Keith McMillen Instruments SoftStep Reference Manual
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Keith McMillen Instruments SoftStep Reference Manual

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SoftStep
Reference Manual
Keith McMillen
I N S T R U M E N T S
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STEP
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SoftStep
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Keith McMillen
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Summary of Contents for Keith McMillen Instruments SoftStep

  • Page 1 Keith McMillen I N S T R U M E N T S Keith McMillen STEP SoftStep SoftStep Reference Manual...
  • Page 2 The content of this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Keith McMillen Instruments. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. No warranties, express or implied, are made with regard to the quality, suitability, or accuracy of this document.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table Of Contents Welcome ....................Questions? Feedback? Contact Us! ................1.0 Before You Begin .................. 1.1 What’s In The SoftStep Package? ................1.2 What’s In The MIDI Expander Package? ..............1.3 System Requirements ....................1.4 Conventions In This Manual ..................
  • Page 4 3.1 Main Window ...................... 3.1.1 Keys ......................3.1.2 Settings ....................... 3.1.3 Presets ......................3.1.4 Nav Pad ..................... 3.1.5 Menu Bar Options ..................3.1.6 Message Types (Basic Editor) ............... 3.1.7 Display Behavior ..................3.1.8 Factory Presets (Basic Editor) ............... 4.0 Advanced Editor .................
  • Page 5 5.7.2 Controlling SoftStep Display ................. 5.7.3 Changing Presets With Program Changes ............5.7.4 Using The MIDI Expander ................5.8 Factory Presets Guide (Advanced Editor) .............. 5.9 MIDI Note Naming Reference ................5.10 - Changes From SoftStep v1.21 ................5.11 - Safety Precautions .....................

  • Page 6: Welcome

    The purpose of this document is to provide a resource with helpful, detailed information regarding the use of the SoftStep and SoftStep software. Questions? Feedback? Contact Us! Any questions or feedback that may come up regarding the SoftStep or its software can be directed to us here: www.keithmcmillen.com/support •...
  • Page 7 Keith McMillen STEP SoftStep Before You Begin Keith McMillen STEP SoftStep...

  • Page 8: Before You Begin

    This section contains a few things to know before diving in to the SoftStep world. It’s okay to be overwhelmed with all of the options available. The SoftStep is a highly customizable controller, and with customization comes complexity. Like with all things, improvement comes with practice.

  • Page 9: Conventions In This Manual

    • Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or greater • Roughly 100 MB free hard disk space • A SoftStep 1 or SoftStep 2 foot controller (both are fully compatible with the 2.0 software) 1.4 Conventions In This Manual Here are a few notes on the formatting of this document: denotes an important note or piece of information — a “head’s up”...
  • Page 10 Getting Started Keith McMillen STEP SoftStep...

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    2.0 Getting Started This section will cover information that will help get started with the SoftStep (What? No way!). We will introduce the SoftStep hardware, the MIDI Expander hardware, and how to connect the SoftStep to the world. 2.1 SoftStep Hardware The SoftStep hardware!!! 2.1.1 Overview...

  • Page 12: Specs

    • Weight: 1.3 lbs (0.59 kg) (approximately) Power Draw / Requirements The SoftStep can be powered via the main USB port or the Expander port. It should never be powered from both ports at the same time — this may result in damage to the hardware.

  • Page 13: Midi Expander Hardware

    2.2 MIDI Expander Hardware The KMI MIDI Expander is an optional accessory that allows the SoftStep to connect to external MIDI hardware via MIDI cables. 2.2.1 Overview Keith McMillen MIDI Expander POWER MIDI In MIDI Out EXPAND (1) MIDI In MIDI input to the Expander.

  • Page 14: Specs

    (6) Expand Port Used to connect the MIDI Expander to the SoftStep. Just use a mini USB cable to connect the SoftStep’s Expand port to the Expander’s EXPAND port. Note: Only KMI MIDI controllers should be connected to the EXPAND port — other USB MIDI controllers and USB hubs will not work properly.

  • Page 15: Connecting Softstep

    Connecting the SoftStep to a computer requires three things: a SoftStep, a computer, and a USB A to USB B cable (the “classic” USB cable). Simply plug the SoftStep’s main USB port into a USB 2.0 (or greater) port on the computer. The SoftStep will receive power from the computer.

