I have a few pedals and rack mount gear I’d like to start controlling from Ableton (OTO machines, Quadraverb, etc.). I already have things wired up to receive clock but curious how other people set up their channel assignment when dealing with more than like, one synth. Start from 1 and go up? Maybe start from 8 for effects? What do you do and how do you stay organized?
Do you plan on keeping things setup semi-perminate?
Yeah, more or less permanent, fixed assignment at least
Some devices want to be on certain channels so I check that first. Then you can just count up and make a document that you can edit if anything changes. One potential issue is MIDI latency if everything is on a serial chain. It may not be an issue for you but if you’re having timing issues, it might be worth it to check.
When my full studio is wired up, Digitakt MIDI Tracks control my Synths via a MIDI Thru box. Digitone and Octatrack control my FX pedals via their MIDI Outs. With minor configurations, the MIDI Out « resets » the MIDI Channels so that you can use another 16 Channels. The External Audio FXs are handled with an 8 In/8 Out Audio Interface.
I prefer not using the first few channels, as they can be fixed on some gear (such as the Medusa in the multi mode).