SoftStep Reference Manual SoftStep V1.
Copyright 2007-2011 Keith McMillen Instruments a wholly owned subsidiary of Kesumo LLC. All rights reserved. Made in USA. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any purpose without the express written permission of the copyright holders. The content of this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Keith McMillen Instruments.
Table of Contents 1. Welcome ................................................................................... 4 1. Questions or Feedback? Contact Us! ............................................ 4 2. Before Getting Started............................................................... 4 1. System Requirements................................................................ 4 2. What's in the SoftStep Package................................................... 4 3. The Hardware.............................
Welcome Thank you from Keith McMillen Instruments! We are excited to welcome you to the world of SoftStep, the world's most expressive foot controller. Questions or Feedback? Contact Us! If at any time you have any questions, please contact us: Web: www.keithmcmillen.com Forum: forum.keithmcmillen.com Email: support@keithmcmillen.com Before Getting Started There are a few things that you need to know before you start using your SoftStep.
◦ 1 USB power plug ◦ 1 USB A-to-USB B cable (6ft.) The Hardware The SoftStep is the worlds lightest, smallest, and most expressive foot controller. It weighs about 566 grams and is 105mm x 450mm x 24mm. The key pads are about 40mm X 40mm. The Nav Pad is about 50mm X 50mm and turned so that it is diamond shaped. It's USB bus powered and has an expression port to plug in a expression pedal (volume pedals are not supported).
How to Connect the SoftStep 1. 2. 3. 4. SoftStep foot controller Computer - connected to the SoftStep via USB Expression Pedal - connected to the SoftStep via Expression port SoftStep MIDI Expander (Optional) - connected to the SoftStep via USB Expansion port 5. Effects Processor - connected to the MIDI Expander via MIDI cable (for use with MIDI Expander). You could also connect to an interface that is connected to the computer (for use with computer). 6.
SoftStep MIDI Expander The SoftStep MIDI Expander enables you to use SoftStep with your hardware MIDI devices. Plug in your MIDI devices to the SoftStep MIDI Expander and you're ready to send and receive MIDI data with or without a computer. Setup A: Connect the “Expand” port of SoftStep to the “to SoftStep Expand” port on SoftStep MIDI Expander using the USB A to mini B cable. Connect the SoftStep MIDI Expander “ to the provided USB power supply using either the 6 ft. or the 15 ft. USB A to B cable.
Connect the “Expand” port of SoftStep to the “to SoftStep Expand” port on the SoftStep MIDI Expander using the USB A to mini B cable. Connect SoftStep to a computer using the USB A to B cable. There is no need to use the USB power supply. Getting Started Before you begin working with the SoftStep make sure you do all of the following in this order: 1. Purchase a SoftStep and the software application at http://www.mcssl.com/ store/kmi/softstep1 2. Download the application from http://www.keithmcmillen.
Once the software has finished downloading, install using the .dmg file (mac) or unzip it and drag and drop the entire "SoftStep" folder into your Program Files folder (windows). The SoftStep folder will contain the SoftStep application, which should not be moved from this folder. The SoftStep folder will also contain your presets, this folder should not be moved out of this folder either unless you are transferring your presets from an earlier version.
6. Now select the file in the main window of the SysEx Librarian application. Once selected it should become highlighted blue. 7. Hit the "Play" button in the top left corner. At this point a progress bar will pop up, and the display on your SoftStep will go blank. The firmware will take a moment to update. 8. Once the update is complete the SoftStep will briefly display the firmware version and subsequently flash "SOFT" and "STEP.
decades (10's). Then step on one of the 10 keys to determine the last digit (0-9). This sends out the program change message. TOGL = Toggles - This scene makes each key a toggle switch triggered by Foot On. It sends these toggles out CC #s 20-29. The LED indicates whether the toggle is off or on. NOTE = Notes - This scene triggers MIDI notes 60 - 69 (C4 - A4). The note on message is triggered by a foot on and the note off message is triggered when you take your foot off. Velocity is 127.
