I’ve been looking at various ways to add pads (for playing individual samples) and faders (for controlling track volume or even potentially a filter) to my Octatrack and it got me to thinking, as I already own Maschine MKII - couldn’t I put Maschine in MIDI mode and assign the proper controls via the editor to perform so the pads control individual samples? I could also do the same with the Faderfox editing?
Pipe dream maybe?
?
absolutely. It’s a fantastic idea!
The trick is to go into OT and find out which MIDI notes and MIDI CCs are assigned to trigger samples and modify parameters, then just match the CC#s in the Maschine editor.
many, many OT parameters can be controlled with MIDI CCs and note messages…track recording, sampling, stop, start, most Amp, LFO, Playback, Effect parameters, etc…not just filter!!
I was very, very close to buying an MPC 2000xl today but this idea came to mind and it just seems like I could do everything I need this way.
I’ve coded my own Pure Data patch to translate [url=“http://faderfox.de/lv1-lx1-dj1.html”]Faderfox LV1 hard coded MIDI CCs so it can controll OT. It gives it comlete new dimension. It’s really handy when you want to controll two params concurently which normally are not possible. Also soloing/muting is easy.
PD patch is not fully finished yet. I stil have to cover the controll of MIDI channels. That’s why it’s not released.
The Machine Controller works fine in Midi-Mode, the Faderfox Controllers all have hard coded CCs so this is not optimal.
I use the Kenton Midi Host an Korg Nanokontrol 2. With the Kenton Midi Host you can use all USB Midi Controllers, you only have to Map the correct CCs.
Also i am working on an Selfmade Controller for my Elektron Gear, i will build it with the Livid Instruments Brain V2.
I was very, very close to buying an MPC 2000xl today but this idea came to mind and it just seems like I could do everything I need this way.
The only reasons why you would want an MPC2000XL in addition to an OT is for the sound of the Akai converters and the more detailed sequencer–and maybe the 8 separate outs (if it has them). Otherwise it would just be a huge brick on the table the the OT would run circles around., at least, in my opinion…
Tell us about the controller! Sounds cool! Any pics?
I just picked up a used Arturia Keylab 25 for use as an octatrack controller (was using korg nanokontrol and iconnectmidi previously) and it works great.
Real midi out, faders for levels and 2 banks for the front panel controls. The bigger keylabs also have pads.
I really appreciate having a controller both for Octatrack levels and chromatic samples as well as for playing thru midi instruments.
I’m using the keylab 25 too, the faders are great and it’s a quality build all round. Highly recommended, plus you get the great software too!
Nothing special to see at this time, just a bunch of high quality faders, pots an switches.
It should cover just the basic functions (trackvolume, mute, solo) but with nice haptics.
Do you happen to have a video showing how it all works? I’m keen to see it!
Do you happen to have a video showing how it all works? I’m keen to see it![/quote]
Unfortunately no video, but it was really easy to set up with Arturia’s Midi Control Center software for the Keylab. Just reference the midi implementation in the back of the OT manual.
My template is still a work in progress, but I have the faders controlling individual track level (not AMP level, but track level) and I used the knobs for controlling the closest equivalent to how they are labeled e.g., LFO Depth and LFO speed are assigned to LFO 1, filter cutoff and resonance to Effect 1, and so on.
Plus there is a whole 2nd bank where the faders can have a 2nd independent assignment; at this time I am using bank 2 to control the specific CCs of whatever midi gear I have connected (I just have bank 2 assigned to the auto track of the OT, rather than individual channels).
Oh yeah you can also make midi CC or note assignments on the Keylab for two pedal inputs and an expression pedal. I have set the two switches to control “next track” and “record CD” (where my guitar is plugged in) so that I can do some semi hands free looping without having to mess with pickup machines. Haven’t decided what to use the pedal for yet…