Vortex wireless questions

[jmemcse517]

Hi,

My wife wants to put an Alesis Vortex under the tree for me. I don't want to set up a laptop at gigs, but I do want to use the wireless capability. In this article Keyboard Mag Vortex Review it's mentioned that a computer-less midi connection can be accomplished using an iConnect MIDI4+. I already own the PreSonus USB audiobox, could anyone hazard a guess if this might work? Like if I plugged the USB dongle into the Audiobox and then MIDI out to an instrument?

 

I don't think the USB port on my VR-09 would work for this; I'll have to check up on that.

 

I'll also need to figure out what kind of guitar stand (?) to set it on stage when I'm not using it?

 

If I can't use it wireless without a laptop I probably won't order one though.

 

What do you fellas using a Vortex live do?

 

Thanks - Jim

[jmemcse517]

Hmmm... Since the Audiobox gets it's power from USB - that won't work. I went ahead and ordered one anyway so it can be here before Christmas.

 

 

[Tobias Åslund]

No it can't be done with the Presonus. The iConnectMidi4+ ability to work as a USB midi host is quite unique. The only other box I know of that can do is the Kenton Midi USB host. Then there are a couple of expensive keyboards like the Korg Kronos that will also be able to work as a USB midi host, but for sure your VR-09 won't be able to do this. So unless you get an iConnectMidi4+ or the Kenton Midi USB host, you will need a computer to use the Vortex wireless feature.

 

[jmemcse517]

Thank you very much Tobbe - super appreciate your help

 

Looks like I'll have to appropriate the Dell Latitude dual core back that I gave to the band to use in our rented practice space. I am not bringing my new core i7 out to gigs. Hopefully a dual core is enough to make this usable.

 

I'm thinking Alesis dongle in the laptop, Presonus USB'd to the laptop as well, and then I'll connect the Presonus midi out to my top VR-09 midi in?

 

Meanwhile, I'll keep an eye on ebay for a used iConnectMidi4+.

[Tobias Åslund]

Yup, Alesis dongle -> Dell Latitude -> Presonus -> VR-09 should work. You just need some appropriate midi software running in the laptop to connect the Alesis dongle to the Presonus. A DAW with midi thru enabled should do the trick, but I also think MidiOX could manage this.

[Ashville.Guru]

Looks like I'll have to appropriate the Dell Latitude dual core back that I gave to the band to use in our rented practice space. I am not bringing my new core i7 out to gigs. Hopefully a dual core is enough to make this usable.

MIDI processing hardly requires any computing power. Even an Atom-class processor would do very well.

 

I'm thinking Alesis dongle in the laptop, Presonus USB'd to the laptop as well, and then I'll connect the Presonus midi out to my top VR-09 midi in?

The Presonus is unneccessary - an additional box+ wiring. The VR-09 transmits MIDI over USB, so just directly connect it to the Dell with a USB cable.

 

But merely connecting the two hardware devices through USB will not automatically connect them. You'll need a virtual MIDI patchbay inside computer. MidiOx is simple and free. Bome's MIDI Translator Pro is much more powerful. It's almost guaranteed that you'll need the extra features eventually. Highly recommended.

 

- Guru

[jmemcse517]

Sounds challenging. I have Studio One already running on that laptop; maybe that will facilitate the connection.

 

If I can't find a used iConnectMidi4+ I might just just spring for a new one anyway. It would be prudent to make sure I even like playing the Vortex first though, as I have no other use for the iConnectMidi4+.

 

Thanks again

 

So... Will this thing sit on a regular guitar stand?

 

I got the free gig bag promotion as well.

[EscapeRocks]

 

So... Will this thing sit on a regular guitar stand?

 

I got the free gig bag promotion as well.

 

I use the Roland ST-AX stand that I got for my Roland AX.

At its lowest setting it securely holds my Vortex on stage.

 

The Roland stand is designed to hold the pointy end of the AX, and Alesis, unlike a lot of guitars.

 

Most of the major retailers sell them for $50

[EscapeRocks]

Just thinking out loud here:

 

Could one use a simple M-Audio Uno (USB to MIDI DIN adapter)?

 

Connection would be M-Audio MIDI DIN to keyboard. Then a female to female USB A coupler. Plug the M-Audio USB A into one end of the coupler, and the Alesis Dongle into the other end?

 

No computer, not a lot of $$$.

 

I'm seeing the M-Audio Uno for about $40, and the USB 2.0 A Female to USB A Female Gender changers about $3.

 

Again, just theorizing.

[Justin Havu]

The Uno requires USB power, so no, that wouldn't work.

[EscapeRocks]

The Uno requires USB power, so no, that wouldn't work.

 

Ok cool thank you!

 

I ask as I was thinking about getting the new Vortex with wireless to replace my old one. I just want to control a keyboard, not a VST.

 

Looks like the iConnect4+ is the answer right now.+

 

 

As an aside, I am currently messing around with with a PUC wireless iOS adapter and my iPad. It works. My current non wireless Vortex controls iPolysix on my iPad.

[Sven Golly]

The Uno requires USB power, so no, that wouldn't work.

 

Not to mention neither of the things connected via USB in that situation is a host, which USB requires to actually function.

 

[jmemcse517]

Looks like I'll have to appropriate the Dell Latitude dual core back that I gave to the band to use in our rented practice space. I am not bringing my new core i7 out to gigs. Hopefully a dual core is enough to make this usable.

MIDI processing hardly requires any computing power. Even an Atom-class processor would do very well.

 

I'm thinking Alesis dongle in the laptop, Presonus USB'd to the laptop as well, and then I'll connect the Presonus midi out to my top VR-09 midi in?

The Presonus is unneccessary - an additional box+ wiring. The VR-09 transmits MIDI over USB, so just directly connect it to the Dell with a USB cable.

 

But merely connecting the two hardware devices through USB will not automatically connect them. You'll need a virtual MIDI patchbay inside computer. MidiOx is simple and free. Bome's MIDI Translator Pro is much more powerful. It's almost guaranteed that you'll need the extra features eventually. Highly recommended.

 

- Guru

 

I somehow missed this post until today. Thanks Guru, I didn't realize this simple USB solution was even available

 

Just as an update - the day I ordered a Vortex online from my usual guy I got a phone call - they were out of stock. So I asked about the demo I saw on their web page, it was available and I took it. It arrived with a bad pitch wheel. So it went back and I'll just wait for a new one.