How To Set Up SwitchKeys and the Sustain Pedal
SwitchKeys allow you to perform functions (like changing Mode, or synchronizing) from your Midi keyboard. The same functions can be performed from your sustain pedal (if you have one).
Setting Up the Midi Keyboard
In order to use SwitchKeys, you will need to make sure the bottom octave of your Midi keyboard is reserved for the SwitchKeys. This can be done by going to PlayMap Menu > Configure > Midi Keyboard Ranges
Setting SwitchKeys
The SwitchKey/Pedal Configuration window can be opened from PlayMap Menu > Configure > SwitchKeys/Pedal
From here, you can select a SwitchKey or Pedal to assign to any SwitchKey action. A SwitchKey or Pedal can contain multiple actions.
The settings will be saved if you select File > Save Settings from the PlayMap Menu.
Sustain Function
The Sustain Pedal normally sends Midi Sustain On and Off messages to the midi synthesiser. This works well for percussion instruments like the piano, but is not really suitable for other instruments.
By default, this application uses Midi Note Off messages to emulate the sustain function when playing chords from a ChordFile. It recognises when new chords are being played, and sends Midi Note Off messages to switch off the old chord. This is especially useful if you are using ChordMode or KBChord.
You can change this behaviour by setting the Sustain Action controls in the Miscellaneous Configuration window. This can be opened from PlayMap Menu > Configure > Miscellaneous
The controls in the Sustain Action panel are:
- Replay: Use Midi Note Off to emulate sustain and switch off old chord (default).
- Carry Over: Same as Replay, but don't send Midi Note Off if pitches are the same. (This allows for smoother chord changes.)
- Send Sustain Ctlr: Works better on some synthesizers.
- Normal: Send Midi Sustain On and Off messages (normal sustain pedal function).
- Auto: Set the sustain automatically when the Midi patch (instrument) changes to be the most suitable option.
If no ChordFile is loaded, the keyboard defaults to playing the actual notes on the keyboard, and the sustain function also defaults to normal.
Further Information
More information about using the SwitchKeys window can be found here.