Ph@Controller Quick Start and FAQ
Quick Start Guide:
IN THE APPLICATION, PRESS 'H' FOR HELP AT ANY TIME, and RIGHT CLICK on the dimmed dials when not in LIVE mode for MIDI help. You can also run the Ph@ Wizard (top right button strip) at any time to choose a fresh set of example dials while you’re getting used to the software.
When starting the application for the first time, make sure you press ENTER and Jiggle and press buttons/keys on any Bluetooth device so the software can detect those devices (It is useful to try it first with your built in keyboard and a Bluetooth mouse. It will not work with your built in trackpad).
There are some Android phone Apps that can act as Bluetooth Mouse, such as 'PC Master' by Tech Gadgets, and 'Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse' by Appground IO. Download those on Google Play Store if you need to.
The application has a 14 day trial. You will see a warning before the trial ends, and you can then purchase here on our website and contact us for your purchased license file at support@jaggersoftware.jaggernet.com
Once the keyboard and any external Bluetooth mouse has been added, here are some helpful shortcuts:
Press 'H' to get Help at any time. You can also get extra help, by Right Clicking the dimmed dials when not in LIVE mode.
NOTE: If you want high visibility text above the dials, choose the High Visibility option (top right in settings).
Press ESCAPE or the Left mouse button to go LIVE, and press ESCAPE when finished in LIVE mode (the mouse is locked until you exit).
The dials represent different keys/button mappings to MIDI and you should see some example mappings to the Built-in Synthesizer and Drums, so feel free to get familiar and play around with the built-in stuff first! The keys to press are shown at the bottom of each dial.
All notes will stop when you exit LIVE mode, or if you press CAPS LOCK.
When you've added a few devices, they will start adding to new Dial Pages, which Ph@Controller will do its best to move between as you use it. If you want to manually move between them, the SPACE key lets you go to next Dial Page and will return to the automatic mode after one minute.
To start a metronome, tap the tempo with the CTRL key for four taps, then an audible and vibration metronome will start (Gamepads support the vibration tempo).
To end a lingering note, press the CAPS LOCK key. In the settings you can also control how long a note plays for, and whether a repeat press of the same key/button stops the note immediately.
As you add devices, you will see them colour coded in the top right of the window, for instance "XBOX ONE GAMEPAD" or "D06 PRO Ring"
NOTE! You should perform a backup of your Configuration File regularly in the Advanced section of the Settings.
A good selection of devices to purchase is:
At least two D06 PRO Ring Mouse, a Lekato WT-2four-pedal Page Turner (or two - one for each foot), a G20S PRO Air Remote (or two - one for each hand), and an IINE Pocket Retro Gamepador two, but there are many other really usable and expressive devices. Explore the options here.
This application includes the FluidR3 SoundFont, created by Frank Wen and released under the MIT License. Copyright (c) 2000-2002, 2008 Frank Wen.
FAQ
Q: I quickly run out of space for dials. How can I fix that?
A: Delete any devices you don't use in Settings. Press 'K' to show smaller Dials, and use [SPACE] to move between Dial pages. We will be adding new ways to see multiple pages of dials simultaneously on different screens - watch this space!
Q: I hear clicks and pops in the audio or a slight lag (delay). Why is this?
A: If you’re using your Internal Sound Card, this is very likely to have difficulty keeping up with complex synth and effects audio, and will be slightly delayed or click sometimes. If you’re using a true ASIO device, such as a Focusrite Audio Interface (with a reasonable buffer size for your CPU) it’s much less likely to exhibit these, however you may find that if your machine is not of a high enough specification, it can still happen. You should shut all other applications, turn off WIFI, and run on external power with full CPU speed to get the best out of it. Try not to use FlexAsio or ASIO4ALL as these are not true ASIO drivers and may still cause issues. NOTE: Any issues with external synth or soft-synth audio is not a Ph@Controller issue. In this case, only MIDI is being sent, and they are producing the audio.