POD = Line6 Pod Control - This scene works with most Line6 processors. You will need the MIDI Expander in order to connect. The top row toggles effects and the bottom row modulates the effects’ parameters. Keys 1 and 3 use pressure on the top of the key to increase the value and pressure on the bottom of the key to decrease the value. For instant gratification, try this scene with the Line6 Pod’s factory preset program #30 - “8C Vibro Blues”.
To alter the settings for a key select which scene you want to edit from the scene drop-down menu and open up a modulation window for one of the keys. Or if you want to make a brand new scene just open up one of the modulation windows for one of the keys. Each key has 6 rows called modlines. Each row can use a different data source from the key so that you can have up to six simultaneous data streams for each key. Let's just start with 1 for now.
sources - Choose what data source will control the modline. Click on the box and many parameters will pop up in a scroll menu. For a complete list of sources and how they work, see the SoftStep Sources in the Appendix. raw (not shown in Standalone) - The value coming directly from the source is displayed here (in Hosted mode). gain - this is the first place where you can use math to modify the signal. Whatever number is put in the gain box is used to multiply the raw value coming from the source.
output (not shown in Standalone) - this displays what data is being sent out to the device you've selected. Tip: If you are in Standalone mode it's a good idea to use a MIDI monitor of some sort when editing the settings so that you can see the MIDI data you are sending out from the SoftStep. We highly recommend MIDI Monitor for use on a Mac computer which is available to download for free here: http://www.snoize.
Initial/Return (not available in Standalone) - selecting this mode will display the key name when the key is selected but not active, and will display the prefix and parameter value when in use. This mode only works well for continuously changing sources, not for toggles. When the display is showing a source value and the slew causes the output to persist after the foot is off the key, the display will no longer be updated, even though the parameter is still being altered.
OR If you edit a preset after saving or recalling it the save button in the main window will begin blinking red to remind you to save your preset. You can also revert to your last saved setting by clicking the "revert" button next to the "save" button. After saving a key preset you'll want to save your scene. First make sure you've set all of the keys to the correct presets for that scene.
Note: If you used the Mac version 1.099 or RC1 please archive or delete them before updating to version 1.1 so you don't accidentally launch either of these older versions (particularly important if your firmware is not VK1 or higher). The firmware version that goes with the version of the SoftStep application is located in the firmware folder of the SoftStep directory along with instructions for performing the update.
The SoftStep communicates with the computer via USB on 2 MIDI ports. The function of these ports will change when you select Standalone or Hosted mode: SSCOM Port 1 and SSCOM Port 2 (for native English computers). MAC In the application's main window, select "SSCOM Port 1" for your MAIN INPUT PORT and MAIN OUTPUT PORT. Select "SSCOM Port 2" for your EXPANDER INPUT PORT and EXPANDER OUTPUT PORT.
In Hosted mode, SSCOM Port 1 is the port on which data from the SoftStep travels to and from the SoftStep application. The SoftStep application uses this data to mold it into something you can use for your own purposes. You will need to use a virtual MIDI Port to communicate from the SoftStep application to other applications on your computer. Windows does not come with a built-in MIDI bus but you can download one for free online. We recommend using MIDI Yoke. You can download that from here: http://www.
recommend MIDI Monitor for use on a Mac computer. It is available to download for free here: http://www.snoize.com/MIDIMonitor/ Our recommended Windows alternative is MIDI Ox, available to download for free here: http://www.midiox.com/ Selecting which output device to use to send MIDI data is a bit different in Standalone mode. Since the data will be coming directly from the SoftStep, which has only two ports, inter-application ports become unavailable and unnecessary in Standalone mode.
The shadowed box seen above holds 10 blocks that correspond to the 10 button keys on the SoftStep hardware. Each numbered box holds presets that pertain to that key. These presets can be edited by clicking the modulation box within each key. When you step on each key a blue background will appear around the corresponding block (as shown above on key 1). To the right of the numbered pads are 4 dark grey boxes that mirror what is displayed on the LED display on the SoftStep controller.
