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Emulator PRO 1.5 Software Manual
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Emulator PRO Version 1.5 November, 2014 Reference Manual by Pablo Martin and Andrej Patrman Copyright 2014 SmithsonMartin. All rights reserved. Made in Canada. This manual, as well as the software described in it, is furnished under license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. The content of this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by SmithsonMartin. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. SmithsonMartin assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this book.
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Table of Contents
Emulator PRO 1.5 System Requirements 7 Chapter 1
Introduction 8 Converting Older Templates 9 Changes in Emulator PRO 1.5 10
Chapter 2 The New Emulator PRO 1.5 Editor 12
2.1 Buttons 13 Labelled Buttons 13 Play Button 13 FF / RWD Button 13 Pause Button 13 Record Button 13 Stop Button 14 PAD Button 14 Arrow Button 14 List Button 14 Image Buttons 14 Live Clip/Grid Button 14 Reset Knob Button 15 Page Buttons 15
2.2 Sliders 16 Standard Sliders 16 The Cross fader 16 Inertial Sliders 16 Bar Sliders 16
2.3 Knobs 17 Standard Knobs 17 Knob Logic Reset Switch 17 Auto Reset Knob 18
2.4 Encoders 18 Encoders 18
2.5 XY Pads 19 Halo Pad 19 Tracking Pad 19
2.6 Tools & More 20 Keyboard 20 Container 20 Traktor Wave Ribbon 21
Chapter 3
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Decorating Templates 22 3.1 Decoration Objects 22
Border 22 Black Shape 22 Color Shape 23 Image 23 Text Label 24 Line 25
3.2 Appearance 25 Label 26 Rotate 26 Opacity 27 Radius 27 Color 28
3.3 Z Order, Physics, Friction & Fast Render 28 Z Order 28 Physics 30 Friction 30 Fast Render 31
Chapter 4 Cutting & Merging Holes with the Constructor 32
4.1 Cutting Holes 32 Transparency 32 Subtract 35
4.2 Merging Holes 36 Merge 36
Chapter 5 Copy To, Float, Float To / Position & Unfloat 37
5.1 Copying 37 Copy To 37
5.2 Floating 40 Float & Float To 40 Float To Position 42 Unfloat 44
Chapter 6 MIDI Objects & MIDI Mapping with Emulator PRO 45
6.1 The MIDI Objects and Parameters 45 MIDI Objects 45 Midi Numbers 45 Midi Value 45 Notes 46 Aft Value 46 Aft Off 46
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Midi Channel 46 Mode 46 Special MIDI Objects 47 Halo Pad 47 3 State DJ Plate 48
6.2 MIDI Mapping 49 Midi Mapping the Halo Pad 49 Midi Mapping the 3 State DJ Plate 49
Chapter 7 Hotkeys, Key Helpers & Window Handler 51
7.1 MIDI Mapping 51 Control + Z 51 Control + Y 51 Control + D 51 Left, Right, Up & Down Arrow Keys 51 Control +LeftClick 52 Drag object handles 52
7.2 Window Handler 52 Window Handler
Chapter 8 Saving & The Template Created By Section 56
8.1 Saving 56 Saving 57
8.2 The Template Created By Section 57 Template Created By 57 Midi Map File 57 Name Of Software 58 Template 58 Notes 58 This Template Area 58 Your Screen Area 59 Scale 59 Screen Aspect Ratio 59 Template Aspect Ratio 59
Help! Product Support 60
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EMULATOR PRO
VERSION 1.5 IMPORTANT: if you have a previous installation of Emulator FT or Emulator PRO, please uninstall it. Download the latest version of Emulator PRO from our website at www.smithsonmartin.com/support/downloads/. Use the same username and password credentials you already have to activate the new version of Emulator PRO. SUPPORT: is always reachable by [email protected]. Minimum System Requirements:
Windows® 8 32/64 bit Intel Dual Core CPU 1.3 GHz (non Atom CPU only) 4 GB RAM Touch enabled PC / Monitor / Device MIDI enabled software
Suggested System Requirements
Windows® 8 32/64 bit Intel i7 CPU 8 GB RAM (or better) Touchenabled PC / Monitor / Device MIDI enabled software
Emulator PRO was created to let you build your own touchscreen midi controllers, allowing you to design, build, and midi map a template interface. New in Emulator PRO 1.5, is a completely touch enabled Editor, allowing you to create templates without the use of a mouse or keyboard. Emulator PRO 1.5 is now also DPI aware, which means templates are no longer resolution dependent. You can make a template at any display resolution, and load it at any display resolution. NOTE: you will need to recreate any holes that are cut in your template, in order to load it at different screen resolutions.
