ICON QCON PRO X (01) PDF Document

To ensure safe operation of your ICON QCON PRO X, please follow these instructions:

1. Read the user manual thoroughly before using the unit.

2. Keep the manual for future reference.

3. Take notice of and comply with all warnings included in the user’s manual or indicated on the appliance.

4. Follow all instructions included in the manual.

5. Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Avoid having water or other liquids spilled on this unit.

6. When cleaning the cabinet or other parts of this appliance, use only a dry or slightly damp soft cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings or interfere with the proper ventilation of this unit. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not use or store near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-producing appliances.

9. Do not interfere with the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or otherwise damaged by items placed on or against it. Pay particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits the appliance.

11. To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not touch any exposed wiring while the unit is in operation.

12. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

13. Unplug this unit and all connected electrical equipment during lightning storms or when left unused for a long period of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the appliance has been damaged in any way or fails to operate normally.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

The ICON QCON PRO X package contains the following items:

• Qcon Pro X USB-MIDI Controller x 1pc

• CD x 1 (Includes App software – iMap for Mac & Windows, User manual & QSG, DAW software – Samplitude Pro X2 Silver ICON edition)

• Quick Start Guide x 1

• USB 2.0 Cable x 1

• AC adaptor x 1pc

The ICON QCON PRO X MIDI/Audio control surface has the following features:

• 8 touch-sensitive motorized channel faders with 10-bit resolution.

• 1 touch-sensitive motorized fader for the master channel with 10-bit resolution.

• 12-segment LED level metering bridge for channel (mono) and master channel (stereo).

• 8 x dual function encoder knobs (Enter & rotate).

• Multi-colour surround LED display that changes colour according to the controlling parameter (Cubase only).

• 11-segment LED surrounding the encoders to indicate rotating position.

• Large dual backlit LCD displays for channel name (lower LCD) and control parameters (upper LCD).

• 12-segment LED display for project time location in SMPTE or BBT format.

• Jog wheel shuttle for fast search and control.

• Illuminated buttons for each channel including Rec-enable, Solo, Mute, Select, and Monitor.

• 6 illuminated transport buttons: Play, Stop, Rec, Rewind, Fast Forward, and Loop.

• Illuminated zoom key with 4 direction keys.

• 9 illuminated assignable MIDI function buttons (DAW dependent).

• Expandable to a 32-channel control surface with 3 units of Qcon Pro XS.

• 3 x USB expansion ports.

• Optional expansion control units (modules) available, such as joystick, extra buttons, or knobs.

• User A & User B RCA connectors for connecting with pedals.

• Class-compliant with Windows XP, Vista (32-bit), Windows 7 (32/64-bit), Windows 8 (32/64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit) and Mac OS X (IntelMac).

• USB 2.0 high-speed connectivity.

• Built-in Mackie control for Cubase, Nuendo, Samplitude, Logic Pro, Reaper, Studio One, Bitwig, Reason, and Abelton Live.

• Built-in Mackie HUI protocol for Pro Tools.

• Hardware switch for DAW auto-detect or manual-select mode.

• Optional DAW aluminum panels and different DAW PVC overlays are available/included.

• iMap software for user-defined MIDI mapping (MIDI Learn).

• Firmware upgradeable via USB connection and iMap software.

• Robust metal casing with Kensington lock port.

• 12V/2.5A power adapter included.

The ICON QCON PRO X features several displays and meters to provide visual feedback:

• Upper LCD Display: This two-line backlit display shows parameter values as you adjust them and provides feedback about channel selections, operating modes, and more.

• Lower LCD Display: This two-line backlit display shows the channel name.

• Time Display: This 12-segment LED display shows the time location of your project in either SMPTE or BBT format.

• Channel Level Metering (mono): The 12-LED strips show the associated channel’s audio level.

• Master Channel Metering (stereo): The 12×2 LED display shows the master channel’s audio level.

