# Multiple QWERTY Midi Controllers? **URL:** \ **Category:** Hardware: Controllers, Mods and Gear\ **Tags:** qwerty-midi-controller\ **Created:** [November 16, 2009, 4:26am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003 "2009-11-16T04:26:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GuitarPlayer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GuitarPlayer](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/GuitarPlayer)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2009, 4:26am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/1 "2009-11-16T04:26:28Z")
**Multiple QWERTY Midi Controllers?** Hi Everyone, Is it possible to use a wireless QWERTY keyboard as a midi controller for Ableton Live, and perhaps another for another DAW, all without affecting, in any way, conventional functionalities of the “main” PC keyboard? I am new to this field. Thanks in advance. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![BentoSan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/bentosan/32/15028_2.png) [@BentoSan](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/BentoSan)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2009, 2:02pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/2 "2009-11-16T14:02:55Z")
Nope, whatever you do with the mainkeyboard will effect the second keyboard and vice versa ---
**Author:** ![DjYanaki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/34f0e0/32.png) [@DjYanaki](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/DjYanaki)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2009, 5:37pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/3 "2009-11-16T17:37:55Z")
what if you put them onto diff midi channels? im kind of a newb but throwing that out there… if you use osx ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Paris](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/ed_paris/32/13850_2.png) [@Ed\_Paris](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Ed_Paris)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2009, 5:58pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/4 "2009-11-16T17:58:25Z")
as far as i know qwerty keyboards don´t support midi. ---
**Author:** ![Patch](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/patch/32/118_2.png) [@Patch](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Patch)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2009, 5:59pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/5 "2009-11-16T17:59:27Z")
This works on OSX - you can have a keybord tranmitting CAPS, and a separate keyboard transmitting LOWER CASE, doubling up the number of buttons you have. Can’t be done in Windows, though… 😞 ---
**Author:** ![BentoSan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/bentosan/32/15028_2.png) [@BentoSan](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/BentoSan)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2009, 6:43pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/6 "2009-11-16T18:43:58Z")
If you could find a program that can distinguish between keyboards and convert the keys to midi it could be possible. I dont know of a program that does this however. ---
**Author:** ![charo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/charo/32/13488_2.png) [@charo](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/charo)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2009, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/7 "2009-11-16T18:49:49Z")
> [@Patch](#): > > This works on OSX - you can have a keybord tranmitting CAPS, and a separate keyboard transmitting LOWER CASE, doubling up the number of buttons you have. > > Can’t be done in Windows, though… 😞 came into post this… ---
**Author:** ![DJPhaidon](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/djphaidon/32/14663_2.png) [@DJPhaidon](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/DJPhaidon)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/8 "2009-11-16T20:58:51Z")
> [@BentoSan](#): > > If you could find a program that can distinguish between keyboards and convert the keys to midi it could be possible. I dont know of a program that does this however. Remembered reading about this in the forums and it would do the trick [http://steim.org/steim/junxion\_v4.html](http://steim.org/steim/junxion_v4.html) from > **[Modding 101](https://forum.djtechtools.com/showthread.php?t=7027)** > > Alright guys as promised I'm starting this thread which is gonna be a walkthrough of my mod/tutorial page for basic electronics assembly, so stay tuned for the progression. > > First I'm going to mod two of theese > ... ---
**Author:** ![GuitarPlayer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GuitarPlayer](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/GuitarPlayer)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2009, 12:51pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/9 "2009-11-17T12:51:26Z")
Thanks to you all for your replies. Have been talking to various people and the problem of distinguishability between keyboards, by the OS, comes up. This is not germane to the issue, though. What’s required is for the “main” keyboard to retain its conventional functionalities, and for the other keyboard(s) to be able to communicate with the relevant daw application. Qwerty keyboards are assigned midi capability when Ableton Live is in “keyboard mode”, so the difference in protocols is not an absolute barrier. - The ability to assign “keyboard mode”/midi ability to a particular keyboard or region thereof, without such assignment being a blanket, “global” assignment, affecting all keyboards, that blocks other functionalities. -If the OS treats multiple keyboards as one giant keyboard that is not a problem as long as 1/ is not an issue. The real problem seems to be assignment, everything else probably has a “workaround”. ---
**Author:** ![cheft](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/cheft/32/11421_2.png) [@cheft](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/cheft)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2009, 2:11am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/10 "2009-11-28T02:11:47Z")
Glovepie can help you. It can detect the difference between multiple keyboards, mice, joysticks etc, and even “swallow” the input of said device. It converts to midi and routes though a virtual midi app. I use it all the time to convert my laptops trackpad into a midi device while still allowing a USB mouse to function as normal. ---
**Author:** ![GuitarPlayer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GuitarPlayer](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/GuitarPlayer)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2009, 12:15pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/11 "2009-11-28T12:15:14Z")
Thank you Cheft. Big, big virtual hugs to you. Lots of love. Looks like just the thing I’ve been looking for. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![janzak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7993a0/32.png) [@janzak](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/janzak)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2009, 2:15am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/12 "2009-11-29T02:15:25Z")
