Roland GO:KEYS 3 / 5 custom MIDI Controller

[romandesign]

I've just completed the design and build of a MIDI controller that converts a great-sounding but somewhat crippled Roland GOKEYS 5 (or 3) to a full-featured performance synthesizer. Just wanted to share it here.

It attaches to the optional note stand screw holes for a secure fit, creating a unique vintage-inspired analog look and providing a plethora of sound-shaping controls together with visual guidance such as MIDI controller name and values, envelope and filter shape graphs, etc. The controller plugs into a USB port on the back of the keyboard, using it for an undocumented MIDI functionality and power delivery, and into an expression pedal jack. The dedicated USB-C MIDI port is left free and is available for use with a PC or laptop if needed.

Build plans and 3D models are available on my website: https://flightsimulation.romandesign.ca/product/roland-gokeys-3-5-midi-controller-build-plans/
The total cost of parts is ~$37

 

[happyrat1]

Amazing circuit bending. I bow to your old skewl hacking abilities!

 

[romandesign]

Amazing circuit bending. I bow to your old skewl hacking abilities!

Thanks! Getting around Roland bugs took a long time, but I really enjoyed building this.

 

[Keith Emerson]

Thanks! Getting around Roland bugs took a long time, but I really enjoyed building this.

Recently purchased the Roland GOkeys 5 and want to coax more synthesizer capability out of it but not as ambitious as what Romandesign accomplished (Kudos but Im not willing to take that on just yet). perhaps patching in a Roland P-6 sequencer for starters. Anyone try this or similar approach? Thank you.

 

[Rudinger]

Great setup, Roman! Your custom MIDI controller is truly impressive and inspired me to try something similar with my gear.

I am trying to connect my Roland S-1 directly to the Roland GO:KEYS 5. My goal is to use the GO:KEYS as a controller to play the S-1 (specifically for drone sounds). Following your findings, I connected the USB-A (External Device/Wi-Fi) port of the GO:KEYS to the USB-C port of the S-1 using a standard data cable.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had any success so far. I’ve already tried setting the S-1 to MIDI Channel 4, but it’s still not receiving any notes.

Am I missing a specific setting in the GO:KEYS menu to activate the USB Host mode? Or is it possible that the S-1 doesn't act as a standard 'Plug & Play' device for the GO:KEYS host?

Since the GO:KEYS 5 lacks the traditional 5-pin MIDI Out ports, I’m stuck. I know the S-1 has a 3.5mm TRS MIDI Input, but without a MIDI Out on the keyboard, I don't know how to bridge that gap without a computer.

Has anyone managed to get the S-1 (or other AIRA Compacts) running via the USB-A port? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[happyrat1]

https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Interface1-Converter-standard-Compatible/dp/B09S5YC2Z9/

 

[romandesign]

Great setup, Roman! Your custom MIDI controller is truly impressive and inspired me to try something similar with my gear.

I am trying to connect my Roland S-1 directly to the Roland GO:KEYS 5. My goal is to use the GO:KEYS as a controller to play the S-1 (specifically for drone sounds). Following your findings, I connected the USB-A (External Device/Wi-Fi) port of the GO:KEYS to the USB-C port of the S-1 using a standard data cable.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had any success so far. I’ve already tried setting the S-1 to MIDI Channel 4, but it’s still not receiving any notes.

Am I missing a specific setting in the GO:KEYS menu to activate the USB Host mode? Or is it possible that the S-1 doesn't act as a standard 'Plug & Play' device for the GO:KEYS host?

Since the GO:KEYS 5 lacks the traditional 5-pin MIDI Out ports, I’m stuck. I know the S-1 has a 3.5mm TRS MIDI Input, but without a MIDI Out on the keyboard, I don't know how to bridge that gap without a computer.

Has anyone managed to get the S-1 (or other AIRA Compacts) running via the USB-A port? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

When connected directly to my AKAI MPC ONE+ Roland is recognized as a MIDI source and target, and can be interacted with both ways, but MPC is a valid USB MIDI Host. I'm not sure how Roland it behaves with Client instruments. It can definitely read MIDI data from them (such as my interface). There is a setting in Roland menu for Tx channel - I think it's on 1 by default. You can change to any channel. Rx channel is fixed at ch4.