Channel Faders:

The eight 100mm motorized faders are used for controlling the track volume in your DAW. They are touch-sensitive, allowing for automation override the moment you touch a fader. Being motorized, they automatically move to reflect the current level of the selected channels and any recorded automation. Parameter adjustments made with these faders are displayed on the upper LCD.

Master Fader:

This 100mm motorized fader operates the same as the channel faders but controls your DAW’s master channel fader. Note: In Pro Tools, the fader next to your last channel fader acts as the master channel fader.

Dual Function Encoders with Multi-Colour Surround LED:

These encoders function as both a push-button and a rotary control. Pressing an encoder can change modes or what appears on the display. Rotating an encoder can adjust a channel’s pan, send level, or plug-in parameters. The surrounding 11-LED ring indicates the relative position of the rotation. In Cubase, the LED color will change according to the parameter being controlled.

For each of the 8 channels, there is a set of control buttons:

• REC buttons: Activate and deactivate the recording state (arm) of the associated channel. The button lights red when the channel is armed.

• SOLO buttons: Turn the solo state of the associated channel On and Off. The button lights green when the channel is soloed, and other channels will be muted. You can solo multiple channels by pressing their SOLO buttons.

• MUTE buttons: Activate and deactivate the mute state of the associated channel. The button lights blue when the channel is muted.

• SEL buttons: Activate the associated channels in the DAW software to perform a specific operation (e.g., selecting a channel to adjust its EQ). When a channel is selected, the associated SEL button’s red LED will light up.

Motorized Fader Control Buttons:

• LOCK button: Activates to lock all motorized faders.

• FLIP button: Swaps the parameter settings between the motorized faders and the rotary encoder knobs.

• UP/DOWN buttons: Shift all channel faders up or down by one channel.

• BANK UP/DOWN buttons: Shift all channel faders up or down by a bank of eight channels.

• Cancel/Enter buttons: Activate the DAW’s cancel and enter functions.

Zoom Control Buttons:

• ZOOM button: Used in conjunction with the ARROW buttons to zoom in and out within your DAW application.

• UP/DOWN buttons: Navigate up or down through the DAW’s Graphical User Interface (GUI). When used with the ZOOM button, they zoom in or out vertically.

• LEFT/RIGHT buttons: Navigate left or right through the DAW’s GUI. When used with the ZOOM button, they zoom in or out horizontally.

Jog Wheel Section:

• Jog wheel: Used for various purposes like shuttle and scrubbing functions in your DAW.

• Scrub button: Used with the jog wheel to scrub selected audio tracks for editing.

The transport section on the ICON QCON PRO X provides the following controls for your DAW:

• PLAY button: Activates the play function.

• STOP button: Activates the stop function.

• REC button: Activates the record function.

• REWIND button: Activates the rewind function.

• FAST FORWARD button: Activates the fast forward function.

• LOOP button: Activates the loop function.

• Marker button: Toggles small Marker mode.

• Nudge button: Toggles small Nudge mode.

• Click button: Toggles playback or record metronome click.

• Drop button: Toggles Drop.

• Replace button: Toggles Replace.

• Solo button: Toggles track solo for the selected track.

• Save button: Activates the DAW’s save function.

• Undo button: Activates the DAW’s undo function.

The ICON QCON PRO X has an “auto-detect/manual select” switch on the back panel to choose your DAW mode.

Switch to Auto (Auto-Detect mode):

In this mode, the Qcon Pro X will automatically detect which optional DAW aluminum panel is installed (e.g., Logic Pro panel) and trigger the correct settings for that DAW.

Switch to Manual (Manual-Select mode):

In this mode, you can manually select your DAW. Turn the device off and on to enter DAW selection mode. Use the “<< / >>” buttons to scroll through the DAW list on the LCD, and press the “DAW” button to confirm your selection. The device will memorize your last selection for the next time you power it on.

