Let's say I have a module, controller KB, and Hammond SK1 with the SK1 on the bottom. The controller will have full control of L,R,and ACCOMP, with the SK1 sending chord control to the module, but no voice. I want the option to play all from the controller, or control chords from SK1 LH and lead from either.

This would mean two midi outs to one midi in. I have an old Midiman Merge 2x2, bit there would be a conflict in the LH voice where I would want it on the controller, but just the chord command on the SK1.

Maybe I need a switcher instead of a merger?

Bernie in the time when the Kn1000 came out I saw a demo of a midi controller and six modules: one for strings, for brass for drums, piano, woodwind and whatever. It was better than any arranger keyboard I had heard. I had a Yamaha keyboard and a Roland canvas (Instrument sounds) – this is what I learned:

1-Midi can be simple or very complexed.
2-There are 16 channels going out and coming in.
3-Each channel controls a list of options; and each one of those controls another list of options.
4-I set up my Kn7000 on channel 5 going out to my vocalizer which was set up to receive messages on channel 5. This set up does not change until I change the channel. If I want the Kn7000 to control my Roland sound module I would use a different channel.
With three different midi channels the controller will control L,R, Accomp.

You wrote, “With the SKI sending chord control to the module, but no voice”. What do you mean by sending a chord control to the module? Are you trying to control the chords for the accomp.? Or are you trying to control a voice/sound?

My suggestion:
All controls for all things come from the controller. Amen!

One midi channel for the Accomp, one for Left hand and one for right hand. All on different channels. Giving you full control of the SKI and module. If you call for a trumpet from the controller, the controller will play a trumpet – you still have the option to play the SKI with a different sound.

You have all the module sounds, the L,R, and accomp controlled form the controller. It is even possible to change the voice in your SKI and your module with a single move with your controller.
If you look at the options list in the back of your manual the midi list (Options) can bring confusion. But meanwhile you’re having one hell-of-a-god-time. (smile)

Hope this helps, John C.

Let's say I have a module, controller KB, and Hammond SK1 with the SK1 on the bottom. The controller will have full control of L,R,and ACCOMP, with the SK1 sending chord control to the module, but no voice. I want the option to play all from the controller, or control chords from SK1 LH and lead from eithe

Hi John

Thanks for your input. What I meant by chord control is I want the SK1 to trigger sync start on the module, and have the module play my chords with the organ voice. I can't play split organ without chord control, or even LH organ.

interesting topic at least for me.
Just lately Ive come across this midi router which looks VERY interesting in all it can do and its nice looking interface.
The Lab4 Sapirio intelligent midi router.
have a look at the links below.
and also there are not many but a few other youtube links.
Sapirio

MidiStore

Youtube

Hope this helps. Ive been thinking of sharing this to those who may not be aware of it.
It looks very slick and easy
Jim

Hi Jim

It is really something what they have done with technology, but I am a simple musician that goes with simple solutions, even if they are not state of the art. I have solved my problem with a Midiman Merge I had, and the use of zones on my SK1. I can now use my accomp on the module from either keyboard from C1 to F#3 and play upper from either. The problem with the fancy routers is that I would never make up those scenes, as I want to be spontaneous and tap my favorite instrument on the fly. Thanks for the links.

Bernie

Bernie how does the organ function? Does it play your styles/rhythm? Or does it play just voices? I should say how do you want it to function?
The same for the module. Once that is understood the rest should not be much of a problem.

Every time I approach the keyboard with a thought that does not follow the way the keyboard was created I am lost.

I enjoy doing this stuff; so give me the information and let’s finished this.
John C.

I've seen the Sipario before, and it's funny that just the other day an European dealer friend said he was going to import it and that I should check into it. MIDI can be very simple and very complex at the same time. Once I needed to remap midi channels 1,2,3 to ch1 and back to 1,2, and 3 at will by taping a foot switch or something. I couldn't do it with the Event Processor Plus. In the end, the manufacturer said it was not possible. MIDI is hard to tame at times. Then I found a $5 IOS app that did the task with ease and much more! Later, MIDI Translator Pro and its hardware version Bomebox did the same task very easily. It takes the right tool, I guess. It's good that a midi merge box did the trick for Bernie.

John
The organ plays like any arranger, you put the module on sync start, play a left hand chord and the accomp is the same as any arranger. If you have no LH voice on with the module, it plays just the full accomp with the organ voice. The same with RH. If I have my zone set to C1 to F#3, no lead voice is heard from the module, or you could change it to play both, or cut the volume of either, and play the other.

Using the controller as the main instrument.

1-The controller is designed to control the parts of the SK1 and the module.

2-The SK1 can control the module.

3-The midi wire; From the controller – to the SK1—out the Sk1 THRU midi output to the module. If my memory is correct the THRU output bypasses the SK1 and goes to the module. You will need to check that.

4-This enables you to control what each device is doing. Voices, start, L,R, Chords with the Right hand and more.

Bernie it may be possible for you to do everything you what by using the SK1 as your controller. To do that you would have to put all midi talk away and write what your desires are – what you want the from the Sk1 and the module. No technical talk.

John C.

I can use just the SK1 as I said, with the only disadvantage being that I have to layer the lead if I configure the SK1 to include RH voice of the module, or, turn down the volume of either. I can play with either keyboard or both, no problem.

Bernie I hope you get it all straightened out
personally it gives me a big headache to think about it that's why I stay away from anything Midi..lol

I am happier than a pig. Everything is just the way I want it, and extremely stable. Thanks for your sentiments anyway.

A midi message is information to another instrument. The Sk1 can tell the module many things including the volume of the voice. So if you play a voice on the Sk1 the module can play the voice to layer or not layer.

I know no other way to turn the volume of the module up or down, or to change the status of the voice without sending another message from the SK1. If you use the Sk1 or a controller you must a second message to change the volume. You can do what you want by adding another piece of equipment that controls the volume.

You can change the volume on the SK1 by using a knob or whatever. Or you change the volume on the module (without midi) by using a foot pedal for the module.

The SK1 or the controller gave an order to the module – now the order stands until the order is changed. This applies for all midi messages.

I hope this helps. Midi can be very interesting when you learn about the many options.
John C.

I am not into command chains, so use volume pedals for both.