Helium AUv3 MIDI Sequencer by 4Pockets - Released

EnergyCrush

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@dmori said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:
Helium is getting me by for the moment, but I want to verify that there is no way to map a MIDI controller to map things like select channel, record, etc.

I looked through the manual, online, and for any clues in the UI, but it seems no, which is a serious sore point. I get there are options to automate all CC parameters, but it would have been amazing if some of those could be rerouted to internal controls, since no one (surely) will ever use all of them.

Those are some great questions, which I haven't considered much, because I'm so used to using the touch interface to do things like stop and start the transport. I'm not sure what you mean by "select channel," but would like to know more, however you can leverage the MIDI controls of your host application (such as AUM) to trigger and stop recording. For example, in AUM you can map a MIDI CC or a Note to the MIDI Control / Parameters / Transport to Start Play or Trigger Play, if you've armed the record in Helium and have Host Sync On, you can trigger the start and stop of recording remotely. In fact, you could theoretically have one instance of Helium doing the control functions and another Helium instance doing the playback or recording, or other actions in the instruments.

This might be outside the scope of your questions, but there's also the remote looping mode of Helium where you can trigger specific loops which you define in a Helium session, or cycle through them using song mode. What might be more relevant is that you can also trigger recording in Remote mode, for example use note G#2 to arm a loop for recording at the next pass. You can also cue loops and trigger loops with MIDI notes. If things along these lines would be relevant, I can point you to some more details on it.

The root of my workflow is speed, as fast as using a hardware sequencer like the MMT-8, Retrokits RK-008, or Novation Circuit Tracks.

I don't want to ever have to open the MIDI sequencer on the iPad or touch it once it's configured in a template.

I have Helium setup for output to all 16 channels in a template, so whenever I start a new project, I'm as close as I can be to ready to go and capture ideas. However, Helium doesn't seem to allow just recording whatever incoming MIDI channel is to the appropriate track, forcing me to open it every time, switching my context and focus out of Loopy to select the track I want to record on. I don't want that. If I must select the track to record on rather than the MIDI sequencer just recording whatever channel MIDI data is incoming at the time, then I want a way to map it to individual controller buttons, or, less ideally, at least up down buttons to move to the prev or next channel.

I have the Start/Pause in Loopy Pro mapped to a controller button so I can start playback or be prepared to record external gear at any time, but that doesn't help with the Helium Rec button. I don't want it on all the time as once I've recorded and auto-quantize the current part, I often tweak parameters on a synth to dial in sound, and also so that when I am ready to record, I can modify things like filter cutoff and frequency in real-time while Helium plays the sequence and Loopy records my performance into a clip. I can then start recording into a new clip either with another performance of the same sequence and synth sound, or change the synth sound to something else as the song progresses.

As with the hardware sequencers mentioned, while certainly there is some button press each time I want to record, I never have to open or look at anything at all, which means I can really focus on the creative aspect in the limited time I have without breaking flow.

Helium's remote mode, which I was excited about when I read it and was a factor in purchase, turns out not to support this workflow not least of which because it can't sync to host at the same time, which I need for the quick sequencing and then synced audio recording in Loopy.

I've evaluated 50+ iPad sequencers over the last few weeks to find the closest I could get and started with Helium, as it seemed the closest, but missed not being able to map control with hardware. The only other two on my list that seem like they support this workflow and appear to allow hardware mapping to control things like this are:

• Atom 2
• Drambo

The alternative is to buy a Retrokits RK-008 now so I have it waiting when I come back to the US for a few days in a couple of weeks. That is a quite a bit more expensive option that has additional components to buy I'm not sure about and am hoping to avoid, but after finally being able to write music again at all after over a year, I really need my workflow to be seemless.

If Loopy is the only thing I need to touch on the screen now that I have a template setup, that is okay, but having to expand the mixer every time and push on a small button to open an app, press at least three more buttons to select a channel track and start recording, record a part, click to stop record, then minimize it, then minimize the mixer adds a lot of overhead when I only record external gear in my setup frequently while building songs. Especially when I'm ready to add another part and immediately have to go through the process to select another channel/track.

Hopefully all that makes sense. Helium seems so very close and gets me so much of what I want, this particular pain point just hits hard for my particular use case.

Thanks for listening.

Nice! I see that you're working at a very high level with Helium, and what you're describing makes perfect sense. I'll give it some thought and if there's anything that I can think of that might address some of the gaps you've pointed out, I'll post it here.

Best regards

I got helium because I wanted to MIDI map to a Launchpad to select different channels/tracks (like you can in Drambo) - but I couldn't find out how to do it. So I don't use Helium at the moment because of this - as I was using an iPad Mini and having to touch the screen to change channels/tracks was a real workflow killer. Really hope this feature is added - to midi map many od the settings.

That's the pain point in experiencing, yes.

If I have this correct, you're looking for a MIDI remote control to select the record destination - Track 1 - 16. If so, that seems like a pretty useful feature to add that would have a wide appeal, and we have two requests for it already, here, and I can add a 3rd. Paul has implemented many enhancements in the past based on user requests. The more people behind it the more likely it is to happen.

That is good news, and it certainly seems like something a lot of people would find helpful.

Yes, track select, and I think record, mute, and solo buttons would all be helpful and hopefully not over the top to implement compared to the other I mentioned. I think with those it would be possible to accomplish an awful lot without breaking workflow.

EdZAB

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@dmori said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:
Helium is getting me by for the moment, but I want to verify that there is no way to map a MIDI controller to map things like select channel, record, etc.

I looked through the manual, online, and for any clues in the UI, but it seems no, which is a serious sore point. I get there are options to automate all CC parameters, but it would have been amazing if some of those could be rerouted to internal controls, since no one (surely) will ever use all of them.

Those are some great questions, which I haven't considered much, because I'm so used to using the touch interface to do things like stop and start the transport. I'm not sure what you mean by "select channel," but would like to know more, however you can leverage the MIDI controls of your host application (such as AUM) to trigger and stop recording. For example, in AUM you can map a MIDI CC or a Note to the MIDI Control / Parameters / Transport to Start Play or Trigger Play, if you've armed the record in Helium and have Host Sync On, you can trigger the start and stop of recording remotely. In fact, you could theoretically have one instance of Helium doing the control functions and another Helium instance doing the playback or recording, or other actions in the instruments.

This might be outside the scope of your questions, but there's also the remote looping mode of Helium where you can trigger specific loops which you define in a Helium session, or cycle through them using song mode. What might be more relevant is that you can also trigger recording in Remote mode, for example use note G#2 to arm a loop for recording at the next pass. You can also cue loops and trigger loops with MIDI notes. If things along these lines would be relevant, I can point you to some more details on it.

The root of my workflow is speed, as fast as using a hardware sequencer like the MMT-8, Retrokits RK-008, or Novation Circuit Tracks.

I don't want to ever have to open the MIDI sequencer on the iPad or touch it once it's configured in a template.

I have Helium setup for output to all 16 channels in a template, so whenever I start a new project, I'm as close as I can be to ready to go and capture ideas. However, Helium doesn't seem to allow just recording whatever incoming MIDI channel is to the appropriate track, forcing me to open it every time, switching my context and focus out of Loopy to select the track I want to record on. I don't want that. If I must select the track to record on rather than the MIDI sequencer just recording whatever channel MIDI data is incoming at the time, then I want a way to map it to individual controller buttons, or, less ideally, at least up down buttons to move to the prev or next channel.

