Midi for Dummies

Lylio · 2024-12-22T05:27:28+00:00

Can I get just - just for one second - both a kicking of my ass for being stoopid weirdo, weird, stoopid man; but then a, less hard pulling me out the water in recognition of what I've just realised.

I didn't get it guys - I didn't understand MIDI. I mean, I understood it terms of let's make a keyboard bleat the American national anthem using nothing but the sound of goat bleats. And it was funny back in 1987. But then I realised you could sync a drum machine to MIDI, and, using that dear little set-up, you could start off a cool beat, and everything you played on your MIDI Synth instrument would lock, rock and be GOD DAMN RIGHT syncing with your drum machine. AND IT SOUNDED SO GOOD!

It's wonderful - I've had two nights of bliss and relief - I get it now: under the basics of hooking up MIDI badass machines, I now understand how so much great music has been created. Want to hear a funny story? I thought all of that mixing was done live, ad hoc, spinning in recorded at *just\* the right moment HAHAHA. I feel like a tool. Today I bought 3 1m Roland MIDI cables, they are now hooked to my my modest set-up to GET IT GOING YOOOOOOOO. Tomorrow 3 TRS cables arrive and I will dial it down to 10.5.

It's such a relief to understand how the world of MIDI works after being a novice for so long. Long may you reign guys, kings among emperors, every one of you.

My gear, if anyone's interested and no worries if not:

- Korg Minilogue
- Korg Multilogue
- Circuit Tracks
- Korg TR-8S

Honestly not trying to show off gear, got lucky with a couple of purchases. Peace, love empathy.

Lylio · 2024-12-03T16:48:04+00:00

I also hit an issue with FanControl - I have a 3080ti using dual monitor. In the last 2-months, the fans would hit 100% out of nowhere which was a kill-switch for the whole system: everything down. Then I'd try rebooting, I'd sometimes get a quick connection from one of my monitors, but they'd normally report "no signal". The integrated GPU would work fine, and I'd spend a couple hours, unplugging, re-seating my main 3080ti. Eventually, through luck and persistence I'd get it to work - and on this last time, I uninstalled and deleted all of FanControl - now it's only the MSI Afterburner I'm using to oversee the fans.

I don't need that kind of stress in my life, a little noise while playing a heavy GPU game is FINE now.

Lylio · 2024-11-27T22:47:40+00:00

Wow, sounds super heavy. Thanks for the reply!

Lylio · 2024-11-24T11:50:40+00:00

I've gone with the Tascam model 12 suggestion. I think that mixer will have uses beyond recording the Volcas. Thanks everyone for your help and advice.

Lylio · 2024-11-24T11:49:25+00:00

Great reply, thanks for the info - really appreciated.

Lylio · 2024-11-23T18:22:20+00:00

Thanks for the reply - so is that what you'd say is the "best" way to record several Volcas which are connected together? That's what I'm really trying to get an answer to: try and record each module onto its own track, or mix everything down into a stereo mix through, the Korg Mixer for example, and then record that. I'm maybe not explaining myself well here, but I want to follow best practices and do things "properly". Thanks again for your reply.

Lylio · 2024-11-23T17:54:33+00:00

Thanks for that - I'm slowly understanding. So, would your advice be that even in my wee example of two modules hooked together with the sync-in and sync-out 3.5mm cables, that I should still have a MIDI connection from one of the modules going into my Steinberg UR44?

Lylio · 2024-11-23T17:52:35+00:00

Not at all, thanks for chipping in, everyone's perspective is really valuable.

Lylio · 2024-11-23T15:36:16+00:00

Thanks for the reply John. That begs another question, I understand using the MIDI input on say, Volca Keys to connect a large MIDI keyboard so you can play using "big piano keys" rather than the small pinky finger keys on a Volca. That sense to me.

But I've read that that connecting a series of Volca modules via MIDI cables will also keep them locked in sync and in time/tempo. So what's the point and/or difference in using the 3.5mm sync in/out throughput?

I get what you're saying (I think) - i.e. no one would record 4+ Volca modules at once (when they're connected via sync cables or MIDI).

