Controlling BeatBuddy with OnSong

[@bootsoul]

I'm sorry, but I actually laughed at the unbelievable complexity of this. The Energizer Bunny of software. This is the kind of video that will be hysterically funny in about ten years, in a "what WERE they thinking?" sort of way. I just ordered a BassBuddy and I can see that I won't be exploring all that it can do. Not because I'm not smart enough, but because I would end up with an acute aneurysm secondary to intracranial hypertension. As I listened to the soothing voice of the narrator I thought to myself, 'this must be how Commander Jim Lovell must have felt listening to instructions from Mission Control during the Apollo 13 crisis'.

[@TheOpinionatedGuitarist]

bootsoul Yep, I agree!

[@paulzarvisMusicProducer]

bootsoul Aaaaahahahahahahahaha!!!

[@theefficientmusician]

It’s been 7/10 of a decade since this video was uploaded and I’m still waiting for midi to get simpler 😂

[@snsproaudio]

I have to add to my comment....one year later and I have used the BB with OnSong many times now and it works great......It just took a little time to figure it all out. I don't it all but I know enough to make it work at live gigs for me!

[@TheSlimDude]

I had no idea OnSong was so powerful. Great video. My programming background an years of experience with MIDI sequencers and pedals likely made it easier to understand.

[@GregParkemusic1]

Wow ......what a bunch of complainers! Meanwhile , my Beatbuddy, Aeros Looper, Midi Maestro and OnSong are all working perfectly together! Yeah, it took a little while to get everything all set up to work how I wanted it to, but I didn’t learn how to make a living as a musician overnight either. I have used and or owned just about every looper and drum machine out there, and graduated from notebooks to IPad apps years ago. Is OnSong perfect? No, but it, along with the gear from Singular Sound is definitely blowing the socks off of all the other gear I had been using.

[@ickage]

Hi Greg. I too have the Beatbuddy, Aeros Looper, MM, and OnSong. Would you be willing to share how you set those up? Do you go MM -->Bluetooth --> OnSong --> OnSong Connection to Beatbuddy --> Beatbuddy --> Aeros?

[@budm.1450]

Christ, you'd have to be a freakin scientist to figure this thing out. No thanks, I'll just use the BeatBuddy the way it is thanks. What a pain in the ass.

[@realboltfan]

this wtf lol

[@jonathanaldridge3464]

Wow, incredible, pleased Singular Sound and Onsong are working together on this. Unfortunately I still have an IPad2 but I may need to experiment with using midi, using the midi adapter as this makes the BeatBuddy more versatile and I'm overwhelmed with the possibilities and features of Onsong. Keep these videos coming!

[@geekazine]

Very well done! I'm getting ready for a BB review, and definitely learning more cool things to do with this. Rock on!

[@snsproaudio]

I was really excited when I found this video but This is so complicated it makes my head hurt!

[@onsongapp]

SNS Pro Audio Visual Which part do you need help with? There's a lot in this video. It's really Step #1 is to connect iOS device to midi equipment. Step #2: Configure BeatBuddy to send/receive MIDI. Step #3 send MIDI through OnSong. While this goes through nearly every MIDI option you may use, it's probably not as complicated as a standard practice. So much of the complication is probably MIDI related.

[@onsongapp]

No, as the video explains, you need to make a MIDI Bank Select/Program Change to the Beat Buddy. Depending on how your beats are arranged in the BB determines the MIDI you send. For instance, if you want to choose the first beat in the first folder, you'd send Bank Select MSB 0, LSB 0 and Program Change 0.

[@onsongapp]

We do not provide phone support, however I think much of your confusion is with MIDI and the BeatBuddy. I would recommend reaching out to other BeatBuddy users on their forums.

[@snsproaudio]

Thanks to the great support of the On Song Folks, I am up and running now.....The thing that was hanging me up was knowing which numbers to enter in the midi area to be able to assign a song on the BB to a specific Chart in On Song! Got it working now though!!

[@snsproaudio]

I actually meant to say that it was the great support I got from Beat Buddy that solved all my problems. Jay from Beat Buddy answered all my questions! I have everything working now! Thanks Jay!

[@ruairionline]

Great video guys. I've been doing this for some time and learnt a few tricks from this video.

[@WolfgangGroeschel]

Great, I've got everything working. Thanks so much.

[@charlesdelauro8708]

Want don’t you do a simple video , God knows OnSong want !

[@WolfgangGroeschel]

@@charlesdelauro8708 I just followed the instructions in the above video. I couldn't do it better.

[@mikegeeguitarman8991]

I felt like drinking bleach after watching this.. I have since found the will to live again after counselling!

