Using FTP with Hardware Synths

Started by shawnb-fgn, April 23, 2013, 12:29:20 PM

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shawnb-fgn

I finally dug up my ancient hardware synths and gave them a try. Roland SC880, E-Mu XL1 and Korg M3R. Performance & tracking were excellent. I was afraid these old synths might add lag or provide some other challenge, but no, it was kinda fun playing these old boxes again.

The quirky thing about using the FTP to do this is that you need SOME device to get the signal from the receiver to your synth. I just used my PC. But there is no MIDI output configuration in the FTP app, only an input for pedal controller data.

So you MUST use some other software, e.g., your DAW or a MIDI mapping tool like MIDIOX, to get the signal from the FTP receiver to a MIDI output port on your PC.  I used my DAW, so I had access to my old instrument definitions.

My first biggest problem was climbing around the studio, vacuuming behind furniture & hooking them all back up again... 

My second biggest problem was remembering how they worked... 

My Korg M3R is reporting that its internal battery is low.  Damn.
Dogmatic attachment to the supposed merits of a particular structure hinders the search for an appropriate structure.
- Fripp

dalai_llama-fgn

#1
Hi Shawn and all,

If I ever get my FTP I will use it with hardware synths as well. In fact, the very first video Andras Szalay published of this device (then called WGS-6000) shows a young player shredding through a Yamaha DB50XG card! That early prototype was only wireless between the guitar and the floor module, after that it was plain 5-pin midi. I'd pick one of these prototypes over a current Triple Play! :)

I don't use PCs for music, so I don't know much about software for that OS, but I believe there are 2 devices that will be helpful for Triple Play users:

a) Keith McMillen's Expander -- USB to 5-pin converter:

http://www.keithmcmillen.com/expander/overview


b) iConnectivity's iConnectMidi:

http://www.iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI

Whereas the former converts midi stream from USB to 5-pin, the latter allows you to route any input to any output. New versions are out now, with 2x2 and 4x4 midi merging/routing. I may get one of these sometime.

Elantric-fgn

#2
I own one of these and can verify this unit does not work with TriplePlay, nor does it perform "USB Host to MIDI conversion
- its simply a dumb breakout box used with KMI Softstep or 12 step


http://www.keithmcmillen.com/expander/overview



Instead these  products below will allow FTP to control old school hardware synths
---
The Tripleplay does work with older 5 pin MIDI Synths / Tone modules without a computer provided you use one of the available third party hardware
"USB Host to MIDI" conversion boxes


Like the iConnectMIDI hardware box

http://iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI-Overview



And this Kenton UK unit work too.

http://www.kentonuk.com/products/items/utilities/usb-host.shtml
Kenton MIDI USB Host
USB Host to MIDI converter for 'Class Compliant' USB MIDI Devices


Your USB device is plugged into the USB MIDI Host instead of into a computer. It provides MIDI In & Out sockets for USB MIDI keyboards and controllers which have only a USB B type socket. For example, used with a USB-Solo, it allows the USB-Solo to be used in a standard MIDI setup, just like a Pro-Solo. It has a USB Host port (USB A type socket), a MIDI In and a MIDI Out (both 5 pin DIN).
MIDI data received at the MIDI In socket will be sent to the USB device. MIDI data received from the
USB device will be sent to the MIDI Out socket.
The attached USB MIDI device MUST be 'Class Compliant'.
The MIDI USB HOST is powered by a regulated 5V mains adaptor (supplied), and can supply up to
500mA of buss power to the attached USB device.

Attractively finished in brushed aluminium with black screen print
Dimensions: 110mm x 55mm x 32mm

     Power:         90mA, 2.1mm plug (centre positive) –
510mA available for attached USB device
     Dimensions:         110 x 55 x 32 mm
     Weight:         100g (excluding power supply)
     MIDI:         1x IN, 1x OUT – both 5 pin DIN
     Power Supply:         5V DC (regulated) – use only the supplied adaptor
(never use an unregulated supply as unregulated supplies typically give a
higher output than shown).
We will include the correct power supply according to the delivery address.
               




or this
http://www.iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI4plus
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

dalai_llama-fgn

Thanks for clarifying the KMIs Expand issue, Elantric. My understanding was that is does convert the USB from the controller to 5-pin, not the host to 5-pin. Does it do that?

Elantric-fgn

#4
http://www.keithmcmillen.com/expander/overview

Like I said - at $49 the KMI Breakout box for Softstep  / 12 step is just a dumb breakout box ,  Zero capability as a "USB Host to 5 pin MIDI" or "5 pin MIDI to USB"


As always, I advise when in doubt - Read the Manual 
http://www.keithmcmillen.com/downloads/softstep/softstep%20downloads/SoftStep_Manual_V1.2.pdf
http://files.keithmcmillen.com/downloads/12StepManual_V1.0.pdf
Observe KMI calls the connection to the KMI Expander an "Expansion Port"  - not a USB Port (despite using a physical USB cable connection ) BECAUSE ITS NOT A USB Port nor passing any USB data!

From the KMI Softstep Manual
There is also an Expansion port for the SoftStep MIDI Expander (sold separately) to enable use [of KMI Softstep ] without a computer to control your MIDI synth and/or rack. Power can also be supplied through the expansion port.





. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .