vArranger Forums

Dan
can we have different colours in the corner of the box to show the different mid/kar files.
As song titles more than three words make it difficult to see the small box in the corner showing the mod/kar files .
At present both are dark yellow colour. 
jon

Any advice if it is worth making or buying a flight case 107x40x20cm.
To take about 12KG of lighting rigg. 
Any one suggest a cheap UK maker online.  And roughg costs?
jon

Dan any progress on chord harmonization where a single right hand melody note will play chords harmonized linked to what chords are being played on the left hand.
jon

Page 53 of the Sd1000 manual . what is 3xH and 21h relevant to?
NRPN High NRPN Low Description Insert MFX Mix Controls 3xh  21h

I an not very shure about understanding sysex
The Sd1000- F0 26 7B 00 00 vv F7 SYSEX for reverb types seems to be the same as old SD2 - F0 26 7B 00 00 06 F7
What VV? do we insert for Hall 2 (14H)
I think it would be 14 but the Sd1000 manual says values 0-7...not 14?
Page 60......
F0H 26H 7BH 00H
00H vv F7H
Reverb type (vv=0 to 7), default = 03H
10H : Room1 11H : Room2
12H : Room3 13H : Hall1
14H : Hall2 15H : Plate
16H : Delay 17H : Pan delay

Dan,
Can you explain how controllers are working.
In the controllers list it shows the Midi in Port.
Is this the actual input of the USB on the computer and what if I use a different USB input next time
How does that effect the controllers if they look for port/USB input previously used/saved? .
When you select "My Songs" folder is there a keyboard controller to scroll up and down (one at a time) the files (on the left ) inside that folder. 
114/115 is page by page
jon

Does anyone know if there is a excel spreadsheet (xls) for chord charts similar layout to vA song chords charts.
I want to save time without having to type (eg Cmaj7) etc and simply have a drop down list to choose the chords to be placed in the Excel cells when preparing chords for songs before use in vA.
Jon

My Nanokontroller has been loosing its midi imput connection with vArranger every few minutes recently.
I think the USB plug was slightly loose or metal stretched with constant use over the last 2 years.
I slightly squeezed the USB plug to make the metal closer tighter fit into the laptop and it appears tio have helped.
Any one have similar problems with over used USB plugs on midi devices?
jon

Dan
I often have different versions of same song titles in different folders for different purposes and audiences.
It would help if in song search that the song name also shows the folder it is in so I can select the correct song version?
jon
Uk

This may be a useful tool for hearing chords. You do not need to download anything simply use on line.
http://www.randomchord.com
Welcome to the RandomChord.com Chord Generator

A useful resource for all musicians — improvisers can make sure they can play over any harmony; songwriters can find that elusive lost chord to complete their chord progression.

Each chord comes with its own looped backing track and an explanation of the scale choices that fit with it.

Choose a chord from the drop down menus and click 'Go', or click 'Random' to have a random chord generated for you.
http://www.randomchord.com

Any news
I heard it is coming in the about 2 months
jon

Dan
in next version can we have more than ona page of 16 markers.
jon

Dan,
If we are using midi files with lyrics and need to learn/practice/rehearse the phrasing of singing/playing, we need to hear the areas/bars that are difficult to play/sing many times in a loop.  from eg bars 8 to 12, 18 to 20, 65 to 72 etc.
We could make markers but this would take a lot of time and would not be needed after the song is mastered. Also you would not know in advance where there are difficult parts to learn for intense practice. 
Also we may need many markers for many different parts but there is a limit of 16 markers. Also markers do not run in loops.
The small bar counter does not accurately replay from precise bar numbers and is difficult to click on the bar required for repetative playing from same part.
Suggestion- If we were using the small bar counter withan new option of left click to display start and end bar measure numbers and also have a loop on/off option we could practice accurate bar numbers to midi files that way.     
jon

Novation ZeRO SL MkII USB MIDI Controller Seems to have more than the Nano Kontroller for those who need this DAW unit
jon

Pictures from my set up tonight at a club.
jon
uk

Dan
For live playing I think it would be good if the users could have some flexibility in the layout and size of boxes and text for some information to help users aged over 40 whose eyes commonly start to have difficulty in reading. Also for us to be able to see more information at one time rather than scroll through as many pages when looking at list of midi/karaoke files and patches/sounds etc. It is usefull to view more playlist files at one time to see a larger list for faster and more overview.   
My interest is mainly for midi file/karaoke use but this suggestion could also be applied to other functions to help others for their specific needs and uses. I suggest (as example) that I need to see more midi files names currently displayed from top to bottom in the top left side.     
At present we can only see 10 at one time but if you are playing and need to choose the next song (or unexpectedly a third song etc. to keep dancers on floor) scrolling through the pages within same folder is difficult at same time as playing/singing.
When playing midi files/karaole the areas with "My Sounds" and "Voice" are not really needed. I suggest that we can drag, move or open the midi files list to overlay the "My Sounds" and "Voice" which are unused areas during midi file playing. You would then be able to see 40 midi files at one look. Also with an option to stretch the size of the dragged/overlayed folders to make them larger and easier to read. So you could stretch the folder sizes over "My Sounds" and "Voice" and see 20 double size midi file folders (or 40 at current size).  Im sure you know how this is applied in other projects witha small symbol in the corner providing a drop down menu of various options (drag and font size etc. ). I think stretching the files area and the boxes "fitting to size" would be good. Allowing users to have some control of the layout to suit their needs would be more flexible.
I would also like the midi file counter measure bar to be able to be expanded and showing the remaining total measures in the midi file as well as the measure actually in play. In live playing it is useful to have an idea of remaining midi file play time measures to decide whether to cut a song short or let it finish itself if not many dancers are on the floor etc.  What do you think Dan.
Jon
Uk

Anybody tried this kit ........

