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Modes and states

If a shortcut behaves differently than you expected, the answer is usually state. Meiji Sampler is fast because the keyboard is doing different jobs in different contexts. This page explains those contexts.

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Top-level tabs

Meiji Sampler has four top-level tabs:
TabPurpose
Createmain sampler workflow: browser, pads, loops, scenes, mixer
PerformPerformFX live effects, fixed slots, and FX Params
MIDIMIDI mappings and event monitoring
Settingsproject, audio, addons, and general configuration

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Create tab rows

Inside Create, the workflow is split into three rows:
RowPurpose
Padsplay and manage assigned sounds
Loopsrecord and edit loop slots
Scenesarrange and cue combinations of loops

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Focus panes

Inside Create, focus can also move between panes:
Focus paneMeaning
Browserfile/source navigation
Detailsfocused inspection panel
Mixerchannel and level control
The selected row and focused pane combine to determine what a key does. Space in the browser previews a sample. Space on the scenes row cues a scene. Same key, different state.

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Common state transitions

  • assigning a sample moves sound from the browser into a playable pad
  • recording changes a loop slot from empty to active content
  • entering scene editor changes number keys from triggering scenes to toggling loop membership
  • entering the mixer makes navigation keys adjust sound-shaping controls instead of browsing files

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Editors and focused task views

Meiji Sampler also has short-lived editors and focused task views for things like:
  • channel detail
  • chop mode
  • trim view
  • sequence editor
  • scene editor
These views are not just visual overlays. They are new input states with their own key behavior. Other transient states include:
  • help
  • search
  • source selection
  • quantize
  • bounce/export
  • splice browse
  • MIDI learn and mapping flows
  • PerformFX FX Params/profile editing
Settings is not a modal. It is its own top-level tab with a sidebar/content layout.

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Why this matters

If the app feels like a shortcut changed behavior unexpectedly, the cause is usually one of these:
  • you changed tabs
  • you changed rows
  • focus moved to a different pane
  • an editor or focused task view is open
  • a modal is open

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Fast mental model

When you are unsure where you are, ask:
  1. Which top-level tab is active?
  2. Which row is selected?
  3. Which pane or editor has focus?
  4. Is a modal open?