Song Management during performance

DeanoCalgary · Post by **DeanoCalgary** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:33 pm

Hi, My recently-acquired Oasys and me would like to ask if anyone knows a PC song database application that will perform Prog or Combi switching. I need the PC to display my chord cheats, lyrics and set order, with option to push a Prog or Combi change.

I have a Filemaker database now that holds all my chords, lyrics and sets, it lets me create set lists, search and switch between songs during live use. I'd like to command the Oasys to switch sounds when I get to a chosen song, based on a parameter stored in the database.

Any ideas would be welcome. Maybe a little PC application that Filemaker can communicate with, send the Combi switch parameter, so I can keep my beloved Filemaker but not have to try to send midi from within Filemaker itself.

Maybe there's a performance database I can import all my chords, lyrics into. I'm open to ideas. Thanks very much. Regards.

Kevin Nolan · Post by **Kevin Nolan** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:07 am

I can't specifically answer your question as I do not know enough about Filemaker - but I would recommend you look to port you're setup away from a non musical application.

You should perhaps look to Sibelius, Finale or one of the DAW's to see if you can conveniently display lyrics and chords as well as transmit the necessary MIDI Program Change messages to the OASYS to change programs (or combi's ?). Might Garageband have such a feature?

It might also be worth your while visiting www.logicprohelp.com and asking it Apple's 'Mainstage' application (bundled with Logic Pro) can provide the features you want. If not - you may have a very good suggestion for apple for a new feature to the next release of that application.

Other alternatives include:

- Explore NI Reason or Cycling 74 MAX5 to program your own app.
- Contact IRCAM (www.ircam.fr) to see if they've developed something similar though if they have you'll have to join 'Forum IRCAM' and pay an annual license fee for the use of their software
- Talk to the 3rd year student on a thread on this forum where he's looking for a 3rd year project involving MIDI to see if he can develop something for you!

Good luck!

Post by **Sharp** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:52 pm

I believe you emailed me on this which is never a good idea when we provide this forum for people to use for this exact reason.

I believe what you want to do is possible, but it might take a little push and shove in filemaker to get this done.

You first need to convert midi data (Program Changes) into computer keyboard key strokes which you can easily do using any of the free apps like this puppy
http://www.bome.com/midi/translator/screenshots.html

So that's going to output a command to filemaker, now all you need to do is convert that information into something filemaker can use to switch records ( Songs).

For example if A = B, then go to C.
A = Program Change value the app transmits to Filemaker
B = The song's program change value.
C = The song to be loaded.

Regards
Sharp.

DeanoCalgary · Post by **DeanoCalgary** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:53 pm

Kevin,
Great suggestions, thanks for those. I will pursue those product leads. BTW, Filemaker is an Apple product (company), they operate under the FileMaker flag to try to reasure their PC user base of equal treatment. In typical Apple style, they rely on their user base to nudge their products in different directions. I've wondered why this rather obvious feature wasn't more routine in so-called gigging applications. Could it be that my now over-50 brain needs onscreen "cheats" for chords and lyrics that used to stay trapped in cells longer.

Well, maybe I'm the nudge this feature has been looking for. And, yes, I too saw the student looking for a project. I will nudge him.

DeanoCalgary · Post by **DeanoCalgary** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:08 pm

Sharp, sorry about the spam, I hadn't made the connection.

Bome software looks like it might be suitable. Kind regards.

Post by **Sharp** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 3:42 pm

I like the idea of being able to do this so I'll probably add this function to my software.

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

It's designed for touch screen use, but a total hands free system tied into midi would be really great.

Regards
Sharp.

minnkorg · Post by **minnkorg** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:06 pm

Actually like a previous poster said.
If you are using logicpro, MainStage will do all what you want except for the lyrics...

DeanoCalgary · Post by **DeanoCalgary** » Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:41 pm

Midi Translator's developer advised me that his product can only accept input from the keyboard at this time, but he will consider an API sometime in the future.

Mainstage, Logic Studio reproduces many of the musical instruments, midi playback, sampler, sequencer, and patch tools that are inherent in an Oasys or any modern synth. Its funcationality in support of live performance, however, is not the product's focus and misses on a couple of key requirements of mine.

For me chord cheats is not sheet music, but rather Em, F#maj7 - text not notation. Text is much more concise, no pages to turn. More like guitar tab.

So, thanks very much for the advice and suggestions. The hunt continues. Regards, Deano

Post by **Sharp** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:56 am

Midi Translator's developer advised me that his product can only accept input from the keyboard at this time, but he will consider an API sometime in the future.

I think you have your wires crossed. The program converts MIDI to keyboard input, not the other way around. This is exactly what you want.

You just need to write the script I mentioned above to get it all working.

Regards
Sharp.

DeanoCalgary · Post by **DeanoCalgary** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:11 am

Hi Mr Sharp. My wires are good, thanks. I wish to switch the synth from Filemaker, not the reverse, a mistake I noted in your first response but chose to ignore because your advice was still relevant and helpful. MT has an "outgoing message" feature but needs keystrokes.

I appreciate your assistance. Regards.

Post by **Sharp** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:25 am

Sorry...lol.... my mistake.

This is actually even better news then since all you have to do is add a midi file to your form that contains the program change command. Then add a button or a timer that plays the midi file when the record is selected.

If the midi on your PC is set to Out and not to it's internal synth, then the OASYS will pick up the command and jump to the correct COMBI sound when the record is selected.

Regards
Sharp

DeanoCalgary · Post by **DeanoCalgary** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:32 am

Oh I see where you're going. I'll give that a try. I know filemaker will play midi files, so you're right, just need to make sure the midi commands go to the outbound midi device which they should, and that the file contains only program change info.

Nice tip. Thanks for hanging in.

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Song Management during performance

Song Management during performance

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