I have the Start/Pause in Loopy Pro mapped to a controller button so I can start playback or be prepared to record external gear at any time, but that doesn't help with the Helium Rec button. I don't want it on all the time as once I've recorded and auto-quantize the current part, I often tweak parameters on a synth to dial in sound, and also so that when I am ready to record, I can modify things like filter cutoff and frequency in real-time while Helium plays the sequence and Loopy records my performance into a clip. I can then start recording into a new clip either with another performance of the same sequence and synth sound, or change the synth sound to something else as the song progresses.

As with the hardware sequencers mentioned, while certainly there is some button press each time I want to record, I never have to open or look at anything at all, which means I can really focus on the creative aspect in the limited time I have without breaking flow.

Helium's remote mode, which I was excited about when I read it and was a factor in purchase, turns out not to support this workflow not least of which because it can't sync to host at the same time, which I need for the quick sequencing and then synced audio recording in Loopy.

I've evaluated 50+ iPad sequencers over the last few weeks to find the closest I could get and started with Helium, as it seemed the closest, but missed not being able to map control with hardware. The only other two on my list that seem like they support this workflow and appear to allow hardware mapping to control things like this are:

• Atom 2
• Drambo

The alternative is to buy a Retrokits RK-008 now so I have it waiting when I come back to the US for a few days in a couple of weeks. That is a quite a bit more expensive option that has additional components to buy I'm not sure about and am hoping to avoid, but after finally being able to write music again at all after over a year, I really need my workflow to be seemless.

If Loopy is the only thing I need to touch on the screen now that I have a template setup, that is okay, but having to expand the mixer every time and push on a small button to open an app, press at least three more buttons to select a channel track and start recording, record a part, click to stop record, then minimize it, then minimize the mixer adds a lot of overhead when I only record external gear in my setup frequently while building songs. Especially when I'm ready to add another part and immediately have to go through the process to select another channel/track.

Hopefully all that makes sense. Helium seems so very close and gets me so much of what I want, this particular pain point just hits hard for my particular use case.

Thanks for listening.

Nice! I see that you're working at a very high level with Helium, and what you're describing makes perfect sense. I'll give it some thought and if there's anything that I can think of that might address some of the gaps you've pointed out, I'll post it here.

Best regards

I got helium because I wanted to MIDI map to a Launchpad to select different channels/tracks (like you can in Drambo) - but I couldn't find out how to do it. So I don't use Helium at the moment because of this - as I was using an iPad Mini and having to touch the screen to change channels/tracks was a real workflow killer. Really hope this feature is added - to midi map many od the settings.

That's the pain point in experiencing, yes.

If I have this correct, you're looking for a MIDI remote control to select the record destination - Track 1 - 16. If so, that seems like a pretty useful feature to add that would have a wide appeal, and we have two requests for it already, here, and I can add a 3rd. Paul has implemented many enhancements in the past based on user requests. The more people behind it the more likely it is to happen.

That is good news, and it certainly seems like something a lot of people would find helpful.

Yes, track select, and I think record, mute, and solo buttons would all be helpful and hopefully not over the top to implement compared to the other I mentioned. I think with those it would be possible to accomplish an awful lot without breaking workflow.

There are AUv3 controls for Mute On/Off for Tracks 1-16 and also for Arm Record, if that's what you're thinking of. Adding a Solo track control would be nice too. It's interesting that there are so many ways to control track mutes, recording and playback for the loops and song mode, but only a few for the main screen.

EnergyCrush

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@dmori said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:
Helium is getting me by for the moment, but I want to verify that there is no way to map a MIDI controller to map things like select channel, record, etc.

I looked through the manual, online, and for any clues in the UI, but it seems no, which is a serious sore point. I get there are options to automate all CC parameters, but it would have been amazing if some of those could be rerouted to internal controls, since no one (surely) will ever use all of them.

Those are some great questions, which I haven't considered much, because I'm so used to using the touch interface to do things like stop and start the transport. I'm not sure what you mean by "select channel," but would like to know more, however you can leverage the MIDI controls of your host application (such as AUM) to trigger and stop recording. For example, in AUM you can map a MIDI CC or a Note to the MIDI Control / Parameters / Transport to Start Play or Trigger Play, if you've armed the record in Helium and have Host Sync On, you can trigger the start and stop of recording remotely. In fact, you could theoretically have one instance of Helium doing the control functions and another Helium instance doing the playback or recording, or other actions in the instruments.

This might be outside the scope of your questions, but there's also the remote looping mode of Helium where you can trigger specific loops which you define in a Helium session, or cycle through them using song mode. What might be more relevant is that you can also trigger recording in Remote mode, for example use note G#2 to arm a loop for recording at the next pass. You can also cue loops and trigger loops with MIDI notes. If things along these lines would be relevant, I can point you to some more details on it.

The root of my workflow is speed, as fast as using a hardware sequencer like the MMT-8, Retrokits RK-008, or Novation Circuit Tracks.

I don't want to ever have to open the MIDI sequencer on the iPad or touch it once it's configured in a template.

I have Helium setup for output to all 16 channels in a template, so whenever I start a new project, I'm as close as I can be to ready to go and capture ideas. However, Helium doesn't seem to allow just recording whatever incoming MIDI channel is to the appropriate track, forcing me to open it every time, switching my context and focus out of Loopy to select the track I want to record on. I don't want that. If I must select the track to record on rather than the MIDI sequencer just recording whatever channel MIDI data is incoming at the time, then I want a way to map it to individual controller buttons, or, less ideally, at least up down buttons to move to the prev or next channel.

I have the Start/Pause in Loopy Pro mapped to a controller button so I can start playback or be prepared to record external gear at any time, but that doesn't help with the Helium Rec button. I don't want it on all the time as once I've recorded and auto-quantize the current part, I often tweak parameters on a synth to dial in sound, and also so that when I am ready to record, I can modify things like filter cutoff and frequency in real-time while Helium plays the sequence and Loopy records my performance into a clip. I can then start recording into a new clip either with another performance of the same sequence and synth sound, or change the synth sound to something else as the song progresses.

As with the hardware sequencers mentioned, while certainly there is some button press each time I want to record, I never have to open or look at anything at all, which means I can really focus on the creative aspect in the limited time I have without breaking flow.

Helium's remote mode, which I was excited about when I read it and was a factor in purchase, turns out not to support this workflow not least of which because it can't sync to host at the same time, which I need for the quick sequencing and then synced audio recording in Loopy.

I've evaluated 50+ iPad sequencers over the last few weeks to find the closest I could get and started with Helium, as it seemed the closest, but missed not being able to map control with hardware. The only other two on my list that seem like they support this workflow and appear to allow hardware mapping to control things like this are:

• Atom 2
• Drambo

The alternative is to buy a Retrokits RK-008 now so I have it waiting when I come back to the US for a few days in a couple of weeks. That is a quite a bit more expensive option that has additional components to buy I'm not sure about and am hoping to avoid, but after finally being able to write music again at all after over a year, I really need my workflow to be seemless.

If Loopy is the only thing I need to touch on the screen now that I have a template setup, that is okay, but having to expand the mixer every time and push on a small button to open an app, press at least three more buttons to select a channel track and start recording, record a part, click to stop record, then minimize it, then minimize the mixer adds a lot of overhead when I only record external gear in my setup frequently while building songs. Especially when I'm ready to add another part and immediately have to go through the process to select another channel/track.

Hopefully all that makes sense. Helium seems so very close and gets me so much of what I want, this particular pain point just hits hard for my particular use case.

Thanks for listening.

Nice! I see that you're working at a very high level with Helium, and what you're describing makes perfect sense. I'll give it some thought and if there's anything that I can think of that might address some of the gaps you've pointed out, I'll post it here.

