HOW I SEQUENCE & SYNC 15 SYNTHS - midi routing and DAW integration

[@BoBeats]

Here's gear I recommend for a synth setup & your studio. This is almost exclusively gear I have used in my studio and know to work. (All links are affiliate links) MIXERS (all of these can record multiple channels at once) Bluebox Mixer US: imp.i114863.net/b4ELm EU: thmn.to/thoprod/504944?offid=1&affid=623 Soundcraft MTK 22 US: imp.i114863.net/6a2GG EU: thmn.to/thoprod/359305?offid=1&affid=623 Soundcraft MTK 12 US: imp.i114863.net/35b7d EU: thmn.to/thoprod/359304?offid=1&affid=623 Tascam Model 12 US: imp.i114863.net/Vro4E EU: thmn.to/thoprod/483453?offid=1&affid=623 (affordable!) Presonus 16 channel US: imp.i114863.net/RxJRb EU: thmn.to/thoprod/423722?offid=1&affid=623 Presonus 32SC (the one I use) US: imp.i114863.net/vLe2j EU: thmn.to/thoprod/462793?offid=1&affid=623 MIDI THRU BOXES (midi splitters) US: imp.i114863.net/LvenY EU: thmn.to/thoprod/220156?offid=1&affid=623 iConnectivity MioXL (there's a smaller one too!) US: imp.i114863.net/xxAy1 EU: thmn.to/thoprod/476770?offid=1&affid=623 GOOD FX Zoia US: imp.i114863.net/5b6MAL EU: thmn.to/thoprod/463334?offid=1&affid=623 Blackhole US: imp.i114863.net/jExYb EU: thmn.to/thoprod/503207?offid=1&affid=623 Tricerachorus US: imp.i114863.net/MXJDDK EU: thmn.to/thoprod/529760?offid=1&affid=623 PATCHBAY: EU: thmn.to/thoprod/118484?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/XxbLLg SEQUENCERS (makes no sounds themselves) Novation SL Mk3 // 8 track keyboard/sequencer/controller: EU: thmn.to/thoprod/450573?offid=1&affid=623 US:imp.i114863.net/QqZ79 Arturia Keystep Pro // 4 track sequencer/controller: EU: thmn.to/thoprod/483153?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/M4G7Y SYNTH & SAMPLERS WITH SEQUENCER Roland MC101 // portable 4 track synth EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473345?offid=1&affid=623 US:imp.i114863.net/74Lq5 Roland MC707 // 8 track synth and sampler EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473348?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/rvkmd Novation Circuit Tracks // 4 track Sequencer & Synth EU: thmn.to/thoprod/512775?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/0kgRJ Elektron Digitakt // 8 track sampler, 8 track sequencer EU: thmn.to/thoprod/409950?offid=1&affid=623 US:imp.i114863.net/yDJYB Elektron Digitone // 4 track FM synth + 4 track sequencer EU: thmn.to/thoprod/431568?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/4kOXL NI Maschine+ // standalone sequencer/sampler EU: thmn.to/thoprod/501389?offid=1&affid=623 US:imp.i114863.net/m69Yy GOOD STARTER SYNTHS Original Minilogue EU:thmn.to/thoprod/379052?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/2PbZM Korg Minilogue XD EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72 Cobalt8 EU: thmn.to/thoprod/506277?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/eDP4X Argon8 EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473936?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/0bKWL Microfreak EU: thmn.to/thoprod/457192?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/ZknZK Dreadbox Typhon EU: thmn.to/thoprod/496419?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/GPva6 Korg NuTekt NTS1 EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473592?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/2OR10 Reface CS EU: thmn.to/thoprod/368212?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/PLJLR HydraSynth EU: thmn.to/thoprod/527778?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/5b6MZ2 DRUM MACHINES Roland TR8S (very versatile!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/434284?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/PLJoR TR6S (tiny!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/504204?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/QBzL6 Analog Rytm MK2 (pricey but amazing!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/503365?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/WjW7O Pulsar-23 (a bit overkill for a beginner) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/504302?offid=1&affid=623 US: bit.ly/pulsar23 Drumbrute Impact EU: thmn.to/thoprod/444377?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/LJod3

[@RickyTinez]

This is what i've been trying to resist doing in my studio.. but i think you've pushed me over the edge since this is so cool, it seems really fast to just turn on and start jamming on things.... damnit @BoBeats !!

[@BoBeats]

join the anti-minimalist train brother

[@SalmanSuhail]

I love watching my two favorite youtubers egg each other on :D

[@ultrajayme]

Hmmm...motu midi express 128? XT? Or iconnectivity Mio10? Ahhhh all the gear!

