Whats your workflow w/vintage samplers and analog synths/drum machines?

[xanderbeanz]

I've got a somewhat odd and Autistic way of working, i'll write the entire song in my head usually, hearing the detailed and complete arrangement with the timbres i'm after.

In my little studio, though i have a mixer, i haven't wired everything up yet so i track everything one at a time, i'll literally plug the synth i want into my soundcard and track it. This works the same whether i'm using soft synths, hardware MIDI synths, or the Mono/Poly through the Midi to CV.

I generally use only 1 or 2 different pieces of hardware per song (say the M/P and the Matrix, or the HT3000 and the DX11) backed up by software instruments, like Kontakt or the old faithful A1 VST, and software drum samples/synthesis, so my approach hasn't been problematic as of yet. After the main parts are tracked i'll add in little tiny details and counter-melodies with some toy keyboards or more software.

Eventually i'd like to get everything set up in the mixer (and buy a midi patch bay) so that i can have all my synths available at once and rely on software less, though the mixture sounds good enough to me at the moment.

Oh yeah, occasionally i'll plug in the ED10 analogue pad and bash or trigger some analogue percussion in. I get stuff done pretty quick, as i've got but i could imagine that a fair few producers on here would see it as a clumsy and archaic way of working.

[TerraRist]

[melele]

This is a fantastic thread, inspiring to hear how some are treading the deep waters (for me, at least) of sample-accurate sync with DAW, samplers and analog synths. I hope you will continue to post your experiences with integrating these technologies.

I'm just starting to work with an ES-3/ES-5, Ableton, ASR-10 sampler keyboard and some CV and MIDI analog synths. Discussions about workflow are critical for retaining focus and inspiration to get everything working and being creative. I'll post my experiences as soon as there's something worth sharing. But thanks to all. Keep posting!

[Headz51230]

It's sort of unexplainable how I get stuff together but it usually starts with a riff or two and some chords Then I synch a drum machine to match the tempo or maybe comprise the two. Once foundation is solid I record it and hash out the details. Sometimes ill use the drum machine sequencer or the roll on cubase it just depends. I find it fun as hell to sometimes play the HH live the whole way through for instance. I'll play all the chords live then maybe MIDI some riff over the top for synchopation who knows. I have no outboard hardware, just a patchbay.

[initself]

Originally Posted by spaceacademy

WOW, I have no life. Didnt realise I wrote so much,

I read every word.

[soliceseven]

Great thread!!!! Wow this couldn't be more timely for me.
First Ill start with the Gear List

Hardware
Synths
Roland JX8P
Roland Alpha Juno 1
Roland Juno 60 w/ Minerva Mod
Roland SH09 w/ Midi to CV Converter
SCI Prophet 600
DSI Mopho Keys
Kurzweil K2000
Moog LP Stage 2
Oberheim Matrix 6R
Access Virus TI

Sequencers/Midi
Akai MPC1000
NI Maschine
Emagic AMT 8

FX/Pre's
Electrix MoFX
Digitech TSR24
Fractal Audio AXE FX
Vintech 1272
UALA610 MK2
Trident 4T
Art ProMPA
ART Pro VLA
2xDBX 266


Mixer/Audio
RME Fireface 800
Bword ADA8000 clocked to the fireface
SoundCraft TS24 (still being cleaned and wired up)





At this point I have a few ways to work.

1. MPC 1000 Master No DAW
All my FX and synths are plugged into patch bays. and routed in to my FF800 with an ADA8000 attached for a total of 18 analog inputs. I have my synths and FX connected to the MIDI ports on my AMT 8 FF800 and USB MIDI I use an App called Midi PatchBay ( MIDI Patchbay @ Not A Hat Really Awesome!!!) to patch the Midi out from the MPC to the Midi In's on everything else I also Patch my master Keyboard (Virus TI) to the Midi IN on the MPC. I use the app to channelize the midi so only clock sync and the data for the channel the synth is on is coming out of the midi port. the FX are connected to the out put busses and inputs on my audio interface Send and Return Style for FX in the monitor Path. This is pretty much a more traditional outboard sequencing setup. When finished Track everything in the DAW including the MIDI and Edit Mix and Master.

