MIDI Learn for Tracktion Collective & Biotek

[zzz00m]

I cannot find any way to assign a MIDI control to a parameter knob in the Tracktion synths.

The automation parameters work, but I am looking for a way to assign a performance control by mapping a knob on my controller to a control knob in Biotek.

Is there any way to do this? A text search of both manuals for "learn" came up with "0" hits.

Thanks!

[TSC]

Check this out:

[zzz00m]

Check this out:

Yup, thanks! I got that part. That works fine in the context of the Tracktion DAW. But that feature is totally dependent on the Tracktion host.

The Biotek and Collective instruments are VST plugins, so they may be used in other hosts. In all other modern VST instruments that I have, they offer an internal MIDI learn feature, that is completely independent from the host. Click learn in the plugin UI, move a knob on the controller so the VST can capture the MIDI CC#, and you are good to go.

I have been unable to locate this feature in the Tracktion synths. I also use Studio One and Ableton Live as VST hosts, and it would be great to be able to use these synths with other DAWs, while still being able to have MIDI learn functionality.

[chico.co.uk]

Do the midi learn features built into those hosts not work with Biotek and Collective?

[zzz00m]

Do the midi learn features built into those hosts not work with Biotek and Collective?

I realize those hosts offer control surface mapping.

But what I was referring to was the simple grab and go 'MIDI learn' offered by many plugins, without needing to map CC#s in the host. A controller is capable of sending MIDI CC to a plugin without being mapped in the host. Useful for quickly mapping volume, cutoff, resonance, etc.

For a good example, load up an instance of SynthMaster One or 2 in your host of choice. Right click on any knob and select "Midi Learn". Then turn a knob on your controller. The plugin remembers this CC link without needing the host to manage it.

I like both methods, as each is suited to a different task. Just noticed recently that the Tracktion synths do not appear to have this feature as far as I can tell, so that was why I was asking. This is a fairly common feature with many other plugins, although some do use a "Learn" button instead of 'right-click' context menus.

A short list of a few companies that enable this MIDI learn function in their synths: AIR, Cakewalk, IK Multimedia, iZotope, Native Instruments,TAL, u-he ...

[TSC]

Its been requested a couple of times - and is on the development list - just not got a date when it will be released

[zzz00m]

Its been requested a couple of times - and is on the development list - just not got a date when it will be released

Thanks for that info and clarification.

It would be a worthy feature update.

Especially for folks who work with more than one host. Having the plugin remember its CC links globally would be an advantage. For example, if you started a project in Waveform with Biotek, then exported your tracks to another DAW to finish the project, your plugin could remember the CC mappings, without having to duplicate the control surface setup in a 2nd host.

[chico.co.uk]

Its been requested a couple of times - and is on the development list - just not got a date when it will be released

Thanks for that info and clarification.

It would be a worthy feature update.

Especially for folks who work with more than one host. Having the plugin remember its CC links globally would be an advantage. For example, if you started a project in Waveform with Biotek, then exported your tracks to another DAW to finish the project, your plugin could remember the CC mappings, without having to duplicate the control surface setup in a 2nd host.

Does that actually work? If you map a hardware controller to a plugin, in one host, then use the plugin in another host, it remembers the mappings? I'm not sure I understand how that would work ...

[zzz00m]

Does that actually work? If you map a hardware controller to a plugin, in one host, then use the plugin in another host, it remembers the mappings? I'm not sure I understand how that would work ...

Sorry, have been away and forgot to answer this question...

Yes, it can work very well. The MIDI learn function in a plugin is not dependent on the host MIDI map, or control surface settings. It will even work if your controller is not configured as a control surface in the host. The plugin simply receives a MIDI CC# directly from your MIDI hardware and responds to that CC#, if configured to do so.

But it up to the plugin developer, as there does not seem to be any standard. I think the gold standard may be the way that KV331 implemented it in SynthMaster and SynthMaster One, giving you a choice for MIDI Learn (Preset) or MIDI Learn (Global) in the right click context menus.

The KV331 synths can store this data and if opened in another host, will continue to respond to the assigned CC#.

Some other synths have MIDI learn, but are dependent on the host to save the learned assignment with the project. In that case, just opening another project, or creating a new one will require resetting the controls for that synth.

My best example for this would be with using my keyboard controller as a control surface in Tracktion Waveform, but only assigning the transport controls, and the master volume fader assigned to rotary control (knob #1) in the control surface mappings.

By using MIDI learn In SynthMaster, I might have some rotary knobs set up for wavetable index (knob #5), and phase (knob #6), and the filter cutoff (knob #7) and resonance (knob #8).

These SynthMaster knob assignments will follow me to any project or host on the same computer.

Nice!

[mtelesha]

I have a Korg nanoKey Studio with an X Y Pad. I really think this is the best for just playing pads with Biotek 2, but no MIDI learning is frustrating.

[wpostma]

It's 2022 and none of the Traktion VSTs have MIDI LEARN support like normal plugins?

[wpostma]

I was about to buy Novum and BioTek and I can't believe these powerful synths lack basic amenities that every other plugin maker has.

[zzz00m]

I was about to buy Novum and BioTek and I can't believe these powerful synths lack basic amenities that every other plugin maker has.

Massive X from Native Instruments lacks MIDI learn as well.

[DCPImages]

MIDI learn and automation does work for NOVUM in Waveform. The problem is that the system has never been well explained or documented. It took me quite a bit of fiddling to work it out.

1. Open a NOVUM on a track in waveform
2. Add an empty automation track to the NOVUM track (click the small plus at the end of the NOVUM track)
3. Drag the small 'A' at the end of the Automation track and drop it on the NOVUM plugin in the novum track. This will open a menu with clickable parameters and learn for the plugin.
4. There is also a learn button in the master section at the bottom of Waveform. I think this is where you learn your hardware.

Anyway, whatever i did, it seemed to work... see screenshot below!
DP

[zzz00m]

I was about to buy Novum and BioTek and I can't believe these powerful synths lack basic amenities that every other plugin maker has.

Novum is not actually a Tracktion VST. It is independently developed by Dawesome, as is Abyss. Tracktion is just the distribution partner. peter@dawesomemusic.com

Biotek is a Tracktion product. support@tracktion.com