Keith McMillen SoftStep 2 User manual

Keith McMillen

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SoftStep

Keith McMillen

INSTRUMENTS

Reference Manual

SoftStep

Keith McMillen

INSTRUMENTS

Version 2.01

Edited: April 1, 2014

Created by Keith McMillen, Conner Lacy, Chuck Carlson, Evan Adams, Evan Bogunia, Diane Douglas,
Tom Ferguson, Jay Fields, Matt Hettich, David Hishinuma, Sarah Howe, Daniel McAnulty, Dennis
Saputelli, Dustin Schultz, Barry Threw, Nick Wang, Carson Whitley, and Steve Wright

This reference manual was written by Carson Whitley.

Copyright 2007-2014 Keith McMillen Instruments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kesumo LLC. All rights
reserved. Made in USA.

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No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or for any purpose without the
express written permission of the copyright holders.

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. Keith McMillen Instruments
reserves the right to change the contents of this document and/or the associated products at any time
without the provision of prior notice to specific persons or organizations. Keith McMillen Instruments
shall not be held liable for damages of any kind arising from the use, or the inability to use this product
or its documentation, even if the possibility of such damage is known.

Product and brand names contained in this document are used for identification purposes only. Keith
McMillen Instruments, the Keith McMillen Instruments Logo, the SoftStep and SoftStep logo are
trademarks of Kesumo LLC. Apple, Finder, GarageBand, Logic, Mac, MacBook, Macintosh, Mac OS, and
QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Intel is a
registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders. All other names and designations of companies, products, trademarks, or brands used in this
document are the registered property of their respective holders.

Table Of Contents

.....................................................................................................................Welcome 5

..............................................................................................Questions? Feedback? Contact Us! 5

.................................................................................................1.0 Before You Begin 8

...........................................................................................1.1 What’s In The SoftStep Package? 8

................................................................................1.2 What’s In The MIDI Expander Package? 8

..............................................................................................................1.3 System Requirements 8

....................................................................................................1.4 Conventions In This Manual 9

2

..................................................................................................2.0 Getting Started 11

.................................................................................................................2.1 SoftStep Hardware 11

........................................................................................................................2.1.1 Overview 11

..............................................................................................................................2.1.2 Specs 12

.....................................................................................................2.2 MIDI Expander Hardware 13

........................................................................................................................2.2.1 Overview 13

..............................................................................................................................2.2.2 Specs 14

..............................................................................................................2.3 Connecting SoftStep 15

..............................................................................................................2.3.1 To A Computer 15

......................................................................................................................2.3.2 To An iPad 16

.........................................................................................................2.3.3 To MIDI Hardware 17

...................................................................................2.3.4 To MIDI Hardware + Computer 18

......................................................................................................2.4 Factory Presets Overview 19

....................................................................................................................2.4.1 The Presets 19

.....................................................................................................2.4.2 Customizing Presets 20

........................................................................................................3.0 Basic Editor 22

..........................................................................................................................3.1 Main Window 22

................................................................................................................................3.1.1 Keys 22

..........................................................................................................................3.1.2 Settings 23

............................................................................................................................3.1.3 Presets 24

..........................................................................................................................3.1.4 Nav Pad 25

........................................................................................................3.1.5 Menu Bar Options 25

..............................................................................................................3.1.6 Message Types 26

...........................................................................................................3.1.7 Display Behavior 29

..............................................................................................................3.1.8 Factory Presets 29

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................................................................................................4.0 Advanced Editor 32

........................................................................................................4.1 Main Window Overview 32

......................................................................................................................4.1.1 Key Boxes 33

........................................................................................................4.1.2 Display Name Box 33

..............................................................................................................4.1.3 Presets Section 33

.....................................................................................4.2 Key Modulation Window Overview 35

........................................................................................................................4.2.1 Overview 35

........................................................................................................................4.2.2 Modlines 35

..................................................................................................4.2.3 LED+Display Settings 39

..........................................................................................................................4.2.4 Counter 40

..................................................................................................4.2.5 Add/Delete Modlines 41

......................................................................................4.2.6 Nav Pad Modulation Window 41