I could also sequence VST's this way but i dont really use them much anymore. Ive also been experimenting using the DAW as a mixer giving me access to my plugins but the juries out on the latency at this point. This setup is awesome except when I'm working on stuff with my wife and other singer its a pain in the ass to experiment with vocals as I have to sample them first. Id like to figure out how to sync the DAW with the MPC. But even using JJOS XL with MTC still kinda sucks because I want sample accurate sync so i can play with sequence loops and vocals before I record the synths and samplers. Maybe the inner clock is what I need to make this work here correctly. Anyone know of any other options? I also recently Bought a Soundcraft TS24 Large Format Console for my mixer but Im still wiring it and cleaning channels. eventually this will be the front end and ill hard wire the tape send and returns to my audio interface and outboard gear.

2. Maschine Master No DAW

Same as above except instead of the MPC I use Maschine in standalone mode. Works pretty good but it seams there is a little latency for the master keyboard going in I need to look into this more and see if I can fix it. Also same issues as above but as a plus the project files and samples are managed in the box which is nice.

2.DAW

No MPC here I use the DAW (Cubase 6) as the sequencer and just midi all my synths to it. This is the best for me if I need to get something done and or im working with allot of audio (samples vocals act) prolly the easiest way to do things but it totally looses the vibe of working with a hardware sequencer. Everything is managed in the box I can do sysex dumps on the midi channels for recall leave notes in the project for the sh09 as to what the settings were pretty much total recall. Not very inspiring but functional.

What I really want is a way to sync my DAW sample accurate to either Maschine standalone of the MPC so I can sequence more old school and still sync long audio tracks do edits access plugins etc. If I had a ton more outboard I might be able to do everything out of the box but I don't really want to go down that route I love sequencing OTB but sound design , Vocal edit and real time sample editing is better in the box plus I love my Lexicon and waves plugins and enjoy using them in the creation process. Anyhow thats where Im at any advice, or comments are welcome! Thanks

[MrTechno]

I write most of my tracks on a drum machine.
Then I run it out all to separate outputs to an analog desk where I begin the mix process.
99% of my tracks are written on an outboard DRUM machine such as an Akai MPC 3000, however currently sequencing on the MD.
A few other synths may be synced to this, however it is never more then 2. Simpler the better for me.

I only use a DAW to record which is a simply a replacement to my old 8 Track from back in the day. I may use some editing features but only sometimes, I prefer the raw takes from the machines.

Everything else is handled OTB, this is not a matter of what sounds better for me but rather it is my way of working. DAWS and I only get along for so long. (However DAWS are a godsend.)

[MrTechno]

Originally Posted by soliceseven

Great thread!!!! Wow this couldn't be more timely for me.
First Ill start with the Gear List

Hardware
Synths
Roland JX8P
Roland Alpha Juno 1
Roland Juno 60 w/ Minerva Mod
Roland SH09 w/ Midi to CV Converter
SCI Prophet 600
DSI Mopho Keys
Kurzweil K2000
Moog LP Stage 2
Oberheim Matrix 6R
Access Virus TI

Sequencers/Midi
Akai MPC1000
NI Maschine
Emagic AMT 8

FX/Pre's
Electrix MoFX
Digitech TSR24
Fractal Audio AXE FX
Vintech 1272
UALA610 MK2
Trident 4T
Art ProMPA
ART Pro VLA
2xDBX 266


Mixer/Audio
RME Fireface 800
Bword ADA8000 clocked to the fireface
SoundCraft TS24 (still being cleaned and wired up)





At this point I have a few ways to work.

