Understanding Memory Banks

One of the most powerful features of your Yaeltex controller is its ability to hold multiple complete configurations at once. This is made possible through Memory Banks. Instead of being locked into a single layout, you can switch the entire function of your controller on the fly, transforming it to suit different tasks, software, or parts of your performance.

This guide will explain what Memory Banks are, why they are useful, and how to set them up in Kilowhat.

What is a Memory Bank?

Think of a Memory Bank as a "preset" for your entire controller.

Each bank is a complete, independent map of every single component on your device. You can have one bank where your faders control mixer volumes, and another bank where the same faders control effect sends. By switching between banks, you instantly change what every knob, button, and fader does.

Your Yaeltex controller can store up to 16 of these complete configurations in its internal memory.

Why Are Memory Banks So Powerful? Practical Use Cases

Memory Banks multiply the power of your physical controller, giving each component multiple jobs.

• For the Producer:
• • Bank 1: Mixing. Faders control track volumes, knobs control panning, and buttons control Mute/Solo.
  • Bank 2: Synth Control. The same faders now control a synth's ADSR envelope, and the knobs control filter cutoff and resonance.
  • Bank 3: Drum Programming. A grid of buttons is now a step sequencer for your drum machine.

• For the Live Performer / DJ:
• • Bank 1: Deck A & B Control. Layout is configured for controlling tracks, EQs, and effects for your first two decks.
  • Bank 2: Deck C & D Control. Instantly switch the same physical controls to manage your next two decks.
  • Bank 3: Lighting / VJ Control. Switch your entire controller to send MIDI messages to your lighting or visual software.

How to Set Up and Use Memory Banks in Kilowhat

Configuring your banks is a straightforward process within the Kilowhat software.

Step 1: Dedicate a "Bank Switch" Button

First, you need to assign a button (or multiple buttons) on your controller to the special function of changing banks.

1. In Kilowhat, click on the button you want to use for bank switching.
2. In the configuration panel, set the Message Type to "Bank".
3. Now, you can configure its behavior:

• • Bank Up/Down: Each press will cycle to the next or previous bank.
  • Direct Bank Select: The button will jump directly to a specific bank number (e.g., press this button to always go to Bank 3).

Step 2: Navigate to the Bank You Want to Edit

At the top of the Kilowhat interface, you will see a dropdown menu or buttons for selecting the active bank you are editing.

• Select the bank you want to program (e.g., click on "Bank 2").

Step 3: Program the Bank

With that bank selected, simply program your components as you normally would. All the MIDI Note, CC, and LED feedback configurations you create will be saved only to that specific bank.

• Program Bank 1 for your mixer layout.
• Switch to Bank 2 in Kilowhat. The interface will now be a blank slate for that bank.
• Program Bank 2 for your synthesizer layout.
• Continue for as many banks as you need.

Step 4: Send the Configuration to Your Controller

Once you have programmed your different banks, click the "Send" button in Kilowhat. This will write all the banks you've configured to your controller's internal memory.

Now, when you press your dedicated "Bank Switch" button on your physical controller, you will see it instantly change its entire behavior, giving you layers of control right at your fingertips.

Updated on: 26/06/2025