User Guide Manual Version 1.
Table of Contents (Click a chapter's name to skip to it.) Introduction................................................................................................................................. 6 Box Contents ......................................................................................................................... 6 Support .................................................................................................................................. 6 Features Overview...............
Operation .................................................................................................................................. 23 Navigation ............................................................................................................................ 23 Modes .................................................................................................................................. 24 Performance Mode ........................................................................
Working with Sequences.................................................................................................... 58 Recording ........................................................................................................................ 59 Transport Controls........................................................................................................... 60 Steps .....................................................................................................................
Preferences ......................................................................................................................... 84 Tempo ............................................................................................................................. 85 Tap LED ..................................................................................................................... 85 Tap Average ...................................................................................................
Introduction Box Contents Trigger Finger Pro USB Cable Arsenal software (download) Hex Key AIR Drums software (download) Quickstart Guide Hybrid 3.0 software (download) User Guide (download) Software Download Card Safety & Warranty Manual Important: Visit m-audio.com/softwaredownload to download the included software applications. Support For the latest information about this product (system requirements, compatibility information, etc.) and product registration, visit m-audio.com/TFP.
Features Overview 4 3 1 2 5 9 9 9 6 7 9 7 7 7 8 12 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 23 31 14 15 16 13 26 24 25 27 28 29 20 18 17 19 30 22 22 22 22 21 21 21 21 7
1. Power Input: If you do not want to use a computer in your setup (i.e., if you are using Trigger Finger Pro to control an external MIDI module), connect this input to a power outlet using an optional power adapter (6V DC, 1A, center-positive, sold separately). You do not need this connection when using Trigger Finger Pro with a computer; it will be powered by the USB bus. 2. Power Switch: Press this button to power Trigger Finger Pro on or off. 3.
10. Assignable Faders: Use these faders to send MIDI CC messages to your software or external MIDI device. Alternatively, you can set the faders to communicate with your software using the Mackie Control or HUI protocols or to communicate with Arsenal. See Working with Presets: Assignable Controls for more information. 11. Assignable Buttons: Use these buttons to send MIDI CC messages or Program Change messages to your software or external MIDI device.
15. Roll: Press this button to activate or deactivate Pad Roll Mode. When you press and hold a pad while in this mode, the sound will repeat at the rate determined by the current Time Division setting. Important: The Time Division setting affects both Sequence playback and Pad Roll Mode. In other words, the rate of a pad roll will always correspond to the Sequence's Time Division. 16.
23. Select: Press and hold this button to enter Select Mode in which you can access the secondary functions of the Step Switches (which will appear in the display). Release the button to exit Select Mode. See the Operation: Modes: Select Mode section for more information. 24. Mute: Press this button to activate or deactivate Pad Mute Mode. In this mode, press a pad to mute or unmute it. You can mute multiple pads simultaneously. You can also press the third Function Button to unmute all pads simultaneously.
Quick Start 1. Download and Install the Software We highly recommend downloading and installing the included software applications and their sound content: Arsenal, AIR Drums, and Hybrid 3.0. Windows users: The download package will include a Windows driver for use with Arsenal. 1. Go to m-audio.com/softwaredownload and download the installation files for the software applications (for your computer's operating system) and sound content. These files may be large, so this may take a while! 2.
3. Set Up Trigger Finger Pro with Your Software Trigger Finger Pro with Your DAW To set up Trigger Finger Pro as a controller for your digital audio workstation (DAW): 1. Connect Trigger Finger Pro to your computer using a standard USB cable. (If you are connecting Trigger Finger Pro to a USB hub, make sure it is a powered hub.) 2. Power on Trigger Finger Pro. 3. Open your DAW. 4. Open your DAW's Preferences (or Options, Device Setup, etc.), and Finger Pro as your controller.
Trigger Finger Pro with Arsenal To set up Arsenal with Trigger Finger Pro within your DAW: Important: To use Arsenal in Standalone Mode (without a DAW), please see the steps on following page instead. 1. Open your DAW and make sure Trigger Finger Pro is selected as a controller for your DAW (described above). 2. Create a MIDI track in your DAW, and load Arsenal onto that track as you would with a typical plugin, and select and record-arm that track.
To set up Arsenal with Trigger Finger Pro in Standalone Mode (without a DAW): Important: To use Arsenal in Plugin Mode (with a DAW), please see the steps on previous page instead. 1. Connect Trigger Finger Pro to your computer using a standard USB cable. (If you are connecting Trigger Finger Pro to a USB hub, make sure it is a powered hub.) 2. Power-on Trigger Finger Pro. 3.