1. MPC 1000 Master No DAW
All my FX and synths are plugged into patch bays. and routed in to my FF800 with an ADA8000 attached for a total of 18 analog inputs. I have my synths and FX connected to the MIDI ports on my AMT 8 FF800 and USB MIDI I use an App called Midi PatchBay ( MIDI Patchbay @ Not A Hat Really Awesome!!!) to patch the Midi out from the MPC to the Midi In's on everything else I also Patch my master Keyboard (Virus TI) to the Midi IN on the MPC. I use the app to channelize the midi so only clock sync and the data for the channel the synth is on is coming out of the midi port. the FX are connected to the out put busses and inputs on my audio interface Send and Return Style for FX in the monitor Path. This is pretty much a more traditional outboard sequencing setup. When finished Track everything in the DAW including the MIDI and Edit Mix and Master.

I could also sequence VST's this way but i dont really use them much anymore. Ive also been experimenting using the DAW as a mixer giving me access to my plugins but the juries out on the latency at this point. This setup is awesome except when I'm working on stuff with my wife and other singer its a pain in the ass to experiment with vocals as I have to sample them first. Id like to figure out how to sync the DAW with the MPC. But even using JJOS XL with MTC still kinda sucks because I want sample accurate sync so i can play with sequence loops and vocals before I record the synths and samplers. Maybe the inner clock is what I need to make this work here correctly. Anyone know of any other options? I also recently Bought a Soundcraft TS24 Large Format Console for my mixer but Im still wiring it and cleaning channels. eventually this will be the front end and ill hard wire the tape send and returns to my audio interface and outboard gear.

2. Maschine Master No DAW

Same as above except instead of the MPC I use Maschine in standalone mode. Works pretty good but it seams there is a little latency for the master keyboard going in I need to look into this more and see if I can fix it. Also same issues as above but as a plus the project files and samples are managed in the box which is nice.

2.DAW

No MPC here I use the DAW (Cubase 6) as the sequencer and just midi all my synths to it. This is the best for me if I need to get something done and or im working with allot of audio (samples vocals act) prolly the easiest way to do things but it totally looses the vibe of working with a hardware sequencer. Everything is managed in the box I can do sysex dumps on the midi channels for recall leave notes in the project for the sh09 as to what the settings were pretty much total recall. Not very inspiring but functional.

What I really want is a way to sync my DAW sample accurate to either Maschine standalone of the MPC so I can sequence more old school and still sync long audio tracks do edits access plugins etc. If I had a ton more outboard I might be able to do everything out of the box but I don't really want to go down that route I love sequencing OTB but sound design , Vocal edit and real time sample editing is better in the box plus I love my Lexicon and waves plugins and enjoy using them in the creation process. Anyhow thats where Im at any advice, or comments are welcome! Thanks

Syncing an MPC to a DAW is very easy. The problem is the latency and jitter the DAW introduces and this is why I needed something like a Sync Genpro to fix the problem.
Got tired of nudging audio know what I mean.

Depending on which DAW you run you may or may not experience issues however I doubt it, there always seems to be some lag when hardware is synced to a DAW.

[Rogue Ai]

Originally Posted by TerraRist

Hi guys,.. I looked for a suitable topic This was the closest to my own situation I am on the verge of buying a circuit bend Casio 40/41. But since i am not familiar with a hardware approach to much and definitely not with a synth without midi. I wanted to get some info out here ..
So how can I use it in my work flow cuzz its not midi neither. Please is there some info on this matter anywhere? I use Logic9 for my DAW Thanks a lot in advance. And also ..is it possible to just plug this baby into my Apogee DUET2? Is it the best way then to play real time?

Play it and record it, or sample it.

[soliceseven]

Originally Posted by MrTechno

Syncing an MPC to a DAW is very easy. The problem is the latency and jitter the DAW introduces and this is why I needed something like a Sync Genpro to fix the problem.
Got tired of nudging audio know what I mean.

Depending on which DAW you run you may or may not experience issues however I doubt it, there always seems to be some lag when hardware is synced to a DAW.

