NAMM 2023: Little things

Posted on April 24, 2023 by pj

Roland Gigcaster

Turn your back for one second after NAMM 2023 and Roland slip out the Boss Gigcaster 5 and Gigcaster 8. These are audio streaming mixers aimed at the podcasting community.

Astutely, Roland recognize that these mixer have application beyond podcasting. They are, after all, mixers! Gigcasters have all the features one might want in a small format studio mixer. Thus, Roland show musicians happily strumming, singing and playing keys in their bedroom studios. They are rather attractively and colorfully styled.

The Gigmaster 5 sells for $480 USD and the Gigmaster 8 costs $700.

There’s gold in those podcasting hills and small format podcasting mixers (desktop production boxes) are busting out all over. Yamaha, for example, introduced the AG08 USB streaming mixer ($630) at NAMM 2023. The AG08 joins the lower-priced AG03 mk2 and AG06 mk2 models.

Indiegogo: InstaChord

InstaChord is a MIDI guitar Indiegogo project. They are trying to get enough backers to go into production with expected delivery in April 2024. Early bird bundles go for $374 USD.

The InstaChord looks like a Klingon Bird of Prey. 🙂 There are six strummable “buttons” instead of strings, and a 2-D button matrix instead of a fretboard. Buttons in the matrix select chords using a numeric method similar to I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, dim vii notation within a scale.

InstaChord produces sound through its own internal speaker. The internal tone generator is a Dream SAM2695 (GM sound set). The SAM2695 is the same chip inside of the Akai MPK Mini Play. InstaChord sends and receives MIDI via USB Type C or Bluetooth.

UJEII — AKA “My Main Man” — shows off an early prototype in this Insta Chord Demo (Katsunori UJIIE). UJIIE shows that he can rock out strumming, not just shredding keys!

The InstaChord reminds me of the old You Rock Guitar (still sitting in my closet). Unlike the YRG, InstaChord does not try to mimic guitar strings or fretboard. YRG requires standard fretboard fingering, which is a barrier for many casual players (like me). I simply don’t have the time to practice guitar skills on top of keys. InstaChord requires a modicum of music theory; any good keys player should be able to adapt.

Check out the free InstaChord-i IOS app, if you want a taste.

Not to pick on the InstaChord folks in particular, but, hey! If you have a new product, at least Google the product name before committing to the name. Searching on “InstaChord” took me to the W.A. Productions plug-in by the same name. Come on!

BlackBT SusEx Pedal

BlackBT® announced the SusEx® pedal which combines MIDI foot switch and continuous control (expression) functionality. SusEx is available for pre-order costing $150 USD. It is expected to ship in June 2023.

I contend that the SusEx is not “the first” to combine footswitch and expression control in one pedal. The “first” title goes, instead, to the Boss/Roland EV-1-WL. I’ve been using the EV-1-WL for well over a year now… Like the Boss EV, SusEx communicates over Bluetooth BLE and USB. No 5-pin capability, tho’

None the less, the SusEx has a cool way of switching between sustain mode and expression mode. It senses foot position and automatically switches mode. With the EV-1-WL, one either adds an external footswitch for sustain, or presses down hard with the toes at the top of the pedal. Check out the SusEx demo video

The SusEx pedal is absolutely tiny and should be lightweight and easy to transport. Dunno about you, but I’m tired of toting around heavy, built like a tank expression pedals. Some folks may not like the pedal throw, but that is personal preference.

Donner

Donner established a reputation for bargain-priced guitar toys. Now they are coming for keys. Donner have a line of portable piano and arranger instruments. Products include the Donner Essential B1 Analog Bass Synthesizer, the DMK-25 PRO MIDI controller, and the D1 Drum Machine and Sequencer. Of course, they also have — TA-DA — podcasting gear, too.

The Donner direct sales outlet is currently running a sale on select products including the B1. These guys want market share!

Donner are going to give low-cost specialists Casio and Akai conniptions. I don’t have any direct experience with Donner products, but do suggest getting native English tech writers to produce and edit their marketing literature and manuals. Slipshod writing gives people a bad impression of product quality and many people are unsure about Donner as a brand.

Just a quick Yamaha CK observation. The CKs are clearly aimed at the Roland VR-09, which sells at the same $1,000 price points. The CK beats the VR for non-organ sounds. Fight’s on!

New Fall 2022 Products

Posted on November 10, 2022 by pj

A few products of interest…

The Behringer Bi-Phase has done its Houdini act and has returned as the Behringer “Dual-Phase”.

