Sequencing Vermona DRM-1 with JJ os XL (MPC 2500)

Edit: Solved! Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I picked up a Vermona DRM-1 mkiii today, and I'm loving the sounds. However, I'm having an incredibly difficult time understanding how to sequence it, via MIDI, with the MPC. I've done tons of searching around the forum, google, youtube, manuals for both devices, and so far, what I've concluded is, "It's possible (I think,)" but I can't figure out HOW. The JJ os manual doesn't seem to touch upon what I want to do at all (I'm sure it does, but my understanding of MIDI is *terrible* and the JJ manual is a little hard to decode in places.)

What I'm looking to do, is control each voice on the DRM-1 with the pads. I know I can just sample the DRM-1 and then sequence with the samples, but I want to be able to play a sequence and manipulate the parameters of the Vermona while it's playing.

Has anybody done this before? I would really appreciate it, if anyone could walk me through or point me towards a tutorial or something. In the meantime, I'll keep trying! So far, I know I have to hold trigger buttons on the DRM-1, while turning it on, to get it in "learn mode." That's it. Haha. I can't figure out how to send the MIDI info from the MPC in order to assign pads to each voice. And then, once I do figure this out, will the Verona remember when I turn it off? Or will I have to go through the process each time.

Thanks so much for reading and for any help!

Congrats on the Vermona,,, you're now part of a fairly exclusive club. The analog clap with the spring reverb is possibly my favorite sound ever,,,,

I have an MKII and I sequence with JJ OS XL. I have no idea what you're doing wrong. But hopefully, hearing me say THEY WORK GREAT TOGETHER will be the push u need to get it going

Also these instructions---

When you're using the Vermona learn mode, make sure the MPC is set to MIDI program mode (note drum mode, or instrument mode). And make sure the MIDI out is turned on and sending to the correct port (obviously).

Haha thanks! That's reassuring, but I still have no clue what I'm doing. This is my very first time using MIDI for anything.

Can you play the synth with the pads? What was the process to assign a voice to a pad? If you would be willing to explain, I'd really appreciate it! I'm sure I'm just missing something ridiculously simple.

elevated wrote:Congrats on the Vermona,,, you're now part of a fairly exclusive club. The analog clap with the spring reverb is possibly my favorite sound ever,,,,

I have an MKII and I sequence with JJ OS XL. I have no idea what you're doing wrong. But hopefully, hearing me say THEY WORK GREAT TOGETHER will be the push u need to get it going

Oh, I just saw this! Thanks! I'm gonna check it out further when I get home.

elevated wrote:Also these instructions---

When you're using the Vermona learn mode, make sure the MPC is set to MIDI program mode (note drum mode, or instrument mode). And make sure the MIDI out is turned on and sending to the correct port (obviously).

Exactly, u can play the drum voices with the MPC pads (and sequence of course).

Basically:

Set one of the Vermona voices to learn mode,,, and then hit the pad u want to trigger that voice. Repeat for all 8 voices. Lemme know how it goes,,,,

I tried everything you said but it still seemed like something was missing, as the drum machine still wasn't being triggered. And then I noticed where it said "MIDI" on the main screen (right above "Solo") I scrolled over to there, selected channel 1A, and then a note value (36 C_1) appeared to the right of the Program section, and I selected the midi-note values I wanted for each Pad. Then, with the DRM1 in learn mode, I hit eight pads and it learned them instantly.

Maybe I did it differently than you? With this method, it doesn't matter what program mode you're in. It's triggering the DRM-1 in drum program mode, as well as MIDI mode.

I saved it as a program and now when I load my "Verona" program, the midi-note values are loaded automatically. Works perfectly!

Thanks again for your help!

elevated wrote:Exactly, u can play the drum voices with the MPC pads (and sequence of course).