Yes thats exactly it. The latency is really annoying. I have dreams of being able to sync the MPC patterns in real time with tracks on the daw. Controlling the sequence with the MPC while over dubbing vocals and other audio in cubase. Is that possible with the Sync Gen?

[soliceseven]

Would a JL Cooper PPS 100 allow me to sync my mpc1000 to cubase as tight as a sync gen?

[MrTechno]

Originally Posted by soliceseven

Yes thats exactly it. The latency is really annoying. I have dreams of being able to sync the MPC patterns in real time with tracks on the daw. Controlling the sequence with the MPC while over dubbing vocals and other audio in cubase. Is that possible with the Sync Gen?

Let me tell you that nothing is more annoying then laying down a fine beat or a sequence on a drum machine only to have your DAW @@@@ it all up by its messy and nasty timing issues

So to remedy this I used to spend hours just pushing around audio making it fit. However I said enough is enough, I want to make music and mix and not push audio around so I recently ordered the Sync Gen Pro and just waiting for it to arrive so I can plug it all up. Until then I am not even bothering with the DAW anymore until sync issues are tight.

If the sync gen pro dont fix it I dont know what will. I hear good things about this machine and I am hopeful my sync issues are gone forever.

For sure you can do what you are wanting to do if the machine I am talking about gives you tight timing without lag or jitter. I would advise first to get your MPC syncing with your DAW, identify how much lag or jitter you have? I would be surprised if it syncs perfectly in time as DAWS are renowned for introducing jitter and lag.
Then I would advise to look for a machine that gives you perfect timing like Sync Gen Pro II.
For $645 it is worth it if the timing is tight.

Anyway in regards to cubase I have no idea how to sync your machines to this, I am guessing it would be very easy to do.
Let me know how you go.

[wakestyle]

Originally Posted by soliceseven

Yes thats exactly it. The latency is really annoying. I have dreams of being able to sync the MPC patterns in real time with tracks on the daw. Controlling the sequence with the MPC while over dubbing vocals and other audio in cubase. Is that possible with the Sync Gen?

There is only latency or jitter your trying to dump midi to the daw in my experience. Working with drum machines and hardware is the best if you just dump the audio to the DAW. Make the DAW a machine slave so that start and stop are controlled by the hardware. That's it. Dump the sections just like the DAW IS a tape machine. It will line up perfectly and all that.

Don't try to dump midi from the hardware to the DAW, there is no point and your just asking for more issues IMO.

[robot gigante]

Some of my hardware sequencers/drum machines have sloppy timing, so everything is clocked to the MPC 2000. I sequence everything on the MPC and a Command Station, sometimes on the other drum machines/sequencers, and dump the audio to the DAW via an Orpheus, often through a Revox PR99. Stuff without MIDI goes straight to the DAW.

Mix in the DAW with hardware on inserts and bounce to the Revox.

Hopefully will find a nice 8-track soon and then it's bye bye computer.

[audiohack]

Originally Posted by MrTechno

Let me tell you that nothing is more annoying then laying down a fine beat or a sequence on a drum machine only to have your DAW @@@@ it all up by its messy and nasty timing issues

So to remedy this I used to spend hours just pushing around audio making it fit. However I said enough is enough, I want to make music and mix and not push audio around so I recently ordered the Sync Gen Pro and just waiting for it to arrive so I can plug it all up. Until then I am not even bothering with the DAW anymore until sync issues are tight.

If the sync gen pro dont fix it I dont know what will. I hear good things about this machine and I am hopeful my sync issues are gone forever.

For sure you can do what you are wanting to do if the machine I am talking about gives you tight timing without lag or jitter. I would advise first to get your MPC syncing with your DAW, identify how much lag or jitter you have? I would be surprised if it syncs perfectly in time as DAWS are renowned for introducing jitter and lag.
Then I would advise to look for a machine that gives you perfect timing like Sync Gen Pro II.
For $645 it is worth it if the timing is tight.

