Toggling instrument tracks using MIDI keyboard

[VijayP]

Hi !

In a studio set up, I can directly access my laptop and toggle between different instrument tracks. But during live performance; is there a way to assign specific keys / controls on my MIDI keyboard so that I can toggle between tracks ? I am struggling to find out how this can be done so please advice or guide me to the right resources online. Thank you very much !

[tope d]

On a Midi Keyboard, Not sure, it may depend on your midi controller. If on your keyboard, shortcut would be control + P or ;
to switch to different tracks

[VijayP]

Thank you Tope ! Yes I use those shortcuts on laptop. I saw in some videos that for some other DAWs, MIDI keys (for example the leftmost note on the keyboard) can be assigned to toggle between tracks. Which I think is very cool. So wanted to check whether this is possible in pro tools.

[massivekerry]

Originally Posted by VijayP

Thank you Tope ! Yes I use those shortcuts on laptop. I saw in some videos that for some other DAWs, MIDI keys (for example the leftmost note on the keyboard) can be assigned to toggle between tracks. Which I think is very cool. So wanted to check whether this is possible in pro tools.

It is not built-in to Pro Tools. You could use Keyboard Maestro to program a MIDI note to trigger a Macro, which could be assigned to the Key Command needed. It'd take some programming.

Honestly, the easiest thing (assuming you're using a Mac) might be to use MainStage. $30. Then you should be able to easily assign MIDI messages (including notes) to patch changes and track switching, once you get used to it. You can even pick up a cheap MIDI Bluetooth footswitch (like the MVave Chocolate or HotShot) and keep your hands free.

[VijayP]

Thank you Kerry ! Had not thought about solution outside pro tools. I use windows but I found some alternatives to Mainstage which work in windows so I will try them.