Same here. I was wary of MIDI via USB from the start and only use MIDI controllers that also have 5-pin DIN ports. I'll use USB when necessary like if I need to work from across the room, that's about it.
Instant sub, haven't made it through the vid yet. Love this. I haven't found many that explain MIDI this well. Thank you! I can't wait to explore more of your art. 🎼🎶🎵🖤
Brilliant, the way that you chose that font. Actually, I have been in MIDI from the start, writing MIDI software from the start. Always loving the music side I chose a career in computers. Quite pleased when they came together.
MIDI enthusiasts of the world in 2024, unite! Great video. I also am part of the club where I made a video of my MIDI setup and even recently designed a cheap 3x3 and 2x2 switch based selectors for sale mainly targeted at vintage PC (and Mac and other) gamers that need their games to send off midi to Roland mt-32, sound canvases or others. I'll recommend your video as a great crash course on midi
Learned a lot from this video, thanks! Don't reckon I'll need anywhere near the complexity you have going on, but good to know what is possible using midi.
Nice! I have some good info from designing and using Midi for 30 years. 1) Anything that plays only one or two notes then randomly is probably having problems with running status. All PC softs recognize running status so can be run through that first. 2) Daisy chaining can cause a delay of nearly 1 mS per unit. (depending on the HW) Go in order of sync importance. 3) Some cheap 4x4 boxes from china don't pass SySex messages at all. This can be an issue. They also tend to be unstable when inputting (running status, complex setup messages like NRPN) 4) Midi merging is really good if not a high load (too many merges, good for drums latency etc) 5) If you can't daisy chain (no thru etc) you can electrically split a Midi Port to two synths. I have done 3 with no issues! This is easier done with TRS plugs but if you're a hardware hacker, use 3 - 5 pin sockets and match pins (done that myself) 6) If you have a Voice Live Touch 2 you definitely want to try Midi control!
Wow this is gold! Im just getting into learing about midi, i know basic like switch and clock...but you really put it into perspective! Super clean and concise
Your set-up is excellent for smaller studios. But there are at least three reasons you ‘ll need to reconsider that can be overcome with midi routers such as the Mio XL: 1) when you go beyond controlling 16 midi channels at once 2) when you need bidirectional connectivity f.i. you have parameter changes on a synth you want to record in the DAW or you exploit sysEx dumps, 3) if you need saving on Din MIDI ports, you can use the USB as a midi port as well and connect via the Midi router to the PC, instead of having both cables.
Yep - works well in my little set up but am pushing the little midi solution boxes to the max really and as noted on the bottom of the slides everything is also connected back to the PC via USB cables/usb hubs and imagine something like the MioXL would tidy things up and reduce the need for some of the cables. It or something like it is most likely something I may end up getting in the future. Cheers 🙂
Splooty Graham, thank you very much for the simple layout and diagram explanations of your midi routings! Also for the eventual studio expansion goals! Brilliant!
As a musician of 40+ years, I never knew I could control other midi devices 😅 To be fair, I’m a brass player, bassist and vocalist and not a keyboardist 🥰 Although, I did have a pro midi keyboard and an expensive midi instrument controller with hundreds of instruments. I gave it to my daughter before realizing what I had 😅
Nice post, much info inhere. What would REALLY float my boat is one to show how to use my external synths -Neutron, Gaia, Mininova, Wavestate amongst others - with Cubase Pro. Nothing I do gets'em working , and routing has me terminally confused. I was born confused, and went downhill fro there !!
Hi and thanks. I am planning to do a video on audio routing and thanks for the idea on setting up external synths in your DAW, I'll add that to the list. In the meantime, I'll see if I can help with some pointers. Easiest way (and the way I do it is): 1. Connect all synth audio outputs to a mixer 2. Connect main output of mixer to an audio interface 3. Connect main output of audio interface to studio monitors (or just listen from headphone socket) 4. Connect Audio interface to pc via usb 5. Connect all synths to pc via usb (I have all my synths connected to a powered usb hub and then into the pc. Cubase should now be able to see all the usb connected devices, receive audio from the interface via usb and receive midi data from the synths via their usbs. To record a straight forward audio track, go into Cubase, add an audio track, choose the stereo inputs from audio interface and choose stereo out for output. Now, whatever synth/s you play, their audio will go through the mixer, into the audio interface and out to the DAW Audio track where you can record it. If you want to capture the midi data from playing the synths do the following (I'll just take one synth for now). 1. Add a midi track, go to the 'inspector' window, go to the 'routing' section. 2. In the first box (input with arrow pointing to left) choose your synth from the drop down list (cubase should automatically recognise it). 3. In the next box down choose either 'any' or the number corresponding to the midi channel your synth is set to. 4. Go to the 'output' section (arrow pointing to the right) and again choose your synth from the dropdown. 5. Go to the next box down and choose the midi channel your synth is set to. Now when you record all the midi notes that you play along with any other parameters like twisting the cutoff etc will be recorded. When you play it back the midi notes and other midi cc data will be sent back out triggering your synth to play exactly what you recorded. Repeat as necessary for all other synths. I have a template set up in Cubase with audio tracks for my Microphone, Guitar and Mixer (the mixer goes into inputs 1+2 on my audio interface receiving all the audio from the synths that are plugged into the mixer). The Mic and Guitar are plugged into inputs 3 + 4 respectively. I then have separate midi tracks set up for each of my hardware synths (routed as explained above) and then have 'instrument' tracks set up for my main VSTs (e.g. Omnisphere, Analog Lab). I then disable all the tracks (so they are greyed out). When I want to record I just load the template, enable the midi or vst tracks I want to record and/or enable the audio track/s. (PS I load the template with tracks disabled as it's quicker, the template can load quite slowly if all the tracks are enabled) Oh, and finally best to set all your synths to different midi channels (which is done on the synths themselves) to avoid confusion, otherwise if you send out a signal on say channel 1 and you have two synths set to that channel, both of them will sound. Sorry a bit long winded, hope that helps 🙂
@@els1f don’t underestimate the usefulness of the old DIN-MIDI. It doesn’t have much advantages to USB but there are some: it does not need any drivers, it is simple to debug, but above all, it is optocoupled, which means unlike USB it never ever can add hum to the sound. And that can be a great advantage in a studio.
@@newignis Let's not forget that you can actually play your instuments without needing a computer running - something that pains me about USB-MIDI only synths like Behringer JT-4000 for example (even if that is really just a toy).
@@lucemiserlohn true, allthough some midi routers like the Mio do interchange the Midi traffic between DIN and USB which is awesome. Some Midi routers apparently have both DIN and USB but they don’t interact. Always check
Thanks for sharing! Very well explained! Could you do one on setting up effects and mixer part with your synths (like do you use same effects on all ? external fx or pedals ?) All your synths sounds “glued” together and very nice …thank you again 👍🏻
Doing the audio routing / mixer set up as the next video 🙂. Basically everything runs into the audio mixer and then out into the audio interface. The Deepmind, Polybrute and MODX have their own extensive inbuilt effects so tend to use those for each, the Neutron and Pro-1 have no effects so I tend to apply a little reverb from the mixer’s effects to them and the Matrixbrute. Haven’t got in to effects pedals as such, but I do have and use Guitar Rig 6 Pro on the computer which I sometimes use on the synths (I did a video on it a little while back) 🙂
WOW🤯 so Glad I came across your video because I’ve been struggling with understanding Midi setups & I think this one pretty much sums it up with a simple way to connect & get a smooth workflow!!! Thank You
Awesome!!! Finally!!! Thanks for your channel! I'm in the midst of figuring out how to route the BPM from the drummer (using a Roland Electric kit) and what he initiates as the tempo to be sent to my Akai Key 37, my Korg Wavestate and Cobalt8 during live performances.
@@28mmRPG There’s prob various routes could go down. Simplest would be get the drummer playing to a click track with the synths synced to the click as well. This could be as simple as a cheap drum machine with the drummer listening to a ‘click’ from the drum machine and the drum machine sending its clock to the synths via midi. Or you could have one synth as the master and set the tempo there, sending its clock to the other synths and a clock signal to something like the ‘Beat Indicator’ from MIDI solutions, which is a little box with a flashing led in time with the clock signal that the drummer can use to keep tempo. Or if, as you say, you want the drummer to initiate the tempo. There’s something like the Disaster Area Micro Clock. This could sit by the drummer to tap in the tempo as he counts in the song, that tempo could then be sent as midi clock to the synths either through a Thru Box, or if all the synths have midi thru capability then could just daisy chain the 3 synths with midi cables so they all get the clock signal. www.andertons.co.uk/disaster-area-microclock-tap-tempo-controller-guitar-pedals/?gad_source=4&gbraid=0AAAAADujoUrRapof1koQGG_KSI4SZyW65&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo8S3BhDeARIsAFRmkOMq0pAf0yYe_aavLUT89xBqXKcZW8wkbLXLOwbhUb7ulEqUhNhpoDcaArgBEALw_wcB Just some thoughts, hope it helps 🙂
I recently tested some different MIDI computer interfaces to see which had the lowest latency. Two USB3 interfaces, one USB2 interface, USAMO and direct instrument USB2; several tests per interface. Direct USB and USAMO had the lowest latency, performing nearly the same. USB3 interfaces had lower latency than USB2 interface but only by 1-3ms. Direct USB and USAMO were 3-5ms improvement over the USB3/2 interfaces.
A bit of nostalgia for my old Atari based setup in the 90s. These days I have no fixed setup and just use MIDI ad-hoc for sync, keyboard/wind control, or layering. Because I never "record" MIDI I can have everything on channel 1. I am looking at the MRCC 880 to make it easier to temporarily switch to my laptop for patch management.