........................................................................................................................4.3 Setlist Window 42

....................................................................................................................4.4 Settings Window 43

........................................................................................................................4.4.1 Overview 43

.....................................................................................................................4.4.2 Global Tab 43

.........................................................................................................................4.4.3 Keys Tab 44

...........................................................................................................................4.4.4 I/O Tab 45

........................................................................................................................4.4.5 Pedal Tab 47

..................................................................................................................4.5 Menu Bar Options 48

...........................................................................................................4.6 Hosted vs. Standalone 50

.........................................................................................................................4.7 SoftStep Ports 51

............................................................................................................5.0 Appendix 54

....................................................................................................................................5.1 Sources 54

......................................................................................5.2 Message Types (Advanced Editor) 60

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.......................................................................................................................................5.3 Tables 64

...........................................................................................................................................5.4 Inits 65

........................................................................................................................5.5 Display Modes 65

..............................................................................................................................5.6 LED Modes 66

................................................................................................5.7 External Control Of SoftStep 67

...........................................................................................5.7.1 Controlling SoftStep LEDs 67

.......................................................................................5.7.2 Controlling SoftStep Display 68

................................................................5.7.3 Changing Presets With Program Changes 68

...........................................................................................5.7.4 Using The MIDI Expander 69

...........................................................................5.8 Factory Presets Guide (Advanced Editor) 70

..............................................................................................5.9 MIDI Note Naming Reference 74

............................................................................................5.10 Changes From SoftStep v1.21 75

...................................................................................................................5.11 Troubleshooting 77

........................................................................................................................................5.12 FAQ 80

................................................................................................................5.13 Safety Precautions 89

Welcome

Hello, and welcome to the SoftStep reference manual! The mere act of opening this document is a
huge step toward SoftStep mastery!

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:

Technical Support: www.keithmcmillen.com/support

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General Questions: www.keithmcmillen.com/company/contact

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Forum: forum.keithmcmillen.com

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Before You Begin ! 7

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Before You Begin ! 8

1.0 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 is the result of
practice.

1.1 What’s In The SoftStep Package?

The following items should be included in each SoftStep box (quantities will be in parentheses):

(1) SoftStep

(1) USB A to USB B cable — 15ft.

(1) SoftStep protective sleeve

(1) 3.5mm (1/8”) to 1/4” expression pedal adapter

1.2 What’s In The MIDI Expander Package?

The following items should be included in each KMI MIDI Expander box:

(1) MIDI Expander

(1) USB Power Supply (5V, 500mA) (includes power converter blades)

(1) USB A to USB B cable (for connecting the Expander to the power supply)

(1) USB A to mini-USB B cable (for connecting the SoftStep to the Expander)

1.3 System Requirements

Hardware

The SoftStep is a class-compliant USB MIDI device —!it will work with any hardware or software that
supports MIDI.

The SoftStep hardware itself will work on any operating system (assuming there is native USB and
MIDI support). It can even work with computers that may not be able to run the editors but still
support USB 2.0 and MIDI (editing presets will have to be done on another computer in this case).

Software

The SoftStep editors have more specific requirements than the SoftStep hardware.

Before You Begin ! 9

Mac

Mac OS 10.5 or later

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Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or greater

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Roughly 100 MB free hard disk space

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A SoftStep 1 or SoftStep 2 foot controller (both are fully compatible with the 2.0 software)

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Windows

Windows XP, Windows 7, or Windows 8 (we do not support Windows Vista)

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Intel Core 2 processor or greater

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Roughly 100 MB free hard disk space

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1.4 Conventions In This Manual

Here are a few notes on the formatting of this document, particularly in relation to the platform you
may be using:

denotes an important note or piece of information —!a “head’s up” symbol.

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Any graphical representation of the SoftStep hardware will use images of the SoftStep 2 hardware

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throughout the manual, but all information (unless explicitly noted) applies to SoftStep 1 hardware as

well.

Links to external websites will appear in underlined, blue text — click on the text to open that web

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page in the computer’s default web browser. Links to different sections of the manual will appear in

black, bold, underlined text — click on the text to jump to that section of the manual. Key terms that
do not link anywhere will simply be in bold text.