[@pedr0p0lis]

At least your clean from within now :-)

[@vanhewitt]

Awesome video. Thanks a lot.

[@solomondaking8408]

This is a God send :-)

[@mrmajestika]

Overkill........and if we want it to make a latte' we tap 356 but what that means is we have to go to midi sync command tap on the wrench icon tap on audio playback then double tap on midi stop then midi continue then go back to midi settings press play stop instead of play pause if you want sugar in your latte press 496 after that press ..say you want 2 sugar and cream 498 if you want to sync that to you Beat Buddy footswitch go too footswitch setting scroll down by either pressing arrows or arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh

[@amusicalheart7]

I was looking for a way to organize a set list of beats but this is so complex that there's no way I'd attempt using this on stage in front of an audience.

[@bluegrass31]

Thanks Guys - this is really helpful. The first query that I have after following all the set up instructions in this video is what to do to stop an associated iTunes song from playing when I want to use the Play button in OnSong to start Beat Buddy? I use the recorded iTunes song to practice and get phrasing / timing etc but obviously don't want that to happen when I am performing with the Beat Buddy.

[@eggybaby84]

Great video (sorry for all the negative comments),

[@SteveGriffiths]

I do a similar thing with ForeScore - works a treat

[@ccrr8521]

Steve Griffiths hi, do you have video on how to set up with forscore? Tks

[@SteveGriffiths]

cc rr I don't have video but I should be able to put a few pics together

[@ccrr8521]

Tks steve. Im using an older ipad..a 2 think. If possible, i would like to see the settings on forscore and the beat buddy. Many tks

[@joephillips7612]

Without the background music and a little space between the sentences, this wouldn't seem as complicated. Lotta comments about people "can't understand" but they lose focus. Not how tutorials should be edited, that's all. For midi I think instead of channel, program, value. .... they should say device, patch, setting (or value). When I thought of it like that it started to make more sense. I'm having trouble getting started though. I am missing some concept. I did not want to have to tap a pedal for each verse, chorus, etc. I am thinking of having mute backing tracks... just structural- to trigger patches on instruments and lights and video. I don't need timed scrolling.. I need synced scrolling so -to-speak. I don't usually need lyrics but i could use them as a road map. I want to start the song and have the beat buddy and aeros change for each song part as well as changing synth patches and VE-500 vocal patches.

[@markrup6369]

I think I'll just find a drummer.

[@kellyguncheon2781]

Yes, because drummers aren't at all difficult--to find and to play with.

[@heartd.navarro6836]

😂🎉

[@rssl7392]

Thanks you guys is groovy, what I am trying to say is, take the BBD on stage and having a hard time to locate my song on the fly.

[@onsongapp]

I know its a bit of setup, but that's one of the advantages if you use OnSong. You can program your songs in OnSong to send out the proper program that lines up with the BeatBuddy. So you can pick songs using quick pick or sets, and the BeatBuddy would automatically switch to the right beat and tempo without needing to bend down to control it. We are talking with BeatBuddy on ways to possibly make this work a bit smoother in the future but it would probably mean bypassing MIDI.

[@trevicusofficial]

So I invested in a new iPad to download OnSong, still not happy I had to that. I’ve invested in the bluetooth dongle and now I have to begin the steep learning curve to hook it all up. This video was a start but I have previously been using my BB to control the clock on the Voicelive 3 Extreme. This video has gotten me as far as being able to change the tempo on BB with OnSong but that is not changing the tempo on the V3X. Is there any chance I can get some one to one assistance with this?

[@magicroomstudios]

It's only difficult if you are someone who has never done any MIDI sequencing - this is all basis stuff actually!

[@farrow32]

I love the quality of onsong videos, but I agree with most comments...way too much in one video and I was lost 2 mins in....I recommend breaking your video into smaller, simplier segments. Sometimes you guys are too smart for your own good...but that's not all bad. :-)

[@nesiansoulallstars]

If I do this how do I also sync it to my looper pedal?

[@brucesmusicvideos]

Is it possible to split the mid signal from the OnSong? (iPad) so that one signal goes to the boss 600 and the other goes to the beat buddy. That way I could control Temple and memory Banks on the RC 600 as well as the respect of different drum beats on the beat buddy. I would think ultimately the RC 600 would be the master and the beat buddy would be the slave? Really appreciate any help on this? It seems to be a mystery.

[@onsongapp]

Hello! We would absolutely love to give you some assistance. If you’re experiencing any issues with OnSong or have any questions in this regard, the best way to ensure they are addressed is by contacting our support team. You can do this through opening your OnSong 2024 app on your device > Utilities (gear icon) > Support > Contact Us. If you’ve already done these steps, please let us know your ticket reference number that you should have received when sending in your support request, and we will forward it to our support team to make sure you receive a response ASAP. Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you and giving you a hand!

