User Manual: HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller

Introduction

Welcome to the user manual for your HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your device. The EMP16 is a versatile MIDI pad controller designed for music production, featuring 16 RGB velocity-sensitive beat pads, assignable controls, and flexible connectivity options.

Key Features

16 RGB illuminated, velocity-sensitive beat pads with 16 customizable lighting colors and 4 banks for a total of 64 assignable pads.
Flexible power options: USB or 2 AA batteries (not included).
Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connection to iPad/iPhone/iPod touch/Mac without drivers or OTG.
3 velocity curves and adjustable threshold for crosstalk protection. Supports 16 Level, Full Level/Half Level, and Aftertouch.
4 assignable faders, 5 assignable buttons, and 4 assignable endless rotary knobs (12 assignable controls via 3 banks).
Features: Note Repeat, Time Division, Swing, Gate, Sequencer, Clock Synchronization, Transport, Tap Tempo.
OLED display for instant visual feedback of settings. No external editor software required.
USB MIDI and standard MIDI inputs/outputs for seamless integration with software and outboard gear.
Includes USB cable and 1/8"-to-MIDI adapter.
Bundled software: Cubase LE12 (PC) and Cubasis LE3 (Smart Device) via redemption code.

What's in the Box

1 x HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller
1 x USB Cable
1 x 1/8"-to-MIDI adapter

Contents of the EMP16 box including the MIDI pad controller, USB cable, and 1/8-inch to MIDI adapter.

Image: The HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller, USB cable, and 1/8-inch to MIDI adapter as packaged in the box.

Setup

Powering the Device

The EMP16 can be powered via USB or by two AA batteries (not included).

USB Power: Connect the included USB cable from the EMP16 to a USB port on your computer or a compatible USB power adapter.
Battery Power: Insert two AA batteries into the battery compartment on the underside of the device.

HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller with a laptop, tablet, and smartphone, illustrating wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0 and battery power.

Image: The EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller shown with various devices (laptop, tablet, smartphone) to demonstrate its wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and battery power option.

Connecting to a Computer (USB MIDI)

To connect the EMP16 to your computer for MIDI control and power:

Ensure the EMP16 is powered off.
Connect one end of the included USB cable to the USB-B port on the EMP16.
Connect the other end of the USB cable to an available USB-A port on your computer.
Power on the EMP16. Your computer should automatically recognize the device.

Diagram showing USB-B connection from the EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller to a computer for power and data transmission.

Image: A diagram illustrating the USB-B connection from the EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller to a computer, indicating its dual function for power supply and data transmission.

Connecting to MIDI Gear (Standard MIDI In/Out)

To connect the EMP16 to external MIDI hardware:

Use the included 1/8"-to-MIDI adapter.
Connect the 1/8" jack of the adapter to the MIDI IN or MIDI OUT port on the EMP16.
Connect the 5-pin DIN connector of the adapter to the corresponding MIDI port on your external MIDI device (e.g., synthesizer, drum machine).

Close-up of the HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller's rear panel showing USB MIDI and standard MIDI input and output ports with cables connected.

Image: A detailed view of the EMP16's rear panel, highlighting the USB MIDI and standard MIDI input and output connections with cables attached.

Diagram showing connection from the EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller to an audio instrument like a synth or digital keyboard using a MIDI cable.

Image: A diagram illustrating how to connect the EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller to an audio instrument, such as a synthesizer or digital keyboard, using a MIDI cable.

Bluetooth Connection (iOS/macOS)

The EMP16 supports Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connection to iOS and macOS devices. No drivers or OTG adapters are required.

Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad/iPhone/iPod touch/Mac.
On the EMP16, press the WIRELESS button to activate Bluetooth pairing mode.
Open your preferred Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or music application on your device.
Within the DAW/app's MIDI settings, select the EMP16 for wireless connection.

Note: Bluetooth pairing is typically done within the application, not through the device's general Bluetooth settings.

Operating the EMP16

Overview of Controls

Top-down view of the HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller, showing its 16 RGB pads, 4 rotary knobs, 4 faders, and various buttons and an OLED display.

Image: A comprehensive top-down view of the HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller, detailing the layout of its 16 RGB pads, 4 rotary knobs, 4 faders, and various control buttons, along with the OLED display.

16 RGB Velocity Sensitive Beat Pads

The EMP16 features 16 large, RGB-illuminated pads that are both velocity and pressure sensitive.

Velocity Sensitivity: The pads respond to how hard you strike them, allowing for expressive dynamics.
Velocity Curves: Select from 3 velocity curves (Normal, Hard, Light) to match your playing style. This can be adjusted via the OLED display menu.
16 Level / Full Level / Half Level: These modes allow you to play all notes at a fixed velocity (Full Level), at half velocity (Half Level), or quantize to 16 distinct velocity levels.
Aftertouch: Pads support aftertouch, allowing for continuous control of parameters after the initial strike by applying sustained pressure.
Pad Banks: The 4 bank buttons (A, B, C, D) expand the total number of assignable pads to 64, allowing you to switch between different sets of sounds or functions.
Customizable Lighting: Pads offer 16 customizable lighting colors, configurable through the device's settings.