[@EvLoutonian]

ja, might be time to go this way here, me thinks

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Lovely setup Bo! Quite the collection of synths you got going! Great work on the video compiling your workspace! 🔥

[@rspmusic796]

I cant express enough my gratitude to you. I was a bit skeptical on going this way and never pushed myself to create an organic setup of instruments. At the same time i keep getting frustrated just sitting in front of DAW all the time and doing everything on the screen. But after watching this video i have decided to order a Arturia Keystep Pro, a Merger and a Thru box. I just already bought a Minilogue xD, Hydrasynth & Minifreak. Of course the larger goal is to create some music like you demoed in this video.

[@BoBeats]

Thank you and good luck on this journey of yours!!

[@e7a7b7]

Explaining how a hardware setup isn't necessarily the way to go to create a full song / arrangement was super helpful for folks like me coming from a more conventional multi-track recording background. I'm a guitar player who has getting more and more into synths over the past several months, but until this video, I have never been able to connect the dots between a) I'm having fun improvising, tweaking, and evolving a groove in a live hardware sequencer session! and b) now I want to compose a more structured song that moves between very different sections with many different parts, etc. Love your videos and your general approach, BoBeats. You're a good teacher!

[@UndoomedOne]

Good video Bo! I have the Midi Thru Box, but this video made me realize that I need a Midi Merger too.

[@oyoyoyo7624]

same!

[@marcussVRLinux]

I got myself a Behringer Neutron to get started with hardware synthesis and get a taste of how it is to use and work with a Eurorack setup (It's got this cool patch bay on the right). And I begin to see that this thing alone can create sounds in ways you can never, and I actually mean, never, get out of any virtual VST instrument - no matter if it is a free one, five Euro, or a super expensive one like Omnisphere. Already I have made sounds I was unable to create with VSTs and I'm really enjoying it. For that reason I already built a small 62 HP skiff Eurorack case to be filled with modules. I then record everything into Ableton... create some scenes with all sounds, and see where the journey goes. Until I have an Emperor's studio like you have, it will take time - but I will get there.

[@SoundmanCH]

marcus-s I did exactly the same, the Neutron is a beast, I love it

[@tsgodman4409]

Just another excellent and inspirational video. Been moving across from an "In the Box" to a "Hybrid Creative Process" and it does take more effort and the rewiring of your brain, but the ability to touch and morph with the instruments is worth the challenge. Computers are just fantastic too but tactile and complex expressiveness can never be replicated with a mouse, everyone just loves to turn knobs, what can I say it just creates a live magic that can't be repeated. Thanks Bo, you're the best mate.

[@TeleporterM11]

You are a true educator Bo, nice video.

[@SvenFx-22]

I think that setup videos like this are MUCH needed. Thank you again. Any other deep dive on setups would be appreciated. Although boring to some it is much needed information. It’s only boring if you have it working. For those of us who do not it’s necessary information. Thank you again

[@cjlewis79]

You can see the difference 4 years make in what gear you had then and what gear you have now. :) I am on the same journey without having a KZbin channel currently. Still in that midrange of synths and drum machines and still learning how to put it all together. Always enjoy your videos!

[@BoBeats]

Its a journey indeed! Change, rearrange! All part of it

[@cybernitemusic]

You are a born teacher... great way you talk about your passion

[@ThePedroAPB]

Mr BoBeats, a timelapse video of a day (or even a week) while using the studio would be amazing! Thanks for the content, keep it up man!!

[@harrywilcock2030]

Nice Bo was just thinking this video was needed this morning after watching an arturia video, and hey presto your channel read my mind thanks, just got 5 instruments triggering/sequencing from the beastep pro, works very well but this is next level, nice to see your full setup

[@jeffmorrison5695]

Thanks Bo. That was really informative. Very much appreciated. I'm glad you took the time to cover the creative aspect here. Very inspiring.

[@sixtwentysix]

FINALLY. What a good video. Thanks Bo, just what I needed at the exact moment I needed it.

[@scrian]

Bo this series is great! Inspiring stuff, & now I’m super jealous of that mixer

[@ShineRecordings]

Bo you are the best tutor in the KZbin! great contents always

[@janahodgson8060]

Thank you Bo. You answered a lot of questions about your hardware/software workflow and routing! This is exactly what I’m trying to accomplish in catching the inspiration that often comes with the use of hardware and then being able to integrate it into software for editing. That mixer looks like a key player in accomplishing that goal. Thanks!

[@jasonfnorth]

Great series Bo! You rock man... and are such a blessing to this amazing community of creative Sonicnauts!