[@jonathanaldridge3464]

I would like the Beatbuddy to be the midi clock, but I'm struggling getting that to work or what options to choose. As the screen on the BB is small it would be great to have the visual metronome synced to the BB, great for starting a song without the BB and bring it in later on synced to the metronome.

[@pedr0p0lis]

I really would love to use this with my BB, but it is way to advanced for me, arnt the any " for normal users" equivalent software out there.
Ive got brainache after watching this.

[@budm.1450]

Ok, so after I plug in my coffee maker, do I hit the wrench icon to start brewing the coffee or will that start the intro to my song? Sorry, way too freakin complicated. It's supposed to be FUN not give you a goddamned headache. You ain't selling many of these, I guarantee it.

[@Rachels123]

Bud M. i agree. i use onsong, and won this pedal in a competition. pretty sure im not freaking doing this.

[@user-jt6ym6zb1p]

Is there any MIDI device that we can play chords with the beatbuddy? Anyone know?

[@TheUser195]

Has anyone had any experience on using the best buddy with an ipad but as well as with the singular sound Aeros looper? I’m building a pedal board which I’d love to get OnSong to trigger it however want to be able to use my morning star mc6 midi controller also

[@frontcentermusician]

I do a lot of midi work with my xv5050 and Showplay and I still get confused here. To many variables. Program looks good though.

[@adeppisch]

Wow - seems complicated. However, I'm new to all things MIDI. Sounds like a but if setting up. Once done, however, it seems like it could be quite powerful.

[@onsongapp]

Andrew Deppisch It's really just a matter of plugging the MIDI sync cable in. This video covers Bluetooth MIDI which means instead of plugging in MIDI to an iPad, you have to connect it through that pair process.
MIDI can be more advanced of course.

[@1captainfingers]

Thanks for that great tutorial. If I'm already using a wireless pedal to jump to sections of my songs, can I still use the pedal to control BeatBuddy, or do I have to choose between one or the other. I've been wanting to control my BeatBuddy with OnSong and now I can. thank you so much.

[@onsongapp]

It sounds like you're mostly there. You can definitely integrate the BeatBuddy into OnSong and just map MIDI to the section if you want it to trigger when you select that section with the wireless foot pedal. There are lot of options.

[@mariomarcaldacunha7852]

Hello only needs additional beats i.e. brazilian some others

[@onsongapp]

Mario Marcal Da Cunha Check with singular sound for details on using custom sounds and beats.

[@lakegirlroxy9852]

I cannot get my beat buddy to work with OnSong. Is there a better video, this one is good and I followed it to a T but nothing is responding.

[@401Sly]

Hi can I use 2 midi bluetooth devices at the same time (both Yamaha dongles) ?
(I want to control Beat Buddy and Voicelive2 extreme)
Thanks

[@misticman5579]

Very cool app and very cool video thanks... I'm downloading it but I have a question can you sync the beatbuddy and the voice live 3 together from helicon on this app?

[@WolfgangGroeschel]

Please let me ask a question: I connect my Onsong on iPad to Beatbuddy via MIDI and Bluetooth and Yamaha MD-BT01 as described here in this video. It works fine. However, I each time have to activate this connection manually. In parallel I use a PageFlip Firefly pedal via Bluetooth, too. And this pedal is connecting itself via Bluetooth. Why can't Beatbuddy not connect itself automatically, too?

[@onsongapp]

Wolfgang Gröschel Bassist im Raum Freiburg Bluetooth MIDI is designed to disconnect each time power is lost and does require you to pair again. This is according to Apple “by-design” and we have requested that Apple and MIDI consider changing this approach in the future.

[@WolfgangGroeschel]

@@onsongapp Thanks for explanation. So hopefully Apple and MIDI will read this and change this behavior soon.

[@onsongapp]

@@WolfgangGroeschel Another possible solution is for the adapter manufacturers to simply keep the Bluetooth connection powered up. Then the pairing would never disconnect. But that would require a battery to keep the connection active and powering off the iPad would likely disconnect as well.

[@guilhordas]

can onsong on iPad 2 to control Beat buddy via midi not bluetooth???
thanks

[@onsongapp]

Yes. The iPad 2 cannot support Bluetooth MIDI (since it lacks Bluetooth antennas for BLE) but it does support wired MIDI devices. However we recommend upgrading to newer hardware for support from Apple and OnSong.

