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How to Use M-Audio Trigger Finger With M-Audio Keystation

The M-Audio Trigger Finger is a MIDI controller drumpad that connects to a computer via a USB connection. It features 16 large pads that make it easy for you to tap out rhythms and trigger samples and loops in your music production software. The M-Audio Keystation is a MIDI controller keyboard that features a modulation wheel, pitch wheel and traditional keyboard keys. Learn to control your music production software by using both of these devices at the same time.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 USB cables
  • Music production software
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Move the power switch at the back of the M-Audio Keystation to the "Off" position. Connect a USB cable from the USB port on the M-Audio Keystation to your computer. The USB port is located on the back of the device. Turn the Keystation on by moving the power switch on the back of the unit to the "On" position.

    • 2

      Press the "Advanced Functions" button on the left side of the keyboard to enter Edit Mode. Change the MIDI channel the keyboard uses for transmitting MIDI data by pressing one of the keys between "E1" and "D3" on the keyboard. Select a MIDI channel that is compatible with your music production software.

    • 3

      Connect a USB cable from the USB port on the M-Audio Trigger Finger to your computer. The USB port is located on the back of the device. The Trigger Finger turns on automatically.

    • 4

      Press the Trigger Finger's "Memory Recall" and "Prog/Bank Change" buttons simultaneously to enter Edit Mode. These buttons are located under the LED display. The buttons' LEDs flash when Edit Mode is active.

    • 5

      Use Slider "F2" on the Trigger Finger to change the MIDI channel used for transmitting MIDI data to your computer. The selected MIDI channel is shown on the LED display. Choose a MIDI channel that is compatible with your music production software and different from the channel the Keystation uses. Press the "Memory Recall" button to save your changes and exit Edit Mode.

    • 6

      Launch your music production software. Create a new musical set or open an existing one. Add two MIDI-controlled devices, such as virtual instruments, to the set.

    • 7

      Specify that the Trigger Finger and Keystation are your control surfaces in your music production software. MIDI settings are usually contained in the Preferences menu option, which is typically located in the File or Edit menus on a computer running Windows or in the menu featuring the software's title on a Mac.

    • 8

      Select the MIDI-controlled device in your software that you wish to control with the Keystation. Change its receiving MIDI channel to the MIDI channel the Keystation is transmitting MIDI data on.

    • 9

      Select the MIDI-controlled device you wish to control with the Trigger Finger. Change its receiving MIDI channel to the MIDI channel the Trigger Finger is transmitting MIDI data on.

Digital Music

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