Pro Tools + SSD + 61-note MIDI Keyboard = missing low notes!

[k0000]

Hi there,

I could really use some help with the following problem:

I have Pro Tools 8 LE, Steven Slate Drums plug-in, and a MIDI Casio keyboard with 61 keys.

Since the keyboard has 61 instead of 76 keys, it starts on note "C1".

Steven Slate Drums maps its drums to lower keys (ex. B0 is double kick). These assignments can NOT be remapped; I can't play the drums assigned below C1 since my keyboard starts at C1!

I don't have an octave changer on my keyboard; instead I have "Transpose", which lets me move the key up/down a few notes. I tried but it does nothing for the drums (i.e. C1 still plays what C1 was originally assigned).

Sooo....is there anyway (in Pro Tools?) to reassign my MIDI keys? It would be perfect if I could move my keyboard down an octave (C1 key --> C0)...heck, even down one note would work since I really need B0!

Thanks in advance!

[k0000]

oh, just to add that I can play the low notes (like B0) in Pro Tool's MIDI Editor.

However, mouse clicking the virtual keyboard does not allow for Touch Response, so everything is the same loud volume. That's no good for drums

I'd much rather play everything on my Casio keyboard!

[albee1952]

Not sure what the SSD has to do with this. Sadly, maybe the old Casio is just not a good choice for your needs? Would you consider adding a piece to your setup? The M-Audio Trigger Finger is way better for playing in drum parts, but if money is tight, one of those cheaper units like the Korg NanoPad might also be a solution

[k0000]

Yeah, I was just surprised that SSD didn't allow for remapping of drums to different keys since I would assume there are different user preferences....

then again, I'm new to all this...

Anyways, thanks for the suggestions, i'll give them a look.

[albee1952]

Oh! You mean SD2(Superior Drummer)? SSD is a sold state hard drive. Maybe you can program in a midi transpose, but I never tried it. BTW, the Trigger Finger works great right out of the box with SD2 and ezdrummer

[necjamc]

He means SSD - Steven Slate Drums
If you use a midi track for your keyboard, transpose down an octave, then send the midi track to your drum instrument track
That sounds in theory to work.

[k0000]

Originally Posted by necjamc

He means SSD - Steven Slate Drums
If you use a midi track for your keyboard, transpose down an octave, then send the midi track to your drum instrument track
That sounds in theory to work.

Yep, that's correct, Steven Slate Drums Platinum.

I've been simply using an Instrument Track. I tried transposing down an octave and then recording, but it does nothing (my C1 still plays C1).

The MIDI track suggestion sounds promising, but I'm a little confused with the MIDI track's output. There's no "Main Out L/R", so how do I monitor what I play on my Casio? I tried setting output to Kontakt 3 and Casio, but there's either no output sound or (when I also have my Instrument track active) it still plays like it didn't transpose!

[necjamc]

ok. So I opened a new session added just a instrument track. Make sure you can see the Midi realtime properties in the edit window. Transpose "to" and set the octave you want. I just tested with structure and changing the octave in pt changed what I was playing. ie I played C3 and structure saw C2. So that should work.

[k0000]

Originally Posted by necjamc

ok. So I opened a new session added just a instrument track. Make sure you can see the Midi realtime properties in the edit window. Transpose "to" and set the octave you want. I just tested with structure and changing the octave in pt changed what I was playing. ie I played C3 and structure saw C2. So that should work.

It works!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

I had the MIDI realtime properties opened this time instead of right-clicking...I'm not sure if that's what did it but I ain't complaining!

[necjamc]

Nice