SoftStep

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Welcome to the SoftStep FAQ List.

This list of FAQs has been assembled to help answer some of the most common questions that new or prospective SoftStep owners have. Browse through the questions to find the answers you seek.

SoftStep Frequently Asked Questions


Answers

  • What is SoftStep?

    SoftStep is the worlds lightest, smallest, and most expressive foot controller.

  • How does SoftStep hardware work?

    It's USB bus powered and has an expression port to plug in an expression pedal (volume pedals are not supported). There is also an Expansion port for SoftStep MIDI Expander (sold separately) to enable use without a computer to control your MIDI synth and/or rack. Power can also be supplied through the expansion port.

    It has blue backlighting so you can see it well on stage. There is a 4 character alpha numeric display that is user programmable. There are also LEDs for each key that can be programmed to display your choice of data.

    SoftStep is rubberized and has a carbon fiber back to give it maximum strength and stability.

    Each key is responsive to 5 degrees of control: X and Y axis, clockwise rotation, counter-clockwise rotation, and pressure. These control sources are mappable to any MIDI or OSC destination.

  • How big is SoftStep?

    It weighs about 566 grams (about one pound) and is 105mm x 450mm x 24mm. The key pads are about 40mm X 40mm. The Nav Pad is about 50mm X 50mm and turned so that it is diamond shaped.

  • What does the SoftStep application do?

    The SoftStep application works with the SoftStep hardware controller to manipulate sensor data that gives the player a nearly infinite degree of control and possibility. The SoftStep multitouch controller has 10 key pads, each with Sensor Key Technology enabling 5 degrees of freedom that are unique to each key. These parameters include X, Y, Clockwise Rotation, Counter Clockwise Rotation and Pressure. These sources can be mapped to destinations up to six times for each key providing the possibility of a dense data source from a single motion of the foot.
     

  • What can you send data from the SoftStep to?

    SoftStep is an extremely flexible controller allowing you to use it in a variety of ways. You can use it with software on your computer to control effects, looping, sample triggering, etc. Use it with DAWs to control punch-in, panning, levels, and transport functions. You can also use your SoftStep to control your MIDI synth and/or rack with the SoftStep MIDI Expander (sold separately). In addition to controlling sound, the SoftStep can be used with anything that will accept MIDI or OSC data: lighting effects, video, robotics, pyrotechnics, and more.

  • What are the minimum system requirements needed to run the SoftStep application?


    For MAC: An Intel Core 2 Duo 2.3GHz or greater Mac OS 10.5 or later that has 262 MB free hard disk space.

    For Windows: Windows XP or Windows 7. 1 GB of RAM with 133 MB free hard disk space.

  • What is the SoftStep MIDI Expander for?

    The SoftStep MIDI Expander is an optional add-on that enables you to use the SoftStep to control your MIDI world with or without a computer. Program your SoftStep with our easy-to-use control mapping software, plug in your MIDI rig to the SoftStep expander, and you're ready to send and receive MIDI data to and from other hardware.

    Connect the SoftStep MIDI Expander to the SoftStep using the USB A-to-MIDI USB 4-pin cable. Connect the MIDI Expander to power by using a USB A-to-USB B cable and the USB power plug. Now you're ready to use the SoftStep with the MIDI Expander.

  • What is all that CC data coming in on Port 1 of the SoftStep? Is this normal?

    SoftStep Port 1, or SSCOM Port 1 is the port on which data from the SoftStep travels to and from the SoftStep application. The SoftStep application uses this data to mold it into something you can use for your own purposes. Port 1 is not intended for general use so when you are monitoring MIDI Data or using the learn function in another application, make sure you filter out SSCOM Port 1 so that the raw sensor data does not get mixed up with the data you are trying to send from the SoftStep application.

  • When using SoftStep in hosted mode, how do I filter out all of the raw data for Port 1 so that I can send data with SoftStep Share (or another Virtual MIDI Port) to a program like Ableton Live or Logic?

