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Quote:
note:
the new vocal processors that are triggered by audio and not by MIDI provide a different challenge, which I will address in the next post
here's how I obtain a dedicated audio chord stream to trigger devices like the new vocal processors, or in my case, the Digitech HarmonyMan pedal.
1) I set any MIDI tracks to use soft synths
2) I set BIAB to send chords to the MIDI port on a channel that goes to my hardware MIDI module
3) I run one of the audio outputs from my MIDI module to the pedal that needs audio chords
works perfectly, and it gives me something to use the old MIDI module for now that soft synths are superior (to mine, anyway)
The main reason for using the hardware module is because it provides me with an audio out jack. If you have a sound card that lets you direct output to multiple audio outputs, you can do it that way even better.
But, you will get best results if you isolate a channel with only chords, first note being the root note. If you send the whole song to the device, it will get confused. Don't ask how I know this.
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Yes indeed.
Focusing only on the MIDI input of the device when it can also take an Audio input to derive chords, one can simply invoke whatever software synth (DXi ro VSTi) and use an audio output for the input to the voice synth.
One could also still use MIDI by downloading and installing one of the freeware/shareware MIDI routers out there, which can be used in conjunction with BB to derive separated MIDI outputs by the channel.
Where there is a will, there is a way.
--Mac
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Quote:
So if you want to be the MIDI program trigger man, and you're a guitar player - what's the best MIDI controller (I would guess it has to be a foot controller) that facilitates storing, saving, and visually viewing the many different patch changes you might want in each different song ?
I use a Behringer Vamp (rack unit), but it's definitely not the best, it's just what I could afford when I bought it.
If you have a MIDI guitar, the VG88 would probably be quite fun. Line6, Digitech, Boss etc all have MIDI controllable gear. You want something with a PC editor? That WOULD be cool, but I never looked into that. I just fat-finger stuff into Piano roll based on the controller page that is always in the back of the manual
What I'd LOVE to find is a tube amp that has a way to control the knobs using MIDI input. But, even if that animal exists, I'm pretty sure I can't afford it.
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Quote:
So if you want to be the MIDI program trigger man, and you're a guitar player - what's the best MIDI controller (I would guess it has to be a foot controller) that facilitates storing, saving, and visually viewing the many different patch changes you might want in each different song ?
Behringer sells a programmable MIDI footcontroller that is, like most other Behringer offerings, very affordable.
Check to see that they still have it in their lineup, though. Dunno. My two are long in the tooth and still working very well, despite my attempts to kill 'em, portage inclusive.
--Mac
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Quote:
...as I recall the main limitation to using BIAB with vocal processors is the fact that BIAB only allows one MIDI port, which, until recently, was directed to a synth.
Good for you Pat, you remembered. It is the use of the VST/Dxi soft-synth which prohibits sending midi to the Vocal processor.
Quote:
...If your songs have all realtracks and no MIDI, you can direct this port to the vocal processor.
Yes Indeed.
Quote:
...I think its also possible to set the midi instruments to use a dedicated VSTi which then frees the port to be dedicated to whatever hardware device might find it useful.
This has not been possible in the past. Have you tried it as the VSTi still requires the selection of the default VST/DXi Synth in the Midi Output Driver Selection.
"...One could also still use MIDI by downloading and installing one of the freeware/shareware MIDI routers out there" Been there, done that, no joy - may just have been beyound my abilitiies.
Quote:
...I WILL say that it is a real hoot when you get BIAB and a voiceworks hooked up at the same time! It makes me fall in love with playing music all over again!.
On that point we are in complete agreement.
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?
I recall John Conley picked up a hardware vocal harmony synth awhile back, was using it with Band in a Box and posted how he accomplished same.
There are others as well, but I don't recall their usernames.
--Mac
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Yes, with an external hardware Synth it is very doable. But once the SoftSynth is evoked the midi no longer gets directed to the vocal processor.
Now John (Silvertones) did propose a way of redirecting channels within the tracks (or something like that - similar to your suggestion above), but that was way beyound my ability to comprehend and even he recommended two other options -1) use the audio signal not the midi or preferablly what he does, use RB. I moved to Reaper.
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Quote:
Good for you Pat, you remembered
ONE IN A ROW! WOO-HOO! I'M ON A ROLL!
(I can't remember ever remembering anything before)
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Quote:
Yes, with an external hardware Synth it is very doable. But once the SoftSynth is evoked the midi no longer gets directed to the vocal processor.
Now John (Silvertones) did propose a way of redirecting channels within the tracks (or something like that - similar to your suggestion above), but that was way beyound my ability to comprehend and even he recommended two other options -1) use the audio signal not the midi or preferablly what he does, use RB. I moved to Reaper.
As I recall (TWO IN A ROW!) John is doing this in Realband, which alows multiple MIDI ports. VERY easy in RB, and that's the way I like to do it.
But, back to BIAB:
I want to test a few things, then I'll get back to this topic.
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I did concock a way to use it in BIAB but I only did that to help those that what to use BIAB so I don't remember the workaround. Do a search if interested. Yes I use my Harmony G XT in RB and I use an AUDIO piano trck to feed the info. I made a style that uses only piano playing chords in root position. Works well.
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So John, do you think the conclusions of our efforts a year ago would be any different now with BIAB and its two revision changes?
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OK, just got back from testing. IT WORKS NOW! Here's how:
<<blah blah a bunch of wrong stuff blah blah>>
update: wrong. see next message
Last edited by Pat Marr; 01/06/13 02:18 PM.
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update:
no it doesn't work. Bummer.
I got so intent on noticing that I had a band AND MIDI to the voiceworks that I failed to notice that the MIDI instruments in the band weren't playing.
No matter how I toggle it, either the voiceworks gets the MIDI or the band, but never both.
It is SUPPOSED to allow the THRU channel to send data to the hardware port if you are using MME audio drivers with the "ROUTE MIDI THRU TO MIDI DRIVER" box checked... but that ain't happening here.
Sorry. False alarm.
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Ya, exactly as we left it a year ago.
Easy Options Include:
Move to RB
Move to Reaper (or other DAW)
Use BIAB but use hardware synth (no VST/Dxi)
Use BIAB with only RT's
Thanks for verifying.
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There is another easy way to use BIAB with one caveat. Your softsynths need to be VSTi.
1. DL and install Midi Yoke-Free
2. DL and install Cantabile Lite-Free
Canatabile is a VST/VSTi host. I use it in my live keyboard rig with a controller.To use it with BIAB and a harmonizer you use Midi yoke as the output driver and midi yoke as the input driver to cantabile. Insert what ever VSTi & VST effects you want in cantabile. Setup Cantabile to pass the midi data to your particular midi out that goes to the harmonizer. In BIAB do the "output Chords" thing. Set the harmonizer to receive on the same channel as the "output Chords" is sending on.
This is only for the more tech minded here.
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I was wondering if it was Midi-Yoke or Midi Ox that was mentioned before, Thanks for that Silvertones! 
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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