iRig BlueBoard User manual
Wireless MIDI controller/page turner
for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Mac
USER MANUAL
Contents
2
Table of Contents
Contents 2
English 3
Safety Information 3
iRig BlueBoard 3
iRig BlueBoard Firmware update 3
Features 4
Register your iRig BlueBoard 5
Installation and setup 5
BlueBoard mode 7
Connecting to the Control App 8
Connecting to Amplitube or VocaLive app 9
MIDI over Bluetooth modes (requires Firmware v.1.2.0) 9
MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1 10
MIDI over Bluetooth mode 2 11
Startup notes 12
Status LED 12
USB Port 13
USB Power 14
Troubleshooting 14
Specifications 14
Warranty 15
Support and more info 15
Regulatory 16
English
3
Safety Information
• To reduce risk of internal damage or malfunction, never expose the unit to rain, moisture or excessive
humidity. Never let any liquid spill on the unit.
• Always remove the batteries if you plan not to use the unit for a long time.
• Never expose the unit to a temperature higher than 60°C (140°F) .
• Never step over the unit or step on it with your full weight, this might cause permanent damages to the iRig
BlueBoard structure and foot switches.
• There are no user serviceable parts inside iRig BlueBoard, never open the unit.
• All servicing should be referred to qualified personnel only.
• iRig BlueBoard communicates via Bluetooth. Never insert iRig BlueBoard into metallic cases or structures
that could shield the Bluetooth signal.
• CAUTION: risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. iRig BlueBoard can ONLY be
used with consumer grade, non-rechargeable CARBON-ZINC or ALKALINE batteries.
iRig BlueBoard
Thank you for purchasing iRig BlueBoard, the first wireless MIDI-pedalboard controller for iPhone, iPod touch,
iPad and Mac.
Your package contains:
• iRig BlueBoard
• 4 x AAA batteries
• Quick Start Guide
• Registration Card
iRig BlueBoard is the first wireless MIDI pedalboard for iOS and Mac. It allows you to control parameters
of your MIDI-compatible apps, like AmpliTube, wirelessly from the floor. Switch between presets, change
patches, turn effects on and off and control effects like volume and wah pedals, all from the stage floor, without
worrying about tripping over wires. Setup is as simple as turning the iRig BlueBoard on and setting its control
assignments in the free control app.
And now iRig BlueBoard can work as a standard BTLE MIDI device, it’s able to directly communicate with apps
without the need of an in-between “bridge” app (Firmware update required).
iRig BlueBoard Firmware update
The FW update v1.2.0 allows for the new MIDI over Bluetooth modes operations. You need a unit with this
version of FW installed to use the new features of iRig BlueBoard. A firmware updater utility is available in the
Firmware Updates section on your User Area. If your unit does not have the last FW installed you can refer only
to the “BlueBoard mode” section on this manual.
English
4
Features
Foot switches Connectors for external controllers
USB port
Status LED
Power switch Battery compartment
iRig BlueBoard is equipped with four backlit soft-touch pads housed in a sturdy, stageworthy chassis, two TRS
jacks for connecting additional controllers like foot switches and expression pedals, and is powered by four
standard AAA batteries.
iRig BlueBoard works by wirelessly connecting to a dedicated iOS and Mac app called “iRig BlueBoard,” which
receives Bluetooth control messages from the iRig BlueBoard hardware, and translates them into standard MIDI
commands for any hardware or software instrument or MIDI-compatible app like AmpliTube.
The control messages sent from iRig BlueBoard to AmpliTube or other Core MIDI music apps can include
MIDI Program Change and Control Change messages, as well as parameter changes on apps such as IK’s
AmpliTube, VocaLive, SampleTank and iGrand Piano, or any other Core MIDI compatible app like Apple
GarageBand.
iRig BlueBoard communicates via Bluetooth technology so you can place it up to 10 meters (32.8 feet) away
from your device and still maintain full control of your apps.
The four backlit footswitches on iRig BlueBoard will turn ON when the unit is activated (blue backlight).
In addition to this iRig BlueBoard features a low-intensity blue light, which illuminates all four footswitches,
making iRig BlueBoard visible on a dark stage. This low-intensity backlight can be turned ON or OFF (to save
battery) from the control app.