    If you are having problems getting a DAW or other host application (Ableton Live, Logic, Digital Performer, Mobius, GarageBand, etc...) to "learn" the correct MIDI information that you are trying to send with your SoftStep make sure you double check and try out the following:

    a. Make sure the SoftStep application is communicating with the SoftStep. Check the Sensor View screen to make sure you can see the interface reacting to your interactions with SoftStep. If you do not see anything responding to your foot presses check out the “Connectivity Trouble” headline of the Troubleshooting chapter of the SoftStep manual if you still experience problems getting MIDI into your other application.

    b. Check that in the SoftStep application you are using either SoftStep Share or a MIDI Bus (IAC Driver Bus or MIDI Yoke) as the device/route in the modulation windows of all the keys. See the “Setting up a MIDI Bus” chapter of the SoftStep manual for instructions on using the IAC Driver Bus or MIDI Yoke.

    c. Make sure you open up your host application after you open up the SoftStep application. If you are using SoftStep Share as your device, the host application will not be able to find it unless the SoftStep application is open. Some applications do not automatically update their Port list after a new device has become available.

    Now that you have the data outputting from the SoftStep application make sure that you understand that Port 1 of SoftStep will also still be sending raw sensor data for the SoftStep application to mold. Because both Port 1 and SoftStep Share (or your MIDI Bus) will be sending information at the same time you will need to filter out Port 1 from being seen by your DAW. For more information on the Ports of SoftStep check out the Ports chapter of the SoftStep manual.
    To filter out Port 1 from your DAW or host application you can usually find a preferences or MIDI settings menu somewhere where you can select which MIDI Inputs you want to be available.

    If your host application does not give you the ability to filter out or select a specific MIDI Input device (like Logic or Mainstage) you could either select your MIDI data manually instead of using the learn function, or you can try this:

    When in Learn mode instead of pressing on the key on the SoftStep foot controller, go to the SoftStep application's modulation window for the key you want to be "learned" and wiggle the output number box toward the end of the modline.  This will send out just the data you want the learn function to receive from the application and will prevent Logic from being confused by the data coming from Port 1. Then when you're out of learn mode you can step on the keys all you want.

  • When I use SoftStep in my audio setup it tends to add some noise? What is that noise and how can I prevent it?

    If you are experiencing noise or hum in your audio setup that you believe is caused by the SoftStep check to see if this is due to the Electro-Luminescent (EL) backlighting of the SoftStep by going into the Settings window of the SoftStep application and set the EL to off. If this makes the audio noise stop then what you'll want to do is adjust the grounding of your audio set up. Here are a few suggestions that could help you to be able to use the SoftStep with the EL on:

    a. Try using a powered USB Hub for SoftStep. Having SoftStep separated from audio device plugged into USB could help because something else could hoarding the power or the computer might not be providing enough. Having a separate powered USB hub ensures SoftStep is getting the correct amount of power.

    b. If you are using a laptop try using it without the power charger plugged into the laptop.

    c. Make sure all power for your audio setup is coming from the same wall socket. Using 2 different sockets can sometimes cause hum in cases like this because different power sources can be producing slightly different amounts of AC.

    Here is a diagram of a good way to set up that likely won't have grounding problems:




    black connections are power cables
    blue connections are audio cables
    green connections are USB cables

    Note: Everything is connected to the same power outlet. The laptop in the picture is not hooked up to power because often a power charger connected to a laptop will be a source of noise. If using a desktop computer that requires power to turn on, you'll want it plugged into the power strip.

  • Can I transfer the presets on my SoftStep into a computer running the SoftStep Editor?

     No, there is no way to transfer presets from a SoftStep to a computer. It's only a one way street at the moment.

  • How do I know if my firmware is up to date on my SoftStep?

    The current version of the SoftStep music software will update the firmware automatically if it is not up to date. To know which firmware version your SoftStep is currently using, check the alphanumeric display when you first plug it in. The firmware version will flash for a moment on the display before beginning to blink "Soft...Step".

    The most recent version of the software, 1.21, is compatible with firmware VK2A.

  • How do I update my firmware?

    As of version 1.2 of the SoftStep Music Software, firmware updates are automated. If you need to update your firmware, when you open the SoftStep Editor or Easy Editor you will be prompted to perform a firmware update. Clicking update will start the firmware update process. When it has finished updating it will display a screen telling you that your SoftStep is done updating. That's all you need to do!