Great Video! I've recently upgraded 2 the MioXL, haven't noticed ANY latency!🧐... I like the Auricle program's flexibility & the fact that I can name my patch setups according 2 my musical approaches -Luvin-It!🥰... Subbed!🦋✨👽
Hi and thanks. I've done a whole other video on MIDI Clock you can find here ua-cam.com/video/SmTuCjfD6Ts/v-deo.htmlsi=G-Pp7g2cngXxLWDZ At around 11:20 I show how I use the DAW as master clock to drive the Keystep Pro and then onto everything else. Instead of setting the Keystep Pro though as the destination for the DAW clock, I could set the Audio interface and then anything connected to the MIDI Out of that would receive the DAW clock. In the video I'm using Cubase, but would assume other DAWs have similar functionality. Hope that helps. Cheers, Graeme
This has been really helpful as I look to refine my setup. Love to see someone using Sparkle, I think it is the most underrated drum controller out there. I too am an Arturia fanboy: minibrute, mini freak, Polybrute, audiofuse, and audiofuse 8Pre, & SparkLe. 😁
@@Boehmrunner1 Am with you on the Spark, it’s a great bit of kit 🙂, how’s the mini freak ? been tempted many times but not sure if need it with both Polybrute and Matrixbrute ? (but then again it’s never really about need 😂😂😂)
@@splootyvision Def not abut meed. It's a slightly different feel and sound. . . at least that's what I tell myself. :-) it's a seriously fun bit of kit though, and really handy for taking away. I feel like the Minibrute is in its own league and is my general goto just because it's so easy to dial in. The other two you can get a bit more create with, though.
whoa! i would agree with the title, the DARK ARTs for sure. Midi has been around a long time but very few know about its ⚡ real power potential ⚡! great vid, keep up the good work ;-)
@@eloi4544 Hi and thanks. Basically all the hardware synths go into a mixer (Behringer 1202FX) which has 4 mono and 4 stereo inputs. The MODx, DM, Matrixbrute and Polybrute all run into the stereo inputs, the pro-1 and neutron each go to a mono input and the TR-8S l+r outputs go to two mono inputs both panned l+r. The main outputs from the mixer then go into inputs 1+2 on the audio interface. The TCHelicon Voicelive goes direct to input 3 on the audio interface and my electric guitar goes direct into input 4. The main outs of the audio interface then go to both my studio monitors and the Yamaha PA system (there are 2 pairs of main outs, xlr and jack) 🙂
Hello Splooty Vision, This is what i need now ! You have very good videos for me to learn studio stuff. Thank you for the very, very good work. Greetings from Germany, Peter
Thank you for the video. My question is why having many hardware synth then control them with a midi controler such as the keylab, why not using the keylab with plugins like arturia V collection, native or Omnisphere. Would be lot less expensive
Hi and thanks. I do indeed have V Collection, Omnisphere and numerous other VSTs and do use the midi keyboards to control these. But I also like using hardware , especially when designing own sounds, and use the MIDI keyboards to also provide flexibility in the studio - like If I'm recording into my DAW I can play all of my hardware synths or VSTs from the little Keystep37 on my desk in front of my computer. Made it a bit clearer in my next video that I have a sort of 'dual' or 'hybrid' set up between hardware and software (this one was just focused on MIDI). However, you are right just using VSTs would be much cheaper !!! and with the quality of VSTs these days you could really do everything without hardware synths :-)
Great video! I wonder if you can connect a Roland TR-808 using its DN SYNC port in your system. I am planning to buy 3 of your devices for X-Mas, the Arturia Keylab 88, Arturia KeyStep Pro 37 and Roland TR-8S. I will be glad to pay you to help me once I get these devices. Oh yeah, I have an MPC 2000XL with 2 MIDI in an 2 MIDI out ports. Any help appreciated. I will start reviewing your other videos today
Hi - should be possible but would need a ‘conversion box’ like this from Doepfer: www.thomann.co.uk/doepfer_msy2.htm In my set up for example, I have the Keylab and keystep going into a merge box. One of the outputs goes to the thru box and on to the other synths, but I could run the other merge output to an old TR808 via the Doepfer box (instead of to my vocal effect unit). The TR808 would then receive clock and start/stop from the Keystep - so when a sequence is started on the Keystep, the Tr808 will also start and keep in time 🙂
I'm not a MIDI expert, but I've been using a Digital Music Corp MX-8 to patch MIDI instruments together for over 30 years now. You've got 50 patches to connect any of your instruments to any of your other instruments. It makes life a lot easier for me. Just push a patch button that you've previously programmed, and you're there. 😊
Yep patch bays can be the way to go and indeed I mention the mioXL and MRCC at the end of the video. I've always seen these as a more expensive option (although can probably find older patch bays second hand quite cheaply). Tbh I started with just a small thru box, then added the merger and recently added a Keystep Pro and buying another merger to feed stuff back into the Keystep. Also, most midi interfaces wouldn't be enough as currently need 9 ins and 12 outs, which would mean probably 2 MIDI patch bays, bumping the cost significantly. The other advantage is that I don't need any presets like on a patch bay to determine what plays what, it's all pre-conifgured so to speak by the way that I've routed it all and if want something to play something else, I just change the midi channel on the synths themselves. If I was starting again from scratch though, I'd probably go something like the mioXL 🙂
Useful, thanks. I have a Motu 8x8 MIDI interface which works well with a daw, but not outwith the computer environment, so given I have both synth and sequencer hardware, I want to be able to connect them in meaningful ways while still being able to record MIDI to the PC. Trouble is, a lot of the older gear does not have usb MIDI, so that creates a bit of a problem for having an interconencted 'live' setup which can also be recorded to and triggered from, the PC.
I hear very good things in the comments about the iConnectivty mioXL. It appears to work very well either with or without the computer. Tbh if I was starting again from scratch it’s probably something I’d look at, but for now this set up does what I want it to (plus the miOXL is fairly pricey at about £350) Cheers.
@@rjadamz9117 Hi and thanks. Think I may have to do a follow up on the audio. Someone else asked same question 🙂. In lieu of doing such here’s the basic gist. Basically all the hardware synths go into a mixer (Behringer 1202FX) which has 4 mono and 4 stereo inputs. The MODx, DM, Matrixbrute and Polybrute all run into the stereo inputs, the pro-1 and neutron each go to a mono input and the TR-8S l+r outputs go to two mono inputs both panned l+r. The main outputs from the mixer then go into inputs 1+2 on the audio interface. The TCHelicon Voicelive goes direct to input 3 on the audio interface and my electric guitar goes direct into input 4. The main outs of the audio interface then go to both my studio monitors and the Yamaha PA system (there are 2 pairs of main outs, xlr and jack) 🙂
Perfectly demonstrated!!!! When you record your songs in Cubase, are you using audio recordings or midi note recordings? I wonder how you would describe how your songs recall when you load an old song. Are your instrument settings (instrument and effects on the synthesizers) recalled? Hopefully my rambling question is not so difficult to understand. If this is a topic that you feel like would be a good video topic, I would appreciate one. Basically, I have a few Syths and midi controllers and I try to record everything in Cubase in MIDI using VST's. I haven't really used the other synths because I haven't understood how to record them and recall them in the natural state (using the instruments that I have made adjustments to). Thanks!!!! BTW, I just subscribed... I am in the 1st 5000k subscribers club!!!!
Hi, and thanks. For my hardware synths I generally always record all the midi note and automation data when putting songs together in Cubase and then bounce the MIDI to audio tracks later when it comes to mixing and final production. For synths that can save presets, I use the 'Bank' and 'Program' selector boxes in the 'Routing' section of Cubase to enter the preset number. If you set up a MIDI track for an external hardware synth, look under the output routing, just above the 'drum map' box, you'll see 2 boxes which will say 'Off' and 'Off', these are the Bank and Program selection boxes where you can enter the relevant numbers. For example my PolyBrute has 8 banks each containing 96 presets (either factory presets or ones I've created myself), so if I'm using the 12th patch from bank 2, I'd enter Bank 2, Program 12 into Cubase - then next time I load that project the preset on the synth is automatically loaded, including any internal effects etc that were saved with the preset. For the synths with no patch memory like my Behringer Neutron and Pro-1, I have to note the settings from the front panel (which I do on patch sheets showing all the knobs and switches) and then I make a note in the name of the MIDI track as to what patch it is; then when I next load the project I have to manually dial in that sound - there's no other way for those. And.....I do have a video planned for that in the future 🙂, (just not sure when exactly, as the list is getting continually growing !). Hope that helps and all made sense, Cheers.
Hello, i have a Roland MKB 1000 (year 1985) that apparently sends out cc123 all notes off, which conflicts with some newer Synths & VST's. Can you suggest how to block that on a MAC? I only use Equater 2, Ableton 11 and will probably buy Softube's Model 77. I have a Focusrite Claretti & Roli Seaboard Rise. Its not quite fully setup yet but i think the cc123 might be an issue. The Roli has kept me entertained til now. Great video. Subscribed!
@@bobmason1361 Hi - you need some sort of MIDI filter in place, to filter out the CC123. I believe there are plugins (possibly free) that could work OR assuming the Roland is connected to the MAC via a midi interface (or the midi ports on Focusrite ?) you could buy a filter box to go in between the Roland and the interface to stop the messages getting through and then on to the MAC. Miditech do a fairly cheap and simple one ‘MIDI Thru 4/Filter’ which has dip switches where you can just turn off all CC messages. There are other boxes that you can then program with software to filter out specific CC messages etc. Something like the CME U6 Midi pro should work. Run the Roland midi out into the filter box and then out from the box to whatever interface your using to connect to the PC 🙂
Hey Graham, great video I liked and subscribed pretty much instantly, i think i see an issue unless I have missed something, the image suggests you have 2 midi outputs coming from the FCB1010? there is one going to the merge box and one going to the audio interface, my FCB only has 1 output.....i just cant see how you've done that, can you advise 🙂
Hi there - apologies I missed that out in the video. Its just a cheap little midi Y splitter cable like this: amzn.eu/d/8jWv7ou The MIDI Out from the FCB1010 goes into the 'Female' end and the two 'Male' ends go into the Merge Box and the MIDI in on the back of the Audio interface (the midi out from the interface just then goes to the MIDI in on the FCB1010). NB. Make sure to get the 1 Female to 2 Male if want to do similar. The only reason I do this is so that the FCB1010 can talk to and operate my synths via the merge box, but also as it is connected to the PC via the Audio interface I can use the FCB1010 software editors to load sysex files/make changes to the programming of the FCB1010 without having to move cables around 🙂
Great video, thanks! I’m planning a similar hybrid setup but using the Conductive Labs MRCC instead of the merge/ thru boxes. Just wondering - any issues with latency with all the daisy-chaining? Cheers
Hi, nice video. I have one question about your setup. It looks like the signals from your MODX are routing back to itself. Did you turn LOCAL OFF on this synth?
Hi and thanks. In a way the answer is both Yes and No. If the MODX is in 'MIDI' mode in the Utility section there are no problems and Local Control can stay on. If I have the MODX loaded as a MIDI track in my DAW to record it and have the MODX in 'USB' mode in the utility section, then I turn Local control off as otherwise there is a very slight duplication/echo of notes when listening to what your playing live on headphones or monitors.
i have some of those splitters and a powered one for underpowered midi outs. i tend to have to rewire. i use a yamaha mx88 , korg kromeEX73 and a wavestate as my 3 controllers in my setup. i have a bunch of modules that then get connected as per the w/e i'm working on. rewiring sucks. i do have a 2-1 merger from midi solutions so i could run my footboard or 12-step into the wavestate. my question is: If you play your modx8(which i covet greatly haha) along with the keylab simultaneously, does the midi stream choke and puke into the merge, or do both kbds get their messages out clean? TIA. great video and i love your playroom and toybox full of wonderful toys
@@jjrusy7438 Hi - all works fine playing simultaneously, not had any glitches. I can have everything running and works fine e.g I can have the Keystep sending out a sequence triggering say the Pro-1, play some chords on the MODX and a solo/lead on the Keylab triggering say the Deepmind, all at the same time. All the signals are going into the midi merge box and go in and come out clean as a whistle 🙂. Hope that helps. Cheers.
@@underwatersunlight3795 Thanks. Yes, each of the synths are set to different midi channels in their own internal settings. For the midi keyboards (the Keystep 37 and the Keylab 61) the midi ‘send’ channel can then by quickly changed on the fly to change which synth they are triggering. Cheers.
