D8b Logic 9 midi templete all 24 channels

[anyhorizon]

Nigel, Mr UK user, whatever your handle is, be careful. You can spend more time messing with this stuff than making music and eventually wind up with a white elephant and scratching your head. As for modifying the OS, I really don't think so. If I do eventually see it and clarify it, I'm prepared to eat humble pie. 'Till then...

Peter

[garrett21allen]

Hi Peter

you have a way with words
geeeeees what a brain. I sure would love to have it

joe alle

[exitSTUDIOS.ca]

Hey, I've been using my d8b for some time now, and im looking to map out the console thru midi.

You mention you have your board mapped out thru tape returns, but do you get your VU meter displays working for each channel ?

Thanks,
Mike

[m33]

I've been following this thread since I purchased a d8b. It actually has caused me to sign up and pop in my vote for Tyler to share his work. Even if it's for a fee- I'd be cool with that.

That being said, I'm willing to do the work myself, and I have tried but there are a couple things that I'm unclear on. Maybe someone can shed some light.

1) I understand the Learn function in Logic. However, is there anywhere that gives a step by step on midi mapping the d8b in the software? When I open up the midi mapping grid within the software, I can get up to 24 faders mapped but then I get confused on how to map the next 24, channel selects, pans, solos etc. Also, sometimes when I have logic learn the assignments, it will switch faders 1&2 around or act differently than my original assignments. I'm assuming I'm doing something wrong.

2) What exactly does it mean that you've mapped out your board through tape returns? Is this what I'm missing?

[anyhorizon]

In reply to 1), pages 93 and 94 of the d8b V5 manual give a pretty good explanation of the principles. It is important to totally plan, on paper, everything you want to achieve. It can get messy if you just go at it in an ad hoc manner.

Avoid midi channel 1.

Start with midi channel 2.

Leave continuous controller, polyphonic aftertouch and note value "0" 'till last (if you need them at all). Start with continuous controller 1 for channel 1 fader and work your way up. Same with note on 1 for channel 1 mute (which needs to be set to toggle, btw * ), aftertouch 1 for pan, etc. What I'm trying to say here is that in this way, the midi values equate to the channels in an orderly fashion. This will of course mean that if you steer clear of Bank 4 (Masters), you will only be using 72 values of the available 128 midi values for each midi parameter with the possible exception of continuous controllers on midi channel 2 (your first pass) where you may want to map the Master L/R fader to controller 73. I however prefer to use a separate midi channel altogether for functions that are mapped on the right hand side of the desk.

Change midi channel to 3 then 4 and so on for other switches and variable parameters like auxes etc. always starting at midi value 1 as mentioned above.

Do the mapping in sequence. ie., map all faders first. Then map all mutes, then pans etc. You can choose your parameter order preference but this is so that when you look at your midimap, each function on the desk will be visually contiguous.

As for question 2), you got me

Peter

* It needs to be set this way in Logic as well.

[jumbodingo]

I was curious to try the mapping('cuz I love the D8B) so I pulled the Tascam FW 1884 + 2 extenders out of my Argosy console, took my D8B out of storage and went to work. I'm using the new Presonus Studio One software and mapping with a "midi learn" function effortlessly. I had no problems achieving 24 (tape returns) channels of fader & panning last night. The transport woke up by turning on HUI mode. What is the best way to get record enable or channel select to map ? I've seen it work in HUI ... but I need 24, not 8 + banks. BTW y'all are doin a great job here !!
Brian

[anyhorizon]

Record enable is a function of MMC (MIDI Machine Control), not MIDI mapping. You will need to enable the reception of that in your recording device and check the device allocations (if necessary) in the d8b setup window under MIDI.

I can't remember if Channel select is mappable or not.

Peter

[jumbodingo]

Thanks Peter, I'll give it a try this evening. BTW - My friend worked at Mackie ... back in the day and we would get to BETA test these boards before they were on the market !! I'm still in Seattle and still a fan of these D8B's.

Brian

[m33]

Hi Peter,

Seriously, that was really helpful. I'm going to try that tonight and contribute my midi map template (if I can get it off the old machine- no floppy drive laying around) for Logic to the forum, if I can get it work.

@Brian- I'm in Sea-town too. West Seattle actually. Maybe we need to start a d8b support group.

M

[anyhorizon]

Thanks guys. There's more I could tell you but it's best to let you run with it. I think once you start and get rocking, it'll lead you to do other things of your own volition.

One thing to remember, specifically with regard to the switches, is that if you have to re-boot the d8b mid session and you haven't saved the board's status just prior to doing that, because of the toggling nature of the note ons for mutes/solos etc., you may find that if the d8b comes up differently to Logic with regard to those switches, you should make a note of Logic's status, take the d8b off line, set the switches on the d8b as per logic and then go back on line. Otherwise, you could end up with a situation where Logic shows a mute or whatever and the d8b doesn't and switching will always be out of whack. Rule is as always, save often. Just a suggestion.

Peter