How do you control your hardware (MIDI wiring) with Usine ?

[La Tenaille]

Hi everybody.
I'm going to restart my MIDI configuration from the begining, and in order to open my mind (and steal your ideas ) I'd be curious to know how you control your hardware in Usine. I'm only talking about hardware in and out of your computer.

My own hardware is simple :
- Roland FC300 (midi pedal board)
- Roland VG-99 (virtual guitar effect)
- TC Electronic voice works plus (vocal harmonizer).
and perhaps a korg nano module if needed

My goal would be something flexible and storable with PMs. For example : same switch having different behaviours from song to song, easy control of a lot of parameters in my VG-99 and VoiceWorks, simultaneously and with visual feedback not to be lost when affecting CC, etc..
Thanks for your help

[senso]

I think your question is maybe too large for a precise response?

[La Tenaille]

You must be right. I'm going to start something and will be back once I'm stuck

[gron]

Hi la tenaille,

It's been 7 years since you started this thread and I find myself on a similar path to you (and maybe cash in some of your "steal your ideas" karma )

I thought I'd check on your progress. I'm just at end of the first week or so of Usine and still not sure how to best go about what I have in mind. We have some hardware in common so I wanted to see if you could offer some recommendations?

I have an FCB1010 (with UNO) and also a Roland FC-300 (am trying to decide which is better for the task). I am looking to control my VB-99 (similar challenge to the VG-99) along with some other external devices (actually the TC Electronics Voice Works plus is loosely on the future shopping list also).

I guess I'm interested in where you landed and what you might advise someone who is just starting to look in this direction?

My goal is to set up one or the other of FCB1010 or FC300 to send Sysex to the VB at the same time as sending midi to other hardware (sansamp PSA-1, lehle 3@1 and an Eventide H9 for now).

...And I'm looking to keep it as simple as possible! :rolleyes:

I'm just looking for a little advice and starting points if you can help.

Thanks!

[La Tenaille]

Hi gron,
Yes 7 years
I've decided at last to cut the rope between my FC300 and VG99, my FC is now in control change mode and I don't (can't...) send messages to it. The reason is you can't stay in sysex mode and use the FC300 for other gear. VG99 takes FC300 control and doesn't want to share, no way to avoid that. The only solution if you want to control FC300 led and screen is to disconnect the RRC cable (RJ45) and replace it with 2 MIDI cables and external power : I didn't want to, RRC is so convenient !
I keep my FC300 because : rock solid, two expression pedals, 6 external switches input. If you prefer 10 switches with direct access, use your FCB I've bought a softstep for its lightweight... but haven't used it yet

[gron]

Thanks, yeah - technically it was 7 years to the day!

I've also just started chatting with Bsork in this thread - You've also been there and shared your concerns over there and have predicted my pain. I may go for the multi-cable set up if it all plays nicely. It's a toss up between that or the extra pedals on the FCB1010.

For now I still have my Usine training wheels on so I will continue to learn for a while and decide later.

I've also considered a soft step but I'm trying to learn more before my collection of stuff I'm not using gets any bigger! I also like the single cable solution. Trying to stay as compact as possible!

[La Tenaille]

Softstep is impressive : sturdy, compact, highly configurable, self-powered. I'm just waiting for a new project to switch. I'm not motivated to upgrade my old workspaces
My little advice would be : don't let Usine distract your wishes, define your needs before starting anything. Sometimes 1 controller and 1 MIDI learn are enough in live situation