BeatBuddy Commands

Found under: Settings > Utilities > BeatBuddy > Edit song commands

Users with a BeatBuddy pedal may wish to use this helper utility to build their MIDI messages for the song.  This will allow a song load to instruct your BeatBuddy pedal to switch to the correct folder/song, tempo, volume and drum kit.  Remember that OpenSongApp can make this even easier if you use import your BeatBuddy configuration.

The MIDI messages can be quite difficult to understand, but if you want to do it the hard way, there is more information on the Midi settings page, otherwise read on for a simpler method!

In order to connect the BeatBuddy to OpenSongApp via MIDI, you will need the following items:

Main BeatBuddy helper page

Options include:

Dynamic MIDI messages

If you use the BeatBuddy manager software on your PC, you can easily rearrange songs and folders.  However, this will require songbook apps to know the new folder/song numbers and will mean having to manually change them in the static MIDI code.  OpenSongApp simplifies this process.  If you import your BeatBuddy project, you can choose a song by its name (the folder number/song number is worked out by the app) - just be aware that you should use different names for all songs on the BeatBuddy.  You can also select any other drum kit and set the tempo.  I've also included an option for the time signature even though the BeatBuddy ignores this, it is often useful for other connected devices.

If the dynamic drum kits or songs are loading the wrong files on your BeatBuddy pedal, you are either not using the latest firmware/content on your BeatBuddy, or you haven't synchronised your pedal with OpenSongApp by importing your project.

Static MIDI messages

These messages get saved with the song (and get sent in order when the song loads if you switch on auto send MIDI).

Be aware that folder/song selections using static messages won't adapt to rearranged songs on your BeatBuddy.   This uses a static reference to the folder number and the song number.  Rearranging songs using the BeatBuddy manager can change these values.

All messages get sent in this order.  You can test the BeatBuddy, or add the commands to the song messages (that can be automatically sent on song load, or sent using another gesture, page button or foot pedal).

Song messages identified in the song
Filter and select the default BeatBuddy songs
Browse and select songs from your project

The app will also list all MIDI messages currently saved with the song (scroll down the page).  You can click on an individual item to test (some items are part of a sequence), swipe to remove them, or drag to rearrange the order.

Song messages are only sent when there are MSB and LSB folder messages followed by the Song PC message (the first 3 items in the list shown).

Tempo messages are sent in two parts (MSB and LSB).  Both are required in that order.

Volume and drum kit (CC) messages are single MIDI messages.

If an MIDI message is recognised as a potential BeatBuddy command, the details will be shown, otherwise it will be listed as 'Unknown'.  This does not mean the MIDI message won't work, it simply isn't recognised as one of the above settings.

If you have a BeatBuddy connected (on the MIDI channel in the above settings), you can also assign various BeatBuddy commands (such as fill, accent, start, stop, transition, etc.) to your page buttons, gestures and foot pedals.  Check the list of available commands to see what is possible!

Requirements:

Beat Buddy should be running the latest firmware 4.1.3

The default content should also be v2.1 (or later)