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flexible-Film-to-Film-16-9-Touch-Screen-Panel-Kit-4-Wire-18-5-Display-/150809431523?pt=UK_Computing_Other_Computing_Networking&hash=item231cf14de3


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V1.0

Dan
I like your recent addition of the midi file markers feature.
Is there any possibility that these can also be added during the composing of the song chords function.
So when we make song chords we can add a marker that can then be exported into a midi file.
ie
If we are making song chords to export them into midi files function and we also want a markers function it will be much easier adding them into the required song chord bar numbers before the song chord is exported into a midi file.
Then the midi file can be opened with markers already in place?
jon     
uk

Be aware of the SD2 reverb levels.
Listening with earphones or with a small PA in your house the SD2 reverb seems too much or more than needed .
But when in a live public situation - large hall, club of bar etc I can hardly hear the same reverb levels.
eg . On the lead melody track - I have this set to Arena with maximum reverb level and could still ask for more if it were possible.
The reverb is hardly noticeable yet with earphones the reverb would be ok about half the level. 
jon
UK

is there anybody with MusicTech MT-60 chromatic keyboard.
Should the small red light in the middle be on when in use?
jon
uk

est ce qu'il ya quelqu'un avec clavier MusicTech MT-60 chromatique.
Si la petite lumière rouge au milieu est allumé lorsque l'utilisation?

is there anybody with MusicTech MT-60 chromatic keyboard.
Should the small red light in the middle be on when in use?
jon
uk

Dan
How do you make the midi interface cable connection to use the optional 2nd midi out to another external midi sound module/midi keyboard?
Is there a special midi cable for two midi outputs?
jon   

What is the best way to have two different instances/scenes of controllers set up.
Ie. I have Two different kontroller units but need same controlls over VA.
Depending on the gig I will use one or the other controller units. (not both together)
Ie. for set up scene  ONE = NanoKontroller with midi accordion.
alternative
Set up TWO = Roland midi controller keyboard with accordion.
jon

Dan
I need the song chord transpose feature to work for part of a song.
At present  it is only possible to transpose by +/- 1 per time.
At present you cannot select eg  bars 91-119 to transpose by + 3.
You can repeat the process but the selected bars (eg 91-119) do not remain selected to repeat the process.
In a song chord with 190 bars (medley) this is frustrating process re-selecting.

Also slightly frustrating is re-sizing the song chord view changes the bar positions back to the bar 1 at the beginning.

jon

Salut
si quelqu'un a le clavier ci-dessus peut vous s'il vous plaît entrer en contact avec moi, car je voudrais vous poser quelques questions car je suis intéressé par l'achat de cette.
jon
Royaume-Uni

Hi
if anyone has the above keyboard can you please get in touch with me as I would like to ask some questions as I am interested in buying this.
jon
UK

Dan
after a "my songs" search - my laptop keyboard shortcut keys often become uneseable.
Can you check this problem .
jon
uk

Thomman in Germany are replacing my power adapter under guarantee with a equivalent yamaha replacement viz.....
PA-130, thomann PA3C
Thomann NT 1208, switch mode power supply, 12V 1000mA, stabilized, DC Yamaha mini (PA-130, thomann PA3C)
http://www.thomann.de/gb/gewa_coxx_1208.htm
yamaha also do a 3 pin UK version of this plug.

Dan
Will there be any way in future of introducing Yamaha Multipad features in playing of yamaha styles with vArranger.
Apparently this adds additional variations to some existing Yamaha/Tyros styles.
The multipads files can be downloaded to use.   
jon

In factory Midi accordions there is usually a midi control panel which is fixed onto the front grille for selecting midi controls/instrument sounds.
I have successfully managed to atttach my Nano Kontroller to the front grille of my accordion to use with my vArranger.
I will post pictures tomorrow.
Jon
Edinburgh

In vArranger with midi file play mode.
Has anyone noticed the lack of reverb (CC#91 value 127)
Even with vArranger FX  set as Arena =value16. (also using sysex in midi files = F0 26 7B 00 00 06 F7 F0 26 7B 02 00 10 F7)
Im sure this is a SD2 issue not vArranger.
The reverb heard using SD2 earphones or in a small room in a house seems reasonable.
Although noticable at this level should the reverb really be excessive.
As soon as you use the SD2 in a venue, club, hall etc it almost sounds as if there is no reverb.
I have two SD2 and both are same so I am also sure this is not a SD2 fault.
jon
edinburgh   

