MIDI Designer Q&A - Recent questions and answers

LAYOUT: 24-TET by mlafontaineca

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:59:22 +0000

This layout enables the performance of 24-TET music on any MIDI keyboard. Keyboardists can now play music by the band Angine de Poitrine using a standard MIDI keyboard.

The pitch bend range must be +2 and -2 on your instrument.

Enjoy!

Answered: AUv3 is great, but VST3 would be greater!

Sat, 23 May 2026 09:00:33 +0000

Considering MIDI Designer has always been developed in the Apple ecosystem, Audio Units are native thus easier to develop ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

LAYOUT: Teenage Engineering Choir

Mon, 04 May 2026 22:02:28 +0000

Here's a little phoneme keyboard for the Teenage Engineering Choir.

Answered: LAYOUT: Zebra 2 Perform for Zebra 2 and ZebraHZ (The Dark Zebra)

Fri, 01 May 2026 18:56:25 +0000

This layout is an update of my previous layout. I added the C and D Controls for Zebra 3 as well as the TWERK function.

Wireless Options with Chase Bliss Pedals

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:37:22 +0000

See Yasir's notes on the Chase Bliss Group.

LAYOUT: Ghost Notes Swirls

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:42:43 +0000

This is a Layout for the Ghost Notes Swirls pedal (which is actually a firmware version of the Daedalus pedal).

It is necessary to press the 'INIT' button in the Layout to initiate a two-way conversation with the pedal. If this is not done, then the pedal will not update the knob values in the Layout.

Load this Layout, press the 'INIT' button, and toggle the A/B buttons - the Layout and pedal will stay in sync from this point forward until the pedal is turned off/on again.

Answered: Problem Layout: Ghost Note Swirls

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:00:26 +0000

re: I don't know of any way to have that button pass something to my SB code?

The G array is common to both input and output modules. In the output module, capture the button value and store in a G memory location, such as G00. Say value 0 = preset A, value 7F = preset B. In input module, use the G00 value to determine which preset is currently displayed, send those values to the layout, discard the others.

re: don't understand other suggestions.

Lets look at the duplicate set of controls version in more detail

in relationships / other, we have ability to turn on/off MIDI receive and transmit for a control, using another control. In this case, we want a set of controls to only RECEIVE or TRANSMIT when the specific preset is selected.

Make a Preset A button, toggle, no midi receive (going to control it with a supercontrol, and don't want it getting out of sync with its supercontrol)

Build your set of controls for Cc 1-13.

In each of these controls, under relationships tab, for both MIDI Enable and MIDI Receive Enable, select the preset A button. (This completely disables the control unless the preset button A is active.)

Duplicate the page

On the duplicate page, change the Preset A label to Preset B. Check that all controls now have the Preset B button selected for MIDI Enable / MIDI Transmit Enable.

In another convenient location, add a Preset Selector Button A/B, make supercontrol, make the Preset A & Preset B buttons above subcontrols.

We need a unique MIDI message to allow SB to select between the presets on receive. Lets use F0 58 58 00 xx F7, a synthetic SysEx message, where 00 = Preset A, 7F = Preset B. We could use a Cc, but you never know when a Cc will be used by another device somewhere in your rig. 58 58 is a header that no other known device should use, 00 is our first unique message, xx is the MIDI value we are switching on 00 = A, 7F = B.

So in the Preset A/B button, assign MIDI value SysEx, 58 58 00 V, MIDI off 0, MIDI on 127

So now in your inbound SB code

- before sending the Preset A values, SND F0 58 58 00 00 F7

- before sending the Preset B values, SND F0 58 58 00 7F F7

Test work to this point. Hopefully:

- the SB code properly populates the preset settings to the correct control

- operating the current preset A/B controls should send MIDI to the device, the unselected set of controls should do nothing.

Once this is working, we can go to the next step of moving the controls into panels, using show / hide to only show the active preset, etc.

Answered: Sequential Prophet VS - ability to reverse NRPN order?

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:17:45 +0000

There is not setting in MD to reverse the order of MSB and LSB for NRPNs. The order of LSB and MSB is not indicated in the MIDI spec, and devices should not care which order they are received.

But, you have found a device that does care.

You can manually build the NRPNs from the individual Cc messages.

