DM48

DIGITAL CHROMATIC HARMONICA

USER MANUAL

Firmware version 1.40

© 2018 Lekholm Instruments AB
Contents
Important general notes .................................................................................................. 3
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 4
Overview of the DM48................................................................................................................. 4
Important notes on MIDI and wind instruments ........................................................... 4
Software settings and functions .................................................................................. 6
Quick start guide ........................................................................................................................... 6
Changing and restoring default settings ........................................................................... 6
Adjustable parameters ............................................................................................................... 6
Sensitivity .......................................................................................................................................................7
Response ........................................................................................................................................................7
Trigger level ..................................................................................................................................................7
Bend trig level .............................................................................................................................................7
Bend sens .......................................................................................................................................................7
Bend direction ............................................................................................................................................7
Modltn trig lvl ..............................................................................................................................................8
Modltn sens...................................................................................................................................................8
Mono/poly ......................................................................................................................................................8
Octave transp ..............................................................................................................................................8
Key transp ......................................................................................................................................................8
Slider interval ...............................................................................................................................................8
Slider delay ....................................................................................................................................................8
2nd slider intv ..............................................................................................................................................8
3rd slider intv ...............................................................................................................................................9
2nd/3rd slider ..............................................................................................................................................9
Tuning...............................................................................................................................................................9
Tuning editor ...............................................................................................................................................9
MIDI CC no. ................................................................................................................................................. 10
MIDI velocity .............................................................................................................................................. 10
MIDI channel ............................................................................................................................................. 10
MIDI program............................................................................................................................................ 10
MIDI ctrl keys............................................................................................................................................. 10
Double notes ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Gain skew .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Display ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
Global preset ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Firmware version check ........................................................................................................... 11
Setup examples and guidelines ................................................................................. 12
GarageBand or Logic ................................................................................................................. 12
Reason and Acoustic Electro Waves .................................................................................. 12
Multichannel setup with ThumbJam ................................................................................ 13
Multichannel setup in Reason............................................................................................... 13
Yamaha VL70-m and other hardware synthesizers .................................................... 14
Untethered playing using a smartphone ......................................................................... 14
Lid removal and breathing resistance adjustment ........................................... 16

2
Important general notes
Please read these notes carefully before using the DM48 chromatic
harmonica MIDI controller.

• The DM48 it designed to be played in the same pressure range as a

fine acoustic chromatic harmonica. When properly setup, it should
respond swiftly to gentle blowing force. While the pressure sensors
are rated to handle pressures beyond what can be experienced
during normal play, in no way must they be exposed to unnatural
excessive air pressure, such as pressurized air from compressors or
“canned air” containers.
• Do not expose the slider button to unnecessary force.
• Similar to a normal chromatic harmonica, the DM48 should be
handled with care and not be exposed to falls or strong forces. Store
and transport it in its protective case. Be careful not to scratch the
protective black anodized surface on mouthpiece.
• The mouthpiece can be cleaned using a damp cloth. We recommend
cleaning it before first use. Cotton swabs can be used for cleaning
inside the channels. The mouthpiece can be detached using a
screwdriver, although this is generally not needed or recommended.
When reattaching the mouthpiece, do not over-tighten the screws.
Pull it just enough to ensure it sits airtight against the chassis (test
this by blocking each hole with a finger on the back of the
instrument).
• The 3D printing process gives the lid and chassis a slightly rough
surface, which can be difficult to clean. Clean hands are thus
recommended to maintain a nice look. Early instruments had white
lids, and these can be removed for cleaning (see Lid removal and
breathing resistance adjustment below) using soap and water or in a
dishwasher. Ensure the lid is completely dry before reattaching it.
• Make sure the USB cable is properly connected (a distinct “click”
should be felt when connecting the mini-USB connector). Do not
expose the USB connector to mechanical forces. A hole in the chassis
at the backside of the instrument allows the USB cable to be secured
using a cable tie (supplied) for safer live playing.

