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Using MIDI Devices That Send Special MIDI Message Types
Certain types of hardware controls such as knobs (rotary controls) and buttons are capable
of sending several types of MIDI messages. When you assign these controls to MainStage
screen controls using the Learn process, MainStage analyzes the incoming MIDI data to
determine which type of message the hardware control is sending. In order for MainStage
to learn these controls correctly, be sure to turn knobs through their full range of motion
and to press buttons exactly three times during the Learn process.
Some MIDI controllers can send nonstandard or proprietary MIDI messages. MainStage
cannot process or respond to nonstandard MIDI messages, to “registered” or
“non-registered” parameter messages, or to system exclusive (SysEx) messages. MainStage
can process some system real-time messages and MIDI Machine Control (MMC) messages
when you assign a hardware control that sends these messages to a screen control.
Some devices feature buttons that send program change messages. You can use these
buttons to send program change messages to MainStage, but you cannot assign them
to control other parameters using MainStage screen controls.
Choosing a Controller Preset
Some keyboard controllers allow you to choose different presets or “scenes” that
reconfigure the messages sent by the controls on the device. In most cases, you should
choose a generic preset that sends standard MIDI messages rather than system exclusive
messages or messages intended for a particular application. After you have assigned
hardware controls to screen controls in MainStage, do not change the preset on the MIDI
device, or your assignments might be lost.
In some cases, you can change the message type the controller sends by choosing a
different preset or by reprogramming the device. Some devices may include software
that you can use to reprogram knobs, buttons, and other controls. For information about
reprogramming a MIDI device, see the documentation that came with the device.
Using MIDI Devices That Support Automatic Configuration
MainStage can automatically configure the screen controls in a concert to support many
popular MIDI controllers. If you are using a device that supports automatic configuration,
MainStage alerts you to select the appropriate preset on your device when you open a
new concert. After you select the preset on your MIDI device, the screen controls in the
concert are assigned to the corresponding controls on your hardware device so you can
use them in MainStage with no further configuration.
18 Chapter 2 Setting Up Your System