Note: If “Auto mode” is switched on, the manual selection buttons (<<, >>, DAW) will be ineffective. The DAW button also cannot be activated if a DAW software is running.

The functions of these buttons vary depending on the selected DAW. The following is based on Logic Pro:

Assignment Section:

• TRACK button: Activates the track parameters of the software.

• PAN/EQ/Send/Plug-in/Instrument buttons: These activate the corresponding effect function in the DAW. After pressing a button (it will light up), use the rotary encoder knob to adjust the value, which will be displayed on the LCD above.

Automation Section:

• GROUP button: Press to enter “Group” edit mode.

• READ/Off button: Activates the read function of the current audio track.

• WRITE button: Activates the write function of the current audio track.

• TOUCH button: Sets the selected track’s automation to Touch.

• LATCH button: Sets the selected track’s automation to Latch.

• TRIM button: Currently unassigned.

User-defined control buttons:

This section of control buttons is user-defined in Mackie control mode (or HUI mode). You can set their parameters to your personal needs. A PVC labeling mask is included for noting the set parameters.

The rear panel of the ICON QCON PRO X features the following connections:

• User A / User B RCA connectors: Connect foot pedals to activate selected functions, which can be set in Mackie control mode.

• USB port: Connects the Qcon Pro X to your Mac/PC.

• 3 x Extension ports: Connect extension units such as the QconProXS.

• Auto/Manual switch: Selects between automatic or manual DAW mode triggering.

• 12V/2.5A power adaptor port: Connect the provided power adaptor here. The Qcon Pro X cannot be powered by USB bus power alone.

1. Connect the QconPro X to your Mac/PC:

Use the provided USB cable to connect the QconPro X to a USB port on your computer. Your computer should automatically detect the new hardware.

2. Select the DAW at QconPro X:

You can use either automatic or manual mode, selected via the “Auto/Manual” switch on the back of the unit.

• For Auto mode: Switch to “Auto”. When you power on the device, it will automatically configure itself based on the installed DAW aluminum panel. No further selection is needed.

• For Manual mode: Switch to “Manual”. When you power on the device, the LCD will prompt you to select a DAW. Use the “<< / >>” buttons to scroll through the list and press the “DAW” button to confirm your selection.

3. Setup your DAW software:

In your DAW’s MIDI controller settings, add a “Mackie Control” (or “HUI” for Pro Tools) device. Then, select the “ICON Qcon Pro X” as both the MIDI input and output device for that controller.

1. In Cubase, go to the “Devices” menu and select “Device Setup…”.

2. In the Device Setup window, click the “+” button in the top left corner and select “Mackie Control” from the dropdown menu.

3. With “Mackie Control” selected in the left-hand list, set the “MIDI Input” to “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

4. Set the “MIDI Output” to “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to close the window.

1. In Nuendo, go to the “Devices” menu and select “Device Setup…”.

2. In the Device Setup window, click the “+” button in the top left corner and select “Mackie Control” from the list.

3. With “Mackie Control” selected under “Remote Devices”, set the “MIDI Input” to “iCON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

4. Set the “MIDI Output” to “iCON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to finish.

1. In Pro Tools, go to the “Setup” menu and select “Peripherals…”.

2. In the Peripherals window, go to the “MIDI Controllers” tab.

3. For the first row (#1), set “Type” to “HUI”.

4. Set “Receive From” to “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

5. Set “Send To” to “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

6. Set “# Ch’s” (number of channels) to “8”. Click “OK”.

7. Go to the “Setup” menu again, navigate to “MIDI”, and select “Input Devices…”.

8. In the MIDI Input Enable window, make sure the box next to “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05” is checked. Click “OK”.