Anyway in regards to cubase I have no idea how to sync your machines to this, I am guessing it would be very easy to do.
Let me know how you go.

No vintage gear here, but I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Sync Gen Pro II. I've slaved my Octatrack, Machinedrum, Roland SPD-30 and a Virus to Ableton as master. The timing is tight. Recordings of midi and audio line up on the Ableton grid. Playback of recorded audio, loops etc from Ableton stay in perfect sync with the hardware. I couldn't be happier workflow wise.

[crufty]

here was my sampler workflow

1. power on
2. as i load daw, sampler disk drive starts whirring and clicking
3. realize--DAMN! forgot to put disk in
4. power off
5. take disk off desk, put in sampler
6. power on
7. go back to daw
8. CLNK CLNK CLNK BBZZZT
9. hmm the disk got spit out -- aw shit that's the wrong disk
10. spend a few minutes pondering
11. i have one disk on my desk and it is the wrong one. no label. maybe i got the akai and the emu mixed up. no, emu is empty too.
12. spend a few more minutes pondering. look at watch. is my mind going?
13. i know. go to kitchen. lets see, open cabinet door--next to spices. there it is! chocolate bar! mind not going.
14. begin consuming chocolate bar, return to studio
15. nom nom nom, this chocolate bar is good. any coffee left? yes! and its still almost warm. *slurrpp* ok lets look at daw and--oh yeah. sampler.
16. look around room--spy a box of 3 1/4" disks off in the corner. sweet! dang. empty. hmm.
17. shift through papers--ahh. cleverly hid precious sampler disk under a pizza advert. hide delay box with pizza advert instead. go to pick up top disk and...
18. knock over all disks. damn. did i label any of them? no. flip through 12 grey 3 1/4" disks. crumbs.
19. power down sampler. load up kontakt.

[clusterchord]

Originally Posted by chrisso

I use a lot of hardware synths and FX, but I also think midi has had it's day.
Bad midi timing was causing me a ton of grief, until I bought a Expert Sleepers Euro module and Silent Way.
Now I've added an Innerclock Euro (sync) module too.
I don't have anything midi in my set up, other than a Roland controller to write parts in Ableton or Logic.
Sync-Gen IILS: Video Demo – Ableton Live/Tip Top Z-8000 & Z-3000/Z-2040/Cwejman EGs etc | Innerclock Systems – Stay In Sync

My basic workflow is to use an ES4 to control analog synths over cv & gate. Recording in to my DAW though vintage hardware.
I also process audio from my DAW through outboard hardware, or back out to my modular synths.
I have a couple of Roland samplers, but I'm not prepared to fiddle with bad midi timing, so I'm using software samplers at the moment (Maschine and Ableton Simpler).
Very happy with this set up and workflow.

interesting read. find some similarities, but im yet to involve the SW/ES system i bought.




i usually lay down foundation instrument with nucleus idea, whether that is a melody, chords, little counterpoint.. or whatever got me going.. in midi.. usually rhodes or piano vsti or andromeda. then start adding - usually have ballaprk idea of orchestration/arrangement, but change things as i go.

- then if used, i record additional analogs by hand, tweaking things.. thru some outboard pres or some fx etc. usually one by one.. like early commitment here, hate keeping it in midi. if i end up not liking it ill redo and eventually comp takes.

- drums are always ITB.. sampling etc. sometimes i synthesize some on synths , record, cut out and setup in kontakt for use.
- some vsti lib sources go out to analog for some juice and get printed back.

- i keep crapload of hw reverb/spacecho/bbd/fx on my auxes/returns.. utilizing multi i/o of UFX... i find very important to create inspiring space and ambiance early as i go. cant "imagine" it till mix time. but synths are tracked without it, FX are just in monitoring. when i record a synth, i copy the auxes to its corresponding DAW track so it sounds the same.

- finally, i print some analog fx that are to be real time tweaked "played" like 201 space echo or DM300 analog delay etc.

