Computer Installation - Alesis ControlPad Reference Manual

COMPUTER INSTALLATION

The ControlPad is a Plug-and-Play device so there is no driver or special software
installation required. When the ControlPad is connected to a computer, it will
automatically be recognized as an available USB device.
How to connect and use the ControlPad with a software application:
1.
Connect a USB cord from the USB port of the ControlPad to the USB port of your computer.
When the ControlPad is connected to a computer using a USB cord, the computer's USB bus will
provide power to the unit. If you would like to use an alternate power source, plug in a 6v DC
power adapter.
2.
Press the power switch on the back panel of the ControlPad. The display on the top panel will
turn on to let you know that the ControlPad is on.
Tip
!
It is a good idea to connect and turn on the ControlPad before starting any software applications
with which you intend to use the ControlPad. Otherwise the ControlPad might not function
properly – or at all.
3.
Open up your software application.
4.
Next, select the ControlPad as a MIDI input device. Usually, this is done in the
Preferences settings of the software application.
If you are using Windows XP, you will notice that the ControlPad may appear as 'USB Audio
Device' or 'USB Audio Device (Emulated)' and the MIDI IN port of the ControlPad will
appear as 'USB Audio Device [2]' or 'USB Audio Device [2] (Emulated)'. Please make sure
that both of these MIDI inputs are enabled and active.
5.
Now the ControlPad should be ready to use with the software application.
A Note About Audio Latency
!
Latency describes the time that it takes for your soundcard to respond to a command. In other
words, this is the time that it takes for your computer to process incoming data (for example,
MIDI Note events) and output a sound. The lower your latency is, the faster your computer will
respond to commands and output sound.
Please make sure that your soundcard's latency (or buffer) is set to a low number so when you hit
the pads on the ControlPad, your computer will output the sound promptly. Latency and
buffering is usually adjusted in your software's Preferences settings. In general, if latency is
higher than about 15-20ms, you will start to notice a significant delay between the time that you
hit the pads and the time that the sound comes out of your computer.
If you still experience too much latency or "lag" with your internal soundcard audio drivers, you
might want to download one of the free and widely available ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output)
drivers from the Internet. In general, ASIO drivers perform better and with lower latency since
they create a more efficient communication between audio devices and software. You may
download and install the free ASIO4ALL driver (PC) by visiting www.asio4all.com. (Only
compatible with USB audio interfaces)
(Cubase LE example shown on left. You may
access the MIDI inputs by going to Devices |
Device Setup and clicking on All MIDI
Inputs.)
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