Hi there! I’m new to this forum! It’s been a while since I wanted to go DAWless and I finally decided to get the Model:Samples and integrate it with my hardware synths that I’ve been using with Ableton Live. I want to use the M:S mainly as a drum machine and a monophonic sequencer for bass (Model D synth). The other synths have their own poly sequencers such as the Microfreak.
So, my question is regarding the syncing of the Microfreak with the Model:Samples. I would like to use the M:S as a master and the Microfreak as a slave. My idea is to sync a sequence in the Microfreak with the MIDI clock sent by the Model:Samples. I know that by starting/playing the sequences in the Model:Samples, the Microfreak will start to play it’s own sequence automatically. But what I really want is to start the sequence in the Microfreak later on in my live set/song and I want it to be synced to the Model:Samples. For example, if I have an intro playing in the Model:Samples I don’t want to start the sequence in the Microfreak right away, and I want to start the Microfreak sequence in another part of the song by pressing the play button on the MF. However if I do that I suppose the start of the MF’s sequence will not be necessary in sync with the Model:Samples. Is there any way to “quantize” the start of the sequence in the MF to the MIDI clock coming from the Model:Samples?
Hey, thanks for answering! That’s actually a cool idea having a blank sequence! I’ll try that! Another person in another forum suggested to use the volume knob on the Microfreak but I was looking into something more immediate. Thanks a lot!
hey! welcome!
probably you will need some hardware or rehersal enought for hit on time the keys hahaha.
Sometimes i complicate myself a lot with this questioning and yeah, depends on what are your intentions within music, in my case ive been playing on the go, and producing over technics aspects of the instruments im playing, since programing makes somehow a mountain for creativity sometimes i prefeer to relay on the powerful secuencer that m:s has and in myself as musician.
Most of the time im just playing without clock, just forcing me to rehersal and understand the semantics of synthesis overall with a keyboard plus modulate the sound etc… (im learning since very few months) and the results of trusting in my own “quatize timing” of my hands its way more fun for exactly live set.
This two tracks i use just m:s and serum/massive for jam and i was mostly improvising over a simple patterns but with a lot of chances in the secuencer, variations, model samples just has one lfo, but the more i go deep the more versatile turns, sometimes not having so much in between hands helps to keep it simple yet interesting.
You can use one of the tracks of the m:s
I would 100% suggest just learning to use a physical volume knob somewhere in the setup for this. The blank pattern isn’t a bad idea either. I really can’t think of what would be more immediate than the literal volume knob of the instrument in question (the Microfreak).
You could also look into if the M:S can send pattern changes over MIDI and if the MF will accept them, but honestly for what you are trying to do that sounds like more hassle than its worth.
A practiced quick twist of a volume knob will sound more organic anyway and make things sound a bit less stiff than spot on MIDI timing : )
Thanks for sharing your experience! I haven’t rehearsed yet. Waiting for my M:S to arrive. But yeah, I agree that practice is key! And I also hope the simplicity of a DAWless setup will force me to be more creative and get the most of my gear. I used to make tracks with a computer (Ableton) (you can check em out on: Stream ALEKSEI music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud) but having too much tools/plugins just made me anxious! I also want to get away from my computer as my job and PhD makes me sit infront of the screen all the time!
Thanks! I’m not sure M:S can send program change messages. Only receive them… I think either the volume knob or hitting the play sequence button is the most simple and fast approach! But will try all the options!
Hey @PeterHanes! Actually looks like the blank sequence trick does the job! At least I tested with Ableton MIDI clock sent through my Focusrite’s MIDI out and it worked! Thanks for the great tip!
i highly recommend to read and treasure the manual of the m:s, there is all you need about how to set up for basically master or be overtake with the m:s, also is s chart with all the midi cc notes, anyways welcome and enjoy!
@HORIZAR, yeah I’ve been checking the manual but as far as I know the M:S sequencer can only send Note and Velocity through MIDI. No option for program change, for example, or othe kind of CC message. It would be cool if, for example, the M:S could send a CC message for the filter cutoff of the Microfreak. This way it would be possible to fully close the filter and open it when you want the Microfreak sequence to play.
The M:S can be set to send MIDI Program Change messages when you change patterns.
The M:S can send MIDI CC messages from its front panel controls, but the messages are not customisable. If you want to control filter cutoff on the MicroFreak (CC 23), you would have to choose a knob on the M:S and then use an intermediate device to convert the outgoing MIDI CC message to the CC that the MF responds to.