I’ve had the KeyStep Pro for a while and now i also have the Keylab MK3,
I’m using AbletonLive 12 .
Using KeyStep pro I can add a Track, add the instrument, select the MIDI controller (e.g keystep) then choose 1 of the 4 midi channels in keystep. record or start a appegio, record something etc. then Do the same for 1 → 4 of the Channels, when moveing from 1 channelt to the next all the other track keep playing.
If i do the same in keylab, for example set the track to use the KeyLab, choose one of the 16 channels available lets say #5 select that channle on the keyLab, play a held cord or appegio, when i create another track add keylab channel #6. when i switch the keyboard to use midi channel 6 the sound stops on midi channel number 5,
So even though i probably not explained this very well, the jest of it is with keyStep I can swtich between track and the other tracks using the other midi channels continue to play what’s on them .
Does KeyStep type of behaviour operate the same in KeyLab?
The Keylab MK3 keys afaik only send midi on one midi CH at a time.
If you have a track in your DAW to only receive on one specific midi CH, then the controller need to be set to that midi CH.
1 - If i understand correctly, create a midi track, select KeyLab Mk3 Midi, assign ‘pigments’ to the track, select the midi channel that will be used by the controller, #1, play and hold note/chord.
2 - While the note is playing on MIDI 1, Create another track, assign ‘another instrument’ select repeat the above but select MIDI 2, press the Kelab MIDI channel button and select C# (midi 2),…
At that point the midi 1 channel is not output, reselecting midi 1 results in the output be heard again.
How can i keep midi 1 audible while i setup midi 2?
It appears that i can not have more than one midi channel playing simultanously which is different behavior than the KeyStep Pro?
I am saying you can’t do that. You can only control multiple tracks live at the same time with your Keylab, if the tracks a re set to the same midi CH. (Often tracks by default is set to accept all midi channels in DAW’s.)
If you wan’t to use Keylabs Chord/ Scale and or Arp functionality on one DAW track and then do something else on another track, then you can record a track in your DAW, and then playback that track, while the controller control another track.
You don’t need to have the tracks on different midi channels, you can use midi CH 1 on the controller for both, as long as you don’t arm both tracks. If you ar both tracks you will then control both tracks with the same performance.
If you actually wan’t to use Keylabs Chord/ Scale and or Arp functionality for one instrument only while doing something else with another track, then it’s afaik not possible.
If you use Analog Lab, then you can create a Multi preset, where you can set key ranges to play one sound on lower keys and another on upper keys. Some DAW’s have tools to do similar perhaps even for more instruments. But if you for example engage the controllers arp, then the arp is on for all sounds.
Synths and other instruments can have internal sequencers and arpeggios. They can work independent according to your key input.
In short:
The DAW connection is to connect as a control surface to control a DAW.
The MIDI connection is to connect as a Keyboard to play instruments.
Arturia have made some scripts to some DAW’s.
I’m not sure if all DAW’s need to use the MIDI connection too. But i have always needed to use both connections to connect my none controller to have everything work correct. I don’t have a Keylab MK3.
Arturia have guides to download too. And there is info in manuals. Also info about connections in a DAW is to be found in the documentation for a DAW. It can be very different from DAW to DAW how to setup controllers. I don’t use Ableton Live.