Octatrack and MIDI files

Rusty · 2014-03-14T23:14:47.000Z

I have totally given up on the Elektron way of midi sequencing as it just doesn’t work for me either inputting/recording, or outputting.

Octatrack being able to load midi files was one of my three feature requests that I wanted since day one, none of which have ever transpired; when asked was basically told to go buy a standalone midi sequencer.

Personally I’ve gone with an Akai MPC-1000, which handles midi sequencing and some additionaly samples / polyphony to beef up where the Octatrack is lacking; and vice versa.

I think I would recommend going for the 1000 over the 500; as the benefits of the 1000 really outweigh the minimal beneifts of the more compact 500. YMMV.

c304 · 2014-03-15T22:48:41.000Z

did you find one in stock anywhere? i ended up ordering one from GC but its backordered until 4/7.

ShittehKitteh · 2014-03-17T14:22:24.000Z

I haven’t found one yet. Given how long the shipping delays have been for some people, I may just wait to make sure that the quality is up to par on the upcoming batch. I know that a few of the early A4 units had issues with paint flaking and chipping.

quadrica · 2014-03-17T18:40:53.000Z

you can record midi files to octatrack realtime from any software by midi-cables… but you need synth to manage it by octa…

subq · 2014-03-17T18:53:12.000Z

live record mode with qunexus works fine for me…4 bar limitation is still there though…you can adjust the timing per track which helps a little

ShittehKitteh · 2014-03-17T21:32:09.000Z

I was actually looking at the QuNExus to accompany the A4 last night so it’s funny you mentioned it. Presumably it can be used for step input too, right?

license · 2014-03-17T23:31:38.000Z

As boring as the MPC1000 is as a sequencer and sampler, it’s pretty great for this and a lot of Octatrack users have found that they complement each other nicely. I haven’t been able to find a flow between the two but I haven’t tried very hard. The price has gone so low on these now too.

subq · 2014-03-18T01:06:53.000Z

""ShittehKitteh"":

I was actually looking at the QuNExus to accompany the A4 last night so it’s funny you mentioned it. Presumably it can be used for step input too, right?

yes, you can be in grid record mode, hold a trig, and hit a note for that trig on the qunexus (or even multiple notes if doing poly)

ShittehKitteh · 2014-03-18T17:15:38.000Z

I’ve really no interest at all in an MPC to accompany the Octatrack since my aim is to keep the setup as small as possible and able to to be taken as carry-on luggage when paired with an A4. When I’m ready to pull the trigger I’ll be ordering an OT, A4, QuNexus with the breakout box, and some sort of portable recorder that will be fitted into a custom case.

Edit: I should probably add that I use Maschine in the studio and definitely do not want an MPC. This is a portable setup that will weigh about 25 pounds and be roughly the size of a violin case.

the_dreammer · 2014-03-18T17:43:35.000Z

""ShittehKitteh"":

When I’m ready to pull the trigger I’ll be ordering an OT, A4, QuNexus with the breakout box, and some sort of portable recorder that will be fitted into a custom case.

Edit: I should probably add that I use Maschine in the studio and definitely do not want an MPC. This is a portable setup that will weigh about 25 pounds and be roughly the size of a violin case.

I got a zoom q3hd for my jams… its small, very portable, and has line-in. even has video to film your mug/audience… not sure my machinedrum and octatrack fit in my violin-case… but your right. should be “simular” in size. and very important for me… handluggage…

MikkelM · 2014-06-13T11:50:07.000Z

Does anybody have a suggestion for a small midifile player, know that the Octatrack lacks on anything above 4 bars. Smaller than an MPC500.

The Octatrack would be the star of backingtracks if it could eat midifiles.

johnny · 2014-06-13T12:36:45.000Z

I looked into this a while ago and came to the conclusion that the MPC500 is the best option. The only other interesting alternatives were the Yamaha QY series, but they are dated and not really in line with the Elektron & Akai performance ethos. Unless you go the iPad route, but the last time I checked the apps were not very solid alternatives to hardware sequencing.

MDM · 2014-06-13T15:58:28.000Z

there is a way:

Use the arranger mode.
First make an Arrangement with the amount of 4 bar Patterns you would need for the whole song. (Or just the different parts of the song)
Then play back your MIDI files (from your DAW) and let the channels come into the right channels of the Octatrack.
There is your MIDI file! I think you’ll need to record the tracks one by one, not sure, try.

Works on the A4, in Song mode or Chain Mode. On the A4 however you can record all 4 midi tracks at the same time.
Yes yes i know the A4 doesnt support MIDI OUT but it does support MIDI IN. I did it succesfully, will post some videos how to transfer MIDI files into Elektron gear soon (in two days)

Dogma · 2014-06-13T17:16:54.000Z

The ipad has come leaps and bounds and with the iconnect. Midi boxes it makes it a really good option for music making - here’s one I’m gonna check out

Dogma · 2014-06-13T17:19:43.000Z

The ipad has come leaps and bounds and with the iconnect. Midi boxes it makes it a really good option for music making - here’s one I’m gonna check out http://xynthesizr.com

MDM · 2014-06-13T17:42:57.000Z

""Dogma"":

The ipad has come leaps and bounds and with the iconnect. Midi boxes it makes it a really good option for music making - here’s one I’m gonna check out http://xynthesizr.com

the ipad’s trouble is the Latency. I can imagine that with MIDI it would have severe Latency, don’t you think?

Dogma · 2014-06-13T19:22:13.000Z

Of course three would be some latency and I would never try it over wifi - I’m just about to get an iconnect midi4 when they arrive in a couple of weeks. It’s going to solve about 4 problems for me. So everything will be routed through that and it’s got midi filtering and whatnot to keep everything clean. Best $200 you can spend at the mo

MikkelM · 2014-06-14T10:09:45.000Z

Hmm! I haven’t tried to record in arrange mode.
Currently I export my audiostems, then record all midi cut up to 4 bars, and then putting it all together in arrange.

But if I just could export a midi file for each midi track, together with the stems would make life much easier.

iPad on stage is a no go for me.

Cheers

Mikkel

Accent · 2014-06-14T17:31:58.000Z

Unless you’re talking about over Wifi, I’ve never noticed any latency with the iPad…certainly better than any experience I’ve had using a computer/DAW. But connected to hardware like anything else, it works fine.

MDM · 2014-06-15T05:09:55.000Z

why are we talking about Ipads and other solutions? Im telling you, it can be done in the Octatrack. Just arrange the amount of bars/patterns first in the Arranger, then record MIDI files into your Octatrack, playing them back from your DAW.

I have a Duet 2 with Ipad connection and I will never use it in a gig, for one, I just don’t like any of the sounds that come out of an Ipad, for two I just dislike the fiddly interface touchscreen, for three, I got an OCTATRACK which can do it.