midi message turn nanokontrol2 light on

3 min read 01-10-2024

The Korg nanoKONTROL2 is a versatile USB MIDI controller that allows musicians and producers to control their software with ease. One of its notable features is the ability to light up its buttons, which can be beneficial during live performances or studio sessions. In this article, we will discuss how to send MIDI messages to light up the controls on your nanoKONTROL2, enhancing your workflow and performance.

Understanding MIDI Messages

MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a protocol that allows musical devices and software to communicate with each other. MIDI messages come in various types, but for our purpose, we will focus on Note On and Control Change messages.

What are Note On and Control Change Messages?

Note On messages are used to trigger sound or activate controls. They contain information about the note number (which corresponds to a particular button or control) and the velocity (which determines how the control responds).
Control Change messages, on the other hand, are used to modify a certain aspect of a MIDI device's function, such as controlling volume, pan, or in our case, lighting up a button.

How to Light Up the nanoKONTROL2 Buttons

To turn on the lights of your nanoKONTROL2, you'll need to send specific MIDI messages that correspond to the desired button. Below is a step-by-step guide to accomplish this.

Step 1: Know Your MIDI Controller's MIDI Mapping

Before sending MIDI messages, it’s essential to know which MIDI channel and note numbers correspond to the buttons on the nanoKONTROL2. Generally, you can find this information in the device's manual. However, here's a brief summary:

Transport controls (like Play, Stop, Record) usually send Note On messages on MIDI Channel 1.
Faders and knobs typically use Control Change messages.

Step 2: Set Up Your MIDI Environment

To send MIDI messages, you can use various MIDI software or scripting solutions like:

MIDI-OX (Windows)
Bome MIDI Translator
Max/MSP or Pure Data
Python with MIDI libraries

Step 3: Sending the MIDI Message

Suppose you want to light up the Play button. Here is the MIDI message you would need to send:

Message Type: Note On
Channel: 1
Note Number: 60 (C4, usually the note mapped to the Play button)
Velocity: 127 (to fully turn on the light)

Using Python with a library like mido, you could send the message like this:

import mido
from mido import Message

# Setup your MIDI output
output = mido.open_output('Your MIDI Device Name')

# Send Note On to light up the Play button
output.send(Message('note_on', channel=0, note=60, velocity=127))

Example of Note Off Message

To turn the light off, send a Note Off message:

# Send Note Off to turn off the Play button light
output.send(Message('note_off', channel=0, note=60))

Additional Tips and Best Practices

MIDI Feedback: Ensure your DAW or MIDI application sends feedback messages to turn the lights on and off according to your needs.
Experiment with Velocities: Different velocity values can produce different intensities of the lights, so feel free to experiment.
Testing in Real-Time: Make use of a MIDI monitor to see the messages being sent and received, aiding in troubleshooting.

Conclusion

By leveraging MIDI messages, you can effectively control the lights on your Korg nanoKONTROL2, making it a visually engaging element in your setup. Whether you're performing live or producing in the studio, having the lights function as visual cues can enhance your workflow significantly.

References

Korg nanoKONTROL2 User Manual (for MIDI mapping and settings).
GitHub and MIDI forums for community-driven resources on MIDI message handling.

Using these techniques and examples, you can master your nanoKONTROL2 to its full potential, enhancing your music-making experience. Happy music-making!