PeterNH
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Posts posted by PeterNH
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I'm beginning to check out iOS-based Midi control options. So far have looked at MidiDesigner Pro 2 and Lemur, and just noticed TouchOSC. Any suggestions from KC users of these apps or similar ones would be much appreciated.
I've had fun with MidiDesigner (and also a basic one - Knob Lab) but I prefer a hardware solution for gigs (if they ever come again!), as when I used mididesigner on a gig, my (sweaty) fingers didn't always make good contact, particularly on sliders, and it uses up a tablet, which I need for charts. I now use a NanoKontrol Studio - works by usb or by bluetooth, and I can say that it works a treat ("midi learn" on the apps is great)
Peter
Thank you; very helpful info! I just opened pages for the Knob Lab and NanoKontrol. One big question in all of this is how to go about setting up a knob, slider or pair of buttons to scroll through the Scenes and Tones in the RD-88. While CC 00 is bank select, program change doesn't appear to be sent as continous controller.
From reading so far, it appears the NanoKontrol 2 can't send live program changes via a dedicated knob, slider or its data wheel. I'm specifically trying to find a way to get a knob, slider - or even button select up/down (at least a back up for the RD's front panel, should that only method of data entry fail/wear out) - to facilitate Scene or Tone changes. I wonder if Knob Lab, MidiDesigner, Lemur or TouchOSC could do this? Guessing it might be sysex related..
Although I haven't needed to do MIDI program/patch changes through a computer since the 1980s (that's another story), I checked today using mididesigner with my RD-88 - no problem changing "live sets" using MSB/LSB/PC (the "message type" in mididesigner to use is Bank/Prog Change) and I looked up the implementation in the RD-88 Sound List document (MSB 85; LSB 0,1 or 2; PC etc.). I'm sure all the other relevant apps must be able to do it in a similar way. (I think the rd88 usb driver needs to be set "generic" with iOS)
Peter
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I'm beginning to check out iOS-based Midi control options. So far have looked at MidiDesigner Pro 2 and Lemur, and just noticed TouchOSC. Any suggestions from KC users of these apps or similar ones would be much appreciated.
I've had fun with MidiDesigner (and also a basic one - Knob Lab) but I prefer a hardware solution for gigs (if they ever come again!), as when I used mididesigner on a gig, my (sweaty) fingers didn't always make good contact, particularly on sliders, and it uses up a tablet, which I need for charts. I now use a NanoKontrol Studio - works by usb or by bluetooth, and I can say that it works a treat ("midi learn" on the apps is great)
Peter
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May be too late, but in a similar situation I settled on a yamaha MX49 - like you, don't need lots of controller buttons and sliders (I also use a nanokontrol studio and audiofront midi box if needed for volume, with iOS organs) and you also get onboard sounds and usb-audio with the mx49.
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Geez....you have no midi in ?
It seems that in some ways manufacturing is going backwards.
You have to pay a lot of money to get a decent key bed these days . Some of the sounds are good...but for me the PHA 4 would take some getting used to.
I do like the price point of the RD88 and would love to hear the sound set
Is there a 5 pin midi out?
Right now...using RD300 GX as a controller for Yamaha MX49. Use the 49 as a module basically.
Because the 300 GX has almost infinite touch sensitivity it improves the MX acoustic pianos somewhat.
300 GX is 10 years old now and there are no issues! They dont make them like they used to?
Thankfully there is a 5-pin MIDI Out. But after a few days, 45 views and no replies to my USB-MIDI query on the Roland Clan Forum, I suspect that fellow users are also in the dark about USB-MIDI / iOS compatability. Seems the same with Roland support; so I'm going to go with USB-MIDI on the RD-88 not being usable for my application. Still love the sounds and playability, but the messy MIDI/USB integration plus my concerns about the interface are coloring that.
Sadly, I'm now taking a considered look at the PX-560. Listening to some demos/tutorials from Mike Martin and Roger Hooper. Pretty strong sounding, so far. And the RD-88's interface is no competition whatsoever. This could be a tough call.
Just to reiterate - I have had no issues using usb-midi on my rd-88 (I use neosoulkeys and galileo2 but also tested on others). Very happy to discuss in further detail, as I will also be interested in any limitations, and also, when usb-midi clarified, onto usb-audio which I canNOT get to work in iOS, as opposed to my Yamahas!)
(I use iphone and ipad mini, both on latest iOS - camera connect (or korg plug, but that's easier with DIN midi) - separate 5v power to hub. RD-88 set on "generic" usb).
Apologies if I have misunderstood the relevant issue
Peter
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I talked to Roland customer/technical support earlier today. Though the RD-88 works with Macs and PCs, it does not play nice with iOS devices. So no MIDI over USB for favorite iOS apps. That's just weird, especially when entry-level Casio keyboards are USB-MIDI class compliant with almost anything. I did find a workaround - Roland UM-1, MK2 to the RD's MIDI Out port, then the USB A end to Apple CCK. Sure would be much simpler with a USB cable though.