I was a lover of all things Mu-tron back in the day. I still have a Musitronics MU-TRON Micro V poor man’s envelope-controlled filter, a MU-TRON C-200 volume-wah pedal, and an original MU-TRON T-shirt! The C-200 is robust enough to double as a storm shelter. The Micro V and C-200 have achieved heirloom status since I await a puff of smoke every time I apply power to either device. Old electronics is just that way.

I never could afford a MU-TRON Bi-Phase and always lusted after one. Thanks to Behringer ($159 USD), I may get my chance. I’m very glad that Behringer retained much of the original livery after their negotiations with [whomever].

I hope there is still love between Behringer and the Musitronics (MU-TRON) heirs as I would love to see an inexpensive MU-TRON III filter re-issue.

Roland/Boss are continuing along the Bluetooth wireless control path with the Boss FS-1-WL Wireless Footswitch. Here are the basic details in a nutshell:

Three footswitches
Configure via FS-1-WL app
Ports galore:
- Full-size USB-B
- MIDI OUT (3.5mm)
- Expression (1/4″ TRS )
- Control 1 and 2 (1/4″ TRS)
- DC IN
Two AAA batteries or PSA adapter (optional)
Weight: 10 ounces (258 grams)
$129.99 USD

I have the Boss EV-1-WL wireless expression pedal which is integrated into my wireless iPad rig.

The new FS-1-WL goes beyond the EV-1-WL and I wish the FS was available before the EV. The FS adds proper footswitches to expression pedal capability. I have expression pedals in hand already and would have appreciated button control for page turns, patch changes, etc. Boss/Roland are finally thinking outside of the guitar player box.

One potential drawback is the narrow spacing of the footswitches. I have trouble hitting footswitches accurately on the EHX Lester K with its closely spaced switches. Since I play in a sitting position, I can’t see my feet and need to hit switches with confidence. Looking down is not an option.

The other big question is how well the FS-1-WL would integrate with synths and software instruments. Most programming details are covered in the FS-1-WL editor user guide. Basic MIDI message types are supported: continuous controller (CC) and program change (PC). There is a third mode, “PC+CC”, and provision for BANK MSB and BANK LSB messages. What is not clear from the user guide is the ability to send a full BANK MSB, BANK LSB, PC message sequence which typically is needed to select a patch in a modern synth.

If anyone gets their hands on an FS-1-WL, please confirm the ability to send a full three message patch change sequence. [Thanks in advance.]

As a keyboard player, I would go straight to the FS-1-WL and use my own expression pedal. The quick start guide calls out the Roland EV-5 explicitly, so I would simply pull out one of my old Roland/Boss pedals and plug in.

I hope Roland continues to explore Bluetooth wireless control. Now, if we can get two synths to communicate over Bluetooth without the need of a computer (or USB host box) in between…

Review: Korg Module General 128

Posted on October 27, 2022 by pj

Korg have released a new expansion pack for Korg Module — General 128.

General 128 is one of those expansions where you say “Why didn’t they release this on Day One?” Essentially, General 128 is a 108MB General MIDI sound set minus drums.

Most of us will not sequence MIDI tunes using Korg Module. However, General 128 covers all of the bases, making Korg Module generally useful in a flash. As GM sound sets go, all of the voices are reasonably pleasant and usable enough.

The only real knock on voice quality is their rather plain sonics. The effect programming is very ordinary. Once suitably dressed, individual voices are brought to life. For example, throw a little tremolo on that electric piano. Having a small memory footprint, one shouldn’t expect many (any?) velocity-switched multi-samples. To my ears, most of the voices are very “uni-dimensional” single level multi-samples which just get softer or louder with touch.

This isn’t all bad! I stumbled onto Korg’s introductory sale while casting around for new voices to layer within Module. [The introductory sale price, $9.99 USD, is good through Monday, 31 October 2022.] It’s much easier to layer up simple timbres than harmonically rich, dynamic sounds. For example, you wouldn’t use the oboe for an exposed solo, but it does add a reediness to a French horn producing a more WW section-like tone.

Allowing for the sound set limitations (i.e., one velocity layer), my favorite voices are the Acoustic Grand (warm), Electric Piano 1 (What’d I Say), Synth Strings 1 (warm, not too synthetic), French Horn (fanfare-ish), Bassoon (warm double reed), Flute (simple without devolving to Mellotron).

At the introductory price, the General 128 expansion is a no-brainer. In addition to Korg Module, the pack can be used in Korg Gadget Glasgow and as an AUv3 plug-in. General 128 might get me using Korg Gadget — maybe sequence a demo.

