Two Studio One instances: one as synth host, one for recording

[sumitsimlai]

Two instances of Studio One, one acting as external synth host, while recording on the first​

When syncing two PCs using MIDI Time Code and MIDI Clock and MMC as applicable, it has been fairly an accepted practice for long, to send MIDI from a master PC to a second machine, hosting, say, virtual synths inside a host like a DAW or similar, and in turn return audio from the second machine to record on the master PC, obviously using transport control.

I wrongly assumed that this is so with all sequencers / DAWs including Studio One.

I had sent a query to Presonus enquiring about this feature, since I am able to load and with two instances of Studio One on two separate computers. Here is a transcript, and their somewhat confusing reply.

It is possible that either Studio One has a limitation, or may be I have not asked the right question.

My query to Presonus Tech Support:

I have two instances of Studio One Plus loaded in 2 separate machines PC1 and PC2, with PC2 running soft synths. How do I record into the PC1 DAW, from the soft synths running on PC2, in sync and in real time? Both computers have their separate USB audio interfaces and separate MIDI Interfaces as well.
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Tech Support answers:

Hi Sumit,

Thanks for contacting PreSonus Support.

The functionality is not possible in Studio One. When you record into PC2, the data is recorded to that computer. It is not possible to send it in real-time to another computer. You will need to record into PC2 and then, you can use the Workspaces feature to create a workspace and sync the song and then you should be able to have the song open on both PCs and then you can send and receive files between the two computers.

It is considerably complicated to try this method, and it may well work for you. So, give it a try. But, currently, there is no support for real-time recording between two computers.

If you would like to make a feature request for Studio One to be added in a future release, we have a forum section specifically for Feature Requests.
http://answers.presonus.com/studio-one-feature-requests

Thank you,

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Unable to draw a conclusion from this. Anyone any clue?.

Notwithstanding, perhaps someone who does have experience in this matter may be able to help see a clear path. Problem is, I am stuck with Presonus hardware and software so not much of an escape here. Only thing is I need to figure out a way to achieve what I want to achieve.

Regards,
Sumit

 

[drtechno]

The easy way would be is to get a midi splitter and split the midi out of a transport controller.
The transport controller would only need one return from PC1's midi output.
so the setup would be: Midi transport controller Midi Out -> midi splitter ->PC1 and PC2 midi in And PC1 midi out-> midi transport controller midi in.

 

[sumitsimlai]

The easy way would be is to get a midi splitter and split the midi out of a transport controller.
The transport controller would only need one return from PC1's midi output.
so the setup would be: Midi transport controller Midi Out -> midi splitter ->PC1 and PC2 midi in And PC1 midi out-> midi transport controller midi in.

Thanks. What is a transport controller?

 

[drtechno]

Thanks. What is a transport controller?

A Midi DAW controller that has stop/play/rec/rew/fast fwd buttons. Of course you would have to find one that has midi i/o instead of USB or bluetooth.

What I also recommend is getting a usb to midi interface for each computer in addition to this and use those midi for this and the exiting midi you can use for your midi outboard equipment (Keyboards, sound modules)

 

[sumitsimlai]

A Midi DAW controller that has stop/play/rec/rew/fast fwd buttons. Of course you would have to find one that has midi i/o instead of USB or bluetooth.

What I also recommend is getting a usb to midi interface for each computer in addition to this and use those midi for this and the exiting midi you can use for your midi outboard equipment (Keyboards, sound modules)

Ok now I get it. Well I bought one midi controller for each PC. I have Studio One on two machines. For the main machine I have Presonus Faderport 16 and the other has Presonus Studio 24c. Both have only USB and both have transport controls.

For each computer I do have a USB MIDI interface, 2 of MOTU MIDI Express 128, one MOTU Microlite, One Nektar MIDIFLEX, One MOTU Pocket Express.

I’m still figuring out the USB cable length issue because space is so restricted in my room that cables have to travel sometimes to opposite corners.

 

[drtechno]

Ok now I get it. Well I bought one midi controller for each PC. I have Studio One on two machines. For the main machine I have Presonus Faderport 16 and the other has Presonus Studio 24c. Both have only USB and both have transport controls.

For each computer I do have a USB MIDI interface, 2 of MOTU MIDI Express 128, one MOTU Microlite, One Nektar MIDIFLEX, One MOTU Pocket Express.

I’m still figuring out the USB cable length issue because space is so restricted in my room that cables have to travel sometimes to opposite corners.

Well what I would do would get something like a Yamaha MFC05 Midi Foot Controller, spit its midi output with an adapter box, then run that midi to each computer, and set up the foot controller in both DAWs as transport controls.