ParksTool Manual

1. Product Overview

This device is a compact MIDI controller that operates via USB-C. It can transmit keyboard inputs and various MIDI messages through both USB and TRS outputs simultaneously. It uses a Plug & Play system that works immediately when connected to most PCs or smart devices without requiring additional drivers.

Key Features

  • Simultaneous USB MIDI & TRS MIDI Out
  • Input through keyboard, knobs, and dials
  • Supports Note On/Off, CC, Program Change, Pitch Bend, and V-Pot messages
  • Allows keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V)
  • Media key mapping (volume control, play/pause, etc.)
  • Up to 4 flexible banks for layout switching

2. Usage Environment and Safety Notes

  • Power Input / Operating Current: 5V DC (USB-C), under 200mA
  • Cable: USB-C to USB-C or USB-A to USB-C
    • For USB MIDI output, use a data-capable cable.
    • Power-only cables can be used for TRS MIDI Out only, but data cables are recommended to avoid confusion.
  • Warning: Do not apply more than 5V. This may damage the device.
  • PD Charger Support: Most PD chargers will auto-detect and output 5V safely.
  • If overheating or unusual behavior occurs (e.g., sudden reboot, LED malfunction), disconnect power and contact the manufacturer.
  • Not waterproof. Avoid liquids and moisture.
  • Environment: Indoor use only; avoid direct sunlight, high humidity.
  • Child Safety: Small parts (e.g., knobs, keycaps) may be a choking hazard. Keep out of reach of children.

3. Package Contents

  • 1x Device unit
  • (USB cable not included. Please provide your own.)

4. System Compatibility

  • Windows 10 or later
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS

Plug & Play functionality with no driver installation required across all platforms.

5. Device Operation Test

To check if the device works properly upon first use:

  1. Install MidiView (free MIDI monitoring app) from midiview, available for Windows and macOS.
  2. Connect the device via USB.
  3. In MidiView, select the device from the input list.
  4. Turn knobs or press keys — MIDI messages will appear on screen in real time.

This helps confirm that your device is functioning and transmitting MIDI messages correctly.

6. LED Indicators

  • Power LED: Always on when powered
  • USB Activity LED: Blinks when sending/receiving USB data (on select models)
  • Bank LEDs (Left/Right):
    • Bank 0: Both OFF
    • Bank 1: Left ON
    • Bank 2: Right ON
    • Bank 3: Both ON

7. Bank System

  • The number of Banks varies by product. For example, a device with 24 potentiometers may support 3 Banks, while one with 4 encoders and 2 keys may support up to 14 Banks. (Based on firmware version 8, subject to change)
  • Each Bank can be configured with different MIDI channels and CC values.
  • Bank switching is most commonly assigned to a Key (push button) for intuitive control.
    • It can also be done via Encoder or Potentiometer.
  • LED indicators update automatically when switching Banks.
  • Bank state is retained even after power cycling (saved to internal memory).

8. Output and Operation

  • This device supports various operation modes:
    • MIDI Normal Mode
    • MIDI Pitchbend Mode
    • MIDI Program Change Mode
    • MIDI Custom Mode
    • Keyboard Mode
    • Consumer Control Mode (e.g., volume control)
    • Mouse Mode

🎹 Mode Descriptions

1. MIDI Normal Mode

  • Encoders / Potentiometers send CC or Note On messages. MIDI channel and number are configurable. The CC value or note velocity is based on position.
  • Keys send CC 127 or Note velocity 127. Toggle mode is also available. Custom values can be assigned.

2. MIDI Pitchbend Mode

  • Encoders / Potentiometers send Pitchbend data.

3. MIDI Program Change Mode

  • Encoders / Potentiometers send Program Change messages based on position.
  • Keys can be configured to send specific Program Change messages.

4. MIDI Custom Mode

  • Encoders / Potentiometers can send different messages for left and right turns, enabling relative control.
  • Keys can have actions for press, release, or toggle.
  • Supported messages: Note On/Off, CC, Program Change, Pitchbend

5. Keyboard / Consumer Control / Mouse Modes

  • Allows the device to act as a standard keyboard, media control device, or mouse.