[@urbanhusky]

I'm using a mio10. While it's only 10 in/out, it does have the benefit of being able to filter MIDI messages. For example: Synths on port 2 only get messages for MIDI channel 2 and so on. I also block program and bank changes across all devices, so that changing presets on one synth does not randomly change presets on all other synths. I have a MIDI keyboard connected to port 1 and every synth can also send MIDI to any other synth - the Elektron Model:Samples for example can sequence other (mono)synths. There can (theoretically) be some timing or bandwidth issues when many synths are connected to the same MIDI cable/bus because MIDI does not have a lot of bandwidth. By keeping the stuff that's being transmitted to my other synths down to only what that synth needs, I have more bandwidth available. I also like having a setup that doesn't require me to start a DAW. The mio10 (or any other thru/merge) accomplishes this on the MIDI side - and I'm using the mixer in my audio interface to provide a stereo mix when I'm not using a DAW. I saved two presets - one with the stereo mix active and one without, so that I can quickly switch between using a DAW and not using one. I'm also using a Push 2 to have a different perspective and mindset when using my DAW - however, some fiddly bits still need to be adjusted on the PC side (input/output routings, more complex editing/fixing of my bad playing…). I've also found the Elektron workflow to be quite inspiring and freeing :) Ultimately, everything is connected to my PC, keeping separate audio and MIDI channels - but I don't have to use my PC to play.

[@V4D2]

urbanhusky i have been talking with iconnectivity by email...in order to figure out if the MIDI 4+ is the equipment that will solve most of my issues. i had considered having a mixer,,so as to having a direct & physical control over the whole setup.. but, i am giving it a lot more relevance after Bo’s video (both this one and the one reviewing the mixer) and a few comments here, including yours. which mixer are u using , then ? thanks. ;)

[@urbanhusky]

@@V4D2 I'm using an RME Fireface UFX, that's a 12 channel USB or Firewire (newer models use more modern connectors) audio interface. It handles up to 30 channels (at 44.1/48 kHz 24 bit)and I've expanded it with an RME ADI-8 DS Mk III and a cheap Behringer 8 ADAT interface for a total of 28 line level channels (+2 channels from AES, which I use to stereo-expand and process my microphone - for TS, Discord and such). The Fireface has a DSP zero latency mixer/monitoring. I also use a few patchbays: one in my synth rack to bundle all synths onto multicore cables (and provide additional patch points, for feedback/overdrive on the Voyager for example) - those multicore cables are connected to patch bays in my gear rack, going to the Fireface, ADI and Behringer. I use those to insert effects. I built this with more of a software-recording setup in mind, so it's not exactly an easy to use mixer - but the configuration software works just like a mixer and I can save the presets on the Fireface itself - and change the presets there. You wouldn't be able to change volume, panning and such like you would with a dedicated (motorised) mixer, as that would involve a bit of menu-diving with a single encoder knob - or running the software. The Fireface routing is quite powerful and you could set up auxiliary send/return channels, if you have channels to spare. It's not easy to expand further tough and I "have to" record in 44.1/48 kHz - but higher sample rates don't provide any benefit anyway (higher bit depth does, but it's still 24 bits). Higher sample rates would require to bundle both ADAT ports (i.e. I could only use the ADI-8 once I get to 88/96 - or only 4 ports of the ADI on even more ridiculous sample rates). I'm a bit of an audiophile so I prefer to keep my audio path as direct as possible - plus having 28 channels available for parallel recording is a nice thing (note that a stereo synth uses 2 channels). I would also like to reduce my studio down to fewer devices, because I have too many that I don't really use - and then there's ergonomics.... Oh, and, yes, getting rid of the Behringer for sound quality reasons might also have something to do with that. P.S.: I patch my effects in as needed. I (sadly) don't have a patchbay for my effects, but I also want to keep the cable lengths short - so if I would like to chain a boost, overdrive, chorus, delay(s) and reverb, I'd run the full cable length 10 times - instead of just twice. It sucks a bit having to redo the wiring on the pedal board, but on the other hand, I do save a lot of cables and space. I hope that helps :)

[@V4D2]

urbanhusky cheers man, for sharing that. when i got my Metric Halo 2882, i contemplated the RMEs too. pretty powerful audio interfaces. i eventually went with the easier&cleaner software interface.. but i probably regret it, now. i don’t use many synths..but i also have considered going the ADAT route, for a cheap expansion. yes...it kind of sucks, s bit....losing channels, as you go up to 88/96kHz.. when i posed the question...i thought u already were using a physical mixer.. My bad. it’s funny that i also have worked with HiFidelity, in the past, selling Dynaudio, NAIM, Transrotor, and Burmester, brands you should be familiar with. i believe you might do well considering the MIDI mixer controller route. ok, you don’t lose the PC, but you can stick to your current approach, and gain that hardware touch.. even with just a basic AKAI APC 40 MKII . i am still undecided on which route to choose. Bo’s option of going with the PreSonus mixer, with the digital SD card recording is VERY close to what i have been looking for_ not needing to turn the PC ON ..in order to start jamming. But the audiophile in me is learning that the iPad is actually pretty good, both sound-quality wise,..and standing in as a replacement, touch friendly digital mixer..solution..so i might, in deed go, towards the iConnectivity route. do you find you don’t get away from the PC enough....with yours ? ;)

[@anonymous_friend]

Are you still using the same setup? Have you made any changes or found a better way to do things? Im brainstorming. Thanks

[@nifela]

@@anonymous_friend I pretty much always have Ableton running now when I want to play with my synthesizers, this way I can capture any nice ideas I had after having played them and it's easy to add effects etc. I stopped using hardware sequences and no longer own any Elektron gear. I also have 28 channels of audio via my interface and it is nice to have every synth immediately playable. I also added a patch bay to my synthesizer rack so that I can patch in effect pedals that are also hardwired to the patch bay.

