MIDI with Max/MSP + Expert Sleepers
I'm currently writing some patches in Max/MSP to control an analogue modular synth via an Expert Sleepers ES-4 module.
It's possible to send MIDI information to the ES-8GT gate expander using their Silent Way software but I'm interested in doing this using Max (and the prebuilt ES object)
I understand how to send gate information to the 8GT but does anyone have a simple example patch of how to send MIDI information?
Many thanks as always.
Wow - 3 months and no answer! Doesn't seem to be a very popular topic (still!..) .... ;-)
Ok - you already have the ES-objects -> http://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/downloads.html
You want to do "bit-shifting" - the ESX-8GT is an 8bit (0-255) module.
There is one integer for "describing" all eight gate states.
I've attached a file "BinToInt.maxpat".
... search for the Jasch-objects - you will find a very nice bi-directional object, called "bitlist" which you can use too.
Thanks Jochen... Still a little confused though. You can use one of these devices plugged into the 8GT under Silent Way:
DJ-1000 MIDI/3.5mm Jack
http://www.expert-sleepers.co.uk/accessories.html
Which was what I was hoping to be able to use with the Max external. Not sure how I would apply your patch in this case.
Appreciate your help.
Ah - i don't know those adaptors. As i see it they are converting the trigger/gate state into a MIDI message. You can't send MIDI to the ES-Max-objects. The externals are just routing "levels" to the modules outputs. Since it can be done at audio rates it's much faster than MIDI and has better resolutions (therefor i'm using it). ES-4 is 12bit (4096 steps) and (if i remember it correctly) sample frequency/8 (in 44,1 kHz ca. 5500Hz).
I don't know how a MIDI message can be defined with those adaptors - i assume there will be a note on and -off when plugged into a gate-out - maybe there are internal switches to specify the MIDI-channel etc.. Ask OS (Expert Sleepers) - he always responds very quick!
I see many people using Expert Sleepers and "going back" to MIDI in the same chain and i don't understand why. For controlling a modular i wouldn't do that. But as you want to use those adaptors you seem to have the MIDI-gear... ;-)
I could imagine to use those adaptors for sending trigger/gates "back" to the cpu (or other gear) from certain modules (not ES), but i don't see a reason to convert ESX-8GT triggers directly into MIDI - in that case i would send it directly in MIDI format (much cheaper/easier).
Maybe you can explain what you want to do?
Cheers,
Jochen
I use a Nord MicroModular and a Eurorack setup for live performances sometimes and it was just an Idea I had to have the 8GT not only sending gates to the Euro modules but also using one of the 8GT outputs via that converter lead to trigger stuff on the Micro via Midi.
I did ask Os if it was possible after my original post and he didn't think so, but always good to check in with Max users in case there is a work-around.
I guess the way to do it is have a Max patch that keeps the ES external and Midi information separate but still controlling the two devices, rather than getting the 8GT to do it all.
I wouldn't sacrifice any trigger of the ES modules.. ;-)
I see our idea - why not taking the Max toggle (?), send it to esencoder~ and specify a second MIDI message (over USB)?
Yes, that's kind of what I meant (I think...) Keep the esencoder~ and MIDI on different channels / outputs.
Thanks for your help, I'll look at that as the way to operate both devices.