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Introduction
Overview of the DM48
The DM48 is a MIDI controller without sound synthesis. From the point-of-
view of a music production application or synthesizer, it behaves like a MIDI
controller keyboard. However, rather than having keys, it makes use of
twelve pressure sensors to present the user with a chromatic harmonica-
like control interface. Similar to a MIDI controller keyboard, knowledge of
MIDI, synthesizers, and computer-based sound synthesis/production is
useful to make good use of it.
A single USB cable supplies both communication (using the so called “class-
compliant USB MIDI” standard) and power. The supplied USB cable allows
the DM48 to be connected to a Mac or PC, and using a suitable converter
such as the Apple Lightning to USB adapter, it can also be connected to
portable devices such as iPads/iPhones. A suitable software or hardware
synthesizer is needed for sound synthesis, and examples and affordable
suggestions are given below (see Setup examples and guidelines). A
smartphone cannot only be used for sound synthesis, but also to route the
MIDI data further over Wi-Fi to enable untethered playing (see Untethered
playing using a smartphone).

Important notes on MIDI and wind instruments

Even if you are familiar with MIDI – and even MIDI wind instruments – we
recommend reading the following notes. There are two main types of MIDI
messages: note on/off events and “Controller Change” (CC) events. A MIDI
controller keyboard can work well using only the former, which is enough
to trigger notes at different velocities (depending on the force applied to
the key) and stop notes when keys are released. While a MIDI wind
controller also sends note on/off messages, rather than relying on velocity
values it makes use of MIDI CC events to modulate the intensity/volume of
the sound. Such messages are transmitted continuously at a high rate also
after a note has been triggered. This allows the intensity of the sound to be
modulated during the full duration of the note, as the player changes the
applied air pressure. “Pitch bend” messages are transmitted in a similar
manner.
By default, the DM48 is set to monophonic mode (see Mono/poly below),
meaning that no more than one note is ever triggered at a time. Most users
will find that this gives good playability for “chromatic-style” tunes. In
polyphonic mode, when multiple notes can be triggered simultaneously,
there are some additional considerations. An important property of the MIDI
standard is that MIDI CC and pitch bend messages affect all triggered notes
on a given MIDI channel. For a MIDI saxophone this is not a limitation, since
the instrument is monophonic. In the case of a MIDI harmonica, this means
that notes in a chord will be played at the same intensity, and that bending
affects all triggered notes equally. While “clean playing” is always desirable
on a chromatic harmonica, it may therefore be more important on the
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DM48. If neighboring holes are triggered by mistake, these will be played at
the same intensity as the target note (there is also more advice in the Quick
start guide below).
The limitation described above applies when the DM48 is set to Polyphonic
mode and transmits all data on a single MIDI channel (1 by default). The
issue can be overcome by instead using multichannel mode (see MIDI
channel below). In this configuration, each hole transmits MIDI data on a
separate MIDI channel (1-12). With proper downstream setup, the holes can
then be modulated completely independently of each other, as on an
acoustic harmonica. This is not complicated in principle, but does require a
more complex setup on the receiving end. Some synthesizers (see
Multichannel setup with ThumbJam below) will work immediately with the
DM48 in multichannel mode, while others require a more complicated
configuration, typically involving multiple instances of a synthesizer on
multiple tracks where each one is set to only receives on a single MIDI
channel (see Multichannel setup in Reason below). “Reduced” multichannel
configurations are also possible, such that for example four channels are
used (the twelve holes will in this case transmit on channels 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-
4-1-2-3-4 or 2-3-4-5-2-3-4-5-2-3-4-5). This reduces the number of required
synths/tracks.
With C solo tuning (and many other tunings) and using polyphonic mode,
it is possible to trigger two identical notes (typically “C”) simultaneously –
something that cannot be achieved with a keyboard. Many synths will
handle this correctly and will play double notes, including standard wind
instruments in GarageBand or Logic. However, some, including most
monophonic synths, are not prepared for this. When two notes are triggered
and one of them is released, this may cause the second one to go silent, too.
By default, the DM48 is therefore set to block double triggering of the same
note. This is controlled by Double notes parameter (see below). However,
when using a synthesizer than correctly handles double notes, or when
using a multichannel configuration, it is appropriate to turn off this filter to
allow double note triggering.

