What are the chances that Tonwerk could be a USB Host? After all, it’s a “linux box” with a USB-C port, shouldn’t be hard to implement? I’m not an USB expert but nowadays many gears are sending MIDI over USB (some sending audio…).
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Outside of Elektron, and those closely affiliated enough. None of us here can answer realistically. Technically, it should be feasible. IMO, it needs it. Its almost becoming a standard on new $1000+ grooveboxes (All 41 flavors of the modern MPC, OPXY, Push 3, etc.) to be able to expand I/O using an audio interface.
According to Elektron the Tonverk is a forward thinking device and the ushering of a new platform, so I’d like to think that they’re forward thinking enough to include it into their plans. I/O expansion via connected interface would really open up the TV into being what it seems Elektron wants it to be, an Elektron approach to a workstation for your setup.
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Yes I agree that would be great !
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I have worked with the imx8 platform and have made it into a USB host. It is technically possible. That does not mean that Elektron is planning to do it, and I have no idea whether they want to.
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Isn’t being a ‘usb host’ different to sending midi and audio over usb … which Tonverk already does ? ( class compliant audio )
Digitakt etc also send audio and midi via usb but none of those are usb host .
Hi, is there a way to connect my Novation Launchkey to control my Tonverk via USB-C and not MIDI cable? I would like to play notes on the Tonverk via the Launchkey as well as power the Launchkey from the Tonverk (and also not have to use a MIDI converter cable for the Launchkey).
Thanks in advance!
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It’s the other way around. “USB Host” aka receiving midi (and maybe audio) from external gears, typically the LaunchKey that is mentioned. Expanding I/O by connecting an USB soundcard is another feature of “USB Host” (which OP-XY does for instance).
Even a $40 Teensy arduino microcontroller can be a midi host, very little excuse for a $2000 linux device.
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No, you need to use the 5pin midi in on the Tonverk.
Still hope the Elektron do something about USB host feature.
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Same here - it’s on my feature wishlist. I don’t think it’s a huge ask e.g. I’ve had it on Raspberry Pi running MiniDexed or Zynthian, both happily talked to the Tonverk. (Zynthian also does USB Audio seamlessly - but the latency is significant.)
The other day I had a dream where I was able to connect my Digitone II to a Tonverk via USB and route Digitone’s audio tracks to different Tonverks buses for some FX processing. The Tonverk feels underutilized.
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If the firmware was open I bet there would be already a cfw doing it…
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