English
5
Register your iRig BlueBoard
By registering, you can access technical support, activate your warranty and receive free JamPoints™ which will
be added to your account. JamPoints™ allow you to obtain discounts on future IK purchases! Registering also
keeps you informed of all the latest software updates and IK products.
Register at: www.ikmultimedia.com/registration
Installation and setup
1. Install the four AAA batteries into the battery compartment of iRig BlueBoard. It is very important to follow
the polarity indicators for the batteries that are indicated on the internal part of the battery compartment. iRig
BlueBoard works with Bluetooth LE technology, allowing for extra-low current consumption and very long
battery life.
English
6
2. Choose which mode you want to start up by pushing and holding either the A, B or C button and the ON
switch on the BlueBoard (features available only with Firmware v.1.2.0).
ONHOLD
BlueBoard mode
ONHOLD
MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1
(requires Firmware v1.2.0)
ONHOLD
MIDI over Bluetooth mode 2
(requires Firmware v1.2.0)
English
7
BlueBoard mode
1. Push and hold the “A” button and then switch ON the device. This way the BlueBoard will start up in
BlueBoard proprietary mode. After having done this the Status LED will start flashing blue.
2. You need to download the free “iRig BlueBoard” app from the App Store on your iOS device or from
IK Multimedia User Area for your Mac. The app translates the signals received from the iRig BlueBoard
hardware to MIDI commands understood by your MIDI app. Or you can download Amplitube or Vocalive for
iOS and pair directly the iRig BlueBoard with the app without the need of the BlueBoard app.
3. If you plan to use an external footswitch or continuous control pedal, connect it to one of the two external
inputs. These two inputs are identical and can accept both switches and continuous expression pedals.
iRig BlueBoard app
AmpliTube
VocaLive
ikdownloads.com/irigblueboard
ON
HOLD
English
8
Connecting to the Control App
Launch the “iRig BlueBoard” app that you have downloaded.
From the iRig BlueBoard app, follow the procedure to connect to iRig BlueBoard. Once the connection is
successful, the iRig BlueBoard status led will light up steady blue.
Select the device you want to use
from the following list
iRig BlueBoard
In this mode iRig BlueBoard communicates with the control app (iRig BlueBoard) and the Control app converts
the data to standard MIDI messages.
The four iRig BlueBoard foot switches can send MIDI Program Change or Control Change messages. You will
be able to assign each foot switch to the Program Change or Control Change message you want, using the iRig
BlueBoard control app. No setup is needed on iRig BlueBoard hardware.
Note: Please refer to the user manual of the control app for detailed information on this. From the app you’ll also
be able to select which MIDI messages the external pedals will send.
English
9
Connecting to Amplitube or VocaLive app
Launch the “Amplitube” or “VocaLive” app. From the app, follow the procedure to connect to iRig BlueBoard.
Once the connection is successful, the iRig BlueBoard status led will light up steady blue.
Note: Please refer to the user manual of the app for detailed information on pairing procedure.
MIDI over Bluetooth modes (requires Firmware v.1.2.0)
Now iRig BlueBoard can work as a standard BTLE MIDI device, making it able to directly communicate with
apps (that support MIDI over BlueTooth) without the need of an in-between “bridge” app.
MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1
MIDI over Bluetooth mode 2
C3 D3 E3 F3
CC#20 CC#21 CC#22 CC#23
In MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1,
iRig BlueBoard sends MIDI notes
when the A, B, C, D foot switches
are pressed.
In MIDI over Bluetooth mode
2, iRig BlueBoard sends MIDI
Control Changes when the A, B, C
and D foot switches are pressed.
English
10
MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1
1. Push and hold the “B” button and then switch ON the device. This way the BlueBoard will start up in MIDI
over Bluetooth mode 1. After this the Status LED will start flashing blue.
2. From the app, follow the procedure to connect to iRig BlueBoard. Once the connection is successful, the
iRig BlueBoard status led will light up steady blue.
These are the specifications for the MIDI over Bluetooth mode 1:
Transmit Channel: 1 / Receive Channel: 1
Transmitting:
Switch A: note C3, velocity 100, momentary action
Switch B: note D3, velocity 100, momentary action
Switch C: note E3, velocity 100, momentary action
Switch D: note F3, velocity 100, momentary action
A “Note ON” message is send when the button is pressed, and a “Note OFF” message is send when the foot-
switch is released.
Exp Pedal 1: CC#12.
Exp Pedal 2: CC#13.
ON
HOLD
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