Or, we are going to use StreamByter to simply delay the MSB.

I first tried a simple SB 1 rule - BX 63 = xx +D100 (delay CC 63 messages by 100 msec). But, when we use this, something weird happens in our output - we only see the MSB message, we never get the LSB or the data values.

There is a quirk in MD - Dan treats NRPNs as a single message, not three separate messages, and this is incompatible with the shorthand SB I code.

So, we need a few more lines of SB II output code to reverse the order of LSB and MSB for NRPN messages. Again, remember this is non standard - we have to treat the three (or four for 14 bit data) messages as a single message. But this actually makes things easier - so this is a good anomaly.

// Edit - updated to handle the 14 bit case //

If MT == B0 # message type Cc, any channel
If M1 == 63 # cc 63h, NRPN MSB
SND M3 M4 M5
SND M0 M1 M2
SND M6 M7 M8
IF ML > 9 # Data LSB present
SND M9 M0A M0B
END
BLOCK # stop the original, unordered message
END
END

And sorry for the delayed response - got away from checking for a few days.

[Bug] Control snaps to grid when just editing props

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 01:02:03 +0000

User says

There is a other issue…normally I use „snap to grid“, but sometimes I have to place a button without grid…if i edit later the button while „snap to grid“ is active, the button snap to grid without moving...

ZD3924

SysEx select variable options button missing text - appears a blank box

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:13:13 +0000

In beta Version 10.10.0 (202602141940) and current release.

Button is present, has no text. If you know to press it to select settings, it will work.

Editing subcontrol sequence with named ticks overwrites named ticks text with subcontrol labels

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:56:44 +0000

Variable supercontrol with named ticks - go to the subcontrols panel, edit the subcontrols by dragging one to a new position - all existing names are overwritten with the labels of the subcontrols.

This is potentially a feature when the named ticks are vacant - populates the named ticks field with the subcontrol names. But not so much when you have entered other names.

ZD 3924, confirmed in beta 10.10.0 (202602141940)

Help needed: updating app URL schemes for MIDI Designer

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:29:25 +0000

Hi All,
I am trying to help the engineering team at MIDI Designer updating the list of URL schemes that MD provides. "Open URL" is explained here:
https://mididesigner.com/wiki/doku.php/manual:14_more_advanced_2
I went through the complete list (nearly 900 apps!). I only know a small number of them, since I have those apps installed and can test the URL schemes myself. Some others I found via the Launcher app, but I cannot test those. I don’t know of any other way to obtain information that is at least reasonably reliable.
The summary of this collection — tested and untested — is here:
App URL Schemes
There is a column “Source & Notes”. For the apps in question, it says:
from https://www.cromulentlabs.com/launcher unverified
If you have any of the apps marked as unverified, could you please test them and report back whether the URLs work?
Either in MIDI Designer (as described in the documentation) or simply in any text editor, e.g. Notes or Pages. It is easy, you just need to make a hyperlink.
Thanks!

Answered: Behringer JT-4000

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:03:35 +0000

I got also hands on a jt-4000 and i've edited your cool layout for my needs. I've added a Keyboard, and octave switch. You get visible Feedback when the arp is running, very nice. Added pitch and modulation, but mod seems to be the lfo2 amount. But the best for me was to add a prog# knob witch supercontrols the patch change and patch request at the same time. So changing the prog# automatically requests this patch. Maybe i get the picker back therefore.
Still trying to find more sysex parameters for arp on/off or Tempo.
But thanx at all for your work.

Answered: Ableton Link Stops Working When I Enable Audio/MIDI Source

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 03:11:01 +0000

Yet another situation in which Link stopped working. The answer was to shut off Private Wi-Fi Address

Settings → Wi-Fi → tap your network → Ensure "Private Wi-Fi Address" is OFF

Answered: I need help with making a crossfader in midi designer

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:12:06 +0000

Crossfader may be a misnomer, it is just a fader turned sideways. And it only sends one MIDI value. But it prolly is still the place to start, since as a supercontrol it can cross fade between multiple values.

Make two individual controls that adjust the two separate volumes (usually Cc 7, sometimes Cc 11, appropriate MIDI channel). Reverse the MIDI range on one of the controls (127-0). Test and see if they work properly.

