Concepts

OMX-27 is a MIDI keyboard, sequencer and controller. Both USBMIDI (in/out) and hardware MIDI in/out (via 1.8" TRS jack) are supported. Various "modes" can be accessed with the encoder and specific functions, parameters or sub-modes can be accessed with the encoder or key-presses/key-combinations.

Note - CV pitch output is limited to about 4.3 octaves.

MIDI

OMX-27 is a USBMIDI device so a USBMIDI Host is required for USBMIDI connections. It should be plug-and-play with any USBMIDI compatible host. Typical hosts include a desktop/laptop computer, iPad, smartphone, norns, Raspberry Pi, and Retrokits RK-006 (among others). For example, an iPad works great with the Apple camera connection kit or a lightning to USB-micro-b cable(for v1 and v2) or lightning to USB-C cable (for v3).

Hardware MIDI TRS output jack is switchable between Type-A and Type-B. Hardware MIDI TRS input jack is auto-sensing and will magically work with either Type-A or Type-B.

Sequencer modes currently send MIDI clock and transport control (start/stop) by default.

MIDI clock is sent all the time by default. This can be set to off in the MI (MIDI) Mode parameters.

Layout

Display

The OLED display will show various pages of parameters depending on the currently selected Mode.

Encoder

The encoder is the knob directly to the right of the display.

You can use the encoder to modify parameters and change the selected parameter and page.

Short press the encoder once to toggle between selecting parameters and editing them. The selected parameter will be highlighted to reflect which mode you are in.

Long press the encoder to change to a different mode. Once in mode selection, turn the encoder, then short-press to enter the selected mode.

AUX Key

The top left key is the AUX Key.

In the MIDI Keyboard and Chords modes, holding this key gives you access to shortcuts.

In the sequencer modes, this key is a dedicated start stop button.

This key is also used in many places to quickly edit a parameter. To do this, hold down aux and turn the encoder to quickly edit the selected parameter without needing to press the encoder. If the encoder was already pressed, it is locked in edit mode and the aux shortcut won't work until you exit by pressing the encoder again.

If you are in a submode, the AUX Key can be used to exit out to the main mode.

Potentiometers

The OMX-27 has 5 potentiometers which are mapped to send continuous controller MIDI messages (CCs). There are 5 banks of CCs available. You can switch banks using the PBNK parameter in the MI and DRUM Modes.

Bank A is selected by default with the CCs set to controller numbers 21, 22, 23, 24 and 7 (volume).

The CC's can also be reconfigured on device in the CC Config page, which is found on the last page of the MI Mode parameters. You can also configure the CC banks all at once via the web configurator.

Key Switches

The functions of the key switches changes depending on which mode you are in.

In MI Mode, the key switches work like a normal MIDI keyboard.

In other modes, the keys have specific functions depending on the mode or submode. Most key interactions should also light up that key's LED.

In this documentation keys will be referred to by number, from left to right and position, top or bottom. Mentions of "White" or "Black" keys are in reference to a standard piano keyboard layout.

"Black keys" (sharp/flat keyboard keys)

The top row (black) keys are referenced as Top 1-10.

The first 2 black keys are Function Keys (FUNC) - F1 - First black key - F2 - Second black key

FUNC keys are used to perform various shortcuts depending on the mode.

The other black key functions depend on the current mode.

"White keys" (bottom row)

The bottom row (white) keys are referenced as Bottom 1-16.

These have different functions depending on the current mode. For example, in sequencer modes, these are the sequencer step on/off keys.

Changing Modes

The OMX-27 has multiple modes. Each is independent - only one mode can be used at a time.

Long press the encoder to change modes.

Sub-Modes

Certain actions will cause you to enter a sub-mode, some examples could be editing MidiFX, configuring the pots, or saving/loading presets. If you are in a sub-mode, the AUX key will typically be flashing or red. A quick press of the AUX key will exit the sub-mode.

Macro-Modes

Macro modes are like sub-modes in that they are an alternate mode. Macro-modes can take over the keys, display, encoder, and pots.

Macro modes are specialized modes designed to be used to control external gear like the M8, Norns, and Deluge.

You can enter and exit macro modes by double clicking the AUX key in the root level mode.

Saving Session State

To save your current session to memory, first enter Mode Select by holding the encoder. While this is active press AUX to save.

The next time you restart your device, your last active mode will be loaded, and saved patterns and settings will be recalled.

Saving is a long operation and not recommended to do while in the middle of a performance.

Screensaver

After a default timeout (3 minutes), the display will be blanked and in MI Mode a "screensaver" animation will show on the LEDs. The rightmost pot (#5) can be turned to adjust the color. Touching any keys or any of the other pots will exit the screensaver.

In S1/S2 the screen will blank, but there is no LED animation.