[@johnmorrell]

Hi, this is a godsend. I have a question though, I connect the BB to a Voice Live 3 to control and sync the looping functions using the midi cables, more spcifically midi out to midi in, BB to VL3. Can I still use both functions ? That is, have BB synced with the looper, and OnSong to where both are functioning as required without one influencing the other with unintended midi messages. Or do I have to sacrifice one over the other? Any ideas. Solutions? In a previous reply there was talk of 'midi mapping' and was written ' There are lots of options' Could you spell out how these things are done for those of us who really don't know how to do all this. Thanks in advance.

[@onsongapp]

It really depends on your setup so it may be hard for us to visualize. For instance, you could connect the OUT of a Bluetooth MIDI dongle to the BB to feed it commands from OnSong and then connect the OUT of the BB to the IN of the VL3 to have BB control the VL3. Then, depending on how you have those two devices configured, you could pass it through (MIDI THRU) to the OUT of the VL3 back to the Bluetooth dongle to go back into OnSong. I think the real question then is if the BB and the VL3 support MIDI THRU. All that means is that the output of the BB would then be passed along by the VL3 to the OUT. Older MIDI devices had a MIDI THRU port for that, but many modern devices just let you handle this in the software setup and use the OUT port.
Now if that doesn't work (not all MIDI devices support MIDI THRU and we can't really offer assistance on all that hardware), then you could also invest in a MIDI "hub". With a setup like this, you could connect your MIDI hardware and then route it as you want inside the hub's setup software. We think iConnectivity makes some great hardware to handle that: www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi/iConnectMIDI4plus
So I guess there are options. OnSong just becomes a "node" on the MIDI network that can send and receive MIDI. How you connect that to your setup is a bit outside of the scope of what we can support, but yes it is possible.

[@johnmorrell]

onsongapp Thank you for your very swift reply. Yes i agree and get the ideas you suggest. I think a midi hub is definitely the way to go and just route them as needed. Thanks, great service btw.

[@onsongapp]

No problem! Be sure to rate and review us on the App Store, it really helps us out! onsongapp.com/rate/

[@johnmorrell]

onsongapp - will do. I recently swapped over to you guys on the recommendation of our keyboard player, it was a great decision. I had been using a fellow competitor app, but OnSong is so feature laden that other apps of the same ilk, pale in comparison. Thanks.

[@alexandremachado6588]

Is there no Android application?

[@netao1034]

Hello, thanks for video! Is possible i use a Roland GR55 link with beatbuddy? my problem is, when i record a base song in a boss loop, playing at the same time with another eletronic drums, occous a very bad delay, in wictch patern! I guess they have to work linked. Is it possible?

[@rossglav7475]

Hello Joachim. I have Gr55 and I'm considering buying Beat buddy. Can I connect with You and have some discussion? Best regards Ruslan

[@banjalukatube]

Can I still use BB foot switch pedal to pause the rythm and make accent hits, and BB pedal to make fills?

[@onsongapp]

Yes! You can use Bluetooth foot pedals and Bluetooth MIDI at the same time for some really great solutions.

[@wa8ars]

Can you sync beatbuddy with a looper and Onsong?

[@seokyee7601]

Is there any app for ipad something that allows the controls and manual of the beatbuddy while standing. Because this is way too far. I just need something that I can use in live performance . Something that can change the beat ,time , genre , while standing . Like voicelive 3 exteme pedal they also have the voicelive touch that can control even if standing

[@onsongapp]

You would need to contact SingularSound about that one.

[@SingularSoundOfficial]

Hey there, if you pair the BeatBuddy with the Footswitch+, you can get a long TRS cable and put the BB on a mic stand tray while having the Footswitch+ on the floor. Make sure to head to the BeatBuddy settings and change the function of one of the footswitches to act as the main pedal. Check out how to do that here: ua-cam.com/users/shortsLCyidHQ9mYw

[@Sammusicdubai]

can you connect beatbuddy to voicelive, and then sync onsong with both pedals? (to change the setup per song on onsong on both of the pedals)?

[@houseman2414]

Unsure, but I know you can switch a Helix preset from OpenSongApp, and loading the Helix preset can change Voicelive 3 and Beatbuddy presets. Voicelive 3 itself doesn't seem to have that good of integration with MIDI. You might need a better MIDI "brain" like I'm using the Helix for.

[@lenmil8421]

Spent the better part of 7 min. explaining Bluetooth hookup just to say Bluetooth sucks for midi clock. Just run the damn thing through a midi looper, set your tempo, and play. Figures if this is Apple software. Mission impossible.

