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Roland GR-55 V-Guitar / PCM System => Roland GR-55 Top things to know => Topic started by: MCK on February 17, 2011, 03:05:24 AM

Title: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on February 17, 2011, 03:05:24 AM
I've been thinking about putting together a simple iPhone / iPad solution to drive the GR-55. Not like an editor but like a Navigator and short-cut pad etc. I think this can be achieved by the following combination :

The MIDI codes Gumtown is discovering through sheer hardwork.

Arduino + MIDI patch
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9219 (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9219)
http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9598 (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9598)

TouchOSC running on iPhone/iPad

or custom developed app.

This is not actually a novel idea as it has been done before :

See the following video for a prototype

Missing Link Wireless MIDI Device (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YarIPK-gwbw#ws)

which has since become a full-blown package now marketed as the The Missing Link OSC/MIDI Translator (http://www.wifimidi.com/)

I just want to do it for the GR-55... More to come.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: vanceg on February 17, 2011, 03:39:28 AM
There really should be "nothing to this" (will take some time and effort, of course).  I totally agree that the pieces are there: Just run TouchOSC, communicate with the Missing Link, program some buttons or faders to send the appropriate MIDI commands to the GR-55 and you should be good to go.

Same is/should be true for the VG-99 or... gosh, any of your gear!  For my VG-99 I'm skipping the Missing Link because I have Touch OSC connected to OSCulator running on the Mac and then MIDI out of the Mac (via USB) into the VG-99.  Blam-blam: Pretty straight ahead.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on February 17, 2011, 05:33:13 AM
Yup. Only piece is I don't want to buy the missing link. I want to go with the open source hardware mentioned above and shown doing pretty much the same thing in the video above. Will report back soon.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on February 17, 2011, 06:18:37 AM
Time is money.

I fully intend to use the missing link to control my GR-55 and VG-99 when it arrives later this month.

All the tools are described here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2966.msg17935#msg17935 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2966.msg17935#msg17935)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on February 17, 2011, 07:08:41 AM
Indeed. I will course-correct. Will order the Missing Link since I value the time & effort put in by its developer and truly wish to support its development while walking on a parallel path with my open source stuff for my personal learning & development. I think best of both worlds for me. And indeed time is a lot of money! I hear you.

Order placed. Anyone know when these things will ship?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on February 17, 2011, 07:37:38 AM
MCK,
Not trying to tell you what to do, I think everyone needs to follow the path that works best for them. It would be nice to have a VGuitar focused version of what the Missing link does, there are so few folks in our VGuitar world that we may be waiting for flying cars before an "off the shelf wireless control VGuitar product" arrives that meets our needs.
I say go for the home brew arduino solution.

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on February 17, 2011, 07:42:38 AM
Your post was the voice of common sense for me. I will still work on the open-source solution but the MissingLink will allow me to play sooner. You know me, lots of projects in the making all the time and not enough time. So taking the parallel path is the best compromise for me.

EDIT : Flying Cars... Yumm. You're giving me ideas again... D'oh. More projects!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: stueym on February 17, 2011, 08:16:24 AM
As an affirmed i-phone/i-pad user, I would love even the most basic of control of my VG/GR available wirelessly.  I already have a microphone stand mount for my i-pad and the prospect of being able to manage the GR in particular with hands is useful.  I love having the ability to manipulate the VG on its stand despite the overhead.  I will post pictures of my set-up (in the appropriate place) as I use it at church and you will see its designed for me to interact with my hands between songs (typically not during those it has happened!)

All power to your elbows lads.  Looking forward to you leveraging the power of these add-on's as they develop.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: macjones on February 17, 2011, 09:42:51 AM
I have quite a few midi programs on my iPad and iPhone that use freeware wireless server apps to send midi wirelessly (any midi)

Granted, this necessitates a computer stage in the link, but i would have one hooked up anyway. The Missing link would be great if you wanted to eliminate this stage, but otherwise I would think it would be redundant.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on February 17, 2011, 09:51:04 AM
Quote from: macjones on February 17, 2011, 09:42:51 AM
The Missing link would be great if you wanted to eliminate this stage, but otherwise I would think it would be redundant.

The idea is for those times you are out there with your guitar and the GR=55 and want some more navigational control than what is offered through the pedals. That's all.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on February 17, 2011, 02:37:18 PM
MCK: Elantric invited me here a little while ago, I'm the inventor and maker of the Missing Link. (Elantric and I shared an office together in past lives).

The prototype is, if you look closely, Arduino + 2 shields.  The cost for the components is ~$100.  That's if you can even buy the wifi shield, they are always in short supply.  That may be the biggest hurdle.

So I guess you have to ask yourself if it's worth $50 to have to figure out the rest of it (which is non-trivial IMO).

The Mising Link does have thru holes for programming headers on the PCB, so if you're comfortable with AVR programming you'll have the full hardware set, in an attractive enclosure, and be able to customize it as you see fit.  With USB MIDI to boot, if you can figure out how to interface it.  Note that re-programming the ML will void any warranties ;)

All of what I just said is rhetorical, of course.  We really do think we've created something that lots of different people will be able to use in lots of different ways, we've made it as versatile and capable as possible, and we think it's a great value for all the stuff it does.  We're really looking forward to seeing how it gets used.

As vanceg and macjones have said, it is redundant if you have a computer on stage (but it may be the good kind of redundancy if your experience with computers on stage is anything like mine has been).

The Missing Link is capable of outputting any MIDI code, including SYSEX and RPN/NRPN, so doing a full implementation for the GR-55 (or any other MIDI device, for that matter) with TouchOSC shouldn't be too difficult at all.  I'll even help you get started.  I just finished a full iPad SYSEX editor for the Yamaha DX7 (which is sweet), it took me an evening.

Let me know if you have any more questions or concerns, I'm happy to answer them.

-Hans
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on February 17, 2011, 07:36:03 PM
Hi Hans,

This is wonderful! Thanks for doing this for our community. Please don't read any of my blabber above as a sign of agression. I just love tinkering myself and that's why I was thinking I would try and put together a solution myself following your lead.

For all the reasons you mentioned in your post and more (supporting innovation) I already placed an order for the Missing Link. Can't wait to receive it. This is all very exciting!

In the meanwhile I do have the wifi enabled Arduino setup with the midi shield at home so I will see how far I can get walking in your footsteps. Having a copy of your proto-type sketch would be wonderful but I full well understand if you don't wish to share it. No hard feelings.

The main issue we have now for the GR-55 is the lack of MIDI documentation from Roland. In the meanwhile a member of our community, Gumtown is doing a great job of reverse engineering the codes but as you can imagine it is a very slow & tiring process. Hopefully Roland will release the codes sooner than later.

Thanks for your offer to help with the GR-55 configuration for the Missing Link. It will be very very helpful.

All the best to you and your business. You've got a great solution with an even greater name! Kudos.

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on February 17, 2011, 10:02:30 PM
Here is midi structure *.xml document with everything that has been manually mapped out to date (65% complete), the file is best viewed in 'grid view' from an xml document reader (like Altova XMLSpy).

http://grfloorboard.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/grfloorboard/midi.xml?view=log (http://grfloorboard.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/grfloorboard/midi.xml?view=log)
all the editor code is there, as it is opensource too.
http://grfloorboard.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/grfloorboard/ (http://grfloorboard.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/grfloorboard/)

The GR-55 program changes are just standard Bank number, Bank change, patch change commands with patch range from 0 to 127 before incrementing the bank change number.
The editor under construction will show you the bank, bank change and patch midi data on the botton status bar,  as well as any sysex parameter change data, if the editor is set to deBug mode from the preferences menu.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/ (http://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on February 17, 2011, 10:38:44 PM
Gumtown, this is amazing. Thank you very much for sharing all this with us. Most appreciated.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on February 19, 2011, 10:21:28 AM
This is my understanding based on the video and the material on the missing link website.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on February 25, 2011, 06:05:57 PM
With 2nd generation iPad arriving next week, here's a good overview of iPad apps for guitarists:

http://m.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2011/Mar/The_Guitarists_Guide_to_iPad_Apps.aspx (http://m.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2011/Mar/The_Guitarists_Guide_to_iPad_Apps.aspx)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: ddlooping on February 25, 2011, 08:06:05 PM
Gumtown, could you let me know if the "Images" folder in the SCM Repositories is the one containing the images used in the editor?
They do seem like old versions.
I'd like to make some modifications and submit them to you. :)
i.e, cleaning up some of the buttons edges...
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on February 25, 2011, 09:34:13 PM
Quote from: ddlooping on February 25, 2011, 08:06:05 PM
Gumtown, could you let me know if the "Images" folder in the SCM Repositories is the one containing the images used in the editor?
They do seem like old versions.
I'd like to make some modifications and submit them to you. :)
i.e, cleaning up some of the buttons edges...
I have just updated the SCM repository and added the *.psd main layout file, and deleted some other crap. What is there is what has been used in the editor.
I know the buttons are a bit rough, they were quickly box cropped from a previous image you posted on this site.

I must have a look at some of the other language variants the Qt framework used in the GR-55 FloorBoard editor, they have Meego, Symbian, and Windows CE/Mobile, and Embedded Linux.
The source code should build on these systems without much modification, except for the midi sub system.
I have also been reading up on some successfully porting/building Qt applications on what ever that iPad apple mac thingy applications are too.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on February 25, 2011, 10:16:09 PM
Gumtown, I use an IOS development tool called Corona which uses Lua as its core language. There is a QT to Lua translator I came across on the web but don't know how much use this path would be since as you mention midi piece is totally different. For now going wireless via Missing Link seems to be the fastest option as you simply use existing TouchOSC and get going. Order placed for the Missing Link and will report results once I receive the unit. With your MIDI codes the setup should be quick.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: ddlooping on February 26, 2011, 07:27:06 AM
gumtown, I'm adding some cleaned-up buttons to the original editor thread. ;)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on March 10, 2011, 06:46:21 AM
Quick update on this topic. Waiting for MissingLink shipment and I didn't have any time to put into my homebrew Arduino wireless solution so going down the easier path...

iPad camera connection kit delivered today. Edirol UM-1 plugged in to the iPad camera connection kit I ran the free Midi Monitor app from IOSMIDI and made sure the UM-1 is recognized. Check! We're in business.

Then I bought the Midi Touch app from the same company. This app can send CC , PC, Notes, RPN & NRPN & SYSEX via wireless or USB and allows you to setup your screen with controllers. Will start experimenting now. This will be a wired solution but a solution nevertheless.

Updates to follow.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on March 10, 2011, 08:09:37 PM
Quote from: gumtown on February 17, 2011, 10:02:30 PM
The GR-55 program changes are just standard Bank number, Bank change, patch change commands with patch range from 0 to 127 before incrementing the bank change number.
The editor under construction will show you the bank, bank change and patch midi data on the botton status bar,  as well as any sysex parameter change data, if the editor is set to deBug mode from the preferences menu.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/ (http://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/)

Gumtown, this is great help! Thanks to your lead, I was able to verify that the setup I now have works. I was able to create a button on Midi Touch that sends a Sysex string to the GR-55 which changes GR-55 to a patch that I hardcode the button for. Its alive! Now the trick for me is to determine what makes sense to cram into an iPad screen... Thanks once again for your willingness to share.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on March 10, 2011, 08:55:57 PM
Quote
Gumtown, this is great help! Thanks to your lead, I was able to verify that the setup I now have works. I was able to create a button on Midi Touch that sends a Sysex string to the GR-55 which changes GR-55 to a patch that I hardcode the button for. Its alive! Now the trick for me is to determine what makes sense to cram into an iPad screen... Thanks once again for your willingness to share.


Sign me up as a Beta Tester!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on March 10, 2011, 09:00:11 PM
You bet! Did you get your iPad2 yet? Oh wait, its not March 11th yet where you live... Not much more to wait...

Meanwhile lets talk about what you all think would make sense to have on an iPad interface. Obviously space & capability will be limited compared to a full blown editor tool that Gumtown is coding. I'm envisaging this to be more of a quick navigation aid for the live situations. Thoughts?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: xile on March 10, 2011, 09:04:37 PM
MCK - Can Midi Touch send Roland Sysex with the checksum calculated?  I think that is required.

xile
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on March 10, 2011, 10:19:40 PM
Quote from: xile on March 10, 2011, 09:04:37 PM
MCK - Can Midi Touch send Roland Sysex with the checksum calculated?  I think that is required.

xile
The GR-55 is not fussy about checksum, you can feed it any value for realtime system exclusive control.
May be a different story for writing data to memory though.

If you want to access the Preset patches under the Catagory buttons, the "LEAD" ones start at Bank 16 (hexadecimal 10).
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on March 10, 2011, 10:53:24 PM
Midi Touch does not accept a Sysex string unless it is valid. It has a validation control built in. I looked at the Debug indication in GR-55 Editor and it did not accept it at first suggesting an F0 is required at the beginning of a SysEx message. It then suggested an F0 at the end. After I put these in the Sysex linked button worked like a charm! More to follow later. We just had a massive earthquake here and I may need to evaquate.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on March 11, 2011, 12:56:40 AM
I hope you are OK, with the Quake, it looks very serious.

Your sysx messages for parameter control need to start with F0 and end with F7. typical data structure is

F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 18 00 10 0A 00 4E F7      = switch Modeling Tone 'on'
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 18 00 10 0A 01 4D F7      = switch modeling tone 'off'

F0 = sysx message header (message start)
41 = Roland device (manufacuter ID)
10 = Device midi Identity (fixed at device ID 16)
00 00 53 = Roland GR-55 identification
12 = sending parameter change data (11 = requesting data from the GR-55)
18 00 10 0A = address for modeling tone switch in Temporary memory address (10 = guitar modeling, 0A tone switch address)
00 = 'off, 01 = 'on'
4E or 4D = data checksum value
F7 = sysx message finished.

For a Patch/Bank change to U1:1
B0 00 00   = controller 0 bank change 00 is Bank 1
B0 20 00   = controller 32 bank change required to process bank change
C0 00       = patch change to patch 1

For Patch/BAnk change to U99:3
B0 00 02
B0 20 00
C0 28

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on March 11, 2011, 07:48:42 PM
Thanks for the further explanation of the structure. I am so amazed that you managed to figure all this without Roland's documentation. Its crazy!!! More experimentation today.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on March 12, 2011, 07:42:11 AM
Ok. After some more experimentation I am a little stuck and posted a question on Midi Touch site. Essentially I can create as many buttons as I want sending as many SysEx strings as I want to jump from patches to patches or turn things on & off but I know I will quickly run out of screen real estate. The app supports sliders and X,Y pads and these work wonderful with sending CC or PC where the actual code sent is dependent on the location tapped or slided to. I want to see if I can integrate this position data into the SysEx code.

F0 B0 00 00 B0 20 00 C0 00 F7 - changes to the first patch
F0 B0 00 00 B0 20 00 C0 08 F7 - will send it to the 9th patch

So the 2 digits at the end between C0 and F7 define which patch I'm jumping to.

My question to the Midi Touch app developer is how to configure a slider or an X,Y pad to send the F0 B0 00 00 B0 20 00 C0 fixed prefix + a code that goes from 00 to 28 + a suffix of F7

Once I figure that out I'll be in business. This looking good.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on March 12, 2011, 11:58:01 AM
Here is an alternative to do Patch/Bank change on the GR-55, this is quite unique to the GR-55, where instead of standard patch change data, system exclusive data is sent like this
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 00 7F F7 = Patch U01:1
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 7F 00 F7 = Patch U43:2
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 00 7E F7 = Patch U43:3
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 7F 7F F7 = Patch U86:1
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 00 7D F7 = Patch U86:2
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 28 55 F7 = Patch U99:3
the data is sent to the GR-55 system area.
The same data address, as a request, will also ask the GR-55 which patch it is currently on.

The problem you are going to have for each control is..
a) setting the control data range.
b) using the same data as meaningful GUI text (displaying the patch number).
c) getting the control to add header and footer data as a complete sysx message.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 05, 2011, 03:11:37 AM
Suprise suprise...

Roland GR55 Control via iPad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT7JdF7N6f8#)

Sorry for the short & crappy iphone video. Just wanted to rekindle this thread and start making headway.

Ingredients...
GR55
iPad or iPhone
Missing Link from Jabrudian Tech (Great product!!! Thanks for making it guys! )
GR55 midi knowledge from Gumtown (Priceless!!! - thank you so much for sharing openly. You're amazing)
TouchOSC 1.7.3 - Amazing piece of software which I have yet to learn... Just scratching the surface

Will post the TouchOSC template once I get it to do some more meaningful stuff.

So please post away. What should be put on the GR55 Navigator for iPad... What would you like to see?

My plan is to have a tabbed interface where first tab is to do rapid patch changes. Second tab can be to tweak PCM1,2, COSM etc settings and another tab could be to tweak effect settings etc.

This is a very simple proof of concept for now. Just noticed that the video does not make it very clear that the iPad talks to GR55 through the Missing Link using WiFi. So no cables between iPad & GR55... More to come.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: tracy on August 07, 2011, 06:57:52 PM
Great start on the iPad interface!!!! Look forward to seeing more and to getting my hands on your template.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on August 07, 2011, 07:09:41 PM
Good start !! ;)
You may notice that when you get into the PCM editing that the ranges "displayed" and the actual parameter values used do not relate, and some of them are not linear either.
More so with parameters that are centered around a value of "0", the actual parameter value centers at 400 (2 bytes). :P
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: minouche on August 09, 2011, 01:47:22 AM
Now that TouchOSC supports CoreMIDI, you can also plug a USB MIDI interface between the GR-55 and the iPad camera connection kit.

I think that if you spend some (very long) time with the TouchOSC Editor (http://hexler.net/software/touchosc), you can create a great interface for all the GR-55 settings. There is a template for Logic Studio in TouchOSC that is absolutely amazing.

Maybe I'll take a look.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 09, 2011, 02:09:08 AM
Thats great heads up. So Missing Link is optional in this case. Those who wish to use the template wirelessly can go with it (as I have) and those who are ok to go with the cable in between can use the Camera Kit + USB to Midi option which would lower the cost a little. Great going.

Feedback needed on Interface Design. What would you like to see on an iPad based GR55 manipulator? I will not call it an editor as it will not be possible to come anywhere near a full blown editor like Gumtown's amazing work. I like to call it the GR55 Navigator therefore. What should be ok it?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Galvonot on August 10, 2011, 02:56:46 AM
I was thinking of using an app to control the GR55 as well.  I note that Touchosc does not support sysex, though Midi Touch does. So one would have to set up cc's in the Assigns to make it work, I think.

How does panel design compare between the two apps?  Touchosc uses the computer for design, while Midi Touch does the design on the iPad. Any thoughts on which works better?

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 10, 2011, 01:17:24 PM
Quote from: MCK on August 09, 2011, 02:09:08 AM
Feedback needed on Interface Design. What would you like to see on an iPad based GR55 manipulator? I will not call it an editor as it will not be possible to come anywhere near a full blown editor like Gumtown's amazing work. I like to call it the GR55 Navigator therefore. What should be ok it?

I've been thinking about this for a while.  I was planning on buying an iRig MIDI cable if/when they ever ship, but that's about $70, which makes the wireless Missing Link seem like a better value in many ways.  The only reason I give pause is because wireless, while appealing, can sometimes be a point of failure (i.e. in a venue with a lot of radio interference.)

Anyway, back to your question - for an iPhone/iPad interface I tend to think in terms of things I need to tweak during performance.  Patches are in the ballpark thanks to gumtown's Floorboard app, but in the live mix you realize you need more/less... what?  Typically for me it's the gain/tone stack on the amp sims (IMO opinion there should have been hard controls for the primary AMP block, whatever the cost), send levels for reverb, and (this one is a little more complicated) some means of mixing levels between "voices" by which I mean guitars and synths - however many there may be.  The last one is complicated in that different patches will have different routing for different voices, or voices combined, and the mixer has to play nicely with any other volume assigns used in the patch.  In other words, it has to mix maximum volumes, without interfering with the expression pedal etc.

So, the no brainer bit is putting guitar amp controls on the iPad.  For me, a mixer (level faders and mute buttons) is needed, but I'll have to come up with some standard approach to patch programming that's compatible with that, so... probably a more advanced goal for a later date.  With this, I could get through a rehearsal or performance happily, even if I were to begin with less-than-ideal sounds.

Eventually I would also want controls allowing me to switch between amp models, that ill-conceived gain mode switch, guitar models, the pickup selector switch, and the PCM voice for each of the PCM blocks.  These additions would let me explore the capabilities of the GR55 in a more immediate way vs. comprehensively editing a patch with a PC and mouse - or god forbid, the menus on the GR!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 11, 2011, 06:40:14 AM
Quote from: armatronix on February 17, 2011, 02:37:18 PM
MCK: Elantric invited me here a little while ago, I'm the inventor and maker of the Missing Link...

Hi, Hans.  Glad to see you're on this forum.  I'm thinking of ordering a Missing Link, but I had a couple of questions for you.  I hope you're still around to answer!

First question is, what is the feasibility of running the Missing Link off battery power, e.g. 2x 9V, 6x AA, or something similar?  Have you considered a variation with a larger enclosure to accomodate batteries, or do you think the current draw is too high for this to be practical?  I'm pretty neurotic about simplifying/ minimizing my rig, and cable runs to AC power always become headaches sooner or later.  I would think this might be true of a lot of people who are attracted to wireless solutions in the first place.

Second question - Can the Missing Link be used to receive Note On/Off data through the MIDI In port, and then transmit performance data to WiFi devices, e.g. smartphone synth apps or laptop softsynths?  All of the applications described involve control surface apps transmitting to hardware sound generators connected to the MIDI Out port.  (The latter is more important to me, but I could foresee using both.)

Lastly:  What's the actual availability like?  How soon could I expect to receive a Missing Link if I ordered today?

Many thanks.  :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 11, 2011, 08:20:34 AM
Hans checks in here not too frequently.

i suggest you repost this question about the Missing Link, directly to Jabrudian Industries here:
http://wifimidi.com (http://wifimidi.com)


Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 11, 2011, 11:46:35 AM
Thanks, Elantric.  Just did so!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on August 11, 2011, 01:07:28 PM
Hi guys, here's the reply I sent to Marc, in case anyone's interested:

Yes, the Missing Link will run off of a 9V battery.  I've used an adapter like this from SparkFun: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9518 (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9518)

There is (just) enough room inside the box to put a 9V battery, but it may affect the WiFi range and it besides a 9V probably won't last particularly long.  My thinking when designing the unit, was that pretty much whatever it gets plugged into will need to be powered anyways, so AC power would be available in most circumstances and the user wouldn't have to worry about the battery running down in a performance.

But here's the setup I like for battery-powering the Missing Link, it's a rechargeable battery pack from Radio shack with a USB output and a USB input that flips out for charging.  It's much higher-capacity than a 9V, and runs more efficiently since it's powering the logic directly at 5V.  It holds charge really well over a long period, too.

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.static.flickr.com%2F6206%2F6032821003_58b03367ee.jpg&hash=9839fa1b9304183bfd7960fbd6a97001263953da)

The ML will accept MIDI IN and convert it to OSC, so two-way communications or feedback are possible.  It's limited to CCs and notes at the moment, so don't expect it to be able to receive SYSEX or patch dumps or anything like that.

We have units in stock, and I'll put it in the mail today so you could expect it early next week if you're in the US.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 11, 2011, 07:48:46 PM
Quote from: Galvonot on August 10, 2011, 02:56:46 AM
I was thinking of using an app to control the GR55 as well.  I note that Touchosc does not support sysex, though Midi Touch does. So one would have to set up cc's in the Assigns to make it work, I think.

How does panel design compare between the two apps?  Touchosc uses the computer for design, while Midi Touch does the design on the iPad. Any thoughts on which works better?

TouchOSC coupled with Missing Link does support SysEx. Hans can explain this better but in TouchOSC you choose OSC rather than Midi as to what the control sends when manipulated and then lay down your SysEx in the following format :

/midi/0xf0 0xb0 0 0 0xb0 0x20 0 0xc0 x(0..0x1D) 0xf7

Missing Link picks the 0x and knows that the 2 digits that follow are Hex codes and send it on as a SysEx code. It also handles ranges as in x(0..0x1D).

I also used MidiTouch a little and I think its a cool software but for now I want to be able to go wireless so I will focus my energy on TouchOSC and Missing Link.

Quote from: mbenigni on August 10, 2011, 01:17:24 PM
Anyway, back to your question - for an iPhone/iPad interface I tend to think in terms of things I need to tweak during performance. 

Good feedback. Thanks much. We think alike. Will attempt some of this over the weekend. Updates to follow.

Regarding the power situation... GR55 runs off of 9V, Missing Link runs off of 9V... Splice & go is not rocket science. May need a beefier 9V supply which some of you may have on your pedal boards anyways. I am even tempted to put the whole Missing Link in the GR55. I think there is enough room in there. May try this later on.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Galvonot on August 12, 2011, 04:41:01 AM
Thanks, MCK.  I didn't know the Missing Link adds this feature. For my setup, direct connection is the best solution for now, so I've elected to go the Midi Touch route. Though a wireless setup using TouchOSC and a netbook was something I had considered, using software to convert OSC to sysex.

The comments about tweaking during performance is spot on.  That is exactly how I was approaching this - a page that would adjust the parameters that are important across all the patches I use.  Amp controls, effects mixing, PCM filtering and envelope controls and the like.

At some point we will likely have a nice collection of presets to post on this forum. A great project indeed, and thanks for your efforts to get this going.


Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 12, 2011, 07:37:58 AM
I ordered my Missing Link last night, so I hope to be an active part of this discussion and effort very soon.  Hans' reply was so prompt, thorough, and informative that I had to order one on principle alone!  You just don't see enough of that these days.  Moreover:  he put my ML in the mail the very night I ordered!  At about 9:30PM!   :o

I'll be doing a little research on the pros and cons of MIDI Touch vs. Touch OSC this weekend and will no doubt have questions.

Re: powering the missing link, I see that it will run off of USB power - any chance the thumb drive USB port on the side of the GR55 itself will power it, or is that just too good to be true?  :)

Meanwhile, should Hans happen by here again:  Probably not worth bothering you with email, but could you provide the product number of the battery pack in your picture?  It is absolutely perfect - even aesthetically! - with the ML, but of course, RadioShack.com, Amazon, etc. yield nothing.  I have a bad feeling that particular product has been discontinued.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 12, 2011, 08:04:18 AM
Quote from: mbenigni on August 12, 2011, 07:37:58 AM
Re: powering the missing link, I see that it will run off of USB power - any chance the thumb drive USB port on the side of the GR55 itself will power it, or is that just too good to be true?  :)

You are a genious!!! It was right in front of my nose and I never thought about it. I tried this and it RUNS!!! So this also means the GR55 supplied wallwart is strong enough to power both and thus a splice in the back also could be used to power both if you need that USB host port to run with a thumbdrive installed.

Great to hear you're jumping onboard the Missing Link. Will be great to work on the template(s) together. I will post what I have here by the end of this weekend so you can have a headstart once you get your Missing Link.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 12, 2011, 08:20:35 AM
Quote from: MCK on August 12, 2011, 08:04:18 AM
You are a genious!!! It was right in front of my nose and I never thought about it. I tried this and it RUNS!!!

That is AWESOME news!  Being told I'm a genius doesn't suck either.  :)  Well, this is coming together very nicely!  Looking forward to collaborating on templates and ideas.

Oh, here's a fairly important question to start with - have you looked into the feasibility of putting a Save button on your TouchOSC template?  Fine tuning patches will obviously be more constructive if you can save on the fly, and hitting the GR55 Save button with my big toe is a bit hit or miss.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 12, 2011, 08:22:34 AM
Save button sounds like a grand idea. Will try.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on August 12, 2011, 10:51:49 AM
Quote from: mbenigni on August 12, 2011, 07:37:58 AM
Meanwhile, should Hans happen by here again:  Probably not worth bothering you with email, but could you provide the product number of the battery pack in your picture?  It is absolutely perfect - even aesthetically! - with the ML, but of course, RadioShack.com, Amazon, etc. yield nothing.  I have a bad feeling that particular product has been discontinued.

The catalog number is 2300224.  I was just in Radio Shack last night, and the local store had them in stock.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 12, 2011, 11:02:25 AM
Quote
The catalog number is 2300224.  I was just in Radio Shack last night, and the local store had them in stock.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10957435 (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10957435)
Enercell® 2400mAh Portable Power Bank
Model: RSE090    Catalog #: 23-224

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frsk.imageg.net%2Fgraphics%2Fproduct_images%2FpRS1-9086579w345.jpg&hash=3148bf9c7541c4a633b3caae324065357c693b99)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm7.static.flickr.com%2F6206%2F6032821003_58b03367ee.jpg&hash=9839fa1b9304183bfd7960fbd6a97001263953da)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 12, 2011, 11:07:39 AM
That USB to barrel jack short cable is nifty and it would more than likely also power up the Missing Link using the USB host port on the GR55. This would mean the USB port on Missing Link would not be occupied. Any link for that little cable as a separate item?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 12, 2011, 11:14:16 AM
http://www.google.com/search?q=usb%20to%20jack&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&hl=en&biw=994&bih=607&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbm=shop&source=og&sa=N&tab=if#q=usb+to+jack&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbs=p_ord:p&tbm=shop&ei=IG1FTsX9I4rHsQKyzOCRCA&start=10&sa=N&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=522d5497d10ff8ff&biw=994&bih=607 (http://www.google.com/search?q=usb%20to%20jack&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&hl=en&biw=994&bih=607&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbm=shop&source=og&sa=N&tab=if#q=usb+to+jack&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbs=p_ord:p&tbm=shop&ei=IG1FTsX9I4rHsQKyzOCRCA&start=10&sa=N&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=522d5497d10ff8ff&biw=994&bih=607)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 12, 2011, 11:16:23 AM
Thanks. I think I will still go with the splice on the power supply option to keep the USB door closed & tidy and also allow the use of a thumbdrive.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on August 12, 2011, 11:22:06 AM
I think I'd go with something like this: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/godlyke-power-all-cable-y-y-splitter-extension-cable/150328000000000 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/godlyke-power-all-cable-y-y-splitter-extension-cable/150328000000000)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.musiciansfriend.com%2Fderivates%2F6%2F001%2F422%2F258%2FDV019_Jpg_Regular_150328.jpg&hash=67f4cf7a2ac717264925dd672e1f04824f6a33a2)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 12, 2011, 11:24:45 AM
Yup. This is exactly what I had in mind. Thanks for digging that up. Most appreciated.

PS. Why not stock a few of those and offer it on your shopping cart? I'm sure more than one of your future Missing Link customers might want one and this way they can save on shipping etc. Just a thought.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 12, 2011, 01:02:23 PM
Hans, Elantric, thanks for the specifics re: that power supply!

QuoteThat USB to barrel jack short cable is nifty and it would more than likely also power up the Missing Link using the USB host port on the GR55.

Oops, I did not take that to be a barrel jack input at all, but rather a USB port, and so I ordered this:

USB 2.0, Cable 7.5in A Male To B Male
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZCYK0O (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZCYK0O)

Did I just waste $10?  (Yes, shipping more than doubled the price!)

Have to stop being so impetuous.  Could have waited to test with one of the bzillion 6' USB cables laying around the house, first.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on August 12, 2011, 01:09:36 PM
A regular USB A-B cable will work fine for powering the ML from a USB-A port.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 12, 2011, 07:38:04 PM
Cool, thanks. That's what I'd assumed from MCK's response earlier.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 14, 2011, 08:59:03 PM
MCK

Probably a good idea to look at the Axe-FX Control Ipad app for ideas:

Axe-Edit on iPad(Air Display) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf7Aq1avS1E#ws)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 15, 2011, 12:07:05 AM
Looks very nice & polished. I thought I saw a mouse pointer every now & then so I am wondering if this is a remote desktop into the Mac/PC type app. Either way its a purpose built custom app much the same way as Gumtowns editor for Mac & PC. Unless we find a way to recompile Gumtown's great work on IOS or reprogram the whole thing using an IOS development tool we will not get the same quality with TouchOSC but I'm confident we can get close enough to get the needs covered.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 15, 2011, 06:33:50 AM
Missing Link "Out for Delivery".   :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 15, 2011, 10:17:04 AM
Wow! That was quick! I did not get any chance to do anything this weekend but I want you to be able to to see what I have so far so here goes. Current TouchOSC template attached here...
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 15, 2011, 07:07:01 PM
Thanks a million, MCK.  I've already got your template working.  Pretty cool!  And thanks again to Hans - I can't believe how fast he got this unit shipped!

I'm going to throw together another really simple template right now, that simply sends CC 1-8 on a safe MIDI channel, so I can experiment with routing these to GR55 assigns.  That should give me an immediate sense of potential applications without needing to do any research right away.

One immediate question:  what made you choose Touch OSC over MIDI Touch.  I see that MIDI Touch is a bit more expensive, but being able to design layouts directly on the iPad seems like a massive advantage over Touch OSC.  Does MIDI Touch not support CoreMIDI, or is it in some other way incompatible with Missing Link??
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 15, 2011, 08:18:43 PM
11:15PM and I'm starting to feel a little stupd...  Built my first layout, uploaded it to the iPad, can see the Missing Link light flashing, but nothing doing on the GR55.  Frustrating.   :(

Bottom line is I am completely flummoxed by all of this OSC business. I'm a PC/MIDI guy and these are new tricks.  I don't really understand why I can't select the MIDI tab for a control in the TouchOSC editor and indicate CC number and expect that to work.  I think I'm also pretty confused by the configuration requirements regarding OSC vs. CoreMIDI.  I had expected to be using CoreMIDI, but by all appearances the app is configured (per directions on the Missing Link website) to use OSC.  So I'm probably sending OSC information that doesn't make any sense to the GR55 at MIDI in?

There are a couple of links to TouchOSC templates on the Missing Link website, but they appear to be corrupted; they're just .zip files including index.xml files and nothing more.  This is a shame because they would have at least provided examples of simple CC message controls in OSC format.

So I guess two questions:  why is OSC a requirement here, and (assuming it is) how do I encode a simple fader to send MIDI CC 1, CH 1 1-127 via OSC (an example to begin with)?

Throwing in the towel for tonight...
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Galvonot on August 16, 2011, 06:41:48 AM
Mbenigni, I feel your pain.  When I looked at iPad control for the GR,  both apps seemed good. (and indeed, are). I decided to not try wifi communication. I'm pretty good at making things like that work, but it introduced a layer of complexity not needed for now, as well as being a bit daunting. The camera connection kit going via a USB midi interface direct into the GR-55 suited my needs.

So I ended using Midi Touch.  Being able to test a layout right away without having to load it from the computer is a big bonus while tweaking, troubleshooting and scaling the various controls.  Although the actual graphic editing a touchOSC layout on the computer really is easier.  With a scheme mentioned on this board, using Midi Yoke and Sysex to capture and view the system exclusive strings and entering them into Midi Touch I've been able to get things working pretty quickly. Though my interface is far, far from done.

I'm also focusing on just the things I need to tweak in performance, not creating an iPad version of Gumtowns frankly amazing application. And I am sticking to guitar for now as well.

Later I plan to connect via wifi just because it is cool to do. But when I do I'll have a good, working layout. I'll likely use a netbook or an old Mac laptop and connect via USB at that point.

Thanks to all, especially MCK, for keeping attention on this project. Ultimately, many will benefit.







