M25: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction: 

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to set up the Rockville M25 Wireless Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard with your computer or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Whether you're using it with a Mac, PC, or connected via USB, you'll have all the steps needed to start making music. Let's dive in!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Unboxing Your M25 MIDI Keyboard

• Included Items:
  • The M25 Wireless Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard
  • USB cable for charging or wired connection
  • Quick Start Guide

2. Setting Up Your M25 Keyboard with a MacBook

• Turn on the Keyboard: Press and hold the On/Off button on the back of the keyboard to power it on.
• Wireless Bluetooth Setup:
  • Go to Bluetooth settings on your MacBook.
  • Select M25 from the list of devices.
  • Once connected, the keyboard will be ready to use in your DAW (like Logic Pro X).
• Setting Up in MIDI Settings:
  • Open Audio MIDI Setup on your Mac (search for it using Finder).
  • Go to Window > Show MIDI Studio.
  • Click Configure Bluetooth to find and connect your M25 keyboard.
  • Once connected, test the keyboard in your DAW to ensure it’s working.

3. Setting Up Your M25 Keyboard with a PC

• Activate Bluetooth:
  • Open Bluetooth settings on your PC.
  • Select Add Bluetooth or other device.
  • Choose Bluetooth and look for M25.
  • Click on M25 to pair, and once connected, your keyboard will be ready to use.

4. Using the M25 Keyboard with USB

• Wired Connection: If you prefer to use a USB connection, plug the USB-C end into your M25 keyboard and the other end into your computer’s USB port.
• This connection will allow you to use the keyboard without relying on Bluetooth.

Controls, Inputs, and Outputs

1. Back of the M25 Keyboard

• On/Off Switch: Powers the keyboard on or off.
• 3.5mm MIDI Output: Use this to send MIDI signals to external hardware like a synthesizer.
• USB-C Port: Used for charging the keyboard or connecting it to your computer.
• Sustain Pedal Input: Plug in a sustain pedal to hold notes while playing.

2. Front Controls

• Pitch and Modulation Thumb Stick:
  • Use this to shift pitch or modulation while playing.
  • Move right to increase pitch and left to decrease.
• Arpeggiator:
  • Activate the Arpeggiator to arpeggiate your chords.
  • Use the Tempo button to change the speed of the arpeggio.
  • Tap Tempo to manually adjust the tempo.
• Knobs for Arpeggiator Settings:
  • Division Knob: Change the rhythm of the arpeggio (e.g., 1/8, 1/16 triplets).
  • Swing Knob: Adjust the swing for a jazzy feel.
  • Mode Knob: Choose how the arpeggio plays (up, down, random).
  • Octave Knob: Change the octave of the arpeggio.
  • Latch Knob: Toggle the arpeggio to continue even after releasing the keys.
  • Sync Knob: Set to either internal or external sync for controlling tempo.
• Full Level & Transpose:
  • Full Level: Plays notes at maximum velocity regardless of key pressure.
  • Transpose: Shift the notes up or down in semitones.

3. Drum Pads

• Trigger Sounds: The 8 drum pads let you trigger drum sounds or other samples.
• Note Repeat: Press the Note Repeat button to repeat a held note and adjust the speed using the Tempo Knob.
• Loop Function: Record a loop and play it back using the Loop button.

Advanced Features

1. MIDI CC Control (For DAW Integration)

• Assign Knobs to DAW Controls: Use the Controller Setting Button to assign each knob to a specific function in your DAW (e.g., volume, effects, etc.).
• Edit Drum Pads: Assign different notes to the drum pads by holding the Drum Setting Button and using the knobs to set each pad to a MIDI note.

2. How to Map Knobs and Pads in Logic Pro X

• Open Logic Pro X: Press Command + L to access the Controller Assignment Window.
• Learn Mode: Click Learn Mode to map the M25’s knobs and pads to your DAW’s controls.
  • For example, assign knob 1 to control the volume of an instrument track.
  • Similarly, assign knob 2 to control Brilliance and knob 3 to Pan.

Conclusion

The Rockville M25 Wireless Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard is a powerful and flexible tool for musicians. Whether you're using it wirelessly with Bluetooth or via USB, it offers various features like arpeggiation, pitch modulation, and customizable MIDI controls, making it perfect for studio and live setups.