Re: Synth Module Connection Question from a Newbie

Ludwig77 wrote:

I am getting a synth module and am wondering how the hardware
connections will work to my synth.

Will I connect a Midi in and Out from the synth to the module

Except under some very unusual conditions, the Only MIDI connection you
need is your (keyboard) synth's OUT to your module's IN as the module is
not likely to generate any data useful to the synth. Worse, the module
OUT to synth IN connection could result in a MIDI feedback loop if the
module echos its MIDI IN to its MIDI OUT.

and then
use the audio out from the module?

Or will the audio come out of my keyboard?

Audio can be generated by both your keyboard synth and the module. You
will be able to use either or both. (Or, I suppose, neither!)

If the audio comes out of the module, then when playing live, I guess
I would need two separate channels on the board?

You will need as many mixer inputs as you have synth and module outputs
that you wish to use.

If the audio comes out of the keyboard, then why are there separate
audio outs on the module?

Also, once the keyboard is connected to the module, will I be able to
navigate through its sounds via the LCD on my synth, with the module
showing up as a new bank of presets?

No. Even if you connect the module's MIDI OUT to the synth's MIDI IN,
the synth will not be aware of the module and will have no way of knowing
the module's presets.

I ask because I am getting a used Kor TR-Rack and it doesn't appear to
have the ability for me to punch in patch numbers so I'll need a fast
way to call up sounds.

There are several ways to deal with this. The most simple is to configure
your system so that patch selections on your synth generate program change
messages on the MIDI channel to which the module is set. This allow
module patches to be selected from the keyboard. A possible problem with
this is that it will probably also change the synth patch selection.
This can be a feature or a bug depending on point of view.

Other solutions involve purchasing additional equipment to translate
messages as required. This need for additional equipment is why MIDI
is often said to be the acronym of Money Is Definitely Imperative!

--
========================================================================
Michael Kesti | "And like, one and one don't make
| two, one and one make one."
mrkesti at hotmail dot com | - The Who, Bargain
.

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