Q: When I move a mouse or other device such as joystick or gyroscope, it makes a constant noise, why?
A: You may have assigned a NOTE action type to the X,Y mouse movement! This has been left in for experimental sounds, but generally isn't advisable, so perhaps think of a better use for those expressive actions. We will be adding better support for note ranges on ‘Relative’ actions (Mouse, Joystick etc), so watch this space!
Q: Can I use the app without a Ring Mouse or any hardware such as Synthesizers or effects pedals?
A: Yes you can! The app has a built-in Synthesizer to get you started straight away. When you run it for the first time, there are lots of examples already programmed in, and it's great fun messing around with the Synthesizer, effects, pitchbend, drums straight from your keyboard or Bluetooth mouse!
Q: Are the dials all fixed?
A: Absolutely not! They're just examples and you can configure EVERYTHING to do exactly what you want! It is hugely configurable!
Q: What are Reserved actions?
A: These are keys that are used globally by the system (CAPS LOCK is always used to Stop All Notes,and CTRL is always used for Tap Tempo. However, you can add additional Tap Tempo or Stop All Notes actions on any other device as well, so you or band members can control them easily).
Q: When using a Page Turner Pedal, what mode should I put it in?
A: You must put the pedal in Page Up / Page Down mode, and keep Repeat ON.
Q: When using a Gamepad, why do the joysticks work this way?
A: Because of the auto-centering nature of joysticks and the values they send back to Ph@Controller, we have to handle them slightly differently to a mouse, and we provide two modes of use:
Single Axis Action: This mode treats the axis as one range (0 to 127, or -8191 to +8192 for Pitchbend) with the joystick returning to middle (value of 64, or 0 for Pitchbend). In this mode, a Joystick axis action would be either Horizontal or Vertical, for instance ‘LeftJoystickMoveHorizontal’ and ‘LeftJoystickMoveVertical’.
Split Axis Actions: These split the axis in two, with each side having full range (0-127, or -8191-8192 for Pitchbend) and the ability to have a different action for each side. In this mode, a Joystick may have 2 separate actions, Left and Right, or Up and Down, for instance ‘LeftJoystickMoveLeft’ and ‘LeftJoystickMoveRight’.
Each mode is useful in different ways, and you will need to experiment to find which is best for you. For instance, the two axis of the joystick will interact differently, so you can do a kind of ‘Morph’ between two effects for instance! The best way is to experiment.
Q: When using a Gamepad, why does the Gyroscope work this way?
A: The same as for the Joysticks above, we have gyro Single Axis Actions and gyro Split Axis Actions, such as "GyroSmoothPitch" or "GyroSmoothPitchUp" and "GyroSmoothPitchDown"
Q: Which Ring Mouse do you recommend?
A: Please see our Hardware page for the list of recommended hardware.
Q: What if the Ring Mouse fails on stage!
A: Keep backup rings or wear a second on the other hand! Also keep them charged up! There are discounts for buying multiple items on our Hardware page. (Disclaimer: We cannot be held responsible for any failure, hardware or software)
Q: I’m having trouble getting used to this Ring Mouse. How should I wear it?
A: Try wearing it on index finger at the knuckle joint, and use the tip of your thumb to operate. IT TAKES SOME PRACTISE!
Q: Why does my Gamepad show up as USB Mouse in Ph@Controller?
A: If you have Steam installed, it sometimes converts Gamepads to USB Mouse. You need to turn that off in Steam's settings or uninstall it if you are not using it.
Q: How can I MIDI learn CC's from the app?
A: Go LIVE and press 'M' so that the X,Y pad is disabled for all devices. Enable learning in your other software, then press the Ph@Controller button you want to learn.
Q: What are the ‘Beat’ actions?
A: These are an experimental feature to allow drums to be triggered via a flick of a mouse, joystick, or gyroscope. This may be developed further or replaced at some point.
Q: How do I get the middle button on a trackpad?
A: Go to 'Gestures' on Windows and set it up there.