- when i finish setting up the mix, everything is now in DAW. i play this out thru the routed outboard fx, and just record total output of UFX into itself ("loopback"). sounds helluva better than exporting in Cubase..



- cpl of things im working on implementing - my RevoxA77 will be used on some tracks as "analog saturation plugin" on the way in..
- expert sleepers implemented via ES3 and ES5 so i can do machine gun step sequencing in live
- getting a lil labs di/reamp so i can incorporate some fuzz pedals in the process and blend the signals.

[we88]

I always had a lot of stress trying to integrate my dum machines and DAW- Logic mostly - but I've been using the sync gen pro for some months and now everything works like ... Well, clockwork. Can't recommend it enough.

[MrTechno]

Originally Posted by we88

I always had a lot of stress trying to integrate my dum machines and DAW- Logic mostly - but I've been using the sync gen pro for some months and now everything works like ... Well, clockwork. Can't recommend it enough.

Yeah can't wait, the Sync Gen Pro should be with me in a few days.
I am so looking forward to clockwork sync.

This is something I should have done a long time ago.

So all tight and no lag ha?
Seriously cant wait for this.

[schmuck]

Originally Posted by cdog

I have a couple setups, but mainly the idea is to just hook a few synths/drum machines/samplers up to your sequencer via MIDI and a mixer with one or two FX boxes, start jamming and then hit record. Dont hook up every machine you own, just use one drum machine, one sampler and a synth or two. This will keep you focused. Dont worry tons about making a perfect track right off the bat, just get a few solid parts down and before you get bogged down move on to the next track. Keep doing this until you fall unconscious, but leave it setup.

The morning after, when all the drugs and booze have worn off, you can listen back and start to make edits and tweaks and patch together your parts to form songs, and start getting a rough mix. At this point, you can decide which tracks and parts are worth keeping, but the important/crucial part of this setup is to be able to jam freely and not worry about anything while you compose the basic building blocks, just enjoy the sounds and the creation process.

[top dog]

Originally Posted by crufty

here was my sampler workflow

1. power on
2. as i load daw, sampler disk drive starts whirring and clicking
3. realize--DAMN! forgot to put disk in
4. power off
5. take disk off desk, put in sampler
6. power on
7. go back to daw
8. CLNK CLNK CLNK BBZZZT
9. hmm the disk got spit out -- aw shit that's the wrong disk
10. spend a few minutes pondering
11. i have one disk on my desk and it is the wrong one. no label. maybe i got the akai and the emu mixed up. no, emu is empty too.
12. spend a few more minutes pondering. look at watch. is my mind going?
13. i know. go to kitchen. lets see, open cabinet door--next to spices. there it is! chocolate bar! mind not going.
14. begin consuming chocolate bar, return to studio
15. nom nom nom, this chocolate bar is good. any coffee left? yes! and its still almost warm. *slurrpp* ok lets look at daw and--oh yeah. sampler.
16. look around room--spy a box of 3 1/4" disks off in the corner. sweet! dang. empty. hmm.
17. shift through papers--ahh. cleverly hid precious sampler disk under a pizza advert. hide delay box with pizza advert instead. go to pick up top disk and...
18. knock over all disks. damn. did i label any of them? no. flip through 12 grey 3 1/4" disks. crumbs.
19. power down sampler. load up kontakt.

Hahahaha
but still, hardware samplers are irreplaceable for some of us

[Karloff70]

Just looking into getting some of these once they are back in stock:

Alyseum - More than technology

Put one of those in your favourite sampler(s) and with the free Copperlan routing software you will have a no midi lead, no jitter connection straight from the DAW via ethernet cable. And then one of their AL interfaces for the more bread and butter use and voila. Looking forward to having my ASR-X be like he is rock solidly part of Logic, except sounding much better than Battery....

