KATANA- Gumtown's Katana AMP GUI Control (MIDI over USB) with Android

Started by gumtown, January 02, 2018, 01:09:49 PM

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Meesha


gumtown

Quote from:  Meesha on January 21, 2018, 05:02:06 AM
Is FXFloorboard dead/frozen then (while doing this app)?
no,
a few little bits and pieces are going into FxFloorBoard,
as it is mostly the same code with a different user interface.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

asarkany

Are you planning to put the source to a github repo? I've just got a Katana 50, and I'd gladly help in the development.

gumtown

Quote from:  asarkany on January 23, 2018, 08:12:39 AM
Are you planning to put the source to a github repo? I've just got a Katana 50, and I'd gladly help in the development.
Yes, there are two android projects,
the one in the topic here "Condors one", which has the source posted here a few replies back.
The source requires:
Eclipse IDE for Android,
Android Studio,
Android NDK
JAVA JDK (I used the latest 1.8).
and runs on Android 3.2 upwards (has it's own java midi libs) .

The project I have now switched to is Katana FxFloorBoard for Android/Tablet.
The Project is here..
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=22595.0
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

admin

Dumb reminder - this old version ( Condor's original Katana Editor for Android Phone "KatanaEditor13")  should work and make USB connection with modern Android systems ( Android 6.01 or newer and Android phone / tablet must have a working USB OTG adapter and USB cable - but it was coded for older Katana Firmware,


Condor's original Katana Editor for Android Phone "KatanaEditor13"
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20234.0;attach=15750
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=20234.50


Details on USB-OTG adapter,  required for Android phones/ tablets

http://www.extreamsd.com/index.php/technology/usb-audio-driver

dazco

I'm reading you use a USB-OTG cable but my artist has one of those square ends rather than the typical rectangular USB cable. Can i get a cable with the proper ends to fit my artist and use this app with my android prepaid phone? It's andriod 6.01 but i'm wondering if the artist is compatible given the different type of usb end.

admin

Quote from:  dazco on April 10, 2018, 01:40:51 PM
I'm reading you use a USB-OTG cable but my artist has one of those square ends rather than the typical rectangular USB cable. Can i get a cable with the proper ends to fit my artist and use this app with my android prepaid phone? It's andriod 6.01 but i'm wondering if the artist is compatible given the different type of usb end.

A USB  OTG adapter has a USB type A female USB Host connection
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_On-The-Go
Use a USB 2.0 printer cable between OTG adapter and  the Katana Amp


Details on USB-OTG adapter,  required for Android phones/ tablets

http://www.extreamsd.com/index.php/technology/usb-audio-driver



We established last week your inexpensive Samsung Tracfone lacks the ability to work with OTG adapters and Katana.
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=23190.msg169050#msg169050

dazco


admin

Quote from:  dazco on April 10, 2018, 03:11:48 PM
I thought this was a different editor, sorry bout that.

Its is a different older Katana Android editor ( by Condor of Germany)  - but same constraint exists for ALL Android users contemplating connecting and editing Roland / Boss gear  - it only works with recent Android devices running Android OS 6.01 ( or newer), and the Android device must support a USB OTG connection.

gumtown

Condor's version will support Android 3.2 upward.
It has a self contained midi driver/library for USB OTG, although it is a bit buggy.

Modern Android apps running Android 6.0 and latter have Midi and USB OTG built into the operating system.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

dazco

This stuff is all greek to me so i stagger thru these threads in a haze with 90% going right past me....whooosh. I just wish i could find a easy way to edit settings when out of the house. Laptop is a PITA.

gumtown

Try it and see, Android phone, app, OTG adapter, USB cable (same one you use on laptop).
oh yes and the Katana too.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

admin

Quote from:  gumtown on April 10, 2018, 04:17:55 PM
Try it and see, Android phone, app, OTG adapter, USB cable (same one you use on laptop).
oh yes and the Katana too.

