Software Sequencing Basics

Transcription

1 October 12, 1998 software sequencing basics Software Sequencing Basics Supplemental Notes Roland gear is often used in conjunction with a variety of software sequencer programs. The purpose of this document is to describe the basic functions of some of the more popular sequencing programs. This document is intended to describe a few key sequencer functions. For in-depth instructions, please consult the owner s manual for your software program or your software manufacturer. We will start out with some commonly used terms we will encounter while sequencing. We will then move to a general discussion of the different MIDI interfaces available for Mac and PC platforms. Next, for each sequencer we will describe the MIDI connections required to hookup your sequencer to other MIDI devices. Then, we will cover how to select the sounds of MIDI devices from your sequencing program. Next, we will describe how to do a basic recording with each program. Then, we will discuss how to record and playback system exclusive messages. Finally, we will discuss how to synchronize your sequencing program with various MIDI devices. Please note the specific software versions and format discussed. Using a different version or format may produce slightly different results. I. Common Sequencing Terms and Definitions Before we get started, it would be a good idea go over a few definitions of some common terms used while sequencing: MIDI Channels - All MIDI devices use MIDI channels. MIDI channels range from They provide a computer with the ability to send note data to a particular instrument without getting confused with other instruments. For example, a typical MIDI channel setup might include a Piano on Channel 1, a Bass Guitar on Channel 2 and a Drum Kit on Channel 10. In this configuration, the computer could send the appropriate notes to each instrument on its assigned midi channel. This would avoid the Drums playing a part intended for the Piano player. MIDI Interface - A MIDI Interface is used to connect your MIDI device to your computer. It allows the two devices to talk to each other. We will have a more elaborate discussion of MIDI Interfaces in the next section. Program Change and Bank Select Messages - A Program Change is used by your computer to select a sound on your MIDI device. Program Change numbers range from (or depending on the manufacturer). A Bank Select Message allows us to choose alternate Banks of 128 sounds. The Bank Select Message is a relatively new addition to the MIDI specification, so older devices may not necessarily respond to these messages. Bank Select Messages consist of different assigned values for Controllers 0 and 32. Synchronization - When using multiple sequencers, or a drum machine with another sequencer it is often desirable for the two devices to play, start and stop at the same time. This is referred to as synchronization. Typically, you have a master device and a slave device. When the master device is started, the slave device will automatically start at the same time. MIDI devices use two primary methods for synchronization. MIDI Beat Clock sends measure and tempo information while MIDI Time Code sends timing information (hour, minute, etc.). System Exclusive - At times, it may be necessary to backup the sounds of your keyboard or sound module. Most MIDI devices allow you to backup your sounds by sending the data out the MIDI port as System Exclusive messages. These messages can be recorded by a sequencer and played back (loaded back in) at a later time if needed. Tracks - Sequencer tracks are not MIDI channels. A Track in a software sequencer is similar to a Track on a multi-track recorder. Just as you can record any instrument (or multiple instruments) on a tape recorder track, you can record any MIDI channel (or multiple channels) on a sequencer Track. Some people prefer to set up Tracks 1-16 to correspond to MIDI channels 1-16 to eliminate confusion. Most programs allow you to set several Tracks to the same MIDI channel. This is useful for recording multiple parts (tracks) for the same instrument (MIDI channel) - like a drum kit Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 1 of 13

2 II. MIDI Interfaces Types of MIDI Interfaces There are many types of MIDI interfaces available for Macintosh and Windows based computers. Prices range from $30 to $500 depending on the features you need. When choosing a MIDI interface, you will need to determine the number of discrete MIDI channels required for your MIDI studio. This may sound strange considering that there are only 16 channels available in MIDI. However, interfaces that are referred to as multi-port interfaces contain multiple MIDI connections that are divided into separate ports. Each of these ports contain 16 discrete MIDI channels. If your MIDI studio consists of a single 16-part multitimbral keyboard, a basic single port interface should be sufficient. If your studio consists of multiple MIDI sound modules, keyboards, samplers, or drum machines, you should probably invest in an interface with enough ports for each device. Setup Procedures The setup procedure for your MIDI interface will vary slightly depending on the type of interface and computer you are using. On the Macintosh, MIDI interfaces are usually connected to the printer and/or modem port(s). The interface is then controlled by the sequencing software itself or by one of three programs: Apple MIDI Manager, OMS (Opcode), or FreeMIDI (Mark of the Unicorn). On Windows based computers, MIDI interfaces are usually connected to the serial port, parallel port, or directly to the sound card. Each interface will probably have its own software drivers that will need to be installed and configured properly for the interface to operate correctly. Troubleshooting Tips If you are having trouble getting your MIDI Interface to