Almost ready to buy vArranger

[Gerard]

Can I use 2 midi controllers with vArranger?
If so, how would I hook them up?
I would like one keyboard to play the chords and lower sounds.
I would like the other keyboard to play the upper sounds.
I would probably use my Audya 4 for the sounds.
I know I would use the midi out from the computer to the midi in of the Audya 4.
And lastly, if that all works, can I still play the styles from the Audya 4 with my keyboards plugged into my computer.
Thanks,
Gerard

[Dan]

Hi Gerard,

You can use 2 midi keyboards with vArranger.

One keyboard will play the upper sounds and the chords.

One keyboard will play the lower sounds (who can be the same as the upper sounds)

You can use the Audya 4 as a sound module for vArranger. Just plug the USB cable to the PC.

If you want to play the Audya styles with the keyboard connected to the pc, you need I think to change the MIDI setup of the Audya, from GM to MasterKeyboard.

Is it for playing live? or just at home?

[Gerard]

Hi Dan,
Can I connect the Audya from the computer with a midi cable?
That way I think both keyboards will send midi info to the Audya if I want to use the styles in the Audya.
I have been playing since 1960.
Playing guitar back then, in the service, I backed up for USO shows.
Played for Chubby Checker, Bobby Vee, Bobby Rydel, Connie Stevens and more.
Switched to keyboard in the 70's.
Have done one man bands and playing in bands.
Now I do Moose clubs, American Legion posts, seniors etc.

My goal with vArranger2 is to play the Yamaha styles and converted Korg PA3X styles, with Style works on vArranger2 and my Ketron built in styles on the Audya.
The Audya has live drums, and live guitars which are great.
Also, the Audya has "Program Voices", which allow me to set up 3 different voices on three different parts of the keyboard.
Example of use: Playing any big band song, playing the lead say with a trumpet, and then immediately answering back with a sax section from another part of the keyboard.
Regards,
Gerard

[Dan]

I am not sure, but maybe you can plug one keyboard in the audya MIDI IN 2 to play audya styles, and one keyboard to the PC to the the audya MIDI IN 1 for vArranger...

I just tried with the USB cable to Audya, and was able to play both vArranger styles and Ketron styles from the same external KB, but I had to change one setting on the Audya Midi menu between them.

I did not really understand all the MIDI options in the Audya.

[Gerard]

If I understand you correctly, you have a keyboard connected to the PC, and the USB from the PC to the Audya.
When I plug in a USB from my Audya to the PC, my screen says "USB Connection".
How do I play the styles from the Audya as well a the styles from vArranger?

[Dan]

Yes, the USB plug behind the Audya has 2 functions :

1) Manage the hard drive of the audya from the computer

2) MIDI via USB. To activate this feature, before pluging the USB cable to the computer, go on MENU -> Midi -> Utility -> USB Midi: [ON]

There is also some tunings with Port 1/Port 2 and other channels selection

[Gerard]

Thank you. That answers my questions. I guess I will bite the bullet and buy vArranger now.

[Dan]

Thank You Gerard, and welcome to the forum as a vArranger owner now

[Bernie9]

Welcome Gerard

I am most eager to see how you progress as I am also a gigging musician from the sixties, but starting out on the Hammond B3.  I also have an Audya, but it is the 76 key.  I really like vArranger for a light rig with the SD2.  Since Dan has introduced so many improvements like Yamaha styles and multiple ports, the sonic possibilities have increased.

I have ordered the Korg MicroArranger and am eager to couple that with vArranger, and use a NonoKontrol for controlling vArranger.  I have just gotten around to installing vArranger on my Acer W500 10" Windows tablet.  The touch screen is really neat and not too small.  More on that later.

Please keep us posted.

Bernie

[Gerard]

Hi Bernie,
So far, I have gotten vArranger and one keyboard to work with my Audya 4.
I haven't been able to use that same keyboard to play the styles from the Audya 4.
I haven't been able to use a second keyboard with vArranger either.
The Audya has the Channel RX screen to set Left (2) and Right (1) and Global to (1)
The Audya has a Midi Utility screen for Port 1 or Port 2.
Trying all kinds of different combination and so far no luck.