Close-up of the HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller's 16 RGB velocity and pressure sensitive beat pads, highlighting the 16 colors, 16 level, full/half level, and 4 pad banks features.

Image: A close-up of the EMP16's 16 RGB pads, illustrating their velocity and pressure sensitivity, along with icons representing 16 colors, 16 levels, full/half level, and 4 pad banks.

Assignable Controls

The EMP16 provides extensive assignable controls for versatile performance:

4 Endless Rotary Knobs (K1-K4): These knobs can be assigned to control various parameters in your software or hardware, such as filter cutoff, resonance, or effect sends.
4 Assignable Faders (F1-F4): Use these faders to control volume, expression, or other continuous parameters.
5 Assignable Buttons: These buttons can be mapped to trigger specific functions, notes, or program changes.
3 Banks for Assignable Controls: Similar to pad banks, these allow you to switch between different assignments for the knobs, faders, and buttons, providing a total of 12 assignable controls.

A hand adjusting one of the rotary knobs on the HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller, with icons indicating 4 endless rotary knobs, 4 assignable faders, and 5 transport buttons.

Image: A hand is shown adjusting a rotary knob on the EMP16, with accompanying icons highlighting the presence of 4 endless rotary knobs, 4 assignable faders, and 5 transport buttons.

OLED Display

The OLED display provides real-time visual feedback for all your settings and adjustments, eliminating the need for external editor software on a PC.

Navigate menus using the directional buttons.
Press MENU to access settings.
Press OK to confirm selections.
Press SET TO to apply changes.

Close-up of the HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller's OLED display showing menu options and settings, with text indicating 'See your settings, know what you have changed'.

Image: A close-up of the EMP16's OLED display, showing its menu interface and settings, emphasizing its ability to provide instant visual feedback.

Advanced Features

Note Repeat: Automatically repeats notes at a specified rate.
Time Division: Adjusts the rhythmic subdivision for features like Note Repeat.
Swing: Adds a rhythmic feel by adjusting the timing of notes.
Gate: Controls the duration of notes.
Sequencer: Built-in sequencing capabilities for creating patterns.
Clock Synchronization: Syncs with external MIDI clock sources.
Transport Controls: Dedicated buttons for Play, Stop, Record, and Tap Tempo.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your HXW EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller, follow these maintenance guidelines:

Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the surface of the device. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, but ensure no moisture enters the device. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
Handling: Avoid dropping the device or subjecting it to strong impacts. Do not place heavy objects on top of it.
Battery Replacement: If using battery power, replace both AA batteries when the low battery indicator appears or when performance degrades. Ensure correct polarity when inserting new batteries.
Cable Care: Handle USB and MIDI cables carefully. Avoid bending them sharply or pulling them by the cable itself rather than the connector.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your EMP16, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

Problem	Solution
Device does not power on.	If using USB power, ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the EMP16 and a powered USB port. Try a different USB port or cable. If using battery power, ensure batteries are correctly inserted and not depleted. Replace with fresh AA batteries.
Pads are unresponsive or trigger inconsistently.	Check the velocity curve settings on the OLED display. Adjust to a curve that suits your playing style (e.g., "Soft" for lighter touches). Ensure the pad threshold setting is appropriate to prevent crosstalk. Verify the device is properly connected via USB or Bluetooth to your software. Note: Some users have reported issues with pad responsiveness, particularly with Pad 8, even on new units. If troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, contact customer support.
No sound or MIDI signal in software.	Ensure the EMP16 is selected as a MIDI input device in your DAW or music application's preferences. Verify that the correct MIDI channel is selected on the EMP16 and in your software. If using Bluetooth, ensure pairing is done within the application, not just the system's Bluetooth settings.
Bluetooth connection is unstable or has latency.	Ensure your iOS/macOS device is within range of the EMP16. Minimize interference from other wireless devices. Close other applications that might be using Bluetooth or consuming system resources. Restart both the EMP16 and your host device.
OLED display is blank or unreadable.	Ensure the device is powered on. Adjust the display brightness if available in the settings. If the issue persists, contact customer support.

Video: This video demonstrates an issue where Pad 8 on the EMP16 MIDI Pad Controller is unresponsive or triggers false signals, even after resetting the device. The user shows the pad not working correctly and the corresponding software not registering the input consistently. This highlights a potential quality control issue with the pads.

Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	EMP16
Dimensions	10.28 x 6.69 x 1.38 inches
Item Weight	2.01 pounds
Pads	16 RGB Velocity Sensitive Beat Pads
Assignable Controls	4 Faders, 4 Endless Rotary Knobs, 5 Buttons
Display	OLED Display
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, USB 2.0 Type B, 1/8"-to-MIDI
Compatible Devices	PC/iPad/iPhone/iPod touch/Mac
Supported Software	GarageBand, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live, ProTools, FL Studio, Adobe Audition, and more
Power	USB or 2 AA batteries (not included)

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information

For information regarding the product warranty, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official HXW website.

Customer Support

If you require further assistance or encounter issues not covered in this manual, please contact HXW customer support.

Online Support: Visit the HXW Store on Amazon for FAQs and contact options.
User Manual (PDF): A detailed PDF version of the user manual is available for download here.

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