Add a crossfader, and make it a supercontrol of the two controls above. The two subcontrols can be hidden in play mode at this point.

(While it doesn't apply here, MIDI does not have negative values, it just goes 0-127, or 0-16383. It depends on the device how this range is used to indicate negative values when needed - there are several different approaches possible.)

Answered: [macOS] MIDI Designer Pro X Won't Launch on M1 Pro Max Ventura

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:34:15 +0000

Dan's summary:

The App Store compatibility text is incorrect. While it lists macOS 13 as supported, the current shipped version of MIDI Designer Pro X explicitly requires a newer macOS version. Because of this, macOS Ventura blocks the app before it launches and shows a system error. This is an OS-level version check, not a runtime crash and not a hardware issue. If an older build that supports macOS 13 is still available, it may be downloadable from Purchase History. Otherwise, upgrading macOS is required to run the current version.

Also, TestFlight is not possible because we're not building with the older toolchain.

AI 1: Gemini Says

1. Why it won't run

The "Compatibility" text on the App Store page is simply a manual description we entered, which incorrectly lists macOS 13.0. However, the app itself was built using Apple's latest software tools (corresponding to iOS 18.6). This creates a hard technical requirement: the app is asking for specific system frameworks that simply do not exist in macOS Ventura. Your Mac is blocked because its operating system is missing the modern files the app needs to launch.

2. The "Purchased Tab" Workaround

You can often trick the App Store into giving you an older, working version by downloading from your history rather than the product page:

Open the Mac App Store and click your Name/Profile (bottom left).
Click the "iPhone & iPad Apps" filter at the top.
Find MIDI Designer Pro X in the list.
Click the Cloud Download icon ()—do not click the app icon itself.
A popup should appear offering the "Last Compatible Version." Click Download.

3. Minimum OS Upgrade

If you need to run the latest version of the app, you must upgrade your Mac to macOS 15 (Sequoia). The app is built on the iOS 18 code base, which is natively paired with macOS 15. Anything older (Ventura or Sonoma) will not work.

AI 2: ChatGPT Responds/Corrects

Why MIDI Designer Pro X won’t run on your Mac

Although the App Store page lists macOS 13.0 or later, the currently shipped version of MIDI Designer Pro X requires a newer version of macOS.

Your Mac is running macOS Ventura 13.7.8 on an Apple M1 Max. The hardware is fully supported. The operating system is not.

The app is blocked before it launches because the app bundle declares a minimum macOS version higher than 13. When macOS detects this, it prevents the app from opening and shows the system message “You can’t use this version of the application with this version of macOS.” No app code is executed.

The compatibility text shown on the App Store page is manual metadata and does not reflect the actual minimum macOS version enforced by the app binary. In this case, that text is incorrect.

Downloading an older compatible version

If you previously downloaded MIDI Designer Pro X using the same Apple ID, Apple may allow you to install an older version that supports macOS 13.

Steps:

Open the Mac App Store.
Click your name or profile icon.
Locate MIDI Designer Pro X in your purchase history.
Click the cloud download icon. Do not click the app page.
If available, choose “Download Last Compatible Version.”

This option only appears if Apple still hosts an older build that supports macOS 13.

Running the latest version

To run the current version of MIDI Designer Pro X, you must upgrade macOS to a version that meets the app’s minimum requirement.

Upgrading the OS resolves the issue because it satisfies the version check enforced by the app itself.

Answered: Is it possible to have knobs change their color when they reach a specific value?

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 13:55:32 +0000

See notes in the layout

Answered: How do I create “shift” functionality?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 03:27:40 +0000

No "shift" button per se, but several possibilities

A "transpose" knob has the same effect on Ccs as it does on notes, so you can change a Cc number up or down as desired. The "shift" button would move the "transpose" knob between two desired settings.

Use show/hide panels. When the shift button is pressed, it replaces one panel & controls with the "shifted" values

Advanced - use StreamByter to capture the shift command, and perform arbitrary transformations on the desired control outputs.

LAYOUT: Venko KORG M3

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:42:32 +0000

LAYOUT: Tonex Pedal

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:45:17 +0000

Full Layout for Tonex Pedal. You have to set your MIDI Chanel to Chanel 2.

