KATANA PATCH LOADER - a midi real-time live patch file Loader (128 patches)

Started by gumtown, March 17, 2017, 01:09:22 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

gumtown

Since the Katana has a nice array of effects and modelling, but only gives you a very limited patch selection.
Here is Katana patch loader, a software which you can build a collection of patches using the Boss Tone studio, (or Gumtown's Katana FX Floorboard Editor)
then export your patch collection (up to 128 patches) and load your *.tsl format file into the software.
next, add your favourite midi patch change pedal, and use it to change patches in the software.
The software will then send the patch data to the Katana for immediate use.

As I don't have a Katana amp, so this is some what experimental,
but I have included the source code should anyone want to fine tune things,
it only requires a free download of Qt5 opensource application builder
https://www.qt.io/download/
and load the source code project,
and build/run as required.

Windows, mac, and Linux prebuilt versions are available for download if you want to try it.

Katana Patch Loader
download link here..
https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/files/Katana%20Patch%20Loader/


one of the source files (sysxWriter.cpp) contains useful code for converting Tone Studio *.tsl files into regular katana *.syx patch file.


The software only requires a patch file bundle to be loaded in, the software will remember it and auto load it next time it is run.
Midi settings require a midi input device selected (foot pedal, other midi controller software),
and a midi output device (the Katana) to be selected, these settings are also saved ready for next time.

There is a setting for the midi input channel, any other (non patch change) midi commands/data sent to the input are passed direct through to the Katana.


Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

gumtown

Question is, (as I don't have a Katana) has anyone tried it, and does it work as advertised?
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

CodeSmart

Nop sorry, still not, but this time it does something, because now the amp goes silent when changing patch in your software.
All patches nuke the amp  ::)

But I got more gear than I need...and I like it!

gumtown

looks like I am backing myself into a corner that I won't be able to get out of.  :P
I might have to concede and just go buy a Katana.  ;)
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

gumbo

Quote from: gumtown on March 19, 2017, 07:44:51 PM
looks like I am backing myself into a corner that I won't be able to get out of.  :P
I might have to concede and just go buy a Katana.  ;)


..now you have a reason!   ;D
Read slower!!!   ....I'm typing as fast as I can...

CodeSmart

Gummie, here's' a cheaper route, I fix or at least investigate the Katana timing/MIDI code issues for you...

If you like the idea, send me an email with links to all the tools I need to install and whatever more things I aught to know. I could give it a try.

I don't have much free time, but a few hours is ok. If you don't won't me to temper with your code I'm a happy guy anyway.

Email:
sound@primova.se
But I got more gear than I need...and I like it!

gumtown

Cool... Thanks !!   :)
as post in the first post...

the source code should anyone want to fine tune things,
it only requires a free download of Qt5 opensource application builder
https://www.qt.io/download/
and load the source code project,
and build/run as required.

Windows, mac, and Linux prebuilt versions are available for download if you want to try it.

Katana Patch Loader
download link here..
https://sourceforge.net/projects/fxfloorboard/files/experimental/PatchLoader/
[edited link]


one of the source files (sysxWriter.cpp) contains useful code for converting Tone Studio *.tsl files into regular katana *.syx patch file.


The installation steps..

1) Install QT5 multi platform c++ framework
           go here      https://www.qt.io/download/
           select        *Open source distribution under an LGPL or GPL license
           select "Yes" to this option           *Are you prepared to make your application source code publicly available?
           and "Yes" to the next option and select  "Get Started".
           It will auto detect your operating system and selecting "Download Now" will install the platform which you are browsing with.
           Alternatively, you can select "View all Downloads"
- the online installer will install a "shared" framework, which is ok for building and running on your local machine, but can't be relocated off your computer.
The source version builds runtime apps, but takes a day to compile the framework.

When running the installer (from memory) you only need QT Creator and the QT5 (5.8 is the current today), and for windows, possibly MinGW32 too.
No need for examples and documents (unless you want them), nor Android/IOS libraries for cross compiling.
The QT Framework should be installed now.


2) download and unzip the source-code package   https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/files/Katana%20Patch%20Loader/
      Run Qt Creator
      Check menu item Tool > Options   and check the Build and Run options look OK with no errors.
      From the "Welcome" icon, select "Open Project" and open the project source file "Katana_Patch_Loader.pro"
      Make sure you have a build kit option available, then select "Configure Project"
      Change the build type from 'deBug' to "Release" (select the display icon above the green build arrow icon)
      Press the green arrow "RUN" icon, the app will now compile and build, and if no errors, will run.


3) The left side icon, select "Edit" icon, and the project code tree can be expanded to reveal the source files.
     Look at sysxWriter.cpp and the function    "void sysxWriter::convertFromTSL(int patch)"
     and from line 285 to line 1233 is the TSL to sysx conversion table.

the problem is most likely, that the table covers all GT-100 effects, the Katana sysx patch file is exactly like the GT-100 and GT-1 but a reduced set of effects/functions, and I suspect that too many parameters are being converted, mostly ones the Katana does not have.

