MIDI Setup

Words has two MIDI output modes:

• Virtual MIDI Source (default): Words appears as "Words" in your DAW's MIDI inputs. Best for most setups.
• MIDI Device Output: Send directly to a hardware MIDI interface. Use this for external synths, drum machines, or other hardware.

You can switch between modes in Words' preferences.

DAW Setup (Virtual MIDI)

The instructions below assume you're using the default virtual MIDI source.

Ableton Live

Words supports Ableton Link for tempo sync.

1. Open Preferences > Link, Tempo & MIDI
2. Enable Link in Ableton
3. In Words, enable Link (it will sync tempo automatically)
4. In the MIDI Ports section, find "Words" under Input
5. Enable Track for the Words input
6. Create a new MIDI track
7. Set the track's MIDI input to "Words"
8. Set the input channel to match your Words channel (or "All Channels")
9. Arm the track for recording or set Monitor to "In"

Logic Pro

1. Create a new Software Instrument track
2. In the track's channel strip, click the MIDI input slot
3. Select Words as the input device
4. Choose the channel (1-16) or "All"
5. Enable input monitoring (the "I" button) to hear the MIDI

FL Studio

1. Open Options > MIDI Settings
2. Find "Words" in the Input section and enable it
3. Create a new MIDI channel or select an existing one
4. In the channel settings, set MIDI input to "Words"
5. Set the port to match

Other DAWs

The general process for any DAW:

1. Look for MIDI preferences or settings
2. Enable "Words" as a MIDI input device
3. Create a MIDI or instrument track
4. Set the track's MIDI input to "Words"
5. Select the channel you want to receive
6. Arm or monitor the track

Hardware Setup (MIDI Device Output)

To send MIDI directly to external hardware:

1. Connect your MIDI interface to your Mac
2. Open Words preferences
3. Select your MIDI interface from the output device dropdown
4. Your hardware will receive MIDI directly from Words - no DAW needed

This is useful for jamming with hardware synths, controlling external gear, or when you don't want to route through a DAW.

Troubleshooting

Words doesn't appear as a MIDI device:

• Make sure Words is running
• Restart your DAW after launching Words
• Check that no other application is exclusively using MIDI

No MIDI is being received:

• Check that Words is playing (transport button)
• Verify the channel matches between Words and your DAW track
• Make sure the track is armed or monitoring is enabled

Latency or timing issues:

• Use a lower buffer size in your DAW's audio settings
• Make sure Words is running while your DAW initializes

See Troubleshooting for more solutions.