My long-time favorite MIDI module, the Ketron SD2, is dying. I might buy another, but I see it's no longer available. Anybody have any thoughts on the best midi module for BIAB that's out there now? I'd prefer to spend less than $500, but I could spend more for something that's way better than less costly alternatives.
For your information, the Ketron SD2 can be replaced by the Ketron SD1000. See the Ketron website for checking the specifications and the demos. This device is in your budget frame and it offers a better sound quality than the SD2.
You can also read the different threads in the forums regarding the SD1000.
My long-time favorite MIDI module, the Ketron SD2, is dying. I might buy another, but I see it's no longer available. Anybody have any thoughts on the best midi module for BIAB that's out there now? I'd prefer to spend less than $500, but I could spend more for something that's way better than less costly alternatives.
What do you mean it is dyeing? I have hard synths in my rack that are over 30 years old and still working just fine.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up. Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Is there any reason to use hardware when there is so much available in software?
I apologize in advance if the questions is stupid.
That is not a stupid question. The only reason that I can think of, right now that is, is that one's system can't handle it.
I have heard some free GM soundfonts that rival some GM hard synths. But since I do not use GM for anything except BiaB, I have only the GM that comes with BiaB.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up. Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
My SD-2 is working intermittently as well, so I get that it may be dying.
Why hardware vs. software; well, for one reason, the SD-2 actually has some very good GM (and additional) sounds. The solo flute from my SD-2 fooled a professional flute player when I used it for a flute solo in one of my songs.
I will admit, I haven't had a lot of time to troubleshoot. I have seen that you can maybe reapply the firmware, but I've also seen too many reports of other people's SD-2's getting bricked in the process. I don't think it's the computer, because it just started acting up one day and I get the same results across multiple computers (a mix of Windows 7 and Windows 10).
I may also have to take a look at the SD-1000.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
What do you mean it is dyeing? I have hard synths in my rack that are over 30 years old and still working just fine.
The Ketron's sound has started to fade out intermittently. I've done a bunch of tests to rule out any issue with computer hardware and software, the audio interface, the midi interface, the mixer, cables (audio and midi) and everything else. It's the Ketron, which served me well for years. I also have some older midi modules (Roland and Yamaha stuff bought in the late 90s) and they still work, too. They just don't sound great compared to the Ketron.
Is there any reason to use hardware when there is so much available in software?
I'm not all that up on current software. In the past I used orchestras and jazz bands from Garritan and a synth from Native Instruments and probably some others. I liked some of the sounds, but they didn't seem all that easy to use with either BIAB or Logic Pro, compared to hardware. Also, with software, it seems like there can be more of an issue with a company making updates for the latest Mac and Windows operating systems. If the software is discontinued or no longer works with my Mac or PC, I'm out of luck. I haven't been keeping up, though, so some of my concerns may be off base.
The ketron sd 1000 is an amazing sound module... Just cannot praise it enough.
Thanks. I'll check it out. The only thing I didn't like about my Ketron SD2 is I thought it was a bit noisier than some of my other equipment, though you could rarely hear it in a mix. I ended up patching in a hum eliminator between the Ketron and my mixer, which helped. I take it noise isn't an issue with the SD1000?
The Ketron's sound has started to fade out intermittently. I've done a bunch of tests to rule out any issue with computer hardware and software, the audio interface, the midi interface, the mixer, cables (audio and midi) and everything else. It's the Ketron, which served me well for years. I also have some older midi modules (Roland and Yamaha stuff bought in the late 90s) and they still work, too. They just don't sound great compared to the Ketron.
Thanx for letting me know. So both you and John are having the same problem. That would make me wonder if I would want to buy another synth from them or not!
I hear you about those older synth sounds. They are dated for sure and a lot of progress has been made in sampling since then. But they still work, i.e. Yamaha, Kawai and Roland synths.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up. Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
OK just a thought: does anyone know with certainty if a SD-2 does or does NOT have a CR-2032, CR-2016, BR-2325, or similar internal battery?
Almost ALL these modules, even just small ROMplers/synths (e.g., Alesis Nanosynth and Roland SC-8850) have them. As well as almost every other piece of rack gear and keyboards I own (multi-Fx units, MIDI patch bays, all my ROMplers, keyboards and synths). I change batteries every 5-7 years no matter what in ALL my gear even though they say they will last for 10 or more years and they SHOULD but you never know so I apply the "why wait for disaster" rule - yes it is overkill.
IF, again I say IF, the SD-2 does have a battery it MIGHT be getting too weak, or more likely it is actually DEAD and these "intermittent" SD-2s are caused because by applying power you simply bring back partial functionality when nonvolatile ROM functions and memory load - but zero information that might be maintained in volatile battery backed flash RAM.
