M-Audio Radium 49 MIDI Controller Keyboard User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the M-Audio Radium 49 MIDI Controller Keyboard. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your device. The Radium 49 is a versatile 49-key MIDI controller designed to integrate seamlessly with your digital audio workstation (DAW) and other MIDI-compatible software and hardware.

It features 49 velocity-sensitive keys and 8 assignable controller knobs, offering expressive control over your musical productions.

2. Safety Information

• Power Source: Connect the device only to the power source specified in the product documentation or marked on the product.
• Water and Moisture: Do not expose this device to rain or moisture. Do not use near water or in damp locations.
• Heat: Do not place the device near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-producing appliances.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation. Do not block any ventilation openings.
• Cleaning: Clean only with a dry cloth. Avoid liquid cleaners.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

3. Package Contents

Please check that all the following items are included in your package:

• M-Audio Radium 49 MIDI Controller Keyboard
• USB Cable
• User Manual (this document)

4. Product Overview

The M-Audio Radium 49 features a streamlined design with essential controls for MIDI performance and production.

4.1 Front Panel

Image 1: Front view of the M-Audio Radium 49 MIDI Controller Keyboard. This image displays the 49 keys, 8 rotary knobs, and various buttons for control and navigation.

• 49 Velocity-Sensitive Keys: Standard piano-style keys for playing notes and controlling MIDI instruments.
• 8 Assignable Controller Knobs: Rotary knobs that can be assigned to control various parameters in your software or hardware, such as volume, pan, filter cutoff, or effects.
• Pitch Bend Wheel: Allows for real-time pitch modulation.
• Modulation Wheel: Provides real-time control over various parameters, commonly vibrato or tremolo.
• Octave Transpose Buttons: Buttons to shift the keyboard's octave range up or down by up to three octaves.

4.2 Rear Panel

The rear panel typically houses the connectivity ports.

• USB Port: For connecting the Radium 49 to your computer, providing both power and MIDI data transmission.
• MIDI Out Port: Allows connection to external MIDI hardware.
• Sustain Pedal Input: For connecting an optional sustain pedal.

5. Setup

5.1 Connecting to Your Computer

1. Ensure your computer is powered on.
2. Connect one end of the supplied USB cable to the USB port on the M-Audio Radium 49.
3. Connect the other end of the USB cable to an available USB port on your computer. The Radium 49 will draw power directly from the USB connection.
4. Your computer should detect the new hardware.

5.2 Driver Installation

For optimal performance, it is recommended to install the latest drivers for the M-Audio Radium 49. While many modern operating systems may offer class-compliant drivers, dedicated drivers often provide enhanced stability and features.

• Visit the official M-Audio website (www.m-audio.com) and navigate to the support or downloads section.
• Locate the drivers for the Radium 49 (Model: 9900-40825-00).
• Download the appropriate driver for your operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS). Note: This product is considered a legacy device. Compatibility with newer operating systems like Windows 7 and above may require specific drivers or may be limited. Refer to M-Audio's support resources for detailed compatibility information.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. You may need to restart your computer after installation.

5.3 Software Configuration

After driver installation, configure your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or other music software to recognize the Radium 49 as a MIDI input device.

• Open your preferred DAW (e.g., Ableton Live).
• Navigate to the software's preferences or settings menu (often found under "Options," "Preferences," or the software's name).
• Look for a section related to MIDI devices, controllers, or external devices.
• Enable the M-Audio Radium 49 as a MIDI input. You may see it listed by its name or as a generic USB MIDI device.
• Consult your DAW's documentation for specific instructions on setting up MIDI controllers.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 Playing Notes

Once connected and configured, simply press the keys on the Radium 49 to send MIDI note data to your software instruments. The velocity sensitivity of the keys will translate into dynamic variations in your sound.

6.2 Using Controller Knobs

The 8 assignable controller knobs can be mapped to various parameters within your DAW or software instruments. This allows for real-time control over sound characteristics.

• Assignment: The method for assigning knobs varies by software. Typically, you will enter a "MIDI Learn" mode in your DAW, select the parameter you wish to control, and then turn the desired knob on the Radium 49.
• Common Uses: Control volume, pan, filter cutoff, resonance, effect send levels, or any other MIDI-mappable parameter.

6.3 Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels

• Pitch Bend Wheel: Move this wheel up or down to temporarily raise or lower the pitch of the notes being played. It typically springs back to the center position.
• Modulation Wheel: Move this wheel to add modulation effects, suchs as vibrato, tremolo, or filter sweeps, depending on how your software instrument is configured. This wheel usually stays in its last set position.

6.4 Octave Transposition

Use the dedicated Octave Transpose buttons to shift the entire keyboard's range up or down. This allows you to access a wider range of notes than the 49 physical keys provide.

• Press the "Octave Up" button to shift the keyboard's range higher.
• Press the "Octave Down" button to shift the keyboard's range lower.
• The Radium 49 supports up to +/-3 octave transposition.

7. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the surface of the Radium 49. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents.
• Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the device in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Handling: Avoid dropping or subjecting the device to strong impacts. Do not place heavy objects on the keyboard.

8. Troubleshooting

8.1 No Sound or MIDI Output

• Check USB Connection: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the Radium 49 and your computer. Try a different USB port or cable.
• Verify Drivers: Confirm that the correct drivers are installed and recognized by your operating system. Check Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS) for the device status.
• DAW/Software Settings: Ensure the Radium 49 is selected as a MIDI input device in your music software's preferences. Verify that the track you are playing on is armed for recording or monitoring MIDI input.
• Software Instrument Loaded: Make sure a software instrument or sound generator is loaded and active in your DAW.

8.2 Inconsistent Velocity Sensitivity or Key Response

• Cleaning: Dust or debris under the keys can affect performance. Refer to the maintenance section for cleaning guidelines.
• Software Settings: Check if your DAW or instrument has velocity curve settings that might be affecting the response.

8.3 Compatibility Issues with Newer Operating Systems

The M-Audio Radium 49 is an older model. While it may function with newer operating systems, full compatibility and driver support can be limited. If you encounter issues:

• Check M-Audio Support: Visit the M-Audio website for any legacy driver updates or compatibility statements.
• Community Forums: Search online forums for solutions or workarounds from other users who have successfully used the Radium 49 with your operating system.
• Consider a MIDI Interface: In some cases, using a separate, modern USB-to-MIDI interface to connect the Radium 49's MIDI Out port to your computer might resolve driver-related issues, though this would bypass the direct USB MIDI functionality.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

M-Audio products are covered by a limited warranty. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official M-Audio website.

For technical support, driver downloads, FAQs, and other resources, please visit the M-Audio support page:

www.m-audio.com/support

When contacting support, please have your product model number (9900-40825-00) and serial number ready.