontroller can be powered by either USB from your PC/ Mac, a suitable 9V battery or Blackstar’s compact PSU-500 (sold separately) which operates from 100-240V AC and comes with 4 different plug fittings, making it usable in many countries around the world.

9. Pushing the power button in’ will turn the unit on, illuminating the front LED panel. Pressing the button again to theout’ position will shut the Live Logic Footcontroller off immediately.

Examples of correct setup with specific products

Blackstar Silverline

Live Logic MIDI output Silverline MIDI input
Patch mode – changing patch on your Silverline (Set patch mode display to offset)
Custom mode Download the Silverline Template from
https://www.blackstaramps.com/uk/ranges/live-logic/usb-midi-controller for an example of MIDI Mapping.

Blackstar Series One

Live Logic MIDI output Series One MIDI input
Patch mode – changing channel on your Series One (Set patch mode display to offset)
Custom mode Download the Series One Template from
https://www.blackstaramps.com/uk/ranges/live-logic/usb-midi-controller to change patch with two switches left blank for other MIDI equipment.

DAW plugin control

Live Logic USB —> PC/MAC

Strymon Nixie control

Live Logic USB PC/MAC
Live Logic MIDI Out Strymon Midi In
Strymon Midi Out Live Logic Midi in
Live Logic Midi Thru set to Off.

MIDI Interface

Live Logic USB PC/MAC
External Midi Hardware MIDI OUT MIDI IN
External Midi Hardware MIDI IN MIDI OUT
Live Logic Midi Thru set to Off
Add Expression pedals to Live Logic to control DAW or external MIDI equipment.

Software

Use your Live Logic MIDI foot-controller with a number of professionally developed software programs:

ABLETON LIVE LITE 10 SOFTWARE

Blackstar have teamed up with Ableton Live to create a customised control surface script and your Live Logic MIDI Footcontroller includes a free copy of Ableton’s excellent Live Lite 10 Lite software. You can use all of Live 10 Lite’s essential workflows, instruments and effects to record songs, create hands-on with your controller, take music made in your apps further and much more.
Please read the `Ableton Mode’ section below for specific information on this feature.

BLACKSTAR LIVE LOGIC MIDI CONTROL

Blackstar Live Logic Midi Control is a specially designed and developed software for your Live Logic MIDI footcontroller software which works on both PC & Mac.
Set up and customise the functions of each footswitch and expression pedal, save and load your favourite configuration pre-sets.
For further information on the functions and features of the software please read the relevant sections below.

Firmware Update

To obtain the latest firmware for your Live Logic Midi Footcontroller, please visit the Blackstar Live Logic webpage https://www.blackstaramps.com/uk/ranges/livelogic/usb-midi-controller and download/ install the firmware updater tool, along with the latest firmware file available. To install the firmware file:

Close any Live Logic Midi Control software.
Open the Firmware updater tool.
Plug in your Live logic via USB.
Load the firmware file.
Click the `update’ button.
Note: Monitor and ensure that the progress bar completes to 100%. In the case that the footswitch fails the firmware update operation, or progress bar stops, please repeat the upgrade process above.

MODES

ABLETON MODE (For use with Ableton Live Software)

Your Live Logic Midi Footcontroller benefits from official Ableton Live Integration. In addition to the standard MIDI mapping functionality, the Official integration unlocks unique looping functionality with up to 6 independent loops.

To enable Ableton Mode on your Live Logic, first make sure that your Firmware is up-to-date and you have the latest version of Ableton Live installed.

Select CUSTOM Mode on your Live Logic MIDI Footcontroller using the MODE SWITCH (6) on the rear panel.
Connect your Live Logic MIDI Footcontroller to your PC or Mac via USB.
Open Ableton Live
Navigate to the `Preferences’ window
Go to the `Link MIDI’ tab.
In the Control Surface’ drop down list, select theBlackstar Live Logic’.

Your Live logic MIDI Footcontroller will automatically switch into Ableton Live mode, and show `0′ on the display.

Please refer to the Ableton Live section below for full functionality.
Blackstar-Custom-USB-MIDI-Control-LIVE-LOGIC-Modes

PATCH MODE

Select PATCH Mode, your Live Logic MIDI Footcontroller using the MODE switch (6) on the rear panel.
PATCH Mode automatically configures the footswitches to send Program Change (PC) messages.
In patch mode, the Live logic will send Program Change (PC) messages from 0 to 127.
Switch 1-4 will select the PC number and Switches 5 and 6 will bank down and up in groups of 4.
When in patch 1, pressing the Bank up (Switch 6) will change the patch to 5.
When in patch 4, pressing the Bank up (Switch 6) will change the patch to 8.

CUSTOM MODE

Select CUSTOM MODE on your Live Logic MIDI Footcontroller using The MODE switch (6) on the rear panel.
In CUSTOM MODE, The Blackstar Live Logic MIDI Control software can be used to customise the MIDI messages sent by each of the footswitches and expression pedals. (See below)