> [@Patch](#): > > This works on OSX - you can have a keybord tranmitting CAPS, and a separate keyboard transmitting LOWER CASE, doubling up the number of buttons you have. How would you go about doing this? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Patch](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/patch/32/118_2.png) [@Patch](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Patch)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2009, 5:25pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/13 "2009-11-30T17:25:42Z")
Plug in a USB keyboard, hit caps lock, and bash away. ---
**Author:** ![GuitarPlayer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GuitarPlayer](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/GuitarPlayer)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2010, 9:08pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/14 "2010-01-06T21:08:06Z")
I have GlovePie installed, I have a usb-wireless keyboard, too. Was hoping to use the keyboard through OSs wireless functionality, too many usb devices. Have looked at the “Under Construction” help documentation, specifically, the “multiple keyboards” part. Don’t really understand it. Nothing about “swallowing” a keyboard. Where do I input “Keyboard.Count”, and what do I do after inputting it, run it as a programme?.. Am using Vista Home Premium. A few pointers would be much appreciated. Have not worked with midi before. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![cheft](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/cheft/32/11421_2.png) [@cheft](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/cheft)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2010, 4:12pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/15 "2010-01-07T16:12:09Z")
First make sure you have installed MidiYoke and Midi-OX. Yoke sends the midi signal from program to program, and Ox tests the signal. Send the signal Out of Midi Yoke:1 from GlovePie to In Midi Yoke:1 in Ox and eventually your desired program. See attachment. You can also set the midi device in the script with the following: **midi.DeviceOut=midi.yoke1.DeviceOut** To determine the number of keyboards you have type: **debug=keyboard.count** When you press RUN a window will pop open to the right of it and display the number of keyboards in it. To determine which keyboard is which takes a little work with Midi-Ox. **midi.channel1.control1=keyboard1.q** You shold see a signal sent to Midi-Ox. if not try keybaord2 or keyboard3. When you have determined which is which I’d suggest keeping them on seperate midi channels to help distinguish them. **midi.channel1.A5=keyboard1.q** **midi.channel2.G3=keyboard2.k** Then you can then disable your keyboards by having GlovePie “swallow” the keystroke from accidentally triggering something in a program. **keyboard.swallow=true** Hope this helps. p.s. The picture shows GlovePie v0.29, but 0.41 is out and stable. ---
**Author:** ![GuitarPlayer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GuitarPlayer](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/GuitarPlayer)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 1:38am UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/16 "2010-01-08T01:38:35Z")
Firstly, many thanks, cheft. Have installed MidiYoke, learning in the process to create a “Run as Administrator-CMD” shortcut. Running “debug=keyboard.count” gives 3 as an answer, rather strange, as there are only 2 keyboards- the laptop’s, and the usb-wireless one that I am hoping to use as a daw controller/audio editing keyboard. Perhaps repetitions of the w/lss kybrd’s connection process, whilst getting it to work, is responsible? I am not familiar with programming/coding/scripting, so there is an unavoidable learning curve here, I can see, at least to the extent necessary for attaining required functionalities. ---
**Author:** ![cheft](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/cheft/32/11421_2.png) [@cheft](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/cheft)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2010, 6:00pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/17 "2010-01-08T18:00:30Z")
One of the keyboards is the MS virtual one, I think. ---
**Author:** ![GuitarPlayer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GuitarPlayer](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/GuitarPlayer)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2010, 7:38pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/18 "2010-01-10T19:38:28Z")
Not really getting anywhere with GlovePie. “CP-Settings/Keyboard/Hardware/Properties” gives this information. 3/ is the external wireless USB keyboard. 1/ Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard with HP QLB Manufacturer: HPDC, L.P. Location: plugged into keyboard port 2/ HID Keyboard Device Manufacturer: (Standard keyboards) Location: on HP Remote Control HID Device 3/ HID Keyboard Device Manufacturer: (Standard keyboards) Location: on USB Human Interface Device 1/2/3/ is the order, top to bottom, of the keyboard listing, I haven’t been able to find any more specificity than that. ---
**Author:** ![cheft](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/cheft/32/11421_2.png) [@cheft](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/cheft)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2010, 7:45pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/19 "2010-01-10T19:45:05Z")
Don’t know what your question is. It looks like the laptops keyboard is #1 and the USB is #3. ---
**Author:** ![GuitarPlayer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GuitarPlayer](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/GuitarPlayer)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2010, 10:04pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/multiple-qwerty-midi-controllers/7003/20 "2010-01-10T22:04:32Z")
This section, I do not understand: " First make sure you have installed MidiYoke and Midi-OX. Yoke sends the midi signal from program to program, and Ox tests the signal. Send the signal Out of Midi Yoke:1 from GlovePie to In Midi Yoke:1 in Ox and eventually your desired program. See attachment. You can also set the midi device in the script with the following: midi.DeviceOut=midi.yoke1.DeviceOut " This section, I do understand, it works, and the answer is 3: " To determine the number of keyboards you have type: debug=keyboard.count When you press RUN a window will pop open to the right of it and display the number of keyboards in it. " This section, I do not really understand, ran it in GlovePie anyway. Should it be in Midi-Ox? If so, where? Didn’t work. " To determine which keyboard is which takes a little work with Midi-Ox. midi.channel1.control1=keyboard1.q You shold see a signal sent to Midi-Ox. if not try keybaord2 or keyboard3. " Tried this, too. “Keyboard2.Exists.” with 1,2,3, and 4 as the numeric variable. Didn’t work. The keyboard numbers I gave in the last post were my representations of GlovePie’s listing in the ‘Hardware’ tab. There is nothing to imply that they would be repeated in GlovePie’s scripting appellations. Have tried various other “scripts”. Some work. Some don’t. I probably need an idiot’s guide to the problem. lol Thank you for such quick replies.