Digitakt doesn´t send program change to an external synth

Elektron Gear Digitakt
1

Hi guys, quick question here. I´ve tried to find a solution checking the forum first, but I can´t find anything similar.

Let´s say I am using the Midi track A with an external synth(I’ve tried with other synths and the issue is the same) and using the Midi channel 9. All good, the sequence is working, etc. But…not the program change (fully)

Let´s say I want the patch B021 on the synth, so I select the bank 1 (not sure what this does, I´ve left it off and it´s the same) and the SBNK 2( so the synth goes to B) and PROG 21 with the knobs; it changes the patch on the synth, but…how can I automate this to start with that patch everytime I switch on the Digitakt???

Let’s say I switch on the synth, then the Digitakt and I play the first pattern from the project I´m working with. It doesn’t change the patch on the synth. I have to do it manually the first time. I´ve also added on the first trigger, but nothing.

If on the pattern 2 I want to change the patch on the synth to B040, on the pattern 2 I´ve selected the new PROG number 40 in both the pattern and trigger and it works.

It’s like if it only sends the changes, but not the predefined program that is in the pattern.

How can I make this work?

On the general settings the “PRGM CHG PUT CH” is Off as I know now that this is only to send pattern changes to another DGKT.

I know is not a bit deal, but it´s quite annoying. Let´s say I have a project and I´m using 4 external synths, so the first time I play the pattern I have to manually select the patches for the 4 synths. It sucks.

Summarizing:

1º I switch on the synth, so it starts with patch A001.

2º I switch on the Digitakt. The project I´m working on, has the MIDI Track A active with the channel 9. Bank 2 and program 21 are selected (it should be B021 on the synth)

3º On the first note trigger, it´s also locked (same bank, same program).

4º I press play and the synth receive the notes, but not the program change!! It stays at A001.

5º Let´s say the pattern 2 I´ve locked the note trigger to bank 2, program 40. It works!!

So, why not the first time?

Any ideas???

I think the problem is that the DGTK doesn´t change the program or it doesn´t send a program change if it´s not different that the one is playing or if it doesn´t recognize that the program has changed.

Thanks a lot.

2

Don’t want to induce an error here but I believe prog change is taking a bit of “time”.
You say it yourself, on the second pattern, your prog change is taken into account.
To make sure your first pattern and prog change message is taken into account, simply press the Midi A Trig and it should normally initiate the proper prog change.
I am not in front of DT at the moment but will check later.
V

Edit: you should not have to p-lock a prog change going from one pattern to another.
Though within the same pattern yes :slight_smile:

3

This is working for most of the synths but not with the Novation Peak. I’m in the same situation as antispop : I have to do it manually the first time I power on the Peak and pressing the Trig of the Peak MIDI Track doesn’t initiate the Program Change. I don’t have this behavior with my other synths (Minilogue, Sirin, MicroFreak) or my MIDI pedals (Source Audio, Eventide).

I think the problem is on the synth side.

2 Likes
4

No, that is not working. I´m just trying now and it´s not working. Actually I´ve changed the program on the external synth and press the trigger and…nothing.

1 Like
5

It happens to me with all my synths, it´s annoying.

6

Acutally it happens as well with a Minilogue XD. Let´s say I change the program on the minilogue. So if I press the Midi A trigger, it doesn´t change it.

7

I just did some tests and now the Minilogue doesn’t respond as well on the first start up. Even if I press the MIDI Track or if I press Start on the DT. I’m starting to think that the problem is on the DT side. Is it the new update?

1 Like
8

Just tried with:
MicroFreak
Deepmind 12D
Novation MiniNova
All work fine…
DT on 1.20…
:face_with_raised_eyebrow:
Must be something with Peak?

9

I¨m not using peak. I´m using Hydrasynth, Minilogue XD, blofeld and virus ti2. :frowning:

10

Maybe???

11

Did other tests. When powering on the Minilogue first (then the DT), it’s working if I press (or double-press) the Stop button on the DT first and then press the Minilogue’s MIDI Track. If I don’t press (or double-press) the Stop button on the DT before pressing the Minilogue’s MIDI Track, the Program Change doesn’t initiate.

Still doesn’t work with the Peak, though.

2 Likes
12

Can you try this antispop or vasidudu?

13

Aaaah, it´s working yes. It´s working on the Blofeld, Minilogue and Hydrasynth. So strange!!! I still don´t understand. I guess it´s the first change coming from nothing.

Still if I change a patch on the synth, and try to do the same on the DGKT it doesn´t work, I guess because we didn´t change any pattern on the Digitakt so, it doesn´t recognize any changes to do.

Thanks a lot, step by step :smiley:

2 Likes
14

That’s correct.

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15

Hi Peter! Is this a general MIDI behavior or it depends on how the device was implemented?

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16

Not sending values that haven’t (apparently) changed is an Elektron implementation.

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17

Thanks to everyone!

1 Like
18

Done :slight_smile:
The behaviour you described is correct :slight_smile:

1 Like
19

So, always power on your Master device at the end. Thanks vasidudu!

3 Likes
20

Looks like it :slight_smile: