VST Controller script (AHK) - Keyboard/Mousewheel support for any virtual knob/slider

[stimresp]

Hello All,

I don't know about you but I HATE having to click my mouse. If you work on a computer most days, those clicks can add-up to pretty bad RSI. I've been there.

In response I've been training myself in keyboard shortcuts and have been using Autohotkey. If you don;t know it, this is a really easy and flexible scripting language that allows you re-map keyboard and mouse controls. Windows only (I think)

Anyway - I was on a train yesterday trying to edit a VST on my Netbook with only the mousepad. Nightmare! But it gave me an idea for a AHK scipt that enables mousewheel and keyboard support for ANY VST. Goodbye mouseclicks!

Here is the first version:

Stims_VST_Controller_beta1

You need to install AutoHotkey. Then just double-click the script.

Once you start the script, the following controls become avaialble:

Capslock - Toggles the re-mapped controllers on and off (to use Capslock, if ever, use shift+Capslock)

When toggled on, hover your mouse over the knob/slider/button and do one of the following:

Mousewheel - simulates a click and moves the mouse pointer up or down by 10 pixels. Pointer then returns to original position (can also be used to click virtual buttons).

z - KNOB control - simulates a click and moves pointer Down by 10 pixels. Pointer then returns to original position
x - KNOB control - simulates a click and moves pointer Up by 10 pixels. Pointer then returns to original position

Use Shift to change the resolution to 1 pixel - for super-fine control
Use Cntrl to change the resolution ot 50 pixels - for bigger jumps.

The arrow keys are for vertical and horizontal SLIDERS - just mouseover and press the relevant direction. resolution is 10 pixels. In this case, the pointer follows the slider.

It is working well for me - I am using it in Reaper and it is a lifesaver already. VSTs successfully tried - OP-X ProII, Surge, Attack, Korg polysix, Rhino. VSTs with small sliders don't react well yet - but this can be improved.

I'll be updating this as it evolves, but if anyone would like to test, comment or suggest changes to this version I am happy to hear it.

The script itself is easily edited. For example, you can remove the mousewheel mappings to prevent conflict in VSTs who already support wheel movement.


Cheers

[nr1killabee]

Sounds great, you are still on it ? I would like to test it

[murnau]

thats great, thank you! i'll try it out!

ps. great blog btw.

[stimresp]

Sounds great, you are still on it ? I would like to test it

I posted this a long time ago, but the script is still there (see kink above). You just need to run it with AutoHotKey. Tweak to taste.