Changing patches on external synths

Elektron Gear Digitone/Digitone Keys
#1

I know this topic has been discussed but didn’t a definite, clear answer on the matter.

  • Digitone Keys sequencing 2 desktop synths through midi channels.
  • Each synth is receiving MIDI data correctly through the sequencer
  • I can assign the right bank/patch when I go to the TRIG menu on the MIDI tracks
  • Patches don’t change on the desktop synths when I change patterns on the digitone keys, even though they are set up in MIDI-TRIG menu.

How can we do this ? Tried P-Locking on trig 1, effectively reducing MIDI track counts to 2 (1 track for notes, 1 for PC) and it doesnt change the patch on ext synth on beat 1 of the new pattern.

Can somebody explain a simple way to do this apart from physically changing the patches on the ext synths (or recalling them on the MIDI TRIG menu.

#2

Program change will only be sent the first time that the same value is encountered until a new value is sent. So try “initializing” by sending a different PC message with a different pattern or hitting the track trig. This is how it works on every Elektron device … I guess to prevent repeated PC messages every pattern cycle … not ideal

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Sending MIDI Bank/Program Change on pattern change / start (NOT P-lock)
#3

I’ve resolved my issue.
Bought a midi merger. sending PC data from Logic, blending Notes and all the rest from Digitone.

#4

Just curious but how early are you sending PC? A whole bar or just before?

#5

From the Digitone or logic?

Digitone: set up in the Midi track - SYN button, selecting the channel/sub bank/bank/program.

When I do that, it never goes back to the right patch. So if Pattern G1 uses patch 75 on Hydra and 24 on Peak, I go the pattern G2 with different patches and come back to G1, it doesn’t really work.

Logic
This is where I manage EVERYTHING and it’s easier for me to figure out.

All songs start with the same messages
Digitone and Analog Rythm are sent to H16 - blank 4 bars pattern
All other synths in the setup : patch for 1st beat of song.
Tempo information is sent to a BOSS RC300 as well, so that live looping is synced with the sequences.

at 4 1 1 1, I send the PC for patterns for DNK and AR, so that everything starts on 5 1 1 1

I mute and unmute some tracks on the DNK through PC in LOGIC.
I manage all knobs turning live, plus PERF and drum tracks muting.
Depending on songs, I also play bass/bass synth, synths or guitars. Sometimes in the same song :slight_smile:

The machines are only one part of our setup so they need to work once I press start.

Band is:
Rem: vocals/guitar/bass
Max: guitar/ live drums and drum machine programming/synth-synth bass/live looping guitar and synth
Me: Synths and sequencing/drum machine programming/bass or synth bass/guitar

One of our favorite songs to play live:
Rem sings, plays rythm and lead guitar.
Max tackles bass synth and looped drums (he selects different recorded parts on his looper) then at bridge goes to acoustic drums
I play melodies on the DNK, add some nice sub octaves on bass synth and when the solo/bridge/ final chorus hit, I’m full on bass synth + chords duties on the DNK.

We’re like octopussessss when we play.

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