Looking for an alternative way to do this sound.

[CEB]

[video:youtube]

 

The pulse width modulation patch in the intro. (that is how I am doing it.) Currently I have it setup on a Gaia. I'm using LFO pulse width modulation to control to AMP section on the synth. It sounds fine EXCEPT if the drummer doesn't lock into the right tempo. It tried to adjust the rate live but that is was a train wreck ( maybe not a wreck but it felt like it sucked). The rate knob is useless for precise changes on the Gaia. Way too sensitive.

 

 

Besides the Gaia I have two ROMplers in the rig an S90XS and a FA-06. Is there any other methods I can try. I know some old school subtractive synthesis but I am not up on all the latest gear tricks. I don't get along well with sequencers. I play everything live.

 

I wish there was some way to control the Gaia's LFO with the clock on the FA-06. The FA-06 gives the speed in bpm on a LED display.

[mate stubb]

Ah yes, the old "get the drummer to play with the sequencer/arppegiator/canned track" problem.

 

Headphones for the drummer, or drummer generates midi clock with some device are the two ways I know.

[CEB]

New sound guy may be the problem.

 

He is good and his rates are good. He has a good ear and is a former keyboard and drummer, but he is running mono. I have to send my mono monitor bus to the FOH. I used to send that Mono bus to the drummer's mixer where he mixes the feed for his 1)IEMs, 2)the FA's click for the one sequence I use a night and 3) my keys. It seemed to work better when he had his own keyboard feed from me.

 

Maybe there is a parallel tap on the DI the Sound guy is using I can send to the drummer.

[WesG]

I always wondered if wasn't some kind of way to lock tempo into a drummer. Like a kick trigger that can do some math. Somebody needs to build a little box with a sequencer in it to do that, or something.

[mate stubb]

There are software solutions to lock a tempo to a drummer. Here's one:

 

http://www.circular-logic.com/products.html

[Sven Golly]

I always wondered if wasn't some kind of way to lock tempo into a drummer. Like a kick trigger that can do some math. Somebody needs to build a little box with a sequencer in it to do that, or something.

 

Ask and ye shall receive.

 

Ploytec 34oneMkII Pedal

 

(note that devices like this have been around for a number of years... )

[CEB]

There are software solutions to lock a tempo to a drummer. Here's one:

 

http://www.circular-logic.com/products.html

 

Oh man I hate computers. I should have stuck to Country Music and Classic Rock instead of this Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da shit.

[J. Dan]

Too bad you don't have tap tempo. I use it on my Kronos for arpeggiated sections and tap-tempo delay times....works like a charm.

 

Incidentally....I'm not hearing that as PWM. In fact...I'd just play that straight up. I'm not sure what you're getting at.

[Tom Brislin]

I would second J. Dan's idea, and just play the eighth notes straight-up. It may not have the lock-step techy feel that the LFO would give you, but you may be able to compensate by tightening up the amp envelope, play staccato as hell, and turn all velocity sensing off.

[CEB]

Thanks!!! You guys are great.

[DanL]

Agree w/ JDan and Tom- just play that part straight up.

[CEB]

Kind of a bummer though because the patch I did on the Gaia sounds just like the tune.

 

This is another tune I just programmed. The Bit Crusher let's me nail the sound on Just Dance. Part of the reason I picked up the Gaia was that it was used all over the Monster Ball tour. But the LFO rate control stinks. Probably should have gotten the Novation or used Nord Lead instead.

 

[video:youtube]

 

The biggest thing I miss is having a nice 61+ key keybed. The FA-06 is awful. In 2015 looking to replace the Gaia with the TI2. The Nord Leads are tempting but I would like 61 keys.

 

I will probably end up both of these straight up. I guess edit the Amp ADSR to get a stricter attack.

 

Thanks again!

[Bill H.]

Kind of a bummer though because the patch I did on the Gaia sounds just like the tune.

 

You can always start the song off with your patch, then turn LFO modulation off when the drummer comes in and play it manually. You could set modulation depth to be controlled with the paddle only, push it up when you need it, release it when you don't.

 

Or the D-beam if you want to get flashy about it.

 

Kind of the best of both. I seem to recall doing it kind of like that for "Won't Get Fooled Again" years ago. On that one I'd let the LFO take over during the exposed parts at the beginning and middle, then play manually with the drummer during the rest of the song. It works, and once the band's playing no one notices it' not robot perfect.

 

Incidentally....I'm not hearing that as PWM. In fact...I'd just play that straight up. I'm not sure what you're getting at.

 

I think it's just a terminology issue. He's using a pulse wave LFO to modulate amplifier depth I believe.

[Bill H.]

The biggest thing I miss is having a nice 61+ key keybed. The FA-06 is awful. In 2015 looking to replace the Gaia with the TI2. The Nord Leads are tempting but I would like 61 keys

If a used V-Synth shows up in your area check it out. Quality board. Roland's best five octave + aftertouch keybed. You can set the large programmable square pad up to do all sorts of things including tap tempo if you wanted that. I picked mine up for $550.

[CEB]

Thanks. I forget about the V-Synth.

 

Yes you are correct. I am using a pulse wave LFO to modulate amplifier. Thanks again.