work properly, there are a number of common troubleshooting techniques you can use to determine where the problem lies. On the Macintosh, most setup problems are the result of conflicting extensions in your system folder. Try disabling any extensions that are not absolutely necessary for the program to run and restart your computer. On Windows based computers, the most common setup problems are the result of conflicting IRQ and/or Port Address settings. Make sure that each of the devices connected to your computer is set to its own IRQ and Port Address and that the corresponding software driver(s) reflect those settings. Defective or incorrectly connected MIDI cables are other common problems encountered when configuring a MIDI sequencing setup. Also, many MIDI interfaces have the ability to filter out specific MIDI messages. Make sure that your interface is not filtering messages that you are trying to record. NOTE: Most manuals contain a troubleshooting section regarding the setup and operation of that product. Be sure to follow any troubleshooting suggestions specific to the products in your MIDI setup. III. Cubase Audio XT for Mac v3.0 Steinberg N America (818) Setup Before you begin sequencing, you should connect the MIDI OUT of your controller to the MIDI IN of your computer interface, and the MIDI OUT of your computer interface to the MIDI IN of your sound source. Most MIDI sequencing applications will require that you make sure the MIDI Thru on Cubase is enabled. This returns incoming MIDI messages to your MIDI device for monitoring during recording. Also, make sure that the Local control function on your MIDI device is turned OFF. This will prevent the phasing effect caused by sounds being double-triggered by both the MIDI device and the incoming MIDI note messages. Use the following procedure to enable MIDI Thru on Cubase: 1) From the Options menu, select MIDI Set-up. 2) In the MIDI Thru box, select Enabled and click OK. NOTE: If your MIDI device does not have a Local control function, then MIDI Thru should be disabled. Selecting Sounds Although Cubase is compatible with OMS, it is not necessary to use it to select sounds in your MIDI device(s). Using OMS, you can select sounds on your MIDI device using Patch names. Without OMS, sounds must be selected by entering Bank Select and Program Change messages in the Inspector window. These messages are sent to your MIDI device(s) at the beginning of the song (if entered when a Track is selected), or at the beginning of what Cubase refers to as a Part (if entered when a part is selected). These sounds are referred to as Instruments on Cubase, and can be named accordingly. Use the following procedure to send these messages from Cubase: 1998 Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 2 of 13

3 Selecting Sounds (continued) 1) Click on the icon at the bottom left corner of the Arrange window to open the Inspector Window (if necessary). The Inspector Window displays output information such as the MIDI Channel, Bank Select, Program Change, and Volume messages for the selected Track (or Part). 2) Click on the desired Track. 3) Calculate the Bank Select number by multiplying the desired sound s CC00 (MSB) number by 128 and adding the CC32 (LSB) number (if used). For example, a controller 0 message with a value of 81 and a controller 32 message with a value of 1 is required to select sounds from the Preset B bank on the Roland XP-50 Music Workstation. The equivalent Bank number in Cubase would be 10,369 (81 x ). 4) Click in the box next to Bank on the Inspector window and enter the number calculated in step #3. 5) Click in the box next to Prg in the Inspector window and enter the desired Program Change number (1-128). NOTE: Some MIDI devices do not require Bank Select messages to access their sounds. Basic Recording Use the following steps for basic recording on Cubase: 1) Click on the Track column for the Track you would like to use for recording. 2) Under the Chn column, select the MIDI channel that corresponds to the desired MIDI receive channel on your MIDI sound source. 3) Under the Output column, select the MIDI interface output to which your MIDI sound source is connected. 4) Select a sound as described above. You should be able to play the controller and hear the selected sound. 5) On the Transport Bar, select Click to hear the metronome. Click on the Record button, wait for the count-in and play your controller. 6) Click on Stop button when you are finished recording. 7) Repeat steps 1-6 to record additional Tracks. System Exclusive Cubase, like most sequencers, records system exclusive information directly to a Track, just as if it were note data. These messages can then be stored as a song file to be retrieved at any time and played back into your MIDI device to restore its settings. Use the following procedure to record a system exclusive dump on Cubase: 2) From the Options menu, select MIDI Filter. 3) Make sure Sysex is not selected, and click on OK. 4) Use the procedure described on the previous page to setup a Track for recording. 5) Begin recording, wait for the count-in, and initiate the system exclusive dump on your MIDI device. 6) When your MIDI device is finished sending data, click the Stop button. Use the following procedure to reload the system exclusive data into your MIDI device: 1) Open the song file containing the system exclusive data. 2) Connect MIDI OUT on your computer interface to MIDI IN on your MIDI device and make sure the device is enabled to receive system exclusive data. 3) Click the Play button. Synchronization Cubase can be synchronized to your MIDI device as a master or slave using either MIDI Time Code or MIDI Clock. Use the following procedure to configure Cubase as the master device: 1) Connect the MIDI OUT on your computer interface to the MIDI IN on your MIDI device. 2) From the Options menu, select Synchronization. 3) In the Sync Out box, select the desired MIDI OUT port to route either MTC or MIDI Clock. NOTE: When using MTC, you will need to set the Frame Rate (under Sync Sources ) value to match the frame rate of your MIDI device. 4) Set your MIDI device to external synchronization mode and activate Play if necessary. 5) Play Cubase and the connected MIDI device will play back in sync. Use the following procedure to configure Cubase as the slave device: 2) From the Options menu, select Synchronization Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 3 of 13

