I’m interested in using the AK as a general MIDI controller for my rack of synth modules and I’m browsing the manual to understand the extant to which I can customize MIDI output.
On p. 13 of the AK manual I see I can customize the CC messages for the DATA ENTRY knobs on a per channel basis.
On p. 50 of the manual I also see that I can configure PARAM OUTPUT to send NRPN messages associated with the DATA ENTRY knobs. Is there any way to customize which NRPN messages are sent or can I only customize the CC messages?
In other words, how flexible is the AK as a general MIDI controller, or am I only limited to tweak a small number of CC values directly from the AK?
Thanks! Too bad about the lack of customization of NRPN. Maybe that’s something I can submit as a feature request for the AK.
A follow up question – when you assign CC to the parameter knobs, is it possible to assign the knob down state to different CC messages such that you would effectively double the number of CC values you can control directly from the AK?
A third question – barring the above, do the CC messages respond in higher increments when the knobs are pushed down like they do when controlling the AK?
can confirm the values to move faster when pressed down
I dont think there is a ‘knob down state’, I’m looking now and can’t find anything suggesting so
looks like in total, you’ve got ten knobs, a the joystick, and the keys. Pretty basic midi controller I’d say, but good enough as a basic sequencer. The range is definitely smaller than I prefer, I think 49 keys is pretty good. if you do a LOT of live performing of the keys, you might want to use another dedicated midi keyboard. Easier said than done though lol, I don’t know where I would put two keyboards on my desk
That’s exactly my conundrum – I’m trying to make my small home studio setup as compact as possible. By replacing my A4 with the AK I was hoping to get rid of my existing 32-key desktop MIDI controller (I have 61- and 88-key synths but they live in a separate room).
Clearly the 37 keys of the AK will be more playable then the 32-key, but it sounds like I give up some amount of parameter tweaking convenience for other gear if I go the purely AK route. Of course, the AK does have the advantage as an “all in one” portable noise maker and I’m looking forward to getting rid of another “wall wart” PSU.
As is usually the case, everything is a compromise…
