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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.
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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.
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Here is one thing I am ignorant about:
Is there any reason to use hardware when there is so much available in software?
I apologize in advance if the questions is stupid.
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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.
When you are at the checkout line and they ask if you found everything say "Why, are you hiding stuff?"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Here is one thing I am ignorant about:
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.
When you are at the checkout line and they ask if you found everything say "Why, are you hiding stuff?"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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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 BB2025/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
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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.
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The ketron sd 1000 is an amazing sound module.
Honestly I prefer it when writing songs to the real tracks it has a more natural sound.
I also tried loads of commercial midi files Neil Diamond ,the kinks,elton john etc.
And it blew me away to how near this module gets to original sound of these songs.
Some times I just add a wee pick/strum realtrack and its a peach.
Just cannot praise it enough.
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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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.
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Ok, so I am going to sound like a total Geek, but my favorite software general midi instrument BY FAR is the TTS-1 that came for free with Sonar. I love it. And I have Sample Tank 3, Syntronik, Philharmonik 1 and 2, and all the Garritan Libraries. And the Abbey Road Grand. And I love little TTS-1. I would cry if it stopped working. 
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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?
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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.
When you are at the checkout line and they ask if you found everything say "Why, are you hiding stuff?"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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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; 03/20/18 04:37 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
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jholman I don't hear any sort of hum any, more than I do from my roland jv2080. And then I need to turn volume way up. The ketron sd-2 is still on sale at thomanns,, https://www.thomann.de/gb/ketron_general_midi_sound_modules.html
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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sound on sound review for those wondering software/HARDWARE. https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=4884
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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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
Last edited by Bob Calver; 03/21/18 01:37 AM.
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I have the tts-1 as I have sonar pro, I have changed my computer and been setting up all my gear on the new one.
Can anybody tell me where to direct biab to find the tts-1, I have tried but cannot seem to find it..?
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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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 BB2025/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
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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.
When you are at the checkout line and they ask if you found everything say "Why, are you hiding stuff?"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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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. 
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