4 Synchronization (continued) 3) If you are using MIDI Clock, set Timecode Base to Intern (in the Sync Sources box). If you are using MIDI Time Code, select MTC. 4) If you are using MIDI Clock, set Tempo Base to MIDIclk (in the Sync Sources box). If you are using MIDI Time Code, select Intern. 5) Set From Input (in the Sync Sources box) to the MIDI IN port you are using for the master device. NOTE: When using MTC, you will need to set the Frame Rate (under Sync Sources ) value to match the frame rate of your MIDI device. 6) On the Transport Bar, Select Sync. 7) Start the MIDI device, and Cubase will play in sync to it. IV. Cakewalk for Windows v6.0 Cakewalk Music Software (888) CAKEWALK Setup Before you begin sequencing, you should connect the MIDI OUT of your controller to the MIDI IN of your computer interface, and the MIDI OUT of your computer interface to the MIDI IN of your sound source. Most MIDI sequencing applications will require that you make sure the MIDI Echo on Cakewalk is enabled. This returns incoming MIDI messages to your MIDI device (for monitoring during recording). Also, make sure that the Local control function on your MIDI device is turned OFF. This will prevent the phasing effect caused by sounds being double-triggered by both the MIDI device and the incoming MIDI note messages. Use the following procedure to enable MIDI Echo on Cakewalk: 1) From the Settings menu, select MIDI Echo. 2) Under Echo Mode, select Auto and click on OK. This will enable MIDI Thru on the current Track. NOTE: If your MIDI device does not have a Local control function, then MIDI Thru should be disabled. Selecting Sounds Cakewalk uses Instruments to automate the task of selecting sounds. Use the following procedure to configure an Instrument in Cakewalk: 1) From the Settings menu, select Instruments. 2) If your desired Instrument is listed under Uses Instrument, skip to step #8. 3) Click on Define. 4) Click on Import. 5) Open the.ins file that contains the Instrument you want to use. This file should be located in the route directory of the CAKEAUD folder. 6) Select the Instrument and click on OK. Cakewalk will add the instrument to your list of available Instruments. 7) Click on Close. 8) In the Assign Instruments window, hold shift and click on the desired MIDI channels for the MIDI interface in the Port/Channel box. Click on the desired instrument in the Uses Instrument box for the selected MIDI channels. When you have completed assigning instruments to each port and MIDI channel, click OK. Now you should be able to select your sounds in the Track View window. First select a MIDI channel and then use the + and - buttons on the computer keyboard to select the Bank (if any) and Patch by name. You should be able to play your sound source and hear the sounds changing as you play. NOTE: If there is not an Instrument available for your specific sound source, you can still type in the Program Change numbers and Bank Select messages manually. Calculate the Bank Select number by multiplying the desired sound s CCOO (MSB) number by 128 and adding the sound s CC32 (LSB) number (if used). Some MIDI sound sources may not require Bank Select messages. Basic Recording Use the following steps for basic recording on Cakewalk: 1) Double click on Source for the Track you would like to record on. 2) Next to Channel, select the MIDI channel that corresponds to the MIDI receive channel you are using on your MIDI sound source Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 4 of 13

5 Basic Recording (continued) 3) Next to Bank, select the desired Bank on your Instrument (if necessary). 4) Next to Patch, select the desired Patch on your Instrument and click OK. You should be able to play the controller and hear the selected sound. 5) Click on the Record button, wait for the count-in and play your controller. 6) When finished recording, click on the Record button again. 7) Repeat steps 1-6 to record additional Tracks. System Exclusive Like most sequencers, Cakewalk Version 6.0 allows you to record system exclusive messages directly onto a Track. Cakewalk also has a separate MIDI buffer area specifically designed for recording system exclusive messages. This document will focus on recording sysex using this method. There are 256 banks per song that can be used to store system exclusive information. This information, after being stored, can be sent back to your MIDI device to restore its settings. Use the following procedure to record system exclusive messages in Cakewalk: 2) From the View menu, select Sysx. 3) Click on Receive. 