Want to keep useful DAW or performance commands at your feet while your hands stay focused on playing? This guide walks you through choosing a G-Board mode, assigning MIDI messages to its eight foot switches, and saving the finished setup to your controller.

What you'll need

You need:

• Your G-Board and USB cable
• A computer that can run the G-Board version of iMap
• The correct G-Board iMap software and, if needed, the correct firmware file

The G-Board is a class-compliant USB MIDI controller, so it does not need a separate iCON driver.

First, make sure your computer can run G-Board iMap

The G-Board iMap is a 32-bit application. Current support records confirm:

• Windows can run the G-Board iMap.
• On macOS, use Ventura (macOS 13) or earlier. Sonoma (macOS 14) and Sequoia (macOS 15) do not run this version of iMap.
• Available compatibility records list G-Board operation through Apple M3. M4 compatibility is not confirmed in the source material for this draft.

If your Mac cannot open iMap, you can create the mapping on a compatible Windows computer or an older compatible Mac. Once you send the settings to the G-Board, reconnect it to your usual setup and continue working.

1. Get the G-Board iMap

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Download Smart Install
   • Visit iconproaudio.com
   • Find your device model, click its link, go to Downloads, and select the Smart Install file.
   • Save it to your computer and open the installer.

• On macOS, open the installer. When the device-selection window appears, choose G-Board.
• On Windows, open the installer and follow the prompts.

2. Plug in the G-Board

Connect the G-Board directly to a USB port on the computer. A direct connection gives iMap the clearest path to the controller during setup.

The computer should detect the G-Board automatically. If iMap does not see it, try another USB port or a known-good USB data cable, then see [iMap does not detect your controller or keyboard link].

3. Pick the mode that fits your workflow

Open the G-Board iMap and choose how the controller will work:

1. Set the Master/Slave selector.
   • Choose Master when you use the G-Board by itself.
   • Choose Slave when you connect it in a chain with another iCON i-series controller.
2. Choose the mode that matches your software or workflow. The available labels include Mackie Control & Preset, GTR, Ableton Live, Logic (Mackie Control), Samplitude/Cube (Mackie Control), and User Define.

If you choose a prepared mode, confirm that your DAW is configured for the matching control protocol. DAW-specific behavior should be verified in the DAW before publication.

4. Make each foot switch your own

Choose User Define when you want to create your own foot-switch layout.

For each foot switch:

1. Choose Note, CC, or Program Change.
2. Select the MIDI channel.
3. Enter the value required by your DAW, instrument, or other MIDI software.

Check the MIDI-mapping page in your software documentation for the exact message and value. This keeps the G-Board mapping aligned with the application you use.

5. Send the mapping and save a backup

1. Click Send Data to write the current layout to the connected G-Board.
2. Click Save file to keep a backup on the computer. G-Board mappings use the .G_Board file format.
3. Use Load file when you want to restore a saved layout.

How to update G-Board firmware

Ready to update? Before you begin, make sure you have the correct G-Board firmware file and a compatible computer.

1. Connect the G-Board directly to the computer.
2. In iMap, click MIDI Device and choose the G-Board for MIDI In and MIDI Out. If the model name is unavailable, the G-Board manual directs you to choose USB Audio.
3. Click Update.
4. Open MIDI Device again and select the G-Board.
5. Click Open File and choose the firmware file.
6. Click Upload.

Keep the G-Board connected until the upload is complete. An interrupted upload can leave the firmware incomplete.

Because the firmware guidance in the available support records contains conflicting Mac CPU and 32-bit software requirements, a Windows computer is the clearest documented option. Confirm the currently supported Mac configuration with iCON Support before updating from a Mac.

How to restore the factory mapping

Open iMap and load the factory-default settings file supplied with the G-Board software, then send that mapping to the controller. This replaces the custom mapping currently stored on the G-Board.

Frequently asked questions

Does the G-Board need a driver?

No. The G-Board is a class-compliant USB MIDI controller and does not need a separate iCON driver.

Why will G-Board iMap not open on my Mac?

The G-Board iMap is a 32-bit application. The available support records confirm it for macOS Ventura or earlier, but not for Sonoma or Sequoia. Use a compatible Windows computer or an older compatible Mac for setup.

What can each G-Board foot switch send?

In User Define mode, a foot switch can send a MIDI Note, Control Change (CC), or Program Change message on the MIDI channel and value you choose.

Can I save more than one G-Board setup?

Yes. Save each layout as a .G_Board file, then load and send the layout you need.

Need more help?

If something does not work as expected, contact iCON Support with your G-Board model, operating system, iMap version, and the step where you stopped. Those details give the team a clear starting point and help get your setup moving again.