MIDI BLASTER Manual 📖
Welcome to the official MIDI BLASTER Manual! 👋🛸
Table of Contents
First things first
How to Connect 👈
USB MIDI
You can connect to software and hardware through MIDI BLASTERs USB port. Connecting this way will simultaneously power the device and send MIDI out via USB.
TRS MIDI
MIDI BLASTER also uses TRS MIDI Type A via the 3.5mm TRS Jack. You will need to supply power to MIDI BLASTER via the USB C port to use TRS MIDI.
An overview of MIDI BLASTERs Hardware
Hardware ⚙️
The Sensors
MIDI BLASTERs 4 sensors track the distance of physical objects (i.e. a hand) above the device and send this information to other devices via MIDI.
These sensors can be customized in various ways, and be saved as presets on the device (more on that in the "CUSTOMIZE" section).
The use of infrared ensures that the device will function in all lighting conditions and should be able to ignore light-medium fog.
RGB LEDs
The RGB LEDs on MIDI BLASTER serve as an indication tool for what information each sensor is receiving.
The LEDs are customizable in various ways, and can be saved as presets on the device (more on that in the "CUSTOMIZE" section).
The Buttons
The two buttons on MIDI BLASTER can serve one of two functions.
Button 1
By default, button 1 functions as the "Hold" button. Pressing this will essentially freeze MIDI BLASTERs sensors, LEDs, and MIDI data in place; resumable by pressing the button a second time.
Button 2
By default, button 2 functions as the "Preset Cycling" button. Pressing this will cycle to the next available preset.
The buttons functions can be changed via the MIDI BLASTER Web App (more on that in the "CUSTOMIZE" section)
MIDI MODES FOR MIDI BLASTER
Modes 💡
CC Mode
CC mode sends a MIDI CC message dependent on the proximity of your hand over the sensor.
CC Message
The closer your hand is to the bottom of the sensors range = a higher MIDI CC message being sent out via MIDI.
Each sensor can be set with it's own CC message as well as it's own channel in this mode.
Use Case
This mode is particularly useful for controlling effects while playing live or with pre recorded tracks.
MPE Mode
MPE mode also sends a MIDI CC message, but with the addition of a MIDI note message.
CC Message
Similarly to CC mode, the closer your hand is to the bottom of the sensors range = a higher MIDI CC message being sent out via MIDI.
Note Message
Upon reading, the sensor will trigger a MIDI note message "on", and "off" once the reading ends.
Each sensor can be set with it's own CC message, Note message, and channel in this mode.
Use Case
This mode is particularly useful for standalone use, where the player is triggering notes/a full chord. Setting each sensor up with it's own note message, cc message, and channel allows for control over an effect on each individual note. Great for expressive sets.
Each Preset has defualt values
Default Values 👀
Preset 1
Here are Preset 1's values out of the box:
CC/MPE (ALL SENSORS)
CC
Channel
- Sensor 1: 1
- Sensor 2: 1
- Sensor 3: 1
- Sensor 4: 1
CC Value
- Sensor 1: 30
- Sensor 2: 31
- Sensor 3: 32
- Sensor 4: 33
LED - Multi Fade
- Sensor 1: On
- Sensor 2: On
- Sensor 3: On
- Sensor 4: On
LED - Brightness
- Sensor 1: 100%
- Sensor 2: 100%
- Sensor 3: 100%
- Sensor 4: 100%
ON/OFF
- Sensor 1: On
- Sensor 2: On
- Sensor 3: On
- Sensor 4: On
Range
- Sensor 1: 250 - 20 mm
- Sensor 2: 250 - 20 mm
- Sensor 3: 250 - 20 mm
- Sensor 4: 250 - 20 mm
Function (ALL PRESETS)
- Button 1: Hold
- Button 2: Preset Cycling
Preset 2
Here are Preset 2's values out of the box:
CC/MPE (ALL SENSORS)
MPE
Channel
- Sensor 1: 1
- Sensor 2: 2
- Sensor 3: 3
- Sensor 4: 4
CC Value
- Sensor 1: 30
- Sensor 2: 31
- Sensor 3: 32
- Sensor 4: 33
