M3 as multi-timbral sound module with external sequencer

[leoa]

When using an external sequencer should the M3 be in combi mode or seq mode? I am able to run my external sequencer, with the M3 in seq mode, with no problems except that the programs do not have thier associated effects. I know that if I use the internal sequencer, as I assign a program to each track I have the option to copy the effects. Am I suppose to set up combi's with different programs on each track/channel?
exampe piano on track1-channel1, bass on track2-channel 2, guitar on track3-channel3 etc. then make sure that on the external sequencer piano parts are on track 1, bass on track 2 etc?
Thanks for any help with this matter.
Leo

[a.schemkes]

The M3 should be in SEQUENCER MODE

To copy a combi to SEQUENCER MODE just push both ENTER and REC/WRITE buttons at the same time.
M3 will ask SET UP TO RECORD Are you sure? Then hit OK and you have the sequencer mode set up with your combi.

A very very handy short cut from KORG

[Shakil]

Leoa

In sequencer mode, you have to set the effects for tracks as you need for the current song. The effects saved in the program itself might not be valid or clash with other tracks on the song. You do have option to copy the effects from any program.

This type of routing is more flexible and more efficient, since you can set the effects separately from the selected programs. You can route multiple tracks to same insert effect, hence saving DSP. You can also audition different versions of the instrument, without losing the edits you make to the effects for a song.

Route each track to one of the insert effect bus, and then edit that insert effect as you need for the song.

For a quick start, you can select one of sequencer song templates. There are several templates for different genres. These templates already have programs, effects and routing setup for you to start recording your ideas, and late you can customize the programs, effects etc...

If you are sequencing on KORG M3 itself, please note that it doesn't offer MIDI OMNI mode. You will have to select MIDI channel of the track you want to record on, and also make sure that track is currently selected on M3, otherwise it will not record. For example, if you want to record on track 3, make sure the external MIDI keyboard is sending on same channel as track 3, usually channel 3, and track 3 is currently selected on M3.

If you are using external sequencer, set local control off, and make sure the MIDI channel are setup properly as you need. If you are using a computer, use the USB midi port and software editor along your sequencer.

[Rob Sherratt]

Interesting you recommend SEQUENCER mode when using the M3 as a sound module. I use COMBI mode as follows. I created a User Combi called "Cakewalk Sonar" and I preset all the banks to GM and then track 10 to gm (drums). I then set the EFX on all tracks the same way to just use a small amount of master reverb, no inserts. I then select that Combi, and everything plays back from Cakewalk Sonar very nicely.

Regards,
Rob

[Shakil]

Yes, you could use COMBI also, since COMBIs can have 16 parts now.

[NavidSyed]

and I preset all the banks to GM and then track 10 to gm (drums). I then set the EFX on all tracks the same way to just use a small amount of master reverb, no inserts. I then select that Combi, and everything plays back from Cakewalk Sonar very nicely.

Hi there Rob can you explain what you mean by preset all the banks to GM? I would like to have this combi if you can email it to me or just the procedure? Regards.

Navid

[leoa]

Thank you all for replying and your suggestions.
I am having some success, but have a few more things to try.
I am setting everything up in my computer based external sequencer. Some of the programs (patches) really do need insert effects (organ, for example, needs the rotary effect). I don't know if I can send some sort of CC# so that effect is applied to the organ. Here is what I'm thinking. I save the song as a MIDI file. Load it into the M3 and apply the effects (insert, master and total) as needed.
Save it on the M3 as a MIDI file (I also save it as a sng so that I have the option of play it back on the M3 sequencer). Here is the question - if I load the new MIDI file into my external sequencer, when I play it back will the effects be there? Does the MIDI save on the M3 save the effects settings?
Thank you all.
leo

[Rob Sherratt]

and I preset all the banks to GM and then track 10 to gm (drums). I then set the EFX on all tracks the same way to just use a small amount of master reverb, no inserts. I then select that Combi, and everything plays back from Cakewalk Sonar very nicely.

Hi there Rob can you explain what you mean by preset all the banks to GM? I would like to have this combi if you can email it to me or just the procedure? Regards.

Navid

Hi Navid,

Let me explain what I did first ...

I disabled receipt of "Bank Change" messages from the Global menu, because I found MIDI files from unknown sources that send Bank Change messages that upset the M3. I left "Program Change" enabled.

I loaded an uninitialized Combi from an unused user location.

In the "Combi P0 Play" menu. Set the Bank to be G and the Sound to be "GM001 Acoustic Piano" on all tracks, with the exception of track 10 where the bank must be g(d) and the Sound must be "001 Standard Kit". This sets up all tracks to be General MIDI sound banks, and track 10 to be General MIDI drum bank The actual sounds (Programs) that will play from the external sequencer will change when you start playing the external sequence.

In the "Combi P3 Timbre Param" menu. Set track 1 to ch1, track 2 to ch2 etc through to track 16, setting it to ch16.

Then I set up a straight through EFX routing to the L + R bus for all tracks, with a small amount of master reverb and master EQ and no IFX.

Then I saved the Combi and it works. I played around with the amount of reverb and EQ until it sounded pretty good to my ears with a variety of MIDI files played on Cakewalk Sonar.

If you have any difficulty, let me know by email and I'll send you my Combi. My address is rob dot sherratt at gmail dot com.

Best regards,
Rob

[orpheus2006]

Nice!
IMO this or a similar GM combi should be included in the factory sound set. It is a common function for many users to audition general Midi files. For example, on Yamaha Motif there is such a GM combi (or "multi" in their words) available.

[Rob Sherratt]

Nice!
IMO this or a similar GM combi should be included in the factory sound set. It is a common function for many users to audition general Midi files. For example, on Yamaha Motif there is such a GM combi (or "multi" in their words) available.

I fully agree. I was surprised that I couldn't find a suitable Combi already preset so it would work with an external sequencer playing GM files. Nor could I find any Korg documentation describing how to use the M3 as a multi-timbral GM compatible sound module.

[Shakil]

Well... this is not a big deal since all of the internal combis and programs can be overwritten. You can't say this for any other synth/workstation. Just takes 5 minutes to setup a GM combi and save it somewhere.....