Adjusting Reed Switches

So…you have a couple of notes that aren’t triggering properly. Don’t panic. Sometimes this happens with seasonal changes or changes in temperature or humidity. We will show you how to adjust the trigger-point of the switch for each key.

This guide will also come in handy if you ever decide to change the sensitivity of your whole pedalboard.

Two things you want to locate before you get started: a Philips (star) screwdriver and your MIDI tester that came with your pedalboard.

The first thing you want to do is to disconnect all the cables and power plugs from the back of the pedalboard. You may find it easier to work on if you stand the pedalboard on its end with the back panel facing up.

Remove the back panel using your screwdriver and put the screws somewhere safe. See below.

Next you can plug in your power supply to the wall and the pedalboard and put your MIDI tester into the “MIDI OUT" plug.

Test the keys to see that the MIDI tester is receiving MIDI signals. You will see a red light blinking on the tester when a note is pressed.

If you do not see a red light when the notes are pressed, check to see that there is power to the pedalboard and that you have the tester plugged into the MIDI OUT.

When you have confirmed that the MIDI tester is receiving MIDI signals, locate the sensor for the key you wish to adjust. Loosen the screw that holds the sensor in place.

Adjust the sensor upward (toward the keys) to make the sensor more sensitive or downward (away from the keys) to make the sensor less sensitive. Use your MIDI tester to identify the desired trigger point.

When you have found your desired trigger point, secure the sensor in place by tightening the screw.

Please note that reed-switches are triggered magnetically. If the sensor is placed too high, it may make it close enough to be triggered by the magnet of an adjacent key.

If you are finding this to be the case, then you will need to adjust the sensor downward.

When all is well, replace the back panel and reconnect to your computer or module. Next Step…. Enjoy!