Dan
A friend recorded some midi fles of his playing using his Tyros.
I guess he recorded directly on his tyros live.
When I inspect the midi files, the tracks on the recorded midi file are full of thousands of CC#11, 72, 84 etc. controllers to give feeling etc. to the song
When I use the same tyros styles on my VA and make a song chord, then export the song chord .
It does not have any CC#11, 72 and 84 controllers.
Also I do not think VA makes these CC# controllers in live VA style play.
Can you explain please.
jon

Lionel
On 8 May you wrote about USB hub use.
You share a hub for SD2 and Nano etc.
Do any shared devices affect the SD2 performance sharing ports in a hub.
Also how do they show in vArranger midi port inputs. 
Is it the hub name that shows or does each device still show in VA midi in/out ports??   
I may need to share devices in a usb hub ?
jon 
lionel wrote......
Maybe a bit unlrelated here but to let you know that I have One USB connection for GI20 Guitar midi, another USB fo CASIO Privia keyboard and a third USB in for KORG Kontrol and a USB out for SD2.

That is I have GI20 in one port and a USB hub on another with CASIO privia in, and KORG Kontrol in, also on same hub USB out to SD2 via Edirol UM1-EX .
I have a third USB port that I use for UA-25 External sound card.

Played for Mother's Day function yesterday and all went like clockwork, no hiccups. Had songs in a couple of folders on side bar and retrieved quickly and effortlessly. Only drawback was if I used another voice with my midi guitar I had to select manually.

And Dan the 3rd Input worked perfect.

Lionel

Dan
Any idea when you will be able to make harmony which allows you to harmonise the lead solo voiced played on the Right section according to the
chord played.
Also please think about this related feature as I cannot find a product that does this except Band in a Box which would mean I would have to re-enter all song chords into BIAB (as in current VA song chord process).
Could it be possible to make harmonisation into existing tracks of an midi file of melody single solo notes.
This would involve VA analyzing a chord track and layering the harmony chords under the lead melody solo notes at the midi file export stage.
An option for the harmony notes being quiter with less velocity would also be needed. 
The user would have to make a chord track dedicated for harmonisation purposes that started at the first beat of every track. This is to prevent the first melody solo note on the first beat from playing the chord harmonies from the previous bar. I already have a dedicated chord track for my vocaliser harmonies purposes on most midi files. In my older midi files without a dedicated harmony track I copy a chord track and slide (with cakewalk) the existing chords back to the first beat of every track on the copied track then set the vol to of that track to zero so it is analised but not heard playing out of rhythm/beat. This usually makes a reasonable harmony track.
Dan Have you found the Song chord export bug to save the user from trial attempts until the file export is accurate?
Its very clever feature when it does work.
So Dan what month this update. l
Jon

Dan
can you make controller shortcut buttons for "MY SONGS" as follows.
Without touch screen mouse clicking is tedious. 
1. To make single left and right navigation by one folder at a time (and continuling over the ten folders onto forders 11+ to end.
Also if user has created more than ten folder the folder scrolling should continue over subsequent page views to last folder.
2. Block left and right (<< and >>) keyboard shortcuts for scrolling blocks of ten "My Songs " folders in one button click     
jon

Users may be interested that they can batch convert for free their pdf sheet music to compatable Varranger jpg.
http://www.boxoft.com/pdf-to-jpg/

Do we need Roland Styles.
There are already 1000's of Yamaha and Ketron.
I already do not have time to look through them never mind even more styles.
We can get too carried away with too many styles.
Most styles start to become variations of others in same jendre.
There are still Varranger basics to be available.
ie. Harmony from a single lead solo note according to the chord being played.
 
jon
 

Dan ,
What are you latest updates
Are you well.
You do not reply to my emails and things seem a bit quiet with you on the forum.
Maybe you are buzy???
jon

Dan
Why is the notification dated 15 April?
Are you or are you not on vacation in September October???
Why are we getting your bon French in the English topics?? lol
jon

Are there many users using both SD2 stereo outputs with their unit.
For clarification your 1/4" jack plug should also have two black isolator rings on the plug tip. (one black isolator ring is mono) .
I use the two SD2 outputs but merged together into one Mono 1/4" jack plug into my amp.
Personally I do not use and see the advantages of stereo in a live gig situation.
I understand that stereo is really only about left and right panning of sounds not quality?
In a dance hall you normally have approx. 40-80 people sitting on the left and 40-80 people on the right.
The middle of the floor is empty for dancers. The middle is where you will hear best all the left and right panning. 
If a sound is panned to play on the left speaker the people sitting on the right do not hear it very much as they are sitting too far away from the left speaker to hear it as well as the people on the right. So the problem will be that they do not hear the intended sound ballance panning?
Thats my theory anway.   
I think stereo is only effective if you have headphones on or sitting in your house in a small room close distance to two speakers.
Maybe Im missing something on this so please inform me of any experiences of deeper understandings etc.
If you read this and do not know anymore or have not a clue what im on about please say that.
Its good to know varranger forum users are alive and not silent lol
Jon
uk   

Dan,
Would you be able in future to make a part copy /paste from one "song chord" song to another.
I mostly play medleys and this way I could paste one song in a medley into another medley allowing different versions of songs in different medleys for variation .
jon

