Midi solutions – MIDI Solutions Breath Controller User Manual

Page 3

Thank you for purchasing the MIDI Solutions Breath Controller.

The MIDI Solutions Breath Controller is a Yamaha BC3A to MIDI interface that can be used to control the value of a
selected MIDI parameter in real time. The messages generated by the Breath Controller can be merged with the
messages received at its MIDI input. The Breath Controller is MIDI-powered and requires no batteries or power
supply to operate.

INTRODUCTION

To program the Breath Controller connect the MIDI Out from your MIDI interface to the MIDI

of the Breath

Controller. The MIDI

and BC3A input can be left disconnected during programming.

Once the

Controller has been programmed it can be inserted wherever it is required in your MIDI setup.

Connect the Yamaha BC3A to the

Controller's

input. Connect the MIDI Out or Thru of the sending

device to the MIDI

of the

Controller. The

Controller draws power from the device that is connected to

its MIDI input, so even if the

Controller does not need to receive MIDI messages from this device the

connection is still required in order for the

Controller to draw power (the

Controller's Echo parameter

can be programmed to OFF to prevent any unwanted incoming MIDI messages from being echoed to the
Controller's MIDI Out). Connect the MIDI

of the

Controller to the MIDI In of the receiving MIDI device. It is

recommended that the number of MIDI Solutions products powered by a single MIDI Out or Thru be limited to four.

The

Controller is programmed by sending it MIDI System Exclusive programming commands from a computer

with a MIDI interface. These commands are described in detail on the following pages.

Upon receipt of a programming command, the

Controller's MIDI indicator LED flashes rapidly for about ten

seconds to indicate that the setting has been stored. Settings are retained after power is removed, and the unit can
then be inserted wherever it is required in your MIDI setup.

Ensure that the BC3A is connected to the

Controller before it is powered up as its circuitry is sampled at this

time. The

Controller's MIDI Indicator LED will light as soon as the sending device is turned on, and flashes

whenever MIDI data passes through the unit. Applying breath pressure to the BC3A causes the unit to send out MIDI
messages according to its programmed settings.

The following procedure will help you obtain the optimal settings for the

and

controls of the Yamaha

BC3A: Start by setting the

to approximately the halfway point. Then increase the

from zero until the

Breath Controller just starts to transmit MIDI data (the LED will flicker). At this point decrease the Offset slightly. Then
apply breath pressure to the BC3A to test these settings. Repeat the above procedure of adjusting the Offset with
different Gain settings until you have determined the optimal Gain and Offset positions.

Out

BC3A

Out

Gain

Offset

Gain

Offset

Breath

CONNECTIONS

PROGRAMMING

OPERATION

Yamaha BC3A

T M

Receiving Device

MIDI In

Sending Device

MIDI Out or Thru

MIDI

Solutions

Made in Canada

MIDI

Breath

Controller

BC3A

Out

MIDI Indicator LED

T M