Controlling hardware devices using computer software

[wiz2u]

Hello, I am trying to see if it is possible to connect a drum sequencer module or any of the hardware that I have from the past to my computer and have it sync to the software program that I am using, I want my computer to receive the midi information from the module. The module that I am concentrating on right now is the (Oberheim Drummer module from the 80’s).
This unit has midi in and out and is a drum pattern randomizer adding subtle changes to your drum patterns for a live feel.

http://www.sonicstate.com/synth_reviews/_inc/user_comments.cfm?id=1130&p=1

I would like to use this device within my computer base software. the only software that I have is FruityLoops.
I know fruity is sample base software, Can someone recommend the correct way to configure my computer (connections and such) to accomplish this. there are so many programs out there it's gets a bit confusing.

 

[ssscientist]

Your question is about using a hardware piece as an add-on to a software program, and this is difficult at best and impossible at worst.

What you are assuming you can do is send a FL drum pattern out via midi, have it processed or randomized by the Oberheim unit, then bring it back into the computer all in real time while a sequence plays over the top of it. Because of the latency involved I would say this is a stretch, but YMMV.

There is an option in FL to get midi out of the program - drop the Channels menu --> Add one --> MIDI out --- and this can be processed and edited like any other FL track.

The randomization functions built into FL are probably just as good if not better than the Oberheim box offers --- does it do a trick or set of tricks that you are particularly fond of?

 

[wiz2u]

Yes it interrupts volume changes and add pauses and subtle changes without programming these changes while playing. If you go hard it adds crashes in the right spots and if you play soft it adds subtle rimshots. which are recordable and stand alone

 

[ssscientist]

Then try it.

Send it a drum part out of FL by using the midi out, then bring it back on a different channel number (to avoid midi feedback) and into the input of FL.

You may be quite sucessful. On the other hand, you may not be.

 

[wiz2u]

ok, but im an wondering how should the connection look like pass my keyboard controller, as in I only have a usb port to connect my keyboard. Im thinking that i need a midi thru box.

 

[ssscientist]

Yeah.

You need one of these.

Be sure FL recognizes it as both midi in and midi out, then send the midi notes as described above. Plug the midi out into the midi in of the Oberheim, then the midi out of the Oberheim into the interface.

And if it has separate channels for in and out make sure they're different. It doesn't really matter what you set them to as long as they're different.



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