October 2024: Fractal Audio's VP4 Virtual Pedalboard has been added to the wiki.

BandHelper

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What are BandHelper and Set List Maker

BandHelper and Set List Maker (both by Arlomedia) are popular tablet/smartphone apps for musicians.

The apps support MIDI which enables them to switch presets on other devices resp. listen to other devices.

Configuring MIDI: hardware connection

Connect the tablet/smartphone to the other device. The required cable/hardware depends on the device.

Make sure the devices operate on the same MIDI channel.

Unlike the Axe-Fx II, the Axe-Fx III's USB port operates as a host USB. You can directly connect a smartphone or tablet through USB with the suitable adapter. At the moment, only incoming MIDI-over-USB traffic is supported, not outgoing MIDI-over-USB. This means that you can use an USB-connected iPad to send Program Changes to the III, but the iPad won't receive Program Changes from the III.

Configuring MIDI: app to hardware

To make the app transmit MIDI Program Changes to a Fractal Audio device or MIDI controller with songs:

  • Create a MIDI Preset for each song in the app.
  • In the Channel field of the MIDI preset:
Axe-Fx II:
Enter 0 in Bank MSB
Enter the bank number in Bank LSB (single digit)
Enter the Program Change number in the 3rd field (without preceding zero)
Axe-Fx III:
Enter the bank number in Bank MSB (single digit)
Enter 0 in Bank LSB
Enter the Program Change number in the 3rd field (without preceding zero)
  • Make sure to enter the data in the correct channel (connected devices must use the same MIDI channel. There's no need to set up a specific MIDI device in the app.
  • Attach the MIDI preset to the song.

You need to do this for each song!

Edit the Layouts > Details > Actions to make the app send the MIDI preset automatically when selecting a song.

Configuring MIDI: hardware to app

To make the app listen to incoming MIDI Program Changes from a Fractal Audio device or MIDI controller, edit Songs > Details:

Axe-Fx II:
Enter the bank number in Bank MSB (one digit)
Enter 0 in Bank LSB
Enter the Program Change number (without preceding zero)
Axe-Fx III:
To be added...

Make sure the connected devices use the same MIDI channel.

More information

Read more about syncing the app BandHelper with the Axe-Fx and GT

Apps from other companies/developers, such as OnSong, operate in the same way.

Example layout in BandHelper:

BandHelper.png