User Manual

Output Port
One big difference between Hosted and Standalone mode is the output port that should be
used. SSCOM Port 1 should be used for Standalone mode (data coming directly from the
SoftStep), and SoftStep Share should be used for Hosted mode (data coming from the editor).
Note: SoftStep Share is a virtual MIDI port built in to the Mac OS version of the Advanced Editor.
Windows users will need to install and use a third-party MIDI bus of their choice, like MIDI Yoke or
LoopBe. More information can be found in the SoftStep Share section.
Adjacent Key Lockout
The Adjacent Key Lockout key safety setting is only available in Hosted mode.
Display Mode 1-128 vs 0-127
The Display Mode setting is only available in Standalone mode. The same effect can be
created in Hosted mode using some fancy modline work.
Disabling Scene Changing
The Scene Changing On/Off setting is only available in Standalone mode. The same effect can
be achieved in Hosted mode by having only one scene in the setlist.
4.7 SoftStep Ports
When a SoftStep is connected to a computer, two virtual MIDI “ports” (or “busses”) are created
—!SSCOM Port 1 and SSCOM Port 2. They are the “portal” to communicating with a connected
SoftStep. The ports allow for bi-directional communication between the computer and the SoftStep
(and MIDI Expander if one is connected), and should appear in any MIDI-capable application when a
SoftStep is connected.
Understanding what each port is for and how they work is crucial to mastering the SoftStep hardware
and software.
SSCOM Port 1 vs. SSCOM Port 2
SSCOM Port 1 is used to receive data from (and send data to) the SoftStep itself.
In Standalone mode, applications should listen to this port to receive MIDI coming from the
SoftStep. This is also the port that data should be sent to for controlling the SoftStep LEDs, display,
and presets.
SSCOM Port 2 is used to receive data from (and send data to) an attached MIDI Expander. MIDI
sent from an external device to the Expander’s MIDI In will enter a computer via SSCOM Port 2. Any
MIDI sent to SSCOM Port 2 will be sent out of the Expander’s MIDI Out.
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