    If you would like to revert to an older firmware version, you'll need to enlist the help of a third-party application. The process is a little different depending on if you're running on a Mac or Windows PC.

    If Mac:
     
    1. If you have not already, download and install SysEx Librarian from http://www.snoize.com/SysExLibrarian/
    2. Download or locate the firmware version you would like to install.
    3. Plug in your SoftStep and open SysEx Librarian.
    4. Click “Add…” in the lower left corner of the screen. When the browser window opens, navigate to the firmware file (generally named to the effect of “SoftStepVJ1.syx”), and hit “Open”.
    5. Select Port 1 from the drop down menu labeled “Destination”.
    6. Now select the file in the main window of the SysEx Librarian application. Once selected it should become highlighted blue.
    7. Hit the “Play” button in the top left corner. At this point a progress bar will pop up, and the display on your SoftStep will go blank. The firmware will take a moment to update.
    8. Once the update is complete the SoftStep will briefly display the firmware version and subsequently flash “SOFT” and “STEP”.
     
    If Windows:
     
    1. If you have not already, download and install SysEx Box from http://miostools.midibox.org/ It’s the one at the top of the page.
    2. Find the firmware version you would like to install.
    3. Plug in your SoftStep and open SysEx Box.
    4. Select the correct MIDI In and MIDI Out ports from the drop down menu “SoftStep”.
    5. Click “Open Sysex File”. When the browser window opens, navigate to the firmware file (SoftStepVJ1.syx or something similar) and hit “Open”.
    6. Hit the “Send Sysex” button and the display on your SoftStep will go blank. The firmware will take a moment to update.
    7. Once the update is complete the SoftStep will briefly display the firmware version and subsequently flash “SOFT” and “STEP”.
    8. Open up the SoftStep application and select SSCOM as the main ports (or USB Audio Device 1 if you are using Windows XP). Then close the application and re-open it.
     
    For those of you who may want to revert to an older version of SoftStep Music Software, you can find the downloads archive, where you will find the older firmware and applications, on the Keith McMillen website at this link: http://www.keithmcmillen.com/softstep/downloads/archive
     

  • What information should be included when asking tech support a question?

    Please include information about your set up. If you are using a computer tell us what operating system and what version of the operating system you are running. Let us know your computer's hardware specs: What brand and speed is your processor, RAM size, etc.?

    Are you using your SoftStep with any SoftStep software? If so, which (SoftStep Editor, SoftStep Easy Editor, or KeyWorx)? If you are using the SoftStep Editor are you operating in Hosted mode or Standalone mode? Are you using the SoftStep MIDI Expander to send data out to hardware devices or are you sending MIDI to another application on your computer?

     

    What is the device/software you are sending data to?

    Finally, what is the problematic behavior that you are seeing and can you include steps that may be taken to reproduce this problem?

  • How do I get my expression pedal working with the SoftStep?

     First make sure you have an expression pedal with a 3-wire connection (a stereo jack). Along with the SoftStep we ship a 1/4in to 1/8in adapter that you can use to connect your 1/4in expression pedal to the expression port on the SoftStep.

    Once you're all plugged in open up the SoftStep Editor and open up the Settings window. Click the "pedal calibration" button and a new window will pop up. Prior to calibrating you will see a plain linear table. To calibrate, press the start button and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Move your foot from heal to toe at the rate of the progress bar. You can always hit the blue reset button to go back to the linear table or press start again to re-calibrate. The test value shows the calibrated data from your pedal as you use it.

    Now that you've calibrated the pedal you need to open up one of the modulation windows (any key's modulation window or the one for the Nav Pad will work). Select "pedal" as the source and then choose your parameter destination to send the data out as a CC, Note, OSC, etc. Be sure to also select the correct device/route. The SoftStep Expander will send the data out through the SoftStep MIDI Expander's MIDI Out port. If you're in Hosted mode and would like to send the data out to another application use SoftStep Share (for Mac) or MIDI Yoke (for Windows). If in Standalone mode and you'd like to send the data to another application use SSCOM port 1. For more information about port selections see the "Ports" chapter of the SoftStep Reference Manual.

  • If I want to just assign one specific program change number to a key pad on my SoftStep how do I set that up?

