Which Midi-Controller for EMX!?!

gibsonsg87 · Post by **gibsonsg87** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:29 am

I am trying to use a midi controller with my electribe during gigs with my band. This separate setup will consists of my EMX-1 being linked with any midi controller, but not exactly sure which one will do what I am looking for. I have a Korg K49 MIDI controller keyboard (http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop/flyp ... t_id/15016) and it only has midi out so it does not switch separate channels on my EMX-1 for various synth sounds when playing through the Korg K49 controller. My requirements:

-Easy/quick way of changing the synth channels created on EMX-1 during select songs for playing live on the midi controller. (Basically, I am using 1-5 synth tracks as resources for my synth sounds for only being played live)

-Do not want to purchase anything super expensive as it will just be used for playing notes into the EMX, but if there is some way of playing chords (It would eliminate my need for the other 2nd Microkorg being separately connected into PA or amp for my live setup) and having it perform chords when passed through my electribe then it would become a consideration.

So, I can basically looking for a midi controller with normal sized keys and not my spare tiny MicroKorg working as a controller anymore which I can manually switch channels so it works for my needs. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

xmlguy · Post by **xmlguy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 6:34 am

No midi keyboard will let you play chords on the keyboard that the EMX-1 will play in response. The EMX-1 is a monophonic synth per part and midi doesn't change that. The only exception is that a midi controller can trigger a preset chord using the chord oscillator type, but that probably won't work as you expect.

It sounds like you want the features of a polyphonic synth without actually using one. You have two MicroKorgs? Maybe you just need a small mixer? If you need larger keys, you could upgrade to an R3 or MicroX.

Or maybe I've misunderstood what you really are intending to do.

gibsonsg87 · Post by **gibsonsg87** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:06 am

I knew the EMX-1 is a monophonic synth, but did not know if there was something out there which could reverse this sorry if that confused you. Anyways, the main problem is using a midi controller with bigger keys for switching between the EMX's 1-5 synth sounds saved on my preset which I can not seem to do with my Korg K49 midi controller. It only lets me play the button 1 synth sound and does not switch between sounds even when I tap onto another synth sound such as button 2 on the EMX. Does this make my question any clearer?

BTW, I have two microkorg's available to use because the one is currently set up for being a midi controller, but I have to manually change synth channels on it which is not the problem. It is just the little keys have finally annoyed me more than anything at this point. The other is currently used by itself and not connected with this particular setup.

FreshHorses · Post by **FreshHorses** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 3:50 am

each synth part on the EMX is on a dif. midi channel, so to play synth 2, switch your korg 49 to output on Midi chan. 2, switch to midi chan. 3 to play synth 3 etc. I don't own a korg 49 but I am thinking you could probubly set up 5 dif. presets on the korg 49 each outputting on a dif. midi chan. and just switch between them. you can also switch the midi channels for each part on the EMX. if for instance, you wanted to play more then one of the emx synth parts at once, you could set them to the same midi chan. and layer sounds that way.

gibsonsg87 · Post by **gibsonsg87** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:22 am

That is exactly my problem that I am having right now. I do not know how to switch channels on the Korg K49 Midi Controller if it even does at all. If there is any way possible (which I haven't found online yet after searching for a manual or other web searches) then my problem will be solved. Otherwise, I am looking for another Midi Controller that will switch channels manually. The one Microkorg in my setup can manually switch channels which it does quickly and easier, but it is those super tiny keys which make me search for another controller.

FreshHorses · Post by **FreshHorses** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 3:33 pm

Check page 38 in the manuel, section 12. I think thats what you are looking for.
http://www.korg.com/downloads/pdf/KONTROL49_Manual.pdf

gibsonsg87 · Post by **gibsonsg87** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 10:20 pm

Thank you for checking the manual, but this is my model which does not have the keypads which I can not find any information about regarding switching midi channels.

I also tried using the midi button on the EMX and changing channels, but it does not fully cooperate with the K49. Do you recommend any cheap alternatives?