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Chapter 1
Introduction If this is your first time using Emulator PRO, you will be asked to register the software. Existing license holders can enter their credentials now to activate the new product. If you choose to use the demo version, the software will run for 60 minutes only, and shut down without warning. Before you begin, you should plan out the layout and pages of your template, to make a functioning midi interface. Think of the controls you will need for your midi program. Emulator PRO offers 12 pages to build buttons, knobs, sliders and many other objects, giving you infinite possibilities with your template. The main splash screen of Emulator PRO has four buttons, press PRO to dive right in and either load a premade template, or begin creating your own.
Emulator PRO 1.5 Splash Screen
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WALL is the classic drawing app, which is used to write on the screen if you need to be more interactive with your audience. Of course you can display images and logos here as well. We recommend transparent PNG’s for the wall. The LOCK BUTTON passwordlocks your computer, should you need to walk away and don’t want anyone touching the screen. To unlock the computer, you’ll need to enter your computers password. The HELP button takes you to our webpage, where you will find instruction manuals, as well as video tutorials.
Converting Your Older Templates Emulator PRO 1.5 now embeds images directly to the template file, so you no longer need to keep images in a special directory. When dealing with a template created in an earlier version of Emulator PRO, you must convert your .emu file to the new system. Here’s what you will need to do.
1. Open the template in Emulator PRO 1.4.9B.
2. Remove all images from the template, including decorative images and image buttons.
3. Once you remove all images, save the template in version 1.4.9B.
4. Load the newlysaved ‘imageless’ template in Emulator PRO 1.5.
5. You will notice the holes you had in the template are gone. You will need to
recreate them.
Please refer to Chapter 4 in this manual, for instructions about cutting holes.
6. Using the new editor, add the images back to your template.
7. Save the template in Emulator PRO 1.5. This converts the .emu file to the new Emulator PRO 1.5 system.
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NOTE: the new directory path for saved templates is C:\Emulator\Templates PRO. If you don’t add a name in the Name Of Software section, the templates will save in C:\Emulator\Templates\Lost+Found. If you experience issues loading a template with the new Emulator PRO 1.5 Editor, please contact [email protected]. Changes in Emulator PRO 1.5 In Emulator PRO 1.5 we have a new way of saving and storing template files, so it’s important to properly tag them in the Editor. This will help keep your templates conveniently organized. Please read more about saving template in Chapter 8 of this manual. There is also a new Auto Update checker which will inform you of a software update. You can update directly from within Emulator PRO. No more external web links. Simply touch the highlighted section, as in the image below, and the Auto Update tool will launch.
How to update Emulator PRO 1.5
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Update Tool
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Chapter 2
The New Emulator PRO 1.5 Editor Click on the PRO button on the main splash page to enter the editor. Here you can build your own template from scratch, or load a premade templates. The new editor is touchfriendly, which means you can create a template using only your fingers and touchscreen. Although a mouse and keyboard are still recommended, they are not required any longer. By default the editor runs in edit mode but switching to performance mode is easy. Simply touch the Edit Mode button in the editor, and it will change to red. Red means performance mode is enabled, while green means you are in editing mode. The Editor contains all the tools necessary to create, and edit your templates. Select from buttons, sliders, knobs, halo pads, encoders, decorating objects, and other tools in the Objects list. Objects have properties such as label, rotation, opacity, radius, color, toggle and friction, which you can edit. An object that also supports midi will allow you to choose the MIDI channel, MIDI CC, MIDI notes, etc. for mapping it.
Emulator Editor Menu
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2.1 Buttons Buttons operate as standard buttons or toggle buttons. A standard button provides two states, ON or OFF. A toggle button on the other hand returns to the OFF state, when you release it. When you build a button in your template, a standard button is always created first. Standard buttons can be changed to toggle buttons, simply by checking the toggle property in the Physics section.
Labelled Buttons let you put descriptive labels directly on them. Not having to add separate lines for labels is a great way to save space in your template. This allows for placing buttons directly beside each other, creating padlike designs.
The Play Button is labelled with the symbol, and is typically used to midi map as a play button in your midi software.
The FF / RWD Button is labelled with the symbol, and can be rotated 180° to represent fast forward or rewind buttons in your template.
The Pause Button is labelled with the symbol.
The Record Button is labelled with the • symbol.
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The Stop Button is labelled with a symbol.
