| What is Performance Mode?
According to the two icons at the top-left of the main window, MIDI Maestro is either in "edit" mode or "performance" mode. In performance mode, all changes to the songs are locked out in order to prevent accidental changes. A "mouse" icon is used to show edit mode, and a "keyboard" icon is used to show performance mode:
When a song ends, performance mode will automatically advance to the next song if you have a set (song list) open. Also, when you manually switch songs by double-clicking in the set list, performance mode always "rewinds" to the beginning of the song, whereas edit mode recalls your last position.
In order to "lock" a set into performance mode so that performance mode is automatically set when you open the set, double-click on the performance mode icon. You will see the icon change:
Can I pause or vamp during a performance?
MIDI Maestro supports a variety of "cues" including fermatas, caesuras, and vamps. Use cues to if you know ahead of time about pauses or other "non-linearity" in a song.
All of the transport functions, such as pause, stop and repeat measure are also available during performance. One way to use "pause" in a performance is in conjunction with the "next measure" command. After you have paused, the "next measure" command can be used to jump to the downbeat and immediately begin playback.
How about jumping between verse and chorus sections adlib?
If you setup a "vamp" cue (select 1 time through if you don't actually want any repeating), you can use branch commands to cause playback to jump to a new position when the vamp section ends.
Can I adjust the tempo during a performance?
Yes there a number of ways to do this. You can use the Increase/Decrease Tempo 1% commands (default keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+[ and Ctrl+]). You will see the tempo multiplier change accordingly. Use Ctrl+0 to immediately return to the "normal" tempo.
If there's a section where you need to follow a performer in a rubato style, you can use the pitch wheel. On the Setup/Options/Playback tab, there's an option "use pitch wheel to control tempo multiplier." Enable this option, and MIDI Maestro will slow the song down when you move your pitch wheel control to the left on your synthesizer and speed up the song when you move it to the right. Make sure you have the "local switch" turned off on the keyboard, or else the pitch wheel will also change the pitch on one or more of your MIDI channels!
Is there a metronome?
Yes, MIDI Maestro refers to the metronome as the "click track.". When performing with a live drummer, it may be helpful for him to hear the metronome with headphones. During rehearsal, you may also want to occasionally turn on the click to assist your performers. You can configure the click track on the Setup/Options/Playback tab. In performance mode, the normally red "record" button becomes a blue button which may be used to toggle the click track on and off without opening the Options window:
Can this software be "conducted"?
It is recommended that you use cues and real-time tempo adjustments. However, MIDI Maestro does support a form of "conductor tapping" where someone attempts to communicate each and every beat to the sequencer. You will find settings for this feature on the Setup/Options/Conductor page. With patience, you should be able to achieve the desired effect.
Can I adjust the volume during a performance?
Yes, you will find commands on the Adjust menu to change the volume. If you have a free hand during the performance, you might find it more convenient to simply reach for the volume slider on your synthesizer.
What if there's a stuck note or wrong patch?
Panic! Just kidding. If there's a stuck note, the F12 key should immediately silence it. This occurs very rarely when a synthesizer receives a "note on" command but for whatever reason never receives the corresponding "note off."
The F10 key will immediately re-assert patches and other controllers. Use caution and only when absolutely necessary during actual playback, as volumes and notes may suddenly spike as they are reset. The "lightning bolt icon" show in the graphics at the top of this article may also be used to invoke this command. If possible, wait until playback stops before using this command.
|
Sign up
