MIDIPLUS X8H III User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the 3rd generation X series MIDI keyboard, the X8H III. It features an 88-key hammer action FATAR full-weighted keybed, 4 knobs, 6 buttons, and Pitch and Modulation touch strips. It includes 16 built-in Smart scales (such as Chinese pentatonic, Japanese scale, Blues scale) and offers four velocity curves: Grand Piano, Orchestra, Synthesizer, and Max Fixed. The X8H III also supports Mackie Control and HUI protocols, providing an enhanced user experience.

Important Notes:

Please read the following precautions carefully before use to avoid damaging the equipment or causing personal injury. Precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Read and understand all illustrations.
• Always follow the instructions on the device.
• Before cleaning, always remove batteries and the USB cable. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone, turpentine, or other organic solutions; avoid liquid cleaners, sprays, or overly wet cloths.
• Disconnect the USB cable and remove batteries if the device will not be used for extended periods.
• Do not use the device near water or moisture, such as in a bathtub, sink, or swimming pool.
• Do not place the device in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall over.
• Do not place heavy objects on the device.
• Do not place the device near a heat vent or in a location with poor air circulation.
• Do not open or insert anything into the device that may cause fire or electrical shock.
• Do not spill any liquid onto the device.
• Do not expose the device to hot sunlight.
• Do not use the device when there is a gas leak nearby.

1. Overview

1.1 The Top Panel

The top panel features an 88-key keyboard. Above the keyboard are the following controls:

• X knob: Controls DAW and software instrument parameters or keyboard settings.
• Knobs (K1-K4): Control DAW or software instrument parameters.
• Transport buttons (B1-B6): Control the transport functions of a DAW.
• Display: Provides real-time feedback of control information.
• Transpose button: Activates the keyboard's semitone control.
• Octave buttons: Activate the keyboard's octave control.
• Pitch & Modulation touch strips: Control pitch bend and modulation parameters.
• Keyboard: Triggers notes and can be used as shortcuts for editing parameters.

1.2 The Rear Panel

The rear panel includes the following ports:

• MIDI OUT: Connects to a MIDI device or modular synthesizer.
• USB: Connects to a computer for power and MIDI data.
• SUS: Connects to a sustain pedal.
• EXP: Connects to an expression pedal.

2. Guide

2.1 Ready to Use

The X8H III can be connected in several ways:

• With Computer: Connect the X8H III to a PC or Mac using the included USB cable. Power is supplied via this connection. The X8H III is a class-compliant USB device, with drivers automatically installed upon connection.
• With MIDIPLUS miniEngine Series: Connect the X8H III to the USB Host of a miniEngine using the USB cable. Connect speakers or headphones to the miniEngine and power it on.
• With External MIDI Device: Connect to a USB 5V power adapter using the USB cable. Connect the MIDI OUT of the X8H III to the MIDI IN of an external MIDI device using a 5-pin MIDI cable.

2.2 X Knob

The X knob has two modes: Normal and Setting. It defaults to Normal Mode. Pressing it for approximately 0.5 seconds switches to Setting Mode, allowing parameter adjustments. In Normal Mode, the X knob sends Program Change (default) or CC7 messages. In Setting Mode, it is used to select and confirm options.

2.3 Transpose and Octave

Use the Octave buttons (indicated by ◀️ and ▶️ symbols) to shift the keyboard's octave range. The selected button will light up. Pressing both Octave buttons simultaneously resets the octave shift. To transpose, press and hold the TRANS button, then press the ◀️ or ▶️ button. The TRANS button will light up when active. Pressing TRANS again toggles the transpose function off, dimming its backlight. The last transpose setting is saved when powered off.

2.4 Pitch and Modulation

Two capacitive touch strips provide real-time pitch bend and modulation control. LED light strips indicate the status of each controller. Sliding up or down on the Pitch touch strip adjusts the pitch. The range of this effect is determined by the controlled hardware or software instrument. Sliding up on the Modulation touch strip increases modulation, with the response depending on the instrument's settings.

2.5 Knobs

The X8H III features 4 assignable knobs (K1-K4) with backlighting. Their default functions and MIDI CC numbers are:

Knob CC numbers can be reassigned in Setting Mode (refer to section 3.7.1).

