Author Archives: rt

About MIDI connections: Identifying the Midi pin numbers

Posted on 2015/04/03 by rt

A short article to help identify MIDI pin numbers in all those circuit drawings  and photos on the internet.

Posted in Electronics | Tagged | 14 Comments

My ultimate versatile MIDI connection board: Versatility is the key

Posted on 2015/04/02 by rt

My Ultimate Versatile Midi Connection Board I work with Midi, a lot. I often have to plug equipment for testing instruments, circuits and interfaces. I often need to connect more than one device to a computer or micro-controller. So I decided … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Music equipment | Tagged | 4 Comments

Akai MPK261 (MPK2 series): Controlling the controller with SysEx

Posted on 2015/01/24 by rt

In this (very) technical post, I explain a method that will give you better control over the behavior of your Akai MPK2 series keyboard (tested on an MPK261). The goal is to be able to select one of the 30 “presets” stored in … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

Review: Alyseum AL-88c Midi Interface

Posted on 2014/10/02 by rt

UPDATE : 2016/10 Alyseum, the makers of this hardware product, have discontinued its manufacturing. They have a new product out, the U3-88c. It’s a USB 3 interface that provides similar functionalities, minus the Copperlan interface. The Alyseum AL-88c is a … Continue reading →

Posted in AL-88c, Music equipment | Tagged , | 13 Comments

REVIEW: Akai mpk261 keyboard

Posted on 2014/07/04 by rt

AKAI MPK261 This is a review of the Akai MPK261 Midi Keyboard. You can find the detailed specifications on the Akai website. I only explain the particularities that are not obvious on the web site. Most of the information here … Continue reading →

Posted in MPK261, Music equipment | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

REVIEW: iConnectivity iConnectMIDI4+ — Part 1 – Hardware

Posted on 2014/05/09 by rt

I just received the iConnectivity iConnectMIDI4+. This is a hardware review. You know me: take it apart first, and then review it. So this post is about hardware. The next post will be a software and application review. In the … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Music equipment | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

REVIEW: IKMultimedia iRig Blueboard

Posted on 2014/04/12 by rt

The iRig Blueboard is a small pedal board that uses bluetooth to connect to a computer or a mobile device and sends Midi commands to any application listening for it. The Hardware The idea is that a compact pedal makes … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment | Tagged | 2 Comments

Alesis Vortex: Modify the Ribbon Controller behavior

Posted on 2013/12/01 by rt

Some Keytar players use both hands on the keyboard part to play more complex notes arrangements. When I need to do that, I use a regular keyboard. As explained in a previous post, “I have seen keytar players “cross-under” the … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment, Vortex | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Alesis Vortex: Testing remote Patch switch

Posted on 2013/11/09 by rt

The Alesis Vortex, using firmware 1.20, can now receive and act upon Program Change requests. This means that you can select a Vortex Patch remotely. I tested the new feature using my M-Audio Oxygen keyboard, but this will work with … Continue reading →

Posted in FCB1010, Music equipment, Vortex | Leave a comment

Alesis Vortex: Direct Patch programming using SysEx

Posted on 2013/11/08 by rt

In the previous post, I did a quick review of the new Vyzex Vortex software program. I also put in some details about the new features in firmware 1.20. I also updated the detailed user guide that I wrote a … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment, Vortex | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments