Using Roland boutique as MIDI controller

[Azzarole]

I really like the interface of my SH01a. Do you know how I can use its faders as a MIDI controller for my Elektron gear? I’ve seen dataline using it for controlling his Push3, but have no idea how I would do that.

Google unfortunately only gives me nonsense generic answers, since it’s increasingly only trying to sell you the most obvious stuff. Lots of topics on how to control a boutique with something else, but few people seem to use its faders to control stuff, so it must be kinda hard?

[PeterHanes]

@Azzarole

Do you know how I can use its faders as a MIDI controller for my Elektron gear? I’ve seen dataline using it for controlling his Push3, but have no idea how I would do that.

Google unfortunately only gives me nonsense generic answers

You will have more success by looking at Roland’s documentation for the SH-01A (and Elektron’s documentation).

The MIDI Implementation Chart for the SH-01A gives a list of the MIDI Control Change (CC) messages that the SH-01A’s controls transmit. The manual for each of your Elektron instruments shows which MIDI CC messages they respond to.

Because each manufacturer assigns CC messages to functions rather arbitrarily, it’s unlikely that the CC messages for one unit will match all those on any other unit. For example:

• the filter cutoff frequency slider on the SH-01A transmits CC 74, and the Digitakt recognises CC 74 for controlling filter frequency;
• the filter resonance slider on the SH-01A transmits CC 71, but the Digitakt recognises CC 75 for controlling filter resonance (CC 71 controls filter envelope decay time on the DT).

Therefore you can either:

• learn the mapping between the SH-01A’s CC implementation and the Elektron instrument’s implementation and use it as-is, or
• use an intermediate device (a computer running software or a standalone MIDI processor) to ensure that the controls on the SH-01A map sensibly to those on the Elektron instrument.

[shigginpit]

In all seriousness, if you decide to relabel the faders, use gaffer tape or a specifically low adhesive masking tape so that it doesn’t leave behind a nasty residue and ruin the finish.

[craig]

@Azzarole

few people seem to use its faders to control stuff, so it must be kinda hard?

I can see those very short faders being annoying for midi control of anything. It’s annoying enough for the synth itself. But maybe @Dataline can chip in himself?

[ctrl64]

I’ve been considering picking up an SH-01a as a controller for TAL-Bassline for a while now. No relabeling needed for that use case!

[Azzarole]

@PeterHanes

Therefore you can either:

• learn the mapping between the SH-01A’s CC implementation and the Elektron instrument’s implementation and use it as-is, or
• use an intermediate device (a computer running software or a standalone MIDI processor) to ensure that the controls on the SH-01A map sensibly to those on the Elektron instrument

Alright, I’m out. Will try UC4 instead and use SH01a as is to control itself. Thanks for clarifying and saving me a lot of time .

@craig: I think the faders are fine, it’s only the cutoff that could need more leeway.