Midi #CC controlled vocal processor question

[Robi D]

Hi all,

 

Hoping someone has done this and can give me some pointers:

 

Here's my set-up.

 

I am using Cakewalk as my DAW (only midi) to create my sequences. I run midi out to an SD-35 Roland Sound canvas (I've put a floppy emulator in it and now runs on usb - has a whole new life).

When I have a sequence how I want it, I play it in Cakewalk and I record it into the USB stick on the SD-35. Hope this makes sense. It's a relatively easy process and means I don't need a laptop at gigs.

 

Now the question part. I want to use a TC Helicon Perform VK for harmonies, delay etc. These have a midi implementation chart and most things can be controlled through #CC messages (if I understand this correctly). If I can set these CC messages up in the sequence, record the sequence onto the SD-35 then plug the midi out from the SD-35 to the midi in on the TC Helicon. Of course the mic is routed through the TC Helicon to guide the harmonies. If this is possible, then harmonies and delay (and any other effects) will turn on automatically in the required parts of the songs (where I put the #CC messages) rather than having to push buttons, it should all be automated.

 

Cheers

Robi

[KuruPrionz]

I may be misunderstanding what you've described but it doesn't sound to me like a single MIDI stream for both devices will work properly. They will both be receiving MIDI commands intended for the other device, no?

[Robi D]

Thanks for your response KuruPrionz.

 

So I've set up a midi sequence in Cakewalk. I've put CC# 22 and 23 at the beginning of the sequence to turn on the Reverb and Echo, then just before the chorus, I've put in a CC#21 which turns on the Harmony. The Perform VK is receiving midi data on Channel 1.

 

This all works when I play the sequence from the DAW through the SD35 with the Perform VK connected to the Midi out of the SD35. I believe these CC numbers are called 'Hits' in the midi implementation chart. It doesn't provide any parameter settings for the delay and reverb but turns them on and off. Next learning curve is how the modify the parameters for delay, reverb and harmonies with the CC's.

 

Next, I played the sequence from the DAW while recording the midi info on the SD35 to see if just playing it on the SD35 triggered the same events on the PerformVK. Yay, it did. So it does appear that I can do this.

 

Would love some tutorials or info/instructions on how to set the type of harmonies/delay etc using CC#'s this way.

 

Robi

[KuruPrionz]

I am just a MIDI noob, as you can tell since I forgot about assigning channels. I'll just kick back and watch and hope that somebody with more experience enlightens you (and me!).

 

MPN has been a great place to learn new things, I enjoy that.

[Robi D]

Still learning myself. Thanks all the same.

[hardware]

You can create presets to recall the desired harmonies and effects via MIDI Prgm Chng messages, or use MIDI CC#"s to activate/bypass effects.

Personally I use the MP75 TC Helicon programmable mic for total bypass in between songs, then use presets per necessary part.

 

Does your unit have presets?

 

I use the TC VoiceRack since it"s made for performance, and it"s totally automated, with the mic allowing vocalists to communicate with audience free from any effect.

 

[Robi D]

Yes, the Perform VK has 3 presets only but a phone app lets you beam presets into these spaces.

 

I did look at the voicerack. It does seem to have many more possibilities.

 

I have worked out how to turn on Harmonies, delay and reverb during and off at the end of a song using CC's, but just can't work out how to define the types of harmonies. I have also worked out how to define the type of delay and reverb using CC's. I am using a piano track to guide the harmonies and putting this through Channel 1.

 

Robi

 

Oh, nice set up by the way.

[hardware]

I read the implementation chart and manual, thought I could help, but way too much proprietary jargon for me.

Beaming presets, Hit Control, etc.

 

I"m use to simpler MIDI Prgm Chng for presets, and CC#"s for level adjustments, pitch algo selection, etc.

 

If you get too frustrated get the Voice Plus, sounds as good as the VoiceRack, much easier to automate, fits on a mic stand too.

 

But do hope you get this to work for you. TC algos are really nice. LoFi parts are so nice to kick in and out.

Great delay and a pretty editable reverb too.

 

Sorry I can"t help more.