Nord User Forum

Hello,

I want to use the Ext function with a Roland RD-88 Stage Piano that has Midi out on USB. What's the cheapest and most efficient way of doing this? Presumably I need some kind of device to go between the two keyboards..

The USB connection on Nord is not possible to connect directly to another synth.
You'll need a device in between, a computer would be the easiest solution.
Not very handy in live-settings though.

The RD88 has a socket for a USB memory stick. But it also works with MIDI devices like controllers and keyboards. Just use a standard USB cable and connect the Electro to the RD88. The Electro will play the RD88 and send Sustain and Expression pedal messages too.

This makes up for the missing MIDI In on the RD88

vcfvca wrote:The RD88 has a socket for a USB memory stick. But it also works with MIDI devices like controllers and keyboards. Just use a standard USB cable and connect the Electro to the RD88. The Electro will play the RD88 and send Sustain and Expression pedal messages too.

This makes up for the missing MIDI In on the RD88

Are you sure? Other keyboards allow that but afaik not the RD88, at least this possibility it is not mentioned in its manual nor in its firmware update release notes.

mhuk01 wrote:I want to use the Ext function with a Roland RD-88 Stage Piano that has Midi out on USB.

In your profile you have a NS3 but this is the Electro forum; you talk about Ext (of NS3 I presume) and then RD88 MIDI "out"... I see some confusion here: assuming you talk about a NS3 + RD88, what is your need, actually?

a) to play NS3 sounds from the RD88 keyboard (for that RD88 has MIDI OUT DIN then on NS3 you will use the DualKB feature)

b) to play a RD88 sound from the NS3 keyboard via Ext section (in that case you need either a computer/tablet between or, if you want to avoid it, a USB MIDI Host to connect to the RD88 USB MIDI IN from NS3 DIN MIDI OUT)

The RD88 USB port does work. I am using mine with an Electro 6D. But it also works with my Korg NanoKontrol and most other controllers that don't require too much power. I have also connected a Roland JU06a to this port but it doesn't always work as it draws too much power. It's a neat feature and probably not documented because Roland don't want to provide tech support. It only receives MIDI over this port.

catosim wrote:The USB connection on Nord is not possible to connect directly to another synth.

This sounds a little as if it was the Nord's fault. Just to clarify: This is how USB works - you always have a host (computer) and a device (printer, keyboard etc) and you can't connect two devices with USB. It's a relatively new development that some digital instruments hava a USB-A socket and work as host, too. The Nords don't and they aren't to be blamed for that in my eyes.

So what you need is a MIDI USB host in between. They usually only have one USB-A socket, so you'll need one of the two devices to have a DIN MIDI socket.

You'll need a USB-MIDI host, something like this:
https://www.thomann.de/it/kenton_midi_usb_host.htm

vcfvca wrote:The RD88 USB port does work. I am using mine with an Electro 6D. But it also works with my Korg NanoKontrol and most other controllers that don't require too much power. I have also connected a Roland JU06a to this port but it doesn't always work as it draws too much power. It's a neat feature and probably not documented because Roland don't want to provide tech support. It only receives MIDI over this port.

Thanks given, good to know! As you say looks like Roland implemented it but didn't update the documentation (or I couldn't find it*), in that case anyway no need for the USB MIDI Host, a simple NS3 USB -> RD88 Type A (Memory) port USB cable connection will do the job, if the need is to play RD88 sounds from NS3

*PS: found a video

FZiegler wrote:

catosim wrote:The USB connection on Nord is not possible to connect directly to another synth.

This sounds a little as if it was the Nord's fault. Just to clarify: This is how USB works - you always have a host (computer) and a device (printer, keyboard etc) and you can't connect two devices with USB. It's a relatively new development that some digital instruments hava a USB-A socket and work as host, too. The Nords don't and they aren't to be blamed for that in my eyes.

So what you need is a MIDI USB host in between. They usually only have one USB-A socket, so you'll need one of the two devices to have a DIN MIDI socket.

I’m aware of what’s needed, and I’m perfectly happy with my set-up.
If you read my answer as a blame against Nord, you maybe have read it early in the morning before you’ve had your morning coffee

I imagine your fine with your gear. Just wanted mhuk01 not to misinterpret your explanation.