MIDI Designer Q&A - Recent questions and answers in Suggestions (Implemented)

Answered: Can we have StreamByter sub-routines implemented?

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 23:44:36 +0000

Implemented in 10.2.0

Answered: Stream Byter Subroutines don't work

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 23:42:30 +0000

Implemented in 10.2.0

Answered: Add support for Roland five byte device codes in check sums

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:16:19 +0000

We have our first board that needs this fix - Roland SPDX-Pro.

Here is a StreamByter output rule that fixes the checksum for this device. I don't have a five byte device to test against, but this returned correct checksums for my test matrix.

In the MD control SysEx format, select one of the current Roland checksum formats to ensure the message has a checksum. Doesn't matter which as this does a complete checksum recalc. We just need the CS position to exist in the message.

Update - original incorrectly had 12 in ID position five - correct value for SPDX Pro is 16

Paste from line below to bottom in StreamByter output rules

# Temporary fix for Roland five byte device ID checksums
# Red Heron Music
# March 8, 2024

# SPDX Pro sample two byte data message
# F0 41 10 00 00 00 00 16 12 20 00 00 41 V1 V0 Cs F7
#  0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  A  B  C  D  E  F 10 (ML = 11)

# Checksum calculation starts at position M0A, goes to ML - 3, checksum in position ML - 2

# i0 - CheckSum
# i1 - Loop variable 
# i2 - Last position

If Load
    Alias i0 ChkSum
    Alias i1 Loop
    Alias i2 Last
End

If M0 == F0 41 10 00 # Roland Device
    If M4 == 00 00 00 16 # SPDX Pro, replace 16 for other Roland five byte devices

        Ass ChkSum = 0
        Ass Loop = 9
        Mat Last = ML - 2 # Checksum position

        While Loop < Last # we get ML - 3 by using < in test
            Mat ChkSum = ChkSum + Mi1 # Loop - alias not allowed on indirect
            Mat Loop = Loop + 1
        End

        Mat ChkSum = ChkSum % 80
        Mat ChkSum = 80 - ChkSum
        Mat ChkSum = ChkSum % 80

        Ass Mi2 = ChkSum # Last - Alias not allowed on indirect
    End
End

Mailing a layout no longer 'subject lined' automatically

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 13:24:04 +0000

I used to use the email feature to send copies of my layouts to myself and have them redirect to a safe folder, based on the content that MD automatically created in the subject line.

I know there's the 'Share' option now, but it doesn't do the subject line content for me. Deliberate, or an oversight?

PLEASE can I have the auto subject line back?!

Answered: Can you send MIDI from a StreamByter output rule back to MDP?

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:04:20 +0000

https://mididesigner.com/wiki/doku.php/manual:17_mdp2_new#midi_message_sysex_feedback

Answered: Any chance of implementing a "Double tap to default setting" feature?

Fri, 12 May 2023 14:59:03 +0000

Already exists as a triple tap.

Answered: Add new MDP feature to deactivate response from subcontrol

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 04:27:28 +0000

Here is the image and layout for my most recent comment.

Widen Log Window

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 02:34:14 +0000

A recent change added the event time to the Log. The event line now requires 2 lines per event. This reduces the number of events displayed by ½. Widen the window to display one event per line. Screenshot attached.

In iPadOS, hide swipe up bar at the bottom of the MDP screen

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 16:45:19 +0000

I have at least one iPad app that hides the swipe up bar after opening. To activate it takes 2 swipes. I would like to see this implemented in MDP.

Background: I am currently developing a layout for an organist to use with the Hauptwerk VPO while playing with a live orchestra. Some buttons are near the swipe up bar. The iPad will not be hand held, but mounted on his console or keyboard. It would be too easy as he quickly moves from playing a keyboard to the iPad to accidentally graze the swipe up bar and be unable to make the required change! This would create a very bad situation.

By the way, this same app, Scrabble GO, does not display the 3 split screen dots at the top. I haven't used MDP in a split screen mode and I spend a significant amount of time in Design Mode. The work around, while it works, often requires extra steps. Particularly with my 11" iPad.

Don

Answered: Fixed-width font for StreamByter editor

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 18:58:14 +0000

I believe SB code uses fixed width font when viewing in MDP. i don't recommend changing it.