Q: Why does the internal trackpad not work?
A: Ph@Controller works at a low level with HID devices, and internal trackpad often will not be registered. Use a Bluetooth mouse and your keyboard to start with, but check out the Hardware page for the best devices!
Q: My page turner / ring / TikTok gadget doesn't work with it. Why?
A: See the Hardware page for tested devices. Some devices are not seen as mice/trackpads, and they can send out key messages or Consumer messages, NOT button clicks, so you may have better success mapping their keys (see the mode settings dialog for all the possible clicks and keypresses that can be intercepted). Some devices simply don’t work, but let us know so that we can look into particular hardware.
Q: Why are some buttons a little slower, and what is a 'Strike' action?
A: These buttons are probably set up for double-click and click-hold. This requires a fraction of a second to ascertain which one is activated - most actions don't need immediate timing (mode changes, program changes etc). Set a button to a 'Strike' action for notes or drums to get rapid fire actions. In addition, purchase devices that use a 2.4g USB dongle or wired, which are faster than Bluetooth. Keyboard key presses also act as 'Strike' keys for rapid fire.
Q: Why does my D06 PRO or D13 PRO Ring Mouse / Air Mouse turn itself off mid-use?
A: You may have mapped a hold / long press to its middle button, which is the built-in way to turn it off, so a long press will turn it off!
Q: What is the sustain option on notes, and how do I stop a note?
A: The sustain option will play the note for the number of seconds specified, upon a single click or key down. The note will either stop naturally after that time, or you can press the button/key again to stop it, if configured like that. In contrast, if you don't check the 'Sustain' option, the note will play for as long as you hold the key/button down OR until the duration specified runs out.
Q: With 8BitDo Ultimate 2, how do I get it into the D-INPUT mode with Gyro supported?
A: It may be locked to X-INPUT. With the 2.4G dongle attached and connected, turn off controller, hold 'B' and turn back on.
Q: Why do some experimental features work in a limited way?
A: As this is v1.0 of the software, we are still fine tuning some of the experimental features such as drum ‘Beat' actions, Semitone pitch-bends, and playing notes on expressive controllers (‘Relative’ actions on mice, joysticks, gyroscopes etc).
Q: I see that the built-in Synth has a drumkit. How do I access it, and what is channel 9?
A: The built-in drumkit kit is on channel 9 of the built-in Synthesizer, so if you select the NOTE radio-button, and then choose 'Built-in Synthesizer' and channel 9, you will get the drum at the note value you enter, as follows:
Please note that you need to use a 'Strike' action for lowest latency / snappiest trigger, OR assign a keyboard key (also low latency). See elsewhere in this FAQ for info on Strike actions.
DRUM NAME NOTE NUMBER
AcousticBassDrum = 35,
BassDrum1 = 36,
SideStick = 37,
AcousticSnare = 38,
HandClap = 39,
ElectricSnare = 40,
LowFloorTom = 41,
ClosedHiHat = 42,
HighFloorTom = 43,
PedalHiHat = 44,
LowTom = 45,
OpenHiHat = 46,
LowMidTom = 47,
HiMidTom = 48,
CrashCymbal1 = 49,
HighTom = 50,
RideCymbal1 = 51,
ChineseCymbal = 52,
RideBell = 53,
Tambourine = 54,
SplashCymbal = 55,
Cowbell = 56,
CrashCymbal2 = 57,
Vibraslap = 58,
RideCymbal2 = 59,
HiBongo = 60,
LowBongo = 61,
MuteHiConga = 62,
OpenHiConga = 63,
LowConga = 64,
HighTimbale = 65,
LowTimbale = 66,
HighAgogo = 67,
LowAgogo = 68,
Cabasa = 69,
Maracas = 70,
ShortWhistle = 71,
LongWhistle = 72,
ShortGuiro = 73,
LongGuiro = 74,
Claves = 75,
HiWoodBlock = 76,
LowWoodBlock = 77,
MuteCuica = 78,
OpenCuica = 79,
MuteTriangle = 80,
OpenTriangle = 81
Q: What built-in Sythesizer sounds are available?