Not all Android phones support USB OTG & USB Host mode

Dazco's new Samsung Tracfone Android phone lacks this feature
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=23190.msg169050#msg169050


Discussion of Android Audio / MIDI using USB OTG adapters to USB Audio interfaces
http://www.extreamsd.com/index.php/technology/usb-audio-driver

vit3k

Quote from:  gumtown on April 10, 2018, 03:57:02 PM
Modern Android apps running Android 6.0 and latter have Midi and USB OTG built into the operating system.

When I tried this it doesn't recognize Katana. This custom usb driver does.

vit3k


gumtown

Quote from:  vit3k on April 14, 2018, 02:26:25 AM
When I tried this it doesn't recognize Katana. This custom usb driver does.

? I don't quite understand, can you please elaborate a bit more detail thanks.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

vit3k

So I was trying Android MIDI APIs (android.media.midi) with Katana and it just doesn't see the Katana as a midi device. USB driver that was used in Condor's app does. Of course there is a possibility that I did something wrong.

admin

Quote from:  vit3k on April 25, 2018, 06:18:16 AM
So I was trying Android MIDI APIs (android.media.midi) with Katana and it just doesn't see the Katana as a midi device. USB driver that was used in Condor's app does. Of course there is a possibility that I did something wrong.

AFAIK "Condors USB driver" is actually the Linux Jack Audio driver which began being included with Android 6.01 OS or newer. 
It also must use a Compatible Android device with USB Host Adapter to make a connection

vtgearhead

Quote from:  admsustainiac on April 25, 2018, 07:49:56 AM
AFAIK "Condors USB driver" is actually the Linux Jack Audio driver which began being included with Android 6.01 OS or newer. 
It also must use a Compatible Android device with USB Host Adapter to make a connection

Are you sure it's not the ALSA subsystem?  That's the layer I've always used on Linux devices (no Android experience here). The kernel has a table of USB vendor ids that determine which non-compliant devices should actually be regarded as MIDI capable and the hotplug system loads (I thought) one of the asound modules.

Elantric

Quote from:  vtgearhead on April 25, 2018, 03:35:11 PM
Are you sure it's not the ALSA subsystem?  That's the layer I've always used on Linux devices (no Android experience here). The kernel has a table of USB vendor ids that determine which non-compliant devices should actually be regarded as MIDI capable and the hotplug system loads (I thought) one of the asound modules.

both ALSA and JACK audio camps claim they added the Edirol UA-25EX audio / MIDI compatibility - which is the basis for the current Boss Katana (Audio / MIDI ) , Boss GP-10 (MIDI) compatibility on Android OS after version 6.01   

https://alsa.opensrc.org/Edirol_UA-25
http://michaelminn.com/linux/mmusbaudio/README.html

https://www.darknet.org.uk/2015/02/snoopypro-windows-usb-sniffer-tool/


vtgearhead

Interesting.  Never heard of "Edirol".  For some reason, I thought there was an embedded whitelist of vendor Ids.

Elantric

Quote from:  vtgearhead on April 25, 2018, 05:39:05 PM
Interesting.  Never heard of "Edirol".  For some reason, I thought there was an embedded whitelist of vendor Ids.






Edirol existed as a computer desktop music division of Roland 1994-2004

https://web.archive.org/web/20050630003033/http://www.edirol.com:80/
QuoteAbout Edirol
Edirol has been supplying the needs of digital audio and video enthusiasts since 1994. Over this period of time, Edirol has responded to customer requests for convenient and affordable, high-quality, rugged, simple to operate digital multimedia tools.

With the support of Roland, a world leader in design and production of digital devices, Edirol has created a full range of tools. The selection of tools cover applications such as digital audio capture, MIDI interfaces, audio monitors, sound modules, software synthesizers and video editing. Many of the tools offer the convenience of USB data and power connection to appropriately equipped computers.

It is with pride that we offer these products to the desktop media production (DTMP) marketplace. Our team at Edirol is committed to help you build a DTMP system with Edirol MIDI, audio, and video components combined with the latest music/media software and MIDI song files. In our site we will acquaint you with a variety of new products intended to meet or exceed the needs of the modern digital content creator.

