Stupid Question? How do I use a sound module?

[erikb]

Stupid Question? How do I use a sound module?
Always recorded synths direct to pc. I want to get a couple of modules but not exactly sure how they work or how to access them. or if I need additional equipment. I do have a recording computer and midi controller keyboard? any assistance is appreciated--thanks

PS I am looking at Alesis and Korg rack modules.

[Lambo]

You would daisy chain your module(s) in between the midi controller and the PC. Midi Connection: OUT of your controller to IN on the Module, THRU from your module IN to your PC, OUT of the PC to IN on the Midi Controller. Audio Connection: You'll need a soudcard with multiple inputs to plug all of the AUDIO OUTPUTS from the sound sources or a mixer from which you'd connect the Main OutPuts to the INPUTs on the soundcard. Personnaly, I use the mixer scenario whereby I record (MIDI sequence)/mix everything offline and then record the finished product on two stereo tracks using the PC as a digital recorder. This free's of the PC (RAM/CPU) for additional tracking such as vocals. Hope this helps.

[Rev E]

erikb - you need a MIDI interface also.

Originally posted by Lambo Midi Connection: OUT of your controller to IN on the Module, THRU from your module IN to your PC, OUT of the PC to IN on the Midi Controller.

Lambo, I agree with everything except that your suggestion assumes that the Module has two MIDI INs. Most modules have one one MIDI IN, so erikb will have to do one of two things:
1) During recording, he can hook up the module as you said except the last part to connect the PC OUT to MIDI IN of the module part. When playing the sequence from the computer without recording, he would have to disconnect the Controller MIDI OUT to Module MIDI IN and connect the MIDI interface's MIDI OUT to the Module's MIDI IN, OR
2) He can start over and connect the Controller's MIDI OUT to the MIDI Interface's MIDI IN; then connect the MIDI interface's MIDI OUT to the Module's MIDI IN. This way the controller can control multiple modules if the MIDI interface has multiple outs.

[TexRoadkill]

You guys are starting to confuse me and I've been doing this crap forever.

The standard way of hooking up modules for sequencing with only a 1x1 midi interface is this:

Controller OUT - Interface IN
Controller IN - Interface OUT
Controller THRU - Module IN
Module THRU - Module 2 IN

and so on.

For live playing you would use the Controller out to Module in then use the THRU to connect to the next module, etc.

[Lambo]

Sorry boys but my schematic works. The only difference in my set-up is that I have a Kawai Q-80 sequencer where the PC is in my predescribed schematic and the module is after the sequencer which I've tried both ways (by accident) and didn't make a difference. My set-up (Midi Signal Flow) is as follows:
Ensoniq MR-76 > Kawai Q-80 > Roland JV-1080 > Korg M1R and then back into the MR-76. All of the Audio Outputs are plugged into my mixer and the Main Audio Outs on my mixer are plugged into my Aardvark LX6. I'm not looking for a conflict I'm merely stating the way I have my Midi path configured. What this does tell me though is that there are several ways to successfully get the job done which up until now I was unaware of. So for me, I have learned something new today.

[riley357]

Forget daisy-chaining. All that does is introduce major headaches.

Get yourself a MIDIMAN MIDIsportUSB interface. they come in 2x2, 4x4, and 8x8 configurations. With an interface every device has it's own MIDI port. If you try to edit patches in a sound module while it is daisy-chained you are gonna go crazy trying to get it to work.

[TexRoadkill]

Lambo- I wasn't saying your wrong. The beauty and danger of midi is that there are usually 10 different ways to accomplish the same thing.

I just wanted to address the 'standard' way so he can deviate from there. The major drawback to your setup is that the midi data has to pass through every keyboard before it hits the sequencer introducing extra latency. (maybe not an issue for you).

Another advantage to the 'standard' way is that if you need to add another synth you simply add one more cable to THRU on the last module and hook up the next and your done. It's nice if you happen to have different modules coming into the studio from different people.

But I agree with you that if it works it works. I also agree with Riley, get a multi port interface for any serious sequencing and editing. You actually can't download the patches from the different modules unless they each have their own dedicated port or you use MIDI mergers.

[c7sus]

SounDiver wouldn't even recognize my JV1010 when it was daisy-chained through a U20!

[Rev E]

Lambo,

After rereading your post, I was wrong. Your setup can work. Although, I don't think that it's the most direct way... it still can work just fine.

[erikb]

Thanks for all the help guys, it has helped shed a little light especially now that I see there are several ways to accomplish the same thing. I will search for the easiest and less complicated solution and go from there. Any other advice is still appreciated.

Thanks again

Erikb