Out of all the vids I've seen on UA-cam! You're video made me finally understand what you can do with midi! New subscriber btw! I do need help with my studio setup...Can we converse in private...Thanks
Hello, great video to help the use of MIDI connections. It’s very helpfull for me. One question : how do you plug FCB1010 OUT to 2 MIDI IN in your diagram ? Kind regards Chris from France
@@Chris87videos Hi - it’s a Midi Y splitter cable like this: amzn.eu/d/7z6xIf2. It allows me to connect the midi out from the Fcb1010 to both the midi merge box and also back into the audio interface. The only real reason to split it was everytime I wanted to program the fcb1010 with software editors I had to go under the desk and unplug it from the merge box and into the audio interface so it could communicate with the pc (as the fcb1010 doesn’t have usb at all and the audio interface acts as a midi interface) now thought it’s all permanently plumbed in 🙂. Hope that answers it. Cheers.
How do you handle instrumrents which use more than one channel? The Yamaha TX802 uses all channels. It needs a dedicated cable. If you use sysex to change patches real time, you will experience delays and hanging notes. Sysex will also disrupt MTC.
Hi - Personally I don't use/have any vintage gear, so everything I have uses CC's and Program change messages etc. and all works fine, and I don't have any real need/use for sysex (tbh, I'm not really clued up on it, other than sending/transmitting sysex files from/to the FCB1010 to reprogram it; but that's all very automated using available software editors 🙂) Cheers.
Really, with multi-channel synths you have to either only use a few channels on each unit (to stay within 16) or you need separate MIDI streams. On my Atari I had an additional MIDI Out adapter for the RS-232 and Cubase let me select which MIDI Out each track used.
Hi! Thank you so much for your videos, they definitely helped me understand MIDI better. I do have a question, though: In my set-up, I have a few synths I want to record both the midi and audio input of. I want to be able to play them all at once (during a jam session, for example), and to get one midi lane per synth recorded in my DAW. Would your set-up allow me to do that or do I need each synth to transmit their MIDI data via individual MIDI cables (1 MIDI out cable per synth)? Many thanks in advance!
Hi - in my set up as well as everything connected to each other via 5 pin MIDI...each synth is also connected back to the PC via individual usb cables, running through some usb hubs back into the pc to record the midi data from synths into the DAW. In addition all the audio from the synths runs into a mixer that then goes into my audio interface. Basically I have a template set up in Cubase with MIDI tracks set up for all my hardware synths with routings and channels all ready configured, but with all tracks 'disabled' - along with a main audio track which is recording the output from my audio mixer. When I want to record into the DAW (Cubase) I just open up the template and enable whichever instrument/midi tracks I want to record as well as the main audio track which is capturing the total audio output of all synths from the mixer onto one audio track. So what I get is a single audio tracks of what I've been jamming - but also the midi data from each synth recorded to individual midi tracks. Hope that helps/answers it 🙂
@@matissev2530 Hi - planning to do so in near future (hopefully next couple of weeks). A few people have asked for a video on audio routings and how to record set up external synths in DAW etc, so plan to do something demonstrating all that soon 🙂
Good video and perfectly clear, however, as far as I understand, you are "limiting" each instrument to a single midi channel (clock doesn't need a midi channel). Using a DAW and a midi interface (midi ports), e.g. MOTU micro lite, opens up a lot more of possibilities.
@@fernandomoreira2103 Hi and thanks. I do use a DAW as well (Cubase Pro) with everything connected to the PC via USB 🙂. It’s a sort of a dual set up, I can turn everything on but leave the PC off and just jam ‘live’ with everything routed how I want it, or load up the DAW and I have templates set up with MIDI tracks all ready set up and everything routed in there 🙂.
Do you build your own MIDI cables? Some of the cables you using must be of great length which leads me to my question. What’s your take on Roland using small stereo jacks? Myself I like this because it’s easy to construct them.
Yep - dependent on the amount of gear it can be quite a headache. Tbh I'm at the limit of this set up; the 2 midi boxes are full, my 2 usb hubs are full, the mixer is full, the audio interface is full and all my plug sockets and extension cables are full !! :-)
I don’t know what I’ve pressed by mistake but I simply want both the sequencers on my workstations to be in sync without playing each other’s sounds, it used to do that before where I could program them separately and just have them playing together after but now one will play the sounds from the other as well as it’s own even when I try and assign an empty track and not on omni receive
Hi - workstations can be very complicated beasts, so not sure exactly what you've pressed. Generally though if they're connected by MIDI and one is triggering the other then there must be some sort of midi channel conflict. Depends what workstation your using; for example on my MODX8+, if I set the MIDI mode to 'Single' i.e. a single midi channel it will only play itself on MIDI channel 1. But if I put it in 'Multi' mode where it is now using 8 MIDI channels (as each multi sound can have 8 parts, each assigned to a separate midi channel) then when I play a key any of my other synths that are set on channels 2 - 8 also sound at the same time. Sounds like something like that might be going on ?. Cheers.
Is there any standard or common practice for what goes on what channel? Is 5pin, mini jack, or USB preferred if available? I can't get anything to talk to each other, it seems like I have an unusual mix
@@zmmmzmmmz In a way depends on how you use your gear. If you’re doing everything using a computer/DAW then you can do everything via usb i.e. all synths connected to the computer by USB and then all the routing set up in the DAW itself. Without a computer then 5pin is the way to go to connect gear directly to one another (if some have mini jack midi inputs, then there are adapters so you can run a 5 pin into a mini jack and vice versa). Not sure if understood correctly ‘what goes on what channel’ - the only real standard here is that Midi Channel 10 is pretty much the std default for drums and practically all drum machines come factory set to that channel. Most synths pretty much come factory set to Channel 1, but every synth can be changed to whatever midi channel you want it on (from 1-16). I basically have a ‘dual’ set up; everything communicates over 5pin as per the diagrams, but I also have everything connected to the PC via usb hubs so I can record midi data in my DAW (Cubase) and where I can also reroute what controls what if I want, over and above what the 5 pin set up allows me to do. Cheers 🙂
@@splootyvision I didn't think about using USB simultaneously. This is helpful, thanks. I don't have tons of devices so I think I'll just assign each device a unique 2-9, 11-15 channel and run couple powered USB 3 hubs
Hi, do you know if it's possible to change chords using a foot pedal whilst playing styles on a keyboard? That way, both my hands would always be free to play live. Maybe some sort of midi connection can do it.
Hi its certainly possible, but can depend on your equipment. The FCB1010 pedalboard I use can send out single note values on each footswitch, if you're keyboard has a 'chord' function i.e. it can play chords by pressing one note - then it may work. My Deepmind 12 synth does have a chord function, but still only plays single notes if I use the pedal board, however if I use the pedal board to trigger my Keystep 37 (in it's chord mode) it works (and the Keystep 'chord' can then trigger the Deepmind as all connected via MIDI). Cheers
I have some volcas and one of the biggest problems is that most of them aren't able to chain patterns. So you habmve to change program/bank manually what let you be very busy depending on the track. What i am looking for is a kin of automatic memory change on the volcas through an external midi device were i can set up x bars for it to change. Is this possible? But dawless.
@@Beliar_VR Hi there, definitely some kit that could help. The two that come to mind are the Arturia Keystep Pro or the Novation Circuit Tracks. Both have extensive sequencing capabilities that can be used to control other synths. The Keystep pro has a 4 track sequencer so can play 4 different synths at the same time. Each track can have 16 patterns chained together and each pattern can be 64 steps long and can contain 16 notes (I.e polyphonic sequencing or chords is possible if the synths are polyphonic.). That means you have 1024 steps in total, with 16 variations changing every 64 steps if you wanted and have all of that on 4 separate synths all playing at the same time !!!! Then there’s the Circuit Tracks, this has 8 tracks comprising 2 built in synth tracks and 4 drum tracks (it has its own sound engine) and then 2 midi tracks that could be used to trigger two external synths. It can create 32 step sequences chained that you can chain 8 times for up to 256 steps per tracks. Plus it had pads as opposed to keys. PS you could ignore its internal engine and actually use it to sequence 8 external synths, so more than the keystep, but the sequencing ability in terms of length and chaining patterns is much less. I don’t have either but for my money the Keystep Pro wins (and indeed is something I’m considering for the future) a I do have its little brother the Keystep 37 that allows you to sequence one synth while playing another over the top using the keys. There’s loads o other gear out there, but as I say those would the first two that come to mind 🙂
@@splootyvision thanks you for your detailed answer! I put my eyes on the keystep pro but i was not sure if I needed that much of a sequencer. Maybe you convinced me now :)
Hi! I have a beginners question. I have an Access Virus Indigo and a Novation K Station plus a Behringer TD-3. I would like to use the onboard effects on the K-Station for the other two, as I find them very pleasing to the ear. Is this possible using MIDI through, or if not, by any other Dark MIDI Art? Many thanks! =]
@@ET1O1 Hi - nothing via midi as that’s just sending midi data, not any audio signal. However, having a quick look, both the K station and the Virus have an ‘External Input’ which means you can run the audio signal from another synth into the back of them and process it using their filters / effects. This is simply done with a standard 1/4 inch jack cable from the audio output/s of one synth to the ‘External in’ of the other. The K station appears to be a mono external in only, so you could run an audio cable from the ‘L’ output of the Virus into the K station external in and then use the K station effects on the sound it is receiving from the Virus. You could also do vice versa and run the outputs of the k station into the external in on the Virus and process the K station sound using the Virus filters and effects. If you wanted to run both the TD-3 and Virus into the K station, you would need a small mixer to combine the audio and then send the output of the mixer to the external in on the K station (likewise you could connect the K station and Td3 to the mixer and then into the Virus). Hope that all helps 🙂
@@splootyvision That is extremely helpful! You have saved me about 3 weeks of being dumb! Thank you so much! I'm very glad I subscribed to your channel, you're a Star! Thanks again! 🛸
Hi, I started watching this hoping to gain an understanding of midi and I have to say, it started of great with some simple explanations. However, I think introducing midi using a diagram with so many connected devices was a mistake and just led to confusion. Perhaps showing a simpler setup and building up to your setup would have been more helpful. My background is in writing computer programmes in various languages, I’ve also built websites from the ground up including scripting in JavaScript, PHP as well as all the html and css, but still can’t seem to grasp midi. Oh well, I must just be really stupid! 🤣Thanks for trying. 👍🏻😎
Hi - if you go to the playlist in the description there’s some links to a few other videos with similar but less complex diagrams with less gear, that may be worth looking at as a starting point, also a couple of videos that look specifically at the midi thru and midi merge boxes. Hope that helps a little 🙂
Very good video, as I see you understand a lot, let's see if you can help me, I have problems with my Yamaha modx and the laptop, I use vst live from steinberg with kontack, the fact is that my keyboard stays hanging or it changes sounds, it is receiving midi data that doesn't stop, thank you, can you help me or not, I use a translator, I don't know if it will be understood, I'm from Spain.