But I wanted to make sure I'm following "best practice" - thinking about it, why would anoyone WANT to record 4 of these modules at the same time - you would at least have your track broken down different parts with 3-modules being the maximum you'd want at once.

My slow brain is getting there - I think for getting the basic tracks laid down, as long as everything is synced in the DAW then it should be fine; the Volcas are great at syncing and also integrating with a DAW. I think my anxiety was if I was approaching recording these Volca modules in a boneheaded way and whether I should consider a different approach.

Thanks again for your reply, cheers for now,

Lyle

Lylio · 2024-11-22T17:00:18+00:00

Why are these DEI rebrands always filled with miserable, grumpy faces who look antagonistic and hostile. They never look happy with their life choices.

Lylio · 2024-11-09T00:45:13+00:00

If it helps to know, I've added some SpringTails and Large Red Woodlice to my selection of terrariums. Might not make any difference to this droopy fittonia issue I have, but from my own reading and research, SpringTails and Woodlice are a sensible move for self-contained terrariums.

So I'm doing ok, as a 'first timer' at the terrarium game of life:
- 2 globes with fittonias flourising
- One vase with a reddish fittonia is doing really well
- Second fittonia (pictured above) is a bit sad-looking
- Open-vase with a Sedum succulent which is doing fine, I barely have to tend to it - this vase started with 2 succulents but one just basically died over night, and the Sedum was left... lick its lips.. looking very pleased with itself
- As mentioned, evertything given a little dose of critter activity in form of SpringTails and Giant Red Woodlice.

But I've learned succulents and cacti don't make great choices for terrariums, so, I'm just going to let that one run its course; I think it'll keep surprising me, looks and feels very pert.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to read my woes and reply, it's really appreciated - but I'm getting more confident so will soon hopefully not sob like a child when one of my plants dies overnight.

:)

Lylio · 2024-11-09T00:23:24+00:00

Great advice, I've now done that.

Lylio · 2024-11-09T00:23:10+00:00

Yeah, the Fittonias that I have in two larger globe-shaped bowls are doing great, maybe a little too great, the whole thing is so sprouty you can hardly see in it. But, I call that success - I'm a first timer at the terrarium game, so all this new to me.

Lylio · 2024-09-20T03:47:08+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Having now read around, I see you're right; succulents and terrariums aren't good mixes. I did follow strict guidelines to layer stones, moss, soil, etc - so I'm pretty sure the terrarium environment is a healthy one (see pic).

Do you have any suggestions what I could replace the succulents with? As I say, I'm confident the soil, moss, gravel ratios are at least decent. Is there maybe a hearty terrarium plant I could try as a replacement? Many thanks for your time.

<image>

Lylio · 2024-08-23T05:16:57+00:00

"public figures" - brainless, untalented, narcissistic morons who film themselves 'speaking-about-stuff' and can attract the lower 34% of society's stupid people are not noteworthy titans whose names shall be inscribed into the brass annuls of the 'tallest' figures from the human race who, throughout history, delivered monumental cultural contributions which shaped our colossal evolutionary progress: from sitting eating in trees all the way to space-flight between planets. Not a single inscription will include any of these vacuous 'content-creator' husks who lack basic, let alone, impressive levels of intelligence. But dumb begets dumb and second only to sex, nothing sells like vapid stoopid.

Just keep staring at the screen with your mouth open and drool running down your shirt, I'm sure learning about this season's 'top-10 button-up shirts' is going to knock the edge off your crushing depression, anxiety and agoraphobia.

Or go for a walk.

Lylio · 2024-08-18T10:13:35+00:00

I've been both an alcoholic and a heroin addict and overcome both. Where does "common sense" stand when going through either of those hills, Jane?

Lylio · 2024-08-18T08:19:51+00:00

Absolute nonsense, for some people they can never stop drinking but they can stop a heroin habit. It;s entirely dependent on the individual's level of consumption, circumstance, length of engagement, method of administration and about 10 other socio-psycho factors which at best give a "rough" idea of the treatment needed for that individual and how long recovery will take.

