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Keith McMillen Instruments SoftStep User Manual

Keith McMillen Instruments SoftStep
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Keith McMillen
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STEP
SoftStep
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SoftStep
Reference Manual
Keith McMillen
INSTRUMENTS
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Keith McMillen Instruments SoftStep Specifications

General IconGeneral
ConnectivityUSB
PowerUSB bus-powered
SoftwareSoftStep Editor
TypeMIDI Controller
Pressure SensitivityYes
ProgrammabilityFully programmable, each pad can send multiple MIDI messages

Summary

Getting Started with SoftStep

SoftStep Unit Overview

MIDI Expander Unit Overview

Connecting SoftStep

Connecting to a Computer

Explains how to connect SoftStep to a computer via USB.

Connecting to MIDI Devices

Explains how to connect SoftStep to external MIDI devices using the MIDI Expander.

Simultaneous MIDI and Computer Connection

Describes simultaneous connection to both MIDI devices and computers.

Factory Presets Overview

Basic Editor Interface

Main Window Overview

Introduces the main interface of the Basic Editor.

Key Settings Configuration

Details how to configure individual key functions within the editor.

Basic Editor Key and General Settings

Message Type Parameters

Configures parameters specific to the selected message type.

Basic Editor Preset Management

Display Name and Preset Management

Sets preset display names and manages current presets, saving, and reverting.

Message Types and Edit Menu

Message Type Definitions

Defines the type of MIDI message a key sends.

Message Type Parameters

Note, Velocity, and Toggle Settings

Configures note number, velocity, and toggle behavior for keys.

Pressure and Toggle Configuration

Sets pressure output as CC messages and configures toggle function.

Advanced Message Type Parameters

X/Y Axis Control

Outputs X/Y location data as MIDI CC messages.

Display and Factory Preset Details

Advanced Editor Introduction

Advanced Editor Main Screen Overview

Introduces the main interface of the Advanced Editor.

Advanced Editor Main Screen Elements

Key Box Functionality

Describes the individual key boxes and their interactive areas.

Preset Section Management

Manages presets, including selection, saving, and deletion.

Advanced Editor Preset Management

Preset Selection and Saving

Selects, saves, and reverts presets.

Key Modulation Screen Overview

Modulation Screen Layout

Provides an overview of the key modulation screen layout.

Modline Core Concept

Explains the core concept of Modlines for key behavior.

Modline Configuration Details

Modline On/Off and Initial Values

Toggles modlines and sets initial values for parameters.

Data Source Selection

Selects the data source for a modline (e.g., pressure).

Data Modifier Functions

Modifies input data using gain, offset, smoothing, etc.

Data Modifier Options

Gain, Offset, and Result Settings

Adjusts input values by multiplier, adds/subtracts values, and shows real-time results.

Table, Min, Max, and Smooth Settings

Selects curves, sets min/max output, and adjusts data smoothing.

Modline Output Settings

Message Type Selection

Sets the type of MIDI message to output.

Message Type Parameter Configuration

Configures specific message parameters like note, CC, or program change.

Output Port Selection

Selects the MIDI port for output.

LED and Display Settings

Display Mode Configuration

Defines how the SoftStep display shows key information.

Advanced Display and Counter Settings

Settings Screen Overview

Global Settings Configuration

Configures global settings like backlight and sensor response.

Keys and I/O Settings

Key Sensitivity and Speed Settings

Adjusts key sensitivity and speed of X/Y value changes.

MIDI Input Configuration

Configures handling of incoming MIDI signals.

Advanced I/O and OSC Settings

MIDI Channel and Message Type

Sets MIDI channel and selects message type for processing.

OSC Input Configuration

Configures OSC message reception, including IP address and ports.

Pedal Settings

Pedal Calibration Process

Initiates the pedal calibration process.

Pedal Feedback and Smoothing

Displays pedal input data and adjusts smoothing.

Hosted vs. Standalone Mode Differences

Hosted Mode Operation

Requires editor; data processed by editor.

Standalone Mode Operation

Acts as MIDI controller; no editor needed.

Mode-Specific Settings and Ports

SoftStep Virtual MIDI Ports

Explains the virtual MIDI ports created by SoftStep.

SSCOM Port Differences

Details the differences between SSCOM Port 1 and SSCOM Port 2.

Advanced Mode Operations

SSCOM Port 1 in Hosted Mode

How SSCOM Port 1 works in Hosted Mode.

Appendix: Control Sources

Advanced Editor Message Types

None and Note Set Message Types

Outputs no message or MIDI notes with specified velocity.

Note Live and CC Message Types

Outputs notes from modline input and specific CC numbers.

MIDI Message Type Details

Channel, Bank, and Program Settings

Sets MIDI channel, Bank Select, and Program Change messages.

Initialization and Display Modes

Display Mode and LED Behavior

LED Mode Definitions

Defines LED behavior based on modline values.

LED Mode Variations

Controlling SoftStep LEDs

How to control SoftStep LEDs via MIDI CC messages.

External Control of SoftStep Features

Changing Presets via Program Change

How to change presets using Program Change messages.

Advanced Editor Factory Presets Guide

Factory Preset Examples

Hardware-Specific Factory Presets

Software-Specific Factory Presets

Troubleshooting SoftStep

Resolving Connection Problems

Steps to resolve SoftStep connection problems.

Firmware Updates and Presets

Firmware Update Methods

Methods for updating firmware: automatically or manually.

Firmware Update Procedures

FAQ: Compatibility and Expression Pedals

Editor Connection Troubleshooting

Steps to take when SoftStep won't connect to the editor.

Expression Pedal Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting steps for expression pedal issues.

Safety Precautions

Medical Device Interference

Precautions regarding pacemakers and medical devices.

Explosive Atmosphere Warning

Avoid use in potentially explosive environments.