FC-300+iConnectMIDI4+=BeatBuddy MIDI control

Started by rolandvg99, August 08, 2016, 06:06:47 AM

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rolandvg99

Human memory is a strange thing. I've been looking for hardware solutions to control my BeatBuddy from my FC-300 as Roland thinks CC messages above 95 is a waste. Then I remembered the iConnectMIDI could do that but only 8 on each input/output. 8 in and 8 out gives 16 CC remaps to any external device, enough to cover my BeatBuddy's assigns. Now it all works and I'm a happy, satisfied old man. Ju-hu!  8)
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carlb

Cool! Always neat to come up with work-arounds. What Beat Buddy features are you able to get to this way?

The Beat Buddy looks great - perfect for playing against to get a song idea or fragment onto an mp3. Is this what you mostly use it for?
ES Les Paul, internal Roland GK
Boss SY-1000, Valeton Coral Amp pedal
Morningstar MC8 & MC6
QSC CP8 powered speaker

rolandvg99

I get direct access to:
Tap Tempo
Direct tempo adjustment using EXP 2 of the FC-300
Accent
Intro
Fill
Transition
Start
Stop
Outro
Master Volume EXP 1
Headphone Volume EV-5 through separate input


Drum patterns are changed using the FC-300 PGC mode.
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carlb

Wow. So sounds like that's workable for a solo or duo "live" gig ...

Of course, I mess up my looper trying to play it live so I can just imagine what hilarity could ensue for for me. Now I could add the beatbuddy *and* the looper!
ES Les Paul, internal Roland GK
Boss SY-1000, Valeton Coral Amp pedal
Morningstar MC8 & MC6
QSC CP8 powered speaker

rolandvg99

One thing: The iConnectMIDI misses some CC messages if the BeatBuddy sends MIDI tempo sync. Will need to do some further tweaking to see if I can clean this up. Otherwise I'll just continue to use my Molten Voltage Tempo design and slave my system to that one.
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Elantric

QuoteI've been looking for hardware solutions to control my BeatBuddy from my FC-300 as Roland thinks CC messages above 95 is a waste. Then I remembered the iConnectMIDI could do that but only 8 on each input/output. 8 in and 8 out gives 16 CC remaps to any external device, enough to cover my BeatBuddy's assigns. Now it all works and I'm a happy, satisfied old man. Ju-hu!

if you have a spare old IOS device and a  MIDI cable might try this
Midiflow – MIDI router/processor/sync clock/bluetooth
By Johannes Doerr
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/midiflow-midi-router-processor/id879915554?mt=8

rolandvg99

Thanks for the input, Steve. I'm trying to steer away from software solutions. I have multiple working options using both IOS, MacOS and WIN, with MidiPipe being one of the most flexible. I constantly find myself in a position of messing about with solutions rather than playing/making music. :)
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imerkat

I JUST added the new Beatbuddy firmware to try this with my FC-300. If i have to get an iConnectMIDI4 for it to almost work, might as well get another MIDI controller too :/. i wonder if the iConnectMIDI4 would allow me to use something like the softstep for Roland gear?

Elantric

#8
KMI Softstep2  with its MIDI Expander box already serves as a decent Master MIDI controller for all your gear
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3242.msg124320#msg124320
no need for a iConnectMIDI4 - just feed Softep2's 5 pin MIDI output to control Beatbuddy and other gear map control of each using the SoftStep Editor

Same with a FCB-1010

I end up using the FC300 exclusively with the VG-99, bur Ive never been a fan of it as a MIDI Footcontroller its heavy and I hate the pedal arrangement of 5 pedals in 2 groups - i find it missing  features I need and its gaps in available assignable MIDI CC# range ( unable to transmit MIDI CC# messages above CC#95)   is appalling   - and discussions with Roland to address this with updated FC300 firmware is like talking to a tree

No wonder most Pros I know use the more versatile RJM MasterMind or MFC-101 instead

rolandvg99

Quote from: imerkat on August 09, 2016, 05:48:30 AM
I JUST added the new Beatbuddy firmware to try this with my FC-300. If i have to get an iConnectMIDI4 for it to almost work, might as well get another MIDI controller too :/. i wonder if the iConnectMIDI4 would allow me to use something like the softstep for Roland gear?

No need for an iConnectMIDI if you don't plan to USA a Roland Midi foot controller. I'm short on cash atm and try use what I have to solve an unnecessary problem that is directly linked to the shortcomings of my current gear. Follow Steve's suggestions and get a Soft step or FC1010.
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