need advice optimizing my midi setup for VSTi control

[rtx1224]

hi.

long time lurker, first time poster.

i have a computer based setup that is more or less working, however it is not optimized in the best way that it could be.

actually my post will be regarding two main issues:

1. how best to route the hardware
2. optimizing midi gear for vsti control

...

1.
here is the equipment i would like to play together optimally:
novation remote 49SL compact
behringer BCR2000
akai mpd18
dell vostro laptop running cubase 5 and various VSTi's

(i also have a rme baby face, mackie monitors, and smpro monitor controller but none of that is relative to this topic)

at this moment, I have the akai and novation hooked up via their usb ports into my laptop, and the BCR is hooked into the novation via midi (bcr out into novation in)
this setup works but im not able to get vsti patch feedback into the bcr, and when i hook up another midi cable (bcr in, novation out) it causes massive issues with notes being triggered and looping repetatively.
i used to have the BCR hooked up via its usb port, but for whatever reason that setup did not work along with the novation (just to clearify I want all 3 controllers to operate one synth at a time)

so. what is the best way that i can set this up so that i can get patch parameter information into the BCR?
id like the LEDs on the BCR to change accordingly when i change a patch in a VSTi
is it via the midi method and i need to enable a function or setting within one unit or another?
or with all 3 controllers connected via usb?

.

2.
the really big issue that has been plaguing me forever is a seamless and integrated setup (or lackthereof) of controlling a VSTi with my controllers.

what im trying to achieve is: To Always Control Same Synth Parameters With The Same Knobs. (like a hardware synth)
in other words, i would LOVE to be able to switch from one VSTi to another, highlite it in cubase, and instantly all my knobs are controlling same parameters (regardless of vsti).
i realize that all synths are different and that i could never have the perfect setup, but i would like to dedicate all the knobs on my BCR to always control same common function that the majority of synths have (for example filters, envelopes, oscilator functions etc...)
currently i have to assign them each and every time and frankly its making me not want to do it at all and im tired of adjusting everything with the mouse. (to be honest this has turned me off of using VSTi's and computers in general for making music, but i would like to get back into it.

so am i limited to only using VSTi's that have the 'learn' function?
if that is the case, then that is too bad, but eitherway i would be willing to invest some money into buying a few proper synths and learn them well, as long as i can have them set up like a hardware synth and spending time tweaking knobs instead of assigning them.

if i can set this up and be able to use any VSTi (not just ones with midi learn) then that would be awesome as that would really open up a whole world of inexpensive and free vsti's available especially through kvr.
i originally bought the novation for this reason, but the 8 knobs is just not enough and i dont even like their feel and i dont want to be switching banks and looking at the little lcd strip.

if what im trying to achieve is not possible, then id be willing to invest in something like a arturia controller with the included libraries, but as a last resort.

help is appreciated.

[rtx1224]

anyone?

[dsan@mail.com]

Can't help you with Q1 as I do not own any of those; however, short response to Q2....

Set up your templates so that they all control the same parameter via the knob or button you want.

I believe you have the option to use Automap with the 49SL. There are lots of instructions at the Novation site to create the templates:
http://us.novationmusic.com/support/pro ... %20COMPACT

Naturally, to control via midi message your vst will need midi learn function.

HTH

Happy Musiking!
dsan

[rtx1224]

im trying to use the behringer to control all parameters (it has 32 rotaries).

the novation automap feature is for novation products alone is it not?

[Phil999]

in order to get parameter feedback into the BCR, the DAW must be able to send back MIDI. Many (most) DAW's don't have this option.

[rtx1224]

in order to get parameter feedback into the BCR, the DAW must be able to send back MIDI. Many (most) DAW's don't have this option.

This is something someone else mentioned on another forum.
He said that most VSTI's do not send out midi either.

apparently ableton live can however.
does it do proprietary wrapping of VSTs?

If i invest in ableton live, will I be able to achieve what i want regarding full duplex control and patch parameter feedback?

a long time ago when I had windows xp on another laptop and had the BCR plugged into it via usb, I was able to get fullduplex parameter feedback with propellerhead Reason. it was beautiful; I changed a patch on one of Reasons synths, and the LEDs on the BCR would adjust accordingly.
Im sort of trying to acheive that with cubase and plugins but Im starting to get the impression that it is a lost cause.