Allow toggling bypass using MIDI messages

[yorkshiretwist]

I am trialling Element to act as the host for a virtual guitar pedalboard. I have built a foot-operated MIDI controller using a Teensy (an Arduino clone). This controller will turn on and off effects plugins hosted in Element.

There is a demo here of me using the prototype controller to send MIDI notes triggering pad sounds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLNCCb5LYW0

I have added some controller mappings, however while it is possible to map controllers to node parameters, it is not possible to map a controller to the node bypass toggle:

Being able to map a controller to this parameter would be a very easy way to turn on and off effects plugins, especially where the plugin has no "bypass" or "power" parameter of its own.

I also found the process of doing the mapping a little tricky. It may be easier and quicker to allow selection of the node, controller, and node parameter from lists in the table at the bottom of the controllers screen:

While I am a developer my C++ skills are very limited, so I'm afraid I can't really help out with development. However I have extensive experience writing technical documentation, and I'm happy to augment and enhance your documentation if you would like me to.

I've tried a couple of other VST hosts and Element is outstanding. I hope you are able to find the time, and some other willing volunteers, to continue working on it.

[yorkshiretwist]

Alternatively, if it's possible to do more advanced manipulation of node parameters from MIDI using scripts, I'd be interested in learning how to do that. While the scripting amp examples are good, having a scripting example specifically for modifying node properties would be really useful.

[ngburke]

I am mapping a MIDI drum pad to the node bypass toggle for use as a guitar pedalboard. In my case the MIDI drum pad is sending a note rather than a CC so maybe try that?

[yorkshiretwist]

Ah, that's really interesting. Can you tell me how you actually added the mapping? Did you use the "Learn" button? I feel like I don't understand the ways to add mappings. Thanks.

[ngburke]

Ah, that's really interesting. Can you tell me how you actually added the mapping? Did you use the "Learn" button? I feel like I don't understand the ways to add mappings. Thanks.

Once you have the control created, go back to the scene view where everything is wired up.

• Click the Map button in the top right of the window.
• Click the node bypass button.
• Touch your midi controller button / pad.

Should be mapped at that point. This tutorial video also shows the process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_N8tUWBJ3A . The lead developer has other tutorials on his channel you can look at. Hope this helps.

[yorkshiretwist]

Thank you, I thought I'd tried that and it didn't work. I'll look at the video and try again.

[yorkshiretwist]

Thank you @ngburke , that did work. I'm not sure what I did before but clearly I did it wrong!

Do you know if it's possible to map a controller to the tap tempo function? I just tried it but it doesn't seem to work. Thank you.

[ngburke]

I also want mapping on the tempo and play/pause/stop but as far as I know it doesn't work. I filed an issue for play/stop #789. There was something else on tap tempo maybe scan the issues for some info (include closed ones too).