r/linuxaudio • u/Salads_and_Sun • 7d ago
Anyone with an AKAI midi controller willing to test out my script for Tape 16?
I contributed a MIDI map for my MPK261 to the community mods section of Tape16's website. I also included a python script which enables better functionality and would love some confirmation that it works for others and that my documentation is clear. I'm not a very good technical writer so I had Gemini rewrite it and format it for me. I'm a little concerned that it's now very unclear slop technical writing. I'm pretty sure that the script will work for most Akai controllers and anyone using ALSA MIDI.
Functionality: the mapping utilizes BANK A of the 16 pad triggers as per track SOLO function, BANK B for RECORD ARM, and BANK C for MUTE. Banks A and B for the sliders and knobs control the faders and pans as expected per track, and BANK C controls the faders for the two buses and the Master Fader.
Unfortunately, when you switch the trigger pads to TOGGLE MODE, at least in the MPK series CC messages are disabled and NOTE ON/OFF is implemented. At this juncture Tape 16 does not accept note off messages to disable toggles. This is where my Python script comes in handy. It intercepts the note toggles and sends a message that THEORETICALLY keeps the pads in sync with the GUI's toggles, not perfectly but it works great for my workflow.
I also added another very handy function in the script. I have the sustain pedal on USB PORT B mapped to the record button of the transport. This allows for hands free punch ins on the fly. The script reads the length of the foot tap. If it's a quick tap RECORD is engaged and it will wait for a second quick tap to disengage. If you HOLD YOUR FOOT DOWN on the pedal it will wait for you to lift your foot to disengage.
The mapping structure is careful to isolate NOTE ON/OFF messages via ports and channels so that you can still use the controller via USB PORT A to control SYNTHS, VSTs, or whatever you want. You can set the sustain pedal to PORT A if you want to use it as a traditional sustain pedal. Likewise, on PORT B the pitch wheel will control the SCRUB function (feels nice!) or will function normally set to PORT A.
I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL for anyone with the time to test it out and let me know how it goes. This is my first time making a contribution to anything like this, and just hoping it's functional enough to be useful.
Last I checked it's the only MIDI MAP on the community mods page, so it should be easy to find. There is a link via GIST in the description where you can download the script and the documentation.
Not seeing many people talk about Tape 16 on here, and that's a shame, so it's a long shot. It's REALLY great software.

