Beat Step (Non pro) as midi comtroller/transport

chrisgartenmann · December 11, 2022, 7:53pm

I have an OG Beat Step, non pro, just gathering dust. Was thinking to use it for performing. For example, have the stop and play buttons on the BS be the reset and run button in VCV, main knob as master volume, sequencer pads mutes/fades on the mix master, one row of knobs volume on the mixer and another row for controlling perimeters.

I can get the knobs to map but not the buttons. I have seen videos on 1.0 that allow you to use buttons from a keystep pro sequencer to map but nothing really on 2.

Anyone doing something like this?

Jens.Peter.Nielsen · December 11, 2022, 8:08pm

VCV Midi-Map module maps midi CC’s to module parameters (it doesn’t handle midi note messages). See Beat Step (Non pro) as midi comtroller/transport - #3 by VirtualModular

Pads send midi notes or CC’s - you can configure the beatstep in their midi control center app.

Yours may be default config - or some customization: you can use stoermelder midi-mon to see what it sends.

Table from the user guide p.37

If you don’t change it from note to cc, you have to use seperate modules for the encoder knobs ([MIDI-MAP)) and pads (Midi-Gate followed by some mapping module from Stoermelder.)

He also has modules that let you use the relative modes of the controller.

I have both the Beatstep and Beatstep pro, but not connected right now.

VirtualModular · December 11, 2022, 8:23pm

Yep I use a non-Pro Beatstep quite a lot, usually for triggering looping, and muting/soloing mixer channels. I use Stoermelder Map, click on one of the slots, press the button then click wherever on screen you want it to trigger. After it’s mapped, I change it depending on whether I want it to be momentary or toggle mode.

Jens.Peter.Nielsen · December 11, 2022, 8:30pm

Midi-CAT right ?

github.com

stoermelder/vcvrack-packone/blob/v2/docs/MidiCat.md

# stoermelder MIDI-CAT and expanders MEM and CTX

MIDI-CAT is a module for MIDI-mapping and an evolution of [VCV's MIDI-MAP](https://vcvrack.com/manual/Core.html#midi-map) with several additional features:

- It can be configured for an MIDI output-port to send **controller feedback**, all your controls get initalized on patch-loading if your controller supports it!
- It has two different **pickup-modes** for controllers without input or automatic adjustment, so your parameters won't change until your controls reach their current positions.
- It allows mapping of **MIDI note messages**, providing momentary-mode, momentary-mode with velocity and toggle-mode.
- You can switch the module to "Locate and indicate" mode, which will help you to retrace your midi controls to the mapped module and parameter.
- CPU usage has been optimized.
- And much much more...

Besides these new features the module brings the goodies known from stoermelder's other mapping modules like...

- ...text scrolling for long parameter names,
- ..."Locate and indicate" on slot's context menu for finding mapped parameters and
- ...unlocked parameters for changes by mouse or by preset loading or using a by preset-manager like stoermelder's [8FACE](./EightFace.md).

![MIDI-CAT intro](./MidiCat-intro.gif)

## Mapping parameters

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VirtualModular · December 11, 2022, 8:32pm

Yes, sorry MIDI-CAT, not map! Well spotted, I replied too quickly there

Jens.Peter.Nielsen · December 11, 2022, 8:38pm

No worries. It’s good to have the Stoermelder plugin back in the library.

chrisgartenmann · December 12, 2022, 6:38pm

Thanks.

Trying to find which code to change the parameter has been a challenging, 128 different with none staying on that i could find, just a momentary on then off again.

Jens.Peter.Nielsen · December 12, 2022, 7:17pm

Beatstep can’t do it, it either sends “note on + velocity” or “CC”.

Hers the default for my upper left pad in Midi Control Center.

If it’s set to default for the pads(GATE, sends note ON + velocity + pressure + note off on release) you have to select “Input mode for notes” to “toggle” in the MIDI-CAT module.