lpd8 with Reaper troubleshooting

just purchased LPD8 today, got it running through Reaper....im using a free drum program GTG DPC 3 ,,dont like it but trying to get started.....I am having 2 problems, first...I figured out how to get it working but for some reason it stops and I have difficulty trying to get it going again....sometimes i can restart everything and it will work , sometimes that dont work.....so i spend most of my time trying to get it working again....2nd problem is assigning the pads to certain drums.....I haventy even budged on this one....the presets will work some of the drums but some pads are duplicates and some dont contrl anything and cant seem t find any good tutorials anywhere....the instruction guide that comes with it seems useless.....any help would be appreciated

You'll need to figure out if the instrument you are trying to control is mapped chromatically (usually MIDI note #36, #37, #38...) Sometimes it's a GM MIDI drum mapping and that mapping doesn't have notes in order. Could be the reverse too. The controller is mapped GM Drums and the software is responding to a chromatic note order.

Anyway that part is pretty easy. The editor software for the LPD8 is where you'll be able to see what MIDI note #'s are being transmitted by what pads. You can then either switch them and save the template or look for a bundled template that matches the order you need. (There's very likely a map already that goes #36, #37...)

If you're losing USB sync with the controller to Reaper (I assume that's what you meant, can't see why Reaper would just drop the controller mid session. It's class compliant so it has no driver. So it can't be driver error.)

Has the port you're using ever had any issues with keeping a USB plug plugged securely? Even a brand new usb cable can be defective and that bad connection is where you see it usually, like on stereo on video game plugs.

Have you tried a different USB cable? I realize it's probably a mini USB to standard so you may not have an extra. So also I'll ask have you tried different USB ports?

I don't have an LPD8 but I use a different Vyzex editor app for my MPD32 so I may still be able to help you there. (I'm up late a lot and like to try to help when most of the forum is sleeping like sane people do. )

I'll have to look up that plugin and take a look at the LPD8's software. But on the losing syn I don't know man...Are you sure you're not accidentally moving the LPD8 off the MIDI track with the drum plugin? Or is it always set to receive from the LPD8 no matter what? (I've never used MIDI in Reaper only some quick audio stuff)

GTG DPC 3 uses a General MIDI (GM) drum map.

You need to load a GM Drum mapping template in the Vyzex LPD8 software editor. Or make one yourself if one wasn't provided.

The mapping is this =
BD = MIDI Note # 36

SD = MIDI Note # 38/39/40

Tom 3 = MIDI Note #43

Closed HH = MIDI Note # 44

Tom 2 = MIDI Note # 45

Open HH = MIDI Note # 46

Cymbal 2 = MIDI Note # 49

Cymbal 1 = MIDI Note # 51

If you make your own template you can put these MIDI note #'s on whichever pads you feel best match the GTG DPC 3's GUI.

This is the editor's screen where you make these MIDI # assignments and save them or load a template the software may have included.



You can also map the volume, decay etc to the LPD's knobs. But I did that using FL 10's multilink to controllers feature (host based mapping/automation). In Ableton I would use it's remote mapping system. Not sure what Reaper has to do the same.

As far as the controller suddenly not working, again maybe a cable or port. If it's something in Reaper or your MIDI setup I'll need to know more about how the LPD8 is set to the MIDI instrument track in Reaper, and maybe try a MIDI controller in Reaper myself. But a little more info on the setup if possible to help figure out where and how you end up with the controller not triggering the VST.

The MIDI mapping thing though, do what I mentioned and that's solved for sure. I just tested all those MIDI Note #'s on the GTG DPC 3 plugin on my system.

wow.....didnt expect so much help that late, thanks...

I think the connection problem was related to the program I was using , ive been trying others with no problems in that area...

your explanation of the mapping was very helpful, ive been able to get some assigned problem is I was able to get one pad assigned using the numbers and thought i had the others matched but i cant seem to get them to assign on the pad itself.....

the steps I am using are
1)open drum program find instrument note

2) open editor change pad of choice to that number

3) hit commit upload button (which sometimes does nothing)

4)close editor and open Reaper and try ....and no change

I am now using Etreme Drumsynth......I have Hydrogen and Super drum as well but cant seem to link to them at all...are there better ones you could recommend...I dont mind buying but i do want to try first

I'm always up late, so I end up answering basic to intermediate questions at odd hours.

I think it would be best to run the editor without your audio software running. Just the way it probably works with the USB/MIDI ports, it would want exclusive control of that I think. It would at least minimize the chances of the preset dump not working.

Just because I'm so used to software not working as expected generally, I might also do all 8 pad assignments then save the preset. Then load the preset and hit Commit/Upload. Just to give the software less chances to go wrong hopefully.

It's so small I installed the editor to look. But I have no LPD here. SAme on those VST's as the first, I'll have to actually look at them to see how they need to map. I love drum VST's so I'll gladly look at those.

Are you looking for drum synthesis VST's mainly, sample loading ones or a combo? Also a general price scale would help to steer the recommendations.

But off top I use Sonic Charge Microtonic. Very nice sound, same basic sequencer as Reason's Redrum, $79 I think.


Fxpansion Tremor is even deeper, almost overwhelming how many synthesis controls are available. Really versatile, overall a meatier VST thsn Microtonic, but more work to tweak, $149 I think.

The D16 drum VST"s are amazing but only do Roland sounds 606/808/909 the 3 VST's respectively model, about $129. Spark Vintage Drum machines that Arturia has is pretty nice too. 30 kits, Roland, Yamaha, Linndrum. The sequencer is cool, pretty easy to use, $129 or $99 on the download version.

There's some more and there's ones that load samples like BPM and Geist, but those are good but BPM is over $200. Geist is I think $149, it really good if software like the Ren and Maschine look appealing to you, but you want to save a lot, and don't mind a more limited drum controller.

I have to check some old magazine CD's and see some the old freeware drum synths I used a while back. The ones you've mentioned are new to me and the first one was pretty cool. I recall at least 3 different ones I used to use. I'll post the names after I check.

i closed Reaper like you said while editing and its working great now......so now im closing reaper, opening editor closing editor and reopening reaper......working as it should....thanks for your help....i will now research and try some of the drum programs you suggested.....thanks again, Im sure i ll need more help before long..lol

Anytime man. Glad it's all smooth now.

Here's one decent drum synth I used to use before I got a lot of paid stuff.

http://www.e-phonic.com/plugins/drumatic3.php