2.6 Transport Buttons

The X8H III has 6 transport buttons (B1-B6) that can operate in three modes: MCU (default), HUI, and CC mode. These modes can be changed in Setting Mode (refer to section 3.2). In MCU and HUI modes, they control DAW transport functions. In CC mode, they can be assigned custom CC numbers. The default functions and MIDI CC numbers are:

Button CC numbers can be reassigned in Setting Mode (refer to section 3.7.2).

2.7 Keyboard

The X8H III features an 88-key hammer action FATAR keybed for note and velocity information. These keys also serve as shortcuts for setting controllers and MIDI channels in Setting Mode. When in Setting Mode, keys with labeled functions provide access to parameters:

• X MODE: Changes the X knob mode (Program Change or CC).
• BTN MODE: Changes the transport button mode (Mackie Control, HUI, or CC).
• VEL.: Sets the keyboard velocity curve (Grand Piano, Orchestra, Synthesizer, Max Fixed).
• MSB: Sets the controller number for Bank Select MSB (0-127).
• LSB: Sets the controller number for Bank Select LSB (0-127).
• SCALE: Selects a built-in Smart Scale.
• ASSIGN CC: Sets the CC Number for controllers (Mod touch strip, knobs, buttons) (0-127).
• ASSIGN CH: Sets the MIDI Channel for controllers (0-16).
• MIDI CHANNELS: Sets the keyboard's MIDI Channel (1-16).

3. Setting Mode

You can easily configure your keyboard by entering Setting Mode. Long-press the X knob for approximately 0.5 seconds; the screen will display "SEL" to indicate entry into Setting Mode.

3.1 Changing The X Knob Mode

Follow these steps after the screen displays "SEL":

1. Press the key labeled "X MODE". The current mode is displayed.
2. Turn the X knob to select Program Change (PC) or CC mode (cc).
3. Press the X knob to confirm. The selected mode is displayed.

You can then set other parameters or long-press the X knob to exit Setting Mode.

3.2 Changing The Transport Buttons Mode

When the screen displays "SEL", follow these steps:

1. Press the key labeled "BTN MODE". The current mode is displayed.
2. Turn the X knob to select Mackie Control (MCU), HUI (hui), or CC mode (cc).
3. Press the X knob to confirm. The selected mode is displayed.

You can then set other parameters or long-press the X knob to exit Setting Mode.

3.3 Changing The Keyboard Velocity Curve

When the screen displays "SEL", follow these steps:

1. Press the key labeled "VEL.". The current velocity curve is displayed.
2. Turn the X knob to select Grand Piano (pno), Orchestra (orc), Synthesizer (syn), or Max Fixed (fix).
3. Press the X knob to confirm. The selected velocity curve is displayed.

You can then set other parameters or long-press the X knob to exit Setting Mode.

3.4 Changing The Bank MSB

When the screen displays "SEL", follow these steps:

1. Press the key labeled "MSB". The current value is displayed.
2. Turn the X knob to set the controller number between 0 and 127.
3. Press the X knob to confirm. The selected controller number is displayed.

You can then set other parameters or long-press the X knob to exit Setting Mode.

3.5 Changing The Bank LSB

When the screen displays "SEL", follow these steps:

1. Press the key labeled "LSB". The current value is displayed.
2. Turn the X knob to set the controller number between 0 and 127.
3. Press the X knob to confirm. The selected controller number is displayed.

You can then set other parameters or long-press the X knob to exit Setting Mode.

3.6 Selecting a Smart Scale

When the screen displays "SEL", follow these steps:

1. Press the key labeled "SCALE". The current scale is displayed.
2. Turn the X knob to select a scale.
3. Press the X knob to confirm. The selected scale name is displayed.

3.7 Changing The CC Number

The controllers of the X8H III (Mod touch strip, 4 knobs, 6 buttons) can be assigned any CC Number from 0 to 127. Refer to section 6.4 for the MIDI CC List.