4) Select You start dump on instrument, and click on OK. 5) Initiate the dump from your MIDI device. Cakewalk will begin to count upwards, indicating that it is receiving data. 6) When your MIDI device is finished sending data, click Done. Use the following procedure to name this bank of system exclusive data. 1) Click on Name. 2) Type in a name for your data and click on OK. Use the following procedure to send the system exclusive information back to your MIDI device: 1) Connect the MIDI OUT on your computer interface to the MIDI IN on your MIDI device and make sure the device is enabled to receive system exclusive data. 2) From the View menu, select Sysx. 3) Select the desired bank of system exclusive data to be sent. 4) Click on Send (or Send All if you want Cakewalk to send all sysex banks currently loaded automatically). Use the following procedure to have Cakewalk automatically send sysex information when you load up a song: 1) From the View menu, select Sysx. 2) Select the bank that you wish to have automatically sent. 3) Click on Auto. A check mark will appear on the right side of the screen under Auto. The next time you load the current song, it will automatically load the system exclusive banks that you have marked. Synchronization Cakewalk can be synchronized to your MIDI device as a master using MIDI Clock or as a slave to either MIDI Time Code or MIDI Clock. Use the following procedure to configure Cakewalk as the master device: 1) Connect the MIDI OUT on your computer interface to the MIDI IN on your MIDI device. 2) From the Settings menu, select Clock. 3) Select Internal Clock, and click on OK. 4) From the Settings menu, select MIDI Output. 5) Select Transmit MIDI Start/Continue/Stop/Clock, and click OK. 6) Set your MIDI device to external synchronization mode and activate Play if necessary. 7) Play Cakewalk and the connected MIDI device will sync up. To synchronize Cakewalk as a slave to either MIDI Clock or MTC: 1) Connect the MIDI OUT on your MIDI device to the MIDI IN on your computer interface. 2) From the Settings menu, select Clock. 3) Select MIDI sync for MIDI clock or SMPTE/MTC for MTC and click OK. NOTE: When using MTC, you will need to select Time Format from the Settings menu, select the value that matches the frame rate of your MIDI device, and click on OK. 4) Click on the Play icon in Cakewalk (it should start to flash). Start the MIDI device and Cakewalk will playback in sync Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 5 of 13

6 V. Logic/Logic Audio for Mac v2.5 Emagic (916) Setup Before you begin sequencing, you should connect the MIDI OUT of your controller to the MIDI IN of your computer interface, and the MIDI OUT of your computer interface to the MIDI IN of your sound source. Most MIDI sequencing applications will require that you make sure the MIDI Thru on Logic is enabled. This returns incoming MIDI messages to your MIDI device (for monitoring during recording). Also, make sure that the Local control function on your MIDI device is turned OFF. This will prevent the phasing effect caused by sounds being double-triggered by both the MIDI device and the incoming MIDI note messages. In Logic, the default setting for the MIDI Thru function is ON for all MIDI ports, channels, and instruments. However, if there is no Local control parameter on your MIDI device, it will be necessary to turn Logic s MIDI Thru function OFF. Use the following procedure to turn MIDI Thru OFF: 1) From the Options menu, select MIDI Options. 2) Click and hold on the Instrument without MIDI Thru function box. Select the instrument, port, channel, or device that you wish to block the Thru function for and click on OK. Selecting Sounds In Logic, the most convenient method of selecting sounds requires an understanding of what Logic refers to as an Instrument. Instrument types include Standard, Mapped, and Multi. A detailed explanation of these Instrument types and how to use them is beyond the scope of this document, but can be found in your Logic user s manual. It is well worth the investment of your time to familiarize yourself with this part of your program, as it will allow you to work more efficiently and save time in the long run. Logic also allows you to select sounds on your sound source by entering Bank Select and Program Change messages in the Instrument Parameter Box at the lower left area of the Arrange window. Use the following procedure to enter Bank Select and Program Change messages in Logic: 1) Click and hold on a Track and select the desired port and MIDI channel for that Track. 2) Open the Instrument Parameter Box (if necessary) by clicking on the small triangle at the top left corner of the box. 3) Double click on the number to the right of Prg and enter the desired Program Change number (0-127). 4) Double click on the icon (to the left of the Program Change number) and enter the desired Bank number. * 5) Click in the square to the right of Prg to enable the transmission of these commands. * Step #4 requires setup of an Instrument in the Logic Environment. This Bank number will only work with MIDI devices that have been setup properly with CC #0 and CC #32 messages in the Environment. Read the section of the Logic owners manual labeled Multi-Instruments for instructions on how to use a MIDI device that requires different or additional messages to select Banks. Basic Recording Use the following steps for basic recording in Logic: 1) Select a Track. 2) Select an Instrument or enter the appropriate Program Change/Bank Select messages to select your sound as described above. You should be able to play the controller and hear the selected sound. 3) Click on the Metronome button to hear the timing reference click. 4) Click on the Record button, wait for the count-in and play your controller. 5) Click on the Stop button when you are finished recording. 6) Repeat steps 1-5 to record additional Tracks. System Exclusive Logic, like most sequencers, records system exclusive information directly to a Track, just as if it were note data. These messages can then be stored as a song file to be retrieved at any time and played back into your MIDI device to restore its settings. Use the following procedure to record a system exclusive dump on Logic: 2) From the Options menu, select MIDI Options. 3) Make sure the Sysex square on the MIDI filter bar is not selected, and click on OK. 4) Use the procedure described above to configure a Track for recording. 5) Begin recording, wait for the count-in, and initiate the dump on your MIDI device. 6) When your MIDI device is finished sending data, click the Stop button Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 6 of 13