Numeric Input Keypads

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 02:35:54 +0000

Onscreen keypad to select exact control value
- Additional precision for large range controls
- Alternate input method

NO StreamByter coding required - just configure two additional controls
- action button - sends the entered numbers to StreamByter module
- unique ID
- min, & max values
- SreamByter calculates the scaled MIDI value
- receive control - receives the scaled value
- match action unique ID
- supercontrol of layout object control

Custom keyboard actions can be defined
- e.g., split single input to Bank MSB and Program Change (included)
- custom actions do require SB coding

This version replaces the beta version previously shared. Compared to beta,
- uses standard MD supercontrols - (make similar, update MIDI values, select desired subcontrols)
- can configure controls on the fly
- no SB knowledge required other than pasting the provided code into the SB output rules field (if needed)
- matters only behind the scene, but greatly simplifies the SB code - all the special cases collapse into a general case.

Thanks to willspence for asking a question about input keypads.

https://youtu.be/VLHC3rWjbes

(Note - the headers were simplified in 1.01, after the video)

Answered: Tap Tempo Input

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:59:34 +0000

This version is a little neater - by sending the tempo we can dispense with the spreadsheet calculation, let SB do the calculation. So you can add / delete tempos much easier.

[Page] Look-Ahead Looper (with ValhallaDelay)

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:24:37 +0000

[explanation coming soon]

Named Ticks in Google Sheets

Answered: LAYOUT: Korg TR Rack-Trinity

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:42:17 +0000

Hi, how can I download it?

Numeric Keypad to Send Channel-Bank-Prog Change (for Kurzweil K2700)

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:54:46 +0000

Basic need is to have a way to send a random program change with a single keystroke. (Tap)

I envision a 10 key numeric keypad, with CLEAR and ENTER buttons, and a display field. You to type in a patch change number, have the display field show the numbers as typed, then tap the “enter” button to send the patch change. it would basically look like a calculator

Ideally be able to enter a four digit number and have the app parse it into bank followed by program change, to mimic the patch numbering system of my Kurzweil K2700.

it would also be nice to have a mode where you could enter channel, bank, program change which will allow you to send the change to any destination in a complex midi rig. You would enter a decimal or similar as a separator character…

Grok was telling me that this app can do it, kept referring to being able to have a button send a character to a display control and also kept mentioning being able to use scripting but I couldn’t find any mention of that in the manual…

Guidance appreciated, thank you

Answered: Lexicon PCM 81 SysEx Variable Bits

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:11:38 +0000

Hi ctreitzell, have you made any advance in the design of the PCM-81 panel?

Thank you!!

Augusto

Answered: How or where can I configure the connection THRU Mac (source) -> Mac (destination)?

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:51:21 +0000

iPhone menu access is discussed at: https://mididesigner.com/wiki/doku.php/manual:19_mdpx#iphone_menu

LAYOUT: Behringer Wave

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:12:36 +0000

Background

I bought myself a Behringer Wave recently. I love it, but I was confused by the menu diving. Behringer decided to emulate the synth in perfect detail, but I think they copied its menu system a little too closely - as in it can be frustrating to program (like any 80s synth). The problem is that many of the controls are complicated and you need a "legend" to help transcribe the single letter menu commands with the complex functions they actually perform.

MidiDesigner To The Rescue!

Behringer mapped all the controls to CC commands so I was able to quickly build a nice layout. There is nothing complicated here. MidiDesigner lets us easily build nice big picker box descriptions which helps to transcribe the controls to "english". It's a great example of how a good interface can speed up sound design. Once I finished the panel I was creating new sounds way faster. Although MidiDesigner can let you do some very complex coding and control, sometimes its best utility is acting like a Rosetta Stone (converting one language to another).

Controls are self explanatory. The panel is setup similar to the Behringer Wave menu.

Cheers

PS Thanks Dan for this brilliant application! I'd be lost without it.

Answered: Layout: Roland JX-10/MKS-70 with Vecoven PWM Kit

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 17:28:37 +0000

I still only see voice parameters for Tone A and no Tone toggle switch as in the iPG-800, am I missing smth crucial? If so apologies! (I can’t test myself as I’m waiting for the PWM upgrade to arrive..) Love the x/y enabled layout, hope this template is still alive!