1. In Samplitude, go to the “Options” menu and select “System/Audio…” under “Program Preferences”.

2. In the System options window, select “Hardware Controller” from the left-hand menu.

3. Click the “Select controller” button.

4. From the list, choose “Mackie Control” and close the selection window.

5. Set the “MIDI In” dropdown to “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

6. Set the “MIDI Out” dropdown to “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

7. Now, select “MIDI” from the left-hand menu (under System/Devices).

8. Under “MIDI IN”, ensure the box next to “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05” is checked.

9. Under “MIDI OUT”, ensure the box next to “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05” is checked. Click “OK”.

1. In Bitwig Studio, go to the “Options” menu and select “Preferences”.

2. In the Preferences window, select the “Controllers” tab.

3. Click “Add controller manually”.

4. From the list of manufacturers, select “Mackie”.

5. From the Mackie models, select “MCU PRO”.

6. For the newly added Mackie MCU PRO controller, set the input dropdown menu to “iCON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

7. Set the output dropdown menu to “iCON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

8. Click “OK” to close the Preferences window.

1. In Reason, go to the “Options” menu and select “Surface Locking…”.

2. In the locking window, click “Open surface preferences…”.

3. In the preferences window, click the “Add” button.

4. For “Manufacturer”, select “Mackie”.

5. For “Model”, select “Control”.

6. You can leave the “Name” as “Mackie Control”.

7. For “In Port”, select “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

8. For “Out Port”, select “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

9. Click “OK”.

1. In Reaper, go to the “Options” menu and select “Preferences…”.

2. In the Preferences window, select “Control Surfaces” from the left-hand menu.

3. Click the “Add” button.

4. In the Control Surface Settings window, for “Control surface mode”, select “Mackie Control Extender”.

5. For “MIDI input”, select “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

6. For “MIDI output”, select “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

7. You can check the box for “Ignore fader moves when fader is not being touched”.

8. Click “OK” in the Control Surface Settings window, and then “OK” in the Preferences window.

1. In Studio One, go to the “Options” menu and select “Options…”.

2. In the Options window, select the “External Devices” tab.

3. Click the “Add…” button.

4. From the left-hand list, navigate to the “Mackie” folder and select “Control”.

5. For “Receive From”, select “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

6. For “Send To”, select “ICON Qcon ProX V1.05”.

7. Click “OK”, and then “OK” again to close the Options window.

1. In Abelton Live, go to the “Options” menu and select “Preferences…”.

2. In the Preferences window, go to the “MIDI Sync” tab.

3. In the first available “Control Surface” slot, select “MackieControl”.

4. For its “Input”, select “ICON Qcon ProX”.

5. For its “Output”, select “ICON Qcon ProX”.

6. In the “MIDI Ports” section below, for “Input: MackieControl Input…”, ensure “Track”, “Sync”, and “Remote” are all set to “On”.

7. For “Output: MackieControl Output…”, ensure “Track”, “Sync”, and “Remote” are all set to “On”.

8. Close the Preferences window.

1. Insert the Utility CD into your CD-Rom.

2. Double-click the “QconPro X iMap” icon.

3. A window will open showing the iMap application icon and a shortcut to the “Applications” folder.

4. Drag and drop the “QconProX/QConProXS Firmware iMap” icon into the “Applications” folder to install it.

1. Turn on your PC and insert the Utility CD. The installation screen should appear automatically. Click “Install”. (If it doesn’t appear, browse to the CD folder and double-click “Setup”. If you downloaded the file, unzip it and click the setup icon).

2. On the “Choose Install Location” screen, select your preferred installation folder or use the default, then click “Next”.

3. On the “Select shortcut” screen, choose the start menu folder for the shortcut, then click “Next”.

4. On the “Create a shortcut on your desktop” screen, leave the box ticked to create a desktop icon and click “Next”.

5. The installation will begin. Once it is complete, click “Finish”.

6. You can now launch the iMap software by clicking the icon on your desktop.

You can set your DAW mode using the iMap software or directly on the hardware. To use iMap:

1. Connect your Qcon Pro X to your Mac/PC with the USB cable.

2. Launch the iMap software and click “Connect Device”. A message will appear if the device is not connected.

3. In the “Open Device” pop-up menu, select “iCON Qcon ProX V1.05” as your MIDI OUT device and click “Ok”.

4. From the “Control Mode” pull-down menu in the main iMap window, select the protocol mode corresponding to your DAW (e.g., “Cubase (MCP)”, “Pro Tools (HUI)”, etc.).