You can also select whether you want to use the application as the host or as an editor for using the SoftStep standalone. Selecting Hosted will allow you to work with the application and all of the functionality that comes along with it, including visual feedback so you can see how the raw data from the SoftStep is being put to use. Hosted requires that you keep the application running in the background while using the SoftStep.
window or from the main SoftStep window. You can also click on the preset names and select the preset you want from a drop-down menu. OR If you edit a preset after saving or recalling it the save button in the main window will begin blinking red to remind you to save your preset. You can also revert to your last saved setting by clicking the "revert" button next to the "save" button. After saving a key preset you'll want to save your scene.
Factory Presets The SoftStep application comes with a number of scene presets already saved. These are the scenes available from the factory presets: Hosted Mode Init - This scene loads the Init presets for all of the keys and the Nav Pad. This provides you with a "clean slate" where you would want to start from if you were going to make your own presets from scratch. Loop Toggles - This scene loads up a Toggle for each key which is triggered by the Foot On source.
Live Toggles & Parameters - This scene is intended for use with Ableton Live. The bottom row of keys are meant to be on/off switches for effects or tracks and the top row uses Y Increment as the source to control a parameter for the effect or track that is above it. Ableton Live Demo - This scene is for use with the Ableton Live Tutorial set (Live_Example1_DrumLoops.zip) that comes with the SoftStep application package in the "application_examples" folder.
Toggles - This scene makes each key a toggle switch triggered by Foot On. It sends these toggles out CC #s 20-29. The LED indicates whether the toggle is off or on. Notes - This scene triggers MIDI notes 60 - 69 (C4 - A4). The note on message is triggered by a foot on and the note off message is triggered when you take your foot off. Velocity is 127. Pressure Live - This scene uses the pressure of your foot on each key to send out values on CC #s 110 - 119.
Line6 Pod Control - This scene works with most Line6 processors. You will need the MIDI Expander in order to connect. The top row toggles effects and the bottom row modulates the effects’ parameters. Keys 1 and 3 use pressure on the top of the key to increase the value and pressure on the bottom of the key to decrease the value. For instant gratification, try this scene with the Line6 Pod’s factory preset program #30 “8C Vibro Blues”.
"application_examples" folder. All of the keys control transport functions in the Logic project. Mainstage 51-60 Keys - This scene is for use with the Mainstage Tutorial file (mainstage_tutorial.zip) that comes with the SoftStep application package in the "application_examples" folder. All of the keys control effects in the Mainstage project. Keyboard Demo - This scene is the scene used in the Keyboard video demo which can be viewed here: http://www.keithmcmillen.
The Setlist window will open up. You'll see an array of text fields and number boxes with little circles in front of them. Using the circle buttons in front of each line you can turn on or off a scene that you choose to put in the text field. Choose which scene to use by selecting it from the dropdown menu when you click inside the text field, scrolling through the numbers, or pressing the inc/dec buttons on the right hand side.
you need to be pushing down to begin incrementing or decrementing. accel Y - when using the Y Increment source, this is how fast the inc/dec for the vertical plane moves. The higher the value, the faster you'll move from one side to the other on thresh - here you can set the pressure value at which the "foot on" source will register. If set to 10 the pressure of your foot on the key has to reach a value of 10 before the "foot on" trigger is sent.
The right side of the window is where you save and recall presets, set up a MIDI Input device, OSC output, and calibrate an expression pedal. In Standalone mode, MIDI Input, OSC, and pedal calibration will be disabled. MIDI Input: enable - turn on or off lines that receive MIDI Input data. device - set which MIDI port the MIDI Input data is coming from. channel - set which channel the MIDI Input data is coming from.