Best regards

I got helium because I wanted to MIDI map to a Launchpad to select different channels/tracks (like you can in Drambo) - but I couldn't find out how to do it. So I don't use Helium at the moment because of this - as I was using an iPad Mini and having to touch the screen to change channels/tracks was a real workflow killer. Really hope this feature is added - to midi map many od the settings.

That's the pain point in experiencing, yes.

If I have this correct, you're looking for a MIDI remote control to select the record destination - Track 1 - 16. If so, that seems like a pretty useful feature to add that would have a wide appeal, and we have two requests for it already, here, and I can add a 3rd. Paul has implemented many enhancements in the past based on user requests. The more people behind it the more likely it is to happen.

That is good news, and it certainly seems like something a lot of people would find helpful.

Yes, track select, and I think record, mute, and solo buttons would all be helpful and hopefully not over the top to implement compared to the other I mentioned. I think with those it would be possible to accomplish an awful lot without breaking workflow.

There are AUv3 controls for Mute On/Off for Tracks 1-16 and also for Arm Record, if that's what you're thinking of. Adding a Solo track control would be nice too. It's interesting that there are so many ways to control track mutes, recording and playback for the loops and song mode, but only a few for the main screen.

There are already mappable mute and arm settings? I know I can mute the MIDI out from Helium on the Loopy Pro channel, which is helpful, but have not been able to find any way to map to anything inside Helium when loaded as an AUv3.

I may be misunderstanding what you mean though.

EdZAB

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@dmori said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:
Helium is getting me by for the moment, but I want to verify that there is no way to map a MIDI controller to map things like select channel, record, etc.

I looked through the manual, online, and for any clues in the UI, but it seems no, which is a serious sore point. I get there are options to automate all CC parameters, but it would have been amazing if some of those could be rerouted to internal controls, since no one (surely) will ever use all of them.

Those are some great questions, which I haven't considered much, because I'm so used to using the touch interface to do things like stop and start the transport. I'm not sure what you mean by "select channel," but would like to know more, however you can leverage the MIDI controls of your host application (such as AUM) to trigger and stop recording. For example, in AUM you can map a MIDI CC or a Note to the MIDI Control / Parameters / Transport to Start Play or Trigger Play, if you've armed the record in Helium and have Host Sync On, you can trigger the start and stop of recording remotely. In fact, you could theoretically have one instance of Helium doing the control functions and another Helium instance doing the playback or recording, or other actions in the instruments.

This might be outside the scope of your questions, but there's also the remote looping mode of Helium where you can trigger specific loops which you define in a Helium session, or cycle through them using song mode. What might be more relevant is that you can also trigger recording in Remote mode, for example use note G#2 to arm a loop for recording at the next pass. You can also cue loops and trigger loops with MIDI notes. If things along these lines would be relevant, I can point you to some more details on it.

The root of my workflow is speed, as fast as using a hardware sequencer like the MMT-8, Retrokits RK-008, or Novation Circuit Tracks.

I don't want to ever have to open the MIDI sequencer on the iPad or touch it once it's configured in a template.

I have Helium setup for output to all 16 channels in a template, so whenever I start a new project, I'm as close as I can be to ready to go and capture ideas. However, Helium doesn't seem to allow just recording whatever incoming MIDI channel is to the appropriate track, forcing me to open it every time, switching my context and focus out of Loopy to select the track I want to record on. I don't want that. If I must select the track to record on rather than the MIDI sequencer just recording whatever channel MIDI data is incoming at the time, then I want a way to map it to individual controller buttons, or, less ideally, at least up down buttons to move to the prev or next channel.

I have the Start/Pause in Loopy Pro mapped to a controller button so I can start playback or be prepared to record external gear at any time, but that doesn't help with the Helium Rec button. I don't want it on all the time as once I've recorded and auto-quantize the current part, I often tweak parameters on a synth to dial in sound, and also so that when I am ready to record, I can modify things like filter cutoff and frequency in real-time while Helium plays the sequence and Loopy records my performance into a clip. I can then start recording into a new clip either with another performance of the same sequence and synth sound, or change the synth sound to something else as the song progresses.

As with the hardware sequencers mentioned, while certainly there is some button press each time I want to record, I never have to open or look at anything at all, which means I can really focus on the creative aspect in the limited time I have without breaking flow.

Helium's remote mode, which I was excited about when I read it and was a factor in purchase, turns out not to support this workflow not least of which because it can't sync to host at the same time, which I need for the quick sequencing and then synced audio recording in Loopy.

I've evaluated 50+ iPad sequencers over the last few weeks to find the closest I could get and started with Helium, as it seemed the closest, but missed not being able to map control with hardware. The only other two on my list that seem like they support this workflow and appear to allow hardware mapping to control things like this are:

• Atom 2
• Drambo

The alternative is to buy a Retrokits RK-008 now so I have it waiting when I come back to the US for a few days in a couple of weeks. That is a quite a bit more expensive option that has additional components to buy I'm not sure about and am hoping to avoid, but after finally being able to write music again at all after over a year, I really need my workflow to be seemless.

If Loopy is the only thing I need to touch on the screen now that I have a template setup, that is okay, but having to expand the mixer every time and push on a small button to open an app, press at least three more buttons to select a channel track and start recording, record a part, click to stop record, then minimize it, then minimize the mixer adds a lot of overhead when I only record external gear in my setup frequently while building songs. Especially when I'm ready to add another part and immediately have to go through the process to select another channel/track.

Hopefully all that makes sense. Helium seems so very close and gets me so much of what I want, this particular pain point just hits hard for my particular use case.

Thanks for listening.

Nice! I see that you're working at a very high level with Helium, and what you're describing makes perfect sense. I'll give it some thought and if there's anything that I can think of that might address some of the gaps you've pointed out, I'll post it here.

Best regards

I got helium because I wanted to MIDI map to a Launchpad to select different channels/tracks (like you can in Drambo) - but I couldn't find out how to do it. So I don't use Helium at the moment because of this - as I was using an iPad Mini and having to touch the screen to change channels/tracks was a real workflow killer. Really hope this feature is added - to midi map many od the settings.

That's the pain point in experiencing, yes.

If I have this correct, you're looking for a MIDI remote control to select the record destination - Track 1 - 16. If so, that seems like a pretty useful feature to add that would have a wide appeal, and we have two requests for it already, here, and I can add a 3rd. Paul has implemented many enhancements in the past based on user requests. The more people behind it the more likely it is to happen.

That is good news, and it certainly seems like something a lot of people would find helpful.

Yes, track select, and I think record, mute, and solo buttons would all be helpful and hopefully not over the top to implement compared to the other I mentioned. I think with those it would be possible to accomplish an awful lot without breaking workflow.

There are AUv3 controls for Mute On/Off for Tracks 1-16 and also for Arm Record, if that's what you're thinking of. Adding a Solo track control would be nice too. It's interesting that there are so many ways to control track mutes, recording and playback for the loops and song mode, but only a few for the main screen.

There are already mappable mute and arm settings? I know I can mute the MIDI out from Helium on the Loopy Pro channel, which is helpful, but have not been able to find any way to map to anything inside Helium when loaded as an AUv3.

I may be misunderstanding what you mean though.

I hope I’m on the right track here. Using Loopy Pro so I pulled up the AU parameters list from there. You can send to those from an external device through the host (LP) to Helium.

dmori

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@dmori said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:
Helium is getting me by for the moment, but I want to verify that there is no way to map a MIDI controller to map things like select channel, record, etc.

I looked through the manual, online, and for any clues in the UI, but it seems no, which is a serious sore point. I get there are options to automate all CC parameters, but it would have been amazing if some of those could be rerouted to internal controls, since no one (surely) will ever use all of them.

