Fame BC-1 Breath Controller MIDI Controller User Manual

1. Introduction

The Fame BC-1 is a versatile breath controller and MIDI instrument designed to offer expressive control for musicians. It features a wind instrument interface with saxophone-like fingering, an internal sound engine with 56 distinct sounds, and a built-in speaker for standalone practice. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your BC-1 controller.

2. Safety Information

• Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the device to strong impacts.
• Keep out of reach of small children.
• Use only the specified power source or batteries.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the device. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

3. Package Contents

Please check that all items are present in the package:

• Fame BC-1 Breath Controller
• USB Charging Cable
• Mouthpiece Cover
• Adjustment Tool
• Neck Strap
• User Manual (this document)

Figure 3.1: Included accessories for the Fame BC-1, featuring a USB charging cable, a blue adjustment tool, and a black mouthpiece cover with two small screws.

Figure 3.2: The black padded neck strap with metal clasps, designed for comfortable use of the BC-1 controller.

4. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the various parts of your Fame BC-1 controller.

Figure 4.1: Front view of the Fame BC-1 Breath Controller, showing the mouthpiece at the top and the main fingering keys along the body.

Figure 4.2: Rear view of the Fame BC-1 Breath Controller, displaying the control panel with a screen, navigation buttons, MIDI output, USB port, and power button.

4.1 Front Panel

• Mouthpiece: For breath input.
• Fingering Keys: Arranged similar to a saxophone for note input.

Figure 4.3: Detailed view of the circular and lever-style fingering keys on the front of the Fame BC-1.

4.2 Rear Panel and Controls

• Display Screen: Shows current sound, settings, and battery status.
• Navigation Buttons (A, B, C, D): Used for menu navigation and parameter adjustment.
• MIDI OUT Port: Connects to external MIDI devices.
• USB-C Port: For charging and MIDI over USB.
• Power Button: Turns the device on/off.
• Speaker: Built-in speaker for audio output.

Figure 4.4: Close-up of the Fame BC-1's display screen showing 'Electric Flute 01' and battery icon, with four control buttons (A, B, C, D) below it.

Figure 4.5: Detailed view of the lower rear panel of the Fame BC-1, showing the MIDI OUT port, USB-C port, power button, and numbered indicators.

4.3 Top Section

• Mouthpiece Connection: Where the mouthpiece is inserted.

Figure 4.6: Close-up of the top section of the Fame BC-1, showing the black mouthpiece and its connection point to the main body.

5. Setup

5.1 Charging the Device

1. Connect the supplied USB-C cable to the USB-C port on the rear of the BC-1.
2. Connect the other end of the USB cable to a standard USB power adapter (not included) or a computer's USB port.
3. The display will indicate charging status. A full charge typically takes several hours.

5.2 Powering On/Off

• To power on, press and hold the Power button on the rear panel until the display illuminates.
• To power off, press and hold the Power button until the display turns off.

5.3 Connecting to External Devices (MIDI)

The BC-1 can function as a MIDI controller for external synthesizers or Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).

• MIDI OUT: Use a standard MIDI cable (not included) to connect the BC-1's MIDI OUT port to the MIDI IN port of your external MIDI device.
• USB MIDI: Connect the BC-1 to your computer using the USB-C cable. The device will be recognized as a MIDI input device by your operating system and DAW.

6. Operating

6.1 Basic Playback

1. Power on the BC-1.
2. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth.
3. Press the fingering keys to select notes, similar to playing a wind instrument.
4. Blow into the mouthpiece to produce sound. The intensity of your breath will control the volume and expression.

6.2 Sound Selection

The BC-1 features 56 built-in sounds. Use the navigation buttons (A, B, C, D) on the rear panel to browse and select different instrument sounds.

• Press buttons A or B to navigate through sound categories or banks.
• Press buttons C or D to select individual sounds within a category.
• The selected sound name and number will be displayed on the screen.

6.3 Volume Control

The built-in speaker volume can be adjusted using dedicated controls or through the menu system. Refer to the on-screen prompts for specific volume adjustment steps.

6.4 MIDI Control

When connected to an external MIDI device or DAW, the BC-1 transmits MIDI note data from the fingering keys and MIDI CC (Control Change) data from the breath sensor. This allows for expressive control over software instruments and hardware synthesizers.

• Ensure your external device or DAW is configured to receive MIDI input from the BC-1.
• The breath controller typically sends MIDI CC 2 (Breath Controller) for expressive control.

7. Maintenance

7.1 Cleaning

• Wipe the exterior of the device with a soft, dry cloth.
• For the mouthpiece, gently clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then rinse and dry thoroughly before reattaching.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

7.2 Storage

• Store the BC-1 in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• If storing for an extended period, ensure the battery is partially charged (around 50%) to prolong its lifespan.

8. Troubleshooting

• No Sound from Speaker:
  Check the volume setting. Ensure the device is powered on and not connected to headphones (if applicable).
• No MIDI Output:
  Verify MIDI cable connections. Ensure the external MIDI device or DAW is correctly configured to receive MIDI from the BC-1. Check the BC-1's MIDI settings if available.
• Device Not Powering On:
  Ensure the battery is charged. Connect to a power source and try again. If the issue persists, contact support.
• Breath Sensor Not Responding:
  Ensure the mouthpiece is clean and properly inserted. Check for any obstructions.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation provided at the time of purchase or visit the official Fame website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.