Big picture, I’m feeling quite comfortable with my iPad rig these days and I think it’s rehearsal ready. I would use either the Korg Microkey Air or Arturia Keylab Essential 49 depending upon my degree of laziness on any given day.

I tried going wireless with the Arturia Keylab Essential getting good results with the Yamaha MD-BT01 5-pin Bluetooth dongle. Only the MIDI OUT side is connected since the Arturia doesn’t have a 5-pin MIDI IN port. Connects up to Korg Module without problems. I don’t recommend the Yamaha UD-BT01 USB Bluetooth adapter for the Arturia; I get stuck notes.

I’m also getting more confident with the Roland (Boss) Ev-1-WL Bluetooth expression pedal, now that I understand its darned flashing lights and colors.

Wired USB iPad rig

Posted on December 27, 2021 by pj

After investigating a wireless iPad-based rig for church gigs, I decided to take a 180 and try wired! The urge was inspired by a recent thread in the MusicPlayer Keyboard Forum about taming the rat’s nest of wires that engulf our keyboard set-ups.

My approach goes all-in with MIDI over USB. Both the Korg Microkey Air 49 and the Boss EV-1-WL wireless MIDI expression pedal have full-size USB-B device ports, so it made sense to start with them and build out.

I really detest the iPad 3.5mm audio jack on my 3rd generation iPad Air. That may sound like crazy-talk to people owning phones and iPads without a 3.5mm audio jack. However, the jack’s placement exposes an inserted 3.5mm plug to all sorts of physical and sonic abuse. Every time I pick up or move the iPad, the jarred plug causes all manner of crackles, pops and hum — at loud volume, no less.

Thus, an external USB audio interface is a necessity. I pulled out an old Behringer UCA222 2-in/2-out USB audio interface, which was my PC audio workhorse for many years. (Now replaced by a Yamaha AG-06 mixing console and audio interface). The UCA222 is not the best interface, but it’s inexpensive. Sweetwater is selling these for about $10USD and you can’t go wrong at that price.

Based on my success with UCA222, I put a Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play 3 external USB sound adapter on order ($20USD). The Play 3 is even smaller and will do 24-bit, 96kHz given driver and control panel support. The Play 3 is not spec’ed as IOS compatible, but folks are having success with Play 3 and iPad.

For extra credit, I would eventually like to control IK Multimedia B-3X with a Crumar D9U DIY drawbar controller. The D9U hasn’t seen much action lately and it would be good to get it into the mix. The D9U can do MIDI over USB through its micro USB port. That particular test must await another rainy (snowy?) day as I need to adapt the D9U Arduino sketch for B-3X.

Well, if you were counting, that’s four (4) MIDI devices. The Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter has only one USB-A host port. Uh, oh. We need a hub. Fortunately, I have a few Sabrent HB-MCRM 4-port portable USB 2.0 hubs on hand. The Sabrent HB-MCRM is small, light and cheap (less than $10USD).

One could use an olde style Apple USB Camera Adapter, but why put yourself through the agony? Better to have the Lightning charge/power port than fight electrical current restrictions. BTW, I wish the Belkin RockStar™ had three ports: USB-A host, Lightning charge and 3.5mm audio.

It’s not rocket science, so plug it all in and success! Core MIDI merges the MIDI input streams together. Korg Module Pro and Crudebyte iSymphonic Orchestra respond to the Microkey Air and the Boss EV-1-WL expression pedal. I expect the D9U to function correctly, too, if I get its sketch right.

                                 S   <---->  Microkey Air 49
                                 a 
                   Apple         b H <---->  EV-1-WL expression pedal
  iPad Air <---->   USB   <----> r u 
                  Adapter        e b <---->  UCA222 audio
                                 n 
                                 t   <---->  D9U drawbars

As to power, the EV-1-WL is not bus-powered. It needs either an external power adapter (9V 500mA center negative) or two AA batteries. The Korg Microkey Air and the Behringer UCA222 draw power from the Apple adapter through the Sabrent hub. (The Sabrent hub itself is not a powered hub, keeping things simple.)

A Lightning extension cable connects the Apple adapter to the iPad. This means only one cable to the iPad. The Lightning connector is reliably tight and eliminates the pops and crackles when moving the iPad. Most of the cabling sits on the floor out-of-sight.