[@metronohm808_6]

That bell sound in the first tune is utter bliss

[@pco2004]

This is super helpful right now as I'm trying to design my setup. I have the SL MK 3 and Squarp Pyramid (which has 2 midi outs/thru), the latter I plan to use in lieu the SL's arps and sequencers. My question is I want to SL to send midi notes and clock to the Squarp. How do I do this? I have a thru and merge box also an old iConnectivity iMidi4+.

[@phoenixrising1576]

Some people like me arnt great with the tech side of things and I have to tell u I really appreciate help like this!

[@Jhgkgfghk7]

This video is a lifesaver on merging midi paths, thank you Bo!

[@loopop]

Excellent and fun video!

[@BoBeats]

Thank you my friend

[@thedp]

well done. I got a MOTU MIDI express XT to distro Midi from keyboard to hardware synths. I got the MOTU because I was trying to work around all the bugs in the beat step pro... and I sold the BSP after fighting with it for way too long. I haven't really found a sequencer I like yet aimed at recording your notes, easy editing. I also run a setup like yours : real hardware + soft synths running on separate mac as if they were real instruments. They run on analog or digital outs from one USB interface into the recording machine's so I can easily patch hardware FX in.

[@rdoetjes]

Steve Oakley same here! It’s like searching fir the holy grail. I’m thinking about getting the MIo and I hope to have solved a nasty weirdness that I have when connecting to my prophet 8 via a through, where it plays all 8 voices. I don’t have that when I play the keyboard. But as soon as the midi sequence is played back from FL Studio it starts using up all voices. Really annoying. I think a motu or mio will solve that. And hopefully soon a proper hardware sequencer comes out with the flexibility of a DAW

[@thedp]

@@rdoetjes yes the MOTU can filter out various midi msgs to a particular port going either in or out, remap channels, block channel data, etc. a lot of things you can do. I was playing around a lot with them to get the BSP to work with other gear nicely, but eventually gave up on the BSP. thinking maybe the novation keyboard is now they way to go seeing it actually work in a complex setup.

[@orfious]

I've seen a few of your videos, but I'd never heard any of your music until watching this... it sounds amazing 👏

[@THEREALDATALORD]

Those Kenton Midi thru boxes are major league. I love my thru 25.

[@timburk1027]

Thanks so much; most helpful. Your presentation style is very easy to watch and listen to; great teacher. :)

[@manishshah3501]

I really love how you explain things. I am slowly setting up my own hardware based rig. Your videos have been very helpful. THANK YOU!

[@BoBeats]

Thank you for watching buddy!

[@manishshah3501]

@@BoBeats you are most welcome. I really liked the commentary on the immediacy of playing hardware when you've spent most of a day in front of a screen! Once I get the rig set-up and a couple of songs down, I'll send you a KZbin link for your feedback if you wouldn't mind. I'm just an amateur and have no plans to quit my day job (plastic surgeon). I just have loved electronic music since the early 80's.

[@am5790]

I would never leave my studio if it were mine....great synths and set up, Bo!

[@kungfubeatsbysifufilter9431]

Thanks a lot for this great video. It is challenging to survive between a hardware and software environment without constantly unplugging and plugging cables. You just gave me a nice way to go. I hate to see my productive mood ruined by routing issues.

[@chrislynch9364]

Again great timing Bo. I’m reconfiguring my midi to accommodate a keystep that should be with me tomorrow. I like to mix and match my midi flow, but the brains of the outfit will probably still be my iPad.

[@RKTMNofficial]

Tremendously helpful video. Thanks!

[@diegomolinaf]

Synth RPG: You start at the lowest level with only one synth and, many songs and a few years later, you become the boss and have this many synths.

[@michaelkonomos]

Great video. What an EPIC setup! Looks like so much fun.

[@Eleth]

Hey Bo, thank you for this and all the other videos. I found this one specially useful, keep going!

[@Wil_Dsense]

WOw, 15 synths. THat's a bit excessive right? maby you should have stick with 14 synth... *drinks coffee* Actually 15 sounds about right...

[@SyncdAlien]

😂

[@antonisatwork]

Try 50

[@jackthemurray]

Appropriate number of synths is: n+1. Where n equals the number of synths you already have.

