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Box Contents
Q mini
Software Download Card
USB Cable
Quickstart Guide
Safety & Warranty Manual
Support
For the latest information about this product (system requirements, compatibility information, etc.) and product registration, visit alesis.com.
For additional product support, visit alesis.com/support.
The single USB cable not only powers the keyboard but also sends MIDI data to and from your computer system.
If you intend to use your Q mini with a USB hub, make sure the USB hub uses an external power supply. Using a passive USB hub which does not use a power supply may not provide enough power if other devices are connected to the hub.
We do not recommend connecting an audio interface to the same USB hub as the Q mini.
Once you have finished the installation, you will need to configure your music software for use with Q mini. Connect Q mini to your computer and then open your software. In your software's Preferences, Options, or Device Set-Up menu, select Q mini.
For further information about configuring your software to receive MIDI data from your Q mini, and using software instruments with the application, refer to the documentation provided with that product.
Keybed
The Q mini keybed has 2 1/2 playable octaves. The range of the keyboard is approximately in the middle of an 88-note keyboard. Using the Oct/Data "+" or "-" buttons, you can access the full 88 keyboard range of a large piano keyboard.
Octave/Data Buttons (Oct/Data)
The assignable Octave buttons are used to shift the keyboard up or down in one-octave increments (12 semitones at a time). This extends the range of the keyboard up to four Octaves in either direction, which lets you play notes that lie outside of the 32 keys.
In their default state, such as when you first switch on your Q mini keyboard, the buttons are backlit in red. However, when you press either of them the color of that button turns green indicating that the octave change is active.
If you press the octave "+" button once, the button will turn green indicating the keyboard's octave is now shifted up. If you press the octave "+" key again, you will shift one more octave up, and so on.
To shift the octave down, press the octave "-" button and notice that the button turns green. If only the octave "-" key is lit green, the octave is shifted down and, if only the octave "+" key is lit in green, the octave is shifted up.
To return the octave shift to 0, press both the octave "+" and "-" buttons together. Both LEDs will return to their normal red color at half brightness, indicating that the octave shift has returned to 0.
You can assign other functions to these buttons in Edit Mode.
Pitch Bend Buttons
As the name indicates, the assignable pitch bend buttons are primarily used to bend the notes played on the keyboard up or down. Pressing and releasing these buttons while playing lets you play phrases not normally associated with keyboards, such as guitar-style phrases.
Your sound source determines if and how far you can bend the note. The usual setting is two semitones; however you should refer to the documentation provided with your sound source for information about how to change the Pitch Bend range.
You can also reassign these buttons in Edit Mode.
Modulation Button
The modulation button takes the place of a wheel that is typically used for modulation of the sound you are playing. The depression of the button mimics the rotation of a wheel. 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.
Just like the pitch bend buttons, the modulation button is fully MIDI-assignable.
The default Continuous Controller number (MIDI CC) for Modulation is 1.
You can also reassign this button in Edit Mode.
Volume Knob
The Volume Knob sends a MIDI message that controls the volume of the notes you are playing.
The Volume Knob is assigned the default Continuous Controller number (MIDI CC) of 7 and can also be assigned to different parameters, such as pan (balance), attack, reverb, chorus and many more.
Refer to your MIDI hardware or software documentation to confirm that it is able to receive MIDI Volume messages.
Sustain Button
The Sustain button 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). Pressing the Sustain button engages Sustain; pressing it again disengages Sustain.
You can change how this button behaves in Edit Mode.
Edit Button
The Edit button is used to access the advanced Q mini functions located on the keybed.
Pressing the Edit button switches your keyboard into Edit Mode. The Edit button turns blue, and you can use the keys to select various advanced functions and enter data.
Depending on the function, your keyboard will exit Edit Mode as soon as a function is selected, or the Cancel or Enter keys are pressed. At this point, the Edit button light will dim, and the keyboard can be used for playing notes again.
