Basic newbie question about PCR-800 Inputs,

[Spiritos]

I use a PCR-800 to work in Sonar X2 and all works fine yet I have some questions.

Under preferences-> MIDI devices I notice I have 3 input options:

1. PCR MIDI IN
2. PCR 1
3. PCR 2

And under prederences -> Control Surfaces I can choose the same

What are the different functions of these controls? I cannot seem to find any answers to that.

Any help for a newbie would be appreciated.

[soundklinik]

Detailed answer is on page 14 of the manual.

1. PCR MIDI IN = physical MIDI cable
2. PCR 1 = receives data assigned to PORT 1
3. PCR 2 = .............................PORT 2
I don't use MIDI cable so I never 'check' #1, only 2,3, for USB connection
Do you have the PCR EDITOR?

[Spiritos]

Thanks, I did find the description in the manual though but what I don't understand is the different uses of port 1 and 2.

I read you can assign different messages to go through each port but I don't see the necessity. So in what kind of situation would I use these different ports and also, if I just use one port would it save CPU-power to uncheck the other?


I have PCR Editor but found no need to use this as I assign my controls with MIDI-learn and ACT.

[soundklinik]

Thanks, I did find the description in the manual though but what I don't understand is the different uses of port 1 and 2.

I read you can assign different messages to go through each port but I don't see the necessity. So in what kind of situation would I use these different ports and also, if I just use one port would it save CPU-power to uncheck the other?


I have PCR Editor but found no need to use this as I assign my controls with MIDI-learn and ACT.

Ports A/B: for more advanced midi assign, where for example you don't want some messages to be triggered, so you assign them to different ports and use/or not use that port.

I leave both ports ON as default in preferences.

I find the Editor very useful, especially for creating/saving/loading templates for various VSTs. Very quick and you can do changes on the fly.

The BC Manager/editor (from Mark) is much more sophisticated, a real gem

[Spiritos]

Thanks again for your answer although I must say I still can't think of a situation where I would need to use different messages on different ports but I suppose if I don't miss it I'll probably don't need it.

Having said that I realise I'm only a freshman where it comes to working with MIDI so maybe somewhere in my learning curve I'll eventually encounter a situation where I do need it and'll grasp it..

I have BC Manager since I joined the Yahoo-group for BC2000 but haven't used it yet, especially cause I thought it was intended to work with my BCR2000 and MIDI Tools was a more generic tool for working with different controllers.

Also untill now I find ACT and MIDI Learn more than enough to fit my workflow and level of understanding at the moment but same thing here.. I realise I have so much to learn so maybe someday...

[BertKoor]

I still can't think of a situation where I would need to use different messages on different ports

I know one, but I don't know weather it applies to this situation. A midi port has only 16 channels, each assigned to a seperate track / instrument (or patch on a multitimbral synth.) If you need more than these 16 channels, then the second port might come in handy.

but I suppose if I don't miss it I'll probably don't need it.

Quite right