First post: hardware synth integration

I’m doing a ton of reading lately and am considering a big (for me) move from Camelot Pro (iOS) to GP.

I have a couple of noob questions I’m hoping folks will be kind enough to help me with. My current rig is a Kronos ii 88 and Yamaha MODX8. I’m not using any software instruments. Camelot Pro controls all set lists and program changes for both hardware instruments. I am considering replacing the Kronos with a MIDI controller + VST set up with gig performer as the interface for the whole rig.

my first question is about gig performer and managing hardware synth sounds. Camelot pro does a really good job of mapping and naming the presets on hardware keyboards. Is there an equivalent to this in gig performer or would I need to revert to arcane MIDI program change commands for the MODX? I want to treat my MODX as a discrete instrument and have a separate midi controller cover only VST sounds. I have read a few articles on GP controlling hardware synths, but the answer to this question is not clear to me.

My second question is about Audio interfaces. Today, I use a Radial Key Largo mixer for the analog audio outputs of both keyboards. If I moved to virtual synths via MIDI controller in combination with my MODX, would I need to add a digital audio interface into the signal chain, or could I just use the USB audio input on the Key Largo for VST audio coming out of the laptop?

Thanks in advance for anyone patient enough to answer these basic questions. I have so much to learn before taking the leap into the deep end of the pool.

Hey @Zipdog and welcome to the community! :slight_smile:

As for the first question, you can use instrument definition files or send program change messages.
More information is here: Gig Performer | How to send Program Change messages out to hardware devices and other applications

You can try running your Radial Key Largo using the USB connection. Additionally you can search the forum, Radial interfaces were mentioned before.

Beyond instrument definition files (and I don’t know if those already exist for your MOD X, if they don’t you’d have to create them) we don’t really do much (beyond program changes) for hardware - the presumption having been historically that most people moving to software environments are either not using hardware any more or that sending program change messages is sufficient for the purpose.

I used to use a Kronos myself and ended up sampling the Kronos sounds I still wanted and switched to all software plugins. That said, when I did use the Kronos, I was using it both as a sound source AND as a controller for software plugins — similarly my other keyboard controllers could play Kronos sounds via routing through Gig Performer, often using separate channels to control individual programs in combis.

1 Like