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Pro-MIDI CX-25P - User Manual

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CX-25P Bass Pedals
25-Note Pro MIDI Foot Controller
with Dual Expression
User Manual
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Summary

CX-25 P Layout and Features

Using the CX-25 P Bass Pedals

Playing the Pedals

Connect pedals to sound module via MIDI out, connect AC adapter, and turn on power switch.

Shifting the Octave

Press Octave Up (2) to shift up, Octave Down (1) to shift down. Press both to reset.

Changing the MIDI Channel

Press Channel Select (3), then use data entry keys and Enter key to set MIDI channel.

Sending Program Change Messages

Press Program Select (4), then use data entry keys and Enter key for program number.

Changing MIDI Velocity

Press Channel Select (3) + Program Select (4), then enter new velocity via data entry keys.

Sending Bank Selections

Press Channel Select (3) + Program Select (4), then Octave Down (1), then enter bank value.

Using the Expression Pedals

Expression Pedal and Side Switch Functionality

Dual expression units for dynamic control. Side switches trigger effects like rotary speed or chorus.

Using the Compatibility Switch

Internal switch allows compatibility with synthesizers and keyboards from different manufacturers.

Overview

The CX-25P Bass Pedals are a 25-note professional MIDI foot controller designed to provide musicians with a versatile and expressive way to control their sound modules, synthesizers, and keyboards. This device is engineered for hands-free operation, allowing performers to manipulate various musical parameters with their feet, thereby freeing their hands for playing other instruments or performing other tasks. The inclusion of dual expression units significantly enhances its dynamic control capabilities, making it a powerful tool for live performances and studio work.

At its core, the CX-25P functions as a MIDI controller, translating foot presses into MIDI messages that can be understood by compatible musical instruments. To begin using the pedals, the first step is to establish a connection with a sound module or synthesizer. This is achieved by plugging a MIDI cable into the MIDI Out Port (7) of the CX-25P and connecting the other end to the MIDI In port of the target instrument. Once the MIDI connection is made, the device requires power, which is supplied by connecting an AC adaptor to the AC Adaptor Input (8) and then flipping the Power Switch (9) to the "on" position. This straightforward setup ensures that the device is ready for immediate use, allowing musicians to integrate it seamlessly into their existing setups.

One of the primary usage features of the CX-25P is its ability to shift octaves. This is crucial for expanding the playable range of the 25-note pedalboard. To shift the octave up, the musician simply presses the Octave Up Button (2) once. Conversely, to shift the octave down, the Octave Down Button (1) is pressed once. For situations where the musician needs to return to the default octave range quickly, both the Octave Up (2) and Octave Down (1) buttons can be pressed simultaneously. This intuitive octave shifting mechanism allows for quick adjustments during performance, ensuring that the desired notes are always within reach.

Another key feature is the ability to change the MIDI channel. This is essential for controlling different instruments or different parts of a multi-timbral instrument from the same pedalboard. To change the MIDI channel, the Channel Select Button (3) is pressed. When this button is activated, an LED Indicator (6) will start blinking, signaling that the device is in MIDI channel selection mode. The musician then uses the Data Entry Keys (5) to input the desired MIDI channel number. After entering the number, the Enter key is pressed to confirm the selection. The current MIDI channel can also be adjusted incrementally by pressing the Octave Up or Octave Down keys, offering a convenient way to fine-tune the channel without re-entering the full number.

The CX-25P also supports sending Program Change Messages, which are vital for switching between different sounds or patches on a connected synthesizer or sound module. To send a program change message, the Program Select Button (4) is pressed. Similar to changing the MIDI channel, the LED Indicator (6) will blink, indicating that the device is ready for program number input. The musician then uses the Data Entry Keys (5) to enter the desired program number, followed by pressing the Enter key to send the message. This feature allows for rapid sound changes during a performance, enhancing the versatility of the pedalboard. The current program can also be changed incrementally using the Octave Up or Octave Down keys.

While the CX-25P pedals are non-velocity sensing, meaning they do not detect how hard a note is pressed, they transmit a default MIDI velocity of 64 for every note press. This default velocity, however, is not fixed and can be customized by the user. To change the MIDI velocity, the Channel Select (3) and Program Select (4) buttons are pressed simultaneously. Once in velocity adjustment mode, the musician uses the Data Entry Keys (5) to enter the new desired velocity value, followed by the Enter key to save the setting. This customization allows musicians to tailor the responsiveness of the pedals to their specific needs and the requirements of their sound modules.

Beyond individual note control, the CX-25P can also send Bank Select Messages, which are used to access a wider range of sounds organized into banks on compatible instruments. To send a bank select message, the Channel Select (3) and Program Select (4) buttons are pressed simultaneously. Following this, the Octave Down (1) button is pressed. The musician then enters the desired bank value using the Data Entry Keys (5) and confirms it by pressing the Enter key. This advanced feature further expands the sonic possibilities available through the CX-25P.

A significant enhancement to the CX-25P's expressive capabilities comes from its dual expression units. These units are designed to provide added dynamic control over various parameters of a connected instrument. Each expression pedal, the Left Expression Pedal (10) and the Right Expression Pedal (11), can be used to control effects such as rotary speed, chorus on/off, volume, or any other parameter that can be modulated via an expression input. To utilize these expression pedals, a 1/4" STEREO cable is connected from the expression pedal output (17 for the Right Expression Output, 18 for the Left Expression Output) to an expression or swell input on the synthesizer or keyboard.

In addition to the expression pedals themselves, each unit also incorporates side switches that can trigger various effects. These include the Left Switch 1 (12), Right Switch 1 (13), and Right Switch 2 (14). To use these side switches, their respective outputs (19 for Left Switch 1 Output, 16 for Right Switch 1 Output, and 15 for Right Switch 2 Output) are connected to any switch input on the target instrument. The wiring of these switches is predefined: Left Switch 1 (12) is normally closed, Right Switch 1 (13) is normally open, and Right Switch 2 (14) is normally closed. This configuration allows for flexible integration with different types of switch inputs on various instruments.

A crucial maintenance and compatibility feature of the CX-25P lies within its internal compatibility switches, located under each expression unit. These switches are designed to ensure proper functionality with synthesizers and keyboards from a wide range of manufacturers, as different brands may implement expression pedal inputs with varying polarity or resistance curves. Each compatibility switch has two positions: "reverse" and "standard." Users need to determine the correct position based on the manufacturer of their connected keyboard or synthesizer. For instance, the "STANDARD" position is recommended for instruments from Yamaha, Kawai, and Korg. Conversely, the "REVERSE" position should be used for instruments from Roland, Nord, CME, Kurzweil, Novation, and M-audio. This internal adjustment is vital for ensuring that the expression pedals respond correctly and provide the intended dynamic control, preventing issues like inverted control or non-responsiveness. While not a frequent adjustment, understanding and correctly setting these compatibility switches is key to maximizing the performance and integration of the CX-25P with diverse musical equipment.

Pro-MIDI CX-25P Specifications

General IconGeneral
Power SupplyIncluded
Channels16
ConnectivityMIDI out
Power Source9V DC
TypeMIDI Foot Controller