Cool update, BUT STILL NO Solo function???!...

[jessej]

shakil.. what you say is true. Usually people put things on different tracks, but then again the Fantom G has the first sequencer I have seen that lets one record different channels (internal, external, expansions) on the same track...

Either way, we still need solo functions, both in the mixer(s) and in the sequences. Additionally I absolutely think mute automation is essential. (solo automation is not)

I would also like to see a volume meter in the mixer view, specially when I activate the unborn SOLO function, so I can see the level of my Patch.

The way the mixer defaults (Part level defaults at 100) and the way the Patch levels default at the moment, quickly leads to occassional overloads and/or not enough headroom for the mastering processor, as is. I think this should be addressed by Roland.

- Jesse -

[andersn]

Hi ensemble
I agree with you, as described this method would only work when recording each drum separate.

But if you have only one phrase (witch you get when you record a complete groove in one take) you can use Phrase edit screen Modify/Change Channel (setting Status to Note, range to only one note and Dest Ch to a different channel) to change each note to a different midi channel and then get the drums on different parts.

[b-righteous]

Yes, this will work but you have to do each note manually and then you have to manually assign each new channel to the same rhythm patch. This could be automated like I described with the split notes feature from the MV8000. The XS also does this with a job called "divide drum tracks"

If there was a drum editor you could also implement a mute/solo feature there for each note that only affect the selected track.

[shakil]

Another way you can solo (no mute), individual drums sound is to change the keyboard zone to only that single note. Then other notes will not sound, even if you have MIDI recorded for those.

[The Audacity Works]

jessej:

...the Fantom G has the first sequencer I have seen that lets one record different channels (internal, external, expansions) on the same track...

Actually, most workstations do this. In fact, you do this on the Fantom X every time you sequence a layered performance. And if you turn System > Startup > Auto Track Select off (it's on by default), you can record any part or parts to any track.

IIRC, the Juno-G is the only Roland workstation that doesn't.

Yes, it can quickly become confusing as hell. And yes, I agree there should be part solos and mute automation in the G.

[b-righteous]

Both part and track solo would be nice. Both have different uses. I would prefer track solo and mute automation the most.

[keysme]

If the $800 Sonic Cell can have a Solo function you would think Roland's $2,600-$3,700.00 pride and joy Flagship Fantom-G could have one too. Yeah, both Track and Part solo functions would be great - and with Mute automation thrown in too would be a nice bonus! I understand that Roland is currently working on a solo function for the next OS update - or the one after - for the Fantom G. Not sure about a Rhythm solo function though, but at least Roland is now aware of it, if they weren't already.

[Zephyer]

GameBeat.

I need to keep my path from original idea to final mix as straight and short as possible, and toying around with these types of things just don't appeal to me.

I completely understand, that's the very reason I got into all of this system exclusive message stuff to begin with. This solo drum key thing was driving me mad, all I wanted to do was solo a key so I could record it to a DAW. Without having to go threw a lot of workflow destroying steps. I found it to be extremely annoying and felt the time I lost programming the controller instead of making music was well worth it.

I also understand the part about being interested but not wanting to invest a lot of time into it. It’s close to how I would like to be able to pickup a guitar and play it like I play piano. But after 19 years and countless hours of practice (on piano) I just find it frustrating when I pickup a guitar and sound like a complete newbie. I guess after putting so much time and hard work into music I just feel like I shouldn't have to try so hard to not have to try at all. I know, it’s silly right, I guess I just have to decide if I really care about it or not.

Do you plan to do this for the Fantom-G and make such a tool available to the list.

I won’t have a Fantom-G to keep at my house until early next year, I will need one to run test and make sure everything is working right. But I am definitely making a drum controller (I was thinking a VST plugin) for my own personal use. If Roland does not come up with a solution by then I’ll give you a copy. First I’ll send you a controller that just solos drums (nothing fancy) then later on I’ll send a much more advanced G Drum controller, all free of charge. I saved your email so I'll send it as soon as it’s done.

Here’s another idea, Sonar has a split notes to tracks CAL (Cakewalk Application Language) file. I don’t know which program you use but if it has this option you could import an SMF. Split the drums to there own tracks with the program and then solo the midi track and record it to an audio track. It will pretty much give you exactly what you want now.

[Zephyer]

Shakil

Zyapher....... I keep looking at that controller and imagine how this will look on Fantom-Gs screen........ not bad at all......Wow!!! if Fantom-G came with a controller UI designer so we could make our own controller pages! drooooooollll

That would be a dream but then I would never get any music done

But Shakil, Zyapher??? my poor name, it’s been misspelled before but you destroyed it LOL

[madAhorn]

Is there a seranade button?

[shakil]

Zephyer.... sorry man I was typing from my touch screen pda phone...

[Zephyer]

oooooOOOO More Smileys!!! I’m collecting them.

Is there a serenade button?

Only cheep amateur keyboards have that kind of thing, Casio, Yamaha PSR.

Zephyer.... sorry man I was typing from my touch screen pda phone...

No big deal, I misspell stuff all the time I just thought it was funny how far off you were. But I was not seriously concerned, Just having a bit of fun.

[Zephyer]

I changed my mind about hitting a key to solo a drum sound, after thinking about it. The reason I made my controller the way I did was because I found it annoying to have to push each key to find which keys the sounds in use were on. I would prefer an interface much like the solo panel on my controller (first page) that way we know exactly which sounds are in use. That will give us a fast simple method to solo drums but maybe make one change, just have switches show for the sounds in use.

Another way would be to have an on screen virtual keyboard. Just have the keys in use light up, when one of the active keys is clicked it solos that key. After soloing a key I would still want all drum keys in use (By the SEQ) to light up. That way we can just hop from key to key without having to guess. And when we leave the solo screen the Fantom-G returns to normal use.

[GameBeat]

Zephyer, I would be too excited to get such a tool from you when it is completed. So please do keep us all posted and feel free to email me personally on your progress.

My email: info@gamebeatstudios.com

I doubt there will be a solution on this drum solo stuff any time soon. If past history is any example, I don't think we can expect a new Fantom-G update from Roland before spring 2009.

I also don't use Cakewalk. I am ProTools based. Thanks for the input and please do keep me posted on and offlist on this deum solo tool!

Thanks
Darryl
www.darrylduncan.com
www.gamebeatstudios.com

[Zephyer]

Sure thing GameBeat, I always make controllers for my workstations to make them do what they can’t do.