Getting Started with Neurode MIDI

Neurode MIDI lets you connect, filter, and transform MIDI signals between your devices and software instruments. Whether you're splitting a keyboard, layering synths, or building complex performance rigs, Neurode MIDI gives you precise control over every message.

What You'll Need

• A Mac running macOS 14+ or an iPhone/iPad running iOS 17+
• At least one MIDI source (keyboard, controller, or virtual instrument)
• At least one MIDI destination (synth, DAW, or virtual instrument)

Your First Route

Let's create a simple route that connects a MIDI keyboard to a software synth.

Step 1: Open Neurode MIDI

When you first launch Neurode MIDI, you'll see the Routing tab — a visual representation of your MIDI routing setup. It starts empty, ready for you to build your configuration.

Step 2: Identify Your Devices

Look at the left side of the screen for Sources — these are devices that send MIDI data. Your connected keyboard should appear here automatically.

On the right side, you'll see Destinations — devices and apps that receive MIDI. Software instruments and DAWs appear here when they're running.

Step 3: Create a Connection

To route MIDI from your keyboard to a synth:

1. Tap or click on your keyboard in the Sources list
2. Tap or click on your synth in the Destinations list
3. A connection line appears between them

That's it! Play your keyboard and you should hear your synth respond.

Understanding the Flow

┌─────────────┐         ┌─────────────────┐         ┌─────────────┐
│   Source    │ ──────▶ │   Transform     │ ──────▶ │ Destination │
│  (Keyboard) │         │   (Optional)    │         │   (Synth)   │
└─────────────┘         └─────────────────┘         └─────────────┘

Every route in Neurode MIDI follows this pattern:

• Source: Where MIDI messages originate
• Transform (optional): Modify messages as they pass through
• Destination: Where MIDI messages are sent

Adding a Transform

Transforms let you modify MIDI as it flows through your route. Common uses include:

Transform	What It Does
Channel Filter	Only pass specific MIDI channels
Transpose	Shift notes up or down
Velocity Scale	Adjust how hard notes hit
Split	Divide keyboard into zones

To add a transform:

1. Tap the connection line between source and destination
2. Choose a transform type from the menu
3. Configure the transform's settings

Saving Your Setup

Neurode MIDI automatically saves your configuration. When you relaunch the app, your routes will be restored exactly as you left them.

To create multiple configurations:

1. Open Settings → Configurations
2. Tap New Configuration
3. Name it something memorable (e.g., "Live Rig" or "Studio Setup")

Switch between configurations instantly for different performance scenarios.

Next Steps

Now that you have a basic route working, explore these topics:

• Sources & Destinations — Learn about virtual ports and device management
• Transforms — Deep dive into message processing
• Script Engine Overview — Write custom musical transforms
• Neuroscript Guide — A compact DSL for quick MIDI transforms
• Keyboard Split Guide — Create zones on a single keyboard
• Tools & Settings — Keep tabs on live MIDI and tweak performance toggles before a gig

Troubleshooting

No devices appearing?

• Make sure your MIDI interface is connected and powered
• Check System Preferences → MIDI Studio (macOS) to verify the device is recognized
• Use Refresh Devices from the Routing menu

No sound when playing?

• Verify the destination app is running and listening for MIDI
• Check that the destination's MIDI input is enabled
• Ensure you haven't accidentally filtered out the channel you're playing on

Need to see live activity?

• Open Tools → Event Visualizer
• Or check the MIDI Flow panel inside the Routing tab

For more help, see Troubleshooting.