3.7.1 Changing The Knobs'CC Number

When the screen displays "SEL", follow these steps:

1. Press the key labeled "ASSIGN CC". The CC number of the last used controller is displayed.
2. Turn the knob you want to assign (e.g., K1). The screen displays its current CC number (e.g., "93").
3. Turn the X knob to select a new CC number (e.g., "52").
4. Press the X knob to confirm. The screen displays the new CC number (e.g., "52").
5. Long-press the X knob to exit Setting Mode.

The CC number for K1 knob is now successfully assigned to CC52.

3.7.2 Changing The Buttons'CC Number

When the screen displays "SEL", follow these steps:

1. Press the key labeled "ASSIGN CC". The CC number of the last used controller is displayed.
2. Press the button you want to assign (e.g., B2). The screen displays its current CC number (e.g., "26").
3. Turn the X knob to select a new CC number (e.g., "53").
4. Press the X knob to confirm. The screen displays the new CC number (e.g., "53").
5. Long-press the X knob to exit Setting Mode.

The CC number for B2 button is now successfully assigned to CC53. Ensure the button is set to CC mode via section 3.2.

3.7.3 Changing The Mod Touch Strip's CC Number

When the screen displays "SEL", follow these steps:

1. Press the key labeled "ASSIGN CC". The CC number of the last used controller is displayed.
2. Touch the MOD touch strip. The screen displays its current CC number (e.g., "1").
3. Turn the X knob to select a new CC number (e.g., "54").
4. Press the X knob to confirm. The screen displays the new CC number (e.g., "54").
5. Long-press the X knob to exit Setting Mode.

The CC number for the MOD touch strip is now successfully assigned to CC54.

3.8 Changing The Controller Channel

When the screen displays "SEL", follow these steps:

1. Press the key labeled "ASSIGN CH". The channel of the last used controller is displayed.
2. Select the controller you want to assign (e.g., Mod touch strip, a knob, or a button).
3. Turn the X knob to select a Channel (e.g., "10").
4. Press the X knob to confirm. The selected channel (e.g., "10") is displayed.
5. Long-press the X knob to exit Setting Mode.

The selected controller is now assigned to Channel 10. Note: If the controller channel is set to "00", it will follow the keyboard's MIDI channel.

3.9 Changing The MIDI Channel

Follow these steps:

1. Long-press the X knob for approximately 0.5 seconds until the screen displays "SEL".
2. Press a keyboard note corresponding to the desired MIDI channel (e.g., note 10 for Channel 10). The screen will display the selected channel number.

The keyboard will exit Setting Mode, and the MIDI Channel is changed to the selected channel.

4. Factory Reset

To reset your X8H III to factory settings, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the USB cable.
2. Press and hold the "B1" and "B2" buttons.
3. Plug in the USB cable.
4. Release the "B1" and "B2" buttons when the screen displays "rES" (reset).

Note: Performing a factory reset will clear all custom settings. Operate with care.

5. DAW Settings

The X8H III's 6 transport buttons can control the transport functions of most popular DAWs in Mackie Control (default), HUI, or CC modes. Mackie Control is compatible with most DAWs, while Pro Tools requires HUI mode. Refer to section 3.2 for changing button modes.

5.1 Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo (Mackie Control)

Follow these steps to set up Cubase/Nuendo:

1. Navigate to the menu: Studio > Studio Setup...
2. Click Add Device.
3. From the pop-up list, select Mackie Control.
4. In the Mackie Control window, set the MIDI Input to MIDIIN2(X8H III) and the MIDI Output to MIDIOUT2(X8H III).
5. Click on the MIDI Port Setup button.
6. In the right side of the window, find MIDIIN2(X8H III) and deactivate the "In 'All MIDI'" option.
7. Click OK to finish the setup.

5.2 FL Studio (Mackie Control)

Follow these steps to set up FL Studio:

1. Navigate to the menu: Options > MIDI settings (shortcut: F10).
2. In the Input tab, find and enable both X8H III and MIDIIN2(X8H III). Set the Controller type for MIDIIN2(X8H III) to Mackie Control Universal, Port 1.
3. In the Output tab, find X8H III and MIDIIN2(X8H III), enable Send master sync, and set the Port for MIDIIN2(X8H III) to Port 1. Close the window to finish setup.

