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Posted by sentokan on Nov-20-2007 01:07:

Sequencing more synths....

I got a MV8800 and I want to sequence through it Virus Ti and another three synths using midi.

The thing is that I only got 1midi in and 1 midi out on the MV8800 (the same like any other sequencer or computer).

How can I drive all my synths from the sequencer? Please help me guys!
(I don't want to record the midi tracks in audio tracks)

Thanks so much!!

Posted by echosystm on Nov-20-2007 01:23:

Re: Sequencing more synths....

quote:
Originally posted by sentokan
How can I drive all my synths from the sequencer?

sell it and buy a computer

Posted by derail on Nov-20-2007 01:25:

With 4 synths, you should be fine just chaining them together. Start at one end with a MIDI in, then go MIDI thru to the next synth's in, then all the way through to the last synth.

The synth you want to use as a MIDI controller can have a cable running from the MIDI out into the MIDI in of the MV8800.

Naturally, all the synths need to be set to their own MIDI channels. That way you can send the four channels out and each synth will only react to the information intended for it.

Once you build up more of a collection, either get a few 8 way MIDI splitters, or pick up something like a Steinberg MIDI interface. They're very solid devices, they have one with 8 separate outs. That'd cover you for the time being (then, once you build up a massive synth collection, start buying external 8-way MIDI boxes. That way you can just turn on the synths you want to use. If you have synths chained together via the MIDI thrus, you need to turn on every synth up to and including the synth you want to send MIDI to, which is a hassle, if you happen to just want to use the one at the end of the chain!)

(aha - oops - I don't really know what an MV8800 is, my answer was directed more towards standard computer use. Still, if the MV8800 can send separate MIDI channels, then yes, chain them together)

Posted by Freak on Nov-20-2007 01:30:

You need to learn the lost art of daisychaining synths my friend.
In the days when producers were not spoilt for choice with 80 million outputs, you had to chain stuff together.

Sequencer out to Midi in on synth 1
Midi thru- midi in on 2nd synth
midi thru- midi in on 3rd synth etc

You can also substitute midi out ports for midi thrus if they only have an in/out but have a thru function (99% of synths with no thru port DO have a thru function to turn the out into a thru).

Works well

Just remember to put your rhythm (drum machine etc) as near to the start of the chain as possible.

Alternatively pick up a multi midi box- MOTU and emagic make some 8in/8out ones which are rock solid.

Posted by Watts on Nov-20-2007 13:22:

Chaining is not always recommend (what happens if your synthesizer doesn't have MIDI Thru) and you can only have so many links.

You want a box like this: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...-Box?sku=702504

Posted by Freak on Nov-20-2007 15:57:

quote:
Originally posted by Watts
Chaining is not always recommend (what happens if your synthesizer doesn't have MIDI Thru) and you can only have so many links.

As posted above, you then you activate the thru function on board which turns the midi out port into a thru. Most synths with no thru port have this function in some form. If not, then you get a midi split cable and split the chain. Or buy a thru box.
In theory there is no limit to the links...but in practice you get delays once you have lots of chains which is why you put the beats near the front.
You can also get drop outs occuring... MIDI isnt exactly amazingly reliable in general.

Chaining still works very well though.
Don't forget this is how it used to be done- there was no other choice.
You would sequence from an atari with one midi out, and chain all your gear together.
Thousands of records were produced this way, so don't knock it.
It also introduces the accidental element into things- where you might select the wrong channel for example, and get something unexpected which takes you in a new direction with a track.

Posted by sentokan on Nov-20-2007 19:52:

THANKS SO SO MUCH GUYS!! U'VE BEEN GREAT AND I'M AMAZED TO HOW QUICKLY U RESPONDED! U ALL HELPED ME SO MUCH, I'M NEW TO THIS THING, SO THANK YOU AGAIN!!

Posted by DJ RANN on Nov-20-2007 21:26:

quote:
Originally posted by Freak
As posted above, you then you activate the thru function on board which turns the midi out port into a thru. Most synths with no thru port have this function in some form. If not, then you get a midi split cable and split the chain. Or buy a thru box.
In theory there is no limit to the links...but in practice you get delays once you have lots of chains which is why you put the beats near the front.
You can also get drop outs occuring... MIDI isnt exactly amazingly reliable in general.

Chaining still works very well though.
Don't forget this is how it used to be done- there was no other choice.
You would sequence from an atari with one midi out, and chain all your gear together.
Thousands of records were produced this way, so don't knock it.
It also introduces the accidental element into things- where you might select the wrong channel for example, and get something unexpected which takes you in a new direction with a track.

Basically you can link about 6 midi devices in a chain before running in to problems. It is unfortunately different for each piece of kit though: you can only link one other device after three elecrtibes in a chain as the midi goes out of sync, but i've seen 8 roland devices chained before without problems.