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FAQ
- Can Prodikeys PC-MIDI work without connecting to a computer?
No, Prodikeys PC-MIDI is a PC input device and needs to be connected to a PC with the specified minimum system requirement to function.
- What is the minimum system requirement for using Prodikeys PC-MIDI and its included software?
- Genuine Intel® Pentium® III or AMD® Athlon processor
- Intel, AMD or 100%-Intel compatible motherboard chipset
- Windows® 2000, or Windows XP
- Available USB port
- 128 MB RAM (256 RAM recommended)
- 360 MB of free hard disk space for software installation
- Audio device (Sound Blaster® audio card recommended for best experience)
- Speakers or headphones
- CD-ROM drive for software installation
- Is Prodikeys PC-MIDI a standard computer keyboard?
Yes, Prodikeys PC-MIDI is a full-featured computer QWERTY keyboard. Its uniqueness lies in the additional music keyboard that is ingeniously integrated under the palm rest.
- Is Prodikeys PC-MIDI a MIDI controller?
Yes, the integrated music keyboard on Prodikeys PC-MIDI is MIDI compatible and can be used as a MIDI controller with other third party MIDI software.
- Is Prodikeys PC-MIDI available in my country?
Please check your regional/local website at www.creative.com for availability.
SETUP
- How do I install Prodikeys PC-MIDI on my computer?
First, connect the Prodikeys PC-MIDI to your computer's USB port. Then install the driver and software from the included CD-ROM. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete installation. A Quick Start leaflet is included with the product for your reference.
- Can I use Prodikeys PC-MIDI with a notebook computer?
Yes, Prodikeys PC-MIDI works with most notebook computers equipped with the stated minimum system requirement.
- Can I use Prodikeys PC-MIDI and the software on PCs with 64-bit architecture support?
No, Prodikeys PC-MIDI currently supports only the standard 32-bit platform. Please refer to the Technical Support section at www.creative.com for updates on 64-bit support.
- Can I use Prodikeys PC-MIDI with an Apple Macintosh computer?
No, Prodikeys PC-MIDI is currently designed for Windows PCs only.
- Will there be a Prodikeys PC-MIDI for Apple Macintosh?
Creative is evaluating the option.
- Do I need any additional audio equipment to use Prodikeys PC-MIDI on my computer?
No, you can use Prodikeys PC-MIDI as long as your PC is equipped with an audio device and a set of speakers or headphone. All Windows PC comes with the default Microsoft MIDI synthesizer. For the best user experience, an dedicated audio device such as a Sound Blaster is strongly recommended.
- Does Prodikeys PC-MIDI work with all PC audio devices?
Yes, Prodikeys PC-MIDI works with all PC audio devices. However, with motherboard / host audio solution, you may experience a compromised audio quality and a time lag in hearing the sound when playing on the music keys. A Creative or Sound Blaster audio device is recommended for best audio experience.
| Poor |
Good |
Better |
Best |
| Normal Motherboard /Host Audio Solution |
Sound Blaster Series |
Sound Blaster Live! Series |
Sound Blaster Audigy and X-Fi Series |
How do I find out which sound card or audio device is installed on my computer?
You can right-click on the "My Computer" icon on your Windows desktop and select "Properties".
The "System Properties" dialogue box will appear. Select the "Hardware" tab, click on "Device Manager". Then select and double-click the "Sound, video and game controller" option to expand the list.
You will see the type of audio device or sound card that is installed on your PC being displayed.
KEYBOARD
- Can I change the associated applications and functions on the HotKeys?
Yes, you can change the settings on the hot keys by using the included Hot Keys Manager software.
- Why are the HotKeys not functioning?
The HotKeys are associated with default application installed on your PC and cannot function if the application has been moved, removed or not installed. Please launch HotKeys Manager to reassign the preferred application link for the HotKey.
- Can I program the MIDI keys to be used as gaming control and other functions?
