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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Quick answers to common questions about Gamepad MIDI.

General Questions

What is Gamepad MIDI?

Gamepad MIDI is a standalone application that converts gamepad inputs (buttons, sticks, triggers, touchpad, gyroscope, accelerometer) into MIDI control messages. It allows you to use any game controller as a MIDI controller for music production, live performance, or any MIDI-compatible software.

What operating systems are supported?

  • Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
  • macOS 10.13 or later
  • Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+, Fedora 35+, or equivalent)

Do I need an internet connection?

No. Gamepad MIDI works completely offline. Internet is only needed for:

  • Downloading updates (optional)
  • License activation (one-time, offline activation available)

Gamepad Compatibility

What gamepads are supported?

Gamepad MIDI works with most modern USB and Bluetooth game controllers:

Fully Supported:

  • Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S controllers
  • PlayStation 4 DualShock 4
  • PlayStation 5 DualSense
  • Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
  • Most generic USB gamepads
  • Steam Controller
  • 8BitDo controllers

Partial Support:

  • Older controllers may work but with limited features
  • Controllers without standard layouts might have unusual mappings

Do all gamepads support all features?

No. Feature availability depends on hardware:

Standard Features (all controllers):

  • Analog sticks
  • Triggers
  • Face buttons
  • Shoulder buttons
  • D-pad

Advanced Features (controller-dependent):

  • Touchpad: DualShock 4, DualSense
  • Gyroscope: DualShock 4, DualSense, Switch Pro Controller
  • Accelerometer: DualShock 4, DualSense, Switch Pro Controller

Note: Xbox controllers typically don't include touchpad, gyroscope, or accelerometer.

Can I use multiple gamepads simultaneously?

Currently, Gamepad MIDI supports one gamepad at a time. The first connected gamepad is used.

Does wireless (Bluetooth) work?

Yes. Both wired USB and wireless Bluetooth connections are supported. Pair your controller through your operating system's Bluetooth settings, then launch Gamepad MIDI.

My gamepad buttons are labeled differently. Does it matter?

No. The application uses a standardized button layout. Focus on button positions rather than their specific labels. The visual representation is generic and might not match your controller exactly.

MIDI Functionality

What MIDI messages can Gamepad MIDI send?

  • Control Change (CC): Continuous control messages (0-127)
  • Note On/Off: Note messages with configurable velocity

What MIDI channels are supported?

All 16 MIDI channels (1-16). You can assign different mappings to different channels for complex setups.

Can one control send multiple MIDI messages?

Yes. Each gamepad control can have unlimited MIDI mappings. One stick movement can control multiple parameters simultaneously across different channels.

Does Gamepad MIDI receive MIDI?

No. Gamepad MIDI only sends MIDI output. It does not receive or process incoming MIDI messages.

What is the MIDI latency?

Typical latency is 10-30ms total:

  • Base latency: 5-10ms
  • Smoothing adds: 5-20ms (depending on settings)
  • Plus your DAW's buffer latency

This is imperceptible for most musical applications.

Can I use Gamepad MIDI with hardware synths?

Yes, if you have a MIDI interface. Route the virtual MIDI device to your MIDI interface, or select your hardware MIDI output in the dropdown.

Virtual MIDI Device

What is a virtual MIDI device?

A virtual MIDI device is a software MIDI port that allows applications to communicate via MIDI without physical hardware. Gamepad MIDI creates one called "Gamepad MIDI" that appears in your DAW's MIDI input list.

Why don't I see the virtual MIDI device?

Windows: Did you restart after installation? The virtual MIDI driver requires a system restart to function.

macOS/Linux: The virtual device should appear automatically. Check your system's MIDI settings or restart Gamepad MIDI.

Can I rename the virtual MIDI device?

Not currently. The device is always named "Gamepad MIDI".

Do I need the virtual MIDI device?

Not necessarily. You can also:

  • Use hardware MIDI outputs (if you have MIDI interface)
  • Route to other MIDI software
  • The virtual device is the easiest option for most users

DAW Integration

Which DAWs work with Gamepad MIDI?

Any DAW or software that accepts MIDI input:

  • Ableton Live
  • Logic Pro
  • FL Studio
  • Bitwig Studio
  • Reaper
  • Pro Tools
  • Cubase
  • Studio One
  • VCV Rack
  • And many more...

How do I set up my DAW to receive MIDI?

  1. Open your DAW's MIDI preferences
  2. Enable "Gamepad MIDI" as a MIDI input device
  3. Use MIDI learn or manual CC assignment to map to parameters

Specific steps vary by DAW. See your DAW's documentation for MIDI input setup.

Does Gamepad MIDI work with plugins?

Yes, indirectly. Configure your DAW to route MIDI from Gamepad MIDI to plugin tracks or instruments. Most plugins accept MIDI control for their parameters.

Can I use MIDI learn with Gamepad MIDI?

Yes. Most DAWs support MIDI learn:

  1. Enable MIDI learn in your DAW
  2. Click the parameter you want to control
  3. Move the gamepad control in Gamepad MIDI
  4. The mapping is automatically created

Presets and Configuration

Where are my presets stored?

Windows: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\PoundingSystems\Gamepad\Presets\

macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/PoundingSystems/Gamepad/Presets/

Linux: ~/.config/PoundingSystems/Gamepad/Presets/

Are presets preserved when I update?

