What is the best DAW software for OASYS ?

[sebbytriton]

Hi all,

I would like to invest into a DAW software to use with my OASYS, the internal sequencer is not my cup of tea

For the moment my needs are only midi sequences but would like to use VST/VSTi in the future.

The integration is really important and I suppose all the software doesn't use the OASYS the same way (import PCG list, control surface, etc ...)

According to you what is the well suited DAW software for the OASYS ?

Nota : Daz/Sharp is possible to make a Poll Question about it if not existing ?

regards
Sebby

[Daz]

I don't see that any DAW package is more or less suited to using with the Oasys. However I can think of quite a number of multi-timbral instruments that I think are better to suited to working with a DAW.

I would recommend you choose a DAW that works in the way you personally prefer and also runs on your preferred platform (Win/Mac).

None have any magic features that makes them work better/worse with the Oasys. Some do or don't route through sysex and this might interrupt your use of the control surface on the Oasys. That's it.

My 2c,

Daz.

p.s. you can create a poll yourself I believe.

[Charlie]

I agree to Daz: that's not really an Oasys-issue but one of personal taste for a DAW. You'll never integrate the Oasys into a DAW like its internal sequencer integrates it (or like those VIs for the various DAWs).

If you want a simple solution (= as little computer-nuisances as possible) I'd recommend Mac + Logic + Duett + Oasys ... and that's it. There used to be some pre-programmed files around here for Logic+Oasys (but for other DAWs as well). And I think you'll have less latency issues with such a set up (tried to help a friend 2 weeks ago with a Vista-Laptop and Cubase ... we finally got it up and running - but latency was horrible - he'll need experts to solve that).

[sebbytriton]

I agree to Daz: that's not really an Oasys-issue but one of personal taste for a DAW. You'll never integrate the Oasys into a DAW like its internal sequencer integrates it (or like those VIs for the various DAWs).

If you want a simple solution (= as little computer-nuisances as possible) I'd recommend Mac + Logic + Duett + Oasys ... and that's it. There used to be some pre-programmed files around here for Logic+Oasys (but for other DAWs as well). And I think you'll have less latency issues with such a set up (tried to help a friend 2 weeks ago with a Vista-Laptop and Cubase ... we finally got it up and running - but latency was horrible - he'll need experts to solve that).

You speak about Logic+Oasys integration, this means all DAW are not equal ?
Does PCG and Combis can be synchronized easily with all the DAW ?
I want to choose my OASYS programs by her name, is it possible with all DAW (REASONS/ACID/SONAR) ?

[Daz]

Digital Performer & ProTools Patch Lists -> http://danphillips.com/music_tools_patchlists.htm

Logic Environment ->

For the OASYS users who are also using the software program "LOGIC" from Apple: This is a LOGIC environment, which supports choosing sounds by names, and is current through the STR-1 Expansion Instrument.

Also supported are 16 "track strips" - one for each MIDI channel, with every available parameter that can be modulated/controlled via MIDI. Instructions on how to set it up are included in the download. Enjoy!

http://korg.com/uploads/Download/OASYSf ... 540000.zip

Daz.

[jg::]

There's also the relevant Cubase files available, if you search here, or the karma-lab forums, you'll easily find it subjects about it.

jg::

[TagPass]

I've used my Oasys with SONAR on PC for the last 5 years, but have recently switched to a Mac and Logic. Setting up bank/patch selection from the DAW was about the same level of "difficulty" for each, and though each handles that functionality in their own specific way, the integration is about the same.

I had a hard time getting the Logic Environment file I downloaded from the KORG website working properly though and eventually built my own from scratch in order to figure out the process. As long as you have access to a text list of the patch names for the Oasys, creating the Environment was actually pretty simple just using the "Control 32" bank message option.

[Charlie]

You speak about Logic+Oasys integration, this means all DAW are not equal ?
Does PCG and Combis can be synchronized easily with all the DAW ?
I want to choose my OASYS programs by her name, is it possible with all DAW (REASONS/ACID/SONAR) ?

As I (and Daz) wrote, there are other pre-programmed files around here as well. And I wouldn't call their handling "easy". You'll quickly realize the big difference between the seamless integration of all elements within the Oasys and a DAW-solution. It took me some time eg. to find the optimal MIDI-filter-settings in Logic to avoid "surprisings" in the Logic-Mixer-section etc. etc. On the other hand you'll see the better integration of all the other plug-ins in your DAW. Compared to those your Oasys will always look like an "outsider". Choosing programs of the Oasys by name will be your smallest problem.

[Daz]

It took me some time eg. to find the optimal MIDI-filter-settings in Logic to avoid "surprisings" in the Logic-Mixer-section etc. etc. On the other hand you'll see the better integration of all the other plug-ins in your DAW. Compared to those your Oasys will always look like an "outsider". Choosing programs of the Oasys by name will be your smallest problem.

Very well said Charlie and exactly my experience too.

It really is very poor indeed that Korg did not address these things. I find myself unable to see Korg in the same way as I did previously.

Patch name scripts, whilst taking a decent amount of effort to produce, do not constitute integration and rather assume you never change your Programs. Or never create your own Programs. It's like buying a flag ship camera and finding you can only run it in snapshot mode.

My Oasys will be going to another home soon. I'll miss it sonically, but it was the least satisfying ownership experience I've had and the most annoying music making tool for me personally. Unfortunately for me, an instrument can't just be sonically impressive with a big screen instead of proper ergonomics.

