I’m getting a TX6 this weekend. I’ll test it as booth a MIDI host and as a client in a DAWless setup (but with a Retrokits RK-006, OTG cable and USB hub). I’ll see what’s the best way to get tempo sync working based on external audio input and controlling multiple MIDI devices.
1 Like
Tnx @MichaalHell; if you can’t sync clock via BLE between OP-1field and TX-6, what can you sync? start/stop? anything else?
cool @jeroen020 , please report back here. Are you by any coincidence based in Amsterdam (I am), perhaps I can come check it out sometime then.
other question, perhaps a stupid one, is it possible to use this cable to use the aux/cue out from the TX-6 to clock sync a synth that has MIDI-DIN? or different MIDI signals?
1 Like
Is it ok to leave the TX-6 permanently charging in your computers USB-C port?
I noticed with GND mode it turns USB charging of to avoid ground loop noise. I don’t have ground loop problems but was wondering if its worth using this mode now and then to run down the battery rather then keeping a permanent 100% charge
Yes, I am based in Amsterdam. And I can report back now - it works pretty, pretty good! I tested by sending output from my DJ mixer (playing an early 80s italo track) and let the TX-6 beat match its clock. It then sends the clock sync out over USB. I connect the TX via a USB-C to USB-A cable plugged into a USB-hub connected via USB OTG cable to my Retrokits RK-006. I believe this way the RK is a (stand alone) USB host, but can still sync to clock received via the USB client TX-6, and syncs it to all it’s MIDI Out port (and other USB MIDI devices plugged into the hub). Now it’s easy peasy to sync my TR-6S, TB-03 and Elektron boxes - it sends a play start to all connected MIDI devices when you push the knob on the TX-6.
It doesn’t break a sweat when doing a gradual slide of the pitch control from 0 to +8: beat and bassline stay in sync. If you suddenly yank pitch up or down it does goout of sync, but that’s not a problem in most use cases I reckon.
I don’t think that’ll work. I believe the aux creates an analog pulse, while MIDI is a different standard and digital at that. The cable you link to is simply a different pin configuration, taking the 3 active pins from MIDI DIN to the 3 parts of a TRS plug.
Update: it’s also possible to let the TX-6 be a host for the RK-006 by connecting it with a USB-C to USB-Micro cable. One downside to this: it’s using battery power.
2 Likes
sounds great! gonna need one of those RK-006 units. What if you would just connect the TX-6 via its usb-c out directly to the RK-006? (I don’t understand why have an usb hub and OTG cable in between?)
That’s what I described in the update in the bottom part. It works too - it passes MIDI clock sync to the RK-006 and it’s connected devices. Main downside is that the RK takes power from the TX so you can’t do this forever and need to pay attention to charge levels. I guess you could circumvent this by using a USB split cable that separates data & power, but I haven’t seen one of those for USB-C.
By using the OTG Split cable that comes with the RK has a split design; you power it with a regular USB power supply, and hook up the other ends to the USB hub (that connects and charges the TX) and the RK itself. The manual does a better job explaining it than I can…
1 Like
ah yes, didnt see that last sentence. didnt know the RK comes with an OTG split cable! cool. will definitely get myself one of those
PS: where did everyone buy their TX-6?
Thomann probably gives longer warranty then TE directly (they state 1 year warranty)?
It also looks like its cheaper at thomann… Is there any reason to buy from TE directly then?
also, wouldnt it be awesome if there would also be a saturation effect in the TX-6?
that would render my analog heat useless 
do you mean the Case Logic QHDC-101?
I got mine from TE but that was because I ordered it day 1. If thomann has extra warranties I’d get it from them.
Also I don’t know if anything digital would actually touch the analog heat, at least in the realm of hardware. Saturn 2 gets close with its oversampling. But even the Syntakt analog drive doesn’t really do what the AH does imo.
tnx, you are right about the heat, but I also have BOUM, so I guess i’m covered there.
other side note: anyone use usb sticks to record on? any advice on which one pairs with the TX-6 nicely?
mine is Case Logic EHDC101B
1 Like
tnx
final question before I pull out my creditcard;
- a must for me is to clock sync the OP-1 field with other gear. How can the TX-6 act as a master clock here? can the TX-6 clock be synced with the OP-1f (including start stop messages) via USB-C?
- if yes, I could simultaneously use the aux for PO sync. nice.
- If I also want to sync lets say the elektron syntakt with the TX-6, how to combine this with syncing of the OP-1 field? I’m afraid I’m going to need a USB / midi host like the RK-006?
for me clock syncing has´nt really been important between OP-1 and TX-6. Sending transport has though.
So you could send transport from TX-6 to OP-1 via BLE and have OP-1 send clock via USB to your Elektrons. This would allow you to use the USB on TX-6 for audio recording without the need for a hub.
You can use the beat detect on the TX-6 on any incoming audio to match clocks with your other equipment and of course send PO sync via the AUX or QUE input
1 Like
Thanks for the reply!
ordered the TX-6. just thinking about the most minimalistic way to make a ‘dinner table’ dawless setup with my gear. your suggestion might deliver just that! (prefer not to use additional hubs). only problem is that I probably would need a usb hub/host to convert the usb-c midi signal from the OP-1 field for the elektrons? (or would that work with a simple usb-c to usb-b cable?)
come to think of it, could I also use the 3.5mm aux/cue out to send a gate clock signal to my roland boutique SH-01a, and then use its midi DIN thru port to connect my other synths? and send transport message via BLE to the OP-1 field? even less cables / hubs that way!
1 Like
TX-6 and OP-1 Field are USB host´s so no need for additional equipment, just a cable is needed.
i would suggest an apple USB-C CCK dongle as you can use the elektron cables without any probelms.
USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple
it costs alot but ive had mine for 5 years without it breaking and it always works… ive tried other dongles and the results have been scattered, the apple dongles just work.
It could work if the Boutiques can convert the clock to midi data… it could be that the boutiques won´t pass the clock signal onto midi.
thanks again, one way to find out, will report back once my TX-6 is here.
Great tip, if I use the usb-c adapter and sync lets say the elektron syntakt via usb with my op-1 field, can I then use the midi thru port (DIN) on the syntakt to chain other midi DIN devices? this would be awesome
Yes that is possible
2 Likes