Yes, with the included Hot Keys Manager software, you can program the MIDI keys for other functions when you are not using it with any music software. The MIDI keys can be programmed to perform functions such as launching applications, websites, shortcut keystrokes.
- Why are the Web, Email and Instant Messaging Hotkeys not functioning?
The Web, Email and Instant Messaging HotKeys are designed with Sustain and Octave Shift as secondary functions for music. When any MIDI or music software is in use, the three HotKeys will only function as Sustain and Octave shift controls. The HotKeys will resume to their original functions only when any MIDI or music software is closed.
- Can I use the Volume Control Wheel to control the master volume on the computer?
Yes, you can use the Volume Control Wheel to adjust the master volume on your computer.
- How do I mute or unmute volume on my PC using Prodikeys PC-MIDI?
The Mute audio function on Prodikeys PC-MIDI is integrated on the Volume Control wheel. Simply press the wheel downwards to mute or unmute audio.
- How do I enable or disable the enhanced or secondary functions on the F-keys?
To enable or disable the enhanced or secondary functions on the F-keys, press the "Fn lock" key above the number pad.
- What are the alphabets labeled above the palm rest?
The alphabets labeled on the keyboard above the palm rest indicate the note names of each music key.
MUSIC
- Do I need to already know how to play music to enjoy Prodikeys PC-MIDI?
No, Prodikeys PC-MIDI comes with a suite of easy-to-use music software that is designed for general PC users without music background.
- Are the software included with Prodikeys PC-MIDI available in other languages?Yes, the software is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Turkish. Availability subjected to region and country. Please check out Creative's regional websites on www.creative.com for details.
- Can I play the music notes outside the range of the 37 keys on Prodikeys PC-MID?
Yes, you can expand the playing range on Prodikeys PC-MIDI keyboard virtually by pressing the Octave Shift buttons (The Email and Messenger HotKeys function as Octave Shift buttons when used with MIDI software). With the Octave Shift buttons, you can expand the playing range by +/- 4 octaves from the Middle C (or more than 100 keys). You can also use the LEFT / RIGHT arrow keys as Octave Shift shortcuts when using with the included music software.
- How do I activate the Octave Shift or Sustain functions on the HotKeys?
The Octave Shift and Sustain functions (on the Web Browser, Email and Instant Messaging Hotkeys) are activated automatically when a MIDI software is active.
- Why is there a delayed response in sound when I play on Prodikeys PC-MIDI keyboard?
When used with host / motherboard audio solution, you may experience a time lag in hearing the sound when a music key is pressed. This is because the sound processing capability of the onboard audio device is limited. For a better experience, upgrade your computer's audio device to a Creative or Sound Blaster audio device.
- Why do some instrument sounds I've selected not sound the way they should?Instrument sounds that don't sound like the ones you hear often just need to have their octave changed. For example, for the sound of a cello, you would need to shift the octave down by -2 to get the correct range of notes in the bass. You can shift the octave easily by using the Octave Shift buttons or the LEFT / RIGHT arrow keys on the keyboard.
- How can I improve the audio quality I hear when playing on Prodikeys PC-MIDI?
The audio you hear when you play on the Prodikeys PC-MIDI keyboard is produced from the audio device and speakers installed on your computer. To improve the audio quality, install a good set of audio device and speakers. You can check out the latest Creative audio devices and speakers available on www.creative.com.
- How can I improve the realism of the different instrument sounds?
All PC comes with the default MIDI synthesizer provided by Microsoft. For better audio experience and instrumental effect realism, a Creative or Sound Blaster audio device with supports SoundFont technology is recommended. For more information on SoundFont technology, please check out www.soundblaster.com.
- Why do I hear another instrument sound in the background when I'm using FunMix or EasyNotes software?
The Prodikeys PC-MIDI is recommended to be used as a MIDI input device for only one MIDI or music software at any one time. Having more than one MIDI or music software using Prodikeys PC-MIDI as the same MIDI input device may cause conflict between the running MIDI software, resulting in simultaneous sounds from the different software when you press the music keys. To avoid conflicting sound from the keyboard, close the other MIDI or music software.
