that Novation Remote 25 would fit so perfectly on my TV tray

I almost hate to mention this (for fear of pushing you over the edge into wild abandon), but the Novation accepts Ni-Cad batteries, and will sense that and recharge automatically over USB, or when connected to a PS. You can kick back on the couch and program templates, if you like.

i know the feel of the keyboard can make a real difference in how one plays x-y controller -- that's be sweet

You've got to try one in a real-world situation. The velocity curves are just about perfect, or you can set it to send any static velocity value. The X/Y allows for two programmable parameters in each direction. With the unique effects that you can employ [tapping; glides; warbling vibrato; hammer-ons/pull-offs; static pitchbends; instant directional changes], it's just about made my pitch bend joystick/wheels obsolete for performance techniques.

those Korg percussion pads -- do they rrecord midi as like 1/64th notes

I haven't found an on-line manual, but Korg has provided an extensive MIDI Implementation document, in the traditional 'DOS'-like formatting. I see that you can assign notes, and that they respond to both MIDI Note Ons and Note offs, and that you can set them to Momentary/Toggle. I'd think this would not have that 'pulse-trigger' effect that you mentioned, but I'll find out for sure today. One more note: the sliders all seem to be high-res 14-bit controllers, utilizing both a MSB and LSB. I do see something in there that might override this, so that may be for internal processing only.

..i´ve found a video of the emu keyboard here...

http://trio.harmony-central.com/ramgen/WNAMM05/E-mu-Xboard.rm

torkay

It was mentioned before, but I just want to say that I do use Edirol PCR's extensively and they work great. I have a PCR50 in the studio and a PCR30 for the road. The new PCRM's are even better as the feel of the keyboards is really excellent (for un-weighted keys). I believe they are the same keyboard beds that exist on Roland synths. Lots of knobs and sliders and the drivers are superb.

BTW: Mapping the buttons to lanes in the Groove Matrix and jamming on synths with the knobs controlling filters and the arpeggiator gate is completely INSANE. OMG what fun.

"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel." WG

Hi Whitefalcon,

I have the Ozonic midi controller from M-audio. The Enigma Editor seem complicated. I am also trying to put together a template for P5. I'd like to setup presets for Psyn and Dimention as well as trasnspot and faders.

Another happy PCR-30 user here. I bought into the $199 PCR-30 & Kinetic CW special last December and have been on the path to financial ruin (due to gear lust) and sleep depravation (trying to absorb all of b-rock's tutorials, apply them to the gear, and attempt musical creativity). As it's really my first MIDI controller I can't really offer any comparative opinions and, like Brandon, I toss it in the back of the car and take it places -- only I usually have to pick up a couple of the knobs from the sliders off of the seat and reinstall at my destination!. Not what I would call sea-worthy, but certainly capable.

But does anyone have any suggestions for just a pad-matrix controller that could complement a standard keyboard controller? Something similar to the control surface on the Kontrol49 would be ideal, but without the rest of the distraction$.

Any thoughts?

Bradster

For a pad-matrix controller:

• Akai MPD16 (out for a while)
  
• M-Audio Trigger Finger (very new, looks promising)
  

- Jim

Thanks Jim!

I don't know why I didn't stumble on these earlier? I like the looks of the M-Audio unit for sure, as well as the price. Akai seems more geared towards the true professional market and is usually priced accordingly. M-Audio seems to be firmly implanted into the upscale consumer/pro-sumer space. I have the MobilePre USB and love it.

Mo' gear, mo' gear, mo' gear....



B'ster

Bradster (or anyone else who can help...):
why would keys on a PCR-50 fail to track?
i've noticed that my keyboard is starting to get dead keys when i play into it.
The only thing that saves me is that i have an old JV-30 hooked up to it on midi in and have turned on V-link. I'm gonna take it to the shop next week, however i would like to know what the likely culpret is...


help!

My site i guess;)
Monstruousubergeekyhardcorefunkytrancepolkaoptimism Lives!!!