  • Page 16: To An Ipad

    Camera Connection Kit (for iPads with the older 30-pin connectors) is required to connect the SoftStep to an iPad via USB. Plug the adapter into the iPad, plug the SoftStep’s main USB port into the adapter with a USB A to B cable, and everything is ready to go.

  • Page 17: To Midi Hardware

    SoftStep A KMI MIDI Expander is required to connect to MIDI hardware via MIDI cables. 1. Connect the SoftStep’s EXPAND port to the EXPAND port on the Expander using a USB A to mini-B cable. 2. Connect the Expander’s POWER port to a USB power supply (included with Expander package) using a USB A to B cable.

  • Page 18: To Midi Hardware + Computer

    1. Connect the SoftStep’s EXPAND port to the EXPAND port on the Expander using a USB A to mini-B cable. 2. Connect the SoftStep’s main USB port to the computer using a USB A to B cable. The SoftStep and Expander should power up.

  • Page 19: Factory Presets Overview

    2.4 Factory Presets Overview The SoftStep comes loaded with a number of factory presets right out of the box. Some cover very basic functions (program changes, toggles, MIDI notes, pressure), and a few work with some software/hardware integration examples. This is just a very brief overview of the factory presets. For more detailed information about each of the factory presets, please see the section in the Appendix.

  • Page 20: Customizing Presets

    Instructions on how to install this can be found in the “Extras” folder of the SoftStep 2.0 software package. 2.4.2 Customizing Presets While the factory presets cover some basic, general functions, some users may desire more advanced and customized behavior. The SoftStep’s presets can be completely customized using SoftStep Basic Editor or the SoftStep Advanced Editor.
  • Page 21 Basic Editor...

  • Page 22: Basic Editor

    3.0 Basic Editor The SoftStep Basic Editor is a great way to customize SoftStep presets when quick, simple functions are desired (which is often the case). The Basic Editor offers ten presets where each key performs a single function. Keys can output a MIDI note, act as a CC toggle, output key pressure, send X/Y location data, send program change messages, or emulate a vertical slider — users’...

  • Page 23: Settings

    Pedal CC# • Range: 0.00-2.55 Display Name FACE • Default Value: 1.00 (3) Backlight Turns the SoftStep backlighting on or off. Check this box to turn it on — uncheck this box to turn it off.

  • Page 24: Presets

    (7) Display Name Sets the display name for the currently selected preset. This name will be displayed when switching between presets on the SoftStep, so a unique, identifiable name is recommended. Up to four characters may be used. 3.1.3 Presets...

  • Page 25: Menu Bar Options

    • Editor Version: Displays the version number of the editor. • Expected: Displays which firmware version is provided in this version of the Basic Editor. This is the version that will be loaded onto a connected SoftStep when a firmware update is initiated.

  • Page 26: Message Types (Basic Editor)

    Hardware The Hardware menu contains options related to the SoftStep pedal itself. Update/Reload Firmware This option will manually initiate a firmware update/reinstallation. Help The Help menu contains options related to documentation/information. Documentation Navigates to the SoftStep documentation using the default web browser.
  • Page 27 Pressure The Pressure option will make a key output its current pressure value as a CC message. Applying more pressure makes the value go higher — less pressure makes the value go lower. The following options are available when Pressure is selected: CC # This box sets the CC number to output the pressure value on.

  • Page 28: Display Behavior

    • Enter -1 (negative one) to turn off the bank select message. Note: if bank select messages above 127 are needed then it is necessary to use the SoftStep Advanced Editor. The Basic Editor’s bank select messages have the MSB fixed at 0, which only allows access to banks 0-127.

  • Page 29: Factory Presets (Basic Editor)

    3.1.8 Factory Presets (Basic Editor) The Basic Editor comes preconfigured with ten factory presets — most recreate the factory presets that ship pre-loaded on the SoftStep hardware (see Factory Presets Overview), a few others showcase other Basic Editor options. The following presets come included with the Basic Editor: NOTE Each key outputs a MIDI note (notes 60-69).
  • Page 30 PRGM Another program change preset. This one makes use of the Basic Editor’s “Use Factory Preset” functionality to load the Program Change factory preset.
  • Page 31 Advanced Editor...

