MD500 MIDI Keyboard: With Mini-Size Keys
MD500 MIDI Keyboard: With Mini-Size Keys
Owners Manual
CONTENTS
Features .................................................................................................................................. 2 The FCC Wants You to Know ........................................................................................... 2 Preparation ............................................................................................................................. Connecting Power ............................................................................................................ Using Batteries .......................................................................................................... Using AC/DC Power .................................................................................................. Connecting Headphones .................................................................................................. Listening Safely ......................................................................................................... Connecting an External Amplifier ..................................................................................... 3 3 3 3 4 4 4
A Quick Look at Your Keyboard ........................................................................................... 5 Operation ................................................................................................................................ 5 Basic Operation ................................................................................................................ 5 Playing the Prerecorded Tunes ........................................................................................ 6 Playing Back a Prerecorded Tune ............................................................................. 6 Using DEMO ............................................................................................................. 6 Using the Preset Tones .................................................................................................... 7 Selecting/Playing a Preset Tone ................................................................................ 7 Using the Preset Auto-Rhythms ....................................................................................... 7 Selecting/Playing an Auto-Rhythm ............................................................................ 7 Using SYNC .............................................................................................................. 8 Using FILL-IN ............................................................................................................ 8 Using Auto Accompaniment ............................................................................................. 8 Single Fingering ........................................................................................................ 8 Standard Fingering .................................................................................................... 9 Learning to Play ............................................................................................................... 9 Using the Metronome ..................................................................................................... 10 Using BEAT ..................................................................................................................... 10 Special Features .................................................................................................................. 10 Recording ....................................................................................................................... 10 Using One-Touch Setting ................................................................................................ 10 Using Sustain .................................................................................................................. 11 Percussion Pads .............................................................................................................. 11 Using a Percussion Pad ........................................................................................... 11 Recording/Playing a Percussion Pad Sound ............................................................ 11 Transposing ..................................................................................................................... 11 Using MIDI ............................................................................................................................ 12 About MIDI ..................................................................................................................... 12 Making the MIDI Connections ........................................................................................ 12 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................... 13 Care ................................................................................................................................ 13 Chord Charts ........................................................................................................................ 14 Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 16
Features
Your RadioShack MIDI Keyboard is a stateof-the-art keyboard with many exciting features. You can set the keyboard to sound like 50 different musical instruments. To accompany your music, the keyboard has 30 rhythms, as well as auto accompaniments and percussion sounds. Your keyboard also includes a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) OUT feature, which lets you connect it to other MIDIequipped musical instruments or devices even your personal computer. Music Information Display shows you the notes and chords as you play them, along with the current tone, rhythm, and tempo. Sustain Function lets you extend the length of a played note, providing added flexibility as you make music. Recording/Playback lets you record your own tunes and play them back at any time. Metronome the keyboard sounds the beat, making it easy to keep time with the music. Tempo Controls let you speed up or slow down the tempo of any selected music pattern. Note: This Owners Manual explains how to use this electronic keyboard. It does not teach music.
increase the distance between the equipment and the radio or TV use outlets on different electrical circuits for the keyboard and the radio or TV. Consult your local RadioShack store if the problem still exists. You must use shielded interface cables with this equipment.
2001 RadioShack Corporation. All Rights Reserved. RadioShack, Adaptaplug, and RadioShack.com are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.
Features
Preparation
To connect a MIDI device to your keyboard, see Making the MIDI Connections on Page 12. 2. Press the tabs on the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the keyboard and pull up the cover to remove it. 3. Place the batteries in the compartment as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and ) marked inside the compartment. 4. Replace the cover. internal batteries standard AC power using an optional AC adapter a vehicles cigarette-lighter socket using an optional DC adapter Notes: Connecting an AC or DC adapter automatically disconnects internal batteries. Always disconnect the AC or DC adapter when you finish using the keyboard. When the keyboard stops operating properly, replace the batteries. Warning: Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury them. Caution: If you do not plan to use the keyboard with batteries for a week or more, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.
CONNECTING POWER
You can power your keyboard in any of these ways:
Using Batteries
Your keyboard can use six C batteries (not supplied) for power. For the best performance and longest life, we recommend RadioShack alkaline batteries. Cautions: Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type. Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities. 1. Slide POWER to OFF.