Those are some great questions, which I haven't considered much, because I'm so used to using the touch interface to do things like stop and start the transport. I'm not sure what you mean by "select channel," but would like to know more, however you can leverage the MIDI controls of your host application (such as AUM) to trigger and stop recording. For example, in AUM you can map a MIDI CC or a Note to the MIDI Control / Parameters / Transport to Start Play or Trigger Play, if you've armed the record in Helium and have Host Sync On, you can trigger the start and stop of recording remotely. In fact, you could theoretically have one instance of Helium doing the control functions and another Helium instance doing the playback or recording, or other actions in the instruments.

This might be outside the scope of your questions, but there's also the remote looping mode of Helium where you can trigger specific loops which you define in a Helium session, or cycle through them using song mode. What might be more relevant is that you can also trigger recording in Remote mode, for example use note G#2 to arm a loop for recording at the next pass. You can also cue loops and trigger loops with MIDI notes. If things along these lines would be relevant, I can point you to some more details on it.

The root of my workflow is speed, as fast as using a hardware sequencer like the MMT-8, Retrokits RK-008, or Novation Circuit Tracks.

I don't want to ever have to open the MIDI sequencer on the iPad or touch it once it's configured in a template.

I have Helium setup for output to all 16 channels in a template, so whenever I start a new project, I'm as close as I can be to ready to go and capture ideas. However, Helium doesn't seem to allow just recording whatever incoming MIDI channel is to the appropriate track, forcing me to open it every time, switching my context and focus out of Loopy to select the track I want to record on. I don't want that. If I must select the track to record on rather than the MIDI sequencer just recording whatever channel MIDI data is incoming at the time, then I want a way to map it to individual controller buttons, or, less ideally, at least up down buttons to move to the prev or next channel.

I have the Start/Pause in Loopy Pro mapped to a controller button so I can start playback or be prepared to record external gear at any time, but that doesn't help with the Helium Rec button. I don't want it on all the time as once I've recorded and auto-quantize the current part, I often tweak parameters on a synth to dial in sound, and also so that when I am ready to record, I can modify things like filter cutoff and frequency in real-time while Helium plays the sequence and Loopy records my performance into a clip. I can then start recording into a new clip either with another performance of the same sequence and synth sound, or change the synth sound to something else as the song progresses.

As with the hardware sequencers mentioned, while certainly there is some button press each time I want to record, I never have to open or look at anything at all, which means I can really focus on the creative aspect in the limited time I have without breaking flow.

Helium's remote mode, which I was excited about when I read it and was a factor in purchase, turns out not to support this workflow not least of which because it can't sync to host at the same time, which I need for the quick sequencing and then synced audio recording in Loopy.

I've evaluated 50+ iPad sequencers over the last few weeks to find the closest I could get and started with Helium, as it seemed the closest, but missed not being able to map control with hardware. The only other two on my list that seem like they support this workflow and appear to allow hardware mapping to control things like this are:

• Atom 2
• Drambo

The alternative is to buy a Retrokits RK-008 now so I have it waiting when I come back to the US for a few days in a couple of weeks. That is a quite a bit more expensive option that has additional components to buy I'm not sure about and am hoping to avoid, but after finally being able to write music again at all after over a year, I really need my workflow to be seemless.

If Loopy is the only thing I need to touch on the screen now that I have a template setup, that is okay, but having to expand the mixer every time and push on a small button to open an app, press at least three more buttons to select a channel track and start recording, record a part, click to stop record, then minimize it, then minimize the mixer adds a lot of overhead when I only record external gear in my setup frequently while building songs. Especially when I'm ready to add another part and immediately have to go through the process to select another channel/track.

Hopefully all that makes sense. Helium seems so very close and gets me so much of what I want, this particular pain point just hits hard for my particular use case.

Thanks for listening.

Nice! I see that you're working at a very high level with Helium, and what you're describing makes perfect sense. I'll give it some thought and if there's anything that I can think of that might address some of the gaps you've pointed out, I'll post it here.

Best regards

I got helium because I wanted to MIDI map to a Launchpad to select different channels/tracks (like you can in Drambo) - but I couldn't find out how to do it. So I don't use Helium at the moment because of this - as I was using an iPad Mini and having to touch the screen to change channels/tracks was a real workflow killer. Really hope this feature is added - to midi map many od the settings.

That's the pain point in experiencing, yes.

If I have this correct, you're looking for a MIDI remote control to select the record destination - Track 1 - 16. If so, that seems like a pretty useful feature to add that would have a wide appeal, and we have two requests for it already, here, and I can add a 3rd. Paul has implemented many enhancements in the past based on user requests. The more people behind it the more likely it is to happen.

That is good news, and it certainly seems like something a lot of people would find helpful.

Yes, track select, and I think record, mute, and solo buttons would all be helpful and hopefully not over the top to implement compared to the other I mentioned. I think with those it would be possible to accomplish an awful lot without breaking workflow.

There are AUv3 controls for Mute On/Off for Tracks 1-16 and also for Arm Record, if that's what you're thinking of. Adding a Solo track control would be nice too. It's interesting that there are so many ways to control track mutes, recording and playback for the loops and song mode, but only a few for the main screen.

There are already mappable mute and arm settings? I know I can mute the MIDI out from Helium on the Loopy Pro channel, which is helpful, but have not been able to find any way to map to anything inside Helium when loaded as an AUv3.

I may be misunderstanding what you mean though.

I hope I’m on the right track here. Using Loopy Pro so I pulled up the AU parameters list from there. You can send to those from an external device through the host (LP) to Helium.

__

In AUM I see these settings in MIDI CONTROL > Channels > MIDI 1 > Helium

However I only see one Record (not 16 Record on/off for each track) - so don't understand how I would setup a custom MIDI CC for each Track to toggle Record on/off.

Like Drambo, I'd like to be able to switch from track 1 to track 2 pressing a MIDI Controller - Then be able to toggle Record on/off for active track. Record to track. Stop recording. Go to another track and do the same thing all from a MIDI controller.

This is what I've never worked out to do, so if this is possible, do you know how to set this up and achieve this?

This way I can stay in flow when creating. It's a real flow killer to have to go to a new track using touch screen each time to record something - so that's why I don't use it. I'd love to be able to use it and integrate it in my workflow.

EdZAB

@dmori said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@dmori said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:
Helium is getting me by for the moment, but I want to verify that there is no way to map a MIDI controller to map things like select channel, record, etc.

I looked through the manual, online, and for any clues in the UI, but it seems no, which is a serious sore point. I get there are options to automate all CC parameters, but it would have been amazing if some of those could be rerouted to internal controls, since no one (surely) will ever use all of them.

Those are some great questions, which I haven't considered much, because I'm so used to using the touch interface to do things like stop and start the transport. I'm not sure what you mean by "select channel," but would like to know more, however you can leverage the MIDI controls of your host application (such as AUM) to trigger and stop recording. For example, in AUM you can map a MIDI CC or a Note to the MIDI Control / Parameters / Transport to Start Play or Trigger Play, if you've armed the record in Helium and have Host Sync On, you can trigger the start and stop of recording remotely. In fact, you could theoretically have one instance of Helium doing the control functions and another Helium instance doing the playback or recording, or other actions in the instruments.

This might be outside the scope of your questions, but there's also the remote looping mode of Helium where you can trigger specific loops which you define in a Helium session, or cycle through them using song mode. What might be more relevant is that you can also trigger recording in Remote mode, for example use note G#2 to arm a loop for recording at the next pass. You can also cue loops and trigger loops with MIDI notes. If things along these lines would be relevant, I can point you to some more details on it.

The root of my workflow is speed, as fast as using a hardware sequencer like the MMT-8, Retrokits RK-008, or Novation Circuit Tracks.

