MIDI sync

Nodalin supports MIDI input through the Web MIDI API, allowing you to control node properties with hardware controllers, sync to MIDI clock, and respond to note events in real-time.

Quick Start

1. Enable MIDI Access

1. Click the MIDI icon in the toolbar

2. Click "Request MIDI Access" when prompted

3. Grant permission in your browser when asked

Once enabled, Nodalin will automatically detect and connect to available MIDI devices.

2. Select Your MIDI Device

1. Open MIDI Settings from the toolbar

2. Your connected MIDI devices will appear in the list

3. Select the device you want to use by clicking its radio button

4. The active device will be highlighted

3. Use MIDI CC Nodes

1. Add a MIDI CC node from the Streams category

2. Configure the CC number to match your controller (e.g., CC 1 for mod wheel)

3. Set the min and max range to map MIDI values (0-127) to your desired output range

4. Connect the MIDI CC node to any property input

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Setting Up Virtual MIDI Buses

Virtual MIDI buses allow you to send MIDI from DAWs (like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio) or other software directly to Nodalin.

macOS

macOS includes a built-in virtual MIDI bus called IAC Driver:

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup (Applications > Utilities)

1. Go to Window > Show MIDI Studio

1. Double-click the IAC Driver icon

2. Check "Device is online" and click "Apply"

The IAC bus will now appear in Nodalin's MIDI device list and in your DAW's MIDI output options.

The button automatically appears when MIDI devices are detected or become available and remains hidden if there are no available MIDI devices.

Windows

Windows requires third-party software for virtual MIDI buses:

1. Download and install loopMIDI (free): https://www.tobias-erichsen.de/software/loopmidi.html

2. Launch loopMIDI

3. Click "+" to create a new virtual port

4. Name it (e.g., "Nodalin MIDI")

5. The port will appear in Nodalin's MIDI device list

Alternative: MIDI Yoke (older, part of MIDI-OX suite) provides similar functionality.

Linux

Linux users can use ALSA or JACK to create virtual MIDI connections:

Using ALSA:

# Create a virtual MIDI port
sudo modprobe snd-virmidi

Using JACK:

# Install a2jmidid for ALSA-to-JACK MIDI bridging
a2jmidid -e &

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Connecting Your DAW

Once you've set up a virtual MIDI bus:

In Your DAW:

1. Create a MIDI track

2. Set the track's MIDI output to your virtual bus (e.g., "IAC Driver Bus 1" or "loopMIDI Port")

3. Add MIDI clips or automation to send CC messages

In Nodalin:

1. Open MIDI Settings

2. Select the virtual bus from the device list

3. The "Detected Control Changes" section will show incoming CC messages

4. Use these CC numbers in your MIDI CC nodes

Troubleshooting

No MIDI Devices Found

• Check browser support: Web MIDI API works in Chrome, Edge, and Opera (not Firefox or Safari)

• Reconnect hardware: Unplug and replug your MIDI controller

• Refresh permissions: Reload the page and grant MIDI access again

Virtual Bus Not Appearing

• macOS: Ensure IAC Driver is "online" in Audio MIDI Setup

• Windows: Check that loopMIDI is running and the port is created

• All platforms: Restart Nodalin after creating the virtual bus

CC Values Not Responding

• Check CC number: Verify it matches your controller's output (use CC Detection)

• Verify device selection: Ensure the correct device is selected in MIDI Settings

• Check min/max range: Ensure the range makes sense for your property

DAW Not Sending MIDI

• Enable MIDI track: Ensure the track is armed/enabled

• Check routing: Verify MIDI output is set to the virtual bus

• Test with notes: Send MIDI notes to verify the connection works

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Best Practices

1. Use descriptive ranges: Set min/max to match the property you're controlling (e.g., 0-360 for rotation)

2. Monitor in MIDI Settings: Keep the panel open while setting up to see live CC values

3. Save your mappings: Nodalin remembers your MIDI CC node configurations

4. Test incrementally: Connect one MIDI CC node at a time to verify behavior

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Example Workflows

Audio-Reactive Visuals with Ableton Live

1. Set up IAC Driver (macOS) or loopMIDI (Windows)

2. In Ableton, create a MIDI track with CC automation

3. Route the track to your virtual bus

4. In Nodalin, use MIDI CC nodes to control colors, positions, or effects

5. Press play in Ableton to see your visuals sync

Hardware Controller Performance

1. Connect your MIDI controller via USB

2. Select it in Nodalin's MIDI Settings

3. Map knobs to Wave frequencies, Color hues, or Blur radii

4. Perform live by tweaking your controller in real-time