Quote from: mbenigni on August 15, 2011, 08:18:43 PM
11:15PM and I'm starting to feel a little stupd...  Built my first layout, uploaded it to the iPad, can see the Missing Link light flashing, but nothing doing on the GR55.  Frustrating.   :(

Bottom line is I am completely flummoxed by all of this OSC business. I'm a PC/MIDI guy and these are new tricks.  I don't really understand why I can't select the MIDI tab for a control in the TouchOSC editor and indicate CC number and expect that to work.  I think I'm also pretty confused by the configuration requirements regarding OSC vs. CoreMIDI.  I had expected to be using CoreMIDI, but by all appearances the app is configured (per directions on the Missing Link website) to use OSC.  So I'm probably sending OSC information that doesn't make any sense to the GR55 at MIDI in?

There are a couple of links to TouchOSC templates on the Missing Link website, but they appear to be corrupted; they're just .zip files including index.xml files and nothing more.  This is a shame because they would have at least provided examples of simple CC message controls in OSC format.

So I guess two questions:  why is OSC a requirement here, and (assuming it is) how do I encode a simple fader to send MIDI CC 1, CH 1 1-127 via OSC (an example to begin with)?

Throwing in the towel for tonight...
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 16, 2011, 08:03:06 AM
QuoteThe camera connection kit going via a USB midi interface direct into the GR-55 suited my needs... So I ended using Midi Touch.
Thanks for the feedback, Galvonot.  We're all in this together.   :)

Your comments lead me back to my first question (for whomever can provide an answer) - can MIDI Touch be used with wireless CoreMIDI (e.g. Missing Link) or is there some limitation there?

Beyond that, I think I have a learning curve to get started with - beginning with, "What exactly is OSC?" 
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 16, 2011, 08:33:12 AM
QuoteThe Missing Link OSC/MIDI Translator is a standalone hardware device which contains its own WiFi radio, and translates specially-coded OSC messages sent from your mobile device or computer into standard MIDI messages...
OK, so I think I glossed over this most obvious and important point (which is also the first thing stated in the video at the beginning of this thread.)  So this really answers several of my questions: the ML requires OSC as it's input via WiFi, and will then decode and send whatever MIDI is embedded.

So it looks like Touch OSC is the best app for this configuration, which is fine - it's bought and paid for.

So I think that just leaves questions about OSC syntax for a few simple MIDI constructs, e.g. (in order of importance) CC messages, Note ON/OFF, Program Change.  (I see SysEx in MCK's post on the previous page.)  Is their a reference somewhere on line, or can someone paste in a couple of examples here?  I would be eternally grateful.   :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 16, 2011, 09:43:18 AM
QuoteIs their a reference somewhere on line, or can someone paste in a couple of examples here?  I would be eternally grateful.   :)
Post questions and get answers for the Missing Link at this URL link:

http://wifimidi.com/discussion-forum/ (http://wifimidi.com/discussion-forum/)

http://wifimidi.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5 (http://wifimidi.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5)

The Missing Link will translate your custom OSC messages into MIDI.

Most of the common MIDI messages can be specified by using the Midi Message Generator on the website: http://wifimidi.com/midi-message-generator/ (http://wifimidi.com/midi-message-generator/) That's a very good place to start.

To assign a message to an interface element, in the TouchOSC editor click on the element and to the left of the editor window un-check where it says:

OSC: [ ] auto

Then type your custom message into the OSC message box right below it, like so:

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwifimidi.com%2FphpBB3%2Fdownload%2Ffile.php%3Fid%3D30%26amp%3Bmode%3Dview&hash=b619a629139d2fca4df879ea349a97eb76bed7fd)
Leave the Value Range from 0 to 1.

Here's a sampling of the types of messages that can be translated:

/midi/0xb0 20 100

o no variables - outputs the MIDI bytes directly, ignores any OSC value(s)
o bytes may be hexadecimal or integer, hex bytes are signified by the prefix 0x##
o these get sent on press only
o appropriate for button objects
o longer strings of multiple MIDI commands may also be sent, as desired


/midi/0xb0 25 x

o single variable (x)
o if no range is specified, full MIDI range (0..127) is assumed (always leave OSC range 0 to 1.0, floating point)
o scaled integer value of rotary or slider will be substituted for x
o appropriate for sliders or rotaries, and also will work for buttons or x-y pads if desired


/midi/0xb0 25 x(64..100) 26 x(12..76) 27 x(89..127)

o single variable used multiple times with multiple ranges declared
o the OSC value will be scaled according to the range declared (this example message uses running status, per the MIDI standard)
o different ranges may be specified for each variable call (or none for default behavior)


/midi/0xb0 25 x(64..100) 26 y(0..63)

o multiple variables with multiple ranges declared
o only appropriate for x-y pads


/midi/z/0x90 60 127/0xb0 25 x 0xb0 27 y/0x90 60 0

o use with "Send z messages" option enabled to detect touch and release on variable objects
o for sending separate messages on press, drag, and release: /midi/z/<touch>/<drag>/<release>
o leave message space blank if no action is desired, but the slash should remain: /midi/z//<drag>/<release>
o leave messages blank if no action is desired
o appropriate for sliders, rotaries, or x-y pads


/midi/button/0xfa/0xfc

o similar to /midi/z/, but this one allows buttons to have separate actions for touch and release
o /midi/button/<touch>/<release>
o can send on only touch OR release (if one is left blank)
o only appropriate for button objects


Quick MIDI Reference:
(replace # with hex channel number)

Note Off:
0x8# <note number> <velocity>

Note On:
0x9# <note number> <velocity>

Poly Pressure:
0xa# <note number> <value>

Control Change:
0xb# <controller number> <value>

Program Change:
0xc# <program number>

Channel Pressure:
0xd# <value>

Pitch Bend:
0xe# 0 <amount>
* hi-res pitch bend is not implemented at this time

System Exclusive:
0xf0 <data> 0xF7

Time Code:
0xf1 <data>

Song Position:
0xf2 0 <position>
* hi-res song position is not implemented at this time

Song Select:
0xf3 <song number>

Tune Request:
0xf6

Clock Tick:
0xf8

Start:
0xfa

Continue:
0xfb

Stop:
0xfc

System Reset:
0xff

Status byte hexadecimal channel # lookup table:
0x_0 = channel 1
0x_1 = channel 2
0x_2 = channel 3
0x_3 = channel 4
0x_4 = channel 5
0x_5 = channel 6
0x_6 = channel 7
0x_7 = channel 8
0x_8 = channel 9
0x_9 = channel 10
0x_a = channel 11
0x_b = channel 12
0x_c = channel 13
0x_d = channel 14
0x_e = channel 15
0x_f = channel 16
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Brent Flash on August 16, 2011, 09:52:25 AM
Quote from: mbenigni on August 15, 2011, 08:18:43 PM
11:15PM and I'm starting to feel a little stupd...  Built my first layout, uploaded it to the iPad, can see the Missing Link light flashing, but nothing doing on the GR55.  Frustrating.   :(
Just a reminder, the GR-55 does not automatically respond to CC#, PC, MIDI data. You have to tell it to respond by turning on some things and assigning CCs to target others. Not like a keyboard that just does it by default.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 16, 2011, 10:33:17 AM
Sorry for being late to respond. Exactly what Brent said above. For now I am using just SysEx and I grab them from Gumtown's excellent editor. Just turn on Debug, have a camera handy and point it to your screen while clicking away whichever control you want to learn SysEx for. The actual SysEx sent by editor to the GR55 will be briefly shown on your screen (PC/Mac) so shoot the photo. Move to next control... When you're done capturing what you're interested in then move to MidiTouch or TouchOSC and recreate the controls.

The section of TouchOSC manual posted below by Elantric is key to getting going with SysEx. Variables are very powerful too and as you will see in my example hex variables work very well. You just need to pay attention to the ranges.

Galvanot, great to hear you're making progress. If you can post some screenshots of your design here I can try to duplicate the TouchOSC version and see how it goes.

Regarding TouchOSC vs MidiTouch, I too like the edit on iPad option better over the edit on Mac and load to iPad option. To do each change on iPad I also need to change the Wifi from Missing Link to my home wifi and then back which gets cumbersome after a short while. Still the Missing Link option is what works for me so I'm happy to cope with the extra burden. Feature set wise I am not sure which one wins over the other. Didn't have a chance to compare yet. 
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 16, 2011, 11:12:05 AM
Thanks for all the feedback.  Elantric, that post will be immensely helpful when I get home tonight.  Unfortunately the MIDI Message Generator is crashing my browser, but that's alright; I think I can make do with the information presented above.

Brent, MCK, yes - I was aware that the assigns would need to be enabled and set to receive on CC 1-8.  That was the whole idea behind this template, to provide simple CC messages that could be readily assigned to different parameters on a patch by patch basis.  This seems like the simplest way to use TouchOSC, though it will be of limited use, since the state of those assigns won't be saved after navigating between patches.  (That, and 8 assigns will run out pretty quickly!)

I think the heart of the problem last night was that I began by sending MIDI directly to the Missing Link, as opposed to OSC.  Then, when I realized OSC was a requirement, I simply didn't know the syntax to send a CC message.  I'll try again in a couple of hours, with "/midi/0xb0 1 x" (priceless!) and then move on to capturing some sysex from Floorboard.

Still very excite about this, despite last night's setback. :)

P.S.  We've been dancing around the answer and pretty definitely implying it, but just for the record: MIDITouch absolutely can not be used to send OSC to the Missing Link?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 16, 2011, 11:14:06 AM
Its a labor of love thats for sure. Keep your chin up. We'll get there!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 16, 2011, 02:38:14 PM
QuoteMIDITouch absolutely can not be used to send OSC to the Missing Link?
Correct.

The MidiTouch Forum is here:
http://iosmidi.com/forum/ (http://iosmidi.com/forum/)
Many USB MIDI interfaces support Core Audio and work with the Apple Ipad Camera Kit to provide a straight 5 pin DIN MIDI I/O HARD WIRED connection to the GR-55.

http://iosmidi.com/devices/ (http://iosmidi.com/devices/)
Some tips on getting devices to work:

    Try multiple times. Sometimes devices don't work the first time, unplug them and re-connect them to try again a few times.
    Use a USB Hub. For some reason some devices only work via a USB Hub. This can also be used to power devices, and connect multiple devices to one iPad, and they will work simultaneously
    Charge your iPad. If your iPad is low on charge it may say that your device is 'not compatible', when in fact it is.
    Look for a 'generic driver' setting. It's currently not possible to install drivers on the iPad, and likely never will be. So your device must be class compliant. Some devices have a setting for an 'advanced' driver, if your device has this setting turn it off. Most EDIROL products have this setting on by default and can be made to work by changing it – refer to the manual.
    Check for firmware updates. Some Novation controllers/keyboards can have their firmware (software) updated and will work with the new version.  Note: I have a received a note that apparently this only applies to the the Remote Audio, LE or SL series, and not the 25/37 models.

If you have a device that you have tested that isn't on either list below, or if it's on the wrong list, please leave a comment, email us at devices @ iosmidi.com or use out contact form so we can keep this list accurate!
Devices that work:

    Akai EWI USB
    Akai LPD8
    Akai APC-40 (via powered USB hub)
    Akai LPK25 (has power issues for some users)
    Akai MPK49 & MPK61 (via powered USB hub)
    Akai RPM3 (audio only)
    Akai Synthstation (works via USB hub)
    Akai Synthstation 49
    Alesis DM6
    Alesis DM10
    Alesis iO Dock
    Alesis iO2 (older model, via USB hub)
    Alesis Photon X25
    Alesis Q25
    Alesis Q49 (works via USB bus – no external power necessary)
    Aturia Analog Factory CME Controller Keyboard
    Audiotrak MIDI Mate
    American Audio VMS4 DJ (works with power supply, audio on channel 1 works also)
    Arturia Analog Factory 'The Laboratory' 49 Key (using supplied power adaptor)
    Axiom 49 (2nd Gen)
    Axon AX 50
    Behringer BCF2000 (experiment with output 'modes', U-4 works well for in & out)
    Behringer BCR2000 (experiment with output 'modes', U-4 works well for in & out)
    Behringer iAxe 323 USB Guitar (audio only)
    Behringer UMA25S (audio & MIDI)
    Behringer UMX25
    Behringer UMX61
    Behringer UMX490
    Bespeco MIDI Cable
    Carillon M1X1
    Casio DG-20 Guitar Synth
    Casio Privia PX-130
    Casio WK7500
    CME U2MIDI
    CME U-Key 49 Mobiletone
    Dave Smith Instruments Tetr4
    Digitech GNX4 (audio & MIDI)
    DSI Mopho Keyboard
    DSI Tetra
    Doepfer Dark Energy
    Doepfer Dark Time
    E-MU X MIDI 1×1 Tab
    E-MU Xmidi 2×2
    EDIROL PCR-M80 (use settings to set USB driver to 'generic' [see instruction manual] – thanks Lorenzo!)
    EDIROL PCR-1 (via USB Hub, audio interface also works)
    EDIROL PCR-A30 (via adaptor or USB Hub, audio doesn't work)
    EDIROL PCR-30 (set USB mode driver to 'generic')
    EDIROL PCR-300 (set USB mode driver to 'generic', works with Boss PSA-120T power adaptor, and PSB1-U also.  PSU rated at +9.6 VDC 200mA center-negative.)
    EDIROL PCR-800 (set USB mode driver to 'generic')
    EDIROL UA-1D (via USB hub, adds noticeable latency)
    EDIROL UA-25EX (via USB hub, audio only)
    EDIROL UM-1ex (set USB mode driver to 'generic')
    EDIROL UM-1sx
    EDIROL UM-2ex (NB: Roland UM-2 [not EDIROL] does not work)
    Elektron TM-1
    ESI KeyControl 25 XT
    ESI M8U
    ESI Midimate II
    Evolution MK-361C (works without external power or hub needed)
    Focusrite VRM Box (via USB Hub, hardware only)
    Genovation 900-MPC Midi Patch Changer
    HDE USB->MIDI Cable ($5 on Amazon!)
    JamHub TourBus (via USB hub)
    Kawai MP8II
    Korg KP3 KAOSS PAD
    Korg Kaossilator Pro (instruction manual [PDF] has useful info for settings)
    Korg K25
    Korg Kontrol 49 (with power adaptor)
    Korg microSAMPLER & microKONTROL
    Korg M3
    Korg M50
    Korg microKEY 37 (via USB hub)
    Korg MicroX
    Korg nanoKEY, nanoPAD & nanoControl
    Korg Pandora PX5D
    Korg R3 (using supplied power supply)
    Korg RADIUS
    Korg Triton TR Series
    Korg X50
    Kurzweil PC3
    Livid Block (via powered USB hub)
    Livid Block Ohm64 (via powered USB hub)
    Lexicon Omega
    Line 6 Pocket POD (MIDI only)
    LogiLink USB MIDI Cable
    Logitech Premium Notebook USB Headset (audio only – boom works for audio input, headphones monitor iPad output)
    Mackie XD-2
    Mistar MidiLink (may need a few tries to be recognised)
    M-Audio Axiom 49 (1st gen) (mixed reports – try a USB hub)
    M-Audio Axiom Pro 61
    M-Audio Evolution X-Session (with 9V DC center-positive adaptor)
    M-Audio Keystudio (via USB hub or with external power)
    M-Audio O2 (when plugged in)
    M-Audio Oxygen 8 (with batteries/adaptor, via USB hub)
    M-Audio Oxygen 8 3rd Gen
    M-Audio Oxygen 49 (via powered hub)
    M-Audio Oxygen 61
    M-Audio Prokeys Sono 61
    M-Audio Prokeys 88
    M-Audio Prokeys 88SX
    M-Audio Uno 1×1 (Note: older models when M-Audio was called Midiman do not work. M-Audio changed name in 2002, newer/current models work fine. See comments for more detail.)
    M-Audio Keystation 49a (set USB Driver to 'generic')
    M-Audio Keystation Pro-88
    M-Audio KeyRig
    M-Audio XSession Pro
    M-Audio Venom (USB audio works well, MIDI a little patchy)
    Moog Little Phatty Stage II
    Moog Multipedal (Moog's MIDI In get's routed into the iPad also)
    Novation Remote 25 LE
    Novation Remote SL series
    Novation X-Station (with power adaptor)
    Novation Xio 25 (audio & MIDI)
    Presonus Audiobox USB (audio & MIDI, via powered hub)
    Prodipe Midi USB 1i1o
    Roland A-300PRO (A-500PRO, A-800PRO, and equivalently named Cakewalk products should also work – TBC)
    Roland Cakewalk A-500S Master Keyboard (with batteries, advanced driver off)
    Roland FP-7F
    Roland HP 305
    Roland Lucina
    Roland Octapad SPD-30
    Sequentix Cirklon
    Sonuus i2M Musicport
    Studiologic VMK-161 (via powered hub)
    Studiologic VMK-188
    Swissonic MIID-USB 1×1
    Terrasoniq MIDI ONE
    Terratec Axon AX 50
    Turtle Beach USB MIDI 1×1 (via powered hub, sometimes works without)
    V-Machine VST Player
    Waldorf Blofeld (desktop version)
    Yamaha E430
    Yamaha Ez250i
    Yamaha KX-8
    Yamaha UX-16
    Yamaha S90ES
    Yamaha Stage Piano 3P00 (external power needed, set local control off, MIDI on)
    Yamaha WX-5 EWI (with adaptor, via USB hub)
    Yamaha YDP-V240
    Yamaha YPG-235
    Yamaha YPG-625
    Zoom A2.1u (audio only, via USB hub)
    Zoom H4n (audio only)
    Zoom R16 (audio only, via USB hub)


Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 16, 2011, 08:04:32 PM
I'm in business - thanks so much guys!  I've attached my very simple template in case anyone is curious.  It's just 8 sliders assigned to MIDI CC 1-8 respectively.  On the GR55 the 8 assigns are set up to receive accordingly, and right now I'm using these for gain, bass, mid, treble, presence, reverb, level, PCM1 level and PCM 2 level.  It's a great start but obviously I'm out of assigns and there's so much more I want to do, so I'll need to learn the messages required to talk to some of these params directly.  There will definitely be an assigns page just like this one in my final build, though.

I was very pleased to see that these assign states are being stored permanently when I press the Write button.  Even in this simple state, this is already a big help w/ patch programming.  Exciting stuff.

Hans, I love the Missing Link!  Thank you!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Spider on August 17, 2011, 04:14:15 AM
Quote from: gumtown on March 10, 2011, 10:19:40 PM
The GR-55 is not fussy about checksum, you can feed it any value for realtime system exclusive control.
May be a different story for writing data to memory though.

If you want to access the Preset patches under the Catagory buttons, the "LEAD" ones start at Bank 16 (hexadecimal 10).

I'm try use Kore 2 Controller via Midi Pipe to control GR55 and start looking for about info about SysEx. So for any one who want calculate checksum I could recommend this tutorial: http://www.2writers.com/eddie/TutSysEx.htm. (http://www.2writers.com/eddie/TutSysEx.htm.) It's maybe time consuming but it's easy.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Spider on August 17, 2011, 06:01:15 AM
Quote from: MCK on August 16, 2011, 10:33:17 AM
/.../ The actual SysEx sent by editor to the GR55 will be briefly shown on your screen (PC/Mac) so shoot the photo. Move to next control... /.../

If you work on Mac you can use MIDI Pipe or MIDI Monitor to monitor all midi events.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 17, 2011, 09:18:19 AM
QuoteTo do each change on iPad I also need to change the Wifi from Missing Link to my home wifi and then back which gets cumbersome after a short while.

Are you uploading your templates wirelessly?  I'm using a USB cable and uploading via iTunes, so there's no need to change the WiFi setting.  I just have to reselect the template in TouchOSC after modifying and replacing the template.  I've been making little visual modifications on each revision (and will probably start putting a revision number onscreen) so that I know for sure I'm testing the new version.  Anything to help minimize the turnaround time on each revision will add up.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 17, 2011, 10:55:56 AM
Yup. I was loading wirelessly but I will try the itunes route next time. version update is a good idea. I am waiting on some input from Hans on the use of multi-button/toggles and then will spend some time building additional features.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on August 17, 2011, 04:14:15 PM
Hi guys, sorry to be out of the loop - I'll bookmark this thread and check it regularly since notifications still aren't getting through.

Marc, sounds like your questions got taken care of?  Glad you got it working!  We'd love to be able to make the ML accept wireless CoreMIDI; it actually is capable of handling it in theory, however it would require a firmware re-write.  I've been trying to make that happen, but I'd say it's more likely when the Portland winter sets back in.

I should point out that the ML is a core-compliant USB MIDI device, so if you want to use MIDI Touch or other MIDI apps with it via the Camera Kit (iPad only), then it should work for that.  I should ask them to add us to the list.  If you bought your ML a while back, you'll probably want to upgrade the firmware since there were some fixes to the MIDI that were made.  The updater is currently Win7 and Vista only: http://wifimidi.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=125 (http://wifimidi.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=125)  This will also allow you to use the Control app, which allows scripting via javascript so you can do much more than you could with TouchOSC (with the caveat that there's not even a WYSIWYG editor).  I'll post some sample code on the ML forum hopefully this weekend in case anyone wants to dig in with that.

MCK: multi-toggle/multi-push won't work with the ML - their OSC format makes them incompatible.  That's another one I'd love to solve in the firmware, but since I'm not the one who writes the firmware it's subject to the same seasonal constraints.  Answers to your other questions are in the mail.

I guess there's no time like the present to point out that the ML's firmware is open-source.  We haven't been advertising that, but it's using code which is licensed in such a way as to dictate that we make our entire code publicly available (and, in turn, any code derived from it will also be).  So if anybody really wants to dig in and customize the ML, that option is certainly available.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 17, 2011, 04:39:18 PM
Quote from: armatronix on August 17, 2011, 04:14:15 PM
MCK: multi-toggle/multi-push won't work with the ML - their OSC format makes them incompatible.  That's another one I'd love to solve in the firmware, but since I'm not the one who writes the firmware it's subject to the same seasonal constraints.  Answers to your other questions are in the mail.

I guess there's no time like the present to point out that the ML's firmware is open-source.  We haven't been advertising that, but it's using code which is licensed in such a way as to dictate that we make our entire code publicly available (and, in turn, any code derived from it will also be).  So if anybody really wants to dig in and customize the ML, that option is certainly available.

Great to have your presence here. Thanks for answering our questions. It is wonderful to have this level of support.

Regarding firmware being opensource... Me me me me!!! :-) Please put me on it.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 17, 2011, 07:06:18 PM
Good times...  I think this attachment will make some of you pretty happy.  I know I am! :)

There is now a "Guitar and Amplifier" page in addition to my simple Assigns page.  It allows for amp tweaking, COSM tone and pickup selection, PCM level mixing, reverb send adjustments, microphone positioning, etc.  The only major things I haven't figured out from the COSM guitar and amp blocks were actual model selections.  These appear to be sending multiple SysEx strings such that I can't get a good look at the first one.  I will experiment more with this.

Up next are the delay and chorus blocks, then I'll have to decide how/whether to tackle the MFX and MOD.  Those will probably be more work (as gumtown can likely attest) since there is more interaction between effect setting and applicable control visibility.

Then I'm going to add an alternate tuning page, and lastly - my pie-in-the-sky aim, a page for tweaking actual PCM synth settings.  That one's going to take a while, but it will be invaluable in terms of developing truly original sounds.

The one major weakness in this set up is that there is no visual feedback when you're selecting, for instance, spekaer cabs, and there's no reference as to where a control defaults to when a patch loads.  You're pretty much destructively editing the moment you touch a fader or rotary encoder.  This might become an issue when it comes to fine-tuning sounds you already know you *almost* love.  It's also going to be a problem in selecting from among dozens of amps, or hundreds of PCM tones.

OK, I'm off to play!  More on this tomorrow...

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 17, 2011, 07:07:08 PM
Attached is a screen cap for those curious, but without an iPad etc.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 17, 2011, 07:10:26 PM
You're on a roll. Hard to keep up with you. This looks great!!!

I just heard this from Hans about buttons with on & off state. It is possible to send a different SysEx for each state. Simply use the following format :

/midi/button/<on message>/<off message>

I will combine your 2 pages with my patch navigation page tonight and post a new version.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 17, 2011, 08:01:05 PM
Jumped the gun and started a rudimentary alt. tuning tab as this is an important feature for me.  It's got some pretty serious issues at the moment though.  It will be a no brainer to add a bunch of labels calling out the half step intervals.  But there's a more serious problem in that the detune is happening micro-tonally.  Is there a way to give a fader a range of x-y in increments of z?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 17, 2011, 08:01:53 PM
...and another screen cap.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on August 17, 2011, 10:06:07 PM
Quote from: mbenigni on August 17, 2011, 08:01:05 PM
Is there a way to give a fader a range of x-y in increments of z?

I'm not sure I completely understand this question, but no there's not a way to do increments other than 1.  The way I'd suggest would be to create a button for each desired increment.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 17, 2011, 10:28:51 PM
How about using the multi range option?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 18, 2011, 07:46:22 AM
QuoteMarc, sounds like your questions got taken care of?  Glad you got it working!

Yes, all of my fundamental questions have been answered.  Now it will just be down to GR55 specifics, and few miscellaneous questions that I expect will be met with "not supported by TouchOSC".  (See below.)  Thanks again for your excellent support, this has already gone so much better than I'd hoped.

QuoteYou're on a roll. Hard to keep up with you.

Thanks, MCK.  I will be working very quickly for the simple reason that I want to begin using this tool YESTERDAY.  This is basically a realization of a dream I've had for years now, though I'd originally hoped for a tablet PC fast enough to run Guitar Rig.  That never materialized, nor would Guitar Rig's UI have been very workable on a touch screen.  While I still feel that Guitar Rig sounds a whole lot better than the GR55, the GR55 brings a lot more functionality to the table.  So on balance I'm EXTREMELY pleased. 

This Missing Link/TouchOSC solution - even in this early stage - is already something I can use in rehearsal and performance.  It's going to make my life much easier.

Quotearmatronix:  I'm not sure I completely understand this question, but no there's not a way to do increments other than 1.  The way I'd suggest would be to create a button for each desired increment.

MCK:  How about using the multi range option?

To clarify, it looks like string detuning is happening in increments greater than one (but hopefully linear) in order to produce half step jumps.  Instead of incrementing across a range of (0x28..0x58) I might need to something along the lines of (0x28/n..0x58/n) * n where n is the difference between half steps.  (But this morning it occurred to me that the continuous detuning might be useful for whammy effects, or even the B-bender that the GR55 is presumed not to support.)

A button for each increment (once I've identified them) would likely work, but this would be very tedious to layout and program.  It might come to that though.  However, buttons per each value is probably the solution I'll use for amp and guitar selection, since there's no other way to get model name feedback on screen.  First I'll need to hear from gumtown as to how to actually select these.  :)

QuoteHow about using the multi range option?

I thought multi-ranges were used for multiple targets, so I'm not sure that would be applicable.  If it can be used for multiple values, the syntax would probably result in a very long string, possibly exceeding a maximum.

So my end-goal is to have a tool that's comprehensive enough that I won't need to use a PC to program patches anymore.  Obviously there will be sacrifices if I continue to use TouchOSC vs a full-featured structured programming language, but I'd rather get this done in hours vs. weeks.  I'm also eliminating redundancies (e.g. on/off switches where full cut of level will do) to keep the UI clean and save time.  Here's what remains, with notes, questions, caveats:

- Amp and guitar selection.  (The latter is a bit complicated per instrument type control.)  What is the SysEx to achieve this?  In debug mode on Floorboard, the SysEx appears not to change, which probably implies a sequence of SysEx strings are being sent.
- Patch navigation. (Will incorporate MCK's User bank fader onto the Guitar/Amp page, and possibly a tab with all of his other controls.)
- An on-screen write button, and optionally, the ability to rename patches.
- I expect this is not supported by TouchOSC, but it's a pie-in-the-sky aim to have all the controls jump to their appropriate values when a patch is loaded.
- Labeling to call out fader position values, e.g. pickup positions, mic models, etc. in cases where there aren't a bzillion options. :)
- Effect programming for DLY, CHO, EQ, MOD, MFX.
- Deep synth programming for PCM1, PCM2.
- An alternate Assigns tab with XY pad(s), just for fun. :)
- Optional: Assign programming (would make the existing Assign tab very powerful.)

I'd also like to get some system-level features in, primarily to make GK calibration easier, but this may be problematic in absense of feedback from the GR55 to TouchOSC.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 18, 2011, 08:22:42 AM
This is a great laundry list. TouchOSC does allow updating controls with values from the device but I have not yet figured out how to make this work with GR55 & Missing Link. Perhaps Hans might have an idea.

I learned of a way (thanks Hans) to make my 9 sliders into 3 for patch changes. I'm thinking of updating that page to have 3 sliders and some buttons to jump to some presets.

Write is going to be a problem. I asked Gumtown about this and he confirmed there is no fixed Write Sysex command. What you are writing and where you are writing it to is all integrated into the SysEx sent so this may not be possible with TouchOSC.

Great progress once again. Please post your latest so I can incorporate the sliders for Patches. Thanks
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 18, 2011, 08:52:11 AM
Thanks, MCK.  Re: the following:

QuoteWhat you are writing and where you are writing it to is all integrated into the SysEx sent so this may not be possible with TouchOSC.

...Not sure how much of "what you are writing" is embedded in the SysEx.  It would be surprising if it included a whole lot in the way of patch content, since that is being transmitted to the GR in realtime as changes are made.  As for "where you are writing it", that makes sense, and it implies the bank and patch number would need to be stored in persistent variables of some kind - for instance, hidden fader controls.  This brings us back to loading control states into Touch OSC on patch load, though, so we need to start there.  If we hit a brick wall on loading control states, then yes, I'd probably have to give up on the Write button, too.

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 18, 2011, 09:23:30 AM
QuoteIt would be surprising if it included a whole lot in the way of patch content, since that is being transmitted to the GR in realtime as changes are made.

Ah.  And it suddenly occurs to me that a lot is probably written even relating to controls that haven't been changed, which would support gumtown's point.  Oh well, big toe on the Write button it is. 
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 18, 2011, 10:47:10 AM
Indeed. I think we might end up moving to Control which is another OSC based tool which Missing Link is compatible with. I took a quick look at Control and it appears to be less GUI driven and more programmatically built up. This means its harder to get going but offers more capability down the road. Lets see how far we can push Touch OSC for now.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on August 18, 2011, 11:24:03 AM
Send sysex data back to TouchOSC isn't going to really be possible unless he implements support for wildcard characters in the OSC addresses, and even then it might be tricky.

I'd say that Control offers many more possibilities for doing this type of thing, although I can't really guess as to the difficulty of the project.

Control should also cover all of the other limitations that we've already found in TouchOSC.  Things like increments other than +/-1, up/down buttons instead of sliders for patch selection or parameter adjustment (with value labels), storage of the last known control state, multi-byte ranging... all of this is possible at least in theory.

Actually, storage/recall of control states may make it unnecessary to have the GR-55 send data back.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 18, 2011, 11:34:35 AM
Exactly. As you may have noticed, other than Gumtown none of us have a very good grasp about the GR55 SysEx structure etc. Experimentation with TouchOSC is a good learning opportunity. Control might be where we end up or even direct programming in an IOS app language. Cheers
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on August 18, 2011, 11:41:14 AM
Here's a link to my Missing Link example template, it gives some basic methods for doing the normal stuff that MIDI does:

http://wifimidi.com/control/MLexample.js (http://wifimidi.com/control/MLexample.js)

Note the refresh button, that will allow me to update the interface on my server, and then when you press refresh, Control will grab the new version off the web.  I think that's a pretty cool feature.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 18, 2011, 11:45:15 AM
Quote from: armatronix on August 18, 2011, 11:41:14 AM
Here's a link to my Missing Link example template, it gives some basic methods for doing the normal stuff that MIDI does:

http://wifimidi.com/control/MLexample.js (http://wifimidi.com/control/MLexample.js)

Note the refresh button, that will allow me to update the interface on my server, and then when you press refresh, Control will grab the new version off the web.  I think that's a pretty cool feature.

This is amazing. Thanks for sharing that. It looks very straight forward. Just one more thing to learn!  ::)

Edit - I am saving my Control template on a public folder in DropBox. This makes for very fast work cycle. Make a change, save on Mac/PC to dropbox wait for 3 seconds for DropBox to upload to web for public access, hit refresh on Control app. Very cool. Visuals are not as appealing and drag / drop is missing which makes interface design a slower process but I'm sure these will improve over time. Lets see if I can get some GR55 stuff going.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 18, 2011, 07:30:15 PM
Added PCM1 and PCM2 editing tabs.  A couple of caveats with these which I will document tomorrow.  I think I already have solutions in mind for all of them, but if I don't shut down this computer soon, I will probably have found the Missing Link between marriage and divorce.  ;)

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 18, 2011, 07:31:01 PM
...and a screen cap.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 18, 2011, 07:32:12 PM
P.S.  Started looking into Control and JSON files.  Interesting stuff, but getting back to the whole matter of time/marriage management, I think I'll have to pick my battles and take a pass on that one.  :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 18, 2011, 07:33:09 PM
Visuals look amazing!!! Can't wait to give it a try. Have a good evening

Edit - Looks & works great as far as I can tell. I added my patch changer sliders (new version - only 4 for the whole range) in to the Alt Tuning page since there was some space there. You can move them to where they need to go with copy/paste. Here it is  :
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on August 19, 2011, 01:22:28 AM
Too bad I don't have any Apple appliances to try it, but if theere is any information you need to know about the GR-55 internal data, I am happy to help.

There are a few problems I can foresee you will encounter down the track, depending on how flexible the app designer software is.

First I can see the application is running blind without the current GR-55 patch settings updating the knob and slider positions.
If possible I might suggest having the controls reading an internal initialization *.syx patch file (as attached)
and then having the application request the current GR-55 patch settings, either by a request button, or the application 'listens' to the midi input for a patch change message, then sends this to the GR-55
F0 41 10 00 00 53 11 18 00 00 00 00 00 31 34 03 F7
which the GR-55 will return the current patch to the application, the application can use it to replace the initialization *.syx and refresh the GUI controls to the reletive GR-55 settings.

Other issues you may encounter,
most of the PCM synth controls have a display range of 0~100 or -50~+50, but the data range is 1~128 (hex 1~7F).
PCM Octave selection -3~+3, the data range is hex 3D~43. (doesn't start from 0, but is centered at 64)
The MFX 3 tap pan delay will blow your mind, but there is a logical way in which it works over 5 bytes per delay.
The assigns min & max use 3 bytes of data F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 18 00 01 10 03 0E 05 41 F7
03 0E 05 is actually 3E5, if you can see the way that works.

In FxFloorBoard I had to make use of lookup tables in a structured *.xml document.
BTW: the FxFloorBoard project is opensource, and the code is freely avaliable for use
http://grfloorboard.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/grfloorboard/ (http://grfloorboard.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/grfloorboard/)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Spider on August 19, 2011, 04:22:47 AM
Gumtown, it possible to add a MIDI Learn function to your editor? Or assign CC to knobs etc.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 06:19:50 AM
Thanks, MCK.  I meant to incorporate your patch selection sliders last night but ran out of time.  One of the great things about a drag and drop tool like TouchOSC, vs. a scripting language is this: once we have all the pieces in place, it is really easy for anyone to cut and paste components onto tabs and into locations that make sense for them.  I know that when I'm done getting all the functionality mapped out, I will be rethinking what is and isn't important to me in a live context, and rearranging what is currently the "Guitar and Amp" page to suit.