Hi - seems an odd one, but have heard of these sorts of issues. I don't have VST live or Kontakt, so not really sure how they work together. But, for the hanging notes it seems that 'note off' values aren't being sent/received properly - so its triggering a sound, but when the note is released it's not recognising the Note Off message to tell it to stop playing that note. In terms of changing sounds this would possibly be that a Program Change (PC message) is somehow being sent telling to change patches/sounds. Tbh there's probably many things that could be causing this. The first thing, if not already done, would be ensuring that all the latest versions of vst live, kontakt etc are installed, latest firmware updated on MODX and any other things like USB drivers etc are up to date. Next would be whether it's a dodgy USB/MIDI cable so worth swapping to different ones to see if issue still persists. The only only other thing can suggest is there is an application called MIDI-OX which you can use to show what's going on with the MIDI and investigate/troubleshoot MIDI issues. (not sure if VST live or kontakt have facility for this). With MIDI-OX you can see all the MIDI messages that are being sent in real time and so possibly workout exactly what's triggering the issue/s. There's a short article on MIDI-OX here: www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/how-do-i-install-and-use-midi-ox-for-windows/ Hope that all helps. Cheers 🙂
Great setup, do you have any problems when changing parameters on one of your "master synths" that some other synth also changes some voice feature or some other thing once in a while? I had this problem even when connecting (via Midi) just Korg Kronos 2 to my Roland JU-06 and the voice in Roland had changed when I just ereased some part in a Korg's sequencer or do something that has nothing to do with voice manipulation, than I disabled in Midi section on Korg "parameter send" or something like that and exclusive etc. and now it works O.K., but I'm still "on the look out" if this two synths have some "love affair" changing something out of the blue to each other; so I don't use midi as much, I just play live a part and record it, unless it''s some arp stuff you really need it to play 100% accurate. Luckily Korg has 9 synth engines and a drumm machine etc. in it, so I don't have to deal with this web of cables; and I have connected one synh via optical cable and the other "analog line's in" so I have 11 synth connected ready to go on the fly. MIDi is great, but there's 99% chance that once in a while the system will make some mistake , destroying your patch you made in a critical moment, some glitch etc., or you as a human do something that makes making music slow and a struggle. There's that "fear" in me all the time when I see this web of midi cables. :))
Thanks - so far all good and never had any problems like that 🙂. I think this predominantly works as each synth is on a single channel. When you start using multi-timbral synths like the Kronos (very nice bit of gear!) where you can have different sounds on diffferent MIDI channels etc. it probably all starts to get a lot more complicated and issues can occur. Sounds like with the Ju-06 might be on a similar midi channel to something in the Kronos so it was reacting if and when you happened to send something out on that Channel from the Kronos ?
@@splootyvision Yes, It was on the same channel, so I can use Kronos as a midi keyboard, but as I said, thank god Kronos has a midi section (touch screen) where you just disable from approx. 8 midi sections what you don't want to Korg to send via midi like after touch, exclusive messages, parameter changes; so I just left enough boxes ON, so I can play 😁. It works for now. Well see in the future; if not who cares, I can still play most of the things live and than on audio sequencer in Korg duplicate etc. the pattern. It's harder because you have to play it right everytime, but it's also a good practise. I'm always watching so I don't "destroy my workflow"; so I can make music fast, enjoying in the process etc. "Less is more" or better said you have to know when is that point where "more becomes less" :))
I always connect everything right its the midi implementation when it comes to software. I feel like my keyboards are capable of alot more but when I look at the chart it reads like Chinese 😂 Thanks for this info!!!
Have you a video about USB MIDI? I have a super little Behringer JT 4000. It's a fun introduction to synths, but despite watching several videos on how to connect this synth to a MIDI Keyboard, I have singularly failed to do so, because there is always some link in the chain, or piece of kit, that I haven't got. The problem is I need to both provide a source of 5 volt power for it (via the single USB MIDI socket) and at the same time play a controller. I can do one thing, but but the two simultaneously with the kit I currently have. No MIDI Thru or Merge Boxes I have seen on the market supplies power. Is there one you know of? Any further advice you can offer? Thanks in advance for your time and patience.
@@berniarmstrong Hi there, these little devices are really designed to be used with a computer, so jt4000 usb to computer (with computer providing the power). MIDI keyboard connected to computer and then route it in your DAW so it can play the jt4000. However, assumin your MIDI keyboard has proper MIDI ports then the other way is with a USB MIDI HOST box like the Doremidi UMH-10. It’s powered by a usb to DC power cable that will allow the box to then provide power to the JT4000; plug the jt4000 into the boxes usb socket and plug the keyboard from its MIDI out to the MIDI in on the box. You could also run a powered usb hub to the HOST box, which means you can run multiple little usb devices to it and the MIDI keyboard could control all of them. Having said all thay the MIDI host box is about the cost of the JT4000 itself. Hope that helps 🙂
@@splootyvision Thanks for taking the time to give me a full answer. I will let you know if I solve the riddle 😉 I have had bad luck with DAWS, I have downloaded quite a few, but they never did what I wanted them to do (latencies issues, failure to recognise plug ins or hardware synths connected via MIDI etc.)
Hi, no problem. It's actually what they call a 'Soft Thru' where you can get the MIDI out port to act as a thru port. A lot of synths employ this now rather than having a dedicated thru port. To do so, you need to dive into the Utility menu. 1. Press Utility button 2. Turn Value knob till get to MIDI:Soft Thru 3. Press enter (cursor will move across) 4. Turn Value knob to change to 'ON' 5. Press Write button ( display will say System*) 6. Press Enter (display will say System Write? and be flashing on 'OK' 7. Press Enter (will say 'Write Completed!') 8. Press Utility to go back to main display. Cheers 🙂
Hi - in the Utility menu on the TR-8S go to the 'Sync/Tempo' section and set the 'TempSync' to 'AUTO' (setting it to 'MIDI' also works). If it is set to 'INT' i.e. internal clock it will ignore the Keystep and use its own tempo. (In the MIDI menu I also have 'Omni Mode' set to 'OFF' otherwise the drum machine get's screwed up as it picks up the sequence data from the Keystep and tries to play it through the drums) Also if you want the 'Play' button on the Keystep to trigger the drum machine, in the Sync/Tempo menu on the TR-8S, set the 'RxStartStop to 'ON'. Basically it overrides the TR-8S as the Keystep is first in the chain and sends its midi clock to the midi in of the TR-8S. With the TR-8S clock source set to AUTO, it will use its own clock, unless it receives a clock from somewhere else; which in this case it is - from the Keystep. If I wired the TR-8S before the Keystep and set the dip switches on the back of the Keystep to MIDI for the clock source, then in theory hitting play on the TR-8S would override the Keystep clock 🙂. Effectively whichever clock signal comes first takes precedent and is then passed on down to rest of the synths. Cheers 🙂
Hi, I have the MicroFreak which doesn't have 5pin midi. I assume there is a new USB format synths are changing to. Is there a USBMidi to 5pin adaptor I can use to get it to work with my 5pin midi setup? I am using an old MOTU 828mk2 which I love and dont really want to update. but I will if I have to.
@@malungtvnews Hi there, the MicroFreak does have Midi in and out on the back, they are small mini jack ports and it should have come with a midi adapter. If haven’t got it you can get mini TRS to 5pin midi adapters on line, but need to make sure it’s a Type B adapter (not Type A). Are you plugging it into the Motu - if so just wondering why, if it’s to get it into the DAW - can just use the USB for that. Hope that helps. Cheers.
@@jumpstar9000 yes, came here to agree with this. It has 4 x MIDI in and 4 x MIDI out, and works out cheaper than buying separate merge and through boxes. Plus you get all the cool features like being able to filter out certain MIDI messages to/from certain devices, for example I use my Digitakt as the master clock, so I had to filter out the clock messages coming from my KeyStep 37, otherwise some of the synths would see both clocks and run at double tempo. Also thanks to the virtual busses inside the box, you can choose what gets merged with what and what gets routed to where; it's not everything to everything like it would be if you used separate merge and through boxes. If that's not all enough, it also has 4 bidirectional USB MIDI ports carried over a single USB cable, if you want to combine USB MIDI devices with your traditional DIN-based ones.
@@Hakucho64 even better, you can connect it to the PC via ethernet, that means it does not need to be close to the DAW and you can transmit multiple bundles of 16 channels to and from the PC. By using a hub on one of the USB ports you can connect up to 10 (I think) USB devices to the MIO each of which you define its routing separately. And also you can define 4 preset routings. That is ideal for avoiding rewiring when for instance you want to swap between a DAW centered or a DAW MIDI set-up.
This was the clearest explanation of a reasonably complex hardware MIDI setup I've seen, well done and thank you!
@@GuidoGautsch Thank you, really appreciate that 🙂
Thorough and complete explanation. Automatic subscription.
A light has just come on in my brain. Thank you!
I’ve loved MIDI for years, and still have to have proper MIDI cables.
The older I get, the more straightforward I like it.
Same here. I was wary of MIDI via USB from the start and only use MIDI controllers that also have 5-pin DIN ports. I'll use USB when necessary like if I need to work from across the room, that's about it.
Imagine how blown away i am right now having never ever used midi even once in my life. 😊
Instant sub, haven't made it through the vid yet. Love this. I haven't found many that explain MIDI this well. Thank you! I can't wait to explore more of your art. 🎼🎶🎵🖤
Brilliant, the way that you chose that font. Actually, I have been in MIDI from the start, writing MIDI software from the start. Always loving the music side I chose a career in computers. Quite pleased when they came together.
MIDI enthusiasts of the world in 2024, unite! Great video. I also am part of the club where I made a video of my MIDI setup and even recently designed a cheap 3x3 and 2x2 switch based selectors for sale mainly targeted at vintage PC (and Mac and other) gamers that need their games to send off midi to Roland mt-32, sound canvases or others. I'll recommend your video as a great crash course on midi
@@1BitFeverDreams Gotta love MIDI, it may be old tech but it still does the business. Many thanks for the comment and for recommending it to others 🙂
i am united in this comment reply. what are we uniting against
Love all your guys’ channels and subbed! Midi fellowship unite!
Learned a lot from this video, thanks! Don't reckon I'll need anywhere near the complexity you have going on, but good to know what is possible using midi.
Nice! I have some good info from designing and using Midi for 30 years.
1) Anything that plays only one or two notes then randomly is probably having problems with running status. All PC softs recognize running status so can be run through that first.
2) Daisy chaining can cause a delay of nearly 1 mS per unit. (depending on the HW) Go in order of sync importance.
3) Some cheap 4x4 boxes from china don't pass SySex messages at all. This can be an issue. They also tend to be unstable when inputting (running status, complex setup messages like NRPN)
4) Midi merging is really good if not a high load (too many merges, good for drums latency etc)
5) If you can't daisy chain (no thru etc) you can electrically split a Midi Port to two synths. I have done 3 with no issues! This is easier done with TRS plugs but if you're a hardware hacker, use 3 - 5 pin sockets and match pins (done that myself)
6) If you have a Voice Live Touch 2 you definitely want to try Midi control!
The Matrix Brute and the Poly Brute are absolutely amazing!!!!
Brilliant presentation! Thank you!
Wow this is gold! Im just getting into learing about midi, i know basic like switch and clock...but you really put it into perspective! Super clean and concise
Hello there, thanks so much for this great introduction to MIDI.
Your set-up is excellent for smaller studios. But there are at least three reasons you ‘ll need to reconsider that can be overcome with midi routers such as the Mio XL: 1) when you go beyond controlling 16 midi channels at once 2) when you need bidirectional connectivity f.i. you have parameter changes on a synth you want to record in the DAW or you exploit sysEx dumps, 3) if you need saving on Din MIDI ports, you can use the USB as a midi port as well and connect via the Midi router to the PC, instead of having both cables.
