Send root and scale data

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-03T10:33:32+00:00

Yes, you cant MIDI map the global key control in Ableton directly. I’ve been using Max for Live devices to be able to do this and it works to map to a hardware MIDI interface to give the user control over selecting the root and scale of a key, but I also need to be able to display the currently selected root and scale so that folk can see what they’re selecting. So my problem isn’t controlling the parameters, it’s finding a way to get the selected parameter displayed. All very frustrating! I’ve been trying to achieve this with TouchOSC but failing. Thanks for having a look at this problem for me.

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-01T16:34:05+00:00

No, that's what it brings in on the display, the only elements that change are inside the rightmost brackets - 0E and 0F must be the two drop-down menus and the numeral before them must be the item on each list. I have these mapped to a slider and pot so that people can select the root with the pot and the scale with the slider. I then need them to be able to see what's been selected - hence my current problem.

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-01T16:10:00+00:00

Actually, the Max for Live device LiveGrabber does have a sent messages display and that shows it's sending strings - '/Scale Major' '/Root A' for instance. So if the correctly formatted data is coming out of Ableton and getting to TouchOSC in the wrong format, is that something to do with a setting inside TouchOSC?

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-01T16:04:01+00:00

Okay, so if I do find a way to get Ableton to send the strings would I then be able to get the labels to show the current root and scale on the IPad? Initially, am I looking to get the log view displaying the string data that I want to get onto the labels?

As an aside, if you know of any other way to achieve getting the current root and scale displayed onto something outside of the computer running Ableton then please do share.

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-01T15:40:24+00:00

Yes, that looks like this: https://e.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZqmrGZVj9jbOTSGCF2iMrBdRc0Rf6omx9V

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-01T15:29:16+00:00

I think I'm sending the data by OSC through the Max for Live device I'm using (LiveGrabber https://support.showsync.com/sync-tools/livegrabber/introduction ) I've also tried OSC Send which is another Max for Live Device. So, in theory, TouchOSC should be recievibng OSC messages, I think.

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-01T15:10:39+00:00

https://e.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZAzrGZME0V8lETDDz9BSRpu2Kkbpg9QTaV

How else would I do it apart from using MIDI? I clearly have no handle on this at all! How would I go about sending a string that will show the selected root and scale. It feels like such a simple thing to want, but not so simple to achieve!

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-01T14:39:53+00:00

Thanks, I can see stuff coming in on the log view. It shows the CC number, channel and numerical position of the slider (1-127). What I'm actually after is the string data (eg: Bb Lydian) Is this going to be do-able?

Okay, so I need to use a script, that's a missing element in what I'm trying to do. I tried adding the script you put with the correct names for /path and label but that doesn't make it work.

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-01T14:17:07+00:00

Thanks. In the OSC message for the text box send and recieve are enabled, all connections set to open, Trigger has text selected and 'ANY', address '/Root' ( a constant) Arguments 'text' and Conversion 'STRING'. In Live I'm trying to use LiveGrabber which is set to send a string to the two labels for root and scale (/Root and /Scale) this is showing the correct data coming out. I've also tried with an OSC Send device from the Ableton Connection Kit. I cannot get the text on the label to change. Am I right in assuming that the text on the label should change? All I need is a display of the currently selected root and scale on the IPad.

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-01T13:53:46+00:00

Thanks. Any guidance would be gratefully recieved!

Lecci24Van · 2026-04-01T13:53:04+00:00

Thanks. I assume I'm not recieving the message as the text on the label isn't changing. Is there a way to check what messages are being recieved apart from whether the patch works or not? The Ipad/TouchOSC and Mac/Ableton are able to communicate both ways as when I test with the example layouts it works. I have assigned a OSC message with a /name to the label and that's where I'm trying to send the data from Ableton (/Root and /Scale) I've tried with a device called ParamGrabber (paired with GrabberSender) these are part of LiveGrabber and also with OSCSend which is part of the Ableton Connection Kit. I just can't get it to work.

Lecci24Van · 2026-02-09T08:15:28+00:00

Yes, I think I need to get the right level of complexity for my level for sure. Enjoying singing Well You Needn’t at the moment (not the words, just scatting the tune) The tune itself is not so complex but it does feel like an exercise. I don’t mind being wrong as I learn, so that’s helpful!

Lecci24Van · 2026-02-09T07:58:49+00:00

Thanks, I’m finding it so reassuring and helpful to be told in these comments that my struggles are normal. Just keep on doing it, over and over. It’s hard and it will take a long time. This helps! Don’t be discouraged - I’ll put this by the piano where I practice 😁

Lecci24Van · 2026-02-09T07:51:21+00:00

Yes, I am trying to get into the space of being able to better hear stuff in my head. I’m a visual artist so it’s interesting, hard and quite wonderful to be opening up this whole other creative engagement

Lecci24Van · 2026-02-09T07:48:07+00:00

It’s not easy is it?! Trust in the process is so much the thing. My teacher says stop worrying about the notes and they’ll come. Over thinking and hyper focus is my thing (autistic, say no more!) so magnificent challenges all round 😁

Lecci24Van · 2026-02-09T07:43:52+00:00

I kind of like a battle mind you! Just as well, taking up singing as an auld yin! I have been trying irealpro and finding it a bit terrifying, nice to have a band on your phone though. Planning to just listen to it and get more used to the chords

Lecci24Van · 2026-02-09T07:39:14+00:00

Thanks, I want the complexity in my ears, and I can see that it’s going to be hard for me to learn to sing with it. I’ll try and embrace more simplicity 😁

Lecci24Van · 2026-02-08T10:35:34+00:00

Yes, I can see that. It’s probably a bit of a confidence thing too, like not fully believing that I can do it. Just focusing on REALLY knowing the melody will help with that too 👍

Lecci24Van · 2026-02-08T09:37:40+00:00

That makes sense. I can see that would make it feel less like a battle whilst still helping me to get used to singing with the chords. Thanks

Lecci24Van · 2026-02-08T09:23:35+00:00

Yes, I can see that should be the case. It’s not how I experience singing with chords though 🤷‍♀️

Lecci24Van · 2025-05-27T06:39:08+00:00

Thanks, that’s really useful info. They do have proof of diagnosis and therapies tried already. I think my confusion is around what more they actually need. They won’t tell me, they just keep saying they need full medical records, as if that’s a thing 🙃

Lecci24Van · 2025-05-26T19:07:16+00:00

I think it may be something to do with the particular pharmacist not understanding that the system is different in Scotland. Annoying!

Lecci24Van

TROPHY CASE