Blackstar Live Logic Midi Control Software

Blackstar-Live-Logic-Midi-Control-Software

Button Features & Functions

FOOTSWITCHES
This displays the footswitch you are currently editing. Press any button on your live logic while in CUSTOM MODE to select which switch is currently being edited.
EXP 1 + EXP 2
Select to edit the Expression pedal settings
GLOBAL SEND VALUES
After making any change to the configuration of your Live Logic MIDI Footcontroller, press the `Send Values’ button to confirm and store these settings.
GLOBAL READ VALUE
Press `Read Values’ when you want to update your App values to what is currently stored in your Footcontroller. This is done automatically when connecting your Live Logic. Press this to check that all your settings are stored in your Live Logic successfully.
PATCH MODE DISPLAY
This setting changes the range of the display for the currently active patch. ¤ STANDARD will show 0 for PC message 0, 1 for PC message 1…
¤ OFFSET will show 1 for PC message 0, 2 for PC message 1…
• This can be useful when working with different MIDI Hardware that have patches or pre-sets starting at 1, rather than 0.
PATCH MODE MIDI CHANNEL
Select the MIDI channel on which your Live Logic MIDI Footcontroller send Program Change Messages.
MIDI THRU
Selects whether MIDI messages received via MIDI Input are forwarded to the MIDI Output.
¤ This setting is used when connecting multiple MIDI devices in a chain. For example, MIDI keyboard output > Live Logic input, Live Logic output > Synth MIDI input.
¤ Please note: When connecting any loop to the live logic, you should set the MIDI thru to OFF.
¤ Live Logic Midi out > Pedal MIDI input > Pedal MIDI output > Live Logic MIDI in.
¤ MIDI THRU will default to off.
PROFILE NAME
Choose a custom name for your MIDI profile. Each saved profile must have a unique name.
OPEN
Use the `Open’ button to load a Profile. Profiles are saved as a .bstarmidi file. and can be shared and loaded on any Live Logic MIDI Footcontroller.
SAVE
Once you have customised your profile, save it using this button. Ensure the file extension is `.bstarmidi’.
CUSTOM MIDI MAP
Label each individual Footswitch and Expression pedal functions here. These labels are saved in a profile.
MESSAGE TYPE
This section is where you customise the MIDI message for the currently selected footswitch/ expression pedal. See the section below for further details on each message type. ¤ PC Program Change

Midi Channel – Set the MIDI Channel on which the selected footswitch/ expression pedal sends the Program Change message.
This is very useful for rigs that include multiple other pedals or devices being controlled in a loop by one Live logic MIDI Footcontroller.
Program Number Set the Program number that you wish to trigger when pressing the selected footswitch.

¤ CC – CONTROL CHANGE

MIDI CHANNEL – Set the MIDI Channel on which the selected footswitch/ expression pedal sends the Program Change message.
CC MESSAGE NUMBER – Set the Control Change (CC) number that you wish to trigger when pressing the selected footswitch or expression pedal. Refer to the MIDI table in the user manual of the device(s) you wish to control to determine the function of each CC message. By default, in Custom Mode, the 6 footswitches are set to CC0 – CC5.
OPERATION – This determines the operation of the 6 footswitches:
¤ Momentary – Sends the On’ value when the footswitch is pressed and the Off’ Value when the footswitch is released. The corresponding LED will be lit whilst the footswitch is pressed.
¤ Toggle – Sends the `On’ value when pressed once and will stay on until pressed again. The corresponding LED above the switch will be lit whilst toggled on.
OFF VALUE – Select the data value to send when in the off position. This should usually be set to 0 for normal use.
ON VALUE – Select what value to be sent when in the off/minimum position. This should usually be set to 127 for normal use.
EXAMPLE If you want you to use a one button Gain Boost, set the CC number to control Gain on your Amp/ Plugin, Set the off value to your normal gain level and the on value to your boosted gain, then set the `Operation’ to toggle. This switch can now be used like a boost pedal.
NOTE
MIDI CHANNEL – Set the MIDI Channel on which the selected footswitch/ expression pedal sends the Program Change message.
OPERATION – This determines the operation of the 6 footswitches:
¤ Momentary – Sends the On’ value when the footswitch is pressed and the Off’ Value when the footswitch is released. The corresponding LED will be lit whilst the footswitch is pressed.
¤ Toggle – Sends the `On’ value when pressed once and will stay on until pressed again. The corresponding LED above the switch will be lit whilst toggled on.
NOTE – Select which Note to send.
OCTAVE – Select which `Octave’ to send the currently selected Note.
OFF VALUE – Select the data value to send when in the off position. This should usually be set to 0 for normal use.
ON VALUE – Select what value to be sent when in the off/minimum position. This should usually be set to 127 for normal use.
CLOCK
SELECT CLOCK
¤ INTERNAL CLOCK will use the footswitch selected as a Tap tempo.
– The LED above the footswitch will flash in time with the tempo set.
– Tap the footswitch in time with your desired tempo to set the speed.
– The tempo will be shown on the Live Logic display
¤ EXTERNAL CLOCK – This will display any incoming clock messages from either the USB or the MIDI DIN input. – This is really useful when incorporating a DAW into your live music setup to act as a visual click track, or for synchronising clocks across all devices.
NONE ¤ If you want to leave a footswitch with no mapping. Select the `None’ message type.

Technical Specification

Live Logic MIDI Footcontroller

Powered via either:

9V Battery
USB
External 9V centre-negative PSU
Blackstar PSU-500 (Sold Separately)

Weight (kg): 1.2
Dimensions (mm): 395 x 70 x 35
Accessories:

PSU-500 Power Supply (Sold Separately)
Third party expression pedals (Sold Separately)

SILVERLINE STANDARD Front Panel

SILVERLINE-STANDARD-Front-Panel

SILVERLINE SPECIAL Front Panel

SILVERLINE-SPECIAL-Front-Panel

Manufacturer: Blackstar Amplification Date: 11-07-12
Model: ID:Series Version:

REGISTERED TRADEMARKS
Strymon® is a Registered Trademark and division of Damage Control Engineering®, LLC.

All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities appointed by the government or the local authorities.