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Software settings and functions
Quick start guide
By connecting the USB cable, the DM48 should immediately become
selectable as an input MIDI device in your favorite music software without
any special drivers. The default settings on the DM48 give a good starting
point and few changes should be needed for an initial setup. Parameters
will return to default as soon as you turn it off and on again, so there is no
need to be afraid to explore different settings.
The most important parameter that may need to be changed is MIDI CC no.,
which determines what MIDI CC number is used to transmit breath pressure
data to the receiving synthesizer. This parameter defaults to 11 (Expression),
which works for many standard instruments, for example in Logic or
GarageBand. However, some synths may instead expect 2 (Breath
Controller) or a specialized message called Channel pressure (also called
aftertouch), which is also supported by the DM48.
Sensitivity determines the pressure sensor gain. Less force is required during
playing when this parameter is increased, but this will also make it easier to
saturate the intensity of the sound, resulting in loss of
expressiveness/dynamics. Many times it is rather the playback volume on
your amplifier that needs to be increased – always try that first. Trigger level
determines the amount of pressure required to trigger a note. Lowering it
makes the DM48 more responsive, but also increases the risk of triggering a
note by mistake. Asstd poly (assisted polyphonic mode) makes it easier to
play clean solo tunes by actively suppressing triggering of neighboring
holes, while still allowing chords. This feature is accessible from the
Mono/poly menu page, as is also monophonic mode (default), which is
usually preferable if only single notes are to be played. Many sounds are
more interesting outside of the default note range – try Octave transp to
shift down an octave or two.

Changing and restoring default settings

Once you have found settings that you like, you can make these your new
defaults such that they will be loaded every time you power up the
controller. Go to the Global preset menu page and hold down the round
button for two seconds. Select one of twelve possible “slots” and press the
round button. A confirmation message will be shown.
The DM48 can be restored to factory default settings by holding down all
three menu buttons during power-up. Release when a confirmatory
message is seen on the display. Note that custom tunings will still be
maintained. A full restore, including tunings, will be achieved if the three
buttons are kept pressed even longer, until a confirmation about restored
tunings is shown.

Adjustable parameters
This section lists all parameters on the DM48, each one accessible through
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a separate menu page on the screen.

Sensitivity
Controls dynamics and volume depending on how hard and soft you play.
Specifically, this is the sensitivity/gain for controller (MIDI CC) messages that
determine sound volume/intensity. Controller messages are sent at a high
rate, such that the volume/intensity can be modulated post triggering a
note based on the applied pressure. When set to a lower (less sensitive)
setting, more pressure needs to be applied to reach maximum sound
intensity. If set too high, the instrument becomes less dynamic as maximum
intensity is quickly reached.

Response
Response curve for volume/intensity MIDI CC messages. A non-linear curve
that reaches higher intensities sooner may provide a more harmonica-like
feel/response. However, it should be noted that this also depends on the
characteristics of the downstream synthesizer. Sensitivity (above) may need
to be reduced to compensate for a more aggressive response curve.

Trigger level
Pressure threshold for triggering MIDI “note on” messages. Lower values
makes the instrument more sensitive, but increases involuntary triggering
of neighboring holes.

Bend trig level

The DM48 provides a pressure-activated bending feature: by blowing harder
than a certain threshold value, bending occurs through transmission of MIDI
pitch bend messages. This parameter determines how hard you have to
blow/draw before bending kicks in. Increase it if involuntary bending
happens.

Bend sens
Once you reach the bending threshold (see above), this parameter
determines how aggressively the instrument will bend. Bending is pressure
controlled in a continuous way, and this is simply the “gain”. Negative values
mean that bends will happen in the downward direction (as on a regular
harmonica), will positive values will result in upward bending. When values
are close to zero, more pressure is required for bending. Set it to off to
disable bending.

Bend direction
When this menu page is activated (by pressing the round button), the left
arrow key is transformed into a real-time control button that allows
bending direction to be switched while playing. In contrast to the other
menu pages, this is thus not a parameter. Although undocumented in the
menu graphics, the right arrow will act as an extra slider button (see 3rd
slider intv below) when this mode is active.

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Modltn trig lvl
The DM48 can send “modulation” MIDI CC messages (controller 1), which on
most synths will result in a vibrato effect. This parameter determines how
hard you need to blow/draw before modulation is activated.