Screenshots in this document were made with the Mac version of the SoftStep editors.

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The term “port” will be used often throughout this manual. “Port” can refer to a physical port (e.g. a

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USB port) or it can refer to a virtual MIDI port or bus (used in audio software on computers/tablets to

send and receive MIDI data).

When referring to a virtual MIDI “port” or “bus”, the term “port” will be used.

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The terms “TRS cable” and “TS cable” will appear in the manual —!these are also commonly referred

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to as a “stereo cable” and “mono cable”, respectively.

Any measurement value followed by double quotes (“) denotes inches. Measurement values

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followed by a single quote (‘) denotes feet —!e.g. 1/4” refers to one-quarter inch and 3’ refers to three

feet.

“MIDI cable” will be used throughout the manual when referring to a 5-pin DIN cable.

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Getting Started 10

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Getting Started 11

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

(1) Keys

Keys are where the action happens. Step on these to make the SoftStep perform it’s defined
functions.

Each key has a green and red LED (at the northeast corner of the key) for visual feedback.

(2) Nav Pad

Short for “navigation pad”. Press left or right to change presets. Up/Down can be programmed to
perform a number of different functions.

(3) Display

Used for visual feedback. The SoftStep’s display can show what preset is currently loaded, the
name of an activated key, and real-time parameter values.

(4) USB Ports

Used to connect SoftStep to the MIDI world. Connect a KMI MIDI Expander using the Expand port
(mini-USB) or connect to a computer/tablet via the main USB port (the big one).

Getting Started 12

(5) Pedal Input

Used to connect an expression pedal to the SoftStep. All input should use a 3.5mm (1/8”) TRS
cable to work properly. Most expression pedals have a stereo 1/4” jack —!an expression pedal
adapter (female 1/4” TRS to male 3.5mm TRS) is included with every SoftStep.

2.1.2 Specs

The “deets”:

Dimensions & Weight

Dimensions: 4.1” x 17.7” x 0.94” (105mm x 450mm x 24mm)

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Weight: 1.3 lbs (0.59 kg) (approximately)

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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.

Voltage: +5V

Power draw: SoftStep 1 = 105mA,!SoftStep 2 = 140mA (approximate measurements)

Note: There are no user serviceable parts inside the SoftStep. Attempts to open the enclosure will void

the warranty.

MIDI Expander

POWER MIDI In MIDI Out EXPAND

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Getting Started 13

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

(1) MIDI In

MIDI input to the Expander. Incoming MIDI will be passed through the SoftStep and up the USB
connection to a connected computer or tablet —!similar to a MIDI interface. MIDI sent into the
Expander’s input can also be used to control the SoftStep LEDs, display, and presets.

(2) MIDI Out

MIDI output from the Expander. MIDI from the SoftStep (and a connected computer) can be sent
out of this to external MIDI hardware.

(3) Input LED Indicator

Flashes when MIDI is received at the MIDI In port.

(4) Output LED Indicator

Flashes when MIDI is sent out of the MIDI Out port.

(5) Power Port

Used to power the MIDI Expander and an attached SoftStep. Just plug a USB power supply (one is
provided with the Expander package) into an outlet, then connect the power supply to the POWER
port on the Expander with a USB A to B cable (also provided with the Expander).

Note: If nothing is plugged into the EXPAND port when powered, the Expander’s Input and Output LED
Indicators will light up. This is just to indicate that the Expander is being powered —!no MIDI is actually being
output or received. Once a KMI controller is connected to the EXPAND port they will turn off and behave
normally.

Getting Started 14

(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.

2.2.2 Specs

Dimensions & Weight

Dimensions: 4” x 1.25” x 1.25” (102mm x 32mm x 32mm)

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Weight:!2.5 oz. (71g)

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ar = 44100

kr = 4410

ksmps = 10

nchnls = 8

/*-------IVORY-------*/

instr 1

ifreq = cpspch(p5)

aglis expseg

1, p8, 1, p3 - p8, p9

k1

line

0, p3, 5

k2

oscil

k1, p7, 1

k3

linseg

0, p3 * .7, p6, p3 * .3, 0

a1

oscil

k3, (ifreq + k2) * aglis, 1

k4

linseg

0, p3 * .6, 6, p3 * .4, 0

k5

oscil

k4, p7 * .9, 1, 1.4

k6

linen

p6, p3 * .5, p3, p3 * .333

a3

oscil

k6, ((ifreq + .009) + k5) * aglis, 9, .2

Getting Started 15

2.3 Connecting SoftStep

The SoftStep can talk to computers and tablets via USB, and MIDI hardware via MIDI cables (KMI MIDI
Expander required). Both methods can be used independently or simultaneously.

