In my previous article, I talked about several useful scale tools in REAPER that make writing music easier. One of the points I mentioned was a method for always performing in key. Today's script greatly streamlines this process! 🤩
In this article, I want to specifically highlight a fantastic script called "Let It Key" created by PCP. This script allows for easy scale changes across multiple tracks.
What is Let It Key?
Let It Key is a collection of scripts that enable you to monitor and control the key of your project from the master track.
This functionality allows you to control the input key of any track from a global control on the master track. It works by controlling individual instances of Let It Key that are placed on other tracks in your project.
This is particularly useful when you have multiple instrument tracks and you want to experiment with different scales. Let It Key ensures that your scale changes are synchronized across all tracks.
The Scripts
The bundle includes 6 scripts that provide great flexibility:
- pcp_Add Let It Key to all tracks with instruments.lua
- pcp_Add Let It Key to all tracks.lua
- pcp_Add Let It Key to selected tracks.lua
- pcp_Remove Let It Key from all non-instrument tracks.lua
- pcp_Remove Let It Key from all tracks.lua
- pcp_Remove Let It Key from selected tracks.lua
These scripts will only add Let It Key to tracks that do not already have it, so there is no need to worry about duplicates. The "Add" scripts also check if Let It Key is already present on the master track, and create it there if not.
I recommend just adding "pcp_Add Let It Key to all tracks.lua" and "pcp_Remove Let It Key from all tracks.lua" to your toolbars for easy access.
Usage Tips
Once you add "Let It Key" to your tracks, you can adjust it in the master track's FX.
To change the key, simply open the FX in the master track and locate the "Let It Key" plugin. To view the Master Track, navigate to View → Master Track.
You can display the FX parameters in the master track by following these steps: In the Actions menu, select "Mixer: Toggle show FX parameters (when size permits to make them visible)".
If there are key changes, you can automate the root and scale parameters to ensure you play in key throughout your project.
To access more parameters on the Master track, right-click on the effect and select "Show FX Parameters in Panel". The default chain displays Root, Scale, and On/Off options. Alternatively, you can open the FX to adjust Octave Transpose, Input Channel, Bank, Remap Mode (White Keys/Pads), and Start Note.
Installation Guide
To get the scripts, you will need ReaPack. If you do not have it installed, please refer to this guide: How to install ReaPack.
Once you have ReaPack installed, import the following repository by pasting the link below into: Extensions > ReaPack > Import a repository.
https://github.com/s0u7h/pcp/raw/master/index.xmlCopyThat's it!
I absolutely love this script as it saves a lot of time when working with multiple instruments.
Check out the forum thread post for more information, suggestions, or to compliment the author!
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