[@dorsia6938]

@@jackthemurray finally, a real-world application for the stuff I learnt in pre-cal

[@jvaranx]

what, only 15....?? :)

[@KWHCoaster]

My MIDI keyboard controller and patchbays have made my gear infinitely more productive, easy and, most importantly, fun to use. Still need to rethink the MIDI on my setup to eliminate using THRU ports on gear as much as possible, hopefully completely, using the MIDI THRU and MIDI MERGE boxes I already have. Then I can be more selective on what needs to be powered up. One thing I do is keep MIDI controller mappings relatively simple as it can become challenging to remember lots of unique controller mappings. So the same knobs and sliders are assigned for the same functions across all hardware synths. All that hardware sequencer track capability would be nice to have.

[@bssitsmmsunrr]

Hi KWHCoaster, what's wrong with using midi thru's?

[@bssitsmmsunrr]

Haven't watched all the video, so maybe yes talking about it in the video. I already have a Kenton midi 1 to 5 thru, but using thru on a few synths because I don't have more midi space in the Kenton. So what's wrong with thru's?

[@KWHCoaster]

@@bssitsmmsunrr Nothing is "wrong" with synth thru, but if you reach synth C via the MIDI thru on synth B, then you have to power up synth B to control synth C. I had 13 or more synths in my setup, it would be nice to power up only what is needed. And, I had to power up in a specific order or else I had MIDI issues.

[@mattsynth]

I use two MOTU USB Midi Express units with Cubase. Every one of my synths, drum machine, etc has a dedicated midi input and output. That way I can use any input to controller any of my synths, drum machines, etc. I can even use NI Maschine to remotely control Cubase and send midi messages to control other VST or hardware instruments using there Maschine editor. Routing is simple and quick, just select (in the Cubase inspector window) which midi input you want to control which midi output. With MOTU clockworks I can mute or send any kind of midi message (like midi clock or sys excl) on any port, on any channel making it a very open end midi patch bay.

[@N-trepid1]

That sounds like a dream setup! Just purchased the MOTU and hope to do something similar. Using Logic as the DAW and hope it has some of the same capabilities where Cubase shines.

[@nathanhoward6472]

Hey Bo. I was wondering how all your equipment is powered. Do you use UPS/Battery backup? Do you need line filters to prevent ground loop feedback hum?

[@neilm.frau-cortes7305]

Awesome video. I have "only" six synths and routing drives me crazy. You gave me a number of ideas!

[@SvenFx-22]

Thank you so much I desperately needed this video. I have a similar setup and was lost.

[@sethlogan9724]

I got a couple TOA D-4 rack mixers from the 80s. Really nice preamps and they have MIDI THRU built right in. That's MIDI IN/4 THRU or 8 THRU with mixer expansion.

[@WindRider707]

I’m trying to combine a simple Roland drum module and my synth / controller / keyboard into my DAW. Would you recommend some sort of midi interface with multiple INS to blend the midi data before going into my DAW? Thanks great vid awesome studio

[@Ipaqalypse]

What i am curious about, using mainly hardware controllers and midi channelling, how do you deal with Latency between devices? What are some of the Issues you have seen with Latency and how has this helped or created issues in your setup?

[@n5initeh8red89]

I enjoyed the vid. I've had my yamaha rm1x since around 99/2000 or so it seems and have made a lot of different types of music but it's passed time to open up my sound a bit. I also have a Korg emx-1 which is a huge contrast in sound from the yamaha. I'm trying get over the hump of midi synch using the yamaha as master and korg the slave. Now my problem. I can trigger the korg to start/stop but the pattern in the korg I start off with changes as I'm keying the patterns on the yamaha. It always changes to the same preset in the korg (electro3/A.42). I've consulted the manuals for both pieces and it appears that everything is set up correctly but I'm obviously missing something. Can you or anyone help me with this very annoying issue. Thank you.

[@Marlimu]

3 months ago I bought my first synth, a volca keys. Got very excited and bought in the same time volca kick, moog minitaur, drumbrut impact and analog four MK1. Since then im having a real bad time trying to figure out how to connect and integrating them. I could not enjoy playing with then to this day. You helped a little, but I still have some doubts. Anyone knows any reading material that explain all this?

[@linkinanalog1313]

do you have any latency issue when your master clock is Ableton?

[@BlueJavaTN]

Excellent Video!!! Would like to see how/if you use the Cubase External Instruments feature to control any of your external synths (e.g. program changes).

[@V4D2]

BlueJava i’ll second that. ;) i’ve been building up for connecting my iOS FX and soft-synths to my Ableton session..

[@pramster001]

Thanks for sharing your tips, great video. I get how you route Midi Out from your main midi controllers to all of your synths using a merger and a thru-box. However, you didn't explain whether you also route Midi In from your synths back into your controllers or the computer. Would I need a separate Thru Box and Merge box for that (with all the synth's Midi Outs connected to it)?

