I use a Roland FP3 and a Casio 3800 for live performances. All my songs are in .DOC files that containe a chart for the song and also all the setup parameters for the borads that I must change manually. This takes to much time and is not the "professional" image that I wish to show. I need a chunk of software that can read my files ( I could convert them to .XL or something else) and set up the boards. I want to be able to input a SONG NUMBER and have the boards setup via a MIDI interface.. Can anyone give some ideas. Everthing I see on the web seems to be geared to studio, recording and playback using other sound modules that I am not the least bit interested in. Thanks
Keyboard Control
- Thread starter MONTSTR
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DOC files are word processor files.
I would think that the simplest solution is to approach it from a different mindset. I'm not aware of a software which will do what you are asking to do. However, your keyboards already have the capability to set up your sound patches via midi. You should be able to program, name, and save all of your keyboard set-ups one time. Then when playing live, you only hit the pre-programmed patch change button on your main controller and you're ready to go. Then just use printed charts for your lyrics and other info you need.
Don
I would think that the simplest solution is to approach it from a different mindset. I'm not aware of a software which will do what you are asking to do. However, your keyboards already have the capability to set up your sound patches via midi. You should be able to program, name, and save all of your keyboard set-ups one time. Then when playing live, you only hit the pre-programmed patch change button on your main controller and you're ready to go. Then just use printed charts for your lyrics and other info you need.
Don
My problem as such has nothing to do with using my boards to set stup another board.. I need to SETUP 2 boards from all ready established parameters AT THE PUSH OF ONE SINGLE BUTTON !!!! I looks like I may have to get back in the programming busines and lern MIDi to be able to gewt it done. thanks anyway....
Gee, sorry I didn't draw you a picture. Yes, you do need to at least read up on the basics of MIDI, so you can understand what I already told you.
Here is a more basic description:
One of your two boards will be the "master", the 2nd board will be the "slave".
Connect "midi out" of the "master". to "midi in" on the "slave".
Then, you can change patches on both boards "AT THE PUSH OF ONE SINGLE BUTTON".
You will need to read your manuals on how the two keyboards utilize the "bank" and "patch number" commands, and work that out for your rig. With a little thought, you can then set up your patches and banks such that you can push one button and set up both boards. Don
Here is a more basic description:
One of your two boards will be the "master", the 2nd board will be the "slave".
Connect "midi out" of the "master". to "midi in" on the "slave".
Then, you can change patches on both boards "AT THE PUSH OF ONE SINGLE BUTTON".
You will need to read your manuals on how the two keyboards utilize the "bank" and "patch number" commands, and work that out for your rig. With a little thought, you can then set up your patches and banks such that you can push one button and set up both boards. Don
Nice info, Don (b3maniac):
I have years of experience playing piano and keyboards, but am still filling in the gap of some basic technical knowledge when it comes to actually programming and working with a keyboard (for both recording and performing purposes). I currently use a Casio Privia for live shows with the rock band I'm playing with, and for this I usually just manually change the patches. I know there is a whole world of keyboard knowledge that no doubt people like yourselves have. I would like to learn more, ideally by meeting with and talking to a keyboard specialist. I'm thinking it would be nice to find someone in my local area, a pro, who I could potentially meet up with and learn from. Do you have any specific suggestions on how I might learn more about keyboard gear, etc? Obviously, hanging out at Guitar Center is one way...
I have years of experience playing piano and keyboards, but am still filling in the gap of some basic technical knowledge when it comes to actually programming and working with a keyboard (for both recording and performing purposes). I currently use a Casio Privia for live shows with the rock band I'm playing with, and for this I usually just manually change the patches. I know there is a whole world of keyboard knowledge that no doubt people like yourselves have. I would like to learn more, ideally by meeting with and talking to a keyboard specialist. I'm thinking it would be nice to find someone in my local area, a pro, who I could potentially meet up with and learn from. Do you have any specific suggestions on how I might learn more about keyboard gear, etc? Obviously, hanging out at Guitar Center is one way...
happyrat1
Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Chris >>> Youtube and Google are your friends.
There are plenty of searchable youtube video tutorials which can help you a lot when it comes to learning how to program your keys and keys in general.
And Google is everyone's best resource for looking up text manuals and tutorials and simply sitting down and reading for an hour a night will take you a long way.
It's like everything else in life. There's a learning curve and we all have to crawl before we can learn to walk and run.
Gary
There are plenty of searchable youtube video tutorials which can help you a lot when it comes to learning how to program your keys and keys in general.
And Google is everyone's best resource for looking up text manuals and tutorials and simply sitting down and reading for an hour a night will take you a long way.
It's like everything else in life. There's a learning curve and we all have to crawl before we can learn to walk and run.