[Bug][10.7.0] New users crashing on app start

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 18:39:15 +0000

MD Users: We've identified and fixed the crash bug that's been hitting new users in the zero-state experience.

WHAT: The fix is packaged in version 10.7.1 and already submitted to Apple for review. We're expecting approval well before August 28th. and already released.

WORKAROUND: If you select a layout option quickly when you first open the app, you can beat the bug and it won't happen again. Alternatively, you can load a layout from our QA site (mididesigner.com/qa) and start the app with that layout.

SORRY: For the crash that broke the app for new users. We know there's nothing worse than an app that doesn't work at all.

The fix is on its way - you'll have a proper working experience very soon!

Public List of Custom URL Schemes and AUv3 Plugin

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:29:59 +0000

Hi All,
I hope this post will not be considered an abuse of the forum.
Many years ago, I discovered that custom URLs can be assigned to buttons in MD to open other apps, and I was immediately fascinated by this feature.
I am using this extensively to switch between my most frequently used apps, MD and PdParty, which can do this also. But another app that is essential for me too does not have this feature: as soon as I am arriving in AUM, there is no way back. So I made a litte AUv3 plugin with hyperlink buttons that can be inserted in any host. Then I thought it might be useful to others as well, so I decided to share it.
A special feature that is unique, I think (only when used as a plugin):
When the URL buttons are remotely controlled (via MIDI), they can open other apps at any time, regardless of which app is in the foreground.
This is the information about the app (sorry for the advertisement):
URL Beamer – Support & Info
But I soon realized that there is a huge problem. For my personal use, I need only a couple of URLs, but how could other users find them?
So I created a platform where users can view URL schemes (not many yet) and contribute to the database.
I think this will also be of benefit to users of MIDI Designer Pro X. That’s why I am posting it here.
It is fantastic that MD includes an extensive set of pre-configured custom URLs. But unfortunately, developers sometimes change them in major app updates. This database could be used to stay up-to-date by exchanging information. You also have the option to enter the URL string manually in MD, explained here: https://mididesigner.com/wiki/doku.php/manual:14_more_advanced_2
Finally the links to these pages, I quote it from my user guide:

There is now a public platform to collect user-submitted URLs.
App URL Schemes
You can help expand the database by adding entries on this page:
Submit an iOS URL Scheme

Answered: Layout: Line 6 POD X3 Live

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:47:07 +0000

Dear jp,

This design looks really nice and I’ll try it.

Where can I gei it? The link didn’t works

BR Frank

From Helpdesk Files - Play Mode Dynamic Control Settings

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 21:57:16 +0000

From helpdesk files: User asks if it is possible to change control settings in play mode without having to go to design mode:

- Min

- Max

- Default

- Cc #

This answer limited to MD control relationships - you can control everything in SB - but lets stick to our organic MD relationships for now.

Answer: we can get most of these:

- Channel changer can set the channel

- Transpose can set the Cc (transpose changes second byte of midi message, which for a Cc message is the Cc number)

- You can simulate default with a momentary switched supercontrol

Coding notes:

- all helper controls are set to NO MIDI SEND / RECEIVE

- the base control is set to Cc 0 (you can choose a higher Cc, but that will offset the "transpose")

- Channel selector is type Channel Changer (1-16), supercontrol of base control

- Cc is type Transpose (0-127), supercontrol of base control

- Default is normal control, supercontrol of base control, return to default button selected in Relationships / Enable/Disable Button

- Return to Default is momentary, supercontrol of Default, options as supercontrol - send current value

When a supercontrol only has one subcontrol, moving the sub back-drives the supercontrol. We do not want changes to the base control to change the default setting, so we add a "dummy" subcontrol to the Default control. This is hidden in play mode - all it is doing is preventing the back drive.

I am still thinking on how to do the min and max with relationships, maybe another user has an idea

Why not use this structure, then use SB to capture the min/max? Answer this question - what Channel / Cc are you controlling? To do part in SB, you have to send ALL the data to SB. Maybe an exercise for another day.

Answered: Send two CCs with one button - how?

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 23:59:49 +0000

Build and test the two individual buttons.

When they both work, now build one button, make supercontrol, assign the two buttons above as subcontrols.

