Engineering:MIDItarHero

Short description: Max/MSP program used for controllers

File:Miditar-hero-v10.png

MIDItar Hero UI, from official WordPress site

MIDItar Hero is a software application developed by Brian Westbrook, which enables the use of Guitar Hero or Rock Band instruments as MIDI controllers. The software is built using Max/MSP and transforms the controllers into synthesizers. The application is compatible with Windows XP/Vista and Mac OS X operating systems, and its initial release, version 1.0, was published on April 7 of 2009.

Controller Compatibility

MIDItar Hero is compatible with a variety of Rock Band and Guitar Hero controllers, including those designed for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, and PS2. In cases where a specific guitar or drum controller is not initially supported, users are able to create a custom preset within the program to make the controller compatible.

Modes

MIDItar Hero offers four distinct modes, each of which have different functionalities:

• Easy
• Normal
• Drum
• Sample

Easy mode

In easy mode, the player utilizes the three buttons (green, red, and yellow) to play chord progressions 1–8. Holding down the blue button enables the player to perform power chords, while holding down the orange button allows them to change the key to major, minor, or diminished, based on their selected scale. The available scales include major, harmonic minor, natural minor, blues, and thrash.

Normal mode

In normal mode, the player has the ability to play 32 notes using five fret buttons. The default notes assigned to the buttons are E1 to B3, although the player is able to modify these notes according to preference. Normal mode employs a binary pattern for gameplay.

Drum mode

In drum mode, the player is given the option to assign individual sound samples to each drum pad.

Sample mode

In sample mode, each button on the controller can be programmed to play a specific, pre-designated sound sample.