Basically:

Set one of the Vermona voices to learn mode,,, and then hit the pad u want to trigger that voice. Repeat for all 8 voices. Lemme know how it goes,,,,

Not exactly how I do it, but that works too! Congrats on that. Killer combo. Try this:

- Sequence a drum pattern (controlling the Vermona)
- Get your sounds dialed in using the knobs
- Record the sequence to a separate Audio Track, while tweaking the knobs (reverb, etc,,) in real time. DOPE RESULTS MAY ENSUE

Dude. That's precisely what I've been doing allllllllllll day. What a great combo... really appreciate your help, too!

Do you know if there's any way to hear whats plugged into the record inputs, while on the main screen? Having to go to record mode to hear external audio get's in the way sometimes. Not a huuuge deal, but if I could get around it I'd be psyched

elevated wrote:Not exactly how I do it, but that works too! Congrats on that. Killer combo. Try this:

- Sequence a drum pattern (controlling the Vermona)
- Get your sounds dialed in using the knobs
- Record the sequence to a separate Audio Track, while tweaking the knobs (reverb, etc,,) in real time. DOPE RESULTS MAY ENSUE

binks wrote:Dude. That's precisely what I've been doing allllllllllll day. What a great combo... really appreciate your help, too!

Do you know if there's any way to hear whats plugged into the record inputs, while on the main screen? Having to go to record mode to hear external audio get's in the way sometimes. Not a huuuge deal, but if I could get around it I'd be psyched

elevated wrote:Not exactly how I do it, but that works too! Congrats on that. Killer combo. Try this:

- Sequence a drum pattern (controlling the Vermona)
- Get your sounds dialed in using the knobs
- Record the sequence to a separate Audio Track, while tweaking the knobs (reverb, etc,,) in real time. DOPE RESULTS MAY ENSUE

Yes there is a way-- (thank God for JJ OS)
On Main screen, hold SHIFT and then press F6. This will take you to the INPUT THRU screen. Turn INPUT THRU to "ON" and SOURCE to "ANALOG." Proceed to jam out. You can thank me later.

binks wrote: I picked up a Vermona DRM-1 mkiii today,

An excellent companion to any MPC. Used to play with the 2nd version of the MkI (the gold-faced Touched By Sound labeled version that came out after the first black and silver MaM branded version).

As elevated mentioned you need to record all knob-twisting performance to audio because midi control is limited to note trigger and velocity.

The next half step up in terms of midi control might be the Vermona DRM1's "cousin" the MaM (really MaM, not MaM rebranded Vermona) ADX1. More of a harsher industrial sound with 3 less voices but each voice accepts a single controller message for scaleable low-res (i.e. obviously steppy sounding) control of a fixed voice mod parameter (tune or filter, depending on the voice). This is the unit I've been using more recently.

If you happen want any more analog drum voice midi parameter control than that you'll have to go to Jomox land (I have, though sadly not lately). Or go really crazy with a bunch of discreet modular and midi to CV conversion.

Oh but wait -- doesn't one of those new DIY 808 clones have full midi? Thought so but I haven't tried one so I can't say how well it works.

Word interesting info. But seriously,,,

Fukk Full-Midi !!

I love my Vermona for the simplicity in control, setup, and sequencing (and of course the sound)

Oh I wasn't suggesting that you have to have full midi. No no not at all. He just seemed curious as to what he could control on the DRM w/midi.

Still like Jomox gear too thou....

Just saw these replies! Thanks for the tips!

F**king loving this synth. I actually sent it back to the dealer because of a messed up knob and I've been waiting for my new one for almost a month. Should be here on Tuesday AHHHH.

Just to clarify: I wasn't looking to control any of the parameters via midi (although that's a cool idea,) just looking to trigger the Vermona. Probably sounded like I was trying to do more than I was because I had never used MIDI before and what turned out to be the most basic task ever was getting me all flustered. I've since figured out a reliable way to work with the MPC/Vermona combo the way I wanted to. And it's real great..... haha. When the new one gets here I'm gonna hgfhjhjfhlkgh

Jomox stuff looks dope!

I just recently got a Korg EM-1 (hardly the same I know) for way cheap, so I could try (sort of) x0x style sequencing with the Vermona. Can't wait. Toys. Yay.