MIDI cards are how MIDI Set Lister attaches live control data to a song. When a song is selected, the app can send one or more cards in order so your rig changes with the setlist instead of needing manual setup during the show.
The Two Card Types
Program Change
Program Change cards are for selecting presets, patches, or programs on connected gear.
- Use them when you want a song to switch to a specific tone or scene.
- They are best for simple preset selection.
- They are usually the quickest way to automate a hardware change.
Control Change
Control Change cards are for parameter-style changes.
- Use them when you need to toggle a feature, set a value, or adjust a MIDI-enabled parameter.
- They work well for more detailed device control.
- They are useful when a single preset needs multiple song-specific adjustments.
Channels
Cards can use the app’s default send channel or a specific channel you choose per message.
- Use the default when most of your gear listens on the same channel.
- Use a specific channel when one song needs to target a different device or preset.
- Keep channel choices consistent if you want troubleshooting to stay simple.
Card Order Matters
Cards are sent in the order they appear on the song.
That means you can:
- turn on a device or select a preset
- send supporting parameter changes
- finish with a final value if the song needs a specific starting point
If a song behaves unexpectedly, check the card order first.
Testing MIDI
Use the song’s Test MIDI control when you want to confirm that the song is sending the right messages.
Test MIDI is useful for:
- checking channel settings
- confirming the connected gear is listening
- verifying that the song contains the cards you expected
- troubleshooting before rehearsal or a service
Good Habits
- Keep song names consistent with your setlist language.
- Add notes to a song if the MIDI behavior is unusual.
- Use the smallest number of cards that solves the problem cleanly.
- Test one song at a time when you are building a new setup.