[@PylonRecordsdotcom]

This is a very good video Thank You. It would helpful if you can discuss the midi play back latency we all experience when we are working on a full song within a DAW, because sequencing midi notes within a DAW for several External synths is a USB/MIDI interface nightmare, which did not exist in the 90s and early 2000s. I am speaking strictly about Midi note playback from within a DAW, not sending MIDI clock with something like an ERM multiclock to get superb timing with hardware that has its own sequencer. I believe the Presonous Set Up you have is one of the best ways, because some of us would like to just sequence midi notes within a DAW and then capture the audio from the instruments on a SD Card and later bring into a DAW (audio, plugin environment only), just do the Digital mixing, just like having a tape machine with 24 tracks back in the day. Can you please discuss this in a future video. Love all your work. Cheers!!

[@anonymous_friend]

Did you ever figure out a way to do this without many problems?

[@lancepage1914]

Thx for your insight Bo. Everything you say always makes perfect sense. I am somewhat surprised you have the PreSonus StudioLive 32. This very much makes me want one too.

[@bluename4]

how about using the "E-RM multiclock"?

[@djanishanand]

Hi Bo :-) how have you been, i have an arturia microfreak that i am not able to sync with ableton for a live performance. I have tried syncing them up by switching on the sync button in LINK MIDI section of the ableton preference, but it doesnt sync... Is it possible if you could explain or can do a small quick tut on how to sync midi clock between Microfreak and ableton only. Looking forward :-) thanks

[@housemachine509]

Great video on setup was having issues with clock. Thinking of getting the erm to solve midi drift

[@MSM5500]

so why don't you use MIDI 8x8 in order to get both 128 channels all up and any midi routing combination possible?

[@SE-144]

Ya why don't you? Is it because of midi loops?

[@DubsteadyMusic]

Can you explain in a little more detail how youre able to control 16 synths from both Digitakt and the SLmk3? I have an SLmk3 too and template wise it can send out data on 8 individual MIDI tracks right? So how do you utilize the other 8 sent to Digitakt to control a synth that does NOT have an SLmk3 template assigned to communicate with its assigned MIDI channel?

[@OG-pe5qk]

Hi, thank you for your excellent video. In our music-school we would like to connect different Yamaha PSR-keyboards with a midi clock to syncronise pads. Do you have some tipps for this kind of keyboard?

[@jonathanhayward544]

This was a really useful video Bo. Thank you.

[@Arperture]

I've found that USB MIDI is problematic in large setups. 9 out of 10 times you'll end up with some sort of ground loop or USB device that isn't recognized by the host. 5 pin all the way. Save USB for sysex update, librarian work or using one device with a DAW.

[@mb2776]

Usb is just not made for time sensitive stuff like midi. DIN MIDI ports all the way!

[@ET2carbon]

Interesting, thanks

[@BartdeBoisblanc]

That use of a merger for the MIDI is a great idea. Sort of a digitally controlled MIDI router.

[@Dandelunar]

Hello great Video!!! One question, can you send midi from one keyboard from the midi out to the midi thu box and select the channel from the keyboard and will the other synth depending on the channel receive the data? Seems like I can only achieve this with my computer sending the midi in to tascam model 12 then midi out from tascam to midi thu box. If I connect the synth directly to the midi box none of the synths would make any sound. I’m confused. I can only use midi out then use external instrument on ableton and rout the midi to the device depending on the channel I chose for each one. Thanks 🎉

[@krzysztofk1936]

Hello I have a question about midi signal splitters Thru I would like to connect 2 sound modules Yamaha MU 100, Vamaha VL 70 via the Pc midi interface which will be managed by the FL studio. In FL Studio, by selecting Midi OUT, you can additionally select the port number 1 or 2 or 3 etc .. and for each selected port we have support for 16 midi channels, thanks to which midi messages will be sent to the device that receives them on the same selected port and not to all connected midi devices. Does the offered midi device have the ability to configure and set the port number for each of the midi outputs so that the signal is directed to the selected midi port? Please reply Thank you and best regards

[@ProdWoo]

I can't realistically have your wonderful setup, but I'm just looking to sync my DAW to a half dozen synths, and I've got the Maschine as well. Could this be done with a merger and thru box, only?

[@g3cd]

My SL MK III died 2 months after buying it and being in use only 4 days. Does yours still work?

[@BoBeats]

Yepp. And from what I hear from others its holding up OK

[@THETBRETT]

Bump. I si t possible to leave external synths on local and record notes, cc's etc into hardware synths instead of using a master keyboard?

[@gexcube1981]

good evening, this will be a trivial question for you but, for me it will not be, I would like to install 5 synths in my audio mixer, on each different channel. how will I install it if my analog mixer does not have all the necessary outputs? what will i need and how should i install it? thanks

[@INTOTHETERROR]

Is there anyway to hook up multiple devices to an Apollo Twin, given that it only has one line in, or will I have to invest in a more advanced interface/mixer?