FreshHorses · Post by **FreshHorses** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 11:36 pm

ah...ok. yeah that keyboard might just always output on chan 1. the only other thing I can suggest is just using one EMX pattern for each synthsound and have the sound you want on Synth 1.

as far as an alternative midi controller...I personally have a Novation remote 25 and that is super flexable. not sure how cheap thou. I would venture to guess that any midi controller that can save presets can output on any midi channel, althou there are probubly exceptions.

gibsonsg87 · Post by **gibsonsg87** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 12:27 am

I was thinking about doing what you said about using different presents for different sounds for now. That Novation sure does looks nice, but looking to spend a little less since it would only be used for playing/switching keys of the synths created on the EMX. Any other ideas?

soundklinik33 · Post by **soundklinik33** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:52 pm

I also use remote 25 and love it.
If I didn't have it, I'd probably get this:
http://www.behringer.com/UMA25S/index.cfm?lang=ENG

it has also audio interface, last generation OS, and for the price/quality me thinks you can't go wrong.

FreshHorses · Post by **FreshHorses** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:29 am

soundklinik33 wrote:I also use remote 25 and love it.
If I didn't have it, I'd probably get this:
http://www.behringer.com/UMA25S/index.cfm?lang=ENG

it has also audio interface, last generation OS, and for the price/quality me thinks you can't go wrong.

It even comes with headset and keytar strap buttons ala cyberdude!!

xmlguy · Post by **xmlguy** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:53 am

If you buy a real synthesizer instead of a midi-controller, you eliminate the need to change midi channels. That's because the synth will probably be more powerful than what you can do on the single EMX synth part.

For example, I have used my EMX-1 with the R3 and X-Station 25. I just reserve Synth Part 1 on the EMX-1 for triggering and controlling the R3 or X-Station, not the other way around. I just mix audio of the EMX with the synth. That way I can play whatever I want on the synth, and use the EMX to trigger it seemlessly using the step sequencer or arpeggiator.

The EMX is more suited to be a MIDI controller than a MIDI receiver. It's a sequencer that has synth capability, not a synth that has sequencer capability. There's a big difference in that arrangement. My R3 and X-Station become a powerful extension of the EMX when controlled by it. I don't need or want my R3 or X-S to control the EMX. Even the cheapest synth would be better than a midi controller for the EMX.

So my answer to the original question: NO midi controller is best for the EMX. Don't use the EMX that way. Use the EMX to control a REAL synth.

gibsonsg87 · Post by **gibsonsg87** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 2:24 pm

That makes a lot of sense. What other synths would you suggest that aren't super expensive and will do almost everything that I need once connected with the EMX? I always just hooked my Microkorg w/ midi cables as a midi controller for using the sounds on my EMX. So could you explain briefly how different this new setup would be? Keep in mind that I am only using hardware and no software. I noticed from watching a few videos on youtube about the R3 they could play chords. Would this hold truth if it was still connected with the EMX? We have a few songs that I have made on pro-tools that I usually try dublicating on my EMX before I don't know how to go upon hooking each unit together. Is there any easy way for hooking up the MAC laptop w/ EMX and using the drum machine/synths separately but simultaneously?

FreshHorses · Post by **FreshHorses** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 7:20 pm

So what exactly are you trying to do? it seems to me that you could get almost any sound you can get on the emx on the microkorg. Do you just want to have the ability to have to keyboards available at once?

as far as cheap keyboards, I heard that the Alesis micron is pretty dope. But if you already have a microkorg, you may be set.

Do you just want bigger keys?
You could hook your k49 up to the microkorg, and maybe even have a foot pedal to switch patchs quickly.

If you explain exactly what you are trying to accomplish I could probubly help you out.

xmlguy · Post by **xmlguy** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 12:23 am

Using your MicroKorg will be fine for now.

Just hook up the midi-out of the EMX to the midi-in of the MK. Then press synth part 1 on the EMX. Set the MK to midi channel 1. Go to Global Mode on the EMX. Press the down button until you see ARP CONTROL and change it to REVERS. That will let you trigger the notes with the ribbon instead of the slider. Change the Arpeggiator Scale to Minor Pentatonic. Now any note you press on the ribbon will trigger a note on the MicroKorg, staying in the scale and key you selected. You can turn down the level of the Synth Part 1 on the EMX, if you only want to hear the MK part.