           
   The sysx patch that was (by you?) posted has been used as the program's default 'init patch' which the TSL file format conversion parameters are overlaid.
Q: is it possible this patch might have had the volume muted somewhere?

   The sysx patch file format is changed in here from the 240 byte lumps, into 128 byte addressed arrays, which has worked fine sending in the past to the GT-100, and other Roland/Boss devices.
The patch is also saved internally in a GT-100 format, just to save sniffing out all the TSL conversion lines again, then sent out to the midi device with the syx header replaced with the Katana header, and a new checksum generated.


the program structure flow
"main" > "mainWindow" > "floorboard" > "floorBoardDisplay"

mainWindow does the window box and the menu's and sysxWriter for file loading and format conversion

floorboard does the background

floorboard display does the display overlay, and being the final part to initialise, sets the midi loop in motion.  "sysxIO" > "midiIO" > "RtMidi"

The code is a stripped out GT-100FxFloorBoard editor, all GPL open-source, made into a good basic building block for midi control apps.
The same code will build on Qt for Windows, Mac OS-X, Linux, and I just found out can be built on Raspberry Pi.

It is possible to build on IOS, and it will build on Android, but there is no midi API yet which will interface with QT like RtMidi does, unless there is an Android version of RtMidi somewhere?
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

CodeSmart

Sounds like a piece of cake ::)
I'll try to dig up some time for it.
But I got more gear than I need...and I like it!

gumtown

All righty !! I have made some enhancements and changed the file format, and
updated the software.

now found here
https://sourceforge.net/projects/fxfloorboard/files/experimental/

windows, Linux, and mac versions.

here is what is does

Katana Patch Loader

A software to load real-time Tone Studio patch file bundles into the Katana modelling amp, by receiving standard midi patch change messages.

Tone Studio patch file bundles can contain up to 128 patches, and are loaded into the Katana with a corresponding midi patch change message from a software controller or mid foot controller.

Easy setup steps.

1.) Load in a Katana patch file bundle from the "File open" menu.

2.) Select midi controller device and Katana from the "Preferences > Mid/USB" menu.

3.) Start playing, midi cc# messages are passed through from the midi controller to the Katana. Your Katana will now be able to access up to 128 patches for live playing.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

stevesilk51

Quote from: gumtown on April 15, 2017, 03:23:56 AM
All righty !! I have made some enhancements and changed the file format, and
updated the software.

now found here
https://sourceforge.net/projects/fxfloorboard/files/experimental/

windows, Linux, and mac versions.

here is what is does

Katana Patch Loader

A software to load real-time Tone Studio patch file bundles into the Katana modelling amp, by receiving standard midi patch change messages.

Tone Studio patch file bundles can contain up to 128 patches, and are loaded into the Katana with a corresponding midi patch change message from a software controller or mid foot controller.

Easy setup steps.

1.) Load in a Katana patch file bundle from the "File open" menu.

2.) Select midi controller device and Katana from the "Preferences > Mid/USB" menu.

3.) Start playing, midi cc# messages are passed through from the midi controller to the Katana. Your Katana will now be able to access up to 128 patches for live playing.


Hi gumtown,

Excuse my ignorance.
I have a Line 6 Shortboard Mk2 which is a USB connected pedalboard.
Tried to connect it as you instruct but no joy.  Do Line 6 usb controller boards  differ from others>

Thanks

Steve

gumtown

If you open the Patch Loader "preferences/tools > midi/USB" menu,
is the Line 6 FBV shown as a midi input device option, and the Katana as a midi output option?

I found this on Line 6 FBV problems
http://line6.com/support/topic/11841-device-not-recognized-fbv-mkii-shortboard-spider-iv-120/

After the midi devices are selected, and a Patch file bundle is Opened,
the display should read "Waiting for midi".
When a Program Change (P.C.) is received, the patch number display will show the patch number received,
and the selected patch name is displayed.

Are these things happening?

Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

stevesilk51

Quote from: gumtown on April 15, 2017, 02:15:30 PM
If you open the Patch Loader "preferences/tools > midi/USB" menu,
is the Line 6 FBV shown as a midi input device option, and the Katana as a midi output option?

I found this on Line 6 FBV problems
http://line6.com/support/topic/11841-device-not-recognized-fbv-mkii-shortboard-spider-iv-120/

After the midi devices are selected, and a Patch file bundle is Opened,
the display should read "Waiting for midi".
When a Program Change (P.C.) is received, the patch number display will show the patch number received,
and the selected patch name is displayed.

Are these things happening?

Hi Gumtown,

Sorry for the delay in answering, I'm on UK time!

Yes the Line 6 Shortboard mk2 is in the midi inputs list and the Katana is in the midi outputs list.

