USB MIDI Breath Controller FAQ

Q: Is the USB MIDI Breath Controller USB-MIDI class compliant?

A: Yes, it is.

Q: Can the USB MIDI Breath Controller be used directly with a synthesizer?

A: As you know the USB communication requires one master (host) and one slave. Your computer is normally the master and devices like our breath controller and synthesizers are normally slaves. Connecting two slaves together is not feasible.

A minority of synthesizers are however USB-MIDI class compliant masters. Even if we cannot provide any guarantees that it will work, it is likely to be possible to connect the USB MIDI Breath controller directly to such synthesizers.

Q: Can the USB MIDI Breath Controller be used directly with Korg Kronos?

A: The Korg Kronos is a USB MIDI class compliant master. Although we have not yet tested it ourselves several customers confirm compatibility. See for example http://www.korgforums.com

The software utility will of course not work but if desired, the settings can be changed by using a Windows or Mac computer to store them in the USB MIDI Breath Controller's non-volatile memory. 

Q: I want to use the USB MIDI Breath Controller with a Korg i30 or Triton. Neither has a USB port.

A: The USB MIDI Breath Controller is a USB slave and can ONLY be powered through the USB. 

Q: Can the USB MIDI Breath Controller be powered any other way besides USB?

A: No, it is not intended to be used without USB.

Q: Can the USB MIDI Breath Controller be battery powered and plugged into a USB to MIDI interface cable so it would work with a standard (5 pin DIN) MIDI input?

A: No.

Q: Can the USB MIDI Breath Controller be used only via USB on computers or can I use it with a KORG M3XP to add expression to wind and string sounds? If yes, what other equipment is needed and which setup is required?

A: As you know the USB communication requires one master and one slave. Your computer is normally the master and devices like our breath controller and synthesizers normally slaves. So, connecting two slaves together (USB MIDI Breath Controller/Korg M3XP) is not feasible.

Q: Is there any software utility allowing rescaling, remapping, or other settings, and first of all - sensitivity adjustments?

A: Yes, it can be downloaded from the Support page.

Q: Does the USB MIDI Breath Controller work with Mac OSX?

A: Yes, it does.

Q: I use Cubase 7, Vienna Ensemble 5, Vienna Instruments Pro2, all under Windows 7 on 64 bits. Will the USB MIDI Breath Controller work well with this?

A: Yes, it will.

Q: I wonder if the tube length might yield some additional latency or delay. If I'm not wrong, 340 m/sec means for 1 meter length a delay of nearly 3 msec.

A: The tube is of course elastic.  This might theoretically lead to some distortions of the pressure wave.  Not sure this would be relevant.

A stiff tube would make it difficult to handle. That's why we opted for a very flexible tube. If this affects the performance we cannot say.

Do you notice any delay? We like to think it is pretty responsive and have reports from users who owned a Yamaha BC3a, that our device is faster and more sensitive. One way to settle the question about the tube could be to shorten it considerably and use a USB extension cable.

Q: I noticed that applying the maximum pressure (for fortissimo) longer time leads to quite a mouth muscle fatigue, due to the small size of the pipe. A larger pipe would be probably much more "effortless".

A: Maybe this could be solved by reducing the Max Input on the Configuration Utility.

Q: Is a manual or guide available?

A: The manual can be downloaded on the Support page.