MIDI support

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MIDI support

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smartChord offers extensive MIDI integration, allowing you to connect your instruments, pedals, and other external devices. Whether you want to control smartChord hands-free during a live performance, trigger external sound generators, or send complex configuration messages to your synthesizers, the built-in MIDI features have you covered.

Overview of MIDI Features

  • Receive MIDI Commands: Control the Set List, Songbook, and various players (metronome, drum machine, auto-scroller) using external MIDI controllers or Bluetooth pedals.
  • Send MIDI Commands: Automatically configure your external keyboards and synthesizers by sending Program Change (PC), Control Change (CC), and SysEx messages when opening or closing a song.
  • Direct MIDI Output: Transmit chords directly to external sound generators or recording software from the Chord Pad, Piano, and Fretboard tools.
  • MIDI Test Tool: A built-in utility to monitor incoming MIDI messages and test outgoing commands.

1. Controlling smartChord via MIDI (MIDI In)

You can map incoming MIDI signals to trigger specific actions within the Songbook and Set List. This is especially useful for hands-free control on stage, allowing you to navigate without touching your screen.

Supported Actions

  • Switch to the next or previous song in a Set List.
  • Scroll up, scroll down, page up, or page down.
  • Start and stop the auto-scroller, audio player, metronome, or drum machine.
  • Select a specific song using a MIDI command.

2. Controlling External Devices (MIDI Out)

The Songbook can also act as a powerful MIDI controller. When you open or close a song, smartChord can automatically send specific commands to your connected hardware, such as selecting the right synth patch or adjusting volume levels.

Adding MIDI Directives to Songs

You can define MIDI commands directly within your song text files using special directives.

  • Open a song: {x_sccrd_midiOpen: <midiCommand1>, <midiCommand2>, ... }
  • Close a song: {x_sccrd_midiClose: <midiCommand1>, <midiCommand2>, ... }
  • Select a song by MIDI: {x_sccrd_midiSongSelect: <number>} (Assigns a number between 0-127 to the song so it can be called up externally).

3. Direct MIDI Playback

smartChord allows you to transmit each chord, scale or tone directly to external sound generators, digital audio workstations (DAWs), or recording software via MIDI output.

When you press a pad in the Chord Pad, or play notes on the Piano or Fretboard, the corresponding MIDI note data is routed directly to your connected MIDI receiver. This allows you to compose, record, or perform using high-quality external instruments right from the smartChord interface.

Just define the ‘MIDI receiver’ in the settings of the home screen.

4. The MIDI Test Tool

If you are having trouble with your setup, smartChord includes a dedicated MIDI Test tool to help you troubleshoot connections.

  • Monitor Incoming MIDI: If a MIDI source is activated, every received message is logged in the text view, helping you verify that your controller is sending the correct signals.
  • Send Test Commands: Manually type and send MIDI commands to your receiver to ensure your external device is responding appropriately.

Learn more about this utility in the MIDI Test documentation.