[@markvanstee2912]

Where did you find a $299 beatbuddy

[@onsongapp]

2016

[@philipmumford4]

Your website says I can contact you via email if I have a question. What address is this?

[@rickandcarmenrudica1944]

Dear Lord...
...I meant to buy one. But watching this video?!
...I'll just buy my self a DigiTech SDRUM!
😎🍷🎸

[@onsongapp]

The BeatBuddy is a great product and you don't need to integrate it with OnSong. But if you do, it uses MIDI and there's not really a way to simplify MIDI at this time. The video covers a lot of ways you can do things, but the BeatBuddy is very easy to use by itself.

[@1captainfingers]

Where is the shopping list referenced in the video? Thanks

[@onsongapp]

Randall J Clay onsongapp.com/store/beatbuddy

[@jonnygardiner4073]

Just wondering if you can also add the infinity looper to this setup or does the ipad take up the only midi port?

[@onsongapp]

It really depends on your set up. If you're using MIDI Bluetooth dongles, you can add more than one and connect that way. If you want to connect a lot of MIDI devices together, I'd suggest something more like a MIDI "hub" that lets you connect multiple devices together: www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi/iConnectMIDI2plus

[@sanjaylive9875]

Onsong keeps crashing on song change on ipad 10.5
Cancelling my subscription!

[@robertlang7717]

"Color display?" Great video using, what, no dusplay??mmmm

[@careyw3161]

Sorry, I'm interested in making music, not learning a programming language. Nice thought, though.

[@thepioneers3468]

Go thru all that shit to play a song? Ya...a rocket scientist can do it.

[@LuckyJAmbrose]

OMG I have been trying to configure this thing for hours... no luck. This just doesn’t work. Sure would be nice if they uploaded one that did. This is really frustrating.
All I want to do is have OnSong change the beatbuddy song when I call it up.
AGGGHHH This sucks.
Love OnSong and the Beatbuddy but this is just plain hateful.

[@onsongapp]

Jacquelene Palmer - Ambrose I would reach out to the OnSong Community of Facebook. Lots of folks have theirs switching beats and tempo. OnSong is a MIDI controller and BeatBuddy understands MIDI but it does require understanding MIDI a little.

[@edwinhernandez9276]

YOU LOST ME @ 4:25 INTO THE VIDEO. 😦😧😩🤯😱

[@trevorbest5715]

Lost me very quickly. This foot pedal has a lot more capability than I thought.

[@rssl7392]

I like this guy comment, SNS Pro Audio Visual. All those video up there is good, But do I need to go to College jus for that, get real. Come on you guys. You can do better than that. I would like see to more improving for dummy people like me. Believe it or not, I take this thing BBD on stage.

[@onsongapp]

What is confusing you so we can help? MIDI can be challenging to get up and running so there are some limitations to how easy we can make things. Let us know if you want anything in particular clarified and we will certainly help.

[@mcm2108]

Technology is so helpful but does it have to be so complex??? KISS...

[@onsongapp]

This video covers a lot of ground and most of the complexity is in the particulars of MIDI itself. The good news is that some great stuff is coming in MIDI which would allow things to be much easier. For instance (if supported by BeatBuddy in a firmware update) will be able to choose BeatBuddy > Beats and choose the beat. It would shield you from all the nuts and bolts of MIDI. We are excited about this new technology that was just released at CES and NAMM 2018 that will make things easier. We are hoping to implement this as soon as it's available.

[@batmojuice5704]

While I appreciate the tech pulled together here, the next generation is to integrate the Beat Buddy or similar concept right into OnSong, eliminating the pedal. Integrating music will always be a challenge, but drums are doable.

[@paulzarvisMusicProducer]

Ok how many people hung themselves after watching this video! Christ talk about complicating things.

[@gnawbabygnaw]

What did I learn? OMG I had no idea…. all these options. Almost comical. For my level of comprehension.

[@steveyraynelson]

I love the Beat Buddy's potential.....but you've gone too far too fast. I mean I'm a pretty good geek, but really???? BTW I was into sequencing before WINDOWS 95!!!! Atari 1040STF...

[@mikebeal2155]

I want to learn to play my keyboard not a PhD in Beat Buddy.

[@lumberpilot]

When oh when does an actual musician have time to -- wait for it -- PRACTICE their instrument? This techno stuff activates an entirely different part of the brain and deadens you musical sensibilities. That's what I think.

[@stilllife4u]

SURE I CAN DO IT .BUT FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK

[@emzeperiksz8138]

This is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAy too compicated.. it sound like you want to mix water with oil...it is too much pushing clicking ...

[@stilllife4u]

WHO IN THE FUCK WANTS TO PLAY MUSIC ?