Expressive E Touché SE USB Instrument Control Surface User Manual

Introduction

The Expressive E Touché SE is a USB instrument control surface designed to enhance the expressiveness of software synthesizers and music production software. It provides intuitive physical control over sound parameters through a unique, patented mechanism.

Setup

1. Connecting Your Touché SE

Connect the Touché SE to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device features a USB Type B connector for power and data transmission.

2. Software Installation (Lié)

The Touché SE operates with its companion software, Lié. Lié acts as a host for VST instruments and allows for comprehensive control and customization of the Touché SE. It is compatible with macOS 10.11 and later, and Windows 10 (64-bit). Lié is available as a standalone application and as a VST2 and AU plug-in.

Install the Lié software from the official Expressive E website. Follow the on-screen instructions for a complete installation.

3. Adjusting Pressure Sensitivity

The Touché SE features an adjustable pressure mechanism to customize the tactile feedback. This allows you to control the amount of pressure required to activate the touch plate's movements.

To adjust, carefully remove the silicone loop from the bottom of the device and replace it with a different loop (if provided with various options) or adjust its position to achieve your desired resistance. This allows for personalized feel and responsiveness.

4. Product Overview Video

Operating Your Touché SE

1. Expressive Control Mechanism

The Touché SE allows for intuitive physical control over your sounds. Its patented mechanism responds to four distinct axes of movement:

• Vertical Pressure (Top): Pressing down on the top of the touch plate.
• Vertical Pressure (Bottom): Pressing down on the bottom of the touch plate.
• Side-to-Side Movement (Left): Sliding the touch plate to the left.
• Side-to-Side Movement (Right): Sliding the touch plate to the right.

These movements can be mapped to various parameters of your software synthesizers, allowing for dynamic and nuanced sound manipulation.

2. Using Lié Software with VSTs

Lié software is central to operating your Touché SE. It provides a user-friendly interface to:

• Host Third-Party VSTs: Load your favorite VST plug-in instruments directly into Lié.
• Access a Large Library of Sounds: The Touché SE comes with over 250 professionally designed software instrument sounds, fully mapped and ready to play within Lié.
• Create Custom Mappings: Assign any of the four expressive axes to multiple parameters of your VST instruments simultaneously. Lié allows you to define custom curves for each mapping, offering precise control over how your movements affect the sound.
• Manage Presets: Save and recall your custom mappings and sound configurations as presets. Lié also includes over 250 presets for popular VST software synthesizers.

Lié supports various DAWs including Ableton Live 9+, Logic Pro X, Cubase 6+, Studio One 4, and Bitwig Studio 2+.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning

To clean your Touché SE, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. For stubborn marks, a slightly damp cloth with mild soap can be used, ensuring no liquid enters the device. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.

2. Storage

Store the Touché SE in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. When transporting, use appropriate protective casing to prevent damage.

Troubleshooting

1. Device Not Recognized

• Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the Touché SE and your computer.
• Try a different USB port on your computer.
• Verify that the Lié software is correctly installed and updated to the latest version.
• Check your computer's device manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS) to see if the device is listed.

2. No Sound or Incorrect Sound Output

• Confirm that your VST instrument is loaded correctly within Lié.
• Check the audio output settings in Lié and your DAW.
• Ensure that the Touché SE's axes are correctly mapped to the desired parameters in Lié.
• Verify that the pressure sensitivity is adjusted appropriately for your playing style.

3. Software Compatibility Issues

The Lié software is compatible with macOS 10.11 and higher, and Windows 10 (64-bit). Ensure your operating system meets these requirements. If you experience issues, try reinstalling Lié or checking the Expressive E support website for known compatibility problems or updates.

Specifications