A: This is the full list of presets. These are accessed using a Program Change message (0-127) to the built-in Synthesizer:
AcousticGrandPiano = 0,
BrightAcousticPiano = 1,
ElectricGrandPiano = 2,
HonkyTonkPiano = 3,
ElectricPiano1 = 4,
ElectricPiano2 = 5,
Harpsichord = 6,
Clavinet = 7,
Celesta = 8,
Glockenspiel = 9,
MusicBox = 10,
Vibraphone = 11,
Marimba = 12,
Xylophone = 13,
TubularBells = 14,
Dulcimer = 15,
DrawbarOrgan = 16,
PercussiveOrgan = 17,
RockOrgan = 18,
ChurchOrgan = 19,
ReedOrgan = 20,
Accordion = 21,
Harmonica = 22,
TangoAccordion = 23,
AcousticGuitarNylon = 24,
AcousticGuitarSteel = 25,
ElectricGuitarJazz = 26,
ElectricGuitarClean = 27,
ElectricGuitarMuted = 28,
OverdrivenGuitar = 29,
DistortionGuitar = 30,
GuitarHarmonics = 31,
AcousticBass = 32,
ElectricBassFinger = 33,
ElectricBassPick = 34,
FretlessBass = 35,
SlapBass1 = 36,
SlapBass2 = 37,
SynthBass1 = 38,
SynthBass2 = 39,
Violin = 40,
Viola = 41,
Cello = 42,
Contrabass = 43,
TremoloStrings = 44,
PizzicatoStrings = 45,
OrchestralHarp = 46,
Timpani = 47,
StringEnsemble1 = 48,
StringEnsemble2 = 49,
SynthStrings1 = 50,
SynthStrings2 = 51,
ChoirAahs = 52,
VoiceOohs = 53,
SynthVoice = 54,
OrchestraHit = 55,
Trumpet = 56,
Trombone = 57,
Tuba = 58,
MutedTrumpet = 59,
FrenchHorn = 60,
BrassSection = 61,
SynthBrass1 = 62,
SynthBrass2 = 63,
SopranoSax = 64,
AltoSax = 65,
TenorSax = 66,
BaritoneSax = 67,
Oboe = 68,
EnglishHorn = 69,
Bassoon = 70,
Clarinet = 71,
Piccolo = 72,
Flute = 73,
Recorder = 74,
PanFlute = 75,
BlownBottle = 76,
Shakuhachi = 77,
Whistle = 78,
Ocarina = 79,
LeadSquare = 80,
LeadSawtooth = 81,
LeadCalliope = 82,
LeadChiff = 83,
LeadCharang = 84,
LeadVoice = 85,
LeadFifths = 86,
LeadBassLead = 87,
PadNewAge = 88,
PadWarm = 89,
PadPolysynth = 90,
PadChoir = 91,
PadBowed = 92,
PadMetallic = 93,
PadHalo = 94,
PadSweep = 95,
FXRain = 96,
FXSoundtrack = 97,
FXCrystal = 98,
FXAtmosphere = 99,
FXBrightness = 100,
FXGoblins = 101,
FXEchoes = 102,
FXSciFi = 103,
Sitar = 104,
Banjo = 105,
Shamisen = 106,
Koto = 107,
Kalimba = 108,
Bagpipe = 109,
Fiddle = 110,
Shanai = 111,
TinkleBell = 112,
Agogo = 113,
SteelDrums = 114,
Woodblock = 115,
TaikoDrum = 116,
MelodicTom = 117,
SynthDrum = 118,
ReverseCymbal = 119,
GuitarFretNoise = 120,
BreathNoise = 121,
Seashore = 122,
BirdTweet = 123,
TelephoneRing = 124,
Helicopter = 125,
Applause = 126,
Gunshot = 127
Q: The effects are amazing! Can I change parameters?
