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MIDI hub or another solution?
Posted: 09 Jun 2021, 23:01
by catosim
Hi
Recently received a Roland D-05 boutique to implement in my set-up. Been longing to use some classic D50 sounds, without dragging the D50 around
SO..here's my challenge:
I use a NS3 as masterkey -> midi-in to my NLA1 -> midi-thru from the A1 to the D-05.
Everything OK, except the aftertouch. According to the manual, the A! doesn't transmit AT via MIDI, so this signal isn't passed to the D-05.
I try another workaround, midi-in to my D-05 -> midi-thru from the D-05 to the A1.
Again everything works, but the D-05 sends master-clock sync signal to the A1, and then I loose control over the tempo of my arpeggios and delays.
The D-05 manual isn't very detailed, and I cannot find a way to stop the D-05 from sending master-clock (or tell the A1 not to listen to it).
Has anyone got an idea of I fix?
I'm considering a MIDI-hub as a workaround, but would prefer not to. But IF this is the only way then I'll give it a try.
Should I go for a classic MIDI hub with 5-pins DIN connectors, or maybe a USB hub?
The D-05 is powered via the micro-USB port, so this could work ok.
If I remember correctly, I think I've read some problems with the USB connector in the stage being "fried" by using a powered USB hub.
Any suggestions or advices are highly appreciated.
Re: MIDI hub or another solution?
Posted: 10 Jun 2021, 07:55
by maxpiano
Not a "MIDI hub" (what is it btw?) but a simple MIDI DIN THRU box (1 IN -> 2 OUTs) would be the best solution, using it you will send the NS3 OUT to the A1 and D-05 INs independently.
Re: MIDI hub or another solution?
Posted: 10 Jun 2021, 08:41
by catosim
maxpiano wrote:Not a "MIDI hub" (what is it btw?) but a simple MIDI DIN THRU box (1 IN -> 2 OUTs) would be the best solution, using it you will send the NS3 OUT to the A1 and D-05 INs independently.
I just created a word, but you understood

Your suggestion is one of the solutions I'm considering, MIDI THRU box is probably the right term
Still I would prefer a workaround, to avoid another gadget/box.
Re: MIDI hub or another solution?
Posted: 10 Jun 2021, 13:25
by anotherscott
Yes, MIDI Thru box.
A USB hub would not work, because even if all those devices have USB, they are all slaves, and USB doesn't work slave-to-slave, you have to have a host device.
But I'm surprised that scenario 1 doesn't work. Of course the A1 doesn't "transmit" aftertouch over MIDI, the board doesn't have aftertouch, so there's no way for it to generate it in order to transmit it. But the THRU function normally blindly passes whatever comes in over the MIDI IN jack, I'm surprised Nord is filtering stuff out.
Re: MIDI hub or another solution?
Posted: 10 Jun 2021, 17:30
by catosim
anotherscott wrote:But I'm surprised that scenario 1 doesn't work. Of course the A1 doesn't "transmit" aftertouch over MIDI, the board doesn't have aftertouch, so there's no way for it to generate it in order to transmit it. But the THRU function normally blindly passes whatever comes in over the MIDI IN jack, I'm surprised Nord is filtering stuff out.
Exactly my thoughts as well.
But the manual states in the MIDI Implementation Chart:

- Skjermbilde 2021-06-10 kl. 17.25.41.png (21.49 KiB) Viewed 3134 times
Re: MIDI hub or another solution?
Posted: 10 Jun 2021, 18:51
by maxpiano
catosim wrote:anotherscott wrote:But I'm surprised that scenario 1 doesn't work. Of course the A1 doesn't "transmit" aftertouch over MIDI, the board doesn't have aftertouch, so there's no way for it to generate it in order to transmit it. But the THRU function normally blindly passes whatever comes in over the MIDI IN jack, I'm surprised Nord is filtering stuff out.
Exactly my thoughts as well.
But the manual states in the MIDI Implementation Chart:
Skjermbilde 2021-06-10 kl. 17.25.41.png
That is about the A1 own capability to transmit/receive AT, a pure (hw) MIDI Thru should forward everything (I agree with anotherscott), but the problem is that what the A1 does is a Soft-THRU of Notes and MIDI Clock only (see A1 Manual, MIDI menu section) so you need a real (hw) THRU box
Re: MIDI hub or another solution?
Posted: 10 Jun 2021, 20:11
by catosim
maxpiano wrote:
That is about the A1 own capability to transmit/receive AT, a pure (hw) MIDI Thru should forward everything (I agree with anotherscott), but the problem is that what the A1 does is a Soft-THRU of Notes and MIDI Clock only (see A1 Manual, MIDI menu section) so you need a real (hw) THRU box
I'm aware of that (now), but it's kind of human nature to long for the things that can't be achieved

Re: MIDI hub or another solution?
Posted: 10 Jun 2021, 21:37
by Bjosko
I will try to use a midi monitor on my old Ipad ( just need some power on it first), and will check if the A1 are sending aftertouch through Midi. Will be back.
Re: MIDI hub or another solution?
Posted: 10 Jun 2021, 21:57
by Bjosko

- C1884931-DDAC-47BF-A181-4C86AFAA94F1.jpeg (997.69 KiB) Viewed 3030 times
Seems like it are transmitting aftertouch
Re: MIDI hub or another solution?
Posted: 10 Jun 2021, 22:11
by catosim
Bjosko wrote:Seems like it are transmitting aftertouch
Strange...the D-05 doesn't react when using AT in my MIDI-chain.
If I connect the Stage3 directly to the D-05, skipping the NLA1, the AT is enabled (same patch).