As to audio connection, there are two options. Option 1 is running a long-ish unbalanced analog cable to the monitor. (The monitor is a Behringer B205D with a balanced XLR OUT to front-of-house.) Option 2 adds a USB extension cable between the hub and the audio interface (UCA222) for most of the distance with a short unbalanced cable from the interface to the monitor. Option 2 keeps things digital as long as possible, eliminating hum and other noise problems due to a long unbalanced cable run. Of course, there are limitations to USB extension (USB 2.0: 5M, USB 3.0: 3M).

Well, there you have it — an inexpensive, super-light, wired iPad rig. I haven’t found Bluetooth MIDI latency to be a problem, but wired latency should be less, if that is your concern. The USB approach seems to be less fiddly as to pairing, merging, etc.

If you’re curious about my wireless MIDI adventures, check out:

More blasts from the past about the Crumar D9U:

The Crumar D9U works pretty well with the Yamaha Reface YC, too.

Wire Less: Part 3, Boss EV-1-WL wireless MIDI expression pedal

Posted on November 16, 2021 by pj

Halleluia, the slow boat from Malaysia arrived and it brought a Boss EV-1-WL wireless expression pedal. The EV-1-WL (henceforth, “EV”) is a compact expression pedal which sends MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages over Bluetooth BLE, USB and conventional serial MIDI.

Boss has quite a bit of information on-line, so I won’t repeat too many of the basics here. No doubt, you’re here looking for my value-added.

My first impressions were:

Man, this thing is small.
Man, this thing is light.
This thing is robust.

My point of reference is the Boss FV-500L (FV) which was my mainstay volume and expression pedal for many years. Since my switch away from Roland to Yamaha (2011), I’ve been using the Yamaha FC-7 with MODX and Genos at home and at gigs. The FV-500L is built like a tank — and weighs like a tank. The FC-7 has held up pretty well although it’s not as Sherman-esque as the FV.

Boss EV-1-WL (fore) and Boss FV-500L (back)

Since we’re comparin’, the EV and FV achieve roughly the same angle in the down position. Due to the placement of the pivot point, however, the FV has a wider sweep than the EV. Some people may not like the EV’s relatively short sweep. The FC-7 has the widest sweep of all.

Boss EV-1-WL (fore) and Yamaha FC-7 (back)

Practically, the EV feels comfortable when sitting or standing. The FV is a little less comfortable when standing. The FC-7 is least comfortable for standing play if you absolutely need to reduce pedal position to its minimum point. I’ve had some success with FC-7 angle adjustment although its adjustment plate always seems to work itself loose. After trying the EV, I’m good with its sweep and playing angle.

The EV is ready-to-go right out of the box, including two AA batteries. I’m trying to build a wireless iPad rig:

So, that is my test set-up. I followed the pairing directions to a T and the EV came up in the EV-1-WL configuration app and in Korg Module Pro. [More Bluetooth gymnastics below.]

I recommend the calibration procedure. It works. I checked out the result with MIDI-OX and the EV sends over the full CC value range (0 to 127).

If I have a beef, it’s the amount of force needed to engage the EV’s expression switch. I pressed and pressed with the EV on a carpeted floor and could not get the switch to engage. There are LEDs to indicate the switch state and they just were not coming on. I was able to engage the switch by putting the EV on a table and pressing very firmly with my hand. The app has a sensitivity adjustment and it works. Expect to use it.

I’m not really sure how I would use the expression switch when playing. And now here’s my second beef — the EV-1-WL sends only MIDI continuous controller (CC) messages. No pitch bend, no program change. Worse, it doesn’t cover the full range of CC messages, supporting only CC#1 to CC#31 and CC#64 to CC#95. Somewhat dubious omissions. I really want to send bank select (CC#0 and CC#32) and program change via two external foot switches. Bummer. I hope Roland/Boss add this capability.

So, what else doesn’t mother tell you? As usual, Boss are less than forthcoming about important details hoping to force you into one of their own accessories. Here’s a few helpful details:

Power adapter: Boss recommend the PSA-120S adapter: 9V DC, 500mA, tip/center negative. The 1SPOT works just fine.
Footswitch break-out cable: Control 1 (CTL1) is tip and Control 2 (CTL2) is ring.
3.5mm MIDI break-out: The 3.5mm MIDI jack (plug) follows the “Korg convention”, which adheres to the current MIDI Association standard.

Serial MIDI works as advertised. I check out both serial MIDI operation and MIDI over USB using MIDI-OX and Windows 10. No special driver required. Please see my post about 3.5mm MIDI conventions.

Bluetooth MIDI

The olympics of the weird always commence with IOS and Bluetooth MIDI. I’m running on IOS 14.8.1.