Gumtown you're absolutely right in pointing out that the application is "running blind".  This is the single biggest drawback to using TouchOSC, I think.  According to Hans, feedback from GR55 to TouchOSC is not supported by Missing Link, and I have no reason to doubt him.  So for now I'm thinking of it as a known limitation.  The "workaround" (albeit a difficult one) is to stay away from onscreen controls for parameters you don't want changed, and to expect to have to use your ears if you don't know where a control was previously set when you begin tweaking.  It's not great, but the alternative is to spend several weeks rolling my own app, which I simply can't afford to do right now.

The other limitations:  I'll need to rename and Write on the GR55 itself.  Not the end of the world.

As for the ranges, I think I have a handle on that - thanks to you!  I'm just watching the debug dump in Floorboard and stealing what I need.  Thank you for all your R&D here; it's been invaluable.

I do have two outstanding questions I've been waiting for answers on, though: how do you change amp model and COSM guitar model?  The hex dumped when these controls change appears to be the same, which has led me to believe that two or more SysEx messages are being sent, with a latter common message masking the first?  Changing amp model is the one thing I need to be able to do to make this template useful right now.  The rest is icing.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 06:26:21 AM
MCK, re: those PCM1/PCM2 tabs.  Obviously they need cosmetic work.  I was changing my mind as I worked top to bottom as to which controls to use, as I slowly began to run out of real estate. :)

The rotary encoders look really cool but they're kind of a PITA to actually work with, so I will probably replace most of these with multi-faders (as soon as I figure out how to program them.)

Similarly, I may replace certain pairs of knobs with XY pads where interactivity might be fun, e.g. cutoff and resonance.  Also plan to replace Assigns 5-8 with two pairs of XY pads on the Assigns tab.  XY's also strike me as a very intuitive treatment for volume/pan pairs; much easier to work with "under fire" than a couple of rotaries.

Controls with very broad ranges need help, e.g. supplementary buttons to get you to specific settings.  Best example is LFO range - in addition to the time sweep, there need to be individual buttons for 1/4 note, dotted 1/4 note, et al.  This is going to be tedious as hell, but it's absolutely necessary.  Similarly, for PCM Tone Selection, I might want buttons for instrument groups, e.g. Piano, Pads, etc. with a relative sweep of the fader from there.  It's going to boil down to your ears though, as there are too many instruments to try to get them all on screen.

Amp selection (and possibly patch selection) will probably come down to a page with an array of labeled buttons, for clarity and ease of selection.

Note that the labeling on faders and rotaries are somewhat bogus, as there are no real "detents".  I slapped them down for reference and still need to calibrate their position so that they provide realistic feedback as to what's been selected.

Getting there...
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 06:44:13 AM
One more question for gumtown (in addition to COSM amp/guitar selection):  because I despise the two-footswitch combos on the GR55, are you aware of SysEx to turn on/off the Tuner, and the Looper mode?  Thanks!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Spider on August 19, 2011, 06:45:34 AM
Yet another question:
I try learn something about sysex. Communication from PC to GR55 is clear for me but... How read sysex from GR55.

Is GR55 sending sysex without request? or I should use this is request for parameters:

F0 41 10 00 00 53 11 18 00 10 0A

but what should be after 0A? F7 or what?

/edit/
It shoud be F0 41 10 00 00 53 11 18 00 10 0A 000001 [give me 1 byte] FF [any check sum or valid chk sum] F7 ????

Sorry if this question is stupid but for me is some kind of black magic.



Quote from: gumtown on March 11, 2011, 12:56:40 AM
/.../

Your sysx messages for parameter control need to start with F0 and end with F7. typical data structure is

F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 18 00 10 0A 00 4E F7      = switch Modeling Tone 'on'
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 18 00 10 0A 01 4D F7      = switch modeling tone 'off'

F0 = sysx message header (message start)
41 = Roland device (manufacuter ID)
10 = Device midi Identity (fixed at device ID 16)
00 00 53 = Roland GR-55 identification
12 = sending parameter change data (11 = requesting data from the GR-55)
18 00 10 0A = address for modeling tone switch in Temporary memory address (10 = guitar modeling, 0A tone switch address)
00 = 'off, 01 = 'on'
4E or 4D = data checksum value
F7 = sysx message finished.


Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 07:29:57 AM
Quote from: MCK on August 17, 2011, 10:28:51 PM
How about using the multi range option?

I think I understand your point now - I'm guessing you meant "multi-pushbutton", which would be perfect for the alt. tuning application among other things.

Problem is, I can't find any documentation on how to program for the different indexes on these "multi" controls.  I need some help with multi-buttons and multi-faders ASAP in order to keep this UI as clean as possible.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 19, 2011, 07:48:07 AM
I asume you have looked here:
http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-controls-reference (http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-controls-reference)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 09:30:50 AM
Quote from: Elantric on August 19, 2011, 07:48:07 AM
I asume you have looked here:
http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-controls-reference (http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-controls-reference)
Yes, and that site has some pretty clear examples of syntax for programming to specific elements of an indexed control, but no examples of how to MIDI messages or SysEx with embedded values based on the index(es) touched by the user.  I'll post something to the forum and wait for feedback, and continue limping along with the simpler controls in the meantime.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 19, 2011, 10:00:49 AM
Quote from: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 07:29:57 AM
I think I understand your point now - I'm guessing you meant "multi-pushbutton", which would be perfect for the alt. tuning application among other things.

Problem is, I can't find any documentation on how to program for the different indexes on these "multi" controls.  I need some help with multi-buttons and multi-faders ASAP in order to keep this UI as clean as possible.

Hi there. Hans wrote to me earlier on about the multis as I asked the same question. Current version of TouchOSC does not support what we need. No way to use them productively in Missing Link as is.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 19, 2011, 11:32:01 AM
Another option for Midi Touch and similar app users. Rather than going with the Camera Kit + USB based Midi connector something like this should work well too...

http://www.bananasmusic.com/productdetail.asp/pid_18738 (http://www.bananasmusic.com/productdetail.asp/pid_18738)

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 11:35:44 AM
Quote from: MCK on August 19, 2011, 10:00:49 AM
Hi there. Hans wrote to me earlier on about the multis as I asked the same question. Current version of TouchOSC does not support what we need. No way to use them productively in Missing Link as is.

Thanks, that actually saved me a lot of time!

New version on it's way in a couple of hours, with tons of new features.   :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 19, 2011, 11:39:48 AM
Quote from: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 11:35:44 AM
Thanks, that actually saved me a lot of time!

New version on it's way in a couple of hours, with tons of new features.   :)

Most welcome.! You're a dynamo! Thats the value of a gui driven tool like TouchOSC. I think its perfect to do interface mockups too and eventually if we settle on a design that works for most folks we can invest time in Control or even a native IOS app. I looked at Control a little and its very straight forward but without a WYSIWIG GUI builder its a very slow process putting something together. TouchOSC is tops for now.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 12:39:25 PM
Agreed.  The scripting looks pretty straightforward but changes of mind would be a lot more expensive.  I actually balked at the idea of setting up all the tools, since I don't have Osculator, don't typically use a Mac etc.  The administrative tasks put me off more than the programming.  But even the latter would have been too time-consuming I think.  (And native iOS is brutal if you're not a long-time Cocoa developer.  I wrote a little video game for the iPhone a couple of years ago - never got it to market - and I hated every minute of it.)

Anyway... see attached!  :)  I won't bother with a screen cap since nearly every tab has changed.  The first page might be a little cramped for live use now, but much more functionality is there, ready to be spread across multiple tabs and resized as needed.

Take heed of the warning on the GK page:  YOU CAN OVERWRITE YOUR STRING SENSIVITITIES JUST BY TOUCHING ONE OF THOSE CONTROLS!  I intend to make a copy of my GK set before experimenting there.

What remains:  MOD, MFX, and COSM instrument modeling.  These are really pretty huge, maybe not even feasible, since they hide so many controls per each specific effect, etc.  I'll try to work out some kind of plan of attack over the weekend.  In the meantime, I really need the SysEx for Guitar Category, Guitar, Amp, and MOD/MFX effect type selection.  In each of these cases, the SysEx debug string is immediately overwritten by another string that never changes.  :(
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 12:46:31 PM
On second thought, can't resist posting the highlights.   :D

It occurs to me that the AMP/MOD sends for DLY and CHO should be on the Guitar/Amplifier page as well as appearing on the effects page.  I've already done this with the reverb send.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 19, 2011, 01:49:33 PM
Sorry for the spam, but here is a rev with some cosmetic improvements, better alt. tuning preset selection, chorus and delay sends in the amp section, and partial user patch navigation (as much I'll ever use.)  The patch navigation is on the GK page, since accidentally touching this will immediately wipe out all of your unsaved patch programming.

Elantric, let me know if you'd rather I stop posting these revisions.  I am slightly obsessed with this project.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on August 19, 2011, 01:50:38 PM
This is looking great so far!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 19, 2011, 01:59:01 PM
QuoteThis is looking great so far!

+1 !!!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 19, 2011, 02:23:44 PM
Karma to you! Please keep the updates coming. Apologies to your wife. We will collectively beg her to keep you!  ;D
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on August 20, 2011, 02:48:07 AM
Quote from: Spider on August 19, 2011, 06:45:34 AM
Yet another question:
I try learn something about sysex. Communication from PC to GR55 is clear for me but... How read sysex from GR55.

Is GR55 sending sysex without request? or I should use this is request for parameters:

F0 41 10 00 00 53 11 18 00 10 0A

but what should be after 0A? F7 or what?

/edit/
It shoud be F0 41 10 00 00 53 11 18 00 10 0A 000001 [give me 1 byte] FF [any check sum or valid chk sum] F7 ????

Sorry if this question is stupid but for me is some kind of black magic.
Almost right, after the 4 byte address should be a 4 byte data size for the requested data, starting at the request address [00 00 00 01 for 1 byte].
For the whole patch the size is [00 00 31 33] being the PCM 2 synth part 2 section [31] and the last parameter of that address at [33]

Here are the addresses of some main sections of a GR-55 patch
18 00 00 xx   Names and Pedal
18 00 01 xx   Master Assign 1-6
18 00 02 xx   Master Assign 7-8
18 00 03 xx   MFX part 1
18 00 04 xx   MFX part 2
18 00 06 xx   chorus-delay-reverb-eq
18 00 07 xx   preamp-NS-MOD
18 00 10 xx   Guitar mode Modeling
18 00 11 xx   Bass mode modeling
18 00 20 xx   PCM-1-part A
18 00 21 xx   PCM-2-part A
18 00 30 xx   PCM-1-part B
18 00 31 xx   PCM-2-part B

One thing that can be done is to edit the opposite mode (guitar/bass) modeling settings (won't hear the opposite mode though), to do that on the GR-55 you have to switch mode/off/on to access parameter settings.
The first byte of every patch is a mode flag (guitar/bass) which indicates the mode the patch originated from, but does not change if saved under different modes, all patches have guitar and bass mode modeling parameters within them, only the assigns are different between both modes (a few less assigns in bass mode due to the fewer cosm models).
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: polaris20 on August 20, 2011, 07:06:41 PM
As awesome as all this hard work truly is, I can't help but think how cool it would have been if Roland had just included bluetooth in the 55, and then just offered an app in Apple's App Store and the Android Market. The technology is obviously there, and I can't imagine it would add a ton of overhead to the price.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 20, 2011, 07:10:42 PM
I think I recall them citing cost as the reason for not offering a PC/Mac editor etc. This is also probably the reason why they limited the feature set not to include BT & mobile apps etc.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 21, 2011, 02:08:20 PM
I finally got amp selection onto the first page.  Found the hex code by way of trial and error, but it was pretty much right where I expected. 

Not having any luck thus far with Tone Category and Tone Number selection for COSM guitars. Gumtown, can you please help with these??

The interface for amp selection is not ideal, but it gets the job done.  A dedicated page with buttons may ultimately do better.  Meanwhile I had to move the 12 string stuff to the tuning page, as that "guitar/amp" page is (not surprisingly) getting rather cramped.

It's the little things that are making this project difficult.  I hate the fact that the TouchOSC labels are always centered!  It means the only way to left-justify is to size them one by one by hand based on the length of text, BUT it's not quite WYSIWYG - the iPad crops a lot of stuff that looks fine on-screen.  So, lots of back and forth.   :P
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 21, 2011, 02:20:36 PM
Just amazing! You have a true interface design talent! Thanks for all your hard work
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on August 21, 2011, 02:28:50 PM
It's a little tricky, address "00" you select the catagory, and at the same time, depending on the catagory chosen, a value is selected from addresses 1~4.
You would need to send a 5 byte string of data to the GR-55 from address 00 to 04.

00   Category   
      value   desc
      00   Electric Guitar
      01   Acoustic
      02   Electric Bass
      03   Synth

01   E.Guitar   
      value   desc
      00   01: E.Guitar - Classic-Stratocaster
      01   02: E.Guitar - Modern-Stratocaster
      02   03: E.Guitar - H+H-Stratocaster
      03   04: E.Guitar - Telecaster
      04   05: E.Guitar - Les Paul
      05   06: E.Guitar - Les Paul P-90
      06   07: E.Guitar - LIPS
      07   08: E.Guitar - Rickenbacker
      08   09: E.Guitar - Gibson 335
      09   10: E.Guitar - Gibson L4

02   Acoustic Type   
      value   desc
      00   11: Acoustic - STEEL
      01   12: Acoustic - NYLON
      02   13: Acoustic - SITAR
      03   14: Acoustic - BANJO
      04   15: Acoustic - RESONATOR

03   E.Bass   
      value   desc
      00   16: E.Bass - Jazz Bass
      01   17: E.Bass - Precision Bass

04   Synth   
      value   desc
      00   18: Synth - Analog GR
      01   19: Synth - WAVE
      02   20: Synth - Filter Bass
      03   21: Synth - CRYSTAL
      04   22: Synth - ORGAN
      05   23: Synth - BRASS
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on August 21, 2011, 02:38:36 PM
Here is the Bass Mode ones too, the bass mode catagory resides in the guitar modeling address range.

05   Category   
   PARAM
      value   desc
      00   Electric Bass
      01   Synth
      02   Electric Guitar
06   E.Bass   
   PARAM
      value   desc
      00   01: E.Bass - Vintage Jazz-Bass
      01   02: E.Bass - Jazz-Bass
      02   03: E.Bass - Vintage Precision-Bass
      03   04: E.Bass - Precision-Bass
      04   05: E.Bass - Music-Man
      05   06: E.Bass - Rickenbacker
      06   07: E.Bass - Thunder-Bird
      07   08: E.Bass - Active
      08   09: E.Bass - Hofner Violin
07   Synth   
   PARAM
      value   desc
      00   10: Synth - Analog GR
      01   11: Synth - WAVE
      02   12: Synth - Filter Bass
      03   13: Synth - CRYSTAL
      04   14: Synth - ORGAN
      05   15: Synth - BRASS
08   E.Guitar   
   PARAM
      value   desc
      00   16: E.Guitar - Classic-Stratocaster
      01   17: E.Guitar - Les Paul


This is the entire address range for the guitar modeling section

00   Category
01   E.Guitar
02   Acoustic Type
03   E.Bass
04   Synth
05   Category
06   E.Bass
07   Synth
08   E.Guitar
09   Tone Level
0A   Tone Sw
0B   [H] String 1
0C   String 2
0D   String 3
0E   String 4
0F   String 5
10   String 6 [L]
11   Pitch
12   Pitch Fine
13   Tone Bend
14   
15   
16   
17   
18   
19   
1A   
1B   
1C   
1D   12 String
1E   Direct
1F   Pitch 1
20   Fine 1
21   Pitch 2
22   Fine 2
23   Pitch 3
24   Fine 3
25   Pitch 4
26   Fine 4
27   Pitch 5
28   Fine 5
29   Pitch 6
2A   Fine 6
2B   On/Off
2C   Threshold
2D   Release
2E   PU select
2F   PU select
30   PU select
31   Volume
32   Tone
33   PU select
34   Body
35   Tone
36   Body
37   Attack
38   Tone
39   PU select
3A   Sens
3B   Body
3C   Color
3D   Decay
3E   Buzz
3F   Atk Level
40   Tone
41   Attack
42   Reso
43   Tone
44   Sustain
45   Reso
46   Tone
47   Rear Vol
48   Front Vol
49   Volume
4A   Tone
4B   Mode
4C   Comp
4D   Filter Cutoff
4E   Filter Reso
4F   Switch
50   Sense
51   Attack
52   Pitch Sw
53   Pitch A
54   Pitch A Fine
55   Pitch B
56   Pitch B Fine
57   Duet
58   Sweep Sw
59   Sweep Rise
5A   Sweep Fall
5B   Switch
5C   Rate
5D   Depth
5E   Type
5F   Color
60   Filter Cutoff
61   Filter Reso
62   Filter Decay
63   Touch Sens
64   Color
65   Attack Length
66   MOD Tune
67   MOD Depth
68   Attack Level
69   Body Level
6A   Sustain
6B   FEET-16
6C   FEET-8
6D   FEET-4
6E   Sustain
6F   Filter Cutoff
70   Filter Reso
71   Touch Sens
72   Sustain


And another problem may be with pickup selection for the different models

2E   PU select   
      value   name
      00   Rear
      01   R + F
      02   Front

2F   PU select   
      value   name
      00   Rear
      01   R + C
      02   Center
      03   C + F
      04   Front

30   PU select   
      value   name
      00   Rear
      01   R + C
      02   Center
      03   C + F
      04   Front
      05   All

33   PU select   
      value   name
      00   MA-28
      01   TRP-0
      02   GB-45
      03   GB-SML
      04   GLD-40

39   PU select   
      value   name
      00   Front
      01   R + F
      02   Rear
      03   Piezo
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 21, 2011, 02:47:31 PM
Thanks for the kind words MCK, and thank you for the information Gumtown!  Oddly, I'd tried these same addresses before I posted and they didn't work.  Now they're working fine!  I'll throw an interface together for these selections right away.

I also notice that the delay controls aren't working.  Back to the drawing board...


Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 21, 2011, 06:35:29 PM
Got instrument selection up and running.  You'll need to go into TouchOSC options and turn on "Send z messages".  I used touch/drag to send category on touch and specific instrument selection on drag.  Moved a bunch of other stuff around to make room, not really sure what the final organization will be like.

Bunch of cropping issues per my text alignment complaints above. 

Next up is controls for actually customizing these instruments, but that's a job for another day.  Then MOD/MFX, then circling around to fix the "finished" stuff that doesn't work (PCM inst. selection, delay, alt tuning.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 22, 2011, 11:23:44 AM
Lots of fun new stuff.  MFX remains on the TO DO list, along with GK/Exp/Assigns.  Nearly everything else is represented, but there are some known bugs:

- Delay time is broken, and I think delays period are broken.  Have to go back and review gumtown's notes on these.
- Most of the "Rate" buttons only include time-based ranges (0-100) and NOT the relative BPM values.  I intend to go back and put together a push-button UI for the BPM stuff.
- Alt. Tunings interface is still wacky, and the PCM tone selection is still entirely impractical.  I have some ideas for improving that, but it will involve a lot of typing, which I'm not looking forward to...
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 22, 2011, 11:30:10 AM
And some screenshots.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 22, 2011, 12:20:04 PM
Very nice!

I look forward to this all working! (as there remains not a trivial amount of work left to do here!) 
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 22, 2011, 01:56:10 PM
Quote from: Elantric on August 22, 2011, 12:20:04 PM
...there remains not a trivial amount of work left to do here!

You can say that again!  MFX is a bear.  Props to gumtown for getting through all of this for his Floorboard app.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 22, 2011, 02:25:23 PM
Great job as usual! This is turning out much much better than I could ever imagine. And yes, indeed, without Gumtown's amazing reverse engineering skills we would be nowhere near this brilliant point.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on August 22, 2011, 02:43:05 PM
Quote from: gumtown on August 19, 2011, 01:22:28 AM
Other issues you may encounter,
The MFX 3 tap pan delay will blow your mind, but there is a logical way in which it works over 5 bytes per delay.
The assigns min & max use 3 bytes of data F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 18 00 01 10 03 0E 05 41 F7
03 0E 05 is actually 3E5, if you can see the way that works.

3A      MFX   3Tap Pan Delay   Type Left   
   PARAM
      value   name
      00   Time
      01   BPM

3B      MFX   3Tap Pan Delay   Time Left   
   PARAM
      value   name
      range   00/0F/00/15

3C      MFX   3Tap Pan Delay   Time Left   
   PARAM
      value   name
      range   00/0F/00/15

3D      MFX   3Tap Pan Delay   Time Left   
   PARAM
      value   name
      range   00/0F/00/15

3E      MFX   3Tap Pan Delay   Rate Left   
   PARAM
      value   name
      00   sixteenth note
      01   eighth note triplet
      02   doted sixteenth note
      03   eighth note
      04   quarter note triplet
      05   doted eighth note
      06   quarter note
      07   half note triplet
      08   doted quarter note
      09   half note
      0A   whole note triplet
      0B   doted half note
      0C   whole note
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Type selection Rate or BPM at "3A" selects between addresses 3B, 3C, 3D for rate, or 3E for BPM
the data at 3B,3C and 3D is made of a 3 digit hexadecimal Rate value, then split into 3 with a "0" prepended to each byte.

With the assigns, it gets even worse, because with each Target, the Min/Max values change, and as does the range of min/max data.

One thing the GR-55 does not like is data 'out of range', as i found last night looking at how the PCM drums are selected.
My GR-55 locked up and i had to pull the power as the Power button function had frozen too.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 23, 2011, 06:52:33 AM
Thanks, gumtown.  I've been meaning to go back and review that very comment.  Not exactly sure how I will embed that into the TouchOSC field, though.  I'm not sure whether mathematical expressions are supported.  It may get tricky.  Hopefully not outright impossible.  I managed to figure out most of the rest.  The Time/BPM switches were tough because - much like amp selection, cosm model selection, and some of the stuff on the GK/CTL/Exp page - their SysEx strings are immediately blotted out by some kind of a request string.  I found I could just make them out by using a slower computer.   :o

I'm also trying to combine all those p/u selector switches into a single fader with a multi-range output, but I'm not sure I can do this with a full SysEx string. (Elantric's example is just for a simple MIDI CC message IIRC.)

So funny thing: this software had a little proof-of-concept/ trial-by-fire last night.  A friend was in from out of town and wanted to put some ideas together for possibly performing some of his songs.  He stopped by with a bass player and drummer, and I had set up the iPad and GR55 - having no patches prepared and having never really used this rig before - and just kind of puttered around with amp selections, gain, EQ, reverb and levels in real time as we played.

Well, halfway through the rehearsal, the drummer gets all excited about the sounds and decides we're going to go out and perform this very night.  He makes a phone call, I try to lamely protest and get overruled, and before you know it the GR55, iPad and Missing Link are all in a shopping bag (yes a shopping bag) and the K4 and strat are in the trunk.  This was like a 15 minute open mic set and we managed to roll out this weird, unproven guitar rig, in addition to our own drum kit, and a full sized bass rig!  The music was totally silly and I was only half in control of the proceedings, but it was an interesting logistical experiment: playing a gig that required multiple guitar tones with NO preparation whatsoever.  I didn't even have a footcontroller; the GR55 was sitting on top of the amp.  I just diddled w/ the iPad as needed; the audience probably thought I was rifliing through sheet music.  (Although with the parts I was playing, those would have been some really bizarro charts..)

Obviously not the end goal, and in fact it helped point out some bugs and needed enhancements (better solo/boost layout!), but it was an interesting illustration of what this software adds in a worst-case scenario.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 23, 2011, 06:59:46 AM
Quote from: MCK on August 22, 2011, 02:25:23 PM
Great job as usual! This is turning out much much better than I could ever imagine. And yes, indeed, without Gumtown's amazing reverse engineering skills we would be nowhere near this brilliant point.

Thanks for this.  Of course, the closer I get to completion, the more it pains me that I can't keep the on-screen controls in sync with patch values.  But, it is what it is.

Speaking of on-screen feedback, will be replacing all of the toggle buttons with small on-off faders.  It occurred to me that the toggles would only be accurate if your preset happened to come up with the parameter in the right state.  Kind of like the clock that's accurate twice a day. :)  I turned "local feedback off" but that seems to have turned them into controls that only send a single value, e.g. turn them on and you can't turn them off again.  Faders will at least let you know where you're really at once you start moving them around.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 23, 2011, 07:05:47 AM
Quotetheir SysEx strings are immediately blotted out by some kind of a request string.  I found I could just make them out by using a slower computer.   
Why not launch MIDI Ox and and then launch Gumtowns GR-55 Floorboard Editor and record all MIDI traffic between GR-55 and the Editor?

MIDI-Ox "grabs"  all MIDI transactions between the GR-55 and the Editor, and allows you to view in real time,and then save as a text file for offline analysis

http://www.midiox.com/ (http://www.midiox.com/)

Might need MIDI Yoke too.

http://www.midiox.com/myoke.htm (http://www.midiox.com/myoke.htm)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on August 23, 2011, 07:48:43 AM
+1 for MIDIOX, that's what I use here for most of my testing and debugging.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on August 23, 2011, 01:01:24 PM
I use Bomes SendSX, it has a friendlier interface, easier to copy and paste data.
http://www.bome.com/products/sendsx (http://www.bome.com/products/sendsx)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bome.com%2Fbome%2Fimages%2Fproducts_sendSX.gif&hash=ebf8349874c39fa14d64d6bd33476374c5078e1d)

BTW this program will also convert SMF patch files to SYX format.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 23, 2011, 03:09:50 PM

Its all about whether you like your X to close windows on the left or on the right...  ;D
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 23, 2011, 04:00:52 PM
If you prefer your X to close windows on the left

Use Snoize OSX MIDI Monitor

http://www.snoize.com/MIDIMonitor/ (http://www.snoize.com/MIDIMonitor/)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snoize.com%2FMIDIMonitor%2Fscreenshot3.gif&hash=9aabefbcd884c780323c7842eb5f54b954a8ac47)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snoize.com%2FMIDIMonitor%2Fscreenshot2.gif&hash=99db578c095fe9beff297bad8b706ca03328d0cd)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snoize.com%2FMIDIMonitor%2Fscreenshot1.gif&hash=62c13c1afb932e179977d5abb3380a1d3babfa7a)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 24, 2011, 07:19:21 AM
I'm back with an update including partial (~85% but I'm dancing around the hardest bits LOL) MFX support.  I changed the filename to GR55.touchosc, a little more to the point.  Also made significant changes to the Amp layout based on my experiences under fire a couple of nights ago... and various aesthetic fixes on all pages.

It's been a battle between aesthetics and consistency vs. usability and real estate.  I've stumbled on a few tricks to shave millimeters off of the control layouts, for instance using z touch messages to embed time type selection into their corresponding rotaries. 

It occured to me this morning that I could do the same to get rid of COSM Synth, MOD, and MFX Type selections - by embedding the type value into the touch event on the most pertinent rotary in the corresponding control bank, e.g. phaser depth turns on the phaser.  The only loss here is you'd have no on-screen indication as to which effect was on or off.  You'd have to get in the habit of "turning down" the effect you were leaving before "turning up" the next.  But the benefit is you could copy and paste control groups at will, without being held to a type selection elsewhere on the same screen.  This is exciting when you think about creating variations of this template for different musical projects.  e.g. for my Police cover band, I'd have a DST+ and a compressor and a flanger of some type on page one, for my Sabbath covers, lots of fuzzes and detune options, and so on.  Different layouts to support your workflow in any given context.

Bear in mind that, in order to work as quickly as I have, I've been transcribing Floorboard output into an Excel file, then working in TouchOSC offline.  So disclaimer: the most recent changes have not been tested at all.  (And as you can see for yourself, there's no rhyme or reason to the MFX layout yet; I'm basically playing Tetris with it all right now.)

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 24, 2011, 07:22:29 AM
Here's my outstanding To Do list, just so we know where we stand.  There's still plenty to fix, but I'm hoping to be done with this (and playing guitar instead) within a week or so.  Note that I make no mention of Bass mode, as I don't use it enough to warrant the RSI-risk of laying it all out.  I'll leave that to an enterprising bass player out there.  :)

AMP: Test/Fix Amp Delay send
SYNTH: Embed COSM synth model selection into synth parameter rotaries
PCM1, 2: Break out instrument selection into labeled categories (e.g. Pianos, pads, etc.)
FX: Fix Delay Time Controls
MOD: Embed effect type selection into parameter rotaries
MOD: Fix delay time control per gumtown's notes
MOD: add note value range to Phaser rate control
MFX1, 2, 3:  Embed Type selection into rotary controls
MFX3: Pitch Shifter Time and BMP value ranges
MFX3:  Add Pitch Shifter Time/BPM values per gumtowns note (below)
MFX2, 3:  Add Amp, 3-Tap Pan Delay, Time Control Delay
TUNE:  Test/ Fix User preset - not tuning in semitone increments??
Optional:  Pedal/GK and Assigns pages
TEST EVERYTHING!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 24, 2011, 07:23:43 AM
P.S.  Thanks for the recommendations re: MIDI monitors.  They may come in handy for some future effort, but I'm so close to finished at this point, I'll probably just keep on with what I've been doing.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 24, 2011, 07:24:14 PM
Working on some fixes and bug fixes tonight.  The most major issues at this point revolve around the rate/time values that span multiple bytes.  (So close otherwise!)  I've just about got the syntax down for talking to the DELAY block Time value in a TouchOSC control, as follows:

     /midi/0xf0 0x41 0x10 0x00 0x00 0x53 0x12 0x18 0x00 0x06 0x07 x(0x00..0x0D) 0x06 0x08 x(0x00..0x05) 0x06 0x09 x(0x01..0x05) 0x00 0xF7

This should result in a min value of 00 00 01 and a max value of 0D 05 05, which is what SendSX reports seeing from gumtown's app.  For some reason, the iPad reacts to this range in OSC as 104ms up through 3176ms and then bottoms out again, at the high end of the rotary, at 500ms??  Very weird behavior.

gumtown, can you make any sense of this based on your experiences in developing Floorboard?  I'm just taking potshots at it at this point.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 25, 2011, 11:33:03 AM
Never mind... I just realized that code is completely bogus.  It's just scaling all three bytes simultaneously, not incrementing in a mathematically meaningful way.  Not sure how to fix it yet, but at least I know why it's broken.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 26, 2011, 01:35:02 PM
Tons of new stuff since my last upload.  In fact, a little more testing, some UI tweaks if need be, and I'm done.   :) 

The only real outstanding issue is with the time controls on the three delay modules (DLY Block, 3-Tap Pan, Time Control).  I don't know what possessed Roland to format these values the way they did, but I'm having a hell of a time getting anything compatible out of TouchOSC.  I'm thinking about just setting these to quarter notes in my own patches, putting a tap tempo button on screen, and calling it a day.  Just about everything else is covered (pending testing) to the best of my ability, and well enough to meet my needs. 

Rate buttons marked with * indicate that they only sweep betweeen 1-100, and do not include the note value variations beyond that.  It's just not usable or intuitive to have these on the same control IMO.  I may eventually put sliders up for note values, but this will eat up a lot of real estate on screen.  Regarding effects with Time and BPM rotaries, the latter is a bit of a misnomer.  These don't control BPM, they just sweep between note values.  A little hokey without labels, but 1/4 note is at 12 oclock, the rest is there to hunt for if you need it.

There are now approximate markers for groups of instruments on the PCM pages, but if you really need to know what instrument you're hearing, I'd recommend editing with the GR also in edit mode, on the Tone page - where you can see both PCM instrument names at a glance.

All of the effects are represented now, the alt. tuning page got a makeover, and there are controls for setting up the expression pedal, control pedal, S1, S2, and the GK volume (woot!)  I'm not likely to go after Assigns, it's just way too much text without dynamic feedback from the GR to TouchOSC.  It finally occurred to me add a Structure switch, but I didn't have room for it on page 1 where it belongs.  For the moment, it's on the last effects page, MFX3.  So pretty much everything except some of the System stuff I knew I wouldn't need.  Time to play guitar, I guess. 

I LOVE MY GR-55 NOW!   I'm so glad I won't have to go hunting around for the bizarro places Roland hid things like the structure switch, the mag. p/u routing controls, etc. anymore!  Just looking for these in order to test was a nightmare!

Will add screenshots ASAP.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 26, 2011, 01:56:07 PM
Here's the new stuff and pages that have changed the most dramatically.  Minor tweaks throughout...

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 26, 2011, 03:29:50 PM
Quote from: mbenigni on August 26, 2011, 01:35:02 PM
I LOVE MY GR-55 NOW!   I'm so glad I won't have to go hunting around for the bizarro places Roland hid things like the structure switch, the mag. p/u routing controls, etc. anymore!  Just looking for these in order to test was a nightmare!

You've done an amazing job!!! I think your TouchOSC template is one of the most complex one I've seen and it is something that both TouchOSC and Missing Link should be proud of in terms of what is possible with their wonderful tools. Great job!!!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on August 26, 2011, 03:35:37 PM
Looking Great!!
I finally suss'd out the PCM tone selection and how the drum kits work, the PCM tones are selected with a 3 byte data from address 20 00 00 00 (pcm1) and 21 00 00 00 (pcm2), (not address 01).
PCM instruments range from  58 00 00 to 58 06 7F, and drum kits from 56 00 00 to 56 00 0D. the 56 puts the GR-55 into drum mode.

Is it possible with TouchOSC to, say for BPM/Rate type controls, to have the Rate/BPM selection control hide/show the two different controllers, with both controllers overlayed in the same place?
So if a Rate type control is selected the rate controller is shown and the BPM controler is hidden.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 26, 2011, 05:14:04 PM
Thanks, both of you.  Agreed TouchOSC and Missing Link are both fantastic tools.  That said, there are few minor enhancements I'd like to see in a future rev. of TouchOSC.  I'll have to get active on their forums to see if I can get any momentum there.

MCK, I think you're right about the complexity of this file.  Last night saves started taking quite a long time, and the system started to get a bit unstable.  It's only ~40K but I think it's more controls than the app typically addresses.

QuoteI finally suss'd out the PCM tone selection and how the drum kits work, the PCM tones are selected with a 3 byte data from address 20 00 00 00 (pcm1) and 21 00 00 00 (pcm2), (not address 01).  PCM instruments range from  58 00 00 to 58 06 7F, and drum kits from 56 00 00 to 56 00 0D. the 56 puts the GR-55 into drum mode.

That's weird.  I think I used Floorboard's output to arrive at 00 00 through 06 F7 for the general instruments, then 07 00 through 07 0D (or thereabouts) for drums, and it's worked fine in initial tests.

QuoteIs it possible with TouchOSC to, say for BPM/Rate type controls, to have the Rate/BPM selection control hide/show the two different controllers, with both controllers overlayed in the same place?   So if a Rate type control is selected the rate controller is shown and the BPM controler is hidden.

As far as I'm aware, no, but I should research further.  The ability to show and hide controls (or better still, groups of controls) based on the values in other controls would totally transform my layout.  Right now, everything is piled on screen after screen, whether active or not, which is obviously not ideal.