Answered: Is it possible to change patches on GX-100, GM-800, VG-800) and triggering samples on a sampler (SP-404) in this way?

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 20:39:08 +0000

MD page display is side by each, not top and bottom. Otherwise, all this is vanilla MD capability.

If you really want the top/bottom layout, you can do it with show/hide panels. But now you are doing all the work to manage the display that MD automagically does with the normal page layout. MD provides up to 48 pages, six in each of eight banks.

For the favorites, use COPY vice MAKE SIMILAR to put the identical copies on each page.

Answered: A control area situated on top of an Image Panel doesn’t work when Hide in Play Mode is turned on.

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 20:32:42 +0000

Hide in play mode is for controls that will not be accessed, such as supporting controls. There is no design intent for direct interaction with hidden controls.

Maybe try adjusting opacity and display options to minimize the appearance of the selected controls.

Answered: Can I send a sysex message with button push whose value is set by slider?

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:51:22 +0000

re: “In the main control, relationships tab, select the new button above for Enable/Disable Button.” I’m having a little trouble finding that option. Instead I tried, “Send Only on Supercontrol Change”. which seems to do the trick. Is this the same thing?

No.

Switching pages using incoming MIDI

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:07:26 +0000

Hi!

I´m new here and I´m hoping to get some help. I basically want to use the MIDI designer pro X on Iphone as an extension monitor of my Line6 Helix guitar processor. I want to display 4 helix- presets per page on MD and making them glow when the preset is selected (when I press the button on the Line6 Helix). I have managed to do this with a 4-tick knob on each page (reacting to the PC from the Helix) set as supercontrol for 4 buttons. Each button lights up when its PC value comes in. Works great!

But now I want to add a function where the MD switches pages automatically so that when the buttons for preset 1-4 are pressed (on the Line6 Helix) MD stays on page 1, when presets 5-8 are selected MD jumps to page 2. etc. I have tried to do this by using 4 buttons on each side with jump to page reacting to incoming CC but I can´t get anything right an would be very thankful for any help.

From Help Desk Files - Can Global Preset select a different set of Group Presets

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 00:59:02 +0000

From the help desk files - a user wants a GLOBAL preset to select a different collection of GROUP preset settings.

GLOBAL presets save the current position of every control on the layout. There is no relationship to GROUP presets.

GLOBAL presets do NOT save all of a GROUP preset settings. They just save the current values of the GROUP PRESET and all subcontrols.

The GLOBAL setting can potentially override the GROUP preset settings, depending on when the GLOBAL setting was saved.

Some alternate approaches to get a different set of GROUP PRESETS based on a GLOBAL PRESET selection.

These approaches presume a single variable control, such as a picker, is being used for the GROUP PRESETS. If you are using a more complicated configuration, such as dedicated buttons selecting picker presets, the approaches below do not work directly.

Approach 1: Make multiple instances of the preset, then use show/hide to reveal only the correct set for the current global preset.

For the GROUP PRESET that you want to have different behavior depending on the GLOBAL PRESET, create multiple "make similar" of the GROUP PRESET, along with necessary store / recall controls. Put these on separate panels, use SHOW/HIDE so only the correct GROUP PRESET is shown for the GLOBAL PRESET.

To build the show/hide functionality, create each panel, with a button for show / hide, put the preset on the panel.

create a new variable control, (the preset group selecter), supercontrol, group all the show/hide buttons under this supercontrol

Once tested and working, hide the show/hide buttons, and stack up the show/hide panels.

Approach 2: If the presets are used linearly, e.g., 1-20, then all presets can be stored in one GROUP PRESET. 1-20 for Global 1, 21-30 for Global 2, etc. A separate control is used to jump to the correct starting location for the GLOBAL PRESET.

These are a few staring ideas, maybe some other users will have additional approaches.

PreenFM2 Editor

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 09:24:42 +0000

This is my Editor for the preenfm2. The „DIY frequency modulation sound generator“ Project.

Still in progress, but already usable for Instrument 1.

Edits for the other 3 instruments are following.

Patch select for all 4 instruments is possible.

Answered: Help with SysEx Strings

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:15:24 +0000

I am happy to see someone working with SysEx strings.

Under variable options, you need to choose the length of the SysEx string. Default is one, which is why you are only getting one character.

