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!

singularsound.com

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

BeatBuddy MIDI adapter (to convert the mini MIDI out on the BeatBuddy to standard MIDI connectors)
A MIDI connection for your Android device - I'd recommend something like the Yamaha MD-BT01 for wireless Bluetooth connection, but alternatively you could use a USB midi adapter (make sure to get the correct USB connection, or use an OTG cable to connect a standard USB connection to your Android device), although these obviously mean you will have a cable running between your Android device and the BeatBuddy.
If you are connecting additional MIDI devices in a loop, you will also need one standard MIDI cable per extra device. You can also extend MIDI cables using MIDI extension cables.

Main BeatBuddy helper page

Options include:

MIDI channel: This is important to match on the BeatBuddy pedal. Not only does this affect song messages, but also any gestures, page buttons or foot pedal actions set to trigger BeatBuddy commands (start, stop, fill, etc).
MIDI delay between messages: Some MIDI devices struggle to make all of the changes required if they are sent too quickly. You can increase the delay between each message from 0ms - 1000ms. Increase the delay until you see all changes happening on your MIDI device. This is more commonly a problem with MIDI over Bluetooth. This applies to all MIDI devices connected.
Imported values: If you have imported your BeatBuddy project, you can browse the songs using the actual names of your folders and songs. This also allows you to browse your drum kits on the pedal by name.

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.

Include song: Include the song selection MIDI command. This requires a valid folder (1-16384) and song (1-128). You can also switch to Aeros mode if your pedal is running firmware 4.1.3+ (to keep compatibility with the Aeros Loop Studio) where the number of folders is restricted to 128 in total (111 folders and 17 playlists). If you enable this mode, you also need to make sure the BeatBuddy is expecting this by going into the settings Main Pedal > MIDI Settings > MIDI In > Program Change and set to Aeros Mode rather than Default. You can also browse the songs that are on the BeatBuddy by name in this mode.
Include volume: You can change the master output volume of the BeatBuddy (0-100)
Include tempo: Include the song tempo. This should be 40-300bpm. If the tempo is already set with the song, this helper will pull that in for you.
Include drum kit: Change the drum kit used by the BeatBuddy (1-128)

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)

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse