First post, by HunterZ
- Rank
- l33t++
So I have Roland SC-88 and MT-32 synthesizers, and right now I have them daisy chained like so:
Audio: MT-32 (via SC-88 audio input) -> SC-88 -> PC line in
MIDI: PC USB -> USB-MIDI -> SC-88 -> MT-32 (via SC-88 MIDI THRU)
When I want to use the SC-88, I just leave the MT-32 powered off, and when I want to use the MT-32 I just mute the SC-88.
This setup works great, but I've finally got a CM-64 on the way as well and am wondering what my new setup should be.
Some ideas for the MIDI end:
- Just replace the MT-32 with the CM-64, as it should work well enough for most LA synthesis purposes. I guess this is probably fine, but will make me sad because I might not use the MT-32 as much as I otherwise would.
- Chain them all together via MIDI THRU. Main downside is that I have to have all 3 synths powered on to use the last one in the MIDI chain (I think?).
- Dig out my Creative Labs USB-MIDI interface, and use it for 1-2 synths and the Uno for the other 1-2, then swap which one is plugged into the PC. Problem here is that the Creative Labs interface caused SysEx errors on my MT-32, but maybe the CM-64 would be more tolerant, or maybe the drivers have improved, or maybe my new Windows 10 laptop would do better in 2017 than my old Windows 7 desktop did in 2010 or so? Probably not, because Creative has sucked at for a long time now, especially in the driver department.
- Buy some kind of MIDI selector box. This would probably be expensive, as it would be seen as pro musician equipment.
Ideas for the audio end:
- Replace MT-32 with CM-64. See above.
- Use a stereo switch/selector box. Honestly this should work OK, and may solve the potential problem of SysEx being able to override the global volume on the LA synthesizers?
- Buy a stereo line-level mixer box. I can't find one of these for cheap, especially since I don't want to use a passive one because the MT-32 is already a bit quiet.
- Build a stereo line-level mixer box. I have the tools, but I don't want to take this on right now because I know I'll never complete it!
- Use an old hi-fi stereo. I just remembered that I have one of these laying around. Probably not ideal since it still wouldn't be able to mix inputs, and would take a lot of space and power. I've got room under my end table though. Hmm. *goes digging in the garage*
I know some of you out there (e.g. Phil) have lots of synths, and I'm curious what your setups are too. Thanks!