I use BBEdit to write and view code on my mac. It has a free version ideal for SB coding and easy to use. It is a real code editor, but for SB I just use it to type and align code, then I use SB to find and correct errors.

It is extremely convenient and provides easy multi-line indenting to match SB code when inserted in MDP. Easy to print with line numbers and markup. Easy to copy and paste into MDP SB Rules and vice-versa. Notes and Word doesn't provide multi-line code formatting. Using tabs one line at a time is not natural for coding.

https://www.barebones.com/products/bbedit/

Sample code straight from BBEdit:

IF M0 == F0 7D 01 00 # Received Master General LCD message
MAT J0 = 0
MAT J1 = 0
MAT J2 = 0
IF MA == 30-39 # Stepper LCD valid value
MAT J0 = MB - 30 # J0 is units value
MAT J1 = J0 * A # J1 is tens value
IF MB ==30-39 # stepper value > 9
MAT J2 = MB - 30
MAT J2 = J1 + J2 # tens + units
ELSE # stepper value < 10
MAT J2 = J0
END
SND B8 09 J5 #CC 9 09 J5 = Mast Gen digit value (1 to 99)
END

Transparent Panels (Alpha=0.0)

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 16:53:07 +0000

I want to be able use panels to group controls without a visible panel background—but the Alpha slider only goes down to 0.3.

Some simple(-sounding) ideas:

A new panel option, like “Hide Background in Play Mode”, or:
A new “0.0” value on the Alpha slider, between “0.3” and “---”
- only available when the panel contains controls

Shorter "Snap to Default value" times, for Pitch Bend

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:53:24 +0000

The shortest delay on the "Snap to Default value" slider is 10ms, but that's too slow for a traditional (spring-loaded) Pitch Bend controller.

Previous requests have suggested adding options for 3ms and 6ms^[0][1], and at one point this seemed likely to go into 1.7^[2].

Those options seem reasonable to me. Alternatively, it would be fantastic if you could fine-tune values below 10ms by slow-scrubbing the slider.

Show Hide Panels with Buttons in MIDI Designer Pro 2.150

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 02:01:40 +0000

Released in MIDI Designer 2.150

https://youtu.be/xZVk70KVjps

See Change Log for more.

Answered: Label Value Source & LED Labels: New in MDP2 2.180

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:02:04 +0000

Another demo of 2.175 - combining show/hide and dynamic labels to change color of the label text.

Pseudo level display, where orange is too low, white is ok, yellow caution, red overload.

https://youtu.be/JNacUY3PxpE

Answered: Midi Designer over Bluetooth?

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 23:20:06 +0000

MIDI Designer has had support for Bluetooth for quite some time. See

https://mididesigner.com/qa/4635/bluetooth-device-requirements-requirements-midi-designer

Answered: Integrated Bluetooth, When?

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 00:00:32 +0000

This was rolled up in 1.7.3 in 2015. Check the Change Log!

Answered: Battery Status

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 18:12:35 +0000

This is implemented in 2.4 (as it was prior to iOS 7 or thereabouts). Thanks for your patience.

More delay time for batch send throttle

Sun, 13 Mar 2016 22:43:11 +0000

I use mididesigner to send patch changes followed by a few control settings. Sometime my settings don't "take" because the synth is still working on executing the patch change when the message arrives. Not sure why it doen't que it and execute it when it's ready but it doesn't. Using the batch throttle gets it to the point where the 2nd one sent after the program change works but not the 1st one. I think I would quadruple the max or something like that. What by the way is the current maximum in milliseconds?

Answered: Supercontrol to change sliders to default value?

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 17:09:05 +0000

Now you can do this directly. See here.

Answered: Is there a way of turning off the newsletter nag notice?

Sun, 06 Jul 2014 17:20:21 +0000

It's been removed as of 1.6.2, which is out for Pro, Lite and 12 as of July 7, 2014.

Answered: Is there way to call a specific page or bank in MD ? (Not using sequential Page or Bank Up or Down)

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:13:55 +0000

Jump to a specific Page/Bank, and jump to last Page, are all implemented in MIDI Designer 1.6.2, out before July 1.

