MIDI Drum pad/controller?

verlin_benge · Post by **verlin_benge** » Fri Mar 09, 2012 4:06 am

I only know the limitations of MIDI when connecting an Electribe with computer software, but I am wondering if it's possible to hook up something like the Alesis Performance Pad or those arcade button MIDI controllers to an Electribe. I don't want to just sequence everything, but it's pretty difficult to tap a beat out on the Electribe's small, frigid Part keys. I need something that's made for tapping/drumming control, but triggers the Parts on the Electribe. Is this even possible? If so, any recommendations? To keep costs down, preferably something that acts only as a controller, and not an output/storage device itself. Thank you, kindly.

neotechtonics · Post by **neotechtonics** » Thu Mar 15, 2012 9:09 am

Akai MPD 16 maybe

Not sure how easy it is to setup and integrate with the Electribes tho.

has MIDI out so can eliminate need for computer as "middle-man"

Cry UFO · Post by **Cry UFO** » Thu Mar 15, 2012 8:06 pm

You can use whatever MIDI controller you want as long as its got MIDI out (which being a controller by default it should

), just set the correct channels on the EMX1/controller and you might need to set the drum note numbers (page 80 of the manual) and you'll be sweet as

neotechtonics · Post by **neotechtonics** » Fri Mar 16, 2012 5:48 am

Cry UFO wrote:You can use whatever MIDI controller you want as long as its got MIDI out (which being a controller by default it should ),

unfortunately these days "MIDI controller" doesnt necessarily mean it has a 5-pin MIDI out.

saw a "MIDI pedal" a while back got really excited about it... then discovered its only USB out.

its like all the korg nano's... real cool "MIDI controllers" but useless without a pc/mac

I don't consider it a true MIDI controller unless it can work stand alone and has a 5-pin MIDI out.. otherwise its just a USB controller that uses MIDI protocol imo =P

Cry UFO · Post by **Cry UFO** » Fri Mar 16, 2012 8:41 am

yea that's a good point, i forget about those things even though i've got one sitting in draw somewhere

Telengard · Post by **Telengard** » Fri Mar 16, 2012 4:00 pm

I was just having a similar issue as I have all the three nanoSeries controllers and a new EMX. I found that I can connect them all using a usb hub, my iPad with the MidiBridge app, the Camera Connection Kit for the iPad, and a midi to usb adapter. It even takes into account the velocity (accent values on the electribe) when hitting the keys or pads.

Works awesome and doesn't require my computer for connection. Wish I could just hook up the controllers to the EMX.... Maybe the next electribe will have usb MIDI.

verlin_benge · Post by **verlin_benge** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 7:08 pm

I'm trying to eliminate the computer middle-man deal, and the controllers with only USB connections are screwing me over.

It's looking like most products that will connect directly to the Korg are also samplers themselves, and that's kind of a waste to get another sampler just to trigger the Korg.

The Akai MPD26 seems like it's a viable option, though.

Thanks for the feedback.

EuroHobbes · Post by **EuroHobbes** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 7:29 pm

How about the Padkontrol? That has 5-pin Midi out (and in and thru). I still want to connect mine to either the emx or the esx.

It doesn't come with an external PSU and I'm still too lazy to pick one up

verlin_benge · Post by **verlin_benge** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 2:41 am

Is there a power adapter you can get for the PadKontrol? or do you have to get one of those plugs with a USB slot, like a lot of apple products use to plug into the wall.

sohatyi · Post by **sohatyi** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 10:08 am

verlin_benge wrote:Is there a power adapter you can get for the PadKontrol? or do you have to get one of those plugs with a USB slot, like a lot of apple products use to plug into the wall.

Standard 9v power, I use a pedal supply for mine. When running over USB, the main midi connection is disabled, so attempting to power it via PC and using the traditional MIDI connector will not work.

Electromachines · Post by **Electromachines** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:48 pm

Yeah +1 for the padkontrol. Works really well with the tribes. Also worth checking is the M-Audio Trigger Finger.
If you need a tweaking 'hub' for a few tribes/synths then Behringer's BCR2000 has 32 knobs and (like its fader brother the BCF) is very good value for money.
I also use my Microkorg to prog synth lines with the emx/esx.

Its a shame that alot of the cool portable pad/key combo controllers these days are usb only as those little Akai's look tasty!