PAD Buttons are a great way to create cool designs when arranged in a honeycomb pattern. You can add labels directly to the Pad button itself, saving space in your template.
The Arrow Button can used to midi map functions such as loading tracks to decks, or scrolling through tracks in a browser. Rotate this button 90°, 180°, or 270° to change direction of the arrow.
The List Button is great for mapping to a scrolling function. When you need to scroll through a track browser, create two of these buttons and map one so that it moves up the list, and the other button to move down the list.
Image Buttons allow you to use images in your buttons. This is a great way to customize, and decorate templates.
Supported file formats are JPG, PNG, transparent PNG, GIF and
animated GIF. Transparent PNG’s look the best, as there are no black backgrounds in the image.
The Live Clip/Grid Button allows for midi feedback from Ableton® Live. This button will change color, according to signal received from Ableton® Live.
For example the Live Clip/Grid button will turn… Green, when playing a clip. Yellow, when playing a loop.
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Aqua, when attempting to launch a clip.
The Reset Knob Button allows the Knob Logic Reset feature of standard knobs to be activated. With this button enabled, a standard knob will return to its original position when you release or stop touching it.
To prevent a standard knob from being affected by the Reset Knob button, place a checkmark in the Rst Off checkbox, under Knob Logic. You can also add labels directly to these buttons.
Knob Logic Reset Button
Auto Reset Knobs are not affected by the Reset Knob button, and always reset to 50%.
Page Buttons are used to navigate your template. They can be placed on any part of a template, and can be resized, as well as modified with any other appearance properties from the editor. You can add labels and assign midi functions to Page Buttons.
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2.2 Sliders There are four categories of sliders available in Emulator PRO. Standard Sliders, Crossfader, Inertial Sliders, and Bar Sliders.
Three types of Standard Sliders are available, and they start from their default value positions when you open a template.
0% default position or value 50% default position or value 100% default position or value
The Cross fader always starts in the middle by default, at 50% value position.
Two types of Inertial Sliders are available.
0% default position or value 100% default position or value
These sliders are equipped with inertial movement, and can be used to create smooth automatic controls. Changing the value of Friction in the Physics section will change the speed of the slider.
Two types of Bar Sliders are available. You can set the value of these sliders independently, and they save at their position when you save the template. Next time you load the template, the Bar Slider will load from its previously saved position.
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2.3 Knobs
There are five Standard Knobs provided in Emulator PRO. They start from their default positions when you load a template.
0% position or value 25% position or value 50% position or value 75% position or value 100% position or value
Knob Logic Reset Switch Doubleclicking or double tapping a Standard Knob will make it return to its default position. Standard knobs also come equipped with a knob logic function, which allows them to return to their default position when you release or stop touching them. The Knob Logic function is activated automatically, when you build a Reset Knob button and enable it. To turn off knob logic, select the knob, then go to the editor and check the Rst Off box under Knob Logic.
Knob Logic Reset Switch
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The Auto Reset Knob will always return to the middle position at 50% and is never affected by a reset knob button.
50% position or value
2.4 Encoders
There are four Encoders available in Emulator PRO, and they function as endless rotary control knobs. TIP: encoders only send MIDI CC.
Jog Wheel Encoder DJ Plate Encoder 3 State DJ Plate Encoder Endless Knob Encoder
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2.5 XY Pads
Halo Pad The halo pad lets you create amazing F/X modulations similar to the notable Kaoss® Pad. It is very useful if you want to modulate pads in Ableton®, or if you want control two parameters of an effect at once. TIP: you could map the Xaxis to a “Delay” effect and the Yaxis to the “Dry / Wet” parameter.
Halo Pad Icon
Tracking Pad The Tracking Pad is in development at the time this manual was written.
Tracking Pad Icon
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2.6 Tools & More
Keyboard If you are building a template to control DJ software, you’ll want the ability to search by track or artist names. Add a keyboard to your template, and you won’t need to use the physical keyboard of your computer. The keyboard does not support midi.
Keyboard Icon
Container A Container allows you to keep buttons, sliders, knobs and other objects contained in a [collapsible] container, about the size of a button. Containers are very useful because they allow you to maximize the surface space of your templates. You could easily have all of your controls in one of these small containers. Containers can also be placed within containers. IMPORTANT: it is not possible to cut holes with the Subtractor inside a Container.
Container Icon
Expanded Container Collapsed Container
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Traktor Wave Ribbon The Traktor Wave Ribbon was specifically developed for Traktor® Pro, when you need to have more precise touch detection in the waveform.