[@Michael_Is_Avg]

I was curious about connecting in something like the presonus atom sq where it's just usb in a setup like this. I have a motu 828 interface that has midi in/out and after this video understand how I can use the mergers and thru boxes to easily connect everything that has the physical i/o midi ports, but curious how I could use the atom to control my minilogue or something like that down the midi chain.

[@FrequSpectra]

@bobeats I'm curious if you designate specific midi channels to outboard synths/modules and stick with those assignments throughout your setup. Also, do you designate one midi channel for synch purposes or is synch handled as a one-off situation with each target device? Do you often send synch on the same midi channel as you're sending the performance data? Thanks!

[@Tirso425]

Hi Bobeats, I have a problem with my Mpc Live II: I need to work via midi din with 5 old synths but I don't know which gear to buy. I bought a Kenton Midi Thru 5 but found that it produces identical copies to the 5 midi thru jacks ... I don't want all 5 synths working on the same channel at the same time ... I need 5 distinct channels, which product is right for my purpose? Thank you very much!

[@alyeska4226]

Icky. I love the sound of your entirety. It's refreshing to hear your character rather than all that bubblegum tutorial stuff. I look firward to an EP

[@aeciodesouza]

Thanks Bo. Very elucidating. I am reorganizing my stuff and this series came very handy :)

[@danbad1380]

Thanks a lot for your impressions at the last part of the video

[@laughingthrushmusic5269]

I am having a great time syncing my Live to my Digitakt via midi. Is there a way for Live to receive only tempo and not rely on DT for start/stop? I need to me able to press record in Live and it not be reliant on the DT for start/stop control. I need Live to follow only DT tempo and to stay recording no matter how much DT starts or stops. Please help!!

[@addsoysauce4862]

- I got 2 questions (new to this) 1.is it the same having a mixer? I guess the difference that midi through will sync? 2. Can you connect a midi through to an audio interface? or midi through go directly to computer, through USB right.

[@hazmatforhumanity7318]

I have a question. I am trying to make it so I can play my sequences into the beat step pro using the synth that is connected to it. I have an UltraNova, an MS1 and a Microfreak that I would like to play the keyboards to real-time record the notes into the Beatstep pro. I have not been able to quite figure out how to set this up. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The manual and several videos online don't seem to address this specifically.

[@TheGreatPanicker]

So I am new to all this midi stuff. Right now my setup is a drumbrute impact, monologue and kaossilator pro+. My alt setup is a korg volca mix, with the kick, bass and beats connected to the volca mix. With the midi quadra thru box, how can I get most of these devices talking to each other? Thanks. And also, my keystep 37 will be the control point, so guess it would be the head honcho, followed by the monologue, kaossilator and impact and the fourth midi thru could go to a volca device?

Hi Bo, thx for for the very intersting videô . Did you try somthing like Pyramid or more advanced sequencer. ? I have both sl m’3 and digitakt but I.m not happy with their sequencer’ Sl mk3 is only quantized, 16 steps max ( or chain but that.s not easy), digitakt paramters are pattern based and there is no template. What are you tricks to overpass these limitations ? Thx

[@BoBeats]

for digitakt I make a template project where i have copied stuff over to multiple patterns. I havnt tried the Pyramid but its good from what ive heard

[@Jack_Sparrow_1]

@BoBeats Do you have problems with Maschine MKIII "step sequencer" not reading/playing the first beat of a loop when running as a plugin in loop mode in Cubase? Create a 4 beat loop in cubase using the left and right locators. Put the play "needle" at the start of the loop / left locator. Use maschine' step sequencer and the pads to draw 4 beats, the first one starting exactly at the left locator (Cubase quantize on). Although Maschine draws that first beat and you see that it is there in the Maschine software, Cubase does not play it/ you cannot hear the sound. It seems there is not a good communication/timing between Cubase and Maschine software / being right next to the left locator, Cubase thinks the first beat starts before the beginning of the loop and it does not play it. Because of this I had to return my Maschine MKIII. Talked to both Steinberg and NI. None of them takes responsability for the bug. It is like this since 2015, I believe - since a previous Maschine model, and noone wants to fix it. I own Cubase Pro 11 on windows.

[@BoBeats]

Cant help you with this as I dont run Maschine in Cubase. I use it standalone generally

[@Jack_Sparrow_1]

​@BoBeats @17:35 "Why I never finish a project just on hardware? Because I'm always intending to put it back in the computer for some rearranging or some mixing". You said it. I did not asked for help! I returned my Maschine mkIII back more than 2 years ago. I just wanted to worn you that when you put the Maschine project back in Cubase "for some rearranging or some mixing" it might skip some beats! You welcome!

[@BluesTheBestBoyIGuess]

I got the Kenton 25 but I was disappointed to learn that it is MIDI channel 1 only through all the ports. Were you able to pass MIDI channels through?