Modltn sens
Once you reach the modulation trigger threshold (see above), this
parameter determines how aggressively the instrument will increase the
modulation intensity. When values are close to zero, more pressure is
required. Set it to off to disable modulation.

Mono/poly
When this parameter is set to Monophonic, only a single note is triggered at
a time, and the hole with the highest pressure will determine what note is
to be played. This is often the mode of choice. When set to Polyphonic,
multiple holes/notes can be played simultaneously. In this mode and when
using a standard single MIDI channel setup (the default), the DM48 is more
sensitive to mis-triggering of neighbor holes compared to an acoustic
harmonica. This is due to a limitation in the MIDI standard (see Important
notes on MIDI and wind instruments above). Continue stepping through the
options and Asstd poly (assisted polyphonic mode) will appear on the
screen. This feature attempts to aid in playing clean solo tunes by
suppressing triggering neighbor holes, once a note has been triggered. The
strength of this effect can be adjusted gradually from 1 to 10.

Octave transp
Transposition in whole octave steps.

Key transp
Transposition in semitone steps. Also shows the current key, based on the
assumption that the tuning has been entered in the key of C.

Slider interval
When pressing the slider, all notes will be transposed by this many
semitones. With the default tuning (Solo), this transposition is already built
into the tuning scheme, so it should therefore normally be set to 0. With
Richter tuning, for example, this setting allows the slider to be used for
instant transposition: a setting of +5 would make it possible to shift from C
to F at any time.

Slider delay
Introduces a time delay when releasing the main slider button. For players
not yet adapted to the short stroke-length of the DM48 slider, this
parameter may help in compensating for the quicker response time
compared to a mechanical slider.

2nd slider intv

On the DM48, it is possible to use to use the arrow keys as a extra slider
buttons (see 2nd/3rd slider below). This setting determines the interval, in
8
semitones, by which the second slider (left arrow) will shift the current
tuning.

3rd slider intv

On the DM48, it is possible to use to use the arrow keys as a extra slider
buttons (see 2nd/3rd slider below). This setting determines the interval, in
semitones, by which the third slider (right arrow) will shift the current
tuning.

2nd/3rd slider
When this menu page is activated (by pressing the round button), the left
and right arrows are transformed into real-time control buttons that acts as
extra sliders (see above). In contrast to the other menu pages, this is thus
not a parameter.
A shortcut key combination is available to quickly reach this page as well
as Global preset: press the two rightmost buttons simultaneously and keep
holding to toggle between the two pages.

Tuning
Shows the current tuning scheme. Ten “slots” are available, all of them
customizable using the tuning editor (see below). By default, the two first
slots are called Solo (standard chromatic tuning) and Richter (typical tuning
for diatonic/blues harmonicas), but all of them can be edited. By holding
down the round button for two seconds seconds, this page will also allow
the current tuning to be saved to one of the available slots. After a slot is
selected, the name of this slot can be edited. The arrows are used to change
the character at the cursor, and the round and slider buttons are used to
move to the next and previous character, respectively.

Tuning editor
Use this to modify the current tuning. Simply use the arrows to select hole,
blow/draw and slider position, and press the round button to edit the
selected note. Select Quit to step out of the editor by using the arrows. All
changes are effective immediately and can be played without saving
anything, while still editing. By stepping past the last hole, a screen will
appear with options for transposing the current tuning up or down.
Additionally, functions for exporting and importing tunings is available on
this screen: Send tuning will send the current tuning as MIDI notes, to be
recorded and saved for example as a MIDI file that can be shared with
others. After selecting Receive tuning, the DM48 is ready to receive a tuning
which will replace the current one. Simply choose DM48 as your output MIDI
device in your sequencer and then play back a previously recorded tuning.
Remember to save (see Tuning above) it if you want to keep it permanently
in your DM48.
Navigation in the tuning editor is “circular” – step past the last option on the
last page to return to the first page.

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MIDI CC no.
This is a critical parameter that determines what type of MIDI CC message
is used to modulate sound intensity. By default this parameter is set to 11
(Expression), and many synthesizers will respond to this controller message
and adjust the volume/intensity accordingly. However, some synths instead
expect it to be set to 2 (Breath). A last resort is to use 7 (Volume). This is
usually not desirable, as this can also affect the volume of added effects
such as reverb, but it is still better than no volume modulation. On this
screen, you can also set the DM48 to transmit Channel pressure messages
(also called aftertouch) rather than MIDI CC, which is expected by some
synthesizers.

