Button assignments

Button assignments

MIDI controllers can have different types of buttons. Some buttons send a single value each time you press them, while others alternate between two values when pressed. Other buttons can send separate values when they are pressed and released (this type of button is called a momentary or temporary button).

When you assign a button screen control using the Assign button, MainStage attempts to determine which type of button on your hardware is sending the MIDI message and sets the value in the Type pop-up menu in the Screen Control Inspector to the correct value for that button type. To enable MainStage to determine the correct value, press the button exactly three times during the Learn process. Pressing the button three times helps ensure that MainStage determines if the button is a single value, an alternating value (binary), or a momentary button. In most cases, there is no need to change the default values unless you intend to use the button for a specific, non-standard purpose.

You can change the function of a momentary button to match the function of a single value or alternating value button in MainStage.

Change the function of a momentary button

  1. In Layout mode, be sure the button screen control is selected.

  2. In the Screen Control Inspector, choose either Single Value or Alternating Value from the Type pop-up menu.

    Choose Single Value if you want the button to function as a single value button, or choose Alternating Value if you want the button to function as an alternating value button. You cannot change the function of a single value or alternating value button to match the function of a momentary button.