I have a 22" touchscreen Gateway All-In-One computer.
I also have an Audya 76 key as well.
Debating whether to keep the Audya 4 or the 76 key.
I have (2) M-Audio 88 key Midi controllers.

It will be nice when a "Harmony" function is added to vArranger.
Regards,
Gerard

[Bernie9]

Gerard
I know this is too simple to be your problem but it happened to me.

I had the USB setting (utility) on data instead of Midi.

For what it's worth.

Bernie

[Gerard]

I did the and the message "USB Connection" came up, so I changed it to "ON".

FYI
I tried a Roland BK-7m, Tyros 4, and a Korg PA3x and sold them all.
That is how I ended up with the Ketrons I have.
I paid $4500 USD for the 76 key, new,  and then got a deal on a used Audya 4 for $2500 USD including the 13 pedal footswitch and a case.
There was a plethora of custom styles on the Audya 4 and I copied all of them to the 76 key.
I have a midi merger coming today and I am going to see if I can fix everything with it.
I will set one keyboard to channel 1 and the other to channel 2.
Gerard

[Bernie9]

Gerard

You saved me the trouble and expense of getting the Roland module.  Some reviews were good, but many indicated problems.  Eventhough some Audyas have had their problems, there is no match for the Ketron sound(IMHO) short of VST's maybe.

It sounds like you are a gear hound too.  To be more accurate, I think that the best sound possible is our goal, and we will do what it takes to achieve it.

I do believe you will succeed one way or the other.
Regards,
Bernie

[Dan]

For vArranger, the master keyboard must send on channel 1 on the FULL KEYBOARD
To use a second keyboard in vArranger, select it on OPTIONS/MIDI PORTS/ MIDI IN 2  and check the box PLAY NOTES

Note : vArranger is sending the RIGHT1 sound on channel 13.
So if you press FULL KEYBOARD on vArranger, you will send on channel 13, full kb.

Try to put the Audya to listen to this channel.

Dan

[Gerard]

Hi Dan,
Thanks for the tip. It got me thinking.
I used USB connections for both Keyboards and the Audya.
The Audya is set to USB Midi "ON".
I set both keyboards to transmit on Midi channel 1.
On vVaranger Midi options, I set the second keyboard to play notes.
On the Audya 4, I set the Midi option to "General".
The settings were left at Right 1, Left 2, Bass 5 and Drums 10.
Both keyboards work great.

To get 2 keyboards to work strictly with Audya 4 without vArranger,
I use midi out from both keyboards.
I went into Midi in 1 and Midi in 2(Kybd).
The trick is to get the Midi in 1 to talk with Midi in 2.
I found the answer on ketron.it, in the FAQ's section, Under Midi, "Connecting 2 keyboards to Audya".
The short answer is to Press "GM Part"
Then press USER 5/10 button.
Press the F5 function key and change the setting from "Port 1" to "Port 2".

Essentially, this converts the Midi in 1 socket to a "Keyboard" socket.

After you digest all of that, I have not been able to play both vArranger styles and Audya 4 styles with the same setup.
I either get cross talk or everything slows down drastically.
Regards,
Gerard

[Dan]

So finally, what you have to do, to switch between, playing a vArranger style, and playing an Audya style, with the same keyboard connected?

[Gerard]

Hi Dan,
I just ordered an SD2, and I am going to use that for vArranger.
I have the keyboards hooked up by USB to vArranger on the PC.
I also have the keyboards hooked up by midi cables to the Audya 4.
When I play using vArranger, I will just turn down the volume on the Audya and visa-versa.
This way everything will work.
I have a 20 channel mixer I can feed the outputs from the SD2.
Regards,
Gerard

[Dan]

[Bernie9]

I still like the SD2 in spite of having an Audya76.  The sound is different and not so in your face.  Different boards for different venues.
Bernie