Yep - works well in my little set up but am pushing the little midi solution boxes to the max really and as noted on the bottom of the slides everything is also connected back to the PC via USB cables/usb hubs and imagine something like the MioXL would tidy things up and reduce the need for some of the cables. It or something like it is most likely something I may end up getting in the future. Cheers 🙂
I was also going to suggest the MioXL. So easy to set up and has phenomenal power. No problems it can't solve.
Ugh, I thought I was done with MIDI gear!
@@GuidoGautsch Sorry 😉😂
@GuidoGautsch that's probably the reason @splootyvision called it 'a dark art' 😳
Splooty Graham, thank you very much for the simple layout and diagram explanations of your midi routings! Also for the eventual studio expansion goals! Brilliant!
@@TheJohnniegolden Thanks, glad it was helpful 🙂
Very informative. Well done.
Exceptionally clear and very useful walk thru, with great diagrams and playback examples 💚
As a musician of 40+ years, I never knew I could control other midi devices 😅 To be fair, I’m a brass player, bassist and vocalist and not a keyboardist 🥰 Although, I did have a pro midi keyboard and an expensive midi instrument controller with hundreds of instruments. I gave it to my daughter before realizing what I had 😅
Nice post, much info inhere. What would REALLY float my boat is one to show how to use my external synths -Neutron, Gaia, Mininova, Wavestate amongst others - with Cubase Pro. Nothing I do gets'em working , and routing has me terminally confused. I was born confused, and went downhill fro there !!
Hi and thanks. I am planning to do a video on audio routing and thanks for the idea on setting up external synths in your DAW, I'll add that to the list. In the meantime, I'll see if I can help with some pointers. Easiest way (and the way I do it is):
1. Connect all synth audio outputs to a mixer
2. Connect main output of mixer to an audio interface
3. Connect main output of audio interface to studio monitors (or just listen from headphone socket)
4. Connect Audio interface to pc via usb
5. Connect all synths to pc via usb (I have all my synths connected to a powered usb hub and then into the pc.
Cubase should now be able to see all the usb connected devices, receive audio from the interface via usb and receive midi data from the synths via their usbs.
To record a straight forward audio track, go into Cubase, add an audio track, choose the stereo inputs from audio interface and choose stereo out for output.
Now, whatever synth/s you play, their audio will go through the mixer, into the audio interface and out to the DAW Audio track where you can record it.
If you want to capture the midi data from playing the synths do the following (I'll just take one synth for now).
1. Add a midi track, go to the 'inspector' window, go to the 'routing' section.
2. In the first box (input with arrow pointing to left) choose your synth from the drop down list (cubase should automatically recognise it).
3. In the next box down choose either 'any' or the number corresponding to the midi channel your synth is set to.
4. Go to the 'output' section (arrow pointing to the right) and again choose your synth from the dropdown.
5. Go to the next box down and choose the midi channel your synth is set to.
Now when you record all the midi notes that you play along with any other parameters like twisting the cutoff etc will be recorded.
When you play it back the midi notes and other midi cc data will be sent back out triggering your synth to play exactly what you recorded.
Repeat as necessary for all other synths.
I have a template set up in Cubase with audio tracks for my Microphone, Guitar and Mixer (the mixer goes into inputs 1+2 on my audio interface receiving all the audio from the synths that are plugged into the mixer). The Mic and Guitar are plugged into inputs 3 + 4 respectively.
I then have separate midi tracks set up for each of my hardware synths (routed as explained above) and then have 'instrument' tracks set up for my main VSTs (e.g. Omnisphere, Analog Lab).
I then disable all the tracks (so they are greyed out).
When I want to record I just load the template, enable the midi or vst tracks I want to record and/or enable the audio track/s.
(PS I load the template with tracks disabled as it's quicker, the template can load quite slowly if all the tracks are enabled)
Oh, and finally best to set all your synths to different midi channels (which is done on the synths themselves) to avoid confusion, otherwise if you send out a signal on say channel 1 and you have two synths set to that channel, both of them will sound.
Sorry a bit long winded, hope that helps 🙂
you explain so thoroughly ,thank you
Know finally I might get everything working together! Thanks for this great video and explanation. I’m going to check out all your videos now.
Ahh, Full-sized midi din connections with thru ports😌 I remember them fondly
Those were the days! Cables that you could plug in and use in either direction, and those good 3 holes on the back, device to device.
I still use them.
@@els1f don’t underestimate the usefulness of the old DIN-MIDI. It doesn’t have much advantages to USB but there are some: it does not need any drivers, it is simple to debug, but above all, it is optocoupled, which means unlike USB it never ever can add hum to the sound. And that can be a great advantage in a studio.
@@newignis Let's not forget that you can actually play your instuments without needing a computer running - something that pains me about USB-MIDI only synths like Behringer JT-4000 for example (even if that is really just a toy).
@@lucemiserlohn true, allthough some midi routers like the Mio do interchange the Midi traffic between DIN and USB which is awesome. Some Midi routers apparently have both DIN and USB but they don’t interact. Always check
Thanks for sharing! Very well explained! Could you do one on setting up effects and mixer part with your synths (like do you use same effects on all ? external fx or pedals ?) All your synths sounds “glued” together and very nice …thank you again 👍🏻
Doing the audio routing / mixer set up as the next video 🙂. Basically everything runs into the audio mixer and then out into the audio interface. The Deepmind, Polybrute and MODX have their own extensive inbuilt effects so tend to use those for each, the Neutron and Pro-1 have no effects so I tend to apply a little reverb from the mixer’s effects to them and the Matrixbrute. Haven’t got in to effects pedals as such, but I do have and use Guitar Rig 6 Pro on the computer which I sometimes use on the synths (I did a video on it a little while back) 🙂
@@splootyvision thanks ! I’m pretty new to this 🥹
awesome - thanks for the amazing knowledge share - really appreciated
Thank you for the easy to understand explanations!!
Never used midi, I make electronic music since 1987, but this was very interesting!
This video is awesome. Thanks for uploading it .
Wow! Incredible setup! So awesome!
Thanks 🙂
WOW🤯 so Glad I came across your video because I’ve been struggling with understanding Midi setups & I think this one pretty much sums it up with a simple way to connect & get a smooth workflow!!! Thank You
Thanks, and glad it helped you out. PS. There's also a load of other MIDI videos in the playlist section on my channel that may be useful :-). Cheers.
Awesome!!! Finally!!! Thanks for your channel!
I'm in the midst of figuring out how to route the BPM from the drummer (using a Roland Electric kit) and what he initiates as the tempo to be sent to my Akai Key 37, my Korg Wavestate and Cobalt8 during live performances.
@@28mmRPG There’s prob various routes could go down. Simplest would be get the drummer playing to a click track with the synths synced to the click as well. This could be as simple as a cheap drum machine with the drummer listening to a ‘click’ from the drum machine and the drum machine sending its clock to the synths via midi.
Or you could have one synth as the master and set the tempo there, sending its clock to the other synths and a clock signal to something like the ‘Beat Indicator’ from MIDI solutions, which is a little box with a flashing led in time with the clock signal that the drummer can use to keep tempo.
Or if, as you say, you want the drummer to initiate the tempo. There’s something like the Disaster Area Micro Clock. This could
sit by the drummer to tap in the tempo as he counts in the song, that tempo could then be sent as midi clock to the synths either through a Thru Box, or if all the synths have midi thru capability then could just daisy chain the 3 synths with midi cables so they all get the clock signal.
www.andertons.co.uk/disaster-area-microclock-tap-tempo-controller-guitar-pedals/?gad_source=4&gbraid=0AAAAADujoUrRapof1koQGG_KSI4SZyW65&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo8S3BhDeARIsAFRmkOMq0pAf0yYe_aavLUT89xBqXKcZW8wkbLXLOwbhUb7ulEqUhNhpoDcaArgBEALw_wcB
Just some thoughts, hope it helps 🙂
@@splootyvision thanks, I'm getting a pair of MRCC 880's coming in to aid me...
I recently tested some different MIDI computer interfaces to see which had the lowest latency. Two USB3 interfaces, one USB2 interface, USAMO and direct instrument USB2; several tests per interface. Direct USB and USAMO had the lowest latency, performing nearly the same. USB3 interfaces had lower latency than USB2 interface but only by 1-3ms. Direct USB and USAMO were 3-5ms improvement over the USB3/2 interfaces.
A bit of nostalgia for my old Atari based setup in the 90s. These days I have no fixed setup and just use MIDI ad-hoc for sync, keyboard/wind control, or layering. Because I never "record" MIDI I can have everything on channel 1.
I am looking at the MRCC 880 to make it easier to temporarily switch to my laptop for patch management.
Thumbs up for the Talk Talk LP. Classic!!! All of them!!!
To hell with anyone trying to cover the man’s works!!! Pales.
Cheers!!!
Yep, massive Talk Talk fan, as you say every album is superb - Mark Hollis was a pure genius :-)
Channel taking off in 3… 2… 1… 🚀
Great video! ❤
Great Video! I've recently upgraded 2 the MioXL, haven't noticed ANY latency!🧐... I like the Auricle program's flexibility & the fact that I can name my patch setups according 2 my musical approaches -Luvin-It!🥰... Subbed!🦋✨👽
Excellent video in setting up midi
Thank you very much.
I was hoping to see how you could use a DAW as the master clock via an audio interface. Thanks for this well presented video.
Hi and thanks. I've done a whole other video on MIDI Clock you can find here ua-cam.com/video/SmTuCjfD6Ts/v-deo.htmlsi=G-Pp7g2cngXxLWDZ
At around 11:20 I show how I use the DAW as master clock to drive the Keystep Pro and then onto everything else. Instead of setting the Keystep Pro though as the destination for the DAW clock, I could set the Audio interface and then anything connected to the MIDI Out of that would receive the DAW clock. In the video I'm using Cubase, but would assume other DAWs have similar functionality. Hope that helps. Cheers, Graeme
This has been really helpful as I look to refine my setup. Love to see someone using Sparkle, I think it is the most underrated drum controller out there. I too am an Arturia fanboy: minibrute, mini freak, Polybrute, audiofuse, and audiofuse 8Pre, & SparkLe. 😁
@@Boehmrunner1 Am with you on the Spark, it’s a great bit of kit 🙂, how’s the mini freak ? been tempted many times but not sure if need it with both Polybrute and Matrixbrute ? (but then again it’s never really about need 😂😂😂)
@@splootyvision Def not abut meed. It's a slightly different feel and sound. . . at least that's what I tell myself. :-) it's a seriously fun bit of kit though, and really handy for taking away. I feel like the Minibrute is in its own league and is my general goto just because it's so easy to dial in. The other two you can get a bit more create with, though.
whoa! i would agree with the title, the DARK ARTs for sure. Midi has been around a long time but very few know about its ⚡ real power potential ⚡! great vid, keep up the good work ;-)
Thanks, very interesting. Would also like the audio routing setup
@@eloi4544 Hi and thanks. Basically all the hardware synths go into a mixer (Behringer 1202FX) which has 4 mono and 4 stereo inputs. The MODx, DM, Matrixbrute and Polybrute all run into the stereo inputs, the pro-1 and neutron each go to a mono input and the TR-8S l+r outputs go to two mono inputs both panned l+r. The main outputs from the mixer then go into inputs 1+2 on the audio interface. The TCHelicon Voicelive goes direct to input 3 on the audio interface and my electric guitar goes direct into input 4. The main outs of the audio interface then go to both my studio monitors and the Yamaha PA system (there are 2 pairs of main outs, xlr and jack) 🙂
Hello Splooty Vision,
This is what i need now !