MIDI velocity
A static velocity value transmitted with all “note on” messages. The most
important means for modulating sound intensity on a wind instrument is
MIDI CC messages messages (see above).

MIDI channel
Channel used for sending MIDI messages (normally 1). This setting also
allows the DM48 to be set to multichannel mode. In this configuration, the
holes will transmit MIDI data on different channels. The number of channels
can be selected, with for example Multich. 1-12 indicating that twelve
separate channels will be used, one for each hole. Multich. 1-4 indicates that
four channels will be used, such that the holes will transmit MIDI data on
channels 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4. “Base 2” multichannel ranges are also
available, for example Multich. 2-5 or Multich. 2-13, which can be useful
together with synthesizers that support the MPE (MIDI Polyphonic
Expression) standard, as channel 1 is then not to be used for note triggering.
Note that Double notes (see below) should typically be set to Allow in
multichannel mode. This allows, for example, double C notes to be played
when using Solo tuning.

MIDI program
Can be used to remotely select patch (sound) on the downstream
synthesizer. Note that not all synths will respond to MIDI program change
messages.

MIDI ctrl keys

When this feature is activated, the slider button will transmit MIDI data
when pressed (MIDI CC 24 will toggle from 0 to 127). Similarly, when any of
the real-time control modes are active (Bend direction or 2nd/3rd slider, see
above), the left and right arrow keys will send MIDI messages (22 and 23,
respectively). Setting any of the slider intervals to zero allows the
corresponding button to be used purely as a MIDI controller. This feature
allows more flexibility in controlling downstream MIDI devices, for example
by assigning these controller numbers to specific parameters in your music
production software.

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Double notes
Many tuning schemes allow double simultaneous triggering of the same
note (e.g. C in Solo tuning), but not all synthesizers can handle this on a
single MIDI channel (see Important notes on MIDI and wind instruments
above). This setting controls whether double triggering of the same note is
allowed (Allow) or blocked (Block). This parameter has no relevance in
Monophonic mode (see Mono/poly above).
Gain skew
By opening the DM48, it is possible to adjust the breathing resistance such
that lower holes have less resistance, similar to an acoustic harmonica (see
Lid removal and breathing resistance adjustment below). This will however
reduce the pressure in the lower chambers (or vice versa should the
resistance be increased on higher notes). This parameter makes it is possible
to compensate for the effect, by applying a higher gain to lower notes and
vice versa. Should normally be in the neutral position as indicated by a
horizontal line.

Display
Allows the display to be set to automatically dim or turn off after 4
seconds of inactivity.

Global preset
The DM48 provides ten “slots” for storing global settings. By holding down
the round button for two seconds, this page will also allow the current
settings to be saved to one of the available slots. Note that the first slot
(Default) is always loaded at startup. Stored settings are recalled
immediately when selected on this menu page, and corresponding tunings
will also be loaded. Additionally, MIDI program change messages will be
sent in cases when loading a preset causes this parameter to change. After
a slot is selected, the name of this slot can be edited. The arrows are used
to change the character at the cursor, and the round and slider buttons are
used to move to the next and previous character, respectively.
A shortcut key combination is available to quickly reach this page as well
as 2nd/3rd slider: press the two rightmost buttons simultaneously and keep
holding to toggle between the two pages.

Firmware version check

By holding down the slider during power-up, the version of the currently
installed firmware as well as the electronic serial number of your DM48 will
be shown on the screen.

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Setup examples and guidelines
The DM48 does not synthesize sounds and is thus not a musical instrument,
but rather an instrument controller. The synthesizer to which it is connected
is therefor a critical part of the setup. This section contains a few examples
and step-by-step guides to complete setups, including affordable software
synthesizers that are suitable for a wind controller like the DM48.

