Can I use keyboard keys to control next/previous patch ?

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Level 1

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Can I use keyboard keys to control next/previous patch ?

Hi,

I'm new to MainStage. I know how to add patches to a set, and I've seen demos of how to assign whatever buttons/knobs to actions.

My keyboard controller really doesn't have any knobs or buttons, it's a basic MIDI keyboard with basically Volume and patch selection buttons (for the dozen or so patches it comes programmed with). I did try to assign the patch selection buttons to actions, didn't really succeed ?!

What I would really like is for the leftmost key on my keyboard to selection the previous patch in Mainstage, and the rightmost key to select the next patch.

Is that possible ?

Can I get step-by-step instructions please ?

Tks so much.

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.6.5)

Posted on Apr 11, 2015 9:22 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 14, 2015 4:58 AM in response to lifenoise

I'll just add this info in case you're needing more control in the future...

I bought a Korg Nanocontrol USB controller for this sort of thing. It's nice, cheap and compact - although I don't use all the faders. I've programmed the transport buttons and bank select buttons for next/prev song, next/prev patch, and I use the first fader for main volume and some of the others for other control things. All in all, very useful piece of kit for a very decent price. There's a variety of different models but I really only needed a volume fader with some patch change buttons so this was my choice. (I use the lowest/highest keys for triggering samples 🙂)

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Answer 2

lifenoise

Level 4

1,019 points

Apr 11, 2015 4:35 PM in response to bercy4646

It can be done. In layout, select the patch up button at the bottom of the patch list. Assign to note on/off and the note number that corresponds with lowest key on your keyboard. In the screenshots below, it's an 88-note keyboard and the lowest note is A-1. Then, in edit mode, at concert level, if it's not already assigned as such, select the previous patch button and select the mappings tab in the screen control inspector. Then actions>prev patch. Repeat the process for the highest key on your keyboard and actions>next patch.

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Answer 3

bercy4646 Author

Level 1

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Apr 13, 2015 4:40 AM in response to lifenoise

Thank you very much for the reply.

I tried, it doesn't work for me. After setting it up as you've explained, if I go to Perform mode, hitting the lowest and highest keys has no effect on the current patch. I do hear the lowest and highest notes though (is that supposed to happen, and if so, is there a way to mute those keys?).

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Answer 4

lifenoise

Level 4

1,019 points

Apr 13, 2015 7:15 AM in response to bercy4646

I just double-checked the process and it works. The top and bottom keys do not make a sound. Instead, they move the patch to previous or next. Make sure all the steps are correctly administered. In layout, select the keyboard and look at the screen control inspector>settings. Make sure the right number of keys is selected for your keyboard(49, 61, 88, etc.). Then select the learn button and play the lowest note on your keyboard.

Make sure the hardware input MIDI port is assigned to your keyboard in the screen control inspector. If you only use one keyboard or MIDI/USB device you can just set it to all. Make sure the patch+/- buttons are are also assigned to MIDI port>your keyboard or all.

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Answer 5

lifenoise

Level 4

1,019 points

Apr 13, 2015 7:35 AM in response to lifenoise

Correction: Your keyboard's top and bottom notes will still make a sound if you're using its internal sounds, but it won't send note info to MainStage channel strips.

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