Basics This chapter covers some of Trigger Finger Pro's basic functions. We also highly recommend reading the Operation chapter to learn how to get the most out of using Trigger Finger Pro. Using the Pads The velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads are easy to play and responsive to your touch. You can use them to record a Sequence, to play over a Sequence, or even to trigger entire Sequences in Next Sequence Mode. Use Pad Mode to edit each pad's settings: 1.
Using the Assignable Controls The Assignable Controls—the four knobs, faders, and buttons below the display on the left— can serve several functions. You can easily change the controls' MIDI messages and values in Control Mode: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. While viewing the options in the display, turn the Assignable Knobs to change the settings above each knob, or press the Function Buttons to select the option or to change the setting above each button. 3.
Loading and Saving Presets, Sequences, or Preferences Trigger Finger Pro's Presets, Sequences, and Preferences are independent groups of settings that can be saved to its internal memory and can be loaded later. You can mix and match them as desired; they are not dependent on each other. Tip: Press and hold the Save button for two seconds to perform an automatic Save All. This saves your Presets, Sequences, and Preferences all at once. To save a Preset, a Sequence, and/or Preferences: 1.
To load a Preset and/or Sequence: 1. In Performance Mode or Sequence Mode, press the Value Dial (Change->). 2. Press the Value Dial (Change->) to select either the Preset or Sequence field. An arrow (<-) is next to the one that the Value Dial will change. 3. Turn the Value Dial to scroll through the available Presets or Sequences (depending on which field is selected). 4.
Creating a Sequence There are two ways to create or edit a Sequence with Trigger Finger Pro: (A) using the pads in real time or (B) using the Step Switches. To record a Sequence in real time: 1. Press Trigger Finger Pro's Record button. Its Sequencer is record-armed. 2. If the Sequence is not already playing, press Play to start recording. 3. Hit the pads to record their sounds as steps in the Sequence. You can play (and therefore record) multiple pads simultaneously.
Setting the Tempo Each Sequence has its own tempo, which is saved with the Sequence. To set the Tempo, do one of the following: Tap the Tempo button at the desired rate. Trigger Finger Pro's Sequencer will detect and enter the new tempo based on the average the speed at which you tap. or 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Turn the first Assignable Knob (Tempo) to adjust the value. 3.
Edit Your Preferences Trigger Finger Pro's Preferences affect its "global" operation. To edit your Preferences: 1. In Performance Mode, press the third Function Button (Prefs). 2. While viewing the options in the display, turn the Assignable Knobs to change the settings above each knob, or press the Function Buttons to select the option or to change the setting above each button. 3. Exit Preferences by pressing the fourth Function Button (Exit). PREFERENCES Boot: v00.24 Firmware: v01.
Operation This chapter briefly explains Trigger Finger Pro's most basic features to help you get started quickly. To learn more and get the most use out of your Trigger Finger Pro, though, we recommend reading the rest of this User Guide. Navigation Display Value Dial Assignable Knobs Function Buttons Trigger Finger Pro's display shows information about its current mode and operations.
Modes Trigger Finger Pro has five distinct modes that each control different kinds of settings or functions: Performance Mode, Pad Mode, Control Mode, Sequence Mode, and Select Mode. This User Guide describes additional modes (e.g., Pad Mute Mode or Pad Solo Mode), but those modes do not affect Trigger Finger Pro's settings per se like the five modes described in this chapter. Performance Mode Performance Mode is Trigger Finger Pro's default state.
Pad Mode Pad Mode lets you adjust various parameters that determine how the pads behave. Press the Pad Button to enter or exit this mode. When in Pad Mode, the button will light up and Trigger Pads will appear in the display.
Control Mode Control Mode lets you adjust various parameters affecting the knobs, faders, and assignable buttons. Press the Control Button (Ctrl) to enter or exit this mode. When in Control Mode, the button will light up and Knobs, Faders, Buttons, or Advanced will appear in the display, depending on what page you are viewing.
Sequence Mode Sequence Mode lets you adjust various parameters affecting the Sequencer's overall function. Press the Sequence Button (Seq) to enter or exit this mode. When in Sequence Mode, the button will light up and Sequencer will appear in the display.