     Here is a picture of one way to set this up in a modline (click to view a larger version):

    This modline would output a program change 66 message every time you step on the key pad. It is sending out a value of 1 every time the "Foot On" source is triggered. The value is then multiplied by 66 in the "gain" section — adjust this value to set the specific program change number you would like to send. If you're sending the data out the MIDI Expander select SoftStep Expander as your device/route. If you're sending it to another application and are in Hosted mode, select SoftStep Share (Mac) or MIDI Yoke (Windows) as the device/route. If you're sending it to another application but are in Standalone mode, select SSCOM Port 1 as the device/route.

  • How can I make the SoftStep key pads more sensitive so they respond better to my foot presses?

     When you open up the SoftStep Editor and click on the "open settings" button, A window will open up with many editable settings. The simplest way to increase or decrease the sensitivity would be to turn up or down the global gain. This will make all of the key pads and the Nav Pad more sensitive. You can also alter the on and off thresholds for each key pad. The "on" threshold is how much pressure your foot must be applying to the key pad before the foot on message registers. After a foot on message, if your foot pressure goes below the amount set in the "off" threshold, then a foot off message will register.

    Another setting that might be useful to experiment with is the Sensor Response mode. There are four pressure sensors on each pad which are used together for calculating the foot on, pressure live, and pressure latch sources. If you choose maximum, the highest value of the four sensors is used. If you choose average, the four sensors are averaged together to calculate the pressure of your foot on the key. People often prefer one mode over another.

    Remember to save your settings preset and if you are using Standalone mode you will also need to re-download your setlist after saving so that the settings are updated on the SoftStep.

  • While I'm pressing on one key, pressing another doesn't send any data out. Why is this?

    By default, the SoftStep operates in what we call "key lockout mode". This means that when you are stepping on one key, another key cannot register foot presses. This is a feature often desired to prevent triggering adjacent keys accidentally. You can turn this feature off by opening up the Settings window of the SoftStep Editor and turning on "Multiple Key Mode Enable". Now you can step on multiple keys at once. You will need to re-download your scenes to the SoftStep if you are working in Standalone mode.

  • Can I turn off the EL lights?

    Yes, you can. Open the Settings window by clicking the "open settings" button (located toward the top-right of the SoftStep Editor's main window) and turn off the "EL ON/OFF" switch. If you're running in Hosted mode, your SoftStep's lights should instantly turn off. In order for the EL to stay off even when unplugging and plugging back in, go into Standalone mode's Settings window to change the EL setting, save your settings, and then download this to the board by clicking the "download" button in the main window. This should download your new settings to your SoftStep and the lights should stay off. 

  • Can I use two SoftSteps at the same time?

     Yes. The only caveat is that Hosted mode only supports one SoftStep. If you would like to use multiple SoftSteps they will need to be running in Standalone mode. Your computer should recognize each board as a separate MIDI device.

    You should take care to make sure each SoftStep is either sending different message values (CC#, note#, etc.) or sending over a different MIDI channel, otherwise you may get conflicting triggers/messages when mapping the MIDI in your target application (Live, Logic, Mainstage, etc.). This could also be seen as a desirable feature for some users as well.

  • What is a "scene"?

     A scene is like a preset — it stores the settings for each key and also the Nav Pad. You can store a number of scenes in the SoftStep Editor application, each one with different settings and functions. Other similar terms used by other foot controllers could be: bank, program, set, cue, preset, etc. We call ours a scene to differentiate it from other functions within the application that use similar names.

  • Where are my presets/scenes stored?

     The presets/scenes for your SoftStep are stored in the "Presets" folder. On Mac this folder is located in the main SoftStep directory (the folder with the SoftStep Editor, Librarian, Converter, etc.). On Windows you will find it inside the "SoftStep Editor" folder within the main SoftStep directory. Inside the Presets folder are the preset files for both Hosted (Presets_Mod.json, Settings.json, and SoftStep.json) and Standalone mode (SA_Settings.json, SA_SoftStep.json).

    Note: Do not edit the .json files in a text editor, you can edit your scenes and save them from the SoftStep Editor. Also do not move this folder somewhere else. If you do the SoftStep Editor will not be able to find your presets and they will not load when you run the application.