Traktor Wave Ribbon Icon Place the Traktor Wave Ribbon over the waveform area of Traktor® Pro, after you’ve cut a hole in your template. Touching the Traktor® Pro waveform will be more accurate now. TIP: you can turn down the opacity of the Traktor Wave Ribbon to 1%, making it almost invisible. NOTE: the Traktor Wave Ribbon does not have a color setting.
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Chapter 3
Decorating Templates Emulator PRO provides many options for decorating templates. Everything from borders, shapes, images, text labels, and lines can be used to keep your templates organized. These decorating tools will also make your templates look amazing, customized, and your templates will stand out from the rest.
3.1 Decoration Objects
Border The Border is a very simple but effective way to decorate your templates. It has a transparent body that can be used to frame objects or holes.
Decorative Border Icon
When you put a decorative border around buttons, sliders, knobs or any other object, it actually sits overtop of those objects in an invisible Zaxis. Emulator PRO supports Zaxis to allow you to stack objects in your template. You might find that some objects will no longer react to touch, once you place a border around them. Move the Border back using Z Order, to resolve this. Read more about Z Order below, in section 3.3.
Black Shape The black shape is a plain black decorating object. It is useful for hiding or fusing objects with the same black color of the Emulator PRO background.
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Black Shape Icon
Color Shape The color shape lets you set two colors, one for its border, and a second color for its body. This color shape is also useful for hiding or fusing objects, or for framing objects.
Color Shape Icon
Image Images are a great way to decorate or brand templates, and are also useful for changing the look of buttons. By placing images behind buttons, and turning down the opacity of the button, you can create some very cool and unique templates.
Image Icon
Example:
1. Create a standard button
2. Set the buttons opacity to desired level
3. Add a simple background Image (not provided by Emulator PRO)
4. Layer the Image behind the Button using Z Order
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Layering Images & Buttons Completed Button
You can add logos, images and gif animations for ultimate customization. Supported file formats: JPG / PNG (solid & transparent) / GIF (static & animated)
Text Label The text label allows you to set descriptive labels for objects in your template when a simple object label is not enough. These labels are also very useful for organizing, and separating parts of your template.
Text Label Icon
Example:
1. Keep your interface organized by adding Text Labels.
2. Add decorative Borders for structured templates.
Text Label Decoration Example
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Line The Line decorator lets you frame objects, or divide portions of your interface. It’s another great way to help keep things organized.
Line Icon
Example: In the example a Line decorator was added to distinguish between LOOP and TRACK MOVEMENT buttons. It serves as an identifier, helping divide the two sections of buttons.
Example of Line Decorators
3.2 Appearance In addition to decorating with borders, shapes, or images, Emulator PRO also lets you customize objects with labels, rotation, opacity, radius, and color. Buttons also have a fill property which fills it [slightly] with the same color instead of the standard black.
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Emulator Editor Menu Appearance
Label Emulator PRO lets you put text labels directly on objects such as buttons, knobs, halo pads, and the DJ plates. Keep in mind you can only label one object at a time.
Labelled Button
Rotate Rotate allows you to rotate the object around from 0° to 360°. Only one object can be rotated at a time.
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Rotated Button to 355°
Opacity To make an object seethrough, change the value of its opacity from 0 to 100. Minimum opacity is 0 and maximum opacity is 100. By layering an image behind a button with opacity turned down, you can create some cool buttons in your template that are totally unique. Keep in mind you can only edit the opacity of one object at a time.
Button with 15% Opacity Layering a Button with 50% Opacity
Radius Editing the radius of an object will create rounded buttons, borders, or shapes. By adding a value from 0 to 100 to the objects radius, you can create different styles of objects for your template. Keep in mind you can edit the radius of one object at a time.
Button with 15% Radius Button with 100% Radius
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Color The color property allows two colors for most objects. The border color is represented by C1, and the fill color is represented by C2. Multiple objects can be selected, changing their color properties at once. Objects that don’t have two color settings:
Images Image Buttons Encoders
Standard Knob C2 Changed C1 & C2 Changed
3.3 Z Order, Physics, Friction, & Fast Render
Z Order Layering objects in Emulator PRO is done with Z Order, which is found at the bottom of the editor. Objects can be placed in X, Y or Z axis. The “” (minus sign) button moves objects backwards and the “+” (plus sign) button brings them forward.
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Emulator Editor Menu Z Order
Example: Here we used Z Order to arrange the Z axis of objects, creating a layered look.
1. Place a line decorator that spans the length of the buttons.
2. Add a black shape, then move it forward using Z Order so it sits over top of the line decorator.
3. Finally add a text decoration, and move it forward overtop of the black shape.
This creates an elegant way to use a line and text label for separating the loop section of this template.
