Limitation of Hardware or MIDI Map?

[EdSevered]

Hello Everyone,

I apologize if this has been asked here before, or anywhere for that matter, because I can't seem to find it.

I have a Roland A-300 Pro midi controller that I am trying to map the controls to NI Massive. The keys work fine and as expected.

I get the Midi Learn function in Massive and have used it, it works well.

I think what I am trying to accomplish is to be able to use the same group of rotaries (9) or sliders (9) to send different midi codes based on the status of of one of the bank buttons (4). I have experimented with the Roland A-Editor program, but have not had any success.

Does anyone know if this is possible? If so, how I might go about it?

Thanks, in advance.
Ed

[BertKoor]

My guess is this is impossible indeed. "Bank Select" has no "state" attached to it. It is just another type of Midi message, usually sent immediately before a ProgramChange if the next patch is in another bank of 128 patches.

[dsan@mail.com]

BertKoor is correct.

Once you assign a midi cc to a control (slide or knob, etc.) you are limited to that specific cc until you change it. Changing it then loses the previous control command (cc)

It may be possible, depending on the A-300 and your DAW, to send the message to multiple tracks simultaneously. You may want to experiment with that.

But anything you send to one track will also affect all other tracks you have assigned.

Hope this helps and good luck with you quest.

Happy Musiking!
dsan

[EdSevered]

Thanks guys, for your replies!

So, if I understand correctly, to midi map to my DAW or VST's, etc. that have many virtual buttons/sliders, (such as a synth, like Massive), I would need a controller with just as many physical controls?

I am thinking of controllers like the Behringer BCR2000, Evolution UC33e, or the Vestax VCM-600. Or maybe one of the Livid Instruments devices, such as the Alias or Code.

If I remember correctly, Novation Auto-Map functionality will allow the adjustment of any virtual control with any hardware control if you position the mouse cursor over the virtual control while operating the hardware control. If this is true, using one of the Novation Zero controllers might be a workable compromise.

Does anyone know if there is any midi controller that is capable of select-able controller banks like I describe above?

Thanks again,
Ed

[dsan@mail.com]

Theoretically you are correct in your assumption; however, I don't think you will find a controller with that many mechanisms.

I use the Zero SmKII and love the device; however, I do not use the Auto-Map and mainly use the Zero for controlling tracks (play, volume, record, etc) opposed to vst's.

The thing with Auto-map is many Vst's are already mapped for you and so it is ready to be controlled when you open the Auto-Map version of the instrument. As far as I know everything controllable is premapped in the Auto-Map versions and you can change the assignments if you would rather.

I don't know anything about the others you mention and think the Zero is your best choice, based upon my experience with the Zero.

Rather than taking my word though you should probably visit a store in your area and check them/try them out to be sure it will serve your purpose.

As BertKoor pointed out, banks control which program changes are to be selected. Program changes are the sounds of the instrument. I think you may be confusing banks/program changes with midi cc....two different animals.

Hope this helps!

Happy Musiking!
dsan

[EdSevered]

For anyone one that might be interested in a potential resolution to this topic, I think I may have found a midi controller that has the capabilities and flexibility to provide hardware "banks" or groups of controls.

The Allen & Heath XOne:K2 appears to provide just that functionality through their control "layering" feature, one review states that it is like having "three of these units side-by-side." Anyone willing to provide feedback on this controller or any other with this capability, PLEASE do.

Hope this helps and thanks again for your interest.
Ed

[dsan@mail.com]

Interesting! Salivating now

Thanks for the heads up on this.

Happy Musiking!
dsan