You have very good videos for me to learn studio stuff.
Thank you for the very, very good work.
Greetings from Germany,
Peter
@@peterbogner1675 Many thanks for that and glad you found them useful 🙂
@@splootyvision ... yes, you have much good videos. :-)
Thank you for the video. My question is why having many hardware synth then control them with a midi controler such as the keylab, why not using the keylab with plugins like arturia V collection, native or Omnisphere. Would be lot less expensive
Hi and thanks. I do indeed have V Collection, Omnisphere and numerous other VSTs and do use the midi keyboards to control these. But I also like using hardware , especially when designing own sounds, and use the MIDI keyboards to also provide flexibility in the studio - like If I'm recording into my DAW I can play all of my hardware synths or VSTs from the little Keystep37 on my desk in front of my computer. Made it a bit clearer in my next video that I have a sort of 'dual' or 'hybrid' set up between hardware and software (this one was just focused on MIDI). However, you are right just using VSTs would be much cheaper !!! and with the quality of VSTs these days you could really do everything without hardware synths :-)
@@splootyvision thank you for your kind answer, you understand it was a legitimate question for a beginner, who wants to learn
Great video! I wonder if you can connect a Roland TR-808 using its DN SYNC port in your system. I am planning to buy 3 of your devices for X-Mas, the Arturia Keylab 88, Arturia KeyStep Pro 37 and Roland TR-8S. I will be glad to pay you to help me once I get these devices. Oh yeah, I have an MPC 2000XL with 2 MIDI in an 2 MIDI out ports. Any help appreciated. I will start reviewing your other videos today
Hi - should be possible but would need a ‘conversion box’ like this from Doepfer:
www.thomann.co.uk/doepfer_msy2.htm
In my set up for example, I have the Keylab and keystep going into a merge box. One of the outputs goes to the thru box and on to the other synths, but I could run the other merge output to an old TR808 via the Doepfer box (instead of to my vocal effect unit). The TR808 would then receive clock and start/stop from the Keystep - so when a sequence is started on the Keystep, the Tr808 will also start and keep in time 🙂
Huh I never realized the keystep midi in can be used just like its keyboard. Neat!
@@moolder If I play the Keystep37 via my MODX, I effectively have a Keystep 88 !!! 🙂
I'm not a MIDI expert, but I've been using a Digital Music Corp MX-8 to patch MIDI instruments together for over 30 years now. You've got 50 patches to connect any of your instruments to any of your other instruments. It makes life a lot easier for me. Just push a patch button that you've previously programmed, and you're there. 😊
Yep patch bays can be the way to go and indeed I mention the mioXL and MRCC at the end of the video. I've always seen these as a more expensive option (although can probably find older patch bays second hand quite cheaply). Tbh I started with just a small thru box, then added the merger and recently added a Keystep Pro and buying another merger to feed stuff back into the Keystep. Also, most midi interfaces wouldn't be enough as currently need 9 ins and 12 outs, which would mean probably 2 MIDI patch bays, bumping the cost significantly. The other advantage is that I don't need any presets like on a patch bay to determine what plays what, it's all pre-conifgured so to speak by the way that I've routed it all and if want something to play something else, I just change the midi channel on the synths themselves. If I was starting again from scratch though, I'd probably go something like the mioXL 🙂
Excellent video !
Daisy chaining, that’s what we used to call it..
Yes! Bring back the Daisy Chain Gang! Nothing will frustrate, train and discipline one more than chaining!
So cool!
Great video!!!!
Useful, thanks. I have a Motu 8x8 MIDI interface which works well with a daw, but not outwith the computer environment, so given I have both synth and sequencer hardware, I want to be able to connect them in meaningful ways while still being able to record MIDI to the PC. Trouble is, a lot of the older gear does not have usb MIDI, so that creates a bit of a problem for having an interconencted 'live' setup which can also be recorded to and triggered from, the PC.
Maybe you need a kind of "connector" like the Roland UM-One
I hear very good things in the comments about the iConnectivty mioXL. It appears to work very well either with or without the computer. Tbh if I was starting again from scratch it’s probably something I’d look at, but for now this set up does what I want it to (plus the miOXL is fairly pricey at about £350) Cheers.
This is great! Thank you!
Master class. Watch and learn.
Fascinant!
Great video!
I still have an Opcode Studio 5LX. 512 MIDI chains iirc. Won’t be using my G3, G4 or G5 to wire it up.
New sub. The algorithm brought you through to me, great content ❤
Thanks, much appreciated :-)
Thank you this was very helpful. Would it be possible for you to do a video of how route your audio in your set-up?
@@rjadamz9117 Hi and thanks. Think I may have to do a follow up on the audio. Someone else asked same question 🙂. In lieu of doing such here’s the basic gist. Basically all the hardware synths go into a mixer (Behringer 1202FX) which has 4 mono and 4 stereo inputs. The MODx, DM, Matrixbrute and Polybrute all run into the stereo inputs, the pro-1 and neutron each go to a mono input and the TR-8S l+r outputs go to two mono inputs both panned l+r. The main outputs from the mixer then go into inputs 1+2 on the audio interface. The TCHelicon Voicelive goes direct to input 3 on the audio interface and my electric guitar goes direct into input 4. The main outs of the audio interface then go to both my studio monitors and the Yamaha PA system (there are 2 pairs of main outs, xlr and jack) 🙂
great video ty
Perfectly demonstrated!!!! When you record your songs in Cubase, are you using audio recordings or midi note recordings? I wonder how you would describe how your songs recall when you load an old song. Are your instrument settings (instrument and effects on the synthesizers) recalled? Hopefully my rambling question is not so difficult to understand. If this is a topic that you feel like would be a good video topic, I would appreciate one. Basically, I have a few Syths and midi controllers and I try to record everything in Cubase in MIDI using VST's. I haven't really used the other synths because I haven't understood how to record them and recall them in the natural state (using the instruments that I have made adjustments to).
Thanks!!!! BTW, I just subscribed... I am in the 1st 5000k subscribers club!!!!
Hi, and thanks.
For my hardware synths I generally always record all the midi note and automation data when putting songs together in Cubase and then bounce the MIDI to audio tracks later when it comes to mixing and final production. For synths that can save presets, I use the 'Bank' and 'Program' selector boxes in the 'Routing' section of Cubase to enter the preset number.
If you set up a MIDI track for an external hardware synth, look under the output routing, just above the 'drum map' box, you'll see 2 boxes which will say 'Off' and 'Off', these are the Bank and Program selection boxes where you can enter the relevant numbers.
For example my PolyBrute has 8 banks each containing 96 presets (either factory presets or ones I've created myself), so if I'm using the 12th patch from bank 2, I'd enter Bank 2, Program 12 into Cubase - then next time I load that project the preset on the synth is automatically loaded, including any internal effects etc that were saved with the preset.
For the synths with no patch memory like my Behringer Neutron and Pro-1, I have to note the settings from the front panel (which I do on patch sheets showing all the knobs and switches) and then I make a note in the name of the MIDI track as to what patch it is; then when I next load the project I have to manually dial in that sound - there's no other way for those.
And.....I do have a video planned for that in the future 🙂, (just not sure when exactly, as the list is getting continually growing !). Hope that helps and all made sense, Cheers.
A simple yet informative tutorial, with clear diagrams to follow - thanks for sharing.
Will this be added to your 'MIDI' playlist?
@@WoodyAki Thanks (and good catch, I’ve now added it to the MIDI playlist 🙂)
Liked, subscribed
Hello, i have a Roland MKB 1000 (year 1985) that apparently sends out cc123 all notes off, which conflicts with some newer Synths & VST's. Can you suggest how to block that on a MAC? I only use Equater 2, Ableton 11 and will probably buy Softube's Model 77. I have a Focusrite Claretti & Roli Seaboard Rise. Its not quite fully setup yet but i think the cc123 might be an issue. The Roli has kept me entertained til now.
Great video. Subscribed!
@@bobmason1361 Hi - you need some sort of MIDI filter in place, to filter out the CC123. I believe there are plugins (possibly free) that could work OR assuming the Roland is connected to the MAC via a midi interface (or the midi ports on Focusrite ?) you could buy a filter box to go in between the Roland and the interface to stop the messages getting through and then on to the MAC. Miditech do a fairly cheap and simple one ‘MIDI Thru 4/Filter’ which has dip switches where you can just turn off all CC messages. There are other boxes that you can then program with software to filter out specific CC messages etc. Something like the CME U6 Midi pro should work. Run the Roland midi out into the filter box and then out from the box to whatever interface your using to connect to the PC 🙂
@@splootyvision Big thanks for your quick reply! I'll look into these options. I'll look into your other videos. Much to learn!
Hey Graham, great video I liked and subscribed pretty much instantly, i think i see an issue unless I have missed something, the image suggests you have 2 midi outputs coming from the FCB1010? there is one going to the merge box and one going to the audio interface, my FCB only has 1 output.....i just cant see how you've done that, can you advise 🙂
Hi there - apologies I missed that out in the video. Its just a cheap little midi Y splitter cable like this: amzn.eu/d/8jWv7ou
The MIDI Out from the FCB1010 goes into the 'Female' end and the two 'Male' ends go into the Merge Box and the MIDI in on the back of the Audio interface (the midi out from the interface just then goes to the MIDI in on the FCB1010).
NB. Make sure to get the 1 Female to 2 Male if want to do similar.
The only reason I do this is so that the FCB1010 can talk to and operate my synths via the merge box, but also as it is connected to the PC via the Audio interface I can use the FCB1010 software editors to load sysex files/make changes to the programming of the FCB1010 without having to move cables around 🙂
Great video, thanks! I’m planning a similar hybrid setup but using the Conductive Labs MRCC instead of the merge/ thru boxes.
Just wondering - any issues with latency with all the daisy-chaining?
Cheers
Hi - no issues to date :-) I keep considering an MRCC or miOXL, but for now this all works fine.
Hi, nice video. I have one question about your setup. It looks like the signals from your MODX are routing back to itself. Did you turn LOCAL OFF on this synth?
Hi and thanks. In a way the answer is both Yes and No. If the MODX is in 'MIDI' mode in the Utility section there are no problems and Local Control can stay on. If I have the MODX loaded as a MIDI track in my DAW to record it and have the MODX in 'USB' mode in the utility section, then I turn Local control off as otherwise there is a very slight duplication/echo of notes when listening to what your playing live on headphones or monitors.
thanks
What a brilliiant video!
Just found your channel. Really like your content. This midi setup is unreal, how long did it take you to visualise the midi path. 3 months haha.
Thanks, it took a while 😂 it sort of just kept evolving to where it is now 🙂
i have some of those splitters and a powered one for underpowered midi outs. i tend to have to rewire. i use a yamaha mx88 , korg kromeEX73 and a wavestate as my 3 controllers in my setup. i have a bunch of modules that then get connected as per the w/e i'm working on. rewiring sucks. i do have a 2-1 merger from midi solutions so i could run my footboard or 12-step into the wavestate. my question is: If you play your modx8(which i covet greatly haha) along with the keylab simultaneously, does the midi stream choke and puke into the merge, or do both kbds get their messages out clean? TIA. great video and i love your playroom and toybox full of wonderful toys
@@jjrusy7438 Hi - all works fine playing simultaneously, not had any glitches. I can have everything running and works fine e.g I can have the Keystep sending out a sequence triggering say the Pro-1, play some chords on the MODX and a solo/lead on the Keylab triggering say the Deepmind, all at the same time. All the signals are going into the midi merge box and go in and come out clean as a whistle 🙂. Hope that helps. Cheers.