[t_tangent]

Daz hit the nail on the head here. I particularly like the camera analogy, and yes I think that Korg HQ did stop short of what they promised for us O users. Along with the long requested update to the O's sequencer which we never saw, and then the huge M3 update shortly before announcing their discontinuation of support for the OASYS, but I think the most disappointing thing for me was that Korg gave the M3 software integration into a DAW but didnt do so for us.

I do enjoy my OASYS but I still get a bit peed off when I think about Korg's decision to concentrate on their cheaper products and ignore those that spent serious cash on an instrument that was supposed to be 'future proof'. (And yes I realise that nothing last forever.) But such is life and business I suppose, however by doing so it seems they have lost some very loyal but now disenchanted users.

I personally will continue to use my O and keep trying to work with it and my DAW for the forseeable future as it is a superb instrument, but it could have been SO much better had Korg been able to carry it forward.

To DAZ, I hope that you change your decision to sell the O as your support here has been absolutely invaluable to us lesser OASYS mortals. But whatever you decide, thanks again for all your knowledge and advice. Greatly appreciated. Cheers Matey

[Arend Groot]

Very well said t_tangent

[jg::]

Well, just to offer an alternate view, I'm happy to keep on using my Oasys, hopefully for many many years. That's why I bought a second one!

Your points are well made, and obviously valid for you, but for me, having "grown up" with workstations, it's merely a continuation of how I used to work with Tritons and earlier models. [With a DAW or computer sequencer all the way for 20 years, I might add - I only use the O seq as a sketchbook.]

For me, the sonic experience is the thing, and I'll wear using actual MIDI cables just to continue to get that. For me, any inconveniences are minor.

jg::

[milkojnr]

I use a Protools HD3 rig with my oasys. I have all the midnam files for Protools it is great. The midi is great in the new version.

I use the adat board directly into the 192 i/o.

It is great to protools so many different people have it makes it really easy..

[TagPass]

Choosing programs of the Oasys by name will be your smallest problem

Patch name scripts, whilst taking a decent amount of effort to produce, do not constitute integration and rather assume you never change your Programs. Or never create your own Programs.

So true! And definitely a big nuisance.

And to add another missed "integration" opportunity: While setting up the OASYS as an "External Controller" for DAW mixing functions in SONAR was quick and easy via ACT, I was *not* able to set it up to control Logic in a similar fashion, since there is currently no "driver/adaptation" for the OASYS in Logic. (I tried hacking the nanoKONTROL one with random results, and eventually abandoned the idea of using the O as a control surface.)

And while there are plenty of spots to save external control setups, not being able to "name" those settings is another miss.

Just to further reiterate what's been said here. As a self-contained system, the OASYS is great, although somewhat crippled by the archaic sequencer. Although perfectly workable, it just doesn't have the convenience of workflow or ease of use of the more full-featured visual DAWs. I think Charlie stated it plainly that when it comes to DAWs, "your Oasys will always look like an 'outsider'". I'm pretty happy with my own OASYS and Logic setup, and most projects are still a 50-50 use of O and software, with only a few other hardware components added to the mix as necessary. If it weren't for the sound quality of the O and its "Limited Edition" status, I might be more frustrated by the O as well as Daz has found. I've found the best way to make it work for me, but I can also certainly sympathize with those who are annoyed with their OASYSes feeling like "outsiders".

[Daz]

I've upgraded my Mac in recent times and have now moved to use far more soft instruments. I used to have a lower spec machine and used only software effects and hard synths. It is a pleasant surprise to find out how great contemporary soft synths are on a strong machine. The Oasys experience created a shift for me towards software and also back to the guitar. The first year when my Oasys didn't work for more than 45 minutes made the wood and steel of a guitar look so much more attractive

Then the daft hiding of all the great synth UIs in an archaic multi-timbral interface sealed the deal. The best integration effort was the EXB-DI but they killed that very quickly (and it didn't work without modification of the instrument anyway). Imagine getting a warranty repair on that ! Being forced to work @ 48kHz was a pain when using other equipment, and futzes with some apps/insts sample loading. I am not making music for DVD. Lack of programs banks, blah. Korg have shifted focus to making instruments which are increasingly geared to a very different audience to myself and others of more musically focussed nature. It is all prefab music and prefab sounds, whilst more professional features and more creative access is totally non existent. Why so many effects on everything ? Why so many combis that are themselves a fait accompli ? Who is that useful to ? They tried doing the same with the Radias which had few useful presets because Korg insisted on creating yet more horrible combis which are fun in the shop but ultimately people like myself had to get the presets from other instruments and convert them to the Radias so that you could have some playable material for creating your own music. Creating presets to sell instruments is fine, but creating no other material other than that is just futile.Who wants or needs a whole bunch of push button genesis songs in a real creative and working environment ? Totally absurd.

I just wish the Oasys AL-1 and MOD-7 were available standalone and not in this daft instrument. I must extend my enormous respect and admiration to those people involved with creating those two true masterpieces. Sadly Korg decided to put their finest work in probably the worst possible platform for it. Hence there never being conversation about those instruments here and evidently not many people buying EXi because they were built into totally the wrong platform. I wish I could still use those and it is a shame that those of us that truly appreciated and used the work of those engineers and designers are now totally ignored by Korg. It saddens me that no one at Korg even thought of us or had sufficient respect for their own work and their own people. Very sad indeed.

Daz.