Select Mode Select Mode lets you use the Step Switches to view or edit settings that affect the current Sequence (rather than the Sequencer's overall function). Press and hold the Select Button to enter this mode. When in Select Mode, the button will light up and Select Mode will appear in the display. In Select Mode, you can: • press a pad and then release the Select Button to see its steps (in the currently shown bar) represented by the lit-up Step Switches (the same as pressing a pad in Sequence Mode).
Saving and Loading Trigger Finger Pro lets you save Presets, Sequences, and Preferences to its internal memory. You can then load your saved Presets and Sequences later, while your saved Preferences are stored globally, remaining in place until you edit and save them again. These three kinds of settings are independent of each other, so you can mix and match them as desired; they are not dependent on each other. To save a Preset, a Sequence, and/or Preferences: 1. In any mode, press the Save button. 2.
SAVE PRESET Preset --> 01: Preset Choose ALL to save everything with current num and name SAVE TYPE SELECT-> PRESET EDIT NAME SAVE CANCEL To load a Preset and Sequence: 1. In Performance Mode or Sequence Mode, press the Value Dial (Change->). 2. The display will show the number and name of both a Preset and a Sequence. 3. • Press the Value Dial (Change->) to select either the Preset or Sequence field. An arrow (<-) is next to the one that the Value Dial will change.
Working with Presets A Preset in Trigger Finger Pro is stored in its internal memory. When you save a Preset, you are saving settings that are specific to the pads, Assignable Controls (knobs, faders, and buttons), DAW Control buttons, and transport buttons. This chapter describes how to configure these settings so you can create and edit your own Presets, which you can save and then load in future sessions.
Settings You can select specific settings for each pad or pad bank while in Pad Mode. These settings will be saved with the Preset. Important: To view and edit your pads' settings, their mapping must be set to MIDI instead of Arsenal. To change this, see the following Mapping section. These are the available settings for each pad.
Mapping The pads' mapping determines how the pads communicate with your software. To change the pads' mapping: 1. Enter Pad Mode by pressing the Pad Mode Button (Pad). 2. Press the third Function Button (Mapping). The mapping of each pad bank will appear on the left of the display. 3. Use each Assignable Knob to select the mapping for the corresponding bank (above it), or use the second Function Button (Toggle All) to select the mapping for all banks simultaneously.
Note The Note setting determines what MIDI note each pad sends out. To change a pad's note: 1. Enter Pad Mode by pressing the Pad Mode Button (Pad). 2. Press the second Function Button (Edit Pads). 3. Use the Pad Bank button to select the desired pad bank, and press the pad whose note you want to edit. 4. Turn the first Assignable Knob (Note) to select the desired note (C-2 – G8). 5.
Velocity The Velocity settings determine the minimum (Min Vel) and maximum (Max Vel) velocities each pad is capable of sending out. To change a pad's minimum and maximum velocities: 1. Enter Pad Mode by pressing the Pad Mode Button (Pad). 2. Press the second Function Button (Edit Pads). 3. Use the Pad Bank button to select the desired pad bank, and press the pad whose velocities you want to edit. 4. Turn the second Assignable Knob (Min Vel) to set the minimum velocity (00–127).
Pressure Trigger Finger Pro's pads are pressure-sensitive. They respond to changes in pressure after the initial press. The Pressure setting determines what kind of pressure message each pad sends out. To change a pad's pressure settings: 1. Enter Pad Mode by pressing the Pad Mode Button (Pad). 2. Press the second Function Button (Edit Pads). 3. Use the Pad Bank button to select the desired pad bank, and press the pad whose velocities you want to edit. 4.
Colors The Color settings determine each pad's LED color when pressed/"on" (Pad On) and when not pressed/"off" (Pad Off). Tip: Select contrasting colors for a pad's on and off states to easily see your presses. Also, select different colors for each pad bank to easily determine which bank is selected. To change a pad's colors: 1. Enter Pad Mode by pressing the Pad Mode Button (Pad). 2. Press the second Function Button (Edit Pads). 3. Press the third Function Button (More). 4.
MIDI Channel and Output The MIDI settings determine over which MIDI channel each pad sends its messages and whether the messages are sent over Trigger Finger Pro's USB Port, MIDI Out jack, or both. To change a pad's MIDI channel and output configuration: 1. Enter Pad Mode by pressing the Pad Mode Button (Pad). 2. Press the second Function Button (Edit Pads). 3. Press the third Function Button (More). 4.