- How do I play drums with Prodikeys PC-MIDI?
To access drums or any instruments, launch the included Mini Keyboard software. Click on the "Instrument" menu on the software, select the "Drums" category and the drum kits you like.
- How do I know which percussion instrument is assigned on each music key?
The drum sound effect layout on the Mini Keyboard is the same layout as on any standard MIDI keyboard. You can access the full range of percussion effects using the Octave Shift buttons. The chart below shows the list of percussion instruments mapped to the different MIDI keys:
| Keys |
Instrument |
Keys |
Instrument |
Keys |
Instrument |
| B |
35 Acoustic Bass Drum |
D# |
51 Ride Cymbal 1 |
G |
67 High Agogo |
| Middle C |
Bass Drum 1 |
E |
52 Chinese Cymbal |
G# |
68 Low Agogo |
| C# |
Side Stick |
F |
53 Ride Bell |
A |
69 Cabasa |
| D |
Acoustic Snare |
F# |
54 Tambourine |
A# |
70 Maracas |
| D# |
Hand Clap |
G |
55 Splash Cymbal |
B |
71 Short Whistle |
| E |
Electric Snare |
G# |
56 Cowbell |
C |
72 Long Whistle |
| F |
41 Low Floor Tom |
A |
57 Crash Cymbal 2 |
C# |
73 Short Guiro |
| F# |
42 Closed Hi-Hat |
A# |
58 Vibra Slap |
D |
74 Long Guiro |
| G |
43 High Floor Tom |
B |
59 Ride Cymbal 2 |
D# |
75 Claves |
| G# |
44 Pedal Hi-Hat |
C |
60 Hi Bongo |
E |
76 Hi Wood Block |
| A |
45 Low Tom |
C# |
61 Low Bongo |
F |
77 Low Wood Block |
| A# |
46 Open Hi-Hat |
D |
62 Mute Hi Conga |
F# |
78 Mute Cuica |
| B |
47 Low-Mid Tom |
D# |
63 Open Hi Conga |
G |
79 Open Cuica |
| C |
48 Hi-Mid Tom |
E |
64 Low Conga |
G# |
80 Mute Triangle |
| C# |
49 Crash Cymbal 1 |
F |
65 High Timbale |
A |
81 Open Triangle |
| D |
50 High Tom F# |
F |
66 Low Timbale |
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How do I learn to play a song on Prodikeys PC-MIDI?
The included EasyNotes software is designed to let you learn to play the melody of a song easily. To begin, launch the EasyNotes software from the Start Menu or Prodikeys Launcher. Select a song from the "Song" menu, select a lesson from the "Lesson" menu, and click the "Start" button or press SpaceBar to begin. Go through five easy-to-follow lessons to complete. Repeat until you are ready to move on to the next lesson. If the song you want is not found on the menu, you can download and import your own in MIDI file format for learning.
How can I record my playing on Prodikeys PC-MIDI?
The included Mini Keyboard and FunMix software comes with recording functions. To record and save your playing, click the "Record/Stop" button to start or stop recording, click the "Play" button to preview your recording, click the "Save" button to save the recording in MIDI*, WAV or MP3 format. (*MIDI format is applicable to Mini Keyboard only.)
How do I create music for using on my mobile phone, MP3 player, video, photo or PowerPoint slideshow?
Mini Keyboard or FunMix software comes with recording functions that lets you record and save your music creation in MIDI*, WAV or MP3 format. (*MIDI format is applicable to Mini Keyboard only.) You can then transfer or import the music files onto the various devices and application for use. The device or application you intend to use should support audio files in MIDI, WAV or MP3 formats.
36. Why can't I use the music file I have recorded a ringtone on my mobile phone as?
The mobile phone model you are using may not have the ringtone personalization feature which support the importing of audio files in MIDI, WAV or MP3 format. Please check with your mobile phone manufacturer for more details.