  • Page 32: Advanced Editor

    — that is where the Advanced Editor comes into play. The SoftStep Advanced Editor allows for up to 16 fully customizable presets — each key can have multiple functions, LED behavior can be customized, and more sensor response settings allow for fine- tuning the SoftStep’s playability.

  • Page 33: Key Boxes

    4.1.1 Key Boxes The key boxes in the Advanced Editor’s main window are laid out just as the keys on the SoftStep hardware are — keys 1-5 on the bottom row, keys 6-0 on the top row (and Nav Pad to the right).
  • Page 34 Presets can be exported from and imported to the Advanced Editor. See the Import Preset and Export Preset section for more detailed information. Import 1.21 Presets It is possible to import presets created with the previous version of the SoftStep editor. See the Import Hosted/Standalone Presets From v1.21 section for more detailed information.

  • Page 35: Key Modulation Window Overview

    4.2.2 Modlines The main part of a modulation window is the modline area. Modlines tell the SoftStep keys what they should do — select the type of data, how to process the data, and how to output the data. Each key can have up to 6 active modlines — each performing a completely different function.
  • Page 36 The Data Sources section of the modline selects what type of Pressure Live sensor data (coming from the SoftStep) to use. Source Selects the type of sensor data to use — e.g. key pressure, foot on, foot off. For a complete list of all available sources (and what they do), see the Sources section of the Appendix.
  • Page 37 Offset Adds the specified amount to incoming values. Use negative numbers for subtraction. Defaults to 0. Result (Hosted mode only) A live display of the modline values after passing through the gain and offset stage. Table Sets the type of curve to apply to the incoming values. Also used for toggle behavior and interacting with the key counter.
  • Page 38 Message Type Output Port S oftStep Share (1) Message Type Sets the type of MIDI message (or a couple of other message types) to output. For a complete list of all available message types (and what they do), see the Message Types section of the Appendix.

  • Page 39: Led+Display Settings

    SETTINGS button in the top-right corner of the key modulation window. These settings are part of the modlines, and define how a SoftStep key’s green and red LEDs behave, and how the SoftStep display behaves when the key is pressed.

  • Page 40: Counter

    (4) Prefix One or two characters that can be added in front of the parameter value on the SoftStep’s display — e.g. with a prefix of “FF” and a modline value of 57, the display would read “FF57”. Leave blank for no prefix.

  • Page 41: Nav Pad Modulation Window

    4.2.6 Nav Pad Modulation Window The Nav Pad’s modulation window has a few differences from the other keys’ modulation windows. • There are no green or red LED options available since there are no LEDs for the Nav Pad. • There is a slightly different source list than the other keys (see Nav Pad Sources in the Appendix for a complete list of Nav Pad-exclusive sources).

  • Page 42: Setlist Window

    4.3 Setlist Window The Setlist allows up to 16 presets to be ordered in any way. This is the order that the presets will appear on the SoftStep when pressing the left and right keys on the Nav Pad. Overview...

  • Page 43: Settings Window

    Enables/Disables scene changing using the left and right keys on the Nav Pad. Sensor Response Max/Avg Sets how the SoftStep sensors (four per key) determine overall key pressure. • Maximum: Looks at only the highest valued sensor to determine key pressure.

  • Page 44: Keys Tab

    Clicking the RESET SENSITIVITY button will reset the sensitivity slider to its default value. 4.4.3 Keys Tab The Keys tab contains settings that apply to individual keys on the SoftStep. Adjust on and off thresholds for each key or change X/Y Increment speeds per key.

  • Page 45: I/O Tab

    Off Threshold Sets the amount of pressure necessary to consider the key “off” (or “released”). Higher values will make the key turn off sooner (pressure doesn’t have to drop much) — lower values will make the key turn off later (pressure has to drop very low). Nav Pad Section The Nav Pad options behave exactly the same way as their normal key counterparts.