As for the BPM/Rate controls, the one optimization I made was to embed the Rate Type selection in the touch event of the corresponding rotary.  So as soon as you move the time rotary, you're in time mode, as soon as you move the bpm rotary, you're in bpm mode.

Regarding Assigns, it occurs to me that at least adding on/off buttons for each of them is a good idea.  Then if there are a few more sophisticated things you use regularly, you can at least build them into an init patch and have them available to activate in TouchOSC.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 26, 2011, 06:15:51 PM
FYI testing thoroughly right now and amassing quite a list of bugs. Expect an update some time tomorrow.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 27, 2011, 01:02:10 PM
As promised... way too many bugs found and fixed to bother documenting them all.  And too tired to document the known issues that remain.  Tomorrow's another day.  Well, assuming there's any electricity tomorrow...

A couple extra toys added: on/off switches for assigns, buttons for tap tempo assignments, etc.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: minouche on August 29, 2011, 05:14:17 AM
Just to make sure :
I downloaded the .touchosc file and opened it in TouchOS Editor. It is very impressive, you've done an incredible job. I'll just have to transfer it to my iPad.

I wonder what are the requirements : you are using the MissingLink to control the GR-55 wirelessly, can you control it via MIDI ? (It seems to me that the GR-55 is not a USB MIDI Class compliant device, so it won't work when plugged directly to the camera connection kit) If I use a Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer or any CoreMIDI interface, will it work ?
What are the settings I need to adjust on the GR-55 so that it accepts TouchOSC remote control ?
Thank you for your answers

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 29, 2011, 06:54:03 AM
Quote from: minouche on August 29, 2011, 05:14:17 AM
Just to make sure :
I downloaded the .touchosc file and opened it in TouchOS Editor. It is very impressive, you've done an incredible job. I'll just have to transfer it to my iPad.

I wonder what are the requirements : you are using the MissingLink to control the GR-55 wirelessly, can you control it via MIDI ? (It seems to me that the GR-55 is not a USB MIDI Class compliant device, so it won't work when plugged directly to the camera connection kit) If I use a Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer or any CoreMIDI interface, will it work ?
What are the settings I need to adjust on the GR-55 so that it accepts TouchOSC remote control ?
Thank you for your answers

Thank you, Minouche.  I hope we can get you up and running.  There aren't many people using this touchOSC layout yet.  As far as I'm aware, just MCK and I.

Unfortunately, I don't know the answers to most of these questions.  The good news is that, between Hans (armatronix), MCK, galvanot, Elantric, someone here almost certainly will.

I can tell you that you shouldn't need to change anything on the GR55, unless you have previously disabled MIDI input.  (Leave MIDI Program Change set to its default of 1.)  By the time the messages get that far, they will be good old-fashioned MIDI.  The question is further upstream, i.e. will TouchOSC talk to directly to a CoreMIDI interface, as opposed to an OSC interface?  I'm not too optimistic about that - even if it is supported, I think the template would have to be modified to send straight MIDI as opposed to all of the OSC-wrapped SysEx messages I'm using.  You might be able to take that on pretty easily by copying and pasting the SysEx messages from the OSC tabs to the corresponding MIDI tabs, but at this point there are probably hundreds of controls - tedious!

But at this point I'm just thinking out loud.  Best to wait on another opinion.

By the way, my understanding was that the Line6 MIDI Mobilizer was proprietary and not CoreMIDI compatible.  Did they update the product to support CoreMIDI?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 29, 2011, 07:25:46 AM
You've probably already seen this, but it indicates how to use TouchOSC with CoreMIDI interfaces:

http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-configuration-connections-coremidi (http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-configuration-connections-coremidi)

I still suspect, however, that the controls would each need to be reprogrammed to send "clean" MIDI SysEx vs. OSC-wrapped MIDI SysEx.  Simple copy and paste in most cases, but it would be at least a couple of hours of work.  You could start with the components that are most important for you, just as a proof of concept.

Do you already own a CoreMIDI interface, or are you trying to determine whether to make the investment?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 29, 2011, 08:25:30 AM
Random trick to share, had lots of fun w/ this this on Saturday (alas, no electricity since Sunday morning):

Assign CC7 to PCM1 Filter Cutoff, CC8 to PCM1 Filter resonance, CTL Pedal to Hold, and select one of the "Beat" tones for PCM1.  Play a note to get a rhythm going, and hold it.  Now use the XY pad on the FX page like a Kaoss (GK-aoss?) pad.  Really fun techno feel, combines nicely with a high gain amp and the Slicer effect from the MFX block.  It will be interesting to combine this with a bass guitar on PCM 2, run into the looper.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on August 29, 2011, 10:33:22 AM
QuoteBy the way, my understanding was that the Line6 MIDI Mobilizer was proprietary and not CoreMIDI compatible.  Did they update the product to support CoreMIDI?

Yes - at the Summer NAMM Line6 debuted the "new" MIDI Mobilizer II with Core MIDI support.
http://line6.com/midimobilizer/ (http://line6.com/midimobilizer/)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fline6.com%2Fmidimobilizer%2Fimages%2F3_mm_gm_connect.jpg&hash=4a01622eba5e053cac6534446ec4f9e3b8a57b72)

FWIW - the MIDI Mobilizer II hardware resembles the "new" Yamaha i-MX1 
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musiciansbuy.com%2FmmMBCOM%2Fimages%2FYamaha%2FYamaha-I-MX1-Cables.jpg&hash=7ea8f2fb9fb1309e5e25e4ed8f5aa06abf219012)


Here is a full list of Core MIDI IOS adapters

http://iosmidi.com/devices/ (http://iosmidi.com/devices/)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: frasse on August 29, 2011, 02:05:07 PM
Hi, first compliment for this work is very interesting!
I have a question, i try to utilize an ipad with camera connection kit with a usb midi cable (cakewalk um-2g) (i conneccted midi in/out) but don't work, i try to modific some parameters but nothing on my gr 55.....is this work only with a missing link?
complement again!
excusme for my english.....
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on August 29, 2011, 08:28:31 PM
Quote from: frasse on August 29, 2011, 02:05:07 PM
Hi, first compliment for this work is very interesting!
I have a question, i try to utilize an ipad with camera connection kit with a usb midi cable (cakewalk um-2g) (i conneccted midi in/out) but don't work, i try to modific some parameters but nothing on my gr 55.....is this work only with a missing link?
complement again!
excusme for my english.....

Try Midi Touch with the camera connection kit. Also make sure Cakewalk UM-2G is on the compatibility list for Midi Touch. The TouchOSC is going to only work with the Missing Link for now I believe.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: minouche on August 30, 2011, 03:15:46 AM
@ mbenigni
Thank you for your answer. I already have an original MIDI Mobilizer (no CoreMIDI but TouchOSC compatible) but indeed, I guess it won't work. I also have the iPad camera connection kit but the GR-55 is not USB MIDI class compliant.

This leaves me with two options :

The latter would be only for testing the iPad solution since my Mac can already control the GR-55 with Floorboard software !
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Macciza on August 30, 2011, 05:24:20 AM
@ Minouche

Re: Options - Converting the OSC could be a pain; I had a look and the way the messages get packaged is a bit weird and not conducive to easy conversion . .
The MissingLink must be setup to deal with the specific OSC messages being used and is doing the processing . . .

Your other option would be to either wait for a fuller native midi sysex implementation from TouchOSc or else you would need to use MidiTouch which I believe will send the necessary messages as native midi
Of course it is not wireless that way like the Missing Link .. . .


Cheers
MM
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 30, 2011, 11:38:12 AM
Frasse, of course, no worries about your English. 

The Missing Link is the only interface I own, and I'm relatively new to the world of OSC/ TouchOSC, so I can't really provide much information regarding compatibility.  The recent replies from minouche and Macciza are your best feedback for the moment.

minouche, if the MIDI Mobilizer is said to be TouchOSC compatible, I would have expected it to work.  If you've already tested and confirmed that it doesn't, it must be that it only supports the native MIDI messages from the MIDI tab, vs. the OSC tab.  Unfortunately TouchOSC only provides CC and Program Change in this context, and as Macciza indicates you would have to wait for a new version with SysEx support.  :(

P.S.  Have been without electricity for 3 days now, so unable to sort out the the few remaining bugs.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 02, 2011, 09:26:27 PM
Woot.  Just got finished knocking out 9 pages of bugs.  (Often it felt more like I was compensating for Roland's bugs; they are strangely inconsistent about mapping on-screen settings with numerical values.)  With one significant exception, I think this layout is complete.  Of course, I'll continue to play with cosmetics and different arrangements of whatever seems most important on page 1, but all the parts are here and working, except as noted below.  Some cosmetic stuff, like label alignment and width, will be better addressed if/when TouchOSC is updated to allow for left-justified text (a somewhat glaring omission IMO.)

Just to recap, these are the limitations I had to accept from the get-go:  TouchOSC receives no information from the GR55, so on-screen controls don't reflect patch settings until they've been modified.  That's the biggest bummer by far.  Also, you have to Write and rename your patches using the controls on the GR55 itself.  Minor bummer, but I don't see any alternative.

All of the other issues revolve around Roland's decision to span values larger than one byte across 3 nibbles with 0's in between.  Bizarre, and if there's a way to get TouchOSC to send in this format I haven't figured it out yet.  The upshot is that several controls are dead or can't be implemented at all:  Delay time, MOD Delay Time, Pitch Shifter Delay Time, Time-Controlled Delay Time, 3-Tap Pan Delay Time, PCM Portamento Time, PCM LFO Rates, Patch Tempo, and Patch Level. 

Patch Tempo and Patch Level have easy workarounds: map them to Assigns and use the CC faders on the FX page.  The Pitch Shifter and all of the Delay effects excluding MOD and the post-FX delay can be programmed with note values, e.g. dotted 1/8th, providing a good workaround via Patch Tempo. So ultimately, it's Post-FX, Mod Delay, and Portamento and LFO rates that remain non-adjustable.  :(  Will continue to bang my head against this wall, but it may be just that, a wall.

A couple of things I'd really like to add but haven't figured out how to do yet:  a button to turn the tuner on and off, a button to turn the Looper mode on and off, a button for TAP TEMPO (amazingly, this is in the S1/S2 settings, but not in the Assign targets??)

Anyway, enjoy.  :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 02, 2011, 09:30:18 PM
Actually, it occurs to me that most if not all of those problematic controls can be mapped to assigns, but assigns will start to get very scarce if you prep your template patch to account for all the blindspots.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 06, 2011, 07:15:32 AM
Another revision addressing, in varying degrees, the time/rate issues on the remaining effects.  In some cases (e.g. Portamento time) I was able to add a coarse (or Low Res, per LR labels) time control that is perfectly sufficient.  In the case of the Post-FX delay, I added a "BPM" knob with the most valuable note division values, called out with labels.  All of the effects are usable now.  In some cases I will be able to enhance a time control with a corresponding BPM control or vice-versa, but the biggest challenge is just finding real estate on the screen.  So these enhancements will be added in the next "major revision" which will likely do away with effect type sliders in favor of auto-on functionality on effect rotaries, along with some other layout improvements.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 06, 2011, 07:46:17 AM
QuoteI am even tempted to put the whole Missing Link in the GR55. I think there is enough room in there. May try this later on.

Once MCK posted this, I knew I wouldn't sleep well until I'd actually gotten it done.  It turns out there is plenty of room, provided you remove the top of the Missing Link enclosure.  The process is really easy; the only part that gave pause was when I had to pry the Missing Link's antenna off the top of the enclosure - that is some impressive adhesive!

I was concerned that the WiFi connection would be attenuated with the additional shielding of the GR-55 chassis, but the good news is that it doesn't have any appreciable effect.  I have to say, I really like the design of the GR-55 chassis - extremely easy to take apart and work with, with lots of open spaces for adding enhancements like this.

The one bummer, though, is that the MIDI connection is hard-soldered to a PCB (1st photo, blue circle), so the only way you'll get MIDI from the ML to MIDI IN is by running a cable outside the GR55.  In order to keep this mod 100% reversible, I simply detached the USB door and velcro'd it down on the opposite side (red circle) of the chassis.  This creates enough room to mount the ML where the door assembly had been (green circle), and the hole where the door had been provides room for the MIDI cable end. 

If you have the time/ inclination to cut and re-splice a MIDI cable, you can leave the door where it is and route the MIDI through it, and then mount the ML on the opposite side, but bear in mind you may need to replace or modify the bottom of the ML enclosure, which is a touch too wide to fit there.  If you take this approach, you'll be able to simply unplug the USB cable to the ML whenever you want to use that jack for thumb drive backups, audio files etc.

The 2nd photo shows what it looks like all closed up, with a new door cover made out of my favorite "fabrication" material, an old DVD case.  :)  It would look a little nicer with a right angle MIDI cable back there.  Maybe when I get my hands on one I'll take the second approach with the door in its original location.

And the 3rd photo is the money shot. :) To my knowledge, the world's only WiFi GR55.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: HAMERMAN409 on September 06, 2011, 10:41:15 AM
Nice job!

I too appreciate that there is some extra space to work with. One thing I have considered is an internal power supply. For now I am not making any mods but sooner or later I usually break down. :-)

One option for a fully internal install would be to plug the missing links MIDI cable into a female DIN5 jack and then hard wire the jack to the appropriate MIDI pins on the PCB. You would have to solder to the PCB but since the pin spacing on a the MIDI in connector is reasonable this would be pretty easy (and reversible - depending on your definition of reversible).
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 06, 2011, 10:55:40 AM
QuoteOne option for a fully internal install would be to plug the missing links MIDI cable into a female DIN5 jack and then hard wire the jack to the appropriate MIDI pins on the PCB. You would have to solder to the PCB but since the pin spacing on a the MIDI in connector is reasonable this would be pretty easy (and reversible - depending on your definition of reversible).

That would be the right way to do it, yes.  But it would only be "conditionally reversible", the conditions being that I don't screw up the mod or the reversal.  With soldering iron in hand, I don't like my odds.   :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: HAMERMAN409 on September 06, 2011, 08:00:21 PM
If you ever feel like taking a ride to Brookfield I would be more than happy to do the soldering. It would be nice to geek out with somebody who is as crazy as I am when it comes to mod's and guitar gadgets. :-)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on September 06, 2011, 10:53:54 PM
Quote from: mbenigni on September 06, 2011, 07:46:17 AM
Once MCK posted this, I knew I wouldn't sleep well until I'd actually gotten it done. 
...
And the 3rd photo is the money shot. :) To my knowledge, the world's only WiFi GR55.

That is awesome!!! You've done a great job not only with the templates but also with the integration. Thanks for taking the flag and running with it. It came at a time when I got totally sidetracked due to some health issues in my family so I appreciate all your hard-work. My geek hat with the spinning wheel goes off to you sir! Well done.

PS. How often do you get to invalidate 2 warranties in one mod! Double kudos & Karma to you!!!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 07, 2011, 07:09:09 AM
Quote from: HAMERMAN409 on September 06, 2011, 08:00:21 PM
If you ever feel like taking a ride to Brookfield I would be more than happy to do the soldering. It would be nice to geek out with somebody who is as crazy as I am when it comes to mod's and guitar gadgets. :-)

I'd really like that.  I'm trying to recall if we ever met in person back in the Hamer factory tour days (maybe at one of the jams?) but I can only recall exchanging emails.  It would probably be fun; I know we have a lot of common interests.  It's a little harder for me to get out of the house these days (baby on the way!) but you're always welcome to visit us in North Haven as well.

QuoteThanks for taking the flag and running with it. It came at a time when I got totally sidetracked due to some health issues in my family so I appreciate all your hard-work. My geek hat with the spinning wheel goes off to you sir! Well done.

First, sorry to hear about the health issues in the family.  Hope everything's OK.  Second, I owe you my thanks as well, since I've known I wanted to do something like this for ages, but between all the products and protocols and applications, I didn't really know where to start.  Your having brought the topic up - and then answering my early questions - really got the ball rolling, and I'm very happy with the decisions we arrived at here.

Speaking of which, have you had any time to actually use these templates with your GR55?  I've really found that having the UI exposed "at a glance" like this is completely transformative.  At first I thought that having all of the effect sub-types etc visible at the same time was a weakness, but in fact it makes me consider and try things that I would never otherwise have gone looking for.  I'm amazed by the breadth of the GR55 now!

I'm also really taken by the concept of reassigning controllers on-the-fly during performance.  This results in kind a "meta-control" phenonemon where, as one example, you can repurpose your GK Volume knob to suit the changing needs of a piece of music while your playing it.  Last night I was using it as a cross-fader while I improvised with synths, and then once I had a pad "loaded in" with the Hold pedal, I changed the GK Vol to a PCM Pitch Shifter and started shifting the pad up and down like a pedal tone while I shredded over the top.  It was totally inspiring.  It's like getting more controls on your guitar for free!

As I explore new applications like this, I'll be rethinking which controls are most important to my way of working, and repositioning/ resizing them to make them easier to grab.  TouchOSC has some shortcomings, but I love that it's so easy for this new "instrument" to evolve according to my own preferences.  (Speaking of which, big update tomorrow.)

QuotePS. How often do you get to invalidate 2 warranties in one mod!

;D
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 07, 2011, 07:36:48 PM
Quote from: gumtown on August 26, 2011, 03:35:37 PM
I finally suss'd out the PCM tone selection and how the drum kits work, the PCM tones are selected with a 3 byte data from address 20 00 00 00 (pcm1) and 21 00 00 00 (pcm2), (not address 01).
PCM instruments range from  58 00 00 to 58 06 7F, and drum kits from 56 00 00 to 56 00 0D. the 56 puts the GR-55 into drum mode.

I finally figured out what you meant by this.  Thank you - bug fixed.  (It's dangerous to assume everything's working just because the GR55 display is showing you the output you expect to see.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on September 07, 2011, 08:45:49 PM
Congrats on your baby on the way and thanks for your kind wishes for my daughter's health. We are hoping for the best as well.

I used earlier versions of your template and agree with you in that the flexibility of TouchOSC is wonderful. I am sure there is more room to cover there. I hope simple scripting becomes an option for example. I'd like to be able to change 3 things at a time for example. Also feedback from GR55 back to TouchOSC is the most needed item now. We may need to talk to Hans about this.

Did you post your photos on Missing Link & TouchOSC forums? I bet folks will be floored when they see what you managed to do with their tools.

Cheers
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 08, 2011, 10:26:34 AM
Quote from: MCK on September 07, 2011, 08:45:49 PM
Congrats on your baby on the way and thanks for your kind wishes for my daughter's health. We are hoping for the best as well.

Thanks for the congrats, and regarding your daughter, that's got to be tough.  Best wishes to all of you.

QuoteI used earlier versions of your template and agree with you in that the flexibility of TouchOSC is wonderful. I am sure there is more room to cover there. I hope simple scripting becomes an option for example. I'd like to be able to change 3 things at a time for example. Also feedback from GR55 back to TouchOSC is the most needed item now. We may need to talk to Hans about this.

I think feedback from GR55 to TouchOSC might be a bit pie-in-the sky, simply because we're dealing with complex SysEx strings as opposed to say, simple CC state transfers.  And if it comes down to something scripted, it will probably be an entirely new project, as opposed to an evolution of this one.  For the moment, I've accepted the fact that this is strictly an output device talking to the GR55, and that much of the time I'm "playing it by ear".  This is reflected in some of the recent design decisions; for instance, where I've noted that slider positions are inaccurate as often as not, I've replaced many with easier to use buttons.  These don't tell you anything about current selections, but they're never misleading either.

As for controlling 3 things at the same time, don't forget that the ever-powerful assigns are still available to you.  I've moved the assign on/off switches to the FX page, so that I can repurpose the CC sliders and XY pad on the fly which is super-cool.  For instance, I can be controlling the cutoff and resonance of PCM1 with the XY (a fave trick) to begin, and mid-song throw a couple of switches and suddenly be controlling cutoff/reso of a COSM syth with the very same XY pad.  Wild stuff.  Of course you need to program the assigns themselves on the GR55, but you'll soon have a "vocabulary" of preferred functions built into your patches, ready to be turned on and off at will on your iPad.

Quote
Did you post your photos on Missing Link & TouchOSC forums? I bet folks will be floored when they see what you managed to do with their tools.

I didn't get the sense that there was much dialog happening on the TouchOSC forums.  Basically people posting a file and its just sitting there.  So I figure the people most likely to care about a GR55 editor were the GR55 owners right here.  I might eventually post my template on another forum when I feel it's more "final" (as if that will ever happen LOL.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 08, 2011, 10:47:08 AM
OK, I know I said I was "done" a week ago, but ... update!

Many sliders have been replaced with banks of buttons, which I have found to be much more usable.  (They light up when you touch them - neato! - but they don't persist to represent current state.)  I've taken the opportunity to replace a lot of "lawsuit-aware" labels with real descriptions, for instance LIPS becomes Dano 56-U3 and so on.  This is a little more "fun" for me as a guitar geek, and moreover, it's called out a lot of functionality that I didn't even know was there.  Embarrassingly, I didn't realize that MA-28 etc were acoustic guitars; I thought they were mics or pickups I'd never heard of!  So it's been good to embed some of the documentation right into the UI.

There are pro's and cons, though.  I'm using a lot more screen space, which itself is both a pro and a con.  And I'm using a lot more memory with this increased control count.  This makes pages load a little slower, and could even result in more TouchOSC crashes.  Oddly, I noticed that labels have OSC command strings, but they don't actually respond to touch.  So every button is a label imposed over a push button, doubling the control count.  :(

Things that I considered more global have been moved to page 1, e.g. structure and detuning.

EQ has gotten some more labels so I won't confuse treble and presence anymore.  :O

PCM1/2 have gotten new independent slider controls for each instrument category.  (Also fixed the famous drum kit bug.)  These are still a bit clumsy but at least now you know exactly what category you're searching in as soon as you touch the screen.  Other changes have left a lot of open space on these pages, so they're due for a total overhaul, maybe this weekend.

Assign switches now appear under the CC controls on the FX page, making those controls significantly more powerful if you're creative with your Assign programming.  :)

COSM, MOD, and MFX1-3 have gotten MASSIVE facelifts.  The sliders selecting type have gone away in favor of captions that turn elements on.  The primary benefit beyond the cosmetic is that everything is modular.  If you want a page with buttons for a couple of favorite instruments, and a few favorite effects, it's as simple as copying and pasting one together.

(In anticipation of COSM, MOD, and MFX interfaces possibly winding up on the same page, I've tried to be consistent in presentation:  Any "boxtops" that are lit up (i.e. colored) can be clicked to select the corresponding instrument or effect; otherwise they're just labels.  MOD boxes have transluscent backgrounds to distinguish them from MFX or post-FX.)

This change - and a few labeling tricks on rotaries - made things so much more compact that I was able to put COSM synths and COSM guitars all on the same page.  I'm thinking about putting the MFX UI's on a similar diet, and trying to get those down to 2 pages rather than 3.

So there it is.  I now have room to optimize the few outstanding time/rate controls. (Tap tempo on S1 has been serving well as a workaround.)  Expect that in the next rev. along with some improvements to the PCM1/2 interface.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 08, 2011, 11:04:06 AM
And pics.
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55Amp.png&hash=59cd2e656bf2be8936aa29323c33ad1da510e27b)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55COSM.png&hash=effc7d0984f2319275e595ca51f133eeb3ca1510)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55PCM.png&hash=132f22885e4c6972cd791158f8497f00568a9a0c)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55FX.png&hash=6817019801967107760e0bb5cb8b1f8f6cea52a5)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55MOD.png&hash=526f4837551e4c1bdfa0f1c2157e785601e42970)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55MFX1.png&hash=3ee3c3cd570bbef4ca29de4a7f50f2b9c5675441)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55MFX2.png&hash=c2f6ff485b79cad2f3358a84476cc415df123e3e)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55MFX3.png&hash=5982135d717dc4023bcc266b5bafa4fd5498dddc)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55Tune.png&hash=f7e074a359ef8e142a077d433a008d0b7b0c0897)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55CTL.png&hash=74892c158381324cd4877657ef98d2a98addc8ce)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR55Exp.png&hash=d5f5b5dc9ec713affbf107d4d87dfaff0ef54601)

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Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on September 08, 2011, 11:12:10 AM
Awesome effort here!

I think this needs to be promoted!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 08, 2011, 11:26:22 AM
Thanks, Elantric.  I'm super-excited about this.  (Can you tell?)  It's simply the best guitar rig I've ever owned! 

Have been browsing through old posts in this thread and I realized: it's only been about 3 weeks since I got started with the Missing Link and TouchOSC.  Many hours in, but what a fantastic return on investment.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on September 08, 2011, 06:11:23 PM
Quote from: Elantric on September 08, 2011, 11:12:10 AM
Awesome effort here!

I think this needs to be promoted!

+1. It is an amazing effort!!!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 09, 2011, 12:39:55 PM
Thanks guys, and thanks Elantric for putting those photos on Photobucket.  Should I start a photobucket account of my own for new photos, and if so is there a fee?

As promised, here's the new rev. with the overhauled PCM interface.  Not as colorful as before, but much easier to use.  And again I would stress the modularity: I'll probably copy the drum kit and bass sliders to the first page in my personal template, but if for instance you did a lot of techno/DJ stuff, you might want to put the Beat & Groove control there instead.  That's the coolest thing about TouchOSC - it's so easy for everyone to have a UI (or several) that suits their own needs.

Couple of other minor tweaks - getting rid of time control bugs one by one; a few still remain.  Added a 12 Str switch to the Tuning controls on Pg 1, since some custom tunings sound better if they're realized w/ the 12 string module (i.e. with fine tuning controls.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on September 09, 2011, 02:12:25 PM
Places for IOS Music app Promotion:

http://iosmusician.blogspot.com/ (http://iosmusician.blogspot.com/)
QuoteiOS Producer (iOS Music Making Magazine for iPhone/iPad) Wants to Feature YOUR Music App in their First Issue!

==
IOS Recording
http://www.iosrecording.com/category/hardware/ (http://www.iosrecording.com/category/hardware/)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on September 10, 2011, 11:44:32 PM
Loaded the latest version. It is great!!! I noticed few glitches here & there but I think given the limitations of TouchOSC and peculiarities of the GR55 this is as good as it gets!!! Great job! Thanks for all the hard work.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 11, 2011, 06:23:43 PM
Great, so glad to hear someone else is putting this to use! 

As I said, I've really found it to be transformative - I was little underwhelmed by the GR55 at first, but having all the possibilities laid bare like this really changes the game.  I've always noted that modeling solutions are difficult in that they can make so many good tones, but also provide countless bad ones.  What it comes down to is, your effects and sound engine(s) are only as good as the selections you manage to dial up, so the UI can effectively make the unit sound better or worse.  At this point I'm listening through my options more thoroughly, and zeroing in on the tones I want more easily, so this isn't merely a facelift; the GR55 actually sounds better as result.

As for the glitches, please don't hesitate to document bugs here.  I won't take any offense.  I don't have the time to test as methodically as I'd like, so your feedback would be really valuable.  Of course some things will come down to known limitations, or differences of opinion, but if there are any legitimate bugs I'll do my best to fix them.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 12, 2011, 07:46:42 AM
At Elantric's prompting I went ahead and "promoted" this work to a number of other forums and blogs.  Maybe we'll see some new members as a result.  I hope no one finds a bug so bad they decide to go ahead and sue me over it.  :o Should I be worried about including boilerplate legal mumbo-jumbo at the bottom of these posts?

Elantric, I posted to everyone you recommended except TweakHeadz (couldn't find an obvious in-road there) and also posted to the Missing Link forums.  (Hans, you might want to mention to someone that that forum doesn't play nicely with Internet Explorer 8.  Firefox is fine though.)

Can we do anything about the final photo of the PCM interface?  I don't foresee any significant visual changes to the layout from here, at least not the generally available one.  I'll probably make several variations to suit my own needs, by dragging components around and ommitting things I don't often use (e.g. a "Lite" template), and would encourage everyone else to experiment in the same way on their own.

Thanks again for your encouragement!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on September 12, 2011, 12:51:40 PM
I think what you have now is a great place to start for other tinkerers who may want their own flavor. You have done all the hard work and if someone feels they need less they can simply edit and remove. TouchOSC is very easy to manipulate especially if you are removing!!! :-) I for one have eyes that are not getting any better so I may want to edit for larger fonts etc. I am sure there will be others with other needs. So in other words its very hard to please all. What you have will work for most if not all users with the Missing Link hardware and the GR55. Thanks once again.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 13, 2011, 06:35:36 AM
QuoteI may want to edit for larger fonts etc

Yes, this was always going to be a tradeoff - do I go with big chunky controls that I can easily swipe at from a distance, even during performance, or do I go with small controls so I can be exhaustive in the implementation and keep things (relatively) organized on fewer screens.  For this template I went with the latter approach, just to get all of the coding in.  I can definitely see where someone (including myself) would want a subset of these controls in a format that's easier to see at a glance, or actually use in the few milliseconds you manage to get your hands off the fretboard.  The current template is great in the studio, but perhaps not so great on stage.

Other changes may help with stability:  for instance, a "Live" template probably needn't include the GK and Tuning pages, and the latter has a LOT of labels on it.  Delete at will; you can always keep the more inclusive template available on your iPad, and load it into TouchOSC if/when needed.

You may already have stumbled on this, but if you start increasing font and fader sizes, the "Distibute Vertically" and "Distribute Horizontally" commands are huge time savers.  (If you start deleting entire pages, you'll need this to redistribute labels across the tabs - I really wish these were just automatically labeled with their names.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on September 13, 2011, 12:53:08 PM
CHECK THIS OUT:

I wrote Peter Kirn last week and:
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2011/09/rolands-gr-55-guitar-synth-powers-unlocked-with-touchosc-and-ipad/ (http://createdigitalmusic.com/2011/09/rolands-gr-55-guitar-synth-powers-unlocked-with-touchosc-and-ipad/)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_PROMO1.png&hash=a288287288709e13164ede399f2e4103cece81ba)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 13, 2011, 01:29:38 PM
This is great.  Thanks, Elantric! 

Now that there are more eyes on this I feel like I should have said more about the limitations in my original email to Peter.  But I suppose anyone who visits here for the download can read the thread for fair warning.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MarkFrancombe on September 13, 2011, 03:33:08 PM
Sorry for a boring first post, but Im having trouble getting it to work. I downloaded the file but when I try to load it into the TouchOsc editir I get "Failed to open Layout, File might be corrupted or unreadable".
Does anyone know why this is?

Thanks...

Mark
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on September 13, 2011, 05:29:45 PM
Edits ok on my end. Which version of the editor do you have?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 14, 2011, 06:03:47 AM
Quote from: MarkFrancombe on September 13, 2011, 03:33:08 PM
Sorry for a boring first post, but Im having trouble getting it to work. I downloaded the file but when I try to load it into the TouchOsc editir I get "Failed to open Layout, File might be corrupted or unreadable".

No problem, Mark.  Let's make sure we're on the same page here.  What's the exact file size of the .touchOSC template you downloaded, and what version (number and OS) of the TouchOSC editor are you running?  My copy of GR55v2.touchosc is 46,279 bytes (49,152 bytes occupied on disk) and I'm running TouchOSC Editor version 1.5.3 for Windows.  (I've had good results on both XP and Windows 7.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MarkFrancombe on September 14, 2011, 11:19:34 AM
Hi mbenigni,

The file size of GR55v2.touchosc is 49kb
and the version of TouchOSC is 1.4.1 for mac

Hope this helps, Im off to see if theres a newer version for mac,

...5 Mins later...

THERE IS AND IT WORKS!!!!

Thanks for the hint...

M
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 14, 2011, 11:45:55 AM
Cool!  Next step is finding an OSC interface that works.  I'm using the Missing Link and it's the only one I'm personally aware of.  I don't actually know a whole lot about the intricacies of OSC vs MIDI vs Core-compliant vs. CoreMIDI...  Hopefully someone else here can shed some light.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on September 14, 2011, 12:03:04 PM
To control  the GR-55 using your Ipad running TouchOSC and your custom TouchOSC Template, a user will also need an OSC to MIDI Host App.

The Jabrudian Industries Missing Link is one option. 
www.wifimidi.com (http://www.wifimidi.com)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wifimidi.com%2FMissingLinkProductPhoto425.jpg&hash=42a83e9a37c65d85988c561a86edc8ff556165d9)

or


Use a shareware OSC to MIDI Host App.

A PC Based one is described here:

OSC to Midi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57_zVXd6WoE#)


google:  "OSC to MIDI"
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 14, 2011, 06:20:54 PM
Here's a minor update which fixes a problem with the on/off switch on the COSM page.  (Roland used 1 for off and 0 for on in this one case - weird - and TouchOSC has a problem with variables coded as x(1..0).  So here I've used x(0..1) and checked the "Invert" checkbox.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 22, 2011, 01:39:54 PM
An update with some workflow changes per my own preferences.  The Amp page is now more of a general home base for performance, with patch navigation, a CC send for patch level normalization (all of my patches have an assign routing CC1 to patch level), a couple of XY pads, controls for OD/DST (which I find I need to adjust too often to be hunting for the MOD page), and better organization of amp models.

Patch navigation includes labeled pushbuttons for banks 1-5.  In my personal copy I've got the names of the songs in our setlist instead of "01-1" etc, so I don't have to memorize the locations.  Singer calls a song, I push the button and go.  Also helpful for wrapping your head around the scope of a project while you're learning parts and programming patches.

The FX (REV, CHO, DLY) page is moved closer to the front; kind of backwards signal-flow-wise, but closer to my actual workflow in practice.  It now features an onscreen keyboard for detuning PCM1 - useful for doing moving pedal-tone type stuff when you've got a note or chord in HOLD.  Fun. :)

Minor cosmetic/organizational improvements to COSM and PCM pages as well.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 22, 2011, 05:11:08 PM
Ignore that bit about the detune keyboard on the FX page; it doesn't work at the moment.  :(
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on September 22, 2011, 10:23:22 PM
This looks like a great update!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 26, 2011, 06:58:51 AM
Thanks, MCK.  I found another approach that makes the keyboard interface work... but it's a bit weird.  It only sets the pitch bend range, so after you select the offset on the screen, you have to tweak the pitch bend itself with GK Volume or the Exp pedal or whatever.  It's a bit less intuitive, but it's also a bit helpful in that you can select the tone whenever it's convenient, and then actually change it when it makes sense musically, i.e. with your foot even if your hands are busy on the guitar.

Don't know if any of that makes sense, but in practice it's pretty cool.  I just started a YouTube channel and I'm going to be uploading some vids of me playing with this stuff and rambling on about what's possible.  Playing over moving tones is one of my favorite new tricks, so it'll probably be one of the first things I demonstrate.

Oh, and I'll be uploading the new template tonight, probably.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on September 26, 2011, 09:23:02 PM
Quote from: mbenigni on September 26, 2011, 06:58:51 AM
Playing over moving tones is one of my favorite new tricks, so it'll probably be one of the first things I demonstrate.

Oh, and I'll be uploading the new template tonight, probably.

Sounds great! Can't wait to see. Keep well.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 30, 2011, 07:53:59 AM
I'm late with the new upload and with instructional videos.  Caught a serious cold right on schedule.

I've been tinkering with variations on the detuning mechanism, and I'm not quite satisfied with any of them.  Will wait on the next upload until I'm convinced I've exhausted the possibilities.

