Using MIDI, it’s possible to control many aspects of Farrago. This page details the basics of using a MIDI device with Farrago.

Initial Setup

To get started, make sure your MIDI device is connected to your Mac, then enable it in the MIDI Controllers tab of Farrago's Settings.

Once your device is enabled, you'll be able to use it to control many aspects of Farrago.

Tile Playback

MIDI keys can be used to trigger a tile, causing it to play when the MIDI key is pressed. After you assign MIDI shortcuts to Farrago, they'll work even when Farrago is in the background.

To assign a MIDI key to a specific tile, highlight the tile and click the Learn MIDI button in the Inspector. Press a key on your MIDI device, and it will be assigned to that tile. For even faster setting, press Command-L on your keyboard when a tile is selected to trigger Learn MIDI.

Once a shortcut is set, it will be shown in the Inspector, as well as on the tile face (space permitting). The Inspector will show both the MIDI key, and the relevant MIDI device. Note that it's possible to set one MIDI key to trigger multiple tiles simultaneously.

To clear a MIDI assignment, highlight a tile, then click the Clear button in the Inspector, or select Clear MIDI from the MIDI menu. It’s also possible to clear MIDI assignments from multiple tiles at once, by selecting all the desired tiles then clearing in this same way. To clear all assignments for a particular MIDI device, uncheck the device in the Controllers tab of the Settings window, then confirm clearing the controls.

Set Switching

MIDI keys can also be assigned to a specific set. When the specified MIDI key is pressed, Farrago will switch to the desired set.

To assign a MIDI key to a specific set, highlight the set, then click Learn MIDI in the Inspector. Press a key on your MIDI device, and it will be assigned to that set.

Once a shortcut is configured, it will be shown in the Inspector, as well as in the Sets List. The Inspector will list both the MIDI key, and the relevant MIDI device.

Global Playback Controls

The Mappings tab of Farrago's Settings provides access to global shortcuts. Here, you can set MIDI shortcuts to control playback, bring Farrago forward, and adjust volumes.

Software MIDI Controllers

In addition to working with MIDI hardware, software-based MIDI controllers such as TouchOSC and MidiPad can also be used with Farrago. This provides a great way to use iOS or iPadOS to control Farrago running on a Mac.

To set this up, your iOS device and Mac must each be connected to the same local network. Your Mac must also be setup to receive MIDI information over the network, via the Audio MIDI Setup app. This article from Apple has more details on accessing and choosing the required settings.

Once your Mac and iOS device are set up for MIDI connections, enable control by following the above instructions. Once that’s done, you can configure controls just as you would with a hardware MIDI device.

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