Idea for Program Banks expansion. The "Combi-Bank"

[kbrkr]

It seems I under-utilize my combi storage areas quite a bit and I seem to have many more combi banks empty than I do program banks.

REMAP PROGRAMS INTO THE COMBI STORAGE LOCATIONS

A really neat feature I would like to see in an OS release, would be to allow "OPEN" memory storage structure of the Kronos to mix and match either a combi or a program into a location, but have the Kronos sort the locations in to either Combi Category or Program Categories. This would allow us to expand program banks into the Combi areas and allow the user to decide how to configure the keyboard in terms of having more Combi's than Programs or vs-a-versa.

CREATE SUPER PROGRAM "COMBI-BANKS"
Another feature I would love to see is to create a CombiBank to store up to 16 programs of a particular category. For Example; Create a Berlin Grand Combi Bank with 16 Variations of the Berlin Grand Samples with the ability to store a Unique program loaded from disk into a single Combi Timbre. Then allow FAST Access to a Timbre ON/OFF using one of the Controller/Surface Buttons OR bank select buttons. This would expand storage capability of the Programs exponentially for those of us who would rather have more programs than Combi's.

I hope I made myself clear on the above. [/u]

[michelkeijzers]

Interesting ideas, but I'm afraid these are too complicated for most people to use. Also it would need quite some programming effort by Korg.

It would be easier to have a more flexible number of banks (e.g. more program banks, less combi banks?). Or less set lists? But than the problem of reduced RAM will show up, which is said already by Dan this can cause less RAM for samples.

The second idea is not really possible, since limited FX slots are available, so it's not always possible to mix 16 random programs keeping all original FX settings.

Also, it's better not to use 'tricky' things to solve the items you want to tackle. The only solution probably is more RAM, and than more program banks or more combi banks.

[michelkeijzers]

(duplicate post removed)

[Bachus]

I think the whole architecture of organising sounds in banks has grown old since you can have 1000's of instruments in your keyboard..

[NuSkoolTone]

I don't quite understand the 2nd part of Combi Banks, but I think the Remap Idea is GREAT and feasible as an option from the Global Menu.

My Combi banks are way under utilized as well!

The questions I see are this:
1.) Could the Kronos handle the data structure type in those locations? Or could the Prog banks get more assignments?

2.) (And this is the big one) How much data does a program vs. a combi take up and what is the RAM usage difference? If they're not even close, then the whole idea won't work.

I admit though it would be incredibly useful and a great interim solution until there is a 64 bit Kronos or OS (Which of course we're hoping for).

How it would work is anyone's guess. If you could turn "off" combi banks and prog banks "on" which would be greyed out until space was made available. Of course with an "Are you sure?" prompt letting you know you're about to delete local memory I assume.

[kbrkr]

Let me clarify the concept of the "CombiBank". It is really just a grouping mechanism as it is today. The only difference is to be able to load a PCG into a Combi's 16 Timbre's.

So for example I could have one combi slot hold 16 unique programs that would not exist in the Program banks. AND, i would be able to assign them either all on in a layered sound or mute all timbres but 1 to use as a regular program. The natural grouping of a Combi would allow me to store my favorite String programs in a single Combi in a single Combi location. I can mix and match programs from the program section or load unique programs from disk, which are NOT stored in the program banks!! (but of course would have to have the samples loaded).

Total Flexibility!!!