Right now I'm using Z messages to turn off the exp pedal (touch), tweak the exp ON pitch bend range (drag), and turn the exp pedal back on again (release).  This gives something like a real-time on-screen keyboard response, but you hear a blip of the unison while the exp pedal is off; not suitable for playing melodies.  :(  If I had a fourth Z message, I could detune both the exp OFF and exp ON bend ranges to the same value, and all would be well.

Does anyone know how to send multiple SysEx messages from a single event of a single control?  Elantric gave an example of multiple CC sends from a single control, but I can't get a SysEx equivalent out of that.  (I even tried overlaying multiple controls, but the control in front blocks the control in back.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: armatronix on September 30, 2011, 12:20:07 PM
You should be able to just place them back-to-back, like so:

0xf0 <sysex1> 0xf7 0xf0 <sysex2> 0xf7

-Hans
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 30, 2011, 01:48:58 PM
Thanks, Hans.  I did try this and it didn't work, but it had gotten pretty late by then and my coding and/or testing might have gotten sloppy.  I'll give it another shot this weekend.  Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on September 30, 2011, 02:16:07 PM
If there is no limit on the size of a syx message that a control can send, you could send an entire "initialization" patch with it's settings that match the initial state of the controls of the Navigator GUI on startup, this would mean the GR-55 and the Navigator settings will start off in sync.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 05, 2011, 08:54:20 AM
Quote from: gumtown on September 30, 2011, 02:16:07 PM
If there is no limit on the size of a syx message that a control can send, you could send an entire "initialization" patch with it's settings that match the initial state of the controls of the Navigator GUI on startup, this would mean the GR-55 and the Navigator settings will start off in sync.

An Init button is a good idea, but of course it would only be valuable if I also had the onscreen elements initialized to those same preferred states.  As it is they tend to be initialized to whatever is represented by a default 0 or center value.  It would be difficult (maybe impossible in TouchOSC) to get all the controls synced with that starting patch.  For the moment, I have a preferred starting template (as opposed to Roland's Init Patch) with my typical CTL/GK/Exp settings, routing, assigns, etc. which I copied throughout my unused patches with Librarian.  Even though the screen is largely inaccurate until I begin tweaking, I always start off in familiar territory, so it works out fairly well.

Then there's your first point: I think I would exceed the max length on the SysEx string.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 06, 2011, 08:29:23 AM
Quote from: armatronix on September 30, 2011, 12:20:07 PM
You should be able to just place them back-to-back, like so:

0xf0 <sysex1> 0xf7 0xf0 <sysex2> 0xf7

-Hans
Blargh.  Going out of my mind with this.  Hans, the approach you cite does work, and will likely be useful for other features down the road, but as for my little keyboard detuner, I'm still foiled.  For some arbitrary reason, you can use multiple SysEx commands in a simple /midi/[sysex][sysex] format, but you can't embed them in touch/drag/release SysEx sequences, i.e. /midi/z/[sysex]/[sysex][sysex]/[sysex].  I have no idea why not.  Alternately, just stringing together 3+ commands e.g. /midi/[sysex][sysex][sysex][sysex] fails for reasons that would be impossible to debug, barring extremely time-consuming trial and error.  (TouchOSC now takes upwards of a minute to save this template!)  I've tried, but I'm cross-eyed now...  My best guess is that it has to do with timing and conflicts between various commands arriving at the GR55 more or less simultaneously.

I'll probably give up on refining this feature and accept it with its current warts.  It's held me back from actually doing anything creative for too many nights now.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 06, 2011, 08:29:59 AM
LOL just realized how utterly unreadable that last post is.    ;D
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: thatsrayor on October 13, 2011, 09:51:33 PM
Hey guys!

This is some amazing work you're doing here. I'm limited in that I have an iPhone (no iPad yet) and can't justify spending money on The Missing Link right now - though having this setup wirelessly is an incredible achievement.

I've downloaded the TouchOSC template and have been trying to get it to work in a few different ways with no success so far. I've tried with the Midi Mobilizer, but it looks like TouchOSC only supports native sysex messages through OSC atm. I've tried OSC via wifi through a PC with Pure Data as OSC to MIDI converter, but it seems I'd have to create my own set of translations (basically from scratch) for Pure Data, which is far beyond what I'm capable of - for a solution that isn't ideal, anyhow.

So this leads me to the conclusion that the only solution for those of us without The Missing Link is to use MIDI CCs and the assigns on the GR55 - not a great solution for creating sounds from scratch, but better than nothing, and I have it working successfully with Midi Surface 2.

Hopefully TouchOSC will implement native sysex messages via MIDI in the near future, though at that point it still might be a bit of work to translate the OSC messages to MIDI. I'm fairly new with this technology so I don't quite understand what would be required, but I might be willing to give it a shot, if and when that happens.

I will eagerly await that day  8)

Peace
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 13, 2011, 10:06:20 PM
Don't forget there's other IOS  apps to control the GR-55. While not as extensive as mbenigni's TouchOSC GR-55 editor, VGuitarForum member Galvonot programmed "MIDITouch" to control the GR-55 too:

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4494.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4494.0)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FFR-55Guitar.png&hash=524d7001a41c007b1f69d4e73e6392f33f38e74a)

and he has the template for download at the link above.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 14, 2011, 06:20:14 AM
Quote from: thatsrayor on October 13, 2011, 09:51:33 PM
I've tried with the Midi Mobilizer, but it looks like TouchOSC only supports native sysex messages through OSC atm... Hopefully TouchOSC will implement native sysex messages via MIDI in the near future, though at that point it still might be a bit of work to translate the OSC messages to MIDI. I'm fairly new with this technology so I don't quite understand what would be required, but I might be willing to give it a shot, if and when that happens.

I think you're right; and yeah, this is the crux of the problem for anyone trying to use a MIDI connection vs. an OSC-to-MIDI translator. (And disclaimer:  Whenever I use the acronym OSC, you can assume I only half know what I'm talking about.)

QuoteI've tried OSC via wifi through a PC with Pure Data as OSC to MIDI converter, but it seems I'd have to create my own set of translations (basically from scratch) for Pure Data, which is far beyond what I'm capable of - for a solution that isn't ideal, anyhow.

It will be quite tedious, but in no way technically demanding: if you find another combination of iOS app and adaptor that will allow you to send SysEx to the iPhone, you can just open the TouchOSC editor, and whatever new editor you use, and copy and paste each of my SysEx strings across (probably ommitting the "/midi/" prefix that is unique to TouchOSC.)  There are only a few controls that use what TouchOSC calls "Z messages" that might not translate.  (And to give due credit - about 90% of the SysEx in my template was actually copied from gumtown's Floorboard app.)

Also if you do find a way to get TouchOSC working for you (e.g. an effective adaptor), you can simply copy and paste entire controls or blocks of controls from my template to a new one that is formatted to suit the iPhone.

QuoteSo this leads me to the conclusion that the only solution for those of us without The Missing Link is to use MIDI CCs and the assigns on the GR55 - not a great solution for creating sounds from scratch, but better than nothing, and I have it working successfully with Midi Surface 2.

That's how I started out, actually.  It's pretty cool as a performance tool, and for limited programming (e.g. amp eq and gain).  The main problem is that with 8 assigns you run out so quickly.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 14, 2011, 11:24:21 PM
I am getting confused.  Can OSC works directly wih a MIDI adapter for iPAD,  e.g. The Alesis IO Dock.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Macciza on October 15, 2011, 12:59:12 AM
NO!
OSC = Open Sound Control is completely different to MIDI.
OSC can however transmit 'MIDI-styled data' as a small subset of it's capabilities.
How the OSC messages are translated is dependant on software/hardware implementations - but they are not naturally midi compatible
Cheers
MM
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 15, 2011, 03:13:28 AM
This might help:
Wiki  - OSC - Open Sound Control
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Sound_Control (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Sound_Control)
Open Sound Control (OSC) is a content format for messaging among computers, sound synthesizers, and other multimedia devices that are optimized for modern networking technology. Bringing the benefits of modern networking technology to the world of electronic musical instruments, OSC's advantages include interoperability, accuracy, flexibility, and enhanced organization and documentation.
Contents  [hide]
1 Motivation
2 Features
3 Design
4 Implementations
5 References
6 External links

Motivation

OSC is a content format developed at CNMAT by Adrian Freed and Matt Wright comparable to XML WDDX or JSON. It was originally intended for sharing music performance data (gestures, parameters and note sequences) between musical instruments (especially electronic musical instruments such as synthesizers), computers, and other multimedia devices. OSC is often used as an alternative to the 1983 MIDI standard, where higher performance, higher resolution and a richer musical parameter space is desired. OSC messages are commonly transported across the internet and within home and studio subnets using (UDP/IP, Ethernet). OSC messages between gestural controllers are usually transmitted over serial endpoints of USB by being wrapped in the SLIP protocol.
OSC gives musicians and developers more flexibility in the kinds of data they can send over the wire, enabling new applications that can communicate with each other at a high level.


Features

Open-ended, dynamic, URL-style symbolic naming scheme
Symbolic and high-resolution numeric argument data
Pattern matching language to specify multiple recipients of a single message
High resolution time tags
"Bundles" of messages whose effects must occur simultaneously
There are dozens of implementations of OSC, including real-time sound and media processing environments, web interactivity tools, software synthesizers, a large variety of programming languages, and hardware devices. OSC has achieved wide use in fields including new computer-based interfaces for musical expression, robotics, video performance interfaces, wide-area and local-area networked distributed music systems, inter-process communication, and even from within a single application.
The TUIO community standard for tangible interfaces such as multitouch is built on top of OSC. Similarly the GDIF system for representing gestures integrates OSC.
OSC is used extensively in experimental musical controllers and has been built into many commercial products including, the Jazz Mutant Lemur, the Monome, Native Instruments Reaktor and Cycling 74 Max/MSP.
The Open Sound World (OSW) music programming language is designed around OSC messaging.
OSC is also used as the heart of the DSSI plugin API, an evolution of the LADSPA API, in order to make the eventual GUI interact with the core of the plugin via messaging the plugin host. LADSPA and DSSI are APIs dedicated to audio effects and synths.
In 2007, a standardized namespace within OSC called SYN, for communication between controllers, synthesizers and hosts, was proposed, (See External links.)


Design

OSC messages contain name/value pairs and an optional time tag. Values are named in a hierarchical name space, reminiscent of a Unix filesystem path, or a URL. Value types are represented in a compact string representation. Values are represented in binary form with 4-byte alignment. The core types supported are
32-bit two's complement signed integers
32-bit IEEE floating point numbers
Null-terminated arrays of 8 bit encoded data (C-style strings)
arbitrary sized blob (e.g. audio data, or a video frame)
Applications commonly employ extensions to this core set. Recently some of these extensions such as a compact Boolean type were integrated into the required core types of OSC 1.1.
The advantages of OSC over MIDI are primarily speed and throughput; internet connectivity; data type resolution; and the comparative ease of specifying a symbolic path, as opposed to specifying all connections as 7-bit numbers with 7-bit or 14-bit data types.


Implementations

Some examples of software with OSC implementations:
Aestesis Elektronika
AlgoScore
Ardour
AVSynthesis
Bidule
CoGe VJ
ChucK
Circle Synth
Cosmovox, for iPhone
Crystal Space
CSound
DiABlu, a set of OSC to Bluetooth (and vice-versa) tools.
Digital Performer
Dlight
DSMI
Eyecon
EyesWeb
Fluxus
FreeJ
harmonySEQ
IanniX
Isadora (v.1.1)
Jamoma, a modular standard for Max/MSP
liblo, a C library for Unix
Lily
LiVES
Logic Pro
LuaAV
Martin Mx-Series Lighting Controller
Max/MSP
Mocolo
Modul8
Mxwendler
NodeBox
OSCpad, an iPad OSC controller
OSCulator
Overtone (Clojure)
Processing
Pure
Pure Data
Quartz Composer (as of v3.0 / Mac OS X v10.5)
Reaktor
Renoise
Resolume Avenue
SuperCollider
Squeak
Tiction
TJShow (as of v3.1)
TouchOSC, for Android, iPhone and iPad
Traktor DJ Studio
Usine
Veejay
VDMX
VirtualDJ
vvvv

Some examples of hardware with OSC implementations:

AlphaSphere
Audiocubes
Kiss-Box
uOSC
Lemur Input Device
Make Controller
MIDIbox
Milkymist One
Monome 40h
OMFootCtrl


Official OSC site
http://opensoundcontrol.org/ (http://opensoundcontrol.org/)

OSC is rather mature now, i first heard of it from Carl Malone of CM Automation in the mid 1990s. In some circles, there is strong inertia and bias to favor OSC over MIDI. Many will tell you: "MIDI is Dead" .The head buyer for Sam Ash did not want to carry the GR-55 because he said "MIDI is dead!

Of course MIDI is not dead, but we have a whole new generation of folks who for the past 10 years only know MIDI as data stream transported over a USB connector. The old school 1983 5 pin DIN MIDi jacks are rapidly vanishing from the new gear.

Look at new 2011 Laptops. I'm at a loss on locating one I can recommend buying. Sure they have fast I7 Sandy Bridge processors, but the brainless bean counters at HP, Dell, Toshiba have deleted the essential I/O ports that i find mandatory. Find a new laptop with a Firewire port, or even an Expresscard34 expansion Port. How can i use my MOTU 828 Firewire Audio interface or a UAD??
About the only Laptop you can buy today that meets all my needs is a 17" Macbook Pro, or a Sager/Clevo 900F - and both are pushing into the $2k to $3K  price range.
 

We are in a pivotal age where the processing power is fast and software is where the future is. Nearly everything I used to do in a studio in 1982 with $200k worth of gear, I can now do with an Ipad2, an Alesis IO Dock and the IOS DAW app "Meteor"
http://www.4pocketsaudio.com/product.php?p=8 (http://www.4pocketsaudio.com/product.php?p=8)


Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 15, 2011, 10:06:00 AM
Thanks guys for all the detailed explanation.
But from this site:
http://www.soundware.co.uk/news/2011/07/12/alesis-io-dock-for-ipad-unboxed/ (http://www.soundware.co.uk/news/2011/07/12/alesis-io-dock-for-ipad-unboxed/)

it seems to imply TouchOSC will work with Alesis IO Dock to control midi devices.

if I want a App just to select patches from gr-55,  and I have the Alesis IO Dock now,  which direction should I go?

appreciate all your answer.  thanks!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 15, 2011, 10:35:02 AM
The best Control app in IOS is a moving target week to week.

I'm aware of:
TouchOSC
MIDTouch
Control
more here:
http://www.promusicapps.com/category/music-apps/controllers/ (http://www.promusicapps.com/category/music-apps/controllers/)


Assuming you have an ipad, get an alesis I/O doc, and start trying different apps that support Core MIDI and MIDi sysex transmission.
The hexler TouchOSC site has instructions on how to enable Core MIDi  hardware support, and this is the path for getting the Alesis I/O Dock to function with TouchOSC.



http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-configuration-connections-coremidi (http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-configuration-connections-coremidi)

But its not a slam dunk. Best to consult with Hexler. and READ THE UDP Protocol doc.
http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-configuration-connections-osc (http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-configuration-connections-osc)

Its my understanding UDP OSC messages are NOT transmitted over Core MIDi hardware connections, and that is the crux of the problem for using mbenigni's TouchOSC GR-55 Template with the Alesis I/O Dock.

Its best to be armed with OSC tools
Here is an OSX OSCMonitor app:

http://code.google.com/p/oscmonitor/updates/list (http://code.google.com/p/oscmonitor/updates/list)

here is a Win7 OSC Monitor app:
http://www.frieder-weiss.de/OSC/index.html (http://www.frieder-weiss.de/OSC/index.html)




And be sure you have upgraded the Alesis I/O Dock with the latest firmware.
Here's the link to the new firmware request page:
http://www.alesis.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/235236 (http://www.alesis.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/235236)

Ultimately you are best served with the one that you can wrap your brain around to program effectively.

Basic MIDI control apps can send MIIDi CC# numbers, but remember the GR-55 restricts only 8 MIDI CC# assignments TOTAL.

MIDI Sysex is the secret to Gumtown's GR-55 Floorboard - that is the godhead source of knowledge of understanding how to control every parameter on the Roland GR-55 using MIDI sysex. We already covered in prior posts how to "grab" each MIDI sysex command using MIDI-Ox or Bohm's send SX.

They say time is money, and its worth noting that few apps fully support MIDI Sysex.

You could possibly replicate the Mbenigni's GR-55 TouchOSC experience with another app, but it might take weeks and weeks of debug.

the Jabrudian Missing Link +  Mbenigni's GR-55 TouchOSC template running on TouchOSC IS an extremely cost effective solution for a free standing Ipad wireless GR-55 control solution - with no Mac or WinPC required at the gig.
The current crop of IOS MIDI control apps are located with google - there are many IOS dedicated sites that keep track of the latest developments.

http://iosmidi.com/apps/midi-touch/ (http://iosmidi.com/apps/midi-touch/)

www.iosmidi.com (http://www.iosmidi.com)

http://www.promusicapps.com/category/music-apps/controllers/ (http://www.promusicapps.com/category/music-apps/controllers/)


On my things to do list is to program my Novation X-Station to send MIDI sysex to control the GR-55.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 15, 2011, 11:33:08 AM
Thanks again!  You are great!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 17, 2011, 07:39:00 AM
Quotethe Jabrudian Missing Link +  Mbenigni's GR-55 TouchOSC template running on TouchOSC IS an extremely cost effective solution for a free standing Ipad wireless GR-55 control solution - with no Mac or WinPC required at the gig.

Agreed.  TouchOSC is not perfect, but if nothing else it is a serious value.  I think I paid $5 whereas competing products (e.g. MIDITouch) were closer to $25.  The Missing Link was also a bargain IMO.  When I considered that other (wired) adaptors were going to set me back $60 or $70, anyway, $165 for a wireless setup suddenly didn't seem so bad.  And Hans at Jabrudian was extremely helpful in getting the ML to me in a hurry, and then providing post-sales support.

I wouldn't want to push this on anyone - because there are some significant limitations to my solution - but I can tell you I have no regrets for spending an extra $170 (plus a couple weeks of development that you won't have to go through) to get this editing interface going.  It's really turned the GR55 experience around for me.

Personally, I'd start by ponying up the $5 for TouchOSC - a minimal risk - and seeing whether your I/O dock works out (assuming you already own one?)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 17, 2011, 09:18:31 AM
Thanks.  May just buy this app and try it with my newly bought IO Dock.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 17, 2011, 12:27:53 PM
Got the TouchOSC, download the GR55 Layout, and hook up to the GR-55.   The TouchOSC recognize the Alesis IO Dock,
so I enable CoreMidi and disable OSC.   Unfortunately,   nothing responsd when I  touch any of the icon on the layout.
Does that mean the layout only send to OSC and not CoreMidi?    What should be my next step.  Thanks!

Rick
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 17, 2011, 12:29:27 PM
QuoteWhat should be my next step.  Thanks!

Lots of debug - or get one of these
http://wifimidi.com/ (http://wifimidi.com/)
Missing Link OSC/MIDI Translator



and understand this:
QuoteBut its not a slam dunk. Best to consult with Hexler. and READ THE UDP Protocol doc.
http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-configuration-connections-osc (http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc-configuration-connections-osc)

Its my understanding UDP OSC messages are NOT transmitted over Core MIDi hardware connections, and that is the crux of the problem for using mbenigni's TouchOSC GR-55 Template with the Alesis I/O Dock.

Its best to be armed with OSC tools
Here is an OSX OSCMonitor app:

http://code.google.com/p/oscmonitor/updates/list (http://code.google.com/p/oscmonitor/updates/list)

here is a Win7 OSC Monitor app:
http://www.frieder-weiss.de/OSC/index.html (http://www.frieder-weiss.de/OSC/index.html)

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 17, 2011, 02:58:17 PM
Thanks again!
I think I known why it is not working now, I downloaded the TouchOSC editor and open the GR55 layout file, and saw that only OSC messages are filled.  still not very familar with the editor yet.
I can only see the first layout of GR55, but not all other pages, What's wrong?  Thanks!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 18, 2011, 08:09:38 AM
Quote from: prsrick on October 17, 2011, 02:58:17 PM
Thanks again!
I think I known why it is not working now, I downloaded the TouchOSC editor and open the GR55 layout file, and saw that only OSC messages are filled.  still not very familar with the editor yet.

Cool. Just so I understand, you already own an iPad, TouchOSC, and the Alesis IO Dock, and you've downloaded the GR55 template?

So there are three approaches from here: you either get the Alesis IO Dock to accept OSC messages (which may or may not be possible, I'd check their documentation and ask on any related forums to see whether a firmware update might add this support), OR you invest in another interface that does accept OSC messages (Missing Link is the one I'm familiar with but there are likely others), OR you copy the SysEx from my template into another iOS app that can send SysEx via straight MIDI.  (Unfortunately, TouchOSC does not yet support SysEx in its MIDI messaging, only CC etc.)

The third option is the least attractive IMO. A) You just shelled out $5 for TouchOSC and B) it would be nice to avoid the labor of transferring all that SysEx to new controls in a new app.  Do some legwork to see whether the Alesis will cooperate, and if not, start looking for another interface that suits your budget.

If you have a Mac or PC on WiFi in your home, this might be a good time to set up some kind of OSC connection via Mac/PC as a temporary measure, just to test my template and see whether you like using it enough to warrant investing in a new interface.  I think someone else here may be able to point you to a thread describing how to do that; I haven't tried it myself. 

Before you go too crazy, bear in mind that gumtown's "Floorboard" editor may suit your needs as well, or better, depending on the application.  (The iPad/TouchOSC solution has definite advantages for performance/on-the-fly tweaking; Floorboard has its advantages for programming new patches.)

Quote
I can only see the first layout of GR55, but not all other pages, What's wrong?  Thanks!

You should be able to click on the tabs across the top of the screen to change between the pages of the layout.  (Be careful that you're not actually clicking on the labels that are sitting on top of these tabs; try clicking on the edge of the tabs to avoid these.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 18, 2011, 12:39:46 PM
Thanks for all the good info.
Yes I found that out  this morning already that my problem is to click on the label itself.
I do not know TouchOSC will not accept SysEx (do you know why?)   I was planning to update your template
to include all the midi messages in the MIDI tab  so TouchOSC can control both I/F,  but looks like it is the wrong
direction again!

I will continue to do my experiment.   My main purpose is to switch the patches on the fly at live session  with added bonus to switch the pickup position,  since  only 3 pedal per bank is not enough for my live situation.    Thanks again.

Rick
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 18, 2011, 01:47:27 PM
No problem.  Wish I could be more help, but of course I've only tested the hardware that I personally use.

If your needs are as simple as you indicate, then you should compare notes with Galvonot as well. As Elantric mentioned above, he's got a nice solution working with a different interface and iOS app:

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4494.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=4494.0)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on October 18, 2011, 02:14:20 PM
Yup. Midi Touch ($9.99) + Camera Kit will get you going with ease.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 18, 2011, 02:17:58 PM
Although with an Ipad - you will want the Ipad version of MIDI Touch -which is $19.95
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 18, 2011, 02:20:16 PM
Thanks every one!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on October 18, 2011, 02:22:20 PM
Quote from: Elantric on October 18, 2011, 02:17:58 PM
Although with an Ipad - you will want the Ipad version of MIDI Touch -which is $19.95

My mistake. I thought it was universal app. Totally don't remember paying $19.99 for it. Wonder if I got it during one of those occasional price discount times... Oh well.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 19, 2011, 11:21:07 AM
I have looked at all the midi data in OSCTouch editor,  they all start with xF0,   That means they are all SysEx messages,  why is that,   Should some of them , e.g. Patch change can be CC or PC message instead?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 19, 2011, 11:36:46 AM
QuoteThat means they are all SysEx messages,  why is that, 

Because MIDI Sysex is the ONLY path/ method to control EVERY element of the GR-55.

We have to thank Gumtown for snooping and debugging this - without any documentation!

Luckily Gumtown has "been there done" that before, creating third party editors for other Roland gear, like his excellent BossGT-10 Floorboard editor.
 

But simple remote MIDI control of Patch up  / down and making knob / faders for the limited Eight assignable MIDI CC# Continuous Controllers should not be too difficult.


Here's another Alesis I/O dock Core MIDI  IOS app "MIDI Tool box":
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/midi-tool-box/id443115330?mt=8 (http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/midi-tool-box/id443115330?mt=8)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa1.mzstatic.com%2Fus%2Fr1000%2F094%2FPurple%2F3a%2Fc1%2Fe1%2Fmzl.fwmnuich.320x480-75.jpg&hash=df292d22cbe11e43a1eb7d70e199ef713e19f6ff)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa2.mzstatic.com%2Fus%2Fr1000%2F096%2FPurple%2Fb6%2F2a%2F03%2Fmzl.dowogfnv.320x480-75.jpg&hash=7298d9532de414f57f5799bd995d1dc27af34969)


and MIDI Monitor is free
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/midi-monitor/id395750746?mt=8 (http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/midi-monitor/id395750746?mt=8)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa3.mzstatic.com%2Fus%2Fr1000%2F051%2FPurple%2F19%2F9f%2F9b%2Fmzl.ifndnxxt.320x480-75.jpg&hash=43b4daf867d73b3da8cea704708558966c165aa9)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa2.mzstatic.com%2Fus%2Fr1000%2F006%2FPurple%2Ffe%2Fbc%2Fdd%2Fmzl.hqbwqmkb.320x480-75.jpg&hash=9de7a2532e39a29033a552d8533b451c19d20375)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa5.mzstatic.com%2Fus%2Fr1000%2F023%2FPurple%2F12%2Fbb%2Ff3%2Fmzl.ccrtuprg.320x480-75.jpg&hash=7905a449a74e3e7561ac0f14d1d08ee8d64ebf66)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 19, 2011, 11:37:41 AM
QuoteWe have to thank Gumtown for snooping and debugging this - without any documentation!

Amen to that!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 19, 2011, 11:40:53 AM
Quote from: prsrick on October 19, 2011, 11:21:07 AM
I have looked at all the midi data in OSCTouch editor,  they all start with xF0,   That means they are all SysEx messages,  why is that,   Should some of them , e.g. Patch change can be CC or PC message instead?

If nothing else, you can get some mileage out of copying the CC Message faders and XY pads to your own template, and moving those simple messages over to the MIDI tab on each control.  These can be used with the Assigns in the GR55 to control quite a few things.  Unfortunately, I don't think patch navigation is among them. 

But things like pickup selection, amp selection, etc. are, and if you experiment you can begin replacing these sliders with distinct buttons that call out the components/ positions (i.e. the specific values) you prefer, which could be very useful in performance.

I've said it about a dozen times already, but I think one of the most exciting things about these iOS interface apps (TouchOSC, MIDI Touch, etc) is that everyone can wind up with a UI that exactly suits their own personal preferences.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 19, 2011, 01:45:55 PM
Thanks!  do you mean GR-55 will not accept standard CC and PG midi control?
I remember long time ago, I can use my GT-5 to send program change message to my GR-55 to select a patch.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 19, 2011, 01:50:07 PM
Quotedo you mean GR-55 will not accept standard CC and PG midi control?

Quite the contrary - its rather standard in that regard and will accept program change commands  -AFTER you enable MIDI Patch change reception.

And set the correct MIDI Channel too (PATCH CH = 1 thru 16)

To enable MIDI Patch change reception set (PC RX Switch = ON)

See GR-55 Owners Manual page 79
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_BASIC_MIDI.png&hash=c24276bc63b3b0c857e23a30f41aa56bc8f54dd9)


But  it restricts you to a total of eight total MIDI CC# commands which you must manually assign each.
Of the hundreds of available GR-55 effect parameters, only 8 can be controlled at a time using MIDI CC#.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 19, 2011, 02:04:07 PM
So how do you enable MIDI Patch change reception?
What are the allowed CC commands from the short list?

Thanks again!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 19, 2011, 02:35:14 PM
Read post directly above on how to enable MIDI Patch Change reception

This is a list of ALL available Control sources for the  GR-55:
(Observe  that not all MIDI CC# (1 thru 128) are available)
You may create Eight Total Control Assigns from the possible controller sources in this list.
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_CC.png&hash=5d8f362196c3e40ded77232265916979a9deaea2)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 19, 2011, 02:42:03 PM
This is a list of ALL available GR-55 FX Parameter Targets you may control remotely using the EIGHT Control Assignments:

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_FX1.png&hash=f6ff2f4487a6172e88759d45dd1560fb674e11c0)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_FX2.png&hash=1b67000f9a9d899ffbe7b364aa82adc2718f4651)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_FX3.png&hash=7e8260ee582cec08bb559d07c890e849ba8a01d6)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_FX4.png&hash=ce4cb874db6e56af3ff4781f6dec4c8cbe5140c1)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_FX5.png&hash=ecf499fdb54e5b1f386544c26938fb97ef8310de)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_FX6.png&hash=ca955f7386e2e28e1522c7fd47e9e109a4e302b4)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_FX7.png&hash=649b77352424115f51ade673b67ea32745e4f980)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_FX8.png&hash=eae14309ada7658db58c9f38abac965b838b1bcb)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_FX9.png&hash=453ef358efd095e58a78731e1ea8d9aa6cbf6c15)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_FX10.png&hash=a0bb67c54e0e30d22d9b9964511db5c3cb3091d6)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 19, 2011, 02:46:50 PM
Most will discover its easiest to assign the hundreds of available GR-55 FX parameter Targets (as listed in the post above) to the Eight Control ASSIGNS using Gumtown's GR-55 Floorboard Editor :


(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi412.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp208%2Felantric%2FROLAND%2520GR-55%2FGR-55_CC_floorboard.png&hash=53d706ba511a287d6f14bc1c9a09cf74e0d5bae8) 
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 19, 2011, 03:12:03 PM
Thanks again!

Where did you find out all these details?  or am I miss reading in the owner manual?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 19, 2011, 03:19:18 PM
QuoteWhere did you find out all these details?  or am I miss reading in the owner manual?


QuoteWe have to thank Gumtown for snooping and debugging this - without any documentation!

Double Amen to that!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: prsrick on October 19, 2011, 03:41:05 PM
Yes!  Thanks to Gumtown!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 20, 2011, 08:38:17 AM
QuoteThanks!  do you mean GR-55 will not accept standard CC and PG midi control?
I remember long time ago, I can use my GT-5 to send program change message to my GR-55 to select a patch.

Right, my mistake.  I'm actually using SysEx for my patch navigation (adapted from a template MCK developed), but yes it should have occurred to me that simple Program Change messages would work!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 24, 2011, 08:40:14 AM
I've finally started shooting the YouTube vids I mentioned earlier.  Very informal stuff - no editing, just one camera pointed at the iPad while I blather on, podcast-style.  The first two videos are strictly a verbal introduction to concepts, stuff you guys already know, but I hope to have more up soon.  Hope these links work:

TouchOSC for Roland GR55, Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBCKBIoJTVQ#ws)
TouchOSC for Roland GR55, Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KWEcHaclb8#ws)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on October 25, 2011, 02:18:06 AM
Great stuff! Thanks for putting in the time.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 26, 2011, 03:08:57 PM
Quote from: MCK on October 25, 2011, 02:18:06 AM
Great stuff! Thanks for putting in the time.
Thanks, MCK. I'd expected to have a third, more substantial episode posted by now, but I wound up in the maternity ward instead! :O(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftapatalk.com%2Fmu%2Fa6898bec-84ec-a164.jpg&hash=0ddb036960aa34f770bfd6a9494c5b15c3d951b6)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on October 26, 2011, 03:29:58 PM
CONGRATULATIONS !!!  ;D
Another member for the family band !!

I am expecting one in december,
this time i hope we make it to the hospital. :o
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: whippinpost91850 on October 26, 2011, 04:43:25 PM
CONGRATULATIONS. WHAT A PLEASANT ADDITION TO THE FAMILY ;D
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on October 26, 2011, 05:12:10 PM
Congratulations!
Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: aliensporebomb on October 26, 2011, 06:55:25 PM
Ah!  Congratulations on your new arrival!  Be sure to catch catnaps when you can - my co-worker just had a daughter and, well, he's had better sleep!  Congratulations again!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on October 26, 2011, 08:13:04 PM
Ah what a multi-talented guy. Not only can he hack a GR55 and graft the Missing Link into it, not only can he program one mean GR55 template and make movies about it he is now also the proudest dad!!! It doesn't get any better than that! Congratulations!!! This is wonderful news. May your new baby have the best of health, happiness.

Oh and if sleep becomes a problem... Start whispering the GR55 midi codes in his ears... It works wonders on me!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: HAMERMAN409 on October 27, 2011, 07:42:32 AM
Congratulations!

You are starting an amazing new chapter. They grow up fast so enjoy it all. You will hear it over and over but that's because it's true! From the guy who has a daughter just starting college and another that's a freshman in high school; how the hell did that happen so fast.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 28, 2011, 12:14:55 AM
Wow - I can't thank you guys enough for these warm replies. This site's been so informative and entertaining since I stumbled in looking for a deal on a GR55 earlier this year... but being able to share this news with you all is even better.

Mille grazie!!!  :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: paults on October 28, 2011, 05:49:55 PM
Congratulations!  There's nothing better :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 31, 2011, 10:02:39 PM
Pushing into day 9 in the hospital if I'm counting right. Things have not gone as smoothly as we might have hoped, but I think we're nearly out of the woods. Baby girl is in excellent health. :)

Thanks again for your well wishes and congrats!

Hospital 101:  Never try to sleep in a chair when there's a perfectly good floor available.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on October 31, 2011, 10:44:47 PM
Ouch. Sounds like a rough start. Hope all is well now. Best of health to baby girl and mom. Dad will have to survive some discomfort but let that be the worst experience you ever have to go through. All the best.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 31, 2011, 10:52:03 PM
Yeah I've definitely had the easiest part in all of this. Watching mom persevere has been impressive in the extreme (and occasionally a little harrowing.)

