X6 as midi controller - Am I doing this correctly?

Recently picked up an X6 for a great price and have been loving it. I had been using my MPK as a midi controller, but would like to integrate the Fantom into the mix. I am currently working in Ableton and using the midi I/O rather than the USB connect. I am finding that I am triggering both the softsynth and the Fantom at the same time while in Patch mode. So I switch to the mixer and turn the volume down on my #1 track which seems to solve the problem, but that seems like a workaround. In the manual, the midi seems uninformative. Anyone set me in the correct direction? (I am not a midi guy so the Fantom midi screen is beyond me at the moment.) Thanks -

PS... Also interested in tracking the Fantom inside Ableton on a few midi inserts. I have the entire audio and midi source running through a Delta 1010. Thanks again.

Since you're working with limited resources, it seems best that you dedicate one controller and access the others from that.

What I mean is, keep using the mpk if you prefer so you have one set source you don't have to worry about, but still being able to control each piece from that one source.

But I think making a small investment in a decent midi interface will help you configure any setup you like without the headaches (though I'm not knocking the 1010's capabilities, just not enough I/O ports).

I swing with a 76 key (no sounds) Roland A-70 dedicated controller keyboard coupled to a MOTU MTP A/V and things have been rock solid on matrix configs since 1999.

I'm not too worried about the I/O. I am actually running 2 - 1010's and a 4x4 midi. I only have one card activated in my hardware profile most of the time due to Pro Tools limits (complete BS). That is why I am working more in Ableton. I prefer the feel of the roland over the mpk, that is why I'm interested in getting the roland setup.

christfutura wrote:I'm not too worried about the I/O. I am actually running 2 - 1010's and a 4x4 midi. I only have one card activated in my hardware profile most of the time due to Pro Tools limits (complete BS). That is why I am working more in Ableton. I prefer the feel of the roland over the mpk, that is why I'm interested in getting the roland setup.

Cool, then I'd go with the x6. Just be aware that you'll have to use it in either performance/multi mode or be able to work it between Ableton and the keyboard itself.

That's why I went dedicated controller with a good keyboard feel to it. The only other keyboard I have is an asr10 but I don't play on it because I work it from the a-70.

Solid. Thanks for the Performance nod. I actually traded a 2000xl for an ASR10, then the ASR for the x6... So far I think I made the right move. I'm always on the look for a rack ASR though. Liked the power in that box, but didn't like the footprint it took up.

christfutura wrote:Solid. Thanks for the Performance nod. I actually traded a 2000xl for an ASR10, then the ASR for the x6... So far I think I made the right move. I'm always on the look for a rack ASR though. Liked the power in that box, but didn't like the footprint it took up.

I understand, & at this point what's done is done. So is this your first Roland sound source?

My first roland bit was an MC-303. That was actually my first piece of gear ever. I think that was in '96 or '98. Then i got into an Sp-808 and 2 - MV's at different times. I just recently started with software as before I was only into hardware once piece at a time. I usually picked up boxes to enhance my DJ setup. Currently the only Roland gear I have is an MV and the X6. Those are the 2 that I've felt the workflow really clicked. I do prefer the 2500 if i'm pad mashing or want to work away from the computer. Honestly I am at a point where I just need to settle on my gear and start wrapping up old projects. Kill the gear lust and get busy. It's taken me over 10 years of trial & error to piece everything together learning as I go. I would almost be embarassed to list all the gear that I have/had.

christfutura wrote:Kill the gear lust and get busy.

You never can go wrong with that!

You turn the LOCAL OFF on the Fantom-X.

Heh... exact reason I'm selling off a few pieces of gear... force me back to a more minimal setup again and then I can decide a direction I'd like to go in from there.

It is far too easy to get bogged down in new hardware/software and just never get anything finished. Really all you need is a sequencer and a sound source. Even either of those two are debatable... you can find examples of people that go far more minimal.

At any rate though... it sounds like you're at the point it might be worth figuring out what your core setup is, boxing up or selling off the excess and really settle down with what you've got. You can always add more pieces in later, but there does get to be a point where you've got so much that's it hard to move beyond it.