Ph@Controller FAQ
PRESS 'H' FOR HELP AT ANY TIME, and RIGHT CLICK on the dimmed dials when not in LIVE mode for MIDI help.
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.
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 Knobs, 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: When I move a mouse or other device, it makes a load of 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.
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 MIDI NOTES, CTRL is always used for Tap Tempo).
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: Why does it only recognise the Joysticks of my Xbox Gamepad?
A: If it's Bluetooth connected, sometimes it sends over a different protocol - try it wired, upgrade its firmware, or update the gamecontrollersdb.txt with a later version to see if it has support for 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: 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: 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
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.
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 offers the quickest actions?
A: Any ring with a USB dongle rather than Bluetooth connection will have significantly faster reaction. The D09 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.
Hardware choices
Q: What should I consider before choosing some hardware to work with Ph@Controller?
A: See our findings below:
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!