I think we're coasting toward a Wednesday discharge - knock on wood.  Thanks again.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on October 31, 2011, 11:51:24 PM
Our collective thoughts & prayers will be with you. All the best
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on November 03, 2011, 06:37:27 PM
Your prayers have been appreciated and helpful - mom is out of the woods, baby is still healthy.  All is well.   :)

That said, we are still in the hospital, pushing into day 12 with no clear end in sight.  Maybe at this point - instead of praying - we should be petitioning the governor for a pardon on our prison sentence!   ;)

I kid, I kid.  Very grateful, but I do miss my GR55!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on November 29, 2011, 09:47:27 AM
New IOS MIDI control app - TB MIDI Stuff -  looks promising - on sale for $2.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tb-midi-stuff/id480953919?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tb-midi-stuff/id480953919?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa4.mzstatic.com%2Fus%2Fr1000%2F077%2FPurple%2Fd7%2F98%2Fa4%2Fmzl.omjptjur.480x480-75.jpg&hash=bceda8c03ab14aa8470cc7ff9e7147d650339d97)

QuoteCustomer Reviews
Excellent beginnings
     
by synthosaur

This app is really impressive. It's highly customizable, allows multiple CCs to be assigned to a single controller. This is what i've been waiting for. Being able to scroll through pages of controllers is awesome. There's a few tweaks I'd like to see in an update. The snap to center option for xy controls is great, but it would also be good to have an option to snap to default value instead. Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on December 05, 2011, 09:33:04 AM
QuoteNew IOS MIDI control app - TB MIDI Stuff -  looks promising - on sale for $2.99

Looks really nice - and what a deal - but no mention of SysEx in their product description.  (Almost a relief ... would hate to fall in love in with a new app right now, and have to transfer all this work into a new format.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: minouche on December 07, 2011, 07:15:41 AM
Big news, the Lemur (http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23753&a=1970866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Ffr%2Fapp%2Flemur%2Fid481290621%3Fmt%3D8%26partnerId%3D2003) is now on the App Store

Who wants to make another interface for the GR-55 ?  ::)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on December 07, 2011, 09:52:51 AM
Quote from: minouche on December 07, 2011, 07:15:41 AM
Big news, the Lemur (http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23753&a=1970866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Ffr%2Fapp%2Flemur%2Fid481290621%3Fmt%3D8%26partnerId%3D2003) is now on the App Store

Who wants to make another interface for the GR-55 ?  ::)

Lemur on IOS!!! Great! Just checked with MissingLink folks and they confirmed compatibility of Missing Link with the Lemur. The fact that it brings scripting to the table along with visual interface building might mean we can close some of the gaps left in the TouchOSC template due to GR55's lack of bi-directional communication. Tempted!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: bbob on December 07, 2011, 11:58:50 AM
Sorry.  I am clueless as to what we are talking about here.

Is the TouchOSC an iPad version of Gumtown's floorboard?

Is there a functional iPad ap available that will do GR-55 patch editiing or are we talking about the iPad sending midi control messages to the GR-55?

Thanks.

Bob
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on December 07, 2011, 12:05:35 PM
Hi Bob. See post #243 on this thread for some cool videos - https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg32112#msg32112 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg32112#msg32112)

that MBeningni shot of his TouchOSC template. This is not an iPad version of the full blown GR55 Editor by Gumtown. Current tool limitations hold us back from going there. Still MBenigni's great work gives you a lot of editor like capability in a mobile package.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: bbob on December 07, 2011, 01:24:59 PM
Thanks MCK.

Bob
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on December 07, 2011, 01:34:55 PM
Quote from: bbob on December 07, 2011, 01:24:59 PM
Thanks MCK.

Bob

Always a pleasure.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on December 07, 2011, 04:05:39 PM
About those those videos...   ::)

Obviously I got sidetracked a little bit, but I will be trying to resume work on those within the next few days.  The two that are up now are really just introductions.  I've been making improvements day by day so there are already a few inaccuracies in what I had said back in October.  (Wow, October?)

Lemur app looks cool, but I'm still not clear on how or whether it could be used to read patch settings from the GR55.  Maybe gumtown can comment there, since he knows how to initiate a read sequence from a PC/Mac application.  In the meantime, I'm actually getting pretty comfortable with the limitations of a send-only tool.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on December 07, 2011, 06:37:10 PM
I am really intrigued about Lemur. It has variables & strong scripting language. So hypothetically we should be able to query GR55 like gumtown does in the PC/Mac editor and assign returning data to variables, display them on the screen etc. Worst case if you can't query and get real time results you can keep track of changes you send down to the GR55 and mock status updates....

Price is steep though but I am tempted.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on December 15, 2011, 11:20:25 AM
It does look really good, but the price gives pause.  If it were a guaranteed home run and I could predict the learning curve, $50 would be nothing.  However, ponying up $50 just to discover there is some miscellaneous limitation, or that development of an improved editor surface would take far more time than I'll ever have available (increasingly likely)... it's just enough to dissuade me.  It would help if they put a trial version - gimped somehow, maybe it closes every 10 minutes or something - up on the AppStore for free.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on December 15, 2011, 11:44:28 AM
I caved and bought a copy. It looks a little complicated to get going and I did not have much time to play with it yet. Good thing is that the edits / changes you make on the Mac/PC are relayed real time on the iPad so you can see what you are doing with much ease. I think the scripting end is quite powerful but will take some time to get through.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on December 15, 2011, 05:33:42 PM
Quotechanges you make on the Mac/PC are relayed real time on the iPad so you can see what you are doing with much ease

That's awesome.  Keep us posted on your progress!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: teleholic on January 14, 2012, 07:03:13 PM
Hi mbenigni, great great work on the navigator! Are you aware of other ways to interface the iPad with the GR-55? Like say via USB into a Camera Connection kit? Thanks!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on January 17, 2012, 07:24:23 AM
Thank you, teleholic!  To be honest, I'm kind of amazed more people haven't coughed up the change for a Missing Link and adopted this template.  I guess it's kind of a leap of faith for a solution with a few known limitations, but I have to tell you, it's an amazing tool to have in front of you during a rehearsal or performance.

Anyway, regarding your question about other devices - that seems to be the first question everybody asks me.  The answer to date has been "I don't know" because I didn't own any other interfaces.  However, I did recently purchase a Camera Connection Kit for my wife, so I'll try to make a point of testing ASAP.  (ASAP may be another week or so, but I'll do my best.)

If I had to hazard a guess, I don't really expect it to work.  I believe I read that the CC Kit will transmit MIDI but not OSC, and the latter is the only way TouchOSC (as of the current revision) will send SysEx messages.  But I'll let you know what I find. 

Does anyone else have any knowledge to share on the topic in the meantime?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on January 17, 2012, 07:34:16 AM
CC kit works with Midi Touch
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on April 13, 2012, 06:47:41 AM
Am I going crazy or did about 4 pages of this thread (including all of Fabien's recent comments relating to his TB Stuff conversions) disappear when it went "sticky"? 
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: bbob on April 13, 2012, 07:09:05 AM
They were there a few hours ago...I think.

Missing now.   ???

Maybe moved to the other TB midi stuff thread.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on April 13, 2012, 07:38:28 AM
I think the thread has been split to create a more appropriately named one for TBStuff. I think its here : https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0;topicseen (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0;topicseen)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on April 13, 2012, 08:36:18 AM
Ah, you are correct - I hadn't read back far enough in that thread.  There are still some TouchOSC posts interspersed in the TB thread, but it's still an improvement that they've been separated.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on April 13, 2012, 08:47:24 AM
YEs - I split the TouchOSC thread into the new TB Stuff thread. Our forum admin tools are rather course - and do not allow a selective post by post restructuring , regrouping.

Sorry for the confusion! 
Please review the new TB Stuff thread, and Feel free to copy and repost any important  TouchOSC content that is remaining there, back to here
Mark Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6501.msg42883#msg42883 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=6501.msg42883#msg42883)
TouchOSC thread.

Both threads are now stickies in the GR-55 Reference Library area 
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 13, 2012, 07:06:14 AM
Marc's Efforts are strictly for remote wireless GR-55 Control Surface - not for  Audio and  - Not for playing IOS synths.


Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad is a custom template for an IOS app called "Hexler TouchOSC"
https://itunes.apple.com/za/app/touchosc/id288120394?mt=8 (https://itunes.apple.com/za/app/touchosc/id288120394?mt=8)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6501.0;attach=5726;image)

Touch OSC transmits data wirelessly over Wi-FI as "OSC" (Open Sound Control) data messages.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Sound_Control (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Sound_Control)

The Jabrudian Missing Link Wi-FI  OSC - MIDI converter translates "OSC" data messages into standard MIDI Sysex messages transmitted via its 5pin DIN MIDI OUT jack
http://wifimidi.com/ (http://wifimidi.com/)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wifimidi.com%2FMissingLinkProductPhoto425.jpg&hash=42a83e9a37c65d85988c561a86edc8ff556165d9)

Marc mounted the Missing Link inside the GR-55 and connected the Missing Link MIDI Out to the GR-55's MIDI IN connection internally.
See Missing Link PCB  mounted inside GR-55 on the far right
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3205.0;attach=3906;image)

Voila! - GR-55 patch Editing using an Ipad mid song at the gig - and no wires needed.

TouchOSC for Roland GR55, Part 1 - Introduction (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBCKBIoJTVQ#ws)

TouchOSC for Roland GR55, Part 2 - Concepts and Requirements (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KWEcHaclb8#ws)

TouchOSC for Roland GR55, Part 3 - Amp, COSM, and FX settings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRruYPo8LO4#ws)

http://youtu.be/E8W5qhBtAHM (http://youtu.be/E8W5qhBtAHM)

TouchOSC for Roland GR55, Part 5 - Amp Page Revisited (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UA_KAUUupY#ws)

TouchOSC for Roland GR55, Part 6 - Patch Normalization (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNH9CCs8aYc#ws)


Featured Article here at Peter Kirn's CreateDigitalMusic.com site
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2011/09/rolands-gr-55-guitar-synth-powers-unlocked-with-touchosc-and-ipad/ (http://createdigitalmusic.com/2011/09/rolands-gr-55-guitar-synth-powers-unlocked-with-touchosc-and-ipad/)

More info here

GR-55 Navigator for iPhone / iPad
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg30263#msg30263 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg30263#msg30263)


===============
Hi all.  I just got a PM from a new user of this template (now there are *three* of us LOL) which prompts me to post the most recent versions.  Sorry I've been MIA on this for so long.  I REALLY want to get back to improving the template and making some new videos, but distractions abound.  Soon...

Meanwhile new touchosc files attached:

GR55 2011 - the "official" release, i.e. the one that's seen some mileage.  I recently noticed that the GK page doesn't work properly, so avoid for the time being.  On the Amp page, I recommend replacing "1 - 1", "1 - 2", etc. with your own patch names to make your life easier.  (You can use different labels and patch numbers for different projects, and just save these as different templates to call up as needed.)

GR55 2011 plus XY - same as above, but with 2 new pages: a full-screen XY pad assigned to CC1/2, for use with Assigns, and another with 4 XY pads assigned to CC1/2, CC3/4, CC5/6 and CC7/8 respectively.  On the full-screen XY page there are switches to turn Assigns 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 on/off as ganged pairs, so that the pads can be repurposed on the fly.  I haven't tested any of this yet, but I think the possibilities could be pretty wild.  Many thanks to the user who requested this!

GR55 2012 (pre-beta :) ) - Similar to GR55 2011, but I'm halfway through reworking the PCM UI.  You will be able to select PCM1 and 2 tones from the same page, and each will have a dedicated page for deep editing, with much bigger controls, and faders in place of rotaries.  (TouchOSC rotaries look the business, but when there are so many small controls on screen, they're pretty much impossible to use.)


Now maintaining a single, up-to-date attachment.  Also - new videos and screen caps on page 2.

Have fun!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: daltron on June 13, 2012, 02:46:31 PM
thanks so much!! i was so fed up with using the menus on my gr55 that it was stopping me from creating sounds!! ive used plenty of menu driven music gear but the gr55 is easily the worst!!
cant wait to check your new pcm pages.. from my limited experience with the first version the horizontal faders were a bit tricky to accurately select pcm tones. would love a button page like the amps, maybe i can get editing!!! thanks again!

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on June 13, 2012, 02:55:48 PM
I belive the only "hurdle" for folks who wish to use marks (mbenigni) GR-55 OSC Template on the iPad is this system still requires using the Jabrudian "Missing Link" wireless OSC to MIDI convertor to feed the MIDI Input on the GR-55.

Look back a few pages here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg30038#msg30038 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg30038#msg30038)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3205.0;attach=3906;image)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 14, 2012, 06:36:09 AM
Quote from: daltron on June 13, 2012, 02:46:31 PM
cant wait to check your new pcm pages.. from my limited experience with the first version the horizontal faders were a bit tricky to accurately select pcm tones. would love a button page like the amps, maybe i can get editing!!! thanks again!

Still very much a work in progress, so you may be disappointed with them for the moment.  I'll have an update up within the next couple of days.

However, the new design still has those same horizontal scrollbars for tone selection.  I agree, they are inadequate, but they're the best I can do within this framework (i.e. GR55 f/w and TouchOSC.)  Ideally, you would be able to select from one of the categories (ac. piano, el. piano, etc.) and then increment up and down within them.  But the GR55 doesn't allow for incremental selection on this parameter (it should be an option on ALL parameters, or one of the Assign types along with toggle/momentary!)  It would also be helpful to have descriptive feedback as to which tone you've selected, but TouchOSC won't store/retrieve this information, and there is no communication FROM the GR55 TO the iPad.  My workaround - when needed - is to keep the GR55 on the Tone tab in Edit while I'm selecting tones, so that I can see the names on screen.

A bank of labeled push buttons would be much easier if there were a workable number of selections, but as it is there are hundreds and hundreds.  The only reasonable way to make this work is to sort out a hundred or so favorites, and program the buttons to correspond.  It is really easy to put a button on-screen, copy and paste the sysex from one of my faders, and replace the range e.g. "x(0...nn)" with the tone number.  I've done a few of these in different versions of the template, for instance, to have a specific drum kit on hand in a hurry.

QuoteI belive the only "hurdle" for folks who wish to use marks (mbenigni) GR-55 OSC Template on the iPad is this system still requires using the Jabrudian "Missing Link" wireless OSC to MIDI convertor to feed the MIDI Input on the GR-55.

It's the only solution I can personally vouch for, though there are probably some wired interfaces out there that support SysEx over OSC at this point.  IMO the Missing Link is a great value, but if you buy it just for this purpose, make sure you understand the limitations first: no Assign configuration, one-way communication from iPad to GR55 only.

I'd still like to jump ship to Fabien's TB MIDI Stuff at some point - he's much more active in adding new features and responding to requests.  (He's actually got bi-directional communication working to some extent, which is a HUGE improvement.)  But there are a few challenges for me:  the Missing Link does not yet support bi-directional SysEx, which defeats the purpose for me.  And even though I think TB MIDI Stuff's on-screen (iPad) template editor is superior to a separate PC editor in theory, I find that I struggle to work with these very complex templates without a mouse and mechanical keyboard.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 20, 2012, 02:15:43 PM
Update:  Replaced the "pre-beta" 2012 file above with a "beta" 2012 plus XY file.  This includes both of the new XY pad pages, improvements to the PCM 1 deep-editing page, a new PCM 2 deep-editing page, and proper tabs/labels for all of the above.

The PCM editing should be much easier with these new pages - much bigger controls and very few rotaries.  I've tried to arrange things so that they make better sense (to me anyway) in terms of workflow.  Let me know what you think!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 22, 2012, 01:35:41 PM
New attachment "GR55 2012 Overhaul.touchosc."  I'm rethinking the way much of the real estate is being used on the main "Amp" page, and elsewhere, moving things around to get controls that I use live front and center... and larger, of course. 

Lots of visual changes, some improvements in the way controls are combined, etc.  For instance, I have long hated the L/M/H Gain switch in combination with the Gain control, it's just not intuitive for me when I'm trying to get a feel for an amp model.  The new amp controls feature 3 gain faders, in a staggered layout, so that you can select the gain structure and gain amount in one touch.  Similar tricks to make boost and distortion/overdrive easier to deal with in a live situation.

On the "Patch" page:  BE CAREFUL WITH THE RED EDGES on the patch buttons!  These write current settings to the corresponding patch without prompt or warning!!!!  (I advise anyone using any of these templates for the first time to backup their GR55 first!)

* Patch navigation bug fixed 6/22 9:45P EST.
* Improvements to naming accuracy, patch saving safety (write key moved to left, away from naming controls), and MOD Block Parametric EQ 6/23 12:00PM EST.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: ngoldpdx on June 24, 2012, 08:02:31 AM
I got your templates working in TB midi stuff iPad, and want to thank you for you work. this is such a powerful tool.

I saw you updated the OSC template. Is this available for the TB app?

The controls are pretty intuitive, but many items need explanation. Any support docs?

Neil
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 25, 2012, 06:35:27 AM
Hey, Neil - thank you for your interest!

I'm not actually involved with the conversion of the TouchOSC templates to TB MIDI Stuff.  To date, Fabien has been doing these conversions as his schedule permits.  I'd recommend asking him in his TB MIDI Stuff thread:  https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0)  (TB MIDI Stuff is awesome - in many ways superior to TouchOSC - but I haven't had time to become sufficiently adept at building these complex templates by hand on the iPad screen.  I believe Fabien has an automated or semi-automated method for converting TouchOSC templates to TB MIDI.)

There is no documentation for these templates, and it's not likely there ever will be.  Apologies for that, but it would just be an incredibly time-consuming endeavor, and I've developed the templates themselves free of charge.  They're a labor of love - the only compensation is that I get to use them!  :)

Besides which, if I were to document this work, 90% of the information would be similar or identical to what you'll find in the GR55 manual, albeit in a different order.  So I guess my best advice is:

- Know the GR55 inside and out.  That goes without saying, of course, but I believe the better you understand the GR55's architecture, the more intuitive this editor will be.

- BACK UP your patches, and then experiment!  This is the easiest way to clarify the purpose of any controls that seem unclear.  But do backup - it's very easy to overwrite a patch with a single touch of the screen with this editor running.  No prompts, no warning shots.  :O

- While experimenting, it's often helpful to have the GR55 itself in edit mode and on the appropriate tab, so you can confirm that the paramater you think you are changing is in fact changing.  This is also useful for settings (e.g. PCM tones) that don't give you any specific feedback as to which value has been selected.

And most importantly:  while I don't intend to write formal documentation (sounds way too much like a job LOL), I am more than happy to answer specific questions.  Just post them here. 

(You can also see brief demonstrations on YouTube if you search for "GR55 TouchOSC", but I haven't gotten much further than a basic introduction so far.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: ngoldpdx on June 25, 2012, 10:31:35 AM
Thanks for the reply.  I do have Touch OSC app, so I may check out this update..

My main Question was, is there facility in your template for having a exp pedal light on/off setting for each state?

And how do you assign the CTRL pedal?

Neil
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 25, 2012, 10:53:26 AM
Hi Neil.  I'll take my best shot at each of these, though I'm not 100% clear on what you're asking:

QuoteMy main Question was, is there facility in your template for having a exp pedal light on/off setting for each state?

If you're asking whether a control on the iPad screen can light up to indicate the Exp pedal status, then no.  All communication in TouchOSC is from the iPad out to the GR55.  I generally don't even bother to connect the GR55 MIDI Out port to the Missing Link, so if you think in terms of signal flow, that should make the limitations pretty clear.

However, there are switches on the iPad screen that control the on/off state of the Expression pedal if you happen to want to control it remotely, or change its default before storing a patch.  The original one can be found on both the old and new versions of the template, on the "Exp" page, to the right of the label that says "Expression Pedal Switch" at the top of the page.  This should be pretty self-explanatory if you experiment with it.  The new version of the template has a copy of this switch on the Amp page - at the bottom edge and toward the left side of the screen.

If you're talking about setting up the function of the Exp Pedal when On vs Off, then read on...

QuoteAnd how do you assign the CTRL pedal?

OK... this is a loaded question.  I'm not sure how familiar you are with the GR55 so it's difficult without writing a book.  First of all, you can't program what Roland calls "Assigns" with this editor.  You'll need to do that by hand or with gumtown's Floorboard app.  Once they are programmed, you can turn them on or off with the switches (marked "Assigns") - on the FX page in the old template, and on XY1 in the new one.

However... you CAN use most of the CTL pedal targets that are configured on the CTL page in the GR55 (confusing, but these are two different things...)  Go to the CTL tab, and select the target function with the slider on the left.  For Hold and Tone Switch you can select related settings with the two color-coded blocks immediately to the right.  S1, S2, GK Volume behave similarly.  The Exp Pedal (for both on and off states) works the same way on the next tab to the right.

I hope that clears things up.  Again, this is very difficult without knowing how familiar you are with the GR55 itself, but I think if you spend some time crawling through the GR55 menus, and looking at my editor at the same time, the light bulb will eventually go off.  When in doubt, experiment and see what happens on the GR55 display.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: ngoldpdx on June 26, 2012, 09:29:37 AM
Thanks, this is exactly what I needed. Reading through the threads I see yr enthusiasm over working with the GR this way, and I share it, and gladly consume yr efforts.

Even using a small subset of the commands is very powerful, tweaking on the iPad is as fast as it gets. I've already created some cool patches I would have never done otherwise.

I wrote to the TB Midi guy and he said he's busy working on an update and has no time to port your update. I would like to try it with Touch OSC. I perused this thread, but am not clear, can I use this with Osculator, or any other OSC to midi translator, or do I have to get the box?

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 26, 2012, 09:50:04 AM
Quotecan I use this with Osculator, or any other OSC to midi translator, or do I have to get the box?

That's the million dollar question.  I have never tested Osculator myself (to me, the need to have a Mac or PC running additional software alongside the iPad would defeat the purpose) but I suspect it would work if properly configured.

As for other OSC to MIDI adaptors, it depends on whether they will support SysEx via OSC.  The question has come up again and again on this forum, but no one has been able to confirm that any of the available wired adaptors function in this regard.  I tested the Camera Connection Kit, but it was only able to transmit straight MIDI CC messages, not SysEx.  The Missing Link setup is the only configuration that's worked for me. 

I seem to remember TouchOSC being very reasonably priced - somewhere around $5, so the risk in testing is fairly minimal.  Just bear in mind that if you're already used to TB MIDI Stuff with Osculator, you may actually lose some functionality if you switch over to TouchOSC - most notably, the ability to pull settings from the GR55 into TB MIDI Stuff.  If TB MIDI is working for you now, there's no harm in just continuing with it - differences between the new template and the old one are primarily cosmetic.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: x0091935 on June 26, 2012, 02:11:43 PM
Please can anyone...help me... i use tb midi...to link with a usb to midi cable the gr to a ipad...now i'm trying the touchosc...but can't link it...can you  help me? is there any version that is able to link it?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on June 26, 2012, 02:26:56 PM
You MUST use the Jabrudian "Missing Link" OSC/MIDI Translator to make Touch OSC "talk" to the GR-55 using the control templates that mbenigni has created and provided here.
http://wifimidi.com/ (http://wifimidi.com/)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wifimidi.com%2FMissingLinkProductPhoto425.jpg&hash=42a83e9a37c65d85988c561a86edc8ff556165d9)
Go back and re-read all prior posts in this thread where this is all explained.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: teleholic on June 26, 2012, 02:47:05 PM
a cheaper alternative would be to get a usb to midi cable that transmits sysex..you should be able to get the template on tb midi to work..i can confirm the emu xmidi 1x1 tab works and Galvonot here has the older version (non tab) working with midi touch..
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 27, 2012, 06:51:24 AM
Quoteusb to midi cable that transmits sysex..you should be able to get the template on tb midi to work

All true, but the folks above are asking specifically about TouchOSC, because these templates are somewhat more inclusive.  The SysEx limitation is a real drag.  I don't know why it's so hard to find an interface that can handle this.  So far the Missing Link is the one.

Meanwhile, I'm (not actually very) patiently waiting on Jabrudian to release a firmware update that allows the Missing Link to receive SysEx, so that I can try to get the on-screen controls to reflect GR55 settings automatically, be it in TouchOSC or TB MIDI Stuff.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on June 27, 2012, 07:05:45 AM
Quotea cheaper alternative would be to get a usb to midi cable that transmits sysex..you should be able to get the template on tb midi to work.

Yes - There is separate area to discuss Fabians' TB MIDi Stuff here
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on July 09, 2012, 06:48:12 PM
Another thought as a possible replacement for the Missing Link OSC to MIDI translator hardware is an app called   

OSCULator
http://www.osculator.net/ (http://www.osculator.net/)

About OSCulator

OSCulator is the missing link between your controllers and your music or video software. For example, you can use your Nintendo Wiimote or Apple iPhone with Ableton Live or any MIDI compatible application, with ease.

OSCulator supports the OSC protocol which makes it able to be used with a wide variety of software and devices like Processing, Max/MSP or the Lemur multitouch controller, even the TUIO protocol.

Key features

    Supports nearly all Wiimote extensions: Motion Plus, Guitar Hero World Tour Guitar and Drums, Nunchuk, Classic Controller and even the Balance Board.
    Bi-directional MIDI with TouchOSC
    Wacom Tablet
    Symbolic Sound's Kyma workstation
    TUIO / reacTIVision
    Space Navigator
    Mouse / keyboard control
    Advanced OSC routing




Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 13, 2012, 08:14:03 AM
New screen caps to bring this up to date. 

First page is now dedicated to patch navigation - you can switch between patches, rename, normalize patch volume and write (without prompt - BE CAREFUL) from one page.

Amp page has a facelift with bigger controls for mixing various voices, easier selection between gain channels and more.  Similar organizational improvements on all pages.

Deep editing for PCM is totally overhauled for ease of use.

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 13, 2012, 08:17:07 AM
...and control/ "meta-control" stuff:
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: doctorank on October 21, 2012, 10:47:10 PM
Hi,
Do you know it's possible create the same controller for an android's tablet like motorola xoom?
Franco
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: tekrytor on October 22, 2012, 12:52:59 AM
TouchOSC does not (yet) have an editor for Android templates that will work for tablet sized templates.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gandolf on October 22, 2012, 05:14:51 PM
i haven't tried this app..... but i like the idea, for portability, to  use an ipad to control/edit the GR55...just wanting to confirm something ....

Even with the "missing Link" the app still does not "read" what the GR55 settings are to begin with? is that right?

And there is no such way to do this with any current iPad app?
is this is due to driver limitations for iPads, so unlikely this situation will change?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 23, 2012, 06:36:44 AM
Hi Gandolf.  It is a big limitation, I agree.  I've gotten used to programming "by ear", and it helps to start with a baseline patch whose default structure you know inside and out.  Still, it would be really nice to load a patch and be able to see the current settings in a visual way.

This isn't an iPad limitation per se.  By my understanding it's a limitation in the current firmware of the Missing Link interface.  Other forum members have gotten partial GR55 editors with bi-directional I/O (i.e. modifying GR55 settings, reading and displaying GR55 settings on demand) working.  Fabien, the developer of TB MIDI stuff, may have more to say on the current status there, and Hans from Jabrudian may be able to comment on scheduled improvements for the Missing Link firmware (if any).

I would love to see a comprehensive iPad editor for GR55 that supports bi-directional I/O, but right now I just don't have the time to get invested in a new application and/or interface.  (No help that, for the 5 minutes a week I get near a guitar, the Kemper is also getting some of my attention.)  Until the Missing Link and TouchOSC are improved, or someone else takes up the baton with another app and interface, I have to live with this solution, warts and all.  For the most part, it's great as is.  Still planning additional YouTube videos to document usage and recent improvements... what was I just saying about time?  ::)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: MCK on October 23, 2012, 10:03:38 PM
Mark, its looking great! Been away for a while but looking at getting back into this. What's the word from Missing Link on the improvement for bi-directional communications? Are they still working on the platform? Thanks for all your efforts. All the best.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gandolf on October 24, 2012, 04:53:13 AM
Thanks for the info mark.  i can really relate  to how hard it is to find the time to do all the stuff we are passionate about... Hope I didn't sound pushy...

It is so great that you have made your work on the app available!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: jburns on October 24, 2012, 05:13:52 AM
Quote from:  Elantric on July 09, 2012, 06:48:12 PM
Another thought as a possible replacement for the Missing Link OSC to MIDI translator hardware is an app called   

OSCULator
http://www.osculator.net/ (http://www.osculator.net/)

About OSCulator

OSCulator is the missing link between your controllers and your music or video software. For example, you can use your Nintendo Wiimote or Apple iPhone with Ableton Live or any MIDI compatible application, with ease.

OSCulator supports the OSC protocol which makes it able to be used with a wide variety of software and devices like Processing, Max/MSP or the Lemur multitouch controller, even the TUIO protocol.

Key features

    Supports nearly all Wiimote extensions: Motion Plus, Guitar Hero World Tour Guitar and Drums, Nunchuk, Classic Controller and even the Balance Board.
    Bi-directional MIDI with TouchOSC
    Wacom Tablet
    Symbolic Sound's Kyma workstation
    TUIO / reacTIVision
    Space Navigator
    Mouse / keyboard control
    Advanced OSC routing





I've been using OSCulator for about a year now. its capable of so much. the author has even contracted templates for me when I've emailed him. even has plans to incorporate sysex messages in future updates. the down side is that its mac only, although works for iOS as well. it was only 20 bucks, and theres been several updates. very clean and simple app. its like a universal "assign page" that the vg99 has, but allows you to do possibly anything. things like the classic midi on/off situation can easily be resolved. and for switching midi channels, well it doesn't do that but with it you don't need to. i instead link a control to change/select through my software instruments or turn them off. its solved alot of problems for me.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 24, 2012, 07:05:31 AM
Quote from:  MCK on October 23, 2012, 10:03:38 PM
Mark, its looking great! Been away for a while but looking at getting back into this. What's the word from Missing Link on the improvement for bi-directional communications? Are they still working on the platform? Thanks for all your efforts. All the best.

I emailed Jabrudian a few months ago but never heard back.  For a while Hans was part of the discussion here on Vguitar but I don't think he's been around lately.  Here again, Fabien may know more.

Problem is, if/when the Missing Link is up to the task, I'm not certain whether TouchOSC will be, and it seems like TouchOSC rarely if ever sees updates.  It's a great (and cheap) app, but I can think of so many ways to profoundly improve upon it, and the developer just isn't very responsive.  This is where I have to start thinking about changing horses, so to speak, and starting fresh with another app, and then the time issue rears its ugly head.

All of this has to be weighed against the reality that a) very few people are using this setup besides myself, and b) the GR55 has a limited relevant lifespan.  I could easily spend years programming editors etc for it - and actually using it that much less - only to find it replaced by something better before I'm done.   Wouldn't be the first time!  :o
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on October 24, 2012, 07:06:14 AM
Quote from:  gandolf on October 24, 2012, 04:53:13 AM
Thanks for the info mark.  i can really relate  to how hard it is to find the time to do all the stuff we are passionate about... Hope I didn't sound pushy...

Not at all, man.  I appreciate the interest!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: amorph on January 02, 2013, 03:31:15 PM
Hello everyone!

Thanks to Mark Benigni's work in creating this controller template and all of those who have been involved in these discussions. I have been reading the posts for some time and finally decided to take the leap!

Here's where I am: I have TouchOSC successfully loaded onto my iPad v3 (3 months old) and Mark's wonderful template loaded. I have the iPad connected to an iConnextMIDI (which is a fantastic device btw). With the TouchOSC stock templates, I see plenty of activity in the iConnectMIDI (iCM) and have successfully used it thusly to successfully pass MIDI to/from various MIDI devices, iphone 4, the iPad and my Mac.

However, with Mark's template loaded I see zero activity and cannot seem to pass the data via CoreMIDI. GR-55 is, obviously, not responding. Any ideas what I am doing wrong?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on January 02, 2013, 04:44:48 PM
I think you must break things down in this manner

iPad running TouchOSC and Mark Benigni's Touch OSC template is sending "OSC" data (not MIDI)  via Wi-Fi to the  Jabrudian "Missing Link" - which is performing the "OSC" to MIDI conversion"

That's why the Jabrudian Missing Link OSC to MIDI wireless bridge hardware box was so appealing for TouchOSC users,  (and mandatory for effective use of Mark's GR-55 TouchOSC Template)  - only need an Ipad or Iphone running TouchOSC and Missing link - no computer or wifi router required.
http://wifimidi.com/ (http://wifimidi.com/)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wifimidi.com%2FMissingLinkProductPhoto425.jpg&hash=42a83e9a37c65d85988c561a86edc8ff556165d9)

Mark mounted a  Jabrudian "Missing Link" internally to his GR-55, so his iPad Controls the GR-55 wirelessly via Wi-Fi to the Missing Link - which is connected internally to the GR-55's MIDI Input.

The iConnectMIDI does not perform the "OSC" to "MIDI" translation - thus the reason it does not work.


===

Details here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg30038#msg30038 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg30038#msg30038)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3205.0;attach=3906;image)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: amorph on January 02, 2013, 11:11:58 PM
So TouchOSC is fully capable of sending MIDI controller data but your template only sends OSC not MIDI?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on January 10, 2013, 12:02:09 PM
Hi amorph.  It's been months since I've even opened the TouchOSC editor, but if I recall correctly, TouchOSC is limited in the types of messages (e.g. CC, PC) it will send as straight MIDI.  Nearly all interactions between my template and the GR55 are based on SysEx messages, which are only supported as OSC.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: johndaly on April 08, 2013, 06:46:41 AM
This is awesome. I've written a TouchOSC template to change patches wirelessly during performance, and it works flawlessly, but it's nowhere near this sophisticated. I'll be downloading and using this, possibly adding my pages for patch switching in performance, to have amazing control over my device - in the studio and on stage. Thank God for people smarter than me.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on April 08, 2013, 07:13:07 AM
Thanks for the kind words, John.  What interface are you using to transmit MIDI from your iPad to your GR55?  Just bear in mind that interfaces that will properly transmit SysEx as OSC (as required by TouchOSC) are few and far between.  The fact that you are able to change patches with your current interface does not necessarily indicate that the SysEx controls in my template (most of them) will work.

Having said that, I hope this works out for you.  My template has gone mostly unused (even by myself, recently.)  I'm attaching the latest version to this post.  Let me know if you need any help customizing to suit your own needs (e.g. resizing patch selection controls, etc.)

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 05, 2013, 10:37:16 AM
For anyone still interested:

I shot a few more videos last night (after taking a year and half - yes, a year and a half - off) and posted them on YouTube.  Nothing fancy, just a camera pointed at an iPad while I talk to myself, the cats, etc. 

I kind of got caught up trying to figure out how to organize all of this information (and changing diapers, etc.) but the sense of unfinished business with the GR55 is starting to weigh heavily.  So I'll just be winging it, and posting a lot of short videos on relatively isolated topics.  The camera is set up, so expect more over the next couple of weeks.

TouchOSC for Roland GR55, Part 4 - Patch Navigation, Renaming, and Writing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8W5qhBtAHM#ws)
TouchOSC for Roland GR55, Part 5 - Amp Page Revisited (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UA_KAUUupY#ws)
TouchOSC for Roland GR55, Part 6 - Patch Normalization (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNH9CCs8aYc#ws)

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on June 05, 2013, 10:41:39 AM
Great work Mark!

Are you still sharing your current version of the  GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad ?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 05, 2013, 11:22:35 AM
Yes, of course!  I just updated the first post in this thread - got rid of all the "legacy" touchOSC files and attached the latest version.  I'll try to make a habit of that going forward.  Not that there a lot of actual users.  There are a few people interested in the concept but the cost of entry for the Missing Link seems to put them off.  And I don't have enough interfaces on hand to determine which others will work, if any.

BTW... it never seems worth mentioning, but it's actually "Marc".  :)

P.S.  Thanks for the kind words.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on June 05, 2013, 12:31:41 PM
QuoteBTW... it never seems worth mentioning, but it's actually "Marc".


ooops! sorry

So I made a change to this thread's title
Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 05, 2013, 12:36:56 PM
Quoteooops! sorry

No problem.  No way to get that from "mbenigni".  :)

QuoteSo I made a change to this thread's title...

Thanks!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 14, 2013, 09:23:14 AM
TouchOSC isn't quite WYSIWYG in relation to what's on screen in the TouchOSC editor, so the fader approach to the Patch Name screen wasn't cutting it.  I just replaced the faders with discrete buttons for each key.  This was more tedious than you can imagine, which is why I tried to avoid it in the first place.  The editor doesn't support any kind of indexing, grouping, layering... and the buttons don't have any labels of their own.  Each button had to be programmed with its own specific SysEx, each label individually created, all of these positioned relative to one another, and so on.  I'd like to turn on the border on each of those labels for a more pronounced "chicklet keyboard" sort of look, but doing so would require I select each one individually and tick the box, 16*26=432 times! 