Layering of Line, Black Shape, and Text using Z Order
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Physics The Toggle option in the Physics section sets the behavior of buttons from the standard ON / OFF to toggle, when available. Toggle can only be applied to the following Buttons.
Labelled Play FF / RWD Pause Record Stop Pad Arrow List Image Reset Knob
Friction Inertial sliders have properties which add friction (or drag) to the slider, to slow it down. The motion is slowed down by adding friction to the Inertial sliders. Friction will only affect the slider, upon release. This means while your finger is touching the slider, it will move normally, and as soon as you release it, the slider will keep moving according to the friction setting. Inertial sliders would typically be used in DAW templates.
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Emulator Editor Menu Friction
Fast Render
Some low powered CPU’s might have a hard time keeping up with the movement of faders in Emulator PRO. Fast Render removes the decorative details of Standard Sliders in order to boost performance.
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Chapter 4
Cutting & Merging Holes with the Constructor One of the biggest features of Emulator PRO is that it lets you cut holes in the template. This reveals the most pertinent parts of the underlying midi program, and is great for providing visual feedback from the program in real time. Furthermore it allows you to interact with the underlying midi program, while, at the same time, operating objects in the template. In Traktor you might want to be able to see the track title, time, and BPM information. You might also want to be able touch the waveform. By cutting holes in the template you will also be able to do this, as well as set cue points, or scan through tracks with ease. Of course it is totally up to you how much or how little of the underlying midi program you want to see. The rest of the interface is where you build object controls. TIP: you can also build objects such as buttons, knobs, or sliders in the cut out holes of your template.
4.1 Cutting Holes
Transparency There are a few tools in the Constructor menu that will help you with cutting holes, and perhaps the most important is transparency. The Transparency view makes it easy to see where you need to place the shapes before you do any (subtracting) cutting. Activating transparency is the first step to properly cutting holes through the Emulator surface. Enable Transparency to make Emulator’s black background slightly seethrough. This gives you a peek underneath, to the underlying midi program. IMPORTANT: you need to be certain the underlying program is in full window mode NOT full screen. Then you can resize it to any size or position, and use the Window Handler to memorize the size and location of the program. More information on the Window Handler is available in Chapter 7 of this manual.
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Example: Set Transparency by touching Transparency in the Editor.
Transparency Example with Traktor in Full Window mode
When the underlying program is visible, press Hole Shapes, then the Right or Circular button in the editor. This selects the subtractor object.
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Hole Shapes Now you can move to the blank surface of the template, and touch or click a blank spot to drop the Hole Shape to the template. You can use Copy in the editor to create an exact copy of the hole shape for the second deck.
Transparency with Subtract Right shapes over Traktor’s decks
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Subtract Once you have the hole shape in the correct location, and resize, you can copy the shapes to other pages via Copy To. After copying the hole shapes to other pages, press Subtract in the constructor, to cut the hole in the template.
Subtract in the Constructor menu of the Editor
Now that you’ve cut holes in the template, you will see those sections are brighter, and more vibrant. The template background has been removed, and physical holes have been cut through your template to the underlying midi program. You will be able to interact with the underlying midi program, through this cut out hole. Add some finishing, and consider decorating the holes with borders. You can also add midi objects over the cut out holes. Objects such as buttons, knobs, faders, etc. can be placed over the holes you cut in the Emulator template, giving you even more flexibility with your design.
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4.2 Merging Holes
Merge Merging holes after they are cut is simple, and the process is exactly the same as when cutting holes. Just place a larger shape over the hole, and press Merge.
Merge in the Constructor menu of the Editor
To fillin or merge all the holes in a template at once, select Delete from the Edit section. Another menu will appear. Press the Holes button in the new menu, and all of the holes in the template will be filled in.
Holes in the Delete Menu
WARNING: there is no confirmation for the delete all holes action. Once they are filled in, you will have to recut new holes (if you want them).
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Chapter 5
Copy To, Float, Float To / Position & Unfloat
5.1 Copying
Copy To Copy To allows you to make identical copies of objects to any page in your template. Copying an object will only copy the physical object, it does not copy any of its midi controls. This means identical objects are copied to your pages, but with separate midi controls. To retain the midi controls of the original object across all pages, use Float. We’ll get into floating objects in the next section of this chapter.
Copy To in Edit section of Editor Example: To get a better idea of the differences between Copy To, and Float To, we will first use the Copy To method for copying some sliders to another page.