2.3.1 To A Computer

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.

to use a powered USB hub, not a bus-powered hub. Bus-powered hubs may not be able to provide enough
power to the SoftStep to function properly.

Note: The SoftStep can also be used with a USB hub connected to a computer. It is highly recommended

2.3.2 To An iPad

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Getting Started 16

Connecting the SoftStep to an iPad is very similar to connecting to a computer, the only difference
is that one more part is needed.

An Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (for iPads with Lightning connectors) or an Apple 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.

Note: Some iPad models may not be able to power the SoftStep without some help — the SoftStep may
have to be powered externally with a USB power supply (5V, 500mA). Just plug the SoftStep’s mini-USB port
(the Expand port) into the power supply, then plug the power supply into a power outlet.

2.3.3 To MIDI Hardware

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MIDI Expander

POWER MIDI In MIDI Out EXPAND

Keith McMillen

MIDI IN MIDI OUT

Getting Started 17

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.

3. Plug the power supply into a power outlet —!the SoftStep and Expander should power up

4. Use a MIDI cable to connect the Expander’s MIDI OUT to the MIDI IN on the external
hardware. Use a second cable to connect the Expander’s MIDI IN to the MIDI OUT on the
hardware if input to the SoftStep is desired.

2.3.4 To MIDI Hardware + Computer

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MIDI Expander

POWER MIDI In MIDI Out EXPAND

Keith McMillen

MIDI IN MIDI OUT

ar = 44100

kr = 4410

ksmps = 10

nchnls = 8

/*-------IVORY-------*/

instr 1

ifreq = cpspch(p5)

aglis expseg

1, p8, 1, p3 - p8, p9

k1

line

0, p3, 5

k2

oscil

k1, p7, 1

k3

linseg

0, p3 * .7, p6, p3 * .3, 0

a1

oscil

k3, (ifreq + k2) * aglis, 1

k4

linseg

0, p3 * .6, 6, p3 * .4, 0

k5

oscil

k4, p7 * .9, 1, 1.4

k6

linen

p6, p3 * .5, p3, p3 * .333

a3

oscil

k6, ((ifreq + .009) + k5) * aglis, 9, .2

Getting Started 18

The SoftStep can be connected to both a computer and external MIDI hardware at the same time
(KMI MIDI Expander required).

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.

3. Use a MIDI cable to connect the Expander’s MIDI OUT to the MIDI IN on the external MIDI
device.

Getting Started 19

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 Factory Presets Guide section in the Appendix.

2.4.1 The Presets

Use the left and right keys on the Nav Pad to switch between presets.

All factory presets transmit on MIDI channel 1 and are set to output over both USB and MIDI
Expander (if one is connected).

The following presets ship pre-loaded on the SoftStep hardware:

Program Change (PRGM)

Each key outputs a program change message. Use the up and down keys on the Nav Pad to
increment/decrement the program changes being output by ±10’s.

Toggles (TOGL)

Each key outputs a toggling CC message (CCs 20-29). Step on a key and it toggles on, step on
that key again and it toggles off.

Notes (NOTE)

Each key outputs a MIDI note (notes 60-69). Step on a key to send a note on message, release
the key to send a note off message.

Pressure (PRES)

Each key outputs a key’s pressure as a CC message (CCs 110-119). More pressure 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. The top row of keys turn effects on and off — the bottom row modulates the
effects’ parameters.

Line6 Pod Control (POD)

This preset works with most Line 6 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.

Getting Started 20

Ableton Live Control (LIVE)

This preset works with our custom Ableton Live script. Control the transport with the top row of
keys —!control track volumes with the bottom row.