  • What exactly is a "modline"?

    A modline is a single line of logic available in the modulation windows for SoftStep keys and the Nav Pad. This is where you set up the data that you want to send out from the SoftStep. This is what a modline looks like (click to view a larger version):

    It is here where all of the data mapping/molding occurs. The data travels from left to right through the modline. The on/off switch dictates whether or not the modline is enabled, the "source" selection chooses what type of information from the SoftStep you would like to use (Pressure, Foot On, etc.) and sends out its raw value. This raw value is then multiplied by the gain setting, and the offset is added to or subtracted from the result. The result goes along and is then entered into the selected lookup table and used to plot the index on a chart (each table affects the data a bit differently). As the data continues through the modline, the min/max values allow you to constrain the data values between a minimum and maximum number. The slew value represents the number of milliseconds that it will take to get to the target value — this helps to smooth out jumpy data.

    When the data gets to the parameter destination area, this is where the data is transformed into a MIDI note, CC value, program change, etc. and it is finally sent out of whatever is selected in the device/route field (SoftStep Expander, SoftStep Share, SSCOM Port 1, etc).

    More detailed information about each section of the modlines can be found in the SoftStep Keys section of the SoftStep manual.

  • What is the "setlist"?

     The setlist is a list containing the chosen scenes that you can scroll through using the SoftStep Nav Pad's x-axis (left-right). Pressing right on the Nav Pad increments through the setlist while pressing left decrements through the setlist. In the SoftStep Editor's main window, the setlist looks like this:

    From the main window of the SoftStep software find the setlist menu right under where you save your scenes and click the "open" button.

    The Setlist window will open up (shown at the bottom of this answer). You'll see an array of text fields and number boxes with little circles in front of them. Using the circle buttons in front of each line you can turn of or off a scene that you choose to put in the text field. Choose which scene to use by selecting it from the drop-down menu when you click inside the text field, scrolling through the numbers, or pressing the inc/dec buttons on the right hand side.

    The order of scenes listed in the setlist will be the order of scenes when you scroll through them with the left and right arrows of the Nav Pad. Currently you can have up to 32 scenes in a Hosted mode setlist and 16 scenes in Standalone mode.

    The great thing about the setlist is that it lets you place whatever scenes you like in whatever order you like. Maybe you had saved some of your own scenes in non-adjacent slots (in the scene list) but would like to be able to access them one after the other — the setlist allows you to do just that.

  • Do I have to be running the SoftStep Editor to use my SoftStep?

     No, the SoftStep is capable of operating in what we refer to as "Standalone Mode". The SoftStep comes preinstalled with a number of factory scenes that work right out of the box without you ever having to launch any SoftStep software. These scenes range from simple program changes and toggles, to more advanced control of Ableton Live, ElevenRack, and the Line 6 POD.

    You can also run the SoftStep Editor in Standalone mode and create or modify your own scenes that can then be used without the application running. After you've created your scene with the editor and saved, put the scene into a slot in the setlist and then click the "download" button. The application will then go through a short process in which the application will download the scenes to your SoftStep. Once it is finished, scroll through the setlist on your SoftStep by using the left and right portion of the Nav Pad and find your scene. It is recommended that you make sure to change the 4-character display name to something unique that you will recognize (do this before downloading your scene to the SoftStep) — it could get confusing if you have multiple scenes named "PRGM" that all do different things!

  • What are the differences between Hosted and Standalone mode?

     While the basic operation remains the same, there are a few important differences between Hosted and Standalone that you should be aware of. The biggest difference is that Hosted mode requires that the SoftStep be connected to your computer with the SoftStep Editor running, while Standalone mode allows you to use the SoftStep without running the application (or even without a computer if you have a SoftStep MIDI Expander).

    Another important difference is that when using the application as an editor in Standalone mode the visual feedback available to you in the Sensor View and modlines is unavailable. The Sensor View button becomes grayed out and you can no longer view the raw data coming in through the modlines like you can in Hosted mode.

    State recall — a feature that allows you to change scenes and return to them and find everything how you left it, is not available in Standalone mode. This means that while you're running in Standalone mode, LEDs and Toggle states will not be remembered as you move between scenes. Anytime you recall a scene you have previously sent data from, that scene will load as though it were the first time you've selected it after plugging the SoftStep in.