Yes. Presets are stored in your user configuration directory and are not affected by application updates.

Can I share presets with others?

Yes. Export your preset (Presets menu → Export Preset) and share the .json file. Others can import it using Presets menu → Import Preset.

How many presets can I have?

Unlimited. Create as many presets as you need for different workflows.

Do mappings save automatically?

Yes. Mappings auto-save when you close the application or switch presets. You can also manually save via Presets menu → "Save Current Preset".

Mapping and Control

How many MIDI mappings can I create?

Unlimited. Each gamepad control can have multiple MIDI mappings, and there's no limit on the total number.

What's the difference between Trigger and Toggle mode?

Trigger Mode:

  • Note On when activated, Note Off when released
  • Momentary behavior
  • Like holding a key on a piano

Toggle Mode:

  • First activation = Note On
  • Second activation = Note Off
  • Latching behavior
  • Like a light switch

What is smoothing and why would I use it?

Smoothing filters out jitter and noise from gamepad controls, providing smoother MIDI output. Use higher smoothing for gradual parameter changes and lower smoothing for immediate response.

Can I control velocity for note messages?

Yes. When configuring a note mapping, you can set the velocity (0-127) that will be sent when the note is triggered.

What is a dual gate mapping?

Dual gate mappings allow bidirectional controls (analog sticks, gyroscope, accelerometer) to trigger different notes for positive and negative directions. Push right = Note A, push left = Note B.

Can I invert a control?

Yes. Set the Max Value lower than the Min Value. For example:

  • Normal: Min: 0, Max: 127
  • Inverted: Min: 127, Max: 0

Troubleshooting

My gamepad isn't detected. What do I do?

  1. Check physical connection (USB or Bluetooth)
  2. Verify the gamepad works in other applications
  3. Restart Gamepad MIDI
  4. See the Troubleshooting Guide for detailed solutions

Why isn't my DAW receiving MIDI?

  1. Check that "Gamepad MIDI" is enabled in your DAW's MIDI settings
  2. Verify a MIDI device is selected in Gamepad MIDI's dropdown
  3. Ensure you have mappings configured
  4. Try a MIDI monitor to verify MIDI is being sent

Virtual MIDI device not appearing (Windows)?

Restart your computer. The virtual MIDI driver requires a system restart after installation. This is the most common issue.

Controls are jittery. How do I fix this?

Increase smoothing for the affected control type in the System tab. Motion sensors typically need smoothing values of 0.92-0.98.

I have a stuck note. How do I stop it?

Move the control again to send Note Off, or edit/delete the mapping (which automatically sends Note Off). Consider creating a "panic" button mapping with CC 123 (All Notes Off).

Application crashes when I launch it. What do I do?

  1. Update graphics drivers
  2. Try deleting configuration folder (backs up presets first)
  3. Reinstall the application
  4. Check system requirements

See Troubleshooting Guide for more solutions.

Performance

Does Gamepad MIDI affect my computer's performance?

No. Gamepad MIDI uses minimal CPU (<5%) and RAM (<50MB). It won't impact your DAW or other applications.

Will using motion sensors drain my controller battery faster?

Yes, but not significantly. Gyroscope and accelerometer use more power than basic controls. For maximum battery life, disable motion sensors when not in use.

Can I reduce MIDI latency?

Yes, to some extent:

  • Lower smoothing values = faster response
  • Use wired USB connection instead of Bluetooth
  • Reduce your DAW's audio buffer size
  • Keep total latency will be 10-30ms in most cases

Advanced Questions

Can I edit preset files manually?

Yes. Presets are JSON files and can be edited in a text editor. Be careful with syntax - invalid JSON will prevent loading.

Does Gamepad MIDI support MIDI 2.0?

No. Gamepad MIDI uses MIDI 1.0 (the standard supported by all DAWs and instruments).

Can I use Gamepad MIDI with OSC (Open Sound Control)?

Not directly, but you can use third-party MIDI-to-OSC bridge software to convert MIDI messages to OSC.

Can I script or automate Gamepad MIDI?

Not currently. The application is GUI-based and doesn't provide command-line or scripting interfaces.

Licensing and Support

How do I activate a license?

  1. Click the Pounding Systems logo at the bottom of the window
  2. Click "Manage License"
  3. Follow the activation process

Where can I get support?

How do I report a bug?

  1. Gather information (OS, gamepad model, steps to reproduce)
  2. Submit detailed bug via email mail@pounding.systems

How do I request a feature?

Submit feature requests via email. Include:

  • Description of the feature
  • Use cases
  • Why it would be valuable

Getting Started

I'm new to MIDI. Where should I start?

  1. Read the Getting Started Guide
  2. Create one simple CC mapping
  3. Test it in your DAW with MIDI learn
  4. Gradually add more mappings
  5. Explore the Use Cases & Examples for inspiration

What's the best way to learn Gamepad MIDI?

  1. Start with simple mappings (sticks to filter cutoff)
  2. Experiment with different parameters
  3. Try both CC and Note mappings
  4. Adjust smoothing to your preference
  5. Save presets as you create useful configurations
  6. Check out community presets and examples

Still Have Questions?