Always connect the AC or DC adapter to the keyboard before you connect it to AC power or vehicle battery power. When you finish, disconnect the adapter from AC power or vehicle battery power
Preparation
before you disconnect it from the keyboard. 1. Slide POWER to OFF. 2. Set the AC or DC adapters voltage switch to 9V. 3. Insert the Adaptaplug adapter into the adapters cord so it reads + TIP. 4. Connect the AC or DC adapters barrel plug to the DC 9V jack on the back of the keyboard.
DC 9V
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use headphones. Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level. Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss. Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.
5. Plug the AC or DC adapters other end into a standard AC outlet or your vehicles cigarette-lighter socket.
CONNECTING HEADPHONES
To listen to your keyboard without disturbing others, you can connect an optional pair of stereo headphones with a 1/8-inch (3.5-mm) plug. Your local RadioShack store sells a wide selection of headphones. Insert the headphones plug into the PHONE jack on the back of the keyboard. Note: Connecting headphones disconnects the keyboards built-in speakers.
Preparation
POWER
METRO BEAT
DEMO
PLAY RECORD
RHYTHM TONE
MIDI
TRANSPOSE
Operation
BASIC OPERATION
1. To turn on the keyboard, set POWER to ON. The POWER indicator lights. Important: To prevent hearing damage, always set the keyboards volume to its lowest level before you begin playing it after changing any settings. Note: To remind you to save power during operation, the keyboard automatically sounds a tone about every 5 minutes if you do not press a key. 2. To hear a sample of the keyboards many sounds, play a prerecorded tune (see Playing the Prerecorded Tunes on Page 6). To make your own music, simply begin playing the keyboard. Notes: The keyboard automatically selects the tone Grand PIANO (No. 01) when you turn the power on. To select a different tone, see Selecting/Playing a Preset Tone on Page 7. To select an auto-rhythm, see Using the Preset Auto-Rhythms on Page 7. To play auto accompaniment, see Using Auto Accompaniment on Page 8.
3. Repeatedly press VOLUME UP or VOLUME DOWN to increase or decrease the volume. Notes: The keyboards volume ranges from 0 (no sound) to 10 (maximum), and the current volume level appears on the display. Each time you turn on the keyboard, the volume is set to 6. To quickly return to the default volume setting of 6, turn the keyboard off then back on. 4. To turn off the keyboard, set POWER to OFF. The POWER indicator turns off.
If you enter an incorrect first digit, repeatedly press + or to move to the next higher or lower numbered tune. 3. Press START/STOP to start playing the tune. You can change the tune by repeating Step 2 even while a tune is playing. The new tune immediately begins to play. As it plays, the display shows: a score to show you the notes that are playing (right side of the display) a keyboard to show you the fingering and which keys are pressed (bottom of the display) the black dots above the metronome show the beat count in the measure the chord name (center left of the display) Note: Each tune plays a different preset tone for the melody. 4. Use VOLUME to adjust the volume as desired. 5. To change the tempo, repeatedly press TEMPO UP or TEMPO DOWN. The current tempo setting appears. 6. To select a different tune, repeat Step 2. To stop the tune completely, press START/STOP.
Using DEMO
To play the prerecorded tunes one by one (in order from the selected starting point), press DEMO. To stop the demo, press DEMO again.
Operation
You can play a preset auto-rhythm on the keyboard in any of the following ways: select and play a rhythm (see Selecting/Playing an Auto-Rhythm ) synchronize the start of a rhythm with your music (see Using SYNC on Page 8) briefly vary the pattern of a rhythm (see Using FILL-IN on Page 8)
Selecting/Playing an Auto-Rhythm
1. Press RHYTHM. Note: Each time you turn on the keyboard, it automatically selects the rhythm Disco 1 (No. 01). 2. To select a different rhythm, choose an auto-rhythm from the RHYTHMS list and enter its two-digit number on the keypad. Or, repeatedly press + or to move to the next higher or lower numbered rhythm. Note: Precede a single-digit number with a 0. For example, press 0 5 to select POP WALTZ (No. 05). 3. Press START/STOP to start the selected auto-rhythm. 4. Adjust VOLUME to the desired level. 5. To change the tempo, repeatedly press TEMPO UP or TEMPO DOWN. The current tempo setting appears. Notes: You can adjust the tempo to play an auto-rhythm from 40 to 240 beats per minute.
