vArranger Forums

Yuk !! I think I'm gonna be sick 

Balou
Sorry, the VA2 is sold.
But to answer your question, you can use any usb stick

Hi Philljazz,
Yes I am allowed to transfer the license agreed by Dan, for a fee of 50 Euros.
I will have to ask Dan what procedure he would adopt to do the transfer. At the moment, my license is on a usb stick.
So Dan this question is for you, how do we (Phillyfazz and me) go about the transfer.

If I get a private email from Dan I will let you know, also if anyone else shows an interest. In which case, you are first on the list.

See my offer post: http://www.varranger.com/vforum/index.php/topic,2092.msg17556.html#msg17556
Cheers
Al Woodall

Hi Phil,
I had no plans to sell BiaB, as I would like to keep something to audition different styles and ideas. Plus it is computer input as far as chords are concerned.
I would point out that I never used VA2 in a live situation and only used it as home entertainment.

Hi Lylo,
Yes I know but I've been down the hex/midi route many years ago.
Today, I'm a bit of a purist and trying to keep it as simple as possible.

I am giving up keyboards for now and will be concentrating on my guitars.
As a result I now have for sale the following:
VA2 - £200 (268 euros) includes 50 euros license transfer fee to Dan SOLD
Ketron SD2 - £160 (214 euros)
Samson Graphite 49 keyboard £65 (90 euros)
All in perfect unmarked condition.
Postage & Packing is NOT included, so please ask for quote.
I am based in Hertfordshire, UK

Hi Dan,
Yes I understand. So I will offer my list inclusive of your 50 euro transfer fee.

Hi All,
After trying keyboards for 6 months or so (my prime instrument is guitar) I am of the opinion that keyboards is not for me.
With this in mind, I am considering selling my VA2 and Ketron SD2 and Samson Graphite 49 Keyboard.
So my question is.. Would Dan transfer the VA2 license to any prospective buyer (how would I go about doing that?)and would it be acceptable to offer these items for sale within this forum.
Unfortunately, I am rather an impulsive buyer and in this case, has not worked out for me.
Looking forward to your views and thanks.

Al

Wow Agaton, I can't wait for that !!!
Keep up the great work you are doing

Al

Thanks Agaton, looks like I am stuck with connecting the SD2, for now at least.

Hi,
Can anybody point me in the right direction?
I was wondering if there is available a complete set of SF or VST's that I could use in place of my Ketron SD2.
It would make it so more convenient to just use my PC instead of having to hook up the SD2.
Please note, I am a complete newbie as far as SF and VST's are concerned, so please excuse me if this seems a dumb  :-[question.

Thanks for your help

Yes please Dan 

What is "an iiiiiya" ?

SOLO control 1-16 FABULOUS !! Thanks

Hi Dan,
CAn you send me a copy of this latest version, please?

Al

Dan,
Are you referring to the ON/OFF button on each channel slider, next to the SOLO button?

If so, I have controlled this by my Nanokontrol, but a more useful action (for me anyway) would be to be able to control the SOLO buttons individually from my Nanokontrol.

Is it possible to list on this forum the proposed changes/improvements that you intend to implement? This would save us repeating the same requests time after time.

Al

I am pleased that Lylo has been satisfied with the functionality of VA2 for your performances.
But I would suggest that a good proportion of owners require more STANDARD functionality for performances.
You wouldn't accept a hardware arranger if the salesman said "you cannot solo any tracks, but it does have DSP's" so why should we accept a product that does not have basic arranger functionality?

In my view (and others) is that we should get the basics right before wandering off at tangents of VST's, 64 bit, additional equipment to cover the shortcomings of VA2.

However, we discuss the pro's and con's of VA2 until the cows come home and with that in mind, I wonder if Dan is monitoring this thread and whether he intends to respond !!!

A big thumbs up for these changes to be implemented. Many requests have been made in the past for these performance functions.
Personally, I feel that these basic performance parameters should be available before we start thinking about VST's etc.

Hi,
As a novice my information maybe incorrect, but I have an Axiom 61 which was mapped to VA2.
Subsequently, I bought a Samson graphite 49 and had to re-map the VA2 to accommodate the new keyboard, but I find that part of the fun.
So it looks like you may have to re-save your songs for the new keyboard, but I may be wrong here.
As a tip, I have saved my configurations (vArranger2.ini) in different folders, so that I can recall a specific config depending on which keyboard I am using.

AL

Well done Dan, all sorted and back to normal.

Great and thanks so much. This has been bugging me for days 

Al

Hi Tidom,
I have tried all possible resolutions but they make no difference. Now back to 1280x800.
Thanks anyway

Al

Hi Dan,
Copy attached although it is not showing the right hand panel.
Only 75% of the RH panel shows when selected and resizing makes no difference

Hi Dan,
I can resize the window, but it's the right hand column that is the problem.
Only part of it is showing, cut off on the right hand side and the "OK" button cannot be seen or accessed.
I have tried it on another laptop and all is fine.
I need to resize the right hand panel but it will not allow me to do that, only able to resize the whole thing.