Again just a thought Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 03/20/1804:37 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
another vote for the TTS-1 although I've got the edirol hypercanvas version. apart from one of the kick drums not responding to velocity changes it's great.
but it is getting old and I worry about replacing it if ever it proves incompatible with updates. I like some of the Forte Dxi sounds but not all so I tend to stick to the Edirol.
lots of soft synths available but none I can find that are simple GM2
Larry, that's a good point about the battery. I haven't taken mine apart yet, but I plan to. Too many competing priorities has kept me from troubleshooting as much as I like.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
Gentlemen, from what I have read yes the Ketron SD-2 does have a rechargeable battery. However I would think that the power supply would negate the battery. Have you checked the power supply output? You might check it at the start and when the unit starts to act up.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up. Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
OK just a thought: does anyone know with certainty if a SD-2 does or does NOT have a CR-2032, CR-2016, BR-2325, or similar internal battery?
I just took my SD2 apart, having nothing to lose at this point. I don't see a battery. There is a fuse and a thing I thought at first was a battery, but it's actually a small 1000uF 16V capacitor which I messed up. (Took me a while to figure that out -- electronics isn't my thing). Here's a picture of what's inside the SD2 if anybody's curious. A sticker says it was tested back in 2007. So it lasted at least 10 years.
MarioD has good point on your power supply and its worth checking.
Jholman - since you opened it up and took a pic I can’t make out what that light blue component (directly north/up) from power input is (see my pic)? Is that the component you thought as a cap? And I have no idea what that silvery blob right next to it is either – at first glance I thought it was a TUBE – LOL. Just the picture angle I’m sure but I really can’t imagine what it is (also see pic)
BTW since you never opened it before you knew the factory fuse was correct so I’m just explaining the fuse color codes as info item (and to confirm that that fuse is correct): The big blue band at right means it’s a normal acting (not fast or slow acting) and the other three color code bands: green, black, brown = 500 mA (as indicated on by the printed notice on the board itself)
One parting thought (as an old tech who still does all my own repair work) I’m NOT a fan of connectors being directly soldered to PCB.s (e.g., the MIDI & RCA jacks) the force of inserting and removing plugs can break traces and pins to the trace ESPECIALLY on “free floating” (unsupported) connectors like on the SD-2. Yes A WHOLE lot of companies do it, and on almost ALL GEAR even very expensive high end gear. From a technician or seller point of view that’s great – it keeps business booming, but not so great for end user who isn’t very gentle.
(MarioD, assuming the end item was designed with a battery to begin with, then having power does NOT negate having a battery - unless you NEVER turn it off and never pull the plug, and even then it might still trickle power OUT to something.
If it does have a battery then there is some little bit of volatile memory in use or, in case of your PC or watch, at least an oscillator that needs to stay running (like the one used to keep your clock current on your PC and keep CMOS refreshed).
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 03/21/1805:55 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
For those that have a Ketron sound module and live in the US, +++ HERE +++ is a list for US dealers. Most repair as well as sell. The US distributor, AJAM, repairs and offers upgrade packages.
I agree so many uber soft synths out there but it means endless tweaking if your song does not sound decent with a GM2 synth, then adding NI's Komplete 14 to the equation will only make things worse IMHO
Bernard Rasson
BIAB Audiophile 2021, BIAB Megapak 2015 (for midi-only projects), Cakewalk, Roland XV-5080, Roland Fantom XR, Aria AC60 Nylon Strings Guitar, Almansa Spanish Guitar, Fender Stratocaster Japan, two laptops Je parle français
My long-time favorite MIDI module, the Ketron SD2, is dying. I might buy another, but I see it's no longer available. Anybody have any thoughts on the best midi module for BIAB that's out there now? I'd prefer to spend less than $500, but I could spend more for something that's way better than less costly alternatives.
This device is in your budget frame and it offers a better sound quality than the SD2.Speed Test
You can also read the different threads in the forums regarding the SD1000.
For $500, you can buy a large number of vintage modules on eBay or Craigslist. I've given most of mine away to my daughter in Austin but I bet she never uses them anymore. I still have my JV 1010 and a Sequential Circuits piano module but I no longer recall why I kept them. My interfaces still have 5-pin DIN connectors but they've not been used in a very ling time.
I've been using Komplete Ultimate Collector's, SampleTank Max and a few others for years now. For live performance, there are a number of iOS VIs that I load onto an iPod Touch 7 that weighs 3.1 oz/7 oz with hub.
BIAB 2023 Audiophile, 24/60 Core M2 Mac Studio Ultra/8TB/192GB Sonoma, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer 11, LogicPro Finale27.4, Dorico5, Encore5, SmartScorePro64, Notion6, Overture5
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