    Switching the editor to Standalone mode also grays out the Preset Modulation window. This window allows you to use other MIDI controllers to change between different scenes, settings, and setlist presets, but can only be used in Hosted mode.

    Standalone mode also does not support the full list of sources and parameter destinations that Hosted mode does. In Standalone mode, the sources list does not include MIDI Input, rotation, rot relative, top, bottom, the trigger latch sources, or Nav Y. Parameter destinations do not include OSC, Garageband, HUI, Aftertouch, Poly Aftertouch, Y Inc Set, or X Inc Set.

    One final difference between Hosted and Standalone is which output device to select to send MIDI data. Since the data will be coming directly from the SoftStep in Standalone mode (as opposed to coming from the Editor application in Hosted mode), which has only two ports, inter-application ports (such as MIDI Yoke) become unavailable and unnecessary in Standalone mode. Select "SSCOM Port 1" (SoftStep's Port 1) as the device/route to send data through to applications on your computer. On some Windows computers this may appear as "USB Audio Device (1)". Select "SoftStep Expander" (SSCOM Port 2) as your device to send data out through the SoftStep MIDI Expander. SSCOM 2 can appear as "MIDIOUT 2 (SSCOM)" or "USB Audio Device (2)" on some Windows computers. More information on ports and devices in Hosted and Standalone mode can be found in the Ports chapter and the device/route definition in the Modulation chapter of the SoftStep manual.

  • I've got some custom scenes set up in Standalone mode, but no matter how many times I try to download them to my board they don't show up on my SoftStep. What do I do?

    The reason you're not seeing your scenes after downloading to the SoftStep is likely because the scenes you want are not in the setlist. The SoftStep will only receive scenes that are located in the setlist. To add a scene to the setlist, locate the setlist in the upper left corner of the SoftStep Editor's main window and click the open button. This will bring up the setlist editor window.

     

    You'll see an array of text fields and number boxes. Using the circle buttons in front of each line you can turn on or off a scene that you choose to put in the text field. Choose which scene to use by selecting it from the drop-down menu when you click inside the text field, scrolling through the numbers, or pressing the inc/dec buttons on the right hand side.

    The order of scenes listed in the setlist will be the order of scenes when you scroll through them with the left and right arrows of the Nav Pad.

    Currently you can have up to 32 scenes in a Hosted mode setlist and 16 scenes in Standalone mode.

     It is also possible that you cannot find your scene after downloading because you may have forgotten to give it its own unique scene name. You can give your scene a 4 letter name by using the display name box in the main window of the SoftStep Editor:

    The display text field lets you set a scene abbreviation. This is what the alphanumeric display on the SoftStep will show when you navigate through the scenes.

    Having a unique display name for your scene insures that you will be able to tell which scene is which when scrolling through your scenes with the Nav Pad.

  • I'm on a Windows computer and can't seem to get any MIDI data from my SoftStep into Ableton Live. Also I noticed that the SSCOM Ports in the MIDI Preferences are red. How do I get Ableton to receive the MIDI data?

     Windows computers do not allow 2 different applications to use the same MIDI port. When you open up the SoftStep application it snatches up the SSCOM ports because it needs to use them to operate correctly with the SoftStep. This is why when you open up Ableton Live the SSCOM ports appear in red and do not receive any data from the SoftStep. If you're using the SoftStep software in Hosted mode it is necessary to use a virtual MIDI port. We recommend MIDI Yoke — it's available for free download here:

    http://www.midiox.com

    For more information on MIDI Yoke read the Ports chapter in the SoftStep manual.

    If you're using the SoftStep in Standalone mode with Ableton Live and you need to do any editing, open up the SoftStep application first, edit your scenes, and download them to your SoftStep. You can then quit the SoftStep application and open up Ableton Live. SSCOM Port 1 should not appear red and you should be able to get MIDI data into Live.

  • I'm on Windows and don't see SoftStep Share — what do I do?