Sensor View When using the application in Hosted mode, the sensor view window gives you visual representations of the sensor data coming from the SoftStep. Sensor View is not available in Standalone mode. Each key displays live pressure, a rotation dial, xy latch, pressure latch, inc/dec, and foot on/foot off information. Notice in the screenshot above that some of the keys have at one time been activated but are not currently activated.
or dec smoothly towards one side. These values will show up in the modlines as "X Increment" and "Y Increment". You can also set a dead zone in the settings window. 6 = xy latch - this shows your foot's x and y axis position on a key. Latch indicates that when you release the key, this value will stay where you left it. Tip: A good technique for getting the X (horizontal pressure) sources to respond is to put your foot down on the center of the key and just move your knee from side to side.
There are six modlines that can assign six data sources from an individual key to output different types of messages. Let's take a closer look at the options available in every modline: on/off - click on the circle to enable the modulation line and it will show a light bluegreen color. When disabled, the modline on/off appears dark.
parameter destination - Finally the exciting part! Click on the drop-down menu to see the many options available: Note Set, Note Live, CC, Bank, Program, OSC (Open Sound Control), Pitch Bend, MMC, Aftertouch, Poly Aftertouch, GarageBand, and HUI. These options are further customizable by selecting the the note, velocity, control change, etc..., or the channel # you wish to send the data out. For a complete explanation of parameter destinations see the SoftStep Parameter Destinations in the Appendix.
Initial/Return (not available in Standalone) - selecting this mode will display the key name when the key is selected but not active, and will display the prefix and parameter value when in use. This mode only works well for continuously changing sources, not for toggles or triggers. When the display is showing a source value and the slew causes the output to persist after the foot is off the key, the display will no longer be updated, even though the parameter is still being altered.
the count will be treated as the diget for the ten's place. For example: if you use the Nav N pad to increment up to count 4, this will enable the 40's decade. Use this in conjunction with the Source "Nav Yx10 & Key" on the numbered pads so that you can then select any number as the last digit. So after counting up to the 40's decade, stepping on key 5 would output 45. This is implemented in the "Program Change.. " factory presets. (See Factory Presets).
Nav Y Decade (hard coded to do this in Standalone mode) - This will count through the range of numbers set in the counter in "decades" and doesn't send the number out until one of the numbered key's is pressed. This means the count will be treated as the diget for the ten's place. For example: if you use the Nav N pad to increment up to count 4, this will enable the 40's decade.
Preset Modulation MIDI input can be used as sources in the Preset Modulation window. You can use Preset Modulation to allow other MIDI controllers to change scenes or presets for the keys or Nav Pad. The Preset Modulation window opens when you click on the "open preset mod" button from the main window of the SoftStep application. This feature is not available in Standalone mode. The sources that are available are MIDI Input sources A-H.
averaged together or the maximum pressure will be used. (See also the settings chapter of this manual). X Live - This value corresponds to the overall pressure in the X-axis or horizontal direction of the key. Applying more pressure to the right side of the key increases the value, while pressure to the left decreases. The raw value resets back to 63 (centroid value between 0 and 127) when the key is depressed.
Foot Off - Opposite logic to Foot On. 1 indicates foot off (true), 0 indicates foot on (false). If a pressure value below the foot off threshold is applied to a key, a foot off will register. Wait Trig (not available in Standalone) - Trig is short for trigger. Triggers the pressure value if foot on is held for 500ms. The value goes back to 0 after 100 ms. Fast Trig (not available in Standalone) - Triggers the pressure value as soon as you step on the key then goes back to 0 after 100ms.
Any Key Value - This value corresponds to which of the 10 keys is stepped on. Stepping on key 7 gives the raw value of 7, stepping on key 2 gives the value of 2. For Example: If you use Any Key Value on key 1's modline and you press on key 3, a 3 will be output from key 1's modline. Prev Key Value - This setting remembers the order of which pads you pressed down on and outputs the last key, not the current. If you step on key 2 then key 8, the value output would be 2.