Nice video!
Are the MIDI-channels assigned manually in each synth/controller?
@@underwatersunlight3795 Thanks. Yes, each of the synths are set to different midi channels in their own internal settings. For the midi keyboards (the Keystep 37 and the Keylab 61) the midi ‘send’ channel can then by quickly changed on the fly to change which synth they are triggering. Cheers.
Out of all the vids I've seen on UA-cam! You're video made me finally understand what you can do with midi! New subscriber btw! I do need help with my studio setup...Can we converse in private...Thanks
@@sandrosbackyard343 Feel free to drop me a line on splootyvision@gmail.com and I’ll see if I can help 🙂
@@splootyvision yes! I will contact you soon! Thank you
Hello, great video to help the use of MIDI connections. It’s very helpfull for me. One question : how do you plug FCB1010 OUT to 2 MIDI IN in your diagram ?
Kind regards
Chris from France
@@Chris87videos Hi - it’s a Midi Y splitter cable like this:
amzn.eu/d/7z6xIf2.
It allows me to connect the midi out from the Fcb1010 to both the midi merge box and also back into the audio interface. The only real reason to split it was everytime I wanted to program the fcb1010 with software editors I had to go under the desk and unplug it from the merge box and into the audio interface so it could communicate with the pc (as the fcb1010 doesn’t have usb at all and the audio interface acts as a midi interface) now thought it’s all permanently plumbed in 🙂. Hope that answers it. Cheers.
could you tell us how you handle the audio signal? and thanks for a grate video :)
That's the next video 🙂, coming soon (hopefully !). Cheers.
Looks great mate
Amazing!
@@hany-tawfik Thanks 🙂
How do you handle instrumrents which use more than one channel? The Yamaha TX802 uses all channels. It needs a dedicated cable. If you use sysex to change patches real time, you will experience delays and hanging notes. Sysex will also disrupt MTC.
Hi - Personally I don't use/have any vintage gear, so everything I have uses CC's and Program change messages etc. and all works fine, and I don't have any real need/use for sysex (tbh, I'm not really clued up on it, other than sending/transmitting sysex files from/to the FCB1010 to reprogram it; but that's all very automated using available software editors 🙂) Cheers.
Really, with multi-channel synths you have to either only use a few channels on each unit (to stay within 16) or you need separate MIDI streams. On my Atari I had an additional MIDI Out adapter for the RS-232 and Cubase let me select which MIDI Out each track used.
Yes, Sysex and real-time MIDI don't mix but I usually found the Sysex dumps failed.
New sub here. Thank you !
klasse, sehr gute Info, in deutsch wohl nicht zu erwarten.... Vielleicht kann ich einen meiner Enkel dazu motivieren ;0)))
@@andreasmuller5538 Vielen Dank 🙂
Hi! Thank you so much for your videos, they definitely helped me understand MIDI better.
I do have a question, though:
In my set-up, I have a few synths I want to record both the midi and audio input of. I want to be able to play them all at once (during a jam session, for example), and to get one midi lane per synth recorded in my DAW. Would your set-up allow me to do that or do I need each synth to transmit their MIDI data via individual MIDI cables (1 MIDI out cable per synth)?
Many thanks in advance!
Hi - in my set up as well as everything connected to each other via 5 pin MIDI...each synth is also connected back to the PC via individual usb cables, running through some usb hubs back into the pc to record the midi data from synths into the DAW. In addition all the audio from the synths runs into a mixer that then goes into my audio interface. Basically I have a template set up in Cubase with MIDI tracks set up for all my hardware synths with routings and channels all ready configured, but with all tracks 'disabled' - along with a main audio track which is recording the output from my audio mixer. When I want to record into the DAW (Cubase) I just open up the template and enable whichever instrument/midi tracks I want to record as well as the main audio track which is capturing the total audio output of all synths from the mixer onto one audio track. So what I get is a single audio tracks of what I've been jamming - but also the midi data from each synth recorded to individual midi tracks. Hope that helps/answers it 🙂
@@splootyvision Hi! Thank you for your reply. Is there any chance you could actually demonstrate what you are talking about?
@@matissev2530 Hi - planning to do so in near future (hopefully next couple of weeks). A few people have asked for a video on audio routings and how to record set up external synths in DAW etc, so plan to do something demonstrating all that soon 🙂
Good video and perfectly clear, however, as far as I understand, you are "limiting" each instrument to a single midi channel (clock doesn't need a midi channel).
Using a DAW and a midi interface (midi ports), e.g. MOTU micro lite, opens up a lot more of possibilities.
@@fernandomoreira2103 Hi and thanks. I do use a DAW as well (Cubase Pro) with everything connected to the PC via USB 🙂. It’s a sort of a dual set up, I can turn everything on but leave the PC off and just jam ‘live’ with everything routed how I want it, or load up the DAW and I have templates set up with MIDI tracks all ready set up and everything routed in there 🙂.
Do you build your own MIDI cables? Some of the cables you using must be of great length which leads me to my question. What’s your take on Roland using small stereo jacks? Myself I like this because it’s easy to construct them.
Nope, never tried building my own. Longest MIDI cables in my room are 15ft 🙂
vampire hunters assemble (new to the channel, did midi for doom/hexen/heretic mods and the baldurs gate website in 98?)
My biggest issue is 90% din along with a couple Native USB and being able to use them all. I have motu 128 for most and 2 or more usb stuff.
Yep - dependent on the amount of gear it can be quite a headache. Tbh I'm at the limit of this set up; the 2 midi boxes are full, my 2 usb hubs are full, the mixer is full, the audio interface is full and all my plug sockets and extension cables are full !! :-)
I don’t know what I’ve pressed by mistake but I simply want both the sequencers on my workstations to be in sync without playing each other’s sounds, it used to do that before where I could program them separately and just have them playing together after but now one will play the sounds from the other as well as it’s own even when I try and assign an empty track and not on omni receive
Hi - workstations can be very complicated beasts, so not sure exactly what you've pressed. Generally though if they're connected by MIDI and one is triggering the other then there must be some sort of midi channel conflict. Depends what workstation your using; for example on my MODX8+, if I set the MIDI mode to 'Single' i.e. a single midi channel it will only play itself on MIDI channel 1. But if I put it in 'Multi' mode where it is now using 8 MIDI channels (as each multi sound can have 8 parts, each assigned to a separate midi channel) then when I play a key any of my other synths that are set on channels 2 - 8 also sound at the same time. Sounds like something like that might be going on ?. Cheers.
Is there any standard or common practice for what goes on what channel? Is 5pin, mini jack, or USB preferred if available? I can't get anything to talk to each other, it seems like I have an unusual mix
@@zmmmzmmmz In a way depends on how you use your gear. If you’re doing everything using a computer/DAW then you can do everything via usb i.e. all synths connected to the computer by USB and then all the routing set up in the DAW itself. Without a computer then 5pin is the way to go to connect gear directly to one another (if some have mini jack midi inputs, then there are adapters so you can run a 5 pin into a mini jack and vice versa). Not sure if understood correctly ‘what goes on what channel’ - the only real standard here is that Midi Channel 10 is pretty much the std default for drums and practically all drum machines come factory set to that channel. Most synths pretty much come factory set to Channel 1, but every synth can be changed to whatever midi channel you want it on (from 1-16). I basically have a ‘dual’ set up; everything communicates over 5pin as per the diagrams, but I also have everything connected to the PC via usb hubs so I can record midi data in my DAW (Cubase) and where I can also reroute what controls what if I want, over and above what the 5 pin set up allows me to do. Cheers 🙂
@@splootyvision I didn't think about using USB simultaneously. This is helpful, thanks. I don't have tons of devices so I think I'll just assign each device a unique 2-9, 11-15 channel and run couple powered USB 3 hubs
Hi, do you know if it's possible to change chords using a foot pedal whilst playing styles on a keyboard? That way, both my hands would always be free to play live. Maybe some sort of midi connection can do it.
Hi its certainly possible, but can depend on your equipment. The FCB1010 pedalboard I use can send out single note values on each footswitch, if you're keyboard has a 'chord' function i.e. it can play chords by pressing one note - then it may work. My Deepmind 12 synth does have a chord function, but still only plays single notes if I use the pedal board, however if I use the pedal board to trigger my Keystep 37 (in it's chord mode) it works (and the Keystep 'chord' can then trigger the Deepmind as all connected via MIDI). Cheers
I have some volcas and one of the biggest problems is that most of them aren't able to chain patterns. So you habmve to change program/bank manually what let you be very busy depending on the track. What i am looking for is a kin of automatic memory change on the volcas through an external midi device were i can set up x bars for it to change. Is this possible? But dawless.
@@Beliar_VR Hi there, definitely some kit that could help. The two that come to mind are the Arturia Keystep Pro or the Novation Circuit Tracks. Both have extensive sequencing capabilities that can be used to control other synths.
The Keystep pro has a 4 track sequencer so can play 4 different synths at the same time. Each track can have 16 patterns chained together and each pattern can be 64 steps long and can contain 16 notes (I.e polyphonic sequencing or chords is possible if the synths are polyphonic.). That means you have 1024 steps in total, with 16 variations changing every 64 steps if you wanted and have all of that on 4 separate synths all playing at the same time !!!!
Then there’s the Circuit Tracks, this has 8 tracks comprising 2 built in synth tracks and 4 drum tracks (it has its own sound engine) and then 2 midi tracks that could be used to trigger two external synths. It can create 32 step sequences chained that you can chain 8 times for up to 256 steps per tracks. Plus it had pads as opposed to keys. PS you could
ignore its internal engine and actually use it to sequence 8 external synths, so more than the keystep, but the sequencing ability in terms of length and chaining patterns is much less.