ORIGINAL: Bradster

Thanks Jim!

I don't know why I didn't stumble on these earlier? I like the looks of the M-Audio unit for sure, as well as the price. Akai seems more geared towards the true professional market and is usually priced accordingly. M-Audio seems to be firmly implanted into the upscale consumer/pro-sumer space. I have the MobilePre USB and love it.

Mo' gear, mo' gear, mo' gear....



B'ster

I saw the M-Audio Trigger Finger at Messe, and it looked really cool. The first thing I thought was, "wow this would be perfect for P5". I'm sure it's also great no doubt for things like Reason, Ableton Live (as I'm guessing it was at least somewhat intended for) as well as various samplers, drum machines, etc.

Recently my interest has also been piqued about using an SP606 to control P5v2. Hmmm....

"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel." WG

Dusty environment, or did it take a hit? The first two things that came to mind were dirty contacts, or a hairline crack in the circuit board traces.

ORIGINAL: MurderDethKill

Bradster (or anyone else who can help...):
why would keys on a PCR-50 fail to track?
i've noticed that my keyboard is starting to get dead keys when i play into it.
The only thing that saves me is that i have an old JV-30 hooked up to it on midi in and have turned on V-link. I'm gonna take it to the shop next week, however i would like to know what the likely culpret is...


help!

You should definitely contact Edirol about this. I think they may be able to help you.

"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel." WG

Hey MDK,

The PCR is barely 4 months old and still going strong. But I do seem to recall reading somewhere about the dead key issue. I assume that once a key goes dead, it remains so? How old is yours? Is it still under warranty?

For what repair work usually costs, I figure this only cost me about $125. If it starts to go, it goes!

ORIGINAL: Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk]


You should definitely contact Edirol about this. I think they may be able to help you.

Thanx Brandon!!! I'm in the process now (or maybe monday, Honey-dews)
I've had it for over a year and it only started doing it recently.
As i've never had this problem before, do you think they could resolve and or advise me?
How is their customer support? I have used roland products almost exclusively and this is the FIRST time i've ever had a problem with any of their products! (i wish i could say the same about some of my other hardware, amps, etc...) My only complaint has always been the (translated) Manuals, untill now.
Wish me Luck!

My site i guess;)
Monstruousubergeekyhardcorefunkytrancepolkaoptimism Lives!!!

ORIGINAL: Bradster

Hey MDK,

The PCR is barely 4 months old and still going strong. But I do seem to recall reading somewhere about the dead key issue. I assume that once a key goes dead, it remains so? How old is yours? Is it still under warranty?

For what repair work usually costs, I figure this only cost me about $125. If it starts to go, it goes!

Nooooooo!!!!tell me there's hope...Wahhhh!!!
If this is the case which controller Doesn't have the dead key issue? Which is most reliable? The older *Vintage* ones....I mean c'mon. In addition to using an old JV-30 that only needs a new battery every 5 years or so I have an ancient ensoniq mirage and it's keys work fine. Tell me the new Keyboard controllers are made better than that!!!
please?


edit:
a little over the top for me perhaps...

My site i guess;)
Monstruousubergeekyhardcorefunkytrancepolkaoptimism Lives!!!

I can tell you the truth, or I can tell you what you want to hear.

Seriously, the only other keyboard I ever owned was a mini-key Yamaha something-or-other. It had a 1/8" stereo out and maybe 100 cheesy sounds, no MIDI nothin'. Think Casio, not DX-7. I ended up giving it way several years ago due to non-use (and moving across the country), but it still worked after like 14 years dents and all. And I even gigged with it!

By comparison, the PCR seems poorly constructed. The knobs (OK, the knob) on the Yamaha never fell off in the back of the band wagon. It sounds like the other things you have are much better built.

I would definatley contact Edirol though and at least give them a chance to make good. Especially if this is a wide spread problem.

Oh, and you didn't answer b-rock's ? about the drop testing. I can't see one of these things making it past a 12 - 18" smack.


