Setup for MusicStand

Setting up your Helix to connect to iPad and Planning Center’s MusicStand app

On the Helix it is possible to have footswitches send MIDI commands. On the iPad app, it is possible to receive MIDI commands via USB to turn pages on a digital music stand app. Why have an additional pedal that controls that when you already have a Helix at your feet? For my Worship Leader patches, I have put two switches on the bottom row of the Helix. These switches are your page turners for your digital music stand app. These have been set using the Control Center to trigger CC1 and CC2 in MIDI. 

I usually keep the switches on the bottom row, and they are usually the only two switches on the bottom row. Firstly, this row is the most accessible when you’re playing. And secondly, by having them as the only two switches on that row, it is quicker and easier for you to look down and know which switches to push without having to double guess yourself. 
The purpose of this setup is so that A) you don’t have to awkwardly reach down and swipe to get to the music for the next song, B) you don’t have to go out and purchase a footswitch page turner, and C) you don’t have any additional footswitches in front of you, getting tangled up, or moving places when you’re trying to worship lead.
I know that there are iPad apps which can be used to then control the Helix, set effects, set the tap tempo, change preset depending on the song – but that is not how this is set up. This has been designed as a foot controller to turn the pages in your digital music stand. For me, when I’m worship leading, I need things to work, without having to reach down and control the iPad. I need it to be simple and paired back, so that it is clear and I don’t need to think too much about it at the time when I’m in the moment.

Tutorial Video

Watch the video below to see the MusicStand app being set up and then working from the Helix foot switches as part of one of my patch demos. 

 

https://youtu.be/15tNUMBIL1I

You will need

To make the most of this patch, you will need to connect your Helix to your digital music stand using MIDI. This is usually done through the USB cable.

For my particular set up, I use an iPad connected with a Lightning to USB Cable pictured here. You can use the original Apple one, or purchase similar 3rd Party ones. 
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD821AM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter

I’m sure this would be similar for your Android or other digital music stand devices. 
This will not work over Bluetooth.c

Setting Up MusicStand app

I’ve only ever used MusicStand for this, though I’m aware of other apps such as OnSong. Please refer to their setup instructions if you wish to use them with this patch. If you have success with another patch, and wish to contribute to this ReadMe with some helpful instructions, please get in touch with me!

  1. Connect the USB Cable from the Helix to the USB to Lightning Adapter. 
  2. With the Sidebar of the app open, click on “Settings” at the bottom. 
  3. Click on “MIDI Input”. 
  4. Select the “Next Page” input option. This will show up as highlighted in the app.
  5. On the Helix, click on the “Next” foot switch. This should now un-highlight the “Next Page” option in the app and display “CC2”
  6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the Prev Page input option. It should display “CC1” in the relevant input. 
  7. And you’re done! Open up the songs and now use the NEXT and PREV foot switches to turn the pages.



Download MusicStand for iPad



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