The AK-5 Pro SE is a microtonal keyboard converter device designed by Kelfar Technologies, enabling users to create authentic microtonal music. This guide and manual covers firmware version 4.2 of the device.
Function Description:
The AK-5 Pro SE is a specialized MIDI device that converts standard MIDI input into microtonal output, allowing synthesizers and keyboards to play in various non-standard tunings. It acts as an intermediary between a MIDI controller (like a keyboard or computer sequencer) and a sound module or synthesizer. The device supports a wide range of microtonal scales and tunings, including user-programmable scales, and offers real-time control over these tunings. It can connect to two synthesizers simultaneously, adjusting the pitch of each note in the octave (C/Do to B/Si) from -64 to +63 cents.
The device features a "Tune/Setup" button for accessing setup menus, "Transpose/Adjust" buttons for transposing in chromatic steps (-12 to +12) and adjusting parameters, and "Direct" and "Cancel/Power" buttons. A three-digit LED display shows current settings and values. It supports Expression Pedal and Breath Controller inputs, which can be configured for various MIDI channels, control changes, and curvature responses.
The AK-5 Pro SE supports a broad array of instruments and models, including Korg (Pa80, Pa50, Pa60, Pa55Tr, Pa1&2x (Pro), Pa800, Pa3x series, Pa4x series, Pa1000, Pa700 series, Pa500, P500 MRL, Pa600, Pa600QT, Triton Classic, Karma, Studio, Extreme, Le, Tr, Micro X, X50, Kronos series, Trinity series, M3 series, and MOSS mode), Roland (Fantom X, G, AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer), Yamaha (Motif ES/MO, Motif XF, Tyros/Psr series, Montage/Montage7/Montage8), Ketron (VEGA, SD5, SD1, AUDYA series), Kontakt (with provided script), Kurzweil (K2600 and K2000 series), MOOG (Sub Phatty and Sub 37), DSI / SEQUENTIAL (Prophet X, XL, Prophet 6, 12, Pro 2, OB-6), and World Scales Support (-64 cents to +64 cents). It also supports Equal Tempered Tuning System and Micro Tuning System via User-Programmable Scales, including Turkish (Biyelik, Rast, Ussak, Nikriz, Saba, Huazm, Siga, and more), Byzantine (Modes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, and 8), Arabic (Bayat, Rast, Siga, Huseini, Hijaz, and more), Persian, Kurdish, and Syrian tunings.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Input:
- 1 MIDI Input
- 1 Breath Controller / Expression Pedal (selectable during programming)
- Output:
- 2 MIDI Output via USB Interface (software selectable)
- 2 MIDI Output via Standard MIDI (1/8" to 5-pin DIN)
- Power Source: 5V USB bus power (USB Mini B)
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.4 x 0.900 inches / 139.7 x 86.36 x 22.9 mm
- Weight: 0.475 lbs / 215g
- Accessories Included:
- 1 USB mini cable (1.2m/4ft)
- 2 1/8" to 5-pin DIN cables (1m/3.2ft and 1.5m/5ft)
- Firmware Version: 4.2
Usage Features:
The AK-5 Pro SE offers extensive programming capabilities for both primary and secondary instruments.
- Initial Setup: Users can select the brand and model of their instrument, configure expression and breath controller statuses (ON/OFF), and set MIDI channels (1-16).
- Control Change and Curvature: The device allows for setting control change numbers (0-119) and curvature responses (0-8) for expression and breath controllers.
- USB MIDI Ports: USB MIDI ports 1 and 2 can be enabled or disabled.
- Short-Cuts Mode: This mode allows for quick adjustments to MIDI channels, expression and breath controller settings, curvature, and control change numbers.
- Universal Modes (Polyphonic/Two Tracks, Monophonic/Single Track, Monophonic-Legato/Single Track, Polyphonic 12 Notes Max): These modes offer different configurations for microtonal playback, including the ability to play up to 10 polyphonic voices in Equal-Temperament scales.
- User Scales: Nine user-programmable scales (01-09) are available, with scale 00 being a predefined default (-50 cents detuning) that cannot be reprogrammed. User scales can be selected in real-time.
- Transposition: Chromatic transposition from -12 to +12 steps is supported. The "RESET" button restores the value to 00 or the previously transposed value.
- Standby Mode: The device can be powered off by holding the "CANCEL/POWER" button for more than 5 seconds. Powering up involves pressing "CANCEL/POWER" again.
- Instrument-Specific Programming: Detailed instructions are provided for programming various instruments like Korg PA series, Yamaha Tyros/PSR series, Korg M3 series, Yamaha GENOS, and Korg Trinity V3, including specific settings for pitch bend range, control filters, and global MIDI parameters. For Korg Trinity V3, it's crucial to ensure pitch bend range is set to 2/-2 and step to "Continuous" for accurate microtonal playback.
Maintenance Features:
- Firmware Updates: The manual covers firmware version 4.2, implying that updates may be available to enhance functionality or compatibility.
- Settings Backup: For Korg PA series, users can write global and MIDI settings to save their configurations. Similarly, for Yamaha Tyros/PSR series, MIDI settings can be saved as a template.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides notes on potential issues, such as out-of-tune notes in polyphonic microtonal playback (suggesting ADSR adjustment) and the importance of correct MIDI channel settings.
- Warranty: The AK-5 Pro SE comes with a 1-year limited warranty from Kelfar Technologies from the date of purchase.
- Support: Email support is available at support@kelfar.net.
- Registration: Users are encouraged to register their device at register@kelfar.net.
The AK-5 Pro SE is a powerful tool for musicians and composers looking to explore and perform music beyond standard equal temperament, offering a high degree of flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of MIDI instruments.
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