I installed the Free Midi Player vanBasco on Win98 to transfer the Bulk dump into the MKS-50. To later load the factory preset tones and patches, I used a Midi file from here: Awesome! I could then make a backup of the tones and patches that were in the MKS-50 when I bought it. I installed EZalpha on Win98 which this time accepted the bulk dump that I initiated from the MKS-50 on the first go around. So I decided to use my trusty Win98 computer that I use for old synth gear.
Whatever I tried, my Windows 7 computer would simply not accept any incoming MIDI Bulk Data Dumps from the Roland MKS-50. I tried all sorts of MKS-50 programs and nothing would work. I had a heck of a time getting my Windows 7 32bit computer to receive bulk dumps from the Roland MKS-50. ( P:A11 PolySynth1) Before that though, I wanted to backup what was on the MKS-50 for future reference. So I decided to load in the original factory presets. When I bought the Roland MKS-50 here in Japan it had a bunch of patches and tones that were changed from the original factory presets. Restoring Factory Presets into the Roland MKS-50 Synthesizer Module:
So far I haven’t encountered any issues, but if I do, I’ll be sure to post an update here.
It’s really fun using the Roland PCR-800 for controlling the Roland MKS-50. Now you can use both the USB and regular Midi In/Out Connectors.
Check on page 76 of the PCR-800 manual for details. You must change the MIDI I/F Switch to specify whether the MIDI connectors will be used as a MIDI Interface. Note that if you also use the USB cable you will need to change a setting on the PCR-800. Connected the Roland Midi Ins/Outs to the Roland MKS-50. For instructions you can consult the PCR-800 manual. Then simply transmit one at a time to the PCR-800. You will get three midi files PG-300_A.mid, PG-300_B.mid, and PG-300_C.mid that you can import into the Roland PCR Map Editor. Download the Control Maps from the Roland website here: Roland has made available a 3 Custom Control Maps for the PG-300 that work well with the Roland MKS-50. Installed the Roland PG-300 Custom Control Maps for the MKS-50. There is now Windows 7 PCR Map Editor specified on Roland’s website, but I found the Vista version to work just fine for editing and transmitting PCR Maps.ģ. I installed the Vista version as the XP one was not accepted. Installed the PCR Map Editor V2.0 for Windows 7. Used Roland’s UpdateSMF to transmit the p00001.mid file to the PCR-800Ģ. * At entering value by the rotary encoder, the operation might cause strange value move like going reverse or skipping values. Here’s what I did to get things connected up.ġ. Of course there may be some slight differences, but for starters, I think the PCR-800 will work great.
It’s like a fully operation synthesizer now and I won’t have to mess around with software editors or spend a ton of money on the original PG-300. Today I spent some time hooking everything up and I must say it adds a whole new dimension to the Roland MKS-50.
This week I found out that the Roland PCR 300/500/800 series keyboard controllers are fantastic for controlling the Roland MKS-50. Too bad the FP8 doesn't scroll by beat, but if I find a way, I'll IM you.About two years ago I purchased a Roland PCR-800 with Roland PSB-100 Adapter. The advantages the FP's do have far outweigh the misses. A quick and fairly thorough video is the one from Sweetwater Sound.Ī lot of tride and true, typically PT and Mackie users wanted scrubbing, but it's not possible in Studio One, so don't feel too out in the cold not having beat scrolling from the faderport. Check out some of Johnny Geibs videos (themuzik), as that will give you some insight. Other than that, there's a lot to like with the the Faderport 8/16. No beat control, but since you might purchase it, there's some good quick info there. Nothing frees up a mouse entirely, so having the keyboard, and mouse near the faderport, are pretty practical. But you probably do that now, and want to free up the mouse a bit. IMO, the Faderport input and feedback is pretty active.įor beat scrolling, I haven't had any need to dedicate a function for that, so I would scroll with the mouse over the beat field. You can start a post in the S1 general discussion forum, and it will eventually get moved to some relevant product place if you need better visibility, or a quick response. The different products are pretty visible that way. The faderport forum is visited from time to time. Anyone have any other thoughts about this or is everyone just so happy with them that they have no reason to discuss on a forum? Blades wroteI have found that these forums are not very active.