Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller User Manual

1. Introduction

The Donner DMK25 Pro is a portable 25-mini-key MIDI keyboard controller designed for music production. It features 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads, an OLED display, a personalized touch bar, and innovative wheels for enhanced control. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your DMK25 Pro.

Important Note:

The DMK25 Pro MIDI keyboard does not produce sound on its own. It requires connection to a mobile phone or computer running Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software to function.

2. What's in the Box

• Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller
• USB-A to USB-C Cable
• USB-C Adapter (for mobile device connection)
• User Manual

Additional software (4 types of DAW software and 40 teaching courses) are provided via download. Please refer to the included documentation for download instructions.

3. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the various components of your DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller.

Figure 1: Front view of the Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller with USB cables.

Key Features:

• 25 Mini Keys: Velocity-sensitive keys for expressive playing.
• 8 Drum Pads: Velocity-sensitive and backlit for beat production.
• OLED Display: High-definition screen showing real-time parameters like arpeggio, velocity, and speed.
• Personalized Touch Bar: For Pitch and Modulation control.
• 4 Innovative Wheels: For visual control and custom mapping.
• 6 Transport Controllers: To improve arrangement efficiency within your DAW.

Figure 2: High-definition OLED screen display showing real-time information.

Rear Panel Connections:

• MIDI Out: Connect to external MIDI devices.
• Type-C Port: For USB connection to computer or mobile devices.
• Sustain Input: Connect an external sustain pedal.
• DC5V-IN: Power input (if external power is required).

Figure 3: Connection guide for the DMK25 Pro.

4. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller:

1. Connect to a Computer: Use the provided USB-A to USB-C cable to connect the DMK25 Pro to an available USB port on your computer (PC or Mac). The device is class-compliant and should be recognized automatically.
2. Connect to a Mobile Device: If connecting to a mobile phone or iPad, use the provided USB-C adapter with the USB-A to USB-C cable. For devices with Micro USB or Lightning ports, you will need to purchase a compatible OTG adapter separately.
3. Install Software: Install your preferred Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software on your computer or mobile device. The DMK25 Pro is compatible with various DAWs such as Cubase LE, Live, Logic Pro, Protools, and Studio One. Refer to the included documentation for information on accessing bundled software and teaching courses.
4. Connect Sustain Pedal (Optional): If desired, connect a sustain pedal to the 'Sustain' input on the rear panel of the controller.

Figure 4: Three simple steps to start using your DMK25 Pro.

5. Operating Instructions

The DMK25 Pro offers a range of features to enhance your music production workflow.

5.1. Intelligent Dynamic Scale Mode

Utilize the intelligent dynamic scale mode with 16-scale tones to easily create bass lines, melodies, and leads across various musical genres.

5.2. Real-time Multi-Mode Control

Unleash creativity with dedicated arpeggio, note repeat, and chord functions. These allow for on-the-fly music clip creation and performance enhancement.

5.3. Personalized Touch Bar

The Pitch/Mod touch bar provides intuitive control over pitch bending and modulation, offering expressive possibilities during composition and performance.

5.4. Innovative Wheels and Transport Controls

The 4 innovative wheels offer visual control and comfort. They can be custom-mapped to control various parameters within your DAW. The 6 transport controllers (Play, Stop, Record, etc.) improve arrangement efficiency.

Figure 5: Innovative wheels for enhanced control.

5.5. Velocity-Sensitive Keys and Pads

The 25 velocity-sensitive keys and 8 velocity-sensitive pads offer responsive control. You can select from 4 exquisite velocity-sensitive curves (Normal, Hard, Light, Fixed) to customize the touch response to your playing style.

Figure 6: Four exquisite velocity-sensitive curves.

5.6. High-Definition OLED Screen

The OLED display provides real-time feedback on arpeggio settings, velocity, speed, and other parameters, simplifying arrangement and timbre creation.

6. Software Integration

The DMK25 Pro is designed for seamless integration with various music production software.

6.1. DAW Compatibility

The controller is compatible with popular DAWs including Cubase LE, Live, Logic Pro, Protools, and Studio One. This ensures a full music production experience for your creative endeavors.

6.2. Teaching Courses

Access 40 engaging keyboard-teaching courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, perfect for learning music arrangement essentials. These courses are provided through Melodics software.

7. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your DMK25 Pro, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the surface of the controller. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or waxes, as these can damage the finish.
• Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. When transporting, use appropriate protective casing.
• Handling: Handle the controller with care. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to strong impacts, which can damage internal components or the keys/pads.
• Dust Protection: Keep the device covered when not in use to prevent dust accumulation, which can affect performance and lifespan.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your DMK25 Pro, refer to the following common solutions:

• No Sound Output: Ensure the DMK25 Pro is correctly connected to your computer or mobile device and that your DAW software is running and configured to receive MIDI input from the controller. Verify that an instrument track is armed and a sound is loaded.
• Device Not Recognized: Check all USB cable connections. Try a different USB port or cable. Ensure your computer's operating system and DAW software are up to date. Restart your computer and DAW.
• Pads/Keys Not Responding: Check the velocity curve settings on the device. Ensure the correct MIDI channel is selected in your DAW. Verify that the device is not in a locked or unresponsive mode.
• Software Installation Issues: Refer to the specific software's installation guide or support resources. Ensure you have a stable internet connection for downloads and activations.

For further assistance, please contact Donner customer support.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, product registration, and technical support, please visit the official Donner website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.