What to have as my master clock source - Akai MPC x or Digitakt or Keystep Pro ?
Also I have a few synths which I’d like to set up for sound design however I’d also like to have them all setup so that I could do some live sets whenever I feel the need. I already have a Kenton Thru 12 but as I have 3 sequencers listed above I’d like to have them all trigger from 1 source so do I also need a midi merge box? Thirdly I have the Faderfox EC4/PC4 and UC4 now I want to control all my synth parameters with these including the levels (groups) from my synths, is there a midi merge function built in to these? Not sure as still waiting for delivery (tomorrow of EC4/UC4)
I need to connect the following synths to the MPCX - Digitakt - Keystep Pro but what would you connect to what from the list below and where would my midi merge box come in to play here?
Arturia Drumbrute
Elektron Digitone Keys
Novation Bass Station rack
Novation Drum Station rack
DSI Mopho desktop
Behringer TD-3
MAM MB33
Jomox MBase11
Jomox MBrane1_1
Jomox T-Resonator II
Modal Argon 8M
Modal Cobalt 8M
So connect what to what sequencer and what sequencer to have as master clock. Do I need a merge box with the Thru 12?
Like I say I won’t be using all this stuff at once however I’d like to just set it up and leave it so I could just with it on and jam and everything just works whenever I feel the need.
In a large setup like this I’d use a midi patchbay, it allows you to reconfigure easily and saves headaches IMHO. I use a very basic old DACs midi patchbay:
You can get more sophisticated ones from Akai, Roland, and other brands which might have memories for different setups, some also have merging built in and filtering too.
It seems to have plenty midi and USB Host ports. I used to have the MOTU 128 but I have the Kenton Thru 12 now. Be good to have something I can just set up and leave but to use and stay connected for sound design and jams.
Yeah those Mio units look pretty comprehensive, I never used one but I did try some other electronic patchbays in the past like Akai ME80p, personally I prefer the old style patchbay as you can easily see what is routed where at a glance. But I suppose with a modern unit like the Mio you could have a bunch of presets for all configurations. Plus other advantages like filtering etc.
Yeah that’s what I was thinking that MIO XL looks like it could be ideal for my usb stuff too. I also looked at the MOTU 128 XT that seems to be able to save to memory too… well this is the final piece of the setup I want to get right so maybe I might try that MIO XL out. I can finally get to jam and do lots more sound design.
PS
Still deciding what to use as master clock tho lol
If the sync out of the MPC X is good, i would run that as master. And with the multi midi update you could just add midi by connecting class compliant midi interfaces. I would even guess that alot of the gear you have could be used via usb midi directly to the MPC.
Hmm I could also maybe connect the Elektron Overhub to one of the MPCX USB ports and connect the USB synths I have here to that? So many different configurations possible I think
Yeah. That will work. I have a powered usb hub connected to my Force. And a Blokas Midihub for the gear that dont have usb midi, or gear i dont want to connect with usb midi. And i have a template set up in the Force with tracks and connections for my gear.
I can also route in creative ways through the Force. Like send midi to my computer from a track via the network midi driver. Or from the computer to my effect pedals that are also connected to the Force. I think you have all those posibilities on the MPC X as well.
I know I have the 16 control knobs on my MPCX but I want to control everything from my Faderfox modules EC4/UC4 and PC4 would I just connect these 3 via the Kenton Thru 12 and connect that to one of the 4 midi outs of the MPCX for more control?
You could connect them to the midi in on the MPC X, and set them to “master” in the midi setup page in system settings. That way they will work on all tracks you would like them to work on. I does depend on how you control everything but all things set to “master” will work like the pads on the mpc.
Oh nice I emailed Faderfox, have to say he responds super fast and he said that each module has a midi merge function so I can use all 3 together that’s fantastic. Right Iv’e got some experimenting to do once the Faderfox modules show up tomorrow.
I pulled the trigger and ordered the MIO XL after a couple of days pondering so I’ll give it a go.
PS
I currently have a Behringer ADA8200 connected to my Behringer UMC1820 tho so now I’m wondering would I just connect the usb of the UMC1820 to one of the USB Host ports on the MIO XL then the USB DAW output of that to the Mac? Confused a bit about how I’ll re route the audio interface.