Before jumping into Ableton Live, I like to open Analog Lab or Pigments to audition some sounds and play around to generate ideas. I love using the chord, sequencer and arpeggio functions on the KeyStep 37, so here is where a unique issue popped up…
It doesn’t appear that Analog Lab or Pigments sync their tempos over USB/MIDI with the KeyStep 37 (unless I’m mistaken?).
No problem, I can update the clock dip switches to Internal then control the tempo/rate directly on the hardware. However, when I switch to using Ableton Live, I have to shut down the KeyStep 37, update the dip switches to USB, then I’m ready to go.
I know this is a champagne problem, but the process of powering off and switching the dip switches can be a real pain, especially if it is done frequently!
So, I was thinking—what if I just leave the clock dip switches to USB, and run a program to set the tempo while I use Analog Lab or Pigments so I can use the SEQ and ARP functions?
After some research I found some solutions.
I found a Python script that is wrapped in a simple UI/UX that starts a MIDI tempo and can send it to the KeyStep 37. IT is called MidiClock and can be found here:
I also created a Python script (for those who do not mind using the terminal):
Anyway! I just thought I’d share in case anyone else was experiencing the same issue!
Happy exploring!