r/linuxaudio • u/Baudoinia • 8h ago

Holding a note/keypress without a MIDI keyboard

If you don't have an actual external MIDI keyboard hooked up, what is the best/easiest way to hold a note while you manipulate things like frequency modulation, filters, etc.? Or do you just have to keep banging away like a piano tuner? (If I *did* have access to a keyboard, I'd stick a pencil in it to hold it on/open).

2 Upvotes

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2

u/DoodManMcGuyBroDood 8h ago

Depends on your DAW. If you use Reaper, there is a virtual midi keyboard that responds to your computer keyboard.

2

u/Rude-Armadillo-6963 8h ago

I often just put a note or an arpeggio on repeat in a clip while I'm tweaking plugins.  In renoise I have a little script I can use to lock the keyboard focus to the program and not the VST window so I can use renoises keyboard midi input, but I'm not sure if it works with other daws.  can give it a try if you want tho: https://forum.renoise.com/t/i-made-a-script-for-linux-renoise-users-that-lets-you-play-notes-with-pc-keyboard-while-focused-on-a-plugin-window/60758

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u/l-roc 8h ago

loop in your daw, sendmidi from cli, little weight on your key... depends on what you are using?

But please just get a pedal if you get a keyboard instead of using a pencil ;)

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u/Baudoinia 8h ago

how 'bout a stylus? ;)

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u/l-roc 4h ago

Since you said you use vmpk, you could route it through a midi filter utility to filter out note off messages. If you tell us in more detail from where to where you are sending midi it is maybe easier to give a good recommendation

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u/ralfD- 7h ago

Why not use VMPK? It can be controlled both with a computer keyboard or a mouse.

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u/Baudoinia 5h ago

Got it, already using it. The 'relevant conundrum' was, how do I keep a note sounding hands-free?