Operation
To reset the tempo to its default (original) speed, press TEMPO UP and TEMPO DOWN at the same time. 6. Play the keyboard along with the autorhythm. 7. To select a different rhythm, repeat Steps 1 and 2. 8. To stop the auto-rhythm, press START/ STOP again.
keys you press determine the type of chord that plays. You can set the keyboard to play with no accompaniment or two different types of auto accompaniment using the accompaniment keys. Normal normal mode. Chords are turned off in this mode (but you can select tone and rhythm). S.Finger single fingering mode. This mode lets you play chords on the accompaniment keys using standard chord formations (see Single Fingering). Fingered standard fingering mode. This mode lets you play chords on the accompaniment keys using chord formations of from three or more notes. The chord name appears on the display. The number of keys you press determines the type of chord that plays (see Standard Fingering on Page 9). Note: See Chord Charts on Page 14 for a list of all the chords you can play on your keyboard. Your keyboard defaults to the normal mode. Follow the steps under Single Fingering or Standard Fingering on Page 9 to set it to an accompaniment mode.
Using SYNC
This feature lets you synchronize the start of an auto-rhythm with the beginning of your music. After you select and enter an auto-rhythm, press SYNC/FILL-IN. The black dots above the metronome flash to show the keyboard is in a standby mode. Begin playing the keyboard. The keyboard automatically begins to play the rhythm when you press any key.
Using FILL-IN
This feature lets you insert a short (1- to 2measure) variation in the beat pattern of a selected auto-rhythm. Simply press SYNC/FILL-IN while the autorhythm is playing. The keyboard inserts a variation, then the original rhythm automatically resumes at the end of the current measure. Or, to insert a longer variation, hold down SYNC/FILL-IN. The keyboard plays the variation until you release SYNC/FILL-IN.
Single Fingering
1. Set POWER to ON. 2. Repeatedly press CHORD until a black dot appears next to S.FINGER on the left side of the display. 3. Press RHYTHM. 4. Enter a two-digit auto-rhythm number. 5. To start the auto-rhythm before the auto accompaniment, press START/STOP.
Operation
Or, to synchronize the start of the selected auto-rhythm with your accompaniment, press SYNC/FILL-IN. 6. Begin the accompaniment at the desired interval by pressing the desired accompaniment key(s). To play a melody along with the accompaniment, press any key(s) to the right of the accompaniment keys. 7. Adjust TEMPO and VOLUME to the desired levels. 8. To change chords without interrupting the rhythm, simply press the auto accompaniment key(s) re-quired to form the new chord. The name of the chord appears. 9. To stop auto accompaniment but not the auto-rhythm, repeatedly press CHORD until the black dot appears next to 125 0$/ on the display. Or, to stop auto accompaniment and the auto-rhythm, press START/STOP.
4. To start the auto-rhythm before your auto accompaniment, press START/ STOP. Or, to synchronize the start of the selected auto-rhythm with your accompaniment, press SYNC/FILL-IN. 5. Begin the accompaniment at the desired interval by pressing at least three accompaniment keys to play the desired chord. To play a melody along with the accompaniment, press any key(s) to the right of the accompaniment keys. 6. Adjust TEMPO and VOLUME to the desired levels. 7. To change chords without interrupting the rhythm, simply press the auto accompaniment key(s) re-quired to form the new chord. The name of the chord appears. 8. To stop auto accompaniment and the auto-rhythm, press START/STOP.
Standard Fingering
The standard fingering method uses standard formations of three or more notes, and lets the experienced musician play a wider variety of accompaniment chords. Note: See Chord Charts on Page 14 for a list of all the chords you can play on your keyboard using standard fingering accompaniment. Follow these steps to start standard fingering auto accompaniment. 1. Set POWER to ON. 2. Repeatedly press CHORD until a black dot appears next to ),1*(5(' on the left side of the display. 3. Select and enter an auto-rhythm.
