SP-555 recording (looping/sampling) through MIDI line.

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Sat May 17, 2008 12:14 am

Hi,

Does anyone knows how to loop/sample through MIDI lines? I want to use the MIDI out in SP-555 to record loops/samples?

When I connect the MIDI in/out with other machines like MicroQ/Blofeld/QY100 it works perfectly but I CAN'T CAPTURE THE SOUND, I CAN ONLY PLAY THEM in SP-555!

Thanks.

Highlander

SaintElsewhere · Post by **SaintElsewhere** » Sat May 17, 2008 2:25 am

You can't sample through midi because midi does not transmit sound. That's not how it works.

inhouseprducer · Post by **inhouseprducer** » Sat May 17, 2008 12:20 pm

doesn't work that way you should read this ..........

"MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface, IPA: /ˈmɪdi/) is an industry-standard protocol that enables electronic musical instruments, computers, and other equipment to communicate, control, and synchronize with each other.

Note names and MIDI note numbers.MIDI does not transmit an audio signal or media — it simply transmits digital data "event messages" such as the pitch and intensity of musical notes to play, control signals for parameters such as volume, vibrato and panning, cues, and clock signals to set the tempo. As an electronic protocol, it is notable for its success, both in its widespread adoption throughout the industry, and in remaining essentially unchanged in the face of technological developments since its introduction in 1983."

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Sat May 17, 2008 1:19 pm

so i'm on a dead end with the looping/sampling through MIDI in SP-555. The reason why i'm trying IS to find a better way of recording because recording through Mic in and line in is not satisfactory. To have quality samples and loops is importing from computer through the SP-555 editor alone.

Anyone have some tricks?

Thanks guys.

Highlander

Dj Frantic · Post by **Dj Frantic** » Sat May 17, 2008 3:53 pm

why is it not satisfactory ?

vivi pedraglio · Post by **vivi pedraglio** » Sat May 17, 2008 4:27 pm

im recording HI-QUALITY into my sp-555....all the ways are ok: line in, usb, mic with phantom power, mic without pp...
Highlander: why you cant?...explain more

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Sun May 18, 2008 9:01 am

Hi DJ & DJ,

Thanks for asking why looping/sampling through MIC IN and LNE IN is not satisfactory?

I knew very well that my SP555 machine has no technical problems at the same time I guess I'm following the manuals perfectly. Looping/sampling works fine but just that the recorded sound quality is not as good as the original sound.

I will play my synth (Blofeld, MicroX, Software Synths, etc) or drum machine (QY100, Logic Stuio) to make my own loops but the sound is not the same. Somehow the loops that I record sound cheesy. Of course this is not a problem with the imported file but I want to use my own loops.

Also, between the MIC IN and LINE IN I've found out the MIC IN recording is much better.

Well the SP-555 recording is not that bad but it's not just good enough.

How do you guys get your perfect looping?

Am I doing something wrong? please help.

Highlander.

cartesia · Post by **cartesia** » Sun May 18, 2008 11:25 am

theres nothing else you can do.

jbl · Post by **jbl** » Sun May 18, 2008 11:40 am

i only get perfect looping one in a dozen times and that's after practicing a couple times a week for over a year. not to be extremely rude but how do you have all that gear and not know that midi is a data file? listen their is some (albeit quite minor) flavoring that is added from the sp processor, however most people like this. i mean it's 24 bit and i really feel most stuff sounds the same to my ear, but when i'm through with it hopefully sounds nothing like the original.

final food for thought; everything's better with cheese!

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Sun May 18, 2008 3:19 pm

Hi JBL thanks for repeating what has been already said(scroll up) regarding the MIDI issue. I'm very clear about it now.

Yeah I got tons of Gear and it just happens that I was a guitarist, drummer, and a singer and not an electronic music freak. There seems to be a lot of stuff in analog-midi-software so I'm exploring these days.

...and whether SP-555 is 24 bit or 32 bit it's not really solving my issue. I just wish there is a way to record better loops because I can't get the exact sound as it is played from the source. You will notice the difference when you loop crystal clear synth sounds and drums (especially snare and cymbals). Of course you won't know the difference if you are recording dozen of sounds in a single pad.

I guess cartesia got the right answer...SP-555 is a great machine but it can do that much only and "there is nothing I can do about it." I'm having fun with it and will be always a part of my live performance.

Cheers,

Highlander

jbl · Post by **jbl** » Sun May 18, 2008 3:47 pm

oh i read it all. i was just astonished. it's not 32 bit (24 bit compressed) but even if it were it's still using rcas which will muddy anything up. anyway, maybe you got some bad cables. best of luck ta ya.

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Mon May 19, 2008 12:18 am

Hi JBL i think cables was the only thing I've not checked. Thanks for the tip. I'm using some cables for SP-555 but all of them came with cameras and camcorders.

Thanks.

Highlander.

jbl · Post by **jbl** » Mon May 19, 2008 2:41 am

that would probably be it. i recommend monster cables or something thick and from the music store.

Euclid Ov Oåklånd · Post by **Euclid Ov Oåklånd** » Mon May 19, 2008 3:09 am

Monster cables are dope but pricey, I use cheap radioshack RCA cables and don't get any complaints about low audio quality. What you really want to do is import a digital copy of the file into the sampler using a card reader or usb so it doesn't go through the RCA input(which will add a little signal noise) then the A/D converter.

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Mon May 19, 2008 12:44 pm

RCA cables in music machines is not very common. I used RCA cables that came with cameras and camcorders. I have replaced the cable and the recording is much better now.

Thanks to all of you.

Highlander