MIDI merge using KARMA

[psionic311]

Last summer, I managed to dial in a KARMA GE where I pretty much had MIDI merge happening. Unfortunately I didn't document my findings.

Would you know what settings to select so that the MIDI data a MIDI controller plugged into the Kronos DIN MIDI IN would then pass thru (combined) with the MIDI DIN OUT?

[psionic311]

MIDI merge is a *very* useful feature in a multiple keyboard rig. It's liking having an electrical device that also has a built-in plug on it -- it basically takes up zero electrical outlets, because once you plug it in, some other device can then plug into this device's built-in plug.

With MIDI merge, you can plug a downstream MIDI device to the DIN IN of your Kronos, and then use the Kronos MIDI OUT to talk to the next device in the chain. The bonus is that the previous device will also be able to talk to the device down the chain because its data is merged with the Kronos MIDI data. It basically gives your Kronos an extra set of a combined MIDI THRU/OUT without having to purchase a 3rd party box like the MIDI Solutions THRU. Huuge benefit for those who know.

For those interested in this feature and wishing to help "discover" this hidden Kronos feature, here's what I have so far:

(this assumes you have an upstream MIDI device connected to your Kronos IN, and the Kronos OUT is connected to your downstream device on MIDI ch2)

1) Turn KARMA on (button under main Volume knob)
2) From the main Combi/Prog screen, select the KARMA tab (next to IFX tab)
3) Select GE Setup / Key Zones
4) Under GE Setup, enable module A (select RUN).
5) Under the MIDI I/O section, for module A, set Input Ch = Gch and Output Ch = 2
6) Back up to Module A's GE Setup, select GE 0093: Gamelans 3.

And here's the rub: different GE's produce different results. The Gamelan 3 GE will produce a hollow arpeggiation on your downstream MIDI device on ch2 when you play a simple chord on your upstream MIDI controller connected to the Kronos MIDI IN. Various ARP GE's only produce either a monophonic single pluck, or else a chord pluck.

What we're looking for is a GE that produces a sustained chord on the Kronos / downstream device when you play a sustined chord on the upstream device.

So I'm asking for help in searching for the right GE that responds *normally* so that the Kronos MIDI Out will act like a MIDI Merge (combined THRU/OUT).

[mikelees]

What you’re describing sounds like the Karma through in zone function. I’m not near the Kronos to check, but I’m pretty sure you will get the functionality you’re looking for if you follow the steps above but leave out step 4 - i.e. make sure the “Run” button is unticked. Through in zone still works even if the Karma module isn’t running.

[ldascanio]

What we're looking for is a GE that produces a sustained chord on the Kronos / downstream device when you play a sustined chord on the upstream device.

So I'm asking for help in searching for the right GE that responds *normally* so that the Kronos MIDI Out will act like a MIDI Merge (combined THRU/OUT).

This topic discussed time ago in Karma-Lab forum could be helpful:

https://www.karma-lab.com/forum/showthr ... t=pad+hold

Rgds.

[psionic311]

Thanks all, I found something *very close* but not perfect using GE 727 Pad Holder. Now I can enable KARMA, and my Privia will play both my Kronos and my Rev2. The MIDI routing is like this:

Privia OUT => Kronos IN, Kronos OUT => Rev2 IN.

The Rev2 is split on MIDI channels 2 and 3, so I used KARMA Modules B and C set to those channels. I didn't need to have any Thru settings enabled, but it does have to have Run checked.

The problem is that the GE will re-trigger any notes that might not have finished the Release stage. The result is you will "fat finger" a lot, if you are not very articulate and distinctly separate your notes (play very staccato), getting double or triple note clusters when trying to solo monophonically. Alternately, if you are playing a chord that has some notes sustaining into the next chord, the notes won't just sustain but also get re-triggered, resulting in blockiness.

I tried adjusting various parameters on the KARMA/Trigger page, but no luck.

Ah well, I'll keep looking for a better GE. Thanks again!

[ronnfigg]

Have you tried going to the KARMA forum?

[psionic311]

Thanks, I did check out a few things at the KARMA forum. One of the more useful things I found is how to auto-harmonize solo lines, useful for leads.

I recently decided to just invest in hardware rather than try to ingeniously wire myself out of the situation. A $150 iConnectivity Mio4 is filling all my MIDI needs now.

I'm still amazed at how much the Kronos can accomplish

[psionic311]

Just as an FYI, I ended up getting a Mio4 to manage all my MIDI connections.

This little box rules. You can power it with a USB cable connected to the Kronos. It can merge, remap, filter, and connect all your MIDI devices once and forever. For $150, it's a tiny box that does the job well.

The Mio4+ will also route audio as well as MIDI between multiple PCs and your synths. Be warned though that it isn't powered over USB like the Mio4 is.

But first you want to connect it to your PC. From there you can assign what MIDI info goes where. With 4 pair of MIDI DIN ports, and the dozens of MIDI channels over the other MIDI ports on USB and Ethernet, you can integrate MIDI over your whole studio easily.

Don't worry, the Kronos still rules with all its MIDI features and combi mode capabilities. This just gives the K more options as a MIDI master to control everything else in the studio.

It's amazing that in 2019 the only thing that beats the Kronos is going ITB with Mainstage or Cantabile. Even then, you still need a MIDI controller, so even then the Kronos still is relevant...