5. After selecting your DAW, click “Send Data” to upload the settings to your device.

6. Close iMap.

1. Connect your Qcon Pro X to your Mac/PC via USB.

2. Launch the iMap software and click “Connect Device”.

3. Select “iCON Qcon ProX V1.05” as your MIDI out device from the pop-up menu.

4. In the main iMap window, select the “Control Mode” for your intended DAW protocol (e.g., MCP or HUI).

5. Click on a control element (button, knob, fader) in the iMap graphical interface that you want to assign a function to.

6. From the “Function” pull-down menu on the right, select the desired MIDI message you want to assign to that control.

7. Repeat for all control elements you wish to customize.

8. Once you have finished all settings, click the “Send Data” button to transfer the custom mapping to your Qcon Pro X.

9. Close iMap.

When creating custom mappings, you should select the appropriate control protocol for your DAW. The suggested protocols are as follows:

The available MIDI message settings for different control elements are:

The iMap software for the ICON QCON PRO X provides these additional functions:

1. “Save file” button: Click this to save your current settings for the Qcon Pro X. The settings are saved as a “.QconPro X” file.

2. “Load file” button: Click this to load a previously saved “.QconPro X” settings file for your device.

3. “Firmware Upgrade” button: Click this to open the firmware upgrade window. This is used to update the internal software of your Qcon Pro X.

Warning: The firmware upload process MUST be completed without interruption. Interrupting the process may require a service center repair.

1. Connect your QconPro X to your Mac/PC with the USB cable and launch the iMap software.

2. Click the “Firmware Upgrade” button to launch the upgrade window.

3. Step 1: Click the first button, “MIDI Device”, to select “QconPro X” as the MIDI output device. If it does not appear, select “USB Audio Device”.

4. Step 2: Click the “Update” button to erase the current firmware. A pop-up message will confirm when the firmware has been erased successfully.

5. Step 3: Wait a few seconds for the unit to reboot completely. Then, click the third button, “MIDI Devices”, to check if the correct MIDI input and output device has been selected.

6. Step 4: Click “Open File” to browse for and select the new firmware file (e.g., “QconPro X V1.00.BIN”).

7. Step 5: Click “Upload” to upgrade the firmware. Wait for the process to complete.

To restore your Qcon Pro X to its factory settings, you can use the iMap software to import the original settings:

1. Connect the Qcon Pro X to your computer with the provided USB cable and launch the iMap software.

2. Click the “MIDI Device” button and select “QconPro X” as the MIDI input and output device. (Note: If QconPro X does not appear, select “USB audio” as the MIDI I/O device).

3. Without making any changes in iMap, click “Send Data”. This will upload the default settings for the currently selected mode to your device.

4. Close iMap, and then turn the Qcon Pro X power off and on again.

• Connector (To computer): USB connector (standard type)

• Connector (To extender): USB connector (B-Type)

• Power supply: 12V/2.5A DC

• Current consumption: 2A or less

• Weight: 6kg (13.2lb)

• Dimensions: 473(L) x 416(W) x 188(H)mm / 18.62″(L) x 16.38″(W) x 7.4″(H)

If you believe your ICON QCON PRO X requires servicing, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the problem is not related to operation error or external system devices. Check your connections and software settings first.

2. Keep your owner’s manual for your own reference.

3. Pack the unit in its original packaging, including the end card and box. If you have lost the original packaging, ensure you pack the unit properly to prevent damage during shipping. Damage due to non-factory packing is not the responsibility of ICON.

4. Ship the unit to the appropriate tech support center or local return authorization point.