Deane
I love my SD2 but thought Tyros and Audya was ment to beeven better yet you say you prefer your SD2.
I have no first hand experience of Tyros and Audya but would be interested in more info from your comparison.
Here are some interesting youtube demos for Audya

http://wn.com/Ketron_Audya__ROCK%27N_ROLL_MEDLEY

jon

I always wonder what ketron really are??
What I mean how many people work for ketron Italy.
What size is their premises/factory/warehouse/office?
Do they actually make their equipment in Italy or china etc.
Has anyone been to see ketron Italy or ever met the staff.
Can Italian users get better service?
Where do the Italian users go for repairs. ?
If anyone knows anything it will be interesting.
Maybe some pictures of their buisness etc.
jon

Please note the Fal speakers were not used and do not belong to me as they are the property of the hall.
I use 1x15 peavey and 1x12 EV speakers.
I am in the process of eliminating the need for manuscript and written words.
But some my pages are a combination of both manuscript sections and lyrics.
I am experimnenting with jpg images of my music book to use vArranger to display them on screen.
Page sizes are a problem and page turning with foot pedal is needed but I will try to find the best solution.
The problem is more about preperation of pages and organising of pages require by myself. 
When a page is resized (larger) on Varranger the next page does not keep the resized (larger) size?
jon

Dan
I know you are working on the Song chord function which allows arrangements A, B, C and D to be selected at any given bar of a song.
Would it be possible to make a function for changing the actual style/pattern within the same song.
This would be a great feature when making medleys etc. I guess a drop down style menu would have to somwehow know all the styles that each user has loaded into vArranger to make this possible.
Maybe it would be possible to select the required style as needed directly from "my sounds" or the vArranger search bar. 
jon   

A comment from the ketron forum made me write on this subject . The member stated as follows......
I have both sd2 running in varranger2 and an audya 4. the sound patches are alomst identical. you would not miss nothing great. maybe some guitar slide patches.. rather than that. isd almost the same.

I would like to add my thoughts to this vArranger forum as follows...............
I have the SD2 and find what you say amazing that there is little difference compared to audya 4.
As you say there are some subtle Audya bonuses like guitar slide patches etc but for the extra cost compared to SD2 I can live without them.
Im glad I chose the SD2 and vArranger set up like you.
Would you agree with me that vArranger can do almost everything the Audya can do.
In fact vArranger can do some things that Audya cannot do and soon vArranger will do more on the next few updates.
The author Dan keeps modifying vArranger with new features which are amazing he also communicates and helps queries with his customer users.
I like the fact that on previous solton/ketron arrangers I had I had to do some sort of editing and backups regularly on my pc so my PC was a must have with a ketron arranger keyboard/module. Ketron connection /communication with a Pc was never great without the USB connectivity. Ketron were slow to make this possible till recently.   
Now with vArranger everything is done from my laptop and I simply plug in a small SD2 sound module and as you say the final result compares to the Audya 4.
The big bonus is that with vArranger we can have 1-1500+ styles (unlimited) at hand with the ability of playing both/all ketron and Yamaha styles/patterns for a fraction of the cost.
In fact I can afford to have a spare back up SD2 and laptop and still have half the Audya cost in my pocket.
I can view syncronised karaoke lyrics, mid/kar/MP3, jpg sheetmusic and lyrics text all at a realistic 16" laptop size all from vArranger.
So Im now in the process of making 5 books of sheetmusic redundant. No need to also spend a fortune on a dedicated sheetmusic display monitor and software. 
Its all on your laptop thanks to only one software needed "vArranger" at the heart of everything mentioned.
jon 
edinburgh





On 06/07/2011 04:50, francis chavez wrote:
> 
> hi there.. i have both sd2 running in varranger2 and an audya 4. the sound patches are alomst identical. you would not miss nothing great. maybe some guitar slide patches.. rather than that. isd almost the same.

I listened to this unit but did not like the sounds as well as the ketron SD2. Thought some sounds sounded cheap like accordion , trumpet , trombone. However clarinette was better .
It is standalone therefor can play midi files directly from a usb stick and has some editing features.
jon

    (PART TWO) ASSIGNABLE CONTROLLERS : BY SONG CONTROLLERS
    With this new version, you can designate up to 12 MAGIC controllers!
    These same pedals/buttons can now trigger different functions, therefor each button/pedal can be used for different
    purposes for each song that they are saved with ("save song").
       