I am using usb midi with iOS without issues, but agree with you about usb-audio - not working with iOS - hope there is a firmware update to improve, as yam modx. Otherwise, I'm really happy with my rd-88, although haven't had a chance to gig with it much! Action and sounds are fine for me (mainly jazz). I was tempted by modx8 but for me, keyboard not really pianistic. The only real surprise with rd-88 is the physical depth - doesn't work with all stands for gigging, unless you have a highly adjustable stool.
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I think it's a real pity that the modx-8 keybed, and in particular, the key texture, is not fantastic (for me anyway, as a pianist) because the rest of it is brilliant, and great fun (I have the modx7 instead). As the OP said, the digital audio IN (with its own volume control) is very convenient. I've just bought the rd-88 instead as main board. No gigs yet of course, but very happy with the feel and sounds. The digital audio IN is not as useful as on the modx (does not appear to work with iOS - ?perhaps with an update).
I also love the px s3000, with a light hammer keyboard action, and very light itself, but, for me, a real problem with gigging, as the touch buttons seem to fire off just by brushing past them, complete with embarrassing drum machine - have to lock the buttons.
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Mine is my beloved Acoustic Image Coda R series III. Expensive, but brilliant value as has lasted at least 15 years and recently serviced free of charge by manufacturer. I use it at gigs as personal monitor or backup, and certainly at rehearsals. Piano (occasional electric p) in jazz combos. The bass can also go through it.
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Hope this helps - my Plugkey works on my ipads (mini 5th gen and ipad 6th gen) and iPhone X, with iOS13 - all with lightning connectors. It does not work with an ipad Pro with a usb-c connector as there is no physical connection (and I don't think there is an existing adapter).
It is a pity there is no equivalent device for usb-c AFAIK, or perhaps a "pro" version with full-size analog outs. You currently have to go for a full size audio/midi interface to get similar functionality - the interface market understandably seems drawn more towards recording analog to digital, than transmitting live digital (DAC) sound controlled by MIDI.
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Can anyone recommend a sturdy stand which goes down to less than 60cm (23") - I don't think z stands would work, and I'd prefer not to have to use double X (too much movement), unless someone knows a particularly sturdy one.
Peter
I"ve been using this stand as it gets fairly low and gives the rd-88 a pretty good playing height. Also the rubbers guards/stoppers are adjustable so it keeps the keyboard in place.
Thanks. I'll check that one out, and perhaps the double-braced one. I think this might actually be an unforeseen problem for some of us when (hope) we get back to gigging.
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@Fleer
But not so good for gigging with sturdy stands. I've used quik-lok WS-550 for 30+ years but I think I'll have problems with rd-88 unless I use a very high seat/cushions. Can anyone recommend a sturdy stand which goes down to less than 60cm (23") - I don't think z stands would work, and I'd prefer not to have to use double X (too much movement), unless someone knows a particularly sturdy one.
Peter
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Just got my RD-88 a couple of days ago (UK). I am very happy with it. Sounds and action fine for me. Action very similar to rd300-nx and better than rd-64 as I recall. Also, definitely better, for me, than modx8 that I tried a few months ago, and didn't purchase, particularly because I found the key texture poor (as a pianist). Can't say much about the repetition rate, as fine for me, but understand others are more concerned. I should say that I have very little experience of top-quality, heavy stage pianos, but gigging for many decades with rd-300 series, yam, nord (fatar), and the better casios recently. Also, dare I say that the action of small acoustic pianos is very different from full-size, or even 7ft, concert grands. Horowitz apparently used to have his piano keys altered to make the action lighter by many grams, so a difficult area.
I am a bit disappointed that usb-audio function does not seem as good as on modx series. I don't use a Mac, but it's a bit complex to set up on windows (working now though), and I haven't got it working on iOS, with lightning adapter or with plugkey or ipad pro usb-c direct. USB-MIDI works fine with ios. Not a complaint, as documentation does not indicate "class compliant". Please could someone confirm digital audio not working directly with iOS. Anyway, just another cable to get analog audio out to rd-88 and mix it.
Of course no experience of gigging with it yet, and for some time...... but I'm really happy with it as a light stage piano with good action, and easy access to basic live functions. Piano and electric piano sounds more than fine for my gigs, and organs probably OK for me for occasional use (lower walking 80800000 type with split - good to have split function on expression pedal. Hope to go external on the upper but that's where the usb-audio comes in). Bonus that good to be able to carry an 88 key board easily from the sides, due to narrower than others.
Roland RD-88
in The Keyboard Corner
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