[@anonymous_friend]

How do you filter the midi so only some devices receive only clock? THANKS

[@bertranddeve4724]

Thanks for video ! that's great ! I personnaly have problems to sync a drumbrute / machine MK3 / Sub 37 ( arpegiattor ) - I made exactly the same config you did with a midi patch KENTON THRU 5...but I plug the midi out of the sub 37 in the MIDI IN of the machine MK 3 but it doesnot work...I don't understand...Do i need a midi merger ? Or what is the best config to sync the 3 devices ? Thanks ! ;-)

[@GhostOfLorelei]

Can you cover mixing down with your setup? Do you use multiple speakers/headphones? Do you use Cubasis? Or can you mix entirely from the Presonus? Do you master yourself? Lastly, can you create a _simple_ (perhaps 4 synth) song and walk us through it from start to finish highlighting all of the stuff we’ve learned in this series?

[@V4D2]

Jay Carr Couldn’t have said it better myself. if it is not too much to ask, Bo, all of the above would make a couple of great videos, following these really good ones you’ve made. Speaking of which.... hehe. THANK you!!

[@chrissounddrops4368]

Great stuff . This is actually exactly how I like to work to. With two independent system’s. Though still allowing me to record in cubase. Could y help with this setup : Nordstage 3 Roland tr8s Roland S 02 Yamaha Mixer mg12 Rme fireface 400 Cubase 10 How to connect all together ?

[@ydr4717]

Thank you for sharing so much useful information! I have one question for you. I'm considering purchasing the 64s version of the Presonus. Are you still happy with your mixer almost a year later?

[@BoBeats]

Its been working real good. A few downsizes that I touch on: sluggish screen, FX doesn’t record onto SD card, same for compression etc. But in terms of mixer duties: very happy with it. faders are snappy, and its not too complicated to operare

[@ydr4717]

@@BoBeats Thank you for such a quick reply, been loving your videos for now a couple of years! Cheers!

[@ydr4717]

@@BoBeats I just thought of one more question. You say the effects do not record but do your eq settings get recorded?

[@practicintergalactic8915]

hey Bo something i don't really understand is that you say both the master keyboard and the midi out of the merger is connected to the midi-thru box while there is just one input on the thru-box ., that implies that you have to constanly chance one midi-cable ? Or do i miss something here ?

[@k_tech69]

Amazing Bo as always and really nice demo...i hope to make video explaining how do u connect everything sounds to patchbuy (in’s & out’s)and to mixer ! And do u take mono or stereo from ur gear (elektron,novation) to the mixer or patch bay !?really appreciate ur help..Tnx a lot

[@BoBeats]

Hey! Yes! I have explained this in the episode ”how I record 15 synthesizers” or something like that

[@k_tech69]

BoBeats u mean this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmqWo6mJorJqpdk !??

[@bombnail]

Hi, I want to create a home studio to jam and produce music, I will have a drum machine, the Arturia Keylab 61 mrkII, a guitar, and a mic, will want to be able to add a second guitar if a mate comes over for a jam. I would like to hit record at any time and record the output with Logic Pro X or Ableton. Will i need a mixer and an audio interface? I am new at this and atm just use one guitar and one mic with the fast track solo interface but want to upgrade to a full setup. I only have a 3-4K buget. Thanks for any info and advice you can share.

[@SvenFx-22]

I’m still confused on the hookup between the computer, I use ableton and logic and sometimes maschine. So usb midi goes from computer to thru box? I’ve been unsuccessful getting everything talking to each other.

[@paulmarshall4129]

Hi Bo, I wonder if you can please help me. I have a set up using logic, with a lot of vintage external equipment, Im on a ac running Big Sur at the moment. Can you please tell me what would be the best Midi- Thu box to get hold of for sequencing my equipment. Big thanks Paul

[@anonymous_friend]

Did you figure this out? I'm seeing a lot of options!

[@DamianoPistoia]

Ho Bo , I'm trying to connect my Roland mx1 as slave to Akai Force... but is it possible? Force has a bunch of options as midi and mx1 too... I'm going crazy please help!!

[@KenKthulhu]

This is nice. But what is that driving bass at 1:02?

[@scottystef]

Hi - cc @RickyTinez - could you both consider doing a full song tutorial? I am setting up Pyramid squarp and maschine and looking at ways to develop a full song framework using a classic song structure. Any tips?

[@Lord_UND_Himself]

You have my dream synth setup dude.

[@distortimus7631]

Great. Midi box with 25 channel thru. Just what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@napalmbatsmusic8352]

Hello, could you help me please I have a digitact and a prophecy 2000 and then rack mount fx unit an art multiverb 3 and I don't know how to connect the fx,the sequencer,and the synthesizer together I don't know who to plug the midi's together and what one goes to the pc as well I have a do midi pedal and a motu midi channel selector if that helps I have been reading a researching for years how to do I I just don't get it. I create just fine but plugs are my cryptonite. Help me bo be one your my only hope

[@cnovasalmanhussain751]

Any idea on how to Integrate a synthsizer to pc if there is no USB port on it..