TouchOSC is awesome, but this editor was obviously never intended for this kind of work.

Before and after screen caps attached.  (This would have been more intuitive in portrait mode, with the alphabet top to bottom and the character position left to right.  But 26 > 16, so in landscape this is the best presentation possible.)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 14, 2013, 09:31:25 AM
Now I really wish I could get rid of the fader selection on the PCM page, but discrete buttons and labels for some 900+ PCM tones (x2) is probably not feasible.  Doing it would probably kill me, even if there were sufficient real estate on screen.  And I'm not sure what impact all of those extra controls would have on the stability of TouchOSC.

Admittedly, though, sliding around looking for a PCM voice with no feedback on the iPad screen just sucks.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 14, 2013, 09:41:59 AM
I've also added a new "Pitch" page that expands on a feature previously seen at the bottom of the FX page.  It's a UI for selecting pitch range intervals for pitch bend as assigned to GK Vol, Exp On, and Exp Off.  These are all independent, so some crazy things can be done in conjunction with the Hold pedal.  I'm hoping to shoot some videos on this specific feature soon.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 17, 2013, 08:00:06 AM
Little one helping out with mods.  Happy Father's Day!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gandolf on June 17, 2013, 08:01:46 PM
So, are you replacing "midi" to control those pedals...with a "mini" Benigni ?? he-he!



PS:My youngest is maybe year older than yours....the older ones love fooling around with GR55's "beatnGroove" presets, and young'ens dance!...LoL
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on June 18, 2013, 07:36:23 AM
QuoteSo, are you replacing "midi" to control those pedals...with a "mini" Benigni ?? he-he!

Voice controlled technology, but only as reliable as a 2-yr old's attention span.  :D

QuotePS:My youngest is maybe year older than yours....the older ones love fooling around with GR55's "beatnGroove" presets, and young'ens dance!...LoL

That's awesome.  When I was first working on this TouchOSC template, I had a notion of my girl "finger-painting" timbres while I played the guitar.  But we haven't quite gotten to that point yet.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: zaknbou on July 06, 2013, 12:38:37 PM
hi,
thank you for your hard work ..i am intending to do a layout for the GR-55 with the mididesigner on ipad ... if may i ask for the PCM page (page 5) what are the program change for the instrument internal sound ?

Best Regards,

Samer
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 08, 2013, 08:19:11 AM
Hi Samer,

You need to send a SysEx string to the GR55 in order to get the PCM program to change.  The value representing the PCM voice is in two bytes, and I don't think the range is contiguous (but I've rearranged this page so many times now, I'm not sure about this any more.)  Here is one example:

0xF0 0x41 0x10 0x00 0x00 0x53 0x12 0x18 0x00 0x20 0x00 0x58 0x00 0x00 0x00 0xF7

The boldfaced bytes represent the PCM voice.  With the first byte at 0x00, values of 0x00 through 0x12 in the second byte will run through the various acoustic pianos.  Higher values will get you into other instrument types, and when you've maxed out the second byte, you need to bump the first byte to get to other voices.  If you'd like, you can download my template and the TouchOSC editor (both free) and refer to (and copy/paste) the SysEx strings I've used.  It's pretty self-explanatory once you look at it.

Note that the SysEx string starts with a 0xF0 and ends with 0xF7 by convention.  The second to the last byte (in this case, 0x00) is supposed to be a checksum for the preceding string, but neither TouchOSC nor the GR55 are sensitive about this, so I always send 0x00.  If your MIDIdesigner app gives you an error, you may also need to calculate a valid checksum for each string, dependent on those PCM voice bytes.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 18, 2014, 06:38:46 AM
So here I am three years late to the party... or more accurately, returning to the party three years later.  Everyone's vacating the room to play with their GP-10's but I find myself intrigued by this project again.  Being away from the GR55 for probably more than a year now, I've gained a little perspective on how I'll likely use it going forward, and I've made some changes to my TouchOSC template to suit:

- The size of the Read/Write buttons on the patch selection page are increased for banks 1 and 2, so I can reliably work on new patches there without risk of changing patches (and losing my work) when I intend to save edits. 

- The PCM voice selection page was formerly a bunch of sliders that would allow you to select any voice available on the GR55.  (See zaknbou's post above.)  But you were flying blind; there was no feedback as to the name of the voice selected.  Having all of the content available was nice in theory, but really impractical.  I've replaced this with a page of buttons, and now I have the unenviable task of choosing my favorite 180 voices, setting the SysEx appropriately for each button, and typing the names onto the labels.  (You can see in the left column I've done about 15 so far.)  Not fun, but it will work better in the end.  There are vast tracts of PCM I would never use anyway, e.g. why would I want a MIDI dist. guitar when... I'm holding a real one?

- Originally the "Amp" page was intended as my view on the GR55 during performance, but in reality it features a lot of controls that tend to be set and forget for each patch.  So I've added a "Live" tab.  All the others are for programming.  Live has anything I would ever realistically need to touch on stage, incorporating many (not all) of the amp page controls, and a few things from elsewhere, e.g. XY pads, GK Vol assignment.  Haven't quite sorted out aesthetics, relative alignment issues, etc.  But it works...

Now the only challenge is that, frankly, after a few months with the KPA, a real tube amp, and the likes of Bias for iOS... I'm having a very hard time with the sound of COSM amps.  I know some of you are really successful with them, and my next step is to dig into the forum patch library - which I've never done before - and see if I dig the tones.  Right now I'm finding the gain and tone stack for each amp to be super fussy, post-EQ tweaking to be required (and a bit tedious), and light compression required at all times in order to give the GR55 any kind of "feel".  That last bit is murder, because it means giving up everything else in the MOD block.  That's what I find running direct anyway.  I need to try running the GR55 into a guitar amp again and see how I like it.

Is my GR55 rig "vintage" now?  ;)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: damienmcgauley on July 18, 2014, 07:05:59 AM
Hi mbenigni,

Great to see that you're still developing this software. I hear what you're saying regarding the COSM amps, I've rarely been able to get any good amp tones out of  the GR55 compared to my valve amps or  my AXE FX II. I did manage to get one reasonably decent GR55 Hendrix type tone but that was due mostly to the rotary sound.

I have to admit that I haven't downloaded Touch OSC but I've been following this thread from the start.

Are there any changes in the past 2 years regarding interface hardware (between the iPad and GR55) that you can recommend?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 18, 2014, 07:18:02 AM
Thanks for your interest, Damien!  This has mostly been a labor of love, with very few users aside from myself - and even myself fiddling around with it far more than I actually use it.  (Oh the metaphors LOL.)

I used to get that question about suitable interfaces a lot, but I'm in a weird position since I already own the Missing Link, and I'm not really motivated to spend any money on alternatives just to test them.  I do remember a lot of people reporting that the obvious solutions, e.g. Camera Connection Kit plus USB to MIDI cable, did not work, and the explanation being that OSC transmission of SysEx was not supported over that hardware.  Honestly it's all a little over my head - I rely heavily on trial and error.  :)

However, now that I'm considering using the GR55 live again, I would like to find a simple wired connection that works.  That would probably mean a cheaper connection, for people who just want to try TouchOSC out of curiosity.  My motivation (with the ML already being paid for) is that I can't risk having a performance go south because of WiFi interference or whatever.  (The band leader would kill me, maybe literally.)  Something slightly lower-tech, more tangible, would be preferable here.  If I find anything I'll be sure to post back.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: damienmcgauley on July 18, 2014, 07:31:21 AM
I think you've hit the nail on the head there Marc,

I'd like to play with the software but I'm not that keen on investing on the missing link WiFi solution. Perhaps something more Lo-Fi and wired is the way forward.

I'd also like to have a hardware solution whereby I could use my iPad with my Axe Fx too (not at the same time) Something like this: http://forum.fractalaudio.com/other-midi-controllers/56166-ferrari-axe-fx-editors-ipad-w-lemur.html (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/other-midi-controllers/56166-ferrari-axe-fx-editors-ipad-w-lemur.html)

Unfortunately in order to achieve this means that I'd have to buy both the Lemur and Touch OSC software.....

Damien.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on July 18, 2014, 08:04:27 AM
Some basics:

Hexler TouchOSC is an iPad GUI control app for OSC (Open Sound Control)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Sound_Control (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Sound_Control)


"OSC" communications requires "OSC" compatible gear on both sides of the cable - The GR-55 is not an OSC device therefore  an  "OSC to MIDI" converter will be required for GR-55 remote control  - the Jabrudian Missing Link satisfies that need.
http://wifimidi.com (http://wifimidi.com)


Meanwhile there are other GUI Control apps on iPad (MIDI Designer, TB MIDI Stuff, Lemur, etc,) that directly support MIDI and work with $20 USB Class Compliant MIDI cables and Apple USB Camera adapter

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8393.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8393.0)

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 18, 2014, 08:11:44 AM
QuoteMeanwhile there are other GUI Control apps on iPad (MIDI Designer, TB MIDI Stuff, Lemur, etc,) that directly support MIDI and work with $20 USB Class Compliant MIDI cables and Apple USB Camera adapter

...which may be an indication I backed the wrong horse right out of the gates.  Wireless is really nice, sometimes, but some of these other apps look better, are more feature rich, are better supported by their devs, and would have allowed for bi-directional communication with the GR-55.

Alas, I am in way too deep now.   ::)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 18, 2014, 08:18:01 AM
QuoteI'd also like to have a hardware solution whereby I could use my iPad with my Axe Fx too (not at the same time) Something like this: http://forum.fractalaudio.com/other-midi-controllers/56166-ferrari-axe-fx-editors-ipad-w-lemur.html (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/other-midi-controllers/56166-ferrari-axe-fx-editors-ipad-w-lemur.html)

Unfortunately in order to achieve this means that I'd have to buy both the Lemur and Touch OSC software.....

Lemur is an expensive app, but it may be worth it seeing as someone has already done all that development for the Axe FX.  You could probably even download my TouchOSC template, and the TouchOSC editor for PC/Mac (free at hexler.net), and steal my SysEx strings to paste into a Lemur template of your own - killing two birds and circumventing the OSC requirement.  (I say "probably" because I don't know for sure that Lemur will send SysEx - but I'd be amazed if it didn't.)


*Of course, just skimming that Axe FX thread now, I see there is a whole ongoing discussion as to which interface will work there, as well.  So much fun...   :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: supernicd on July 18, 2014, 10:33:27 AM
I have always been interested in this project, Marc, but frankly, unwilling to buy the "Missing Link" box to make it work.  I'd be probably be an active participant if you'd built it in Lemur, which speaks MIDI natively, but seems like you're pretty heavily invested in TouchOSC at this point. :)

As far as the GR-55 is concerned, I personally think the "tones" are in there.  I used it successfully for gigs for more than a year.  I do think it can lack a bit of the "play feel" but it is improved greatly by running it through the right amp, which in my case was a Roland Cube 80XL and/or a Fender Mustang IV for stereo.  Previously, I'd been running it through a Roland KC-550.  Maybe it was due to the 15" speaker, but it lacked a certain punch that I missed even if the tone was spot on.  The 80XL brought it to life.

Lemur is expensive as far as apps go, but really not that much in the grand scheme of things.  In my opinion, well worth it, as it comes with a full programming language.  It's extremely capable and versatile.  I love it.

I'm currently using a VG-99 live through the Cube 80XL.  I don't know that I'm actively using any tones with it that the GR-55 can't make, but getting those tones dialed in sure is easier in the rehearsal room due to all of the VG-99's hands on controllers and table-top form factor.  This project could bring the GR-55 much more in line with the 99 in that respect.

I'm not sure what my point was anymore.  This seems like a fascinating and worthwhile project to me.  In a perfect world, the Missing Link would be further up my buy list and I'd get one and check this out.  This is the only thing I'd use it for though.  Priorities... ;)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on July 18, 2014, 10:38:24 AM
QuoteThe [Roland Cube] 80XL brought it to life.

Same goes for the GP-10 Amp Tones  - plugging GP-10 >Cube 80XL's Clean JC-120 Input Channel works very well

Remember for past 5 years, at every MusikMesse and NAMM trade show, Roland employed one or two ( stereo)  Cube 80XL's as the demo Amp for most of their COSM Modeling products. 

http://youtu.be/0etUYPZCg3Y (http://youtu.be/0etUYPZCg3Y)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: supernicd on July 18, 2014, 11:31:10 AM
Quote from: Elantric on July 18, 2014, 10:38:24 AM
Same goes for the GP-10 Amp Tones  - plugging GP-10 >Cube 80XL's Clean JC-120 Input Channel works very well

Remember for past 5 years, at every MusikMesse and NAMM trade show, Roland employed one or two ( stereo)  Cube 80XL's as the demo Amp for most of their COSM Modeling products.

Also works well with the VG-99 and the Boss GT-100.  It's as though the Cube amps were engineered to be COSM modeling receivers. :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 18, 2014, 11:39:33 AM
QuoteI'd be probably be an active participant if you'd built it in Lemur, which speaks MIDI natively, but seems like you're pretty heavily invested in TouchOSC at this point.

Yes.  Of course, the investment in TouchOSC itself ($5 if I recall) is negligible, but the time it's taken to polish my templates as far as I have... it would be hard to let that go and start over.  Frankly, if I were going to start over, I'd probably focus on an entirely new piece (or pieces) of hardware anyway, whether it were the GP10 or whatever.  But there are some things that I could definitely do better if I were using something more programmer-friendly like Lemur: dropdowns with voice and setting names on screen (vs. a million static labels), controls that intelligently redirect to targets based on the states of other controls, vs. so many redundancies (where the resulting shallow/parallel UI has both pros and cons), and most importantly, the possibility of the GR55 talking back to the Lemur interface as states change from the GR55's own UI, per patch selection, etc.  Hard to say how much of that last bit would work for deep edits made via SysEx anyway, but it's long been a holy grail of mine.

QuoteRemember for past 5 years, at every MusikMesse and NAMM trade show, Roland employed one or two ( stereo)  Cube 80XL's as the demo Amp for most of their COSM Modeling products.

Makes sense, and pick your battles and all, but part of me still says Roland is cheating here.  Listen everyone, our new tech can convincingly simulate a guitar amp!  Provided you run it through, um, a guitar amp.  ;)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: supernicd on July 18, 2014, 11:59:18 AM
QuoteOf course, the investment in TouchOSC itself ($5 if I recall) is negligible, but the time it's taken to polish my templates as far as I have... it would be hard to let that go and start over.

Not that I was trying to persuade you to start again in Lemur.  (OK, maybe I was. :) ) But if I were you I probably wouldn't do it either!

If the GP-10 could connect up and could do full SysEx MIDI with an iPad, I'd be tempted to get one and start a Lemur template for it.  I'm tempted to get one nonetheless...  The early adopters are killing me with their glowing reports. :)  But the real time control, particularly as it relates to convenience and ease of adjustment in the rehearsal room, is giving me much pause.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on July 18, 2014, 12:12:23 PM
QuoteIf the GP-10 could connect up and could do full SysEx MIDI with an iPad, I'd be tempted to get one and start a Lemur template for it


FWIW - read the TB MIDI Stuff thread - he has GR-55 Sysex communication already working and bi-directional too.

GR-55 Control via TB MIDI Stuff
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F1982014%2F1405717370_397733365_TB_STUFF.PNG&hash=f5117585b11be1274f90dc162975213ca1e44778)
http://youtu.be/Yh00Y32dgE0 (http://youtu.be/Yh00Y32dgE0)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 18, 2014, 12:23:57 PM
QuoteIf the GP-10 could connect up and could do full SysEx MIDI with an iPad, I'd be tempted to get one and start a Lemur template for it.  I'm tempted to get one nonetheless...  The early adopters are killing me with their glowing reports. :)  But the real time control, particularly as it relates to convenience and ease of adjustment in the rehearsal room, is giving me much pause.

Yeah, that's the only reason I don't own one already.  Although to be realistic, I don't know where I'd find time to program a control surface for a new piece of hardware anyway.  I did the GR55 template a) with lots of help from gumtown, who was breaking ground with the Floorboard app at the time, b) before my daughter was born, and c) before I joined a band where the highest-tech piece of gear on stage is a tremolo pedal.  :)

The ease of adjustment I've managed to achieve with the GR55, and the ability to arrange controls to precisely suit my way of thinking, is really the only reason the GR55 continues to hold my interest.  It's completely surrounded by gear that sounds better (though none as versatile.)

If I did use a GP-10, I'd have two options for live use.  (Sky's the limit for home/studio, of course.)

1. Severely limit the features I use so that I couldn't get too tripped up by the lack of controls.  I.e. use it only as an instrument modeler, and maybe for an effect or two.  Forget amp modeling or complex patches where I could get burned by mix, etc.

2. Keep a laptop on stage.  I've been down this road before, and it always makes me antsy.  Even when an iPad is on stage, it's a safety net - if all goes well I don't have to touch it, but if I screwed something up, I have options.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 18, 2014, 12:30:04 PM
QuoteFWIW - read the TB MIDI Stuff thread - he has GR-55 Sysex communication already working and bi-directional too.
Yes, and the developer (VGuitar member Fabien) has (or at one time had) a utility to convert TouchOSC templates to TB MIDI Stuff.  The template in that photo is based on an earlier version of my own.  We were working together for a while on the conversion, and on ideas for new features for TB MIDI Stuff, but fell out of touch.  I never had much luck with TB MIDI Stuff, but I think this was because I was (at that time adamantly) using Missing Link over WiFi, and Fabien was using a wired (and non-OSC) connection. 

If he turns up again, we can see if he's willing to convert the latest .touchOSC file, and let us know what he was using for hardware in that video.  It might be a win for all of us.  It would definitely be worth buying TB MIDI Stuff to have a wired bi-directional solution.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Sedgewick on July 18, 2014, 01:16:04 PM
Marc:

I like your idea about reducing the controls to those you would typically need for live performance.  I've been using your TB Midi modified screens and thought about tackling that myself.  I've been holding back because I find the sysex request on TB Midi to be a bit flaky.  It could be due to my lack of understanding sysex, but the control response from the GR-55 seems intermittent and impossible to use live.

Sedgewick
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on July 18, 2014, 02:00:02 PM
GR-55 Control via TB MIDI Stuff Thread is here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0)

http://www.thiburce.com/TBStuff/forums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=45&p=902&sid=06b3c1cf772f0c9aacf8bde88ff1b6f3#p902 (http://www.thiburce.com/TBStuff/forums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=45&p=902&sid=06b3c1cf772f0c9aacf8bde88ff1b6f3#p902)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.snapagogo.com%2Fuploads%2Fsource%2F1982014%2F1405717370_397733365_TB_STUFF.PNG&hash=f5117585b11be1274f90dc162975213ca1e44778)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 18, 2014, 02:00:15 PM
Hey Sedgewick,

Do you mean that TB MIDI Stuff is flaky when you try to get it read settings from the GR55?  (I seem to recall the same thing but this is going back quite a ways now.)  Does it function OK for you when you're making changes on the iPad and transmitting them to the GR55?  That's the only behavior that's supported by TouchOSC and Missing Link, so that's all I use, obviously.  It is possible to get used to using it "blind" like this.  The most important thing is to make your own personal "Init" patch, based on an initialized patch to ensure all of the deep PCM etc. settings are as Roland intends, but not 100% the same.  You want to run from end to end of the TB MIDI stuff template, setting everything in a way that makes sense to you, and save it some place obvious, like 1-1.  Use that as your home base when you make new patches so you have a clear sense of how GR55 settings you don't frequently use will be set, regardless of what you see on screen.  It's certainly not ideal, but it's workable, and 1000x better than trying to lean over and dig into GR55 edit menus while playing.

Of course my experience is all based on TouchOSC; I can't vouch for current TB MIDI Stuff stability either way.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: supernicd on July 18, 2014, 02:19:54 PM
I went back and watched some of your videos again.  You have a TON of work in this thing!  Same looks to be true for the TB MIDI version.

So looks like you do all of your patch creation through this as well?  That probably wouldn't be my goal with a tablet controller.  If I were to build one, I think I'd go with big knobs and buttons to access just a few of the "big ones" in terms of live sound.  Tone stack controls, guitar tone knob, reverb level, perhaps OD/DS gain and tone, EQ, maybe a few others, as these are what I find I need to tweak in the rehearsal room on my pre-created patches.  But that kind of thing makes the bi-directional thing almost a must; you'd have to know where you were starting from, or at least I would.

Anyway, just mostly wanted to say that after checking out the videos again, I am quite impressed (again) by this!  It is more than I'd have the patience to create barring some kind of profit motivation.  It looks really nice too.  :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on July 18, 2014, 02:27:08 PM
Look at MIDI Designer too!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10287.msg74390#msg74390 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=10287.msg74390#msg74390)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8651.msg62021#msg62021 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8651.msg62021#msg62021)
It now supports bi-direction MIDI communication
http://mididesigner.com/qa/2049/midi-designer-and-bidirectional-communication (http://mididesigner.com/qa/2049/midi-designer-and-bidirectional-communication)


There already exists a VG-99 Control Template for MIDI Designer too!
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv241%2Fbojerik%2FVG-99live-layout.jpg&hash=952a1e9519c83c1ac3a25367eec705bf074d6d04)

MIDI Designer was the MIDI control app of choice by Antares too
http://www.autotuneforguitar.com/support/documentation-detail.php?help=Using_the_MIDI_Designer_Pro_Template_for_Auto-Tune_for_Guitar_45 (http://www.autotuneforguitar.com/support/documentation-detail.php?help=Using_the_MIDI_Designer_Pro_Template_for_Auto-Tune_for_Guitar_45)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autotuneforguitar.com%2Fuserfiles%2Fimages%2FiPad_400.png&hash=c487496baba2a6ea26f0f513a477609abfccf62a)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: supernicd on July 18, 2014, 03:10:11 PM
QuoteThere already exists a VG-99 Control Template for MIDI Designer too!

Interestingly, out of all of the guitar/amp modeling gizmos that I have, the VG-99 is the one among them that does not make me long for a supplemental controller.  Now that I've learned where things are, they're all accessible pretty easily with the important ones being 1-2 button taps away, and when you get to the block you want to adjust, all the right knobs seem to be there, just like they would be on an amp panel or stompbox.

Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the desktop editor program for initial patch creation and deep editing, but I'm right at home making on the fly edits on the console.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on July 18, 2014, 03:20:17 PM
Quote
Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the desktop editor program for initial patch creation and deep editing, but I'm right at home making on the fly edits on the console.

My point is since  MIDI Designer already is proven to work with VG-99, you could use the VG-99 Template as a basis to build  / debug a working GR-55 Template in MIDI Designer, and save weeks of development effort

$29
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/midi-designer-pro/id492291712?mt=8 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/midi-designer-pro/id492291712?mt=8)

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa2.mzstatic.com%2Fus%2Fr30%2FPurple4%2Fv4%2Fcf%2Fdb%2Fbe%2Fcfdbbe7b-bf1a-9e6f-fbe8-c92b83798341%2Fscreen520x924.jpeg&hash=47d7fd43d40d2448808b6d4913b470d601772e34)

http://youtu.be/rCiiWhGNyOI (http://youtu.be/rCiiWhGNyOI)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Toff. on July 20, 2014, 09:14:11 PM
So glad this topic is revived :)
I am struggling with time to invest effort in the Lemur interface I started, I got somewhere with to midi stuff thanks to your combined efforts with Fabien :)
I hope to be able to work again soon on it.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: supernicd on July 21, 2014, 06:02:45 AM
Agreed.  All in all, the GR-55 does have an awful lot going for it.  When I was using it all the time, sure there were times I wished that there were a few more FX blocks or that I had a little more control over the signal flow, but these could usually be overcome with a little creativity or just thinking differently about how to accomplish the goal. 

The #1 obstacle was always the pain of getting the tones dialed in just right.  A good bi-directional real-time controller that makes it easy to make tweaks to the sound shape while in the rehearsal room goes a long way toward making the 55 an extremely versatile, relevant, and usable tool.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 21, 2014, 06:32:46 AM
Joe - thanks for your kind words above.

QuoteInterestingly, out of all of the guitar/amp modeling gizmos that I have, the VG-99 is the one among them that does not make me long for a supplemental controller.  Now that I've learned where things are, they're all accessible pretty easily with the important ones being 1-2 button taps away, and when you get to the block you want to adjust, all the right knobs seem to be there, just like they would be on an amp panel or stompbox.

A few physical, context-sensitive knobs are worth their weight in gold.  Wish Roland would just increase the cost of their new products the few bucks it would take to carry that philosophy forward.  If the GR55 had had maybe half a dozen knobs (gain, tone, vol, rev) I wouldn't have needed to go down the TouchOSC path at all.  Instead we got rhythm, lead, other, user, v-link, and three patch select pedals that are pretty close to non-functional.  Thanks for nothing.

QuoteSo looks like you do all of your patch creation through this as well?

Yes, I like to be able to pull the GR55 and iPad out and get to work.  No cables, no booting up a PC, no fan noise, etc.

QuoteThat probably wouldn't be my goal with a tablet controller.  If I were to build one, I think I'd go with big knobs and buttons to access just a few of the "big ones" in terms of live sound.  Tone stack controls, guitar tone knob, reverb level, perhaps OD/DS gain and tone, EQ, maybe a few others, as these are what I find I need to tweak in the rehearsal room on my pre-created patches.

This is a very reasonable approach (more reasonable than anything I ever do LOL): use the superior Floorboard app on PC for deep editing, and tweak the "traditional" amp controls, etc. with your iPad.  The good news is that you could probably get something like that up and running in TB MIDI, or MIDI Designer, or whatever in about an hour.  Just steal what you want from my Live page, and position/ resize to taste.  In addition to what you list, I would advise you keep reverb/delay/chorus sends from the amp signal path, reverb/delay sends from bypass (where you will often have PCMs routed) and levels for the PCMs themselves.  (I use XY pads for PCM level/pan, but in reality I'm in mono 90% of the time anyway.)

And then, at least one XY pad for a set of assigns is just plain fun...

P.S.  I've got my eye on the Tuna Knobs kickstarter in the interest of doing a new Live page with physical controls - and other tabs could become context-sensitive with those knobs targeting deeper edits.  Pricey, though:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/samuelverburg/tuna-knobs-stick-em-to-your-tablet-and-its-a-contr (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/samuelverburg/tuna-knobs-stick-em-to-your-tablet-and-its-a-contr)

QuoteBut that kind of thing makes the bi-directional thing almost a must; you'd have to know where you were starting from, or at least I would.

Yes, this is the one major let-down with the TouchOSC solution.  I've tried to minimize the pain by laying things out so that - wherever possible - you can touch-and-tweak all in one go, using your ears.  For instance, the gain (channel) switch and gain level are incorporated on fader, the solo (boost) switch and boost level are on one fader, the mod switch and distortion/od level are one fader, etc.  So even if you don't know where you are, it's pretty trivial to swipe your finger on the screen and plant yourself right in the mix for both rhythm and solos.  You just don't want a chord ringing out at full throttle when you do it, probably.  :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 21, 2014, 06:39:16 AM
Quote from: Toff. on July 20, 2014, 09:14:11 PM
So glad this topic is revived :)
I am struggling with time to invest effort in the Lemur interface I started, I got somewhere with to midi stuff thanks to your combined efforts with Fabien :)
I hope to be able to work again soon on it.

Hope it helps, Toff.  Let me know if you have any specific questions, and please keep us posted on your progress!  All this talk about bi-directional comms has me thinking about using a different app for a new template, if only for my new "Live" layout.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: supernicd on July 21, 2014, 07:41:00 AM
You almost have my curiosity going enough to try something in Lemur. ;)

One of the beautiful things about Lemur is that (at least in theory) an object on the screen (say a rotary) can be MIDI mapped to some real world MIDI controller (say an endless rotary on a keyboard controller or other dedicated MIDI controller hardware), and in addition, a change in the value of the rotary object could send SysEx messages to the 55.  So in this way, in theory, you could have additional real hardware knobs dedicated to controlling 55 parameters, and it would be global, rather than having to set up assigns on each patch.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 21, 2014, 09:42:28 AM
QuoteOne of the beautiful things about Lemur is that (at least in theory) an object on the screen (say a rotary) can be MIDI mapped to some real world MIDI controller (say an endless rotary on a keyboard controller or other dedicated MIDI controller hardware), and in addition, a change in the value of the rotary object could send SysEx messages to the 55.  So in this way, in theory, you could have additional real hardware knobs dedicated to controlling 55 parameters, and it would be global, rather than having to set up assigns on each patch.

Interesting... so I take it Lemur is sitting in the middle, brokering CC messages to/from the rotary controller, and SysEx to/from the GR55 in this scenario?

Control Surface <--->  iPad/Lemur <---> GR55
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: supernicd on July 21, 2014, 09:48:06 AM
Exactly.  I think it could work anyway.  Only one way to find out I guess. :)

BTW, did Roland ever release the MIDI implementation for the GR-55, or is it still only available to those that beg, persuade, and then sign an NDA?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: admin on July 21, 2014, 09:56:56 AM
You must be ordained and knighted and be named Gumtown and have signed an NDA to obtain GR55 MIDI SPEC.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: admin on July 21, 2014, 09:59:06 AM
Why not just use an Arturia a Beatstep. 16 rotary  knobs that can be assigned to control anything you want using its GUI Editor
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: supernicd on July 21, 2014, 10:07:36 AM
Quote from: admsustainiac on July 21, 2014, 09:56:56 AM
You must be ordained and knighted and be named Gumtown and have signed an NDA to obtain GR55 MIDI SPEC.

Well now that's just silly (Roland's policy - your quote is probably very close to truth).  :)

Quote from: admsustainiac on July 21, 2014, 09:59:06 AM
Why not just use an Arturia a Beatstep. 16 rotary  knobs that can be assigned to control anything you want using its GUI Editor

I haven't heard the greatest things about the Beatstep at this point.  Can it be configured for SysEx messages?  If so, then I guess the only downside is you wouldn't get any visual feedback.  Probably not the end of the world but nice to have.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on July 21, 2014, 10:23:03 AM
Quote
I haven't heard the greatest things about the Beatstep at this point. 

I'm rather happy with mine,  very sturdy - but true there is only MIDI Out - (no MIDI in), so feedback is not possible

More about Arturia a Beatstep here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11113.msg82651#msg82651 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11113.msg82651#msg82651)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Toff. on July 21, 2014, 05:12:36 PM
Quote from: mbenigni on July 21, 2014, 09:42:28 AM
Interesting... so I take it Lemur is sitting in the middle, brokering CC messages to/from the rotary controller, and SysEx to/from the GR55 in this scenario?

Control Surface <--->  iPad/Lemur <---> GR55

:)
That is exactly what I want to achieve, and why I tried both TBMS and Lemur.

I want to use the ipad as the brain, the middle man, between the gr55 and the VoiceLive3 (or any pedal for that matter), because while performing I cannot touch the ipad, plus it is used for reading lyrics already.

The VL3 doubles as a footswich, in the sense that it has 3 layers mapped to the same button layout. You switch from vocal to guitar and to looper by toggling a footswich, and the CCs sent are unique in each case, meaning I can control my harmonies and effects on my microphone live, then switch to the guitar layer and use the pedal to "talk" to either the gr-55 directly or to the ipad which can compute it into more complex orders to either or both devices.

I have done some tests just to validate a few points but now I am on paper; as an ex-developer I prefer to map my journey before writing a single line of code, once assumptions are verified - mapping also helps refining all these assumptions, so I may factually be chasing the impossible ;)

My goal is really to keep using the gr-55 but expand from its limitations. I like the beast but it's interface is limited - it contains a bit of everything Roland can do, but is not specifically great at all of them, and so is the hardware (only way I can explain the cut between patches, the looper limitations and the max. Assigns).

Most of my presets use all available assigns, because I often need to trigger more sounds within the same patch or manage more than one alt tuning.
Triggering and assign with external CC is easy, but limited, both because it requires anticipation (and I play a lot of jazz impromlive in one of my bands) and also because of 8 max assigns.

I hope to be able to use Sysex to activate stuff on the synth and cosm without having to program them as assigns and lemur or TBMS to be the controller.

Also, as discussed in other threads, I'd be keen to experiment with the GR-55's midi tracking OUT to The ipad so that it detects a specific note or sequence and can send back some Sysex (such as "detects 22nd fret on low E -> switch PCM1 to '010 piano' on GR-55 + activate 'delay' on vocal layer of VL3).

Marc, the task is daunting because - while I understand it - I never actually used Sysex and debugging on the fly is certainly time costly (and the VL3 does require signed). This is why your work as well as Gumtown's is impressive and helpful to us all :) saves heaps of research on the GR-55 side.

I would be happy and honoured to share some schematics with you down the track.
I am currently building the catalog of features that could be expected, in a fashion that doesn't tie it to my specific use. I would like to create templates or pages that hold some logic but allow each of us to modify what it does. Which is why I have been looking at Lemur and it's scripting engine.

The idea of separating the logic for interactions (type of trigger (played a note, pressed a switch, ...) + type of response (send Sysex for instrument change, send Sysex for volume change, send cc) for any origin and target is appealing but probably batshit insane considering the differences in Sysex and available CCs :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Toff. on July 21, 2014, 05:18:11 PM
Quote from: SuperNiCd on July 21, 2014, 06:02:45 AM
A good bi-directional real-time controller that makes it easy to make tweaks to the sound shape while in the rehearsal room goes a long way toward making the 55 an extremely versatile, relevant, and usable tool.

I believe Gumtown's editor is exactly that. If needing to manipulate the gr-55 on its own for research and prep, his editor is Gold.

In a live situation, with hands tied to the guitar and only feet, that's where I want to use iPads and such, but otherwise the floorboard editor is what you want :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: admin on July 21, 2014, 06:00:21 PM
QuoteI want to use the ipad as the brain, the middle man, between the gr55 and the VoiceLive3 (or any pedal for that matter), because while performing I cannot touch the ipad, plus it is used for reading lyrics already.

Might consider skipping iPad and using a MIDI Event Solutions Processor Plus to accomplish your goal

http://www.midisolutions.com/prodepp.htm (http://www.midisolutions.com/prodepp.htm)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Toff. on July 21, 2014, 06:49:04 PM
I did - they are good devices.
Only issue is their software only works on Windows - I am on Mac. I could use bootcamp or virtual machine, but it is a hassle - I much prefer something immediate and that I can edit "on the go" :)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on July 22, 2014, 07:21:36 AM
Quoteas an ex-developer I prefer to map my journey before writing a single line of code, once assumptions are verified - mapping also helps refining all these assumptions, so I may factually be chasing the impossible

I'm a software developer as well, and potential for "chasing the impossible" is exactly why I tend toward the opposite - i.e. developing proof of concept sooner rather than later, and scaling from there.  It's too easy to get bogged down in the "academic" phase.  I like to say that the best design tool is a development tool.  A development tool always tells the truth.  :)  If you really want to get some momentum going, pick an interface and an app, and then choose one or two GR55 parameters to target.  If you can get that much working, adding more is a cinch.  And if you can't, you can move on, which sometimes is the bigger victory!

As for the rest... I could babble all day.  I'll continue in separate posts.

