Adjusting the Key/transposing a track (Key+)

Each MIDI note event has a key number, or pitch. On playback, the key offset (Key+) parameter transposes all notes in the track by the designated number of half-steps. The value can range from ‑127 to +127. A value of 12 indicates that notes will be played back one octave higher than they are written.This parameter does not affect the note number that is stored for each note event. When the clip is displayed in other views, like the Piano Roll, Staff, or Event List view, you will see the original notes as they are stored in the file. To permanently change the pitches, you can edit them individually or use the Process > Transpose command.

If the key offset value transposes the key number (MIDI note) outside the allowable MIDI range (0–127), the key number will be transposed to the lowest or highest octave within that range.

You can use the Key+ parameter to assist in preparing scores for instruments whose music is written in something other than “concert” key (such as Bb trumpet). For more information, see Music notation for non-concert-key instruments.

When you edit the Key+ parameter, pressing [ or ] changes the value by 12 instead of by 10. This makes it easy to transpose by octaves.

To set the key offset for a track

1.	Select the track and open the Track Inspector.

2.	In the Track Inspector, click the Key+ control.

3.	Enter a value (1 = a semitone), or press the + or – key to change the key by a single semitone. Use the [ or ] key to change the key by 12 semitones (one octave).

Figure 55. The Track Inspector contains advanced MIDI controls.