General Editing

Entering Names

The case of a character (upper case/lower case) is significant only when specifically stated. Otherwise when you have text to enter (e.g., a song name) either upper or lower case is acceptable. Finding strings (like song and chain names) is case-insensitive; the song name "My Favorite Hit" will match "my favourite hit" or even "mY FaVohexadecimalRItE hIt".
Typing any unique name prefix is sufficient. You don't have to type the whole name. For example, in the Find window, you could type "my f" to find "My Favorite Hit" (assuming no other song started with "my f". If the prefix you type is not unique, the first matching object will be returned.

Entering Numbers

Numbers never contain commas, since the computer doesn't understand them. Enter 1,256 as 1256.
MIDI values for controller numbers, controller values, and, note numbers range from 0 to 127. Pop-up menus contain standard controller names and General MIDI patch names.
You can enter MIDI controller values directly by moving any controller. When any text field that is used to enter a controller value has the focus (i.e., is highlighted and accepts key strokes), moving any controller on any MIDI channel enters that controller's number in the text field.
None of the rest of this is implemented yet.
There is more than one way to specify a number. First, you can just type it in. You may also use hexadecimal numbers (base 16, or "hex" for short) by preceding the number with "0x". For example, typing "0x3F" would enter a value of 63 (since 0x3F [base 16] = 63 [base 10]). This is helpful at times since many devices' MIDI implementation charts show numbers in hex.
Another way to enter numbers is useful for synths with banks of eight programs. With this method, you enter a '@' followed by the bank and program number. For example, typing "@21" will enter the correct program number for bank 2, program 1.

Entering Notes

Notes can be specified by number or name. Notes names are made up of pitch name, accidental, then octave number. Middle C is C5. The D-sharp above the C above middle C is D#6. The B-flat below middle C is Bb4. Note names are case-insensitive. A flat is typed using a lower-case 'b' (since case doesn't matter, you could use an upper-case 'B', I suppose).
Note numbers range from 0 to 127. Middle C (C5) has a value of 60 (hex 0x3C).
You can enter MIDI notes directly by playing them. When any text field that is used to enter a note has the focus (i.e., is highlighted and accepts key strokes), playing a MIDI note on any MIDI channel enters that note's name in the text field.

Editing Instruments

To add or edit MIDI instruments, open the Instruments window by selecting "Instruments" from any Window menu.

To add a new instrument, select "New Instrument" from the Instrument menu. A new instrument named "Unnamed" is created, and appears in the list of instruments.

To edit the settings of a MIDI instrument, open the Instruments window, then click on an instrument name and select "Open Instrument" from the Instrument menu. You can also double-click on an instrument name.

The dialog box that appears contains all of the settings that describe the instrument.

Click "Apply" to make any changes you have entered. If you close the window without clicking "Apply", the instrument will not be changed.

Instrument Name

You may give each instrument any name. This is the name that will be used when you need to select an instrument.

Is a Controller

Check this box if this instrument will be used to control other instruments.

Is Multitimbral

Check this box if the instrument can send or receive on multiple MIDI channels at once.

Program Numbers Start at 1

Some MIDI instruments start counting their program change commands from 0 (like MIDI does) and some start counting from 1 (like the Yamaha DX-7). You can let KeyMaster know which way to count so it will send out the correct program change command for each MIDI channel and display the right program change numbers.

If you enter a program number of 3, KeyMaster normally sends out MIDI program change number 3. This is fine for a device that starts counting from 0. But if you type in a 3, you want KeyMaster to send a 2 to your DX-7 (MIDI program number 2 equals DX-7 program number 3). By telling KeyMaster what to do, you don't have to think about this problem at all.

Send Channels

Select the MIDI channels that this instrument sends. These check boxes are disabled if "Is a Controller" is not checked.

Only one channel at a time is allowed if "Is Multitimbral" is not checked.

Receive Channels

Select the MIDI channels that this instrument receives.

Only one channel at a time is allowed if "Is Multitimbral" is not checked.

MIDI Input/Output Port

Select the MIDI input and output ports to which this instrument is attached. An instrument's output can be the BeOS internal MIDI synthesizer.

Editing Messages

To see all of the MIDI messages, open the Messages list window from the Window menu.

When you open a message, a message editing window appears. The small icons in the window represent MIDI commands like patch changes, controller changes, and sysex messages. You can drag any icon into the text area to insert one of these commands.

To edit a particular command within the message, double-click it. An editor window specific to that MIDI command opens.

I want to add pop-up menus for General MIDI program change names.

Some day, you will be able to open MIDI files, drag MIDI files onto the editor, etc.