EQ Magazine - January 2009 - (Page 36)

KEY ISSUES SAVING WITH SYS-EX by Craig Anderton Despite the proliferation of software synths, hardware-based keyboards remain popular in many studios. But when backing up, how do you save this external data as part of a DAW project? Fortunately, the developers of the MIDI spec anticipated that instruments could have non-standard data apart from the usual MIDI commands for notes, controllers, etc.—such as patch data. So they created a special MIDI data type called system exclusive, or sys-ex. This data string starts with a unique header identifying a particular manufacturer, followed by the data, and ending with an end-of-message command. If a MIDI device recognizes the header, it will “listen” to the data; otherwise, the data is irrelevant. Sys-ex data can provide a “snapshot” of the synth’s contents including programs, combis/multis, effects settings, and the like. Instruments send sys-ex as a “data dump,” which can almost always be initiated from the instrument itself (the instrument might also be able to send a data dump in response to a request from a program like an editor/librarian). As this is MIDI data, it can be recorded into a DAW’s MIDI track. Incidentally, sys-ex isn’t restricted to hardware keyboards; for example, signal processors can often generate sys-ex data. To save this data, you patch a cable from the device’s MIDI out to your computer interface’s MIDI in, initiate a dump at the device, and record the data into a MIDI track in your host. To reload the data, patch your computer interface’s MIDI out to your device’s MIDI in. The data from the track plays into the device, restoring its settings. However, some issues can complicate this process. Such as. . . . Size. Large sys-ex dumps may bog down your sequencer if it can’t accept the rate at which data flows in. However, most gear can send varying types of sysex—a single patch, all patches, etc. To change just a synth patch in the middle of a song, dump that single patch into the instrument’s track. It will likely be only a few kilobytes, and your sequencer should be able to burp it back into your synth easily. You could insert a program change Like most programs, MOTU’s Digital Performer defaults command instead, to not recording sys-ex data. Going Setup > Set Input but that assumes the Filter brings up a dialog box where you can enable keyboard will consys-ex recording. tain the same information. Then, unsolo the sys-ex patches as when you inserted the track and mute it. program change command. By sendVariations among sequencer proing sys-ex, you’re sending the actual tocols. Not all sequencers work the patch data, not just calling up a parsame way. For example, MOTU Digital ticular memory slot. Performer treats sys-ex like any other Misset preferences. Most hosts MIDI data: Record it into a track, then disable sys-ex recording because play it back. You can even edit the sysunlike note data, it’s not something ex data if you’re handy with hexadeciyou record all the time. So, check for mal. Cakewalk Sonar limits sys-ex a “MIDI filter” dialog box and make recording to 255 bytes, which is optisure the host can record sys-ex (see mized for short messages like control screen shot above). Sys-ex input setting changes. However, Sonar also might also be disabled on your outhas a sys-ex librarian that’s saved with board device; check that too. each project, where you can store up Track assignments. Ideally, you’d to 8,192 banks of sys-ex data. You can include the patch data needed for insert a track event that triggers sendan outboard device at the beginning ing a bank’s contents through the MIDI of the MIDI track driving it, but that out, thus accomplishing the same would re-send the sys-ex every time result as playing sys-ex from a track. you start the song. A more efficient Get into the habit of saving sys-ex approach is to record all needed with a project; next time you re-load “setup” sys-ex, one data file after the project and play back the sys-ex, another, into a single track. When your outboard hardware should be you start a song, solo that track, exactly as you left it. Sys-ex can be an and as the sequence plays it will important part of your backup protosequentially load up all your col—take advantage of it. devices with the appropriate patch 36 EQ JANUARY 2009 www.eqmag.com http://www.eqmag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of EQ Magazine - January 2009

EQ Magazine - January 2009 Contents Talk Box Sounding Board Punch In Bob Dylan The Killers Guitar Trax Bass Management Key Issues Drum Heads Vocal Cords Mix Bus Cheat Sheet Microsoft Windows Vista Apple Mac OS X "Lite" Software Roundup "Lite" Software Gadgets & Goodies Sounds Room With a Vu

EQ Magazine - January 2009

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