1. Create two sliders on page 1, and turn down the fader in the one on the right.
2. Select both sliders, then press Copy To in the Edit section. The Copy To, Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, and Page 6 words will highlight.
Press Page 2 to copy the sliders to page 2 of the template. You can press Copy To, and Page 3 to copy the sliders to Page 3. Keep doing this if you need to copy the sliders to other pages.
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You’ll notice right away the sliders copied over as new, not retaining the position of the fader. That’s because those sliders are only physical copies of the originals, but they don’t retain a midi link.
Although in properties the midi parameters are copied, these sliders will act as new objects and require new midi mapping.
To delete the Copy To objects, select them, and press Delete in the Edit section. You can also use the Delete or Del key on your keyboard to delete selected objects.
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Copy To Slider moved on Page 1
Copy To Slider does not move on Page 2
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5.2 Floating Float & Float To To retain midi parameters of objects across more pages, you need to float them. In Emulator PRO we use the term ‘Float’ because an object that is floating to other pages with Float, is actually a single object floating from page to page. This allows us to control the objects across other pages of the template, while ensuring that manipulation of the knobs on one page of the template, also manipulates them on the rest of the pages too.
Float To in Edit section of Editor
Example: Let’s create some knobs on page 1 of your template, and float them to other pages of the template.
1. Create three knobs on page 1.
2. Select the knobs, then press Float in Constructor. This will float the knobs to each and every page of Surface 1.
If you wish to float objects to only certain pages of your template, you can use Float To instead. After pressing Float To, you get to select which pages you want to float objects to.
3. Assign some midi parameters to the knobs on page 1. a. Knob 1 = Channel 1 Number 2 b. Knob 2 = Channel 1 Number 3 c. Knob 3 = Channel 1 Number 4
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4. Disable Edit Mode, and use your finger to manipulate the knobs.
If you switch to page 2, or any other page, you will notice those knobs are also moving. This happens because the knobs are floating on all the pages.
Knobs moved on Page 1
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Knobs also move on Page 2 via Float (To)
Float To Position Another way to float objects in Emulator PRO, is to have them float to a totally different location in other pages. Example: Let’s float the same knobs from page 1 of your template, and use Float To Position, to float them to a new position on page 2.
1. Select the three knobs on page 1, then press Float To Position.
2. Press Page 2 to float the knobs to page 2.
3. Switch to page 2, and now move the knobs to a different location in the template. Midi parameters will be retained, as the knobs are still floating from Page 1. They’re just floating to a different location on page 2.
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Knobs moved on Page 1
Knobs also move in another position on Page 2 via Float Position
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Unfloat To remove or relocate an object that is floating we must unfloat it. Simply deleting a floating object will not work, as it actually deletes the object from its original page. To unfloat an object, select it from the page you wish to unfloat, and press Unfloat in the Constructor. An object that is floating via the Float function, cannot be unfloated from just a single page. It has to be unfloated from all the other pages it’s floating to as well. This is because the Float function only floats the object across all the pages of a surface. TIP: It’s a good idea to start building your objects on page 1. It will make it easier to remember where your objects are floating from.
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Chapter 6
MIDI Objects & MIDI Mapping with Emulator PRO
6.1 The MIDI Objects and Parameters
MIDI Objects Most objects in Emulator PRO have midi support, and allow you to send, and also receive midi commands for controlling other midi programs. Objects capable of this will reveal MIDI Out, or MIDI In parameter. Midi parameters have a valid range in which they operate, and if the midi values become out of range, an object will stop sending MIDI signals.
Midi CC / Notes Mode Midi 0/127 Mode Midi 7Fh/01 Mode
Midi Numbers The midi number parameter corresponds to the midi note number of MIDI CC. The valid range is 0 to 127.
Midi Value The midi value parameter corresponds to the midi volume of a note or MIDI CC.
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The valid range is 0 to 127.
Notes When the Notes parameter is enabled, objects send MIDI notes instead of MIDI CC. Keep in mind encoders only send MIDI CC.
Aft Value The Aft Value parameter corresponds to the volume of a note or MIDI CC number. This event is fired or launched after the touch of a button. The valid range is 0 to 127.
Aft Off Disables MIDI after one touch.
Midi Channel The Channel parameter corresponds to the MIDI channel. Channels 1 through 12 can be used to create a total of 1524 objects in your interface. The valid range is 1 to 12. Channels 13 to 16 are reserved for development features.
