GR55 as a MIDI sound module? (Not Possible)

Started by JCcares, May 11, 2011, 12:05:26 AM

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JCcares

Some of the tones on the GR55 are better than some keyboards I've used.Can someone tell me what are the settings I need to make in order to use it as a keyboard sound module (channel settings etc)?Also will I be able to trigger the model guitar tones through a keyboard? I would like to use it as a sound module & record the output sounds directly into my DAW through it's USB connectivity.Is that possible? Will sounds be transfered through USB or do I need to use the regular outs of the GR55 to record?

Elantric

#1
Not possible to play the GR-55 PCM sounds with other non guitar gear.

If you like the sound of the GR-55's PCM sounds - buy a Roland SD-50 Mobile Studio Canvas - which shares the same PCM sounds as the GR-55.
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.php?ProductId=1090

Suggest you examine the GR-55 Owners manual, to determine its features.
http://www.roland.com/products/en/_support/om.cfm?PRODUCT=GR-55

and see the interactive GR-55 tour
http://www.roland.com/products/en/IT/GR-55_IT/index.html

JCcares

Are you sure? The older GR synths had the capability.I remember using the GR 33 with a midi keyboard.I thought that was the main purpose of the Midi In!

Elantric

#3
Agreed  - even my old 1996 GR-30 works as a MIDI tone module

But its Confirmed - the GR-55 has no ability to be used as a MIDI sound module.

The GR-55's MIDI In (like the Boss GT-10's MIDI In) is for use with an external MIDI footcontroller - to provide  more switches and expression foot controllers than exist on the GR-55. 

The GR-55 MIDI I/O jacks may also be used for connecting a computer via MIDI  I/O  - to use the Roland GR-55 Librarian and Gumtowns GR-55 Editor. MIDI provides an opto-coupled ground loop free connection, but is much slower than the USB connection.

gumtown

It is also clearly stated in the GR-55 user manual too. ;)

QuoteMIDI provides an opto-coupled ground loop free connection, but is much slower than the USB connection.
There is not too much speed difference, the USB still uses midi protocol at 32.5kHz when the data reaches the USB/serial conversion inside the GR-55.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

JCcares

Thats a bit disappointing.
Here's my last attempt on this question.Is there anyway I can transmit midi notes via a computer through USB & trigger the synth tones?This really may not serve the purpose of recording I suppose or atleast will make it complicated.

gumtown

#6
Quote from: JCcares on May 11, 2011, 06:20:55 PM
Thats a bit disappointing.
Here's my last attempt on this question.Is there anyway I can transmit midi notes via a computer through USB & trigger the synth tones?This really may not serve the purpose of recording I suppose or atleast will make it complicated.
No - There is no provision for any sort of external midi note data to control any tone generator in the GR-55.
The only way to produce a tone (normal pickup, modeled tone or PCM synth tone) either out of the analog outputs or through the USB cable, or exporting midi note data via the 5 pin midi out or the USB cable, is to use a GK equiped instrument.

The GR-55 has been deliberately dissabled as a Sound Module,
the only way to use a computer to produce sound from the GR-55 is to use a
multi channel analog audio card connected to a special GK break-out box
and inject 6 channels of audio into the hexaphonic inputs which normally come from the GK pickup.

You can record the midi note data from the GR-55 when you play your GK instument connected to the GR-55, and drive an external midi sound module.
The modeled tones have nothing to do with midi either, the tones are generated by the analog hexaphonic GK signal from each string and the tone is recreated by a process of Harmonic restructuring (modeling).
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

Elantric

QuoteIs there any way to Transmit midi notes via a computer through USB & trigger the synth tones?This really may not serve the purpose of recording I suppose or atleast will make it complicated.

There is no way to drive the GR-55 Sounds using MIDI.


JCcares

V disappointing,but I guess Roland knows how to make buisness like the rest of the world!
Some of the PCM sound as good as VST!I hope we eventually get a DVD with such sounds on VST.

markcasq

maybe a keyboard that connects to the GKin of the GR55 would be a good idea.

sri2503

 I have Roland XPS 10 Keyboard which does not have MIDI IN OUT 5 pin connection. It has square USB out for keyboard to computer. In this case can I use tones from XPS 10 into GR 55. I have a midi violin of V-Jazz by Cantini.
Thanks in advance?

Elantric

#11
QuoteIn this case can I use tones from XPS 10

You can not connect two USB Client devices without a Computer

http://www.roland.com/products/xps-10/specifications/



To use GR-55 as MIDi controller to drive XPS-10
Might be able to use a low cost Raspberry Pi embeded Computer
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11998.0

gumtown

Let me know if you find a USB "type B to type B" cable (square connector on both ends).

A laptop or tablet in between will help - with the respective USB drivers installed.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

Elantric

#13
QuoteLet me know if you find a USB "type B to type B" cable (square connector on both ends).

Dont tempt him!

( Not an April Fool's joke either)

http://fieldcomponents.com/RFW-4020-3MW.html?gclid=CjwKEAjwru6oBRDDp4jRj4bL_xASJADJ2oby5b1dWpHBklZivWTTx3nkGsXYkV2xBsF3rUwhOsI_tBoCStrw_wcB


For those who do not understand USB - save your money  - the above USB B-B Cable WILL NOT WORK with any gear we talk about!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB