Synido TempoKEY W25 Wireless 25-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Synido TempoKEY W25 Wireless 25-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard. This device is designed to enhance your music production experience with its portable design, versatile connectivity, and intuitive controls. This manual will guide you through the setup, operation, and maintenance of your new MIDI controller.

Figure 1: Synido TempoKEY W25 MIDI Controller Keyboard and included accessories.

2. Setup

2.1. Unboxing and Components

Carefully unpack your TempoKEY W25 and ensure all components are present. The package should contain:

• TempoKEY W25 MIDI Controller
• PVC Custom Crossbody Bag
• 3.5 to 5 Pin MIDI Adapter
• USB-A to USB-C OTG Adapter
• USB-A to USB-C Cable
• User Manual (this document)

Figure 2: Included components with the TempoKEY W25.

2.2. Charging the Device

The TempoKEY W25 features a built-in 3000mAh rechargeable battery, providing up to 5 hours of playtime on a single 3-hour charge. Connect the supplied USB-C cable to the USB-C port on the device and the other end to a compatible USB power adapter or computer USB port for charging.

2.3. Power On/Off

To power on the device, locate the power switch on the side of the keyboard and slide it to the 'On' position. To power off, slide the switch to the 'Off' position.

3. Operating the TempoKEY W25

3.1. Controls Overview

The TempoKEY W25 features a range of controls for expressive music creation:

• 25 Velocity-Sensitive Keys: For playing virtual instruments and samplers.
• 8 Velocity/Pressure-Sensitive RGB Pads: With 16 customizable colors, aftertouch, and note repeat. Can switch between 2 drum kits or act as 16 controllers (NOTE/CC/PC messages, 2 PAD BANKs A/B).
• 9 Assignable Endless Knobs: (2 banks = 18 controllers) send CC/PC messages.
• OLED Display: High-resolution display with battery indicator for quick function and parameter adjustments (Note, CC, PC, Channel).
• 360° Push Encoder: For assigning settings to pads, knobs, function buttons, and Pitch & Mod wheels directly on the device.
• Pitch Bend & Modulation Wheels: For expressive play.
• Transport Buttons: (Play, Stop, Record) support CC mapping, automatic MMC setup, and one-touch MMC mode switching.
• Sustain Button: For sustained notes.
• Octave/Semitone Transpose: Adjust the pitch range.

Figure 3: High-sensitive backlit beat pads for dynamic performance.

3.2. Smart Scales and Chords

The TempoKEY W25 supports smart scales and smart chord generation with both Fixed Do and Tonic modes. In Tonic mode, playing white keys allows you to perform eight scales, including major, minor, Dorian, etc., simplifying music creation for beginners.

Figure 4: Smart scale modes for simplified music creation.

3.3. Arpeggiator and Velocity Curves

Utilize the built-in arpeggiator for rhythmic patterns. Four velocity curves ensure dynamic and precise performance from the keys and pads, allowing you to tailor the response to your playing style.

4. Connectivity

4.1. USB Connection (Windows/Mac)

To connect your TempoKEY W25 to a computer via USB:

1. Connect the supplied USB-C cable to the USB-C port on the TempoKEY W25 and to an available USB port on your computer.
2. Turn on the keyboard's power switch.
3. The keyboard will be recognized as a USB MIDI device.

Verification:

• Windows: Go to Device Manager. Under 'Sound, video and game controllers', you should see 'Synido TempoKEY W25'.
• Mac: Go to System Settings > Hardware > USB Devices. You should find 'Synido TempoKEY W25' listed.

Video 1: Instructions on how to connect the TempoKEY W25 to a computer (Windows/Mac) via USB.

4.2. Wireless Connection (Mac Computer)

To connect your TempoKEY W25 wirelessly to a Mac computer:

1. Turn on the keyboard's power switch.
2. Press the 'BT' button on the keyboard to enable Bluetooth. The BT indicator light will turn solid red.
3. On your Mac, go to Launchpad > Other > Audio MIDI Setup.
4. In the MIDI Studio window, click the Bluetooth icon and select 'Synido TempoKEY W25 BT' to connect.

Verification: Once connected, the BT indicator light on the keyboard will turn solid blue.

Video 2: Instructions on how to connect the TempoKEY W25 wirelessly to a Mac computer.

4.3. Wireless Connection (Windows Computer)

To connect your TempoKEY W25 wirelessly to a Windows computer:

1. Turn on the keyboard's power switch.
2. Press the 'BT' button on the keyboard to enable Bluetooth. The BT indicator light will briefly turn blue and then remain red.
3. Open Windows Settings and navigate to 'Bluetooth & other devices'. Select 'Synido TempoKEY W25 BT' to connect.
4. Launch LoopMIDI software and click the '+' icon to create a new MIDI port.
5. Open MIDIberry software. Set the INPUT to 'Synido TempoKEY W25 BT' and the OUTPUT to the LoopMIDI Port you created.

Verification: Pressing a key on the keyboard should show signal input in MIDIberry. You can then open your DAW software and enable the LoopMIDI Port as a MIDI keyboard input.

