M-Audio eKeys 37, Software Manual

2

Introduction

Thank you for choosing eKeys 37, a 37-note compact music station. eKeys 37 includes
Picture Board, a fantastic early learning tool to introduce children to music, the alphabet
and more; Music Teacher, a tool for learning to use the keyboard; and Sound Studio, a
private multi-track studio that allows you to produce your own music. This QuickStart
Guide is designed to give you a basic overview of these software programs in order to
get you up and running quickly. Even if you’re an experienced computer user, we
suggest you take the time to read the accompanying Users’ Manual. It will familiarize
you with all of the unit’s features and help you to get the most out of your eKeys 37.

Sound Studio

Sound Studio II is a powerful audio/MIDI sequencer with integrated digital audio
recording and playback facilities. You can record and arrange music for a MIDI
synthesizer and record digital audio patterns such as vocal riffs, drum loops, ambient
background sounds and more.

The sequencer now supports VST 2.1, which means you can use Sound Studio II along
with VST plug-ins to create a whole virtual studio on your PC. Sound Studio II also has
a Chord Track feature so you can add instant accompaniments in a variety of styles to
your music. Used in conjunction with the Virtual Keyboard (VK-61), this can save hours
of arranging time.

Sound Studio II supports up to 256 MIDI tracks. Using Sound Studio II is like having your
own band or orchestra - except you have much more control over your music with
Sound Studio II than you have over a band.

To set up Sound Studio II with your keyboard, make sure your eKeys 37 keyboard is
connected to your computer’s USB port, and then launch Sound Studio II. Click on the
Options menu and select “MIDI Devices.” The left side of this window will show you all
devices that can send MIDI messages to your computer. In this window, the eKeys 37
is called “USB Audio Device.”  Make sure that on the left side of the window, this entry
is the only one highlighted in blue. 

The right side of this window will show you the MIDI synthesizers that are available on
your computer. What you see here depends on the soundcard that you have installed
on your computer and whether it has an onboard synthesizer chip or not. Avoid entries
that have “Out” in their name, as this would send the (silent) MIDI signal outside of your
computer without giving you a chance to hear it. Anything that has “Synth,” “FM” or
“Wavetable” in its name is a probably a good choice. You might have one or more
such entries, but for now, only highlight one of them. Click OK to apply the changes