Gary
Chris, I'd suggest reading everything you can find on the topics of midi, computer music, home recording with computers etc. I seem to remember that one of the best tutorials I initially had was a user manual for the Ensoniq Mirage , plus a book on Home Recording by Craig Anderton. Any books you can find on the midi protocol and implementation will help you learn. I would loosley describe midi to be "16 telephone lines between two devices", each line being a separate channel. Don
Thanks Guys. Thanks for the tip, Don. I'm definitely open to doing some studying. Yet truth be told, my time is stretched thin as it is. It would be ideal to meet with someone who could help me with some basics that I'm missing. I used to think that I had to do everything myself, but now I really think that the more I can work with other knowledgeable people the better.
Actually, come to think of it, there is a nearby community college that has a good recording program--maybe I could team up with someone from there. I'll keep mulling it over.
Actually, come to think of it, there is a nearby community college that has a good recording program--maybe I could team up with someone from there. I'll keep mulling it over.
You're welcome Chris. I had been using a Casio Privia PX3 fto control my Muse Receptor, but had a couple of jobs which I needed to get set-up quickly. So, I tried gigging with just the PX3 and an XWP1. Then I started leaving the Receptor at home and only using the PX3 piano. I recently sold the PX3 and got the new PX5S, and I like the pianos much better.
I'd suggest doing some "hand on" experimentation with connecting two key boards via midi. That's when you really start learning. Don
I'd suggest doing some "hand on" experimentation with connecting two key boards via midi. That's when you really start learning. Don
Hi, Don:
What's a muse receptor? Lol. Honestly, gear terms just confuse me. I know how to play the keyboard, I know how to write music, not so much how to work with gear. Your patience is much appreciated.
What's a muse receptor? Lol. Honestly, gear terms just confuse me. I know how to play the keyboard, I know how to write music, not so much how to work with gear. Your patience is much appreciated.
Hi Chris, the Muse Receptor is essentially a custom built rack mount computer dedicated to hosting virtural (software based) instruments. Do a search on Youtube for "Muse Receptor" and you will find a number of videos. The Receptor
is known for it's stability in live use, and it's audio quality, but it also has a customized operating system that isn't that easy to deal with. It sounds great though. Don
is known for it's stability in live use, and it's audio quality, but it also has a customized operating system that isn't that easy to deal with. It sounds great though. Don
Hey Don:
Thanks for the information.
I'm guessing you perform a lot on keys?
Thanks for the information.
I'm guessing you perform a lot on keys?
Chris, I am a recovering sax player...lol. At least I was a sax player until about 1969. I then did double duty on horn and a little keys, but it got harder find gigs on sax and eventually I gave up sax altogether. I studied piano, some guitar, and received a college scholarship on reeds. (Ultimately I got a degree in engineering though...lol). By that point I was making my living playing full time and played a Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes, Arp String ensemble, and a mini-moog. I was a member of AFM local 502 in Charleston SC for a number of years, but eventually left the road and have since worked as an engineer. But, I still play keys when I have an opportunity and have a great time doing it. I work a lot with a funk group, and share horn work with a sax player who also plays an electronic wind instrument (EWI) to control sampled brass. We're able to do a credible job with some old soul hits and a few EWF tunes...you might say we're kind of large sounding 2 piece section....lol
I just can't lift heavy loads anymore, so light weight gear is good for me. Ergo some of the gear I have is because it's lighter to move around. Don
I just can't lift heavy loads anymore, so light weight gear is good for me. Ergo some of the gear I have is because it's lighter to move around. Don
Wow. Your experience is impressive.
I've been making a living in music first in the Bay Area, Ca several years, and now in Sacramento where I live. To date, most of my work has been in the following areas: playing solo piano gigs, piano accompaniment for singers, and piano teaching. I'm also a composer and songwriter, and my dream is to make my own music front and center in my music career.
I also currently play keys in a Journey tribute band, and we have a good following as well as some great gigs locally. Playing in a rock band is relatively new for me. I've been really enjoying that experience, and there's still a lot for me to learn about gear and using keyboards in live shows from a technical end.
I've been making a living in music first in the Bay Area, Ca several years, and now in Sacramento where I live. To date, most of my work has been in the following areas: playing solo piano gigs, piano accompaniment for singers, and piano teaching. I'm also a composer and songwriter, and my dream is to make my own music front and center in my music career.
I also currently play keys in a Journey tribute band, and we have a good following as well as some great gigs locally. Playing in a rock band is relatively new for me. I've been really enjoying that experience, and there's still a lot for me to learn about gear and using keyboards in live shows from a technical end.
To the OP: There are many programs that can send program changes. I use Cantabile to change "Songs" on my Fusion and then also load up whatever VSTs I want. I basically have one "Subsession" in Cantabile for each song we play. I simply select that Subsession from a Setlist or from an alphabetical list and Cantabile manages all of the program changes. So, basically, one button push can change everything in my whole setup. Forte is another popular software for hosting VSTs and sending program changes, and some people like to use Reaper.