User defined labels for MIDI CCs

[5020780]

When using Play(+) as a MIDI master, it would be great if the user could give custom labels to CCs so they would know what exactly they’re controlling when sending CCs.

What is the problem?

CC numbers are not descriptive. If the user turns the filter cutoff knob, The user sees CC 74, but the user doesn’t know what that CC actually is affecting.

The issue is exaggerated when many CCs are mapped across different MIDI channels.

What should this feature achieve?

Easier-to-operate MIDI integration with external hardware and software.

For example, if the user maps CC 17 to a certain parameter in a DAW, The user may want to give that CC a corresponding name on my Play/Play+, so you could see exactly which parameter is controlled with the knob.

Similarly, if you send MIDI from Play to an external synth and automate the synth parameters with CCs, you like to see on the Play screen which parameters CCs affect.

These labels should be defined per MIDI channel and saved with project.

Are there any workarounds?

You currently have to remember your mappings or take notes.

Any links to related discussions?

The following wish is similar but not quite the same: CC presets for MIDI mode

Any references to other products?

No.

Here is a picture that illustrates the idea:

[ambivalence]

CC presets for MIDI mode

What is the problem? It may be a bit tedious making all the CC-knobs binds for MIDI sequencer mode by hand. Also, you need to keep all the hardware manuals close. What do you want to achieve? Players could benefit having all the needed CC presets right on the Play for all of their devices. They may be stored in separate json-like files ready to be loaded when needed. They also could store readable names, so you won’t tweak that CC94 or something knowing the parameter’s name by heart. OpenMIDI …

[5020780]

Does that mean that if I map CC to a parameter of a softsynth I’ll have to edit preset file on the SD card? What I had in mind was a simple rename option in the CC mappings menu in the same manner as projects and folders can be renamed.

[ambivalence]

I just mentioned a wish that was posted 1+ year ago and described the same need, among others. It’s up to the moderation team to decide, if they both should exist.

[Sandroid]

If it’s alright with you all, i would say we should prefer the existing wish by @ambivalence as it already has a good amount of votes.

Unless someone (@5020780) has anything against it?

[Sandroid]

@5020780 , i’d like your feedback before i continue

[5020780]

I don’t know what to say really. The other wish seems to be focused on hardware synths, while what I meant here was a simple CC rename option the same way as projects can be renamed. If I map CC to a macro knob in my DAW I don’t really want to mess with preset files which implies that I need to take out the SD card. I don’t need to change the CCs themselves either as they are not fixed in the DAW, I can use any. Also this wish seems to be easier to implement from the development perspective. On the other hand, I do realize that the other wish already has plenty of votes…Can’t really decide.

[Sandroid]

I have taken the liberty to reword/cleanup your wish and i’ll pass it on for review.