Somebody correct me here, but isn't the Edirol branding a more consumer-oriented line as opposed to the more pro-centric Roland parent?

B'ster


<edited for yet more bad spelling>

Bradster -

Edirol is somewhat more consumer-oriented, but it's also more "desktop music" and "desktop video" oriented, compared to Roland. Roland-the-company doesn't make audio interfaces, etc. (although, come to think of it, my A-37 controller is a Roland product). Boss is the brand I usually think of as the "less professional" sister line to Roland.

Personally, the Novation ReMOTE 49 looks very appealing! Especially with an order of Trigger Finger on the side.... (uh oh! There goes the new DAW I wanted to build.... )

- Jim

ORIGINAL: Jim Wright
Boss is the brand I usually think of as the "less professional" sister line to Roland.

I usually think of Boss as their Guitar Line. Things used to be so much clearer in the old days.

I usually think of Boss as their Guitar Line. Things used to be so much clearer in the old days

True, Mike but then you've got aberrations like the SE-series, that almost succeeded in straddling both worlds. I've still got one [SE-50] kicking in the studio: the display occasionally scrambles like Jardim Do Mar giving up a secret, but the algorithms are still sweet for a processor its age [what has it been now? 15 or 20 years of service?]. Deep MIDI implementation; pitch-shifting; better-than-average reverb; in a 'non-stomp box-like' half-rack package. That lil' box has treated me well.

Oh, Mike from Sonarama? Damn! Everytime that I see you post, I think about re-visiting your site to join in the fray there & perhaps secure some hosting services, as well.

Jim,

I think you nailed it right there -- "Desktop audio". That's the marketing euphamism for "don't even think about taking this stuff on the road".

But watch out for that gear envy. It's very contagious around here.


b-rock,

You bring up an interesting point -- of frustration. Even after shedding a lot of stuff over the years (I've been from NH -> Boston -> San Francisco -> LA since my gigging days), still can't part with some of it 'cause it's just too damn well built. I'm staring down at my 20+ year-old Cry Baby as I write this. At some point the old 'gator shack gets full up and, like a bulimic after a buffet, you gotta purge.

By comparison, most of the hardware these days is utter crappola. If my keys start to fade on the PCR, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to ditch it.

Mabye this is the industry's way of forcing us to simplify our lives. On the other hand, look at what Dan Deacon has done with old crap.


B'ster

ORIGINAL: b rock

Dusty environment, or did it take a hit? The first two things that came to mind were dirty contacts, or a hairline crack in the circuit board traces.

sorry i didn't get back sooner b-rock, i bought the PCR-50 in July '03, still have the case and original styrofoam packing, etc.
Never have dropped it, don't allow smoking in the studio, and i keep it clean with a soft dry cloth (no abrassive cleaners, just abrasive synth lines...)
ahh well, such is life.

BTW i called my local authorised Roland repair guy and he said the exam/labor fee at $85
and to replace the contacts @ $10 an octave- at 4 octaves= $40 for a total of $125. (excl. tax)
idunno IDTIW...WDYT? I mean that's half the dang cost

My site i guess;)
Monstruousubergeekyhardcorefunkytrancepolkaoptimism Lives!!!

ouch $125 now im scared of taking in my korg to get its contact repaired

I still use my old DX7 as a controller. Talk about a roadworthy board. It logged 1000's of miles in a nylon case with no problems. I bought it new in 1984, and it's never been in for repairs once.

There are a few limitations,,, it only sends output on channel 1 and doesn't go to 127, only 64 patch changes, but it has a lot of great CC's. Sustain, Pitch bend, Mod wheel, Aftertouch, Volume, Breath control,(I don't have that anymore, a cat got the cord on mine) and the data entry slider can be used.

The action on a DX7 is superb, too. I've seen them used for $150. It's worth consideration anyway.

I hear you harmony its a nice keyboard!. i still use my kurzweil K2vx as my controller, tho ill probably get a unit that has extra knobs to go along with it, or a whole new controller.

