User guide

408 Chapter 14 Recording in Logic Express
The lowest row of letter keys sets the velocity for MIDI notes. There are preset values—
ranging from pianissimo to forte fortissimo. Each value can be finely adjusted via the
two keys to the right of this row (these are assigned to the comma and period keys on
an English QWERTY keyboard). This keyboard configuration allows you to send any
MIDI velocity value from 1 to 127.
The Space bar provides a Sustain function—played with your thumbs rather than your
feet. You can freely trigger new notes or switch between octave or velocity values while
notes are sustained.
The current octave and velocity values of MIDI notes are displayed at the upper edge of
the Caps Lock Keyboard window. A Transparency fader is also available for this window,
making visualization clearer or allowing the window to be “ghosted” over the
background.
Caps Lock Keyboard Preferences
The Enable Caps Lock Keys option allows you to completely enable or disable the Caps
Lock Keyboard functionality.
Should you wish to use the Space bar key command to start, stop, or continue
Logic Express playback, rather than as the Sustain function for the Caps Lock Keyboard
(when active), you can disable the “Space bar acts as sustain pedal” option.
Additional Caps Lock Keyboard Info
Due to technical limitations of computer keyboards, a maximum number of six notes
can be played simultaneously. There are further limitations regarding timing precision,
and when trying to play certain note clusters (which are musically unusual, at any rate).
Please keep in mind the original intention of this facility—as a useful aid when
composing on a train or plane—not as a full-on replacement for a real MIDI keyboard.