GarageBand or Logic
The DM48 will likely become usable as an input device directly after
connecting it – if not check the settings in Preferences, Audio/MIDI. Some of
the sampled wind instruments in Garageband or Logic on MacOS are
decent, and there are plenty of synthesizers and patches that can be
adapted to work with a wind controller. GarageBand on iOS works too, but
offers a less impressive selection of instruments. GarageBand instruments
expect MIDI CC no. on the DM48 to be set to 11 (Expression). They can also
correctly handle double triggering of the same note, meaning that Double
notes should preferably be set to Allow (see General notes in MIDI and wind
instruments above).
Remember that there is no “decay”, as on a piano tone, on blown
instruments – the tone can be kept alive as long as there is still air in the
lungs. When adapting non-wind instrument patches for playing with the
DM48, try thus to change the “decay” parameter that is available on most
software synthesizers. The Sculpture modeling synth, included in Logic, is
good for wind instruments. To enable polyphonic playing (chords), increase
the polyphony parameter on the upper part of the Sculpture panel.

Reason and Acoustic Electro Waves

EWI Reason Sounds provides an excellent set of software synthesizers for
wind controllers in the form of plugins (refills) for Reason, including one
called Acoustic Electro Waves. We found these to be excellent together with
the DM48, on both MacOS and Windows machines. Together with Reason
in demo mode (song loading disabled, but otherwise full functionality at no
cost) it is a bargain at $13. These instruments expect MIDI CC no. on the
DM48 to be set to 2 (Breath). They do not correctly handle double triggering
of the same note, meaning that Double notes should be set to Block (see
General notes in MIDI and wind instruments above).
1. Download the full version of Reason at
https://www.propellerheads.se/download/
2. Connect the DM48 if disconnected.
3. Set Midi CC no. to 2 on the DM48.
4. Follow Reason installation instructions closely and start Reason.
Select Demo mode.
5. When asked about attached control surfaces, select Manufacturer:
Other, Model: MIDI Keyboard (No controls), In Port: DM48. For audio

12
 output, the default settings should work fine.
6. Purchase and download the Acoustic Electric Waves synth plugin at
http://www.ewireasonsounds.com/reason-refills.html
7. In Reason, there is a Browser window to the left. Navigate to the
Acoustic Electro Waves file you just downloaded. Clicking it should
give you a selection of patches ending in “.cmb”. Double-click one of
these to add it to the rack.

Multichannel setup with ThumbJam

The ThumbJam app is a nice low-budget option for getting started on iOS
devices (iPhone/iPad) and it works immediately with the DM48 without any
additional settings. Even better, it will respond correctly to multichannel
data right from the start. You only need to activate this on the DM48 by
setting MIDI channel to Multich. 1-12 and Mono/poly to Polyphonic. You can
also set Double notes to Allow (see General notes on MIDI and wind
instruments above), to allow triggering of double identical notes (e.g.
adjacent C notes in solo tuning).

Multichannel setup in Reason

For multichannel mode (see MIDI channel and General notes on MIDI and
wind instruments above) to work correctly, the downstream synthesizer(s)
should be setup to receive MIDI data on several separate MIDI channels. In
some cases, such as ThumbJam (see above), this is easy, but many times it
requires some more advanced MIDI skills and knowledge, and there is no
universal fix as the solution will be specific to your downstream synthesizer
setup. We provide one example here on how to achieve this in Reason, using
four synths. In theory, twelve synths/channels is optimal, as this will make
the holes completely independent of each other, similar to an acoustic
harmonica. However, this may put a lot of load on the computer, in addition
to being more time consuming to set up.
1. Set Mono/poly to Polyphonic and MIDI channel on the DM48 to
Multich. 1-4. The holes will now transmit data on four different MIDI
channels.
2. For best playability, also set Double notes to Allow (see General notes
on MIDI and wind instruments above).
3. In Reason, go to Preferences, Control surfaces and remove the single
control surface (input device) that is probably installed already (the
DM48). Go to Sync and set Bus A to DM48.
4. Add four synthesizers to the rack by dragging from the browser
window. Note that these should be wind-controller-adapted synths
such as Acoustic Electro Waves (see above).
5. On the top rack unit (Hardware interface), click Advanced MIDI. Assign
Channel 1 to the first synth (if using Acoustic Electro Waves, pick the
first Combinator > In in the list). Assign Channel 2 to the next synth,

13
 etc.
Note that changing patch now involves changing it on four separate
synthesizers in the rack.