7 Use the following procedure to transmit the system exclusive data back to your MIDI device: 1) Open the song file containing the desired system exclusive data. 2) Connect the MIDI OUT on your computer interface to the MIDI IN on your MIDI device and make sure the device is enabled to receive system exclusive data. 3) Click the Play button. Synchronization Logic can be synchronized to your MIDI devices as a master or slave using either MIDI Time Code or MIDI Clock. Use the following procedure to configure Logic for synchronization as the master device: 1) Connect the MIDI OUT on your computer interface to the MIDI IN on the MIDI device. 2) From the Options menu, select MIDI Options. 3) Click in the box to the left of either Transmit MIDI Clock or Transmit MTC (depending on which type of synchronization signal you wish to use) and click on OK. NOTE: When using MTC, you will need to select Tempo (Sync Reference) and List Editor from the Options menu. Click and hold on the box showing the letters SMPTE and select the frame rate value that matches the frame rate of your MIDI device. Close the window when the desired frame rate has been selected. 1) Set your MIDI device to external sync mode and activate Play if necessary. 2) Play Logic and the connected MIDI device will play back in sync. Use the following procedure to configure Logic for synchronization as the slave device: 2) Click on Sync button in the Transport Bar (the clock and triangle icon) to activate sync. 3) Click and hold the Sync button and select Auto Sync In. This allows Logic to automatically detect the type of synchronization signal being used and configure itself accordingly. 4) Start the MIDI device, and Logic will playback in sync. VI. Master Tracks Pro for Mac v6.0 Passport Designs, Inc. (415) Setup Before you begin sequencing, you should connect the MIDI OUT of your controller to the MIDI IN of your computer interface, and the MIDI OUT of your computer interface to the MIDI IN of your sound source. Most MIDI sequencing applications will require that you make sure the MIDI Thru on Master Tracks Pro is enabled. This returns incoming MIDI messages to your MIDI device (for monitoring during recording). Also, make sure that the Local control function on your MIDI device is turned OFF. This will prevent the phasing effect caused by sounds being double-triggered by both the MIDI device and the incoming MIDI note messages. Use the following procedure to enable the MIDI Thru on Master Tracks Pro: 1) From the Goodies menu, select MIDI Setup. From this screen, select the appropriate MIDI driver from the MIDI Uses setting. Choose the MIDI interface connection for Port A and B, and click OK. NOTE: If you are unsure which MIDI driver to use, select Passport Drivers. 1) Click on THRU in lower right corner of the Transport Window to enable MIDI Thru. 2) Double click on THRU, select the MIDI channel and port that you wish to enable, and click on OK. NOTE: The THRU box setting will automatically change to match a Track s output setting when that Track is recordenabled in the Track Editor window. However, if Multi -Track Record is enabled, the THRU box setting will not change unless set as in step #3 above. If your MIDI device does not have a Local control function, then MIDI Thru should be disabled. Selecting Sounds Sounds can be selected by entering Program Change messages into the Track you are recording on. These messages are sent to your MIDI sound source at the beginning of the song. Use the following procedure to enter these messages: 1998 Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 7 of 13

8 Selecting Sounds (continued) 1) Click on the Prg column for the Track you are going to record. 2) Click and hold on the fader and raise it until the desired Program Change number appears at the top of the fader and then release the mouse. NOTE: If your sound source requires Bank Select messages to select certain sounds, the easiest way to accomplish this in Master Tracks is to enter these messages into the Event List Editor. Consult your Master Tracks user s manual for details on this procedure. Basic Recording Use the following steps for basic recording in Master Tracks: 1) Click on the R column for the Track you wish to record on (a red dot should appear in the box). 2) Click on the Chnl column for that Track and select the MIDI channel that corresponds to the desired MIDI receive channel on your MIDI sound source. 3) Select the MIDI output that corresponds to the MIDI interface output that your MIDI sound source is connected to (Port A or B) and click on OK. 4) Enter the desired Program Change message to select your sound (as described above). You should be able to play the controller and hear the selected sound. 5) Click on the Count button to enable the count-in. 6) Click on the Record button, wait for the count-in, and play your controller. 7) Click on the Stop button when you are finished recording. 8) Repeat steps 1-7 to record additional Tracks. System Exclusive Unlike most sequencers, Master Tracks does not record system exclusive messages directly to a Track, but into a separate MIDI buffer area. This information, after being stored, can be sent back to your MIDI device to restore its settings. Use the following procedure to record a system exclusive dump on Master Tracks Pro: 2) From the Goodies menu, select Sysex. 3) Click on Receive. 4) Initiate the system exclusive dump on your MIDI device. The number of messages received in the buffer will be displayed in the System Exclusive window. 5) When your MIDI device is finished sending data, click on the Filename box and enter a name for this system exclusive file. 6) Click Save to store this information to disk. Use the following procedure to send the system exclusive information back to your MIDI device: 1) Connect the MIDI OUT on your computer interface to the MIDI IN on your MIDI device and make sure the device is enabled to receive system exclusive data. 2) From the Goodies menu, select Sysex. 