Using Macbook/computer Keyboard to Trigger MIDI on Helix Native for Live Playing on Logic

[jamesoy]

I developed this solution when trying to use a Macbook keyboard to activate functions on Helix Native using MIDI triggers. My goal was to trigger Helix Native in a live setting without a separate MIDI controller (e.g. Behringer FCB1010, Morningstar etc). 

 

In this example, I use ASDF, ZXCV for two rows of 4 Snapshots each. These rows are mirrors of each other, except the upper row has dotted 1/8 delay. Feel free to designate any set of Snapshot Keys that makes visual/spatial sense to you. 

 

This method precedes ALL the pre-assigned keyboard shortcuts on Logic - those who've tried finding unassigned keyboard shortcuts will know that there are none IYKYK... In the event you need to access the Logic shortcuts, disable BetterTouchTool for Logic (on BTT menu bar), and enable again when you need to use Snapshot Keys. 

 

1. Trigger Snapshots using Keyboard
Objective: Assign keyboard shortcuts to trigger Snapshot 1-8 on Helix Native ("Snapshot Key").

On BetterTouchTool 
Moving across the columns from left to right:
1. Add App Specific Trigger: Logic
2. Add keyboard shortcut: A
3. Action Configuration: Add "Send MIDI Command"
    1. 191 (Control Change)
    2. Controller number: 69
    3. Value: 0 (for Snapshot 1)
    4. Send MIDI command to Logic Virtual MIDI
4. Repeat above steps 2-3 for keyboard shortcuts: SDF and ZXCV respectively,
    1. Assign "Value" as 1-7 for Snapshots 2-8 respectively

On Logic Pro 
1. Create New Track 
    1. Software Instrument Track 
    2. Instrument: Helix Native
    3. Audio Output: Stereo Output (or as desired)
2. Helix Native Plugin
    1. Side Chain: Input 1

 

Now you can select Snapshots with Snapshot Keys.

 

Usage Notes: 
1. Snapshot Keys only get triggered when the Helix Native Software Track is highlighted on Logic.

 

 

2. Trigger Tap Tempo using Keyboard
Objective: Assign Snapshot Keys to trigger Tap Tempo on Logic
Note: Helix Native does not have an assigned MIDI CC for Tap Tempo. This is a workaround by using Host Sync. My configuration configures Tap Tempo on each Snapshot Key for convenience. Tap 5 times or more. 

On BetterTouchTool
Configure each Snapshot Key with a Tap Tempo MIDI command: 
1. Action Configuration: Add "Send MIDI Command"
    1. 191 (Control Change)
    2. Controller number: 64
    3. Value: 64 (for compatibility with other hardware Helix)
    4. Send MIDI command to Logic Virtual MIDI
2. Action Configuration: Add "Pause Execution (non-blocking)"
3. Arrange the above Actions in this order:
    1. CC#64
    2. Pause
    3. CC#69 

 

Create a standalone key for Tap Tempo MIDI command (This step is required because Logic Key Assignment (next step) will detect multiple CC inputs in Learn Assignment, as opposed to a standalone CC#64 command.)
1. Add keyboard shortcut: B
2. Action Configuration: Add "Send MIDI Command" - ensure this is the only MIDI command being sent
    1. 191 (Control Change)
    2. Controller number: 64
    3. Value: 64 (for compatibility with other hardware Helix)
    4. Send MIDI command to Logic Virtual MIDI

On Logic
1. <Option+K> to open Key Command
2. Search Tap Tempo
3. Learn New Assignment
4. Press B

 

Now you can set Tap Tempo on each Snapshot Key, and trigger Snapshot simultaneously. Tap any Snapshot Key 5 times, Logic will designate tempo based on the average BPMs of the last 5  taps.

 

Usage Note: 
1. Logic will start playing the track after 5 taps, so (especially if you're playing live) make sure there's no other "live" track on Logic that will start playing.
2. If you tap 5 different Snapshot Keys in fairly quick succession, 5 CC#64 commands will be sent and Tap Tempo will be activated. 

 

Further Possibilities
1. Toggle Set List (using CC#32, value 0-7)
2. Toggle Presets within Set List (using PC#0-127)
3. Tuner - again Helix Native doesn't have an assigned MIDI CC for tuner. 
4. Expression Pedals e.g. volume - no idea how to trigger this on the keyboard, unless perhaps you have a Touch Bar.

 

References
Page 59 of Helix Native Pilot's Guide 3.80

https://community.folivora.ai/t/can-btt-send-midi-output/31825/4 

 

 

 

Enjoy!