GR-55 - Weird pitchbend midi-data recorded from GR55

Started by sunbambino, June 30, 2016, 02:30:33 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

sunbambino


This is a real puzzle to me.

I record some string chords from my GR55 into Logic X. 98% of the track is fine, a few chromatic ghost-notes to remove here and there, nothing unusual.

Then I start noticing in a few bars that there is some kind of pitch-drop affecting a few chords.

I go into my piano-roll and check my pitchbend data, it looks like this is the culprit, there are a few fluctuations away from 0 value, I delete all these. The strange pitchbending goes on...

So I delete all automation on the track, delete all mod, aftertouch, channel pressure, etc etc. But the phenomenon continues.

The only way to get rid of it is to cut out that section of midi and re-record.

Can anyone here tell me what's goin on?


sunbambino

#1
Just to clarify, I'm using the GR over USB to drive AU synths in Logic X, I've never had these pitch issues using either GR33 or 55

gumtown

#2
I seem to recall way back many years ago, that Roland GR's at the time used to send a midi cc# which sent volume envelope tracking data mixed in with the midi notes, it was at some non standard number, possibly in the number 40's, which Logic might be reading as pitch following.
If the pitch changes as the picked note decays, that might be the case.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

shawnb

#3
Simply put, midi note + pitch bend = your played tone.  Pitch bend is critical performance data, and is used to capture legato, whammy, and slide as well as bending a note.

If you just delete it, it won't sound right.   

If you use chromatic mode, you won't get the pitch bend data, but you will instead find more extraneous notes.   These may be easier to clean.

FYI, the GR-55 uses the soft pedal CC, CC67, to communicate nuance, or attack velocity.   Low values for pick, higher values for finger style.   I believe notes + pitch bend + CC67 are all the performance data transmitted by the GR-55.

You are encountering one of the GR-55's weaknesses...    Pitch to midi.    There is a lot you can do to improve it, but there are many threads on this forum dedicated to these issues:

GR-55 - Some notes on GR-55 glitches...
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6878

Is your PICK giving you ghost notes?
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4324

GR-55 Setups & Tone Configs that affect tracking
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6972.0



Address the process rather than the outcome.  Then, the outcome becomes more likely.   - Fripp

shawnb

Just checking....

The OTHER thing to check is your pitch bend range, or PBR.   The PBR settings on your soft synth & GR-55 must match.   The GR-55's PBR is fixed at 24.   

Make sure your soft synth is set to 24 also.
Address the process rather than the outcome.  Then, the outcome becomes more likely.   - Fripp

sunbambino

That is so useful info, I will be looking into CC67 and softsynth PBR.

Am I wrong to think that plentiful damping of chords with heel of hand will help in any way?

gumtown

damping of strings in the un used areas help,
elastic hair ties (scrunchie) over the strings just north of the headstock nut, and padding just south of the bridge saddles.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/