37. How do I transfer the music file I have recorded to my mobile phone or MP3 player?
You can transfer the music file you have recorded to your mobile phone or MP3 player by using the application that comes with the phone or player. Please refer to your mobile phone or MP3 player user's manual for more details.
38. How do I use the music file I have recorded for my PowerPoint or photo slideshow?
You can transfer the music file you have recorded on your PowerPoint or photo slideshow by importing the file using the respective editing software. The application you intend to use should support audio files in MIDI, WAV or MP3 formats. Please refer to the PowerPoint or photo slideshow editing software manual for more details.
Can I print out the music score I see on EasyNotes?
No, EasyNotes only displays the music score. To print music score, you need to open the MIDI file with other third party MIDI software with "Print" function.
40. Can I compose and edit my own music with Prodikeys PC-MIDI?
Although Prodikeys PC-MIDI does not come with any music editing software, you can use Prodikeys PC-MIDI keyboard with your favorite third party MIDI notation and editing software, such as CakeWalk and Sibelius. Simply select "Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI" as the input MIDI device on the third party application.
41. Can I use the software that comes with Prodikeys PC-MIDI with other MIDI/music keyboard?
No, the software suite included with Prodikeys PC-MIDI is designed to work with the keyboard only.
42. Can I use the Prodikeys PC-MIDI keyboard with other MIDI or music software?
Yes, Prodikeys PC-MIDI is MIDI compatible and can be used with other third party MIDI software - including MIDI sequencing software such as Cakewalk and Cubase. Simply select "Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI" as the input device.
CONTENT
- Where can I find more mixes for FunMix software?
You can go to www.prodikeys.com to download more mixes for FunMix.
- Where can I find more songs for learning on EasyNotes software?
You can go to www.prodikeys.com to download more songs for EasyNotes. Alternatively, you can do a search and download the MIDI file of the song for learning.
- How do I add the new downloaded content onto EasyNotes and FunMix software?
For content downloaded from www.prodikeys.com, simply double-click on the download file and it will automatically be added onto the software. If the software is running, quit and re-start software for the change to take effect.
- How do I search for the MIDI file of a song?
To search for the MIDI file of the song your want, simply go to any internet search engine (e.g. MSN, Yahoo! Or Google), type "title of the song + MIDI file", as your keywords to search for.
- How do I import a MIDI file for learning?
To import a song for learning, select "Import" on the "Song" menu on the EasyNotes software, click the "Import" button and browse for the MIDI file, then select the track on the MIDI file you want to learn.
- Can I create my own FunMixes?
No, currently you can only use the mixes downloaded from www.prodikeys.com.
SERVICE & SUPPORT
- How long is the warranty for Creative Prodikeys PC-MIDI?
The standard warranty is one year from the date of purchase. Please check with your dealers on the warranty period for your country. You can register your product on your computer either during the software installation or via the website at www.creative.com/register.
- Where can I go if I need help with the product?
You can refer to the Technical Support section at www.creative.com for the most updated information or contact information for product support in your country.
- Where do I find the latest software and driver for Prodikeys PC-MIDI?You can check out the Technical Support section at www.creative.com for the latest software updates.
EXISTING PRODIKEYS USERS
- What is the difference between the Creative Prodikeys, Prodikeys DM and Prodikeys PC-MIDI?
The main differences between the Creative Prodikeys, Prodikeys DM and Prodikeys PC-MIDI are in the hardware design and software bundle. Please refer to the comparison chart on www.prodikeys.com for more details.
- Can I use the software that comes with Prodikeys PC-MIDI with other Prodikeys keyboard?
No, the software that comes with Prodikeys PC-MIDI only work with the Prodikeys PC-MIDI keyboard only.
- Can I inter-change and use the software that comes with other versions of Prodikeys with the Prodikeys PC-MIDI keyboard?
No, the software only works with the respective keyboard it comes with.
- Can I get the software that comes with the Prodikeys PC-MIDI separately?
No, the software is only available as a bundle together with the Prodikeys PC-MIDI keyboard.
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Faq
