creating set-list

[soratach]

Dear all,

I'm currently using NS2, which is a GREAT instrument, but I'm not very intuitive with all these 'electronic' stuff as I am a classical pianist of birth rather than a synth-wizard.

Firstly, before I moved my empire to NS2 I started off with MainStage2 and a MIDI keyboard, M-audio KeyStationPro 88. And one thing that I love about MainStage is that patch-changing is very easy and to create a set list of patches is like boiling an egg! It goes the same for NS2 and its software, BUT, what I am looking for is something else that would allow me to, let's say, 'Jump' from bank A page 1 program 1 to bank D page 5 program 3 then move on to bank C page 12 program 4 and so on. I understand that I can do all that by arranging patches on the computer software before the gig but I'd much rather have an 'external' device that would allow me to do so. (I'm sorry if none of these make sense, it would just make my life so much easier without having to carry my laptop around! I mean something on iPad would be beautiful!)

I mean, even a device which allows me to enter those patch-values would be lovely enough. So I can just key-in "A, 1, 1" then may be a 'GO' button then type in 'C, 17, 5' and it would, straight away, jump to that particular location without having to navigate through the whole series of patches. Also, without having to connect to the software to re-arrange the patch list all the time.


Another thing, I have been through the forum looking for answers about patch changing and the multiple ways of doing it. Well, for me I find that using "Foot-pedal" method makes my life a whole lot easier. Whilst I'm looking for my best solution I came across this 'Keith McMillen : SoftStep' (http://www.keithmcmillen.com/softstep/overview) which I find very interesting. Although, Thailand is not the best place buying those stuff! So before I go off and order it I'd love to know if any of you guys have use this together with your Nord Stage or any other Nord products, if yes, ....how is it? or any other suggestions of something similar?


anyhow, Thanks a million for reading! And, once again sorry if this forum makes no sense!

Tat P.

[soratach]

Hi soratach,

For set lists management I use an iPad, connected via USB to the NS2, and one of the many Apps that do that job ( currently I use Yamaha Set List).

My band likes to change the setlist at every concert and was quite annoying to manage with the Nord Sound Anager, but now all I have to do is a few clicks on the iPad and I can also skip songs or change order in realtime

I don't use any foot pedal for changing patches, as I usually try to keep with 1 per song, so I cannot help you on your second question

[anotherscott]

For foot controllers, see http://www.norduserforum.com/post8780.html#p8780

For iPad apps, in addition to the Yamaha Set List program mentioned above, there's another one called Set List Maker (which is a free app but you need to make a $1.99 in-app upgrade purchase to get the MIDI function). Each has some advantages over the other.

Other useful iPad apps are discussed at http://www.norduserforum.com/post10475.html

There are also some tabletop-devices with number pads that you can use for patch selection, but if you've got the iPad, I'd say that's the better way to go. Except maybe for something like the M-Audio Evolution UC33-e which, besides giving you that, also gives you faders you can use as physical drawbars, if you'd like that too.

[soratach]

i use the yamaha setlist software on my ipad and it's fantastic. The only problems I've found is that you can't copy songs from setlist to setlist, and there is a 30 song limit per setlist. So if you play the same songs across several bands like I do, you have to set up that same song multiple times, which is a pain, but other than that it does everything i could hope for. It will send up to 5 change program instructions per song, which should be enough for any crazy gig setup. It would be nice if it also sent arbitrary CCs, but it will only send volume, which is unfortunate, but for a few bucks, it's more than I could hope for.

[soratach]

Here's where I talk a bit more about it:

http://www.norduserforum.com/nord-stage ... t2768.html

[anotherscott]

i use the yamaha setlist software on my ipad and it's fantastic. The only problems I've found is that you can't copy songs from setlist to setlist, and there is a 30 song limit per setlist.

Check out Set List Manager, Maker I think it might addresses those issues, and has a whole bunch of other cool features... though it does lack a couple of Yamaha's features. It only sends one program change per song, and it doesn't have the "Learn" function. There may be some other things, too, but it is a cool program and free to check out ($1.99 to get the MIDI Program Change feature).

[soratach]

Dear maxpiano, anotherscott, and bdodds ..... Thanks a million! It's funny how I came across the Yamaha set list a big while ago never realised that it works with Nord!

maxpiano : Well, talking about changing the list for every gig...It's the same for me, what's even worse is that sometimes during the gig my singer would just throw in few songs that weren't in the list.. And sometimes those 'new on the set' songs require few patch changes which is impossible to do it on the spot. I'll definitely give Set List Organiser a try! Thanks dude!

anotherscott : As for foot control, I think I wasn't clear regarding the subject. The 'number input' thing, I was talking about is actually meant for foot controller rather than tabletops controller, as I often have a very limited space to setup my gear plus most of the time I need an instant change during my playing. But actually, since you guys have mentioned those set list apps, I don't think I'll need those number input tools anymore!
As for the Set List Maker, again I'll definitely give it a try! Also, thanks for mentioning about their pros and cons! I guess nothing is perfect..lol

bdodds : Thanks for the tips! I recently bought myself a book about MIDI, as I completely lack the knowledge. But with all the talk and help around this forum I think I'm getting there! From what I read on your reply, is it correct for me to say that Yamaha Set List basically work on a single-same-songs-list? So for every new list I'd have to recreate every thing? (problem is I lost my iPad2 a while back, and now saving for the New iPad, which now, I'm left with iPhone so I can't really try the Yamaha one out but will definitely try the Maker)

Well, well, anyhow, I still have one more thing to ask. With the apps on iPad connect with NS2, is there room for me to connect a foot controller in? So I don't have to change patches by touching iPad but instead just a click with my foot.

Many, many, many Thanks!!!!!

[anotherscott]

Correction to the post above, the name of the program is Set LIst Maker. And it does let you copy songs, and does not have a 30 song limit.

http://www.arlomedia.com/apps/setlistma ... /home.html

[anotherscott]

anotherscott : As for foot control, I think I wasn't clear regarding the subject. The 'number input' thing, I was talking about is actually meant for foot controller rather than tabletops controller

It sounds like you missed the link I posted:

For foot controllers, see post8780.html#p8780

they will do what you're talking about. I just mentioned tabletop as another alternative.

With the apps on iPad connect with NS2, is there room for me to connect a foot controller in? So I don't have to change patches by touching iPad but instead just a click with my foot.

Yes, two ways. You can use one of the foot controllers referenced above, even if you're also using an iPad app. The Rolls has a MIDI input that merges with its output, so that will work as is, you don't even have to add a MIDI merge box. So at any given time, you could change a patch with the iPad or the pedal, whichever is more convenient at the time. But if you simply want to use a pedal to advance to the next patch programmed into your iPad set list, you can do that as well. Set List Maker works with bluetooth pedals, I don't know about the Yamaha program.

http://airturninc989.corecommerce.com/B ... -iPad-c13/

[soratach]

Too bad that other set list program doesn't do multiple program changes, I need at least 2, and sometimes 3.

The short answer is: you can do anything you can imagine with MIDI, it's just a matter of how many pieces of hardware you'll have to add.