This post is based on a previous post that has been resolved, so this post stands alone. Now I have more clarity I am posting here.
It's easier to explain in a video:
Yes, it's by design.
I can't picture it working any other way, if M-Studio only removed the note it's configured to input instead of the full Step, it would make it even more confusing as it would remove a note but Pad/Step would remain lit due to the other note… Especially if you were out of the Menu Page that displays the notes/piano roll.
4x4 is simply too little resolution (so-to-speak) to display harmonic Steps, so it has to be simple — AFAIK Step sequencers are traditionally designed for drums (just one note) or 303 style (monophonic melodies); once you get into harmonic stuff the layout is not optimal I guess… Unless it's a modern HW specifically designed for that.
The behavior seems normal to me, Jam has Notes-Per-Row so requires octave navigation, while the 16x16 controllers have 'absolute' Steps and no rows so it always displays the Steps.
Maybe I am misunderstanding what you're confused about.
Hi D1, appreciate the response, that makes sense I guess?
Responding via video:
Those stands your maschine controller's are on…. is just an accident waiting to happen
Perfectly stable no issues at all! Really good stands and very happy with them.