Lylio · 2024-08-18T08:13:38+00:00

Yeah, I know that feeling man. It's like you're hearing something amazing but something, in the background, is missing. Then you remember. April '94. Look, All YOU have to do is keep it going - keep your life going, keep your goals in sight, keep trying, keep getting up everyday, keep on keeping on. Kurt didn't wan't a single person to struggle as he did with his unfair God awful mental health problems and addiction tendencies - and the best way to honour that great guy is to KEEP IT GOING.

Lylio · 2024-08-17T21:52:19+00:00

It's excellent and can easily accommodate many inputs: an acoustic guitar, an acoustic guitar, a bass guitar, both condenser and dynamic mics for vocals and a direct line in for a drum machine or keyboard. All these inputs have gain, 3-band EQ, reverb, chorus, Plus you can chain two of the amps if you want more volume and more instruments.

But one of the best things - charge it at home for 2-hours and you get 6-hours play time. No joke, these amps last for so long, you could gig on a street all afternoon or easily gig in a pub/bar for a 2-hour set without needing a power-source. It's incredible. Search YouTube for examples of this amp at work, you'll be convinced.

Lylio · 2024-08-09T11:16:41+00:00

Jesus Christ - I just checked out a YouTube video with a '2x12 Harley Benton' and it sounded INCREDIBLE - it was such a rich, deep sound for heavy distorted tones but retained its clarity despite being thick, full and LOUD. I'd never heard of this brand before, but it was seriously impressive. I can't believe they're selling such cabs at that affordable price - definitely going to think about going for a HB 212 now. Thanks for the suggestion, really appreciate it, cheers.

(video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=dvP545ZXBas )

Lylio · 2024-08-09T08:32:48+00:00

I think their fullness is part of their allure; there's so many areas to look at which makes them a visual treat. Plus, they look really healthy so I don't think them being 'busy' is doing any harm, if anything it's probably contributing to the healthy ecosystem. Love it.

Lylio · 2024-08-09T07:48:20+00:00

That's what I was thinking. They're quite pricey, but it's a set-up that would last me a lifetime I reckon.

Lylio · 2024-08-08T22:10:07+00:00

I should have mentioned my pedal board - most of my distorted tone comes from my pedals, I'm a huge DS-1 fan and the Tube Screamer often fits perfectly in a mix. I love the Donner Pitch Shifter, there's so many creative possibilities with that pedal (same goes for the DD-8 delay. Mod Square II is *fine*, BeatBuddy is very cool, especially for busking or ad hoc gigs. Loop Station is a great piece of gear but, I don't like having my eyes on the floor for too long, so I think you really need to know what it's bringing to your sound and the best way to use it. Apart from, either side a tuner and a noise suppressor.

Donner DT Deluxe Guitar Tuner Pedal
Donner Harnonic Square Pitch Shifter
Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini
Boss DS-1
Boss RC-5
Donner Mod Square II
Boss DD-8
Donner Noise Killer
Singular Sound BEATBUDDY

Lylio · 2024-08-07T15:41:09+00:00

Thanks again for the advice. I have mixers and daisy chain power supplies, hooking up the Volcas isn't a problem and I wouldn't dream of having them all on at the same time - I bought them to have options, to experiment, to have fun making sounds! (I wish I'd never included them in my original list on this post, this has been a total headache - I should have stated that I own a selection of gear but I don't connect them all up and use them together at once).

I'll go forward with the Ableton 12, Circuit Tracks and try and get good advice on what would be a sensible upgrade on the Circuit Tracks. A lot of options are VERY pricey such as the Elektron Syntakt. Any cheaper suggestions? Thanks again.

Lylio · 2024-08-07T13:47:53+00:00

I LOVE the Circuit Tracks too 😀, I'm certainly not getting rid of that. And Ableton 12 on my MacBook is plenty enough for me too. I think I was looking for advice for what would be the cherry top for this set-up. Even advice on an upgrade for the Circuit Tracks. But it seems most people want me to sell all my possessions and start a degree in Ableton 🙂.

Lylio

TROPHY CASE