Answered: Coarse/Fine CCs (14-bit Control Changes)

Tue, 06 May 2014 16:27:56 +0000

This was released in January 2013. Use a low CC number (0-31) and the 14-bit toggle will appear.

http://mididesigner.com/news/changelog/#one-four-four

Note: you use the lower of the two CCs. For instance, if you select CC 19, the companion CC, 51 (19+32) will be used for the LSB.

Answered: Possible to have "classic" radio buttons? (one and only one always active)

Fri, 02 May 2014 05:47:20 +0000

This was implemented months ago. Check out the videos about Bounce Back here.

Answered: More than 1 line of text in a label?

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 19:44:44 +0000

Now Since 1.6.2 (July 2014)
This is possible for buttons, knobs and all other types of controls, too. See the manual entry here.

This has been implemented for labels but not for buttons. It's a separate control type, so you have to add your label that way.

Though it's tedious, you can put these on top of your buttons. All layering of controls in a layout persists over time. Remember, there's a "send to back" button in "actions."

Answered: Hide sub controls?

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 23:44:45 +0000

Sure is. You can hide any Control. Select 'Hide in Performance' from the Advanced Tab on the control you wish to hide. Hope this helps.

Answered: Midi Thru in upcoming 1.6.0?

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 00:47:45 +0000

Hi and thanks for your question. It's now been incorporated in MIDI Designer 1.6 (came out just today), but it's only possible for a keyboard that's plugged in to the MIDI Mobilizer II (unfortunately, but this is due to a technical limitation in CoreMIDI) or other hardware port. Please let us know if this is helpful for you in any case, or not.

Thanks!

Losing connection when app running in background

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 10:02:18 +0000

Midi designer is losing connection when I switch to my behringer x32 app . Doesn't happen right away and I can't find a reason for it to stop working. I have a few devices hooked up through same the same USB hub. Everything works fine if I just leave midi designer open. Any ideas why it would stop working after a few minutes?

[Design mode] Select Previous/Next control

Sun, 18 Aug 2013 23:06:48 +0000

It would be pretty handy to be able to quickly select the previous or next control when in Design mode, especially when you have lots of small controls like little texts, and also to select f.e. a panel behind a text control. You could probably even re-use the bit of code that does the selection of the next closest control after deleting a control?

Keep up the great work!
Rainer

Answered: "Radio Button" - "Resend" option? (exclusive button groups)

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 02:06:33 +0000

This has been implemented in MIDI Designer 1.5.3.

See the blog article on Bounce Back and the videos in English and Spanish.

Note Changer type

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:11:37 +0000

It would be great something like the channel changer for notes, velocity and cc.
With button groups, supercontrol and stepper buttons, I imagine a tap sequencer.

Similar to circle behaviours in the beatsurfing app.

Answered: Can Midi Designer act as midi thru?

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 01:22:45 +0000

This is currently out in MIDI Designer 1.6 and above.

Please follow @mididedigner on Twitter for announcements. Thanks for your suggestion.

Answered: Smaller knobs for iPhone?

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 16:52:08 +0000

I'd also appreciate this very much! Thanks and great app and so on! :)

Answered: Problem using subcontrols rather than copies for sliders

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:30:28 +0000

Yes, this is the intenteded behavior. A supercontrol that is limited from the full POSSIBLE range (0-127) will limit the subcontrol's actual range. So if a subcontrol has a range of 50 and you reduce the supercontrol's range to 32 (25% of 128), you'll get a range of only 25% of that 50. Where it gets weird is when you increase the MIDI minimum in the supercontrol. This allows you to get all kinds of variations using the same subcontrol, depending on the MIDI range of the supercontrol.

There are a bunch of situations in which this is useful.

If you think about this, it makes sense because the subcontrol sends, so only it gets the real MIDI range. The MIDI range is used in supercontrols to determine how they work as supercontrols.

Hope that makes some sense.

Answered: PedalBoards - option to disable 2finger tap drag?

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 01:01:43 +0000

Hi, I never thought about that. It IS annoying in performance mode. I might just disable it altogether, but I'll consider making it an option.

Thanks for your insightful suggestion!

Answered: Channel changer able to send higher values then 16?

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:42:31 +0000

Hi Sigglund and thanks for your question. Answers:

I just confirmed and there's no normal way to do this yet. This applies to both 1.4.3 and 1.4.4 (out soon).
I'm going to change this to "Suggestion." It's a great suggestion. There's no reason why the channel needs to be limited to 16 (well, 0-15) for sysex.
I won't actually implement any support for this feature except to allow values up to 127 on the channel changer super. Right now you can increase the max, but it won't affect the subcontrol correctly.