    I only use a small pedalboard containing 2 foot switch pedals. Normally (in general) pedal No. ONE triggers fill 2
    and pedal No. TWO triggers ending 2.
    However, on one parcicular song using the (Elvis) style "ALL SHOOK UP" I wanted to make pedal NO. ONE trigger fill 3
    and pedal TWO trigger the Break function fill.
    This is where the new function occurs. Here's how:
    First stage you need to set vArranger so pedals are identified as being enabled as Assignable Controllers functions.
    This way (unless assigned) they will trigger the same controller functions for all songs but can also be linked to a
    specific song name for other controller functions different to their general set-up use.
    1) Go on OPTIONS / CONTROLLERS
    2) Go straight down the list to the group BY SONG CONTROLLERS, and click on the ASSIGNABLE CONTROL 1 line
    3) Press the pedal No. ONE (fill pedal). You have just assigned the pedal No. ONE as being ASSIGNABLE CONTROL 1
    4) Click then on the ASSIGNABLE CONTROL 2 line
    5) Press the pedal NO. TWO (ending pedal). You have just assigned the pedal No. TWO as being ASSIGNABLE CONTROL 2
    (and so on, up to 12 controllers)
    6) Click on the FILL IN 2 line with the right mouse button, and choose ASSIGNABLE CONTROL 1.
    You have now set pedal nO. 1 to trigger the Fill in 2 control for GENERAL USE.
    7) Click on the ENDING 2 line with the right mouse button, and choose ASSIGNABLE CONTROL 2
    You have now set pedal nO. 2 to trigger the Ending 2 control for GENERAL USE.
    Note -DO NOT select on the pedals relevant to (Elvis) style "ALL SHOOK UP" instead of the pedal for GENERAL style
    use at this stage.
    Close CONTROLLERS, and go on SAVE / STARTUP CONFIG. Check the SAVE 12 DEFAULT ASSIGNABLES CONTROLLERS box. then, SAVE.
    Now, for all the songs, the pedal No. ONE will trigger the FILL IN 2 and pedal No. TWO triggers the ENDING 2.
    Second stage you then have to assign the pedals for the specific controllers needed for use with a specific song.
    This way pedal No. ONE for Fill 3 will need to be specifically assigned and pedal No. TWO for BREAK function will
    also need to be specifically assigned to a song name (save song).
     
    Load a song (style, mp3)
    9) Go on OPTIONS / CONTROLLERS
    10) Click on the FILL 3 line with the right mouse button, and choose ASSIGNABLE CONTROL 1
    11) Click on the BREAK line with the right mouse button, and choose ASSIGNABLE CONTROL 2
    12) Close CONTROLLERS, and go on SAVE / SONG. Check the 12 ASSIGNABLES CONTROLLERS box, then SAVE.
    Now, for this songs only, (Elvis) style "ALL SHOOK UP" The pedal No. ONE will trigger the Fill 3 and the
    pedal No. TWO triggers the BREAK
    (And so on to change each song, which requires a different control)
    I decided that as the ending is only needed once in a song. It is not too much effort to click/press the
    ending once with my mouse.
    (or if I had a touch screen laptop - my finger).
     
    Summary
    General Use -
    Assignable controll No 1 = Pedal 1/Fill 2
    Assignable controll No 2 = Pedal 2/Ending 2
    Specifically assigned to a particular style (song save) -
    Assignable controll No 1 Now = Pedal 1/Fill 3
    Assignable controll No 2 Now = Pedal 2/Break
    jon

(Part one)
Making old 1/4" jack plug foot switch pedals and volume/expression pedals work with USB for vArranger.

I wanted to use my old original foot pedals set-up work the same way as they did with my Solton MS40 and Ketron SD3.
There are expensive USB pedal units available bit the layout is not to my needs and they also do too many other functions that I do not need at present. 
I have not seen any combined USB switch/volume pedal units that I can use "blind" without the need to look around the floor for their whereabouts as they tend to move around the floor after using them several times. I have also found that ready made USB switch and volume pedal units are not positioned in a layout that I can be sure that I will be pressing the correct pedals without looking at them which is not possible with an accordion on your knees. Common problems are the space between switches or pedals being set too close together, one switch directly above the other switch and the entire pedal unit moving its position on the floor.
I had to find a way of making old pedals with 1/4" jack plugs now work as USB pedals with vArranger.
Basically I kept the amount of pedals needed to a minimum for size and practical ease of use when playing my accordion and SD2 with vArranger using Ketron and Yamaha patterns/styles. To do this in live performance I need two volume pedals, one for the vArranger Style and one for vArranger Right.
This way I can balance the volumes between the Styles accompaniments and the Right used for lead melody solo or accompanying vocals on right hand playing.   
I see many non vArranger keyboard players needing to use 2 keyboards to achieve this set up. Typically a Ketron keyboard for style accompaniments and a Korg keyboard on top for Right hand solo and vocal accompanyment.
With keeping my switch pedals to only two pedals I still  need to have a choice of Style Drum Fills 1, 2, 3 and 4/break and Endings 1, 2, 3 and 4 which would need 8 switch pedals. Now this is possible with the new (v1.11) vArranger ASSIGNABLE CONTROLLER feature which allows you to assign the pedal controllers. I will explain how I do this in part 2 later this week.
I have grouped my (Style) volume pedal, fill and ending switch pedals together securing all 3 pedals onto a wooden base shaped which stays in the same position on the floor for the entire performance. 