It seems to be a PC problem but I can't solve it.

Al

Hi All,
Got a weird problem. The Controller window is not showing its full content i.e. the right hand side is only showing about half its info.
I've tried different screen resolutions which have no effect.
This has only started recently as it used to be fine.
Help please, any suggestions welcome.

Another user kindly sorted this answer for me

BUMP!

Should have read "Song Assignable Controllers"

Any takers?

Can any expert users of VA2 out there, help me with Song assignable controllers in the Controller List.
I need help in explaining how they can do, how they work and how to set up. Can't anything in the manual.
Can they be assigned to specific buttons in VA2? And if so, how would I do it using a Nanokontrol?

Many thanks guys

Al

As Dan suggest using the Korg Nankontrol, it would be useful to use the Solo buttons designated to each track (1-8) rather than just switching individual tracks on or off (Controller list 212-227).

Wow, will this wishlist ever stop 

Hi Barry,
Yes it is strange that simple button pushes and R/L voices/settings are not saved.
I am going to try using my Nanokontrol to mute and solo tracks on the fly.
But obviously this will not work when using the Song Chord input function.

Another function I would like to see, is chord input using the controller keyboard while the style is playing, rather than the manual input from drop down lists.

I hope Dan can come up with solutions for these requests from existing users.

Al

Barry,
A good interim workaround, albeit will take a lifetime to go through all the rhythms stored.
I thought I would try out a variation on your suggestion and just used the "solo" button, rather than adjust all the volume sliders.
In case anyone else wants to try this method, IT DOES NOT WORK. Solo and Mute settings are not saved.

Al

I agree with that Something like Band-in a-Box does.
Another great feature would be to be able to input chords from a controller keyboard, rather than using the drop down list.

Sorry Dan, just didn't want you to get bored sitting around doing nothing 

That's great news Dan 

Hi Dan,
Would love to try 1.18 please

Thanks
Al

Thanks Agaton, my keyboards are M-Audio Axiom 61 and Samson Graphite 49.
Nether are set up at the moment, but will explore tomorrow based on your advice and report back later.
Thanks

Not sure whether this has been asked before, but here goes...
I have 2 controller keyboards, both with aftertouch facility and I need to know is, can VA2 accept aftertouch.
Here is an example of what I want to achieve..
Normal note play produces sound on Right 1, press harder to activate aftertouch and that plays Right 2 as well.

Hope this makes sense !!

hi Lee,
Although I can't understand french, I think the video only refers to the Song Creator where you input everything manually. It doesn't actually record the sequence like Chord Loop.
I hope I'm right in saying this 

Gotcha Dan, thanks

Hi Dan,
Am I right in thinking that the chord loop function does not record any variation function, such as Intros, Fills, Endings etc?

Al

Thanks for the update Dan.
Al

Dan,
Thanks for the quick answer.
Yes please send it to me, I like to keep up to date as much as possible.
many thanks
Al

Hi Dan,
How are some subscribers receiving updates and I am not?
Is there a specific download area that I haven't found yet?
Cheers

Hi Dan,
Any news of this update on the horizon yet? 

Hi Dan, Speaking of Paris, so sad to hear of the barbaric murders in Paris today.
Let's hope they catch these animals soon and bring them justice.
Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives today.

Al

Hi fazfaz,
Thanks for the info and the sample files.
I think I will stick with what I've got as I think 99 euros is too much to pay for what I will get out of it.
Especially as my Biab is used mainly with Realtracks and RealBand.

But I really do appreciate your help.

Al

Hi Dan,
Short and and concise  Thanks

This question may have been asked before, but I can't find an answer.
My question is, is it possible to use BIAB styles in Varranger2?
If so, how do I go about creating them for use in VA2?

Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Al

Hi Dan,
Any chance of the latest update with Korg style function?

Yes please Dan.
I have a few Korg styles from my old MicroArranger

Al

I have never used GNMidi, but I know it has been around for a very long time.
From the text that you posted, it looks like you can insert markers, but whether VA2 can read them is another matter.
The only way to find out is to try it.
You've got nothing to lose 

<Does this mean that after I've exported a SONG CHORD into a midi file using the vArranger, and after I've used a midi file editor to name the  marker"name tags" Main  A or B or C or D, and after I've assigned my midi foot controller to variation 3; then, when I'm playing a SONG CHORD, every time I press the midi foot controller pedal assigned to variation 3  - that I can go back and forth to variation 3 while the SONG CHORD is playing?>

I think you have almost got it right. So as I see it, it goes like this:-

Enter your song chords and variations etc, then click "Export to Midifile"
Then open the exported midifile in your DAW (Cakewalk, Cubase etc) and inert you markers at the appropriaite points and save the midifile.
Now back to VA2 and load your midifile and you will see your markers appear where the intro, variations and endings used to be, which can assigned to whichever controoler you use.