A: All parameters of the effects are available but we are in the process of exposing them in the UI. We want to get that right, and allow mapping of the parameters to devices (Ring Mice, Gamepads etc), so please watch this space.
ASIO and Audio:
Q: How do I get my ASIO device to work?
A: Make sure Windows is set to 'Allow Apps and Windows to use this device for audio' in System > Sound > Properties. Also make sure it is not set as your default sound device to use for Windows (set that to your internal sound card). ASIO gives exclusive access, so it needs to be available for Ph@Controller to use.
Hardware
Q: Can I use multiple rings?
A: Yes you can, and it often helps with usability and dexterity. Typically, each device should map DIFFERENT actions though, unless you specifically want another SAME button press as a backup on another ring.
Q: Which ring, gamepad or other device offers the quickest actions?
A: Any ring with a USB dongle rather than Bluetooth connection will have significantly faster reaction. The D06 PRO (note the 'PRO' which includes the USB dongle), D13 PRO, and 8BITDO Games Controllers offer low latency for drum triggers etc. Many of the 'Tiktok' style rings are BT only, and therefore have higher latency generally. The IINE Retro Pocket Gamepad is also low latency even though it is a BT device (and obviously very low latency when wired).
Q: Which mode should I choose on a Gamepad for best results?
A: To use the Gyroscope (if present), choose a ‘Switch’ mode (see its documentation), or for the IINE Retro Pocket, the ‘DualShock 4’ mode (Pair+B). For non-gyro Gamepads, choose XInput, DInput, XBox One.
Hardware testing and findings
Q: What should I consider before choosing some hardware to work with Ph@Controller?
A: See our findings below, BUT it is always best to choose a fully tested device from here.
Choose a USB Receiver model over a Bluetooth model. Even better, choose a wired model. However, we have seen quite low latency on standard Bluetooth devices, so YMMV.
The RM10 ring with small touchpad has nice tactile buttons and a precise touchpad, and the secondary button is quite fast compared to the OnCtrl ring's gestures for instance. It also supports double-click on the primary button (albeit slightly slower).
D06 PRO for a bigger expression area, more buttons, faster response buttons with USB dongle.
D13 PRO for the largest trackpad expression area, but this is handheld rather than worn on the finger. This can be attached to instruments though, with tape or ties.
RM10 for more discrete, easier use (less dexterity) and an accurate trackpad. (wear many!)
Not recommended: OnCtrl rings: When in mode 1, the swipes ARE detected, but WILL affect your x,y coordinates as well.
It also has various TikTok key codes, BUT it forces the Windows audio volume Up/Dn/Mute when you use those (we do detect them though).
Not recommended: D01 (non PRO version) - This is a Non-MEDIA ring, with TikTok gestures, that doesn't work well.
D01 (PRO / Ultra)
Works well, but not a low latency ring. Also has only single-click on the middle button, so you have (from top to bottom when worn with gap downwards):
(Top) CLICK = TikTokPrevTrack, DBLCLICK = TikTokHome, LNGCLICK = TikTokVolumeUp
(Middle) CLICK = TikTokPlayPause
(Bottom) CLICK = TikTokNextTrack, DBLCLICK = TikTokScreenOff, LNGCLICK = TikTokVolumeDown
TikTok Rings - Many of these simulate mouse swipes, and as a result send the cursor all over the place in Windows! We try to support these best we can, and there is a learning mode where the software learns what the buttons are sending, so we can support more of these.
If they send Media keys, it's better for all, because they react quickly and predictably, so they behave better as buttons for MIDI actions! Look for Media Rings or TikTok rings with a Media mode. The plus side? They are cheap, light and can add 3,6 or even 9 extra buttons / actions to your setup!
WX10 works well in its Media mode (double press 2 end buttons together)
Some TikTok rings don't send anything but volume up/dn to Windows (designed for phone). These include JX3 and TP-1.
Always look for a 'Media Mode' supported, then it MAY work!