Assignable Controls (Knobs, Faders, and Buttons) Trigger Finger Pro's Assignable Controls are the knobs, faders, and buttons below the display on the left side. You can use these controls to send MIDI CC or Program Change messages to your software or external MIDI device. Alternatively, you can set them to communicate with your software using the Mackie Control or HUI protocols or to communicate with Arsenal. (The knobs also let you adjust the parameters shown right above them in the display.
Settings You can select specific settings for each assignable control or control bank while in Control Mode. These settings will be saved with the Preset. Important: To view and edit your assignable controls' settings, their mapping must be set to MIDI instead of Arsenal. To change this, see the following Mapping section. These are the available settings for each control.
Mapping The assignable controls' mapping determines how they will communicate with your software. Tip: You can see an overview of all assignable controls' mapping in the display by pressing and holding the Control Bank button (in any mode). To change the assignable controls' mapping: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. Press the third Function Button (Mapping). The mapping of each pad bank will appear on the left of the display. 3.
Message The Message determines what kind of MIDI message each assignable control sends out. Additional settings are associated with each Message. To change an assignable control's message: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. Press the second Function Button (Edit Controls). The display will tell you to move the desired control. 3. Press the Control Bank button to select the desired bank.
KNOBS 01: Preset CC: 00 MIN VAL: MAX VAL: MESSAGE: 00 127 CC KNOBS MSB: 00 01: Preset LSB: 00 KNOBS MSB: 00 BANK:A MIN VAL: MAX VAL: MESSAGE: 00 127 NRPN 01: Preset LSB: 00 BANK:A PROG: 00 BANK:A MESSAGE: Prog Ch 43 KNOB:A01 MORE KNOB:A01 MORE KNOB:A01 MORE SEL-> EXIT SEL-> EXIT SEL-> EXIT
Value (Assignable Knobs and Assignable Faders only) The Value settings determine the minimum (Min Val) and maximum (Max Val) values each assignable control is capable of sending out. To change a control's minimum and maximum values: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. Press the second Function Button (Edit Control). The display will tell you to move the desired control. 3. Press the Control Bank button to select the desired bank.
Colors (Assignable Buttons only) The Color settings determine each Assignable Button's LED color when pressed/"on" (Btn On) and when not pressed/"off" (Btn Off). Tip: Select contrasting colors for a button's on and off states to easily see your presses. Also, select different colors for each control bank to easily determine which bank is selected. To change a button's colors: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. Press the second Function Button (Edit Controls).
BUTTONS 01: Preset BTN ON: BTN OFF: Green Indigo BANK:A MIDI-CH: OUTPUT: UsePrefs UsePrefs 46 BUTTON:A01 SEL-> EXIT
Type (Assignable Buttons only) The Type determines how the Assignable Buttons function when pressed. Additional settings are associated with each Type. To change a button's type: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. Press the second Function Button (Edit Controls). The display will tell you to move the desired control. 3. Press the Control Bank button to select the desired bank.
BUTTONS CC: 32 BUTTONS CC: 32 BUTTONS CC: 32 01: Preset BANK:A BUTTON:01 PRESS: RELEASE: MESSAGE: TYPE: 127 00 CC Moment 01: Preset ON: 127 01: Preset VALUE: 127 BANK:A OFF: 00 BUTTON:01 MESSAGE: TYPE: CC Toggle BANK:A MORE BUTTON:01 MESSAGE: TYPE: CC Single 48 MORE MORE SEL-> EXIT SEL-> EXIT SEL-> EXIT
MIDI Channel and Output The MIDI settings determine over which MIDI channel each control sends its messages and whether the messages are sent over Trigger Finger Pro's USB Port, MIDI Out jack, or both. To change a control's MIDI channel and output configuration: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. Press the second Function Button (Edit Controls). The display will tell you to move the desired control. 3. Press the Control Bank button to select the desired bank.
BUTTONS 01: Preset BTN ON: BTN OFF: Green Indigo BANK:A MIDI-CH: OUTPUT: UsePrefs UsePrefs 50 BUTTON:A01 SEL-> EXIT
Mackie Control When a control bank's mapping is set to Mackie, they are automatically set to control one of a set group of functions. You can use Control Mode to switch between their various functions easily. To set the Mackie Control functions of the Assignable Controls: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. Turn the Value Dial to select which type of Assignable Control you are changing: Knobs, Faders, or Buttons. (The Advanced option pertains to the DAW Control buttons.
