Korg Forums

tand · Full Member Joined: 18 Aug 2015 Posts: 112

Hi there folks.

Does anyone has suggestions about a synth controller for korg kronos?

I'd like, for instance, to program the AL-1, Polisix and others using buttons, and not the screen or even a software for that.

I've found an old novation x station-25 as an option since its has many controllers and as far as I know they're all assignable.

https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/novation-x-station-25

Does anyone know a better, not so expensive, option?

Thank you!

amit · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 4:02 am Post subject:

Very unlikely, as Kronos many if Kronos sysex use multiple byte data values that these controllers are unable to send.
You might be able to tweak some parameters though.
If you are connected to computer , you might be able to map your controller through the Kronos editor , that might work better.
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tand · Full Member Joined: 18 Aug 2015 Posts: 112

Thank you amit.

So, do you think that controller (x station-25) won't be able to send midi messages in order to change Kronos synth parameters?

Perilous · Junior Member Joined: 29 Jul 2015 Posts: 77

I've made some headway in this regard with the CX-3 engine, but not with PolysixEX or AL-1. The Novation X-Station 25 may indeed be able to control the Kronos, in a limited way, but the problem is that the maximum and minimum values are too large for any controller to handle.

Take a look at the PolysixEX engine for instance. Under VCO, the Pulse Width Modulation Speed Mod.Intensity has a min/max of -10.00 to +10.00
That's 1,000 values in each direction, negative and positive! A controller is lucky to transmit 256 positive values.
So a lot of controllers have a very limited range of control, but the Kronos deals with HUGE values that cannot be reached by any Midi controller that I've found. You'd have to use a computer and some sort of translator...
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tand · Full Member Joined: 18 Aug 2015 Posts: 112

Got you Perilous.

I think there's no way for that then.

Well, I'll try the ipad midi solutions once I have no other choices.

Do you guys have any options about Lemur, TouchOsc and mididesigner?

Thanks amit, thanks Perilous.

Have a nice day guys.

Bertotti · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 1:25 pm Post subject:

Behring BCR or BCF 2000, it learns sysex if my memory serves correctly. A few years ago one of our members here had one and was able to program it to do quite a bit. Try some internet searches it may pop up. I know it was in the Kronos forum a couple years or so ago. Maybe someone else remembers the thread.

Bertotti · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 2:15 pm Post subject:

Took a minute to find this link. Qui did it! Kronos with BCR2000

Cpilot · Senior Member Joined: 05 Oct 2011 Posts: 427

As Bertotti remembers, many moons ago I was able to program the BCR2000 quite effectively. I wrote some quick and dirty DOS editors as proof of concept with every intention of writing a proper Windows program. However, fate intervened and I was unable to do this and now I never will. I still have the final q and d editor though, and it does work, so if anyone wants it drop me a PM. Since it's only proof of concept it lacks all the features. It's based on using the Kronos sysex text files (slightly modified so they're all in the same format). Problems to note:

1. EXi only-no HD1 (format is different)
2. No Undo. Once you start defining a parameter you must continue to the bitter end. However, the BCR is smart enough to pick up a second one instead of the first if you made a mistake.
3. Only generates .syx files - no direct MIDI.
4. Cannot change the control resolution. The program always calculates the reolution to give approximately one turn of the control for any parameter.
5. Cannot have positive and negative values in the same parameter. It is possible but the results are weird. This is a limitation of the BCR. So you have to uses two controls.

There may be others but I can't remember them. The package contains the .exe file, the modified sysex files and the source code (Pascal), so if anyone feels like developing it they are welcome to try. Please don't ask me any questions about the program as I can't remember much about it.

tand · Full Member Joined: 18 Aug 2015 Posts: 112

Very nice the BCR2000.

I'll take a look closer at that controller.

Thank you so much guys.

psionic311 · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 4:51 pm Post subject:

The X-station also has an editor, and its controls do accept Sysex, as well as CC, NRPN, and RPN commands:

https://us.novationmusic.com/support/downloads/x-station-template-editors

I also have the BCR series, very handy devices. Still, I'm still happily plodding along daily with my 61 key X-station while the BCF/BCR are only brought out once in awhile.

The Novation X-station was ahead of its time -- MIDI and power over USB, 2 MIDI outs/merge, 4 assignable MIDI zones, transport controls, very good velocity/aftertouch keybed, XYpad, and mod lever with or without detente.

It even has a decent VA synth (3 osc, 8-voice, monotimbral), with over a dozen PCM OSC waveforms, several very interesting LFO wave types, and an extensive arp section. Add basic FX and an audio interface, and it really was an amazing feature set. Jamiroquai and others have programmed some downloadable patches.

The BCR is great, if a bit large and clunky by modern standards. The X-station 25 will offer you a great deal of buttons (44), knobs (53) and sliders (11) and overall functionality, amazingly more than the venerable BCR, and yet in a small and lightweight portably powered solution. I'd go for at least the 3-octave version if you could, so you won't have any regrets further down the line by a 2-octave limitation. You'd be hard pressed to find a decent action keybed with aftertouch and selectable velocity levels at this price class.

Ha, I sound like I'm endorsed by Novation (I'm not). To be fair, slider quality isn't the greatest, you can't use it as a controller when using the synth, and the aftertouch can be too responsive (opposite the Kronos). The VA is more old EDM type, a bit shallow despite the "liquid" filter. I've no need for all the Automap templates, but the editor does have a "listen" (MIDI learn) mode.

The build quality isn't the greatest, and I dislike gray keyboards, but it's light and sturdy enough to carry around as a 2nd controller that doesn't need a case or anything. It's my daily driver along with the K61 and FCB1010, and going on almost 10 years now Shocked

psionic311 · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 5:46 pm Post subject:

Cpilot · Senior Member Joined: 05 Oct 2011 Posts: 427

Couple of notes. The program will run on anything up to XP. Beyond XP you can use DosBox (a free download - Google it). It runs quite happily on my 64bit Windows 8 laptop.

Also I had to change the extension on the executable file to .edt to avoid malware problems when sent as email. If you request a copy you'll need to change it back to .exe.