To make the old jack plug pedal units work with vArranger I bought two USB Logidy UMI-3 foot switch controllers http://www.logidy.com/?pid=0
They only supply direct from USA so UK import tax is payable which doubles the cost but I think they are still inexpensive for their purposes. They are good strong made metal units but the switches are too close and the optional volume pedal would need to be separate. They also have an input to accept one volume pedal by plugging your old volume pedal 1/4" jack into the back of the Logidy unit. The Logidy units are also powered by USB cable and have a small yellow activity LED light. Luckily the Logidy units internal green circuit board is small enough (approx. 5x5cm) to remove and refit inside your old volume pedals as I have  done. Either to make a pedal board layout specific to your needs or to eliminated the need for additional USB controller units needing connected to old pedals.
To make the Analogue to USB pedal conversion you carefully remove the green Logidy curcuit board from its black steel case by snipping the wires to seperat them from their switched and reconnect your own switch pedal wires accordingly and refitting the pcb into free space inside your old volume pedal. You can also extend the yellow led wires to use in the ¼ "jack volume pedal units. The Logidy volume pedal input forms part of the green circuit board so you do not need to change anything here. You could also permanently re-connect your old volume pedal wires internally by soldering the wired from the potentiometer directly onto the green Logidy expression pedal input plug. but I have chosen to use the external input from the original Logidy 1/4" jack pug input from my volume pedal (see pictures). Now you have your old 1/4" pedals and switches that work with USB and no additional controller units to carry and connect.
     
My left foot permanently rests/presses onto the centre of the wooden base which stops any movement keeping the entire units position on the floor. I simply place my foot onto the Style volume pedal before I start playing a Style. Start a style and adjust the pedal to the required volume needed, place my foot into the middle of my home made wooden pedal base being ready to press the fills switch pedal as needed throughout the style playing. The main advantage is that I can keep my foot/heel on the ground always in the same place and simply lift my toes to the right to press the fills switch pedal throughout the song as many times needed and always accurately as the pedal unit does not move position. For the ending I simply lift my foot forward and press the switch pedal to trigger an ending. The second volume pedal is separate allowing use with my right foot. I have not found a need to attach any switch pedals to this unit but for both units up to 3 switch pedals can be achieved making a total of 2 volume pedals and 6 switch pedals if needed.

To follow (Part two)
Setting up vArrangers new assignable controllers feature with old 1/4" jack plug foot pedals.
This allows same switch pedal to have different functions/controls depending on the song they are saved to.
So in one style/song the switch pedal triggers the ending 1 and on another style/song the same switch pedal triggers ending 3.
No need for two pedals needing to be dedicated to only one function each when one pedal will do the two functions. 

Does anybody know what this unit sounds like
this is on ebay item number
200608158233 also
http://www.thomann.de/gb/miditech_pianobox.htm
Dan what will be VA compatabliity problems here ? (usually drums mapping problems)?
miditech PIANOBOX General MIDI GM Sound Module

MIDITECH Pianobox, GM Soundmodule with 128 GM Sounds and complete GM Implementation, 195 Variations-Sounds, 9 Drum Sets and one SFX Set, 9 user presets, Drumcomputer/Metronom with 100 Drumpatterns, black aluminum Case, 4 segment Display, HI-Z Guitar-Input 6,3mm Jack, Play/Stop Button, Direct Button, 10 Keys-Buttons, MIDI I/O, LINE OUT 6,3 mm Jack, Headphone Output 3,5mm Jack

PIANOBOX GM SOUND MODULE

This pianobox is designed to use with keyboards, masterkeyboards, or computer with MIDI and allows you to easily playback any general MIDI files from computer or sequencer. High quality multi-sampled sounds give GM files a professional edge compared to internal soundcards and the addition of an integral drum machine makes the Pianobox an ideal rehearsal tool.

Features:

GM soundmodule with 128 general MIDI sounds and full GM implementation
Drum machine with 100 internal patterns
195 sound variations
9 drum sets and one SFX set
9 user memory programs
Large LED display
6.3mm direct input for guitar/bass
3.5mm headphone output
Included 9V adaptor
Specification:

Power supply: 9Vdc, 1000mA
Connections: RCA L+R out, 6.3mm DI input, 3.5mm Phones, MIDI in + thru
Dimensions: 162 x 120 x 40mm
Weight: 750g
Please Note: The power supply provided is fitted

Maybe this PCB can work volume and switch foot pedals?
Think you need some basic electronic background. If anyone can understang this please reply.
jon, UK
http://tomscarff.110mb.com/foot_pedal_USB_assem/foot_switch_pedal_USB_assem.htm

Switch and Controller MIDI/USB Foot Pedals
This assembled unit converts up to 5 variable potentiometer (volume pedals) and  up to 5 switch foot-pedals (for drum fills etc. ) to an associated MIDI control signal[/b]. This unit will work with one, two or up to all 10 inputs, at the same time. This unit can work in standard MIDI mode or via the USB connection. It defaults to standard MIDI Baud rate of 31250. However a  choice is made at power-up via a switch connected to Pin 12 of the Arduino. If the switch/link is open the unit works in standard MIDI Mode and if the switch/link is closed it operates in USB Mode.