  • Page 46: Out Port

    Sets the specific note/CC/program change number to listen for. All other numbers will be ignored. Value Live display of the incoming value. This is the value that will get passed to the modlines when using the MIDI A-H sources. OSC Input (Hosted mode only) The OSC Input section contains options for receiving (and one sending option) OSC from other OSC-capable software/devices.

  • Page 47: Pedal Tab

    The calibration process is now complete. Expression Pedals Only expression pedals will work with the SoftStep. Volume pedals do not work. This can get tricky because different companies use the word differently — volume pedals may be called expression pedals and vice versa.

  • Page 48: Menu Bar Options (Advanced Editor)

    • Expected FW: Displays which firmware version is provided in this version of the editor. This is the version that will be loaded onto a connected SoftStep when a firmware update is initiated. • Found FW: Displays the firmware version currently loaded on a connected SoftStep.
  • Page 49 Edit Copy Preset Copies the currently selected preset. Can be used later to paste over a preset or paste to a new preset. Paste Preset Pastes a copied preset to the currently selected preset. This option is only available if a preset has already been copied.

  • Page 50: Hosted Vs. Standalone

    Standalone Mode When in Standalone mode, the SoftStep behaves like a “standard” MIDI controller — all MIDI data comes directly from the SoftStep. The editor does not need to be running in order to to operate the SoftStep in Standalone mode.

  • Page 51: Softstep Ports

    (and MIDI Expander if one is connected), and should appear in any MIDI-capable application (when a SoftStep is connected). Understanding what each port is for and how they work is crucial to mastering the SoftStep hardware and software. SSCOM Port 1 vs. SSCOM Port 2 SSCOM Port 1 is used to receive data from and send data to the SoftStep itself.
  • Page 52 MIDI ports at all times (Logic and MainStage, for example). SoftStep Share SoftStep Share is a virtual MIDI port provided with the Mac OS version of the Advanced Editor. It is used as an inter-application MIDI bus — it routes MIDI from the editor to other applications.
  • Page 53 Appendix Keith McMillen STEP SoftStep...

  • Page 54: Appendix

    5.0 Appendix 5.1 Sources All available sources and what they do: Pressure Live Outputs the amount of pressure currently being applied to the key. The value will drop to 0 when the key is released. • Range: 0-127 (no pressure to full pressure) X Live Outputs the amount of left-to-right (x-axis) pressure currently being applied to the key.
  • Page 55 The Speed at which the source increments/decrements can be modified using the X Inc Speed options in the Keys tab of the Settings window. Range: 0-127 • Y Increment Similar to a vertical slider/fader. Applying pressure to the upper half of the key will output an incrementing value, while pressure to the bottom half will output a decrementing value.
  • Page 56 Fast Trig Latch (Hosted mode only) Immediately outputs a 127 when the key is pressed. Does not go back to 0. Dbl Trig Latch (Hosted mode only) Two quick presses of the key will output a 127. Does not go back to 0. Long Trig Latch (Hosted mode only) Pressing and holding the key for 1 second will output a 127.
  • Page 57 Modline 1-6 Output Uses the final output value from another modline (1-6) and sends it through the modline this source is assigned to. MIDI A-H (Hosted mode only) Receives the values from the MIDI inputs assigned in the Settings window and passes them through the modline.
  • Page 58 Nav S Foot On (Hosted mode only) One of the Nav Pad versions of the Foot On source. Outputs a 127 when pressing the south key (down) on the Nav Pad, outputs a 0 when released. Nav N Foot Off (Hosted mode only) One of the Nav Pad versions of the Foot Off source.

  • Page 59: Message Types (Advanced)

    Nav S Trig Dbl (Hosted mode only) The same as the Dbl Trig source. Applies to the south key on the Nav Pad. Nav S Trig Long (Hosted mode only) The same as the Long Trig source. Applies to the south key on the Nav Pad. 5.2 Message Types (Advanced) Message Types select what kind of MIDI message the modline will output (there are also a couple of other message types, but MIDI is the most common).
  • Page 60 7-bit MIDI message (range 0-127). This is accomplished by using two separate messages: a MSB (most significant bit) and an LSB (least significant bit). With SoftStep, values passing through the modline will set the LSB of the bank message — the MSB must be fixed at a specified value (using the MSB option).
  • Page 61 OSC is selected: Output Prefix Sets the prefix to output with the OSC message. A prefix typically begins with a “/” character, e.g. /softstep or /controller. Defaults to “/softstep” (no quotes) when no prefix is specified. Aftertouch (Hosted mode only) Outputs values as MIDI aftertouch messages.

