The Loop Block can be used to send MIDI CC messages to other applications, and it can also be used to send MMC (MIDI Machine Control) commands to control the transport of digital audio workstations (DAWs) that respond to MMC commands. 


MMC commands are MIDI messages that can control functions including Play, Fast-Forward, Rewind, Stop, Pause, and Record. In addition, the Loop Block can control functions in Melodics, making learning music with Melodics faster and easier.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Controlling DAW transports

Note: not all DAWs support MMC commands, so first check to see if your DAW does.


To control the transport of DAWs with your Loop Block:


  1. Make sure your Loop Block’s firmware has been updated.
  2. Open ROLI Dashboard, select your Loop Block, and ensure that Midi CC Mode is turned OFF.
  3. Close ROLI Dashboard. Dashboard sends SysEx commands which can interfere with the operation of some DAWs e.g. Logic Pro.
  4. Your Loop Block will send the following MMC messages:
  • Play sends MMC Play (on) and MMC Stop (off)
  • Record sends MMC Record Strobe (on) and MMC Record Exit (off)
  • When unassigned the minus (‘-’) button sends MMC Rewind
  • When unassigned the plus (‘+’) button sends MMC Fast-Forward
  • The Undo button sends MMC Stop




You may need to adjust your DAW’s preferences to respond to these commands. In Logic, for example, select File > Project Settings > Synchronization > MIDI and turn on “Listen to MMC.” See your DAW’s manual for more information.


Sending MIDI CC messages

Alternatively, you may also use your Loop Block to send MIDI CC messages instead of MMC messages.


  1. Make sure your Loop Block’s firmware has been updated.
  2. Open ROLI Dashboard, select your Loop Block, and turn Midi CC Mode to ON. 
  3. Customize the MIDI CC values to be sent by each of the Loop Block’s buttons. 
  4. Close ROLI Dashboard. Dashboard sends SysEx commands which can interfere with the operation of some DAWs e.g. Logic Pro.
  5. Open your application of choice and map these MIDI CCs.


Close ROLI Dashboard if you're using your app's "MIDI Learn" feature to map MIDI CCs. ROLI Dashboard communicates with Blocks via MIDI SysEx messages which can confuse other apps.



Controlling Melodics features

To use your Loop Block with Melodics, open ROLI Dashboard, connect and select your Loop Block, and load the "Melodics" app onto your Loop Block. Now the Loop Block will control the following Melodics functions:

Pre-Play


Performance

Practice

Loop

Post-Play