Video 3: Instructions on how to connect the TempoKEY W25 wirelessly to a Windows computer.

4.4. Wireless Connection (Mobile Devices - Android/iOS)

To connect your TempoKEY W25 wirelessly to a mobile device:

1. Turn on the keyboard's power switch.
2. Press the 'BT' button on the keyboard to enable Bluetooth. The BT indicator light will turn solid red.
3. For Android: Open the GBox app, choose BLE, and connect to 'Synido TempoKEY W25 BT'.
4. For iOS: Enable Bluetooth on your device. Open GarageBand, go to Settings > Advanced > Bluetooth MIDI Devices, and connect to 'Synido TempoKEY W25 BT'.

Verification: Once connected, the BT indicator light on the keyboard will turn solid blue, and you can begin playing.

Video 4: Instructions on how to connect the TempoKEY W25 wirelessly to a mobile Android or iOS device.

4.5. MIDI In/Out/Thru and Sustain Input

The TempoKEY W25 offers comprehensive connectivity for various setups:

• 1/8” MIDI In & Out: For sending and receiving MIDI data with external synthesizers, modules, and other MIDI devices.
• 1/8” MIDI Thru: Connect multiple devices without signal loss or delay.
• 1/4” Sustain Input: For connecting a sustain pedal for expressive playing.

Figure 5: Overview of MIDI and sustain connectivity ports.

5. Software Integration

5.1. Setting Up Sound Output on Host Software (DAW)

After successfully pairing your TempoKEY W25, you need to configure your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or music software to receive MIDI input and produce sound.

1. Open your DAW software (e.g., Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand).
2. Go to the preferences or settings menu within your DAW.
3. Locate the MIDI/Sync or External Devices section.
4. Ensure that 'Synido TempoKEY W25' is enabled as a MIDI input device.
5. Create an instrument track and load a virtual instrument.
6. Select the TempoKEY W25 as the MIDI input for that track.

Note: Ensure that the device's pad/key channel matches the pad/key channel in the companion software or DAW for normal sound output.

Video 5: Instructions on how to set up sound output on host software after successful pairing.

5.2. Using with Ableton Live

For Ableton Live users, follow these steps for connection and control mapping:

1. Open Ableton Live.
2. Go to Options > Preferences > Link/Tempo/MIDI.
3. Under 'MIDI Ports', ensure 'Synido TempoKEY W25' is enabled for Track, Sync, and Remote for both Input and Output.
4. Drag an instrument into a MIDI track to start sending corresponding note information.

Control Mapping (Transport, Knob, and Fader):

1. Right-click on the control button (e.g., Play, Stop) or knob/fader you wish to map in Ableton Live.
2. Select 'Edit MIDI Mapping'. The interface color will change.
3. Left-click on the desired button, knob, or fader in Ableton Live.
4. Operate the corresponding physical control on your TempoKEY W25.
5. Right-click again on the mapped key to uncheck 'Edit MIDI Mapping'.

Video 6: Instructions on how to use the TempoKEY W25 with Ableton Live, including connection and control mapping.

5.3. Playing Demos with Logic Pro (iPad)

The TempoKEY W25 integrates seamlessly with Logic Pro on iPad for portable music production.

Video 7: A demonstration of the Synido W25 being used with Logic Pro for iPad.

Video 8: A general demo showcasing the Synido W25 Wireless MIDI Keyboard in use.

6. Maintenance

6.1. Cleaning

To clean your TempoKEY W25, use a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or solvents, as these can damage the finish and components.

6.2. Storage

Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. When not in use, it is recommended to store it in the provided custom crossbody bag to protect it from dust and physical damage.

6.3. Battery Care

To prolong battery life, avoid fully discharging the battery frequently. If storing the device for an extended period, charge it to approximately 50% before storage and recharge every few months.

7. Troubleshooting

7.1. Device Not Powering On

• Ensure the power switch is in the 'On' position.
• Check the battery level. If low, connect the device to a power source using the USB-C cable.

7.2. No MIDI Signal/Sound Output

• USB Connection: Verify the USB cable is securely connected to both the keyboard and the computer. Check if the device is recognized in your computer's device manager/system information.
• Wireless Connection: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both the keyboard (solid blue BT light) and your host device (computer/mobile). Confirm successful pairing in your device's Bluetooth settings.
• DAW/Software Settings: Check your music software's MIDI preferences to ensure the TempoKEY W25 is selected as an active MIDI input device. Verify that the instrument track is armed for recording/input and a virtual instrument is loaded.
• Channel Mismatch: Ensure the MIDI channel settings on the TempoKEY W25 match the receiving channel in your DAW or mobile music app.

7.3. Controls Not Responding

• If specific knobs, pads, or transport buttons are not working, check their MIDI mapping within your DAW (refer to Section 5.2 for Ableton Live mapping).
• Ensure the device is in the correct mode (e.g., Pad Bank A/B, Note/CC/PC mode for pads).

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Synido products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Synido website. If you encounter any issues not covered in this manual, please contact Synido customer service for assistance.