Pyramid has TWO input sources : USB Midi (as device), DIN IN
it has 4 outputs, USB MIDI , DIN A, DIN B, CV
(theres is also thru, but lets ignore that!)
outputs can be specific per track
however, DIN IN and USB MIDI IN, cannot be differentiatd… the input streams are merged.
midi channel in to track mapping is controlled by a setting
MIDI IN → OMNI mode (see : https://squarp.net/pyramid/manual/settings)
there are various settings, see manual for full details
MULTITRACK OFF
all midi channels will go the currently selected pyramdi track
CH01-CH16
selected midi channel will go to currently selected pyramid track
MULTITRACK BANK A-D
this wll mean map midi channel to a track number on a bank
e.g.
MULTITRACK BANK A,
midi channel 01-16, maps to track A01-A16
important note: Track A01-A16, can map to ANY midi output target - only the input is mapped, not the output.
you can see MULTITRACK OFF/CH01-CH16 , work on the principle that you are controlling where midi goes based on the track you have selected on the pyramid.
this is useful when using a single master keyboard.
MULTITRACK BANK A-D, works on the principle of mapping midi channels to tracks.
useful on keyboards that support multiple parts/midi channels - so you can direct midi directly from the keyboard. also useful if you are just trying to record multiple instruments at the same time.
I move between modes …
I mainly use MULTITRACK BANK A, as I use a virus as my master keyboard, so each parts equates to a different midi channel, and so on to a different instrument in my studio.
but the other modes are useful, e.g. using CH01 (with midi thru) allows me to choose to record only if I play on channel 01… and play other instruments directly on other channels (via the Pyramid still)
btw: this is pretty common in sequencers, some call it a follow or master channel (which play ‘active’ track on sequencer)
theres a lot of choice - if anything, the main thing is just to stick to one workflow , working around any ‘complications’ - I personally, found it easy to get sucked into continually trying different approachs seeking perfection… this doesn’t exist, every approach has pros/cons.
overall, Id recommend thinking about how you want to set it up.
then read the manual, and look to see how it might be possible (the info is all there!)
then, you might find you either want to adapt how you want to work or buy more hardware to sort out issues. midi is very flexible, so there is always a way