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Hello,to any Ketron SD4 users. Are any of you still experiencing problems with usb connection to computer? I also read Mac commented on a time delay when changing patches using the SD-4's control. Have any of these issues been addressed by OS update. I'm thinking of purchasing the unit and any response would be appreciated.
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I have an SD2 and it changes patches fine and I don't notice any delays.
I use a 5 year old Midisport Uno to connect the midi device to the computer though. The Thru cable goes to a vocal harmony box from the SD2 and this changes harmonies on the fly. I'm using Midi ch 5 for this and band in a box outputs triads on the channel you select (in my case both the box and band in a box have soloist set to midi ch 5) and you select to say send triads to the box you can see the change being sent and the chord shows up on the box.
So I know that the SD2 works perfectly with Win 7 64 bit using a Midisport USB to midi cable on the current version of band in a box because the box flashes when receiving midi and the patch changes I insert into the Soloist channel via F5 cause the box to change from say one harmony like 4 part to 2 part on the fly. This has never not worked.
I cannot speak to the SD4 being the same however, I never researched, bought, or trouble shot the SD4, and for all purposes, never had to shoot the SD2 for misbehaving.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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The SD4 has keypad buttons on top from which you are supposed to be able to tap in the numbers for a certain Patch and change the Patch. Well, you can do that, but there is this annoying PAUSE while it switches banks that I've never been able to deal with in live use.
I have found that programming a Keyboard Controller to send the Patch number and Bank that I desire with a single button push is a great solve for that problem, though.
All in all, if use with BiaB is the main concern, I think I'd recommend the SD2 for that anyway. The SD4 is like having 2 SD2's in one box that you can address at the same time, a feature that BiaB can do with the Thru channel and one MIDI synth Bank anyway.
My USB has performed from day one and has performed properly. It is Class Compliant Plug 'n Pray, no drivers need be installed.
However, the key to using USB MIDI is that the device must be turned on, plugged in and recognized by the Operating System before starting a host program like BiaB. BiaB looks for installed devices when it starts up and if you wait until BiaB has already started to hook up a USB MIDI or Audio device, BiaB won't report it as being there.
--Mac
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Thanks for the response John. Since you have the SD2 is it possible to connect the SD-2 to a computer and keyboard simultaneously. Both my computers have soundcards with midi in and out connections. Audio outs would be going through small mackie mixers connected to sound cards audio connections. Usually use a yamaha s-90 for playback via midi (not usb). Wanted a smaller desktop unit for flexibility between computers and future laptop purchase. Can you provide a quick hook up guide for Sd2--computer--midi keyboard? Presumed the SD-4 would give me more connection options. Thanks again
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Thanks as well Mac. Am I correct in that when I download and install Ketron SD Pat. and Ini. files I will have access to all voice banks in Biab and Real Band? Have not used this feature since I presently can control patch changes through my s-90 in Seq. mode. Your info is appreciated.
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The Ketron pat files give you access to the whole 'shebang'. No problem there.
The SD2 has midi in and out. Over the years I've used every configuration, and I came up with this. Band in a Box to SD2 in. SD2 out to my voice box for harmonies.
SD2 RCA to mixer.
Keyboard to mixer.
Mic to voicebox (TC helicon voicelive)
voicebox to mixer.
I have run my keyboard through to band in a box and out to the SD2. I don't like it, I have a new Korg with great sounds.
I use about 10 midi tracks in a typical day of playing about 3 to 4 hours.
I use hundreds of RealTracks so.
The Ketron is the best sounding all around midi device.
There are guys who shop around and use this for this and that for that, they buy a midi virtual 1881 Cornet played in a Sousa Band and demand that that work with several other things and end up stuck. (The latter example is fictional. ) Simple is best.
I think PG music ships next day and has a 30 day money back thing too.
So get a usb midi interface, as Mac said they just work out of the box, and a Ketron and rock and roll from there. And try setting Band in a Box to sub in RealTracks and compare the two.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Thanks again John. From what I've heard from internet samples the SD-2 sounds great. I was hoping to contol those sounds from my keyboard while hooked up to the computer using Band in a Box/ Real tracks. For simple playback without keyboard using Band in a Box I would simply hook up to my Echo Mia Midi's(soundcard) midi IN and Out to the SD2. Don't know if there is another reason for me to purchase and connect a USB interface as suggested. When I use my current S-90 as the BIAB sound engine the Midi connection works great for me. Just wanted a smaller module for ease of hook-up. I can see that using the USB to Midi would be necessary on a laptop or computer without Midi Ins and Outs. That is why I considered the SD4 so that I could have other connection options. Since the sounds are the same I'll probably purchase the SD2 and save some bucks.
Last edited by bluzkeez1; 04/20/11 09:35 AM.
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I understand.
I let band in a box play Ketron, and I like my own sounds. Sometimes I just change the patches. I often mute the piano on the Ketron because that is what I am playing.
I also play horns and in that case I the the Ketron or Realtracks play the piano part.
It's all in what you want to do.
I ended up with a big mixer, and then ditched it for a Bose L1 Model 2. I still have a Roland Cube keyboard amp, several other mixers etc.
I decided to empty my mic cases today for my European Vacation. My pills in one, my power cords and adapters in another, and my misc. usb cables and stuff in the 3rd. Keeps things in order. Now I've got my mics on a shelf. Maybe my daughter should lock the house while we are away. Knowing her she leaves a door open someplace anyway.
John Conley
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Quote:
Thanks again John. From what I've heard from internet samples the SD-2 sounds great. I was hoping to contol those sounds from my keyboard while hooked up to the computer using Band in a Box/ Real tracks.
This can be done, provided your keyboard has programmable buttons on it or at least a way to tell the Ketron which of 4 Banks to select from. Most all keyboards will send the first GM bank no problem.
Quote:
For simple playback without keyboard using Band in a Box I would simply hook up to my Echo Mia Midi's(soundcard) midi IN and Out to the SD2.
There is no MIDI Out on the SD2, only MIDI IN and MIDI Thru. To use just the SD2 with BiaB, connect the MIDI Out of the computer to the MIDI IN of the SD2 with one MIDI cable. Connect the L & R stereo audio outputs of the SD2 to your soundcard line input.
Your keyboard's MIDI Out would then connect to the computer's MIDI In.
--Mac
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