I don't want to ever have to open the MIDI sequencer on the iPad or touch it once it's configured in a template.

I have Helium setup for output to all 16 channels in a template, so whenever I start a new project, I'm as close as I can be to ready to go and capture ideas. However, Helium doesn't seem to allow just recording whatever incoming MIDI channel is to the appropriate track, forcing me to open it every time, switching my context and focus out of Loopy to select the track I want to record on. I don't want that. If I must select the track to record on rather than the MIDI sequencer just recording whatever channel MIDI data is incoming at the time, then I want a way to map it to individual controller buttons, or, less ideally, at least up down buttons to move to the prev or next channel.

I have the Start/Pause in Loopy Pro mapped to a controller button so I can start playback or be prepared to record external gear at any time, but that doesn't help with the Helium Rec button. I don't want it on all the time as once I've recorded and auto-quantize the current part, I often tweak parameters on a synth to dial in sound, and also so that when I am ready to record, I can modify things like filter cutoff and frequency in real-time while Helium plays the sequence and Loopy records my performance into a clip. I can then start recording into a new clip either with another performance of the same sequence and synth sound, or change the synth sound to something else as the song progresses.

As with the hardware sequencers mentioned, while certainly there is some button press each time I want to record, I never have to open or look at anything at all, which means I can really focus on the creative aspect in the limited time I have without breaking flow.

Helium's remote mode, which I was excited about when I read it and was a factor in purchase, turns out not to support this workflow not least of which because it can't sync to host at the same time, which I need for the quick sequencing and then synced audio recording in Loopy.

I've evaluated 50+ iPad sequencers over the last few weeks to find the closest I could get and started with Helium, as it seemed the closest, but missed not being able to map control with hardware. The only other two on my list that seem like they support this workflow and appear to allow hardware mapping to control things like this are:

• Atom 2
• Drambo

The alternative is to buy a Retrokits RK-008 now so I have it waiting when I come back to the US for a few days in a couple of weeks. That is a quite a bit more expensive option that has additional components to buy I'm not sure about and am hoping to avoid, but after finally being able to write music again at all after over a year, I really need my workflow to be seemless.

If Loopy is the only thing I need to touch on the screen now that I have a template setup, that is okay, but having to expand the mixer every time and push on a small button to open an app, press at least three more buttons to select a channel track and start recording, record a part, click to stop record, then minimize it, then minimize the mixer adds a lot of overhead when I only record external gear in my setup frequently while building songs. Especially when I'm ready to add another part and immediately have to go through the process to select another channel/track.

Hopefully all that makes sense. Helium seems so very close and gets me so much of what I want, this particular pain point just hits hard for my particular use case.

Thanks for listening.

Nice! I see that you're working at a very high level with Helium, and what you're describing makes perfect sense. I'll give it some thought and if there's anything that I can think of that might address some of the gaps you've pointed out, I'll post it here.

Best regards

I got helium because I wanted to MIDI map to a Launchpad to select different channels/tracks (like you can in Drambo) - but I couldn't find out how to do it. So I don't use Helium at the moment because of this - as I was using an iPad Mini and having to touch the screen to change channels/tracks was a real workflow killer. Really hope this feature is added - to midi map many od the settings.

That's the pain point in experiencing, yes.

If I have this correct, you're looking for a MIDI remote control to select the record destination - Track 1 - 16. If so, that seems like a pretty useful feature to add that would have a wide appeal, and we have two requests for it already, here, and I can add a 3rd. Paul has implemented many enhancements in the past based on user requests. The more people behind it the more likely it is to happen.

That is good news, and it certainly seems like something a lot of people would find helpful.

Yes, track select, and I think record, mute, and solo buttons would all be helpful and hopefully not over the top to implement compared to the other I mentioned. I think with those it would be possible to accomplish an awful lot without breaking workflow.

There are AUv3 controls for Mute On/Off for Tracks 1-16 and also for Arm Record, if that's what you're thinking of. Adding a Solo track control would be nice too. It's interesting that there are so many ways to control track mutes, recording and playback for the loops and song mode, but only a few for the main screen.

There are already mappable mute and arm settings? I know I can mute the MIDI out from Helium on the Loopy Pro channel, which is helpful, but have not been able to find any way to map to anything inside Helium when loaded as an AUv3.

I may be misunderstanding what you mean though.

I hope I’m on the right track here. Using Loopy Pro so I pulled up the AU parameters list from there. You can send to those from an external device through the host (LP) to Helium.

__

In AUM I see these settings in MIDI CONTROL > Channels > MIDI 1 > Helium

However I only see one Record (not 16 Record on/off for each track) - so don't understand how I would setup a custom MIDI CC for each Track to toggle Record on/off.

Like Drambo, I'd like to be able to switch from track 1 to track 2 pressing a MIDI Controller - Then be able to toggle Record on/off for active track. Record to track. Stop recording. Go to another track and do the same thing all from a MIDI controller.

This is what I've never worked out to do, so if this is possible, do you know how to set this up and achieve this?

This way I can stay in flow when creating. It's a real flow killer to have to go to a new track using touch screen each time to record something - so that's why I don't use it. I'd love to be able to use it and integrate it in my workflow.

@dmori - You are correct. The record arm can be toggled on/off via MIDI but the channel selection for recording is not available that way. I’ve suggested that we get anyone who wants that feature to chime in so it can be requested from Paul the developer.

iamspoon

I’d also like to see ‘Undo’ exposed as an AU parameter so I could map it to a MIDI controller.
It functions really well when ‘undoing’ while loop recording but it’s a shame it can’t be remotely triggered.
I undo a lot.

dmori

@EdZAB said:

@dmori said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@dmori said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:
Helium is getting me by for the moment, but I want to verify that there is no way to map a MIDI controller to map things like select channel, record, etc.

I looked through the manual, online, and for any clues in the UI, but it seems no, which is a serious sore point. I get there are options to automate all CC parameters, but it would have been amazing if some of those could be rerouted to internal controls, since no one (surely) will ever use all of them.

Those are some great questions, which I haven't considered much, because I'm so used to using the touch interface to do things like stop and start the transport. I'm not sure what you mean by "select channel," but would like to know more, however you can leverage the MIDI controls of your host application (such as AUM) to trigger and stop recording. For example, in AUM you can map a MIDI CC or a Note to the MIDI Control / Parameters / Transport to Start Play or Trigger Play, if you've armed the record in Helium and have Host Sync On, you can trigger the start and stop of recording remotely. In fact, you could theoretically have one instance of Helium doing the control functions and another Helium instance doing the playback or recording, or other actions in the instruments.

This might be outside the scope of your questions, but there's also the remote looping mode of Helium where you can trigger specific loops which you define in a Helium session, or cycle through them using song mode. What might be more relevant is that you can also trigger recording in Remote mode, for example use note G#2 to arm a loop for recording at the next pass. You can also cue loops and trigger loops with MIDI notes. If things along these lines would be relevant, I can point you to some more details on it.

The root of my workflow is speed, as fast as using a hardware sequencer like the MMT-8, Retrokits RK-008, or Novation Circuit Tracks.

I don't want to ever have to open the MIDI sequencer on the iPad or touch it once it's configured in a template.

I have Helium setup for output to all 16 channels in a template, so whenever I start a new project, I'm as close as I can be to ready to go and capture ideas. However, Helium doesn't seem to allow just recording whatever incoming MIDI channel is to the appropriate track, forcing me to open it every time, switching my context and focus out of Loopy to select the track I want to record on. I don't want that. If I must select the track to record on rather than the MIDI sequencer just recording whatever channel MIDI data is incoming at the time, then I want a way to map it to individual controller buttons, or, less ideally, at least up down buttons to move to the prev or next channel.

