Expressive E Touché User Manual

1. Introduction

The Expressive E Touché is an advanced MIDI/CV/USB control surface designed to provide intuitive and expressive control over software and hardware synthesizers. Its unique multi-directional touch-plate allows for nuanced manipulation of sound parameters, offering a new dimension to musical performance and production.

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Touché device, ensuring you can fully utilize its capabilities.

2. Setup

2.1. Unboxing and Contents

Upon opening the package, ensure all components are present:

• Expressive E Touché control surface
• USB cable
• Lié software download instructions

2.2. Connectivity

The Touché offers versatile connectivity options for integration into various setups:

• USB: Connect the Touché directly to your computer using the provided USB cable. This connection handles both power and data for software control.
• MIDI: The device features a MIDI input and output, allowing direct connection to MIDI-compatible hardware synthesizers and other MIDI devices.
• CV Ports: Four CV (Control Voltage) ports are included for direct analog control of modular synthesizers and other CV-enabled hardware.

2.3. Software Installation (Lié)

The Lié software is the companion application for the Touché, enabling deep customization and integration with your digital audio workstation (DAW) and virtual instruments.

1. Download the latest version of Lié from the official Expressive E website.
2. Install Lié on your computer. It is compatible with macOS 10.11 and newer, and Windows 10 (64-bit).
3. Lié can function as a standalone application or as a VST2/AU plug-in within your DAW (e.g., Ableton Live 9+, Logic Pro X, Cubase 6+, Studio One 4, Bitwig Studio 2+).

3. Operating the Touché

3.1. Expressive Control

The Touché's core functionality revolves around its highly sensitive mahogany wood touch-plate. It responds to four primary dimensions of control:

• Pressure: Pressing down on the surface.
• Sliding: Moving your fingers horizontally across the surface.
• Tilting: Applying pressure to the front or back edges.
• Vibrato: Rapid, subtle movements.

These movements translate into MIDI CC messages or CV signals, allowing for dynamic and nuanced control over various parameters of your instruments.

3.2. Lié Software Integration

Lié acts as the central hub for customizing your Touché experience:

• Parameter Mapping: Comfortably map parameters of your VST software instruments and hardware synthesizers to Touché's axes.
• Presets: Access a large library of professionally designed software instrument sounds (over 250 factory sounds) that are fully mapped and ready to play. It also includes over 250 presets for popular third-party soft synths and over 250 presets for hardware synths.
• Internal Memory: Save up to 24 different MIDI/CV configurations directly onto the Touché for standalone usage without a computer.

3.3. Official Product Video

Watch this official video from Expressive E for an overview of the Touché and its capabilities:

4. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Expressive E Touché, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the surface of the Touché. For the mahogany wood touch-plate, avoid abrasive cleaners or excessive moisture. A slightly damp cloth can be used if necessary, followed immediately by a dry cloth.
• Storage: Store the Touché in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. When not in use, it is recommended to keep it covered to prevent dust accumulation.
• Handling: Handle the device with care. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to strong impacts, which could damage the internal mechanism or the wooden surface.
• Cable Management: Ensure cables are not excessively bent or strained, as this can lead to damage over time.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Expressive E Touché, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

5.1. Device Not Recognized by Computer/Lié

• Check USB Connection: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the Touché and your computer. Try a different USB port or cable.
• Restart Software/Computer: Close and reopen the Lié software and/or your DAW. If the issue persists, restart your computer.
• Driver Installation: Verify that the necessary drivers for the Touché are correctly installed. The Lié software typically handles this during installation.
• Operating System Compatibility: Confirm your operating system (macOS 10.11+ or Windows 10 64-bit) meets the minimum requirements for Lié.

5.2. No Sound or Control Output

• Lié Configuration: Open the Lié software and ensure that the Touché is detected and that the correct output settings (MIDI, CV) are configured for your intended instrument.
• Instrument Mapping: Verify that parameters are correctly mapped within Lié to the Touché's expressive axes.
• Hardware Connections: If using MIDI or CV, ensure all cables are properly connected to your hardware synthesizers.
• Audio Output: Confirm that your audio interface and speakers/headphones are correctly set up and functioning.

5.3. Unresponsive Touch-Plate

• Recalibration: Refer to the Lié software manual for instructions on recalibrating the Touché's sensors, if available.
• Firmware Update: Check the Expressive E website for any available firmware updates for the Touché, as these can resolve performance issues.

If these steps do not resolve your issue, please contact Expressive E customer support for further assistance.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For information regarding the product warranty, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Expressive E website. Protection plans may also be available for extended coverage.

If you require technical support, have questions about your Touché, or need assistance with the Lié software, please contact Expressive E customer support through their official channels. Keep your purchase receipt and product serial number handy when contacting support.