3) Click on Open. 4) Select the desired system exclusive file and click on Open. 5) Click on Send. 6) After transmission is complete, click Quit. Synchronization Master Tracks can be synchronized to your MIDI device as a master or slave using either MIDI Time Code or MIDI Clock. Use the following procedure to configure Master Tracks Pro for synchronization as the master device: 1) Connect the MIDI OUT on your computer interface to the MIDI IN on the MIDI device. 2) From the Goodies menu, select Sync Setup. 3) Next to the Transmit box, select either MIDI Clocks or MIDI Time Code. NOTE: When using MTC, you will need to select the frame rate value (in the box next to Format ) that matches the frame rate of your MIDI device and click on OK. 4) Set the MIDI device to external synchronization mode and activate Play if necessary. 5) Play Master Tracks and the connected MIDI device will sync up Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 8 of 13

9 Use the following procedure to configure Master Tracks Pro for synchronization as the slave device: 2) On the Transport Bar, place the cursor on the Sync icon and use the mouse button to select EXT SYNC (for slaving to MIDI Clock) or MTC SYNC (for slaving to MTC). NOTE: When using MTC, you will need to select Sync Setup from the Goodies menu and set the Format value to match the frame rate of your MIDI device and click on OK. 3) Click the Play icon in Master Tracks Pro. Start the MIDI device and Master Tracks will play in sync to it. VII. Vision for Windows v2.51 Opcode Systems, Inc. (800) OMS Setup Vision uses OMS to handle communications with external MIDI devices. Use the following procedure to create an OMS Studio Setup: 1) From the Setups menu, select OMS Studio Setup. 2) Click on the desired MIDI port. 3) From the Studio menu, select New Device. 4) Next to Manuf, select the manufacturer of your MIDI device. 5) Next to Model, select your MIDI device. 6) If your MIDI device is capable of generating MIDI note data (keyboard, guitar synth, electronic drum set, etc.), click on the box next to Is controller so that a check mark appears. 7) If your MIDI device is capable of receiving on more than one MIDI channel at the same time, click on the box next to Is multitimbral so that a check mark appears. 8) Under Receive Channels, use the mouse to place an X next to each MIDI channel that you would like to use for that device. 9) Use the mouse to place an X in the appropriate boxes under Receives and Sends for MIDI Time Code, MIDI Beat Clock, and MIDI Machine Control. 10) Click on the device icon next to Manuf, click on the desired device icon, and click on OK. 11) Repeat steps 3-10 for any additional MIDI devices you wish to use. Click OK when you are finished. 12) Close the Studio window and save the Studio Setup. 13) Exit OMS Setup. 14) In Vision, hold SHIFT and CONTROL and press I on the keyboard to select the Instrument window. From the Do Menu, under Instrument Window, select Make from Studio Setup. Click on Make to have your OMS instrument changes reflected in Vision. NOTE: In Vision, you will need to open the Enable Input Devices, window (in the Setups menu) and make sure that the appropriate devices are selected that you will be recording from. Vision Setup Before you begin sequencing, you should connect the MIDI OUT of your controller to the MIDI IN of your computer interface, and the MIDI OUT of your computer interface to the MIDI IN of your sound source. Most MIDI sequencing applications will require that you make sure the Keyboard Thru on Vision is enabled. This returns incoming MIDI messages to your MIDI device (for monitoring during recording). Also, make sure that the Local control function on your MIDI device is turned OFF. This will prevent the phasing effect caused by sounds being double-triggered by both the MIDI device and the incoming MIDI note messages. Use the following procedure to enable the MIDI Thru on Vision: 1) From the Setups menu, select Keyboard Thru unless already selected. NOTE: If your MIDI device does not have a Local control, then MIDI Thru should be disabled. Selecting Sounds Vision uses OMS to automate the task of selecting sounds. Use the following procedure to select a sound from the OMS Studio Setup: 1) Click and hold the mouse button under the Instrument column for the desired Track. Use the mouse to select the desired instrument and MIDI channel and release the mouse button. 2) Click and hold the mouse button under the Patch column for the desired Track. Use the mouse to select the desired sound and release the mouse button Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 9 of 13

10 Selecting Sounds (continued) NOTE: If an instrument list is unavailable, you can select your sound by entering Bank Select (CC00 and CC32) and Program Change messages in the pop-up window and clicking on OK. Some MIDI devices may not require a Bank Select message to call up the desired sound. Basic Recording Use the following steps for basic recording in Vision: 1) Click under the R column of a Track so it is red to record-enable that Track. 2) Select your sound as described above. You should be able to play the controller and hear the selected sound. 3) If Wait Note is displayed under the transport, click it to select Countoff. 4) Select the number of Countoff measures next to the Countoff box. 5) Click the Record button, wait for the count-in, and play your controller. 6) Click the Stop button when you are finished. 7) Repeat steps 1-6 to record additional Tracks. System Exclusive Vision, like most sequencers, records system exclusive information directly to a Track, just as if it were note data. These messages can then be stored as a song file to be retrieved at any time and played back into your MIDI device to restore its settings. Use the following procedure to record a system exclusive dump on Vision: 2) From the Setups menu, select Record Filter. 