I have the Start/Pause in Loopy Pro mapped to a controller button so I can start playback or be prepared to record external gear at any time, but that doesn't help with the Helium Rec button. I don't want it on all the time as once I've recorded and auto-quantize the current part, I often tweak parameters on a synth to dial in sound, and also so that when I am ready to record, I can modify things like filter cutoff and frequency in real-time while Helium plays the sequence and Loopy records my performance into a clip. I can then start recording into a new clip either with another performance of the same sequence and synth sound, or change the synth sound to something else as the song progresses.

As with the hardware sequencers mentioned, while certainly there is some button press each time I want to record, I never have to open or look at anything at all, which means I can really focus on the creative aspect in the limited time I have without breaking flow.

Helium's remote mode, which I was excited about when I read it and was a factor in purchase, turns out not to support this workflow not least of which because it can't sync to host at the same time, which I need for the quick sequencing and then synced audio recording in Loopy.

I've evaluated 50+ iPad sequencers over the last few weeks to find the closest I could get and started with Helium, as it seemed the closest, but missed not being able to map control with hardware. The only other two on my list that seem like they support this workflow and appear to allow hardware mapping to control things like this are:

• Atom 2
• Drambo

The alternative is to buy a Retrokits RK-008 now so I have it waiting when I come back to the US for a few days in a couple of weeks. That is a quite a bit more expensive option that has additional components to buy I'm not sure about and am hoping to avoid, but after finally being able to write music again at all after over a year, I really need my workflow to be seemless.

If Loopy is the only thing I need to touch on the screen now that I have a template setup, that is okay, but having to expand the mixer every time and push on a small button to open an app, press at least three more buttons to select a channel track and start recording, record a part, click to stop record, then minimize it, then minimize the mixer adds a lot of overhead when I only record external gear in my setup frequently while building songs. Especially when I'm ready to add another part and immediately have to go through the process to select another channel/track.

Hopefully all that makes sense. Helium seems so very close and gets me so much of what I want, this particular pain point just hits hard for my particular use case.

Thanks for listening.

Nice! I see that you're working at a very high level with Helium, and what you're describing makes perfect sense. I'll give it some thought and if there's anything that I can think of that might address some of the gaps you've pointed out, I'll post it here.

Best regards

I got helium because I wanted to MIDI map to a Launchpad to select different channels/tracks (like you can in Drambo) - but I couldn't find out how to do it. So I don't use Helium at the moment because of this - as I was using an iPad Mini and having to touch the screen to change channels/tracks was a real workflow killer. Really hope this feature is added - to midi map many od the settings.

That's the pain point in experiencing, yes.

If I have this correct, you're looking for a MIDI remote control to select the record destination - Track 1 - 16. If so, that seems like a pretty useful feature to add that would have a wide appeal, and we have two requests for it already, here, and I can add a 3rd. Paul has implemented many enhancements in the past based on user requests. The more people behind it the more likely it is to happen.

That is good news, and it certainly seems like something a lot of people would find helpful.

Yes, track select, and I think record, mute, and solo buttons would all be helpful and hopefully not over the top to implement compared to the other I mentioned. I think with those it would be possible to accomplish an awful lot without breaking workflow.

There are AUv3 controls for Mute On/Off for Tracks 1-16 and also for Arm Record, if that's what you're thinking of. Adding a Solo track control would be nice too. It's interesting that there are so many ways to control track mutes, recording and playback for the loops and song mode, but only a few for the main screen.

There are already mappable mute and arm settings? I know I can mute the MIDI out from Helium on the Loopy Pro channel, which is helpful, but have not been able to find any way to map to anything inside Helium when loaded as an AUv3.

I may be misunderstanding what you mean though.

I hope I’m on the right track here. Using Loopy Pro so I pulled up the AU parameters list from there. You can send to those from an external device through the host (LP) to Helium.

__

In AUM I see these settings in MIDI CONTROL > Channels > MIDI 1 > Helium

However I only see one Record (not 16 Record on/off for each track) - so don't understand how I would setup a custom MIDI CC for each Track to toggle Record on/off.

Like Drambo, I'd like to be able to switch from track 1 to track 2 pressing a MIDI Controller - Then be able to toggle Record on/off for active track. Record to track. Stop recording. Go to another track and do the same thing all from a MIDI controller.

This is what I've never worked out to do, so if this is possible, do you know how to set this up and achieve this?

This way I can stay in flow when creating. It's a real flow killer to have to go to a new track using touch screen each time to record something - so that's why I don't use it. I'd love to be able to use it and integrate it in my workflow.

@dmori - You are correct. The record arm can be toggled on/off via MIDI but the channel selection for recording is not available that way. I’ve suggested that we get anyone who wants that feature to chime in so it can be requested from Paul the developer.

What's the best way to get in contact and message Paul the developer?

This was the reason I bought it for it ticked all the boxes in so many different areas, and I just expected that mapping was possible. I was using Drambo for MIDI in AUM but I kept finding it often didn't record the first note - so hunted for a better solution. Unfortunately it had this key functionality missing.

EnergyCrush

@iamspoon said:
I’d also like to see ‘Undo’ exposed as an AU parameter so I could map it to a MIDI controller.
It functions really well when ‘undoing’ while loop recording but it’s a shame it can’t be remotely triggered.
I undo a lot.

This would be great too, I've had to do this when accidentally adding MIDI CC I didn't mean to.

EdZAB

What's the best way to get in contact and message Paul the developer?

This was the reason I bought it for it ticked all the boxes in so many different areas, and I just expected that mapping was possible. I was using Drambo for MIDI in AUM but I kept finding it often didn't record the first note - so hunted for a better solution. Unfortunately it had this key functionality missing.

I just asked Paul recently, and the best way is to contact him over email:

Let’s see how many people we can get on board with each feature. I’ve started a list below. We should list them in terms of priority, I think, and then decide what is a reasonable number of changes to request. I think one or two, but we can see.

So far:

(1) Add ability to select track destination for recording (1-16) and make it available via AUv3 parameter for MIDI control.
(2) Add ability to change track focus as an AUv3 parameter for MIDI control.
(3) Add undo as an AUv3 parameter for MIDI control.

I suspect 2 might be redundant if 1 is implemented, but I can see someone wanting to be able to change the track focus via remote MIDI even if not for recording purposes.

Mouse_SF

If I close my eyes and click my heels together will 4Pockets add or expose current MIDI channel selection to be switchable via MIDI control? Pretty Please?

EnergyCrush

@EdZAB said:

What's the best way to get in contact and message Paul the developer?

This was the reason I bought it for it ticked all the boxes in so many different areas, and I just expected that mapping was possible. I was using Drambo for MIDI in AUM but I kept finding it often didn't record the first note - so hunted for a better solution. Unfortunately it had this key functionality missing.

I just asked Paul recently, and the best way is to contact him over email:

Let’s see how many people we can get on board with each feature. I’ve started a list below. We should list them in terms of priority, I think, and then decide what is a reasonable number of changes to request. I think one or two, but we can see.

So far:

(1) Add ability to select track destination for recording (1-16) and make it available via AUv3 parameter for MIDI control.
(2) Add ability to change track focus as an AUv3 parameter for MIDI control.
(3) Add undo as an AUv3 parameter for MIDI control.

I suspect 2 might be redundant if 1 is implemented, but I can see someone wanting to be able to change the track focus via remote MIDI even if not for recording purposes.

I somehow completely missed this post

There is a current post about being able to record on multiple MIDI channels at once, which is much closer in concept to the MMT-8 and other hardware sequencer implementations I had envisioned initially, and I'm wondering what makes the most sense here now.