I'm sure somebody out there will correct me if this is wrong, but I hope this helps.

 
Thanks Dan for the lightning response
I have never tried  a midiloop before, so downloaded loopmidi and after following your instructions, it worked FIRST TIME !!! Fantastic
For some reason I keep missing the "Record" button

Thanks again Dan and looking forward to the further improvements in the pipeline.

Al

Hi Dan,
Just thinking about "What would make VA2 the ultimate arranger software package?" and I came up with thses !

1) Able to record a midifile in real time as opposed to entering chords manually via the Song sheet function
2) Export that midifile directly to MP3/Wav format
3) Style Edit - Add/Remove events within a style

Are any of these functions considered for future development Dan ?

Any other users have any other requests?

Got it 
Thanks Dan

Al

Thanks Dan. Understood

Hi Dan,
Can I have a copy of this latest version please.

As an aside, would it not be possible to have an area where subscribed users could download updates, rather than sending in a request every time?

Al

Hi Dan,
Just made a small addition relating to "Player B"

Al

I just wonder if anyone would be kind enough to post them on this forum? 

Thanks Dan,
Ok so now I need to set up my NanoKontrol for Player B, no problem.
With regard to channels 15-16, I was referring to midifiles that use all 16 channels and being able to adjust volumes, mute etc.
I know that I would not be able to use right hand, but I was only interested for playing the midifile.

Cheers
Al

Hi Dan,
I think I must be missing something here (not for the first time  ) but how do start Player B after loading and MP3 file?
Also, how do I access channels 15-16 such as volume, reverb and chorus, as in channels 1-14, where these channels are used in a midifile?

Probably a simple answer, but I can't find it 

Al

Dan,
Thanks for sorting that out, I knew you would.
I already have the ones you suggested, so I'll just delete these badly converted ones.
Many thanks again,

Al

Hi Dan,
Files sent by email

Al

*BUMP*

On the far right of the display, what instruments are showing in the "Right" and "Left" sliders showing?

Have you set up a split point?
Just a thought

Hi,
Has anyone noticed that some of the style files are unable to play i.e. Intro, Variation, Fill-in, and Endings are all blacked out.
The styles in question are:

Ketron 1 folder
BRAZBOOGIE 92 SD1 to CTRYFOX2 74 SD1 inclusive
Ketron 2 folder
FUNKY1 119 SD1 to JUNGLE 160 SD1 inclusive

I have downloaded the files again in case they were corrupt, but with the same result.

Lylo,
Thanks for the advice.
Once I had figured out how to operate the software, it worked and I got rid of all the weird notes by selecting "revoice"
Great tip and thanks again.

Al

Hi Dan, I s there a way to delete spurious notes in a style?
I have some Yamaha styles that produce weird notes, these are "unedited styles" and not hose provided on this great site.
I guess if they were played on a Yamaha keyboard, they would be OK, but need some tweaking when played in VA2.
I know I can change instruments etc. but what about stray notes within the style?

Cheers, Al

Thanks Dan

Yes please Dan 

Hi Dan,
The only synth I use is the SD2, but my Axiom 61 has the facility, I believe, for aftertouch as it's only another switch which be able to trigger another action, such as an additional sound to existing one on a particular channel.

Also, is there a way to save additional start-up configurations? For instance when using a different keyboard controller?

Thanks

Hi Dan,
I am using a M-Audio Axiom 61 but hope to be getting a Novation SL MKll soon.

Hi Dan,
My intention was to use after touch to bring in another instrument layer or effect.

Hi Dan,
I am using a SD2.

Bump! any takers?

Hi,Can anyone answer a couple of questions I have.
1) How to record a performance with VA2, either midi or mp3
2) How to activate/setup/operate aftertouch.
I am sure some genius on here can answer these questions...I hope anyway

Hi Dan,
Is the latest version 1.17.74?

Hi Dan,
Sorry what I meant was not voice layers but layers for different button/faders which effectively triples the number of those items by just selecting a different layer, if that makes sense.

Hi Dan,
The Axiom developed the Blue Screen of Death, a well known problem on the web.
As there are no spares available, I found a way to make it work again, although you need to fit another switch, but hey it works.
As far as the UF60 is concerned, it does have after touch and you can program 3 sets of layers and it does have a nice feel to the keyboard bed.
At this rate, I shall end up with a roomful of semi working keyboards 
Talking of after touch, is there a way to activate this in VA2?