KNOBS 01: Preset V-POT1: V-POT2: V-POT3: V-POT4: FADERS BANK:A ASSIGN 01: Preset BANK:A FADER1: FADER2: FADER3: FADER4: |----- |----- |----- |----- BUTTONS MUTE1: o TRACKS: MAPPING: 1-4 Mackie 01: Preset MUTE2: o MUTE3: o MUTE4: o TRACKS: MAPPING: 1-4 Mackie BANK:A FUNC: TRACKS: MAPPING: Mute 1-4 Mackie 52 CTRL-> TYPE EXIT CTRL-> TYPE EXIT CTRL-> TYPE EXIT
HUI When a control bank's mapping is set to HUI, they are automatically set to control one of a set group of functions. You can use Control Mode to switch between their various functions easily. To set the HUI functions of the Assignable Controls: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. Turn the Value Dial to select which type of Assignable Control you are changing: Knobs, Faders, or Buttons. (The Advanced option pertains to the DAW Control buttons.
KNOBS 01: Preset V-POT1: V-POT2: V-POT3: V-POT4: FADERS BANK:A ASSIGN 01: Preset BANK:A FADER1: FADER2: FADER3: FADER4: |----- |----- |----- |----- BUTTONS MUTE1: o TRACKS: MAPPING: 1-4 HUI 01: Preset MUTE2: o MUTE3: o MUTE4: o TRACKS: MAPPING: 1-4 HUI BANK:A FUNC: TRACKS: MAPPING: Mute 1-4 HUI 54 CTRL-> TYPE EXIT CTRL-> TYPE EXIT CTRL-> TYPE EXIT
DAW Control Buttons You can configure the DAW Control buttons to send messages to your DAW using the Mackie Control or HUI protocol. To configure the DAW Control buttons: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. Use the Value Dial to select Advanced (which will appear in the upper left corner of the display). 3. Press the third Function Button (Cursors) to switch between the available options: 4.
Transport Buttons You can configure how the Stop and Play transport buttons communicate with your DAW. To configure the Stop and Play transport buttons: 1. Enter Control Mode by pressing the Control Mode Button (Ctrl). 2. Use the Value Dial to select Advanced (which will appear in the upper left corner of the display). 3. Press the second Function Button (Trnsprt) to switch between the available options: 4.
Saving and Loading Trigger Finger Pro lets you save Presets to its internal memory. See the earlier Saving and Loading section to learn how to save your Presets to Trigger Finger Pro.
Working with Sequences Trigger Finger Pro has a powerful, flexible step sequencer, letting you create, edit, and play Sequences quickly and easily. This chapter covers the many aspects of Sequences and how to use them. A Sequence is, essentially, a pattern that you can use as part of a song. Some songs may use only one Sequence while others may use several Sequences in a complex song structure. Trigger Finger Pro's Sequences may be one to four bars long, and each bar can have up to 16 steps.
Recording Trigger Finger Pro's real-time recording function and velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads let you create Sequences quickly and intuitively. To record a Sequence in real time: 1. In any mode, press Trigger Finger Pro's Record button. Its Sequencer is now recordarmed. 2. If the Sequence is not already playing, press Play to start recording. 3. Hit the pads to record their sounds as steps in the Sequence. You can play (and therefore record) multiple pads simultaneously.
Transport Controls The transport controls work in any mode. Some control both Trigger Finger Pro's Sequencer and your DAW while others control the Sequencer only. Play: Press this to start playback of Trigger Finger Pro's Sequencer and your DAW. Stop: Press this to stop playback of Trigger Finger Pro's Sequencer and your DAW. Record (Rec): Press this to record-arm Trigger Finger Pro's Sequencer. Loop: Press this to activate or deactivate the Loop feature for the current bar of the Sequence.
Steps The subdivisions of a bar within a Sequence are represented in 16 "steps" by the Step Switches. The Step Switches show the steps for one pad at a time, indicated in the display. You can use the Step Switches to quickly add or remove steps to or from a Sequence. To set the number of steps in each bar of a Sequence: 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Set the total number of steps in each bar of the Sequence (01–16) by turning the fourth Assignable Knob (Steps). 3.
To enter or erase steps in a Sequence: 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Check above the third Function Button (Page) to make sure you are viewing Page 1. If you are on Page 2, press the button to move to Page 1. 3. Press the pad whose sound you want to use in the current bar. The pad number will appear in the display, and any steps for that pad in that bar will appear in the Step Switches.