For me, ideally it would work this way, and I'd only need them to worry about being able to enable recording for a given channel with a button press. While I myself typically wouldn't record more than one channel at a time, I would actually prefer each track listening to a specific channel rather than a global channel. I'm not at my iPad now but I don't think this is currently an option.

I wish there was a way to have an open discussion with interested people and the dev on this at the same time, as I think there are a lot of ways this could go, if the developer was open to making changes around this, but I think we would want it to be a single refined and sensible request - well, with being able to map at all being a separate one, but I think more straight-forward.

Thoughts?

EdZAB

@EnergyCrush - I wondered about that 🙂. Exactly my thought - if we can hit up Paul and attach multiple names to the request, and even get some others to provide votes or something that would be a compelling argument. Regarding the recording on multiple channels, personally, that would be my #1 choice, which might cover both needs.

FlowingRobes

Hi,

I'm the multiple channel record guy:-)

Haven't reached out yet.....how can I help ? Just by emailing Paul with the request? Or a group request somehow?
I'm all for all there of your requests, but can I add the multi channel part?

Mouse_SF

I’m 100% behind those changes and #1 is right where it should be. Come On Paul let’s make a great thing even greater!

EnergyCrush

@EdZAB @dmori @iamspoon @Mouse_SF @FlowingRobes

We just got back from vacation last night. If you're okay giving me a moment, I'd like to go back through some of the comments and put together a breakdown on this to see if we can narrow down to a specific ask or two.

From quick catch up, I think one primary ask is just exposing internal controls to MIDI CC. Just given how the app is structured, what seems like it would be the most straightforward to implement is allowing redirection of any current MIDI CC control map to app parameters. It makes sense at present why there aren't any internal mappings so far, as it was designed to be able to record and pass any or those through to sound sources.

I think the first knot after that comes around MIDI CC channels. At present, it seems you can only accept either a single MIDI channel or all MIDI channels at the global level, but that the app treats input from any channel as non-channel specific to record into the currently selected track, which then has its own assignment to a specific MIDI channel out.

To be able to record on multiple channels simultaneously, it seems a fundamental corollary ask here would be allowing for assignment of MIDI In channel per track rather than just out. This would allow for simultaneously listens across multiple tracks. If that seems reasonable, wouldn't be sufficient to ask that there is just default MIDI In assignment, meaning, channel 1 goes to track 1, channel 2 to track 2, etc? I believe this would mimic behavior like the MMT-8 and other hardware sequencers, and may be sufficient by itself. That said, I've certainly had happen accidents with the same MIDI channel assigned In/Out to multiple tracks, and in some cases it is helpful to have separate tracks for the same channel. So alternatively, the ask could be for being able to assign any MIDI In channel to any track.

I think having either of those options would possibly make a track/select option moot, but it's an open question to everyone interested to see if there are other use cases to consider.

Following that would be considering options around record/arming per track. I think if track selection does turn out to be unnecessary given MIDI In assignment, there is still a case for a MIDI CC assignable per track record button, as well as solo/mute options.

And yes, it would probably be good to come up with an initial assignable mapping ask, including an undo option.

Thoughts?

dmori

@EnergyCrush said:
@EdZAB @dmori @iamspoon @Mouse_SF @FlowingRobes

We just got back from vacation last night. If you're okay giving me a moment, I'd like to go back through some of the comments and put together a breakdown on this to see if we can narrow down to a specific ask or two.

From quick catch up, I think one primary ask is just exposing internal controls to MIDI CC. Just given how the app is structured, what seems like it would be the most straightforward to implement is allowing redirection of any current MIDI CC control map to app parameters. It makes sense at present why there aren't any internal mappings so far, as it was designed to be able to record and pass any or those through to sound sources.

I think the first knot after that comes around MIDI CC channels. At present, it seems you can only accept either a single MIDI channel or all MIDI channels at the global level, but that the app treats input from any channel as non-channel specific to record into the currently selected track, which then has its own assignment to a specific MIDI channel out.

To be able to record on multiple channels simultaneously, it seems a fundamental corollary ask here would be allowing for assignment of MIDI In channel per track rather than just out. This would allow for simultaneously listens across multiple tracks. If that seems reasonable, wouldn't be sufficient to ask that there is just default MIDI In assignment, meaning, channel 1 goes to track 1, channel 2 to track 2, etc? I believe this would mimic behavior like the MMT-8 and other hardware sequencers, and may be sufficient by itself. That said, I've certainly had happen accidents with the same MIDI channel assigned In/Out to multiple tracks, and in some cases it is helpful to have separate tracks for the same channel. So alternatively, the ask could be for being able to assign any MIDI In channel to any track.

I think having either of those options would possibly make a track/select option moot, but it's an open question to everyone interested to see if there are other use cases to consider.

Following that would be considering options around record/arming per track. I think if track selection does turn out to be unnecessary given MIDI In assignment, there is still a case for a MIDI CC assignable per track record button, as well as solo/mute options.

And yes, it would probably be good to come up with an initial assignable mapping ask, including an undo option.

Thoughts?

All sounds good.

QUO

Quick question for Helium experts:
Are you locked into global loop points for all tracks?
For instance, say I noodle around and play 8 bars on Track 1, but I only want to use bar 5 & 6 looped.
Then on Track 2 same deal, little MIDI jam for 16 bars but only bars 9-12 are useable, and I want to just loop these 4 bars for Track 2 only.
I seem to be locked into the bar 5-6 2 bar loop set on Track 1 for all 16 tracks?
This can’t be correct is it?
Being able to set the loops points freely on each of the 16 tracks seems to be obvious is it not?
Please let me know if I missed a setting or something silly.

EdZAB

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@dmori said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:

@EdZAB said:

@EnergyCrush said:
Helium is getting me by for the moment, but I want to verify that there is no way to map a MIDI controller to map things like select channel, record, etc.

I looked through the manual, online, and for any clues in the UI, but it seems no, which is a serious sore point. I get there are options to automate all CC parameters, but it would have been amazing if some of those could be rerouted to internal controls, since no one (surely) will ever use all of them.

Those are some great questions, which I haven't considered much, because I'm so used to using the touch interface to do things like stop and start the transport. I'm not sure what you mean by "select channel," but would like to know more, however you can leverage the MIDI controls of your host application (such as AUM) to trigger and stop recording. For example, in AUM you can map a MIDI CC or a Note to the MIDI Control / Parameters / Transport to Start Play or Trigger Play, if you've armed the record in Helium and have Host Sync On, you can trigger the start and stop of recording remotely. In fact, you could theoretically have one instance of Helium doing the control functions and another Helium instance doing the playback or recording, or other actions in the instruments.

This might be outside the scope of your questions, but there's also the remote looping mode of Helium where you can trigger specific loops which you define in a Helium session, or cycle through them using song mode. What might be more relevant is that you can also trigger recording in Remote mode, for example use note G#2 to arm a loop for recording at the next pass. You can also cue loops and trigger loops with MIDI notes. If things along these lines would be relevant, I can point you to some more details on it.

The root of my workflow is speed, as fast as using a hardware sequencer like the MMT-8, Retrokits RK-008, or Novation Circuit Tracks.

I don't want to ever have to open the MIDI sequencer on the iPad or touch it once it's configured in a template.

I have Helium setup for output to all 16 channels in a template, so whenever I start a new project, I'm as close as I can be to ready to go and capture ideas. However, Helium doesn't seem to allow just recording whatever incoming MIDI channel is to the appropriate track, forcing me to open it every time, switching my context and focus out of Loopy to select the track I want to record on. I don't want that. If I must select the track to record on rather than the MIDI sequencer just recording whatever channel MIDI data is incoming at the time, then I want a way to map it to individual controller buttons, or, less ideally, at least up down buttons to move to the prev or next channel.

