8.2. Control Mode as DAW Automation
Without a doubt, Control mode is one of the most exciting features of the KeyStep Pro. If
you've already used a DAW such as Ableton, Cubase, Logic or Reaper you will be familiar
with automation lanes. In the KeyStep Pro, a track in Control mode is the equivalent of a
DAW automation lane.
In the KeyStep Pro, a normal sequencer Pattern is used to store notes (pitches) and
velocities (the force or speed with which you hit individual keys). In Control mode, however,
a CC# Pattern is used to store encoder positions. It gets played back as a 'ghost' sequence
in parallel with the sequences of notes stored in normal Patterns. A CC# Pattern can
control external encoder/knob positions by transmitting MIDI CC# messages with values
that external synths and modular systems, or virtual instruments loaded in your DAW, can
recognise and respond to correctly.
8.2.1. Using CC# Patterns to Store and Playback CC Values
With a track of the KeyStep Pro in Control mode, the Patterns you create will act as DAW
automation lanes. You can store CC# values in them that will control parameters on external
MIDI devices.
If you know the CC# of a synth's knob, you can use that CC# to control that parameter. In
the Utility menu, simply define one of the main encoders to send that CC# out to the synth
and then fill the steps in the CC# Pattern with CC values to control the movements of the
synth's knob.
CC# messages are thus the MIDI equivalent of turning knobs. The MicroFreak, currently one
of the most popular Arturia Synthesizers, has very sonically interesting CC# control options:
turn the Analog Filter Cutoff knob on the MicroFreak and its cutoff frequency will change.
Sending a sequence of MIDI CC 23 messages with varying values to the MicroFreak will
have the same effect: sending CC 23 with a value of 0 closes the analog filter completely;
sending CC 23 with a value of 127 opens it fully. The MicroFreak has a total of 20 different
CC#'s that are available to control its parameters.
Arturia - User Manual Keystep Pro - Control Mode 111
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