But, there is a bug in the SysEx properties box -Problems with SysEx Property Boxes (all OS). S (and or V) might disappear when you save, or the variable options box comes up blank. Best workaround I have found is to select a checksum, make changes in the variable options box, then put the checksum option back to NONE.

Two SysEx strings hacks

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:10:42 +0000

SysEx strings is designed to store patch names in a picker for display and recall.

A little bit of hacking can give us two other use cases:

Display a single string, such as current patch name

In this case we want to show just the current patch name from a fixed memory location. But we can only load SysEx strings into a variable or continuous control. No problem.

Example - in the RD 2000, we find current Program name at memory location 10 00 00 00, 16 bytes

The SysEx message is: F0 41 10 00 00 75 12 10 00 00 00 (16 bytes of Name Data) cs F7

We choose one of the fixed numbers as a pseudo V, making our MIDI SysEx settings:

41 10 00 00 75 12 10 00 00 V S, Roland three byte checksum, V = 1, S = 16

V = 00 is the valid report, but need at least two named ticks - set the MIDI value of the second to 127, (There is no SysEx string to arrive from location 10 00 00 7F, so no confusion).

Build a picker, two Named Ticks, with the settings above. Select Hide n Play Mode - this is only an intermediate control, and you do not want interaction with this control sending data to the hardware, overwriting the program name.

Now make a label with the Label Value Source set to the picker.

There is a side benefit from this - at initialize you can set the picker to the second value, blanking the program name. When a valid name string is received, it will flip to the correct value.

Edit program name

Most hardware has painful ways to enter patch names, such as scrolling letter by letter. With SysEx strings, we can use our computer keyboard instead.

Build a momentary control, No MIDI Send Receive, supercontrol, "Send Patch Name"

Build a second instance of the picker above, call it your Namer. Under Relationship tab, Enable/Disable Button, select "Send Patch Name" control.

Back to "Send Patch Name", select Namer as a subcontrol, in Options as SuperControl, select Send Current Value, and Force Not Stepper.

Use:

To enter a name, go to design mode, edit the 00* named tick value to your desired patch name. MD will let you enter any character here, you need to stick to valid ASCII data.

Exit design mode. Ensure the 00* tick is selected, press the "Send Patch Name."

A couple extra steps going to design mode, but still much easier than scrolling character by character, especially for a 32 byte Scene name.

* or the correct value selected for the valid pseudo V tick

Some notes and thoughts

SysEx strings is the most advanced concept in MIDI Designer, but also very capable. This is not the third control you want to build. I recommend some prerequisites for tacking SysEx strings are proficiency in supercontrols, scaling supercontrol values, and managing SysEx controls, including loading individual patch name characters. Once you are ready, we are here to help.

SysEx strings depends on the hardware capability. Roland and Yamaha hardware typically include SysEx capability to transmit patch names, etc. The hardware has to have the ability to transmit the data on request for MIDI Designer to display the data. Start by looking at the MIDI Implementation guide for your hardware.

Synchron Smart Orchestra 2

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:29:44 +0000

Hi,

Play the entire orchestra at once, including choir and percussion, focus on individual sections and solo instruments – or do both at the same time!

I had the best results by recording the notes first and orchestrate after with the layout.,

Enjoy!

https://www.vsl.co.at/products/synchron/smart-orchestra

Undocumented feature - Color Picker remains active on last control in Play

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 13:32:04 +0000

When you open the custom color picker on a control in design, if you do not close it, it remains active on the last color edited control when you switch back to play mode. This is good when you are trying to fine tune a control's color - lets you adjust colors and see real time impact in play mode.

I was trying to generate an "invisible" control, this was perfect as it lets me cycle through until I have a match close enough that the control is barely visible

Obscure - SysEx messages with space (20h) in position 14 are fragmented

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:33:41 +0000

Obscure, but sharing to ensure folks don't loose as much time as I did trying to get a layout working right.

SysEx messages with a space (20h) in a particular position are fragmented in MD - in this case, position 14.

The log shows a fragment of the message

In one sample case, what is received:

← 13:04.520 Length=6: 00 00 53 6F 20 6F

What should have been received, highlighting the fragment in the true string

← 14:23.889 Length=29: F0 41 10 00 00 75 12 10 00 00 00 53 6F 20 6F 20 4A 61 7A 7A 20 47 72 61 6E 64 20 68 F7

Controls are not responding, so it is not just a log issue.

