Topic by Martyk22

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Topic: Please help with hookup using an audio interface

I would appreciate some help in hooking up my equipment correctly to use Pianoteq.  I have searched everywhere and I'm finding conflicting information. I have seen the hookup diagrams on the Pianoteq website, but I find that the one showing the audio interface is confusing as it shows multiple ways to hookup.

I would like to use my Roland RD-64 as the keyboard controller, with a Focusrite 2i2 audio interface, external monitors and a Windows computer. My main concern is whether I hookup both the keyboard and audio interface directly to the computer and use Pianoteq options menu to "connect" everything, or do I have to connect the keyboard to the audio interface. The keyboard has both USB and standard Midi outs but the Focusrite does not have Midi in ports, I would need to go up to the 2i4 to get that.

Also, the RD-64 has two modes. Piano mode and controller mode. My understanding is that even in Piano mode basic midi info goes out over the USB. Do anyone know if there is any advantage to using the controller mode with Pianoteq? 

Thanks,

Marty

Last edited by Martyk22 (18-02-2018 14:38)

Reply by EvilDragon

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Re: Please help with hookup using an audio interface

Since your audio interface doesn't have MIDI ports, you need to connect RD-64 via USB and indeed use the controller mode, so that you don't hear RD's sounds while playing Pianoteq. Then use your Focusrite as Pianoteq's audio output in ASIO mode (for low latency).

Hard work and guts!

Reply by Martyk22

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Re: Please help with hookup using an audio interface

Thanks for the quick reply.

Is there any advantage of using an audio interface with Midi In vs just choosing the Focusrite audio output as you suggested? I've actually just ordered the focusrite and can upgrade to the 2i4 if there is any advantage in going that route.  Also, you can turn the volume dial to zero while using the RD-64 in piano mode and it still transmits basic midi to the computer. Do you know if there is any functional advantage, as far as, Pianoteq is concerned between the two modes. i.e. the controller mode transmits more information that Pianoteq can take advantage of?

Thanks again.

Last edited by Martyk22 (18-02-2018 15:02)

Reply by EvilDragon

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Re: Please help with hookup using an audio interface

Well, in Controller mode you could assign RD's controls to modify Pianoteq's parameters on the fly (like for example some effects, etc.) by using MIDI CC messages, and then MIDI learning whichever Pianoteq controls you want... It can get pretty flexible/powerful.

MIDI over USB should be fine for most purposes, upgrading to 2i4 would be more of an organizational thing (everything going through one intermediary device, rather than cabling from RD-64 to audio interface and from RD-64 to computer separately).

Last edited by EvilDragon (18-02-2018 19:20)
Hard work and guts!

Reply by Torsten B. Hagemann

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Re: Please help with hookup using an audio interface

If you use the Focusrite 2i4 then you would have to connect a midi cable from the keyboard to the Focusrite, so it is just a question of whether you use two usb connections on the pc. I have tried both on the Focusrite 2i4, and both works fine. I now use the USB connection, but that is because I need my keyboard to be connected to the PC when I want to update settings, so it is more convenient that it is always hooked up like that.

Hardware: Studiologic SL 88s + SL Mixface, Focusrite Scarlett 2i4, Lenovo Yoga I5 Windows 10 Pro
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Reply by Martyk22

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Re: Please help with hookup using an audio interface

Thanks!