You can also use other Sequence Mode options to erase all steps for a single pad or to erase all steps from the entire Sequence. To erase all steps for a single pad: 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Check above the third Function Button (Page) to make sure you are viewing Page 1. If you are on Page 2, press the button to move to Page 1. 3. Press the second Function Button (Edit Velocity). 4. Press the pad whose steps you want to erase.
To erase all steps from the entire Sequence: 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Check above the third Function Button (Page) to make sure you are viewing Page 2. If you are on Page 1, press the button to move to Page 2. 3. To erase all steps for all pads in the Sequence, press the second Function Button (Clear All). Be careful—this cannot be undone! 4.
Velocities Each pad used in a Sequence can play its notes at independent velocities for each step, which you can edit. To edit step velocities: 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Check above the third Function Button (Page) to make sure you are viewing Page 1. If you are on Page 2, press the button to move to Page 1. 3. Press the second Function Button (Edit Velocity).
1: 127 2: 00 BANK:A 3: 00 4: 00 5: 00 6: 00 7: 00 8: 00 9: 127 PAD:A01 BAR:Auto VEL:127 10: 00 11: 00 TIE 12: 00 13: 14: 00 00 CLR PAD CLR ALL 15: 16: 00 00 EXIT The Sequencer Velocity determines the default velocity level of steps you enter with the Step Switches. To edit the Sequencer Velocity: 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Check above the third Function Button (Page) to make sure you are viewing Page 1.
Bars You can create Sequences with a total length of one to four bars. To set/change the number of bars in a Sequence: 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Check above the third Function Button (Page) to make sure you are viewing Page 1. If you are on Page 2, press the button to move to Page 1. 3. Check above the first Function Button (Bars) to see the Sequence's current bar length. The default bar length of a blank Sequence is 4 bars.
The 16 Step Switches show one bar at a time. You can set them either (A) to show a specific bar (regardless of the current position of the Sequencer's playhead) or (B) to "follow" the Sequencer's playhead. To set which bar you viewing/editing in the Step Switches: 1. Enter Select Mode by pressing and holding the Select Button. Check Step Indicators 1–5. The Step Indicator under the currently selected option is lit aqua. 2.
Timing Trigger Finger Pro has four main timing settings: Tempo, Swing, Gate, and Time Division. All four settings are saved with each Sequence rather than globally. Important: While these settings affect only the Sequence they are saved with, you can "lock" to a single set of these parameters while in Next Sequence Mode. Learn more about this in the Next Sequence Mode section of this chapter. Tempo The Tempo setting determines the speed of a Sequence in BPM (beats per minute).
SEQUENCER TEMPO: 120 01: Sequence SWING: 50% GATE 50% BANK:A FIX VEL: 127 BAR:01 PAD:A01 BARS: EDIT PAGE: 02 VELOCITY 1 of 2 CHANGE-> SEQUENCE EXIT Swing The Swing setting determines the amount of swing—a "shuffle" or triplet-based feel—that is applied to the Sequence. Important: The Swing setting is affected by the Time Division. Furthermore, if your Time Division is triplet-based, Swing will not be applied. To set the Swing of a Sequence: 1.
Gate The Gate setting determines the length of the notes (steps) of the Sequence. With a small Gate setting, the note events of the Sequence will be very short and staccato-sounding. With a large Gate setting, the note events will be longer and more legato-sounding. To set the Gate of a Sequence: 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Turn the third Knob (Gate) to adjust the value: 3.
Time Division The Time Division is the type of note (or note value) into which a bar is divided. For instance, a Time Division of 1/8 means that the bar's length is measured in eighth notes. You do not have to be in Sequence Mode to do this; rather, you do this in Select Mode. To set the Time Division of a Sequence: 1. Enter Select Mode by pressing and holding the Select Button. 2. Press Step Switch 12, 13, 14, or 15 to select a Time Division of 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, or 1/32 (respectively).
Copying and Pasting When creating and editing Sequences, you can quickly copy and paste bars. You do not have to be in Sequence Mode to do this; rather, you do this in Select Mode. To copy and paste: 1. Enter Select Mode by pressing and holding the Select button. (Although you must hold the Select button down before each step of this process, you can release it at any time without undoing anything—just remember to press and hold it again before resuming.) 2.
Duplicating When creating and editing Sequences, you can duplicate a pad's step pattern to the next bar. Duplicating is different from copying and pasting in the following ways: 1. It always copies and pastes to the next bar in the Sequence. 2. It always copies and pastes the same pad. 3. The effect is immediate (i.e., a single press of Step Switch 9 (Duplicate)).
