➡️MIDI-OUT

This page explains how you can set up and configure MIDI output so that you can receive MIDI signals in other audio apps or your DAW when using ChordButter.

What's this about? When sending live MIDI signals you can use sounds from other audio apps like your digital audio workstation (DAW) and record the MIDI that is produced via ChordButter directly. Note: You can also export MIDI files from ChordButter

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➡️ Open Output in ChordButter

➡️ Connect iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth

➡️ Connect iPhone or iPad via Cable

➡️ Setup Audio Apps to Receive MIDI

➡️ Open Output in ChordButter

  1. Open the sidebar menu

  2. Click on "MIDI-OUT"

  3. Open (or close) the output

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3

➡️ Connect iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth

You can connect your mobile device via Bluetooth to other devices like your Mac and send MIDI signals via Bluetooth when the output is opened. For this, you'll need a third-party app that utilizes a Bluetooth connection. I recommend BLE-MIDI.

Set up a MIDI Connection with your Mac

  1. Get a third-party app that can utilize a MIDI Bluetooth connection (like BLE-MIDI) 〰️

  2. Announce a MIDI Bluetooth service from your Mac

    1. Open "Audio-MIDI-Setup" on your Mac

    2. Navigate to "MIDI Studio › Open Bluetooth Navigation..."

    3. Click on "Advertise" 〰️

  3. Connect to this service in the third-party app. › Note that connecting sometimes fails and can be pretty hair-raising. Restarting devices sometimes helps. You can also connect to your Mac via cable. 〰️

  4. Follow the steps from ➡️ Open Output in ChordButter 〰️

  5. Set Destination (optional): Select Bluetooth (Name of the service you are connected to) as "Destination" within ChordButter

Destinations might have a delay in displaying. Sometimes it helps to restart the app.

➡️ Connect iPhone or iPad via Cable

  1. Connect your device via cable to your Mac 〰️

  2. Open "Audio-MIDI-Setup" on your Mac

    1. Navigate to "Window › Show Audio Devices" (if not visible yet)

    2. Locate your device in the sidebar

    3. Click on the "Enable" button below your device 〰️

  3. Set Destination in ChordButter: Set "IDAM MIDI Host" as "Destination" (Name of destination might change in the future) › If you don't see the destination -> Restart ChordButter

➡️ Setup Audio Apps to Receive MIDI

Most apps receive MIDI signals by default without the need to set up anything specific. In a DAW you will need to create a "Software instrument (MIDI)" track that is receiving and playing the MIDI signals.

Example: Logic Pro X

  1. In your digital audio workstation (DAW), create a separate track for each instrument provided by ChordButter, which includes Chords, Drums, and Bass. However, you have the option to create fewer tracks if desired, such as a single track exclusively for chords. 〰️

  2. Set the MIDI channel accordingly to channels in ChordButter and be sure the output for the instrument is opened in ChordButter. Default channels:

    1. Channel 1 › Chords

    2. Channel 2 › Melody

    3. Channel 3 › Drums

    4. Channel 4 › Bass

    5. Channel 5 › Piano Roll / Fretboard (expandable, interactive) 〰️

  3. Activate the monitor, so that you can hear the tracks. 〰️

  4. Start the playback or click on a chord in ChordButter. You should now be able to hear sounds from your digital audio workstation (DAW). 〰️

  5. Optionally mute tracks in the "Studio" within ChordButter to not hear two instruments (ChordButter & DAW)

Create tracks in your DAW
Open output in ChordButter and set channels accordingly in your DAW

You may have to set a specific "Destination" within ChordButter in some cases.

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