Pitch Bend Buttons: As the name indicates, the assignable pitch bend buttons are
primarily used to bend the notes played on the keyboard up or down. Pressing and
releasing these buttons while playing lets you play phrases not normally associated with
keyboards, such as guitar-style phrases.
Your sound source determines if and how far you can bend the note. The usual setting
is two semitones, however you should refer to the documentation provided with your
sound source for information about how to change the Pitch Bend range.
You can assign other functions to these buttons in Edit Mode.
Modulation Button: The modulation button takes the place of a wheel that is typically
used for modulation of the sound you are playing. The depression of the button mimics
the rotation of a wheel. This type of real-time controller was originally introduced on
electronic keyboard instruments to give the performer options such as adding vibrato,
just like players of acoustic instruments do.
Just like the pitch bend buttons, the modulation button is fully MIDI-assignable. The
default continuous controller number (MIDI CC) for Modulation is 1.
You can also reassign this button in Edit Mode.
Volume Knob: The volume knob sends a MIDI message that controls the volume of the
notes you are playing. (Refer to your MIDI hardware or software documentation to
confirm that it is able to receive MIDI Volume messages.)
Although the volume knob is assigned to the default MIDI CC message 7, you can also
reassign this knob in Edit Mode.
Sustain Button: The Sustain button can be used for sustaining the sound that you are
playing, without having to keep your hands on the keyboard (just like the sustain pedal on a
piano). Pressing the Sustain button engages Sustain; pressing it again disengages Sustain.
You can change how this button behaves in Edit Mode.
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