5.3 Studio One (Mackie Control)

Follow these steps to set up Studio One:

1. Navigate to the menu: Studio One > Options... (shortcut: Ctrl+,).
2. Select the External Devices tab.
3. Click Add....
4. Select New Keyboard from the list.
5. Set both Receive From and Send To to X8H III.
6. Click OK to finish this part.
7. Select another External Device.
8. Find the Mackie folder in the list and select Control. Set both Receive From and Send To to MIDIIN2(X8H III). Click OK to finish setup.

5.4 Pro Tools (HUI)

Follow these steps to set up Pro Tools:

1. Change the transport buttons to HUI mode (refer to section 3.2).
2. Navigate to the menu: Setup > Peripherals...
3. In the pop-up window, click the MIDI Controllers tab. Find row #1, select HUI in the Type list, and select MIDIIN2(X8H III) for both Receive From and Send To. Close the Peripherals window to finish setup.

5.5 Logic Pro X (Mackie Control)

Follow these steps to set up Logic Pro X:

1. Navigate to the menu: Control Surfaces > Setup...
2. In the Control Surface Setup window, click New, then select Install from the pop-up list.
3. In the Install window, select Mackie Control and click Add.
4. In the Control Surface Setup window, find the Device: Mackie Control. Set the Output Port and Input Port as X8H III port 2. Close the window to finish setup.

5.6 Reaper (Mackie Control)

Follow these steps to set up Reaper:

1. Navigate to the menu: Options > Preferences... (shortcut: Ctrl+P).
2. In the Preferences window, click the MIDI Devices tab. Right-click on X8H III in the Device list and select Enable input.
3. In the Preferences window, click the Control/OSC/web tab, then click Add.
4. In the Control Surface Settings window, select Frontier Tranzport from the Control surface mode list, MIDIIN2 from the MIDI input list, and MIDIOUT2 from the MIDI output list.
5. Click OK to finish setup.

5.7 CakeWalk Sonar (Mackie Control)

Follow these steps to set up Cakewalk Sonar:

1. Navigate to the menu: Edit > Preferences...
2. In the Preferences window, click the Devices tab. Check X8H III and MIDIIN2(X8H III) under the Inputs Friendly Name.
3. In the Preferences window, click the Control Surfaces tab, then click the Add icon.
4. In the Controller/Surface Settings window, select Mackie Control from the Controller/Surface pop-up list, then click the MIDI Devices... button.
5. In the MIDI Devices window, check X8H III and MIDIIN2(X8H III) from the Inputs Friendly Name, and check X8H III and MIDIOUT2(X8H III) from the Outputs Friendly Name. Click OK.
6. In the Controller/Surface Settings window, select MIDIIN2(X8H III) from the Input Port list and MIDIOUT2(X8H III) from the Output Port list. Click OK.
7. Navigate to the menu: Utilities > Mackie Control - 1.
8. In the pop-up window, check the Disable handshake option. Close the window to finish setup.

5.8 Bitwig (Mackie Control)

Follow these steps to set up Bitwig:

1. Open Bitwig. Click the SETTINGS tab in the dashboard, then select the Controllers tab, and click Add Controller.
2. In the Add Controller window, select Generic from the Hardware Vendor list and MIDI Keyboard under the Product box, then click Add.
3. In the Generic MIDI Keyboard window, select X8H III as the Input port.
4. Repeat step 1 to add another controller. In the Add Controller window, select Mackie from the Hardware Vendor list and MCU PRO under the Product box, then click Add.
5. In the Mackie MCU PRO window, select MIDIIN2(X8H III) as the Input port and MIDIOUT2(X8H III) as the Output port. Close the window to finish setup.

5.9 Ableton Live (Mackie Control)

Follow these steps to set up Ableton Live:

1. Navigate to the menu: Options > Preference...
2. Click the Link MIDI tab. Select MackieControl from the Control Surface pop-up list, and select X8H III (Port 2) from the Input and Output pop-up lists.

6. Appendix

6.1 Specifications

6.2 Screen Display and Functional Interpretation

6.3 Scales

6.4 MIDI CC List