LEARNING TO PLAY
Your keyboards learning feature lets beginning keyboard players easily learn and play a prerecorded tune. You can select any of the following modes: ONE KEY in this mode, press START/ STOP and any key to play accompaniment and a melody note. The note appears. WAITING In this mode, the melody does not play until you play a correct note. The next note of the tune appears. MELODY OFF in this mode, you can play melody with accompaniment.
Operation
1. Press SONG, then repeatedly press LEARNING until black dots appear next to 21( .(< on the left side of the display. 2. Select a tone from the SONGS list and enter its two-digit number on the keypad. Or, you can press or + to move to the next higher or lower numbered tune. 3. Press START/STOP. The keyboard plays the first note of the tune you selected and the note appears. Press the corresponding key on the keyboard to continue learning. The next note you need to press appears. The tune will continue to play even if you press the wrong key. 4. To stop learning, press START/STOP again or press LEARNING. If you pressed LEARNING, a black dot appears next to :$,7,1* and a note appears. Press the correct key to continue learning. The tune doesnt play until you press the correct key.
If you want to play the tune with accompaniment in the learning mode, repeatedly press LEARNING until a black dot appears next to 0(/2'<2)). If you want to quit the learning mode, repeatedly press LEARNING until the black dot appears next to 1250$/.
USING BEAT
When the metronome is on, repeatedly press BEAT until you hear the desired beat to adjust it. 9 beats (00, 0209) are available and can be selected cyclically. The beat number you selected appears.
Special Features
RECORDING
You can record a sequence of notes up to 37 notes in length. 1. Press Note: If the keyboard loses power, recording is turned off and any recording you made is erased.
5(&25' appears.
RECORD
to
start
recording.
2. Play the notes you want to record. 3. Press PLAY to play the notes you recorded. 3/$< appears. 4. To turn off recording, press RHYTHM, TONE, or SONG.
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Special Features
4. Press TONE. The preset tone that matches the selected auto-rhythm appears. To quit one-touch setting, press O.T.S. 276 disappears.
USING SUSTAIN
For added flexibility and control as you make music, you can set the keyboard so it sustains sound. To sustain notes you play, press SUSTAIN. 6867$,1 appears and the keyboard sustains the played note until you release SUSTAIN. Press SUSTAIN again to turn off sustain.
PERCUSSION PADS
Using a Percussion Pad
Your keyboards percussion pads put the sound of 5 different percussion instruments (bass drum, snare drum, hi-hat open, high tom-tom, and hi-hat close) at your fingertips. To play a percussion pad sound, simply press the desired pad at any time. The keyboard plays the selected percussion sound once each time you press the pad.
TRANSPOSING
The keyboard automatically selects the key of middle C each time you turn it on. For added flexibility, you can transpose (change) the keyboards key using as many as 12 steps (+6-6). You can adjust the transposition freely by pressing the TRANSPOSE buttons. To transpose the keyboards key, press TRANSPOSE + to raise a chromatic scale or TRANSPOSE to decrease a chromatic. To reset the keyboards key to its default, press TRANSPOSE + and TRANSPOSE at the same time.
Special Features
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Using MIDI
Your keyboard includes a feature called MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). MIDI is the universal standard for sending and receiving performance data between all types of electronic musical instruments, regardless of the manufacturer. Using MIDI, you can play music on your keyboard and another instrument at the same time while pressing the keys on only one, record your music to a sequencer, acquire a wider selection of preset tones from a sound module, and much more. Note: Connecting your keyboard to another MIDI device requires a MIDI cable (not supplied). See Making the MIDI Connections.
ABOUT MIDI
Every MIDI-equipped instrument has a MIDI OUT terminal, and some also have a MIDI IN and MIDI THRU terminal. Each of these terminals serves a different purpose. MIDI OUT sends MIDI data to (talks to) the other MIDI instrument(s). MIDI IN receives (listens to) MIDI data sent by the other MIDI instrument(s). MIDI THRU lets you connect (network) additional MIDI instruments, and sends along to other MIDI devices a copy of all data it receives through its MIDI IN terminal. Your keyboard has a MIDI OUT terminal. The cable that connects MIDI devices does not actually carry sound between them, like a speaker wire carries sound from a receiver to a speaker. Instead, MIDI-equipped devices communicate with each other using digital codes (instructions). One MIDI device sends digital instructions representing exactly what is being played on it. The other MIDI device receives and translates those instructions, then produces (or records) the sound exactly as it was played on the first device.
