Author: rt
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Akai MPK261 (MPK2 series): Controlling the controller with SysEx
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 the keyboard on demand, without touching a button on the controller. A side benefit is…
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Review: Alyseum AL-88c Midi Interface
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 midi interface with 8×8 Midi ports (8 Midi IN and 8 Midi OUT). If you…
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REVIEW: Akai mpk261 keyboard
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 applies to MPK249 and MPK261. Some of it applies to the MPK225.
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REVIEW: IKMultimedia iRig Blueboard
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 a lot of sense when you, as a musician, want to be as mobile as possible.
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Alesis Vortex: Modify the Ribbon Controller behavior
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 support strap to use their left hand on the (small) keyboard part. I have tried…
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Alesis Vortex: Testing remote Patch switch
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 any Midi input that can send Program Change Request (PC). I am also using a…
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Alesis Vortex: Direct Patch programming using SysEx
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 while ago to reflect the changes in the firmware, (even some undocumented ones). The main…
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Alesis Vortex: Firmware update 1.20 and Vyzex Patch Edit program available
Well, Alesis is listening to it’s users. They have just published a new firmware version for the Vortex. Version 1.20: Allows compatibility with the Vyzex Vortex patch editor software Allows the pitch-bend wheel to be reversed Allows any pad to be set to “Panic Mode” (pad will send an “all-notes off” message) Allows a default…
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MP-2 + MRe: Hacking the Alesis Vortex and using a Wireless Midi Transmitter
A two-project merge! The Alesis Vortex needed a bit more… controls! So I decided to add a few sensors that would give me greater flexibility when playing. The Vortex is already quite capable, but my left hand was not “used” enough. Sure, there is a touch strip and a pitch-bend wheel at my finger tips.…