Over several days of use, the EV consistently could not remember its pairing with my iPad. Turn it on and it flashes the blue LED slowly, suggesting that it awaits the iPad. Whether the iPad’s Bluetooth is initially enabled or disable, the EV just sits there and flashes slow blue. No connection.

The EV does not appear in the list of Bluetooth devices displayed in the IOS Bluetooth settings. The Korg Microkey Air is there, but the EV is AWOL. Right now, I’m not sure who is ghosting whom.

If an app has an explicit rendezvous feature, you can re-pair with the EV by pressing the EV’s pair button. The EV flashes fast blue when it is ready to pair. Standard operating procedure is to pair explicitly when sitting down to play. Korg Module Pro and the Roland/Boss EV-1-WL app will rendezvous with the EV when requested. Once the app connects, I leave the app running in the background even if I move on to SampleTank or iSymphonic. SampleTank does not not have the ability to explicitly rendezvous (initiate pairing) with the EV or any other Bluetooth MIDI device. I wish that all apps had this feature.

I’ve had spotty results with midimittr. midimittr will establish a Bluetooth session, slightly increasing latency. However, I’ve observed occasional bizzarre behavior with the EV through midimittr — huge leaps in volume indicating the presence of a true bottleneck somewhere in the MIDI message chain. Not good.

One other small snag. Be sure the EV is sending the correct CC message as needed by the receiving app. SampleTank IOS does not respond to CC#11 Expression. [Surprise!] I configured the EV for CC#7 Volume and all is well.

Overall, I’m satisfied with the EV-1-WL. The Bluetooth MIDI part is a little quirky and tetchy. I hope Roland/Boss get this ironed out. As Korg have (unfortunately) discovered, chasing Apple updates, etc. is a migraine headache, having had their own share of problems with the Microkey Air and IOS Bluetooth.

Summer NAMM 2021

Posted on July 15, 2021 by pj

Even though Summer NAMM 2021 is a live event, the global pandemic still has the business world topsy-turvy. The vaccinated parts of the United States are shaking off cob-webs, but large parts of the world remain in the grasp of COVID-19. Japan — a major source for electronic musical instruments — is in near crisis just as the Summer Olympics are due to start.

Thus, I don’t really expect much from Summer NAMM 2021. In the run-up to the show, vendors are mainly announcing product updates and upgrades. Manufacturers are highlighting previously announced instruments like the Korg Wavestate or Yamaha DGX-670 digital piano.

Truly new, is the Boss EV-1-WL wireless MIDI expression pedal. The price ain’t bad, $149USD, and it offers the chance to eliminate yet another cable in your live rig. Although it seems targeted for guitarists — being promoted through the Boss brand — the EV-1-WL might be a boon for keyboard players, too.

The EV-1-WL operates on two AA batteries or PSA-series power adapter. It cooks up MIDI three ways: Bluetooth, USB and 3.5mm TRS. Nice to have both wired and wireless options. According to Boss, all three can be used at the same time and are independently configured.

In addition to the rocking expression pedal, the EV-1-WL has a built-in top switch and two external footswitch inputs (1/4 inch TRS). Boss will provide an app to assign MIDI messages [quoting the Boss web page]:

Expression pedal with EXP SW on—CC# 1-31/64-95, value 0-127
Expression pedal with EXP SW off—CC# 1-31/64-95, value 0-127
Toe switch (EXP SW)—CC# 1-31/64-95, value 0-127
External footswitch 1 (CTL1)— CC# 1-31/64-95, value 0-127
External footswitch 2 (CTL2)— CC# 1-31/64-95, value 0-127
MIDI channel—1-16
Expression pedal curve—Normal, Slow1, Slow2, or Fast
EXP SW/CTL1/CTL2 mode—latch or momentary

I’m a little nervous about the EV-1-WL’s ability to rendezvous (pair) with any old Bluetooth device or interface adaptor. Boss state compatibility with their WM-1 5-pin adaptor and WM-1D USB-A dongle. However, will it interoperate with Yamaha’s MD-BT01, UD-BT01 or in-built Bluetooth MIDI (e.g., SHS-500 Sonogenic)? A 5-pin DIN MIDI cable is brand-agnostic.

The USB and Bluetooth MIDI world is rife with incompatibilities and the inability to make connection. A 5-pin MIDI cable is symmetric. A USB connection has a HOST end and a DEVICE end. Bluetooth has acceptors and initiators which must dance with each other when pairing. A MIDI cable simply connects an IN to OUT (and vice versa). Done.

Anyway, the EV-1-WL has got my attention and I look forward to the user manual and app. Hoping for the best…

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