# MIDI Controller Integration Control your visuals in real-time using MIDI controllers! Connect knobs, sliders, and pads to any parameter in your node graph. --- ## Quick Start ### Step 1: Connect Your MIDI Controller 1. Connect your MIDI controller to your computer via USB 2. Make sure it's powered on and recognized by your system ### Step 2: Enable MIDI in Rhizomium 1. Open **Tools → MIDI Settings** 2. Click **Enable MIDI** to request browser access 3. Allow MIDI access when prompted by your browser 4. Your connected MIDI controllers will appear in the device list ### Step 3: Map a Parameter **Using MIDI Learn (Easiest):** 1. Click on a node to open its parameters panel 2. Click on the parameter input field you want to control (e.g., "Radius", "Speed") 3. Click the **MIDI Learn** button (or press the MIDI learn shortcut) 4. Move a knob or slider on your MIDI controller 5. The parameter is now mapped! Move the controller to see it update in real-time **Manual Mapping:** 1. Open MIDI Settings 2. Click **Add Binding** 3. Select the node and parameter from dropdowns 4. Select your MIDI controller and CC number 5. Configure range and curve settings 6. Click **Save** --- ## Understanding MIDI ### What is MIDI? MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol for sending control data. MIDI controllers send **CC (Control Change)** messages that can control any parameter. ### MIDI CC Numbers Each knob/slider on your controller sends a CC number (0-127). Common assignments: - **CC 1**: Modulation wheel - **CC 7**: Volume - **CC 10**: Pan - **CC 11**: Expression You can use any CC number - just move the control and Rhizomium will detect it. --- ## MIDI Settings Panel ![The MIDI Controllers panel: connection status, detected devices, MIDI Learn, active bindings and a live activity log](images/panel-midi-controllers.webp) ### Device List Shows all connected MIDI input devices: - **Device Name** - Your controller's name - **Status** - Connected/Disconnected - **Activity Indicator** - Lights up when receiving MIDI data ### Active Bindings Lists all current MIDI → Parameter mappings: - **Node** - Which node is controlled - **Parameter** - Which parameter - **CC** - MIDI CC number - **Range** - Min/Max values - **Curve** - Response curve type ### MIDI Activity Monitor Real-time display showing: - **Last CC** - Most recent CC number received - **Last Value** - Current CC value (0-127) - **Visual Bar** - Live MIDI activity indicator --- ## Parameter Mapping Options ### Range Mapping Control how MIDI values map to parameter values: - **Min Value** - Parameter value when MIDI = 0 - **Max Value** - Parameter value when MIDI = 127 - **Example**: Map CC 1 (0-127) to Radius (0.0-1.0) ### Response Curves Choose how MIDI input affects the parameter: - **Linear** - Direct 1:1 mapping (default) - **Exponential** - Faster response at higher values - **Logarithmic** - Slower response at higher values - **S-Curve** - Smooth acceleration/deceleration ### Invert Flip the mapping direction: - **Normal**: MIDI 0 → Min, MIDI 127 → Max - **Inverted**: MIDI 0 → Max, MIDI 127 → Min --- ## Common Use Cases ### Live Performance Map multiple parameters to different knobs: ``` CC 1 → Circle Radius CC 2 → Rotation Speed CC 3 → Color Hue CC 4 → Noise Scale ``` Control everything in real-time during a performance! ### Audio-Visual Sync Combine MIDI with audio: - Use MIDI to control overall intensity - Let audio control fine details - Create layered control systems ### Parameter Automation Record MIDI movements: - Move knobs while timeline plays - Create keyframe animations from MIDI - Export as parameter curves --- ## Managing Bindings ### Edit a Binding 1. Open MIDI Settings 2. Find the binding in the list 3. Click **Edit** 4. Adjust range, curve, or CC number 5. Click **Save** ### Remove a Binding 1. Open MIDI Settings 2. Find the binding in the list 3. Click **Remove** (or trash icon) 4. Confirm removal ### Clear All Bindings 1. Open MIDI Settings 2. Click **Clear All** 3. Confirm to remove all MIDI mappings --- ## Saving MIDI Mappings MIDI bindings are **automatically saved** with your project: - When you save a project (Ctrl+S), MIDI mappings are included - When you load a project, MIDI mappings are restored - No need to re-map parameters each time! --- ## Troubleshooting ### MIDI Controller Not Detected **Problem:** Controller doesn't appear in device list **Solutions:** - Check USB connection - Restart browser - Try a different USB port - Check if controller works in other software - Make sure controller is in MIDI mode (not DAW mode) ### MIDI Learn Not Working **Problem:** Moving controller doesn't map parameter **Solutions:** - Make sure MIDI Learn is active (button highlighted) - Check that MIDI device is enabled - Verify MIDI activity monitor shows incoming data - Try clicking the parameter field again - Check browser console for errors (F12) ### Parameter Not Responding **Problem:** MIDI mapped but parameter doesn't change **Solutions:** - Check binding is active (not disabled) - Verify CC number matches controller output - Check range values are correct - Ensure parameter isn't locked or overridden - Try removing and re-adding the binding ### Browser Doesn't Request MIDI Access **Problem:** No MIDI permission prompt appears **Solutions:** - Check browser supports Web MIDI API (Chrome 43+, Edge 79+) - Try clicking "Enable MIDI" again - Check browser settings for MIDI permissions - Try incognito/private mode - Update browser to latest version ### MIDI Lag or Delay **Problem:** Parameter updates feel delayed **Solutions:** - Close other MIDI applications - Reduce MIDI throttle interval (if available) - Check CPU usage isn't maxed out - Try a different USB port (USB 3.0 preferred) - Update MIDI controller drivers --- ## Tips & Tricks ### Multiple Controllers You can connect **multiple MIDI controllers** at once: - Each controller appears separately in device list - Map different parameters to different controllers - Great for complex setups! ### MIDI Through Some controllers support MIDI through: - Chain multiple controllers - Use one controller to control another - Create complex routing setups ### Preset Management Save different MIDI mappings: - Create project templates with MIDI mappings - Save common mappings for reuse - Share MIDI setups with others ### Performance Tips - **Map frequently-used parameters** to easily accessible knobs - **Use exponential curves** for fine control at low values - **Group related parameters** on nearby knobs - **Label your controller** with parameter names using tape/stickers --- ## Keyboard Shortcuts - **MIDI Settings**: **Tools → MIDI Settings** (no default shortcut) - **MIDI Learn**: Click parameter field + Learn button - **Clear Binding**: Right-click binding in list → Remove --- ## Browser Compatibility ### Supported Browsers - **Chrome 43+** (Recommended) - **Edge 79+** (Recommended) - **Firefox** (Web MIDI API not supported) - **Safari** (Web MIDI API not supported) ### Platform Support - **Windows 10+** - **macOS 10.14+** - **Linux** (with ALSA/MIDI support) - **Chrome OS** (Limited controller support) --- ## See Also - [Parameter Expressions](parameter-expressions.md) - Combine MIDI with expressions - [Timeline Animation](timeline.md) - Record MIDI movements as keyframes - [Audio Reactivity](audio-web.md) - Combine MIDI with audio input