Mode The mode feature is disabled in Emulator PRO. Encoders send values of 0 to 127, instead of the classic encoder data 7Fh/01. Objects with midi support;
Buttons (including Image Buttons) Sliders Knobs
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XY Pads and Encoders
Objects without midi support;
Hole Shapes Decorations Keyboard Containers or Traktor Wave Ribbons
Special MIDI Objects Some objects cannot use the MIDI parameter range of 0 to 127, and use MIDI values by default. These objects are the Halo Pad, and 3State DJ Plate.
Halo Pad The Halo Pad uses two consecutive MIDI Instruments (or numbers). The first number is used for the “X” axis, and the second number is used for the “Y” axis.
Halo Pad Example
1. If you assign a MIDI Instrument (or number) of 00 to the Halo Pad, it automatically uses numbers 00 and 01.
2. If you assign a MIDI Instrument (or number) of 126 to the Halo Pad, it automatically
uses numbers 126 and 127.
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WARNING: if you assign a MIDI Instrument (or number) of 127 to the Halo Pad, it will automatically try using number 127 and 128. Since the range of MIDI is only 0 to 127, the MIDI value would be outside the valid range, and the Halo Pad will not send any MIDI signals.
3 State DJ Plate
The 3 State DJ Plate is a special encoder which sends three midi events, and similar to the Halo Pad it uses two consecutive MIDI Instruments (or numbers). The 3 State DJ Plate is useful for mapping scratch platters with programs such as Traktor®.
3 State DJ Plate
Event 1: when you touch the platter, MIDI “ON” value is sent (value 127). Event 2: when you turn the platter, MIDI event 0 to 127 or 7fh/01h encoder signal is sent. Event 3: when platter stops turning, MIDI “OFF” value is sent (value 0). Example
1. If you assign a MIDI Instrument (or number) of 01 to the 3 State DJ Plate, it automatically reserves numbers 01 and 02.
2. If you assign a MIDI Instrument (or number) of 99 to the 3 State DJ Plate, it
automatically reserves numbers 99 and 100. WARNING: if you assign a MIDI Instrument (or number) of 127 to the 3 State DJ Plate, it will automatically try using number 127 and 128. Since the range of MIDI is only 0 to 127, the MIDI value would be outside the valid range, and the 3 State DJ Plate will not send any MIDI signals.
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6.2 MIDI Mapping
Midi Mapping the Halo Pad To midi map the Halo Pad.
1. Select it, and change the Label to set, Set, or SET.
2. Disable Edit Mode, and activate Mouse Touch to touch the Halo Pad. Three buttons for mapping will appear.
3. Buttons X, and Y are used for mapping the Halo Pad.
4. Press OK when you are done.
After you’re done mapping the Halo Pad you can also change the Label, to disable the mapping setup panel.
Halo Pad Midi map buttons revealed Button X: sends a MIDI signal for mapping the X axis. Button Y: sends a MIDI signal for mapping the Y axis. Button OK: hides the mapping setup panel.
Midi Mapping the 3 State DJ Plate To midi map the 3 State DJ Plate.
1. Select it, and change the Label to set, Set, or SET.
2. Disable Edit Mode, and activate Mouse Touch to touch the 3 State DJ Plate, and three buttons will appear.
3. Buttons 1 and 2 are used for mapping.
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4. Press OK when you are done.
After mapping the 3 State DJ Plate you can change the label to disable the mapping setup panel.
3 State DJ Plate Midi map buttons revealed Button 1: sends a MIDI signal for mapping the “ON” and “OFF” status. Button 2: sends a 0 to 127 mode or 7fh/01h MIDI signal when the platter is rotating. Button OK: hides the mapping setup panel.
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Chapter 7
Hotkeys, Key Helpers & Window Handler
7.1 MIDI Mapping Emulator PRO comes equipped with hotkeys, and special key helpers to make your workflow easy. Some of these features will work only with a mouse or keyboard, others with a combination of both.
Control + Z This is the undo action. Press the Z button on your keyboard while holding down the CONTROL button. Operation might not always be available.
Control + Y To redo a previously undone action, press the Y button on your keyboard while holding the CONTROL button. Operation might not always be available.
Control + D To delete objects, press the D button while holding the CONTROL button. Alternatively, press the Delete key on your keyboard. Operation might not always be available.
Left, Right, Up & Down Arrow Keys Use the Arrow keys on your keyboard to move objects with better precision. Movement is available in any direction indicated by the arrow key pressed.
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Control +LeftClick To select multiple objects, press and hold Control on your keyboard and leftclick . As long as Control is held down, left clicking objects will add them to your clipboard. You can also drag with the left mouse button to select multiple objects.