Always turn off power to your keyboard and the other MIDI device before you connect or disconnect MIDI cables. As you make the cable connections, be sure to align the MIDI cable pins with the matching holes on your keyboards MIDI OUT terminal. If you have trouble plugging in the cable, do not force it! You might damage the plug or the instrument. Notes: The keyboards auto-rhythms, prerecorded tunes, sustain information, and transpose information cannot be sent as MIDI data. If you send MIDI data to a device such as a personal computer, the computer will need a sound card, software to interpret the data, and a pair of speakers (none supplied). Your local RadioShack store carries sound cards, MIDI cable, and software. MIDI Channel 10 is preset to percussion data in some MIDI receiving devices, depending on the specific device you select.
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Using MIDI
1. Use a MIDI cable to connect MIDI OUT on the back of the keyboard to the other devices MIDI IN terminal. 2. Repeatedly press MIDI to select a MIDI channel. MIDI uses up to 16 channels to
exchange data. As in a TV broadcast, different channels send different data. 3. To transmit to the MIDI device, play the melody using the keyboards black and white keys.
Troubleshooting
If your keyboard is not performing as it should, these suggestions might help. If you still cannot solve the problem, take the keyboard to your local RadioShack store for assistance.
Trouble No sound, even when the keys are pressed. Possible Cause POWER is set to OFF. Volume is turned down. Headphones are connected. Power supply problem. Remedy Set POWER to ON. Repeatedly press VOLUME UP to increase the volume. Disconnect headphones. Check the power supply. Are battery symbols (+/) facing correctly? Are the batteries fresh? Is the AC or DC adapter connected properly? Repeatedly press VOLUME UP to increase the volume. Press START/STOP. Repeatedly press VOLUME UP to increase the volume. Press the accompaniment keys (on the left side of the keyboard). Repeatedly press VOLUME UP to increase the volume. Replace the connection cord. Check the amplifier. Check the connection.
No rhythm.
No accompaniment when accompaniment keys are pressed. No sound when connected to an external amplifier.
Volume is turned down. Accompaniment keys are not pressed. Volume is turned down. Defective connection cord. Problem with external amplifier. MIDI cables are not connected properly.
CARE
Keep the keyboard dry. Use and store the keyboard only in normal temperature environments. Handle the keyboard carefully. Keep the keyboard away from dust and dirt. Modifying or tampering with the keyboards internal components can cause a malfunction and invalidate its warranty. If your keyboard is not performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.
Troubleshooting
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Chord Charts
These tables show the fingering for the chords you play most often.
Diminished
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Suspended
Chord Charts
Diminished
Chord Charts
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Specifications
Number of Keys ................................................................................................................................................................ 49 Polyphonic Sound ........................................................................................................................................... 8-note (Max.) Preset Tones ..................................................................................................................................................................... 50 Auto-Rhythms ................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Prerecorded Tunes ................................................................................................................................................. 50 Tunes Effect .................................................................................................................................................................... Transpose Rhythm Controls ................................................................................................................ TEMPO, FILL-IN, START/STOP Built-In Speakers ............................................................................................................................... 4 Inches (102 mm) 2 ........................................................................................................................................................... (Output 3W Max Each) Terminals: Power Supply ..................................................................................................................................................... DC 9V Jack PHONE Jack ......................................................................................................................................................... /8 Inches (3.5 mm) MIDI OUT Jack .............................................................................................................................................................. OUT Power Sources .......................................................................................................................................... DC: 6 C batteries AC: 120V, 60Hz, with AC adapter Vehicle Battery: 9V with DC adapter Dimensions (HWD) .............................................................................................................. 2 /16 2615/16 109/16 Inches (75 684 269 mm) Weight (Without Batteries) ...................................................................................................................................... 5 lb 8 oz (2.5 kg) Included Accessory .................................................................................................. Play Guide for the Prerecorded Tunes Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to change and improvement without notice.
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