Yes I can open a tsl patchfile/bank

Yes it does say waiting for midi

When I move the expression pedal I can see number changes shown in the patch loader and also when I step on the switches but no patch names a being shown.

What I do get is the error message:

MidiInWinMM::openPort: error creating Windows MM MIDI input port.

I should also add my knowledge of midi is limited.

Thanks for any help.

Steve

stevesilk51

Hi,

Latest progress for me is that I can now get my Line 6 FBV Shortboard 2 to change patches.

BUT there is a massive drop in volume in the patches, almost silent, but they are there,  and the patches do not translate to the Katana correctly, i.e. they always default to the T Wah effect in Mod and FX,   even if Mod  and FX show as OFF in Boss Tone Studio.

Still getting the error message:  MidiInWinMM::openPort: error creating Windows MM MIDI input port.

This Patch Loader will be a great tool if it can be fixed.  The ability to have a very simple utility that allows you just to patch up and down within a loaded bank would be SO useful.

Hope Gumtown can iron out these problems.


gumtown

Thanks for trying it, I will look into what is causing the patch level drop.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

gumtown

It is rather late at night/morning at the moment, so I have only updated the windows version (others soon).
version 20170419 ready to try.
I found the cause of the issue, and hope it is fixed..

cheers  :)
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

stevesilk51

Quote from: gumtown on April 19, 2017, 04:54:30 AM
It is rather late at night/morning at the moment, so I have only updated the windows version (others soon).
version 20170419 ready to try.
I found the cause of the issue, and hope it is fixed..

cheers  :)

Hi Gumtown,

Thanks for your work but still only getting very low volume.

Maybe I have settings incorrect somewhere, but think all ok......

because, if I manually choose a patch from BTS the volume is normal.

Cheers

Steve

gumtown

New update for the windows version only (so far) I believe to have found the volume drop,
being a crossed up parameter in the file conversion, making the foot volume set at a level of "2".
(also in the Katana editor too).

I hope this one (windows version 20170427) works as it should,
then I can start on building in programmable midi cc# assigns.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

stevesilk51

Quote from: gumtown on April 26, 2017, 05:44:00 AM
New update for the windows version only (so far) I believe to have found the volume drop,
being a crossed up parameter in the file conversion, making the foot volume set at a level of "2".
(also in the Katana editor too).

I hope this one (windows version 20170427) works as it should,
then I can start on building in programmable midi cc# assigns.

Hi Colin,

Yes , the volume is now fine.

Only issue for me is that I think my Line 6  Shortboard mk2 has issues setting up.

It changes patches but skips some when footswitches are pressed.

I have it set on Program Change for midi command and increment/decrement for the switch mode from within the Line 6 FBV Control software, (just to get something happening), but feel midi cc# assigns would sort this out when you have them built. Thanks. Steve

gumtown

Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

stevesilk51

Gumtown said:

"Start playing, midi cc# messages are passed through from the midi controller to the Katana. Your Katana will now be able to access up to 128 patches for live playing."

Will it help me to setup the Patch Loader if I know the CC# message numbers?

My Line 6 FBV works partially, allows patches,  but skips some and gives me error:

"MidiInWinMM::openPort: error creating Windows MM MIDI input port"

The FBV has it's own Editor where you can select and assign cc# messages.

Sorry if the terminology I am using is incorrect.  I am a Midi ignorant!

And also know you are busy Colin!!

Elantric

AFAIK - The Katana (at this time - May 2017) ) lacks usable MIDI CC#  - but this is intended for use down the road, pending further updates of the Katana Dev Team efforts

https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=240.0

gumtown

Still working on the "Assigns" part of it,
I have found the Katana will save assigns settings per patch, except for the Assign on/off, which is permanently "firmware'd" off.
But can re-use another assign parameter, like the internal pedal waveform as the Assign on/off.

This will allow different assigns per patch, and I will add the function to choose each assign as global/patch.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

stevesilk51


gumtown



Here is a bit of an incomplete update, but I thought I would put it 'out there',
the patch loader and editor merged into one.
got the patch loader added to the patch tree list.

here is the windows version (so far)
https://sourceforge.net/projects/fxfloorboard/files/experimental/katana_patch_loader_setup.exe/download

after installing, use the file menu Load 'loader patch bundle' and open the 'Tone Studio patches' file of 98 patches.
setup the midi devices from the menu, including your favourite midi foot controller, and try the selection of 98 patches from you midi controller.

The assigns part is only half finished, but assign targets with small ranges works, the math to do it is a curse.

this update is more of a preview of what is to come.

cheers  :)
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

stevesilk51

hi Colin, 

Installed and tried it.

Can change patches ok using my RFX Midibuddy Foot Controller.

Seems to struggle with .tsl banks of more than 95 patches. on my system. May vary with other users?

Not a problem as that is far more than I would want/use anyway.

Look forward to any updates. Thanks