Applies to: Impulse

In Autumn 2019, we have released an update for the Impulse which adds two virtual MIDI ports for use with the Mackie HUI control protocol. This allows it to work with DAW software without the use of Automap.

For instructions on updating the firmware please see our help centre guides for Mac and Windows

To enter HUI Mode, the keyboard must be in its standard template mode. Then it must receive a ‘heartbeat’ message on the 'Impulse HUI' port from a piece of software on the host computer that supports HUI. This may also take some further configuration within the software to start working with the HUI ports in the Impulse. 

While in HUI mode, the 'Mixer' button next to the sliders should illuminate to indicate that the sliders are ready to control the mixer (the 'Mixer' button on the Impulse 25 is below the slider). 

To release the fader section from HUI mode, press the MIDI button beside the fader section.
The MIDI button will become lit while the mixer button will become unlit, signalling the mode
release. To re-enter HUI mode, press the Mixer button.

Note that Impulse 25 only has a single Fader section button which will toggle between the
aforementioned modes. When the button is lit the fader is in HUI mode, when the button is unlit
the fader is in standard template mode.

To release the encoders from HUI mode, press the MIDI button beside the encoder section.
The MIDI button will become lit while the Plugin button will become unlit, signalling the mode
release. To re-enter HUI mode press the Plugin and MIDI button at the same time.

Functionality

Volume

You can change Volume with the first eight faders of Impulse. The 9th fader (or the only fader on
Impulse 25) sends CC#7 message on Impulse’s MIDI port.

Pan

You can change a channel’s Pan position using the rotary encoders.

Mute/Solo

The first eight buttons under the faders can be used to control Mute or Solo functions individual channels. The Mute/Solo button can be used to toggle between Mute and Solo control.

Depending on the DAW you are using, button LEDs may behave differently. For
example, in Pro Tools, if a track is soloed then the others will flash. Note that Impulse 25 doesn’t
have any solo/mute buttons.

Send Control

Press Shift + Plugin/MIDI to change the encoder assignment to control send levels.

Transport Control

The Transport buttons control the equivalent DAW functions. While mostly similar, the function
of each button depends on the DAW. Generally, the functionality is (from left to right) as follows:
Rewind, Fast-Forward, Stop, Play, Loop On/Off, Arm/Record.

Track Left and Right

This moves the currently controlled bank (8 channels) one channel to the left or right. Press
Shift + Octave Down to move left or Shift + Octave Up to move right.

Bank Up and Down

This moves a full bank up or down. Shift + Mixer triggers Bank up or Shift + MIDI triggers Bank
down.

Further setup documentation for various DAWs can be found in the updated user guide on pages 31 onwards.