Midi Channels to Multi Track

Tom Mortensen · Post by **Tom Mortensen** » 2 Sep 2004 1:18 pm

Is there a way to record audio from individual midi channels from my computer to an out-board multi track recorder.
The end result being that I would have drums on a track, bass on a track, guitar on a track etc...

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 2 Sep 2004 1:30 pm

.[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 17 November 2004 at 07:41 PM.]

Steinar Gregertsen · Post by **Steinar Gregertsen** » 2 Sep 2004 1:33 pm

Yes, but you will need to syncronize you midi sequencer with your multitrack recorder, and then you can record the individual tracks one by one or several simultaneously depending on the output on your soundcard. There are 'sync devices' made specifically for this purpose.
Do a Google search for "midi sync" to learn more about this (it's so long since I worked this way that I'm sorry to say I have forgotten the specifics..).

Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

Tom Mortensen · Post by **Tom Mortensen** » 2 Sep 2004 1:34 pm

If there is a sound card or midi card that makes this possible I would like to know what it is.

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 2 Sep 2004 1:41 pm

.[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 17 November 2004 at 07:41 PM.]

Steinar Gregertsen · Post by **Steinar Gregertsen** » 2 Sep 2004 2:19 pm

Tom, here's one 'gadget' that will do what you're looking for: http://www.philrees.co.uk/products/tapesync.htm

What these do is that they transfer something called MTC (midi time code) which you record to one track on your multitrack machine. It's basically a loud noise (so don't turn up that track), almost like a telephone constantly ringing, and that signal is read by your midi sequencer so you can use the multitrack as 'master' to 'slave' the sequencer. This way your midi will start at the exact same time as your audio and they will always be in sync so you can record your midi tracks to audio without worrying about the timing (all this in an ideal world, of course. These systems are not bulletproof......).
Hope this helped some.

Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

[This message was edited by Steinar Gregertsen on 02 September 2004 at 03:22 PM.]

Dave Boothroyd · Post by **Dave Boothroyd** » 2 Sep 2004 10:43 pm

Synchronising your midi sequencer to the tape machine is probably the best way, then record your stereo soundcard outputs to tape one by one.
If you have an ADAT machine or Tascam DA88 type DTRS recorder, it should be straightforward. If you are running a Reel to reel, you have to first record the Time code track onto the tape, then configure the tape timecode track as the timing master, so that the tape controls the synch on the sequencer.
To be honest, unless you know your way around Midi, you will find the learning curve very steep.
There is another way- which is what I do at home- and that is to use an external Midi sound module, or more than one, that has independent audio outputs. That will cope with 16 simultaneous channels with the modules daisy chained, or up to 96 with a Midi patchbay (multiway Midi interface).
With many programs it is also possible to "bounce" midi tracks to Audio, and do all the multitrack audio editing and mixing on screen.
Is there a reason why you need Midi tracks as multitrack audio? There may be a way round the problem.

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Cheers!
Dave

Tom Mortensen · Post by **Tom Mortensen** » 3 Sep 2004 5:22 am

Thanks for your replies.
I would like to be able to record Band In A Box
songs ( on PC )to my Roland 1680 but with each midi channel on it's separate track and not as a stereo mix.
This way I can do live player overdubs if I decide to lose any or all of the Band IN A Box instrument parts.[This message was edited by Tom Mortensen on 03 September 2004 at 06:25 AM.]

Michael Holland · Post by **Michael Holland** » 3 Sep 2004 5:57 am

Use the 1680's sync track feature. You'll need a midi interface from the PC to the Roland. Set the 1680 to record a sync track, then start the song in BIAB. The Roland will record the midi time code info. When that's completed, set the Roland as master and BIAB as slave. Now the Roland transport will stop and start both devices. Mute and solo BIAB tracks as needed and record them one at a time to the Roland.

Tom Mortensen · Post by **Tom Mortensen** » 3 Sep 2004 6:17 am

Thanks Michael,
I'm using BIAB version 12.
I have recorded the sync track from BIAB onto the Roland 1680 and have have set it up for syncronized operation.
No luck getting the Roland to start BIAB.
I wonder if I'm missing something in BIAB setup.[This message was edited by Tom Mortensen on 03 September 2004 at 10:29 PM.]

Dave Boothroyd · Post by **Dave Boothroyd** » 4 Sep 2004 2:39 am

You should be able to synch a Roland.
Just check though that you have Midi out of your computer going to Midi in on the Rolo when you are recording the Time code, and Midi out of the Rolo to midi in of the Computer when you want the Rolo to be masterful!
In other words you will need two midi leads to connect the two, since Midi is one way only.
PS I don't recall seeing Rolos in the US, they are a chocolate sweet with caramel inside, and it's our local shorthand term for anything made by Roland/Edirol etc.
The other phrase you might like is the word for the adaptor thingie that converts an 0.125 inch Jack to quarter inch. Those are called "Fat ends".
Hence the traditional Music Technician's cry,
"I've lost my Fat End!"
and the traditional lewd and vulgar abuse that follows!
Merrie England lives on!

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Cheers!
Dave

Tom Mortensen · Post by **Tom Mortensen** » 4 Sep 2004 6:33 am

Follow Up...According to PG Music, BIAB cannot be started/stopped with the Roland 1680. However, PowerTracks will sync up with 1680.
I've tried it, it's working.
Problem Solved.

Michael Holland · Post by **Michael Holland** » 4 Sep 2004 6:46 am

Glad to hear it's working and you have all your fat ends in place.

Curious that BIAB doesn't respond to midi time code.

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