Note
- Sensor 1: 60
- Sensor 2: 64
- Sensor 3: 67
- Sensor 4: 71
LED - Multi Fade
- Sensor 1: Off
- Sensor 2: Off
- Sensor 3: Off
- Sensor 4: Off
LED - Brightness
- Sensor 1: 100%
- Sensor 2: 100%
- Sensor 3: 100%
- Sensor 4: 100%
LED - Color
- Sensor 1: Green
- Sensor 2: Purple
- Sensor 3: Green
- Sensor 4: Purple
ON/OFF
- Sensor 1: On
- Sensor 2: On
- Sensor 3: On
- Sensor 4: On
Range
- Sensor 1: 250 - 20 mm
- Sensor 2: 250 - 20 mm
- Sensor 3: 250 - 20 mm
- Sensor 4: 250 - 20 mm
Function (ALL PRESETS)
- Button 1: Hold
- Button 2: Preset Cycling
Preset 3
Here are Preset 3's values out of the box:
CC/MPE (ALL SENSORS)
CC
Channel
- Sensor 1: 1
- Sensor 2: 1
- Sensor 3: 1
- Sensor 4: 1
CC Value
- Sensor 1: 30
- Sensor 2: 31
- Sensor 3: 32
- Sensor 4: 33
LED - Multi Fade
- Sensor 1: On
- Sensor 2: On
- Sensor 3: On
- Sensor 4: On
LED - Brightness
- Sensor 1: 100%
- Sensor 2: 100%
- Sensor 3: 100%
- Sensor 4: 100%
ON/OFF
- Sensor 1: On
- Sensor 2: On
- Sensor 3: On
- Sensor 4: On
Range
- Sensor 1: 200 - 20 mm
- Sensor 2: 400 - 200 mm
- Sensor 3: 200 - 20 mm
- Sensor 4: 400 - 200 mm
Function (ALL PRESETS)
- Button 1: Hold
- Button 2: Preset Cycling
MIDI BLASTER is customizable via the web app
Web App 💻
The Web App
MIDI BLASTER is fully customizable via the Web App for use with Chrome/Microsoft Edge on Mac/PC.
Connecting
After connecting your MIDI BLASTER to your desktop, open up the Web App and press "Connect". Choose MIDI BLASTER from the dropdown list. If the connection is successful, the "Connect" button will read "Ready ✨".
Customizing
First, ensure that the preset you'd like the changes to be made to is selected on the left.
From there, you can select the sensor and/or button you'd like to customize by clicking on it on the right, then make the changes in the container underneath.
Once you're happy with your preset, simply press "Apply" and the changes will be made to the preset selected.
You can then move on to other presets, or close the application.
Sensor Functions
There are various customizable functions pertaining to the sensors:
CC/MPE
Toggle between CC or MPE mode. Changing this affects all sensors within the preset.
Channel
Select the MIDI channel for the sensor selected (1-16).
CC Value
Select the MIDI CC Value for the sensor selected (0 - 127). Please see documentation for which value will control what effect on the software/hardware you are using.
Note
Available only when MPE mode is selected. Sets the MIDI note for the sensor selected (0 - 127). Please see MIDI number -> note chart.
LED - Multi Fade
On by default. The LED hooked to the sensor selected will fade between two randomly selected colors dependent on proximity. Resets between each reading.
LED - Brightness
Sets the brightness of the LED hooked to the sensor selected.
LED - Color
Available only when Multi Fade is off. Select the color for the LED hooked to the sensor selected. Fades in and out dependent on proximity.
ON/OFF
Toggles the sensor/LED selected on/off.
Range
Sets the top and bottom values of the sensor selected (in mm). Max: 500 mm. Distance between top and bottom must be at least 100 mm. The larger the distance between top and bottom the smoother the reading of the sensors.
Button Functions
There are two customizable functions pertaining to the sensors:
Hold
Sets the button selected as the "Hold" button. Freezes MIDI BLASTERs sensors, LEDs, and MIDI data.
Preset Cycling
Sets the button selected as the "Preset Cycling" button. Cycle between presets saved.
Presets
MIDI BLASTER allows customization of three presets on release, with more coming in future software updates.
WHAT SHOULD I CONNECT TO?
A Huge List of Apps 📱
Videos ✨
Some handy video resources 📽️