3) Make sure Sysex is not selected, and click on OK. 4) Set up a Track for recording (as described previously) and start recording. 5) Initiate the system exclusive dump on your MIDI device. 6) When your MIDI device is finished sending data, click on the Stop button. Use the following procedure to reload the system exclusive data into your MIDI device: 1) Open the system exclusive song file. 2) Connect the MIDI OUT on your computer interface to the MIDI IN on your MIDI device and make sure the device is enabled to receive system exclusive data. 3) Click the Play button. Synchronization Vision can be synchronized to your MIDI device as a master or slave to either MIDI Time Code or MIDI Beat Clock. Make sure you have defined the proper MIDI instruments to receive or send MIDI sync information in your OMS setup as described previously. Use the following procedure to configure Vision for synchronization as the master device: 1) Connect the MIDI OUT on your computer interface to the MIDI IN on the MIDI device. 2) From the Options menu, highlight Send Sync and select Send Sync Enabled (a check mark should appear next to it). 3) From the Options menu, highlight Send Sync and select either Beat Clock (to send MIDI clock messages) or MIDI Time Code. NOTE: When using MTC, you will need to set the frame rate value (from the SMPTE Format window under the Options menu) to match the frame rate of your MIDI device. 4) From the Options menu, highlight Send Sync and use the mouse to select the MIDI port you would like to use for transmitting the sync messages (a check mark should appear next to it). 5) Set the external unit to external synchronization mode and activate Play if necessary. 6) Play Vision and the connected MIDI device will playback in sync. Use the following procedure to configure Vision for synchronization as the slave device: 2) From the Options menu, highlight Receive Sync Mode and select either External Beat Clock (to sync to incoming MIDI clock messages) or MIDI Time Code. NOTE: When using MTC, you will need to set the frame rate value (from the SMPTE Format window under the Options menu) to match the frame rate of your MIDI device. 3) Start the MIDI device, and Vision will playback in sync Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 10 of 13

11 VIII. Performer for Mac v.5.5 Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. (617) FreeMIDI Setup: When using Performer, the first thing you need to do is create a FreeMIDI setup. You should only have to do this once and then update it as you add or remove instruments in your MIDI setup. If you have just installed Performer and do not have a current FreeMIDI configuration, you will be prompted to create one. Use the following procedure to create a FreeMIDI configuration: 1) Open the FreeMIDI setup program. 2) From the FreeMIDI Preferences screen, select the serial port(s) that your MIDI interface is connected to. 3) Select Continue to add devices to your FreeMIDI configuration. 4) Select the Manufacturer, Model, Studio Location, and Cable for your MIDI device and click on >>ADD>>. The device should appear on the right side of the window under Current Configuration. Continue this procedure for each device in your MIDI studio. 5) Select Done when you are finished. The FreeMIDI Configuration window will appear with icons for each MIDI device. 6) To change the properties of a particular device, double click on its device icon to access the FreeMIDI Device Specification window. 7) Select Save As from the File menu. Enter a name for your configuration (i.e. My Studio ) and click Save. Use the following procedure to create a new device in an existing FreeMIDI configuration: 1) Open Performer and create a new song. 2) Select Edit FreeMIDI Configuration from the Basics menu. The FreeMIDI program will open and your current setup will be displayed. 3) Select Create Device from the Configuration menu. A new FreeMIDI Device Specification window will appear. 4) Select the Manufacturer and Model as desired. 5) Highlight all relevant items from the Properties popup menu. 6) Click on Icon and select an appropriate icon for the new device. 7) Click on O.K. The device icon will now appear in the settings window. 8) Click and drag from the MIDI IN and OUT on the device icon to one of the MIDI IN and OUT ports on the MIDI Interface icon. You should now see them connected on the screen. 9) Select Return from the MIDI menu to exit FreeMIDI and return to Performer. Performer Setup Before you begin sequencing, you should connect the MIDI OUT of your controller to the MIDI IN of your computer interface, and the MIDI OUT of your computer interface to the MIDI IN of your sound source. Most MIDI sequencing applications will require that you make sure the MIDI Thru on Performer is enabled. This returns incoming MIDI messages to your MIDI device (for monitoring during recording). Also, make sure that the Local control function on your MIDI device is turned OFF. This will prevent the phasing effect caused by sounds being double-triggered by both the MIDI device and the incoming MIDI note messages. Use the following procedure to enable the MIDI Thru on Performer: 1) From the Basics menu in Performer, select Patch Thru 2) Select Auto channelize. This will allow you to select MIDI channels for recording within Performer, without having to change the transmit channel on your keyboard. NOTE: If you would like incoming MIDI data to be sent back on the same MIDI channel it came in on, you can select Direct echo instead of Auto channelize. If your MIDI device does not have a Local control function, then MIDI Thru should be disabled. Selecting Sounds Performer uses FreeMIDI to automate the task of selecting sounds. Use the following procedure to select a sound in Performer: 1) Cursor to the Output column for the Track you wish to record on. 2) Click and hold the mouse button and a pop-up menu of available instruments will appear. Highlight the desired instrument and MIDI channel and release the mouse button. 3) Cursor to the Patch column for the same Track. 4) Click and hold the mouse button and a pop-up menu listing the banks and patches available for that instrument will appear. Highlight the desired patch and release the mouse button Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 11 of 13