Octave/Data Buttons
By default the Octave/Data "+" and "-" buttons are used for shifting the Q mini keybed up or down one octave at a time. Whenever you power up the keyboard, the octave setting will be at the default value of "0," and the buttons will be red in color at half-brightness.
When the "+" button is used for raising the octave it will either illuminate or flash at full-brightness based on the octave chosen, and the "-" remains at half-brightness. Pressing the "-" button has the opposite affect, such that it will illuminate or flash at full-brightness based on the octave chosen, while the "+" button remains at half-brightness. The following table lists the colors used to identify each octave:
OFF | GREEN | ORANGE | RED | RED Flashing |
0 | +1 | +2 | +3 | +4 |
0 | -1 | -2 | -3 | -4 |
If the Octave/Data buttons have been assigned to one of the 6 additional functions as described in "Reassigning the Octave/Data Buttons", you can reassign and use them for their default function (Octave) using the method described below.
To reassign the "+" and "-" buttons to the Octave function and choose a new octave setting:
To return to the default octave setting:
Simultaneously press the "+" and "-" buttons. Both buttons will return to red at half-brightness.
The Data=Octave assignment is retained when the keyboard is turned off.
Reassigning the Octave/Data Buttons
In addition to setting an octave shift, the Octave/Data "+" and "-" buttons can also be assigned to control any one of the six additional MIDI functions described in this section.
In the diagram below, you will see that the first 7 black keys are labeled "DATA = ________." Use these keys to select which function to assign to the Octave/Data buttons. When assigned to these functions, both buttons will remain lit, regardless of the current setting of that function.
The six additional functions that you can assign the Octave/Data button to are described in the following sections:
Transpose
In some cases it may be useful to raise or lower the pitch by a number of semitones (half-steps) as opposed to an entire octave. For example, if you are playing a song with a singer that is having difficulty singing the top notes, you may want to reduce the pitch by one or two semitones. This is achieved using the Transpose function. When assigned to this parameter, the keyboard can be transposed a maximum of one octave in either direction. The Data=Octave assignment is retained when the keyboard is turned off.
To assign the Octave "+" and "-" buttons to the Transpose function:
The keyboard exits Edit Mode as soon as the "DATA = TRANSPOSE" key is pressed, and the Edit light will return to half brightness.
Program Change
Program Changes are used to change the instrument or voice you are using. For example, you could use this function to change the instrument to a bass sound.
You can send a program change by:
Both methods are explained below:
To send Incremental or Decremental Program Change messages:
Pressing the "+" and "-" buttons simultaneously will recall Program 0, which selects a grand piano sound if you are playing a General MIDI (GM) Instrument.
The Data=Program assignment is retained when the keyboard is turned off. However, the setting is not.
To send a Program Change message using the numerical keys:
If you have made an error while entering the numerical data value, press the CANCEL key (C, first white key on the left). This exits Edit Mode without sending a program change message.
To return Program function to the default setting (Program 0):
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. However, some devices have more than 128 patches and require a different method of accessing these extra sounds. Most modern hardware synthesizers and many software synthesizer programs have hundreds of patches that are organized in banks of sounds.
Generally, these devices use Bank LSB and Bank MSB messages to access the banks, then use program changes within the banks to access specific patches. Most devices only accept MSB messages, but you should refer to the documentation for your device or software to confirm which bank message must be sent first, as this is determined by each manufacturer.
You can send either message type by:
To send Incremental/Decremental Bank LSB changes using the Oct/Data buttons:
To send Incremental/Decremental Bank MSB changes using the Oct/Data buttons:
The Data=Bank LSB, Data=Bank MSB value or any data assigned to LSB or MSB is not retained when the keyboard is turned off. However, the assignment data keys will be.
To send Bank LSB Changes using the numerical keys:
To send Bank MSB Changes using the numerical keys:
To recall the default bank number (0): Simultaneously press the "+" and "-" buttons.
Channel
MIDI data from the keyboard can be sent on any of 16 MIDI Channels. However, certain MIDI devices and software require transmission of MIDI data on a specific channel number. If this is the case, you can change the MIDI channel number as described below.