Next Sequence Mode Next Sequence Mode lets you use the pads to trigger Sequences of the same number (e.g., pressing Pad 12 will trigger Sequence 12). In this mode, you can string together several Sequences to create a song in real time. To enter or exit Next Sequence Mode, press the Next Sequence (Next Seq) button. To play a Sequence, press the pad with the same number as the desired Sequence. This mode has three settings that affect how and when Sequences play in this mode.
Timing This determines how timing-related settings—Tempo, Swing, Gate, and Time Division— affect the Sequences: • Locked: The next Sequence will use the same timing settings as the current Sequence. If you choose this setting before starting playback, the first Sequence you play determines the timing settings. If you choose this setting after starting playback, the current Sequence determines the timing settings.
Pad Mute Mode Pad Mute Mode lets you mute all sounds in a Sequence that are played by a pad (or multiple pads). You can do this during Sequence playback or while the Sequence is stopped. This can be useful for simply removing certain sounds from a Sequence. It is also an interesting production/performance technique in and of itself! Note: Muting a pad does not disable it; you can still hit the pad to hear its sound. Muting it just silences it in the Sequence. To mute one or more pads: 1.
You can also mute an entire pad bank. This can be done whether or not you are in Pad Mute Mode. Important: The mute states of your pad banks will be saved with the Sequence. To mute one or more pad banks: 1. Press and hold the Pad Bank button. You will see in the display that each column of pads corresponds to a pad bank (the first column controls Pad Bank A, the second column controls Pad Bank B, etc.). If the top two pads of a column are lit, the pad bank is active (un-muted).
You can quickly disable all mutes (and solos) by using the Enable All feature. To activate Enable All: 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Check above the third Function Button (Page) to make sure you are viewing Page 2. If you are on Page 1, press the button to move to Page 2. 3. Press the first Function Button (Enable All). All mutes (and solos) will be immediately disabled. 4.
Pad Solo Mode Pad Solo Mode lets you solo all sounds in a Sequence that are played by a pad (or multiple pads). You can do this during Sequence playback or while the Sequence is stopped. This can be useful for isolating certain sounds in a Sequence. Important: Soloing a muted pad will override its muted state. When you un-solo the pad, it will return to its muted state. To solo one or more pads: 1. Enter Pad Solo Mode by pressing the Solo button. 2.
You can quickly disable all solos (and mutes) by using the Enable All feature. To activate Enable All: 1. Enter Sequence Mode by pressing the Sequence Mode (Seq) button. 2. Check above the third Function Button (Page) to make sure you are viewing Page 2. If you are on Page 1, press the button to move to Page 2. 3. Press the first Function Button (Enable All). All solos (and mutes) will be immediately disabled. 4.
Pad Roll Mode Pad Roll Mode causes pads, when pressed and held, to automatically retrigger at a regular rate in quick succession, similar to a drum roll. This is useful for creating fills during performance. Press the Roll button to activate or deactivate Pad Roll Mode. When you press and hold a pad while in this mode, the pad's sound will repeat at the rate determined by the current Time Division setting. Important: The Time Division setting affects both Sequence playback and Pad Roll Mode.
Fixed Mode Fixed Mode lets you play all pads with their sounds at the same velocity level, regardless of how hard you hit them. Press the Fixed button to activate or deactivate Fixed Mode. To set the Fixed Mode velocity in Pad Mode: 1. Enter Pad Mode by pressing the Pad Mode Button (Pad). 2. Turn the fourth Assignable Knob (Fix Vel) to set the desired velocity (00–127). When in Fixed Mode, a pad will always send its note message at that velocity value. 3.
Preferences Trigger Finger Pro's Preferences affect its "global" operation. In other words, these settings determine how it works regardless of what Preset or Sequence is currently selected. This chapter describes how to edit the Preferences, which you can save and then load in future sessions. Important: The exceptions to this are the MIDI channel and MIDI output.
Tempo While the actual tempo (in BPM) is set in each Sequence, Trigger Finger Pro's Preferences let you configure other settings that affect how its Tempo button functions. Tap LED The Tempo button's LED flashes in time with Trigger Finger Pro's internal Clock (if Clock is set to External, this button will be lit blue). You can turn this LED on or off. To activate or deactivate the Tempo button LED: 1. Enter Preferences by pressing the third Function Button (Prefs) while in Performance Mode. 2.
