MIDI configuration is accessed by choosing setup in the bcr steps menu.
MIDI output will by default be sent to the built-in Java synthesizer, which is not much fun. Instead, set it to go to a nice electronic instrument, virtual or real. It is usually not a good idea to set the same (virtual) MIDI bus both as input and output, it will really confuse things!
bcr steps also responds to MIDI input. Sending notes to bcr steps will trigger its sequence to play as an arpeggio. You can also send MIDI start and stop messages, and MIDI sync to control the tempo.
bcr steps was designed to complement the Behringer BCR2000 controller. It can be used on its own, but you will have much more fun with a few real knobs to tweak.
If you have a BCR2000, make sure it is attached and switched on when you start the application. Then go to the MIDI configuration, and set the correct MIDI input and output buses under Control input and Control output.
When closing the configuration window, the application will send Sysex messages to setup your BCR2000. If for some reason you don't like the configuration, you can use the preset buttons on the device to change it. The application setup is based on factory preset 1, but adds functionality for the store/edit/learn/exit keys.
Almost any MIDI controller capable of sending CC (CONTROL CHANGE) messages can be configured to work with bcr steps, by following similar control assignments.
If your are on Mac OS X and the MIDI devices don't show up in the configuration list, then you will need to download and install a working MIDI SPI such as the Plumstone SPI.
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