Which MPE controller -> for Zebra3 ?

[Funky40]

MPE controller for Zebra 3: -> Which one ?

From size and how i could handle the placing i hope you tell me: "Linnstrument".
JFYI: I`ve been a Bassist.......i`m not a keyboarder. But it`s long ago (accident, had to quit)



I`ve had the Osmose. I know how great it is. But the placing would be a big struggle. And it seems not really what i need. I have no clue if I and the Linnstrument would fit.

Erae2 was on my list, but for Drums, Percussion. I can`t see me playing synths with this. To few keys.


How good is the Linnstrument ? People seem to like it very much.


I think on a Linnstrument i`d see me playing mostly monophonic/Duophonic.
While with a Osmose i`d want to have 88 keys.

[pdxindy]

What DAW do you use?

[Fannon]

I have a LinnStrument. I would say it's pretty nice for playing lead / bass and anything that is more arp / like. Pads also work well. Monophionic, Duophonic is its strengths, imho.

What doesn't work so well is playing chords rhythmically (many notes at same time with clear attack). You'll also not have the same control over velocity. What's nice is the pitch sliding / vibrato and pressure. With the small pads, I don't think that Timbre works that well, at least it's difficult to have good control over it. But I also found out that to me having Pitch and Pressure in MPE is usually sufficient dimensions / expressability. I also like to use the bottom row as a modwheel via pressure - this can be played with thumbs of either hand. The build quality of the instrument is excellent.

[Funky40]

What DAW do you use?

That`s interesting that you ask that.

Nonne. I use Gigperformer. But i`m not sure if it is working now with MPE. In that case, i have many DAWs at hand. I guess you prefer Bitwig, right ?

I`m only really familiar with Ableton Live. But i like Bitwig much more for its visuality on my display, AND: i just have updated to 6.0.
I have also Cubase at hand, also just updated.


If i don`t have to do midi CC mapping for FX jam usages is any of these fine for me i guess. If i have just to play Zebra3 anyway. To record the playing as midi also.

IF i have to use a DAW, would i send the audio to Gigperformer since i have there my live jam FX and postprocessing in place. That`s nolonger a hassle or problem. GP has in the meantime it`s own "virtual audio cable" / audio bridge VST available.


To use a DAW to host Zebra 3 could even be an advantage, since these are multicore
Then just record Audio (which i can take into any DAW)

I have a LinnStrument. I would say it's pretty nice for playing lead / bass and anything that is more arp / like. Pads also work well. Monophionic, Duophonic is its strengths, imho.

What doesn't work so well is playing chords rhythmically (many notes at same time with clear attack).

I thought it would be so. mono/duopohonic would be my main aim i guess. I have a 88key masterkeyboard in place for normal keyboard playing.
Thanks for that input Fannon. Sounds good.

[vurt]

what do the uhe team favour?

[pdxindy]

What DAW do you use?

That`s interesting that you ask that.

Nonne. I use Gigperformer. But i`m not sure if it is working now with MPE. In that case, i have many DAWs at hand. I guess you prefer Bitwig, right ?

Gigperformer doesn't allow editing (on note) of MPE data. If you were a Live user, I would also suggest Push 3 as a possibility to look into.

I have an Osmose, Linnstrument and love them both. Since you are asking about the Linnstrument, it is freakin brilliant. Doesn't need/use any software. It's self contained and all configuring is done right on the instrument itself, so nothing to become obsolete. It's one of the few pieces of music gear I've bought over the years that I have no regrets purchasing and would immediately buy again if I didn't have it.

The Linnstrument is built well and has no moving parts. It has a DIN Midi out so it can be plugged directly into hardware synths (no computer needed). The Linnstrument can be configured which midi channels it sends out, and Timbre can be set to any CC#. My Elektron Digitone doesn't support MPE, but since I can set the Linnstrument to send CC2 (Breath) instead of CC74, and because it can be constrained to midi channels 1-4, I can play 4 voice MPE on the Digitone.

I have the small one cause it's portable, fits in a carry on, or in a regular backpack while biking. If it is mainly going to live in the studio, I'd get the big one cause there is more room for sliding notes longer intervals. I'm gonna buy the big one too, at some point.

I play both mono lines and chords. For Timbre, the distance is small so I don't use it trying to make smooth long changes. It does work well for plucked sounds and subtle variations. I find it easy to play chords. Anyone who has played guitar (or bass) should get along with it fairly quickly.

I also find the Linnstruments channel per row mode creatively useful. That mode won't directly work with Live since Live doesn't record each notes midi channel. That is one of the main reasons I prefer Bitwig. Also, since Bitwig's modulation can be per voice with Zebra 3 (and the other main u-he synths) CLAP version, that allows some unique possibilities combined with MPE and Note Expressions.

I'm glad to have both the Linnstrument and Osmose. Each does cool stuff the other doesn't or doesn't do as well. I consider them complimentary. I have an ERAE1 and never use it. It's collecting dust in the closet.

[Funky40]

It does work well for plucked sounds and subtle variations.

You say there something. That`s an important point for me.

No, Push3 is not for me. Also a thing of integration space wise. I can`t fit that in.
I want to start to use Bitwig anyway. It`s visually better for my eyes.

I can place a Linnstrument on top of my Masterkeyboard since depth is within what my masterkeyboard offers in width. I just need to build a stand/board to cover the masterkeyboard.