[MrTechno]

Originally Posted by Karloff70

Just looking into getting some of these once they are back in stock:

Alyseum - More than technology

Put one of those in your favourite sampler(s) and with the free Copperlan routing software you will have a no midi lead, no jitter connection straight from the DAW via ethernet cable. And then one of their AL interfaces for the more bread and butter use and voila. Looking forward to having my ASR-X be like he is rock solidly part of Logic, except sounding much better than Battery....

This looks good and cheap as well..
Will keep this in mind for the future.

Yeah I use Logic also-so bad with timing when it comes to syncing gear with this thing.
Like you I am looking forward to having Logic working in perfect sync with my gear.

[Karloff70]

Originally Posted by MrTechno

This looks good and cheap as well..
Will keep this in mind for the future.

Yeah I use Logic also-so bad with timing when it comes to syncing gear with this thing.
Like you I am looking forward to having Logic working in perfect sync with my gear.

I remember fondly what running hardware samplers off an Atari with C-Lab was like for groove, and this by rights should be tighter, and also means I can keep the sequencing in one place and still have hardware participate in the fun, so I am definitely excited.

[MrTechno]

Originally Posted by Karloff70

I remember fondly what running hardware samplers off an Atari with C-Lab was like for groove, and this by rights should be tighter, and also means I can keep the sequencing in one place and still have hardware participate in the fun, so I am definitely excited.

A drunk elephant playing your sequence then

Yeah I am all for tight timing now.
I have nudged enough audio in Logic this year that ill do me for a lifetime.

Anyway its seems insane to me that we buy all this expensive gear, expensive Macs and they just cant communicate, seriously.
Forever I can remember it has always been painful when it comes to using my hardware with any computer
Its time for wireless communication with no wires no plugs just immediate plug and play with any computer using any bit of hardware I say.

[Karloff70]

Originally Posted by MrTechno

Its time for wireless communication with no wires no plugs just immediate plug and play with any computer using any bit of hardware I say.

You can do that with Copperlan over wifi.

Only, the timing isn't great that way. Apparently.

[soliceseven]

Originally Posted by MrTechno

This looks good and cheap as well..
Will keep this in mind for the future.

Yeah I use Logic also-so bad with timing when it comes to syncing gear with this thing.
Like you I am looking forward to having Logic working in perfect sync with my gear.

So would this clean up the Midi timing enough to not need a syncgen ?

[Karloff70]

Originally Posted by soliceseven

So would this clean up the Midi timing enough to not need a syncgen ?

Well, if you use the Alex interface and build it straight into the hardware sampler/synth/whatever, then there IS no midi as such to feck it up, only a superfast non serial ethernet cable.........and I am told even using their midi interfaces it goes very tight, as they circumvent the usb which is what jitters up the midi on its way out.

But a Syncgen only syncs the DAW to a hardware sequencer. Doesn't make any other midi from the DAW any better.

I don't know how well this works in practice, but as soon as the Alex interfaces come back in stock I am finding out. I hear Vangelis has his whole setup wired up with it. Makes me guess it works rather well.....very curious and hopeful.....

[soliceseven]

Originally Posted by Karloff70

Well, if you use the Alex interface and build it straight into the hardware sampler/synth/whatever, then there IS no midi as such to feck it up, only a superfast non serial ethernet cable.........and I am told even using their midi interfaces it goes very tight, as they circumvent the usb which is what jitters up the midi on its way out.

But a Syncgen only syncs the DAW to a hardware sequencer. Doesn't make any other midi from the DAW any better.

I don't know how well this works in practice, but as soon as the Alex interfaces come back in stock I am finding out. I hear Vangelis has his whole setup wired up with it. Makes me guess it works rather well.....very curious and hopeful.....

Please let me know as thats A. Cheaper then a syncgen and B. solves the midi issue across the board for all of my gear

[Karloff70]

Originally Posted by soliceseven

Please let me know as thats A. Cheaper then a syncgen and B. solves the midi issue across the board for all of my gear

I have a thread running on the topic and believe me, if this does what I hope it to do I will get very jubilantly vocal about it.