OSC (not available in Standalone) - (Open Sound Control) Sends out any number from 0-127. After selecting OSC you can set the route name for your values. In the settings window you can set the OSC IP address and port. Pitch Bend - Sends out values between 0 and 127, with 63 as the center value for 0 pitch bend. The synth you send it to will determine the range. After selecting the Pitch Bend you can set the channel number for your value to output on.
Note about HUI track control banks: HUI track control is grouped into banks of 8 tracks. The 8 tracks which are currently selected will be highlighted with blue rectangles. If you want to control more than 8 tracks, you must use one of the bank select messages to move to the next or previous bank of 8 tracks. This gives you the ability to make control assignments targeted at the track number inside the currently selected bank.
An Ableton Live file (called a set) is built around audio samples called clips. A Set has two environments - the Session view and the Arrangement view. This example is concerned with the Session view, which holds clips in a grid of slots. Vertical columns (tracks) can hold as many audio clips as you want, but only one can be played back at a time. Horizontally, you can have as many tracks playing back as you like.
All the parameters that may be assigned to MIDI control will light up blue, and a list will appear showing what you have already assigned. All of these highlighted parameters can be assigned to the SoftStep. To make a new assignment, set up the modline in the SoftStep software first. Then, while in Live in the MIDI assignment view, click on any parameter that is highlighted blue that you would like to assign to that modline.
previous 2 keys, when you take your foot off of Key 4, the Delay's parameters will stay where you left them and the device does not turn off because we have not assigned the bypass button. Last but not least, Key 5 uses the Foot-On source and Note destination to tap in a tempo. This was set up by clicking the MIDI assign button in Live as usual, and then clicking on the TAP button in the top left corner of the screen. Tapping Key 5 four times will set the tempo for all samples to play back.
false - in reference to programming the LEDs false means 0. When the LED state is set to false the LED will light up when a modline outputs a 0 firmware - firmware is software that is programmed into the memory contained in a hardware device. We provide users with firmware updates from time to time in order to improve performance and add features. Sometimes a firmware update will be required when a new software version is released in order to keep the SoftStep compatible with the software.
MMC - stands for MIDI Machine Control. This refers to a data paradigm that some DAWs recognize to control transport functions (stop, play, record, pause, rewind, etc...). modline - a single line of logic available in the modulation windows for SoftStep keys and the Nav Pad. This is where you set up the data that you want to send out from the SoftStep. modulation window - there is a modulation window for each key, the Nav Pad, and also one for preset control.
SSCOM - This is what the SoftStep ports are called. Standalone mode - putting the application in this mode allows you to use the application as an editor and then download your settings to the SoftStep so you can use it without the application. state recall - When moving between presets, state recall retains the state (or current parameter values of inc/dec, led, rotation, latching, etc...) of a particular scene.
2. Make sure you are using the correct firmware. The firmware that goes with each version of the software is located in the firmware folder for that version. If the firmware version does not correspond to the version that flashes on the alpha numeric display of the SoftStep when you first plug it in, then you are not using the correct firmware. There is also a text file in the firmware folder which contains instructions for installing the firmware. 3.
To filter out Port 1 from your DAW or host application you can usually find a preferences or MIDI settings menu somewhere where you can select which MIDI Inputs you want to be available. Here is a screenshot of Ableton Live's MIDI Preferences menu: 5. 6.
plugged into your computer it will most likely be called "USB Audio Device (1)" or something similar to that. Mac users should make sure they follow these steps after updating the firmware: 1. unplug your SoftStep 2. go to your Audio MIDI Setup utility and look at the MIDI view 3. Find the SoftStep icon in the list and delete it 4. Plug your SoftStep back in and make sure the new icon says "SSCOM" 3.
black connections are power cables blue connections are audio cables green connections are USB cables Note: Everything is connected to the same power outlet. The laptop in the picture is not hooked up to power because often a power charger connected to a laptop will be a source of noise. If using a desktop computer that requires power to turn on, you'll want it plugged into the power strip.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4. 3. Turn on the computer. 4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears. 5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time. 6. Release the keys. 7. Try reseting the System Management Controller. http://support.apple.