     Windows does not come with a built-in MIDI bus but you can download one for free online. We recommend using MIDI Yoke. You can download it free of charge here:

    http://www.midiox.com/

    Run the installer file. If you are running Windows 7 you will most likely need to disable or turn off the UAC (User Account Control) in Control Panel on your computer in order for the installation to work. Here is a link where you can find instructions for doing this:

    http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/12/30/how-to-disable-and-turn-off-uac-in-windows-7/

    After MIDI Yoke successfully installs on your comptuer the "Out to MIDI Yoke: [1-8]" device will automatically appear in your device/route list in your key's modlines.

  • I just want to get the raw sensor data and manipulate it myself—how can I do this?

     You can certainly do this if you're familiar with Max/MSP. We've released a SoftStep Max/MSP development kit that will get you up and running with the raw data. This dev kit contains two Max externals that give you access to the raw sensors and let you communicate with the SoftStep's LEDs and display. Also included is a Max patch that shows you how to put them to use.

    The Max/MSP dev kit can be obtained in the SoftStep Downloads section of the Keith McMillen website: http://www.keithmcmillen.com/softstep/downloads/

  • It sometimes takes multiple presses on the Nav Pad or I have to press really hard on the Nav Pad for it to respond—what can I do to make it more responsive?

     The first thing you can try is going into the Settings window of the SoftStep Editor and adjusting the Global Gain setting. Doing this scales all of the incoming data from each key by the amount the Global Gain is set to. A higher value will result in the SoftStep being more responsive to pressure, while a lower value will make it less responsive. Experiment with this setting until you find a value that suits your needs.

    If it still isn't to your satisfaction, you can try adjusting the Nav Pad's on thresh parameters. The higher the value is, the harder you have to press on the Nav Pad for it to register a foot press — lower the value if you would like to register foot presses with less pressure (10 is the minimum).

    Also, be aware that the Nav Pad does take some getting used to. The Nav Pad has sweet spots where it is more sensitive and the more your foot gets used to where they are the easier it is to go straight to them. The sensors are in the corners so you'll most likely find the sweet spots at the edges of the Nav Pad corners.

    In previous versions, if you were using the SoftStep in Hosted mode and were switching between scenes very quickly you might have experienced a small timing issue that occasionally caused the scene to not change on every single press. Make sure you are running the latest version of the SoftStep software. We're always working on optimizing the speed and response of the SoftStep, and version 1.2 greatly improved the Nav Pad's performance from previous versions.

  • What is the MIDI Expander?

    The SoftStep MIDI Expander is an optional add-on that enables you to use the SoftStep to control your MIDI world with or without a computer. Program your SoftStep with our control mapping software, plug in your MIDI rig to the SoftStep Expander, and you're ready to send and receive MIDI data to and from other hardware.

    Connect the SoftStep MIDI Expander to the SoftStep using the USB A-to-MIDI USB 4-pin cable. Connect the MIDI Expander to power by using a USB A-to-USB B cable and the USB power plug. Now you're ready to use the SoftStep with the MIDI Expander. 

  • Do I need the MIDI Expander to use the SoftStep?

     The answer to this depends on what you would like to do with your SoftStep. If you would like to be able to control external, MIDI-ready hardware (synthesizers, effects racks, etc.) without the use of a computer (in standalone mode), the MIDI Expander is absolutely necessary. If, however you're not interested in controlling external hardware that accepts MIDI information and would rather just use your SoftStep solely with your computer, then the MIDI Expander is not necessary to use the SoftStep.

  • What is this big "PORT WARNING" window that pops up when I open the SoftStep application?

     The big "PORT WARNING" window lets you know some important information regarding ports and the differences between SSCOM and SoftStep Share (and why you won't see SoftStep Share if you're on a Windows computer). This is very crucial information to get up and running with your SoftStep and it is highly recommended you read through it. If you'd like this window to not pop up every time you launch the editor, there is a button at the very bottom that will prevent this from appearing.

  • I want to start fresh. How do I restore the factory scenes/presets?

     As of version 1.2, there is a .zip file called "FactoryPresets_bkup.zip" in the Extras folder that came bundled with the SoftStep Music software — this is a backup copy of the original Presets folder. Unzip this and replace this the new Presets folder with your old one. After restarting the SoftStep Editor, everything should return to its intial factory settings. If you would like to save your other Presets folder without deleting it, you can put it in another location on your hard drive outside of the SoftStep directory for safe keeping.