Tap Average Pressing the Tempo button repeatedly at the desired rate will change the Sequence's tempo. You can set how many presses ("taps") are required before the new tempo is detected and changed. To set how many taps are required to enter a new tempo: 1. Enter Preferences by pressing the third Function Button (Prefs) while in Performance Mode. 2. Press the third Function Button (More). 3.
Clock Trigger Finger Pro can either use its internal MIDI Clock or an external one from a DAW. To set the MIDI Clock source: 1. Enter Preferences by pressing the third Function Button (Prefs) while in Performance Mode. 2. Press the second Function Button (Clock) to switch the MIDI Clock setting: 3. • Internal: Trigger Finger Pro will use its own tempo for all Sequences. It will also send MIDI Clock information out over its USB Port and/or MIDI Out jack.
MIDI Your Preferences' MIDI settings determine over which MIDI channel the pads or assignable control send their messages and whether the messages are sent over Trigger Finger Pro's USB Port, MIDI Out jack, or both. Important: This applies only to pads or assignable controls that have UsePrefs selected as their MIDI channel or MIDI output.
Velocity The Preferences let you set two kinds of "global" velocities: the velocity used in Fixed Mode and the default velocity for the Step Switches. Fixed Mode Velocity Fixed Mode lets you play all pads with their sounds at the same velocity level, regardless of how hard you hit them. Press the Fixed button to activate or deactivate Fixed Mode. To set the Fixed Mode Velocity in your Preferences: 1. Enter Preferences by pressing the third Function Button (Prefs) while in Performance Mode. 2.
Sequencer Velocity The Sequencer Velocity determines the default velocity level of steps entered by using the Step Switches. To set the Fixed Mode velocity in your Preferences: 1. Enter Preferences by pressing the third Function Button (Prefs) while in Performance Mode. 2. Turn the fourth Assignable Knob (Seq Vel) to set the desired velocity (00–127). This is the Sequencer's overall velocity. 3.
Display The Preferences let you adjust certain settings that affect Trigger Finger Pro's display. To adjust the display settings: 1. Enter Preferences by pressing the third Function Button (Prefs) while in Performance Mode. 2. Press the third Function Button (More). 3. Turn the first Assignable Knob (LCD: Bright) to set the display's brightness (00–100%). Turn the second Assignable Knob (LCD: Contrast) to set the display's contrast (00– 100%).
Pads The Preferences also let you can set the gain, sensitivity, and velocity curves used for all of Trigger Finger Pro's pads. To adjust the pad settings: 1. Enter Preferences by pressing the third Function Button (Prefs) while in Performance Mode. 2. Press the third Function Button (More). 3. Turn the third Assignable Knob (Pads: Gain) to set the pads' gain (01–10), which affects the range of force required to trigger notes across the available range of velocities.
PREFERENCES ----- LCD ------ --------- PADS ------BRIGHT: CONTRAST: GAIN: SENS: CURVE: 50% 100% 05 16 Log1 NIGHT MODE: Off TAP AVERAGE: EXIT 04 Saving and Loading Trigger Finger Pro lets you save Preferences to its internal memory. See the earlier Saving and Loading section to learn how to save your Preferences to Trigger Finger Pro.
Using an External MIDI Module You can use Trigger Finger Pro as a controller for an external MIDI device. Use a standard 5pin MIDI cable to connect your external device's MIDI input to Trigger Finger Pro's MIDI Out. Also, make sure Trigger Finger Pro's Preferences are set properly depending on your setup: If you are using both your computer (DAW) and an external MIDI device, enter Trigger Finger Pro's Preferences, and do the following: • Make sure the Clock source is set to External.
Appendix Technical Specifications Display Monochromatic LCD, 68x4 characters Pads 16 pads (in a 4x4 grid), velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB-backlit with assignable colors; 4 banks Assignable Knobs 4 360º encoders; 4 banks Assignable Faders 4 60mm faders; 4 banks Assignable Buttons 4 RGB-backlit buttons; 4 banks Step Switches 16 backlit buttons with 16 LED indicators above Inputs / Outputs 1 USB port 1 5-pin MIDI out Power USB-bus-powered Power adapter (optional, sold separately): 6V DC, 1A
Trademarks and Licenses M-Audio and AIR Music Technology are trademarks of inMusic Brands, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Mac and OS X are trademarks or service marks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Mackie Control and HUI are trademarks or registered trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
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