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
the SoftStep Basic Editor or the SoftStep Advanced Editor.

The Basic Editor will cover most peoples’ needs — it allows for ten presets where each key can

perform a single function. The Advanced Editor is there when more complex behavior is needed
—!it allows for up to 16 presets where each key can perform multiple functions (all customizable).

Basic Editor

Basic Editor 21

Keys

Settings

Presets

SAVE

REVERT

4CURRENT PRESET

FACE

7

17

1.50

1

Display Name

Backlight

Pedal CC #

Nav Pad CC#

Sensitivity

MIDI Channel

SoftStep

CONNECTED

101

CC #

YINC

name

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggl e
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

10

off63 ON

Y CC#X CC#

Latch

X__Y

name

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggl e
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

9

127

42

0

Hi

CC #

Lo

TOGL

name

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggl e
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

8

321

22

Smooth

CC #

PRES

name

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggl e
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

7

12747

Velocity

Note #

Toggl e

NOTE

name

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggl e
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

6

1274

VelocityNote #

Toggl e

FOUR

name

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggl e
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

5

1273

Velocity

Note #

Toggl e

THR3

name

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggl e
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

4

1272

VelocityNote #

Toggl e

TWO

name

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggl e
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

3

1271

Toggl e

VelocityNote #

ONE

name

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggl e
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

2

off3

Bank #Program #

PROG

name

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggl e
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

1

MIDI Note
Pressure
Toggle
X/Y
Y Inc
Program

6

12747

Velocity

Note #

Toggle

NOTE

name

1

2

3

4

Basic Editor 22

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’ most common needs.

3.1 Main Window

The main window is the only window in the Basic Editor —!it’s where everything happens (though there
are also a few options up in the menu bar). This is the main window:

3.1.1 Keys

This area is where the behavior of the SoftStep keys is
defined. The keys are laid out in the editor as they
appear on the SoftStep hardware. Each key looks
a little like this (at right):

(1) Key # Label

The SoftStep key number. Nothing special — it’s just a
label.

(2) Key Name Box

Enter up to four characters to give the key a name. This
name will be used on the SoftStep display in certain situations. For
detailed information on how the display behaves for each message
type, please see the Display Behavior section.

FACE

7

17

1.5

1

Display Name

Backlight

Pedal CC#

Nav Pad CC#

Sensitivity

MIDI Channel

SoftStep

CONNECTED

1

2

3

4

5

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7

Basic Editor 23

(3) Message Type Selector

Click on one of the six blue radio buttons to select a message type for the key. Message types tell

the key what it should do when pressed.

Deactivating a key is possible by clicking the currently active message type button. All sources will
be disabled and the key will no longer output anything.

Selecting a message type will show some settable parameters that further define how the key
should behave. Each message type has different parameters. Detailed information on message
types and their parameters can be found in the Message Types (Basic Editor) section.

(4) Message Type Parameters

The message type parameters are a few settable options for the selected message type —!they
include a few more details on how a key should behave.

MIDI Note, for example, allows selecting the note number, velocity, and whether or not it should
toggle when the key is pressed. X/Y allows selecting a CC number for both the X and Y
parameters, and whether or not the CCs should latch when the key is released.

More detailed information on message types and their parameters can be found in the Message

Types (Basic Editor) section.

3.1.2 Settings

(1) Connected Indicator

Displays whether or not the editor has made a
connection to an attached SoftStep controller. A
connection is required to use update firmware, send
presets to the SoftStep, and alter the SoftStep’s
settings. A connection is not needed to edit or
manage presets.

(2) Sensitivity

Adjusts the sensitivity of the SoftStep. Higher values
are more sensitive — lower values are less sensitive.
For the more math savvy, this number acts as a
multiplier on the sensor data.

Range: 0.00-2.55

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Default Value: 1.00

•

SAVE

4CURRENT PRESET

REVERT

1

2

3

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(3) Backlight

Turns the SoftStep backlighting on or off. Check this box to turn it on — uncheck this box to turn it
off.

(4) MIDI Channel

Sets the MIDI channel the SoftStep will send MIDI on.

