Proper way to mix vArranger with SD2 and VSTi/soft synth plugins?

[xuanvuz]

What is the proper way to mix/match vArranger with Ketron SD2 and VSTi plugins? This is my current setup but sometime the styles didn't played correctly, especially with drums/perc tracks:

vA MIDI In 1: M-Audio Axiom 61 keys.
vA MIDI In 2: Korg nanoKONTROL2
vA MIDI Out 1: USB-to-MIDI (connect to the SD2, SD2 mode was selected)
vA MIDI Out 2: loopMIDI virtual port (GM2 mode was selected)

My VSTi plugins (Hypersonic 2, SampleTank 2 for GM, as well as several other modules for specific sounds) are hosted by a VSTi host, the host'd MIDI IN is loopMIDI (output 2 from vArranger).

When changing styles from vArranger, my GM modules (Hypersonic 2, etc...) responded correctly and I got the sounds from them just fine, however, a lot of the styles (downloaded from the "Download" area) have problems with several channels, most noticeably Drums and Perc track. Not sure if that is the way it should be and I need to fine tune those problematic styles, or I'm doing something wrong?

Also, it seems like the SD2 module works best with Ketron styles (understandably, since they are from the same maker), but a lot of the Yamaha TYROS and Roland styles (again, downloaded from this forum) are also having with Drums/Perc tracks. Often time I heard weird sounds coming out of them, most of the time, from the Perc track. Any recommendation? I'm totally a vArranger newbie and I really looking forward to learn more about this amazing software!

Thanks,
Kenny.

[xuanvuz]

I've been doing some more reading on the forum's archive and seems like the issue with the Perc track that I've mentioned is very similar to this post by user angel1000 . I have a SD2 with SN that ends with 16xxx so I think I don't have to do the update, but not sure how to make this issue go away!

[4partmusic]

If you can find a style in the Ketron styles it is always your best bet for problem free styles.  Yamaha seems to be the next best followed by the Roland styles which is the newest style added.   Dan is pretty good at finding the problems in particular styles and can probably help you out.  Normally if it is a percussion track I simply mute that track.  If it is the drums that is a whole other story. 

I think there is a way to fine tune these yourself but I have not fully figured that one out yet.

Keep looking. You will discover something new everyday.

Terry

[Dan]

First, because you have the Korg NanoKontrol2. Did you activate the new feedback led feature?
http://www.varranger.com/vforum/index.php/topic,903.0.html
It is very cool.

If the style is using a GM compliant drum sound, it will work with any gm sound module.
Some styles are not using the gm drumset, so the drums/percs will not sound good.
vArranger tries to remap the drumset according to your declared sound module.

If you want me to improve the remapping, just post here the styles that you want me to improve for the next version.

[Dan]

Also, on every track, you can right clik and decide to play it with witch sound module.
For example the Drums from Sd2, but the piano from VST.

For now, ketron styles who are using live drums need the SD2 for the perc track

[xuanvuz]

It seems to be my virtual ports routing (http://www.varranger.com/vforum/index.php/topic,988.0.html) has been the issue! Today when I use the physical port, almost all the style sounds better and I don't have as much as the PERC track issues (although there are still some but I can change them.)

Thanks.