vArranger Forums

Quote from: pax_eterna on March 28, 2014, 01:15:33 AM
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.

Quote from: pax_eterna on March 27, 2014, 05:29:08 PM
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?

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

Quote from: Dan on March 24, 2014, 12:13:10 AM
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.

Quote from: Dan on March 23, 2014, 11:16:37 PM
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.

Quote from: Dan on March 23, 2014, 09:13:58 PM
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.

Quote from: Dan on March 23, 2014, 09:37:16 AM
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.

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?

Quote from: pax_eterna on March 23, 2014, 03:31:35 AM
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.

Quote from: pax_eterna on March 23, 2014, 02:44:25 AM
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.

Quote from: Dan on March 23, 2014, 01:15:41 AM
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.

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.

Quote from: Dan on March 18, 2014, 11:32:47 PM
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.

Quote from: Dan on March 18, 2014, 09:12:42 PM
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?

Quote from: Dan on March 18, 2014, 08:54:24 PM
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.

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.

Just an update to my original post:
Today I received my new Ketron SD1000 sound module.Bought it in Sydney,Australia.(I live in Adelaide).
I specifically bought it for the electric piano sounds.Oneday I'll learn to use software for that side of it.
I hooked it up by running the dual RCA's L-R to amp.
MIDI In (module) to Piano Out (piano).
It has a red light instead of the blue light as on the Ketron SD2.

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.

Quote from: Dan on February 03, 2014, 07:24:56 AM
I just played all the SD1000 E.Piano sounds here
It's no particular songs.. Only what is coming in my fingers

In vArranger all sounds are grouped by categories. All E.Piano are easy to select.
Without vArranger, you need to first read the manual and find the bank/program

Dan

Thanks Dan.

Those songs do justice for the module.They just sound so beautiful.

Thats okay.I wont tell them Dan.

I bought a brand new Ketron SD2 sound module from a music shop in South Australia.I bought it 12 days ago.I've got it set up on my Roland RD700SX stage piano at home.It works perfectly with my piano.Its just not what I want.I want to buy the SD1000.My SD2 is for sale.I prefer to sell it in Australia.They are retailing here around $599.I got it for less than that.

You will need a dual RCA cable to go from SD2 to your amp and 1 MIDI cable to go from SD2 MIDI in to MIDI Out on your piano.

Thanks.

Chris.

Quote from: Dan on February 03, 2014, 10:23:50 PM
They are improvisations.
If you love this sound... buy a SD1000, and tell to Ketron to say thanks to Dan
You can maybe sell your SD2 to someone here in the forum

Dan

Hi Dan.

Thank you so much for your good advice.I will tell Ketron about you.You are what they need.I want the SD1000.I should sell the Sd2 here.If I could find someone in Australia would be good.Do I just start a new post to sell it?

Kind regards

Chris.

Thanks Dan.

Is that a typo? tines? So,the SD1000 has more tones of electric pianos? Every time i listen to your youtube vidoe I just love those beautiful electric pianos sounds.And,those songs too are just made for the electric piano sounds.What are those songs?

Thanks again.

Chris.

Quote from: Dan on January 04, 2014, 10:13:18 PM
Do you need to play styles / rythmes or only play sounds with your keyboard?

Hi Dan.

On the Roland before I had the SD2 I always picked out 4 sounds and the drums and played my songs.Right now I'm just trying to learn the SD2 and all its sounds.Once I get familiar with it then I'll do the 4 sounds and drums with it.

I was after the electric pianos like in your SD1000 demo.They are the best I've ever heard.I dont think I've got them all on the SD2.Would that be right?

Quote from: Vlzmusic on January 10, 2014, 10:22:04 PM
Hi Denv!

I have SD1000 for a few months now,  and I am sooo frustrated..... not having enough spare time to spend with him!!!

I come from a big-names-vsti-stuff-vsl-ew background, but modules and workstations were my childhood fascination, so they still have  a warm place in my heart  -  and now the sd1000.  As a sound module, I find it ridiculously good. Ketron have found a great "sound" for the MIDI domain.  Since I got to know Ketron, I just cannot relate to somewhat "plasticky" stuff from Roland and Yamaha..