12 Selecting Sounds (continued) NOTE: If you do not see the instrument you are looking for listed on these pop-up menus, make sure that that device is setup properly in your FreeMIDI configuration. Basic Recording Use the following steps for basic recording in Performer: 1) Select an output and patch for the Track you wish to record on (as described in the previous section). 2) Click on the REC column for the desired Track so it turns red. 3) In the upper left side of the Control Panel, adjust the tempo and time signature as desired. 4) Click on the Metronome Click icon to enable the metronome (it will turn yellow). 5) Click on the Countoff icon to enable the count off (it will turn yellow). NOTE: To adjust the metronome or count off settings, double click on either the Metronome Click or Countoff icons. This will access the Click and Countoff Options window. Adjust the settings as desired and click on OK when you are finished. 6) Click on the record icon in the Transport Controls section of the Control Panel to begin recording. 7) Click on the Stop icon in the Transport Controls section of the Control Panel when you are finished. 8) Reset the song to the beginning and click on the Play icon in the Transport Controls section of the Control Panel to hear the results. 9) Repeat steps 1-8 to record additional Tracks. System Exclusive Performer allows you to record system exclusive data directly to a Track, just as you record other MIDI data. These messages can be stored as part of the song and can be sent out by simply playing the song. Make sure that your MIDI connections are setup properly (see the Setup section on the previous page) and use the following procedure to record system exclusive messages: 2) From the Basics menu, select Set Input Filter to access the Input Filter window. 3) Click in the box next to System exclusive so that it is filled in (if necessary). 4) Click on OK. 5) Setup a Track for recording as described in the previous sections. 6) Begin recording, and after any count off measures have passed, start sending the system exclusive messages from your MIDI device. 7) Click on the Stop icon when you are finished. Use the following procedure to reload the system exclusive data into your MIDI device: 1) Open the system exclusive song file. 2) Connect the MIDI OUT on your computer interface to the MIDI IN on your MIDI device and make sure the device is enabled to receive system exclusive data. 3) Click the Play button. Synchronization Performer can generate both MIDI clock and MIDI Time Code (MTC) messages. These messages should be sufficient for synchronizing with most MIDI sequencers. In addition, Performer can generate MIDI Machine Control (MMC) messages for devices that are MMC compatible. Make sure that the MIDI OUT port of your MIDI interface is connected to the MIDI IN port of the slave device and use the following procedure to setup Performer for synchronized playback as the master device: 1) From the Basics menu, select Transmit Sync to access the Transmit Sync window. 2) From either the Transmit MTC via port(s) or the Transmit beat clocks via port(s) pop-up menu (depending on the type of sync messages your slave device responds to), highlight each of the devices that you wish to receive sync messages. 3) Click on OK. NOTE: If you are using MTC, you will need to highlight Frame Rate (from the Basics menu) and select the SMPTE frame format (on the pop-up menu) that corresponds to the frame rate used by the slave device. 4) Enable playback on the slave device (if necessary) and click on the Play icon in the Transport Controls section of the Control Panel to begin playback Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 12 of 13

13 Make sure that the MIDI OUT port of your master device is connected to the MIDI IN port on your MIDI interface and use the following procedure to setup Performer for synchronized playback as a slave device: 1) From the Basics menu, select Receive Sync to access the Receive Sync window. 2) In the pop-up menu next to Sync to port:, select the port that is connected to your master device. 3) Under Type of sync, select MTC or Standard beat clocks depending on the type of sync messages generated by your master device. NOTE: If you are using MTC, be sure that the SMPTE Frame Format matches that of the master device. 4) Click on OK. 5) From the Basics menu, highlight Slave to External Sync. If you reopen the Basics menu, a check mark will appear next to Slave to External Sync. This indicates that Performer is set to synchronize to MIDI Clock messages from an external source. 6) Click on the Play icon in the Transport Controls section of the Control Panel. It should begin to flash. 7) Start playing the master device and Performer should begin playing back in sync. IX. Summary We hope this document has given you some insight to some of the basic functions of your sequencing program. If you have further questions regarding the software programs discussed in this document, you should contact the appropriate manufacturer. In addition to this document on Software Sequencing Basics, Roland also has hundreds of help documents available to help you with your MIDI gear on our website Roland Corporation U.S. Software Sequencing Basics Page 13 of 13