Drag object handles When an object is selected, it provides eight object handle points which can be dragged, to resize or reshape an object.
7.2 Window Handler
Window Handler The Window Handler lets you set the size and / or position of the underlying midi program window. You can also keep midi programs maximized when working with Emulator PRO. This is especially useful when working with two simultaneous programs, such as Traktor®, and Ableton. Depending on the surface you are working with, Emulator PRO will recall the [correct] midi program below. It will also remember the window size and location of the program. Example Say you want to make a custom Emulator PRO template that incorporates two surfaces. Surface 1, to work with Traktor®, and Surface 2, to work with Ableton®.
1. At this point you should already have Traktor®, and Ableton® running.
2. Press H1, and the Window Handler Surface 1 box will appear.
3. Set Traktor® to Full Window Mode (not Full Screen Mode).
4. Drag from inside the white box to the title bar of Traktor®.
5. You will see only the normal cursor when dragging.
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6. Surface 1 is set for Traktor® when Traktor.exe appears in the Window Handler.
7. Close the Window Handler to return to the editor.
Window Handler for Surface1 (H 1)
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Dragging Window Handler 1 to the Title Bar of Traktor
8. Press H2, and the Window Handler Surface 2 box will appear.
9. Set Ableton® to Full Window Mode or resize it to any location you want.
10.Drag from inside the white box to the title bar of Ableton®.
11.You will see only the normal cursor when dragging.
12.Surface 2 is set for Ableton® when Ableton Live 9.exe appears in the Window .
13.Close Window Handler to return to the editor.
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Window Handler for Surface 2 (H 2)
Dragging Window Handler 2 to the Title Bar of Ableton TIP: you do not need to keep programs maximized when using the Window Handler, you can resize them to any size. Window Handler will remember that program, and also its size and position on screen.
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Chapter 8
Saving & The Template Created By Section
8.1 Saving The new Emulator PRO Editor introduces new features for saving templates. Before you get too far in the design, save your work. It’s simple and could save you hours of building and / or MIDI mapping. Emulator PRO 1.5 is now DPI aware, so keep it in mind when saving templates. Also be mindful of the [Unscaled / Scaled] message in the Template section of the Editor. This shows Unscaled as long as your templates resolution matches the display resolution. If your template or screen resolution change, the warning message will also change. We now have a section where you can enter your Name, Country, and Email address. There is an avatar section as well, and we recommend using small JPEG files 200x200 pixels in size.
New Save features in Emulator PRO Editor
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Saving
1. Press Save As.
2. Fill out your details.
3. Attach Midi Map File
4. Add Name Of Software.
5. Add Template name.
6. Add a brief description in the Instructions section.
7. Double check the scale.
8. Press the Save button at the bottom of the Editor.
8.2 The Template Created By Section
Template Created By This section is to help identify you as the owner of the template. It is helpful with the Template Manager for sharing and uploading your templates.
Midi Map File You now have a handy option to attach the midi map file (i.e. Traktor’s TSI file) directly to your template. This is also useful for sharing templates with other users via our Template Manager. To attach a file…
1. Touch or click the MIDI Map File text in the editor, and an Attach MIDI Map dialog box will open.
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2. Navigate to where the midi map file is currently stored, select it, and click Open.
3. The filename of the midi map file will appear next to MIDI Map File.
The next time you load this template, a copy of that midi map file will will be created in C:\Emulator\MIDI Maps.
Name Of Software It is important to add the name of the software for your template in the Name Of Software To Be Controlled section. For example, if you are creating a template for Traktor, put Traktor in the Name Of Software section. This creates the path C:\Emulator\Templates PRO\Traktor.
Template This creates the filename of your .emu template file. Only type the template name here, without the .emu extension.
Notes This section is used to add a brief description of the template. Special instructions for helping users who download your template should go here.
This Template Area Here we see the original template resolution. Emulator PRO is DPI aware, and that means you can load any template resolution, no matter your display resolution.
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Your Screen Area Here you will see the current display resolution. If your current display resolution is different from the template resolution, it might be worth matching them. Although Emulator PRO is DPI aware, it would save you some work and avoid having to recut holes in the template.
Scale Here you will see the scaling level of the template. This depends on the template resolution, and your current screen resolution. If your current display resolution is 1600x900, and the template resolution is 1920x1080, you will see Scaled by a factor of 0.83% X 0.83 Y.
Screen Aspect Ratio This shows the display aspect ratio.
Template Aspect Ratio This shows the template aspect ratio.
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