using Key and Keyup, you can make it so pressing "c" sends a 1 and releasing c sends a 0. use a "sel 99" and trigger a message saying "1" or "0". (i think c is 99, from memory) use those to open and close a gate object. (put a toggle in between for your visual comfort!) make keys 1 2 3 4 come through that gate so they only do what they do when c is down.

"hi" outputs 1s and 0s already, rather than different objects for press and release, so it's the same principle but even easier!

hope that helps

Thanks man, think I'm on the right track now - I've got it so the number keys only do something when C is down. I'm still unsure as to how to use this gated info, as all that passes through the gate is a bang through its one outlet. Do I need to use more gate outlets or something? Because I'd need one bang message going to each buffer section if you know what I mean. So I tried 4 outlets but only the first sends out a bang

I've attached what I've got so far from what you suggested. Which reminds me - how do you export a patch into code so you can paste it onto this forum? When I save a patch as text it doesn't resemble what people post here..its far longer and doesn't end with end_patcher or whatever...

Cheers

Moving the [select] to the other side of the [gate] should do the trick.

lh

select all then choose copy compressed from the edit menu instead of using apple-c

Ahhh, all seems clear now. Thanks fellas