*Click to Enlarge*


MIDI&USB Foot Pedals

ITEM#: MIDIUSBFOOTPED

PRICE:  €45.00


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The Switch and Controller MIDI Foot Pedal utilizes:
An assembled Arduino Diecimilia,
An assembled  MIDI IN & OUT circuit,
5 inputs for variable potentiometer foot pedals,
5 inputs for switch type foot-pedals,
2 Male Headers x6,
1 Male Header x8,
A power-on LED,
A 4-way DIP switch which selects the MIDI channel at power-on, see Table 3
a MIDI 5-pin DIN input socket
a MIDI 5-pin DIN output socket, 
Switch and potentiometer Circuit Schematic Diagram
MIDI IN OUT circuit schematic diagram


 
The Switch and Controller MIDI Foot Pedal also requires:
a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) Jack socket for each required Pedal
a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) Mono switch Foot Pedal
a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) Mono variable Foot Pedal
a 9v battery or equivalent DC power source


 
USB MIDI Setup:
This design  includes a USB chip, it is designed  to program the microcontroller, or provide communication via MIDI/USB.  The MIDI-USB driver information is available.



Power Supply:
The  Arduino/Freeduino etc. Diecimila can be powered via the USB connection or with an external power supply. The power source is selected by the PWR_SEL jumper. To power the board from the USB connection, place it on the two pins closest to the USB connector, for an external power supply, the two pins closest to the external power jack.



External (non-USB) power can come either from an AC-to-DC adapter (wall-wart) or battery. The adapter can be connected by plugging a 2.1mm center-positive plug into the board's power jack. Leads from a battery can be inserted in the Gnd and Vin pin headers of the POWER connector. A low dropout regulator provides improved energy efficiency.



The board can operate on an external supply of 7 to 20 volts. If supplied with less than 7V, however, the 5V pin may supply less than five volts and the board may be unstable. If using more than 12V, the voltage regulator may overheat and damage the board. The recommended range is 7 to 12 volts.



Note that with the Arduino Duemilanove or Mega the power input selection (USB/EXT.) is automatically selected.

 

Operation:
At power-on the DIP switch positions are read and the unit will operate in a MIDI channel as shown in Table 3.

NOTE: Any unused input Analog Pins on the Arduino should be connected to Ground (GND). Otherwise the unit will produce MIDI outputs due to noise pickup on un-connected Analog inputs.



Circuit Schematic:
A circuit schematic and the wiring diagram of the MIDI IN and OUT circuit shows the Input/Output connections.  There is also a switch and potentiometer Circuit Schematic Diagram. The pin connections on the Arduino are also available.

       

MIDI Wiring:
The MIDI  OUT connector uses a  5-Pin 180 degree DIN sockets. Note that the MIDI IN/OUT wiring is polarised and the correct pins should be used.







MIDI Pedal Switch Functions:
Switch Input Selections
MIDI Pedal Functions

1  Sustain
2  Sostenuto
3  Soft Pedal
4  Legato
5  Hold 2
Table 1



Sustain Pedal:
The sustain pedal is also known as the Damper Pedal. When operated it sends out a controller value of CC64. When the pedal is pressed ON the unit outputs a value of 127, when released OFF the unit outputs a value of 0. Tone-generators without the 'half-damper' implemented will interpret a value between 0 and 63 as OFF and a value of 64 to 127 as ON.

 



Sostenuto Pedal:
The sostenuto pedal is a type of selective sustain pedal found on acoustic grand-pianos. Pressing down the pedal, sending controller value CC66 with a value of 127, while holding notes on the keyboard will cause these notes to be sustained after you release them. Any notes played after pressing the pedal will not sustain. When the pedal is released it sends out controller value CC66 with a value of 0.

 

Soft Pedal:
The soft pedal works in two simultaneous ways. When the pedal is pressed, sending out controller value CC67 with a value of 127, the sound should be slightly softened in terms of volume and there should be a noticeable difference in the tone-colour of the sound. When the pedal is released it sends out controller value CC67 with a value of 0.

 

Legato Pedal:
When the legato pedal is pressed, sending out controller value CC68 with a value of 127, playing a different note changes the pitch of the current note without re-triggering the attack phase of the envelope of the sound. When the pedal is released it sends out controller value CC68 with a value of 0.

 

Hold 2 Pedal:
The hold 2 pedal is another type of sustaining pedal used fro sounds with two sustain phases in their envelopes. When the pedal is pressed it sends out controller value CC69 with a value of 127, when the pedal is released it sends out controller value CC69 with a value of 0.

 




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MIDI Pedal Controller Functions:
Controller Input Selections
MIDI Pedal Functions

1  Volume
2  Modulation
3  Balance
4  Pan
5  Pitch
Table 2


   


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DIP Switch Selections
MIDI 
Channel

4 3 2 1
on on on on 1
on on on off 2
on  on  off on 3
on on off off 4
on off on on 5
on off on off 6
on off off on 7
on off off off 8
off on on on 9
off on on off 10
off on  off on 11
off on off off 12
off off on on 13
off off on off 14
off off off on 15
off off off off 16
Table 3 MIDI Channel

Here is a new foot controller that may be of interest
the SoftStep USB/MIDI Multi-touch foot controller.
5 degrees of continuous control for each pad:
X- and Y- axis, Clockwise Rotation, Counter-Clockwise Rotation and Pressure. These control sources are mappable to any MIDI or OSC destination.
http://www.keithmcmillen.com/softstep/hardware/

http://www.keithmcmillen.com/softstep/videos/#
jon
uk

I would like to have a spare SD2 power supply for a back up suitable for UK use.
Can anyone tell me what I need to get and where. There is nothing I can find with exactly the same amps/voltage etc specifications.
I think the voltage is important but not so sure abo9ut the ampage.
jon

I have just ordered 2 of these units from US as they are not available in UK yet.
They have 3 switches and one input for volume / expression pedal.

