Here is my setup that I’m currently using:
Everything is synchronized via MIDI.
The Syntakt is the clock and transport leader.
The Analog Heat is routed to the Digitakt for MIDI parameter locking.
The backbone of the MIDI routing is the combination of a Kenton Merge-4 and two Blokas Midihubs.
I have three devices that act as a controller, the Launchpad the Keystep ans the Syntakt. Both are plugged in to the merger. Luckily the merger has two outputs so I can send my merged MIDI messages to both Midihubs at the same time.
The reason I did it this way instead of daisy chaining is because there is a documented 1.5 millisecond latency introduced by the Midihub. If I daisy chain them then thay latency is going to increase. My approach would eliminate that by sending the same messages to both, at the same time. (I didn’t test if daisy chaining would have made a noticeable difference)
I can share my Midihub pipelines if there is an interest.
I set up my routing so that the Launchpad acts as a control panel. I can route the Keystep 37 to any of my Digi boxes, in any combination and it is controlled by three pads.
For those who have a Midihub, I have individual pipelines routing the messages from the Keystep to the Digi boxes, and I have mapped the bypass toggle CC messages sent by the Launchpad.
I also have individual pads assigned the tracks on the two drum machines.
Everything is color coded:
The layout is implemented via a custom layout. The only caviat is that while the Midihubs remember the state of my routing after a reboot, the Launchpad doesn’t, so I always have to remember to manually press toggle routing for each Digi box.
Mixing is done by two Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 audio interfaces merged into one via optical cables.
I use them as a standalone mixer most of the time but the idea is that I can record everything at the same time on separate tracks when I want to.
What is not visible on the pictures is a special power strip that has a sensor in it for switching. I have my audio interfaces plugged into the outlet with the sensor. This way, my audio interfaces become the main power switch for my rig.
Whenever they draw power from the power strip, the sensor is engaged and the rest of the outlets are turned on.
The idea is that if the device responsible for mixing e everything together is not turned on then there is little point for anything else to be turned on.
Additionally, due to lack of space, a Nord Lead A1 and a Nord Drum 3P has been packed away for now.
The idea is that the Nord Lead is going to be sequenced by the Digitone. The Digitone has 4 MIDI tracks and the Nord Lead has 4 tracks so it is a perfect match.
The Nord Drum is going to be sequenced by the Digitakt. This will still leave me with two more MIDI tracks, one of which could be used to parameter lock the Analog Heat and another is left unused.
I’m not planning on using the Syntakt for MIDI sequencing for now.
What is missing is a patchbay and a larger table. I didn’t need either until I got the Analog Heat.
My current patching method is to plug the cables into the back of the Digi boxes which is not ideal.
I’m open for input on where to put a patchbay. I never had one but I’m thinking that I would want one on the desk itself so that it’s easy to tweak and I can always see what is going on.
Right now the dimensions of the speaker stand and rack enclosure are just perfect to keep the two speakers at the same level.
My plan is to get a screen instead of a laptop and build an rack enclosure that can hold 4 units at an angle. I would then put that enclosure between the screen and the three Digi boxes.