So, in summary, great suggestion-request and it will be implemented soon, probably in 1.4.5 (early Feb).

Thanks and please keep the questions and suggestions coming.

Best!
Dan

Can sliders be narrower?

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:22:05 +0000

I'm using sliders and cross-faders as supercontrols on x-y pads to control either the x or y value at a time. It works great, but is there any possibility that the slider could be sized to a narrow strip in the same way a cross-fader can be sized? It's purely cosmetic, and I'm hesitant to ask because this app is just so close to perfect. Thanks.

Transpose Supercontrol

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:39:12 +0000

It would be great to get a knob or slider to transpose a group of subcontrols.

Answered: Individual colours for buttons or dials

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:34:35 +0000

This will be happening in a future update. Please bear with and THANKS for the suggestion.

Answered: Merge Layouts

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 19:02:29 +0000

This is definitely a cool suggestion, thanks for that. Right now you can save individual pages (double tap the page in design mode to find that), which allows you to get some of this functionality. Note: while MIDI Designer doesn't provide much management of saved pages, you can access them via iTunes. They're the ones with .mididesignerpage as a file extension.

Answered: I want to have a big cross-fader in one big page mode

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:37:07 +0000

This was implemented in Early 2013

This is a great suggestion. Although I recomend that users make a decent effort to "get used to" MIDI Designer's two-up page layout, I'll provide a seamless one-big-page functionality in the next few months (written Aug 23, 2012)

Negative Values for Display Min and Max

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 19:20:42 +0000

I have a synth that uses a 'split control': anything below 63 will subtract from the effect, anything above 63 will add. It would be nice if I could set the 'Display Value' in such a way that the Min Value is -63, and the Max Value +63, so I can see straight away what the control actually does. The values sent are of course still 0 to 127.

Rainer

FIXED IN 1.4.2 (NOV 2012)

Answered: Asymetrical X-Y Control

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 04:47:10 +0000

Thanks for this. I'll be getting around to it eventually, but it's got some implementation difficulties, most of which have to do with placing and sizing the numerical labels. Nothing impossible,, so it'll happen at some point... thanks for the great suggestion!

This was implemented in 1.4.2 (Nov 2012)

Answered: Disable iPad going Auto-Lock Without Adjusting Global Preferences

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 01:20:34 +0000

August 14, 2012: This is being fixed for 1.3.8 (being submitted tomorrow or Thursday, then 12 days to approval if all goes well).

Note: MIDI Designer will only keep auto-lock off if it is the foreground application.

Answered: Can messages be sent with a limit (or thottle), e.g. one event every 10ms?

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:08:51 +0000

Send on Release

Hi and thanks for your question. Right now, we have "send on release" which is an option that can be applied to any knob, slider, etc. It's under the advanced tab and it's a toggle per control.

Other Possibilities: Number of Ticks

By adjusting the number of "ticks" on a knob (on the properties tab) you can also limit how much data is sent out. Also consider that you can make a knob that has 128 ticks and is "send-on-release-only" with a supercontrol (also a knob) that has a limited number of ticks and is not send-on-release. This would give you two good options.

Future: Throttling

In the future, I'm going to see about allowing a data throttle like you suggest (e.g., every 10ms). This also needs to happen at the global level, since presets cause the same problem with some hardware (the hardware either loses data or gets overloaded and resets). See Config -> MIDI -> Throttle

Answered: Expand Sysex with 'MIDI channel' param

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 23:51:35 +0000

Update: This was added to MIDI Designer for sysex in 1.4.4 and expanded to allow values up to 127 in MIDI Designer 1.5.0 (Released April 15, 2013)

This is a great suggestion. I was not aware that channel was ever used in sysex strings. Being able to parameterize it so that it renumbers with the Renumber Page feature is a great idea.

Channel Changers will not currently work for sysex, but that would be the idea.

So, yes, this will get added in a future version of MIDI Designer. This feature probably won't come in until late August 2012, though, since the iPhone version takes priority (or it'll never get done). Hope you can wait that long.

Thanks for your great suggestion, and please keep them coming.