  • Page 62: Tables

    Any value going through the modline will instantly set the current key’s X Increment value. Useful for initializing X Increment values from other keys or preset changes. 5.3 Tables All available SoftStep tables: Linear A 1:1, linear table. Values passing through will not be modified in any way. Sine Applies a sine curve to incoming values.

  • Page 63: Inits

    Logarithmic A logarithmic table. Lower values rise quickly, higher values rise slowly. Toggle Alternates between a high (127) and low (0) value whenever a 0 to positive value transition (e.g. 0 to 127) passes through the modline. Using the Foot On source with the Toggle table makes a great toggle switch! Counter Inc (Hosted mode only)

  • Page 64: Display Modes

    5.6 LED Modes LED modes define how the SoftStep’s LEDs should behave. Tell them when to turn on, when to turn off, and more. Each of the following options are available in the Advanced Editor for both the green and...
  • Page 65 None Has no effect on the LED state. If the LED is currently on, it will stay on — if it’s off, it will stay off. True The LED will turn on when the modline value is 1 or greater. It will turn off when the modline value is equal to 0.

  • Page 66: External Control Of Softstep

    5.7 External Control Of SoftStep The SoftStep can control a wide variety of MIDI software and hardware, but it can also be controlled from an external source via USB or MIDI Expander. 5.7.1 Controlling SoftStep LEDs The SoftStep’s LEDs can be controlled from an external software or hardware source using CC messages.

  • Page 67: Changing Presets With Program Changes

    So, for example, to make the third character on the display show the number “3”, send CC 52 with a value of 51. Note: When sending MIDI to the SoftStep via USB, CCs should be sent to SSCOM Port 1. 5.7.3 Changing Presets With Program Changes When in Standalone mode, changing SoftStep presets via external software/hardware is possible using program change messages.
  • Page 68 Toggles (TOGL) Each key outputs a toggling CC message (CCs 20-29). Step on a key and it toggles on (outputs a 127), step on that key again and it toggles off (outputs a 0). Each key’s green LED provides visual feedback of the current toggle state — it lights up when on and turns off when off.
  • Page 70 Pressure Live (PRES) Each key outputs a key’s pressure as a CC message (CCs 110-119). Placing more pressure on a key makes the value go higher, less pressure makes the value go lower. ElevenRack Control (11RK) This preset works with an Avid Eleven Rack processor. A MIDI Expander is required to connect to the Eleven Rack.
  • Page 71 Line6 Pad Control (POD) This scene works with most Line6 processors, including the Pod. A MIDI Expander is required to connect to the Pod. The top row of keys turn effects on and off — the bottom row modulates the effects’ parameters. LIVE (Ableton Live Control) This preset works with our custom Ableton Live script.

  • Page 72: Midi Note Naming Reference

    Note: Other software/hardware may follow the C4=60 naming scheme (or even C5=60), which can lead to some confusion when MIDI mapping or setting up SoftStep. All MIDI notes will appear to be an octave off, but in MIDI-land they have the same note number — which is all that matters.

  • Page 73: Changes From Softstep V1.21

    Easy Editor is now Basic Editor Name change! Basic Editor now allows multiple presets Formerly, the SoftStep Easy Editor only allowed for a single preset. The Basic Editor now offers ten presets. Source options are now different The Basic Editor now allows each key to send one of the following: MIDI Note, Pressure CC, Toggle CC, X/Y, Y Increment, Program Change.
  • Page 74 Toggle table now toggles between 127 and 0 In earlier SoftStep Editor versions the Toggle table alternated between values of 1 and 0. Similar to the Foot On source, the need to output a value of 127 is much more common than needing to output a 1 —...

  • Page 75: Safety Precautions

    SoftStep. Explosive Atmospheres Do not use SoftStep in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere, such as a fueling area, or in areas where the air contains chemicals or particles (such as grain, dust, or metal powders). Obey all signs and instructions.

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