V-Link originated there
https://web.archive.org/web/20051222111042/http://www.edirol.com:80/press/html/2005/072205_mdp1_pr.html
Edirol Introduces V-LINK Compatible Visual Performance Package


Edirol Introduces V-LINK Compatible Visual Performance Package MD-P1
High resolution images.

Indianapolis, IN –July 22, 2005 – EDIROL announced a new visual performance package for the visual artist and performing musician. Designed in collaboration with Digitalstage, the EDIROL "motion dive .tokyo performance package" is the combination of Digitalstage's world-famous motion dive .tokyo software and a specially designed console, the MD-P1. This console represents the first time MIDI control of motion dive is possible.

motion dive .tokyo software takes a unique approach to visual performance by using a familiar DJ style interface that allows for the mixing of two visual sources with a DJ style crossfader, switches and effects.

EDIROL created a unique USB powered console specifically for motion dive .tokyo. The MD-P1 Console duplicates the software interface of motion dive and adds the benefit of being able to manipulate multiple parameters at the same time. The MD-P1 Console was conceived for use with notebook computers with side placement of connectors, and a small portable design.

The MD-P1 Console also features a MIDI input port for connection of V-LINK compatible Roland instruments and workstations as well as EDIROL controllers. By activating the V-LINK function on the instrument, pre-programmed settings are called up for instant integration with motion dive .tokyo, giving the musician control of visuals from his or her music instrument.

Tomoyasu Hirano, President of Digitalstage, says, "Digitalstage has been an innovator in the development of visual performance software since 1998 with our motion dive software. We are extremely pleased to join with the leader in audio and visual performance hardware, EDIROL/Roland, to bring a new era of software and hardware integration to the visual performance scene."

Kim Nunney, President of EDIROL Corporation North America, commented, "motion dive .tokyo has achieved a great reputation in the visual performance scene and EDIROL is very excited to be able to create the first ever hardware controller for motion dive, providing a new powerful and affordable VJ and V-LINK performance solution to musicians." He continues, "We are proud to partner with Digitalstage and are confident that this partnership product will open the world of visual performance to a whole new market."

The motion dive .tokyo performance package will be available in the fourth quarter of 2005 and has a suggested retail price of $575.

For details about motion dive software, please visit www.Digitalstage.net.

https://web.archive.org/web/20051130022621/http://www.digitalstage.jp:80/backstage/gavj/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-nunney-15423182/


gumtown

Android uses Java for the midi sub system, it once used to support ALSA way back, but was removed.
Android 6 upwards supports native midi  (android.media.midi)

Condor's App uses a B.Y.O midi system (built in library by KSHoji) based on Java, it's library is embedded into the App,
so can be used on Android 3.1 upward, it does not use Android.media.midi.
It uses native Java.midi

Android mid library
https://github.com/kshoji/USB-MIDI-Driver
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

admin

Quote from:  gumtown on April 25, 2018, 07:04:40 PM
Android uses Java for the midi sub system, it once used to support ALSA way back, but was removed.
Android 6 upwards supports native midi  (android.media.midi)

Condor's App uses a B.Y.O midi system (built in library by KSHoji) based on Java, it's library is embedded into the App,
so can be used on Android 3.1 upward, it does not use Android.media.midi.
It uses native Java.midi

Android mid library
https://github.com/kshoji/USB-MIDI-Driver

IMHO this java dependancy is bulk of the hurdle for MIDI Communication

Trivia, member "Spider" in Poland discovered the Boss GP-10 was plug & play MIDI Communication over USB with his stock Sony Xperia Android phone with USB OTG Adapter  back in 2014
Details
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11854.0

Erjimipey

I'm using this editor with my phone successfully, but I can't import *.tsl files, only *.kat files. But those *.kat files are not found when you download patches from the web,everything is in *. tsl.

Have you been able to import patches with this software? Do you know if there's a way to convert tsl into kat files with FxFloorBoard or Boss Tone Studio?

Thanks in advance for your help!