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Michael Tyson
Description
This feature request proposes enabling direct access to widgets (e.g. buttons, faders, toggles) via grid-based hardware controllers such as the Novation Launchpad or Akai APC40, alongside traditional clip triggering. The goal is to allow these controllers to send actions to widgets just as they currently do with clips, expanding performance flexibility and reducing the need for complex workarounds.
Problems
  • Clips-Only Limitation
    : At present, grid controllers like the Launchpad can only trigger clips. Widgets are not directly assignable, limiting interactive control of non-clip-based functions.
  • Cumbersome Workarounds
    : Current solutions involve using silent clips with follow actions to trigger widgets indirectly, which adds unnecessary steps, increases latency, and reduces intuitiveness.
  • Reduced Live Usability
    : The inability to trigger widgets directly from grid controllers limits the expressive possibilities during live performances, especially for setups relying heavily on real-time manipulation of effects, toggles, and macros.
Proposed Solution
  • Direct Widget Mapping
    : Allow each pad or button on a grid controller to be mapped to a specific widget action (e.g. toggle, value change, trigger), not just to clips.
  • Mixed Grid View
    : Enable users to freely assign a mix of clips and widgets to Launchpad/AKAI pads, similar to session views in Ableton Live or Bitwig.
  • Visual Feedback
    : Provide clear state-based feedback (e.g. pad color changes) for widget states, matching the responsiveness of clip triggering.
Examples
  1. Toggle FX via Launchpad
    : A user maps a Launchpad pad to a widget that toggles a filter on/off, using the same grid that also controls loops.
  2. Macro Triggering
    : A pad sends an action to a widget group that adjusts multiple parameters at once (e.g. fade volume + pan + color state).
  3. Page Navigation
    : Launchpad pads are used to trigger widgets that change pages, open menus, or toggle modes—without triggering clips.
Benefits
  • Greater Live Flexibility
    : Performers gain real-time control over both loops and interface functions, enhancing expressivity.
  • Streamlined Setup
    : Reduces the need for workarounds like silent clips or extra layers of routing just to access widget actions.
  • Improved Visual Consistency
    : Allows Launchpad LEDs to reflect both clip and widget states for clearer performance monitoring.
This summary was automatically generated by ChatGPT-4 on 2025-05-17.
Original Post:
Add option to access widgets as well as clips for hardware controllers that have an automatic layout like the launchpad and APC40 mk2.