To change the MIDI Channel number:
Pressing both the "+" and "-" buttons together will recall Channel 1. When Channel 16 is reached and "+" is pressed, Channel 1 will be selected. The "+" and "-" button LEDs will not change, since it is not possible to have a Channel with a negative value. For example, if a device specifies that you need to send data on Channel 10, press the + button nine times to change from the channel 1 to select Channel 10.
The Data=Channel value is retained when the keyboard is turned off.
Tuning
The Tuning function can be used to alter the instrument being controlled to have its pitch shifted to be slightly sharp or slightly flat. The default Tuning value is 64, and it can be raised to 128 or lowered to 0 as described below.
Check your third party hardware or software documentation to confirm that your sound source responds to "MIDI Master Tune."
To assign the "+" and "-" keys to control the Tuning function:
Selecting a value below the default setting of 64, changes the Oct/Data "-" button from red to green. Selecting a value greater than 64, changes the Oct/Data "+" button from red to green.
To return the tuning to the default setting (concert pitch):
Press the Oct/Data "-" and "+" buttons simultaneously. Both buttons will return to their default value of red at half-brightness.
Modulation Button
It is possible to assign other MIDI controls to the Modulation button, such as:
There are 131 parameters in total including the 128 standard MIDI Control Change messages (MIDI CCs). However, for these parameters to have any effect on the sound, the receiving MIDI device or software must be able to read and respond to these MIDI effect messages. Most devices will at least respond to volume, modulation, and pan data.
The process of assigning an effect to the Modulation button and reverting to the default setting is explained below.
To assign a parameter to the Modulation button using the numerical keys:
These instructions use the example of assigning the parameter number 131 (Channel Aftertouch) to the Modulation button, but the concept also applies when assigning other parameters.
If you have made an error while entering the numerical data value, you can press the CANCEL key (C, first white key on the left) to exit Edit Mode without changing the effect assigned to the Modulation button.
The Modulation button assignment is retained when the keyboard is turned off.
To return the Modulation button to the default settings:
Modulation Rate
It is possible to alter the sensitivity of the Modulation button effects using the "Mod Rate" function. This lets you adjust the ramp up time for effects assigned to the Modulation button. The range for Modulation Rate is 0 - 127, with a default setting of 64. The lower the value, the slower the rate and vice versa.
As an example, the following set of instructions and accompanying table of values explains how to use the "Mod Rate" function when changing the ramp time from the default value of 64 to 127.
Value | Rate |
0 | Ramp occurs slowly |
64 [default] | Ramp occurs relatively quickly |
126 | Ramp occurs very quickly |
127 | No ramp. Only one value is sent – min. or max |
To adjust the Modulation Rate:
The Mod Rate value is retained when the keyboard is turned off.
To return the Modulation Rate to the default settings:
Pitch Bend Buttons
To assign the Pitch Bend buttons to a parameter:
The Pitch Bend button assignments are retained when the keyboard is turned off.
To return the Pitch Bend buttons to the default parameter:
Pitch Bend Rate
It is possible to alter the sensitivity of the Pitch Bend buttons using the Pitch Bend Rate function. This lets you adjust the pitch bend ramp up time. The default setting is 80, with a range of 0 - 127. As shown in the following table, the lower the value, the slower the Pitch Bend Rate and vice versa.
Value | Rate |
0 | Ramp occurs slowly |
80 [default] | Ramp occurs relatively quickly |
126 | Ramp occurs very quickly |
127 | No ramp. Only one value is sent – min. or max |
The Pitch Bend Rate can be adjusted using the "PB RATE" key in conjunction with the numerical keys. The following instructions use the example of changing the Pitch Bend Rate to 127.
To adjust the Pitch Bend Rate:
The PB Rate setting is retained when the keyboard is turned off.
To return the Pitch Bend Rate to the default setting:
Volume Knob
To assign the Volume Knob to an effect:
The Volume Knob assignment is retained when the keyboard is turned off.