    It should be noted that if you have changed anything in Standalone mode and would like to restore your board to its original scenes and settings, you will need to switch to Standalone mode in SoftStep Editor and put scenes 2 - 8 (the original factory scenes) in the setlist and press the "download" button. This will download the factory scenes to your board and you will be ready to go.

  • I've been using my SoftStep with version 1.1 and have it set up exactly how I like. How do I move my presets to version 1.2? Can I just drop my old presets folder in the 1.2 folder?

     If you would like to migrate your old 1.1 presets to the newer 1.2 version, you should not just replace the 1.2 Presets folder with your old one. Presets from older versions are no longer compatible with version 1.2, so the SoftStep Editor will not be happy and your presets will not recall properly.

    Fear not for your old presets, as we have included two useful tools that will allow you to move from 1.1 to 1.2 — the SoftStep Converter and the SoftStep Librarian applications. SoftStep Converter will convert your old Presets folder into a format compatible with 1.2 and store them in the "1.1_Converted_Presets" folder. For Mac users the 1.1_Converted_Presets folder is located in the main SoftStep 1.2 application folder. For Windows users it is located within the SoftStep Converter folder inside the SoftStep directory. The SoftStep Librarian can then read these converted presets (and other SoftStep users' Presets as well) and place individual scenes into your new 1.2 scene list.

    We have two tutorial videos on how to convert your presets for version 1.2 — one for Mac and one for Windows. These should quickly get you up and running with your old settings in the new version.

    The Mac tutorial can be viewed here:

    http://www.keithmcmillen.com/softstep/tutorials/#v420682-librarian-and-converter-mac

     

    The Windows tutorial can be viewed here:

    http://www.keithmcmillen.com/softstep/tutorials/#422946-librarian-and-converter-win

  • My SoftStep suddenly stops responding to my key presses. It works for a while just fine and then suddenly stops. Why would this be happening?

     If you're using your SoftStep in Hosted mode this could be due to what we've been referring to as a "stuck note". This is when the rubber on your SoftStep sticks a little. Because of a feature we put in that locks out other keys while one is in use (to prevent unintentional triggering of key pads), if one of the key pads is sticking then it would make it so the other keys stop sending data out and it would appear that the SoftStep has ceased to send out MIDI data.

    This sometimes happens when the SoftSteps are still brand new — occasionally in shipping the SoftStep might go through some pressure that may cause the rubber to stick a bit at first. The rubber will soften up as you break it in though, and will cease to exhibit this behavior. To speed this along, try lifting the rubber of the pad that's misbehaving by pushing the sides around it. Don't try to peel the rubber back, just kind of squish it upwards from the sides.

    To determine that this really is the reason this is happening, try opening up Sensor View from the SoftStep Editor (you have to be in Hosted mode to do this). If when this happens you notice that one key appears to be pressed down even though you're not pressing it, then a stuck note is definitely your problem. Try repeatedly stepping on the offending key and see if that remedies your situation. You can also try turning on "Multiple Key Mode Enable" in the Settings window and seeing if this helps.

    If Sensor View just isn't responding at all (there is no stuck note showing) then you likely have a different problem. Try using a different USB cable. If you're using your SoftStep with a USB hub make sure it's a powered hub, otherwise other devices might be drawing too much power from the computer and not leave enough to properly power the SoftStep. Also try plugging in the SoftStep directly into your computer's USB port without any other external devices plugged in. Restart the SoftStep Editor and see if your SoftStep is now responding.

  • Can I send multiple messages out of a single key on my SoftStep?

     Yes you can! Each key on the SoftStep can have up to six independent modlines enabled, each one sending out its own separate data message. Every key is capable of sending out a combination of MIDI notes, CC (control change) values, program changes, bank changes, OSC messages, pitch bend, MMC, Aftertouch, Poly Aftertouch, GarageBand control, or HUI messages.

    Here is an example of setting up a key to send two MIDI notes, two CC values, pitch bend, and a program change (click for larger version):

    Changing the parameter destination field for each modline allows you to create any combination of data messages you choose.

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