BTW  - is it me,  or the new Tyros 5 demos sound... just ordinary?  Am I nuts, or my beloved SD1000 gives a fine and natural  sounding alternative for fraction of the price?!...

--- Now, to answer your question --- 

You need to feed the module with some MIDI data - one option is by USB cable (I connect mine to a PC, and run different software which sends the notes - vArranger, Cubase, Sibelius)
The second option is plain MIDI in connection, I guess its more about external instruments, you mentioned you have one,  and I am almost certain USB won`t go, cause it needs a "host\client" relationship.  With a plain MIDI cable you`ll be fine playing whatever your keyboard sends out.

Hi Vlzmusic.
I got the time so I want to have some fun with the SD2.I'm learning.Took some getting used to by this point.I though a module had 2 MIDI cables between module and piano.And,the RCA to amp was a new thing to me.

I've been thinking about the SD1000.Is it better than the SD2?
I can connect piano to SD2 no problems there.Thats the external instruments.
What about Sd2 to computer? Should it also be hooked up to the piano as well? I havent got room for computer and piano in the same room.PC is in the bedroom.Desktop not laptop.I'm in a 2 bedroom apartment.

The midi software,now this is what I need to sort out.Should I download a software? Are there free ones?

I love this demo here.2 questions:
1)What electric piano sounds are they?
2)What are the songs you're playing here in this demo?

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

Quote from: Dan on February 02, 2014, 10:10:14 PM
Presets are done by vArranger only. we can layer 4 sounds together to get a more rich sound.
If you are not happy with the SD2, I don't think buying a SD1000 will change anything

On my Roland RD700SX it can do this too.It has about 475 sounds
I should be able to do this with the SD2.I'm just trying to get the most of out the SD2.

I thought there might be some sounds on the SD1000 that arent on the SD2.

Hi Dan.

I know how to play all the 128 sounds on each of the 4 banks but thats about my limit.

How do I get into the presets to get better sounds?

As for upgrading to the SD1000,do you think it would be a better choice for me?

Thanks.

I bought the SD2 just over a week ago ,tried it but its now what I wanted.It works on my piano without any problems.Now I'm stuck with it.I cant return it for a refund.

I like the SD2 but it just isnt as good as I had hoped.I was going to buy the SD1000 at first.I'm convinced the SD1000 would be the better choice now.I love the electric piano demos on youtube.I think some of those ep's are on the SD2 but not all of them.Do you think it would be a good thing to upgrade from SD2 to SD1000?

I've been through the 4 banks of 128 sounds.I found all the electric pianos.Nice too.After hearing the youtube demos of ep's I'm sure I should have got the SD1000.Are there more electric pianos on the SD1000?

I have a tascam DP03 digital recorder.The Roland RD700SX and mic connects to the DP03 as recorder/mixer.That then connects to the amp.The SD2 connects to the Roland MIDI in on SD2 to MIDI out on piano and RCA lead to amp.I wasnt familiar with that set up.When I recorded to Tascam I could hear the mic as loud as usual but I could barely hear the SD2.The tascam has always been used as mixer and recorder.I switch in anytime I want to play the piano.

Thanks for your reply.And I appreciate and welcome your thoughts.

I see there's a lot of posts on the SD1000.I've seen the youtube videos of the SD1000 and they are just impressive to say the least.

What I'm trying to find out is what are the differences between the 2 of them? Are there sounds that are on both of them and other sounds that arent? Which one has more pianos and electric pianos?

Has anyone bought an SD2 but ended up buying the SD1000? What made you change over?

Thanks.

Hi.I just joined here.I'm looking to buy a new sound module when I found the Ketron rang of modules,etc.I  would like some feedback on what they are like.If you have either the SD2,SD4,SD1000 could please tell me if they can be connected straight into a digital piano ? I have a Roland RD700SX.I would like to know if I need to buy a computer/ipad,etc to go with it? My budget is limited so I'm looking at the various brands.