Hi,

Do you know if you can reverse the action of the sliders on the Remote 25 in order to set them to drawbar mode so that they can be used with virtual tonewheel organs like Native Instruments' B4?

Thanks... -Henry

Do you know if you can reverse the action of the sliders on the Remote 25 in order to set them to drawbar mode so that they can be used with virtual tonewheel organs like Native Instruments' B4?

Easy-peasy. Just move one of the sliders, and press the Edit button. Page up to the Low Value screen, and change the 0 value to 127 with the Data knob. The next page is the High Value: change it from 127 to 0. Repeat this for the other seven sliders. Save your template, and you're done.

It's an even simpler process in the Remote Editor. Just click on each slider in succession, change the values as above, and send it to your Remote. I was one of the original Remote25 owners nagging Novation for a template editor. It took a year or so, but I'm very happy with the results. One of those things that makes life easy ...

ORIGINAL: Fullmoon

Thanks so much

I've got a decent list of keyboards to check out. The new Edirol PCMR-30 & -50 mentioned is worthy...many others. I'm not a keyboardist the 32-50 key range will work. I like the having the extra controllers that can work with P5 & Sonar 4. Going to Atlanta next week...I'll probably return home with a new toy.

David

I just replaced my PCR50 with a PCRM80 and I really love it. The keys feel way better now and it has 61 keys which I've been missing for quite some time. Also, I checked out the new Korg Control49 and man it looks perfect for P5. Have to say that thing got me thinking...if it only had 61 keys I'd put one in the studio no doubt. Lately I've been using a PCR1 for triggering grooves and controlling the P5 arp and using the PCRM80 for playing synths and tweaking parameters. This is a nice combo. The better feel on the new PCR's REALLY makes a difference if you are a player...my takes are much better now. Also, the Novation Remote 25 controller has an excellent feel...I've always thought they had the best feeling keyboards ever since I played a Supernova II. I just wish they'd make a "Remote 61".

One thing I love about the Edirol controllers is that the drivers are just plain rock solid...install them once (version 1.0 in most cases) and they just work...I've plugged three PCR's into P5 before with no problems and no extra driver install or anything. This is one thing I've always liked about the Edirol controllers. I can't comment on the Korg or Novation drivers as I haven't used them yet. They sure look nice though....

"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel." WG

Also, the Novation Remote 25 controller has an excellent feel...I've always thought they had the best feeling keyboards ... I just wish they'd make a "Remote 61".

Psst! Hey Brandon. They do. Look in here..

IMO, the 2.3 drivers and the template editor [Novation] are great and better-than average, respectively.

ORIGINAL: b rock

Also, the Novation Remote 25 controller has an excellent feel...I've always thought they had the best feeling keyboards ... I just wish they'd make a "Remote 61".

Psst! Hey Brandon. They do. Look in here..

IMO, the 2.3 drivers and the template editor [Novation] are great and better-than average, respectively.

OMG....thx for the heads up B.

This thing looks really slick...oh man now what do I do....what do I do....? I have to say, I really want one of these. Maybe I need a triple-manual setup:

PCRM80
Remote 61
Kontrol49

I could put them all around me and go all prog-rock!

"The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel." WG

I could put them all around me and go all prog-rock!

Let's complicate things even further. Here's my suggestion: get two PCR-M1's, and two Novation Remote25's. Sacrifice the Korg Kontrol49 for a Trigger Finger, and go all b-rock instead. Five unique controllers that can be configured as one huge controller, five separate ones, or any combination in-between. It's not a keyboard stack per se; more like an Array.

ORIGINAL: Brandon Ryan [Cakewalk]
This thing looks really slick...oh man now what do I do....what do I do....? I have to say, I really want one of these. Maybe I need a triple-manual setup:

PCRM80
Remote 61
Kontrol49

I could put them all around me and go all prog-rock!

Given the rave reviews everyone is logging for your presentations I'm sure yer boss will get you all those--especially if it helps sell software, right?

Bob
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