I have the Start/Pause in Loopy Pro mapped to a controller button so I can start playback or be prepared to record external gear at any time, but that doesn't help with the Helium Rec button. I don't want it on all the time as once I've recorded and auto-quantize the current part, I often tweak parameters on a synth to dial in sound, and also so that when I am ready to record, I can modify things like filter cutoff and frequency in real-time while Helium plays the sequence and Loopy records my performance into a clip. I can then start recording into a new clip either with another performance of the same sequence and synth sound, or change the synth sound to something else as the song progresses.

As with the hardware sequencers mentioned, while certainly there is some button press each time I want to record, I never have to open or look at anything at all, which means I can really focus on the creative aspect in the limited time I have without breaking flow.

Helium's remote mode, which I was excited about when I read it and was a factor in purchase, turns out not to support this workflow not least of which because it can't sync to host at the same time, which I need for the quick sequencing and then synced audio recording in Loopy.

I've evaluated 50+ iPad sequencers over the last few weeks to find the closest I could get and started with Helium, as it seemed the closest, but missed not being able to map control with hardware. The only other two on my list that seem like they support this workflow and appear to allow hardware mapping to control things like this are:

• Atom 2
• Drambo

The alternative is to buy a Retrokits RK-008 now so I have it waiting when I come back to the US for a few days in a couple of weeks. That is a quite a bit more expensive option that has additional components to buy I'm not sure about and am hoping to avoid, but after finally being able to write music again at all after over a year, I really need my workflow to be seemless.

If Loopy is the only thing I need to touch on the screen now that I have a template setup, that is okay, but having to expand the mixer every time and push on a small button to open an app, press at least three more buttons to select a channel track and start recording, record a part, click to stop record, then minimize it, then minimize the mixer adds a lot of overhead when I only record external gear in my setup frequently while building songs. Especially when I'm ready to add another part and immediately have to go through the process to select another channel/track.

Hopefully all that makes sense. Helium seems so very close and gets me so much of what I want, this particular pain point just hits hard for my particular use case.

Thanks for listening.

Nice! I see that you're working at a very high level with Helium, and what you're describing makes perfect sense. I'll give it some thought and if there's anything that I can think of that might address some of the gaps you've pointed out, I'll post it here.

Best regards

I got helium because I wanted to MIDI map to a Launchpad to select different channels/tracks (like you can in Drambo) - but I couldn't find out how to do it. So I don't use Helium at the moment because of this - as I was using an iPad Mini and having to touch the screen to change channels/tracks was a real workflow killer. Really hope this feature is added - to midi map many od the settings.

That's the pain point in experiencing, yes.

If I have this correct, you're looking for a MIDI remote control to select the record destination - Track 1 - 16. If so, that seems like a pretty useful feature to add that would have a wide appeal, and we have two requests for it already, here, and I can add a 3rd. Paul has implemented many enhancements in the past based on user requests. The more people behind it the more likely it is to happen.

That is good news, and it certainly seems like something a lot of people would find helpful.

Yes, track select, and I think record, mute, and solo buttons would all be helpful and hopefully not over the top to implement compared to the other I mentioned. I think with those it would be possible to accomplish an awful lot without breaking workflow.

FYI - The track select is now available in AU. From the release notes:

1.56 199
You can now select the current track using an AU parameter.
Added support for compatability with future versions of iOS.

Tones4Christ

Is there a way to setup Helium for "Always on Record Midi"?

arnou

Can someone help me to set chord mode?
I suppose its about chord following, like Track 1 plays chords, while Track 2 plays eg a bassline following the chord.
After thousand of pages of hardware and software manuals i have spent three hours of my life without a little step forward to figure out how it works. Never had something like this.
I have Chord progression lane at the bottom with the following settings:

• Global Chord TRACK (on), - Enable ALL Chord Tracks "On"

Track 1

• Chord Track Enable "Default On"
• Message Type "Notes"
• Track follow "Global"

Track 2

• Chord Track Enable "Default On"
• Message Type "Notes"
• Track follow "Global"

Question: After tried many combinations, what is set wrong? ...as i set the bassline with some notes on C3 and no changes, while the chords changes from global chord progression.

I dont understand, very confusing, or simply its not what im looking for, i dont know.

EdZAB

@arnou - Can you provide more details about the bassline and how you are using it? I’ve used chord track fairly extensively in Helium. The chord tracks play chords and the note tracks play notes, as I understand it. You choose the chords that play in the chord track(s), and for note tracks, you enter (or import) the notes you want to play. The chords will still show in the chord lane on a note track but it is simply there for reference.

Pxlhg

There seem to be an issue with midi import. The multi track file doesn't separate as it should but puts drums on 10 (great!) and the other three(3) track on 1. I tried the same file with LK and it recognises there is 4 tracks and correctly import. I would like to remember this has not been the case before but, it's been a while.
Now, what's the best contact for master Paul as he, surprisingly, does not have a web site. @simon do you know? (based on your Friday sales input)

ecou

Dragging a midi file in Cubasis time line is also broken most of the time. Not sure if it’s a Cubasis issue or Helium.

Simon

Now, what's the best contact for master Paul as he, surprisingly, does not have a web site. @simon do you know?

No I don't.

I know he has a Facebook site and that is where I get the sales info.

Pxlhg

@Simon said:

Now, what's the best contact for master Paul as he, surprisingly, does not have a web site. @simon do you know?

No I don't.

I know he has a Facebook site and that is where I get the sales info.

Ah, alright. I'll see if I can find that one then. Thanks anyway. ☺️

Simon

@Pxlhg said:

@Simon said:

Now, what's the best contact for master Paul as he, surprisingly, does not have a web site. @simon do you know?

No I don't.

I know he has a Facebook site and that is where I get the sales info.

Ah, alright. I'll see if I can find that one then. Thanks anyway. ☺️

It was there on Friday but seems to be offline today.

Pxlhg

@Simon said:

@Pxlhg said:

@Simon said:

Now, what's the best contact for master Paul as he, surprisingly, does not have a web site. @simon do you know?

No I don't.

I know he has a Facebook site and that is where I get the sales info.

Ah, alright. I'll see if I can find that one then. Thanks anyway. ☺️

It was there on Friday but seems to be offline today.

His website seem to be under "server update back soon'. I'm not sure how long that been up though

I did find the FB presence and I've sent him message. I forgot to mention your issue with C3 @ecou but here's the FB link: https://www.facebook.com/4Pocketsaudio if you wanna message him yourself.

Luc_A

Sorry for the dumb question, but there is a way to record the midi notes from Helium in Korg Gadget? My idea is to import a midi file in Helium and record the notes in the Korg Gadget piano roll, to overcome the limititaion of KG (the 'import midi' function create a new project and i need to import midi into my current project). Hope it make sense
Thanks in advance.

ecou

@Pxlhg said:

@Simon said:

@Pxlhg said:

@Simon said:

Now, what's the best contact for master Paul as he, surprisingly, does not have a web site. @simon do you know?

No I don't.

I know he has a Facebook site and that is where I get the sales info.

Ah, alright. I'll see if I can find that one then. Thanks anyway. ☺️

It was there on Friday but seems to be offline today.

His website seem to be under "server update back soon'. I'm not sure how long that been up though

I did find the FB presence and I've sent him message. I forgot to mention your issue with C3 @ecou but here's the FB link: https://www.facebook.com/4Pocketsaudio if you wanna message him yourself.

I don’t have a Facebook account.