To return the Volume Knob to its default parameter (07 - Volume):
Velocity
When you play your Q mini, the sound you hear will be affected by how hard you press the key. Pressing the key very lightly will result in the sound from your software being heard very softly, while pressing the key very hard will result in it being heard very loudly. Normal playing will result in the sound from your software to be heard somewhere in between.
Your Q mini offers the velocity settings described in the table below, called Velocity Curves. While the keyboard is in Edit mode, you can follow the instructions below to choose a Velocity Curve that either suits your playing style or the kind of "feel" or dynamics you want an instrument part to have.
Value entered | Curve | Notes |
0 | Low | The curve generates lower velocities for the same force, making it easier to play softly. |
1 [default setting] | Normal | This curve is mid-way between the other two. |
2 | High | The curve generates higher velocities for the same force, making it easier to play loudly. |
3 | Stepped | This curve outputs velocity values of 100 and 127 only, as used in some drum machines. |
From 4 to 127 | Fixed | Velocity is fixed at the selected value. All notes will play at the specified velocity. |
To select a new Velocity Curve:
The Velocity Curve setting is retained when the keyboard is turned off.
To return the Velocity Curve to the default setting, perform the following steps:
Sustain Mode
The Sustain button can work in two different modes called Latching and Momentary. Latching mode is the default setting in which momentarily pressing the Sustain button and playing a note causes it to sustain after it has been played without keeping your hands on the keyboard. However, the sound will not stop until the button is pressed again.
Momentary mode works in the same manner as a traditional sustain pedal, such that holding the Sustain button down and playing a note causes it to sustain until the button is released.
To change the Sustain mode from Latching to Momentary:
The Sustain Mode setting is retained when the keyboard is turned off.
To return the Sustain button to Latching mode (default):
Troubleshooting MIDI Functionality
Q mini has been designed to make working with MIDI on your computer as simple as possible. However, you may experience some difficulties. In many cases, the keyboard is not at fault, as the problem lies with the receiving device or software. To counter this, the Panic and Full Reset functions are available to assist you.
Panic Button (All Notes Off + Reset All Controllers)
If there are notes that will not stop playing, or if you find there is an effect on a voice that you do not want, you can send a Reset All Controllers MIDI message.
To send a Reset All Controllers message:
Full Reset
To send a Full Reset message:
Parameter | Factory Default |
Program Number | 000 |
Bank MSB Number | 000 |
Bank LSB Number | 000 |
Channel Number | 00 (channel 1) |
Octave shift | 000 |
Transpose shift | 000 |
Modulation Button MIDI CC | 001 |
Volume Knob MIDI CC | 007 |
Pitch Bend Buttons | Pitch Bend |
Octave Buttons - Assignment | Data = Octave |
Velocity | 1 = Normal |
Here are answers to common questions you may have while using your Q mini keyboard:
If your Alesis hardware suddenly stops working, try the following:
I have plugged the Q mini into my computer but the lights on the keyboard will not work.
Not all USB ports are powerful enough for a device such as a Q mini. Try plugging it into another USB Port to see if that remedies the problem. You can also connect a powered USB hub to your computer and then plug your Q mini into the hub.
When I press a key, there is a delay before I hear the note.
This delay, which occurs more often on Windows systems, is known as latency. This issue is caused by the time it takes for your recording software to receive and process the MIDI data transmitted from your Q mini, and then send the resulting audio signal to your audio interface or sound card, and out to your speakers or headphones.
To reduce the amount of latency, you will need to select a new driver from the available choices listed in the audio preferences (or audio options) window within your software. If you are not sure how to access the audio preferences, refer to the documentation provided with your software for instructions about how to do so.
If you are still experiencing a latency issue, you can find further troubleshooting information on our website at: alesis.com/support.
Power | USB bus powered |
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) | 16.46" x 4.13" x 0.78"; 418 mm x 105 mm x 20 mm |
Weight | 1 lb.; 0.5 kg |
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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