Al

Hi Dan,
Yes I found out about the bad support AFTER I bought the keyboard.
However, I have ordered a Roland UM One Mk2 midi interface and will use that and see how it goes.
I may go back to my M-Audio Axiom if the CME UF60 does not come up to the mark.
Al

Hi Dan,
Yes it does communicate wirelessly (WIDI) and that's that's the only way it will communicate, as the USB is useless!
I tried it with Cakewalk Sonar and the result was the same, so I know it's not the VArranger2, it's just the USB. I do connect a USB cable, but purely to power the keyboard.
The only way I can get 2 way communication is to use it connected to a Lexicon Lambda midi interface (yet another link in the chain)
There must be a faulty USB unless I'm missing something and I updated firmware to v2.0

Okay, solved it. Despite updating firmware, it still wouldn't work over USB.
Used midi out to a midi interface via WIDI and all OK
Dodgy usb, could be electrical or software and took me 24 hours to establish that I've been sold a heap of crap !!
You live and learn 

Hi Dan,
I have just bought a second-hand CME UF60 to use with VArranger2 but I am having some problems
I am using Windows 7 64bit and the problems are as follows, but not in any particular order.
Cannot connect via USB only intermittently.
When it does connect, the midi indicator in VA2 registers activity but not showing on channels and no sound.
Will connect via WIDI (wireless) but chords played are misinterpreted, play C shown as G, play F shown as G/F, etc
Don't know how to turn off direct midi sound to SD2 despite having keyboard split set to F#2
I have tried initialising the keyboard several times, but no good.

Help please Dan 

Thanks Dan, you have answered the question by asking a question 

Al Woodall

Hi, I am having trouble playing MP3 files.
I load an MP3 into Player A and get error "Err_OpenAudioFile : 8"
Funny thing is, I try it on another laptop and all is fine and it plays after pressing the Start button.
Any ideas anyone?

Dan,
Great feature list, 1 spelling correction "In deth sound editing" should be "In depth sound editing"

Also I think there is one glaring item that's missing and that is a Comprehensive User Manual (in English). 
I know that this has been posted before but I think this would save a lot of your time in the long run.

As always Dan, you come up with the solution

Many thanks again
Al

Hi Dan,
Re my previous posting, here is a copy of my config file for info.
AL

hi Dan,
Can't take screen pic as it's on my other laptop.
But all 3 Left Tracks are showing various String sounds and volumes are set HIGH. Also the fader labelled LEFT by te master is set to HIGH.
However, I tried running my original version of VA2 and although it doesn't contain all my settings etc. it does receive and play the left hand sounds.
So my simple mind says that maybe something is wrong with the configuration file. Just a guess !!

Hi Dan, yes that's exactly what I am doing, but no lest sound.
The midi indicators are showing activity and chord recognition is working and the styles play in accordance with the chords I am playing, but no left hand sound to layer over the chords.
There is also nothing showing in the L/H track VU meters.

I'm just a bit stuck at the moment

Hi, I hope someone can help here.
I am sure when I first started using VA2, I could select voices for the Left Hand to use on top of the chords I play.
For some reason when I select left hand voices to play over chords, there is nothing, yet VA2 is still recognising and playing the accompanioment, but no layered sound
Please help a Newbie.

Hi Dan,
Yes please for me too 

Of course, it's easy when you know how 
Thanks Dan

Can anyone on the forum tell me how to save a split point?
Starting up VArranger2 defaults to a split point of C3, which I change to F#2, but if I close VA2 and reopen it's back to C3 again.

I'm sure there is something I've missed and the experienced users out there will be able to answer this newb question.

Thanks

Hi Dan,
All done and ordered.
Eagerly awaiting my new software toy.

Thanks for the quick answers Dan.
On my way to the order page 

Hi Dan,
Ok I'm convinced and will use the Korg NanoKontrol, But I have a few of questions about VA2

If I ordered today how long will it take to get it?

I intend using a USB pen drive, so what size (capacity) does it need to be?

If the pen drive goes faulty at a later date, how do I recover the program?

Once ordered, will I have full access to the various styles and sounds on the forum. Yamaha, Korg, Roland etc?
and where are these styles stored, my pc or the pen drive?

Does VA2 come with any styles and soundfonts?

Can you save performances made with VA2?

Sorry for so many questions, but I would like to order today, once I have the answers.

Many thanks

Al Woodall

Hi Dan,
I am thinking of buying VArranger 2 but just wanted to check first:-
I have a keyboard (Casio CTK 7200) which I am pretty sure does not transmit over midi all the functions I would to control VA2.
For instance start/stop, fill in, etc
So I am considering a E-MU Board X 61 to use as a controller of VA2 and would welcome your advice as to whether this would be suitable, before I go ahead and purchase it.
Many thanks
Al Woodall