I don’t have either but for my money the Keystep Pro wins (and indeed is something I’m considering for the future) a I do have its little brother the Keystep 37 that allows you to sequence one synth while playing another over the top using the keys. There’s loads o other gear out there, but as I say those would the first two that come to mind 🙂
@@splootyvision thanks you for your detailed answer! I put my eyes on the keystep pro but i was not sure if I needed that much of a sequencer. Maybe you convinced me now :)
@@Beliar_VRIt is a beast, keep convincing myself I don’t need one, but know I’ll give in in the end 😂
Hi! I have a beginners question. I have an Access Virus Indigo and a Novation K Station plus a Behringer TD-3. I would like to use the onboard effects on the K-Station for the other two, as I find them very pleasing to the ear. Is this possible using MIDI through, or if not, by any other Dark MIDI Art? Many thanks! =]
@@ET1O1 Hi - nothing via midi as that’s just sending midi data, not any audio signal. However, having a quick look, both the K station and the Virus have an ‘External Input’ which means you can run the audio signal from another synth into the back of them and process it using their filters / effects. This is simply done with a standard 1/4 inch jack cable from the audio output/s of one synth to the ‘External in’ of the other. The K station appears to be a mono external in only, so you could run an audio cable from the ‘L’ output of the Virus into the K station external in and then use the K station effects on the sound it is receiving from the Virus. You could also do vice versa and run the outputs of the k station into the external in on the Virus and process the K station sound using the Virus filters and effects. If you wanted to run both the TD-3 and Virus into the K station, you would need a small mixer to combine the audio and then send the output of the mixer to the external in on the K station (likewise you could connect the K station and Td3 to the mixer and then into the Virus). Hope that all helps 🙂
@@splootyvision That is extremely helpful! You have saved me about 3 weeks of being dumb! Thank you so much! I'm very glad I subscribed to your channel, you're a Star! Thanks again! 🛸
Hi, I started watching this hoping to gain an understanding of midi and I have to say, it started of great with some simple explanations. However, I think introducing midi using a diagram with so many connected devices was a mistake and just led to confusion. Perhaps showing a simpler setup and building up to your setup would have been more helpful. My background is in writing computer programmes in various languages, I’ve also built websites from the ground up including scripting in JavaScript, PHP as well as all the html and css, but still can’t seem to grasp midi. Oh well, I must just be really stupid! 🤣Thanks for trying. 👍🏻😎
Hi - if you go to the playlist in the description there’s some links to a few other videos with similar but less complex diagrams with less gear, that may be worth looking at as a starting point, also a couple of videos that look specifically at the midi thru and midi merge boxes. Hope that helps a little 🙂
@@splootyvision I’m sure they will. Many thanks. 👍🏻
@@splootyvisionJust naming one vid in the playlist that shows fewer devices would be a great time saver.
Very good video, as I see you understand a lot, let's see if you can help me, I have problems with my Yamaha modx and the laptop, I use vst live from steinberg with kontack, the fact is that my keyboard stays hanging or it changes sounds, it is receiving midi data that doesn't stop, thank you, can you help me or not, I use a translator, I don't know if it will be understood, I'm from Spain.
Hi - seems an odd one, but have heard of these sorts of issues. I don't have VST live or Kontakt, so not really sure how they work together. But, for the hanging notes it seems that 'note off' values aren't being sent/received properly - so its triggering a sound, but when the note is released it's not recognising the Note Off message to tell it to stop playing that note. In terms of changing sounds this would possibly be that a Program Change (PC message) is somehow being sent telling to change patches/sounds. Tbh there's probably many things that could be causing this. The first thing, if not already done, would be ensuring that all the latest versions of vst live, kontakt etc are installed, latest firmware updated on MODX and any other things like USB drivers etc are up to date. Next would be whether it's a dodgy USB/MIDI cable so worth swapping to different ones to see if issue still persists. The only only other thing can suggest is there is an application called MIDI-OX which you can use to show what's going on with the MIDI and investigate/troubleshoot MIDI issues. (not sure if VST live or kontakt have facility for this). With MIDI-OX you can see all the MIDI messages that are being sent in real time and so possibly workout exactly what's triggering the issue/s. There's a short article on MIDI-OX here:
www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/how-do-i-install-and-use-midi-ox-for-windows/
Hope that all helps. Cheers 🙂
@@splootyvision Muchas gracias,te informaré si lo soluciono,ya es la segunda vez que me ayudas:)
Great setup, do you have any problems when changing parameters on one of your "master synths" that some other synth also changes some voice feature or some other thing once in a while? I had this problem even when connecting (via Midi) just Korg Kronos 2 to my Roland JU-06 and the voice in Roland had changed when I just ereased some part in a Korg's sequencer or do something that has nothing to do with voice manipulation, than I disabled in Midi section on Korg "parameter send" or something like that and exclusive etc. and now it works O.K., but I'm still "on the look out" if this two synths have some "love affair" changing something out of the blue to each other; so I don't use midi as much, I just play live a part and record it, unless it''s some arp stuff you really need it to play 100% accurate. Luckily Korg has 9 synth engines and a drumm machine etc. in it, so I don't have to deal with this web of cables; and I have connected one synh via optical cable and the other "analog line's in" so I have 11 synth connected ready to go on the fly. MIDi is great, but there's 99% chance that once in a while the system will make some mistake , destroying your patch you made in a critical moment, some glitch etc., or you as a human do something that makes making music slow and a struggle. There's that "fear" in me all the time when I see this web of midi cables. :))
Thanks - so far all good and never had any problems like that 🙂. I think this predominantly works as each synth is on a single channel.
When you start using multi-timbral synths like the Kronos (very nice bit of gear!) where you can have different sounds on diffferent MIDI channels etc. it probably all starts to get a lot more complicated and issues can occur. Sounds like with the Ju-06 might be on a similar midi channel to something in the Kronos so it was reacting if and when you happened to send something out on that Channel from the Kronos ?
@@splootyvision Yes, It was on the same channel, so I can use Kronos as a midi keyboard, but as I said, thank god Kronos has a midi section (touch screen) where you just disable from approx. 8 midi sections what you don't want to Korg to send via midi like after touch, exclusive messages, parameter changes; so I just left enough boxes ON, so I can play 😁. It works for now. Well see in the future; if not who cares, I can still play most of the things live and than on audio sequencer in Korg duplicate etc. the pattern. It's harder because you have to play it right everytime, but it's also a good practise. I'm always watching so I don't "destroy my workflow"; so I can make music fast, enjoying in the process etc. "Less is more" or better said you have to know when is that point where "more becomes less" :))
thx.
I always connect everything right its the midi implementation when it comes to software. I feel like my keyboards are capable of alot more but when I look at the chart it reads like Chinese 😂 Thanks for this info!!!
Have you a video about USB MIDI? I have a super little Behringer JT 4000. It's a fun introduction to synths, but despite watching several videos on how to connect this synth to a MIDI Keyboard, I have singularly failed to do so, because there is always some link in the chain, or piece of kit, that I haven't got. The problem is I need to both provide a source of 5 volt power for it (via the single USB MIDI socket) and at the same time play a controller. I can do one thing, but but the two simultaneously with the kit I currently have. No MIDI Thru or Merge Boxes I have seen on the market supplies power. Is there one you know of? Any further advice you can offer? Thanks in advance for your time and patience.
@@berniarmstrong Hi there, these little devices are really designed to be used with a computer, so jt4000 usb to computer (with computer providing the power). MIDI keyboard connected to computer and then route it in your DAW so it can play the jt4000. However, assumin your MIDI keyboard has proper MIDI ports then the other way is with a USB MIDI HOST box like the Doremidi UMH-10. It’s powered by a usb to DC power cable that will allow the box to then provide power to the JT4000; plug the jt4000 into the boxes usb socket and plug the keyboard from its MIDI out to the MIDI in on the box. You could also run a powered usb hub to the HOST box, which means you can run multiple little usb devices to it and the MIDI keyboard could control all of them. Having said all thay the MIDI host box is about the cost of the JT4000 itself. Hope that helps 🙂
@@splootyvision Thanks for taking the time to give me a full answer. I will let you know if I solve the riddle 😉
I have had bad luck with DAWS, I have downloaded quite a few, but they never did what I wanted them to do (latencies issues, failure to recognise plug ins or hardware synths connected via MIDI etc.)
I have the TR8S and i have yet to find a MIDI thru port… since it seems central to your set up can you tell me where it is?
Hi, no problem. It's actually what they call a 'Soft Thru' where you can get the MIDI out port to act as a thru port. A lot of synths employ this now rather than having a dedicated thru port. To do so, you need to dive into the Utility menu.
1. Press Utility button
2. Turn Value knob till get to MIDI:Soft Thru
3. Press enter (cursor will move across)
4. Turn Value knob to change to 'ON'
5. Press Write button ( display will say System*)
6. Press Enter (display will say System Write? and be flashing on 'OK'
7. Press Enter (will say 'Write Completed!')
8. Press Utility to go back to main display.
Cheers 🙂
@@splootyvision 😺👍
How do you get the Keystep 37 to override the TR-8S clock?
Hi - in the Utility menu on the TR-8S go to the 'Sync/Tempo' section and set the 'TempSync' to 'AUTO' (setting it to 'MIDI' also works). If it is set to 'INT' i.e. internal clock it will ignore the Keystep and use its own tempo. (In the MIDI menu I also have 'Omni Mode' set to 'OFF' otherwise the drum machine get's screwed up as it picks up the sequence data from the Keystep and tries to play it through the drums)
Also if you want the 'Play' button on the Keystep to trigger the drum machine, in the Sync/Tempo menu on the TR-8S, set the 'RxStartStop to 'ON'.
Basically it overrides the TR-8S as the Keystep is first in the chain and sends its midi clock to the midi in of the TR-8S. With the TR-8S clock source set to AUTO, it will use its own clock, unless it receives a clock from somewhere else; which in this case it is - from the Keystep.
If I wired the TR-8S before the Keystep and set the dip switches on the back of the Keystep to MIDI for the clock source, then in theory hitting play on the TR-8S would override the Keystep clock 🙂.
Effectively whichever clock signal comes first takes precedent and is then passed on down to rest of the synths. Cheers 🙂
@@splootyvision very cool, thanks!
Hi, I have the MicroFreak which doesn't have 5pin midi. I assume there is a new USB format synths are changing to. Is there a USBMidi to 5pin adaptor I can use to get it to work with my 5pin midi setup? I am using an old MOTU 828mk2 which I love and dont really want to update. but I will if I have to.
@@malungtvnews Hi there, the MicroFreak does have Midi in and out on the back, they are small mini jack ports and it should have come with a midi adapter. If haven’t got it you can get mini TRS to 5pin midi adapters on line, but need to make sure it’s a Type B adapter (not Type A). Are you plugging it into the Motu - if so just wondering why, if it’s to get it into the DAW - can just use the USB for that. Hope that helps. Cheers.
I use an IConnectivity MIO XM to connect and route most of my midi. It's fantastic but a bit pricey.😁🎶🎹🎶Play On
One of those might be on the cards in the future, the little midi solutions boxes are pretty much maxed out now 🙂
Blokas Midihub is a very good option.
@@jumpstar9000 Came across that in an article was reading the other day - definitely looks like a really flexible bit of kit 🙂
@@jumpstar9000 yes, came here to agree with this. It has 4 x MIDI in and 4 x MIDI out, and works out cheaper than buying separate merge and through boxes. Plus you get all the cool features like being able to filter out certain MIDI messages to/from certain devices, for example I use my Digitakt as the master clock, so I had to filter out the clock messages coming from my KeyStep 37, otherwise some of the synths would see both clocks and run at double tempo. Also thanks to the virtual busses inside the box, you can choose what gets merged with what and what gets routed to where; it's not everything to everything like it would be if you used separate merge and through boxes. If that's not all enough, it also has 4 bidirectional USB MIDI ports carried over a single USB cable, if you want to combine USB MIDI devices with your traditional DIN-based ones.
@@Hakucho64 even better, you can connect it to the PC via ethernet, that means it does not need to be close to the DAW and you can transmit multiple bundles of 16 channels to and from the PC. By using a hub on one of the USB ports you can connect up to 10 (I think) USB devices to the MIO each of which you define its routing separately. And also you can define 4 preset routings. That is ideal for avoiding rewiring when for instance you want to swap between a DAW centered or a DAW MIDI set-up.
master! 🙂