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Toff. on July 22, 2014, 07:41:31 AM
 :D
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: tonemaster on August 05, 2014, 06:58:38 PM
Hi Toff
I'm interested in acquiring either a TCH or DT voice processor. As you have both, what do you see as the preferences/advantages one to the other. I'm looking at a VL2 and whatever the comparable DT product is. In relation to this topic, I'm very interested in linking/triggering the devices with the 55 to streamline live performance.

Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: damienmcgauley on August 07, 2014, 07:21:37 AM
Great to see that there's been a little life breathed back into this thread!

I'd love to see a simple Bi-Directional wired Lemur interface between the iPad and GR-55 (no PC required).

I'd feel comfortable about paying for Lemur as I could use it for both GR-55 and Axe Fx II then.

I can't believe that roland have never addressed this and I don't think there's any hope now that their energies are more focused on developing/marketing their newer (GP-10) products.

Damien.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 07, 2014, 07:44:41 AM
QuoteI'd love to see a simple Bi-Directional wired Lemur interface between the iPad and GR-55 (no PC required).

Well, one point I keep coming around to is that transferring the SysEx from TouchOSC to another app (e.g. Lemur) would be very easy - just download their editor and my template and copy/paste.  Worst case is you've got some notepad/excel/whatever replacing to do to account for syntax differences.  This is an especially reasonable undertaking if you know you only need some (i.e. performance-related) parameters, versus a full recreation of my template.

The part that remains unknown - and which largely determines return on investment - is to what extent the bi-directional communications work.  Even if the app and interface support this in theory, some of the SysEx strings being passed from iPad to GR55 are complex, and I wouldn't assume that they'll automatically fly in the opposite direction and update screen elements on the iPad.  That might happen, or that might require additional engineering, or that might be outright impossible.

But if you (meaning anyone) own one of these apps already, pick a couple of controls, take an hour or so, and give it a shot!

Toff, I still you owe you a reply or two.  Started writing and disappeared up my own... thoughts.  ;)  Basic gist of what I wrote is the advice I keep trying to take for myself:  keep it simple!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: damienmcgauley on August 07, 2014, 08:40:48 AM
Hi Marc,

I'm afraid I'm at a total loss when it comes to any sort of software programming  :-[. I suppose an App is the best I can hope for!

I know it's easy "if you know how" but I'm afraid I've got no programming experience. I have great respect for the guys on here who seem to be able to spend hours building up a software to control their gear!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 07, 2014, 10:20:29 AM
I hear you, Damien.  I happen to have a lot of programming experience, but I wouldn't call any of what I did for the GR55/TouchOSC project programming, per se.  Maybe kind of a fine line, but it was more a power-user/ configuration/ design sort of process.  Having an engineering background was helpful on occasions when things went wrong, I guess, but not strictly necessary.  The guy that developed TouchOSC did most of the heavy lifting; I just put things where I wanted them and dropped in the appropriate SysEx strings.

Having said all that, you have to weigh the benefits of any technical solution against the pain you're going to experience getting it up and running.  So if you're not into tackling technical projects as a hobby, often it's just not worth it.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on August 25, 2014, 07:10:45 AM
Just attaching some recent versions of the template, having heard from someone interested in trying this out.  ("GR55 2014.touchosc" is a work in progress...)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Toff. on September 15, 2014, 10:33:56 PM
Dude, you rock.
Just when I was looking into your OSC work again to try and decipher some for my self on Lemur.

I have been silently working on my ideas and investing in my gear. Still here, just busy.

I hope to bring good news at some stage, but the learning curve is steep ^^
Still struggling to spy/monitor some aspects of the GR-55 from Floorboard (I don't know where I would be without this amazing software!).
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 17, 2014, 01:28:06 PM
Thanks for the kind words, Toff.  I meant to get back to you sooner with some thoughts about your stated aims above, but time got away and... well now my thoughts don't seem so important.  :)  Benefit of hindsight and all that.

Lemur is probably the steepest learning curve of all the apps we've discussed, but probably yields the biggest payoff if you really master it.  That's always the way.  Try to start simple, and steal someone else's code if you can.  :)  All you need is something that can respond to a button press by sending SysEx string.

If you're running a MIDI monitor and trying to get SysEx out of Floorboard, do yourself a BIG favor and steal it from the TouchOSC editor instead!  I got almost all of my SysEx by painstakingly copying it from Floorboard (thank you, gumtown!) and it was very time consuming.  You can't copy and paste, so I was taking screen caps to try to isolate which bytes were changing, etc.  Don't reinvent the wheel - just load my template, find the control you want to implement, and copy/paste the SysEx from the MIDI field (circled in red in this screen cap.)  Pretty sure you'll thank me later.


P.S.  Don't try testing the waters by pulling that example directly off the screen cap - the field scrolls and the actual SysEx is significantly longer.  :D
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Toff. on September 17, 2014, 03:05:10 PM
I do, I do :)
The very reason I was glad to get your template converted by Fabien into TB Midi Stuff - much easier from there rather than start from scratch again with Floorboard.
I also used the midi.xml information from Gumtown's software.

There is a Lemur module circulating on the forum, from Xtian82 whom I have been in touch with by email - another great dude and testimony to this community :)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5379.msg71596#msg71596 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5379.msg71596#msg71596) (this is Tracy Evan's thread on his own Lemur experiment).

Unfortunately, none of these templates/modules show how to change TONE NUMBER for PCM 1 & 2, and I am looking into Gumtown's work how he did it.
*EDIT* Marc, I just looked at your latest template and can see the differences with Fabien's adaptation, with regards to PCM.
I am going to have fun ^^ HUUUUGE thanks.

My other issue at the moment is trying to bypass Lemur's drop down menu limitation of 32 options max (!?) to list the PCM tones by genre.

PS: Marc, I'll move my comments and feedback from here into the thread listed above, as to keep things separate from your TouchOSC work and facilitate future search.
By all means, please feel free to drop in this other thread :) Your expertise on the Sysex side is much appreciated.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 18, 2014, 06:23:01 AM
QuoteI also used the midi.xml information from Gumtown's software.

It sounds like you're a step or two ahead of me then.  I wasn't aware at the time that there was a human-readable XML file... chances are that would have saved me a lot of effort.  Ah well...

Quote*EDIT* Marc, I just looked at your latest template and can see the differences with Fabien's adaptation, with regards to PCM.
I am going to have fun ^^ HUUUUGE thanks.

My other issue at the moment is trying to bypass Lemur's drop down menu limitation of 32 options max (!?) to list the PCM tones by genre.

This was a real hassle in TouchOSC, and a 32 option max in Lemur will present challenges as well.  Ideally, you'll want a hierarchical pair of dropdowns, where the first selects a genre, as you say, and repopulates the descriptions and values in the second dropdown, which in turn selects an actual PCM voice.

TouchOSC doesn't have any sort of dropdown controls, nor any way to associate an array of descriptions with numerical values, so in my original template (i.e. GR55 2013) I cheesed it with sliders for each genre, where you swipe from left to right to select the specific instrument.  This puts all of the voices on screen with pretty minimal effort, but you have to sort of hunt around to find a specific voice, and there's no way to see its name/number without looking at the GR55 (and being on the appropriate GR55 edit screen at the time.)  In the newer version (GR55 2014) I've set up individual buttons with individual labels - one button per PCM voice.  This is much more intuitive to use, but there's no practical way to get every voice on screen at once, so I have to pick my favorites, adjust the labels, adjust the underlying SysEx... this will be a long tedious task, and I may or may not ever actually get it done.   :(
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Toff. on September 18, 2014, 07:09:04 AM
Quote
his was a real hassle in TouchOSC, and a 32 option max in Lemur will present challenges as well.  Ideally, you'll want a hierarchical pair of dropdowns, where the first selects a genre, as you say, and repopulates the descriptions and values in the second dropdown, which in turn selects an actual PCM voice.

Well, the community is strong on Lemur, and I got help to understand how to fake a drop down menu, using a container and sub options (max items: 16).
Basically, options are a subset of text lines which can be selected (16 of them).
Then, the trick is to create container (which is like a up/down slider) to allow browsing all the options - This requires coding to scroll all "boxes" of options on top of each other while the main container is scrolled, using hide & show as well.

A bit cumbersome, I admit (reminds me of old Dynamic HTML / Javascript 2), but it does the trick and allows browsing more than 32 elements at a time for sure (just managed 123, which is the amount of "Synth Lead" tones).
And they have to be pre-filled by hand - hard coded. No hope to build the content from the GR-55's content, but chances of Roland adding new tones is slim and would only require updating a few lines of code.


Next step will be to allow showing each of the containers I created only when a master one (showing the tone family) is selected.
That should be easy.


Quote
It sounds like you're a step or two ahead of me then.  I wasn't aware at the time that there was a human-readable XML file... chances are that would have saved me a lot of effort.  Ah well...

As always, we have our very own Elantric to thank for that - He placed the link to this in the GR-55 top things to know thread, teh FAQ and about everywhere people where discussing Sysex.
(and, of course, Gumtown actually did find 99% of the Sysex we rely on - karma to him forever)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on September 18, 2014, 07:16:20 AM
QuoteGumtown actually did find 99% of the Sysex we rely on - karma to him forever

Absolutely!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on November 12, 2014, 06:38:49 AM
Joe Conti:  I got your last VM, but your inbox is full and I can't reply.  I hope you see this:

QuoteThanks for the reply - i did try to download that on the ipad but it only shows unrelated apps to open it with:  OnSong, Google Drive, etc..

    I see that it is a one way street with the communication, and that is fine as a librarian will help me sort thru things, but I cannot seem to load that template into Touch Osc.  Also, touch osc in not listed in the apps on the ipad, only under the General- usage- manage storage (just to delete the app)

   I did see the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4,  and am looking at other ways to get these gizmos talking....  any other suggestions are appreciated!  It looks great as for as real time in the trenches tweaking...  I have a free hand sometimes!

This is a red flag and pretty much a show stopper.  First thing is to get this sorted out.  Are you looking at iTunes, or trying to manage all of this on the iPad itself?  If you have touchOSC installed, you should see it in iTunes when you bring up the Apps tab for your device.  From there you would select the app and see all of the default templates in the file list on the right.  Then click "Add File" bottom right, and select the touchOSC file you downloaded from my post.

I agree (obviously) that having an iPad editor on hand is awesome for real-time tweaking.  :)  But I'm still concerned that you're going to have trouble finding a compatible interface.  Forum member Elantric knows a bit more about OSC protocol than me, and he owns a Focusrite Scarlett.  I strongly recommend you post that same question to the thread I linked, so you'll have the benefit of his experience.  I'll be keeping up with your efforts too!

Best,
Marc
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on November 12, 2014, 09:26:38 AM
At this hour the biggest hurdle for anyone who wants to run Marc's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad is the crucial requirement for the Jabrudian Missing Link Wireless OSC to MIDI converter hardware unit. Marc created his GR-55 Control using Touch OSC's native "OSC" (Open Sound Control) communication protocol.

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8984.msg99414#msg99414 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8984.msg99414#msg99414)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Sound_Control (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Sound_Control)
(https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-1/c48.22.276.276/p320x320/179006_180682158638776_7946738_n.jpg?oh=269397404f35820c1e9e4bdb73d6ae54&oe=55C7B01E&__gda__=1440675285_3552c78d2a9f5460420958854a6ddd4c)
The Jabrudian Missing Link Wireless OSC to MIDI converter hardware unit is necessary to translate "OSC" to "MIDI"  - MIDI is required for the GR-55 to understand the commands.
The sad news is that as of Oct 2014 - the Jabrudian Missing Link Wireless OSC to MIDI converter is no longer being manufactured
https://www.facebook.com/WifiMidi (https://www.facebook.com/WifiMidi)
QuoteDear Missing Link friends and fans, please note that the Missing Link is no longer being produced, and there are no plans to revive it.

This has been the case for some time, I apologize for not being more active.

Best of luck with all of your musical and other projects, and thank you for all of your support.

Yours,
-Hans Lindauer
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F_rScBRKlTdoE%2FTNi3v4eC8dI%2FAAAAAAABt8k%2FewwBncPEnr4%2Fs400%2Fml.jpg&hash=ebff93774723281f27d5387857ecd1152b5b69cd)
In the recent years - TouchOSC has added MIDI control to TouchOSC - but there are other IOS control platforms


*  MIDI Designer
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7156.msg87979#msg87979 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7156.msg87979#msg87979)

* TB MIDI Stuff
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.0)

*  Lemur
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5379.msg93317#msg93317 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5379.msg93317#msg93317)

All may be better suited to remain 100% MIDI - many include Bi-Directional MIDI communication now -   and avoid the OSC protocol required for Marc's solution. 
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on November 12, 2014, 11:06:58 AM
Sorry to hear the Missing Link was discontinued.  For a while it looked like Hans might update the firmware to support bi-directional communication.  But as I've said before, I don't think that alone would have guaranteed the GR-55 would respond appropriately to user input on the iPad.

As for touchOSC supporting direct MIDI, it's true, but in this mode it doesn't allow for SysEx strings, so it would be extremely limited with the GR55.  (See attached screencap from touchOSC editor.)

I guess the million dollar question would be:  Isn't there some alternative OSC-to-MIDI interface that could be used in place of the Missing Link?  Or is this a protocol that's conventionally brokered by a Mac/PC?

I wish I could remember the sequence of events that led me to using OSC in the first place.  TouchOSC was probably cheapest at the time, and one thing led to another, until finally I'd purchased the Missing Link and went for broke.  I've considered doing the project again on another app, but I can't justify the investment in time right now.  Shame, I wish more people could have benefited from this work.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Geer on January 10, 2015, 04:06:54 AM
I had trouble finding a GR55 midi controller and ended up with making one for the IPad myself. I used MidiDesigner. I wanted it to work without using SysEx massages for my Alesis IO dock1 is not SysEx compatible. They say the dock2 does SysEx.
Here it is:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7156.msg97380#msg97380 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=7156.msg97380#msg97380)
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: asb2m10 on January 22, 2015, 10:10:03 PM
Quote from: mbenigni on November 12, 2014, 11:06:58 AM
I guess the million dollar question would be:  Isn't there some alternative OSC-to-MIDI interface that could be used in place of the Missing Link?  Or is this a protocol that's conventionally brokered by a Mac/PC?

I think it's doable by using a Raspberry PI + USB WIFI dongle; for under 50 bucks. Since the site (wifimidi.com) is down, where can we find the documentation of "Missing Link" osc/midi protocol ? I think this would be an interesting project.

Is there any Mac/PC program that can do the OSC -> Midi translation ?
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Macciza on January 23, 2015, 03:33:58 AM
Could probably do it in Lemur fairly easily.
If all you need is to send OSC to an IP address then it should not be a problem.
If the ML can be configured to send back to the necessary port on the iPad the bidirectional is possible.
Cheers
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: eniovasconcellos on April 14, 2015, 05:33:54 AM
Hi guys! Sorry if this quest is out of topic. But I recently finished my Arduino foot controller for  GR-55, and I am having some trouble with compatibility between arduino and GR. I am using program change to access the patches. When I send this commands to windows PC or a yamaha keyboard everything works ok. But, when plugged to GR-55 nothing happens. When I plug arduino to windows PC (or keyboard) midi IN and then Midi out to GR-55 midi IN,  it works like a clock!! Looks like there is some freq. issue that impossibilities GR-55 to recognize arduino PC messages. Does anyone knows what's possible happening? 
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on April 14, 2015, 07:01:59 AM
That is very strange.  The only thing I can think of where Arduino->Computer->GR55 is concerned, is that possibly your computer is translating the PC message from a specific (wrong) channel number to Omni?  But it seems unlikely that your Yamaha keyboard could be configured to do the same.

I'm not specifically familiar with Arduino, but once you're transmitting MIDI, the source shouldn't be relevant.  Just be sure that you are sending and receiving on the correct MIDI channel.  (And to be clear:  you are sending MIDI to the GR55 via 5-pin MIDI cables, and not USB cable, right?  The USB jack on the GR55 will not process USB-MIDI directly.)

And if possible try sending a SysEx string formed as follows, instead of a straight PC message, and see your results are any different:

0xf0 0xb0 0 0 0xb0 0x20 0x00 0xc0 [patch number] 0xf7

Hope this helps.  Let us know.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: eniovasconcellos on April 14, 2015, 07:25:26 AM
thank you mbenigni! Yes, I am using 5pin standard midi, not usb. I will try to use sysexc instead of PC.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on April 14, 2015, 12:04:37 PM
If you are sending PC only, check the GR-55 Midi Program Table is set to "Fixed",
if it is set to "Programmable" it will require Bank Change _ Control Change _ Program Change midi messages to respond.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: eniovasconcellos on April 14, 2015, 07:07:20 PM
The quest is finished! GR-55 is now working! Cause: resistor 2k2 wired from 5vcc to midi jack pin 5. it was limiting the current causing gr-55 not recognize the incoming signals. I changed it to 220r and it solves the problem. one more time Very very thank you all!!!!
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on April 14, 2015, 09:23:29 PM
Excellent to hear the success of your MIDI Hardware debug efforts !
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on April 15, 2015, 06:25:58 AM
Impressive troubleshooting!  Glad you got this sorted out.
Title: Re: Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: asb2m10 on May 05, 2015, 10:19:24 PM
Quote from: mbenigni on November 12, 2014, 11:06:58 AM
I guess the million dollar question would be:  Isn't there some alternative OSC-to-MIDI interface that could be used in place of the Missing Link?  Or is this a protocol that's conventionally brokered by a Mac/PC?

Since I find the TouchOSC navigator quite useful, I've decided to write my own "missing link" for the Raspberry Pi : https://github.com/asb2m10/PiLink (https://github.com/asb2m10/PiLink)

It is quite basic for now but all of the TouchOSC panels are now functional without the need of an external computer ;)

What is cool is that the GR-55 USB midi interface on Linux is detected out of the box so no need for an external midi interface, simply plug your GR-55 USB to the Raspberry Pi. I had to add an usbwifi interface (20$) to make it truly wireless with my setup though...
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on May 05, 2015, 10:28:23 PM
asb2m10

Thanks for sharing your efforts with us here!

====
https://github.com/asb2m10/PiLink
PiLink - OSC to midi for the Raspberry Pi
PiLink is a simple python script that enable to route OSC messages to midi. It has been designed to be run headless on a Raspberry Pi to avoid to setup a computer between a device that sends OSC messages (like a iPad running TouchOSC) and a midi instrument.

PiLink tries to mimick some of the functionalities of the "defunc" Missing Link device.

Upon startup, the script will wait until /dev/midi1 is available. To stop the script simply send CTRL-C. If it is running at startup, simply kill it via SSH.

Installation

Copy the script to /home/pi
Set the script to executable: $ chmod +a+x /home/pi/pilink.py
In /etc/rc.local, add this line /home/pi/pilink.py
Configuration

Most of the configuration is done directly in the script :

MIDI_DEV : change this to the configured midi device (usally /dev/midi1)
UDP_PORT : the port that pilink listen for OSC messages
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on May 06, 2015, 06:52:24 AM
This is great!  Thank you!  I'd love to see someone pick up where I left off with TouchOSC and GR-55 all those years (!!!) ago.
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Jack on November 22, 2015, 01:45:10 AM
Hello

i want to use this great thing - i have an Ipad 3. generation and have load touch osc and tb midistuff but i dont know the right connetion from ipad to GR 55
Is it possible by camewra connetion kit or i rig midi interface or must i open the unit and put some interface in it ( i dont understand the pstet photos where the GR 55 is open and something is marked on the picture )
Please tell me more about the connection
(if possible someone could it write in german language ? )

Thanks  Jack
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Elantric on November 22, 2015, 05:26:19 AM
Unfortunately this touchOSC  Template for controlling the GR-55 relies 100% on the presence of the now out of production "Jabrudian Missing Link" ( OSC to MIDI Converter)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg20874#msg20874 (https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg20874#msg20874)

The hurdle is at the time of its creation, Touch OSC IOS App transmits OSC (Open Sound Control) data messages over Wifi

The Jabrudian Missing Link was a magic gizmo that included a Wifi adapter to wirelessly receive the OSC messages from the iPad.  The Missing Link then converted the OSC Messages to MIDI Messages the GR-55 understands

Bottom line, no Missing Link = No working wireless GR-55 Control. 

This thread remains as an archive , and is all explained if you start from 1st post.
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: mbenigni on November 23, 2015, 08:11:38 AM
Quote from: Elantric on November 22, 2015, 05:26:19 AM
Bottom line, no Missing Link = No working wireless GR-55 Control. 

With the possible exception of asb2m10's Raspberry Pi solution above?  I understand that may be more involved a solution than most people want to get into, though.

Shame about the Missing Link.  I wonder how many were manufactured before they disappeared.  You'd think there would be used ones floating around by now.
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: asb2m10 on November 28, 2015, 08:19:36 PM
Yes mbenigni, I'm planning to release a 'user' version for pilink that does everything within your browser. I need to finish first the next iteration of my other project (http://asb2m10.github.io/dexed/ (http://asb2m10.github.io/dexed/)) and then it is pilink.

I will need beta tester in January, so anybody interested drop me a line and I'll add you in the loop. The only thing you need is a pi, configured USB-WIFI interface on the pi and some Linux experience (plus TouchOSC and the GR-55 off course).

For now, don't expect this project to be a replacement for the Missing Link; let's concentrate on mbenigni TouchOSC first; then it should be more easy to implement the other stuff afterwards.

::)
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Eric63 on December 21, 2015, 06:38:38 AM
Hi mbenigni,

I just bought a GR55, so buy also this :

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg11.hostingpics.net%2Fthumbs%2Fmini_55123961S9kRwUMbLSL1500.jpg&hash=bc330d8b8991d0173dadc6e6baa25bde2d6b9c89) (http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=55123961S9kRwUMbLSL1500.jpg)

A lightning edition for MIDI ;)

And TouchOSC too ofcourse !

Will try it tonigth ;)

For me it's a veru good complement to the FloarBoard.

Thx man
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: asb2m10 on February 22, 2016, 09:25:01 PM
I've finally updated PiLink https://github.com/asb2m10/pilink (https://github.com/asb2m10/pilink) to version 0.2 and it is now (somewhat) easier to use. The configuration can now be done via the browser and you can see what messages are sended from the OSC device to the midi (gr-55 for me) device.

And for optimal configuration, I've seen this project : http://www.pi-point.co.uk/ (http://www.pi-point.co.uk/) that offers a SD Raspberry Pi image that already act has a WIFI acess point. Simply install PiLink on this "distribution", connect your iPad to this WIFI access point and your set. No ad-hoc WIFI setup which is a plus. The only problem is that it has not been updated since 2012; and I've havn't tested it yet with my PI :-\. But maybe in the future this should be "recommended" distribution.

Anyway, for me, with the help of PiLink, I find Marc TouchOSC interface very useful with the GR-55.

(https://raw.githubusercontent.com/asb2m10/pilink/master/docs/pilink_0.2.jpg)
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: scalisimusic on April 08, 2016, 09:03:27 AM
Did touch osc work with the iConnectMidi and the GR-55?
Where do I find the touch osc GR-55 template?


i
Quote from: Eric63 on December 21, 2015, 06:38:38 AM
Hi mbenigni,

I just bought a GR55, so buy also this :

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg11.hostingpics.net%2Fthumbs%2Fmini_55123961S9kRwUMbLSL1500.jpg&hash=bc330d8b8991d0173dadc6e6baa25bde2d6b9c89) (http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=55123961S9kRwUMbLSL1500.jpg)

A lightning edition for MIDI ;)

And TouchOSC too ofcourse !

Will try it tonigth ;)

For me it's a veru good complement to the FloarBoard.

Thx man
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: spyrl on January 08, 2018, 08:38:15 PM
Would the Yamaha Wireless 5-PIN DIN MIDI allow the TouchOSC to be revived? I can confirm patch changes via midi designer works.
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: admin on January 09, 2018, 12:30:18 AM
Quote from: spyrl on January 08, 2018, 08:38:15 PM
Would the Yamaha Wireless 5-PIN DIN MIDI allow the TouchOSC to be revived? I can confirm patch changes via midi designer works.
No


M

OSC has not been adopted as hoped 10 years ago.

The only wireless OSC device was the Missing Link ( long discontinued)
http://cdm.link/2011/01/new-solutions-for-wireless-midi-midiosc-developers-answer-questions/

(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdm.link%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F01%2Fmissinglink.jpg&hash=f3f79944386ae9166be634dae6bb9443d4f3591c)


Thus interest in Pi-Link( running on Raspberry Pi)  - but as far as I know that project was never finished,

Bottom Line - its a bit of a shame Marc's GR-55 Wireless remote was built upon OSC and not MIDI
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: spyrl on January 11, 2018, 08:38:29 PM
Thanks! Guess I'm going to have to try the TB Midi Stuff along with it and see how it goes instead (another thread here).
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: domnils on April 02, 2018, 12:26:56 PM
Mr Benigni, good morning.
I am French and absolutely not English speaking.
I send you this request via the translator "google translator", so please excuse the syntax errors.
Here is my question: I would like to know if you intend to make a version for Android of your superb application "touch osc + gr55"? (even simplified, that would be perfect)
Hoping for an answer from you
Cdlt
Dominica
PS:
If you wish, I can leave you my details (mails)
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: admin on April 02, 2018, 12:44:45 PM
Quote from: domnils on April 02, 2018, 12:26:56 PM
Mr Benigni, good morning.
I am French and absolutely not English speaking.
I send you this request via the translator "google translator", so please excuse the syntax errors.
Here is my question: I would like to know if you intend to make a version for Android of your superb application "touch osc + gr55"? (even simplified, that would be perfect)
Hoping for an answer from you
Cdlt
Dominica
PS:
If you wish, I can leave you my details (mails)

Hello,

there are several hurdles

I understand Marc Benigni has sold his GR-55 and now works with his Line-6 Helix
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?posts/26156342/

The next problem is that at the time of the creation of " Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad" template for TouchOSC IOS application in 2011 , Touch OSC on iPad only communicated in OSC ( Open Sound Control) data format ( not MIDI )
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Sound_Control

(https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--U9ezPuY9--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_620,q_90,w_620/v1464313715/jp56uwrytcc2n9qxdfhh.jpg)
, and  Marc Benigni employed / relied on the now discontinued "Jabrudian Missing Link" wireless MIDI to OSC conversion unit, installed inside his GR-55 , which was the mechanism to allow  Wireless OSC control of the GR-55.

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg30038#msg30038
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3205.0;attach=3905;image)
(https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3205.0;attach=3915;image)


Today, MIDI Designer IOS app or TB Stuff would be preferred   over TouchOSC
http://mididesigner.com/
http://www.thiburce.com/TBStuff/?p=1297
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5798.msg35254#msg35254


Here is the GR-55 MIDI Implementation
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3348.0

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3348.0;attach=10864

https://youtu.be/creYv5kcj-Q
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Jack on July 27, 2019, 03:20:04 AM
how must it be connectet to the gr -55 i have got all the software but dont know how to connect what do i need ?
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: nmcanga on July 07, 2021, 11:45:14 AM
Hi Gumtown,

I'm trying to control the GR55 by MidiCommander software in Android PlayStore.

Sending Sysex messages to change patches do work until U43.3 reached

When I try to send the following sysex command to GR55 from my android phone via MidiCommander Software to change the patch to U43.3

B00001B02000C000

GR55 Patch changes to U01.1 unexpectedly and surprisingly.

Am I doing something wrong? I'll really appreciate your reply and will be grateful if you can help.

best Regards

Mutlu ÇANGA
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: gumtown on July 07, 2021, 01:11:44 PM
Quote from: nmcanga on July 07, 2021, 11:45:14 AM
Hi Gumtown,

I'm trying to control the GR55 by MidiCommander software in Android PlayStore.

Sending Sysex messages to change patches do work until U43.3 reached

When I try to send the following sysex command to GR55 from my android phone via MidiCommander Software to change the patch to U43.3

B00001B02000C000

GR55 Patch changes to U01.1 unexpectedly and surprisingly.

Am I doing something wrong? I'll really appreciate your reply and will be grateful if you can help.

best Regards

Mutlu ÇANGA

What you have there is not system exclusive, it is 3 separate controller messages (2 x cc# and 1 x PC)
where
B0 00 01 = bank selection
B0 20 00 = control change (tells the device it is a bank change message and not a regular cc# control)
C0 00 = patch change message

what you are sending is correct, but should be 3 separate consecutive messages, and the GR-55 should apply that change to patch 43:3

System exclusive data always starts with an "F0" and ends with an "F7".

If you want to use system exclusive for patch change, below is a list of sysx patch changes from U01:1 to U99:3

F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 01 7E F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 00 7F F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 02 7D F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 03 7C F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 04 7B F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 05 7A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 06 79 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 07 78 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 0C 73 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 0D 72 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 0E 71 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 13 6C F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 14 6B F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 15 6A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 1A 65 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 1B 64 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 1C 63 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 21 5E F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 22 5D F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 23 5C F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 28 57 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 29 56 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 2A 55 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 2F 50 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 30 4F F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 31 4E F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 36 49 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 37 48 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 38 47 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 3D 42 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 3F 40 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 40 3F F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 45 3A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 46 39 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 47 38 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 4C 33 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 4E 31 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 4F 30 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 55 2A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 56 29 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 5C 23 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 5D 22 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 62 1D F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 64 1B F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 65 1A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 6A 15 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 6B 14 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 6C 13 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 71 0E F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 72 0D F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 73 0C F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 78 07 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 79 06 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 7A 05 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 00 7F 00 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 01 7D F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 02 7C F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 07 77 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 08 76 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 09 75 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 0E 70 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 10 6E F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 11 6D F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 17 67 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 18 66 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 19 65 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 1E 60 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 1F 5F F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 20 5E F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 25 59 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 26 58 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 27 57 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 2C 52 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 2D 51 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 2E 50 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 34 4A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 35 49 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 36 48 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 3B 43 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 3C 42 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 3D 41 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 3E 40 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 43 3B F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 45 39 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 46 38 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 4B 33 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 4C 32 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 4D 31 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 52 2C F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 53 2B F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 54 2A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 59 25 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 5B 23 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 5C 22 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 61 1D F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 63 1B F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 64 1A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 69 15 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 6A 14 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 6B 13 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 6C 12 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 6F 0F F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 72 0C F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 73 0B F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 74 0A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 79 05 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 7A 04 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 7B 03 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 01 7C 02 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 01 7C F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 02 7B F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 03 7A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 07 76 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 0A 73 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 0B 72 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 0F 6E F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 11 6C F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 12 6B F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 15 68 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 17 66 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 18 65 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 19 64 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 1A 63 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 1D 60 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 1E 5F F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 1F 5E F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 20 5D F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 21 5C F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 22 5B F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 23 5A F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 24 59 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 25 58 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 26 57 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 27 56 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 28 55 F7
F0 41 10 00 00 53 12 01 00 00 00 02 29 54 F7

Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: Metasteve on July 12, 2021, 06:35:08 PM
New here and I've read through all the posts but... where can I download the actual TouchOSC file that is this GR-55 editor so I can try to connect and use it? Can someone just tell me where the actual TouchOSC file or template to download is?

Thanks.
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: admin on July 12, 2021, 06:43:54 PM
Marc visits here twice a year and no longer supports this effort

This is a very old effort, and required an actual "Jabrudian Missing Link" which was and early Arduino based OSC to MIDI converter  - as essential component as the creator (mbenigni) created this using Touch OSC - which transmitted OSC commands to the Missing Link OSC to MIDI converter.



Today if you seek iPad control of GR-55, best to explore MIDI DESIGNER based apps , and use Apple USB Camera adapter to a Roland UM-ONE USB <> MIDI adapter cable, or wireless BLE using a CME WIDI unit or QuiccoSound m1.1
https://mididesigner.com/qa/4259/gr55-patch-and-audio-player-midi-controller?fbclid=IwAR3CFvSQxPcKlGz9t5Tk4ad1WN_GWJ7wDRusBte7C27O9xJxeKt3AwrPr6Q

https://mididesigner.com/qa/6205/iphone-layout-for-pod-hd500-dt50-nova-drive-nova-system-gr-55?show=6205#q6205

 

But if you start reading from page 1 of this thread   - there is 17 pages over 10 years with a wealth of information here regarding controlling any MFX unit using a mobile tablet  - regardless of platform
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg20805#msg20805

The Roland GR-55 is NOT USB Class compliant, which presents a major hurdle  - but Roland / Boss use essentially similar MIDI over USB communication  - its worth reading the
Katana R&D Remote control area
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=240.0

. .  as there are far more Katanas in the world vs GR-55 Guitar Synths  = more numbers of folks working on remote control solutions. the Roland / Boss MIDI SYSEX communication protocol is revealed by Gumtown and Steve Hirsch on those threads for controlling Katana , and lots of incite for creating a remote control for GR-55, using same procedure 



Also read the "VController" thread , which is a Teensy based controller for many Roland / Boss MFX units,  - the Roland / Boss MIDI SYSEX communication protocol is revealed by Gumtown and Sixeight on those threads, and lots of incite for creating a remote control for GR-55
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=277.0


And of course review the MIDI Controller setup / Debug process here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2975.0
 
Title: Re: GR-55 - Marc Benigni's GR-55 TouchOSC Navigator for iPad
Post by: admin on October 06, 2021, 11:59:44 AM
Quote from: admin on July 12, 2021, 06:43:54 PM
Marc visits here twice a year and no longer supports this effort

This is a very old effort, and required an actual "Jabrudian Missing Link" which was and early Arduino based OSC to MIDI converter  - as essential component as the creator (mbenigni) created this using Touch OSC - which transmitted OSC commands to the Missing Link OSC to MIDI converter.



Today if you seek iPad control of GR-55, best to explore MIDI DESIGNER based apps , and use Apple USB Camera adapter to a Roland UM-ONE USB <> MIDI adapter cable, or wireless BLE using a CME WIDI unit or QuiccoSound m1.1
https://mididesigner.com/qa/4259/gr55-patch-and-audio-player-midi-controller?fbclid=IwAR3CFvSQxPcKlGz9t5Tk4ad1WN_GWJ7wDRusBte7C27O9xJxeKt3AwrPr6Q

https://mididesigner.com/qa/6205/iphone-layout-for-pod-hd500-dt50-nova-drive-nova-system-gr-55?show=6205#q6205

 

But if you start reading from page 1 of this thread   - there is 17 pages over 10 years with a wealth of information here regarding controlling any MFX unit using a mobile tablet  - regardless of platform
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3205.msg20805#msg20805

The Roland GR-55 is NOT USB Class compliant, which presents a major hurdle  - but Roland / Boss use essentially similar MIDI over USB communication  - its worth reading the
Katana R&D Remote control area
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=240.0

. .  as there are far more Katanas in the world vs GR-55 Guitar Synths  = more numbers of folks working on remote control solutions. the Roland / Boss MIDI SYSEX communication protocol is revealed by Gumtown and Steve Hirsch on those threads for controlling Katana , and lots of incite for creating a remote control for GR-55, using same procedure 



Also read the "VController" thread , which is a Teensy based controller for many Roland / Boss MFX units,  - the Roland / Boss MIDI SYSEX communication protocol is revealed by Gumtown and Sixeight on those threads, and lots of incite for creating a remote control for GR-55
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=277.0


And of course review the MIDI Controller setup / Debug process here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=2975.0


Reread all above, covers current situation of this discontinued project