A clear path
through the noise.
Start with the smallest known-working cue, then check one link in the chain at a time.
Quick answers.
The patch dot looks clear or has the wrong color.
Open its referenced device in Devices, choose the intended background color, and tap Save. The dot uses the saved device color; dark gray can blend into the platter. Also confirm the patch includes the preset for the device you meant to use.
My controller does not appear over USB.
Try a known data-capable cable, check adapters and hubs, and make sure the controller is powered and running compatible firmware. Reconnect and let Petal finish discovery and verification.
I cannot pair over Bluetooth.
Enable Bluetooth, allow Petal access, and move the intended controller close. If a different device is remembered, use Unpair in Settings and try pairing again. Check that the controller is advertising normally.
The connection works, but my gear does not respond.
Compare the receiving device’s channel with its channel in Petal. Then verify the message type, CC or program number, and value against the hardware’s MIDI chart. Test one simple preset before testing a patch or song.
My footswitch does not start the song.
Open the intended performance and verify the app is connected. Send CC 101, value 3 on the configured Incoming MIDI channel. Do not confuse that channel with a receiving device’s MIDI channel.
Guided Access is enabled, but Petal still warns me.
The system setting enables the feature; it does not start a session. Return to Petal, triple-click the side, top, or Home button, select Guided Access if needed, and tap Start.
A large song will not load.
App and firmware versions can impose message-frame and song-storage limits. Keep the error message, note which song failed, and verify both app and controller firmware versions. Do not assume a large payload is automatically split into accepted song programs.
Sign-in stays portrait. Is that expected?
Yes. The sign-in flow uses portrait. Petal switches to landscape for the authenticated app and restores portrait when you sign out.
Isolate the problem in this order.
- Connection: Does Petal report the intended controller?
- Device: Can a single preset change your receiving hardware?
- Patch: Do its referenced presets produce the intended combination?
- Song: Does the event work at the intended position?
- Performance: Does it work after the previous song in the actual running order?
When reporting an issue, include your app and firmware versions, transport, the failing action, the expected result, and the full error text. Reproduction steps are more useful than changing several settings at once.
A small musical glossary.
| Term | Meaning in Petal |
|---|---|
| Device | A configured piece of MIDI gear, including its channel and controls. |
| Preset | A saved set of MIDI messages for one device. |
| Patch | A reusable group of device presets. |
| Event | A discrete change placed at a musical position. |
| Ramp | A control change spread across a duration. |
| Section | A named part of a song’s musical structure. |
| Performance | An ordered collection of songs for playback. |
| Transport | USB or Bluetooth connection; also the Play/Pause/Stop controls, depending on context. |