Just bought the Ketron SD1000.Need advice please.

[Denv12]

Today I received my new Ketron SD1000.Its hooked up.Ketron Midi In to Piano Out,Dual RCA's to amp.Switched on digital piano(RD700SX with a built in display screen),switched on External(zone).
Bank A,   MSB =0,value 1-128.
Bank B,   MSB =1,value 1-128
Bank C,   MSB =10,value 1-128,
Bank D,   MSB =11,value 1-128.

I still have the SD2 sound module which sets up on the RD700SX the same way except:
Bank A= MSB 0,Bank B=MSB 1,Bank C =MSB  10,
I've played through the banks looking for pianos and electric pianos.I found a lot of pianos but few electric pianos.I want to find the electric pianos heard in this demo:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixqOz1MXG1U

I'm just using it as a sound module without using the computer.I'm not ready to learn that yet.
Everything works without any problems.From straight out of the box to playing it took a few minutes.Learnt that from the SD2.If you could help mith any advice,I would really appreciate your help.

Update:(March 23).

Can I connect up both the SD2 and SD1000 together if I use the SD2 first to the midi port,knowing that its always worked then piggyback the SD1000 to it? How do I do it? On my Roland RD700SX screen how do I get both modules showing,or,at least to get all sounds on both modules showing up so I can play them?

Update:March 27.
Today I took delivery of a "Midi Solutions-programmable input selector".I connected it up with 1 x midi cable from Roland RD700SX Piano Out 1 to
http://www.midisolutions.com/prodpis.htm
In A( left side),1 x midi cable from Out(right side)to
SD1000 Midi In.
Problem solved.All the sounds are there.
The programmable input selector goes between the piano and the SD1000.
Any of their products can be used except Thru Boxes and Power Adapters.

[Dan]

In vArranger, if you select the Eletric Piano category, you will be able to play those sounds from the SD1000 :

Msk   10   4
El.Piano1   0   4
El.Piano2   0   5
Funk Dx   1   5
Mark   1   4
Suitcase   1   3
Fm Tine   1   6
DX Piano   1   7
Electropad   10   3
StagePno   10   5
Rodes   10   6
Elopiano   10   7
Fm Thin   11   2
Rdx Operator   11   3
Twin Electro   11   4
Stage Mix   11   5
Huge FM   11   6
FM Layer   10   8
Digitine   11   7
Tremolo Mark   11   120
Phase Electro   11   121

You hear them all on the demo.

[Denv12]

Thank you for the advice,Dan.

When I hooked up the SD1000 to the Roland RD700SX I was able to get it working without connecting up to the computer. It has a red Midi light that constantly flashes, unlike the blue LED light of the SD2 when you touch the piano keys.

I haven't bought software. I don't know what to buy. Do I need an ipad and Varranger software to use it just as a basic module?  At the moment it sounds like its got a lot of pianos and about 3 electric pianos. I thought I might have got something wrong somewhere. On the piano it has its own display screen. It displays :MSB  LSB   PC.

[Dan]

I am affraid that your Roland RD700SD is sending active sensing message, and this cause the SD1000 to bug with the MIDI port.

vArranger run on a computer with Windows on it. Do you have one?

The Roland RD700SX can be connected to the computer with a USB cable
The Ketron SD1000 can be connected to the computer with a USB cable

Then vArranger will help you to select all the sounds of the SD1000, you can create and save layered or splited sounds.
On top of that, you can have a very good sounding rhythm machine, an arranger keyboard, song chords to create music playback, etc...

[Denv12]

I am affraid that your Roland RD700SD is sending active sensing message, and this cause the SD1000 to bug with the MIDI port.

vArranger run on a computer with Windows on it. Do you have one?

The Roland RD700SX can be connected to the computer with a USB cable
The Ketron SD1000 can be connected to the computer with a USB cable

Then vArranger will help you to select all the sounds of the SD1000, you can create and save layered or splited sounds.
On top of that, you can have a very good sounding rhythm machine, an arranger keyboard, song chords to create music playback, etc...

I have windows 7 on this desktop computer. This is in my bedroom. The Roland RD700SX ,SD1000 module, amplifier, Tascam DP03 digital recorder, mic,etc are all in my lounge room.

How do I sort out the piano to SD1000 bugging problem?

When I connected the module from the 2 x RCA's L-R output  to input (1/4 inch jacks) on the Tascam DP03,it didn't sound right. When I connect the module direct to amplifier via 2 x RCA's L-R (module) to amp(1/4 inch jacks) it sounded better, But it didn't get all the electric piano sounds.

[Dan]

Try to move the pitch bend. If your SD1000 become out of tune, you can't do anything....
There is a bug in the SD1000 and MIDI and Active sensing. This bug does not exists with USB.
Ketron need to correct it, but still no answer from them.

[Denv12]

Try to move the pitch bend. If your SD1000 become out of tune, you can't do anything....
There is a bug in the SD1000 and MIDI and Active sensing. This bug does not exists with USB.
Ketron need to correct it, but still no answer from them.

Just tried the pitch bend.Didnt help.I also tried a different Midi cable.No change.

I just tried the factory reset on the piano.It didnt make a difference.

Should I buy an ipad with windows on it? They are on special at times. And,is that the right time to buy Varranger software? How much for varranger?

[Dan]

You can buy any Windows 8 tablet (not RT model)
vArranger is 349€ including full support and free updates

I don't know if you can reset the SD1000 between every sound change with your RD.