They also have a step sequencer which is a nifty little add-on to the product. It lets you program a sequence of different MIDI messages that foot switches can cycle through. A single foot switch can send an many as 8 sequential messages. Users who need more bang out of the 3 foot switches can get it through that functionality.
The setup panel is available for free download at their website. Programming of the switches happens through that utility.

When tested I will let you know how they work especially the volume pedal input.
jon
UK 

http://www.logidy.com/?pid=0

has any body used the Roland FC 300 pedal board with vArranger
jon

Does anyone have some controller effects they have used/discoverd that can improve the Sax sounds.
I dont really like the sax sound much on my SD2.
Im looking for a softblow sax with some breath and softness .
Like the old Blowsax on the Solton MS40.
jon

Jerks with midi file play. During a midi file playing I experience about 3-4 jerks per hour.
I suspect it is my laptop trying to make wireless internet connection which uses up resources
and causes a midi file to jerk during playing?
My Compaq pesario has a enable/disable wirless lan internet button beside the main on/off power button.
I now disable my wirless internet to avoid this. BUT it appears that the disable wireless
internet connection then needs my pc to re-start in this mode for full effect (rather tan on the fly).
So my laptop must be switched on with the wireless internet dissabled before switching off during the previous use?
Also todays jerks were worse than normal as I tried to rip a cd that somebody gave me before my gigi started.
I used windows media player to do the Cd ripping. However I did not have enough time so I minimised the media player without starting the ripping procedure
for later use on my break.
Usually the jerks are not very noticeable but today they were the worst I ever experienced. Here I suspect that although the wireless lan was dissabled
Windows media player was still trying to access the internet for CD song and label information etc.
On my break I decided close Windows media player and restart my laptop in the disabled wirless internet mode.
Result - I never has one jerk in the second half of my gig? Coincidence?   
Having said all this I have not experienced this ever with my other dedicated midi file software before I bought this amazing VArranger.
I have not been able to test this problem in live style playing yet as I am still in the process of setting up my styles etc.

background info.

My laptop is quite high specifications,  windows Vista, AMD dual core 2.10 GHZ, Ram 4GH, 32bit. service pack 1. 
My power management settings are at high performance (the best) if this is a power dip issue?
My laptop is directly connected to my SD2 by usb midi lead out and midi accordion by usb midi lead in.
In this minimum small set up with no other midi/FX units.
I had one USB connection with 2 foot switches (which are cloned to my laptop keyboard shortcut keys)
set for + / - channel volume controllers and another USB connection set for one start/stop foot switch (also cloned to a pc shortcut key) in this set up.
I also have about 10 other controllers set for various keyboard shortcuts etc. Further I also have other controllers for set to 4 different midi channels
for USB swell volume pedals (midi type-controllers) and fills switch pedal (midi type-Program) controllers options. But these were not in use on this gig.   
Has anyone experienced this. If not - Please also let me know if you have left you wirless internet lan on without jerks etc. so I can dismiss my theory??
Jon
edinburgh

Has anyone bought the Eowave Foot Controller unit and tried it.
This is a USB conversion unit from analogue 1/4" jack plug pedals and foot switches for up to 4 inputs for fills and/or volume pedals. 
I bought one for use with my VArranger2 but it does not work properly with volume pedals.
The pedal I have is a Solton original with no knobs etc. for limiting the output volume range.
With the Eowave unit the volume pedals range is only between 97 and 127.
There is a Eowave editor software but the link for downloading is faulty.
I think this is needed to assign which type of pedal is being used between the switch pedals for fills/endings etc. and the volume pedals.
I guess the volume range can also be edited to suit your needs?
If you have the editor sortware file or a correct Eowave link can you please let me know.
This is for Windows Vista.
I requested this from Eowave support yesterday but no reply yet and its urgently needed. Here is their Foot controller description link.
http://www.eowave.com/instruments.php?prod=53
jon

Most of the midi interface leads (1 x USB + 2 x 5 pin) cables are 2m overall in length.
Thats USB lead end at 1.5 metre and the 2 x 5 pin end leads both about 0.5m metre each.  (1.5+0.5=2m)
I need to distance/seperate the 2 x 5 pin midi IN and OUT leads from my accordion midi box to my vocal harmony effects unit in front and behind my music set up. 
The 2 x 5 pin leads need to be at least 1m in length each . Can anyone source this from anywhere
jon

Does anyone use va and produce vocal reverb etc from a laptop. What I mean is singing through a microphone with effects from laptop instead of a seperate reverb unit then with the vocals connected into a PA system.
Also the ability to get vocoder/vocalist harmony effects produced on the laptop instead of a seperate expensive digitech unit then connected to a PA.
Vocal quality will still be needed here.

Can we do everything (VA styles accompanyments , midi files, Mp3 backing, right hand hormony (according to left hand chord played) in VA right solo melody and ALSO vocal effects processing. All from one central laptop source.
jon edinburgh