Yeah, i thought the bigger one would be better. While the smaller one has it`s own apppeal with that handy size. I watched some videos bevore posting. The small one looked like just a few colums to little. It seems restricted in regards to the freedome of doing slides.

ok, there has been a B-Stock for both sizes each at Thomann. I grabed me the bigger one. I`ll give it a go.


Feedback ve. the Linnstrument looks everywhere quite positive. And no real negatives coming up.

Thank You very much @pdxindy. Much appreciated.

[tapper mike]

Linnstrument for the win.

Regardless of your previous instrument experience there is a learning curve. Some take to it like water and some take a little longer. I say this as being the Admin for the Linnstrument users page on FB. For every 12 people in eu who want to try before they buy one is selling it after a months use losing interest.

As for me I've sold off all my keyboards after playing keys for 40 years. Instead I use two 200 linnstruments

[zerocrossing]

There's no right answer, or anyone who can answer this question for you. I've had a Linnstrument and a Roli Rise 49. I took to the Roli pretty much instantly, and within a week I was able to play with some degree of proficiency. I'm by no means great, but I can get around.

Then I decided to try a full size Linnstrument. The best thing I can say about it is that it does percussive sounds better than the Rise. It's super awkward to play chords on, it's small pads don't really give you much in the way of excursion for expression, and sliding is not great either. Add the learning curve of the different layout, and for me, it was not worth it.

So for me, the things that work best are a Kontrol S61 mk3 with polyphonic aftertouch, a Roli Rise 49 and occasionally an old Maschine mk1 for MPC style input. I might take to a 61 key Osmose to replace the Kontrol, but money is tight at the moment and I seem to be doing OK. My issue with committing to the Osmose is that it does not to arbitrary note sliding, which I use a lot.

[Funky40]

Thanks for the input !

Since all reviews i found ar full of praise for the Linnstrument -as you folks here are- , did i go for it.......and it`s now already on its way. ( no wise decission financial wise. but screw it. I`ll survive)

Yeah, it`s clear, some might not gel with the Linnstrument. I`ll see where i come to fit.

[tapper mike]

I play the linnstrument every day. One has the speed bumpy surface. I find that having the curved rows gives you a little more wiggle room for up down access. But it feels stiffer. I like it less for chord work. It works better for me if I extend my arms so it gets the back position.


As for the standard 200 surface I find it's great for everything. I'm playing about 15 percent mpe on it though.

I'm prolly the only "film composer" guy who doesn't like swam. I prefer the sonuscore collection and VSL synchron flow more. I also prefer a good fader box for expression.
(not this one)


I settled on this one.
https://share.google/4OtvP9loKwF9mvs7l


It is not without faults. Mostly support. When setting up parameters you need to use the webpage midi editor and... You need to use an isolated usb connection not a hub otherwise it will not flash(return) the new parameters (channel/cc) to the controller)
I got zero support after many attempts and over a weeks time. Had they had some type of documentation or even the slightest response I could have resolved the issue.

[Fannon]

Thanks for the input !

Since all reviews i found ar full of praise for the Linnstrument -as you folks here are- , did i go for it.......and it`s now already on its way. ( no wise decission financial wise. but screw it. I`ll survive)

Yeah, it`s clear, some might not gel with the Linnstrument. I`ll see where i come to fit.

Do tell how it works out for you

You'll need to give it a bit time, like any instrument it needs to be learned. But it does feel like a proper instrument, unlike many MIDI controllers.

[tapper mike]

I used to have "maps" for chord and scale forms in standard tuning. Can't find them now.

Roger Linn and I disagree on some things. For diatonic scales there are three forms. The forms are based on which finger you use to start the scale from the root. If you play scales diagonally you really only need one form. That's how RL teaches. However I've found that scaling isn't as fluid using that method. I'd rather use the three form method and play front to back for three octave runs.

For basic major and minor chords and inversions there are three different ways to voice primary, first and second inversions. Some work out better than others with minor chords. With diminished only two are really easily playable.

It seems like everyone else loves interdependent (left and right hand) scaling but me. It's fun fast and easy.

[Funky40]

I settled on this one.

Additional faders are not a problem here (see the photo below)


I setup my E-Bass like edit: E,A,D,G,C.....i`d like to setup the Linnstrument +- derived from there. At least for a start. My intention is to learn to play monophonic lines. And: i very much like duophonic. I`ll have these very much under focus.

I have first to tinker job a stand together. Has to sit on top of my masterkeyboard where my QWERTY + TP is placed. But i really have no hurry. It was such an unplanned purchase. Even if it`d take me weeks to start. I mean i can improvise something on my 2nd Table. First search for sounds i like to play with the LinnS.

My masterkeyboard is not good for Synth playing. And i`m not a trained player. That would be to good if the LinnS was suited for playing faster lines. I could imagine it does that.......


Faders at disposal: (taken right now)

ITB-table_sideview1.jpg

it`s a highly highly specialised setup. It makes HW feel like old ......well outdated..... vs. live jam usages. "Especially" vs. any form of live play/jam haptics.

as sayed: the LinnS *has* to come to sit where my QWERTY + TP are lying here on the photo *. Anything other than that would be some early on "let`s have a quick look" setup.
(* edit: of course occupying the space of the keys as well. just the full depth there)

I`ll see.........it`s funny, i have no anticipation, no inner unrest, no excitement,....just un unplanned purchase.....cause there were these two B-Stocks ( both sizes / so i had choice on a B-stock pricing).

[tapper mike]

It does indeed. You will be amazed at the short "throw"