[Denv12]

You can buy any Windows 8 tablet (not RT model)
vArranger is 349€ including full support and free updates

I don't know if you can reset the SD1000 between every sound change with your RD.

Thank you.

I'll look around for the tablet.They are on special at times.
I have to wait until I get more money before I can afford the software.

What I did was unplug everything then went into factory reset then reset it,switched piano off the reconnected everything.No changes.I did connect up the SD2 after and thats still as perfect as always just no change with the SD1000.You can reset everything but not between sound changes.

[Denv12]

Update:
I'm trying to connect up my SD1000 to my neighbours laptop.
I need the driver software so I can connect the module to test the Midi port connection for a start.I'm still trying to raise the money to buy an ipad.I'm also in need of a free midi router to test the midi port.
Next.I need to test the USB connections between piano,module and computer.How are they connected up?
Does the module get connected up to the computer then computer to piano? Just need to know how.

Thanks.

[Dan]

The drivers are automatically installed.

vArranger does not work on iPad. Only Windows computers.

vArranger receives the midi notes from your piano, and send them back to the SD1000.

You need to find a program like vArranger to do it.

[Denv12]

The drivers are automatically installed.

vArranger does not work on iPad. Only Windows computers.

vArranger receives the midi notes from your piano, and send them back to the SD1000.

You need to find a program like vArranger to do it.

On your youtube video when demo of the SD1000 what were you using to activate each electric piano?
You had an ipad/tablet of some sort,the Sd1000 next to that on a music stand.

I still need to sort out the midi port issue until I can raise a lot of money to buy a set up like you had in your video.Around $1000 plus.I dont have money to throw around.I'm a pensioner.

[pax_eterna]

It was a Microsoft Surface Pro I would imagine

[Denv12]

It was a Microsoft Surface Pro I would imagine

I just had a look at them.Bit expensive for me.I'll try and find something less expensive.

[pax_eterna]

The Surface Pro 2 is, however you can get some good bargains on the original Surface Pro which is what Dan has, and I have one as well.

[Denv12]

The Surface Pro 2 is, however you can get some good bargains on the original Surface Pro which is what Dan has, and I have one as well.

I'll hunt around for them.Thanks.

[Denv12]

Just an extra thought here.I have both Ketron SD2 and Ketron Sd1000 modules.I've had the SD2 connected up on and working perfectly.When I connect up the SD1000 to the same midi port and using exactly the same cables(midi cable plus RCAs to amp)it didnt work properly.If I connect up the SD2 first then piggyback the SD1000 to it,can I get all sounds playing? Would that work? How do you connect them up like that? Do they both need to be connected to the amp?

[Dan]

The SD1000 has a bug that only Ketron can correct.
I hope they will

[Denv12]

The SD1000 has a bug that only Ketron can correct.
I hope they will

Thanks.
I was looking for a way to connect up both SD2 and SD1000 so I can use the SD1000 in the meantime.The SD2 works perfectly when connected up with Midi in(module) to Piano Out1(piano and dual RCAs L-R to amp or to recorder/mixer.

[Dan]

I just had an idea.

Can you plug Roland midi out to SD2 Midi IN

then a second cable

SD2 midi thru to SD1000 midi in

Maybe it will work

[Denv12]

I just had an idea.

Can you plug Roland midi out to SD2 Midi IN

then a second cable

SD2 midi thru to SD1000 midi in

Maybe it will work

I like this idea.I can do that.
As for the RCA's,do I connect RCa's from SD2 to amp or SD1000 to amp?
On the roland rd700sx screen when I connect either module I use:
MSB for each bank and PC to change between 1-128.Dont know what LSB is used for.

[Dan]

LSB is 0

You use RCA on SD1000

[Denv12]

LSB is 0

You use RCA on SD1000

I think I head an extra 2 electric pianos doing it this way.Thats a slight improvement.
I tried it that way as you suggested way.I then switched the volume off the SD2 and volume up on SD1000 just to make sure.I tried the volume on both then the volume off SD1000 and volume on SD2.Just wanted to eliminate those factors.

Next.I switched modules around.Roland Midi Out to Sd2 midi in,Sd2 midi throu to sd1000 midi in.RCAs to sd1000.volume off sd2,volume up sd1000.no change.I had to eliminate that factor.

[Dan]

Bad news... I can't help you anymore

[Denv12]

Bad news... I can't help you anymore

I'll keep looking for answers until I can afford to buy everything else to use it.

[Denv12]

Just updated my post today.I solved the problem with a "Midi Solutions" Programmable Input Selector.Connects between piano and module.

[Dan]

Yes, I have read somewhere that the Midi Solutions adapters filter the active sensing messages that cause the SD1000 to bug.
Good to hear you are happy now

[pax_eterna]

It is such a shame that something as expensive as the new SD1000 has such basic operational bugs - who knows WHAT awaits on the new MidiJay Pro 

[Denv12]

It is such a shame that something as expensive as the new SD1000 has such basic operational bugs - who knows WHAT awaits on the new MidiJay Pro 

Yes,its very sad.The irony is that I have both the SD2 and SD1000.The SD2 connected up and works perfectly straight out of the box.Now that I have the SD1000 working perfectly,I'm enjoying the beautiful sounds on it.

Isnt there something we can all do to assist Ketron somehow?

[pax_eterna]

Yeah we could - if they ever replied to emails and phone calls

[Denv12]

Yeah we could - if they ever replied to emails and phone calls

Ohhh.Thats a worry that they arent answering.They make great gear.Their lack or response might put people off purchasing.