Yamaha VL70-m and other hardware synthesizers

Due to the DM48 being a class-compliant USB MIDI device, it cannot directly
control a hardware synthesizer with a typical 5-pin MIDI connector.
However, most music production software can be used to route the DM48
MIDI signals to an external synthesizer. A USB MIDI interface will be
required, but these are available at low cost. Additionally, using a so called
“USB host to MIDI” device, manufactured for example by Kenton (MIDI USB
Host MkII) or Mode Machines (Cerebel USB), it is possible to eliminate the
PC altogether. We have tested the DM48 together with the Kenton device
and the acclaimed Yamaha VL70-m hardware modeling synthesizer, which
sounds great, but one should keep in mind that this is a monophonic synth
and chords are thus not possible. MIDI CC no needs to be set to 2 (Breath
Controller) for the VL70-m and many other hardware modeling
synthesizers. Monophonic mode (see Mono/poly above) may be preferable.
If Polyphonic mode is used, some degree of Asstd poly is recommended
(see Mono/poly above). In this case, the VL70-m will not correctly handle
double triggering of the same note, meaning that Double notes should be
set to Block (see General notes in MIDI and wind instruments above).

Untethered playing using a smartphone

Although the DM48 is supplied with a long USB cable to enable live
performances, there is a simple way to become even more mobile. Built into
Apple’s ecosystem is support for network MIDI, which means you can
connect the DM48 to an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) using the Apple
Lightning-to-USB adapter, and then route the MIDI signals over Wi-Fi to
other devices. As a bonus, the iOS device acts as a mobile power source for
the DM48. Windows-based machines should also be able to receive these
signals if the correct driver is installed (see https://www.tobias-
erichsen.de/software/rtpmidi.html). The approach described here is thus
not a feature of the DM48 per se, but it becomes very useful with a small
handheld instrument.
We used an iOS app called MIDIflow to control Reason running on MacOS
from a DM48 connected to an iPhone with excellent results. The setup is
relatively easy.
1. On your Mac, create a computer-to-computer network (click network
icon in top status bar and select Create network…). Join this network
on your iOS device.
2. In MIDIflow, select DM48 as input device (top + icon) and Network
Session 1 as destination device (bottom + icon).
3. On the Mac, start Audio MIDI Setup (use Spotlight search to find this
application), click Window, Show MIDI window and click Network.
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Add a new session (+) and tick the box for this session. In the Directory
list, choose your iOS device and click Connect. There should now be a
MIDI device called Network Session 1 available to any of your music
applications in MacOS. This device behaves just like a locally
connected DM48.

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Lid removal and breathing resistance adjustment
The breathing resistance can be adjusted individually for each hole by
means of 12 screws inside the DM48. By adjusting these screws, one can
mimic the uneven resistance pattern encountered on a regular harmonica
(less resistance on the lower holes). Changing the breathing resistance will
also influence the pressure in the chambers. Thus, lessening the resistance
will make it possible to blow or draw more strongly without saturating the
sensors. Conversely, the instrument can be made very sensitive by
tightening the screws, to allow pressure to build up more easily. The Gain
skew setting (see above) can be used to compensate for the loss of signal
that would result from opening up screws on lower-numbered holes or
tightening high-numbered holes.
By default, all holes have been calibrated for equal response, and in most
cases there should be no need to alter the screw settings. Breathing
resistance adjustment is an advanced feature that requires opening up the
instrument:
1. Remove the two bottom screws using a T8 torx driver.
2. Slide the lid backwards away from the mouthpiece, using some light
force. If necessary, a screwdriver or similar may be inserted in between
the mouthpiece and the lid to help gently wiggle it backwards a few
mm. All maneuvers should be done with great care to avoid
damaging any of the parts and components.
3. Having slid it away ~5 mm from the mouthpiece, lift up the lid at the
front end (facing the mouthpiece), tilt it backwards a little bit, and
slide it backward away from the instrument. Do this very gently to
ensure that components come free from the lid.
4. The individual holes are adjusted using a 2 mm hex key, included with
your DM48. Coincidentally, a T8 torx driver also works well.
5. Reverse the procedure above when replacing the lid. Do not over-
tighten the screws as to not damage the plastic chassis.

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