I never said they wouldn't exist. They won't be as popular simply because the physical interface will not be designed specifically for any particular software.

Look at the midi keyboard controllers. See all of those knobs, buttons and sliders. Which ones will control the simple ON,OFF, FILL A, FILL B, ETC. functions? Now how do you control chord recognition? By screen menu, button, switch?

A generic keyboard matched with multiple software programs give you just what we have now, an interfacing mess with little or no tactile satisfaction. Even arranger modules like the Ketron and Korg aren't as popular as their keyboard cousins simply because of the interfacing, distance, tactile problems.

BN,
You are right on the money. That is why I have started going down the soft arranger route.
I have the computer, the amplifier/speakers, the OMB software, some XG soundfonts, my MIDI Roland keyboard is acting as a controller (with full size keys and good key feel . All I need is some good quality lead voices. I don't need to upgrade my keyboard. It is all modular.
Starkeeper

Dear Cassp;

With respect to the knobs/sliders etc.. one would assign the functions to which buttons you choose. So it would function just like an arranger. secondly,dues to prgrams like OMB, live styler, the left hand function with chord recognition just like an arranger. I maybe wrong, but it looks like you are thinking that all the functions would be contrlled via a computer screen. This does not have to be the case. Its all their infront of you. The current situation of arrangers is limited by its software/hardware that the manufacturers place inside.

I suppose to each his own, but Cassp I don't want you to be close minded about it ( its not as complicated as it sounds). These configuration would be much more powerful to the user, and allows for limitless possibilities. By using the prefab KBs as we have been doing for years, precludes us to accept what ever the manufuactures want to give us.

PS--there are companies that have modular based softsynth arrangers in the typical familiar layout that you have described ( i.e. with pre-assigened buttons etc..)

Regards;
BN

The On,off, fill, etc. can be controlled by the lower notes on a 76 note keyboard or by a PC keyboard sitting close by.
Chord recognition is handled exactly like all other arrangers, through left hand chords. On a MIDI controller keyboard you can send midi messages to the software.
Starkeeper

I see an arranger software program combined with a special MIDI footpedal board as one possible solution. The arranger buttons would be replaced with foot-controlled buttons that are labeled like arranger buttons (verse, chorus, fill, etc.) sort of like the Yamaha MFC-10 foot conroller works now.

Even if you don't like that idea, I can foresee lots of ways to overcome this problem. How about a prgram to change Roland's D-Beam control into an arranger function - swipe hand upwards for start and downwards for ending, to the right for verse-to-chorus and vice versa. There's more ways to skin this cat I'm sure.

I see some innovative small company coming out with an arranger program and some small piece of dedicated MIDI control surface hardware.

I can think of hundreds of way to improve arrangers. I'm sure the guys who specialize in this will too. I look for them to keep getting better, but probably not on a timetable we would hope for.
DonM

How about some one making a midi controler specially made for controling arrangers and or arranger softwear.

There you go!! Good thinking Genesys. That would solve all the logistical problems, and make the older arranger players more comfortable with the new technology.


Regards;
BN

Lots of great ideas on this thread. Way to go Genesys. Those buttons should send midi messages out the midi port.
Starkeeper

If you're going to go thru all that trouble to design dedicated hardware, why not integrate the software. Do you really believe stand-alone software is or will be supperior to what can be achieved now. If this stuff was possible and PROFITABLE, it would be on the market now.