SP and Computer Sequencing

METAFYZIKAL · Post by **METAFYZIKAL** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:28 am

In a previous thread, I was trying to quantize drums in odd time. In these recent project attempts, the SP sequencer is the biggest music making obstacle.

Now, if I could use the SP with a software sequencer (I am trying to use Sonar), all my problems would be avoided. So, my question, has anyone been able to record a MIDI track from the SP (via its pads) onto a sequencer like Sonar so that when the track is played on the PC the SP's pads and samples are triggered?

Twitch · Post by **Twitch** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:42 pm

I have SOnar 6 (waiting for SOnar 7 in the mail).. I will try this tongiht and get back to you.. I'm curious also.. I have controlled Battery 3 using SP606 pads, in Sonar, but not directly..

It should since SOnar comes with roland's groove an synths boxes..

METAFYZIKAL · Post by **METAFYZIKAL** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 7:53 pm

I am using Sonar 6 PE, and I have found out how to playback the SP's internal sounds (samples). The SP only responds to 8 midi channels, so the 32 banks are divided so 4 banks correspond to one MIDI channel. This creates a problem since the sp can only use one pad bank at a time (if you have a MIDI keyboard, you can access the other pad banks).

Aside from the previous drawback, there are 8 other channels that you can use to sequence other instruments (VSTi, MIDI keyboards) without the 8 note polyphony restriction of the SP's internal sequencer.

Though I am using Sonar, the same should apply all the other soft sequencers out there.

Twitch · Post by **Twitch** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 8:19 pm

The SP only responds to 8 midi channels, so the 32 banks are divided so 4 banks correspond to one MIDI channel. This creates a problem since the sp can only use one pad bank at a time (if you have a MIDI keyboard, you can access the other pad banks).

Thanks for the info.. But to comment on your other inquiry

So, my question, has anyone been able to record a MIDI track from the SP (via its pads) onto a sequencer like Sonar so that when the track is played on the PC the SP's pads and samples are triggered?

I just received Sonar 7 PE and to your question it is YES.. you can triggered the Sp pads.. S7 came with a step sequencer.. (About Freakin time) I can create a pattern using the step sequencer to playback the sounds on the 606 which in turn triggers the pads.. The good thing about the S7 Step sequencer is I can create my song in the step sequencer and record the Sp audio outs for the Sp sound.. I'm sure FL can do this since it has a step sequencer, but with Sonar's you can adjust each note to correspond to the 606, so when I tap the note in the step sequencer it triggers the pad on the 606..However the Sonar's step sequencer is tied -in with drum maps.. Well Fucking A.. you struck another gold mine.. Since Roland is GM sounds it is easy to find out the note-numbers on the SP 606 and change them to fit the in sonar's drum maps and save it and GOD Damm you got Roland's 606 midi note number mapped out in Sonar now.. Just until now.. I almost positive this will work in S6 ..create a drum map for Sp606 that will trigger the note-number which will trigger the pads.. Since 606 is not like Battery 3 (which I blend my drums together with) you can load in any sample in the 606 and it will not change the note number (#36 note number will always be pad #1 on the sp606 for example)

Did you get all of this? With the limited polyphony, I think you can by-pass this maybe ....in Sonar 6 create your drum map and sync up your midi options so everything flows together.. Then you can be creative like.. trigger the kick, snare from your Sp606 then create a hi-hat from your VSTs (session drummer, Roland Modules) to relieve some of your polyphony and track usage on the 606.. Like I said I do this with battery 3.. or just load in your samples to Session drummer and use the 606 fro melodies, keys, and what not.. But you can create a whole song using just your 606 with Sonar 6 or 7 as the master

BANGOUT · Post by **BANGOUT** » Tue May 06, 2008 9:15 pm

i just got sonar 7 PE myself can u explain how i hook it up to da 606

Twitch · Post by **Twitch** » Wed May 07, 2008 12:09 am

i just got sonar 7 PE myself can u explain how i hook it up to da 606

Yes.. What is it that you want to do with the Sp606.. Trigger sounds or Use the Sp606 as a controller to control the sofware synths or Session Drummer 2