Workaround - In this case, I can change the fourteenth position - which is the third letter of program name - to _ or . (What I did to get the correct output above, then edited to put the space back.)

I have not done troubleshooting to see if this is unique to the Roland header above, or if there are other issues at work. It does not appear to be related to having a target with SysEx strings - started with a new layout, only a single control to request the SysEx, same behavior.

Problems with SysEx Property Boxes (all OS)

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:51:15 +0000

Problem 1: (MacOS & iPadOS)

The SysEx property inspector box does not reliably populate Variable Options settings. The box will save settings. If you reopen the box to check your settings, it may not bring up your current settings, instead showing default settings. If you cancel out, your existing prior settings will still be viable. If you APPLY CHANGES, ensure that the variable options settings (V length, MSB first, S length) have been correctly entered.

You don't have to open the variable options box to loose the settings. If you change the SysEx characters, it will reset the variable options even if you never open the variables inspector.

(After having MD open for a while, MD might start reliably populating the box. Once that happens, it appears to continue working properly until the app is closed and restarted. I have not been able to recreate the stimulus that causes it to start behaving properly.)

Workaround: none. There is no workaround to check variable options settings, you can only reenter what you believe are the correct settings.

Problem 2: (iPadOS)

When you open the SysEx property inspector, the save / apply option does not initially appear. The box will (mostly*) NOT save settings in either sticky or non-sticky modes.

If you enter a V or S, the variable options box will not appear to make settings.

(*Occasionally, if you enter or change an L, V, or S, the properties will save correctly.)

Workaround: If you move to the Checksum box and make a change, APPLY CHANGES (and Variable Options, if a V or S has been entered) will appear, and the settings can be saved. If you don't need/want a checksum, change anyway, then change back to none. Then make any desired Variable Options settings and APPLY CHANGES.

Answered: Fender Cyber Twin Amp?

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 08:10:43 +0000

So, has to be requested from me. I never really finished the remote, so I never uploaded to MD shares, I apologize.

I have gone back to working on this remote layout.

Working on adding:

Program Selection pages which display much more parameter settings info of currently selected program. I am currently displaying Prog number, name, tone stack type, location, drive circuitry, reverb type, compressor setting and reverb timbre. I'm considering adding more like speaker polarity This can be extremely helpful if the Data Wheel is mis-behaving;
Correct tick resolutions for variable parameters;
FX controls show/hide panels which match currently loaded effect(s);
Expression/ CC selection;
User Presets page

I made a fair few mistakes, so weeding through those; for example I misunderstood the Reverb/ FX Bypass setting

I might add Sysex Fetch currently loaded parameters

Increase number of Presets?

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 08:09:45 +0000

I've been singing the praises of MD to a potential user, but I've come up against the limitation of the 20 Presets in MD. For someone looking to create sufficient Presets as 'scenes' for a live show 20 isn't going to go much beyond a couple of songs.

I realise that there is limited space in MD's menu system, so 20 is a not unreasonable limitation there, but when creating a Preset recall button in a Layout, maybe a larger number could be accessed? I realise that this would require a way of storing those Presets, but maybe a creative way could be found to add this function?

Answered: midi designer on macos big sur

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:26:42 +0000

Apple controls the app store. I think during MacOS 11 we were about version 2.3 or so (the first version to run on the M series Macs), not MD Pro X.

We have some reports of older devices showing the appropriate older version to load, but this is not under our control.

One user recently report success loading 2.3 on an older device with a Pro X subscription - see https://mididesigner.com/qa/8099

Search for midi designer on your Mac App Store. Select the iPad/iPhone tab. If MIDI Designer is shown, then it can be loaded.

Let’s see if a user still on macOS 11 has any more insight. And they may have loaded the app while macOS 11 support was current.

I have copied this question to the facebook group.

Answered: LINE6 POD HD500 Layout (English)

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:46:55 +0000

Hi, i've just found this document, I don't know if was still available or not, i post just in case cound be useful for a future upgrade of this fantastic layout

POD Sysex Doc - March 5, 1999 Release

there are a lot of parameters and cc messages that coud be useful