Keyboard question?

dogooder

dogooder

Well-known member
I just bought another Alesis QS8 cheap. Couple of keys out, cosmetically bad, otherwise it all works. I need the display for another one I have and the volume faders etc for the other one I have. My question is, can I make a desktop synth module out of it and just control it with another midi keyboard and just store the keys from this one. They are the easiest things to work on. You cannot find the volume fader anywhere. I know, I have tried. I had to take mine apart and clean it and put back together and they aren't meant for that. Lasted about a year. I would think, therefore I am, if I could think, it doesn't need the keys and would still work through midi controlled by another keyboard?
 
Had a good look and cannot find a picture of any MIDI DIN ports? If it has them then yes, you csn run it as a "sound module" from a controller or indeed from a computer (mac?) via an interface or possibly directly over USB?

The kbd also appears to have digital output, a S/PDIF D/A converter is peanuts. There is an extensive review of the synth in Sound on Sound but this clot forgot to copy the link! You will find it easily enough though.

Dave.
 
ecc83 said:
Had a good look and cannot find a picture of any MIDI DIN ports? If it has them then yes, you csn run it as a "sound module" from a controller or indeed from a computer (mac?) via an interface or possibly directly over USB?

The kbd also appears to have digital output, a S/PDIF D/A converter is peanuts. There is an extensive review of the synth in Sound on Sound but this clot forgot to copy the link! You will find it easily enough though.

Dave.
Click to expand...
It has a digital S/PDIF in and out and midi in and out, no usb ports, too old. I wonder if the mod wheels will work without the keyboard? It is going to be awhile until I get to it.
 
dogooder said:
It has a digital S/PDIF in and out and midi in and out, no usb ports, too old. I wonder if the mod wheels will work without the keyboard? It is going to be awhile until I get to it.
Click to expand...
The mod/pitch bend wheels on my son's Evolution controller work on a synth in a DAW so AFAICS if the controller sends the right commands?...

Dave.
 
You can 100% control it with another keyboard. MIDI Out on the new control to MIDI In on the QS8. You may have to turn local control off, which should be in a global menu.

I had a QS8 years ago, and a few keys went out. IIRC, it's a Fatar key bed and can be repaired. It could just be a couple of springs.

IIRC, there is a rack version, the QSR. Some features may be missing, as I can't remember the differences between the 6,7,8, and the rack.
 
noah330 said:
You can 100% control it with another keyboard. MIDI Out on the new control to MIDI In on the QS8. You may have to turn local control off, which should be in a global menu.

I had a QS8 years ago, and a few keys went out. IIRC, it's a Fatar key bed and can be repaired. It could just be a couple of springs.

IIRC, there is a rack version, the QSR. Some features may be missing, as I can't remember the differences between the 6,7,8, and the rack.
Click to expand...
I have pulled and cleaned a few Fatar actions. Time consuming but easy.
 
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