Range: 1-16

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Default Value: 1

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(5) Nav Pad CC#

Sets the CC number the Nav Pad will send on. See the Nav Pad section for details on how it

functions in the Basic Editor.

(6) Pedal CC#

Sets the CC number that a connected expression pedal will send MIDI on. All Basic Editor presets
have expression pedal functionality enabled.

(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

(1) Current Preset

Selects a preset for editing. The Basic Editor allows
for ten different presets, 1-10.

(2) Save Button

Saves any changes made to the current preset. The
save button will light up red if any unsaved changes
have been made.

(3) Revert Button

Restores a preset to its saved state. Any unsaved changes will be lost.

V

V

V

V

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3.1.4 Nav Pad

In the Basic Editor, the Nav Pad’s behavior is not customizable (aside from the CC
number). In each preset, the Nav Pad behaves as though it is set to Y Inc —!pressing
up on the Nav Pad will increment the CC value (between 0-127), and pressing
down on the Nav Pad will decrement the CC value. Great for controlling faders,
sliders, and knobs.

The CC number the Nav Pad is sending on can be changed using the Nav Pad CC #

option in the Settings area.

3.1.5 Menu Bar Options

There are a number of useful functions and settings that can be accessed via the menu bar at the top of
the screen (Mac OS) or at the top of the application window (Windows). Manage presets, copy/paste

keys, manage firmware, and more.

The following menu bar options are available:

SoftStep Basic Editor

This option is only available on Mac OS. Windows users can find the options listed below in the
Help menu.

About SoftStep Basic Editor

Displays information about the SoftStep Basic Editor, including the expected firmware version
and the found firmware version.

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.

Found: Displays the firmware version currently loaded on a connected SoftStep.

•

File

The File menu contains options related to exporting/importing files.

Export Preset

Allows for exporting the currently selected preset as a file. The resulting .softstepbasicpreset
file can later be imported to the Basic Editor. Great for backups and moving presets to another
computer!

Import Preset

Allows importing a .softstepbasicpreset file over the currently selected preset. When
importing, the current preset’s parameters will be altered but not saved (so the revert button
can always be used to undo the changes).

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Edit

The Edit menu contains options related to modifying presets in some way.

Copy Preset

Copies all of the current preset’s settings (to be used for pasting later).

Paste Preset

Applies a copied preset’s settings to the currently selected preset.

Use Custom Preset

The currently selected preset will use the Basic Editor to create a custom preset.

Use Factory Preset

Use this to choose a factory preset (from the Advanced Editor) to use in place of the currently
selected Basic Editor preset. When using a factory preset, the Keys area will grey out and

display the text: “Using Factory Preset: [preset name here]”.

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.

Show/Hide Tooltips

Selecting this option will toggle between hiding and showing the tooltip pop ups displayed
when hovering the mouse cursor over an object.

3.1.6 Message Types

Message Types define how a key behaves and what type of MIDI message it will output when pressed.
The following message types are available in the Basic Editor:

MIDI Note

The MIDI Note option tells a key to output a MIDI note. A note-on message will be sent when the
key is pressed, and a note-off message will be sent when the key is released. This behavior can be
changed to a toggle-like function by using the Toggle option.

The following options are available when MIDI Note is selected:

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Note #

Sets which MIDI note to output.

Range: 0-127

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Velocity

Specifies the velocity of the MIDI note being output.

Range: 0-127

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Toggle

The Toggle checkbox enables/disables toggle mode. When checked, the first time the key is
pressed a note-on message will be output — the next key press will send a note-off message.
Uncheck this box for normal note behavior (note-on when key is pressed, note-off when key is
released).

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.

Range: 0-127

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Smooth

This box sets the amount of smoothing to apply to the pressure data. Higher values add more
smoothing — lower values add less smoothing (0 = no smoothing).

Toggle

The Toggle option will tell a key to output a toggling CC message. Each key press will alternate
between the set high and low values.

The following options are available when Toggle is selected:

CC #

This box sets the CC number to output the toggle on.

Range: 0-127

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Lo / Hi

These are used to set the low and high values the toggle will alternate between. The first key
press will output the high value, the next press will output the low value.

Range: 0-127

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