🔁 Additional Bank Notes

  • Encoders and Keys can be used to switch Banks.
  • Devices come with 2 Banks by default. You can adjust the number of Banks in the Web Configuration Tool (Global Variables tab).
  • Detented encoders are recommended for Bank switching due to tactile feedback.
  • Enabling Bank Looping lets Bank switching wrap around from last to first, useful on single-button setups.
  • Each Bank requires configuration before use.

※ LED color customization is limited to specific models (e.g., 1ES2K). Custom colors apply only to Bank 0; other Banks have fixed colors. Use the DISABLE LED option to turn off LEDs completely.

  • Identical messages are output through both USB MIDI and TRS MIDI Out.
  • Default MIDI Channel: 1
  • TRS MIDI supports both Type A / B (hardware switchable)

9. Mapping and User Customization

✨ Basic Mapping Functions

  • Use the Web Configuration Tool to freely map keys, knobs, media keys, etc.
  • When connected to your device, the browser automatically detects the controller and displays available settings.

10. Advanced User Settings

🎛 Element-Specific Settings

Encoder Settings

  • Encoder Resolution (default: 4)
    • Defines how many steps to send per physical click (detent). For detented encoders, use 1. For smooth encoders, use 4 for higher resolution.
  • Encoder Acceleration Level (default: 8)
    • Faster turns send more values. Set to 0 to disable.

Potentiometer / Fader Settings

  • Smooth Filter Level (default: 4)
    • Averages multiple values for smoother results. Higher values reduce responsiveness.
  • Divider (default: 10)
    • Divides input range to control how many messages are sent. For example, setting 3 means 3 steps from minimum to maximum.
    • Note: Has no effect in MIDI Normal or Pitchbend Mode.

CC / NOTE Range Settings

  • Minimum Value (default: 0)
    • If you want the minimum transmitted value to be 10 when turning the knob, set this to 10.
  • Maximum Value (default: 127)
    • Maximum value the knob or fader will send. Set to 100 if you want to cap it.

⚙️ Global Flags

General Flags

  • ENABLE DEEJ (default: off)
    • Sends Deej-compatible serial messages via USB. May reduce performance.
  • DISABLE LED (1ES2K only, default: off)
    • Disables onboard LEDs to conserve resources.
  • DISABLE TRS OUT (default: off)
    • Disables TRS MIDI output. By default, it's enabled.

Bank Flags

  • ENABLE BANK LOOPING (default: off)
    • When enabled, pressing Bank+ at the last Bank cycles to the first.
  • ENABLE ANTI-JUMPING (default: off)
    • For potentiometers/faders: Remembers last position in each Bank. Prevents MIDI messages until the position matches, avoiding jumps. Not needed for encoders.

11. Firmware Update

  • Firmware can be updated using a dedicated PC tool, provided upon request via email.
  • Interrupting the update process (e.g., unplugging power) may brick the device.
    • Recovery requires opening the device and pressing a specific internal button (refer to manufacturer guidance).
  • Firmware update availability can also be indicated in the Web Configuration Tool.

12. Troubleshooting

  1. Install MidiView, available for Windows and macOS.
  2. Connect the device to your computer via USB.
  3. Select the device in MidiView.
  4. Operate knobs or keys — MIDI messages should appear live on screen.

This process confirms whether the device is properly sending MIDI messages.

Issue Solution
Power LED not lit Check cable or power supply. Use a data-capable USB cable.
Device not recognized Try a different USB port, reboot your system, or replace the cable.
No MIDI output Verify mapping, inspect cable condition, contact support.
Overheating or malfunction Disconnect immediately and contact support.

13. Warranty and Customer Support

  • Warranty Period: 1 year from date of purchase
  • How to Claim: Send your order number and confirmation email to contact@parkstool.com
  • Warranty Exclusions: Modifications, user damage, physical breakage, or improper voltage use
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